Line in the Sand (Shayna) [21.12.1164]

[kendrall]

((OOC - Tie-in/threadjack to "Unexpected Night Together"))

There was still just enough light left that the rays of Rukbat were able to make their way into the heart of the weyr M'riel was sharing with Shayna. He heard that her parents were here courtesy of R'bao, but Oreath passed along the message that the Weyrwoman would be back later. That was roughly around the thirteenth candlemark or so. Now it was nearly dark outside, but still light enough for the Weyrleader to get a glimpse of the distant horizon. He had told Shayna he had no problem with her seeing R'bao, but the uneasy feeling wasn't going away even with the Benden whisky he'd been sipping on all evening. Images flashed before his eyes, of his rightful weyrmate being flown by the Bluerider. If Shayna wanted to break tradition and risk her status as Weyrwoman, it was going to be on her. M'riel did have the right to call a full council of the entire Leadership, and openly charge the Weyrwoman of violating the long-standing traditions she was obligated to uphold. That included M'riel's right to share her bed, and furthermore meant Shayna was bound to him and him alone, not to R'bao. If enough of the Leadership declared a vote of no confidence in Shayna, she would have to redeem herself or otherwise be obligated to step down from office. If she chose the former, it would fall to M'riel to decide what she would have to do in order to retain her position, but also regain his trust.

If she chose the latter, that would either elevate Kolteya or Ardalae into the new position until either Gold rose again. And M'riel would have no desire to retain his own status as Weyrleader. Once Shayna stepped down, he himself would elevate one of the Weyrseconds as temporarily Weyrleader, and also step down from his post. He'd spent nearly thirty Turns in service, charged with protecting the lives of others. M'riel had toyed with the idea of retiring permanently, but couldn't find a valid reason until recently. Sixteen Turns as a Rider, nearly thirteen Turns as a Guardsman. Retirement was long overdue in his opinion.

"Oreath, find out where Shay is," he asked his Bronze. The Bronze turned to his golden mate, and after a moment gave a reply. She is still with Serguth's. Why?[/color] "She's late," he said. "And something tells me she won't be back tonight." Getting up from the couch, the Weyrleader walked over to where he kept his personal gear stashed away, and started rummaging through it. Extra furs, his winter gear, some canvas cloth, one of his woodworking tools...

What are you up to, Mine? Do you not trust Lady Josiath's?[/color]

"I trust her around R'bao as far as I can throw the man," he retorted. "She's still vulnerable, and it's only going to cost her in the long run. Both of them know full well she's bound by a long-standing tradition she can't sleep with anyone else, or be seen being too affectionate with anyone other than me. If she wants to do whatever she pleases, then she needs to step down from her post. Period." M'riel started packing everything into his old Guardsman's pack, which was large by most standards. It was large enough for a Guardsman to carry with him a piece of canvas to make a personal tent, furs, dried foodstuffs, and his woodworking tool - a small axe - neatly slid into a loop. He then carried it over and set it down by Oreath, then walked back over to get the riding straps.

What are you doing, Mine? Why are you packing? We're not leaving, are we?[/color] The Bronze's eyes turned yellow with worry, and gave a mournful croon. He didn't want to leave Josiath; the Senior Queen would not be happy.

"No, Oreath. We're spending the night elsewhere. Camping. It won't take me long to get used to sleeping alone again."

But Lady Josiath's...[/color] the Bronze tried to reason, but M'riel interrupted him. "Shay thinks she can do whatever she sharding well pleases just because she's the Weyrwoman, I have news for her. She doesn't have that right. I'll be surprised if she comes to her senses before she gives in to R'bao's advances, but either way I won't be sharing her bed tonight, that's for sure."

Oreath wasn't giving up easily. He turned to his golden mate. Lady Josiath, you must do something quickly. I fear the bond between Yours and Mine will fall apart, and you and I will no longer remain as mates.[/b][/color]

[sorra]

Josiath didn't realize anything was wrong at the moment. Her rider seemed very happy and she was content curling up next to Oreath. Although when her bronze mate started to get upset she raised her head and snorted. Just what was going on? Why was Oreath so upset?

She watched as M'riel started to pack things, bringing them out as he went. Well, that certainly didn't look right to the gold. And just where did the rider think he was going? She snorted and looked at Oreath. Well, I say you are not allowed to leave this Weyr. You are grounded, she told her mate. At least it would keep him there until she could get Shayna there.

Josiath then turned her attention to her rider. Shayna, you need to get back here right now, she warned her rider. Oreath's is not happy and he is threatening to leave.

Shayna started at Josiath's words. Leave? What was she talking about? She groaned softly and quickly got off the couch, giving R'bao an apologetic smile. So much for them being able to just enjoy the fire for a bit while they talked. It wasn't like they had done anything. "I'm sorry, R'bao. I've gotta go." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving. I'm coming, Jo.

The gold rider hiked up her skirt and took off running. She knew her body was going to protest to every movement, but time was of the essence. She just didn't understand what was going on. All she had done was gone up to tell R'bao thank you. She wasn't even allowed to do that? The blue rider was one of her best friends. She sighed in frustration. What was M'riel thinking?

By the time Shayna reached her weyr she was out of breath and very pale. She knew the run wouldn't do her any good, but it was too late now. She stepped into their weyr, trying to get her composure back. "M'riel?" she asked, looking around for the bronze rider.

[kendrall]

Oreath bowed his head in deference to Josiath. I did not want to leave your side, Lady Josiath, as you know that I am very fond of you and am proud to be your consort. I ask that you forgive me and Mine, and we will do whatever we must to regain your confidence in us and your favor.[/i] M'riel watched as Oreath bowed his head to the Senior Queen, and he knew what that meant. Josiath wasn't allowing the Bronze pair to go anywhere for the moment. The Weyrleader glared at the Gold but said nothing, then grabbed the riding straps and started prepping Oreath for flight. He started tugging on the saddle straps when he heard Shayna call his name, but that wouldn't keep him from finishing what he started. It would take much more than that.

"You're late," his voice could be heard from the dragon perch. It was flat, neutral; M'riel often used that tone when he was angry or upset over something, but always kept the various intonations from betraying that fact. "I thought I'd be sleeping alone tonight, but I'll be doing that anyway once Josiath lifts the grounding status. I figured you wouldn't be back until sometime in the morning or afternoon. Wouldn't be the first time I've slept in a cold bed by myself."

[sorra]

The golden dragon lowered her head as well and nuzzled his shoulder. I forgive you. I do not know what is going on with our riders though. That is for them to figure out. there was only so much she could do. She had already drug her rider back to the weyr despite how happy Shayna had been earlier. Now all she sensed from her rider was turmoil and confusion.

Shayna closed her eyes briefly as she held a hand to her stomach. Shards, running had not been a good idea. But Josiath had seemed particularly upset and that had worried her. And now she understood why as she cringed at his tone. The Weyrwoman carefully made her way toward the ledge. Josiath had grounded Oreath? Well, good. At least for now. She started to apologize and caught herself. "I'm not saying I'm sorry," she said, leaning against the wall for a moment. "We didn't do anything, M'riel. All we did was talk. I wanted to thank him for bringing my parents here. I really needed them right now." She stood up, still feeling a bit light headed from the run. "Do you want to sleep alone? I can go stay with Hya and my parents until the morning. Sanyara is still there anyhow." She was not going to play this game. She hadn't done anything wrong. All they had done was talk. She had given him a kiss and hug, but it hadn't gone any further then that. Although as riders she wasn't sure why it would have mattered if it had, not that she was going to say that.

[kendrall]

Oreath returned Josiath's nuzzle. Thank you, my queen. But I believe we may be of some help. Mine only wishes to make it known of the traditions Ours are to uphold. Mine is still in love with Yours, but was worried she would be staying with Serguth's tonight instead of here. Perhaps this "camping" will do Ours some good. Mine knows how to properly keep the cold at bay. I will gladly keep you warm, my queen.[/b][/color] Oreath knew full well that his Rider was going to take whatever steps necessary to remind Josiath's of where she rightfully belonged, and the camping expedition sounded like an excellent idea. Shayna would get a rare glimpse into the mind of the Weryleader.

M'riel finished tightening the straps when he heard Shayna approach. "Never say you're sorry, Shay. Although right now I shouldn't have to remind you of our agreement. I said I had no problem with you seeing R'bao. And I'm glad he brought your parents here." He then turned to face Shayna. "As for my sleeping alone, I figured I would be. Thanking someone for making her day is one thing. Letting herself go by longing for the past, winding up intimately kissing the father of her daughter and ultimately being flown by him is where I draw the line. I know you Shay. You're still vulnerable whether you choose to admit it or not."

"You and I both know of the traditions that bind us as Weryleader and Weyrwoman. I wanted it to go past that because I'm still in love with you. This is the first time you've broken my heart, Shay. I know that I told you that even if you broke it a thousand times, I'll still be in love with you and forgive you. And I do. On the other hand, it would do you no good as Weyrwoman to be seen in another man's bed, or to have any other man in hers other than the Weyrleader. Especially after I chose to claim that right. You said you were willing to fight for us, for our love. Well, now is your chance to prove it, to patch things up between us. It's a cold night out there, and I prefer to be snuggled next to my rightful weyrmate, the woman I love. You."

M'riel slipped past Shayna, and wordlessly searched for his spare Guardsman pack. It was slightly smaller than his own, but instead of packing more of his clothes, he started to pack some of the Weyrwoman's.

[sorra]

Josiath still didn't quite understand why M'riel was so upset. Serguth is nice. And R'bao always treated Shayna kindly. But I want to stay here. You keep me much warmer. Although she still got along quite nicely with the blue dragon. And she knew Shayna still cared about R'bao. What is camping? And what does M'riel have planned? she asked, slowly starting to remember the Weyrleader's name. She had never heard of camping before.

Shayna frowned a bit as she carefully leaned against the wall again. She cursed herself for even thinking about running let alone doing it. "I didn't apologize," she pointed out gently. She wouldn't apologize for seeing R'bao. He was still her friend. "You'll have to meet my parents one day," she said. She was curious to see what her parents thought of him. She knew they liked R'bao. She shook her head. "We didn't do anything M'riel. He's still a very close friend, but I give you my word that all we did was talk." She raised a brow as she flushed. "You really think I'm still that vulnerable?" Would she really give in that easily? Well, she didn't know. And she was back now anyhow.

She sighed softly as she wrapped her arms tighter around her stomach. "I wasn't out to break your heart. I didn't realize I would when I had just gone to thank him." Shayna hadn't thought about that. Until this moment she had never been Weyrwoman. She closed her eyes briefly. This was still so confusing to her. "I do love you, M'riel. I never meant to make you doubt that. And you do have a point. You've got to understand though, this is all so new to me. Up until a sevenday ago R'bao and I were inseparable and now this. Don't take the wrong way. My feelings run deep for you and I do love you. It's just I can't forget R'bao that fast." She raised a brow. "Prove it?" she asked. What was he planning?

She watched as he turned and started to pack some of her clothing. "What are you doing?" she asked curiously. Surely he wasn't thinking about leaving. What about Sanyara?

[kendrall]

Serguth's may have treated Yours kindly, my queen, but Mine will do the same,[/b][/color] Oreath gently reminded Josiath. As for this "camping", from what Mine has told me, it's where one sleeps under the stars at night, to appreciate nature in all of its splendor. I think Mine will be wanting to find a suitable shelter where he can build a fire for warmth, but away from this cold. He has told me of how he has "lived off of the land", taking only what he needed to survive yet not harm nature. But I also think Mine has come to the conclusion that Yours may not know him all that well, nor vice versa. This will be an excellent opportunity for them to rectify that.[/b][/color]

M'riel was still packing some of Shayna's clothes into his spare Guardsman's pack when she tried to explain what really happened. Granted, she didn't apologize, but in his opinion she had committed an infraction by getting a little *too* cozy with her former lover. "Close friend" he could understand. "Just talking" was where he was having his doubts. Her not believing she was still vulnerable was only making him doubt her even more.

M'riel glanced over his shoulder at Shayna. "You realize all I have to do is ask Josiath what really went on in there. What you saw when you stepped into R'bao's quarters. What went on through your mind the whole time. Dragons aren't known to lie or conceal the truth even if they're asked. If you were to ask Oreath what went on in my mind, he'll tell you that I couldn't shake the thought of you sharing R'bao's bed for the night. That you let him have his way with you." M'riel rose to his feet to look Shayna in the eye.

"It doesn't take nearly three candlemarks to tell someone thank you, Shay. It's two little simple words. Spoken from the heart, they carry a lot of weight to them. Yes I know this is still new to you and to R'bao, the fact that you two can no longer be together now that you're the Weyrwoman, and Josiath chose Oreath. It's an age-old custom where, as Weyrleader, I have the right to claim you as my weyrmate and share your bed. By the same token, you're bound by that same custom to only sleep with me and none other. I'm not asking you to forget R'bao so quickly, Shay. I'm just asking that you remember to whom you rightfully belong to." M'riel turned back to finish packing, his voice easily heard. "Apparently I'm not doing a sufficient job at satisfying you between the furs, Weyrwoman. I'll have to remedy that."

It didn't take him much longer to finish packing. Tying the flap shut, M'riel hoisted the pack over his shoulder and walked past Shayna and set it down next to his, but didn't look at her quite yet. "You want to patch things between us, Shay? I want to prove beyond any shadow of doubt that I'm more than enough to satisfy you between the furs. I told you that I will never stop fighting for us nor for our love, that I will never stop fighting for our future together. But I can't fight that battle alone. I need my lover to stand with me. I need my soulmate to help me. I need you, Weyrwoman Shayna of Gold Josiath. I don't want anyone else. Just you. Mind, body, heart, soul, and spirit."

He then looked back at Shayna. "Ten marks says you haven't gone camping since you were a little girl. I'd like for you and I to do a little reconciling, Weyrwoman, and for us to get to know each other a little better. We're going on an overnight camping trip."


Sent from my Nexus S 4G using proboards

[sorra]

Josiath bobbed her head a bit. She had no doubt that M'riel would be kind to Shayna. If not then the gold would have something to say about it and it wouldn't be pretty. Sleeping outside? It's so cold though. I hope he is able to find shelter. The gold didn't relish the thought of sleeping outside at the moment. Although if she was able to curl up with Oreath she would make do. It doesn't sound like any fun to me, but as long as I can curl up with you I'll be happy.

Shayna watched him pack. It was easy to see that he still wasn't real happy with her. She sighed softly. Things weren't supposed to be this hard. Right now she felt like she didn't have anyone to talk to about any of this. She couldn't talk to R'bao as it would only add to the problem and she didn't want to talk to M'riel and end up in an argument.

Her face flushed a bit, but she stood up straighter, her hands going to her hips. "You go right ahead and ask her. I'll tell you exactly what I saw. R'bao was getting ready for bed. I surprised him and then we sat on the couch, talking. Apparently he and Venteran have been visiting my parents a lot and he was telling me how that had gone." She blew her bangs out of her face in frustration. "I had Jo tell Oreath that I was coming back. And I was."

She narrowed her silver eyes. "I fell asleep on the couch," she said. Which embarrassed her a bit, but she still got tired easily. "Once I woke up again we talked a bit longer. I wasn't planning on staying much longer when Jo told me what was going on." She wasn't sure why she was explaining herself anyhow, but she felt like she should. Maybe because she didn't want M'riel getting mad at R'bao. This had been her doing and R'bao had been a gentleman. Well, at least he didn't think he could make her forget R'bao already. She would never be able to forget him totally and she didn't want to. He was her best friend, next to Arda. Her face flushed. "I never said that," she said. She had never complained about their time under the furs. There was nothing she could complain about.

It seemed like he had gotten everything packed as he set the bag next to his other one. Not that Shayna still had any idea what he was planning. He hadn't exactly told her yet. She stared at him briefly, surprised by his words. "I never said you had to go it alone. That's not what I want. I made one mistake, but nothing happened. I should have been back sooner, but I can't change that now." Did he really think that she didn't have feelings for him? If she didn't she wouldn't be wearing the ring that he had given her. "I do love you, M'riel. And I am trying. Honest I am."

"Camping?" she asked in shock. No, she hadn't been camping since before she was a rider. Her and T'ryern had gone camping a few times, but that had been Turns ago. She nodded. "I would like to get to know you better, but what about Sanyara. Won't she get hungry tonight? I want to go, honest, but I'm not sure what to do about my daughter." Her daughter was only a sevenday old after all and still nursing. Could she figure out a way to leave Hya a couple bottles until she got back in the morning?

[kendrall]

He will, Lady Josiath. Mine knows what to do. He knows what to look for. And I would not have it any other way than to be at your side regardless.[/b][/color] Oreath reassured his gold mate.

M'riel folded his arms across his torso and listened as Shayna took offense at his accusation. "Surprise him as in catching him off-guard, arriving unannounced? Or surprise him in a different fashion? Josiath will tell me what you saw, yes. You saw R'bao get ready for bed. But will Josiath tell me what went on in your mind?" He wasn't buying the entire story. It would take a lot of convincing on Shayna's part to ease his doubts. When she grudgingly admitted she fell asleep on R'bao's couch, M'riel nodded slowly. The Weyrwoman went on to explain she woke up later and all she and the Blue Rider did was talk about the conversation that took place between her parents, R'bao, and Venteran; and her having Josiath tell Oreath she would be back. The Weyrleader wasn't so sure about that little part, and he gave his weyrmate a knowing glance. "And when exactly were you planning on coming back, Shay? In the middle of the night while I was asleep? The following morning, right before the first candlemark, hoping to catch me before I woke up? Sometime that afternoon, hoping you could somehow explain why there were witnesses seeing you enter R'bao's weyr last night only to be seen leaving much later? Do you have *any* idea what type of message that will send to the entire Weyr?"

M'riel made sure to keep his voice as neutral as possible. "Had you came back later than usual, Shay, that would have only led me to believe you and R'bao did more than just talk. Had you tried to slip under the furs with me, hoping I would be sound asleep, you would have found me wide awake and not wanting to touch you. If Oreath didn't say anything to Josiath, you wouldn't have found either one of us here, only a very upset and distraught Gold the next day and my Weyrleader knots on the floor. There's no point in my being Weyrleader if the Weyrwoman either can't, or if she's unwilling to stay committed to me. And it's not just out of necessity. It's because there's a genuine lack of devotion and trust. A devotion that runs so strong and so deep that nothing could ever tear us apart. A commitment like that only happens when you and I stay true to each other, that our love for each other overcomes every test and trial. That type of trust only comes when you and I both know beyond all doubt that the other person in this relationship will never go astray. You'll never have to worry about me sleeping with or flying another woman in or outside of a Flight other than Josiath's. Oreath is too smitten with her to even bother chasing another Gold or even a Green, and he'll make sure I won't cross that line because he knows just how much I love you. I know him."

Oreath crooned in agreement, then gave his gold mate an affectionate nuzzle. His Rider was right; the Bronze knew full well just how much M'riel loved Shayna and didn't want anyone else.

When M'riel turned to finish packing and made the remark of how he didn't think he was "doing his job", he gave a faint grunt of amusement when Shayna shot back that she never said anything of the sort. Good. At least she wasn't going to forget so easily, and he wasn't going to let her forget at all.

He paused long enough after he set down the pack next to his so he could listen to her next words. "Good. I don't want to do this by myself. It's much more difficult if there's no Weyrwoman willing to stand by her Weyrleader to fight for their love and their future together. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt this time, Shayna, and because you admitted you made a mistake I'll forgive you. But you owe me one."

"Yes, camping. Bring Sanyara if you don't feel comfortable leaving her here with your family. Just make sure she's bundled up. If not, we'll have to find a way to make sure she has enough milk until we get back by sunrise."

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using proboards

[sorra]

Josiath snuggled close to Oreath's side. And I don't want you going anywhere. As long as you feel your rider knows what to do then I will not worry. I trust you.

The Weyrwoman's face flushed, but she managed to keep her anger at bay. "I didn't have anything planned. I just wanted to make a surprise visit." She had actually been afraid that R'bao wouldn't want to see her considering everything that had happened. And she hadn't wanted him to think that it hadn't mattered to her that he had gone through all the trouble of finding and bringing her parents to the Weyr for her. She frowned a bit, refusing to show her discomfort. "Okay, yes, I had a couple seconds of other thoughts when I saw him get ready for bed. He has been my lover for Turns now. We have a daughter together. I couldn't exactly shut my feelings off for him that fast." She shook her head. "I had intentions of coming back tonight. I wasn't going to sneak in and I wasn't planning on coming back in the morning or leaving you to sleep in the bed by yourself," she said. That had never been her intentions. Falling asleep had been pure accident, but of course she was still recovering so it was to be expected. "I don't think anyone would have said anything," she said. "R'bao had been sharing my weyr up until you became Weyrleader after all. But I don't want us to be arguing or anything, so I will try my hardest to be more careful for now on." Although she wasn't giving up her friendship with R'bao totally.

Her face flushed in anger. "You would have left without saying a word?" she almost demanded. "And do you not trust me at all? Trust is a two way street, M'riel. I do love you. I didn't lie about that. But there's still much that we don't know about each other. We haven't known each other long, although I would like to get to know you much better. In just the short amount of time we've been together I've grown to love you, but if you would have turned in your knots I don't know if I could have forgiven you." She didn't want to think about that. It would have only caused problems all over again. "And that wouldn't have been fair to Jo. I was the one you would have been mad at, not her." She scrubbed at her face, getting a slight headache. "I don't doubt that and I know Oreath is very devoted to Jo. He reminds me a lot of you. And I did not set out to hurt you this evening. Jo was to tell Oreath where I was going and I had planned on being back early. I still had to pick up Sanyara after all."

Josiath crooned softly and returned Oreath's gentle nuzzle. Her rider seemed a bit distraught, but she wasn't getting worried yet. She was content with her mate.

She raised a brow at his grunt, wondering just what he was thinking. And yes, he had never given her any reason to doubt his ability under the furs. And she wasn't even totally healed up yet.

"I didn't expect you to do this alone," Shayna said gently. "The Weyr is meant to be led by the Weyrleaders, not just one. I never would have left." She wasn't that type of girl. She was loyal to a T which sometimes could get her in trouble. Well, at least he had forgiven her. She wasn't going to say anything else and change getting in an argument. "I owe you?" she asked, raising a brow. "And just what do you have in mind?"

Hmm, camping could be fun. And it would only be til morning. It wasn't like another dragon couldn't reach theirs. She shook her head. "I don't want to take Sanyara out in this cold. I know she would be safe with mom and dad. I'll just have to figure out a way to make sure she has milk when she wakes up." That was going to be the real trick. She would have to think about that one. "Any suggestions?" she asked M'riel.

[kendrall]

M'riel listened as he heard more of Shayna's side of the story. She had stated she didn't plan this on purpose; yes, she admitted she had some other thoughts, but that was only because R'bao had been her lover for quite a few Turns or so. While M'riel did have to agree it wasn't easy to simply dismiss feelings for a prior lover that quickly, his own nature and upbringing were quick to overrule them. To him, it was a matter of honor and a sense of duty. He still had feelings for his first love; while those would never go away, he had to remind himself continually that his role as Weyrleader along with the responsibilities to everyone under his leadership came first. That would be a topic of discussion for later once he and Shayna departed for this little expedition he had planned at practically the spur of the moment. Shayna then went on to say she did have every intention of coming back, but she thought no one would have said anything. It was known that R'bao had been sharing her weyr up until about a sevenday ago or so, but again M'riel's sense of duty kicked in. Before he could speak, the Weyrwoman said she didn't want to argue the point further, and agreed she would be more careful going forward.

Where she was upset with him - and rightfully so - was when M'riel had threatened to resign his post had Shayna not returned. He nodded slowly, but let her continue even though she accused him of not trusting her in return. "You're right. Trust is a two-way street, and we haven't really known each other that long even though there have been times it's felt like it's been much longer. I wasn't mad at Josiath, I was upset with you. Yes, I know your feelings for R'bao won't go away anytime soon. Shards, there's still a part of me that misses Noemi, but I can't let that get in the way of my responsibilities to this entire Weyr. Some would call it pride. Others would probably think I'm incapable of feeling or unable to show emotion save for anger or haughtiness. For me, it isn't any of the above. When Josiath chose Oreath and I became the Weyrleader, I remembered the oath I took before I started training as a Guardsman. Duty and honor above all else. I'm not saying you don't take your role as Weyrwoman seriously, Shay. But maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't hurt to show everyone in this Weyr that you're willing to meet your responsibilities with all the grace and elegance you're capable of showing. We had a little conversation the other night about how my mother would have expected me to treat you like a Lady Holder. And I will. But that same Lady Holder knows what is expected of her."

"Nevertheless, Shay, I still forgive you and I'm still in love with you. If you'll have me. As for you owing me, that was why I came up with this little overnight getaway to begin with. So you and I could rediscover each other. To remind each other of our commitment to face the future together not just as Weyrleader and Weyrwoman, but as weyrmates and as lovers."

He blinked when Shayna said she didn't want to take her daughter out in this cold. He didn't blame her, but her question caught him off-guard, and he felt his cheeks flush and his eyebrows raise. "You're asking me? I don't know...maybe somehow fill a small wineskin or something like that?" M'riel wasn't sure exactly how his weyrmate could do that, but he was sure she'd be able to figure it out fairly quickly. He didn't want to waste any more time talking and wanted to get moving soon, otherwise this whole camping idea of his would be for naught.

((OOC - I doubt that plastic or glass bottles with a rubber nipple would exist on Pern...))

[sorra]

Shayna was thankful when he didn't push the R'bao issue any further. She had told him exactly what had happened. Why would she have lied in the first place? She had been gone longer then she had meant to be, but she was back and nothing had happened. She had gotten a chance to thank R'bao for being so thoughtful and thanks to Josiath's warning from Oreath she made it back before M'riel did anything stupid. Shayna had a really bad feeling though that M'riel wasn't done discussing the issue, just was letting it drop for now. Well, she'd deal with that when the time came. She had nothing to hide and nothing to be embarrassed about. R'bao had been in her life a long time now and would always be her children's father.

The Weyrwoman was still fuming though as she thought about him just leaving. With how he talked about pride and honor so much she couldn't believe that he would just up and leave his position. She scrubbed at her face a bit as she leaned against the wall. Right now she really wanted to sit down, but she didn't want to show any weakness right now. She sighed softly. "Yes, there are certainly times that it feels like we have known each other forever. But then I guess times like this show how much we still don't know about each other. Honestly, I am looking forward to getting to know you better," she said softly, her anger slowly subsiding. She was glad that he at least admitted that trust needed to be a two way street. She wanted to protest to his statement, but once he finished that he wasn't saying she didn't take her responsibilities seriously she settled back down. Shayna slowly nodded. "I do know what is expected of me. I just had a slip and I will be careful. But I am not giving up my friendship with R'bao. He is still the father of my children."

The Weyrwoman quickly brushed a tear away. "Of course I forgive you. It was a misunderstanding. I would never get that angry and kick someone out over a misunderstanding. Besides, you're too deeply entrenched in my heart to do that now," she teased him. Her eyes widened a bit as she blushed. "Oh," she said softly. "Well, it sounds very nice."

She hid a giggle behind her hand when she saw how uncomfortable he was at her question. "I just wondered if you had any ideas," she said gently. Sanyara was still too young and tiny to take out in this type of weather. The young woman nodded. "That might work. Just give me a couple minutes to figure that out and get it down to Hya and mom," she said. She knew her mother would love getting to watch over her granddaughter and Hya would understand perfectly what was going on. Shayna stood up from the wall and hurried to finish up that task.

[kendrall]

The Weyrleader had to exercise patience as his weyrmate scrubbed at her face, and he knew she was still trying to sort everything out. He knew she couldn't believe he would just up and abandon his position like that, but had he done so it would have been out of protest. M'riel needed Shayna to stand with him, to support him. He couldn't exactly be a Weyrleader if the Weyrwoman wasn't at least willing to put forth the effort to uphold the traditions that had been set long ago. He was willing to stand with her and support her without question, but just like it was said before, this needed to be a two-way street.

Shayna knew what was expected of her now that she was the Weyrwoman, and M'riel simply nodded. She acknowledged again that it was a mistake on her part, a momentary relapse and would be more careful going forward, but she wasn't giving up her friendship with R'bao. "And as I said before, I have no problem with you seeing him, Shay," M'riel said gently. "But I'd rather be the one in your arms and in your bed, to be the recipient of your kisses. I'd rather be, well, I think you get the idea." He couldn't resist giving her a teasing grin. He didn't have to say what he was going to, but hopefully she got the gist that he wanted to be the only man she would ever fly. "And I know R'bao is Sanyara's father and chose to be a father to Venteran, to love him as if he were his own flesh and blood. I would have done the same thing had I been in his boots. But that doesn't mean I won't love your children, Shay. I do love them, even though I'm not their actual father."

He did relax somewhat when his weyrmate forgave him, but he frowned when she brushed a tear away. He knew she was aware of his feelings when he saw her cry. M'riel didn't want to bring Shayna to tears on purpose. He couldn't consider himself a gentleman if he did so.

M'riel shook his head when he knew he'd just been played after Shayna asked her question about her little dilemma. He'd get her back for that one. He then watched as she moved away from the wall to go figure out how to leave enough milk for her daughter, then turned to look at Josiath. "I hope you don't mind if I get you ready for flight, my dear," he said somewhat apologetically. "But I do have one humble request to ask of you. Lift Oreath's grounding status so all four of us can go on this little excursion. By the time Shayna comes back, I'd like to get going." The Weyrleader turned back to the wall to retrieve the Gold's riding straps.

[sorra]

Shayna hated still being so emotional. Normally she would be able to handle something like this and she did see where M'riel was coming from. It just felt like lately she was still so emotional and weepy. She hadn't been quite this bad when Venteran had been born, but she knew her feelings were out of whack because of Sanyara. At least Oreath had told Josiath what was going on so that Shayna could get back in time to stop M'riel from leaving. She knew that he was doing it in protest and she felt bad that she had made him feel like that. At least it seemed like things were going to be alright now.

The Weyrwoman nodded. "And I thank you for that. Next to Arda he is my best friend and I would hate to lose that friendship. They've both been beside me through everything that has happened at this Weyr." Her face flushed a bit as she got his meaning. "Then it's a good thing I'm not going anywhere," she said gently. She smiled a bit. "I have no doubt that you would have stepped up as well. Not everyone would do that." She manged a light chuckle. "I'm sure Sanyara will love you quite a bit. Venteran is very loyal to R'bao, but I'm sure with time he'll see you as a friend," she promised.

Shayna wiped her tears away and hurried into the weyr. She didn't want to take too long. She could tell that M'riel wanted to get going.

Josiath lowered her head as M'riel walked onto the ledge. She glanced at Oreath. Let him know that I do not mind at all. She didn't want Shayna to try doing it right now anyhow. The gold nodded. Oreath, you are allowed to fly again. I lift the grounding. I want you to fly with me.

Shayna walked back onto the ledge a few minutes later, a jacket now wrapped rightly around her shoulders. She was still in her wool skirt though as she didn't want to change. She was comfortable in it and it was keeping her warm. As were the light pants under her skirt. "Alright, mom is thrilled about watching Sanyara for the night and I was able to feed her once more before we leave, so she should be pretty happy for a while."

[kendrall]

The Weyrleader gave his weyrmate a gentle smile when she thanked him for understanding, then his smile turned into a soft chuckle as her face turned red at his subtle hint. Shayna commented on her trust that M'riel would have stepped up anyway when it came to her two children, positive that Sanyara would love him and her son Venteran would see him as a friend in time. When she headed off to take care of her daughter, M'riel took Josiath's riding straps and walked towards the Gold and lowered her head at him. Good, that meant she was willing to let him get her ready for flight. Oreath confirmed it. Mine, Josiath has agreed to let you put on her riding straps, and she has lifted my grounding status. She wishes for me to fly with her. The Weyrleader nodded at his Bronze, then winked at his gold mate. "Something tells me you wouldn't want any other dragon to fly with you, sweetheart, other than Oreath." M'riel kissed his fingers then gave Josiath an affectionate rub on her head, effectively giving her a gentle kiss, before getting to work.

By the time he was finishing tightening the straps, Shayna came back onto the ledge wearing a jacket and told her weyrmate that Sanyara was settled in for the night. "Good," M'riel replied, walking back into the weyr and getting his own winter flight jacket, slipping it over his shoulders and putting his arms through the sleeves. He then fastened it tightly, and made sure the fire was out before walking back to the ledge. He took the smaller of two packs and secured it to Josiath's cargo straps, then took the larger of the two packs and secured that to Oreath's. Before offering Shayna a boost up, the Weyrleader quickly ducked back inside to get a lantern, bringing it back and slipping it into his Guardsman's pack. "It'd help if we had something to light our way once we make landfall," he mused.

Once Shayna was settled and ready, only then would M'riel mount up on Oreath. "Make for the coastline, Oreath," he instructed his Bronze as he hoisted himself up. "Up and over the opposite ridge of the Weyr, then drop down into a low flight pattern above the water. As long as we're in between storms, we should have the moons to provide us some light. If there's a large enough cavern near the shore, we can use that as our campsite."