Professionalism
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Avery, Sia
Date Posted: 10th August 2025
Characters: K'ran, Q'vettan
Description: Q'vettan demotes K'ran
Location: Barrier Lake Weyr
Date: month 6, day 20 of Turn 12
Q'vettan sat at the Weyrleader's desk, trying to make sense of the man that was here before him. He knew D'hol somewhat, of course-- all bronzeriders of a certain age _knew_ each other, in the way that those assessing competition did-- but the desk itself was more than just him. It'd been K'ran, too, both as the initial Weyrholder and as acting Weyrleader in the wake of Kapera's tragedy. The stack of Fall reports neatly set aside were half-read, long overdue in months where the present took priority over recording the past. Falls were still well-flown, which spoke volumes for how the riders of Barrier Lake banded together. If they could weather the loss of their Weyrwoman, they could weather more.
**Please tell Rogueth that I'd like to speak with K'ran. Directly.**
}: Rogueth, Mine would like to see yours.:{ Tzenketh supplied, without the preamble. }: He's in his office. :{
K’ran had expected to be called by the new Weyrleader after the flight was won, he just hadn’t known how soon. When Rogueth provided the summons, he took a moment to duck into a refresher and comb his hair and straighten his clothes to armor himself against whatever would come next, then reported to his former office - the one he’d hoped to retain in the Flight - wondering exactly how much Q’vettan intended to upend.
He was concerned about his own position of Weyrsecond of course - but also for F’lin’s role as Wingsecond, Timassa as Wingthird. And for the other roles of the leadership. Would Q’vettan want to keep the rest of the leadership fairly stable, since both he and Thiseta were new? Or change everything up?
When he knocked on the door of the Weyrleader’s office and entered when summoned, his salute was crisp and his expression professional. “Weyrleader, sir.”
Q'vettan didn't rise. He didn't need to. He knew how to be theatrical with minimal theatrics. K'ran was a smart man; he knew what was coming as any bronzerider did when leadership changed. He gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit. I want to start by commending you on being able to lead the Weyr with Aydhan in the wake of Riyanth's death. You're stints as Weyrleader have been far too eventful for how short your terms were."
K’ran took a seat and set his palms down on the arms of the chair. He noted the lack of comment about D’hol’s participation. Privately, he had thoughts about how much D’hol had been contributing recently. The Weyrleader had of course been leading Threadfalls, but K’ran had been handling nearly every other duty and he did appreciate that Q’vettan had noticed it.
“I appreciate your words. I certainly preferred the short period as Lord Weyrholder, where there was no death,” he admitted.
Q'vettan inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the truth in that. "Hopefully the worst is behind us." He agreed, "And I know you've weathered most of the storms here, ever since River Bluff Weyr. You stepped up when no one else could, or would. You've given more than enough. It's time someone else carried that burden."
It was a very polite framing of a dismissal, K’ran thought as he listened. Almost wasted on just him. It sounded like a speech that should have been given in front of the whole Weyr, to tell him to go away and be done with things. Of course, Q’vettan had been a prime negotiator for Turns, and a Weyrleader before - he knew what he was about. It made him a very good choice of Weyrharper. And hopefully his experience would make him a very good Weyrleader.
He reached up and unhooked the Weyrsecond knots to return them across the desk.
“Where do you intend to place me, sir?”
"Cypress Wing, for now. They've been running low on wingriders for a while, and it'll do good to have some seasoned riders in there as they find their rhythm." Q'vettan answered, "I'm intending to follow N'vanik's lead and promote a brownrider to Wingleader. It'd benefit them to have someone seasoned in case he needs it."
“I think that decision is going to be controversial. Not that you’re necessarily looking for my approval, but I’m in favor.”
Q'vettan allowed himself a small, sharp smile. “Controversy is inevitable. I’d rather it be for something that makes sense than for something that doesn’t. I will not have us lagging behind Dolphin Cove.”
He took the returned knots and set them aside, not carelessly, but deliberately. “You’ve carried rank through a half-dozen crises. I’d like to see what you do when you’re not holding a Weyr together with just your bare hands and force of will."
“Spend more time with my daughter, for one thing. Some personal projects. Maybe I’ll lead our airball team to victory against the other Weyrs,” he joked.
Q’vettan let the faintest curve touch his mouth at that, though his gaze stayed sharp. At least K'ran had accepted the change with grace. "With you at the helm, I expect our airball team to start winning." He said with no little amusement. He rose then, signaling the meeting’s end, and extended his hand; not as Weyrleader to Weyrsecond, but bronzerider to bronzerider. "I appreciate your grace, K'ran. It'll make the transition easier."
“My intentions are always to put the Weyr above myself, Weyrleader,” K’ran said, shaking Q’vettan’s hand before stepping out when the meeting ended. The statement itself was true. And if he was upset about the matter, it was something he could do on his own time later. In the moment, in the meeting, he could stay professional. He’d always excelled at that.
Last updated on the August 17th 2025