Politics is being taught by WHO?

[Invisible]

For all it seemed K’mar kept his focus entirely on the Weyrleader his attention wandered slyly to the other weyrlings. What a bunch of idiots. They should be trying to make a good impression. We mustn’t seem too eager, K’mar. That might be suspicious. We will observe and when the time is right speak just the right thing. Do not worry. I will know when.[/color] The brown kept his attention on his clutchsibs, but did not initiate a conversation with any of them. If they had something to say they would. In the meantime best if he seemed attentive the same as his rider.

K’mar shifted his attention to Salina when she spoke. He kept his thoughts to himself, but he wasn’t sure about her at all. She certainly didn’t seem like much so far. She is eager now to answer the Weyrleader. Perhaps they are close?[/color] Volsteath looked at Deoneth with a considering tilt of his head, but turned away again before it might be noted. As a brown he had been told considering a queen was reaching too far. Which was fine with him for now. Deoneth showed no signs as of yet to a usefulness for his plans. The time would come when she might, but for now he let the others try to impress her. There was more to learn from that after all.

K’mar? You must ask a question. She did not ask a question.[/color] Volsteath prodded at K’mar mentally while offering a myriad of suggestions on what he might ask. He wondered if he should raise his hand. Didn’t harpers make you raise your hand? You are not a kid, K’mar. Be decisive. We are here to get ahead.[/color] Volsteath? I think we’re here to learn. Which will get us ahead.[/color] The brownrider cleared his throat and spoke up after Salina was done. “I think the quickest way to attain rank is closed to all but those on bronze. Only they can jump to Weyrleader after all.” Volsteath was pleased with what his rider said and encouraged him to continue.

“Since dragon physiology keeps some colors in the air for shorter amounts of time there’s only so much that can be done. There’s plenty, sir that can be done without rank and since most of us here will likely never have none but rider I wonder that those things are not more important to discuss to the class as a whole?” He paused and wondered if he should stop now, but it seemed like he was trying to end the discussion so he struggled with more to say. With more of Volsteath’s encouragement he found it. “What about the Caminar, sir? I imagine all politics between us and other Weyrs has become strained. But is it just because they’re here? Or because you’re seen as too young?” He had no idea if he'd said the right there. There was always a right thing to say and rarely did K'mar find it. It is ok, K'mar. We spoke. We do not worry if others think it wrong. The accomplishment is in asking.[/color] I don't know, Volsteath. I think I may have gotten us in some kind of trouble. Worrying at his lower lip the weyrling tried to keep from fidgeting in place.

[blueaid]

Let the others vie for attention, try to stand out; Z'dayi was happy against the wall, definitely out of the teaching "T"-- that select range where people were most likely to attract attention. Under cover of smothering a yawn, he side-mouthed a response to Ez'ki. "You mean it ain't already a living he--" If Z'dayi didn't start paying attention, began the tenor of Tremaith's thoughts, the implication plain that there were going to be some serious repercussions.

Nearby, the bronze twitched his tattered-looking wings, the gesture as meticulous as a well-groomed gent straightening his frock-coat. Bright but tired eyes slid from the bronze weyrling to his dragonet, the edge of his mouth lit with a smile that trickled away while Salina supplied a thorough and correct response. Which gets me off the hook, so lay off.

Certainty of his rider's intellect, so sure that Z'dayi knows the answers, so why not just play along?

Stubbornness. Boredom. Pick one.

To make matters worse-- or better, depending on one's perspective, and anything that meant he didn't have to be an active participant probably meant "better" in Z'dayi's mind-- K'mar spoke up all articulately. And he nudged his elbow toward Ez'ki with a grin growing; to whisper again might bring down the wrath of I'dalyn, but his lowered head and merry eyes said it all anyway: look at 'em go.

[neopanther]

Ez’ki snickered, he could help himself, Z’dayi was so right, between K’mar and Salina, the entire class wouldn’t have thing to say. Sassie knew what she was stalking about, having been weyrbred herself. K’mar, on the other hand was a royal kiss-ass. And he could already see the brown had intentions higher than his status by the way his eyes wandered over Deoneth. Ez’ki smirked; he leant towards Salina, whispering softly, “I think K’mar might be vying for your attention in the future...” It was like he was amused by the whole situation. He winked at the Weyrwoman beside him. K’mar wouldn’t ever attain a rank under the Weyrleader, it just wasn’t so. Never would be.

But the brown rider did say something he was curious on, perhaps a fortuitous thing for Ez’ki could feel the boy’s attentiveness grating on him already, but his efforts to make questions were all but amusing. He could imagine that K’mar was pushing himself; the boy didn’t strike Ez as someone who was particularly fond of these events. And his efforts now seemed overboard, overcompensating. But he broached the subject of the Weyrleader’s age. For J’fel was Ez’ki’s own age. Quite and obscurity, and not incredibly common for a 19 turn old bronze rider to turn Weyrleader. Ez’ki felt the desire to listen, not that he’d question the man here, not unless the time felt right, and those circumstances were lessened in probability considering that he and Sassie were once more friends, and that she was sitting beside him. For she could hit him from there, and he was no wimp, but he thought that girl could pack a punch, or a sturdy kick if she so felt like it.

Tremaith, I think yours is like mine... they are both to uncaring for these lessons. They attend because they have to. The blue yawned as he spoke to the bronze beside him. He gave a soft croon to Deoneth, Good morning, you’re as bright as ever today. but the blue’s tone was dreary, he was fighting off sleep every second. His bonded – fortunately (especially with the threat of laps at dark) – was awake now, he was okay once his mind actually kicked into gear, and it was there now. No sign towards the tiredness that had dominated him a moment before.

[Xinnai]

Salina settled back into her seat as K'mar spoke. She listened to the brownrider idly, feeling a small spurt of irritation as he seemed to jump from one subject to the other willy-nilly. Were his questions out of raging curiousity? She didn't think so. He seemed to be struggling for the words, grasping at straws. Trying to impress someone then? She snorted softly, looking over at the brown pair.

What he said about rank bothered her, and the fact that he brought the Caminar up so quickly. She thought back to that day what seemed ages ago when she'd gone towards their wagons and waylisted one to fix a bracelet for her. Of course, he'd become a bronzerider after that. The goldrider smirked slightly. But the rank bit...The ultimate rank was of course Weyrwoman and Weyrleader. And seeing as she was in the company of only boys...They'd be vying for weyrleader...But that wasn't all that could be achieved, was it?

She wanted to speak, but kept carefully silent, glancing over at Ez'ki and Z'dayi as they muttered amongst themselves, clearly not interested in this discussion. Well, she wasn't either. The only reason she'd spoken at all was because no one else had. A light smile traced her lips as she inclined over slightly as Ez'ki leaned towards her. "I think K’mar might be vying for your attention in the future...”

She started back sharply, brows raised high as she glanced quickly towards the brown pair once more, debating. K'mar? Ez'ki couldn't be serious. There wasn't any chance of it all. She felt her stomach twist slightly, not in distaste for she barely knew the pair, but rather in slight nervousness. She glanced warily towards Weyrlingmaster and Weyrleader and decided to use newly acquired skills to reply.

Deoneth, can you please ask Xyruth to ask Ez why he thinks so?

Eyes bright for this new source of entertainment, the gold shifted, even as the blue spoke with her. Well, how fortuitous. Head inclined slightly towards Xyruth. Good morning to you as well. You're pleasant as ever.[/i] No trace of malice, of mockery, just warm affection. Can you ask Yours the basis for the conclusion he just told Mine?[/i] Deoneth asked, metallic voice ringing slightly. She was enjoying what would have been a rather boring lesson.

[Invisible]

One look hardly made stalking a likely event. Thankfully K’mar was blissfully unaware of what people were thinking. As if Salina were the only weyrbred person in the room. It was his being weyrbred that had led K’mar to ask the questions he did. They were important questions and if the others thought him sucking up then so be it. You need to worry less[/color] Volsteath told his rider as K’mar continued to second guess his questions. If the Weyrleader takes offense we cannot stop him. At least he will remember us. Will he remember those who do nothing? Look at some of them. Interested in their own conversations and schemes when not a one can scheme at all.[/color] K’mar didn’t look around at the others, but continued to watch I’dalyn and J’fel. They were who was important right now.

I guess, Volsteath. I just want to make a good impression. It took me so long to get here. I can’t look like a failure now. K’mar thought of wine as he worried. What it would do to help calm his nerves. He could use steadier nerves now. What he’d managed to drink before class started was not nearly enough. Hush, K’mar. You have me here. I will get you through this.[/color] It was enough, for now, and K’mar was able to push thoughts of wine away. He guessed the others were talking to each other. Leaving him out. Well, he couldn’t help his age and at least he wouldn’t be caught unawares if something came up. Besides it was Volsteath who wanted friends made. Not him.

[blueaid]

Compulsory seems to be the right word where Tremaith is concerned. His idea of Z'dayi, suffering through this, bothers him though, felt in the ruddy undertones that superimpose the thought of his rider. Agreement with Xyruth, yesssss, very much alike, but he's not particularly pleased with it. Even as the bronze's thoughts went toward the blue, it was clear that he was doing what the two riders and Xyruth were not: he was paying attention. Ram-rod straight posture, moth-eaten wings folded around him just so, the bronze looked attentively to the front of the grouping, his eyes whirling with slow focus on I'dalyn and J'fel.

Next to him, his arms crossed lazily, his back rested against the wall, Z'dayi was a study in contrasts to his dragon. He and K'mar couldn't be so very far apart in age, a matter of months? But there was otherwise nothing in common, and the bronze weyrling's eyes glazed over while he drifted a look over K'mar. No spark of interest, no kindle of friendship, they were just worlds apart.

What he could gather of the byplay between Ez'ki and Salina, what he could see obviously in their mended friendship, was certainly keeping his attention better than whatever lesson he was supposed to be minding here. He looked back and forth between them, back and forth, then sought to catch Ez'ki's eyes with his own brows drawn upward questioningly; all better?

Call it male comraderie, but the notion of questioning Salina never even entered his mind. At twenty-two, he was long since past the age of adolescent awkwardness, well beyond the time when "girls" were a subject of mystery and confusion, but his interaction with the weyrling goldrider remained a superficial gloss. Maybe it was just self-preservation; stay away from those with rank and they'll stay away from you.

He yawned into his fist one last time, shook his head busily, and tried to focus.

[Omnia Munda]

J'fel would have liked to have heard a question from Salina on the heels of her summary: whether she'd be transferred away as had her predecessors during Aderes' seniorship struck the young weyrleader as an obvious piece of information the young woman might want sooner rather than later. But perhaps not in front of a crowd, he allowed, and gave her a simple nod for approval. It was fitting to a young weyrwoman to be the one who would recite the facts J'fel himself had left out.

K'mar's voice was next, but the young weyrleader did take note of the bluerider murmuring (against I'dalyn's own instructions to be attentive, he wryly noted) to Z'dayi. It was the kid who was so often hanging around with Salina, her confidante or somesuch - if there was something more there it would be obvious before he was ready to be brought up into the fighting wings. And we'll deal with that then, J'fel thought - and then forced his attention properly to what K'mar was saying.

That momentary distraction meant that J'fel seemed briefly taken aback by the brownrider weyrling's first remark. It was, after all, more or less not done to speak of the weyrs' class system in terms of who was excluded, as though fairness was relevant - for it wasn't, not so far as anyone knew or dared feel; you impressed what you did, and the dragons' ranks were bred into them so deeply that they must be obeyed. And yet - K'mar's phrasing wasn't quite disrespectful. It did not quite contain a question. J'fel was grinning again by the time K'mar went on, and the fact that the weyrling went on in the same vein - dragon physiology... most of us here will likely never have none... the young weyrleader found himself nodding in approval.

But then the talk turned toward the Caminar, and J'fel's brows flew up.

"A moment, K'mar."

There was interest quite keen in the weyrleader's blue eyes, but he was looking at Ez'ki again. The whispering had not escaped his attention and, bemusedly and loudly, J'fel turned to ask of I'dalyn, "Haven't they learned how to get their dragons to have their conversations for them yet? It seems like there's a lot of them that have to speak out loud to get anything said." A beat, and then he lifted a finger alongside his cheek and said, "Oh. I suppose I should have had Jordeth convey that. Apologies to whomever was speaking."

And then he turned back to K'mar and said, in all seriousness, "My age is a problem for some people, of course - and while no weyrleader would say such a thing to my face, I'm sure there's somebody thinking it. To her credit, our Weyrwoman has taken pains to ensure the transition has been mostly a pleasant one."

J'fel shrugged and allowed himself a trace of grin, though what he said next had a hint of rote memorization about its rhythm. "A skilled Weyrwoman need not be purely a domestic leader.

"As for the Caminar: there's far more strain among our own Holds on account of the Weyr's hospitality than among the Weyrs. The Holds, after all, were homes to the majority of the children reported missing - the, ah." J'fel paused a moment, looking for the word he wanted in the face of one weyrling after another before finding, "Atmosphere among our beholden is understandably tense and mournful. However, there's no good evidence to convince us the traderfolk are related to these incidents - and we have been looking.

"That's strained our relationship with them, too," grinned J'fel, and offered a shrug with hands open: 'what can you do?'

He hoped I'dalyn would count several points for K'mar for having questions of actual political import, even if he felt a little guilty for dancing around the issue as he had. "I'm sure K'mar's not the only one with questions."

[neopanther]

Xyruth huffed a little at Tremaith’s distracted response. So, he duly conveyed the message from Deoneth’s Ez’ki gradually explained.
Just the way the brown was looking over at Deoneth is all, besides he strikes me as a little over-eager.
The blue conveyed that back to Deoneth, so she could to her bonded. Then added, Yes, yes, I am, I do wish I didn’t have to sit here and listen to this blather... its only really relevant for Yours and the bronze‘s bondeds. The blue huffed again, terribly impatient at this entire situation.

Ez glanced towards Z’dayi, who seemed to be inquiring after his and Sassie’s status. Ez smiled, winking, indicating that once more all was well, but that cheek present almost asked whether Z’dayi expected anything else.

But then over his thoughts and general distraction came a comment from J’fel that wasn’t really related to what was going on at present. Ez perked up a little, realising this was the effort off the Weyrleader to gently chastise him. Ez smiled, cocky as ever. Shame certainly wasn’t something Ez’ki was at all aware of, shown by his response,
“Don’t worry about it, Sir.” His tone indicated that he certainly hadn’t, but the Weyrleader could be forgiven for his lapse. The last part was added almost mockingly – almost, because you could tell Ez’ki meant it so, but he just had this charm and delivery that made it... not. The statement also conveyed that he was really uncaring about the jibe made at him, primarily. Like water rfrom a ducks back one might say.
Ez’ki spoke silently with Xyr for a moment, Perhaps you should stop distracting them as well...
Why would I do that? Z’dayi is obviously not interested... despite being a bronze rider, but then he’s older than J’fel, and it must seem like hell having to take lessons of someone about three turns younger than you, I know I’d not listen to a word a sixteen turn old would say to me, significant or not.
Perhaps, but you would listen to me, and I’m nineteen turns less than you!
Yes! But thats different, Dragons are intimately linked, but fortunately neither I, nor Z’dayi are in such a ‘relationship’ with J’fel The blue mentally laughed,
Still, it would be best if we didn’t anger the Weyrleader...
Yes, yes I know, I don’t intend to. I do however plan on making my dislike of him quite apparent.[/i] Ez’ki finished.

Xyruth looked over those about him. Why did this have to be so very boring? He relayed that feeling to his bonded.
Why indeed? Perhaps it should be something we ask J’fel.
Shards no! We’ll be slaughtered in our sleep mine! And I want to live to be oiled again tomorrow! The blue had taken a great liking to his oiling time, Ez’ki smirked, laughing lightly.
Ez leaned slightly towards Sassie, “I could think of a dozen things or more I’d like to be doing than sitting here wasting my time listening to the Weyrleader question us if we have any questions.” He smirked, eyes not wavering from the Weyrleader’s shorter stature.

[anhydrous]

I’dalyn’s laughter at J’fel’s comment broke suddenly, and he waved a hand at Ez’ki to catch his attention. He could appreciate the stones on this boy, but now was not the time for the weyrling to flaunt his prowess. “Hey you!” he said in a lull of activity following the outburst, his eyes rolling lazily over Ez’ki’s smug little form. “Shut up.” The order was laced with a note of seriousness that really shouldn’t be ignored.

“I really don’t feel like chastising you every time you have something ‘witty’ to say, so keep it to yourself and I won’t be forced to.” He frowned at the stubborn glint in the bluerider’s eye, crossing his arms over his chest. “Besides, you probably need this lesson more than anyone else in this room. Keep your mouth closed.”

As Ez’ki continued to turn and talk to the little goldrider, I’dalyn drummed his fingers on his forearm. Seriously? If these younglings found the rank spiel boring, it’s doubtful that they’d find etiquette much more exciting. However, once they had been informed on the ins and outs of respect around here, they could be punished for their insubordination. I’dalyn shook his head. Smarting off to the Weyrleader, of all people.

Raising his voice once more so that Ez’ki might hear it, I’dalyn attempted to coerce his feisty charge into silence. “Daisulyth will be more than happy to keep Xyruth company while you are shoveling out the muck pile by yourself tonight.”

“Shut up,” he annunciated all too clearly, picking past each sound delicately. He wished there was a way to earn their respect without breaking their spirits. His father’s path was the last one he wanted to walk down, but the weyrlings needed to understand the way of things.

[neopanther]

In all truth, Ez’ki actually did hold a portion of respect for the weyrlingmaster, it was just a sad fact that he didn’t for J’fel. There was little he could say in response to what I’dalyn had just said, and so he chose not to. He knew when he should keep his tongue, and he knew not was that time, much and all as he disapproved. Although, he kept his bravado, along with the general disdain for this whole event.

Ez’ki remained impartial from that moment on, he never claimed he knew it all, he knew a lot, but most of it was irrelevant to the Weyr. He knew it, but, this, ‘ranking’ talk was nothing to do with him, he was a blue rider, if he was lucky he’d get committed to a wing, and then on, he’d fulfil his duties, and that was all. There was nothing too spectacular about it. Ez could kiss ass with the best of them, but this. This just didn’t warrant it.

Ez’ki. Don’t worry... just do as Daisulyth’s says, it’s easier, and save your talk for outside of lessons.
That’s not the point here Xyr... it’s mainly the fact that I’m one of a minority who doesn’t need to be here. What am I mean to do, sit here and listen to something that just doesn’t apply to me?[/i] The weyrling asked in rhetoric. But that was a fault of his past, he had never had to do anything that didn’t overly suit him. And this didn’t. Thus, it was rather much a shock to the system.
Beside’s I’m not doing it for J’fel, I’m doing it for I’dalyn. He’s okay.
You just don’t like to conform. The blue added chirpily, Ez Smirked a little,
Perhaps...

[Invisible]

There was a lot going on and K’mar was trying to keep up with it all. J’fel was speaking and then I’dalyn was speaking. The other weyrlings had been speaking off and on and it was all K’mar could do to just leave it be. They were such idiots. No matter how dull things were you always acted like you couldn’t wait to learn everything being said. That is smart, K’mar. That is why we will do well. We are both smart. We will always appear to be perfect.[/color]

It was hard not to smirk when Ez’ki got called on his talking. K’mar knew that the bluerider was friends with the new weyrwoman. Likely he figured that would keep him out of trouble. Or at least guarantee him some place when they all graduated. But, she was only a junior weyrwoman and as likely to be sent off somewhere as all the rest. Especially if the Weyrleader continued to look at her. He’d heard rumors about it, that there was something going on. All rumors or mostly he figured it likely to be true. J’fel was that sort of guy.

He looked around again while everything was going on. Although he wanted to shake his head or call them idiots or any number of things he just remained silent. I know it seems as if we do nothing, K’mar, but we are doing something. We are learning. We are going to be better than them all. They will all come to us someday when they need something. Think of the power to come.[/color] And K’mar did, while continuing to keep an eye on everyone. Even if no one returned the favor. Him and Volsteath blended into the background. Someday that would definitely work to their benefit.

[Selvagem]

H'tio, Jh'na and Th'dis
The three weyrlings had, by odd chance, found themselves sitting almost in a group near the centre of the gathered weyrlings. Part of it had been H'tio's desire to be inconspicious, and Mirabeth's willingness to accompany Runimeth; the other part had to do with Guiyath's desire to be nearer the front, a desire that had been somewhat curtailed by his weyrling's usual tendency to finish later with his bath, and thus arrive a little later than most of the class as well. Not that H'tio and Jh'na had a problem with being near Th'dis, but then Guiyath exerted a rather...strong, influence on the dragonets nearer to him, whether he knew it or not. His presence was simply powerful, and even Mirabeth quieted under its heaviness.

They had remained quiet for most of the talk thus far, and neither felt like speaking at the moment. For H'tio and Jh'na, it was because they were relative newcomers to Weyr life, and much of what J'fel and the rest discussed was being heard by them with fresh perspectives. Neither had, after all, imagined that they would eventually end up dragonriders in a Weyr. Th'dis, for his part, had his opinions (most of them observations brought up by Guiyath), but as he was amongst the youngest in the class he found it prefereble to be silent and to listen, observing how the Weyrlingmaster dealt his justice, and how the Weyrleader conducted himself.

Th'dis, I will ask a question. He will know we are swift to learn.

Sure thing, my great bronze. Be sure I hear it too.

The bronze dragonet raised his head, eyes wide and whirling as he set gaze to J'fel. But it was Jordeth that he sent speech to, in keeping with the Weyrleader's earlier comments.

My greetings, bronze Jordeth. My Th'dis asks a question of the Weyrleader. He will ask if ambition can always be paired with hide colour, and are there not bronzeriders who are content not to go higher, and greenriders who desire above all to be powerful? Is it not true that rank does not always equate power in some circumstances? We would be grateful if you might convey thus to the Weyrleader.

It was, of course, not a question that Th'dis would have asked, and so directly. He had thought on it often enough, but had never dared to speak up. A small gasp escaped his lips, barely audible, though it was already too late. He watched the Weyrleader with cool gray eyes, unreadable, even as nerves beat softly in his head and at his throat.

[Omnia Munda]

J'fel winced inwardly to see the bluerider weyrling speak again - but it wasn't Ez'ki J'fel felt for. He took a moment while I'dalyn addressed the boy directly to examine his own feelings. The flush of shame and guilt that wrenched his gut to see what he was seeing had a source, and as the weyrlingmaster was handing out consequences for disobedience in the form of muck-shoveling, the young weyrleader realized why he felt as he did.

He was embarrassed for Salina.

The wince was external this time, a twitchy narrowing of eyes and grimace of pretty mouth. Maybe it can't wait until he's graduating, J'fel realized. Not going to be pretty.

He knew what would have to be done, but he wasn't sure he wanted to do it himself - and I'dalyn couldn't afford to do it, not with the weyrlings so far impressed with how fair and level-headed their 'master was. As the brownrider wound up his verbal slapping with a last 'shut up,' J'fel was deciding he'd ask Aderes about it - and turned his mind back to the topic of the lecture.

Just in time. Guiyath conveys a question,[/i] came Jordeth's bemused remark to his rider, just as Guiyath's own rider let out that little gasp and drew from some of his mates among the weyrlings some funny looks. As Jordeth recited the nature of the question to the young weyrleader, Th'dis received a funny look from J'fel as well: brows raised, one higher than the other; eyes deep but bright with amusement.

"Guiyath asks if there are bronzeriders ever who find themselves content not to climb the ranks and reach for power - to which I say of course. I might have been one myself had I been paired with a different bronze." J'fel let his grin crook in cocky fashion, a slipshod smirk. "So of course you'll see bronzeriders that remain wingriders all their lives, and it's just as well - there's usually not enough wings that every bronze could lead one!" He grinned even more.

"Guiyath also asked if it's so that rank doesn't always equate power in some cases, and of course he's right." J'fel let a shrug lift and fall across his shoulders, fluid with careless grace. "Sometimes a rank's given and the Weyrleaders really pull the strings. You'll see wingleaders who let their 'seconds do most of the planning, too. And I've heard about weyrwomen who let their headwoman do all of the work - there's hints about such things in the histories. But you can never quite lose the power that other people expect you to have - a kind of social expectation I guess. The knot bestows that whether you exercise it or not. That's true of all of us, even weyrlings - when you leave the Weyr, people will expect you to behave like a dragonman." He had a special grin for Ez'ki in particular on that note.

J'fel was satisfied with this response (much of it was lifted wholesale from the bronzerider-only lessons in politics and social ranking he'd paid such close attention to as a weyrling himself). But he had no intention of repeating Guiyath's other question; the omission would be his gift to one of his first clutch's bronzeriders, for J'fel was quite sure the boy - such a small boy! - had asked naïvely, in all innocence, and that Th'dis would be grateful not to have it as a stain on his record. All the same, that question required an answer - or it would come up again, and harm the child's reputation later rather than now.

So J'fel would volunteer the information. He lifted up his elbow onto the back of the chair and tipped his head, looking now thoughtful. "I guess it's the same as riders of greens or blues who might like to lead. We so much become what our dragons make us, and it's against the natural inclination of the smaller dragons to command, so an ambitious greenrider takes leadership in displaying the skills and dedication of a good wingrider. It takes talent to follow, just as much as to lead, and those riders who develop those talents become leaders of a kind by being an example and an inspiration to others."

Jordeth had a simpler answer for Guiyath alone: There is power to be had in who you know, who you befriend, and how you behave. Greens may exercise that as well as anyone.

Meanwhile J'fel was casting a patiently expectant look around the weyrlings gathered. "What else?"

[blueaid]

Still dozey, awake now and resigned to it (unhappily), Z'dayi fell into the role of onlooker rather than participant. It was for Tremaith to listen attentively, to watch the young Weyrleader with blind respect for rank. It would never occur to the dragonet to question the right to rule of one so young; it would never occur to his weyrling to care.

Perhaps as to appear involved, perhaps as to keep anyone from accusing him of falling asleep, perhaps because he really means the sentiment, Z'dayi let his murmur carry through the ranks. After hearing J'fel voice Guiyath's first question, he said in a low voice toward Th'dis, "Good question." As if his approval was benediction. The rest of Th'dis/Guiyath's questions fell on deaf ears for Z'dayi.

But Tremaith sent a wave of approval toward Guiyath. The wash of simple, fraternal respect for well-asked questions, job well done.

[neopanther]

Ez’ki listened, though it was a poor attempt as his own blue was constantly chattering about this that and the other, and it was hard to concentrate on the virtually useless words of J’fel, when he had his bond, in his mind dominating any thought process that went on under that perfectly groomed hair.

But a grin in his general direction caught Ez’ki off guard; confusion lapsed onto his features for a second.
What did he say?
What?
Yes, what did J’fel say, just then, that earned me that grin.
I ... think. Hold on. The blue sought out the thoughts of another, ((general NPC weyrling)) asked him a few questions, found his answers swiftly before returning them to his bond.

It would seem Jordeth’s spoke of how a bronzer might not be fit to lead, that he might delegate, and that a green who chose to lead, could do so through their actions, by setting and ‘example’, and by ‘inspiration’, but I think she said what J’fel was grinning at you about was that dragonmen should behave in a certain way when outside the Weyr.[/i]
Ez’ki huffed privately to himself. J’fel obviously didn’t know Ez’ki that well. His only experience of this Weyrleader or equal age was now and here. Where, in this instance, Ez’ki was selecting to be non-compliant. However, he could be incredibly charming, honestly forceful, and could play the ‘politics’ game rather well. But generally chose not to unless he seen a benefit in it.

But mine, power – in respect to privy knowledge - isn’t just something that comes, is it? Part of it is who you know, like we know about J’fel wanting to partner Deoneth’s, because we know hers.

Yes, you’re right there, Xyr. You friendships give you knowledge, and I think what the Weyrleader doesn’t seem to realise, is that knowledge, can give a greater power.[/i] He chanced a glance sideways at Sassie, he wove his fingers in with hers, smiled gently, though still looking forwards, not giving any indication to J’fel, or I’dalyn that this was occurring. Not that he would ever use the junior Weyrwoman to his own benefit, but he was tremendously glad sometimes she was his friend. Though, because of it, he was now on off terms with the Weyrleader, not the optimum position for a Weyrling to be, but, it wasn’t proving to be too much of a problem yet. Shame to, he and J’fel might have got on rather well.

Perhaps, now was time to turn on the ass kissing part of himself? Perhaps now he should start trying to make a vague effort to seem keen. He could actually do that, without breaking to much of a sweat. It shouldn’t be too difficult. He gave a mournful sideways look towards Z’dayi, almost grieving the loss of his intolerance, and the entry of this ‘keen’-ness. It was supposed to convey the fact that he still didn’t want this; he was just making the right noises. Like a dragon imitating a wherry. Trying to tell the young-uninterested Z'dayi that he hadn't taken their side, he was just going with the motions.

Ez’ki sat upright, feigning attentively, he knew Sassie would probably be happier that he was making some sort of an effort in this.
“Sir,” He enunciated clearly, giving the word respect that he didn’t feel was due “I mean no offence, but that last statement was like a trophy given to the losers of a game, a token effort as it were. Lead by example.” Ez’ki shrugged, “not that anyone who succeeded to impress should think that their bond is lesser than any other. However, I would ask, you spoke of expectations. I may be ignorant because of my hold-birth. But, what are those expectations then sir?” He looked on, apparently attentive towards the answer.
Mine, you are showing an interest?
Only so far as it will get me, he wants compliance, and I’ll get nowhere without it.

But, your mind tells me that you do not care what the answer to this question is.
That’s correct
Then why ask it?
Power, I guess.
How so?
By asking it gives J’fel the idea that I am actually interested in this, if he takes this assumption on board, then that is to his own detriment, it is not my fault that I can act rather well.[/i] Ez’ki’s mind gave over a subtle sense of satisfaction. He could cheat rather well.

It was a trait that came of being the son of a rich tradesman, even if he wasn’t due to take over the business, Ez’ki knew where to make the right connections. Then he added a mild justfication for this movement of allegances.
Besides, I’dalyn’s rather worth it. The blue sent a vague noise of amusement in His’ general direction,
That sounds odd my one. The blue gave over amusedly, conveying over a feeling similar for what Ez’ki felt for Sassie, but not as placid.
Not like that Xyr. I mean, there’s something about him that I wouldn’t want to overly disappoint. Maybe... I don’t know why, I just actually feel a small amount loyal to him well that was a first.
I think that is respect The blue chimed, trying to explain to his bonded. Ez’ki gave a vague noise of consent, begrudging perhaps. But acceptance nonetheless.