(3.12)Baby Troubles (M'riel/Eodira/R'en)

[sorra]

Shayna couldn't stop thinking about her conversation with R'bao the previous day. She knew she was worrying her lover and she was worried about her upcoming flight, but she just hadn't had time to see a Healer. Although apparently now she really needed to make time. Just to make sure the baby was alright and to put R'bao at ease. She felt bad for making him worry so much.

The acting Weyrwoman headed down to the infirmary. She knew R'bao would have come with her if she would have asked, but she knew he had duties of his own and she wasn't going to make him miss those. She stopped outside of the infirmary, surprised by the person she saw there.

"M'riel?" she asked, wondering what had brought the bronze rider down to the infirmary. She hoped he wasn't injured. She hadn't had a chance to talk to him too much since they had come to the Weyr and she knew that wasn't good either. She really needed to sit down and see what things she could move around and prioritize a bit. Things just seemed to keep piling up though.

Shayna had to bite her lip quickly when the baby moved. It still took her breath away at times and now was not the time to let that happen. Not with M'riel there. Not when they hadn't had a chance to even talk to M'cleod yet. Although if she was honest she wasn't in a hurry to do that. He had enough to worry about without adding her pregnancy on top of it.

Shayna? Are you alright? Josiath asked when she felt her rider's sudden pain.

I'm alright, love. Don't worry. The baby was just moving on me. Shayna felt Josiath settle back down after she said that and the young woman was grateful for that. She didn't need her dragon worrying too. "How are you today, M'riel? I hope all is well."

[kendrall]

M'riel couldn't stop thinking about Shayna; or rather, her unborn child.

It all started when he first caught sight of the acting Weyrwoman. She had reminded him of Noemi in so many ways; how she seemed to 'glow' when she was carrying Riemi in her womb; how beautiful she had looked before, during, and after the birth of their daughter. Green Shandrith, thankfully, didn't Rise at all during the time Noemi was with child. The tiny Green had been somewhat overprotective of her bonded, in spite of M'riel's and Oreath's efforts to dissuade her. What worried the Bronzerider was the conversation that took place between him and Izuko's leadership, during which it was mentioned that Gold Josiath was due to Rise within the next month or two. M'riel was painfully aware of just how physical and rough a Flight could be under the furs, regardless of the couple. He had endured a few bruises in a rather uncomfortable (and unmentionable) area on his body as a result of the Flight he shared with Noemi. So did she.

Just how much of an impact it would have on an unborn child was something he wasn't about to risk. Sure, it wasn't his. But he'd be betweened if he let anything happen to it, Flight or no Flight. Which was why he flagged R'en down not long after the meeting, and told the Healer of his suspicions. R'en agreed to help his Wingleader any way possible, but he had cautioned M'riel. "Boss, I'm not the WeyrHealer. Technically, because Eodira wears the knots of a Master Healer, that responsibility is hers. It'll be up to her if Lady Shayna and Gold Josiath are to be grounded until after the baby gets here. I would normally ask how you would know, but I know what you're going to tell me. It's your instinct." The younger man started to hesitate, but M'riel gave him a knowing look, as if silently suggesting that R'en should speak his mind. "Boss, I know she isn't Noemi. I..."

"It's alright, R'en. But in case you were wondering, I'm not in love with Shayna." M'riel wasn't about to admit his feelings for the acting Weyrwoman under any circumstances. The Healer didn't say anything further on the subject, only to slightly shook his head in disbelief. R'en could tell just how much his Wingleader was in love with the acting Weyrwoman, but he didn't know if it was out of infatuation or something deeper. "I'll talk with Eodira when I have a moment, but if you can somehow get Lady Shayna to the infirmary to confirm the pregnancy..."

"Leave that to me," M'riel replied over his shoulder as he was already walking out the door.

Which led to the present situation. M'riel had acted unusually strange lately, prompting him to be excused to be examined by one of the Healers in the Infirmary. It was more of a ploy, really, to get Shayna to come; but the gambit worked. No sooner than Shayna greeted him did M'riel fold his arms across his chest and leaned against the doorway, one leg crossed over the other. His facial expression suggested that he wasn't too happy, but he tried to keep his voice as neutral as possible. Fortunately for him, he knew that R'en was just right around the corner, and would be within earshot of the conversation. Hopefully, Eodira would be as well.

"When were you going to tell M'cleod that you're with child, Shayna?" By addressing her using her name instead of her formal title, M'riel wanted to make this conversation as personal as possible, between equals. To him, it was very personal.

[sorra]

Shayna wasn't quite sure about the look M'riel had on his face and his posture. She felt like a little child again getting in trouble for something that she didn't even know she had done. Which was what she was trying to figure out now. What had she done? She had heard he had been acting a bit strange and she had wanted to check on him as well as see Eodira. It would be nice to be able to kill two wherries with one stone as it were. Although he seemed a bit upset at the moment and she wasn't sure why.

Before Shayna could say anything M'riel spoke and her mouth fell open. "How did you know?" she whispered, wrapping an arm protectively around her baby. Was he the only one who knew? Besides R'bao and Macira they hadn't told anyone. Her and R'bao had only decided last night to let the Weyr know. The acting Weyrwoman shook her head. "I haven't decided yet," she said, standing straighter. "It's not affecting my work or my flying with Josiath, so why should I worry him?" She wasn't about to be put on light duty. There was too much to be done and she was needed badly at the moment.

Shayna wasn't about to be shamed into anything. She was doing her duty to the Weyr and doing her best to keep the baby safe. Although she would not sit back and let everyone else have to take on her duties. And she was not going to think of the upcoming flight. She knew Josiath was worried about her, but she also knew this flight was important to the Weyr. Not only as another clutch, but to get an acting Leadership again. There would be no way to really get back into some semblance of order until after that flight and things could start truly being sorted out again. "Is there something you wanted, M'riel?" she asked, deciding to play the game of this being personal. "I hope you are alright."

[kendrall]

M'riel watched as Shayna appeared to be taken back by his direct question, protectively wrapping an arm around her belly, asking him how he could possibly know. He waited as the acting Weyrwoman shook her head, said that she hadn't decided when she was going to tell M'cleod about the baby, then stood up straighter as if she were in defiance of the supposed challenge issued by M'riel. Shayna claimed it wasn't affecting her work nor her flying with Josiath, but the Bronzerider knew better. He merely watched her, letting a grin tug at one corner of his mouth, a grin worthy of a lovable yet despicable scoundrel. It was about time Shayna started to assert her authority, he thought to himself as she decided to meet his challenge. "Is there something you wanted, M'riel? I hope you are alright."

Slowly, M'riel pushed himself away from the doorway, straightening to his full height, then deliberately walked with the pace of a predatory feline towards the acting Weyrwoman. The roguish grin never left his face, and M'riel forced himself to look directly into the Weyrwoman's eyes. He lowered his voice, but kept it soft. "Because I recognize the signs when a lady is with child, Weyrwoman. I should know. I was a father once. You may think it's not affecting your work now, but eventually it will. Yes, I know that after the baby is born, after you've nursed him or her for a while, he or she will be released into the care of the creche. But there's always a part of you that will want to nurture and protect your child, even as he or she continues to grow inside you. There will also always be a part of you will want to do everything within your ability to protect him or her at all costs. I saw that in someone who was once very close to me. I see that in you, no matter how hard you try to deny it. Your child, Shayna, represents the future of this Weyr. I'll ask this of you because I think highly of you, because you remind me of that very same person I spoke of. You and I both know just how physical it can be under the furs during a Flight."

M'riel continued to look into Shayna's eyes. "Don't put your unborn child at risk if Josiath Rises. You may not have known me for very long, Shayna, but as a friend - as someone who cares - don't go through with this. Please."

It was rare for someone like M'riel to say the word 'please'. But, like a true Bitran, he merely slightly extended his left hand out, and snapped his forefinger and thumb together. He then elevated his arm slightly, and crooked his finger at someone who was behind him without looking, as if beckoning that person forward. R'en appeared to step out of nowhere, dressed in his field medic uniform, his face expressing worry and concern. "R'en, send for the Master Healer." M'riel didn't have to look at him, still focusing on Shayna.

"Sure thing, boss," R'en replied reluctantly. The Healer looked over his shoulder, and spoke. "Master Healer Eodira, a moment of your time, please?"

((OOC - Eodira's turn! *grin*))

[sorra]

Shayna stood her ground as M'riel stood up from the wall. She watched him as he walked around her, not liking it at all. Just what was he up to? She had seen other men do this when she had been a young gold rider, but not recently and not after her and V'ter had become an idea before she had been brought forward. She narrowed her silvery blue eyes and watched his every move. She didn't like how he was acting at all and she clenched her fists at her sides. She didn't have a temper but there was a first time for everything.

"So you know everything there is to know about a pregnant woman then?" she nearly snapped. "I have a son. He's healthy and runs around like any other child." Of course if she thought about it he hadn't suffered through a flight, just a jump through time. Which was worse? She wasn't sure. She frowned a bit. "I'm a mother. We're always going to want to protect our children, but the Weyr comes first. Always has always will," she said lowly. Gold riders didn't get a chance. The Weyr had to come first. Hence why she had been forced to leave Venteran at the creche more lately then she had wanted to. Thankfully the four-Turner didn't seem to mind and she still spent as much time with him as she could.

Shayna was nearly floored as M'riel said that she reminded him of a past lover. Hmm that was something to store away. She certainly wanted to talk about that, but right now was not the time. "And what do you propose I do? I can't stop Josiath from rising? And the Weyr needs for her to rise," she shot back. She would never stop Josiath from rising despite her fear for her unborn baby. She just hoped the flight didn't do anything permanent damage to her child.

Her eyes widened as he beckoned R'en forward and told him to get Eodira. "How dare you!" she growled. Okay, so she had been coming down to see Eodira already, but what right did he have to be doing that for her? "I'm capable of taking care of myself. You remember that M'riel," she said lowly.

[kendrall]

"I don't claim to know everything about a pregnant woman, Weyrwoman. But like I said," M'riel shot back as the Goldrider suddenly seemed to come to life. "I was a father once. I still remember the day my little girl Riemi was born. She was healthy and acted like other little girls do when she was a little older." It was hard enough as it was to even say his dead daughter's name, but there was no way M'riel would let Shayna know. But it was interesting to note that Shayna already had gone through pregnancy once before, that she had a son. Whomever his father was, he was a very lucky man indeed. The Bronzerider almost envied whomever he was, but he decided against it. There was no need to harbor any undeserved ill will towards him.

"And I hear what you're saying about the Weyr coming first. But that also includes its future. You and I both know I'm right." M'riel nodded at the acting Weyrwoman's belly. "You fight for it in the present time, and you also fight for its future. It's not my place to tell you how to fight for both. At least, not this time. I also can't propose anything nor keep Josiath from Rising. But if the future of this Weyr is of any importance to you, you take whatever steps are necessary to give it the best chance available to come to fruition. Including the safe and healthy delivery of your baby."

"And if you claim you're capable of taking care of yourself, try spending a sevenday or two in the wilderness alone. Ask the Weyrleader. I'm sure he'll give you some pointers on survival training." M'riel eyed the Gold Rider up and down, giving her a playful smirk. It was almost as if Noemi was still alive and well, standing right in front of him. She always had an independent streak about her, with the temper to match. It was little wonder why M'riel had fallen in love with Noemi not long after Shandrith's Flight. It was also the reason why he was having such a hard time keeping Shayna from getting past his defenses and into his heart.

[sorra]

Shayna heard a bit of sadness in M'riel's voice and that truly caught her by surprise. Of course now he was 200 Turns in the past, away from his daughter. She couldn't imagine losing Venteran or even this little one she was still carrying. She did want to protect her baby at all costs. But what was all costs? How far was she willing to go? She wasn't sure now.

The young woman narrowed her eyes a bit as she took in his words. "The future it what we're all fighting for," she said. That's why they had done things that most people wouldn't even think about, like bringing her forward in time to avoid the plague. She shook her head, her raven braid falling over her shoulder. "I would never put my child in danger, but I will NOT forbid Josiath to rise. Having eggs on the Sands and a steady leadership is always what will help the future." She just hoped it wouldn't cost her her little one. She didn't know if she could live with that.

Shayna put a hand on her waist. "You don't think I could survive in the wilderness?" she asked, raising a dainty brow. Her and her brother T'ryern had spent enough time out on their own when they were kids. Of course she was certain that wasn't what M'riel was talking about. She caught his smirk and nearly wanted to slap it off his face. She couldn't believe what she was hearing from him. Unfortunately some of it, actually most of it he had a good point on. But some things she couldn't change. Like when her dragon rose. She had forgotten for the moment though that R'en had gone to get Eodira.

[Mik]

Having heard R'en call her name, Eodira answered with a, "Just a moment," before continuing at her current task. Once she was finished, she headed for the entrance, Leer darting from his hiding place as he saw his master heading out. Within a few bounds, the wild feline was hugging his master's skirts shyly.

The former Raider had heard the ending of the confrontation from Shayna's prior arguments, deciding that this foolishness needed stopped. With M'riel's words about survival, she decided that enough had been said and spoke up, letting her presence be known. "Whacha know 'bout survival in the wilderness young buck?" she asked of M'riel, pinning him with stern eyes. She could easily teach him a few lessons in that category. "I ain't gonna hear of any'un pushin' 'round any'un else in my infirm'ries. If ya' ain't 'ere ta see a 'Ealer, 'en git out. There's the exit," she said, pointing toward the door as Leer peeked around her skirts to see the person getting reprimanded. Turning a much more polite gaze toward Shayna, the MasterHealer gave her a smile. "Shayna, deary, I'm glad yer 'ere. I've been wantin' ta see ya' since Authanth's passin' an' R'bao stopped by earlier with a concern fer ya'." She did not come out and say what she already knew, having been able to keep it quiet from even her son upon his inquiries until Shayna and R'bao were okay with the fact being let out.

[kendrall]

M'riel simply gave the older woman a warm smile when she reprimanded him, but said nothing in response. He knew when it was time to make a tactical retreat, and when to give Eodira her due respect. He'd already succeeded in getting Shayna right where he needed her to be, and he took comfort in knowing the acting Weyrwoman would be in good hands. Sketching an informal salute at the Master Healer, M'riel simply left without saying a word, but took the opportunity to give the acting Weyrwoman a told-you-so look as he passed her by.

R'en, meantime, stood at the ready when Eodira came out of her office, and simply shook his head as the Master Healer handily put his Wingleader in his place. He cleared his throat and leaned over to speak softly at both ladies, his face and tone apologetic. "Please forgive him, ladies. M'riel is...well, M'riel. I think there's a saying something about once a Guardsman, always a Guardsman. That's M'riel for you. He comes across as gruff and may be something of a Bitran, but he means well and always does his best to look out for others, but he'll challenge them to do better. He's the type of man who isn't afraid to push people to realize their full potential, to realize what they're truly capable of, but he also won't think twice about taking Thread or an arrow through the chest for someone he cares for. It's in his blood."

He then turned his attention to Shayna. "Lady Shayna, if you would, please follow us. We have a room ready for you."

[sorra]

Shayna was surprised and thankful for Eodira's interference. At the moment her emotions weren't allowing her to keep her calm like she wanted and M'riel had gotten her thinking which scared her. Now what was she going to do? What would be the right choice? She stepped out of the way as M'riel walked past her. Although she did tilt her head toward him. He hadn't been all in the wrong after all.

She looked over at R'en. "So, this is normal for him?" she asked. She didn't know M'riel well and it seemed R'en. Maybe sometime she would also talk to these new riders and see just what she could find out. They all seemed like a good lot. Of course they were riders so they had to be, but maybe this green rider would be willing to tell her more about M'riel and the others. He seemed like he was open enough.

She glanced at Eodira before following R'en. "thank you both," she said. Well, it was a good thing that her and R'bao had decided to let people know about the baby. Otherwise they would be in trouble since it appeared some already knew.

[Mik]

Eodira gave R'en a feral smile. "Once a Raider, a'ways a Raider, an' ne'er one ta cross," she said to the greenrider, a small little insight into the rough life that a fair handful of the Weyr's residents had endured. Turning her attention back to Shayna, she smiled again, the sternness that had been there when she had been reprimanding M'riel completely gone from her features. Now she was her usual cheery, smiling self trying to find any way possible to help her patients get better faster.

"Now, Shayna, dear, tell me 'ow ya' bin feelin', 'speci'ly since Authanth's passin'. I need details, sweety, ta decide what ya' need ta do ta keep yer treasure safe," she said as they approached one of the curtained off rooms held for examinations and quick, confidential check ups.

[kendrall]

R'en nodded in response to Shayna's question as he helped escort the acting Weyrwoman to a private room. "Oh, definitely, this is normal for him. M'riel's also been through a lot lately, and well..." he stopped, unsure if he should divulge any private details of his Wingleader's life. Instead, he coughed lightly into a fist and flashed the Goldrider a smile. "You just have to get to know the guy, that's all." He had to laugh and shake his head in amusement at Eodira's comment about a Raider will always be a Raider and shouldn't be crossed. "I think you and M'riel would get along famously, Master Healer," he said teasingly. "I can just see the two of you disagreeing on almost every subject, and the few times you actually see eye-to-eye, it'll turn out to be very interesting."

He stopped short of the entryway leading into the cordoned-off area marked by the closed curtain. "I'll be out here if you need any assistance, Master Healer," he said politely.

[sorra]

Shayna smiled a bit. It was easy to see from R'en's reaction that M'riel was well liked by his wing. Well, that was good. That said a lot about a person. She would have to get to know M'riel better. Especially since he was a bronze rider and new to their Weyr. When she had time she really wanted to get to know all the new riders. She chuckled softly. "I think he has a point there, Eodira," she smiled.

The gold rider slipped into the curtained off area. "Thanks, R'en," she said before turning to Eodira. Shayna sighed softly as she sank onto the cot. "Well, honestly, not well," she said softly. "I was hoping it was just stress and lack of sleep. Although there's been times I've been a bit dizzy and quite sick to the stomach." She wasn't sure if that was good or not.

[Mik]

"Int'restin' indeed, R'en. I've butted 'eads with many a soul an' I've a'ways won, laddy," the former Raider woman said with a knowing smile. She was completely right, too, as even the most stubborn of folk that had crossed her path had lost in her battle of wits and physique. "That an' I sure ain't lookin' fer a man. Mine died a long time 'go an' I ain't gonna have another. Got plenty a work in my schedules."

Nodding to the Healer Rider, she gave him a knowing look before adding, "Anythin' ya' hear is confidential, lad. 'Less Shayna wants anythin' out, ya' bes' keep yer trap shut, ya' 'ear?"

Listening to Shayna's words once she had drawn the curtain closed, Eodira nodded and placed the back of a hand to the tired Rider's forehead while she felt the woman's pulse in her wrist at the same time. "No temp's a good thing. Heart beat's a bit fast, but 'at could be from our friend at the entrance. Lay down 'ere an' lemme feel yer belly for our lil' 'un," she said, stepping back enough to allow Shayna to move enough to lay down on the cot. Once she had lain down, the MasterHealer lifted her tunic enough to prod gently at the goldrider's lower abdomen to feel the baby within. "Yer dizziness is prob'ly from a lack a nourishment. Whenever ya' git 'em feelin's, make sure ya' git some'in' ta eat as soon as possible. I don' care if it's a sticky roll or a bubbly, so long as ya' git some'in' in ya'. Listen ta the tiredness. If ya' need a lil' nap, take it, don' delay it. Ya' need to sleep an' rest when ya' git the chance. I'll 'ave some'un git a cot in yer office ta 'llow 'at. Now, how's yer duties fillin' yer time?" She knew what she was talking about and she knew how babies affected their mothers, having had six children of her own back in her youth. Unfortunately only half of them were still living.

[kendrall]

R'en couldn't help but laugh when Eodira gave her rebuttal to what he just said about his own Wingleader. In some ways, the old Master Healer reminded him of his own WeyrHealer he had served under back at High Reaches. The old man had a wicked, if not dry, sense of humor; truthfully, there were some days R'en missed that. Serving under Eodira's leadership, learning from her, and the occasional trading of barbs with her and the rest of the Infirmary staff brought back some of the memories. It renewed his own brand of humor.

He simply nodded at Shayna when she thanked him, then at Eodira when she gave her order to not repeat anything that was said. "Yes, ma'am," R'en said heartily. He waited outside of the curtained area, then listened as the Master Healer gave her initial assessment. No temperature, slightly rapid pulse...wait, the acting Weyrwoman wasn't getting enough to eat, especially since she was with child? Nor she was getting enough rest? This wasn't good news to the field medic. It was bad enough his own Wingleader had pushed Shayna to the brink. R'en wondered if it would be prudent for Eodira to ground the Gold Rider and her dragon until after the baby was born, but that would be entirely up to the Master Healer to make the call.

He also wondered if M'riel already had something in mind for Shayna, to help her get the rest she needed...