Rumors are filtering out of the Infirmary of Ista Weyr that all is not well.

Okay, so that was a given.

Rumors are filtering out of Ista Weyr that the Weyrleader is not well. Also a given, but it seems that the health of Weyrleader S'va is deteriorating faster than the healers are able to keep up with. It is said that fluid from within the chest cavity has entered a collapsed lung, creating advanced pneumonia. It is further said that this has severely worsened both his current state and the prognosis of survival, leaving him in a semi-sedated state of heavy fever and labored breathing. Rumors place the chance of survival as extremely, extremely slim -- although these are delivered in whispers around corners, and carefully into knowing ears to keep the Weyrleader's lifemate from catching wind.

What will this mean for Ista?

In the meantime, his Bronze Vsonath -- accompanied by friends to keep him calm, keeps a silent vigil outside the infirmary; even as healers talk of moving the Weyrleader to better facilities at the Healer Hall itself.