Fort Weyr - Weyrleaders' Offices
Aged by time, this office has lived through the ages of Fort just as its counterparts have. But unlike the Weyrsecond and Junior Weyrwomen offices, this cavern is spacious and formed in a rough semicircle of three conjoined caves that were carved and modified Turns ago. The middle portion acts as a waiting room of sorts, holding only a few modest chairs and a simple tapestry to otherwise brighten up the plain stone walls. There are no windows here and the only light comes from well placed glow baskets.
To the right, the smaller of the two adjoining caverns has been set aside for the Weyrwoman, a large desk situated in the middle and a bookshelf pressed against the wall. A small hearth allows for some warmth in the colder months and another cabinet rests across the room to hold various supplies, as well as several books, reports and records. More tapestries have been hung there, lending some color to room.
On the left, the larger cavern belongs to the Weyrleader's office and the walls here are littered with a vast array of maps, as well as a tapestry hung behind where he would sit. The desk is large and the wood aged, looking old and a bit worn, but well tended too. Shelves and a bookshelf line one wall, crammed with rolled hides, other maps, books, reports and records and all arranged in an organized chaos. A small hearth has been built in here as well and various well placed glow baskets are hung to offer just the right amount of light in this windowless office.
Both offices have stout wooden doors that have been carefully worked into the stone. They can be closed and locked if privacy is needed but are often left open.


No doubt all the dragons on Pern know what happened by now, gossipy creatures. Still, Zeruth personally addressed both his sire and dam and told them he and his rider were coming home and a talk was likely in order. With the bronze back eating in the sunshine on his beloved new ledge, S'ai is trudging his way to the offices. He's got a clean set of riding leathers on along with his new knot and badge that he hasn't even gotten to use. Sighing, he raises up a hand and raps on the door to announce his arrival before stepping in.

Velokraeth knows and if he knows, he's just downright insufferable. He no doubt laments missing the chance to chase another Xanadian gold but is smugly pleased that it was a Fortian bronze who snared her. A second bronze sired by him to do such a feat! So of course he's all puffed up and pleased and likely to slyly try to wheedle information out of Zeruth. This is done, of course, after he sends the message on to his rider. So Th'ero is waiting in the offices, seated behind his desk and not alone either. At the knock on the door, he exhales softly before calling out: "Come in." Not that its ever locked.

Nyalle has come to Th'ero's office, sitting in a chair on the visitor's side of his desk, sipping from a tea cup. Kayeth, too, was smug and pleased that another weyr's queen found a Fortain bronze suitable even over those hatched at her own weyr, so of course, she is beyond pleased. She doesn't need details though, thanks.

Zeruth has nothing but good things to say of the young queen, pleased by her spirit and fire and utterly certain she will lay many strong eggs. He is quite pleased to have defeated many other males. Clearly his tactics and skills were the best. As for S'ai, he doesn't share nearly the puffed up assurance of his bronze, which is a surprising change in the young rider. "Weyrwoman, Weyrleader." He says with a salute to both. Upon closer inspection, he looks troubled, eyes darkened and a crease in his brow that just doesn't want to ease.

"Weyr—Wingirder S'ai, if I'm not mistaken? Abigail tapped you recently?" Th'ero stumbles a bit with the greeting, but it could be he's partially distracted by the troubled look the young bronzerider is carrying. He gives a sidelong look to Nyalle, a silent request for the Weyrwoman to speak up if she wishes to. "You wanted to speak to us? We've — heard the news of what happened in Xanadu." Congratulations? Somehow he isn't sure how well that would go over.

Nyalle sits up when S'ai enters, offering the young bronzerider a smile. "Please, come in and sit. Can I get you anything?" she asks as she stands, moving to the stocked sideboard. "We are very proud to have a Fortian sire for another one of Xanadu's clutches," she adds gently, wondering if he's worried they'll be mad.

"Oh, no thank you." Says the young rider to Nyalle before responding to Th'ero. "Yeah she did." S'ai says with a faint, slow gesturing wave of his hand. "Then Zer and I were ganna go see my parents, let them do their gushing thing, but then Zer got wind she was rising and detoured on me and. That." He takes a seat, rubbing at the back of his neck. "I'm Weyrborn, bred. I know this is totally normal and, I mean geeze, I /just/ graduated and Zeruth caught a gold?! I mean, that's pretty awesome. So far though you're the first two who haven't given me expressions like I can only guess trundlebugs see before a boot lands on 'em. I was never expecting that. I wasn't expecting any of this but certainly not feeling like we somehow ruined lives."

Th'ero smiles faintly for Nyalle's compliments and praise, no doubt sharing the same though he does not add to it. He's far from looking annoyed or even puzzled by S'ai's behaviour. There's a hint of concern but otherwise his expression is neutral, his tone level and calm as he leans back comfortably in his chair, hands resting in his lap. "Quite the detour," he mutters with another faint smirk and then clears his throat. "And it… happens sometimes that way. I was fresh out of Weyrlinghood myself and wound up Weyrleader here in Fort." Oh joy of joys? He frowns, head tilting a little and it takes him a moment to catch on to what S'ai is implying. "The goldrider was not ah—- how to put it… agreeable of the situation?" To put it lightly. "… who else has been giving you looks?"

Nyalle frowns at S'ai's account, quiet for a moment. "The strongest dragon wins the flight. That was clearly Zeruth. No one should begrudge you your win." She pauses. "Was Inri rude to you?"

"Not particularly." S'ai says to Th'ero with a weak shrug. "Though, rumor had it Innes is not agreeable to much but I was as polite as possible, we handled things peaceably. I don't see any trouble there. It's her right to feel how he will. Certainly no trouble with any of Xanadu's riders." He reassures them both before scrubbing a hand back through his hair, an apparent common tick of his. "I don't want to name names, I don't want to cause an uproar with someone I know means well in hi— their own way. I just need some advice, really. Same rumors also hold there is a weyrling in Monaco who is 'especially' close with Innes, who might be quite put out by this. It was strongly encouraged of me to have a chat with this guy and set things right, that I'd wronged him through this flight. I don't have a clue /why/ this is something to get bent out of shape over. However, that could bring up some unwanted issues. Namely, interrupting Monaco's weyrling class and I have no desire for this guy, if he really is up in arms, to go making a scene and cause some three-Weyr incident. I advised I'd speak to Innes first and if she wanted me to chat with him, fine, but… this just seems ridiculous to me. Honestly. I'm not out to ruin lives, this is just… not something that needs to be hanging over this clutch if it happens. I don't know how to approach this."

Th'ero listens politely, nodding his head a little as Nyalle asks her own questions but otherwise he remains silent through all of S'ai's explanation. Brows lift as there's mention of Monaco Bay and a possible jilted weyrling and the possibility of conflicts and drama. Sighing, the Weyrleader pinches the bridge of his nose and mutters, "This sounds a lot like something a certain rider I know would be saying…" What time is it? No matter. Th'ero is reaching into a deep drawer in his desk and pulling out a bottle of what looks suspiciously like whiskey. In fact, it's tipped invitingly to S'ai. Want some? Nyalle? No? "It is ridiculous." Th'ero states bluntly, giving the young bronzerider a level look and a grimace that is almost sympathetic. "And unfortunately you seem to be caught up in something that is not your fault in the slightest. This… weyrling… needs to speak to Innes and only Innes if he's feeling spurned. You are not the guilty party. Neither is Innes either. You were both just bound to the outcome of your dragons."

Nyalle looks downright startled by what S'ai is saying. She waves off the offer of whiskey, not even giving Th'ero a questionable look for it. "It /is/ ridiculous," she agrees. "A flight is a flight and it is not as if you had an affair with someone's weyrmate. He is a Weyrling, you are a bronzerider. Her queen chose your bronze. That's the end of it. No, I would not go speak with this Monaco rider. I wouldn't even speak to Innes about it. This is their concern, not yours."

S'ai gives the whiskey an appreciate look that widens at the Weyrleader's words. "/Thank you/. I trued explaining that every way I could think without luck to… sounds like you figured that out. Anyway, good. I was just too tired to argue it anymore at that point." To Nyalle he offers a nod of understanding. "I know a flight is a flight. This isn't some life commitment. I wouldn't even want to know how psychotic this planet would be if that was the case. I'm not out to ruin lives, I'm a nice guy! Sure I.. may be dumb sometimes but who isn't? Those were just two events I was not ready to tackle in tandem. You can't get woken up being assaulted by naked women with pillows then have someone lecture you when you're getting your thoughts in order, just ain't right." He slumps down in his chair, head thumping against it's back. "I can agree with this plan. It actually makes sense."

"Nyalle has the right of it. If this weyrling has feelings for Innes, she needs to speak with him and clearly he needs reminding of just how flights work." Th'ero continues to mutter even as he pours some of that whiskey into two glasses, handing one to S'ai and keeping the other to himself. "No, of course you're not out to ruin lives, S'ai! No one is, when it comes to flights. We don't have a choice, most often than not." There's a slight grimace again for the mention of being assaulted by pillows. Been there, experienced that… too many times. "If anything, S'ai, the… aftermath aside, you should be proud of Zeruth. He will be a clutch sire. Not all bronzes sire a clutch, after all." Taking a sip of the whiskey, his eyes meet S'ai's and his expression is that reserved neutral again but there is a firmness to his tone. "Who lectured you?" he asks. It's a request — this time. Next time? May be an order.

Nyalle sighs, glancing at Th'ero. She has an idea, but she'll let the bronzerider choose if he wants to answer the Weyrleader or not. "I agree fully with Th'ero. And yes, you are a nice guy, and it was a flight. I have no romantic feelings for Th'ero, despite the flights Velokraeth has won. And many greenriders maintain healthy relationships outside of flights. It sounds like this Weyrling does not know yet how flights work and is getting jealous over something that means nothing." Another nod, and a smile. "You should be very proud of Zeruth. Very. We are!"
S'ai clearly doesn't miss Th'ero's expressions as he takes the offered drink, taking a sip before letting out a breath. His mouth pulls into a thin line but he knows this isn't truly an option. "C'rus, he was there visiting Kera when it all happened and Kera, apparently, is a good friend of Innes. Hence the rumor from a friend of a friend. I was more annoyed than angry at him and I know he had a rough introduction to everything. I don't want him even more defensive over all this, I just have no clue how to help him make some peace with this." He holds the glass loosely in two hands as he leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "I'm proud of him, totally. I know not every bronze wins, especially not one as young as him, and after that accident I was… kinda worried he was hurt and might not be up to it. Proved me wrong. It'll be great to see from that side of the sands."

Th'ero tips his glass towards the Weyrwoman and gives a faint nod of his head. "And I've no romantic feelings to Nyalle. Not to make that seem insulting," he murmurs with a faint smirk to the goldrider. "And both Kimmila and I would exhaust ourselves if we challenged every single rider of the female our dragons caught." Never mind that Velokraeth chases and wins far more often than Varmiroth. "It's pointless. Granted, I can understand how some new riders may feel stung and jilted but again — that is NOT your concern S'ai. This Weyrling from Monaco Bay and Innes need to work out their issues together. When you return to Xanadu, you are expected to be cordial and polite as befitting rank to Innes but nothing further unless you both mutually agree upon it and this includes just friendships." Nothing more, nothing less. Th'ero sighs again and mutters something much like an oath under his breath as he looks again to Nyalle. "C'rus needs to mind his own business and I thought we had made that understood the last time we spoke. Only he can help himself, S'ai but he's been in some serious trouble before concerning these matters." Which, from the expression Th'ero wears, the bluerider is angling for another stern talking to.

Nyalle exhales softly, nodding. Seems the name is not a surprise to her either. "Like Th'ero said, S'ai, and like you already know, what happens between Innes and this apparent jealous Weyrling in Monaco is none of your concern. I see zero reason for you to go speak with this Weyrling. Non. It would be…it /could/ turn into a serious incident, because surely…almost every rider understands how flights work. This weyrling's education about flights isn't your concern. And it's not your responsibility to help C'rus find peace with flights. That's his responsibility." With another stern talk from Th'ero, apparently. Then she smiles. "It is an amazing feeling, being on the sands watching your dragon's eggs hatch and find their mates. You'll love it and hopefully this is but the first of many clutches your Zeruth sires."

"Still a friend, though he might decide otherwise now. I hate seeing him feeling beat down but this could get ugly." S'ai finishes the offered drink before placing the glass on the edge of the desk. "Thank you, though, for your advice. I may be the new guy but I don't want to put Fort in any bad light while I'm there. Granted, I'm more terrified of my mother than you both - no disrespect. I certainly don't want to put anymore stress on Innes, she'll have enough to be concerned with. I'll do just what I told her, be there as she and Xanadu need Zeruth and I to assist with the clutch. In the meantime, I'll do my duty here and do my best not to cause more trouble." This is finally said with his more customary, lopsided grin.

Th'ero drains the last of his whiskey and nods his head in agreement again with Nyalle, giving her an approving look for her words. To S'ai, however, his expression sobers and turns serious as he regards the bronzerider. "Friend though he may be, S'ai, C'rus has already allowed his emotions to cloud his better judgement when it comes to flights. For him, things already got ugly. It'd be… a Turn now at least? He threatened to harm the Weyrsecond of Xanadu at the time, a bluerider by the name of Kiena. It got him arrested and kicked out of Xanadu. Kiena happens to be my sister, though I only found out after he had Impressed Jaicoureth. I thought, perhaps, C'rus had overcome his issues but… apparently not if he's seeking to drag you down with his — twisted ideals. So no, S'ai. Distance yourself from this. Let C'rus wage his "battles" and bemoan the wrongdoing. Don't blame yourself either, but I will be speaking to him. I can't have him sparking an inter-Weyr disaster over this." He shakes his head, almost sadly and then seems glad to find a different topic of which to switch too. "And that is exactly as you should have done. No offence taken about your mother… but your offer to Innes was proper." Nyalle should be proud, right? The Weyrleader certainly looks it! There's a hint of a crooked smile. "See to it that you do try to stay out of any more trouble…"

Nyalle nods. "That is exactly what you should do, S'ai. I have no concerns about you representing Fort well in Xanadu." She smiles warmly at the young (not much younger than her, though!) bronzerider. "I'm sure you'll manage," she adds, with a soft laugh.

"Yah, that's what I'm worried about." S'ai says towards Th'ero, expressions sinking slightly. "I just hate to see him tore up like this but it can get worse. I feel for him, it gotta be hard, but he has to respect our choices as much as he asks us to respect his. I hope he hears you this time." He murmurs before his grin eases back. "I'll manage. It can't be /that/ terrifying, right?" There's a coughed bit of a laugh he stands. "I'll not keep you any longer but thanks for talking. Hopefully the rest of the news will all be good."

"I don't like seeing him so torn either, S'ai but he can only help himself at this point. We'll see, but don't let it concern you too much. Focus on your new Wing and the time you'll be spending in Xanadu. Perhaps their Search and Rescue Wing will be willing to take you on for a time? You could always ask the Xanadian Leaders," Th'ero suggests and then with a dry chuckle, he slowly pushes to his feet. "No, it's not terrifying at all. You'll see. And thank you, S'ai, for coming to talk to us. Door is always open," he says in a gentle reminder.

Nyalle shakes her head. "You can feel for him as a friend, but as a rider, it's not your concern." She also gets to her feet with a nod and a warm smile. "Yes, S'ai. Thank you. Any time."