The snowstorm blew itself out after two days, and although Conclave remained in session, the Weyr enjoyed the snowbound downtime with all day snowball fights (truces called for meals and frequent snacks of thick chilis), the evenings filled with music and dancing, and sore, chilled muscles basking in the warmth of the Baths. Through all of this Char did her best to smile and act like she was happy staying close to the fire in the Kitchen as Vaeth explored the thick blanket of snow that covered the Bowl floor. Sharp eyes couldn't help but notice the little blue frequently returning to her side, and so when it was announced that the tithe train had arrived, on the third morning, no one thought anything of it when Char hobbled down to watch, Vaeth sticking to her like a blue shadow.
The herdbeasts, most woolly ovines this time, snorted and tossed their heads as they were herded into the pens. Char found a spot where she and Vaeth could watch without the rams and ewes catching a whiff of Vaeth as they passed, their breath trailing out, white puffs behind them.
"Charrie?"
Char's head snapped up and a smile all but split her face.
"Keslo!" She waved and hobbled over to the one legged drover. He caught her up in a one armed hug, the other hand holding the reigns of his usually placid runner, which was tugging at the reigns and eyeing Vaeth suspiciously.
"Oops. Better get Shaggy stabled first." Char suggested as Vaeth hid behind her before the dun colored runner decided it would be a good idea to try and kick the dragonet.
"Right! Give me a moment~" Keslo grinned and took his grumpy beast off to the warmth and dragonfree respite of the stable. When he returned he found Char putting Vaeth through his paces, practicing jumping and gliding a few paces.
"Wow, you two will be flying in no time." Keslo laughed, kneeling to get to eye level with the inquisitive blue. "Hello Vaeth, it's a pleasure to finally meet you officially."
Hello, Keslo. I'm glad to meet you in person too. The blue replied bashfully.
"Try rubbing him behind the headknobs," Char suggested, grinning.
"All in favor of Ketke as the new Lord Holder?" Lord Hepnar, the Lord Holder of Fort intoned wearily. Three days of testimony, interviews with the holders and tours of the main Hold wore heavily on him, as had the funeral of his long time friend and mentor.
Every hand in the room went up.
"Your vote, Chairman?" Lord Chemult of Ista asked from somewhere under the many layers of furs, as he acted as Secretary for this Conclave.
"The Chair is in favor." Hepnar replied. It had taken taken all this time to decide between Ketke and Stlemin, Minket's second and third oldest sons, the fourth son had asked on the first day to be excused, claiming his youth, although under intense questioning it became painfully clear that he was terrified of Kestket.
"Let the record show an unanimous decision for Ketke." Chemult said with a satisfied sigh, putting his quill down and hiding his gloved hands back under the layers of furs.
"In that case, I believe we are done here, gentlemen," Hepnar said, gaveling once. "Who would like to call in the candidates?"
"I'll do it." Lord Nampa of High Reaches said. He was a short, wiry man with sons of his own the same age of the final two candidates, and had taken a keen interest in the outcome of the Conclave. Because of his Hold's similarity to Telgar's he had already offered his name as a potential mentor to the newly minted Lord Holder.
The youths were summarily lead in and to the front of the half circle arranged tables. Hepnar could see both were tired and worried, but striving their best to hide it - rumors had already surfaced of Kestket defecating in their sleeping furs, and throwing all their clothes into the midden heap. Hepnar had some recommendations, should Ketke come to him about the problem of his older brother, but refrained from offering, knowing the young man would need to face this obstacle on his own to assert his place as the Hold's Lord.
"It is the unanimous opinion of this august body that Ketke will be the next Lord Holder." Hepnar said simply, seeing no point in drawing it out. Stlemin looked up, the relief breaking over him like a wave, then turned and hugged his brother. "Congratulations!" He then leaned in and whispered something more to Ketke, who tried to smile and nodded in agreement.
"Thank you for your service, my Lords." Ketke smiled apprehensively and circulated to shake hands with the other lords, as Stlemin slipped out of the room. Chemult noticed and glanced at Hepnar, who merely shook his head. The new Lord Holder then invited the gathered Lords to return at their leisure, noting the anxious glances being sent towards the window, and the failing light.
"If you need anything, anything at all, I'm only a dragonride away." Nampa was saying, as other Lords gathered up their things.
"I thank you." Ketke said sincerely, "I hope I don't cause you to regret your kindness."
Hepnar joined Chemult leaving the room, just as eager as the Istan to return home.
"I'm glad that's over." Lord Suplee of Bitra said, hobbling amicably along side. He was a young man with the unfortunate disfigurement of his left leg being a finger length shorter than his right, mostly he was able to correct it with a wooden shoe, but he still moved awkwardly. He was also the most scrupulous Bitran either Lord had ever met, very concerned that all the rules as outlined by the Charter were met during the three day long Conclave.
"I as well." Hepnar agreed, moderating his speed to match Suplee's as they moved down the hall to the grand staircase. "I don't envy either Ketke or Nampa. Kestket is likely to be a thorn in their side for a long time to come."
"I actually have a use for the young man, if he becomes too much of a problem for Ketke." Chemult surprised both of them, flashing them a smile. "A season out on the sea usually sorts out even the most hardheaded lad."
Suplee chuckled, and stepped back so Hepnar could start down the stairwell ahead of him. "May I talk to you about some cousins of mine?"
In the Great Hall Stlemin was thanking the gathering bronzeriders and Livra, the hold Harper, who was frantically writing out letters for Hepnar's rider to carry back with him. Standing there, he glanced around the Great Hall, and wondered at the loneliness of it. How had such a slight man once filled it with such bonhomie? Shaking his head at his own melancholy thoughts he accepted L'stur's help mounting the bronze waiting just outside the entrance for them.
And I'm back! As per my original plan last year I'm going to try to kick out a chapter a month. As always, please let me know if you see any misspellings, grammatical errors or errors in general. Also please any thoughts or critiques on your part would be greatly appreciated, even unfavorable ones.
Note: Story update schedule is listed in the story description.