So Let Mercy Come

Writers: Suzee, Devin
Date Posted: 17th March 2024
Series: The Disaster at Dragonsfall

Characters: R'lor, N'vanik, Cyradis
Description: R'lor speaks with the Weyrleaders, seeking clemency for K'don and Naradis.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 9, day 26 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: Naradis, K'don, Saibra

R'lor

N'vanik

Cyradis

"Weyrleader N'vanik. Weyrwoman Cyradis." R'lor saluted each in turn.
"My duty to Loseth and Panitath. Thank you for agreeing to meet with
me. I know you're both very busy." He tried to ignore the nervous
tightening in his stomach as he took a seat in the Council Room.

"It's alright," N'vanik said. It wasn't surprising that one of the
Weyrlingmasters would want to discuss what had happened with Naradis.

"I would first like to discuss Weyrlingstaff Assistant K'don. He's
very remorseful about his role in taking Naradis to Dragonsfall and
failing to prevent the situation that happened." R'lor's heartbeat
throbbed in his ears, worried he was overstepping. But for K'don's
sake, he pressed on. "He wishes to make amends to the Dragonsfall
Weyrwoman in any way possible, whether it be through punishment or
something else."

Cyradis nodded as he spoke. "He did what he could in the situation.
But his sister is older than he is so she thinks that she's the boss
of him and didn't want to pay attention. I don't blame K'don." She
leaned back in her chair, and passed a hand over her mouth. "His only
mistake was not informing any of the leadership where he was going and
with whom." Cyradis looked at her hands a moment. "I highly doubt
Saibra wants to see him anytime soon. I can pass on his regrets
through Panitath if he can wait for this thing to cool down a bit at
Dragonsfall.

"I'm sure he can understand how delicate the situation is. Thank you,
Weyrwoman." It was a relief that she wasn't blaming K'don. The
Weyrleader didn't look upset either. R'lor took a breath. Now for the
hard part. "I know it isn't my place as merely a 'Third, but I would
like to speak with you about Naradis. There is no excuse for her
endangering a junior weyrling, still less for her refusing to accept
fault, but . . . I believe she still has value to the Weyr. Even as a
rider, should she be fortunate enough to have a dragon choose her." He
was sweating from more than just the heat.

She looked first at N'vanik then back at R'lor. "I'm sure you have
experienced it in your position." She took a sip from her cup
uncomfortable with what she had to say. "Sometimes you can be a young
person's friend and sometimes you must be the job that's been required
of you. I truly feel that split here. I'm her mother. But I'm also
her Weyrwoman. That is too different sets of imperatives and some of
them conflict. So please trust me when I say, "I _know_ she has value to
the Weyr and to me."

R'lor dropped his gaze. "My apologies for presuming, Weyrwoman. I only
meant . . . I hope you will allow her to continue Standing."

"So you think she shouldn't be punished?" N'vanik crossed his arms,
not quite glaring but headed in that direction.

"N-no."

}:Be brave, mine.:{ Kularth's calming presence helped ease some of
R'lor's anxiety.

"Certainly she should be punished," R'lor said, his voice a little
more steady. "But maybe you would consider a punishment that would
help her learn and work through the issues at the root of her
behavior."

"I truly understand your concern R'lor," Cyradis smiled at him. "I'm
her mother and this behavior concerns me in that role as well as
Weyrwoman. But I find myself in need of advice. What do you think her
punishment should be?"

R'lor's shoulders straightened. "First, I do think you might consider
having her sit out the next Hatching. Make her watch from the Stands
as her fellow Candidates Impress and hopefully think about what she
did. Also I'd like her to sit in on all the weyrling classes
concerning the bond between dragon and rider and caring for the
emotions of dragons. It seems Candidate classes were not enough for
her to understand how important that bond is, especially for young
dragons."

"Thank you," she nodded. "I think I have to agree with you R'lor," she
sat thoughtfully for a moment and looked at N'vanik. This bluerider
was showing a great deal of wisdom which wasn't rare but certainly to
be encouraged. She knew Naradis would hate it and her mothers heart
went out to her but this behavior couldn't be glossed over nor
ignored. "She must know that this decision is not all me, but the
opinion of all the Weyr leadership. Do you agree?"

N'vanik nodded. It seemed like a light punishment for what she'd done,
but he was fine with deferring to Cyradis on this. Besides, no one had
died, and Naradis hadn't deliberately tried to hurt anyone. After
dealing with poisoning and murder, his idea of what a serious issue
was might be a little skewed. "Sounds good. Making her go to weyrling
classes for a clutch she wasn't allowed to Stand for . . . ouch. Maybe
that'll help things sink in."

R'lor should probably leave it at that. They were agreeing with him.
But he needed to bring up Naradis's mental state. "I'm sure you've
considered this." He glanced at both the Weyrleaders. "But I think
it's critical Naradis sees a mindhealer. She's tied her identity to
the idea of being a dragonrider, so much so that she feels she's
worthless if she doesn't Impress. I've asked her to come up with a
list of potential Craft interests as an attempt to give her something
else to focus on. The stress of Standing for so long . . . I'm very
worried for her."

"Alright," Cyradis sighed. Her heart was getting heavier as he brought
things up though it wasn't really his fault. He was just doing his
job. She looked at N'vanik. "I think I need to lay down."

"R'lor," she turned back to the bluerider. "Thank you for your
insight. It has been very helpful. Is there anything else?" What she
really wanted to say was **Please go away now, I'm supposed to remain
calm and you aren't helping."

"I'm sorry if I've caused you any distress, Weyrwoman." R'lor's heart
started pounding again, hoping he hadn't overstepped and made things
worse. "Thank you for listening to my concerns. I should let you
rest."

"Should I walk you back?" N'vanik asked Cyradis. It was just through
the adjoining doorway but he'd rather have her lean on him if she
needed it. The pregnancy was risky and things might have been made
worse by the fellis-laced tea Enali had given her.

"I should be fine," she half smiled and patted his hand. Then she rose
from her seat and walked toward the door waving at the bluerider with
a simple lift of her hand acknowledging his apology. She was obviously
weary and then she was out of sight and sagged against the wall for a
moment.

}:Mine?:{ concern colored Panitath's mind voice.

**I'll be fine, just need to lay down.** She walked a few more steps
before she fainted.

}:Mine is not fine!:{ she told Loseth firmly.

N'vanik shot to his feet. "Dismissed!" Was all he managed before
running into the Weyrwoman's weyr.

Last updated on the March 22nd 2024

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So Let Mercy Come