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Spluttering, Surprise, and Sadism


Date:  April 21, 1997
Places:  Benden Weyr North Bowl, Living Cavern, and Inner Infirmary
Game:  PernMUSH
Copyright Info:  The World of Pern is copyright(c) to Anne McCaffrey 
l967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.

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Kassi's Note:  Oh, this was a fun one to RP.  Lys's sadistically nice
Healer NPC was in attendance, and he was really the star of the show,
so to speak; meanwhile, we got to shock more of the general Weyr 
populace, and make cracks about whether Meli and I, the Spawners of the
Apocalypse, had really caused the Weyr to freeze over. ;)  Stuff 
preceeded by Lysseth> takes place in the North Bowl.

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The Log:

You slide off of Lysseth's neck to land beside her easily. She rumbles, 
cocking her head down at you, and you rub her eyeridges gratefully.

Juliath rumbles pleasantly at her clutchsib, without the usual banter.

Kassima smiles as she spots Juliath amongst the dragons present in the 
Bowl, opening Lysseth's strap-pouch to rummage inside for a second. "Glad 
I hadn't had time to take this stuff out of here," she mutters to the 
green. Lyss simply rumbles noncommittally. "Aye, aye, I know--I'm just 
lazy! Well, be good, lump. Don't wreak *too* much havoc." Whistling, she 
heads into the LC.

You walk past the lintel and into the wide living cavern.

Jalimax grins at Meli, "Oh? Whyso?" he spots Kassi and waves, "Heya 
Kassi!"

Lysseth> Lysseth warbles to Juliath amiably, while making herself 
comfortable in the Bowl.

Kassima is whistling cheerfully as she strides into the LC, a large and 
somewhat bulky package carried in one arm. "Greetings, weyrfolk!" she 
hails her friends, with a grin. Taking only long enough to fill herself a 
plate with her usual arrangement of ribs, bread, and mushrooms, then 
procure herself a mug of cider, she plunks food, package, and self down at 
an unoccupied seat at Meli's table.

Meli reaches for her second roll, then smiles up at a server who pours 
some juice for her. "Was livin' at Seacraft then - all we had was fish 
stew, an' fishrolls, an' fish steaks, an' fish chowder..." She waves her 
free hand at Kassi, then fills it with her mug.

Benden Weyr> Alyssa sits on da woogawoman.

Benden Weyr> Meli says, "Ouch :b Careful, now, I'm in a delicate 
condition ;)"

Benden Weyr> Alyssa grins.

Benden Weyr> Alyssa says, "T'lar wants to help me since I am having 
problems having #2."

Kassima wrinkles her nose at Meli. "Sounds fishy," is her dryly amused 
quip. "Aside from the overdose of sea-food, how goes it with you?"

Benden Weyr> R'val still can't believe you and Kassi are /both/ preggers 
by T'lar, Meli. Isn't his ego swollen enough already? :)

Benden Weyr> Kassima hees! at Lys. Yes, join Meli and I in the Cult of the 
W.A.T.E.R. Acolytes. ;)

Jalimax smiles at Kassi, "How are you doing ?" He turns to Meli again and 
nods. "I can see how that is, yes."

Meli clears her mouth and throat, setting down mug and napkin. "Heyla, 
Kassi. S'fine, had a cravin' for fish. How's w'you? An' what did y'buy 
now?" with a gesture at the package.

Benden Weyr> Alyssa errrr, no. :)

Benden Weyr> Meli grins. "Lemme check his appointment book, see if we can 
fit you in, 'lys."

Benden Weyr> Ryialla says, "It's about time. And don't worry, R'val, you 
won't ever get pregnant by T'lar, so it"

Benden Weyr> Alyssa ponders a remark and clamps her mouth shut.

Benden Weyr> Ryialla says, "So it's ok. :)"

Benden Weyr> C'vadan will help, 'Lys :)

Benden Weyr> Alyssa coughcough

Benden Weyr> C'vadan hmmms. Maybe I should negotiate to be T'lar's manager 
for stud fees.

Kassima laughs and reaches for the package, untying it to reveal... more, 
smaller packages. "Went to the Telgar Hold Gather yestereve," she 
explains, "though I had to fly there straight; Kin did the same to keep 
me company, so 'twas nay so bad. I found a few interesting things in the 
Weavercraft tent I thought I might need. One of 'em's for you...." Peeking 
under the cloth binding of one, she picks it up and proffers it to the 
other greenrider, while answering Jali with a rueful smile. "Oh, nay that 
badly, save for the fact that I think I've begun to discover the joys of 
morning sickness."

Benden Weyr> Kassima blinks at Cav. Fees? What's this about fees? I didn't 
know there were fees. ;)

Benden Weyr> Meli says, "I think you were a freebie, Kassi, to bolster his 
reputation so he can charge more now. :b"

Jalimax grins at Kassi, "Guess it's a bad time to ask you for that dinner 
then?"

Benden Weyr> C'vadan says, "You were a demo, Kassi. All others will have 
to negotiate for fees :)"

Benden Weyr> Jalimax says, "were you a freebie too, Meli? ;)"

Lavinia walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Benden Weyr> Meli hi-fives Cav. :b Um, no, Jali, he had to weyrmate me. :b

Benden Weyr> Kassima yahoos! Good thing, since I'm broke. :P ;)

Ryialla walks in from the bowl.

Meli chuckles at Jali's remark. "Yeh, reminds me, I still owe F'nar an' 
Cav a picnic. Guess we'll have t'fly straight somewhere or else wait til I 
c'n go *tween* again." She peeks at whatever it is Kassi's got in all 
those bundles, but doesn't touch them yet with her fishoily hands.

Ryialla waves as she wanders in. "Heyla, everyone."

Kassima grins at Jali, "Ach, there're worse times. Now, if'n 'twere 
breakfast 'twere speaking of, that'd be a different matter." She sets down 
the one bundle in front of Meli, so as to free her hands to salute 
Ryialla. "Heyla yourself, most honorable Wingsecond ma'am!"

Ryialla rolls her eyes Kassima-wards.

Meli gives Ryi a greeting, then pops her third fishroll into her mouth. 
"Mmmm."

Ryialla sniffs the air. "Fish rolls?"

Jalimax nods to Ryialla, and continues on his roll, before it gets cold. 
"Ah, so when are you free?"

"So long as you don't want to go anywhere that's nay within straight-
flying distance, any day I don't have afternoon sweeps should be fine," 
Kassi replies as she picks up a piece of bread and proceeds to slather it 
with citrus-jam. "How goes it with you, ma'am? Haven't seen you about much 
of late."

Ryialla says "Hm. Fish rolls sound pretty good..any left?"

Meli cranes her neck round, glancing towards the serving area. "Think so - 
I got mine right out o'the oven."

Ryialla says "I've just been really busy, is all.."

Meli peers at the last 'roll on the plate, calculating how full she's 
getting. With a sigh, she pushes the platter towards the middle of the 
table. "Guess I'd best stop at three, so this'uns up f'grabs. Want it, 
Jali?"

Kassima grins over at the Wingsecond, "Aye, I'd imagine so... Ruatha, 
y'say? Didn't know 'twere Ruathan, Ryi. Did you find aught of interest?"

Jalimax hmms and shakes his head, "I ate not too long ago, so I'll pass."

Ryialla grins. "Aye. Lived in a small cothold outside the main hold until 
I was 10 or so, and then at the main hold for a year when my folks died. 
Then I came here." She pokes at a fishroll for a moment, and focuses her 
gaze on it. "I..there's evidence in the records that one of my brothers 
didn't die when everyone got sick. At least, he's not listed on the death 
records, and there's a note that my da scribbled that looks like he was 
fostered somewhere just before..but it was somewhat degraded. I couldn't 
read the whole thing."

Kassima blinks at Ryi. "I never knew you had brothers, Ryi. What d'you 
think might've happened to this one, if he's still alive? Are you going to 
try and find him?"

Meli sits quietly, her mug of juice cradled in her hands, listening to the 
conversation.

Ryialla says "I thought he was dead, too. So..I'm really not sure what to 
think. If I could decipher the record better, and found out where he got 
fostered to, I might be able to find out..He was 6 at the time. Maybe 7..
so it's possible he's still around somewhere."

Kassima hmmms, munching on her Telgarian five-grain bread as she listens 
to this. "Six or seven then... that'd make him what, now? Late teens? 
Twenty-something? 'Twill be hard to recognize him, most likely."

Ryialla says "20, 21 maybe. Unless he turned out just like me, I doubt if 
I would recognize him."

Kassima mock-shudders, pasting a horrified look on her face. "Just like 
you, Ryi? Faranth forfend! Pern isn't big enough for two of you!"

Ryialla sticks her tounge out and raspberries Kassi.

Kassima grins irrepressibly. "Ah, being pthbted at by a veritable paragon 
of Wingsecondness was just what I needed to make my day complete! Thankee 
ever so kindly, Ryi. You'll never know how much this means to me."

Ryialla quips, "Probably not."

Kelset walks in from the kitchen.

Jalimax waves at Kelset, "Hello there."

"You could likely wager on that," Kassi agrees. Turning in her chair, she 
waves a stuffed mushroom at Kelset. "Heya, Harper. Here to partake of the 
bounty that is the evening meal?"

Kelset, a pleasant expression upon his face, lifts one arm in a wave 
towards Jalimax as he walks through the threshold into the cavern. 
"Evening, Master Jalimax!" he calls. Reaching the table, he begins to 
unbuttong his jacket, grinning as he replies, "I certainly am. Meals are 
too few and far between as it is."

Ryialla smiles sweetly at Kassi. "I do hope that that babe on the way 
turns out just like you, so you know what it's like."

Kassima snorts with amusement at Ryi. "Just like me? Now that, Faranth 
should *certainly* forfend. I can't imagine two of me, and I imagine most 
folks wouldn't care to."

Meli sets her mug down, rubbing at her eyes as she comes out of her 
daydream. "Maybe y'kid's favorite food'll be tubers or some such, jus' 
t'spite you."

Kelset pulls out a chair with one of his toes, sitting quickly and looking 
around at the prepared meal. For the moment, however, he simply enjoys 
having a moment to sit.

Ryialla says "It'd certianly be interesting.."

Kassima's mouth curves upwards in a grin. "You've a point," she 
acknowledges to the Harper. Her attention is distracted by Meli, though. 
"Bite your tongue! You might as well suggest the child will be sane; one's 
as apt as the other."

Kassima leans over to tap the package she'd set in front of her friend. 
"So, are you going to open that a'fore we all perish of old age?"

Meli purses her lips at Kassi, one eye squinting at her. "Hmm... not sure 
it'd be safe t'open if it's f'you." But she wipes her hands on her napkin 
again and carefully starts to unwrap whatever it is.

Kelset glances back upwards to Kassima, letting a silent chuckle escape 
his lips. "Sane and tubers? I think this child'll actually be a pleasure 
to teach," he comments dryly.

Ryialla says "It may not be safe."

Ryialla hrms. "Wonder if there's a way to make an old record more 
legible..?"

Kassima rolls her eyes towards the ceiling. "Please, Meli! D'you think 
you're Mart, that I'd give you an Emasculator or something?"

Felinar walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Salless orders the drudges to clean a tiny spot off a table as the steward 
arrives.

Kelset glances over towards Ryialla, replying, "Of course there are. 
Several steps, actually. Had to do that sort of thing all the time for 
archive duty."

Meli's careful fingers unwrap the package, revealing what appears to be a 
tunic fit for an expectant mother. Scarlet in hue, short of sleeve with a 
scooped neckline, it boasts beautiful fire-lizard embroidery along the 
hems and edges, in a flickering gold thread that sparkles in the light. As 
Meli pulls it from its wrapping, she gives a delighted "Oh!" and further 
reveals the matching sash, crimson with golden tassles.

Kelset's attention is drawn to Meli as she opens the gift, a broad smile 
sweeping up the corners of his mouth. "Certainly a nice..." he mumbles to 
himself.

Kassima, in an ever-so-dignified gesture, sticks her tongue out at Kelset. 
"Nay child of *mine* will be sane!" she proclaims vehemently, then breaks 
off her denial of the impossible to smile broadly at Meli. "You truly 
like it? I saw them, and thought 'twas too perfect... got m'self one to 
match, too." She picks up the smallest of the three bundles left and opens 
it, pulling out a similar tunic in verdant green with starlight-silver 
fire-lizard embroidery.

Felinar sits on a bench at the long table by the kitchen.

Kelset lets out an involuntary laugh at Kassima's gesture, only grinning 
in response. With a nod towards Felinar, he attempts to control his 
laughter.

Meli's eyes brighten, and she nods at Kassi. "It's perfect!" She stands, 
holding the tunic up against her for size. Playfully, she holds the fabric 
out in front of her to display its potential girth. "Faranth forbid I'll 
fill th'thing out... but I guess I'm doomed!" she comments with a 
chuckle.

Benden Weyr> Kassima is not Pern's most mature greenrider, Kelt. Be warned 
now. ;)

Benden Weyr> Kelset chuckles. "Thanks for the warning, Kassi. ;)"

Ryialla starts to ask Kelset a question, but break it off as she sees the 
tunic. "Oh, that's lovely.."

Benden Weyr> Ryialla says, "Er..does Benden have -any- mature 
greenriders?"

Kassima winks impishly at the Harper, bobs her head in a respectful nod to 
Felinar, and then finally laughs at Meli's comment. "So Tria said, aye! I 
suppose we both are... hopefully, that sash'll be needed, and we won't 
*really* be the size of tents." Setting the tunic down, she pats the other 
two bundles. "Kin found me a new Gather dress, too, and I even found a 
maternity riding-jacket to go with it all."

Ryialla giggles. "As long as it's not twins, I think you'll be safe."

Benden Weyr> Meli is sorta mature, occasionally. Well, ok, infrequently :b

Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "If you have to ask, Ryi.... ;)"

Felinar waves to all, "Heyla."

Benden Weyr> Ryialla says, "It was a rhetorical question. :)"

Ryialla waves at Felinar. "Heyla, Felinar. How's it going?"

Felinar says "it's going quite well, thanks."

Ryialla smiles. "Good to hear."

Kelset chuckles, finally managing to turn his laughter into a mere grin. 
He looks at Ryialla as she almost begins to ask a question, but turns 
towards Felinar, adding another smile.

Slapping her hand against her forehead lightly, Meli sits back down, 
mindful not to wrinkle the tunic. "Ridin' jacket! Eh, haven't even thought 
'bout that. Wonder f'we have any in stores?"

Ryialla turns back to Kelset. "Well, I'm doing a little familial research, 
and part of the record is completely illegible. Is there a way I could 
find out how you restore it, or is that a Harper secret?"

Kassima shudders exaggeratedly. "Twins? I think we're providing T'lar with 
enough spawn as-is, Ryi, without any multiple births." Nodding to Meli, 
she surmises, "Aye--or so I'd guess. But I figured that I'm nay going to 
get another chance to spend marks for awhile, so... well, why nay?" 
Opening a second bundle, she uncovers a black wherhide jacket whose inner 
lining and fleece have been dyed a deep, dark emerald green, and holds it 
up for display. "I think I might beg that Weaver cousin of mine to 
embroider m'Wing-symbol on there, rather than resewing the patch and all."

Kelset lets his smile grow a bit, shaking his head. "No, archive 
restoration's practiced most places, especially in the Weyrs." He pauses a 
moment, his eyes looking upwards as he thinks. "I could probably take some 
time, either later tonight or tomorrow, to show you some of the things you 
might do. If it's completely obliterated, there's not much hope for it, 
though."

Lysseth> Prometh backwings for a landing.

Ryialla nods. "That would be a help. I'd appreciate it..thank you."

Kelset smiles quickly, nodding. "Of course."

"Well," Meli comments, "I think I'll save m'marks for a cradle, f'I c'n 
find one like tha' one I bought you as a joke las' Turn. Course, might 
make more sense t'borrow one f'round th'weyr, 'specially since this may be 
m'only kid."

Kassima chuckles, folding up the jacket and tunic and stowing them away 
along with the third bundle. "I daresay that you didn't have quite these 
circumstances in mind when you bought that, aye, Meli? But it'll turn out 
to be handy after all, if I can pry the fire-lizards out of it. Wish we'd 
found out about this a'fore your Turnday, or I could've bought you one!"

Lysseth> Adonith backwings for a landing.

Lysseth> Alyssa slides down the beautiful purplish blue flank of her 
lifemate to come to a rest on the ground, Adonith swinging his head around 
to regard her adoringly.

Benden Weyr> Alyssa says, "SNOW?"

Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Someone hasn't been sacrificing enough 
weyrbrats to the Weather Deity lately."

Benden Weyr> Alyssa says, "It's snowing in the bowl!?!?? AIGH! Where is 
the Weather Deity?"

Lysseth> K'tyn wanders out with yet another pile of hides--these don't 
seem to be quite as musty, quite as dirty as those he's trundled about 
with in the past. With an air of one much put upon, (and not really 
minding) he moves toward the LC, greeting the drowsing dragons resting in 
the bowl on his way.

Benden Weyr> Kassima whaps Lys. My brain cell! Mine! :)

Benden Weyr> Caitria acks!

Lysseth> K'tyn looks up, a bright smile on his face. "Lys! Heya."

Lysseth> Alyssa waves to K'tyn as she removes her riding helmet and shakes 
free her hair. "Hello, Kiat."

Benden Weyr> Meli says, "Don't be surprised, Kassi and I are causing the 
Weyr to Freeze Over :b"

Benden Weyr> Ryialla says, "Or, at least, Kassi is. :)"

Benden Weyr> Kassima high-42s her co-Spawner of the Apocalypse. :P :)

Lysseth> K'tyn just beams at Lys, rather admiringly, as he always does. 
"Going in for something warm? Or can I persuade you to do so?"

Ryialla gets up to get a mug of klah.

Meli waves her hand at Kassi, and refills her juice mug. "Neh, neh, s'ok, 
y'got me a great gift already. Sides, gives m'a chance t'drag T'lar out 
t'pick things too."

Lysseth> Juliath gives a whuff, which coalesces in the cool air.

Lysseth> "I cannot believe it's snowing," Alyssa murmurs as she moves 
closer to the bronzerider, giving affectional looks to the greens ringing 
the bowl and calling to each by name. "Hmmm? Oh, yes, Kiat, that sounds 
wonderful."

Lysseth> K'tyn grins at Juliath, then nods at Lys. "Surely it does." 
Snowflakes, a discreet cap of them, have collected on Kiat's dark head. 
He grins happily. "Let's go then, hm?"

Kassima grins at Meli. "Tria's good at helping to find things, if you want 
advice. Shells... I suspect we're all going to be lean in the marks-pouch 
by the time this is actually over."

K'tyn walks in from the bowl.

Alyssa walks in from the bowl.

Meli rolls her eyes. "Neh, not f'we borrow some things. Shells, there's 
'nough kids born 'round here ev'ry Turn. Someone must have some hand-me-
down we c'n use."

Kelset chuckles a bit, craning about to look at K'tyn and Alyssa. 
"Evening," he greets pleasantly.

K'tyn stamps inside, groaning as the snow on his head melts rapidly, 
trickling down his neck. "Gah! Heya, all."

Alyssa walks in with K'tyn and heads rather directly for the hot water. 
"Tea," she shivers, "is a wonderful thing now. Good evening...um...." Her 
eyes narrow a little, then she sighs and adds lamely, "Harper."

Kassima snorts at Meli. "Consider what you just said--there're enough born 
around here that all the things *might* be in use... still, you do have a 
point." She turns slightly in her chair as she catches a glimpse of the 
two incoming riders out of the corner of her eye, waving a greeting to 
both. "Evening, Kiat, Lys. Still snowing outside, I take it?"

Benden Weyr> Alyssa says, "No, Alyssa still cannot remember the name of 
anyone without wings."

Ryialla salutes Alyssa with a grin, and waves vigourously at Kiat. 
"Heyla!"

Benden Weyr> Meli pouts. And staples wings to her shoulders?

"Kelt," the Harper supplies, once again laughing a bit. "Nice to meet 
you."

Benden Weyr> Kassima has wings! That's how she manages not to fall to her 
death every time she accidentally leaps off of her ledge. :P :)

Alyssa brushes snow from her jacket, enough of an affirmative reply to 
Kassima, as she just sighs at Kelset. "Kelt. I am so sorry. It's been a 
long day. Kiat, love...did you want some cider?"

K'tyn grins at Kassima, though the effect is marred only a little by the 
shudders that wrack his body as the snow melts on his head. He drops his 
load of hides and nods at Lys. "Oh Please. Cider. Yes!"

Ryialla stirs some sweetner in her klah, and adds, "Cider's a fresh 
batch..."

Kelset smiles lightly, shaking his head. "It's all right. I don't believe 
we've met before, anyhow."

Meli gives Alyssa a belated salute, a rather lax one, and twiddles with 
her mug, spinning it around on the tabletop near her new tunic by pushing 
at the handle. "Evenin!" she calls to the newly arrived pair.

Kassima laughs and lifts her steaming cider mug in a toast to the two 
riders. "Here's to braving this sharding awful weather, eh? You'd hardly 
know 'tis spring. What's that load of hides about, Kiat?"

"At times like this, when it should by rights be spring, I really miss 
Igen," Alyssa observes as she eschews tea in favour of the cider. Pouring 
two mugs full, she carries one to K'tyn before settling near the others. 
Meli's salute is returned with a smile and a little wave.

Ryialla returns to the Skyfire table. "I'm used to this, actually. Ruatha 
wasn't much better in the spring."

Kelset grins a bit, rising to his feet and wandering about, looking for 
klah, commenting, "I can identify with that. Keroon didn't have much 
problem with snow."

Meli stops playing with her mug long enough to lean towards the other 
greenrider. She mutters to Kassima, "... I jus'... a... if... If..." 

Kassima grimaces faintly. "Should've seen Telgar Hold yestereve... the 
Gather was a fine one, but 'twas hardly warmer than here. The flight there 
was a true delight, too." Her dry tone as she states this strongly 
suggests sarcasm. "I recall that, Ryi, from the one spring and summer 
'twas there m'self."

Ryialla mms.

Kassima hrms as she turns towards her friend and table-companion, shaking 
her head. She mutters to Meli, "... d'you... But 'tany... you... point... 
this: might... have... Healer-confirmed... we go too mad... plans and... 
and..." 

Alyssa looks across the top of her mug at the two younger greenriders, 
then murmurs to Ryialla, "Do you know what they're muttering about?"

Ryialla chuckles, and shakes her head. "I'm not sure, actually."

Kelset finally returns to his seat, a mug of klah showing the fruit of his 
venture in one hand, commenting, "It'd be interesting to find out, 
though."

A mildly embarrassed (ovine-ish?) look crosses Meli's face, and she 
chuckles to the others present at the table. "Sorry, jus' suddenly got 
worried tha' maybe we jumped th'gun an' I'm /not/ really pregnant, or some 
such horrible thin'. Horrible, tha' is, now tha' I'm used t'the idea."

Alyssa nods, watching Meli and Kassima with something approaching 
distrust. "I suppose," she nods to Kelset. "Though...hmmm."

Alyssa splutters.

"Sorry, Meli, what did you say?" the bluerider inquires quietly as she 
dabs at her lips with the back of her hand.

Ryialla blinks.

Kelset's reaction isn't quite as strong as either of the rider's, but his 
eyes are definitely fixed upon Meli.

Kassima shakes her head at Meli. "I don't think you have aught to worry 
about, Meli... a'course, we could *both* nay be pregnant, and wouldn't 
that be horrid to explain to T'lar?"

Meli leans back a bit when struck by the force of her friends' regard. 
"Shells, jus' meant, s'still early, haven't had a chance t'have th'healer 
confirm it yet."

Alyssa sets her mug down, golden brow reaches for the crown of her head. 
"Excuse me...but ... excuse me. You're both pregnant? By T'lar??" The 
voice of this typically calm rider slants upward sharply in her surprise.

Ofira walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Jalimax chuckles at Alyssa, "Amazing isn't it ?"

Ryialla hides a smile behind her mug. "I belive that's what she was 
inferring, yes. Or is that implying? I never can keep those two 
straight."

Ofira comes in rather tentatively with Girad on her shoulder and gives a 
general smile to the room.

Kassima blinks at Lys, seemingly surprised herself. "What, you mean you 
hadn't heard? I'd've thought 'twould be all over the Weyr by now. The 
dragons both seem t'think so, and since it matches up with things 
well...." She shrugs. "Nay had it Healer-confirmed yet, though. Right--
what Meli said."

Meli's jaw drops, as she realizes that somehow Alyssa hadn't yet heard. 
"Um, yeh, 'lys." Fortunately, Ofira arrives at that point, and Meli turns 
to greeting her. "Evenin', Master! How fares y'an' tha' new son o'yours?"

"I don't listen to gossip," Alyssa murmurs faintly. "I thought that was...
ahem. Well. Um...well. Goodness."

Kelset chuckles a bit, apparently in agreement with Jalimax.

Ofira smiles, "He's fine. Strong and healthy and I thought it was time I 
brought him up here and started getting about again." She takes a seat, 
lowering herself rather gingerly.

Ofira dropped Girad.

Meli continues to smile at Ofira and Girad, making appropriate noises and 
comments, though she does sneak a glance at Alyssa out of the corner of 
her eye, trying to gauge the bluerider's reaction to this shocking news.

Benden Weyr> Meli says, "Bouncing baby boy? :)"

Ofira settles herself, holding Girad securely in the crook of her arm. She 
turns to Meli and Kassima, "How are you two feeling?"

Kassima's attention is similarly distracted by the arrival of Baker and 
Son. "Ofira! How--shard it, Meli, stop beating me to all the good 
questions." She grins at the other greenrider to take the force out of 
the chide, and turns her head back to Lys. "Well... insofar as we know, 
'tis truth." One corner of her mouth crooks upward in a lopsided smile. 
"Should've expected it, in truth, after all that Water Cav tricked me into 
drinking."

From the inner caverns comes, whistling and cheerful, hands in his 
pockets, the lanky figure of Garant, one of the weyr's journeyman 
healers. "Hey, all. Master Ofira, how's the baby looking? Ryialla...
looking very fine tonight, I see."

Alyssa smiles faintly, then a little more sincerely. "Well...um...
congratulations."

Ryialla does laugh, this time, but subsides enough to smile at Garant. 
"Heyla, Garant."

Alyssa looks not unhappy but rather stunned.

Benden Weyr> Caitria can see either of you having one. Literally. Basket-
baby. (And I'm not +watching the LC, so if that's something from 
there....)

Ofira smiles, rather gratified by all the attention her son is receiving, 
"As you can see, healer, he's quite well. I, on the other hand, am rather 
tired!"

Meli's face falls ever so slightly, as she turns to tell Alyssa "Thanks."

Garant places his foot on the bench near Ryialla in a companionably 
familiar way and inquires, "What's the news of the night? Chattering, I 
see."

Benden Weyr> Meli grins. "Ofira dropped Girad."

Kelset smiles quietly to Garant, then stands up, stretching a bit. "I'd 
better be off, though. Things to do before the day's over, I'm afraid."

Kassima smiles and wiggles her fingers at the little lad. "Well enough, 
well enough! Despite having discovered the nonexistant joys of losing 
one's breakfast this morning." She rolls her eyes. "I *would* be one of 
those who gets sick, wouldn't I? Faranth has a twisted sense of humor... 
thankee, Lys," she adds sincerely to the bluerider. "It came as something 
of a surprise to us, too."

"Oh, Meli, I really am...I mean...I *am* happy for you!" Alyssa exclaims 
as she gives her dear friend a hug.

Ryialla inclines her head over at Meli and Kassima. "Seems T'lar's been a 
busy, busy boy.."

Benden Weyr> Kassima snickers at Ryi. :)

Benden Weyr> Caitria hees. :)

Benden Weyr> Ryialla is evil, ayup.

Girad follows Kassima's fingers with his eyes, staring at them, 
fascinated, from Ofira's arms.

Garant's grin splits his face wide with teeth. "Oh, the bronzerider who, 
I hear, has left two of our ladies expecting? Two ladies who, I might add, 
have failed to visit me since their dragons said something about babies."

Meli smiles, hugging back. "Thanks 'lys. I'll need y'around t'talk to, 
m'sure."

Ryialla shakes her head, tsking. "Shame on them. I, of course, was much 
more prompt when I was expecting. Many visits are beneficial to both 
mother and baby."

Alyssa nods, kissing Meli's cheek before embracing Kassima as well. "I 
mean...it's truly good news..." she murmurs.

Meli blinks, noticing Garant. 'Eh, well, yeh. S'pose so. Been tryin' to 
eat right, an' all.' No, she's not nervous. Not at all.

Ofira sinks down in her seat and murmurs, "I really just went to M'kla for 
advice..." She tries to say this quietly enough that the healer won't 
hear, but of course he knows perfectlywell.

Garant leans down to speak confidentially to Ryialla. "Well, my dear 
wingsecond, you're wise and experienced. These two precious young 
greenriders don't know the benefits of my constant and adoring attention, 
do they?"

Kelset walks towards the inner cavern.

Kassima hugs Lys warmly, chuckling faintly at the bluerider's murmur. 
"Just... unexpected, mayhaps?" Attention caught by the conversation 
between the Healer and Ryi, she admits, "Well, we've been *meaning* to... 
and aye, as Meli said. Though I'm *nay* touching tubers, however good they 
may be for you."

Ryialla smiles. "Aye, they don't."

K'tyn looks up from his hidework, blinking. "What's wrong with tubers? 
Those are good eating."

Alyssa sits back down near Ryialla and watches quietly.

"Greens" Meli espouses. "Lots o'steamed greens." And at that, her face 
twinges, turning a very slight shade of said color. She gulps, and stops 
talking.

"Tsktsk," Garant chuckles. "You know, if I were less a gentleman, I'd just 
ground them until they agree to come and see me."

Kassima grimaces at Meli, shuddering. "Yuck, must you bring *those* up? 
They may be better than tubers, but only marginally... wish that pepper 
salad hadn't gone bad on me, or I could mayhaps substitute that."

Meli glances up at Garant, after she regains her composure. "Was already 
grounded, waitin' f'Juliath t'heal. Still, been meanin' t'stop in anyway. 
When're y'free?"

Ofira gets up for another glass of milk, "I know how you feel," she says 
sympathetically to Kassima. "I did get back my taste for food, but now 
that I'm nursing, I'm thirsty all the time. And I mean, /all/ the time."

K'tyn tries again. "So. What's wrong with tubers?" His light colored eyes 
flick aobut the room. "And greens?"

Garant chuckles. "Let me think. Hmm...let's see. Boil lancing at midnight. 
I have a rather pressing engagement with my pillow after that. Hmm. No 
time like the present, I say."

Ofira sips the milk, and sighs contentedly, "It's so good to be out of 
bed and up and about again," she observes generally.

Meli swallows again, perceptibly, but answer Kiat carefully "Nothin's 
wrong w'greens. Or tubers. Like 'em both. Generally." She exhales 
carefully, and waves a hand in front of her face.

Kassima inclines her head at Meli. "Has she been confirmed as being healed 
up yet, Meli? My arm's about back to normal, thank Faranth for small 
favors... managed nay to rip it open again, for once." Turning to the 
Healer, she asks, sounding dubious, "I don't suppose you could find time 
open for me as well, so long as 'tis nay at the same time as that boil 
lancing?" She breaks off, turning rather green at Kiat's mention of 
tubers. "Urgh. Kiat, *must* you?"

K'tyn nods, "Ah ha. Then....why do you look like you are going to lose 
what you've eaten? You're not ill, are you?"

Girad makes a snuffling noise which gradually grows louder. Ofira ignores 
it as long as possible, cooing to the child and rockinghim, but it finally 
become s a full fledged wail, as Girad turns bright red, screws up his 
eyes and screams.

"Why, Kassima," Garant grins, bowing slightly, "you're in luck. I have a 
two-for-one special tonight. Two diagnoses for the price of one, and you 
get a special cheek-kiss with every exam."

Meli gets that 'checking in with Juliath' look briefly, then nods at the 
healer. "Jul's sleepin'. Now's jus' fine." And she levers herself upright, 
smoothing her shirt and tucking her gift under her arm.

Ofira winces, "Excuse me everyone," she sighs. "It's been nice to see you 
all, however briefly."

Ofira walks towards the inner cavern.

K'tyn blinks at Kassi. Stares at her, in fact. "You too? What is this, a 
plag--" He nods. "Ah. I see. No need to say aught more." Humor lightens 
his deep voice.

Ryialla snickers.

Feyan walks in from the bowl.

Benden Weyr> Ofira giggles as she forgets the baby. I /am/ new at this!

Alyssa asks Meli and Kassima quietly, "Want me to go with you?"

Benden Weyr> Meli bol

Benden Weyr> Alyssa laughs.

Feyan comes in, very quietly, with tears on her small face....

Meli reaches out a hand to 'lys. "Please."

Kassima half-bows to the Healer, which is quite a trick when one is 
sitting in a chair. "Never let it be said that I'm nay a believer in luck, 
eh? Kin and Mart would never let me hear the end of it." She gathers up 
her own packages, and flashes a brief grin at Kiat. "Very astute... oh, 
Lys, please do."

Ryialla says "I could go..oh, Lys, you're going? Good."

Beaming now, Garant indicates the inner cavern. "This way, ladies. Alyssa, 
Alyssa, been Turns since I had you assist me. This way...Ryialla? Anyone 
else who might have had the water around here?"

Ryialla groans. "Okay, okay. I'll go."

Feyan stands in a quiet corner, wide eyed....

"Never did" Meli mutters under her breath as she waves a farewell to the 
others and steps off after the healer.

"Well," Kassi murmurs to Meli as she obediantly gets up and starts for 
the lower caverns, "at least now we'll learn whether or nay the whole Weyr 
will need to transfer to Telgar, eh?"

Alyssa walks towards the inner cavern.

Ryialla walks towards the inner cavern.

Meli walks towards the inner cavern.

Garant walks towards the inner cavern.

K'tyn sips at his empty mug, blinking at it confusedly. "Hm," he rumbles 
quietly to himself before snaring a passing waif-like drudge and asking 
her for some piping hot klah. He grins at Garant. "I've drunk the water...
but pity. It seems not to affect me."

You walk towards the inner cavern.

You walk off towards the Outer Infirmary.

Alyssa pushes the tapestry aside and walks into the inner infirmary.

Ryialla pushes the tapestry aside and walks into the inner infirmary.

Garant pushes the tapestry aside and walks into the inner infirmary.

Meli studiously avoids the 'snake display and moves further inside.

You push the tapestry aside and walk into the inner infirmary.

Meli emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary.

Kassima comments as she glances over her shoulder, "Interesting 
tunnelsnake you've got back there. It reminds me that I haven't been 
hunting for the Swarm in awhile...." Distracting herself with pointless 
babble? Oh, just possibly.

Meli takes a seat, keeping an eye on the healer while also watching 
Alyssa.

"All right, all right," says Garant briskly. "Meli, Kassima...tell me what 
you know, how you're feeling. Alyssa, sit down. You're tall enough to hurt 
my neck looking up at you, lass. Ha! Made her blush."

Ryialla perches on a stool and looks amused.

Alyssa sits down beside Ryialla and, of course, blushes.

Meli glances at Kassi. "Y'want t'go first, or shall I?"

Kassima can't help but grin at the Healer's comments to Alyssa, as she 
perches herself gingerly in a chair next to Meli's. "Well, we know for 
starters that both of our greens seem rather insistant that we've 
'swallowed eggs,' as they put it, and even I've given up on trying to 
convince Lysseth at least that she's ever wrong about something." She 
glances at Meli, a silent suggestion that the other greenrider pick it up 
from there.

Garant chuckles but says, "That's fine and dandy, Kassima, but when was 
the last time you two had your courses?"

Meli nods at Kassi's words, then casts her eyes ceilingwards as she 
calculates. "Hmm... f'me, was about two sevendays 'fore m'Turnday. So, 
that'd be, oh, 'bout eight or nine sevendays ago."

"Mm, prolly closer to eight than nine" Meli amends, then looks back at the 
healer.

Kassima takes a moment to count silently, eventually reporting, "Eight and 
a half sevendays, 'twould be."

Player Name        On For Idle  Doing
Meli                01:26  11s  Cell Multiplication and Division
85 Players logged in.

Benden Weyr> Kassima laughs at Meli's @do. :)

Garant nods at Meli and Kassima both, grinning all the same. "All right. 
That's a good lateness. Any tenderness, soreness, especially around the 
breasts, and not counting whatever teethmarks that bronzerider might have 
left?"

"Garant!" Alyssa blinks, just shaking her head.

Meli doesn't blush, nope, she rarely does. Instead, her face just gets 
stonier, and her voice more matter-of-fact and impersonal. "Not too much, 
jus' a little maybe." She avoids glancing down at her chest, which never 
has been terribly well-endowed.

Now, Kassi hasn't been known for blushing since over five Turns ago, when 
she joined the ranks of Benden's greenriders; however, she does manage a 
nice crimson shade at *that*. "Somewhat," she admits, eyes focused not on 
the healer, but on the wall behind him. Yep, the wall is much less likely 
to embarrass her, and thus much safer.

Garant just nods, as if this were something he expected. "Nausea at some 
time of the day, every day, and additional fatigue?"

Meli chuckles, this is safer ground. "Ayeh. Not usually in th'morning, 
though... s'that normal? Thought they called it 'mornin' sickness'."

Kassima shakes her head. "Nay at any particular time, save whenever 
someone mentions tubers or quadruple somersaults or some such... well, 
'cept this morn, though I still half-suspect there was something odd about 
those muffins. Ofira's been letting the apprentices loose in the kitchen 
again, probably. And as to the fatigue, nay, I can't claim that."

Alyssa ventures quietly, "On those rare occasions I was sick, it was in 
late afternoon..."

Meli glances up and smiles at Alyssa, her whole face relaxing visibly. 
"Yeh, an' occasionally after dinner."

Garant looks from one greenrider to the other, then, with a little shrug, 
says, "I really need to have a look at you two. Ah...that'll involve 
getting undressed, I guess. No reason to be bashful."

Meli gives Garant a long, thorough look, then nods carefully and rises. 
After all, he's a healer, and all the other women are her friends. She 
admires that same bit of fascinating wall Kassi'd been observing, and 
starts slowly to disrobe.

Ryialla says "It's not bad. Really. Trust me."

Alyssa blushes and looks away, then down at her hands.

"I josh about too much," Garant says gently, "but I'm very professional, 
Meli. I'll turn my back; when you're ready, get under the sheet on that 
cot and I'll have a very quick peek."

Kassima shrugs and replies philosophically, "Nay any different than 
stripping for swimming, I suppose." Never mind that Kassi usually doesn't 
do that, being a fan of the ubiquitous towel. She pulls off her jacket and 
sets it to one side, before working on ridding herself of all her knives 
first. This takes quite awhile, in and of itself. "Feel free to go first, 
Meli," she offers ever-so-generously.

Meli straightens her chin, gives herself a bit of a shake, and chuckles. 
"Well, s'not as if we don' all soak in th'springs t'gether in th'buff." 
And with that, she finishes removing her clothes, piles them on her chair, 
and moves over to the cot. "Ready when y'are, I guess."

Garant moves gracefully past Kassima, taking his instruments with him, and 
he places her feet in some straps to position her legs properly. "So 
Kassima," he says agreeably as he gets ready to have his quick exam, 
"how's Lysseth doing? I saw her out earlier with a bronze. Not T'lar's 
though, hmm?"

"Precisely," Kassi agrees with Meli, as she sets five throwing-knives, two 
belt-knives, and her prized wherry-skewer on a convenient table. To the 
Healer, she replies, "Lysseth's well... out with a bronze, y'say? Hrm. 
Mayhaps there's something the sky-lady hasn't been telling me." She stares 
continuously at that wall--there must be something really intriguing about 
it.

Meli mutters something about cold instruments, her head turned to the 
side, and she concentrates on Kassi's answers.

Garant is finished almost before he began, patting Meli's leg gently. 
"Right you are. Kassima, my dear, must you scare me so much with your 
weaponry?"

Alyssa moves quietly to Meli's side and, without a word, takes her hand.

"Done?" Meli asks, already shifting upright. With a helping hand from 
Alyssa, she rises and retrieves her clothes, dressing with a bit more 
haste.

Kassima grins wryly. "Ah, but scaring folk is one of my prime joys in 
life; would you deprive me of it, then? Besides, you should just see how 
many K'nan has." She actually glances away from the wall for a brief 
second at Meli's question. "Done? Already? That was quick."

Garant just smiles at Kassima and indicates the bed. "If, my dear, you 
would not mind...?"

Meli leaves her jacket off for now, and gives Kassi a look, eyebrow 
raised. "Guess it's your turn now, neh?"

"I'd say 'twould be my pleasure," is the greenrider's rejoinder, "except I 
don't think I could sound very convincing." Nonetheless, she does set her 
clothes on the table and obediantly gets up on the bed. She finds a new 
place on the wall to stare at, too.

As before, Garant speaks cheerfully of some off-topic as he conducts the 
exam beneath the sheet, away from any other eyes. "Meli, how is that 
weyrmate of yours? Told him what might be going on?"

Meli chuckles, doing her best to fill the spaces. 'Yeh, thought he'd jus' 
about drop dead t'other evenin' when we told him.'

Benden Weyr> T'lar grabs Meli and Kassima for a big smooch

Benden Weyr> Meli says, "Woooga, Bronzeman! We're having our physicals :b"

"I'm still surprised he didn't," Kassi quips, in the direction of that 
wall. She must really like that wall; first she can't take her eyes off of 
it, and now she's trying to strike up a conversation with it?

Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Can I watch? Uh....never mind."

Benden Weyr> K'tyn waves, heya T'lar. :)

Benden Weyr> Jalimax says, "you're gonna have 2 pairs of tripples, 
T'lar :)"

"Oh...oh my." Garant leans back, pushing his stool away from Kassima to 
regard her with a sigh. "Kassima...I..." He shakes his head, rubbing his 
eyes with the heels of his hands. "How am I going to tell you this?"

Ryialla grins. "I would've like to see that."

Benden Weyr> T'lar let's go of the infirmary wenches and grabs Alyssa, 
Caitria, Lily and Ryialla and retires to the Hot Springs.

Benden Weyr> Meli is a Charter Member of the Anti-Multiple Birth Society 
of Pern :b

Benden Weyr> <Alyssa> Garant puffs up his chest. "Got both of 'em in bed 
in one night!"

Benden Weyr> Caitria woowoos at T'lar

Benden Weyr> Kassima whacks T'lar upside the head with a sixteen-ton safe 
full of the printed versions of 331 PernMUSH logs. :P :)

Benden Weyr> Ryialla says, "Yeah, that was just cause you dragged us there 
after we passed out from drinking, Garant.."

Benden Weyr> T'lar peers at Jalimax. "One set of twins born of different 
mothers is quite enough, thank you."

Benden Weyr> Jalimax grins.

Benden Weyr> <Alyssa> Garant ssssh! "Don't tell my secret!"

Meli's eyes widen. "What?" she asks hurriedly, even though the healer is 
speaking to Kassi.

Now that does manage to draw Kassi's attention from the wall. "Tell me 
*what*?" she demands, sounding faintly alarmed.

Alyssa looks alarmed and takes Meli's hand, looking at Ryialla as well, 
then at Kassima.

Ryialla leans forward on her stool, listening very intently.

Expression grave, Garant stands up and moves away to clean the 
instruments. "I really oughtn't say, Kassima."

Lysseth> Nicoth backwings for a landing.

Lysseth> T'lar slides precipitously down from Nicoth's back.

Benden Weyr> Alyssa is being so evil.

Lysseth> Prometh turns and /looks/ at his rider penetratingly. "Oh, yes. 
Now that does sound good. Let's go soak in the hot springs, hm?" Prometh 
moves off purposefully as Kiat ducks into the Records' room, returns the 
hides and follows sedately behind Prometh.

Ryialla says "Garant, if you don't tell her, you're likely to wind up with 
a wherry skewer in your midsection."

Lysseth> T'lar says "K'tyn! How are you doing?"

"Forget *ought*," is Kassi's retort. "Ought counts for naught at all. 
Just *tell* me!" She glances at Ryi, and seems to find favor in that 
suggestion.

Lysseth> Nicoth whuffles first Juliath, then Lysseth. He rumbles a hello 
to the other dragons before settling down next to Juliath.

Benden Weyr> Kassima cheerfully kills Lys. :)

Garant grins and turns around, holding his hands up helplessly. "Hey, hey, 
I was only kidding! It's just that you're both pregnant. Yeesh."

Meli just stands, squeezing Alyssa's hand.

The healer picks up a tray and holds it like a shield before him.

Lysseth> Juliath unlids, gives a low rumble of greeting, and settles in 
next to Nicoth.

Ryialla winces. "That gold again.."

Lysseth> K'tyn stops in his tracks. "Well enough, T'lar." He grins. "Your 
bevy is in the infirmary."

Lysseth> Adonith rumbles quietly at the bigbutted bronze and moves closer 
to his greens.

Lysseth> Nicoth reaches out and touches noses with Pliarth.

"Aigh!" Meli exclaims, pent up energy released in that explosion. She then 
starts to chuckle, eyes twinkling. "I knew it!"

Alyssa groans, rolling her eyes. "You," she tells Garant softly, "are a 
menace."

Lysseth> Nicoth flicks his tail about a bit as if trying to make it 
comfortable. It brushes Adonith's flank like a wet dishtowel.

Ryialla grins at them both. "Congratulations, you two. Kassi, I'll have to 
say, it suits you."

Benden Weyr> <Alyssa> Garant makes it official.

Kassima sighs with relief, and gives the Healer the evil eye. "You, sir," 
she informs him, "have the most twisted sense of humor I've ever seen 
outside of m'own family." Then, the second half of what he said took 
effect, and she pthbbbts at Meli. "You did nay! You were the one who was 
unsure in the *first* place...." Grumble, grumble, but she's not so busy 
grumbling that she forgets to put her clothes back on rather rapidly.

Lysseth> Prometh sighs, and moves southward, disdain evident in every line 
of his body.

Lysseth> Prometh lumbers south.

Lysseth> T'lar moves beneath the rocky overhang that protects the 
Infirmary entrance.

Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Here I come, ladies!"

Benden Weyr> M'rgan nooooooooooooooooooos!!!!!

T'lar emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary.

Benden Weyr> J'lyn says, "I'm sure they thank you for the warning so they 
can vacate, T..."

T'lar peeks in, eyes shut. "So? What's the verdict?

Meli bends down to retrieve her jacket, and calls up to the healer 
"M'guessin' was m'Turnday tha' did it - can y'figure out when I'd be ready 
t'pop then?" And as she straightens, she spots T'lar. "Evenin', luv!" 
Hopefully Kassi's done changing.

Lysseth> Lysseth warbles in greeting to Nicoth, whuffling him as well 
before settling back into her comfortable place in the Bowl. She doesn't 
seem displeased to be surrounded by handsome male dragons, even if she 
*does* have to share the view with two other greens.

"Now, now...seriously, you two," insofar as Garant is serious about 
anything. "You're both grounded. You're expected to come in every 
fortnight or so to let me check up on you. And get that sharding 
bronzerider to pamper you both. That's an order."

Benden Weyr> Meli mwah ha has. "And it's just 18 short days til Juliath's 
next flight as well."

T'lar's pop open. "Order? Who needs orders to pamper the two best ladies 
on all of Pern?" His eyes shine with happiness.

Alyssa gives both Meli and Kassima gentle hugs of congratulations before 
moving to the side, out of the way.

Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "I don't know if I can survive proddy and 
pregnant."

Kassima is, pretty much. She's just putting all her knives back right now, 
which, predictably, is taking awhile. Two in the boots, two in the sleeve-
sheaths, one in the jacket, two in the belt, and, of course, the wherry 
skewer. "Every fortnight, y'say?" she asks the Healer, making mental note 
of that. "And pampering. That, I think I can live with," she adds with a 
grin in T'lar's direction.

Meli also brightens at this idea. "Sounds good t'me. C'n we soak in 
th'springs ok?"

Garant begins washing up, tidying the examination area, whistling to 
himself. "Huh? Soaking in the springs? Yeah, sure. But not for too long 
unless you want boiled babies."

T'lar goes over and gives his weyrmate a hug and a kiss on the cheek. 
Proceeding around the room, he hugs and kisses Kassima, Alyssa and 
Ryialla.

"Ewww" Meli replies to Garant's comment, before returning T'lar's embrace.

"Congratulations, you three." Alyssa returns the hug quietly, then after a 
nod at Garant and a touch of Ryialla's arm, she leaves for the inner 
caverns.

Meli then tilts her head to glance at Alyssa and Ryialla. "You two goin' 
t'be available t'be pestered w'all sorts of questions from a couple of 
first-timers?"

Kassima laughs as she returns any and all hugs, commenting, "Looks like 
*something* put him in a good mood; I wonder what that could be?" She 
grimaces at Garant. "And a sadist. Did I mention that you're a sadist?"

Ryialla returns the hug, and waves to Lys as she leaves.

T'lar says "Take care, Lyssa. And thanks, Garant. I'll take care of these 
two."

"You're under direct order to do so," Garant says cheerfully, "unless you 
want me to fetch Master Caitria's emasculator and do the weyr a favour? By 
the way, I think your two lady friends here are about the same way along."

T'lar is not sure whether to look proud and smug or afraid. "Don't worry. 
I will."

Meli nods at the healer's final words. "Tha' makes sense. Lysseth rose 
th'day after m'Turnday, didn't she?"

Kassima tries, really and honestly tries, not to burst out laughing at 
mention of the Emasculator. She does manage to hide it somewhat as a very 
long coughing fit, though. "I remember Tria saying she couldn't sell me 
hers because she got too much use out of it," she side-comments to Meli. 
"Never figured that the use she got out of it was loaning it to 
Healers...."

Garant regards everyone with hands on his hips. "Well? Anything else? 
Otherwise, you're a buncha healthy people cluttering up my infirmary."

Meli laughs, pulling on her jacket. "Well, then, guess tha's all settled." 
She picks up her package, telling T'lar "Kassi bought me a nice maternity 
tunic at th'Telgar gather t'other day."

T'lar says "Well, ladies. How many of you four would like to be escorted 
to the living cavern for a celebratory drink?" He puts his arm around 
Meli's shoulder. "I'll take you all."

"Sounds good t'me" Meli replies. "Cold citron?"

T'lar pats Meli's still flat stomach. "Don't need any special clothes yet 
and cold citron it is."

Kassima picks up her own package, and grins at Meli. "Just glad you like 
it, but I wish I'd found you a cradle; after you bought me one, I still 
think I should return the favor... oh, a drink sounds fabulous. Cider, 
methinks; 'tis too cold for cold anything."

Meli laughs, stepping out.

Meli pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary.

T'lar pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary.

Ryialla pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary.

You push the tapestry aside and enter the outer infirmary.

You walk down the long tunnel.

You walk through the large entrance to the Living Cavern.

Ryialla makes a vtol-line for the klah.

Meli settles herself, collecting a new mug of cold citron. "Well."

Kassima resumes her prior seat, settling her bundle of bundles on the 
table. "So are your concerns now assauged, m'friend?" she inquires of Meli 
with a quirked half-grin.

T'lar walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Salless dusts off the mantlepiece over the night hearth.

Ryialla adds some sweetner, and grins over her shoulder at you two.

Meli grins. "Well, certain ones are settled, but now there's lots o'other 
ones, neh?" She smiles at Ryi. "Got any advice?"

T'lar runs in a bit tardy and sits down with the women, laughing. "A round 
of drinks for the ladies, but nothing strong for Meli or Kassima."

Ryialla says "Yeah. Keep T'lar tied up in the weyr. Oh. Hi, T'lar.."

Ryialla grins, knowing perfectly well he was there all along.

T'lar blinks. "Keep who tied up where? Didn't this whole thing start like 
that?"

Kassima chuckles. "Truth, but--" She lifts one finger to emphasize the 
point she's about to make. "The important one is settled: that I didn't 
spend all those marks in vain!" She laughs, and then laughs even more at 
Ryi. "Ach, Ryi! Now you've given the plans away."

Ryialla is all innocence. "Oh? Did I?"

Meli just admires the citron in her mug, though her smile peeks past the 
rim.

Ryialla settles down at the Skyfire table. "So, Meli..if I want more kids, 
are you going to rent him out?"

Meli hrms, setting her mug down and tapping a finger along her chin. 
"Maybe... what are y'offerin'?" she replies, straight faced.

T'lar laughs and toasts the table with his mug. A blush creeps rapidly up 
his cheeks at Ryialla's comment. "Uh...well...maybe Pliarth's next 
flight...."

Ryialla hms. "Well, I've got lots of space. I could stuff him in one of my 
presses if you want peace and quiet.."

Kassima suggests drolly, "I could always hold another auction, Ryi. You 
could buy all the ones who catch your eye--who knows? You might even get a 
bargain."

T'lar looks from woman to woman with a decidely uncomfortable expression 
on his face. He takes the easy way out and buries himself in his ale.

Meli sniffs, pondering further. "Hm, sounds good, but we may need'm around 
over th'next eight months."

Ryialla says "As long as you don't put me up there..I'd never make any 
marks at all."

Kassima nods vigorous agreement with Meli, trying to look serious--and, as 
usual, failing miserably. "Oh, aye. Remember? We need him to be on 
pampering-duty--Healer's orders."

Ryialla snorts. "I got along just fine without pampering."

T'lar sees an opening. "Next time, Ryialla. I'll make up for the lack. 
Just so I don't do the baby changing bit."

Ryialla snorts, again. "Yeah. Right. Like Meli won't make you do that."

Meli waggles her brows. "Sounds like a job f'a big, strong, bronzerider 
type, neh?"

Kassima grins at Meli. "What job is better? C'mon now, T'lar--how much 
worse than mucking dragonet couches can it possibly be?"

T'lar says "Big? Well, that lets me out, I guess." He smiles impishly. 
"Maybe you could settle for short and cute?"

Ryialla says "Remember, T'lar, the mother, or should I say mothers, are 
always right. And you have to do whatever they say."

Meli reaches over to ruffle T'lar's hair, which is an instinctive response 
to calling him or having someone else call him cute. Even T'lar himself.

T'lar looks at Ryialla with complete disbelief. "I don't know...maybe." He 
ponders for a moment, his eyes unfocused. "Well, my mother was a bit...
er...right all the time when she was with child.

Ryialla smiles.

T'lar is used to having his hair ruffled.

Kassima smiles sweetly. "See, now? A case in point." In an aside to Meli, 
she adds, "Who would've thought this would be the secret to 
infallibility?"

Meli gives Kassi and Ryi a wink, then drains her mug dry. "Well, one 
thing's f'sure, I need more sleep."

T'lar's smile broadens, if possible. "Yeah, sleep. That sounds like a 
great idea." His eyebrows all but waggle.

"Sleep?" asks Kassi in mock-puzzlement. "Sleep? What is this 'sleep'? I 
think I've heard of it, but I thought 'twas just a myth."

Meli rises, then mock-groans at T'lar's expression. "Shards, man, you'll 
be gettin' a reputation f'you keep doin' things like that." She grins at 
her weyrmate, and collects her things.

T'lar throws a roll at Kassima. "You need your sleep, young lady. My child 
depends on it."

T'lar stands. "Sorry I must leave you, but I need to go pamper my 
weyrmate."

Kassima catches the roll deftly, and wrinkles her nose. "I'm only a few 
months younger than *you*, laddybuck! Telling an insomniac to sleep is 
like telling a sadist to be kind, or something." She hrms, considering 
that. "I think I like that metaphor."

Meli just grins again, waving a farewell "Night, you two." And she steps 
off towards the bowl.

T'lar chuckles. "Well, you can keep it. It sounds like you. But I bet this 
pregnancy cures your insomnia." He follows closely after Meli.

Meli walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

T'lar says "Night, Ryi, Kassi."

T'lar walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

Kassima shakes her head, "As if'n there's a cure for fire-lizard induced 
insomnia? As if I haven't tried?" She grins, though, and waves *very* 
belatedly after the pair even though she knows perfectly well that they're 
long-gone.