The Klah Still Flows

Writers: Eimi, Rochelle
Date Posted: 30th November 2009

Characters: R'syl, M'galec
Description: R'syl and M'galec debate the Weyrwoman's Standing policy while taking a break.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 5, day 27 of Turn 5

R'syl scrubbed a hand over her face before returning his gaze to the hidework in front of him. Why did it seem like he was always filling out reports? He knew he taught classes and dealt with the weyrlings directly, he had the memories to prove it. But it seemed as if whenever he had a chance to sit down and let the day really soak in, he was sitting in the same chair in his office working through endless piles of reports. Sometimes he wondered if he really did anything outside his office, or if his memories were merely the product of a rather desperate imagination...

He stood abruptly, dropping the pencil beside the central stack on his desk. Klah, he decided firmly. He needed klah desperately. And conversation with a live person, other than Usaeth. Otherwise he was going to go crazy before the night was out.

Tilting the jug, he confirmed his klah pot was empty, and went to knock on his 'Second's door.

M'galec looked up from his hidework, rather surprised. "Yes?"

R'syl leaned lightly on the door frame, silently signalling to the weyrlingmaster second that this was an informal visit as he held up his empty klah jug. "I need a break, and I'm out of klah." He said briskly. "Are you interested in either?"

The bronzerider sighed as he leaned back in his chair, looking at the jug wistfully. "Both, actually."

R'syl grinned. Aha. More klah and the possibility of a conversation partner. He was feeling saner already. "Why don't you join me then? I figured I'd stretch my legs for a few minutes and walk over to the dining hall for a refill."

M'galec wasn't expected in the infirmary that evening and had not known what he was going to do with himself. Taking a break now would at least mean that he could do hide work later. "I would love to join you. There is nothing here that I could not do later."

R'syl wasn't sure if he liked the idea of his 'second ignoring his need for sleep doing paper work, but right now he didn't want to argue. He wanted the company. "Come on then." He replied, pushing himself off the door frame and retreating back to the hall.

His fellow bronzerider dutifully followed him into the stone corridor. "R'sedel brought in two more candidates for the Hatching. And we received another transfer request from Dragonsfall. It seems we will have plenty on the Sands for this Hatching."

R'syl snorted derisively. "That, M'galec, is the least of my worries." He said dryly. "At least the transfer and Searched candidates are willing."

"You still do not approve of the Weyrwoman's new policy?" It was a rhetorical question. Of course M'galec knew how the Weyrlingmaster felt.

"I don't see the point. Think about it -of all the times we've seen Impression from the Stands, how often have the people been unwilling? There's a certain amount of responsibility and character required to stand willingly, and I suspect that the dragons look for that. And if that is one of the things they look for, why are we wasting the we should be spending training the weyrlings with unhappy lower caverns workers, and cluttering the Sands with people who have no interest in being there and will only project their ill will to the hatchlings?" R'syl caught himself before he continued any farther with his rant, and sighed, defeated.

"Sorry. But I don't believe she quite realizes what she's demanding, M'galec. And when I suggested appointing extra staff to help ease the load she accused me of slacking my duties." He finished stiffly.

"It used to be a usual requirement for all eligible youths to Stand," his Second pointed out. "It is not an unreasonable request without precedent."

"Yes, but that precedent was established at a time when there were suddenly an enormous amount of eggs on the sands and a very small weyr population that almost never did Search." R'syl pointed out. "The numbers were easy to handle. Now we have an inordinately large weyr population that is continuously growing, and with so many we're barely able to cover the classes, let alone be certain everyone is actually absorbing the material."

"That is true," M'galec conceded. He had been stretched thin himself trying to cover as many classes as he could while also keeping up with his infirmary duties. "But one must think of the Weyr. Having such a large pool to choose from should only ensure that the very best are chosen by the dragonettes."

"Perhaps, but if we're going to field that many candidates, she could at least supply the staff to deal with it. Or just increase Search, so that we can put more willing candidates on the Sands than unwilling ones who simply cause fights."

"We do need help," M'galec frowned thoughtfully. "Has the Weyrwoman indicated to you that this is a standing policy from now on? Or is it just for this first Hatching?"

"I was told that by the next time a queen rises we would have all the bumps worked out." R'syl said bitterly. "And 'next time' were her exact words. I'm not sure she cares about the chaos she's causing in the Lower Caverns and our classes."

"She is new to the position. Perhaps the power is going to her head." The bronzerider could not stand arrogant people.

"I think it is." R'syl agreed grimly. "But what's worse is that I understand she's been a Weyrwoman before, in the north, and she still refuses to listen to anyone who might disagree with her policy."

"Some people refuse to listen to criticism," M'galec sniffed, glad he was not one of _those_.

"Unfortunately, those are the ones who so often make it into power." R'syl said bitterly, shaking his head. Then he forced a smile, realizing they were almost to the dining hall. "But on the other hand, the klah still flows at all candlemarks, so at least we can find the energy to keep up with the mess."

"Yes. And a piece a fruit for a healthy burst of energy," the bronzerider suggested, never able to abandon his healer training for long.

"Better make it a plateful then." R'syl observed. "I'm hungry."

Last updated on the November 30th 2009

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The Klah Still Flows