Taking It All In

[Akira]

T'rian sighed as he walked through the weyrbowl. He had only just found out about Inali's pregnancy, and he was still trying to take it all in. T'rianMine you must relax. He sighed and looked up in the direction of where his large bronze was laying on the ledge of the room they shared. I know Stallorth, I'm just shooked. I don't understand why she didn't tell me sooner. He hung his head and continued walking. He wasn't sure where he was going, or who was passing by him.

The only thing that T'rian was really sure of was the constant presence of his lifemate. Was she afraid of what I'd do? I mean...I think I'd be a good father, wouldn't I? He turned his head to gaze at Stallorth's large form as he spoke. TorMine, I'm sure you would make a great sire. At the sound of his nickname coming from his dragon, the man gave a half-hearted smile. He could always count on the large male to comfort him whenever he was upset by something.

[Lark]

The hatching had gone off...okay, Inali presumed. After all, every one of the eggs had impressed after a few last minute candidates had been brought in. The Weyrwoman stopped her walking and leaned against a wall. It was wonderfly cool in this heat, and the cold helped to steady herself. The entire time, she had been on edge and nervous. Everyone was judging her on how she acted, how she dealt with things, and how well she was doing over all. Did they all think she was good? Could they see through her to the terrified 19 turn old that she actually was?

Sighing, Inali moved some of the dark hair off her face and closed her eyes. It was wonderfly dark like that; nothing to think about at all. All she had to do was simply relax and not think of anything. A fluttering and a chirp alerted her to the presence of her huntyre Pepper. The Forest had finally decided to find Hers after the hatching it seemed. Not bothering to open her eyes, Inali slid down to the ground and put her head in her knees. The smooth material of her dress soft against her forehead. Maybe she was getting sick to be so tired? Or perhaps it's the young My Lady?

Loraketh's voice was a much needed security blanket. The Gold had gone to feed after the last of her children had hatched, and the sound of her mind in Inali's again meant that she had finished. It probably is, I'm just stressed too Lore. Petting the bird beside her, Inali breathed evenly. She would be fine, she had to be. They expected her to be nothing but perfect. That thought was laced with bitter malice though. She didn't even care if there was anyone passing by, she knew that they would stare if they noticed that the girl was her. However, to be honest Inali knew that most would only see a girl on the floor, one that they didn't really care about.

Pulling her legs closer to her, Inali felt the first of the tears run down her cheeks and to her chin. It wasn't the best place to have a mini-break down, but the overwhelming sensation of the hatching plus being pregnant was a force she wouldn't even atemp to defeat. Instead, the rider just sat there, head down, legs in, one hand reached out to pet the bird whose eyes were whirling an unhappy green. She didn't even notice that someone she knew quite well was coming closer to her as he walked around.

She was right outside in the entrance to the Weyrbowl after all. T'rian was out there, though she didn't yet know. Loraketh crooned from the sky where she was flying back from her meal. Hers needed her, but she needed her mate as well. Reaching out for Stallorth's mind, the gold found him easily enough and landed next to the bronze. My Lady needs Yours now. It's been a stressful day, they are only human, and young ones at that. Nuzzling her mate, at least for now, Loraketh went on. Both need the comfort of the other at this time. Tell him where Mine is, she's right there near enough to him. If he opened his own eyes he'd notice her.

Of course that was metaphorically speaking since Loraketh knew quite well that T'rian was walking about. She could see him even now. The gold rustled her wings, and curled her tail around Stallorth's. It was time to rest for her, for now at least her job was done. Her children were hatched and impressed. In a matter of seasons this would happen again, but at least maybe by then Hers would be feeling better. After all, this was a matter of learning how to deal with her job. Loraketh was born ready to lead as a Gold. Hers though, Hers needed to learn as she grew, and she simply had more growing to do.

[Akira]

T'rian smiled and reached down to pick up his rainbow huntyre. He placed the two foot bird on his shoulder where the huntyre nuzzled up closer to His' neck. Salty Blues knew that the man was upset, even though he didn't know why. Thanks Salty. He sighed as he spoke, keeping his eyes on the ground in front of him as he continued walking through the Weyrbowl. TorMine, please be happy. The strong voice of his dragon, had the man noding his head, even though he didn't even realize that he was doing it. Stallorth had always been a comfort to the man, and had done great things for him. T'rian was extremely thankful that the large bronze had come into his life.

Stallorth crooned when he felt his mate reach for his mind. He turned his gaze from His, and watched intently as the golden queen he had won landed next to him on his ledge. He nuzzled Loraketh back lovingly before nodded at her words. TorMine, your mate needs you, she is just on the other side. He knew his would understand what he had meant. Mine is still shocked, and a little afraid of how well he will be a sire. I am guessing Your's is upset about her young as well? His voice was calm, and relaxed as he spoke to his mate. He knew that both of them were young, and this was going to be their first child, but the large dragond couldn't understand why they were so upset by it. Stallorth turned his eyes from his mate to watch His as he went to see Lore's rider. He purred a little when Lore curled her tail around his, and relaxed next to him.

T'rian nodded at his dragons words, and started running in the direction his dragon had told him to go. He slowed down as he aproached Inali who was sitting on the ground. Hey, cheer up. There was a small smile in his voice and on his face as he knelt down next to her. He reached out with a hand and gently ran his fingers over Inali's cheek. Seeing her this way made the man feel horrible. He didn't want Inali to be upset. After all, in his mind, she was the strongest person he knew, and he wished there was something he could do to make her happy. Stalty chirped happily when he saw his mate. Hopping off of His' shoulder, he slowly made his way over to the forest huntyre. He could tell that she was upset because Her's was upset, and just like His, he wished he could cheer her up.

[Lark]

Inali knew the moment T'rian found her. It wasn't because his hand had touched her, or that his huntyre was making a loud fuss over seeing his mate. Nope, she just knew he was there. Like knowing your dragon was there. Leaning into his touch, Inali took a shuddering breath. She was such a wimp! She was useless, she wasn't worthy of being the Weyrwoman, she should just give it up already and stop pretending to be a Woman! All she was, was a little child in her mother's shoes...Oh Shut Up! Snapping her head up, Inali stopped breathing for a moment. You heard me! LiliMine, you're better than this. I will not have the lady I bonded with act in such a rediculous manner. Now, hug your boy, suck it up, and get some sleep!

Snorting, Loraketh ruffled her wings. Perhaps she had been harsh with Hers, but the girl needed it. Inali would be a great leader, she just needed time to grow up. A Gold was born ready to take her position. Her rider however had to learn to have that confidence. Inali was just still getting there that was all! Nuzzling Stallorth and tucking her head under her wing, Loraketh closed her eye-lids partially. She was so tired after the hatching, couldn't Hers just relax already?

Back with Inali, the rider had started breathing normally again. Loraketh was right, she was being pathetic. Sighing, the rider moved some hair out of her eyes only to have more fall in the way. Giving up, Inali nuzzled into Tor's arms. "I'm sorry....I just..." How could she say what she had felt? How could she let him know that she was worried he wouldn't stay. Weyrmates didn't have to stay weyrmates after all. She'd heard so many stories from the green riders of chasers who just came and went as they pleased. Would Tor be like that?

No, Inali doubted it, but the fear was still there. Moving her hand so that it rested against her abdomen, the rider closed her eyes. She wasn't even scared about the idea of having a child. That didn't bother her, though how she'd do as a mother and a Weyrwoman at the same time she did worry about. No way would she just dump the kid on some drudges like green riders did on occasion. Inali wanted to take care of her kid....would T'rian want that too?

I'm sure he would want you to be happy My Lady. Once again smooth and bell-like. Loraketh's voice slipped into Inali's mind. It was soothing, familiar and wonderful. I know, I'm just.......pathetically scared. So tell him that Inali. Was it really that simple? Was it really, truly that simple? Opening her mouth to say the words, Inali found she couldn't. Shaking her head, the rider moved away slightly. This wasn't how things were supposed to work out. Yet, here they were. "I'm sorry. I know I haven't been a very good companion lately Tor. I should have told you sooner....I found out about the time that Lore clutched. I should have told you then...I just...." She couldn't say it. Sighing, Inali ducked her head against his shoulder and blinked away tears.

[Akira]

T'rian gently rubbed Inali's back, and was slightly supprised when she suddenly snapped her head up. Loraketh is talking to her T'rianMine. Stallorth's strong voice entered T'rian's mind, and the man nodded. Stallorth nuzzled his mate back and watched her put her head under her wing. He in turn opened his own wing, and gently laid it over her, giving her even more shade from the sun. T'rian on the other hand, wrapped his arms around Inali when she nuzzled closer to him. It's alright Inali, everthing's alright. HIs voice was soft, and caring as he spoke to the woman who was nuzzled into his arms.

T'rian didn't understand what she was apologizing for, but what ever it was, he needed to make her feel better about. He didn't like it when she cried, to tell the truth, she didn't cry much that T'rian knew off. She had always seemed like such a strong woman, the man had actually started to wonder if the woman was able to cry. But seeing her like this, he started wishing she wouldn't. He let her move away when she wanted to, and gazed at her with concerened eyes. What is it Inali? His voice was soft, and full of love when he spoke. If there was a way he could make her smile and laugh again, he would do what ever it took, pay what ever price he needed to, just to see her happy once again.

It's alright Inali, no need to apologize to me. I shouldn't have acted so irashinally. I was just shocked, and happy. I actually thought it was all just a dream. He smiled as he spoke. He truly was happy that he was going to be a father. He wanted to prove that he could be just as good a father as his own, and he would do anything in his power to do just that. The one thing that made this all better was the fact that it was Inali who was going to bare him a child. Inali, don't worry you will be a wonderful mother, and a great Weyrwoman. His voice was full of confidance as he spoke to the woman that was once again wrapped in his arms.

[Lark]

"Thanks. I just was stressed about the hatching, and the new colors...I'm worried Tor. What if the other Weyrs think there's something wrong with Loraketh? They wouldn't..." Shaking her head Inali refused to think of that. They wouldn't just make a Gold dragon between for hatching strange mutations...would they? I'd like to see them try My Lady. The Gold's voice in Inali's head was comforting. At least she was sure that everything would turn out okay. Laughing as she held out her hands Inali shook her head. "Look at me. I'm such a mess! Come on. Let's walk a bit."

Unravelling herself from her weyrmate Inali got to her feet and called for Pepper to come to her outstretched arm. The huntyre obliged, careful not to harm Hers skin as the talons wrapped around the appedange. "I bet you were worried too. It's alright girl. I'm okay now." The huntyre crooned happily and chirped. Fluttering her spotted wings she cocked her head and looked at Inali with golden, red swirling eyes. Happy finally it seemed. Reaching out with her other hand for T'rian's, Inali started to walk out to the bowl again. It was a nice evening. Not to hot, and not too cool. A few dragons flew above Inali saw. They are most likely going to feed or stretch their wings My Lady.

Speaking of food I'm in need of some. Coming Stallorth? Loraketh got to her feet and opened her orange/gold wings. Letting herself fall off the edge the Gold glided down to the feeding grounds. Wherry's and Mini-Runners ran below her, and she quickly targeted one of the Island native animals. The brown creature went down under her easily, it's striped legs flailing briefly. It's a shame things must die for us to live isn't it? This was needed though, and Loraketh set in on her dinner. Lifting her head only to see if Stallorth had followed or stayed back in his cave.

[Akira]

T'rian nodded and smiled understandingly at Inali's words. Don't worry Inali, Stallorth and I won't let them do anything to Loraketh or you. I love you too much to let that kind of thing happen. He smiled lovingly and let her unravel herself from his arms. Stalty Blue's chirped and hopped over to His, chirping to get his attention. T'rian bent down and let the rainbow bird climb onto his shoulder where the bird turned his strange eyes on his mate and Hers, glad that they were both happy once again.

T'rian twined his hand together with Inali's, and walked beside her. His smile never left his face, and his dark brown eyes gleaming as he watched dragon's fly over head. I think I will join you Loraketh. The large bronze dragon stood as he spoke, stretching out his legs. He opened his large jaws and yawned sleepily before opening his bronze wings, and giving them a good stretching before falling from his ledge. He glided silently to the feeding pen, quickly choosing one of the wherry's to be his victim.

Stallorth landed on the creature and quickly ended it's pain. It is their lot in life LorakethMine. He looked up from his food to gaze hapily at his mate, blood driping from his maw. He crooned happily at his mate, and then turned his attention back to his food. T'rian smiled and squeezed Inali's hand affectionately as they walked, glad that his dragon had flown Loraketh, and had given him a chance to be with the woman he loved.

[Lark]

Inali smiled as the bronze followed Loraketh out to the feeding grounds. He seemed her constant shadow whenever possible. T'rian wasn't much different with her. He was so wonderful and nice, she didn't know how she came to deserve someone like that. Perhaps she was just being hard on herself though. Reaching out to gently cup the side of his face, she moved in for a gentle kiss. "I'm glad that Stallorth was the one to catch her. Though I wonder how much she was influenced by me." Laughing slightly, Inali watched as the gold winged back over.

I chose him myself My Lady. It was simply convientant that His was liked by you as well. We will see what happens next time. I care for Stallorth, but I choose whoever is worthy of catching me at the time....and it is not always my choice. Inali nodded. The Queen had almost been caught by someone else who had reached for her earlier in the flight. The movement had been unsettling to the Gold, sending her lower to the ground and reaching out for Stallorth. That was the reason the flight had been short and clutch small.

It will be better next time I assure you My Lady. We will prove our place here time and time again. I know love. First though is Maelath's turn. It's about time for her to rise again in the next season. Nodding her head in agreement, Loraketh settled down into the WeyrBowl, watching Hers as Inali headed over and sat in the crook of her arm. Motioning for T'rian to join her there, Inali sighed in relief. At least for now everything was okay.

"I wonder what the future holds. Do you think the new colors will appear in Maelath's clutch, and what about Kayath and Talath? They're large enough to produce eggs of decent size. Should we let them chew firestone? Can they even chew firestone?" The goldrider shook her head confused. Not to mention who would catch Maelath. Inali's mind thought as Loraketh gave a little hiss.

[Akira]

T'rian chuckled as he watched his bronze king follow Inali's gold like a little lost puppy. He could feel the growl that his thought caused in Stallorth through their mental bond, and he couldn't help but laugh out right. He turned his head to look at Inali when she spoke to him, and he wondered what had caused her to say that. I'm sure she chose Stallorth of her own voilition. His voice held a smile, just like the one on his face, as he spoke to Inali.[/b] He knew that women could influence their dragon's to choose the dragon of the rider they liked best, but T'rian had a gut instinct that the woman who was walking next to him would never take that choice from her dragon.

T'rian watched as Stallorth followed Loraketh, and shook his head. Why don't you go and exercise off that last wherry? T'rian smirked as his dragon growled at him once again. He smiled and walked over to where his dragon had laid down by his mate. He climbed up on Stallorth's large, bronze arm, and relaxed. He turned his dark brown eyes on Inali and watched her settle into the crook of Loraketh's arm. The two of them seemed so relaxed when their dragon's were around, at least, that's the impression that T'rian got as he watched Inali with loving eyes. Inali, don't worry. If the new color's show up, they show up, and I think we should let Aela decide of Talath chews or not. He smiled at his Weyrmate, and cocked a brow when Loraketh hissed.

Stallorth crooned at his mate, he was going to be conveniently out of the Weyr when Maelath rose. There was no way T'rian was going to get in the middle of the two women, and there was expecially no way he was going to let his dragon fly the junior gold. He wasn't sure how much trouble that would cause, but he was sure that it wouldn't be good. He looked up at Stallorth's large, swirling eyes, and knew that the two of them had the same frighting thought about what the gold dragon and her rider would do to them if they even thought about joining in Maelath's flight.

[Lark]

Inali nodded in agreement as T'rian talked. "Kayath and J'dol as well. I wonder what the other Weyrs think of that though. A man riding a dragon that says she's a Sub-Queen. A clutching dragon! Not to mention the Garnet. Do you know he still harms His on occasion? Alyara has been having the worst time with him. That's why I added K'lin to the lessons. I thought she could use the older rider." Shaking her head, the Weyrwoman wished things could be simple again. She wanted to just be a weyrling. Not worrying about anything but learning.

Are you not still learning though My Lady? The gold rumbled as she lay her head on her feet. The rider had to agree with that. Reaching up to rub the eye-ridge, Inali kissed the golden hide. How did I ever impress you love? You saved a worthless bronze from me exacting a just punishment. The gold said it so matter of fact that it surprised Inali. She knew that Loraketh could be harsh at times, but that was more so than usual. He killed one of my sisters My Lady. That kind of act is not tolerated by me. Emiath was lucky that Eyildayth and Yazhith survived his attempts.

The gold hissed at the thought of her red son. Soothing the dragoness by humming softly, Inali rubbed the hide again. In that moment she didn't want to think of anything Weyr related really. The girl slid off of her dragon's arm and moved slowly to Stallorth's where T'rian sat. Getting up, the Weyrwoman moved to snuggle against the Weyrleader's warmth. "Tell me a story Tor. One of those ones you used to tell me when we were weyrlings. I just want to hear you voice again telling a story." She loved it when he did that. He was good at it too, and had often entertained her and the other weyrlings when they were a bit younger. Oh shards though had that really been only a few short turns?

Listening to his voice was like a drug. She closed her eyes as she listened, aware as Loraketh did the same and put her head besides Stallorth's It was nice and warm like this. Before she knew it, it was becoming increasingly harder to stay focused on his voice and Inali stopped trying. She felt safe here. This was good. Slowly she fell, but a good kind of falling. Until finally her body settled into a rythmic form of breathing and she was fast asleep.

[Akira]

T'rian listened intently as Inali spoke of the weyrlings. It doesn't matter what the other Weyrs think Inali. They are our weyrlings, and we will deal with them as needed. His voice was calm and relaxed as he spoke. He didn't really want to think about what would happen if the Garnet didn't start behaving. Stallorth growled deep in his chest when the humans mentioned his garnet son. He wasn't pleased with the weyrling's behavior, and it seemed that his mate wasn't very happy with him either. T'rian smiled as he watched Inali climb up on Stallorth's arm next to him. He wrapped his arm around Inali, and held her close. He smiled, and nodded his head when Inali asked for a story. He knew plenty of them, especailly since his father was a harper. Alright, let's see... He scratched his chin as he thought of the story to tell her. T'rian started telling his story, a story about when Thread had first fallen, and the idea of dragon's was just a dream. It was a long story, and he wasn't even half way through when he noticed that, not only Inali, but the dragon's too, were asleep. He smiled, and finished his story, letting Inali and the dragon's take a well needed nap as he did so.