Lightning Wing's Choice

Writers: Devin, Estelle, Halyonix
Date Posted: 6th November 2025

Characters: N'vanik, Tr'vel, M'trel, I'lek, Terella, Ochyra, D'stan, C'nal
Description: The results of the vote for the new Lightning Wing Wingleader are announced.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 9, day 19 of Turn 12

N'vanik

Tr'vel

N'vanik had chosen to meet with Lightning Wing in the Dining Cavern as it was easier to get to than the Council Chamber for those with issues getting around. Besides, with the Wing being so large, they would have packed the room. The Weyrleader waited while they slowly filed in.

Tr'vel came in with Ochyra, pushing her chair. "I'm a little worried," he muttered to the older greenrider. "What if it's C'nal?"

"Ah, it'll be all right. No one wants to have him frowning down on us in Wing meetings." Ochyra sounded unconcerned, perhaps suspiciously so. "People will have chosen wisely."

"As long as it isn't me. All that paperwork," D'stan said with a shudder as he took a seat at the table next to Terella, who'd arrived early and was comfortably settled with a mug of klah and her large, stripy-orange feline drowsing in her lap. "I'm nearly seventy. I've earned a peaceful retirement."

"You're seventy-two, darling," Terella reminded him, meeting his scowl with a benevolent smile.

"But in fantastic shape for his age." I'lek came bounding up and slid on the bench next to Tr'vel. "Isn't this exciting! I can't wait to find out who it is." He shared a conspiratorial glance with Ochyra.

"It better not be you," Tr'vel told I'lek. "You're too young, and this is a _serious_ responsibility."

"But I'm a very serious person," I'lek protested. "You'll see."

"Alright, everyone," the Weyrleader said over the chatter. "I'm curious to see who you picked. M'trel, hand me the result."

The brownrider had a small box in one hand and a piece of paper in the other. Votes in one, the results in the other. He stepped forward to hand the list over to N'vanik. His eyes met up with I'lek's for a brief, mirthful moment as well.

"Your next Wingleader is . . ." N'vanik frowned as he read the name, then he closed his eyes and sighed. "I should've known better than to let you clowns vote. Lord Grumpkins, really?"

Hearing his name, the striped feline in Terella's lap opened baleful yellowish-green eyes, then yawned ostentatiously, displaying his long, wickedly sharp teeth.

Terella glanced from the Weyrleader to M'trel in complete astonishment, and then, hearing a muffled squeak behind her, to the younger greenriders. I'lek's blue eyes were as clear and guileless as an infant's, but Ochyra's lips were pressed firmly together in a valiant attempt to suppress a giggle.

"Ah, Weyrleader, Wingthird - I suspect there may have been some irregularities in the election process," she said hastily. "Perhaps we should have a recount?"

C'nal crossed his arms and muttered, "Can none of you take anything seriously?"

Tr'vel was caught between dismay and amusement. Unwittingly, an image came to mind of the large feline snoozing on the Wingleader's desk, sprawled on a pile of hidework, and Tr'vel had to put a hand to his mouth to keep from laughing.

"Luckily," M'trel said, also trying not to chuckle, "I did keep all of the votes so if the Weyrleader would like to do a recount right now, we can." He offered the sheaf of votes to N'vanik.

The Weyrleader braced himself, but relaxed slightly when he saw the first scrap of paper had an actual human name on it. He quickly began sorting the votes into piles.

"It's too bad. I think his Lordship would have made a fine Wingleader," I'lek said solemnly. "He's calm in a crisis - positively somnolent, in fact - and he has an honorable record fighting the rodents and tunnelsnakes of the Weyr."

"We could have made him a little set of knots." Ochyra snickered.

Terella gave him a look. "Unfortunately, Lord Grumpkins is only nine. He's too young." She stroked the feline's neck, soothing him back into a doze.

"Perhaps the title of honorary Wingleader? Wingleader at large?" M'trel suggested with a snicker.

N'vanik paused in his sorting to give his Wingthird a look. Had he been in on this joke? "Weyrfeline," he muttered before turning back to the votes. One pile was conspicuously larger than the others, but N'vanik waited until each slip was laid on the table.

"Well," N'vanik said as he leaned back. "We have a clear winner." This, at least, was definitely not a joke, though he wasn't sure how the rider would take it. "Congratulations, Wingleader Tr'vel."

The bluerider blinked, thinking he must have heard wrong. "Me?"

"Tr'vel!" I'lek squealed and hurled himself at the bluerider for a hug. "Congratulations!" Around him, the other wingriders were clapping and cheering and stamping their feet, with D'stan in particular grinning in relief. "You're going to be the best Wingleader _ever_. Oh, can I be your Wingsecond? Please? Please?"

Tr'vel was dazed, staring off into the distance, but he still managed to say, "Absolutely not."

"Wingthird?" I'lek persisted, undeterred. "Personal assistant? Social secretary?"

"Are you bored, I'lek? Do I need to find you more work?" Tr'vel realized he was responsible for all of them now, that they trusted him enough for this. It wasn't nearly the same as leading in 'Fall, but he felt the weight of his new rank.

}:You will do fine,:{ Eboroth assured him. }:I have told the others and they are excited for us.:{

"I've got it!" Inspired, I'lek turned his head and eyed N'vanik and M'trel invitingly. "You can make me special liaison to the Fighting Wings. Responsible for communicating with the leadership."

"Maybe you let him absorb it for a moment before you start looking for a promotion," N'vanik said with amusement. "Although maybe you can carry messages to M'trel, since he seems to enjoy working with Lightning Wing so much."

"It would be my pleasure, sir," I'lek said, with a saucy wink for the Hurricane Wingthird. "Truly."

M'trel sputtered under the attention.

N'vanik caught Tr'vel's eye and a look passed between them. "I think that might be a good idea," Tr'vel said.

The Weyrleader rose and walked over to hand Tr'vel his new knots. "Well deserved." He smiled as he patted the bluerider's shoulder. Lightning Wing might be a ridiculous bunch, but they had made a good decision.

Last updated on the November 14th 2025

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Lightning Wing's Choice