Asking for a 'Second

Writers: Aaron, Devin, Suzee
Date Posted: 3rd January 2021

Characters: N'vanik, Cyradis, S'kand
Description: S'kand speaks to the Weyrleaders about making Z'ku his Wingsecond.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 12, day 17 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: Z'ku, L'cor, K'sedel

N'vanik

Cyradis

The other Wingleaders made their way out of the council room and the
Weyrleader waited until the door closed behind them. "What did you
want to talk about, S'kand?"

Cyradis remained in her seat rather than trying to lever her very
pregnant bulk out of the comfortable chair. She lifted an eyebrow and
smiled at S'kand. "Mind if I stay?"

"I hoped you would," S'kand answered Cyradis with a warm smile. "I
have a favor I need to ask of the both of you, if I may."

"Of course," N'vanik said.

"Ma'am, I understand that you have given our most promising young
leaders an opportunity for experience in your wing," S'kand began.
"I'm very impressed with Z'ku. Considering he has already had his turn
at lead in the Queen's Wing, would the two of you be willing to
consider releasing him a touch early to my wing to be my second?"

She nodded at the other Wingleader. "Well it appears you've beaten me
to the punch," she half smiled toward N'vanik. She shook her head.
"L'cor is good, but Z'ku is ready."

"I've heard he's done very well," N'vanik said. He had a little more
fondness toward those who'd Impressed from one of Loseth's clutches,
and especially that first one. "I'd be happy to approve the transfer,
and I'm sure he'll be thrilled at the promotion."

"Fantastic," said S'kand, beaming. He was not precisely worried that
the leadership would deny his request, but it was still a relief. Z'ku
had every appearance of the kind of rider S'kand wanted to take over
for him when his tenure in leadership was over.

"Thank you, both."

"I hope you aren't too upset at losing such a promising bronzerider
early." N'vanik smiled at Cyradis. "But you've still got a few young
pairs with potential, and I'll send out another round of letters to
see if we can get you a permanent 'Second."

She spread her hands acknowledging them both. "Serves me right for
moving too slowly," she smiled wryly. She nodded at N'vanik in
agreement. "I have no objection, or rather valid objection." She said.
"I'll talk with K'sedel and see who he thinks is most ready at this
point to take over while I..." she waved her hand over her stomach...
"am otherwise engaged."

She nodded at S'kand. "I'm sure Z'ku is everything you'll need S'kand.
He deserves this chance."

"Both true!" S'kand was thrilled, both to have received his request
and to have both of the Weyr's highest leaders agree that the choice
was a superb one. "Thank you, again, ma'am. And if there's anything I
can help you with, you only ever need to say the word."

"How are things going with Rapids Wing?" N'vanik asked. "I've seen the
reports, but that's all just facts."

Cyradis adjusted her bulk in the chair hoping to find another position
that would alleviate the pain in her back. She felt a little
disappointed but knew Z'ku would gain some great experience in a
higher wing.

"Hm," S'kand stroked his chin as he pondered how to put into words the
sorts of feelings he had about his wing but left out of his reports.

"I'm happy with our camaraderie, in general. Our esprit-de-corps," he
said. "I've been quick to work with anyone who sticks out in that
regard. Or with someone who I think can reach out to them. Of course,
not everyone who needs that kind of help sticks out in the more
obvious ways, but all in all, we haven't got much in the way of
outcasts or stragglers."

Nothing so serious as to warrant being singled out by name to the
weyrleader, certainly.

"How do you feel about the wings as a whole?" he asked in return.
"Anything more you need from us?"

"The wings are strong," N'vanik said. "I think we've stabilized well
after losing so many pairs to the new Weyr." That had always been the
plan, after all--that those from River Bluff would one day leave. The
original plan had been to rebuild River Bluff, but establishing a new
Weyr filled a similar purpose. "Now that you've chosen a 'Second,
Rapids will have good, solid leadership."

"I'm glad I came home," said S'kand. It had been a difficult move for
his children, but even though his old home itself no longer existed,
to live in its spiritual successor, so to speak, felt like home to him
and his mate.

Cyradis pushed up out of her chair and held out her hand to the
Wingleader. "Thank you S'kand. I believe you have made a wise choice
that will only benefit the Weyr. We are very happy you came home as
well." She smiled a very genuine smile.

S'kand smiled a warm smile back â€" plainly quite pleased to have the
Weyrwoman's approval. He shook her hand firmly, but gently.

"Thank you, ma'am," he answered.

Last updated on the February 10th 2022

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Asking for a 'Second