A Thorny Problem

Writers: Suzee, Yvonne
Date Posted: 23rd August 2015

Characters: Cyradis, Alun
Description: A progress report.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 1, day 9 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: J'ackt, N'vanik

Cyradis

It wasn't often that Alun was summoned to the Weyrwoman's office, but
he knew the way none-the-less and was knocking on her door at
precisely the appointed time. "Weyrwoman," he said once he was
summoned inside. "It's a pleasure. Thanks for meeting with me."

"Of course," she smiled. "There is fresh klah on the sideboard. Please
help yourself."

"Thank you." Alun paused to pour himself a mug before coming to sit
across from the Weyrwoman at her desk. "So. J'ackt."

"Yes," she smiled. "Bit of a thorny problem? I thought you might be
able to reach him. He has solid skills or Zith would never have chosen
him. How is it going?"

"For sure he has solid skills as a dragonrider. His social skills need
work. And he doesn't like me much," Alun admitted ruefully. "But
that's not a surprise given the circumstances." He'd only been working
with the boy for a month, and trust took time to build when the
patient didn't want to be there in the first place.

"Now that you've had some time with him, do you think he'd continue
his sessions if I were to allow him sword practice again?" She hadn't
wanted to resort to that particular motivation but it had seemed the
only way to get J'ackt to comply.

"If he had any choice in the matter, he'd choose not to. That being
said, the boy needs an outlet." Alun paused. "J'ackt needs the
opportunity to _move_ more than most people do. We have our sessions
outside, walking back and forth from the lake because he has such a
hard time sitting still or concentrating indoors. I think I've lost
half an inch off my waist since he showed up!" The mindhealer patted
his gut comfortably.

Cyradis chuckled. She tapped her finger against her lips for a few
moments. "So what do you suggest? I want him in the wings as soon as
it's practical and we're sure he'll not be a danger to other
riders."

"Well..." Here Alun hesitated. He'd weighed this question in his mind
before he'd come but hadn't come to an entirely satisfactory answer.
"I don't believe that J'ackt would knowingly put another rider in
danger, however his impulse control still needs work. I'm teaching him
some techniques, breathing exercises and the like, as tools to help
him deal with anger and frustration. That, and I'm not convinced that
he'll follow _all_ orders in the heat of the moment. I feel that he's
likely to question or hesitate if they don't come directly from
someone he respects."

"Right," she nodded. Some of it she'd suspected on her own but it was
good to have it confirmed by the crafter. "Any suggestions?"

"My recommendation is that he is held back from graduating with the
others in his class." It was always a tough call to make, and one that
Alun knew J'ackt would likely take as a personal offence. But for the
good of the Weyr - and in the end, for J'ackt's own good - it was the
right decision. He was strong, and a fighter. He just needed to learn
control. "I'd also recommend that he begins to work with his future
Wingleader or Wingsecond in the mean time, and potentially begin to
drill with the Wing as well depending on how they feel about it.
J'ackt is at his best when he feels useful, valued and trusted, and it
will help if he can begin to build that relationship with his leaders
before he's in the sky fighting."

The weyrling leaders had said much the same thing about holding him
back but she'd held onto the hope the mindhealer would pull off
something incredible and bring him into the wings early. She nodded,
"Understood. I'll talk with N'vanik and see where we go from here."

"J'ackt is remarkably resilient overall. I'm very impressed that he's
adjusted as quickly and as well as he has to his change in
circumstances." The mindhealer hesitated. "He _is_ doing as well as
he's able. I think that _we_ also need to adjust our expectations a
bit. Much like some of our Holders take time to adjust to a completely
new environment, so does he. We see Weyrlife as better than
Holdlessness, but for him-- often it's just different, but with just
as many threats to navigate. He'll need our continued patience."

She nodded. "I'll be guided by what you think on the matter. But I
know Zith is straining against the restrictions Panitath has made and
that can't continue much longer. I agree that he's made great
strides." She shook her head. When she thought about some of the
things the kid had borne she didn't understand how he'd come through
it with enough fortitude and resilience to impress bronze.

Alun nodded. He could only truly see the human half of the pair. "I'll
keep you appraised of his progress."

"Thank you," she said. "We want the best for him."

Last updated on the September 1st 2015

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

A Thorny Problem