Better That Way

Writers: AL, Devin
Date Posted: 16th January 2010

Characters: N'vanik, Ri'len
Description: N'vanik talks to Ri'len after drills.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 6, day 25 of Turn 5

N'vanik

Ri'len dismounted from his dragon and took his helmet off of his head. His hair had grown longer since he arrived at the Weyr. The rest of his hair was starting to tilt at the ends, giving signs that it would curl if it were to get any longer. The one that curled at his forehead was twisting more, giving him a roguish look. The hair wasn't long enough to stick out from his helmet though, so it wouldn't be an issue just yet. Still, he should probably get it cut. Maybe Sorsha could do it. The young man patted his dragon. Ri'len wondered if he would be so calm after his first Threadfall. Probably not. He glanced up as he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Ri'len straightened when he realised the Weyrleader was headed toward him. "Sir." He greeted politely.

"Ri'len, I wanted to talk to you. Nothing formal, just a chat," N'vanik said. "I try to spend a little time with all my wingriders."

"Yes sir." Ri'len stood at relaxed attention, his feet slightly apart, hands clasped behind him. He still stood straight and looked right at the Weyrleader. N'vanik stated he wanted to spend a little time with his wingriders, but Ri'len still couldn't help but wonder if he had done something to call his attention - something wrong. There
was no good in worrying though, so he simply waited for the Weyrleader to speak.

"So, how do you like the Wing so far?" N'vanik studied the young man's posture with a bit of amusement. So serious.

Ri'len glanced around. Was it a trick question or something? "It's good sir. The riders seem ready and eager and attentive. I'm honoured to be a part of your wing."

N'vanik smiled. "I'm glad to have you in it. T'kob gave you a good recommendation."

There was a hint of a smile at the compliment. "Thank you so. I hope I can live up to his and your expectations."

"And Monilath is well? And your weyrmate?" He remembered the young man had gotten married before he Impressed and wondered if it had been a reaction to weyr life. A retreat to holder tradition amid the 'immorality' of the weyr.

"Yes sir, they are both well. Sorsha is still recuperating from her broken arm, but the healers are happy with her progress." The Weyrleader was, at the very least, polite. Ri'len wondered how much interest he actually took in the lives of his riders. Surely he couldn't remember _all_ the details. Still, it was nice that he was at least asking. "She'll be in a wing in a month or two."

"Just so you know, she won't be in Hurricane. We like to keep weyrmates separate." He and T'kob had discussed that point.

"Yes sir, I know, she's in Tsunami." The smile he offered was wry. "On one hand, I'm disappointed. On the other, I think it's for the best. I'd probably be too distracted trying to watch out for her if she were near. Yes, a wise decision to separate us."

"Some traditions make sense, even to me." N'vanik smiled. "Besides, I couldn't take all the graduates."

"It's better this way." Even if he wished it could be otherwise, what Ri'len had said was true. It was probably a good thing she wasn't in a wing yet. He'd be worried about her. "When will we fly our first Threadfall?"

"The first day of month seven, unless I decide the new riders aren't ready yet," he said. "Not that I doubt you, I just want to be sure."

Shards, that was only four days away. "I think that is also a wise decision." The better prepared they were, the better they would fare in Threadfall. Ri'len did not wish to widow Sorsha. "I trust your experience and your judgment, sir."

"Don't trust it too much. If something feels wrong to you, or you think you might have a better way, let me know." N'vanik knew he had the last word, but he wanted the other riders to at least have a voice.

"I'll remember that sir." Another sign of a wise leader - willing to listen to others and take good advice. Of course, Ri'len couldn't fathom what sort of good advice he could offer, but he wouldn't feel hesitant to speak to N'vanik if he thought of anything.

"Is there anything you'd like to talk about? Concerns, or anything like that?"

"At the moment, I'm simply trying to find my place in this wing." And taking note of other riders, trying to catch on, though there wasn't much since T'kob had drilled them thoroughly before they were placed. Perhaps actually Threadfall would change Ri'len's outlook. "I'm sure I'll come up with some sooner or later."

"Alright. Well, I won't keep you any longer. You're dismissed, Ri'len. Have a good day." N'vanik had plenty of things still to deal with before he could relax.

"Yes sir. Thank you sir." Ril'en gave a bow from the waist, a habit that he wasn't quite able to shake. Then he turned to his dragon and patted the creature's hide. **Well, not long til we prove ourselves in battle.**

}:We will do well.:{ Ri'len smiled. He wasn't going to lie to himself - he was scared. At the same time, he was a lot more prepared than he had been when he had first set foot in the Weyr. Their first Threadfall would be best enough.

Last updated on the January 19th 2010

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Better That Way