Auralia digs her hands into her pockets, whistling off key as she makes a lethargic stride towards a seat, "Hi."

T'las winces and makes a show of covering his ear. "Nice tune Aura, deaf harper teach ya that one?" Him? Tease? Wait, that's to be expected. "Hello AIthne, weyrleader."

L'mir stands off to the side, conversing with with one of the assistants. He nods several times, then leaves the lad who rolls his eyes at L'mir's back, turning on his heels to leave the room. "Heya, Aithne, T'las, Aura. I presume you all are in good spirits?"

Auralia pitches T'las a withering glance, "More entertaining than this is going to be." Someone is not a fan of such gatherings as this, perhaps? "Good spirits is--a considerable statement." She flounces into a seat, removing her hands from her pockets to rest them on the table, thankfully, without further humming.

Selene has arrived.

Aithne considers for a bit before nodding. "Especially when you consider what we could be doing."

Niare strides over from the Landing Field.

Selene walks in a touch uncertain, and a hesitant smile on her lips after hearing a snippet of conversation.

Kayjay strides over from the Landing Field.

G'arik walks over from the Landing Field.

T'las chuckles softly. "Perhaps for you. Though I actually was planning on learning something myself. If only to keep Sienna and her crazy ideas in check." A seat is slected, at random, and plopped into. Followed by nods to the newcomers.

L'mir's brow raises a tad but quickly returns to normal position when he sees Selene enter. "Welcome, Master!" he calls to her, walking quickly to her side. "Do join us? I have a chair right there for you." To the right of his, actually. "G'arik! So good to see you! Come. We're just getting seated. You're there." To his left.

G'arik comes in smiling. "Finally learning my way around. Clear skies L'mir and Honshu's duties to your queens."

Kayjay slides past a couple of wingseconds and squeezes into a seat near the back of the room. The brownrider sticks her feet up on a chair and lazily gazes around the room.

Niare strides into the room, not letting her heels hit the ground solidly enough to jar her head, however. She's still in her uniform, but that's probably not too much of a surprise.

Selene smiles at L'mir and takes the offered seat. Turning to address those gathered, she nods to each and greets, "Harper's duties to Southern Weyr."

Auralia plants a simple, sweet smile upon her face, twining her fingers through each other. "Southern's duties, to Honshu and the Harper Craft." She'll at least attempt to be civil, for the moment.

Kayjay muttters back. "Good evening, Selene, G'arik."

Aithne offers a warm smile to Selene and then to the others as they arrive. "Southern Weyr's duties." She intones warmly.

L'mir gives the Honshu Weyrleader's back a hefty pat, motioning to the offered chair. "And to Honshu and her lovely Queens, I must say! Always good to see you here, G'arik."

"Southern's duties," T'las calls after as well, seeming to be the only Southerner that doesn't mind this meeting as he leans back to get comfortable.

G'arik grins, almost easy in such company after a summer and part of the winter as Weyrleader. "Thanks L'mir. Can't say as I'm complaining about enjoying your warmth either." Hand raised to the Southern Weyrleader's arm, G'arik greets Kayjay also. "Clear skies. It's good to see you again."

L'mir walks toward his chair, pausing by Selene to smile at her. "And I must say the Harper Craft is doing well under your guidance, Master. I've heard many good things."

Niare slips into a chair beside T'las, wincing slightly as a sudden move jars her head. "Hey, T'las," she murmers under the general greetings in the room.

Aithne settles back in her seat, content to watch the others for the nonce.

L'mir pauses, watching several attendants enter the Council Room, each one carrying a small tray of basic but elegant glasses, the other hand filled with a second tray with either a bottle of fine wine or pitcher of succulent juice. At L'mir's nod, then begin to dispense the refreshment to each rider, faces etched with politeness and respect. "Drink up! Do drink up!" he motions with his hand toward the drinks. "Plenty for all!"

Selene softly blushes at the compliment, "Thank you for your words, L'mir, although I must admit that the hall is more than capable of running itself thanks to Master Sian and Master Lashana before me." Her eyes are taking in all the riders, making mental notes to herself as they sit and share greetings.

Auralia accepts a glass with a cursorary nod towards the attendant, lips twitching into a smile at L'mir's comments--so easily amused is she. Taking a long sip of her juice, she leans back within her chair, waiting somewhat impatiently with eyes ranging about the assembled group.

Aithne smiles her thanks as she accepts a glass of the juice, fingers slipping around the stem as she watches L'mir quietly.

Selene nods to G'arik, adding, "And Harper's Duties to Honshu as well." She thanks the attendant for the glass of juice and lets it rest before her.

Telinda strides over from the Western Weyrs.

Telinda has arrived.

T'las looks over and smiles at Niare with a raised eyebrow. "Hangover?" he asks curiously, taking one glass for himself as they are passed around. Not like he got drunk at the vinters party.

Telinda wrinkles her nose, "Sorry, had some things to take care" she notes, flickering an absent look over her shoulder. "Good evening all" she adds with a fresh smile.

Niare smiles up at the server as she asks her glass to be filled with juice, then turns her attention back to T'las as she curves her fingers lightly around the stem. She shakes her head at the bluerider and explains, "No, just a nasty knock over the head from N'all from practice."

L'mir waves to Telinda, flicking the other hand toward one of the assistants with wine glasses and drinks. "Come join us, Tel. Never too late.

Selene smiles at the weyrwoman, "Good evening Telinda, and Harper Duties to Southern Weyr."

Aithne offers Telinda a warm smile, her attention flickering back to L'mir.

G'arik bows in his best style to the Southern Weyrwoman as she passes. "Good to see you again." he says quietly after the Masterharper finishes her greeting. "And you too Masterharper Selene. It's been a while."

Telinda grins at Selene, "Southern's to Harpers as well, Selene, it's good to see you. Little one doing ok?" Mom talk. Sorry boys.

Kayjay watches the greetings by the higher-ups with slight boredom and presses against the back wall of the room, tilting her chair back slightly.

Selene grins at the mention of littles, "Melene is doing wonderfully ... hard to believe that she'll be one turn soon!" She asks, "And how are all of yours doing?"

G'arik takes that moment to roll his eyes knowingly at L'mir. "I think you have to wear nappies to get noticed."

Auralia returns her glass to the table once more, turning it between two fingers as if to get a good look at it, whilst her other hand returns to a slightly hole-filled pocket; never say that Aura dresses entirely appropriately for an occasion.

L'mir chuckles at G'arik, his hand finally banging upon the tabletop once, lightly, then again a little harder, clearing his throat loud enough to be heard over those who remain talking. When all have quieted, he begins. "It is with great pleasure that I stand before you this day, for many reasons. As I look out at each and every face here, I easily see /at least/ two outstanding characteristics embedded in the lines, wrinkles and scars: a deep love of lifemates and a commitment to serve with your lives. It's not often we take the time to come together, relax, listen to those who have come to share common goals," at this he looks toward G'arik with a smile, "or their wisdom.", then turns that smile to Selene.

T'las frowns just the slightest bit. "Tell me later?" he asks quietly just as L'mir gets started. Then his attention is on the weyrleader.

Kayjay applauds politely.

Aithne nods her head solemnly to G'arik, "I bet we could find a set in your size if you want to test that?" She falls silent at L'mir's words and gives him her full attention.

Telinda chuckles, "Troublesome, but I love them dearly" she notes to Selene, slipping into a seat near Aithne, and leaning over to speak softly to her junior for a few moments.

Telinda mutters to Aithne, "There's a problem... Sadrid,... may... riders... see what's..."

G'arik nods his head in humble acknowledgement of the compliment right before he leans just enough to wink once at Aithne.

L'mir looks down at the table, snapping off a small sliver of wood from the underside to place it in the corner of his mouth to suck on it. "Each and every one of you has given more than I would hope to humanly ask. /More/ than your full share. And, I am grateful. There will /never/ be anyone like you. Each of you unique in her or his own way, each bringing life to us in the midst of death. For that, I am grateful." He pauses then reaches down to grasp a glassful of wine. "To the weyr, to our friends, and to our lifemates!" That glass lifts high. "Long may we live and prosper with clear skies to guide us!"

Aithne chews her lip for a moment before nodding to Telinda, a brief smile coming to her face a G'arik's wink.

Selene takes her own glass and lifts it in acknowledgement to the weyr, its leaders, and its riders. "Here, here."

G'arik joins in the toast, taking up the wine glass at his place. "Hear hear! Lifemates and Weyr!"

Auralia straightens with some diligence, eyes rolling slightly, although she makes the effort to raise her glass, half empty though it is, to join L'mir's. "Yes, yes, quite so."

Kayjay, bereft a glass, nods pleasantly. "To the wyer and Pern."

Niare nods slightly to T'las and also turns her attention to the Weyrleader, lifting her glass to join the toast.

L'mir drinks deeply, somehow that sliver still perches in his mouth, then leans to the side, grasping a tattered manual from a small table nearby, where similar ones are stacked. "I offer this as a gift to each of you. Keep them close to you and remember the lessons they teach. Remember to be fair, strong, and courageous. Lead with dignity and honor. Live to Serve." A simple nod brings those attendants to his side, beginning to distribute the manuals. "Now, we recognize a dignified man among us, one who exemplifies strongly what this manual holds. I present to you G'arik, Weyrleader of Honshu Weyr. G'arik, we salute you, and welcome you to this special night." L'mir beckons each rider to join him in a salute of respect to G'arik.

L'mir sets down the Formations Manual with a soft *Thud*

Selene lifts her glass in G'arik's direction.

From afar to Niare, Auralia, T'las, Aithne, Kayjay, Selene, G'arik, and Telinda, L'mir says "I'll be setting it so you can chown a copy if you like. :) We can take care of it later. :)"

Telinda tips her glass forward, a saluation of sorts, but a troubled look pulls down brows, and seems to preoccupy her. Every now and then eyes glaze, as communication with her lifemate is sought.

Aithne accepts the manuals with a curious look to L'mir, and then she raises her hand in a crisp salute to G'arik.

Auralia tilts her head towards L'mir, although the manuels are given a long, dour glance. More reading. Struggling to place a smile upon her face, the Weyrsecond, turns towards G'arik, raising her hand in salute towards the Honshu Weyrleader.

G'arik pushes to his feet slowly, looking more than a little embarassed. "Thank you L'mir. Thank all of you. Isn't easy being the -boy- Weyrleader as I'm sure many of my predecessors have found out. I suppose it just makes us work harder though, to prove ourselves and our lifemates. To show everyone that it wasn't a fluke but skill that got us into this position.

Kayjay tries to see the manuals through the maze of wingseconds, wingleadersa and the rest, shrugs and gives up. She salutes G'arik, one step behind the rest.

T'las raises up his class then takes a manual as they are passed around. He too frowns. Reading is such a pain. Oh right, the salute. One is snapped off towards G'arik.

L'mir pats G'arik on the back, giving their guest a warm smile. "From what I've heard, you're doing an exemplary job, G'arik, and that says a lot!"

G'arik accepts the compliment gratefully. "Thanks. Feels good coming from a man of your experience, to hear that."

L'mir smiles toward the Honshu Weyrleader then turns to their next guest. "Selene, Master Harper, has consented to come and share her wisdom with us this day. I've asked her to speak to us, helping us to become better leaders and to deal with problems that may arise without haste or harm. Thank you, Selene, for joining us!" L'mir offers his hand, to lead the Master to the head of the table for her presentation. "We need all the help we can get!" he grins to her, winking.

Telinda raises her glass to her lips, and coughs, hiding something, and then glances to Aithne, "Hear that?"

Kayjay applauds again and shifts in her chair, crossing her legs and unconciously taps the arms of her chair with her fingers.

Auralia snorts into her glass, her enthusiasm hardly catching, before plastering a smile once more upon her lips. "Especially," she quips, to L'mir's comment on needing all the help they can get, "With L'mir leading us." Bright smile, then applause towards the Craftmaster.

Aithne watches G'arik for a moment long, her gaze considering. She tilts her head towards Telinda before nodding slightly to Telinda.

G'arik takes his seat and watches the proceedings with a very pleased smile.

L'mir sits back down, leaning toward G'arik to speak softly, yet loud enough for the WeyrSecond to hear. "Any ideas on what to do with a 'Second who doesn't seem to care much for you?" A wink is given, then he goes back to fingering the sliver in his mouth. Was that a smirk?

Selene takes L'mir's hand, smiling and glancing out at the riders before her. "Thank you L'mir, and I hope that this time won't be wasted considering what you could be doing." She sends a wink towards Auralia, her words echoing the earlier sentiment stated when she first walked in. Optimism is rather evident right now.

G'arik leans back towards the southerner. "I'm not sure but I have a wingrider that I think wishes me long between. Let me know what you come up with."

Auralia sticks out her tongue in a childish gesture towards L'mir, stiffling a giggle, and straightens, smiling sweetly towards Selene, "I'm sure it won't," she pipes up, crossing her arms. Optimism is always a good thing.

From afar to Auralia, T'las, Aithne, Kayjay, L'mir, Selene, G'arik, and Niare, Telinda says "Unfortunately, Aithne and I need to scoot. We had a meeting already prearranged, but delayed for a little bit so we could come. Glad we could come and see the start at least, and our apologies for missing the rest. :)"

"The very first thing I've learned is that it takes honesty and a lot of tact to work with such a variety of personalities and individuals." She smiles warmly to each member present, "I'm not here to tell you how you should be doing things. I'm here to listen to your concerns and help in creating viable solutions for a happier healthier weyr."

Kayjay stifles a sigh and sits up in her chair, crossing her legs the other way. A darting, wistful glance is given the exit and the brownrider straightens her shoulders and sits straight.

Telinda glances to Aithne, puts down her glass, and stands, "L'mir, Aithne and I will deal with it, you can have my report later" she notes, nodding politely "Honshu" to G'arik, then a smile "Selene".

Telinda walks toward the Landing Field.

Aithne is on Telinda's heels, but not before finishing her juice and offers a slight bow.

Aithne strides over to the Landing Field.

Auralia peers after Aithne and Telinda with a stiffled sigh, taking a deep breath before turning back towards Selene with a visage filled with exagerated patience. She nods, shortly, fiddling with her glass again.

L'mir watches Telinda leave with Aithne, his face a mask, showing no indication that he knows what she's talking about or he doesn't. G'arik is sent a nod, affirming he knows just what he meant about the rider and *between*. Auralia is certainly being watched, again with those unfeeling eyes.

Selene continues, "I have no ideas of the issues you face with your wings, I have no idea what weyr life is like outside of being a visitor. I do know, that regardless of when and where, as a leader you need to keep your cool and remain in control." She then departs from the norm, walking around the table to stand near Auralia. She rests her hand on the rider's shoulder then asks the green rider directly, "Care to share what you could be doing right now?"

T'las watches Telinda and Aithne leave with a rather curious look before he goes back to Selene and nodding along.

Kayjay's eyes widen as Auralia seems to be targeted. Sitting even straighter in her chair, her hands go in her lap in a ladylike way and the brownrider crosses her feet below her as taught her long ago in harper classes. Another sigh escapes her lips despite herself.

Theida has arrived.

Auralia pauses, face impassive. Control is hers--for the moment. "Could be doing? A lot of things: physical drills, to perfect what's wrong, rather than just talking about it. Real leadership." Oops. She manages a smile, "Not that this isn't *important*, of course."

G'arik arcs a brow and slants a significant look towards L'mir.

Kayjay blushes slightly and stares at her hands.

Selene grins at Auralia's comment, a meaningful expression on her face, "And I could be at the hall, in a warm bed with my husband." She looks to the other riders, "And what about the rest of you? What could you be doing?"

L'mir glances G'arik's way, the sliver in his mouth sticking straight out, the only indicator of whatever he's thinking. Weyrleader to Weyrleader brief nod is sent before he's back to watching Auralia.

Theida bursts into the room, obviously out of breath, with a somewhat sheepish smile on her face. With a sack slung over her shoulder she slips into a nearby seat and pulls out a clean hide and pen. She glances about, "Sorry if I'm late..." she apologizes quietly.

Auralia pauses, a small smile twisting upon her face. "Exactly." So, can they go home now? She nonetheless schools her expression: better not to raise L'mir's wrath upon her.

Selene has reconnected.

L'mir turns toward Thieda, acknowledging her lateness? with a brief nod. One of the attendants delivers a manual to her, off the diminished stack on the small table.

Selene listens as there's a brief murmuring of what the riders could be doing. "So when we're all done here, you can remind each other of what needs to be done." She nods to the two riders who walked in late, continuing, "But as leaders we need to consider the wants and needs of those we're guiding before our own wants and needs.

V'tali shifts as he listens attentively to Selene.

T'las uhmmms softly as he watches Selene, then she keeps going so he wisely keeps his mouth shut.

G'arik nods wordlessly, listening to the Masterharper speak. Apparently he agrees with her words.

Selene asks, "So what are those wants and needs? What problems are you seeing among your wings?" She waits for responses from the leaders.

Theida nods her thanks to the attendant and glances through the manual briefly. Swiftly she readies her hide and pen for note-taking.

Kayjay has disconnected.

Beyond having a Weyrleader like L'mir? Aura, wisely, stays mostly silent.

L'mir must have some sort of intuition regarding his Second, for those sable eyes turn to slits as they settle upon her. "Perhaps Auralia has some problems she cares to discuss?" Are the healers close by?

Kayjay runs a hand through the top of her hair, returning her gaze back to the rest of the room as the quiet of the room dawns on her. Slightly confused, she tries to see what she missed.

T'las looks around the room and thinks about his words. Especially since L'mir just has that -look-. "Perhaps dealing with riders that think they know better than their leaders, but are not very tactful about saying so?"

V'tali bites his lower lip, glancing at the other Wingleaders and Wingseconds, and doesn't respond. His reticence is only reinforced by L'mir's ominous invitation to his own Second to speak, and he fingers the Formations Manual absently as he devotes his attention to listening, not speaking, for now.

Auralia, who is about to die, salutes you. She blusters through a comment, making a bright, broad smile, "Oh, not within *my* wing. L'mir and I do a fine job, I believe. I was rather thinking about K'run's wing--there are always problems there which we have to deal with." K'run, the rider in question, gives Aura a murderous glance.

Kayjay runs both hands through her hair as she listens to Auralia's words and watches the Weyrsecond's body language. More and more uncomfortable, the brownrider shifts yet again in her seat and reaches for the water pitcher and a mug.

Selene listens to the concerns, deciding to tackle one at a time, "T'las, you mentioned that there are riders who perhaps feel rather superior to their wingleaders ..." she glances between Auralia and L'mir,"or wingseconds feeling superior to their wingleader. There are always people out there that will think they have a better way of doing things."

L'mir mutters to himself, "Or those who feel so superior that they're looking for another weyr.." The wood sliver in his lips bounce as he talks, one hand reaching up to steady it as he sucks the wood.

Selene says "The most important thing as a leader to do is to listen. Let all the opinions be shared and validate their originator. It builds trust, it lets those who are participating take ownership which later builds greater responsibility in those members." Selene gives Auralia's shoulder a soft squeeze, then makes her way over to where Kayjay is."

G'arik slants another look the Southern Leader's way. It's a look of inquiry as he perhaps wonders if there's an ulterior motive to his invitation to be at this meeting.

Selene continues, "The riders under you might very possibly be in your position in the future and you need to decide whether or not you're going to groom them to be the best leaders there are." She smiles somewhat sardonically, "Perhaps even better than the leader you are now."

Auralia raises her eyebrows towards L'mir, face startlingly innocent for a long moment, before she ducks it again. "All well and good, unless the particular leader in question doesn't see it for what it is." She smiles, watching after Selene calmly.

Kayjay takes a largish gulp of water as Selene approaches and nods, semi-intelligently, at the comment the harper made. She mutters as if making mental notes. "Right, originator."

Theida scrawls furiously on her hide, glancing up periodically to watch Selene and look about the room, though she seems to avoid looking at V'tali. A somewhat confused though sympathetic expression is cast towards Kayjay.

Niare impassively lifts her glass to her lips and sips delicately at the juice therein, watching Selene approach Kayjay.

L'mir slips his palm around so it's shadowing his lips. He leans toward G'arik, whispering something to the Honshu Weyrleader.

G'arik holds up his hand to get the Masterharper's attention, as he listens to L'mir.

Selene nods towards G'arik giving him the okay to speak.

The threat of a very-close-by L'mir seems to be enough to keep V'tali from being distracted by Theida. Eyes follow Selene intently, refusing to let anything else divert his attention. Well, except G'arik. He stretches an arm out to nab a pitcher and glass, pouring himself half a glass of whatever was in the pitcher. A sip proves it to be juice, though he doesn't ever really look at it.

G'arik looks away just long enough to shake his head in the negative to L'mir before commenting. "What you said about leaders Selene. I wanted to add that it's not always the best fighter or the best flier or the best organized that leads. Sometimes it's he.." He looks to the females in the room also. "..or she who can best bring these things out of the people under them and bring it all together to the good of the group."

Auralia might well have noticed that she's treading a fine line between at least temporary transfer to Honshu, and keeps her mouth carefully shut.

Selene nods, "You're absolutely right G'arik, and /that/ is what makes them the best. They are developers." She turns her gaze to L'mir, "L'mir, I'd like you to share at least two positive things about your wingsecond. Things that you'd feel bereft of if she weren't there to assist you."

G'arik takes a coughing fit suddenly but covers it quickly with his hand.

Kayjay sighs. She mutters to T'las, "... a touchy... wanted. I... right now... goofing off on... this..."

Auralia crosses her arms in front of her. Now this ought to be amusing.

L'mir looks toward his Second, fingers drumming against his chin for a few moments, slipping the sliver out to hold it between thumb and index. "Aura? Something positive?" He hmms, thoughtfully, before he replies. "Let's see. She keeps her fingernails clean, and my dragon likes hers." Then, "Oh, and she knows how to get to Honshu." Maybe a trip is in the making?

V'tali takes a nice, long sip, presumably to cover up the twitching of lips that he's having trouble suppressing otherwise.

Kayjay nearly drops her glass and barely is able to place it back on the table before slinking further into her chair. Not one of -these- sorts of meetings!

Auralia, with nonchalant expression, gives a glance towards her fingernails, which she buffs carefully.

T'las hides his grin behind his fingers now propping his chin up. He mutters to Kayjay, "... it... be... more... then... Just... running... and having..."

G'arik eyes the Weyrsecond in question. "Tell y'what L'mir, I'll trade you."

Niare's gotten quite good at controlling her expressions, but this earns a slight twitch of her lips, quickly hidden behind a hastily-raised glass of juice.

Selene's brows furrows and she gives a half smile towards L'mir, murmuring softly under her breath but loud enough to be heard by all, "And here I thought that you were the fairest leader of them all." She then shoots a glance in G'arik's direction, believing he's not quite helping the situation. She quickly turns to V'tali, "You've been awfully quiet ... what abut you?"

Theida's eyebrows arch upwards, giving her the expression of a child who's been forced into 'nice clothes' and is trying to smile though they'd much rather be playing in mud. And considering this is Theida, that probably isn't too far off the mark.

Kayjay shakes her head and shrugs in T'las's direction and begins plotting her escape route, checking to see where she might be able to squeeze through. She frowns as most routes mapped out seem blocked but the floor holds promise. A little hopeful smile crosses her lips.

Selene, standing near Kayjay, rests a hand on the rider's shoulder. She waits attentively for V'tali's response.

V'tali nearly chokes on the juice in his surprise at being addressed directly. "Me? Ma'am? I think that Auralia is a fine Weyrsecond, and does a very good job." A nervous glance is shot at L'mir, and he snaps his mouth shut quickly. Maybe this is the wrong time to defend Auralia? Maybe he's missing the real question entirely? Maybe he'd like to use one of Kayjay's escape routes?

Selene nods, "Perhaps L'mir might take some notes from your comments, but what about your issues as a leader?"

Kayjay innocently smiles up at Selene through her long lashes. It works on her weyrmate. She comments. "Lovely meeting, this."

L'mir again strokes his cheek with his fingers, letting the sliver move back to where it rested before his little pointed remarks toward his Second. "You think you'd want to trade? Why?" he asks G'arik, once more leaning toward him. "And can I fill your wine glass?" Just about then he hears V'tali's response, that /look/ aimed toward the WingSecond now.

Selene snorts softly at Kayjay's comment, murmuring "Not quite what I was expecting." The eyelashes do nothing for the harper.

V'tali shakes his head hastily, "Stormfall's a good wing, they work well, not a lot of trouble. K'laarn's a great Wingleader." He very pointedly does NOT look at L'mir, because if he did he'd definitely lose all composure and forget how to speak coherently. "Not a lot of big issues, and K'laarn handles them very well. It's a good wing."

Auralia runs her fingers through her hair, looking pretty if nothing else, beyond her rather roughed up leathers. Kayjay's escape route might be a lot of use--Aura's not really a Honshu-happy girl at heart.

G'arik slides his glass into easy refilling reach. "A sevenday ago my Weyrsecond stood in the middle of the Hall, butt naked and blue and berated a greenrider for getting wet in the snow. Got anything t'beat that?"

Selene nods at V'tali's comment, "Then perhaps the others might have a few things to learn from your wing. Leaders are always ready to learn more, educating themselves and those under them."

Kayjay murmurs as she sees fit. "Good wing, right, V'tali. Couldn't have said it better myself." Oh when will this meeting end! She begins to pluck the hem of her dress.

This to L'mir, of course. Though the rest of the room might have heard.

T'las just keeps hiding his grin behind that supportive hand. Oh no, wouldn't do for anyone to see that grin.

Niare sets her glass down on the table and absently smooths her uniform as she leans back and crosses her legs neatly, glancing over at Kayjay around T'las between them.

L'mir bursts out in laughter, the sliver almost lost as his mouth widens to full extension. "Nekked!? You're kidding! Well now. /That/ must have been interesting!" His words are low, only for the Honshu Weyrleader, but that laugh was pretty loud.

G'arik nods concisely. Don't tell him Weyrsecond woes, he'll match you one for one!

Selene lets out a rather amused chuckle, "You know, it seems that the egos in here are rather full of themselves. I'd love to walk by each of you and pop it with a needlethorn." She continues, "I can only begin to imagine what your wings put up with if you're this rigid in giving and accepting acknowledgement of your strenghts." No ... not very tactful right now, but then again, humor seems to help everything sooner or later.

Kayjay notes Niare's glance and sits straight up in her chair again, well aware of Selene's hand on her own shoulder. At L'mir's laugh and the word naked, the brownrider looks even more miserable, if that be possible.

V'tali clears his throat, uncertain how to respond to that, and simply repeats, "K'laarn's a great Wingleader." L'mir's laughter sends him glancing nervously back at the Weyrleader, as if afraid of what the two are up to back there.

T'las just starts coughing, at various things, and makes a grab for his drink to settle his throat and calm himself down. "OH my...well could be worse. Could be a bronze rider coming back from Honshu drunk and being thrown in the lake by two women, eh L'mir?" Good job T'las, jibe the weyrleader. Smart man.

Auralia raises one hand, noting, "I'd just like to say something, if I may?" Her expression is, once again, entirely nonchalant, her stance relaxed. "Seems to me that some people can't take jokes. Which is why they are upset over nothing."

Selene lifts a brow at Auralia's comment, "Can't take a joke? Now there's a major fault if I've ever seen one. If you can't laugh at yourself, or help others laugh along with you, then you're doomed to put up with sour companionship."

Niare flicks her glance from Kayjay to L'mir, one eyebrow arching slightly, expression almost disapproving. Casually, she toys with her glass, turing it 180 degrees one way, then the other.

L'mir was just settling down from a good laugh at G'arik's words, when he realizes what Auralia and Selene are saying. He hmmphs, loudly, then sucks in a long breath. "Let me say something about that, if I may.."

Auralia nods sagely, although her eyes remain strictly away from certain Weyrleaders. "So I've discovered." She doesn't make any problems, honestly. The very model of a modern Southern Weyrsecond.

Selene nods in L'mir's direction, "Feel free L'mir."

Theida seems to have become a little distracted and instead of taking notes, she's begun to doodle along the edge of her hide. While her expression is somewhat hidden by dark curls tumbling about, a quiet tune comes from her direction. Is she... humming?

L'mir folds his hands on his lap, sliver dancing in his mouth as he speaks. "First of all, I'd like to say.." he pauses, looking directly at Auralia, "that my WeyrSecond is one of the most incredible women that I've had the pleasure to share ski.. I mean, know. Yes. Know." A chuckle begins but he pauses. "You know why she's like that? Because she /challenges/ me. And I don't mean by her.. candor? I mean by her seasoned abilities. A seasoned tongue at times, with pepper aimed at me, but that's what keeps me alert and alive. Do I know of anyone else who'd put up with me besides Brielth? Hardly. We've had hard times, sure. So have Kayjay and I. Shards, T'las here, and.. V'tali. What's important is that we can put aside personal differences so when we are up there? We're a team!"

Selene nods approvingly at L'mir's words, softly adding, "Well said."

Auralia is going to facepalm now. Or bash her head into the table. Saccharine. Ew. "Feelings reciprocated, of course," she half mutters, never one to be entirely graceful about something. "Bravo."

Niare laces her fingers together and shifts slightly in her chair, resting her entwined fingers over the upper knee of her crossed legs.

Selene works her way back to that part of the room she started at. "You know, there's one thing that is evident every time I visit a weyr ... there's incredible community there." She glances at those that have been awfully silent, "Theida ... Niare ... care to add to what's been said? What makes your wings work?"

G'arik eyes the southern leader suspciously. "Backin out of the deal already?"

V'tali turns dark eyes on L'mir once more, looking mainly confused, and a little surprised. At least his name was in there. Seeming somewhat contented for now with that, he lets Selene redirect his attention to Theida and Niare.

L'mir has been resting those eyes on his Second, noting her responses. "Hmm?" he says with distraction, then turns toward G'arik. "The deal? Oh. Right. Nekked for peppertongue. That was it?"

Without changing her expression, Niare looks up and over at Selene. "Discipline," she says simply, but then continues. "Discipline, strength and training." A glance goes over to the Southern Weyrleader, but he's not a weyrling to reprimand for talking when she is, so she just looks back at Selene.

G'arik nods firmly. "But not if you try to toss an extra in on me. It's a one to one thing."

Theida glances up, looking a little dazed. Thankfullly Selene said her name before posing her question. Her faces is pale as she begins to stammer. "My, uh, my wing? Well, Imara and I are, uh, rather new to the whole whole wing leading thing. But, um, I think my wing works, well, because we encourage each other. A good formation is more than just practice, it's chemistry."

Selene nods to Niare, "You're right Niare. Leaders need all of those things. They also need to be prepared for those under them to watch everything the leader does. They look to each and everyone of you, saying to themselves that what you do ... more so than what you say ... is how they should be acting as well." She nods at Theida's words, "Encouragement and positive and constructive feedback is also crucial. A team doesn't just happen because you tell it to, it happens because of mutual respect."

Niare adds after Selene has responded, "Leading weyrlings is different from leading a fighting wing."

L'mir pulls the sliver out of his mouth, dragging it along his lips as he looks toward Auralia thoughtfully. Niare's look goes without comment. "Hmm. It's a good thought. Interesting. For how long, G'arik?" he asks in a whispered tone, also listening to the Master Harper's words. A polite nod is sent to her, with a smile, then he leans forward to shove a glass of water her way. A flick of his sliver to the cup indicates it's for her without interrupting.

Kayjay still looks like she'd rather have root canal without fellis than be in this meeting.

V'tali rolls his shoulders and resettles inhis chair, doing his best not to look amused by Niare's glance at the Weyrleader. Theida's curls are given more attention than her words for a moment, but then he returns to Niare to nod silently in agreement with her comparison of Weyrlings to fighting wings.

Auralia concentrates remarkably well for one who is facing banishment to the icey wastes, nodding carefully to Selene's words, and comments made by the other leaders of the weyr.

Theida frowns slightly. The whole 'setting an example' still doesn't sit to well with her. She nods eagerly at Niare's comment about leading weyrlings and manages to catch V'tali watching her, returning the glance with a lack of expression and quicky looking away. She refingers her pen and jots a few things down next to her doodles.

T'las is starting to look like Kayjay, but not quite, as he is still somewhat learning and paying attention. He actually has an attention span sometimes.

G'arik seems to consider. "I'd have to talk to Jelisa first. She's fond of Br'den for some odd reason." He shrugs to show it's not -his- fault , this odd behavior. "I'll talk to her and see what she says about letting him go for a bit. A couple of months maybe?"

Dragon> Suriath bespoke Southern Weyr with << My lifemate wishes to know if I am itchy or hungry or anything. Isn't she nice? >>

Kayjay frowns and mutters to an unseen person. "Sure, now you don't want scritched."

Dragon> Iesath bespoke Southern Weyr with << Horribly. >> The green adds, << Is Honshu nice? I don't remember. Aura says we're going to be stuck there--which doesn't sound good. She blames me. >>

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Suriath ponders. << It's cold there. And muddy.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Suriath is even more perplexed. << Why would she be cross at me because I am not itchy? >>

Selene casts a glance at G'arik and L'mir then adds to Niare's comment, "Actually, I'd think with weyrlings you'd have to be even that much more of a genuinely interested role model. They have a lot to learn and they'll be looking to you for most of it." She nods a thanks for the water, then sits back in her chair. "I want to add, that the one thing that might be the most challenging is to actually care about each individual you work with. You might not like them terribly, or get along with them, but you need to respect and care for them as individuals. Get them involved, share the ownership of the wing and you might just see an improvement in the day to day goings on as well as when you're in the skies."

Dragon> Enaeth bespoke Southern Weyr with << Perhaps she wishes to scratch you now, Suriath. >>

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Suriath considers this. << Well, who -wouldn't- want to scratch my hide? >>

Dragon> Xenalth bespoke Southern Weyr with << Why must you go to Honshu, Iesath? >>

Niare sits back without expression, not returning comment on the leading of her wing, nor looking towards the Weyrleaders.

L'mir again taps the sliver against his lips, considering G'arik's ideas. "It's not a good time right now, but this is something we should talk about further, if you'd not mind sharing some wine and conversation some evening?" This is said in the same whispered way, then he gives his full attention to Selene. "What of drunkenness and brawling? Or those who you /just can't/ seem to get along with? Those seem to be the worst problems I hear about all the time. And I /do/ get tired of hearing the same old stories!" Now was that pointed enough? No? Then his eyes scan the group, each and every one.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Iesath considers, << Riders rarely offer, that is peculiar, Suriath. >> She adds, woefully, << Pepper. We're going because of pepper? >>

G'arik nods in silent agreement casts his eyes about the room. Hmm..some things never change.

"At least," notes Aura with a smile, "Drunken brawling is not one of my own downfalls." Smiling sweetly, the greenrider crosses her arms again, reclining within her seat.

Selene furrows her brows in thought, "You certainly can't expect those under you to not get drunk and brawl if you're participating in it yourself." She adds, "And those you just can't seem to get along with ... look at yourself. What is it in you that makes it impossible for you to at least find something good and positive in all." The said to each rider present.

V'tali nods his head as though considering Selene's words deeply, and after a hesitation, asks, "What if you can find something good about them, but still can't get along with them?"

"That's when you need to sit down and ask them straight out -- what's interfering with being able to get along." Selene responds. "You only ask this if you're willing to hear some hard truths or some negative perceptions of yourself. You truly need to have an interest in solving the issues and taking it to heart for it to be successful."

Theida puts a finger to her lip in thought before suggesting, "Is it really so bad to admit that two people just don't get along well. I don't think it's a failure to consider moving someone to another wing where they would be happier and more productive..."

Auralia opens her mouth to make a comment, and makes a sneeze instead. Eyes watering, she blinks liberally, shifting to a stand while attempting to hold nasal contents in. "Erm--" Rather than make a mess, her escape route is planned perfectly: out the door, and gone, gone, gone!

Kayjay mutters. "Or another weyr."

Selene adds, "But you also have to be ready for some problem solving. You can't expect anyone to just sit there and be berraged with a bunch of digs. You need to ask how they see the situation getting fixed."

You walk toward the Landing Field.