Fort Weyr - Weyrleader's 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.
The world is calm and quiet with morning just beginning to creep in as the sun rises over the horizon. It promises to be another cold start to the day, but with the skies free of clouds there will be warmth at least in the later hours. Foregoing the usual pre-dawn ritual, Th'ero has instead spent those hours comfortable and warm beneath the covers and likely curled around Kimmila with her wrapped in his arms. Velokraeth will be awake and alert long before his rider and it's the pale bronze who bespeaks Nagmiath and relays the wishes of his rider to be passed on to Gr'ant. Only when the meeting is agreed upon does Velokraeth nudge Th'ero from his dreams and inside the Weyr he will stir, grumbling in faint protest before stretching out. Waking Kimmila up may be a tricker thing, though Th'ero knows well what to offer as bribes to coax her and dressing hastily, shivering and swearing at the cold, he will brew some fresh klah and fix them both a small breakfast of bread, cheese and fruit. Then it's off to the offices, where Th'ero sets a small fire and begins to organize a few things before taking his seat and handing Kimmila some blank sheets and a writing tool. Note taking? "He'll be here shortly. Nagmiath informed Velokraeth that they had some business to attend to first but he is on his way now." he murmurs and tries not to look too grim or tense. "You sure you're alright being here?" It's spoken softly, but Th'ero knows there may be a name dropped and some touchy issues arising if there is any truth to the rumours.
Kimmila is coaxed and eased into wakeful alertness, and she goes - if not willingly - at least comfortably. She said she'd help after all, and she keeps those promises. So she eats and drinks and pours herself a second cup for the walk to the offices, settling down with the papers and writing tools. "Alright," she says, giving him an encouraging smile. "I'm sure I'm alright being here, Th'ero," she says, her voice gentle but the tone beneath it firm. She stands (sits) by him always.
Th'ero nods his head and takes a steadying breath, tense where he sits but not so overly stressed that this meeting runs the risk of dissolving even before it begins. "Thank you, Kimmila." he whispers gruffly, reaching over to gently clasp his hand on her arm and squeeze just as the sound of heavy boots approaching can be heard through the door. Straightening and facing forwards, Th'ero slips into his reserved and calm mask as Weyrleader just as Gr'ant knocks and then steps into the room. The Wingleader is tall and broad in the shoulders, a man fit even though he's passing through the prime of his life. Still muscular, he has only just begun to go to seed with a bit of added weight to his stomach. His hair has begun to grey along the temples and he keeps it traditionally cropped short, which suits his strong-lined features. While his pale eyes may unnerve a few, they at least reflect his good nature for the bronze rider is known to be a good man, fair and reasonable. It's no surprise at all that he claimed the rank of Wingleader. It suited and still suits him perfectly.
"Velokraeth informed Nagmiath that you wished to see me, Sir?" Gr'ant salutes crisply and then offers a respectful nod to the one seated next to him. "Morning, Wingrider Kimmila. How is Varmiroth of late? Healing?" He will then take his seat as Th'ero gestures for him to do, the Roc Wingleader looking comfortable though he is glancing between the Weyrleader and Kimmila in a puzzled and uncertain way. Is he in trouble? Th'ero is silent for a few moments, frowning as he struggles with a way to start and at last chooses to be blunt with it. No sense beating around the bush. "I won't keep you long from your duties, Wingleader. I would just like to clear up some… rumours I've heard of late. One's speaking of your possible stepping down from your position? Is this true?"
Kimmila smiles, nodding her head in polite greeting to the Wingleader. "Sir. He's healing, thank you for asking." Then she's quiet, because this isn't her meeting. Not yet anyway, as she jots down the time and place of this meeting, who is present, getting her notes ready.
Oh, it will be her meeting in good time. Just as soon as a certain name is dropped. For now though the pleasantries are exchanged and Gr'ant offers Kimmila a bright smile for her answer. "Good! Always was of the opinion that blue's are tough." Which may explain why his Wing has such a large percentage of them and greens, balanced then with a few browns and fewer bronzes. He is surprised though by Th'ero's forward question and he frowns as he meets the Weyrleaders gaze, pale eyes to dark and for a moment his jaw clenches and the atmosphere in the room changes. Will it be a battle of the wills? Not this time, as Gr'ant sighs and swears. "Damn Weyr gossip. Yes, Sir, it was my intention to step down as Wingleader but only when I had affairs set and arranged. I know—" He lifts his voice and holds a hand up to ward off Th'ero's protest, as the Weyrleader had begun to speak but promptly goes silent again, glancing up to Kimmila as he does. "…I'm still 'young' as far as a rider goes but I feel as though the time is right. Nagmiath and I have been Wingleader for turns now. It would nice to spend the last few Turns we have, still able-bodied, as Wingriders. Perhaps not of Roc, but we will help where it is needed." Can't fault the logic in that?
Kimmila nods her head as she takes her notes, glancing up from time to time so she's still a part of the meeting and not a faceless note taker. She nods, murmuring softly, "Makes sense…" Then she glances at Th'ero, and then to Gr'ant. "Who were you considering for your replacement?"
Th'ero also nods his head and though his mouth has drawn into a grim line, the Weyrleader isn't exactly throwing a fit over Gr'ant's decision. Not when the Wingleader has stated his claim so reasonably. How could he force the bronzerider to keep his position? "Makes perfect sense." he agrees, though he levels Gr'ant with a look. "You could have still come to us though, even if it never came to be? Instead it took rumors to be overheard." he points out, only to glance sharply at Kimmila when she asks the Wingleader of his possible replacement. This is what Th'ero is dreading, given what she told him she overheard from dissatisfied Roc Wingriders in the Gemstone the night before.
Gr'ant shakes his head and shrugs his shoulders helplessly. "It wasn't my intention, Sir? I was certain I kept the issue quiet enough, but you know how the Weyrs are. Rumors and gossip spread whether you like it to or not." Turning to Kimmila, the Wingleader simply smiles though his eyes look a touch uneasy. "Well… this is where I've not yet made my decision. I've had many good Wingriders over the Turns and I've considered several prospects. But there's this one rider who may be the one I choose." Pause. Wait for it… "X'on, green Jiveth's rider."
Kimmila shakes her head with a deep frown. "No," she says. As if Gr'ant were asking her permission to promote X'on. Glancing up at the Wingleader she frowns, and looks at Th'ero again.
That simple word draws the attention of both bronzeriders, though they share different reactions. Th'ero is frowning heavily, displeased by the confirmation of what he dreaded and concerned for Kimmila and all that may be discussed. Gr'ant just looks confused and a touch irritated by the bluerider's bluntness. "Why not?" The Wingleader asks, drawing his pale eyes away from Kimmila to fix Th'ero with his unsettling stare that has gone from warm to cool. "He's proven himself to be dedicated enough to the Wing. He's a good worker and has come a long way with his behaviour and temper. I know of that ti— his reputation." he hastily amends when Th'ero's expression darkens to a scowl and an apologetic look darted to Kimmila. "And believe me it was difficult to overlook that but he's improved. Whatever his punishment was it seemed to knock sense into him." He appears to speak sincerely, though the Weyrleader is silent and brooding. There is so much left unsaid and uncertain and it does not explain why there were Roc Wingriders whispering in the Gemstone Taverns.
Kimmila shakes her head again. "He tried to rape me, Gr'ant," she says flatly. "I would never give anyone with that mark on their history an entire wing. And does Roc approve? Do they stand behind their new potential wingleader?" Clearly not.
Th'ero doesn't even so much as flinch or wince when Kimmila lays out the truth though his features have darkened considerably as those old memories resurface again. Hidden beneath the desk, he will reach out to place a hand against her leg, fingers curling as he grips just above her knee. Reassurance and comfort but hard to tell if it's for her or for him. "I have to be of agreement with Kimmila here. X'on's behaviour now does not wash away the fact that he committed a grievous and horrendous act, regardless if it was post-flight. It's inexcusable and he was lucky he did not face heavier and more humiliating and lasting punishments." Because being beat up by one enraged Weyrleader and temporarily exiled wasn't enough, apparently. "There has to be someone else. What of your Wingsecond? Or some of the other middle age riders?"
Gr'ant did flinch and wince at the blunt truth, his eyes sliding away as if unable to cope with such an idea that a rider would do that to a fellow rider. "I see your reasoning. What if he has repented? And shown considerable improvement? Jiveth has risen many, many times since and was caught by dragons who's riders were fellow Wingmates. They've never approached me and I've never seen signs…" Of that. Not going there. Gr'ant stiffens then, pale eyes flashing as Kimmila calls his Wingriders into question. "They do! He'd not even BE among my choices if I feared it would unsettle the balance. None have shown an adverse disapproval to X'on though they know of his… past. Why? Has there been talk of this too?" Now his eyes narrow as he glances between Th'ero and Kimmila. Tell him!
Kimmila glances at Th'ero again, then back to Gr'ant. "Nothing confirmed," she finally says, setting the stylus down. "But I did hear several of your riders in the Gemstone talking, and they did not sound pleased. So…perhaps things aren't as good as you think?"
Th'ero nods his head in silent approval and reassurance to Kimmila when she glances to him, lending her his support even though he keeps quiet while she speaks and his hand remains against her leg in constant contact but unseen from the otherside. Discreet and hidden. Gr'ant focuses on her, pale eyes cool but troubled as he absorbs what she tells him. Clearly it wasn't entirely unexpected, as the Wingleader's reaction is… calm. Tense, but calm. "You wouldn't have happened to overhear their names?" he asks crisply and while he pins her with his eyes, Th'ero will look up at Kimmila curiously as well. Will she single out those riders? She would know V'dres and Berra by name as both were mentioned. H'lanin and M'go would be unknown save for the colour they ride. Given how sweet and friendly both blue riders were to her… will she give Gr'ant their names? Or lie?
Kimmila shakes her head. "I'm not going to speak for them." So she'll do neither. Neither lie nor give their names. Of course she knows them. She's been in Fort long enough to know just about everyone. "But I will tell you that not everyone approves of this apointment. I'm not sure if it's jealousy on their part - if they think they should have been considered - or if it's genuine - but there is disconcent in your ranks and you should know."
Th'ero only turns his gaze away from Kimmila to watch Gr'ant, though inwardly he is very pleased with her handling of it. Something he will reflect on later and be certain she knows. Not now though, not with the Wingleader present and looking displeased at being shut out of information he's certain the blue rider knows. "So be it, that is your choice." he tells her, not pressuring her further though his mouth quirks up in a twisted smile for the rest. "I do know. They've been discontent for some time now, before it was leaked that I was considering stepping down. I wouldn't be surprised if they were behind the rumour spreading. They never do enough to unbalance the Wing or require that I step in. But perhaps I should have a chat with them. With ALL of my Wing then." Gr'ant falls silent then, scratching his hand along the underside of his jaw as he mulls over some thought. "It's unsettling though." he admits. "And I know this is unconventional perhaps but… with your permission Sir, may I have the Wingrider's cast a silent vote? Obviously the decision remains to me and ultimately yourself. But that may… ease this issue?" Would it work?
Kimmila arches a brow, both surprised and pleased at Gr'ant's suggestion. Kimmila looks to the Weyrleader though, since that is /his/ call, and not hers. She can't make that decision though she seems to like the idea.
And this is why Gr'ant makes such a good Wingleader and Th'ero is so conflicted over having to see the man step down. He won't bully the bronze rider into staying though, if his mind is so set on semi-retirement. Catching the look Kimmila gives him, the Weyrleader focuses his thoughts and with a slow inhale of breath to settle his mind he nods his head. "That would be a just and fair way to do it, Gr'ant. A bit outside of the traditional methods but… we all know that sometimes tradition needs to bend a little. Just be certain that in the end it still falls to our decision and if the numbers draw a tie, we will cast a revote between the two. That is reasonable enough?" he murmurs and there is a look of relief from Gr'ant as he dips his head in agreement. "So it's settled then?" he asks, glancing again between Th'ero and Kimmila. "It's settled." Th'ero confirms.
Kimmila bends her head to catch up on her notes, dutifully recording everything she said as well as everything the bronzeriders said. She is silent then, as she writes, wanting to make sure she doesn't miss anything. Though her nod might suggest she agrees with Th'ero's suggestions as well.
Gr'ant will push to his feet and so will Th'ero, the two of them exchanging a clasp to the shoulder in the usual rider fashion of good will. "Thank you for your time, Gr'ant. Keep us informed, if you will?" Th'ero murmurs while Gr'ant fastens his jacket and dons a pair of thin gloves. "Will do, Sir. Probably give them a sevenday or so and I will let you know of the results. " The Roc Wingleader then glances to Kimmila and despite her focus on her writing he gives his regards to her as well. "Thank you for your honesty, Wingrider. May Varmiroth heal swiftly! Clear skies." The last is said to both before he is slipping through the door with Th'ero politely seeing him out. When the door clicks shut, there is the soft metallic sound of him… locking it? Without a word, he is quietly moving back towards the desk and right to Kimmila's side.