A Gift for the new Weyrwoman (Shay/M'riel) (14.12)

[kendrall]

It had just been a handful of candlemarks since Shayna was rushed to the Infirmary, and M'riel made sure to stay away from there while her daughter was being delivered. It wasn't so much out of respect for Shayna, but more of not wanting to run into R'bao. Granted, M'riel was now the new Weyrleader, now that Josiath had made her preference known for whom she wanted as her mate. Serguth was only a Blue, and therefore could never keep up with the Bronzes nor the larger Browns; Goldflights were always much longer compared to Greens. M'riel had no idea how the new Senior Queen viewed the much smaller Blue, but the long-standing traditions of old had to be maintained. Serguth was no longer allowed to rest on the same stone perch as Josiath; that privilege was now reserved for Bronze Oreath. Likewise, R'bao was no longer permitted to enter the Weyrwoman's private quarters without permission; nor could he no longer sleep next to her under the furs. Both were privileges reserved only for him now, Weyrleader M'riel.

M'riel still wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing. Yes, he deeply loved Shayna, there would be no denying that. He didn't know she felt towards him; he was pretty certain she was confused by the recent turn of events. But he at least had to try to show her that it was possible to be in love with two vastly different men at the same time, even though she could technically no longer be with the Bluerider.

M'riel had no idea how R'bao would handle it. He supposed that eventually, the two of them would come to either an agreement, or come to blows. The Weyrleader would gladly settle for the former option, but wouldn't hesitate if it came to the other. He'd fought for his lover once before, but that was in a different time. If he had to do it again, this time for the love of a woman who reminded him of someone, he wouldn't hold anything back.

But first things were first. The rocking chair he had put together for Shayna was finished; Kalerai had done an excellent job on the gold dragon motif that graced the backrest. Embellishments were painted here and there, but overall the beauty of the wood was brought out by the first coat of paint he'd given it. M'riel sincerely hoped Shayna would appreciate the gesture.

He had tasked two Guardsmen to not permit anyone to access the lower chamber where he'd kept the rocking chair stored, but it was time to present it to the new Weyrwoman. Taking an old cloth rag to wipe away any specks of dust, M'riel carried the rocking chair all the way to Shayna's new quarters. The Weyrwoman's private quarters. He set it near the wooden crib that was recently placed in the room - he didn't craft it, one of the other woodsmiths probably did - but M'riel knew Shayna would appreciate being able to rock her tiny newborn daughter in that chair, and not have to walk very far to tuck her daughter in.

Once he made sure everything was as perfect as possible, M'riel headed for the Infirmary to check on Shayna's progress, and help escort her to her new weyr.

[sorra]

Shayna was exhausted. Bone weary exhausted. First the flight which would have left anyone worn out and then her water had broken and she had gone into labor. 8 long candlemarks of labor. She had lost a lot of blood during that process and her skin was still a sickly pale color. Although her daughter was safe and there was a new Weyrleader. And she was Weyrwoman. that hadn't all sunk in yet. She knew there were going to be many changes, but she couldn't find the strength to deal with all those yet. As soon as she felt a bit better and not so light headed she would think about that.

Josiath seemed quite content on her ledge with her new bronze mate. Shayna was happy for that. At least it would be a good clutch. They could use all the dragons they could get. Little Sanyara whimpered softly beside her. The young woman slowly sat up and reached for her baby in the crib next to her. Thankfully they had allowed her to keep her daughter close as she couldn't walk far yet. Actually, she could barely walk. She hadn't seen much of R'bao. He had been there when Sanyara was born and for a bit after that, but then he had had duties to attend to. R'bao. What was she going to do? She knew in her heart she loved the blue rider, but she had a new Weyrleader and he had the right to share her bed whenever he chose. She sighed softly. And she did truly care for M'riel too.

Sanyara whimpered again, drawing Shayna out of her thoughts. "Sorry little one," she crooned, turning the baby in her arms and untying her shirt. A man's shirt, but not R'bao's. She frowned slightly. She would worry about that later. Sanyara whimpered again as Shayna got her adjusted. It still took the young baby a few tries to finally latch on and start to nurse. Shayna closed her eyes, flashes of the flight shifting through her mind. Like when M'riell.... She quickly pulled her thoughts away from that and just watched her daughter nursing, thankful Sanyara was alive.

[kendrall]

M'riel walked the distance between the Weyrwoman's personal quarters to the Infirmary, nodding at R'en when he walked by the field medic. R'en simply nodded in return, and jerked a thumb in the direction where Shayna was. "She's that way, boss," he said softly. "We were lucky enough to get Lady Shayna here in time, otherwise we could have lost her and the baby both." He fixed the new Weyrleader with a glare. "I know better than to ask, boss, but why were Lady Ardalae and K'ryn involved? Lady Ardalae I can understand, but K'ryn?"

M'riel simply gave his trademark glance at R'en. "K'ryn and Arda have been together for a long time, R'en. He won't let anything happen to her, which was why he happened to be there. You know I won't go into details, either." The new Weyrleader posed his fists on his hips. "It's a Goldflight, for Faranth's sake. What happens in a Goldflight..." "Stays in a Goldflight," R'en finished the sentence. "If Lady Ardalae was meant to be a stand-in for Lady Shayna, I suppose we'll have to keep an eye on her for the next several sevendays. It won't look good for you, boss, if she winds up with child. Especially if it's yours."

"She knew the risks involved, R'en," M'riel shot back. "As did Shayna, K'ryn, and me." He pointed a finger at himself. "Arda has been one of our strongest, most vocal supporters ever since we got here. Even if she does wind up with child, the fact K'ryn was also present in that room means either of us could be the child's father. We won't know until she goes into labor and the baby gets here." M'riel's face was somewhat flushed. How dare his own Rider openly attack him...

"Boss," R'en held up his hands to get his new Weyrleader to calm down. "I know you - and Lady Ardalae - well enough to know if she does wind up with child, I'm sure that with everyone involved in Josiath's Flight that a reasonable solution can be reached." R'en had to give M'riel a cautious smile. "I'm pretty sure Lady Ardalae would know instinctively whom the father might be even before long she goes into labor. Even if it does turn out to be you. You've been a father before, I've seen how you were with Riemi. You were good to her; there's no doubt in my mind you'll be good to Lady Ardalae's child. I also have no doubt Lady Ardalae will be a good mother. That child couldn't ask for better parents in my professional - and personal - opinion."

M'riel blinked a few times as he started to calm down. R'en was right; even though he and Arda weren't weyrmated, M'riel knew the Junior Goldrider well enough that in spite of her disability, if she did wind up having his child she would be an excellent mother. And there was little doubt K'ryn wouldn't be far from that baby, even though M'riel wouldn't miss out on every opportunity handed to him to be with his newborn son or daughter. He did right by Riemi, only to have his only daughter taken from him by Thread. He'd do the same for this one.

"I just..." M'riel started, his voice faint.

"I know, Boss," R'en came over from behind his desk and clasped the Weyrleader on his shoulder. "I know you miss Riemi. I also know you wish Sanyara was yours. Boss, as long as Josiath continues to choose Oreath, there's always an opportunity for you and Lady Shayna to have a child together. But for now, focus on the present. Be good to Lady Shayna. You're the new Weyrleader, help her guide all of us in the direction we need to go. If and when Lady Ardalae has her baby, be good to her and your son or daughter." R'en gently rubbed M'riel's shoulder reassuringly.

M'riel sighed and closed his eyes. "You know, I hate it when you're right."

A grin came to R'en's lips. "I learned from the best, boss." He playfully slapped M'riel's shoulder, earning the field medic yet another trademark glance from the new Weyrleader followed by a half-grin in return. M'riel then walked down the hallway towards the room R'en had indicated Shayna was staying in, and he stopped for a moment to clear his throat. "Shayna, may I come in?" he called softly, unsure if the new WeyrWoman or her daughter were asleep.

[sorra]

Shayna closed her eyes briefly as she cuddled Sanyara close. The tiny baby was content to just nurse and Shayna still couldn't believe how tiny she was. She couldn't help but worry about her and she hoped that soon the two of them would be able to go back to her weyr. She didn't want to have to be in the infirmary any longer then need be. Although she had a bad feeling she was going to be bed ridden for a lot longer then what she wanted. She sighed softly and gently kissed her baby's fuzzy dark hair. She had been surprised by how much hair her daughter had had.

"Well, little one, it's time both of us get stronger and pull through this. The Weyr needs us," she whispered, snuggling her daughter close. She smiled a bit as she thought about what Venteran would think when he saw his sister. Maybe she could get R'bao to bring the boy by. If R'bao would come visit. She'd have Josiath speak with Serguth later. She really did miss the blue rider and her son. She was still the same person she had always been, just Weyrwoman now. With a lot on her plate, but she couldn't change that now.

Sanyara gurgled softly as she looked up at her mother with bright blue eyes. Shayna smiled, a few tears showing in her eyes. "Hey baby girl," she crooned before looking up at the unexpected voice. She smiled a bit though. "Please, come in, M'riel," she called. She was quite fond of the bronze rider and she knew she owed a lot to him and R'en for helping her after she had gone into labor after the flight. Shards, she was going to have to talk to Ardalae too and make sure the younger rider was alright.

[kendrall]

M'riel pulled back the curtain just enough for him to slip by, then closed it again to restore the privacy. His felt his cheeks flush when he noticed Shayna nursing her daughter, but then quickly realized it was nothing more than nature at work. Shards, he'd seen Noemi nurse Riemi on many occasions, but seeing Shayna nurse Sanyara was something truly extraordinary. He felt privileged to be allowed to see this; he had to wonder if Arda would let him see her nurse his son or daughter - provided, of course, the child was his.

He also had to wonder if and when he and Shayna had a child together, if she would let him see her nurse the newborn. It was something he'd have to think about, but like most non-critical issues, it would have to wait. He couldn't help but smile, though, when he saw the tiny miracle. "R'en told me it was a close call," M'riel said quietly. "I have to hand it to Eodira. She really knows her stuff." He leaned against the solid wall that formed part of the private birthing suite, crossing one foot over the other and folding his arms over his chest. "I know you and Mac weren't too happy with me when I didn't show up for the hatching feast a while back, but I had a valid reason. I was working on a personal woodworking project I'd started on, and I'm not one to leave my work uninterrupted for longer than necessary." He had to let a rare genuine smile come to his lips. Watching Shayna nurse her daughter only enhanced the Weyrwoman's beauty in his mind. "I finished it just before Josiath's Flight, and had one of the Candidates paint some custom artwork on it. It's already in your new quarters, Shayna, next to a crib that's been placed in there so you can stay close to Sanyara."

"Whenever you think you're ready, I'll find out if we can get you permission to temporarily leave the Infirmary so you can take a look at it."

[sorra]

Shayna looked up at the new Weyrleader, her silvery blue eyes shining a bit. She may have been paler then normal, but no one could mistake the joy in her eyes. Or the love she felt for her tiny daughter. The woman hadn't even thought about how M'riel might feel when he realized she was nursing. It was a part of life. Sanyara needed fed and Shayna hadn't thought twice about it. Of course, in other circumstances she would have been more careful, but she was still in the birthing room and it was only M'riel.

Sanyara hiccuped a bit as she pulled away with a big yawn. Shayna chuckled softly and kissed her daughter's soft hair again. "So I've heard," she said, turning her attention back to M'riel as she shifted sides for Sanyara. She wasn't at all self conscious around M'riel as he had already seen everything anyhow. "I don't know how she did it but I know I owe her and you and R'en a debt of thanks. When my water broke after the flight I was terrified." She had feared that she would lose her daughter. She had never thought of her own safety. Just the safety of her daughter. She raised a dainty brow. It had been odd for him not to be at the Hatching Feast. "A project?" she asked curiously. She hadn't realized that M'riel liked working with wood so much. Her eyes widened in surprise at his words as Sanyara started to nurse again, although a bit slower this time. "In my quarters?" she asked softly. He had made her something? And there was a crib? Shards, it seemed the Weyr knew what she needed before she did.

She smiled softly. "Well, as soon as this little one is full I would love to see it," she said softly. And it would be nice to be able to gt up for a couple minutes. She just hoped she was able to stay on her feet.

[kendrall]

M'riel simply smiled when the little one hiccupped and yawned, and Shayna kissed her daughter on the head. "There's no need to thank me, Shay," M'riel said, using the affectionate nickname for the Weyrwoman. He knew that very few people were permitted to call her that; he himself was now one of them. "I only did what was right, getting R'en to come to the Flight room as soon as your water broke. Between him, myself, and K'ryn, we managed to get you here as fast as we could." He shifted his weight slightly. When Shayna arched an eyebrow at him asking about a project, M'riel nodded.

"It's a rocking chair, Shay. For you. I know Eodira wanted you to stay off your feet for as long as possible, but I also knew you didn't want to be far from Sanyara. I wasn't the one who put the crib together - someone else did, but everything's set up in your new quarters. Now that you're the Weyrwoman and all." He watched as the little one started to nurse again.

R'en just happened to walk by at that moment, and poked his head in. He didn't seemed to be disturbed by the sight of Shayna nursing her daughter. "Forgive the interruption, you two, but I couldn't help but overhear part of the conversation. Lady Shayna, when you think you're ready, you're more than welcome to go see what M'riel put together. Just don't stay very long; I'm sure Eodira will want you to stay here for a while longer." He disappeared just as soon as he appeared, and the Weyrleader turned his head to look at Shayna, shaking his head ruefully. "I've been his Wingleader for quite a few Turns," he blanched. "Now that I'm the Weyrleader, he still has the gall to pull a stunt like that. Leave it to R'en to provide comic relief."

"Someone has to, boss!" the field medic called out in response, eliciting a few chuckles and laughter from the Apprentices.

M'riel groaned and buried his face into the palm of his hand.

[sorra]

Shayna smiled a bit. "Well, I still feel better thanking you though. I don't know what I would have done if you guys hadn't been there." She also needed to talk to R'bao and thank him. She was pretty sure she may have broken his hand with how hard she had squeezed. She had been terrified at that moment and couldn't think of anything but Sanyara. But now that the baby was safe in her arms it all seemed like a bad dream. Well, except for the flight that had been wonderful in her opinion.

She smiled as he called her Shay. Not many did, but that was alright. She liked only certain people calling her that. It made it feel that much more special. "A rocking chair?!" she exclaimed happily. Oh, she hadn't sat in a rocking chair in so long. She nodded. "Yes, Eodira said not to do much at all," she said softly. That was going to be hard, but with the rocking chair at least she could change places once in a while. "Well, I look forward to seeing both of them," she said with a bright smile as Sanyara finally finished nursing.

Shayna hid a giggle behind her hand when R'en poked his head in and answered their question before they even had a chance to ask. "Thank you kindly, R'en. I won't stay long," she promised. She knew Eodira wouldn't be happy with her if she did. And she wasn't certain how well she would do on her feet anyhow. She smiled as she turned to M'riel. "Sounds like you two know each other well then," she smiled. She liked watching how everyone interacted with each other. Shayna gently lay Sanyara in her lap so she could tie up her shirt. "Could you grab my skirt from over there?" she asked, gratefully someone had thought to grab the skirt for her.

[kendrall]

M'riel grinned as Shayna's excitement and awe could be heard in her voice. She genuinely seemed to be happy, and M'riel was looking forward to presenting his gift to her. Once Sanyara was finished nursing, he waited as she thanked R'en for granting her a temporary reprieve from the Infirmary, but simply closed his eyes and shook his head at her comment about the two knowing each other. "It's a miracle I put up with him, Shay. But, R'en's proven himself to be a valuable asset. I wouldn't have made sure he came on this trip if I didn't trust him."

He noted that Shayna was still wearing his shirt from earlier, but said nothing for the immediate moment. As she went to tie it up, he nodded when she asked him to retrieve her skirt. M'riel did so, and waited for Shayna to ask him to hand it to her. "You know..." he said softly, nodding at the shirt. "That shirt looks good on you."

[sorra]

The Weyrwoman couldn't keep a smile off her face even if she wasn't feeling the best yet. Sanyara was there, M'riel seemed to be doing well, and she was going to get to get out of the infirmary for a bit. Not to mention she was looking forward to seeing the rocker that he had made. It sounded beautiful to her. She giggled softly. "He seems nice and always willing to make someone laugh. That is always good in a rider." She knew so many here had lost that ability with everything that had happened recently. "I like when you call me that," she admitted, liking how her name sounded on his lips.

Shayna carefully sat up better, so that she could get the skirt on. This was going to be a trick. She hadn't tried dressing yet. "Would you mind holding Sanyara while I get my skirt on?" she asked softly, looking up at him. A blush spread across her cheeks, giving her a healthy look again. "Thank you. It's very comfortable," she said.

[kendrall]

M'riel shrugged at Shayna's comment about R'en. "Yeah, I admit it has its useful moments. Apparently it's enough to keep Aquila and Ekaterina entertained, and who knows how many here in the Infirmary." He had to wonder how Eodira was able to keep a handle on the jokester of a Greenrider. Whatever talent she had, M'riel made sure to ask the MasterHealer when both of them had a moment. He wasn't so sure how Eodira would view him, now that her son was no longer the Weyrleader, but instead the Bronze Rider from the future was. He had considered making Eodira the official WeyrHealer, since she had the most medical experience compared to anyone else. He also would have to extend his hand of friendship to the woman; it would do him no good if he couldn't establish rapport with her.

He gave Shayna a warm smile when she commented how she liked it when he called her "Shay". "You know I'll only do it when it's just us, away from everyone else. Just don't call me 'Weyrleader' in front of everyone, unless we're dealing with Holders. It's something I'm still not quite used to. Old habit, I guess, from my days as a Sergeant Major." He shrugged. "I was always mistakenly called 'sir' by new recruits. I had to remind them that I worked for a living." Knowing she probably wouldn't quite comprehend, M'riel explained. "It's a common running joke among the non-commissioned ranks. We often held the opinion that commissioned officers always sat on their duffs, that they were nothing more than hide-pushers and desk jockeys, while we sweated and toiled out in the sun working with the rest of the Guardsmen."

He nodded when she asked if he wouldn't mind holding Sanyara, and he reached down and carefully lifted the tiny newborn into his arms, cradling her. He couldn't resist cooing softly at her, eliciting a smile. M'riel looked back at Shayna as she slipped into her skirt. "I remember when Riemi was born. She was slightly bigger compared to Sanyara, and she looked exactly like her mother. I think this one favors you, Shay." He gave the Weyrwoman an encouraging wink, and caught her blushing when he commented how his shirt looked on her. "It's yours now," he said. "I can always get another one."

He waited until Shayna finished getting dressed; only then would he carefully hand the tiny precious babe back into her mother's arms and walk them towards the Weyrwoman's personal quarters.

((OOC - Eodira as a female version of "Ducky" from NCIS. Think about it. The potential!))

[sorra]

Shayna giggled softly. "I didn't know it was possible to keep him in line," she smiled. She really did like R'en and Ekaterina and Aquila seemed nice. She didn't know them as well as R'en since they weren't in the infirmary. She shook her head. "You'd be surprised what Eodira can put up with," she smiled. She was glad that the woman had come with M'cleod. She was a real asset to the Weyr and she seemed good with everyone. Her and Macira had been the ones that had helped Shayna during her early stages of pregnancy and then of course Eodira had managed to stop her labor that first time and been there to actually deliver her daughter this time.

She nodded. That sounded like a good deal to her. "Well, I still like it when you call me Shay," she said, kissing his cheek when he bent down to gently pick Sanyara up. "Okay, Weyrleader," she teased. She would make sure not to call him that. She knew M'cleod had never really liked being called Weyrleader either. That would be simple enough to remember. "Alright, only around Holders," she promised. Although she didn't know how much they would be dealing with the Holders. She thought for a minute. "I remember V'ter mentioning something like that," she admitted, remembering conversations with Venteran's father about his life before being a bronze rider. She shook her head. "I think besides maybe the Lord Holders I don't think anyone gets to just sit and do nothing."

Sanyara looked up M'riel with big eyes. The baby cooed softly, causing Shayna to smile. She wondered if Sanyara would be as easy of a baby as Venteran had been. She also thought M'riel looked so natural holding Sanyara and she couldn't help but smile. She had a feeling there were many secrets to the new Weyrleader that no one knew except maybe his closest friends. "Did she? I bet she was a beautiful baby," she said softly. She could see the love in M'riel's eyes for his lost daughter. Shayna flushed a brighter red. "You think so?" She wasn't sure. She smiled and hugged the soft shirt to her chest. "I thank you kindly for the shirt, M'riel."

Shayna carefully finished getting ready although it took her a lot longer then she liked as she was very unsteady. She shook her head. "I don't think I'm going to be wearing pants anytime soon," she sighed. Sanyara had fallen asleep in M'riel's arms by the time Shayna was ready.

{{OOC:Oh that's priceless! I could see it too!}

[kendrall]

"You'd be surprised what Eodira can put up with," Shayna mentioned to him, illiciting a set of raised eyebrows from M'riel. "Oh, I'm sure she can put up with quite a bit," the Weyrleader commented wryly. "I'd just love to know how she manages to put up with R'en." He had to blush a little when Shayna kissed him on his cheek as he bent over to pick up Sanyara; but nodded when the Weyrwoman commented how she liked it when he used her nickname. He did, however, give her a mock glare when she teased him. "Easy now," he gently retorted. "I'll always be M'riel to you, Shay. And yes, only around the Holders when we have to deal with them. I'm sure everyone else regardless of who they are will eventually get used to not referring to me as 'Weyrleader.' But don't ask me where R'en came up with the idea of calling me 'boss'. One of his own personal rules, I guess, but it's caught on with most of the others who came with me. Save for a few." He didn't have to mention them by name; Aquila was only one of a small handful who respected him, but didn't feel the need nor urge to address him by anything save his name. That suited M'riel just fine.

He nodded when Shayna asked him about Riemi. "She was a beautiful baby," M'riel said wistfully. "She was always my little girl no matter what. I would often wonder what she'd be like when she got older; if she wound up looking almost exactly like her mother, if she would ever Impress." He let out a regretful sigh. "Maybe one day, I'll be a father again." He didn't have to say it, but if R'en was right and Arda did wind up bearing the new Weyrleader a son or a daughter, his wish would come true. He wouldn't mind being a father again. He missed those days.

M'riel also had to wonder if, one day, Shayna would likewise bear him a son or daughter.

He came back to reality when the Weyrwoman blushed at his comment of how Sanyara favored her mother. "I'd say she favors you quite a bit, Shay. Just wait until she's a little older." He nodded when she thanked him for his shirt, but gave her his trademark knowing glance when she complained about not being able to wear pants anytime soon. "Never say never, Shay," he said softly, holding the now-sleeping Sanyara in his arms as he gently parted the curtain with one hand, being sure to keep the little one secure. He waited for Shayna to head out first, then he would walk with her - slowly - back towards her new personal quarters, the one designated solely for the Weyrwoman.

M'riel knew Taenia once occupied those quarters, but now that Shayna had officially become the Weyrwoman they were now hers. By virtue of his position, M'riel would be entitled to share those same private quarters with her. Granted, he had his own space now that he was the Weyrleader, but something told him he needed to be near Shayna. What, he couldn't exactly figure out. By the time they reached her new weyr, M'riel waited by the door. "Go ahead, Shay. Take a look."

[sorra]

Shayna shrugged a bit. "Eodira is a mystery to me, but a good one to have in your corner. Actually, her daughter has manged to almost bring my brother back to his oldself since he lost his Ryiath," she said. Lira and T'ryern were perfect for each other in her opinion. She grinned when he blushed. She liked this little give and take. It was nice to see that he had a caring, loving side to him. "I'm sure it won't take them too long. M'cleod never stood on being called Weyrleader unless it was needed. I don't even think Taenia was called Weyrwoman too often," she said, thinking back. Izuko wasn't big on titles. She giggled softly. "Why does it not surprise me that R'en was the one to come up with that?" She did remember hearing Ekaterina call him that once or twice, but not nearly as much as R'en did.

She reached out and gently touched his arm, hating how her hand shook a bit. "I am so sorry that you lost them," she said softly. She still missed V'ter terribly. "I hope that Sanyara and I will be able to help." She was sure that R'bao wouldn't mind. The blue rider wasn't a jealous man and would do what was best for her and Sanyara. "I bet she would have. If she was anything like you," she smiled. She could only imagine what his little girl had to have been like. She also couldn't imagine losing a child. "Well, it seems like Sanyara has already taken to you," she pointed out as the baby was still sleeping soundly.

She had no idea that he was thinking about having a child with her. Not that she would be opposed. And if Oreath kept flying Josiath it was very possible. She liked being a mother and was going to keep Sanyara around her as much as she could. She still had Venteran with her as much as she could too.

She smiled softly. "Well, I thank you. I will take that as a compliment." She wondered if Sanyara's eyes would stay blue or start to change as she got older. She looked up at him. "Alright, I won't," she said cheerily. Although she knew at least for the next couple of days pants were out of the question. She stayed close to M'riel as she took her first few shaky steps. Since when did walking hurt and become hard? Shards, why couldn't she just have a normal labor? Venteran hadn't been much easier.

Shayna stayed beside him as they walked to her quarters. It certainly took a lot of energy though to get there. She stepped into the room and looked around. Her eyes widened when she saw the rocker. "It's beautiful," she whispered in awe. "The dragon looks like Jo. How did you ever manage that? This must have taken such a long time."

[kendrall]

M'riel nodded as Shayna mentioned that Eodira's daughter had played a key role in helping to restore her brother's mental state after having lost his Dragon. That was never an easy thing, when your Dragon went Between leaving you to practically suffer a nervous breakdown - or worse. M'riel never gave it much thought when Oreath's time was up, he supposed he would somehow muddle through. But it quickly went to a rueful shake of his head when Shayna commented that she wasn't surprised R'en came up with the idea of calling M'riel "boss". "Like I said," he replied. "Don't ask."

He couldn't help but notice the Weyrwoman's hand shaking a little when she touched his arm, apologizing for his loss and expressing hope that she and her newborn daughter could help him. "Technically, R'bao is Sanyara's father. Rule number ten." He stopped and looked at Shayna. "Never get personally involved in a case. In this instance, coming between R'bao and Sanyara. So, I won't interfere." M'riel continued his slow, steady pace towards the Weyrwoman's personal quarters, nodding slowly as Shayna speculated how Riemi would have turned out had the little girl lived. But, he had to give another of his rare warm smiles when it was pointed out to him that Sanyara had already taken to him.

"What can I say," he commented. "Noemi always complemented on how good I was with children."

He watched as the trio finally reached the doorway, and he waited with Sanyara as Shayna stepped inside first. He walked up behind her, slowly, as she looked upon the rocking chair. "I found out one of the Candidates - Kalerai - seemed to have a knack for art. I looked through her sketches and found one of a Gold dragon, it looked like a good rendition of Josiath. I asked Kalerai if she would agree to paint that on the rocking chair for me, and she said she would. It took her a while, but I think the end result is worth it." He nodded at the chair. "Go on, take a seat."