Lesson Planning

Writers: Duskdog, Sia
Date Posted: 15th May 2024

Characters: T'lonas, M'thos
Description: T'lonas goes looking for his WLM2
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 1, day 8 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentioned: Saibra

T'lonas

M'thos

The task of selecting someone qualified to be a ‘second in a Weyr where T’lonas, himself, was still fairly new was daunting. With a full change-over of the Weyrlingstaff, it meant that he didn’t have anyone obvious to pull from, and he didn’t yet know enough people within the Weyr to have someone immediately spring to mind.

He did, however, have the ability to research and organize. He put the time in to look through records, to ask for opinions and recommendations, and to observe and take notes on likely candidates. It was a whole process, which he rather enjoyed, to be honest -- it was vital that he choose someone who not only could do the job, but do it _well_, and who could work well with him, too. Strife in the staff could only have negative consequences for the weyrlings. Ideally, the Weyrlingmasters would complement each other -- their styles different enough to offer more benefits to the curriculum, but not so different that they clashed.

In the end, after all of that, his ideal candidate was right in front of him the whole time: a father with several children who were currently Candidates, themselves.

“M’thos,” he greeted, rushing a bit to catch up with the greenrider in the Dining Hall. “Do you have a moment?”

The greenrider slowed as his name was called, teenagers at each elbow, a grin freezing just a little on his lips as he registered who was calling him. Merhaskel, all of fifteen, stifled a giggle before Varethos cleared his throat. "Weyrlingmaster." The teenager said, trying hard to be deadpan despite the corners of his mouth quirking into a smile.

"I certainly do, T'lonas." M'thos said. "Boys, go bother your other father for a bit."

"Yeah, sure. C'mon." Varethos tugged on his brother's sleeve as the two hightailed it out of there.

"The boys were telling me about your first couple days on the Weyrlingstaff. It's big news for them, after having G'nir down there for so long." M'thos said. "It sounds like they're putting you through the ringer."

T’lonas chuckled. “The Weyrlings, or the Candidates, or the Weyr in general? Because it’s all three, I suppose. The youngsters have to test their boundaries with new people, and everyone else has concerns and expectations, of course.” His tone was cheerful despite the frank acknowledgment of the scrutiny he knew he was under. “I hope the boys haven’t said anything _too_ embarrassing about me. I haven’t split my pants in class or anything.”

"Something about crocheted dragons on your desk." M'thos said, "As if the two of them don't have little stuffy Fianwyths and Ghraisaths tucked into their belongings in the barracks." And, after the giggling the two of them had done, M'thos didn't feel any particular need to save the boys' dignity. "Teenagers respond best when you don't mind a little hazing. Or at least mine do, and that's a significant portion of the candidate barracks right now."

“You’re dead-on about the hazing. At that age, they haven’t yet learned to just embrace the things that make you happy without embarrassment, either,” T’lonas said. “I do hope that sort of self-assurance is one of the things I can impart to them along the way, though. And, speaking of imparting knowledge, that’s actually why I wanted to speak with you. You were a teacher, weren’t you? Or would have been, if you hadn’t Impressed.”

"I would have, if Fianwyth hadn't finally hatched and picked me. I have my Journeyman's knots and everything. Might have still been one, if it wasn't for the Pass. A dragon would have been convenient for a Harper on circuit." He said with a laugh. "Maybe that's why I ended up with enough kids in my weyr to have my own minor hold."

“That was my original trajectory, too -- teaching, I mean, not fathering a hold full of children. It sounds lovely, though.” T’lonas’ lips quirked. “How many more children would you be willing to take on? Because I’ve been on the hunt for a ‘second, and all my research has led me straight to you.”

"A what now?" That stopped M'thos in his tracks. "A 'second, really? Me?" He supposed that Saibra would want more new blood in the Weyrlingstaff after changing out so many people. "I'm sure half the barracks show up at my weyr for family dinner, so T'mhas will hardly notice a few more. I'd be honoured, thank you."

T’lonas lit up. “Perfect! Goodness. I honestly expected that to be more difficult. I had prepared a speech and everything.” Belatedly, he stuck his hand out to shake -- more to seal the deal than anything else, regardless of where else the conversation might go. “I’m confident that you’ll make a great addition to the staff, and you seem as if you’ll be pleasant to work with, which is just a nice bonus for me. You don’t think your children will take it badly, do you?”

M'thos did take the offered hand, though his surprise quickly gave way to an amused grin. "I'm always ears for a good speech, if you have one prepared. The kids…hm. Well, it'll be a mixed bag. I think there's one or two that might take it worse than the others, but that'll be their first lesson. Sometimes you just get a bad assignment and there's nothing you can do about it."

“Indeed,” T’lonas intoned. “I do hope it’s a lesson they take to heart. We’ll deal with any complications as they arise. In the meantime, though, I’ll speak with your wingleader, and we’ll transition you over. I’m excited to discuss lesson plans with you!”

For some reason, M'thos didn't think L'val would mind. A quick transfer might even free him from whatever new team-based punishment the bronzerider had in store next. "Well, I have time. What lesson plans do we need to discuss first?"

“My notes are all in my office,” T’lonas said, already turning back in that direction. He beckoned eagerly. “Come with me!”

Last updated on the May 16th 2024

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Lesson Planning