As You Will

[shouriko]

She wasn’t avoiding people, she was just busy and as such she was unable to attend to anyone else. The Headwoman had asked her to go over the new trade results from between the Weyr and the Holds and she was doing just that. She went through the list of items left by the Holds and those that had been taken from the Weyr. She compared the lists and when she found both the items and amounts to be accurate, she wrote the item and the amount and where it was located or had gone to. It didn’t take terribly long, but long enough for her to be out of sight from people for awhile. At this time, she needed to take it to the Headwoman, her list and the lists she had checked to be put away in the records storeroom.

Kaelu rose from her desk, jerked her chin a bit so that some of the short back hair was whisked away from her face and took the hides and rolled them up, securing them with a rawhide tie. With a satisfied smile she proudly walked to the door, turned about the Weyr and with a final check, she left and closed the heavy wood door behind her. Boot heels clicked against the stone floor of the hallway as she walked tall with a chin held high and pleased smile on her face. Her green eyes sparkled and she gave a casual wave to the occasional passer-by. When she arrived at the Headwoman’s office, she was not the least bit surprised to find that she was not there. It was a rare moment when by chance she came by and found her behind the desk.

“Oh bother.” Kaelu said with a frown. She held her chin and placed her weight on her right foot, effectively sliding her almost unnoticeable hips in the same direction. The three hides were held between three fingers in her right hand and tapped against the left side of her hip.

“I suppose I could leave them on her desk, I know I labelled them right.” A finger now tapped her chin, “though I’d rather hand them to her myself. I suppose this is the best I can do!” She smiled to herself and stepped into the dark office where she left the three scrolls on the desk and quickly left closing the door behind her.

[stolenhart]

"Have you told her yet?", V'las asked as he walked down the corridor, a step beihnd his slow walking grandfather. "No, you know how Delia is. She wanted to make sure first", J'kul replied, leaning on his cane. "But you've seen Kyrieth, she's getting close so Delia has decided it's time", he added as they walked down the hall together. "Another sevenday or two at the most", V'law agreed, his thoughts slowly turning elsewhere. They were silent as they came around the corner and noticed the object of their talk leaving the Headwoman's office.

"Weyrwoman", V'las replied, ducking his head respectfully. "Aw Kaelu we were just discussing you", J'kul replied, the elderly Weyrleader gave her a warm smile, "And our esteemed Headwoman is not in", he frowned. "Figures, she's probably out counting her birds, you know how she is sir", V'las replied. Everyone knew the Headwoman was crazy about her chickens and usually she counted heads twice a day to prevent tunnelsnakes.

"I do that. She's been around as long as I have nearly", J'kul replied, giving his grandson a shrug. "We'll discuss it with her later, maybe we can catch her in the kitchens", he added, then turned back to Kaelu, "Walk with us my dear, we were just discussing some preliminary Searches for Kyrieth's upcoming flight", the Weyrleader explained. "I thought we'd send V'las here over to the College with a brown and a blue, see what we can get there. It's been a clutch or two since we've officially Searched there". V'las frowned, "I was thinking of going into Telgar myself, Lord Hybrian can be difficult and he doesn't always allow his Holders a cahnce to Stand", V'las replied.

"True. Have either of you heard word back from the patrol we sent South to find that Hatchling?", J'kul asked, pausing to wait for Kaelu to come to them.

[shouriko]

Kaelu had heard a rather familiar male voice and she stopped mid-stride and pulled that very foot beneath her in her pause of forward movement. The first voice was followed by another one, older, more familiar, and one she was always happy to hear. She spun on her heel with a radiant smile and pulled her hands behind her back as she started with a quick pace to meet the two men.

"Weyrleader J'kul!" Kaelu said in her typical loud greeting voice, eyes all sparkly in delight. Though she had come to know the older rider very well, she just couldn't get out of the habit of calling him 'Weyrleader'. It was a title he had held for so long and she liked the way it sounded. Her gaze towards the other man, his grandsoe, was not full of so much joy. She and V'las had bumped heads at least once already and she always made sure to listen for when he said things so she could respond quickly with her own tirade. "V'las."

Her green eyes moved back to J'kul and in a rather graceful movement that might have looked beautiful with any other woman, but was more acrobatic for her, Kaelu pulled to his other side and asked, still in a loud voice she couldn't dampen, "You were speaking about me? All good I hope! I have been working very hard because one day I will have many duties to fill both my candlemarks and my hands." It was always good to try and have an optimistic outlook on life and no matter what the obstacle, she was sure to tackle it and emerge victorious, nothing could stop her and Kyrieth!

Kaelu nodded in agreement, yes, the Headwoman wasn't it. Indeed, she could be counting her chickens, but she was a busy woman. She could be overseeing some chores or helping out somewhere. She was a formidable woman and not to be doubted. Though it was true that she loved her chickens very much. It was a very good thing, Kaelu thought.

"Oh! Kyrieth said earlier that they found her just this afternoon. They appear to be in good health and no worse for wear." Kaelu quickly replied with a tilt of her head, some of the black hairs hung against her high cheekbone. It was good news and Kyrieth had made a show of seeing that every dragon knew that they would be receiving a Weyrling and should welcome her. If they didn't, well, Kyrieth was not afraid to be all motherly and protective to the young green and would likely go after who ever pestered them. So would she. They did not need to be judged and berated here after having been rejected from their origin. Surely that was salt being rubbed in a wound

[stolenhart]

J'kul had always had a fondness for Kaelu. She had an optimism about life that so many of his riders did not share. If he hadn't been as old, or as tired, as he was he might get Tarelth to fly after Kyrieth but neither he nor the bronze felt up to it. He didn't understand why V'las, so ready to be Weyrleader over the last Turns, had put aside his plans in the last few turns. He could only think that his grandson didn't care for Kaelu, and didn't want the Weyrleadership if she came attached. It confused the older man, especially on the occasions when he tried to talk to his grandson about it. V'las could clam up tighter than a dragon's mouth if he wanted.

"I must have not been paying attention. V'las did you hear about them being found?", J'kul asked his grandson. It wasn't that V'las didn't like Kaelu, he did, but he knew they'd bumped heads a few times and because of that wasn't sure how she felt about him. "I did. I went to Boll and had them send a ship to T'rell's position. I've also sent Shila and her green to replace him. I thought another Southern bred rider might help her settle easier into place and Shila is an assitant Weyrlingmaster", V'las replied. "Good, good. Now Kaelu Delia and I were wondering if you were up to planning a Gather for this restday. It'll just be the Lords and Lady Holders, so nothing large", J'kul replied, "And", he snapped his fingers, "I've got to go. I'll see the both of you at dinner. V'las knows what the Gather so talk it over with him", the Weyrleader said, as he turned around and headed off.

"Keeps on like that and he'll forget to get dressed in the mornings", V'las replied, watching his grandfather leave quickly.

[shouriko]

Kaelu liked the idea in the change of who accompanied the girl. Someone in the same situation would be better able to help her adjust and look after her. Though personally she wanted to make sure that when they got here they were settled and welcomed properly. She could not possibly have be treated as strangers in her own Weyr! It'd be rude.

"A Gather?!" Kaelu had outright shouted and half-stopped as she repeated it. Well, if Delia wanted it, she could go about planning it. It was not as if she could not, she would have to be sure to find the Headwoman and get the invitations sent out and the like. Harpers would need notice and be given the chance to practice and a basic feast prepared. It would be an excellent way to welcome the new young Southern pair and help them acclimate. "Certainly! It sounds like a - eh?"

She stopped and watched J'kul begin to spirit himself away. Kaelu rubbed the back of her neck as she finished her sentence, " - good idea." She blinked a few times and with the half-order, half-suggestion and looked at V'las, "Eh?"

As much as she adored J'kul, she didn't like he kept pushin V'las for Weyrleader, because it meant he was pushing him onto her. Kaelu liked men, but she was not one for romance. She hardly believed in the concept of love considering the marriage of her parents and how she had been raised. Her green eyes took in V'las's form and she remembered the many times she had heard of his ventures beneath the furs from other women. In her mind such things should kept there, beneath those very same furs. Besides, she was not curvy or soft like other women and her willful personality meant she was certainly not his type. Fine with her, she didn't care if men found her attractive or not, she just knew that the majority thought her plain.

"Right, I'm planning a Gather and you're going to help me! To my office, we'll chart up some plans and then discuss with the Headwoman later and iron them out." Kaelu spoke firmly with great determination. This was her objective and she would see it done. Since J'kul volunteered V'las, then he had no choice but to help, especially now and if not...

I will be pleased to help you, Kaelu-Mine. Kyrieth's silky smooth voice replied before Kaelu had the chance to reply. The gold was ever present in her rider's mind and knew exactly what to do and how to help get things done. They did make quite the team.

[stolenhart]

V'las frowned. While he himself never bragged about his bed sport, he knew the women he had been with often did and tried to one up each other, though thank Faranath is was not as many women as the whole Weyr seemed to think. He didn't like that his grandfather would do this to him, he had better things to do than follow Kaelu around and nod obligingly. "Small Kaelu, small", he repeated, "It's not a party for the entire Weyr, just for you and the Lord Holders", he reminded her. He could tell right now she was planning something huge and that's not what Delia and J'kul had wanted.

"Delia wants to formally introduce you to them as the Sr. Weyrwoman", he added and then frowned, maybe he should not have said that. In for a hide in for the wherry as they say and it's not like she didn't see it coming, "She's stepping down before Kyriath flies, both she and J'kul think Whistwyth is done rising", since it was almost two turns past the gold's rising and she didn't look to be rising soon it was probably best. At nearly fifty turns old, the gold was not a young'un anymore, though everyone expected at least one more clutch. Still Delia was tired and so was J'kul and everyone had been expecting it. "So please keep it small, fancy but small", he stressed, following her up to her office.

[shouriko]

"I know, I know." Kaelu replied, raising her head a bit and rolling her eyes, waving a hand all non-chalant. He totally killed the good mood and teh fun of having a Gather. Did he even enjoy the talking part of Gathers, or just the wine and women and dancing? Really. "Just the Weyr and the Lords and Ladies, but it'd be insulting if we did anything half-way, we will do the best we possibly can for this kind of event!"

She had that fiery spirit burning in her breast. Or rather she had as she suddenly stopped and spun at V'las, eyes wide again in surprise. "Eh? Eh! EH?!" Did he say what she thought he did? "But Delia said she'd not step down until Kyrieth rose and then we'd greet as Senior Weyrwoman and Weyrleader together!"

Delia was stepping down so soon? Kaelu knew it was forth coming, but she thought that she had more time. Her face darkened and she started walking again, this time slower than before. That meant that being able to plan this Gather would be like a sort of test. Delia always knew that she would do her very best no matter the obstacle and see the project through, but to do it this way had insurance in mind. All the same, she'd be Sernior Weyrwoman and not Junior Weyrwoman. It made her sad and sentimental.

Ah, but we will do well and when I rise only the best bronze will catch me and we will have a fine Weyrleader. Kyrieth was quite happy. She had made a very good choice in her rider and had no lack of confidence. Kyrieth actually looked forward to her first flight. Deep in her bones beneath her golden glistening hide she could feel the moment inching closer and closer. She longed to taste warm blood, to feel the wind beneath her wings, and know that every male in the Weyr desired her. It was her purpose and until that moment, she was not a true Queen of Northern Weyr. We will never fail.

Kaelu smiled and replied in a surprisingly soft mindvoice, You're right, Kyrieth. What do I have to doubt? With that, she raised her head and quickened her pace. Her smile returned and loudly she declared, "Then let this Gather be a celebration not of my rise and Delia's fall, but a celebration of her many turns of excellent leadership and union between Hold and Weyr!" She gave V'las a confident wink and a thumbs-up then quickened her pace and added, "Come on, V'las, you're slowing me down!"

[stolenhart]

He still wasn't sure if she understood what he had meant by small and just her and the Lord Holders but trying to rein her in was like trying to control a stampade of herdbeasts with just yourself and a canine. Nearly impossible and it would wear a being out. "Sorry for my lack enthusiasm", he retorted, quickening his pace so that he was just a step behind her. It was amazing how quick he could move when he had but he'd never be as quick as a smaller man, still there was something to be said for strength and stamina and a quick brain.

What is this about a quick brain?, Xyriath asked, his own mind slowly wakening in the back of V'las' head. }Yeah yeah. Why are you awake, the way you ate this morning I wasn't expecting life from you until this time tomorrow{, the rider replied. "I'm sure Delia would appreciate that", which he doubted but she'd at least pretend to appreciate the celebration. I am only surfacing for a moment, the bronze assured his rider, before fading out of the link.

"I think you should invite the MasterHarper and have him choose one or two talented Journeyman to play for the dinner", he started as they walked down the hall. "Telgar will be more apt to come if the MasterHarper is here. They are distantly related, and since it's just going to be the Lords and Ladies you won't need many Harpers because there'll be no dancing", he added. Delia wasn't dead yet and would still be serving the Weyr but this dinner was just to make sure the Holders knew Kaelu had her support. Telgar was going to be a complete disaster, he'd never had much faith or time for Kaelu.

[shouriko]

Kaelu just smiled and replied, "You should try it sometime, you might look a bit younger and attract more v... um, ladies." She knew that he wasn't stupid, but she spoke loud and fast when excited, it might just get lost in translation. Aw well, sometimes she said things she didn't mean and then again, she might at least be partially true with her word choice. It depended on one's point of view. It wasn't like he broke hearts all the time, some of the women knew full well how they stood with some dragonriders.

She pushed with her entire body against the door to her office and it swung open so wide and with such force that it hit the wall and started to swing closed behind her. Kaelu returned to her desk and looked for a piece of hide she could scribble on. Taking notes was both important and essential and even if she could remember things very well, she did not have a pristine memory. Kyrieth usually made up for those shortcomings when the occasion arose. It was what helped to keep her at ease.

"The Master Harper! That's a great idea V'las, excellent!" Kaelu said quickly as she reached for her quill and tapped the end to relieve it of excess ink and wrote that down. "Telgar is almost like Lidal down South, it worries me a little. I must try to foster a closer relationship with him. We could benefit from each other so much more if we could just get along better." Her thoughts were related aloud as she began to write the names of Lord and Lady Holders who would be attending. Her hand stopped midway of one name and she looked at V'las, "No dancing? Just music and song? Is this a Gather or just a fancy meeting?"

She heaved a heavy sigh, finished writing the name, completed the list of attendees and put the quill down. "Fine, no dancing, but then we best have some of the best wine available." This was her version of compromise and she thought it was well enough. Surely V'las could see the reason for the finer wine. Some of the Holders had excellent taste and they would know the difference in quality quickly. They could lose face. Though she was still smiling, her eyes took on a different glow, "They will recognize me as Northern's Senior Weyrwoman and that means I will need more than Delia and J'kul's support. I want the Wingleaders and Wingseconds in attendance."

[stolenhart]

"Younger?", he echoed catching the door as it swung close on him. He hardly looked his age and even if he did being younger was a waste of time. He felt like a young child being rewarded for getting the correct answer, patronized almost, but with Kaelu she could often get that way in her excitement. She needed some blood on her hands, something to settle her down a bit, but it might make it worse too. She'd hardly gone out on patrols after all, with Whistwyth so old no one wanted to risk the young pair. "I'll run up to Benden when I drop off the Master's invitation and see what I can get. If the Lord won't provide, I know a few of the better cotholders who will", he explained, taking a seat. "And I'll send my wingsecond up to Tillek and see what they'll offer. Might be able to sneak Jila into Taskin with a drudge and pick up some of their fruit wine as well", he added. Jila, another Southern rider, was from Taskin and she ought to know who to talk to and who not to. And she was used to such covert runs.

When she claimed to want the Wingleaders and Wingseconds in attendance he sighed inwardly. That would mean him, "That will be fine. I'll have some drudges give the Council Room a good cleaning, replace the clothes and dust the tapestries. Also have them bring up two more tables and some chairs", he rubbed his chin, he needed to shave soon. "J'kul will let us use his Weyr to land them, no one's slept in it in Turns", J'kul slept with Delia in her Weyr and rarely slept in his. "So I'll have that cleaned as well, it's certainly big enough", he frowned, "I'll see if Delia wants her outer room cleaned as well, that way the Ladies have some place to retire too outside of the Council Room". The Council Room was hardly a place for well-bred ladies, they usually wanted someplace private.

"Do you want anything in particular in the way of food? When I am at Benden I can get some stuff there and the same for whoever is sent to Tillek, and we can send to Ruatha for fresh meat", with calves dropping Ruatha was bound to have the best veal.

[shouriko]

Ah, good, he wasn't arguing with her on that point. It meant that he understood. Kaelu was happier that way, she never liked being misunderstood and always explaining herself could get tiring. She grinned then, her eyes returning to her usual glitter. "Right, if we can get a good selection, then we ought to do well enough." She nodded as she spoke and then added firmly, "But no stealing, we have to do this right and stealing is outright wrong and I'll not have it. I will not!"

Kaelu had a fairly black and white view of right and wrong. It was all yes or no, good or bad, or nothing at all. Though she looked firm on the topic, unless their was a good reason, like survival and necessity, then she might allow it. Only then under those extraneous circumstances. Still, she wanted the Weyr to have a good reputation and a good connotation with it whenever mentioned. There was something that needed to be turned around and if she was going to lead, then she would not sway over such an item of discussion.

She left the topic for the moment and went along to room preparation. "Right, J'kul doesn't exactly use his Weyr anymore, does he. That is good since it is nearby." Kaelu knew that V'las had some good ideas and she would let him run with those. Her hand took up the quill as she made the list of rooms that needed cleaning and the amount of tables and chairs that would be required. She would also need to be sure that all the Wingleaders and their seconds were aware of this small Gather and what would be required and expected of them. That fell under J'kul's department as Weyrleader, but perhaps she could join him and further press the topic. "We will need to hold a meeting to discuss our intentions with the Wingleaders and seconds, I should talk with J'kul about that." As V'las was one, he had better be there and he had better be supportive since he was helping with the set-up as was.

"Young wherry, veal, tubers, some good nut sauces, pastries and small cakes... If we aren't having anything large, something along those lines ought to suffice, but perhaps some fish as well for those who do not prefer the red meats." Kaelu could already see some of the Lady Holders wrinkling their noses at the greasiness of some meats. They were so anal about their appearance sometimes, whatever they could do to keep the figure of their Lord. Why even bother if you are bound to the man to begin with? "You have preference?"

[stolenhart]

He would never? Well arlight he would and he had on more than one occasion and he was going to on this occasion as well. Especially to Benden's Lord Holder who viewed rider theft as a game between him and the Weyrleader. If the Weyrleader knew before Benden's Holder could lodge a complaint, the Weyr won, though sometimes the Holder won as well, by keeping something secret until he came to the Weyr. He and J'kul were old friends after all and as long as a rider didn't take more than was needed the Holder never complained. "No theft. The Weyr has decent hides and a few bolts of cloth that will trade well", he waved her complaint away. She always thought the worst of him, one day she'd learn.

"A meeting to tell the Wingleaders and Wingseconds to show up for special food and Benden white?", he gave her a look that said she was a little daft. "I'll tell the Wingleaders but the seconds are not invited. That would be too many riders, you'd have more males than females and you know how jealous the Lords get when riders start eyeing their wives", with good reason too. Rumor had it that a good many of the Lords, and their sons, were not sons of their fathers at all but of riders. It did not surprise V'las who had seen quite a few sons and daughters of Lords make their way to the Sands for Hatchings and just as many actually Impress. Not mention he remembered a few dead Lords now and their newly promoted sons looked nothing like them and looked alot like a few older bronze and brownriders.

"Whoever goes to Tillek can get fish but I'll send someone to Boll as well. Ruatha will have the veal and wherry, all the rest we can get here and I'll have Milo come from Fort to make your pastries", Milo was the best pastry cook on the continent but Fort's Holder wouldn't let him come to the Weyr often. But if the Holder was coming himself, than he couldn't say no. "For food? Dead would be nice, cooked better but not really", he was an ex-holder from a farm, he ate what he could get when he could get it. And he had to admit, sometimes the Weyr's rich food was a bit much.

[shouriko]

Kaelu gave V'las a long sidelong glance, one that even lack a smile. He had better mean what he say, because if not, then he had lied to her and she would have words with him. "Good." She said in a hardened voice and she returned to begin the list of Wingsecond names.

So, no Wingseconds. Women were so unfaithful were they? What of the men and their mistresses, often well known even to the very Lady herself? Then if they were unfaithful for their part, why not explain the lack of propriety of the riders? Did they have no sense of honor or respect? Of course such a life was more liberal than the Hold and yet they thought it made them all the more attractive with their dangerous life and their beloved dragons.

"And who induces the relationship? Is it the Lady or is it the rider? If you can tell me the rider, then no, they should not attend if they will cause strife." Kaelu paused and a smile crossed her thin lips as her green eyes shone cold. She was well aware of what happened at Gathers and festive events. She felt that she was making a rather good point, though she could understand what he meant, which was why she asked the question. Kaelu wanted to know if V'las was as aware as she was of what many a rider had done. "If rather you were to say the Lady, then it is no fault of the rider and why should such a leader be unable to attend? There are enough drudges for which to chase skirts by."

As for the food items, that went for another list. If she could come up with a basic list of prepared meals, only the ingredients and the manpower would be required. The Headwoman would see to that and she'd be happy enough to find much of the base planning accomplished. Fineries were more of her desire, but Kaelu knew that it was also her position to see the Gather come through as expected.

"Right." Kaelu again smiled and then she laughed uneasily at V'las words. Her smile was twisted, but she found it a bit amusing. "You'd eat it if it's heart was still beat, how cold. I think you have adjusted well to your new life here at the Weyr yet."

[stolenhart]

"I've seen a few riders chase after the Ladies", he admitted, crossing his feet and leaning back in the chair. Never him though, Ladies were too rich for his blood and they expected something most of the time, plus if you dallied with the wrong one, it just wasn't worth the time. "And I've seen a few Ladies chase riders", that was usually the daughters though but he'd seen a wife or two lift a skirt for a rider. "I'd say it's equal on both sides but just to be safe, no wingseconds. Whether guilty or not if one Lord's been wronged by a rider he'll feel comfortable taking it out on a second than on a leader", he explained, "And I may like a good brawl but J'kul will strap me if I misbehave".

And the Weyrleader would too. That old bird was every bit as tough as he looked and he could take a punch and still give one out. And he fought dirty too, the old wherry bugger, he knew twice as many tricks as the next guy and none of them had been taught to V'las. Still V'las figured he did fine when it came to duels, he'd only ever fought one for real and he'd won it by breaking the Holder's nose. "You know, you need to learn the art of compromise, not everything is black and white", he suddenly said. Maybe he was goading her into some kind of fit, but it was true. The Weyr was in too precarious a position to let definites get in their way. Sometimes you had to be flexible and that started at home with your own riders.

"Not beating, bit too bloody for my taste, but I have tried it uncooked before".

[shouriko]

Kaelu's mood brightened just as if the sun had reappeared after hiding behind some clouds. She liked his answer. It was something that happened on both sides and no amount of earnest reconciliation could amount for all the wrongs. Though she did want more representatives from the Weyr, she could do without the Wingseconds. "Good answer! Because I like your reasoning and I agree, then no Wingseconds, but I still need to be sure that they understand what the Gather is all about. That means there will still be a meeting." They couldn't just be invited and expect to simply enjoy themselves. They were there to show a front to the Holders since Weyr-Hold relations had changed so much since the times of their forebears. She giggled a bit and added, "J'kul would strap us all and our mothers if he was certain it would set us straight."

Kaelu really just wished she could hear some things and ignore others. One such thing was V'las's words about compromise. She knew it was a necessity, but not everything could be so easily given or taken away. If you drew a line and told others not to cross it else lose their lives, would they bother to respect that line at all if they knew they compromise with the beast on the otherside? No. There are lines that are drawn and meant to be respected and followed. Some lines were straight and firm, but others were soft and curved. Not everything could so easily be bent. Rules were meant to be followed. Leaders were meant to command and be merciful. Soldiers were meant to fight and sadly, die.

"Not everything should be muddled up in gray, V'las. If you cannot be as clear as the comparison of black and white, then no one will learn and there will be no respect." Kaelu said indignantly. It was a bit of a credo for her. She let others have their own ideals, they were allowed to, but she had her own. It angered her when people wanted others to change because it suited them or their goals. "A tree may bend in the wind, but a mountain will remain unmoved."

Kaelu scoffed at him. "That's unhealthy, V'las."

[stolenhart]

"A meeting? Ask J'kul, he might have some spare time", V'las replied, "But for the most part the Seconds could care less about you becoming Senior", he began to explain. "It's not like it's unusual or unexpected. If they have any interest in it it'll be to catch you". What did she think this was, a new Weyr? All they cared about is that the dragon laying their legacy would be alive and healthy to see it done and the eggs would keep coming. They were dragonmen, not some conquered Southern Hold worried about being executed the next day. "And the Wingleaders like you, all four of us that is", he added with a laugh, "And that is not counting J'kul".

Of course there were more than five bronzes in the Weyr but no one counted the unseasoned seconds and younger bronzes as serious competition for the gold. "Speaking of lines, best watch which ones you try to bend", his tone was mildly warning. No Weyrleader worth his salt would let his Weyrwoman control his riders and he could tell, just by Kaelu wanting to call a meeting, she'd be the type to try. The Weyr was her territory, the riders belonged to the Weyrleader. It was his duty to see them trained, to pass on whatever information was needed and to maintain the defenses of the Weyr. It was her duty to see them fed, clothes and taken care of, and not just the riders but the rest of the Weyr too.

"So what? I've got to die one day. So you want a variety of wine, food not ordinarily served, a harper or two. Anything else?", he asked.

[shouriko]

Kaelu just sighed and put her elbow on the desk, she used it as a prop for her chin. "I know, I know."

It really wasn't very encouraging knowing that people either looked to you or could care less. Better that they care less than want nothing to do with you, though. She'd rather it be that way in regards to her. Her job was to help manage the entire Weyr and its inhabitants and after working under Delia and the Headwoman for three turns, she had been able to manage it all quite well. She just wanted to be able to do more. If the most she could do was make everyone comfortable and assure them safety and peace of mind, then she would do it proudly and without complaint. Yet still, she wanted to protect everyone she could and men didn't like knowing that a woman could protect them. They were all so worried about Kyrieth and half the time she knew that the only reason why they agreed with her was because of that alone. No, it wasn't very encouraging at all.

"Eh?" Kaelu swung back from her thoughts and gazed back at V'las from where her head rested on her hand. "They do? I knew J'kul did of course. Though if what you say is true, then you like me too!" She smiled broadly and laughed a little. "Of course, I won't like it very much if you're just saying it. Flattery gets you nowhere but in trouble."

"Well, if anyone wants a happy Kyrieth, they best keep me happy, too. Neither of us is happy when the other is not and right now we're very important, aren't we. What I say should carry some weight. I'm no daft or anything." Kaelu said, she knew what he was getting it. Yes, some lines had been drawn so many turns ago and followed so well that they were crying to be redrawn. If she could do so, then she might make just a little change or two and move the line a little more in one way or another.

"That should be fine." Kaelu agreed, though she wrinkled his nose about dying one day. Better he die of old age and excess than from unhealthy habits or risky maneuvers. "I'll be sure to see the Headwoman today, she might stop in here, she usually does when I leave her things."

[stolenhart]

He rolled his eyes, "I've met worse females than you in my time. I'd rather deal with you than any number of them at least you seem to have a brain in your head and no more about life than if blue goes with yellow", he replied with a shrug, "And I don't flatter, not unless it is deserved", he added, rubbing his chin. Yeah a shave tomorrow for sure and, he rubbed the top of his head, and probably a cut as well. It was getting to that time again.

"We know you aren't daft and your words carry some weight it's just", he shrugged, "what we are doing now, it works for us. Whether or not it works for you personally, it works for us, the riders. Relax though, we'll give you the benefit of the doubt and heed your words as long its smart, sensible and works for the Weyr", he finished, standing up and stretching. "I've cut some straps for Whistwyth but Delia said there was too many. They are to long for any other dragon so do you need them? They've already been set with buckles, they just need to be put together in a harness".

[shouriko]

"I'm sure you have." Kaelu said, her tone a little deeper than usual but a playful smile played upon her lips and she had one eyebrow raised. That's right, she was a fair bit smarter than many other women, but she was born and raised in a Harper household. A loveless one, but Harper nonetheless. As for colors, she could care less, but she knew exactly what went with what and what they could mean. He was so conscious of himself, "You'll need to clean yourself up, any longer and you'll look like a beast."

Kaelu didn't care much for his words. She had heard them before. They were like long withstanding traditions. Many generations of dragonriders had lived through and like the current situation and were just happy a young gold was in the Weyr again. Sure, she was smart and said some good things, but just because she did and they heard her didn't mean that they listened. In the end, they were almost as bad as the honor-bound Southern riders.

"I know, I know." Kaelu muttered, looking away unhappily. "When have I ever not had the riders and the Weyr's best interest in mind with my ideas." Why did it matter? In time she would try to turn things around and come up with a satisfying solution, she just needed to have more than Kyrieth backing her up. In any case, she would accept the straps, they were already fitted with buckles and it'd be a shame to let them go to waste. "Sure, never hurts to have a spare set of riding straps, good thing Kyrieth's done growing, any bigger and she'd not be comfortable in her own Weyr!"

[stolenhart]

"Well she's got good size to her so she ought to produce good sized Hatchlings", he replied opening the door to her office and stepping outside. "I'll drop the straps off sometime today, when I get a spare moment. I'll have your wine, your food and your invitations sent out by tomorrow night", he added, glancing around. He didn't know what else to say, so he added, "I've got drills", was his farewell as he walked away.

Good going idiot, he told himself as he walked away. I am not an idiot, Xyriath replied grumpily. }I know I was talking about myself. Pretty much floated along behind Kaelu{. Aw, if you'd admit you liked her she might play nicely with you, the bronze pointed out. }I do not like her or whatever your equivalent is.{, V'las replied, stalking down the hall. If you say so, then why did you bring this idea to her when Delia is quite capable of doing the planning? And willing to do it as a surprise for Kyrieth's?. V'las growled and chose not to reply to that answer, the bronze laughed in the back of his mind.