Difference between revisions of "Logs:A Minute"

Weyrleader Complex, High Reaches Weyr

Only about a man's height from the ground, this low ledge is wide and flat, reached by a set of timeworn steps that hug the cliff face. As the ledge stretches back away from the head of the stairs, it simultaneously broadens out over the bowl and tunnels into the mountain to become a sort of antechamber, from which a passageway winds back to the Weyrwoman's weyr, the council room, the records room and the hatching sands. A small round table is set in a shallow alcove here, surrounded by four chairs that provide a waiting area for those seeking one of the weyrleaders.

Another short flight of stairs leads upward from the tapering end of the ledge to the Weyrleader's quarters, while others lead to the further recessed junior queens' weyrs. While it's hard to get a good look at the lake from here, the view does encompass the majority of the bowl and the comings and goings across its span.

The steam rising from Azaylia's cup is thick, proving that just because the sun is out it's not a warm day. The Acting Weyrwoman is tucked in the alcove, has been since the wing meeting began, looking pensive. Can she hear what they're saying? Probably not. Not unless there's shouting so... perhaps she's caught bits and pieces? Her stylus taps against the hide in front of her, a rapid rhythm that doesn't quite match the pensive ease of her face. One elbow is propped on the table, chin set firmly in her palm as she continues to sit and think.

It's after the meeting, after most of the wingleaders have cleared out, that a senior weyrling emerges from the council chamber. Telavi's professionally attired, hair just so where her braids peek out beneath her plum-colored hat, her leathers smooth and soft after a good buffing, her blouse collar barely visible at her throat; the bag she's so often seen with must hold her note-taking materials. When she makes her way to the alcove, when she spots Azaylia musing there, it's with a touch of a smile rather than anything like surprise. She waits a moment, then, "Ma'am? Would you have a minute, please?"

Eventually, those leaving the council room have to pass by the alcove. When they do, Azaylia's eyes regain their focus and watch each rider with that same thoughtfully bland expression. There's occasionally a smile returned, a quick flash of an afterthought that might not even be seen by the other rider. Telavi's caught in the remnants of such a smile, the weyrwoman able to hold on to it as the senior weyrling approaches. "Telavi." Not quite relief, but pleasantly surprised. Of all the riders to approach her after a meeting... "Of course. Would you like some klah?" She's prepared, a mug placed upside down on a small dish, unused and waiting.

At that, Telavi's smile makes itself more fully at home upon her lips, and she takes that as an invitation to sit. "Thank you. Not that I've been talking," to have a dry mouth, "but it sounds so nice and warm." And hospitable. The weyrling's glance momentarily pauses on a taller man who's among the last to leave, but then she's even more fully focused on the Acting Weyrwoman. "It's a work question that I have, of course, but I hope your day is going well."

Azaylia is quick but careful about flipping that cup over even as the other firmly grasps the klah pot, "It is. I don't know if I can stay out for too long," She's dressed for it, her cloak still draped over her shoulders as she sits, "But it's like drinking something cold on a hot day. Only, backwards." While she pours Telavi a mug, her gaze flicks up to watch the tall man as well, then back down to her task. "It is so far." Simple acknowledgment that it could change, but nothing bitter tainting her gentle voice. "I'll try to answer as best as I can." She offers, along with pushing the warm drink closer to the weyrling.

Backwards gets one of Telavi's dimples showing. Before she even draws the cup to her, she murmurs, "Thank you," her eyes bright on Azaylia and not nearly as chilled as the fingertips that then emerge from one cuff of her coat-sleeve. "This is about Tillek. My clutchmate Quielle, who's with child by Lady Tillek's cousin," not that she calls N'gan her clutchmate here and now, "I was instructed to report to Lady Tillek about the progress of her pregnancy, to ensure that the Lady was aware of Quielle's health," as a person, possibly, not just a broodmare. "Now that you're Acting Weyrwoman, is this something you'd like me to continue?"

It only takes the mention of Tillek before Azaylia's eyes are locked on Telavi, though she doesn't interrupt. There's concentration, but not as intense as her listening, idly chewing her lower lip as she considers Telavi's question. Her voice doesn't convey that same strain, a soft murmur, "I know it might be... hard to tell." Speaking from experience, "But did Lady Edeline actually seem to, uhm, care? Was it only about Quielle? Or were you keeping the Lady informed about everything?" Surely there are papers or records with the answer, but it could be that Azaylia hasn't gotten to them yet.

If there are papers or records that hold information beyond what's in Aishani's head, that's beyond Telavi's need-to-know. She's that much calmer for the way Azaylia looks at her, settled into her seat as though there were a curve of glass protecting them from everyone without and certainly from the cold. "Lady Tillek was a gracious hostess, of course," but can Azaylia hear the slight wryness Telavi might like her to hear in her words? "and I can only guess as to such a great lady's thoughts." Her dimples stay put, out of sight, but the curve of her mouth hints at where they could still emerge. "So now that we have that said, I'll try to speak plainly, and guess, but please don't quote me, Weyrwoman Azaylia. Does she care? For her cousin, I think so. For the girl he got into trouble, and their child? Maybe she sees them as people more, now, I don't know. I did not inform the Lady about everything. But... it does seem to be a convenient way to pass along mentions, here and there, one direction or another, that a woman might like to more informally hear."

Azaylia's smile is somewhat strained at the mention of Edeline's usual hospitality, "Of course." She encourages Telavi to speak plainly with a soft nod and a grateful, "Please." More of that hard listening, reaching though not really seeing the mug of klah she brings to her lips. "Lady Edeline pushed for open communication. Why not tell her a little more? Not just about Quielle and the baby, but she might appreciate hearing things that she'll hear anyway? Just, a bit more quickly." A gesture of good will, or so one might hope. "Not everything." She borrows Telavi's inflection, leaning forward to catch the senior weyrling with her soft gaze, "That is, if you still want to?" There's concern, as well as uncertainty, "I could find someone else, if it's become too uncomfortable? I wouldn't blame you." She really wouldn't.

As Azaylia talks, Telavi warms herself from the inside out, with the klah and with listening. "I do want to," she says then, simply. "I want to help. And Quielle is my friend." Finally her dimples show. "Not to mention, I get to see the lovely clothes, and her snacks before I'm shown in? They're really tasty." If they're meant to underscore just what Tillek can provide if it likes, well, Telavi still won't turn that down. "I would appreciate guidance about what to pass along, that's all. From you? Or from one of my weyrlingmasters if you'd rather, I'd hate to speak more than you see fit." She might say that she's just a weyrling, she wouldn't know anything private... but given those wing meetings, especially, she knows a little too much.

With a sigh of relief, "Oh, good. You're braver than I am." A tease aimed at Azaylia herself, relaxing back in her seat. "Things like Aishani's resignation, but maybe not all of the... details." Not particular gruesome, this time, but not pleasant. "You're always welcome to ask me, or Solith speak to Hraedhyth. And your weyrlingmasters probably have a lot of good advice. I trust them." There's plenty of guidance for Telavi to seek out, the Acting Weyrwoman refusing to leave the greenrider unprepared. "An example would be... when I choose the next Acting Weyrleader. You can tell the Lady yourself, along with your usual updates on Quielle." Satisfied, she gives a gentle nod.

It's a tease for which Tela's smile lingers past her sip. "If only she didn't know of that already," she says with a sigh, one that's followed by a nod for the weyrlingmasters and trust. "At least it makes for a memorable example. If you care to tell me when you see fit to announce your own decision... or if it's so public that I can't miss it! ...I can fly over that day, even, or the next if you'd rather it not be quite so sudden." She samples her klah again, and she doesn't question Azaylia about whom and when that might be, not even with her eyes. They're a touch softer, now, and her voice as well. "I hope it helps. It's easier to think so, at least, sitting here and sipping." Which doesn't mean she doesn't after a moment slide forward in her seat, slightly and politely, for when Azaylia should signal they're done.

Azaylia's answer is quick, pressured, "Soon." But not by Telavi, which has her trying again, voice soft and even, "Soon." Leaning back in her seat, she keeps posture in mind, hands folded on the table while looking to the senior weyrling. "The moment I make my final decision, you'll be the first to know. Or, Solith will." Said with a soft smile, at ease by the lack of demand she finds in the greenrider. "It's what we can manage, right now. Consider it an official duty of yours, even after weyrlinghood. If you'd like? You've done so well so far." Genuine praise is followed by a soft nod, a polite dismissal should Telavi wish it. "Thank you for coming to me with this. I really appreciate it." On that same relieved breath, "Have a lovely afternoon."