[6.5.2707] A higher vantage point [Toniel, G'rett]

[Kit]

The desk was once again cluttered with paperwork and hides. Cybele sighed, picking up the topmost report. Oh, it was from Q'del, the Weyrsecond. She rather liked the man, and thought he did well in his new position, though it was plain he hadn't really wanted it. Apparently...the Wingleader of Stardust Wing, one F'rak, had been hitting the bottle rather heavily of late...and also his pregnant weyrmate..poor dear. Q'del had stripped him of his rank and ordered him grounded for six months, and told him to seek the care of the Mindhealers, leaving a vacancy in the leadership of his wing. Unfortunately, his wingsecond, a very capable brownrider B'selion, had neither a wish nor ability to lead the high altitude wing. Q'del was recommending G'rett of bronze Coth as his replacement.

Cybele remembered G'rett from the Hatching Feast. Well he seemed able enough, and she'd never heard a thing bad about him. It seemed like a good choice. It was sad the situation had come to this, and she wished she'd known of it, but she'd been so busy. Oh well, Q'del was doing his job, now it was time to do hers.

Love, tell Demnoth and Aylinth to send their lifemates to my office as soon as they can would you.

The Senior Queen barely stirred from her ledge, and she might have been asleep, but she answered her rider promptly.

Yes, Mine I will tell them now. Aylinth, Demnoth, Mine wishes to see Yours as soon as you have a moment.

[Jazzeh]

Aylinth picked over her eggs, ever so carefully shifting them so that they didn't press into the still soft surfaces of each other. As she lifted a foreleg to move a particularly rebellious egg that seemed intent on moving away from the others, she heard the Senior Queen's resonate voice calling her. I will tell her,[/color] she responded respectfully. Toniel, Chandrath calls. Her rider wishes to speak to you. Demnoth's rider, too,[/color] she added in a coy tone that suggested her rider should be more inclined to respond quickly rather than less. She thought Demnoth was handsome and helpful, so why should her rider feel differently towards his?

Toniel sighed softly and set down the riding straps she had been sewing. She was not about to refuse a meeting with the Weyrwoman, even if it meant going with Q'del, too. She really didn't mean to dislike him so much, but she could tell he didn't want the position, but he did want her. It wasn't incredibly obvious, due to his own reserved nature, but she could see his frustration at her own cool way of dealing with things. The celebratory feast had been a warmer occasion, probably because neither one of them had wanted to be there, but it was still far from the affection Cybele and the Weyrleader had shared.

Tell her I will be there shortly, Toniel responded to her gold. She carefully arranged the straps so that she could pick up where she left off with very little trouble and then she carefully made the journey to the Weyrwoman's office. Gently she rapped to announce her arrival and then stepped inside. "You called, Weyrwoman?" she asked softly.

[Kit]

Mine, Chandrath's says you should come to her office as soon as you can. Aylinth's will be there. The bronze sounded smug, as if he had planned the whole thing. But Q'del was sure it wasn't going to be the matchmaking opportunity that his dragon hoped for. Not that he would have minded.

He had just finished morning drills, and he hated having to see either the Weryrwoman or Toniel as he was, covered in sweat and still in his riding leathers, but neither did he want to keep them waiting. Maybe it wasn't a horrible thing for people to see him like this anyway, he supposed he'd rather them know he was working than thing he was some sort of over-preened fop. Demnoth landed on the ledge of their weyr and Q'del quickly removed his riding straps so that the bronze wouldn't be uncomfortable. He gave his lifemate an affectionate scratch on the eyeridges before running out the door.

The door to the Weyrwoman's office had been left slightly ajar and he could see that Toniel was already inside. He knocked on the doorframe to announce his entrace before stepping in. "Toniel, Weyrwoman," he greeted them, nodding.

"Oh, Q'del, good. Just close the door behind you, would you? I just wanted to quickly consult with you both about the leadership of Stardust Wing. Q'del , you nominated G'rett as your choice to take up the position. Toniel, I just wanted to make sure you agreed before I did anything. I'd like for us all to be in accord."

[Jazzeh]

Toniel could hear footsteps just outside and looked up to see Q'del entering. She watched him for a moment before dipping her head in greeting. "Q'del," she responded. The Weyrwoman was speaking now, so she turned around to face the woman. Ah, this was about Stardust. She had heard about F'rak and his weyrmate. It was a deplorable situation, really, and she had not been happy to hear about it. Thankfully, though, Q'del had stepped in and grounded him as well as took his rank away.

She glanced quickly over at Q'del approvingly at his nomination for the replacement. G'rett seemed like an able rider and his Coth had fought valiantly to win Aylinth. She nodded to the Weyrwoman. "I think he would be a good choice," she said simply. Toniel did not often have a chance to observe wing practices, as her own duties usually kept her far too busy. So if anyone knew who would be a good choice, it would be Q'del. "I admit I don't know him that well, though," she added.

[Kit]

"I can't claim to know him very well either, except in passing. He seems responsible, and ambitious, but not overly so. His bronze flies well in drill, and they both take their duties seriously. B'selion spoke for his advancement as well," Q'del replied. Before he had become Weyrsecond, Q'del had been Wingleader of Solstice Wing, so he had never even flown with G'rett. He had a feeling the man didn't like him very much, but that was neither here nor there. Q'del was glad that Toniel approved of his choice. He did his best not to think of every man in the weyr as a rival for her affections, but it was hard. He gave her a grateful smile.

Cybele smiled. "I think G'rett is a good choice as well. He seems able, and it will not disrupt the wing too much. We'll keep an eye on him for a few sevendays but I don't think there'll be any problems. So I'll just call him up now."

Chandrath, will you now tell Coth to have G'rett come?

Yes Mine. When you are done, can we go flying? I am bored.

Yes, love, we shall

Coth, please tell yours that Mine wishes to see him in her office.

[Kendrall]

Coth was laying on his stone couch when he heard Chandrath's summons. He lifted his head slightly. Yes, my queen. I will let him know.[/i][/color] Fortunately for the Bronze, his bonded was only a few feet away. G'rett likewise was laying on his bed, but he wasn't sleeping. Instead, he was turning his dagger end over end in his hand idly. Coth looked over and blinked at him. G'rett, Chandrath's wishes to see you in her office. It sounds important.

The young Rider gave a sigh, then rose up on his feet before putting his dagger away. "I suppose I shouldn't keep her waiting, then." G'rett gave his lifemate a playful rub on his eye ridges. "This shouldn't take too long."

I hope not, came the reply.

G'rett merely grinned at Coth, then headed out of his weyr and briskly walked over to the Weyrwoman's weyr. He knocked on the doorframe to announce his arrival, but no sooner did he step inside he paused momentarily. Shard it. Q'del and Toniel are here.

Coth's mindvoice came back almost immediately. Why are Aylinth's and Demnoth's there?[/i][/color]

No clue, Coth. But I'm about to find out.

Clearing his throat to hide his sudden discomfort, he proceeded further into Cybele's weyr, then stopped in front of her desk, standing with his hands at the small of his back. "I came as soon as I could, Weyrwoman," G'rett said, bowing his head respectfully at her. "I apologize if there was any delay." He then nodded at Toniel. "Lady Toniel," he said, then nodded at Q'del. "Weyrsecond." Not daring to look directly at either Toniel or Q'del, he'd have to rely on his peripheral vision should either of them approach. Otherwise, his focus was firmly on Cybele.

[Jazzeh]

Toniel listened as Q'del listed his reasons for suggesting G'rett as a replacement. She had to agree to each of his points, for he was all of those things as far as she could tell. Lips slightly pursed thoughtfully, she tried to recall his flying, but found only vague glimpses that she could not really judge. However, she would trust him. She caught the smile he sent her way and, though she showed no outward response, she was pleased. Even though this was the second time Aylinth had flown and they had been bonded for several Turns now, she was not quite used to people looking to her for approval. It was still a source of pride for her.

Toniel nodded in response to the Weyrwoman. Yes, it would be a good idea to keep a watch on him to make sure he could handle his responsibilities and that his wingmates were not giving him trouble. If any of them did....well, one of the Weyr's queens was broody with her clutch and the other was likely to be proddy any day. Neither of those moods were ones you wanted to meet a queen with.

In a short time, there were again footsteps outside and the delicate-featured woman turned to greet G'rett. She returned his respectful nod to her and then to Q'del, noticing the way he did not quite meet their eyes and also the slight disdain in his tone as he greeted the Weyrsecond. She remembered that his Coth had risen to chase her Aylinth and his subsequent loss must be what had affected his attitude towards Q'del. It almost made her want to smile, but those muscles remained in place and her eyes searched him briefly in a detached manner.

[Kit]

Q'del nodded, trying not to be irked by the bronzerider's terse greeting. Judging by his behavior towards Toniel, he must still be smarting over Coth's loss in the Goldflight. Too bad for him. Aylinth had chosen Demnoth, he thought. Fat lot of good it had done Q'del, at least as far as personal matters had gone. Perhaps Toniel woud've rather had G'rett? He tried not to seethe with jealousy, finding some relief in noticing that Toniel paid G'rett no more mind than she did he. Well, perhaps now G'rett would be too busy to hate him.

"Oh, no G'rett, you came quite promptly, thank you." Cybele said, smiling before getting right down to busines. "Now, I'm sure you've heard by now about the situation with F'rak. Terrible business. But now Stardust needs a new Wingleader, and the Werysecond has recommended you for the position, with mine, and Toniel's approval. Now, the only person left to ask is you. Would you accept the position?" The Weyrwoman fairly doubted he'd refuse the honor, but it was always better to ask.

[Kendrall]

G'rett could feel Toniel's gaze upon him, as if she were searching him. He was sorely tempted to grab her and pull her out of the Weyrwoman's office...but to do so would invite the wrath of both Cybele and Q'del. Speaking of, he'd purposely let a trace of bitterness show when he addressed the Weyrsecond. If he had any say, G'rett would continually remind Q'del just how irritated he was with him. He'd be sure he would never let the man live it down. Furthermore, at the first opportunity he'd have to request an audience with Cybele...but the subject matter would mean Q'del would be present as well.

G'rett wasn't sure exactly how the Weyrsecond would respond to his ideas...

...Nor was he wholly prepared when Cybele asked her question...let alone who was behind it.

You have GOT to be kidding me. Please tell me this is some kind of sick joke. This is a joke, isn't it? G'rett couldn't help but mentally plead that this was either a misunderstanding, or some type of practical joke Q'del wanted to play on him. If it wasn't for Coth's timely interjection, G'rett would probably have to see a mindhealer.

What is it, my G'rett? What's bothering you?

The Weyrwoman wants me - US - to accept the position of Wingleader of Stardust Wing.

That's wonderful news! But why the worry?

Q'del was the one who recommended it. And Toniel seconded the motion.

It took several moments before Coth's mindvoice came back. Oh. OH. Well...then we'll just have to take Demnoth's up on that challenge, won't we? The Bronze seemed to be amused by this sudden turn of events. We'll prove to Demnoth's and Aylinth's that we're more than capable of being the Wingleader of Stardust. We'll make Chandrath and hers proud...and show Aylinth that she should have chosen me, not Demnoth.

I can only hope you're right about this, Coth...but is that a hint of jealousy I detect in you?

Perhaps. But we'll do just fine as Wingleader. Coth sounded confident, but G'rett couldn't help but wonder if his bonded was up to something. That was when he realized he'd probably taken a bit too long to give the leadership an answer. Clearing his throat, he spoke warmly, and with confidence. "Coth and I would be honored to lead Stardust Wing, m'lady." G'rett bowed his head to Cybele. "We are equally humbled that the Weyrsecond would choose us to fill this role, and will work with him to ensure that our current standards are met or exceeded. Likewise that Lady Toniel would support our endeavor." He then bowed his head to Q'del, then finally to Toniel before returning his attention on Cybele. "Coth and I look forward to this opportunity, m'lady, and we'll begin our new duties right away."

He couldn't help but let his thoughts link with those of his bonded...

Coth?

Yes, my G'rett.

We have work to do. And you're right. We'll have to prove to the leadership that we're the best Wingleader of Stardust they've ever seen. If Q'del wants to challenge us, wants to see if we'll break...I have news for him. We won't.

G'rett thought he heard the approximation of a chuckle. That will be something to look forward to. But we'll do fine, my G'rett. We will succeed at this.

[Kit]

"Excellent," Cybele replied, grinning. "I'm sure you'll do a fine job." The Weyrwoman noticed the tension between the new Wingleader and the Weyrsecond. If she had to guess, she would suspect that it was jealousy over Toniel that caused it, which was natural she supposed, but she hoped it didn't bode ill for the weyr. If only Q'del and Toniel had bonded more strongly... well there was nothing to do but wait and see now.

Cybele reached into her desk drawer and pulled out something wrapped in a cloth. "I'm sure you'll want to get to work right away, so here's your new knots." The knot was an elaborate string construction made up of one string of the dark blue and silver weyr colors, one string bronze to signify the dragon color, and one string blue and white for stardust wing. The shape of the knot indicated the position of Wingleader. She handed the knot to G'rett with no ceremony. That's just how things were done at the weyr.

"Now, if there's nothing else, I'll call this meeting adjourned. Congratulations G'rett."

Q'del was glad the Weyrwoman hadn't drawn it out more than she'd needed. He was feeling uncomfortably tense and frustrated. That whole speech of G'rett's had been ridiculous. He was fairly sure they were not going to enjoy working together one bit. Demnoth picked up on his rider's frustrations immediately, though he wasn't sure of the cause.

What's wrong Mine? You are angry but Aylinth's is there, I thought you would be happy.

Well, she doesn't like me as much as her dragon likes you. he snapped, but immediately felt guilty. Sorry, Dem. We're just in a meeting for the new wingleader of Stardust and he doesn't like me very much, I think because of his dragon losing the Flight. But I guess I'm afraid Toniel likes him better, and that's why she is so cool to me.

Oh well, maybe I'll ask Aylinth

NO! Shard it, Dem, don't ask her a thing. Just...the meeting's nearly over and when its done, we'll go down to the lake and you can splash me to your heart's content.

Ok! the bronze replied so brightly that Q'del smiled fondly.

[Kendrall]

G'rett held out his hand and accepted his new knots, unfolding the cloth and studying the pattern before pinning them to his shoulder. The design designated his new rank - Wingleader - as did the lighter blue and silver to represent Stardust Wing. The darker blue and silver he knew were for the weyr, while the bronze thread was to signify his dragon's color.

"Thank you again, m'lady," he bowed his head before offering her a warm smile. He caught Q'del smiling fondly, but didn't know what to make of it. Shrugging internally, he simply saluted the man. "I'll report to you as soon as I'm settled in, Weyrsecond," G'rett said. "I'm sure the former Wingleader of Stardust didn't do a very good job of record keeping and the like. So I may have a bit of cleaning up to do." He then turned to Toniel and gave her a surreptitious wink and playful grin - knowing full well Q'del wouldn't see it - before turning on his heel and walking out of Cybele's weyr.

It took him several minutes to make the trek back to his own quarters, then looked up at his faithful friend. You have your new knots, my G'rett. They look good on you, commented the Bronze dragon. "Thanks, Coth," the new Wingleader replied, reaching up to rub Coth's head playfully. So where do we begin? G'rett had to think for a moment before answering. "I'll have to report to Q'del later to go over any last-minute details. Then whatever paperwork the last Wingleader failed to do, I'll have to see to it that gets completed."

Will we do any flying with our new wing soon? Coth blinked inquisitively.

G'rett chuckled. "We will soon, my friend. I promise. But first we get to transfer to our new quarters. I'll have to send for some of the drudges to help move some of the heavier items."

Coth blinked again, then did his best imitation of a nod. I'd like that.

[Jazzeh]

Toniel could see how much the notion surprised G'rett and knew he must have been a little confused by the fact that his promotion had been suggested by none other than his rival. She supposed she should feel honored, too, that these two men had such an obvious conflict because of her. However, their attentions were not warranted, so she got only a little satisfaction from this fact. G'rett could likely soon be distracted when the Weyrwoman's dragon rose, but Q'del would be a little harder to deter. Still, after the feast, she couldn't completely say that she disliked his company.

She eyed the bronzerider as he very formally accepted his new position, making sure to note that he was honored that she should support this decision. An eyebrow twitched spasmodically before settling back into stillness. As Cybele pulled out his new knots, she continued to watch him for a moment before turning her gaze to the Weyrwoman. After she gave him the knots, she adjourned the meeting and relief flooded Toniel. The meeting had been awkward given the two men's tension and her own tension with Q'del.

The young goldrider stood and made to leave, her eyes briefly connecting with G'rett's once more. She had looked up just in time to see his wink and impish grin. Her lips parted slightly in surprise and a flicker of outrage crossed her eyes. What on Faranth's golden shell was he doing? If Q'del saw him.....well, there was not much that either could do but attempt to make each other's lives difficult. Dragonriders could not dual like Holders to settle their differences. One false move and you sent a dragon between.

Speaking of dragons, Aylinth was stirring. Sleepily, the gold called out to her rider. Toniel? Where are you?[/color]

The Weyrwoman's Second forced thoughts of G'rett and Q'del from her mind and gave a courtesy nod to Cybele and Q'del. "Good day," she said, then added with a hint of a smile, "Aylinth calls." She quickly exited the room and passed the new Wingleader in the hallway. "G'rett," she acknowledge in a controlled tone before breezing past him down to the Hatching Grounds.

I had a meeting with the Weyrwoman. I am on my way down, she reassured.

Please hurry. I am itchy.[/color]