17.08.235
Finally. It doesn't help that my sweet girl doesn't fly as much as some of the green hussies out there or that she is usually caught by Tyrrisath (or Aveleth if he's in the area and has his balls on for the day).
Yes, finally, that handsome young bronzerider has fallen into my bed and our dragons had time to bond after their flight to help sweeten the deal.
A'dris is still suspicious of me, no doubt thanks in part to whisperings from the likes of B'jin and some others who don't appreciate my survival tactics but he did at least hear me out.
He was careful with his words, likely afraid it was a trap to focus S'kef's wrath on him, but he did manage to hint that protocol was there for a reason and if it worked in the past for one lifetime after another, than it was likely wise to go back to such a system.
In other words, he isn't entirely sure he's fond of a brownrider in charge either. I suppose that also means he's been hanging around bronzeriders too much since Impressing and less with his little friends that ended up on blues and greens but no matter. It serves me better this way. He understands how Weyrs work now and who should be in charge and who the commonfolk in Holds and Halls admire and would be more willing to cooperate with. His friends being of lower colours may mean he's more inclined to see them do well, which in turn means he'd be willing to listen to me, someone who knows the game and status quo of everything.
Now, to start working on S'kef and the idea that sending bronzeriders off to be in charge of some of the other Weyrs to get them cleaned up and running again is something to be put into motion. He'll think they're all still answering to him without any power of their own, but I'll have helped select who to send and vouch for their loyalty (to me). The bronzeriders can work on swaying the wings sent with them and I'll push the strongest candidate amongst them to overthrow my dear S'kef.
It's going to happen whether I help it or not so it's better that I have a hand in my fate and guide it to something far more comfortable.