The Somewhat Encouraging Words of Friends

Writers: Devin, Vix
Date Posted: 5th November 2008

Characters: N'vanik, Z'kim
Description: Z'kim drops in on his friend to confirm the news of N'vanik's Weyrleadership.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 12, day 2 of Turn 4

N'vanik

Z'kim

"So, I guess you heard the news."

The greenrider shook his head, laughing lightly. "I heard it but didn't believe it. I had to come here to see for myself."

N'vanik smiled. "Want to come in and check out my new weyr?"

"Of course," Z'kim replied airily. "After all, we lowly greenriders have little opportunity to check out the top bronzerider's quarters. I want to see what I'm missing."

N'vanik stepped inside. "At the moment, a lot of boxes." The weyr was big enough that the stack of boxes didn't seem to take up a lot of space.

"Settling in will probably be the least of your problems," his friend told him. "I doubt that you'll be given much time to unpack and make your space cozy."

"Tal's helping me unpack. A lot of those boxes are hers, anyway." N'vanik sighed. "But you're right, it's the least of my worries."

The greenrider nodded, his gaze still fixed on the boxes. "You've an entire Weyr to run. And during a Pass, no less."

"And with no experience," N'vanik said.

"What _were_ you thinking?" Z'kim asked him. "After all, you didn't have to come to this Weyr. You and Loseth could have stayed back at Dragonsfall and been safe from all of this responsibility."

N'vanik walked over to the couch and sat down. "I was thinking about winning Trae's Flight."

"You did this on purpose?" This brought a shake of the greenrider's head. "What's happened to you?"

"I thought friends were supposed to be supportive."

"Friends are also supposed to let you know when you've done something totally stupid."

N'vanik rolled his eyes. "Yes, it was stupid, but I can't take it back. I'm stuck with this, and they're stuck with me."

Z'kim shook his head. "I'm not sure whether to request a transfer to this Weyr so that I can have a ringside seat or try to get further away to escape the noise." His expression was solemn as he regarded his friend. "What have you done to shake their routines so far?"

"I haven't done much yet. Although I did change the Fighting Wing age back to sixteen turns." N'vanik shook his head. "I just can't believe that's the best solution to a shortage of riders."

"Not many thought it was," his friend agreed. "And I doubt that those who were sent up there early appreciated it much either. You notice that none of the other Weyrs followed suit."

"Yeah. Though a few people here already got used to the idea ... defended it, even. Can you believe that?" He could understand J'darin defending it, and maybe some accepting it as a necessity, but he hadn't expected the reaction he'd gotten at the meeting.

"That really is. . ." Z'kim shook his head. "I can't conceive of it at all, of approving of something like that. The people here must be far different from those at Dream's End."

"They've been through a lot here, more than most of the other Weyrs. It's like there's this sense of desperation here, like everything's a struggle. And it _is_ hard, they're short on riders, and people are still getting injured and killed in Fall, but ..." N'vanik sighed.

The greenrider laughed at this. "You've always been the one who would stretch the rules – or downright ignore them. Yet here we are with you wanting to stick to the old rules and routines. Not that there isn't good reason for them, but it strikes me as funny."

N'vanik shook his finger. "I don't mind rules if they're good ones. And I'm sticking to routine until I get some sharding idea of what I'm doing." The idea of leading Threadfall was enough to make his stomach turn. Only a few days left, now.

Z'kim's expression sobered. "Seriously, N'vanik – if there's anything I can do, let me know."

"Visiting once in a while to keep me sane would help," N'vanik said. "And if you'd like a front row seat to the madness ... We _are_ short on riders."

"I'll definitely visit," the greenrider told him. "As to moving here, that would require some thought." He raised an eyebrow in contemplation. "There are still at least a few good-looking riders left, aren't there?"

"Yeah," he chuckled. "And due to the weather, most of them don't wear much."

"Hmm. . . I'll have to give that some thought. Maybe next time I visit I'll announce myself ahead of time so that you can introduce me to a few." Z'kim flashed a grin. "But for now I'd best get back to my own Weyr."

"Yeah, and I've got a lot of stuff I need to do." N'vanik stood up. "Thanks for coming, although I know you probably just had to see this with your own eyes."

Z'kim nodded. "And there are quite a few bets riding on my report back at Dream's End."

"Bets? It's so hard to believe that there are _bets_?!"

The greenrider cocked his head to the side in a coy smile. "You're hardly anyone's idea of the perfect Weyrleader."

"Not even mine ..." He trailed off and then forced a smile. "So, are you going to make any marks out of this?"

"I don't like to take on long shots and as I said, you're not the Weyrleader type," Z'kim told him. "But I felt enough loyalty toward you to wager a few marks and yes, it will pay off."

N'vanik snorted. "Well, that's nice to know."

"I aim to please!" The greenrider flashed his best smile. "And now I truly must leave – people to see and all that."

"Yeah. See you again soon, Zeke."

"That you will, Weyrleader. That you will."

Last updated on the November 8th 2008

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The Somewhat Encouraging Words of Friends