Flashback: Nepotism (I'dalyn)

[anhydrous]

It was no surprise that the weyrleader and his dragon both offered assurance. If they hadn’t thought that I’dalyn was the man for the job, J’fel wouldn’t have offered it. Regardless, the brownrider felt the slightest twinge of relief to hear someone affirm his abilities. Raising his glass to J’fel’s, I’dalyn nodded with the smallest of smiles twitching at the corners of his lips. He added no further words, deftly emptying the glass in hopes that the toast might ring true.

To teach the weyrlings with compassion and still raise good riders would prove that not only he was a better teacher than his father, but that he was a better man. The tightness that had gripped his chest since I’den’s funeral eased ever so slightly as the alcohol warmed his stomach, and he set down the glass on the table with no regret weighing on his mind. “Thank you for this opportunity, J’fel,” he said quietly, eyes flicking up to the bronzerider’s face.

“I’ll try to get a few older riders on my staff, to keep their opinions close rather than just gossip.” Folding his hands in his lap, he began to search his mind for those who would offer their words but still follow his orders. S’lyn was out, that would be too much pressure. Smiling, the brownrider realized that already he was beginning to grow fond of the idea. Weyrlingmaster I’dalyn… he could get used to that.

[Omnia Munda]

"No," said J'fel, hurrying the bourbon down so he could make haste with this answer, brows high and eyes glimmering with satisfaction. "Thank you."

That the brownrider's next move was to begin planning his staff pleased the young weyrleader immensely. As he placed his glass on the table - he had to save some of his head to share his success with Aderes, so another bourbon was not in his plans - he reflected on the fact that he couldn't have led I'dalyn better to this if he'd tried.

"Wise," the bronzerider remarked, leaning back in his chair and letting his ankles out a little beneath the table in a lazy cross there. One hand draped over the arm of the chair lifted in gesture as he added, "You can take your pick of the wingriders, or those that will agree at least. Training weyrlings isn't for everyone."

There was a grin and a hint of a laugh in that last bit, like now J'fel and his weyrlingmaster shared a little secret between them.

"I'll have the records and your knot delivered in the morning."

[anhydrous]

With a vague smile I’dalyn accepted the weyrleader’s gratitude, inclining his head ever so slightly as he realized that this was as much the bronzerider’s success as his own. J’fel was beginning the long and arduous task of filling the staff of his weyr with riders who shared his views. Had I’dalyn refused the position that only a few young riders would dare to accept, J’fel would have had to continue his search, and perhaps settled with someone less... compliant. The brownrider wasn’t exactly controlling. He wasn’t the kind of man who would stir up unnecessary trouble, it just wasn’t his style.

When no more bourbon was offered, it was clear that the meeting was coming to a close. I’dalyn had a penance and sense of purpose, and J’fel had his weyrlingmaster. The brownrider rose with a nod, Daisulyth taking note from his position out on the ledge. His rider’s voice addressed the weyrleader one last time, all traces of worry gone. “In that case, I will be expecting them. Enjoy the rest of your day, J’fel.” With the slightest of bows the brownrider took his leave, a small smile twitching at his lips as he realized just how productive the meeting had been –for all parties.

You will teach the younglings?[/color] Daisulyth queried hopefully as his rider approached, as if repetition of the fact would seal the deal. I’dalyn laid one hand on the dragon’s nose, the soft hide bristling nervously in anticipation under his touch. Yes, love, I will teach them. He said fondly, climbing up to Daisulyth’s back. Will you help me? Immediately the brown relaxed, spreading his wings and unfolding his long legs. Of course I will. What a silly question. With a gracious nod in Jordeth’s direction, Daisulyth leapt to the air. The short ride back to their weyr was mostly silent, both rider and dragon considering what would come of this unexpected promotion.

[Omnia Munda]

[End scene.]