A Test of Character

Writers: Ames, Emma
Date Posted: 18th February 2014

Characters: H'vack, K'sedel
Description: H'vack and K'sedel decide there is no bar to Eirlira taking to the sands
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 5, day 4 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Eirlira, Rhosyn

K'sedel

H'vack was angry as he approached K'sedel's office. He didn't bother
to knock. The door was open.

Stomping in he stood before the Weyrleader. "I believe we have
something to discuss K'sedel."

"Indeed," the Weyrleader replied.

"What is this I hear about Eirlira not standing?" H'vack fumed. "Who
made that decision and why wasn't I consulted? Hmm?"

"There have been some disturbing rumors," K'sedel pointed to a chair as he
began to explain. "Not just disruptive behavior, and I wanted those
investigated."

H'vack frowned at the chair, but finally took a seat. He didn't relax
however.

"I _know_ what you're discussing. Rhosyn came to me ages ago asking
about Eirlira. I told her we'd keep an eye on things, but then to just
be _told_ that the girl was being pulled from Standing? What happened
to at least consulting me? I realize you can make what decisions you
want, and perhaps I'm overstepping things here, but _I_ work with
these candidates day in and day out. I would have appreciated a bit
more involvement in this process." H'vack was angry. Not only had
Rhosyn questioned him as though he wasn't doing the normal duties a
Weyrlingmaster would perform, but now the Weyrleader seemed to not
place any value in even _hearing_ out his opinion on things. He was
beginning to wonder if he'd made a mistake in making the move to River
Bluff for this opportunity.

"To some extent I told Rhosyn what she needed to hear, I had meant to sit
down with you and talk through it all, but as you can see the hidework got
on top of me. It's no excuse, I should have made the time."

The Weyrleader's words eased some of the anger that had been seething
inside H'vack since he'd received the notice.

"So, on what grounds, _exactly_ are we still withholding the chance
for this girl to Stand?" H'vack asked, his tone showing that some of
his anger had receded.

"Well as nobody has yet managed to come up with anything compelling, other
than those rumors, well there is no reason any longer." K'sedel had to
concede that much. The few discreet questions he had asked had told him of a
smart mouthed girl who seemed to believe she was above some of the other
candidates. And despite being told of some infractions, there was nothing
that would truly stop the girl if it was what she, and any dragon desired.

He felt the last waves of anger that had been seething inside of him recede.

"Well, now _that's_ what I wanted to hear. I'll be honest. She may not
be the most likeable girl, with her attitude, but she's tough and
hard-working and hasn't given in with all that's been swirling around
her. I think that shows her merit in ways we may have yet to see,"
H'vack replied. "So I shall inform her that the ban is lifted and she
_will_ Stand when the eggs hatch?"

"Yes," K'sedel told H'vack. "Hopefully she will see it as a test of
character, and understand that it is a privilege and not a right to stand."

"I think she is aware of that already. Hopefully this will help her to
grow in character and become an even better rider if she is chosen.
I'll continue to work with her to see that she _does_ become the best
that she can be," H'vack replied. He was more satisfied with this
meeting than he had expected to be when he arrived.

"Good luck with that, but I'm sure you've dealt with similar teenagers in
the past."

Last updated on the February 22nd 2014

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