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She's My Cherry Pie


Date:  April 21, 2003
Places:  Telgar Weyr's Central Bowl and Hatching Galleries
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, *man.*  This scene was comedy gold. ;)  Katlynn,
Craftmaster of Weavercraft and a casual acquaintance of Kassi's, has
recently suffered some disappointment at the hands of men... so she's
decided to try her luck with women.  And what woman does she decide 
wants?  Why, Kassima, of course!  (I'll leave what this says about her
taste up to interpretation. ;)  And since Kassi hasn't visited Weaver
Hall lately, Kat decides to visit Kassi and profess her love.  Believe
it or not, it's even more insane than it sounds.

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The Log:

You walk north.

"...have you seen her? You *must* know where she is! She's.." Katlynn's
voice rises and falls in waves, as she speaks with one of the weyrlings in
the bowl. "Go and *find* her for me! I insist that I must see her right
now! I'm dying here.." And the weyrling, well, he looks wary - and
disbelieveing, but with a roll of his eyes, wanders off. And whether it's
too find this /woman/ or not, is a whole other story.

<Weavers> I'sai likes Kat's fringe. And Kassi's glow.

Alas for poor Kassima that there's no ominous music playing, nothing to
warn her of impending doom and evil, as she makes her way across the Bowl
with the Lake her clear objective; if there were, she might know to dive
into yon Weyrling Barracks or Hatching Cavern while she still can--or best
of all, simply turn tail and flee back the way she came as fast as her
pregnancy will allow. But there is not. And so she is heedless. Pity her,
won't you? Of course, That Voice is hard to miss even for one whose mind is
elsewhere, and she turns her eyes automatically to seek out its source in
puzzlement. "*Katlynn*? Is that you?"


Kassima:
	Kassima is a woman gifted magnanimously by genetics: one would likely
guess her to be younger than her actual age thanks to high cheekbones and a
brow lines dare not touch, and metabolism and height have both dealt a good
hand in her slender 5'10" build. Her fine-boned features are framed by a
black river braided and confined, allowed free only in the wayward
forelock; there, it threatens to dangle into canted eyes the color of
emeralds in shadow. A shrewd glint lightens these even when mirth does not,
and the well-shaped brows above lend eloquence through their mobility.
	Kassi seems to be in reasonably good health and condition: she is 
strong and fit, though as pale in complexion as Telgar's snows, and the 
distinct glow she radiates rather becomes her. She currently wears a loose 
wine red blouse, cut generously to help hide the weight four months of 
pregnancy have added to her frame, and black slacks that have become 
careworn in their Turns-long service. A pouch and wherry skewer hang from 
her ornamented belt; the glints of metal at her fingers (+detail available)
suggest that she likes jewelry.
	On one shoulder of her exquisitely crafted riding jacket is the black 
and white knot of a Telgar Wingleader, with a thin cord of red to honor her
Benden Weyr origins and a strand of grey-green to show the color of her
lifemate, Lysseth. The patch on the other shoulder identifies her as the
leader of Thunderbolt Wing.


<Weavers> Kassima grins and thanks. :) The desc needs another update soon.


Katlynn:
	Silver-splashed sapphire eyes, liquid and dark, light up her oval 
face with rather more mischief than responsibility even now; darkly and
delicately lashed, they're set wide beneath winged brows, set off by
slanted cheekbones and a slim, straight nose. Curvy lips are just as
expressive, full and red and tipped slightly up at the corners even in
repose. The rest is all gold and copper: a mane of burnished copper, shot
through with shimmering strands of sun-bleached gold and tiny fire-bright
highlights, that pools down to the curve of her lower back when set free;
and soft skin whose tropical tan gilds trim curves all the way down to
dainty toes.
	Perched daintily on one slim shoulder is a rather fancy lavender and 
white knot, pristinely kept, with intricate loops and tassels revealing her 
to be the CraftMaster of the Weaver Hall. 
 
	A plunging vee-neck, short capped sleeves, and a diagonal fringed hem 
add interest to the black dress she wears. An underlayer of flesh-toned 
sisal is fitted closely to her skin, emphasising her curves, with the 
crotchetted over-layer of black left only slightly looser, to allow her 
freedom of movement. Diamond-shaped patterns are revealed in the crochet 
work, leaving large patches of the silky underlayer visible. Her flat stomach 
is no longer quite-so-flat, being slightly rounded with pregnancy. Slashing 
down diagonally from left to right, the hem runs from mid-thigh on one side 
to just above her knee on the other. Long, swishing fringing adorns the hem.
Her hair is pulled back in a loose knot at the nape of her neck, and a
black ribbon has been tied about her neck in place of jewellery. She wears
a pair of comfortable black sandals on her feet. 
	Katlynn appears to be in her early twenties.


"Hurry up and fi--" Katlynn shouts after the weyrling, glowering, before
her eyes fall upon that glorious figure - that blue-black hair - that
pregnant *glow*. "Kassima!" She calls, and hurries over, her pregnancy not
so far advanced that she can't move with languid grace, and sway those hips
as if she's trying to seduce a bronzerider or two. "Sweetling, how are you?
I see being with-child suits you well. You look a *sight* to my eyes.." And
her head cants to the side, a subtle smile curving her lips.

Not seeming to immediately notice anything amiss--and why should she? Isn't
that how Kat *always* moves?--Kassi halts to stay in place as Kat
approaches, expression puzzled, but friendly. "Entirely well," she
answers--if not without silently mouthing 'Sweetling?' to herself first.
"At least apart from the starting t'look fat bit, but I can live with that;
how're you? Is told me *all* about how he hooked you on his stick--is that
what brings you t'Telgar, are you here t'be abusing him? If'n you are,
would you mind terribly if'n I watched?" Only after she's made this hopeful
query does the last part of what Kat said seem to sink in; she blinks,
momentarily nonplussed. "Ah, thankee, though I worry that means you're
concocting some plan involving pink lace right this minute, from how you're
looking at me."

<Weavers> Katlynn dies. Kassi!

<Weavers> Kassima says, "Kassi sometimes seems to me to be trying to raise
obliviousness to an art. ;) What? What? He's the one who used that
phrasing! I swear!"

<Weavers> I'sai'll just be over -here-...

<Weavers> Learan wonders what happened?

<Weavers> Katlynn giggles a *lot*.

<Weavers> Kassima snickers a lot. Kassi told Kat that Is told her all about
how he hooked Kat on his stick. ;)

<Weavers> Learan hees!

"Hooked on his stick, aha.." And *there's* that famous Dimpled Grin,
coupled by a slight blush of Katlynn's cheeks, and altogether smug look to
her eyes. "He's a good one for fun of that sort, I must say - pity about me
being in love with someone else though," She makes doe-eyes at Kassima
then, letting her head tilt down and blue eyes peer up through dark lashes.
"No pink lace, my darling tuber, no pink lace at all if that is what you
wish. Tell me, how did you like my gift?"

<Weavers> I'sai says, "Darling tuber! That's a good one. Someone please
tell Is so he can remember it. O:)"

<Weavers> I'sai says, "Good one for -Kassi-, in case that wasn't completely
clear."

<Weavers> Katlynn says, "Well, I wasn't sure if cherry-pie would be canon
or not ;)"

<Weavers> Kassima says, "Someone please *don't*! That makes it sound like
she's Pierron's ideal bedmate! ;)"

<Weavers> Katlynn LAUGHS!

<Weavers> I'sai says, "It does, doesn't it. O:)"

<Weavers> Katlynn forgot about Pierron and the tuber.

<Weavers> I'sai thought it was on purpose!

<Weavers> Katlynn says, "/No/. But I wish it was."

<Weavers> Learan hands one of the women a tuber peeler.

The smugness seems to amuse Kassi, though her grin is a touch droll.
"Mmm-hmm. His phrasing for it, nay mine, only he'd have it that 'twere
*multiple* sticks involved; just what were you up to? You'd think I'd
remember multiple sticks if'n he had 'em. Well, never mind. You're in love
with someone? Oh, that's right, aren't you pairing with your Craftsecond?"
Oblivious. She's so oblivious. There's a limit to how oblivious one can be
when confronted with doe eyes, however, and she's starting to look somewhat
puzzled again. "Are you feeling all right, Kat...? Ack, *shells*!" She
casts a frantic look about the Bowl. "Don't say that where anyone might
hear! They might tell Pierron and he'd get *ideas*, nay t'mention that I
don't like tubers--have you been drinking? You shouldn't, y'know,
pregnant--but oh, the booties were lovely. Very *pink*, but lovely."

<Weavers> Kassima says, "As to cherry pie: canon, possibly; accurate, no.
;) Eek! I'm not a tuber, I'm not a tuber!"

<Weavers> Learan meant to use on I'sai ;)

<Weavers> Kassima ohs! Well, then, that's another matter. C'mere, Mr.
Potato Head. ;)

<Weavers> I'sai says, "...Hey. Hey hey hey."

<Weavers> I'sai says, "Where's Mart when you need him?"

<Weavers> Kassima says, "In hiding. He's a wiser man than one would think. ;)"

"Multiple? No no," Katlynn snorts - some men. "Unless he's sprouted extra
*legs* or something since last I same him, or he's /dreaming/. And no, not
my Craftsecond - Doran, how could you think that! He's not my type, not my
type at all. Not good-looking enough to pair with me. That's why it's
fortunate twas *I'sai* who infected me with his spawn - anyone else, and
I'd've been raging mad." And there she doe-eyes at Kassima again, wandering
closer and smiling a sweet, sad smile, "But Kassima, you *are* my darling
tuber.. Well, how about this then: my sweet cherry pie? Juicy too." And
though she can't help a smirk there, it's hidden by a scratch of her chin,
"I haven't been drinking! Don't be ridiculous - I'sai would likely kill me,
or make me see a Healer or *something*. Do you have any mintsticks?" So
innocent.

<Weavers> I'sai goes to find his hiding spot, then. And, you know, hide.

<Weavers> Learan smirks. You do the deed and then hide?

<Weavers> I'sai says, "The point is not to be peeled."

<Weavers> Learan says, "Take it like a man! ;)"

<Weavers> I'sai says, "Which is to say, run and hide? ;)"

<Weavers> Learan says, "Well, yeah, dude. What did you think I meant? ;)"

<Weavers> Katlynn gets out the lasso. Get back here, I'sai.

"Would men really dream of such a thing? It sounds awkward. I mean, how
would they fit into pants?" Kassima wants to know, sounding entirely too
thoughtful, as if she's *really trying* to picture such a thing. No wonder
she shudders after a moment. "Can't say I remember offhand exactly what
Doran looks like; 'twasn't meaning to offend, Kat, or insult your tastes.
So t'speak. What, is I'sai your only good-looking paramour of the moment?"
She doesn't step backwards as she probably should. She does, however, shift
her weight a bit as if she's considering doing so, almost reflexively. "I'd
prefer t'be a cherry pie," she agrees hesitantly, "since tubers are the
scourge of Pern, but... uh, why are we likening me t'food products, Kat?
If'n you're hungry enough t'be seeing people as food, you should *really*
get to the Living Cavern, have a sandwich or something... shells, aye, he
would. And Healers are t'be avoided at all costs. A'course I have a mint
stick." So oblivious still. The greenrider reaches into a side of her open
jacket, drawing her silver case from its hidden interior pocket and popping
it open to offer Katlynn one of the treats.

Katlynn shrugs, "I don't know - they probably do. You know, it goes along
with the whole 'two women are better than one' thing - you know, always
wanting /extra/, so why not more, um, sticks too." *She* doesn't look quite
so thoughtful, though she does pause to consider the idea for a moment. "No
no, that would just be too weird. Ew. Ew ew ew! And tubers are *lovely*, my
little redfruit of love," Leaning forward and peering into that magnificent
silver case, she steals one of the sticks, and puts the end of it into her
mouth. "But how are you coping, my darling, with the baby-weight? You look
as slim and beautiful as ever, and that glow certainly becomes you. Not
hungry, no. You're just too sweet, too succelent, too lovely to be called
anything *but* pet-names, at the moment, my lovely."

Kassima murmurs, discomfited, "That's another thing 'twill have t'take your
word on--I've never been much for, ah. Sharing. And I'm going t'stop trying
t'picture how that would *work* a'fore I entirely disturb m'self, I'm
thinking." After another shudder for good measure, she's left to just...
*stare*. The case remains open in her hand, rather forgotten for the
moment. "Little redfruit of--? Katlynn, what have you been eating or
drinking if'n nay alcohol? Nay that I'm nay, y'know, flattered, but you
should be saving compliments like that for your men, don't you think? I
mean, someone overhearing you would almost think...." She'll just let that
thought trail off, shall she? Yes? Yes. "But, um. I'm doing all right. I've
done this a'fore, so 'tisn't aught new t'me--I miss being thin, a'course,
but it doesn't really matter--" The realization that she's babbling sinks
in enough for her to close her mouth abruptly and busy herself with tucking
those mint sticks away.

<Weavers> Kassima says, "Alas, it's six, I really should run now. Will we
be able to pick up this terror later, Kat? ;)"

<Weavers> Katlynn grins. Yes. definetly. :) I will be back in a couple
hours, myself.

<Weavers> Kassima says, "Yay! Two hours is just how long I'll be gone, so
that's a nice coincidence. ;)"

<Weavers> Katlynn woots! Cool :) And now I bamf too. *snugs*.

<Weavers> Kassima starts a log, *then* bamfs. ;)

[Editor's Note:  And lo, the RP did indeed break for a couple of
hours or so, but later resumed:]

"Little redfruit of *love*," Katlynn repeats, and smiles ever so sweetly at
Kassima. "And I've been drinking nor eating not a thing! This babe wants
nothing but water, water, water." Absentmindedly, she smoothes a hand over
her not-quite-smooth but definetly-not-round stomach. "Anyhow, anyhow.. My
gift, sweetpea, not those *booties*. They weren't for you, unless your feet
have shrunken dramatically, which," she peers down, "They have not. The
/roses/ and the /fabric/. Come let's go somewhere a little more," She
pauses for dramaticism, raising her eyebrows and peering lewdly at the
greenrider, "Private."

[Editor's Note:  This is as good a place as any to display the 
nature of Katlynn's gift. ;)  I received notice of it in a 
+mail a couple of days prior to this scene, and I'll include
that +mail below:]


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Message 42                            Date Received: Thu Apr 17 20:22:50 2003
From:      Katlynn
To:        Kassima
Subject:   Ic letter
==============================================================================
 Left dumped on your ledge rather unceremoniously, by a sleekly oiled gold
firelizard banded in lavender and white, is a package wrapped very
carefully in sheer white sisal.

Beneath the layer of sisal lies another layer of plush black velvet, and
beneath that, a layer of crimson brocade. There's enough fabric there to
make *something* later on, but for now it appears the fabric is just a
protective wrapping.

There is a note that reads:

"To my darling Kassima,
My heart beats strongly for you. For your blue-black hair. For those
gorgeous eyes.. I need to see you, my darling. Please accept this token
gift. I'm sorry it isn't un-manned man-parts, or something of similar
nature, but maybe you'll see past that to my intent.."

And laying within the folds of lush fabric are four crimson roseheads,
blackened with death and age. They still smell sweetly enough, but look
fragile enough to crumble in your hand should you choose to crush them.

        ~*~Katlynn, Weaver CraftMaster ~*~
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"You'll end up with quadruplets that way," is all Kassi can say at first,
folding her hands over her own abdomen for a moment--to protect the spawn
within from the crazy lady, maybe? "Best stay away from water *here*...
wait. Wait. The roses and fabric--they were from *you*? Nay A'ser? You sent
that note?" Hello, trauma, my old friend; I've come to talk with you again.
"You said those *things* about me, my hair; you--oh, uh, aye, methinks
there might be more discreet places to discuss this." The lewd look clearly
worries her, but not so much as the prospect of having this conversation
where anyone might wander by and hear. "Records Room, Workroom? Mayhaps the
Galleries?"

Katlynn blinks blue eyes wide open, "Why yes, of course. Who did you think
they were from? Who is A'ser?" Hands go to her hips, "Have you been
cheating on me *before* I've even had a chance to profess my lo--" But
she's cut short from that, having to worry about just *where* to take this
conversation. So, she waves a hand in the direction of the galleries -
"That way, my love-pumpkin, that way." And after shooting the greenrider an
almost malicious grin - coupled with dimples - walks in that direction with
hips all a-sway.

Katlynn walks off towards the Galleries.

You make your way from the bowl, through the massive entrance to the
Hatching Cavern.

"*Cheating on you?*" Kassi repeats in a dumbfounded voice that's nearly, in
fact, a squeak. "How could I be cheating on you when we aren't in a bloody
relationship? And what the shells--Kat, don't you prefer *men*? You did
last I knew. And I'm, um, nay a man. I'm nay certain precisely how you came
t'confuse me for one, but I can promise you I'm nay. I'd think the
pregnancy would make it obvious?" As soon as she's in a good place to sit
down, she does so, with something of a thump. This level of surprise
evidently makes her legs a bit less inclined to hold her. "A'ser's an
insane man who likes t'send me strange gifts and pretend they're tokens of
affection. Nay that I didn't like the gift--the fabrics in particular were
beautiful--but that note... Faranth. Never mind that. What is this *about*?"

"But but *Kassi*" And Katlynn's blue eyes brim with tears - they glitter on
her lashes like diamonds, with just one sliding down her cheek. Melodrama.
"But we have all that *history* between us! You know, with you, and me, and
I'sai and the pink.. and that red *leather* and you can't tell me you've
never felt a thing for me all this time! I see the way you look at me," Her
chin nods - she sits too, gracefully rather than thumping, and leans toward
the greenrider, tear-less now, "Insane men are to keep away from you,
Kassima. I will have none hurting you or frightening you or anything of the
sort! I have in mind to make a dress for you from those fabrics - don't
loose them, you'll want every inch." Wicked smile, wicked glint in her
eyes. "I prefer men *usually*. At least, that way until Learan ruined men
for me and I'sai decided to be taken with a million other ladies, and and..
whats-his-name K'ryn decided never to visit me and /V'sha/ decided to yell
at me. They ruined men! And you, my love, are far too beautiful.."

Those tears alarm Kassi yet more; she instinctively leans a bit further
away from the crying Weaver, while looking clearly torn on what, precisely,
to *do*. "You and I tried t'torment I'sai with pink," she agrees, "and I
wore the red leather for the good of the fashion show, but--ack! Katlynn,
listen t'me. I *like* you, aye--as a friend," and oh, yes, that's hastily
added indeed, "but I don't look at any woman like... well, however the
shells you're thinking I look at you. I'm nay attracted t'women. I never
have been. Ever. Trust me." Brightening a notch, she says, "I *can* vote
for the insane men nay frightening or hurting me, though. We can agree on
that. Surely that's enough? You're going t'make me a dress?" At once
disturbed and intrigued now, that expression; she can't help it. "What sort
of dress? Naught like that leather, I--fardles, what am I talking about
dresses for? Kat, I don't know what Learan did--but even if'n K'ryn's
neglectful, and V'sha's mean, and I'sai's bedding nigh aught that so much
as looks at him, that doesn't mean you should change sexual preference. I
mean, that's a big thing t'do. Women aren't--I'm nay--uh, thankee, but--"
She can't seem to find any more words for now; she just shuts her mouth,
and looks generally quite flustered.

"You do!" Katlynn tries to insist - for all that Kassi leans further away,
she leans closer. You can't escape impending doom, no matter how hard you
try. Or something. "You look at me with lust in your eyes; don't deny it,
I've seen it! You're looking at me that way right now." Never mind that the
*look* she claims the greenrider is giving her is in regards to the
/dress/. And on that matter, "You will see, you will see." - "You'll have
to let me sew you into it though. I won't prick you." A half-smirk, "I'm
not I'sai. I don't /have/ anything to prick you with.." A hasty cough, and
then, "But you do, my love! You do you do and you *must*. Who wouldn't want
me?" Poor woman, she pouts.

And of course, Kassi leans back yet further. Too much more of that and
she's going to be supine, something she seems to realize since she changes
her tactic to lean-and-subtly-scooch-backwards. "I don't!" she half-yelps.
"I scarcely look at *anyone* with lust in m'eyes, fardles! Certes nay a
woman! I'm nay, I'm nay, I'm nay!" And she averts her eyes for good
measure, just to be safe. Though that of course means she's not watching
what Kat's doing very closely, something which could be dangerous. "Sew
me... into it? Y'mean have me stand there in a shift and whatnay while you
sew? Couldn't that take awhile? 'Twould have t'be awk--" Splutter.
Splutter. More spluttering. "Katlynn! You're the one whom he's been
pricking, 'twill thank you to remember!" By the pricking of my thumbs,
something wicked this way comes? Only not exactly. "I, uh. Kat, you're
certes a beautiful woman and I'm sure any number of men--and women who
prefer women--want you, but you're still a *woman*. I don't sleep with
women. If'n you suddenly want t'sleep with women, shouldn't you find a
woman who shares the preference? I mean, if'n naught else, they'd surely be
more, ah, experienced, and all that."

Katlynn scootches *herself* closer, subtly, subtle-subtle, and cants her
head to the side. "Kassi, love, baby, sweet-tuber of mine, cherry-pie.."
She murmurs in a soothing voice, much as one would talk to a babe or a
young child, "You don't have to be *scared*. I won't bite unless you ask
me. Beg me." Dimples again - she can't help it. "I'sai only pricked me the
*once* well no, more than once --" And there's room there for smugness,
"But that doesn't matter. Experience isn't everything, you know! I'll teach
you how, and we'll learn together." So helpful, she is. Leaning further
over, the Craftmaster stretches out a slim hand, and places it with
fingers-splayed against Kassi's knee. "We'll even invite I'sai or or what
was his name? Oz....wald? Or something to join us, if it'll make you more
at ease."

"I'm nay a tuber," Kassi doesn't--quite--whimper. It's a near thing,
though, for all that she's not usually the whimpering kind. "And I don't
think 'twill be begging t'be bitten any time soon." Scootch, scootch. Back,
not forward. In case there was doubt. "I'm nay scared so much as
*nonplussed*--well, and disturbed--by the Egg, why me? Of all the women on
Pern, why me?" Give her credit: it's bewildered query more than bemoaning.
For now. The smugness gets a roll of her eyes skywards and a mutter of,
"Why am I nay surprised. Anyway, 'tis still you, you you you, and I don't
want t'learn *that*!" The last word takes a quick leap towards one of her
higher registers, definite soprano, and is accompanied by a firm jerk of
her knee away from Kat's hand and an open scramble backwards. "O'wyn," she
corrects automatically once she's scrambled what she considers a safe
distance away. Foolish woman. "And apart from the fact that I exceedingly
doubt either of them would be interested, I'm nay into groups *either*!
Bloody shells!"

Kassima then has to ask, though she probably shouldn't, "How could you
teach me, anyway, if'n you always preferred men a'fore? Or *did* you always
prefer men a'fore?"

"But you're *my* tuber," Katlynn sighs, "But if you *insist* - cupcake?
Melon? Slice-of-dribbly-cherry-pie?" And, miraculously, she manages all
that without cracking a smile. "You, my darling, because you are *you* and
you are stunning! Your hair.. those eyes.." Ahh, she swoons - or pretends
to anyway - and slides further along the seat to get closer, unfased by the
hasty retreat of the greenrider away from her hand. "O'wyn then, sorry
sorry. Why not groups? M'sure if you asked around the place, you'd learn
it's quite fun! - Not that I'd know - But you would. You live *here* after
all," and her eyes sweep the cavern and above, "And if you don't want *me*,
well then, you can have fun with the others we'll bring along! I'll ask
I'sai, you ask O'wyn, and we'll have ourselves a little party."

Kassima shakes her head vigorously at each suggestion; the last gets her to
protest, "I'm nay *dribbly*! I'm nay dribbly 'tall!" No comment. "I... ah,
I *am* flattered, Kat," if also flustered, "goodness. Nay anyone's been
quite so, well, enthused about my dubious virtues, and I'm just going to be
over here if that's all right," as she scootches further away. Help!
"Because groups are--they're nay *decent*, they have multiple people in
'em! At once!" Why yes, Kassi, that would rather cover the concept. "I
don't do that sort of thing with *one* person very oft, much less multiple,
and why do I only find that idea marginally less frightening than the
earlier one? Besides, I'd stake a ten-marker that Ozy's nay into groups
either--can't we leave the poor man out of this? You don't even know him!"

"YET!" Katlynn near-shouts, ignoring all of the greenrider's protests.
"/Yet/. And that's only because you haven't introduced me yet! I wish to
meet him, and *soon* if you please. I bet I could convince him -- I'll just
flip my hair and give him the *eyes* and ask him for a kiss, and you'll
see," So confident of herself, this one. She flips that hair just for show
- it shimmers red and gold as it falls over her shoulders - and lets out a
heavy sigh. "How can you think it not decent when you haven't even *tried*
it, sweetling? There's a rule you know, that says 'You have to try
everything once'. So you do."

"Kat! Nay making eyes at the man! He's *shy*, he might blush so hard his
head would explode!" Kassi protests, openly dismayed. "Anyway, he's a
Weyrsecond down there; he's busy--I don't know when 'twill see him next
m'self, much less go introducing him to anyone, and much, much, *much* less
go introducing him t'anyone who wants t'pounce on him for group sex games.
Sweet Faranth on a stick." She is carefully Not Watching that hair.
Wouldn't do to give its owner ideas. "Aye, and there's a rule that says
t'live a full life you have t'be kissing every rider on Pern, but I haven't
done *that* one either. Nor do I plan to. I'm happy with m'non-full,
groupless, less than scandalous life!"

Katlynn pouts, "But /I'sai/ is shy - or was shy, or *something* because he
certainly isn't *now* - and he still kissed me! And I didn't see him
blush." And if she *did*, she'll just leave that part out, won't she. "I
bet I could convince him, go on Kassi, let me! Invite us - wouldn't do
anything ha-arm." She sing-songs that last part, and makes a show of
twisting a few strands of her hair into a silken-smooth braid, carefully
watching to see if Kassi is watching, from the corner of her blue eyes.
"You should kiss every Rider on pern! I'd like to! We can do it together.
Let's start with oh, me kissing you."

"I don't think shy would be quite the word anymore, nay." On that much
Kassi can dryly agree. "Nay! I'm nay siccing anyone on him who'd embarrass
him. I *like* him. I am voting firmly against this notion. He'd probably
never come up North again, besides, and I need him there so I can break his
hand in a few months." Okay, that at least is standard Kassi-logic. She's
keeping her eyes firmly away from that braid. La la la la, she can't see
you. "*Kat*! You can kiss every rider on Pern--*except* me--if'n you want
to, but leave me out of it! I just don't want t'kiss women!"

"I won't embarrass him!" Katlynn is quick to protest, jumping to her own
defence and shaking her hair -- loosing that braid to fall down her back.
"I bet he couldn't resist me; no man can. Well, excepting *I'sai*, since he
managed to for so long - but I actually think there might be something
*weird* about I'sai - he's not normal. Otherwise, you know, he'd've
renounced all other woman and begged to stay at my side." Such a warped
little world Kat lives in. "You can break my hand, sweetling I won't mind.
And then I can see the child born of our love" - how does THAT work? - "be
birthed! And Kassi, /really/, you should know by now I'm not just *any*
woman. I'm Katlynn! And, well, I'm Kat!"

"You would!" Kassi fires back, automatically looking at Kat despite
herself. "Nay every man under the sun likes t'be pursued and preyed upon,
believe it or nay; granted, I don't *know* he wouldn't, I'm just guessing,
but until I know better I'm nay in favor of this idea! And I'sai can't
resist you either--" There's a glance towards Kat's stomach. "Obviously.
But still." She skips over the rest of it entirely to engage in some more
spluttering: "Child born of--*Katlynn*, this bairn's born of a fishing trip
that had naught t'do with you; 'tisn't a child born of our nonexistant
love, which we don't have anyway, let me stress! And a'course you're
Katlynn, and I'm sure you are a special woman, but you're still a *woman*.
I don't think you can be denying that."

Aha! Made you look. Katlynn grins and preens a little - flip-flip-flipping
that flow of coppery-gold hair, "Kassima, my darling, stop spluttering and
calm down. You /looked/ at me - you can't deny it now. I see the passion
your eyes hold for me. You burn for me, admit it!" She slaps a hand down on
the bench-seat, "Why are you trying to deny everything! Stop it at once!
Fishing-trips are well and good, but you *know* the babe will be born
because, because.." A flap of her hand through the air, searching for the
right word, "/Because/ I decreed it should be so. And yes, I am a woman.
All woman, babycakes. Let me show you." Straight-face.

Kassima's voice is first firm: "I did nay," followed after a beat by
plaintive: "I *didn't*! Can't you just sharding well believe me? If'n
aught's in m'eyes 'tis disturbance for how far out of your mind y'seem
t'have gone! I could scarcely be said t'burn for *anyone*, and all of those
who qualify have different equipment than you, let's just say. I. Like.
Men. I don't know how t'be making this clearer!" Then, indignant, "And you
can't change m'child's parentage with a *decree*! Kat, you really are drunk
or something, you must be. Shells! I believe you! That's the problem!" Her
movement backwards is too fast to be called scootching; it's a wonder she
doesn't just get up and flee.

Blue eyes brim with tears, drops clinging to her lower lashes before
rolling down her cheeks. What a sad, sorry sight Katlynn is. And they're
likely not even *real* tears - the woman is so over emotional even at the
*best* of times, is it any wonder she's insane when hopped up on pregnancy
hormones? "But Kassi," she pouts, and just watches the almost-fleeing from
her spot, "But but I *love* you and I'll make you lots of clothes and let
you sleep with whoever you want - men, even though they are evil! - and
I'll share you and let Os...what was his name? have his way with you if you
*insist* and I won't kiss him, I'll just kiss other people. And you, of
course. Please, Kassi." Those doe-eyes make a comeback, "Or can you just
*pretend* long enough so I can tell I'sai that we're in love and we're
going to elope? And then I can be asking him to..." But she says no more.

And what a sad, sorry state of affairs it is that Kassi's also pregnant,
and more sensitive than her norm, and thus more bothered at making someone
else cry. "Kat, I'm sure you don't... you might be *infatuated* with me, I
suppose, though Faranth alone knows why, but that's different from love.
You certes never looked at me that, ah, way until this, and anyway--that's
a beautifully generous arrangement, Kat, it really is, but I just can't.
You're a woman. I'm sure if'n I *did* like women I'd be thrilled by your
appreciation, but...." She cringes, faintly, at the doe eyes. Those never
bode well. But that doesn't keep her from indulging curiosity: "Asking him
t'*what*?"

Katlynn shakes her head, "It's no infatuation, this is the Real Thing. I
know it is! Kassima, please, just indulge me a little.." Finally, she
scoots along the chair to bring her closer to the greenrider, "I'll even
let you close your eyes and *pretend* I'm not me, that I'm a man, if you'd
like. And," she lowers her voice to convey this last.

Katlynn mutters to Kassima, "And... to... in... with me right... there,...
losing me... ever... my lovely..."

"Kat, I just don't think so...." Kassi sounds vaguely helpless, though,
along with bewildered again. "Shells. Bloody shells. How much are you
wanting t'be indulged? I won't sleep with you, Kat, I just won't." Unable
to help herself, she leans in a bit--despite her better instincts--to catch
the muttering, and ends up nearly choking on a cross between dismay and
laughter. "Katlynn! As much as I'd love t'see his reaction, he'd probably
*believe* it, y'know. And he'd go around telling people. I don't really
want Pern thinking I prefer women; I have a hard enough time finding men
who find me remotely attractive as it stands."

Katlynn clucks her tongue against the roof of her mouth, "Oh he will not!
And what's so bad about people thinking you're in love with *me*? I'm
beautiful - it'd be good for you!" Because you know, beauty is everything.
"Oh *please* Kassi *please!* I'll even let you keep to your men, and me to
*my* men, and not even try to *kiss* you if'n you'll go along with it.."
Fluttery eyelashes *and* a doe-eyed expression; can she resist that?
"Please sweetling, I beg you." And down onto her knees she gets, "PLEASE!
Just.. go along with it. For awhile."

"And for helping," Kat adds, thoughtfully, "I'll even teach you how to
seduce a man into brushing and braiding your *hair*."

"Because. I. Like. *Men*. Shardit," Kassi repeats, teeth slightly grit now.
"You're a lovely woman and a friend, but I don't want people thinking I'm
in love with a woman or bedding a woman! I'd never hear the end of it or
likely find a man who'd as much as look at me again; shards only know what
L'nan would make of it, and Ozy'd probably think 'twas lying t'him about
nay wanting t'look at naked women or some such--" One hand is brought up to
briefly cover her eyes, massage her temples. She doesn't look happy.
"What're you wanting me t'do, t'go along with it? You just want me t'let
you tell I'sai we're... couldn't you just tell I'sai you're madly in love
with me and leave m'feelings out of it?"

Kassima does add with a hint of grudging interest, after a beat, "I can't
say I'd mind knowing that trick, but it depends on what you want me t'do
here."

"But Kassima, smoochiekins, darling," Katlynn murmurs in a soothing voice,
watching the temple-massaging the gritting of those teeth, "I need *you* to
make it seem real! He won't believe just me. Or at least I don't /think/ he
will. And come /on/ doesn't this speak to your evil inner self? Plot with
me, cherry-pie, plot with me!" She does pause to look marginally horrified,
"Ozy wants you to look at naked woman? What, why! If'n you won't look at
*me* naked, you certainly shouldn't be looking at *other* naked women."

Kassima doesn't seem much soothed. "I like plotting and I like being evil
to the man, but he'd probably start finding women t'fix me *up* with or
some such horror--I don't want t'be enduring that, Kat. 'Twould *nay* be
fun or entertaining." She exhales a long, quiet sigh. "I can promise nay
t'tell him the truth until you've worked your evil plottish wiles, but
beyond that... what exactly are you wanting t'do, have me *there* when you
tell him?" Then, quickly, "Nay! He doesn't want me t'look at naked women! I
just told him I didn't want t'look at naked women, when we discussed Kiat
saying all the women had t'go around naked, and how the shells do I get
into these conversations?"

"I guess that will have to do..." Katlynn sighs heavily, "Can I tell him
that you and I kissed then? Will you tell him it isn't true? Because if you
do, well, that won't be very nice and it will ruin ALL my plans *and* will
result in me sending you a whole bunch of pink frilly underthings just to
get you back." Folding her arms, she climbs back onto the bench, and flops
down. "All women have to go around naked? Well, why didn't you say so
earlier." And she stands again, winks, and turns to face in the opposite
direction while reaching up to undo her dress. Cough.

"'Twill nay tell him, 'twill nay tell him, and you can tell him that."
Pause. Kassi adds, "But you have t'be promising t'tell me all about his
reaction to this evil of yours, heya? Or 'twill nay only tell him 'tisn't
true, I'll tell him you've been telling *everyone* just how often he
pricked you and that you've been saying derogatory things about his stick.
So there." Alas, any threatening look she might be trying for is completely
disrupted as Kat starts unfastening things; she *does* yelp, this time.
"Kat! Keep your clothes on! Nay nakedness! Nay anyone should be naked here!"

<Weavers> Katlynn laughs so hard at Kassi's pose she can't breathe.

<Weavers> Kassima repeats: this choice of phrasing is *all I'sai's fault*. ;)

Katlynn pauses in her dress-removing, fingers holding onto the ties,
"Alright, alright. I promise to send word *as soon as* I tell him, and
discover what his reaction will be. /And/ I'll even invite you to the
you-know-what if I manage to convince him well enough." Sage nod of her
head, knowing raise of her brows. "I didn't say a single derogatory thing
about his pr--stick! You'd /lie/ to him? How *rude*. Kassi, his stick
is..." but she'll just let that satisfied, oh-so-smug grin speak for
itself, yes yes. "But *you* just said all women had to walk around naked!"

"The you-know-what?" Kassi evidently doesn't know what. Or is afraid she
does know what. "A'course I'd lie t'him! *You're* willing t'lie t'him. And
I do think I remember, thankee, you needn't go into any detail here. Save
it for him; from your expression, he'd probably appreciate hearing whatever
you're thinking." Droll, droll, but amusedly so. "I just said that *Kiat*
said that all women had t'walk around naked. That somehow never
successfully made it into a rule. For which I'm grateful, because apart
from nay wanting t'look at naked women as aforementioned, I don't want
t'walk around naked m'self *either*. Especially nay here. You'd get
*frostbite*."

"The you-know-what!" Katlynn repeats firmly, even as she's turning around
and re-tying her dress. "You have to know what! And if you don't, well,
I'll tell you if it's going to happen, so you'll know in advance." Let her
remain clueless then. "You remember? Was it as good for you as it was for
me?" She barely hides a laugh there - smile coupled with dimples - and
ducks back over to perch on the bench. "Kiat then, Kiat Kiat Kiat. I'd
wander around naked back Home if I didn't think the Apprentices would fear
me more than they already do - or worse, oogle me more than they already
do. Not that I mind *that* so much, but you can see why it'd be bad for work."

Kassima insists, "I don't know what--but all right, I can be waiting."
Pause. "So long as you're nay meaning you'd invite me t'be watching you two
go at it; I've said it a'fore and 'twill say it again, voyeurism isn't
something I'm interested in either. Shells, Kat, how could I be answering
that?" Apart from with a very colorful blush. And a wicked notion. "Ask
*him* if'n you want t'know; he's the only one who was there for both, so
he'd be better set t'answer. But you don't have t'tell me his reaction to
*that*." She visibly relaxes a trifle once Kat's clearly fully clothed
again and in place. "Why doesn't that surprise me either? It probably is
just as well, though, Kat; y'never know who else might wander into the Hall
and see you. And you could scarcely be displaying your own artistry, naked."

<Weavers> Katlynn lesighs and must go after this pose ;)

<Weavers> Kassima awwws! But, but, my sweet pudding pop! How will I live
without you? ;)

Katlynn nods as she stands, smoothing out non-existent dress-wrinkles and
flipping back her hair. "I'll let you know how it goes, my precious," she
whispers, leaning down to air-kiss either side of Kassima's face, "And I
*will* ask him, though I'll keep it to myself. /Especially/ if he decides
to say 'No Kat, you were a dud, give me Kassi any day'." Winking, she
starts heading for the steps, "Seeyou soon, my little redfruit of loooooove."

Katlynn walks out into the bowl.

Kassima manages to hold still rather than flinch away for this air-kissery,
though she looks distinctly worried by it. "Sometimes," she mutters to
herself when the Weaver's gone, blinking once bemusedly after her before
turning back to face forward and curl in on herself a bit in the chair,
"methinks the entire fardling world must be laughing at me."