An Unexpected Offer

Writers: Estelle, Suzee
Date Posted: 4th August 2024

Characters: Cyradis, Alyena
Description: Cyradis offers Alyena an opportunity
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 1, day 8 of Turn 12

Cyradis

The Lower Caverns had just about returned to normal after Turn's End,
and was back into the routine of supporting the Wings - preparing meals,
cleaning, laundry, childcare, all of the usual duties of the support
staff that kept the Weyr running.

As exciting as the celebrations had been Alyena welcomed the return to
calm. This had been her second Turn's End at Dolphin Cove, but this
time, as one of the Headwoman's assistants, she'd been far busier than
last time: making sure they had all of the supplies they needed,
preparing accommodation for visitors, decorating the Dining Cavern,
arranging duty rotas so everyone got some time to enjoy themselves.
She'd learned a great deal from the Headwoman, an older lady who might
not have the energy to run about organizing things as Alyena did, but
more than made up for it in knowledge.

She'd just finishing talking to the head cook about fresh greens and
roots for the next few sevendays' meals, and looked down her list. The
next job was to see the harper about whether some of the older children
could be spared to help gather them, alongside the candidates - but
perhaps she could grab a mug of klah first.

"Alyena?" One of the candidates came running up to her, a younger girl
who'd been assigned to messenger duty. "I've been asked to say, you're
needed in the Headwoman's office."

Klah would have to wait. Alyena thanked the girl and headed over to the
office, but when she knocked and entered, she was surprised to see the
Weyrwoman there instead.

Cyradis smiled. "Please have a seat Alyena," she waved toward the
other chair. "How is your day going so far?"

"Very well, thank you, Weyrwoman." Alyena took a seat and smiled. "No
minor disasters so far. We've been planning the menu for the next
sevendays, if there's anything you'd particularly like?"

"I wouldn't mind one of your iced klah rolls for breakfast one of
these mornings.," she grinned.

"That can be arranged." That was a treat she enjoyed making. She'd
learned the recipe from one of the aunties at Emerald Falls, before the
family had to leave, and it hadn't been until she'd come to the Weyr
that she'd had access to all the ingredients again. She made a note.
"Extra klah bark - we don't want to deprive the dragonriders of their
favorite drink."

"Of course not," Cyradis smiled. "I find myself in a bind Alyena," she
said after a moment. "It seems the Headwoman needs to retire and I
must find her replacement. "

"Oh, that's sooner than I thought." Alyena's face fell. She knew the
Headwoman had come out of retirement as a temporary measure, but had
hoped she would stay in her post for a while longer. "I've enjoyed
working with her. Maybe she won't mind being asked for advice now and
then - if it wouldn't offend the next Headwoman, of course."

"I know," Cyradis nodded. She looked at Alyena and tilted her head.
This woman worked harder than just about anyone else in the Weyr and
yet she had no thoughts for her own importance to those around her.
"I would appreciate it if you would think about stepping up as my next
Headwoman. I think you have all the necessary skills and all reports
tell me you're very well liked."

"Me?" Alyena was so startled by the offer that she hardly knew what to
say. Only a little over a Turn ago, she'd come to the Weyr with nothing
more than the clothes on her back, her cothold a charred ruin. Now, to
be offered the responsibility of running the Lower Caverns for the
Weyrwoman - it was hard to believe.

"That would be a very great honor." It wouldn't be easy, she thought.
Some of the staff still thought of her as an outsider. Then there were
her children to think of... but something within her dared to believe
that she _could_ do it. "May I have a little time to think it over? My
daughter is deciding what to do when she leaves harper classes, and I
want to be there for her."

"Of course Alyena, but please as soon as you can. I must give her an
answer and have her replacement ready to step in once she retires.
She'll still be here with the old Uncles and Aunties just not taking
an active role." She chuckled. "I doubt you can avoid her advice
though."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Alyena replied, smiling. "I could speak to my
daughter tonight after her classes, and have an answer for you by the
morning, if that would be soon enough?" Her instinct told her she
already knew what it would be, but she wanted to give the promotion the
serious thought it deserved. And after all they'd been through, Evalya
deserved a say.

"That sounds good," Cyradis nodded. "How old is she now?"

"Eleven. She'll be twelve at the end of the summer." Her daughter was
growing up so fast, and Alyena knew that was a significant age; it was
when a child could become a Candidate.

"Ah," Cyradis smiled. "Great age. Before they become unreachable and
think you can't possibly understand them. And you can still hug them."

Alyena relaxed, her smile becoming more natural. The Weyrwoman's rank
could be intimidating, but it was easier when she remembered that
Cyradis was a mother, too. "I know. R'ayl is still willing to be hugged
as well, just about, so I'm enjoying it while I can."

"Good," Cyradis smiled. Her older children with N'lon were long out of
that stage and sometimes prickly. She hadn't seen R'nar in months and
Naradis... well she only hoped her new bond would help her adjust.
"You'll get back to me tomorrow then?"

Last updated on the August 11th 2024

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An Unexpected Offer