Choosing a Successor

Writers: Chelle, Suzee
Date Posted: 22nd September 2016

Characters: Solieira, Jayzine
Description: The Headwoman passes the torch.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 6, day 26 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: K'ran, Rhosyn

Jayzine

She didn't quite know why she'd been called to meet with the
Headwoman. After all they saw each other all throughout the day just
in the general work of the Weyr. So she wiped her flour covered hands
on a damp towel before she removed her apron and directed her
assistant to continue on the afternoon bread making.

Solieira's office wasn't all that far from the kitchens and moments
later she entered smiling. "You wanted to see me," she asked as she
rounded the corner.

It had been on her mind for awhile. She had just been waiting for the
right time. With a new Weyrleader and so many other changes around
River Bluff, Solieira had finally decided perhaps she could just relax
and enjoy the rest of her turns. The Hatching had been a lot of work.
Of course it had all been worth it in the end and secretly she had taken
so much pleasure out of the smiles she saw she on everyone's faces,
including her Weyrwoman's.

It hadn't been hard to determine the suitable candidates. She'd watched
and worked out the options. She'd spoken with the Weyrwoman of her
intentions, as well as to get Rhosyn's opinion on the matter since she would
need to work closely with whomever was chosen. Then, she had made her
choice. "Yes, I did Jayzine. Do you know how many turns I have overseen River
Bluff?"

"Oh I'd imagine since before I was born," she couldn't help the humor
in her voice. Solieira had been the one welcome constant in the Weyr
since she'd been here.

"A woman never reveals her turns, but aye....it's been awhile for sure."
Smiling, her cheeks had wrinkled somewhat with her turns, but her eyes
were still as bright as ever. "And I have loved every moment of it. Alas,
though, my old bones are not what they once were and even I have to
consider when I might need to change." She paused for a moment or so
to let that sink in.

"The Weyrwoman and I have discussed it and I've made the decision
to retire. I want to enjoy my turns left and it's a good time to do so
since I know I have a qualified replacement." Wondering if Jayzine had
made the connection yet, she didn't hold back. "We'd like it if you would
take on my duties, Jayzine."

Jayzine couldn't help but chuckle at Solieira's sense of humor. But at
her statement she completely forgot herself in shock and dropped into
a chair. "Me?" She couldn't believe it at first, she'd never actually
_thought_ about advancing from one of the Headwoman's many assistants.
Sure she worked hard but that was more her nature and need to keep
busy than anything else.

"Yes you. Who else?" Letting it sink in, she watched the expressions flit across
the younger woman's face. "Everyone respects you, you can handle
everything, and you've been here for turns enough to know the little things. I
like to reward hard work and dedication." Shifting a bit in her seat,
she was quiet for a bit, wondering if she had read it wrong. Did
Jayzine not want more responsibility?

"Thank you Soileira and yes," she said. "I really appreciate the
opportunity and promise I will make you proud."

"Ah well, no worries there. You've the rest of today off once you
finish your duties here. I've taken the liberty of freeing up some
more appropriate quarters. If you have any questions, I'll be around
of course. I'll be working on clearing out my things in the office
over the next few days." Solieira looked around the office and felt
herself well up. So many turns. This space had seen her through so
many changes. It was strange to know it wasn't hers anymore. "The
Weyrwoman will expect you in the morning, most like."

Her heart was fair to bursting but she didn't have anyone special to
tell. Of course there were all manner of acquaintances, even a
sometime lover but none of that mattered right now. "Thank you so very
much." She knew her grin was probably rather silly. "If I can help you
with the office please just let me know."

"Ah no bother. I'm the one that cluttered it up. I can just as well
declutter it. Probably don't need half of it now." Chuckling a bit at
her own expense, Solieira nodded. "Go on and enjoy the rest of your
day. The announcement will be made tomorrow at morning meal so
everyone will know." Her hand came up and over the desk then and
inside it was a new set of knots. They bore the Weyr's colors, but had
a special set of loops that proclaimed the bearer the one and only
Headwoman.

Last updated on the November 10th 2016

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