-------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Spawning of the Apocalypse Date: June 13, 1997 Places: Benden Weyr's North Bowl, Living Cavern, Outer Infirmary, 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kassi's Note: Well, what can be said about the End of the World As We Know It? Plenty! I'd just like to state here and now that I am eternally grateful to everyone who made this such a fun pregnancy and birth to RP, especially Meli, Alyssa/Garant, and T'lar. More wonderful companions in this TP couldn't have been imagined. I'm only sorry that I had to repay that by having Kassi curse at Garant, threaten T'lar, and nearly break Lys's hand. ;) In all honesty, though, guys... thanks. You're all one in a million. :) Now, to get on with the technical foo, I think most of this is pretty self-explanatory. Relevant knot chat, all dragon chat, and even a page or two have been left in; there are also some @doings and BDW rosters included for comedy's sake. Enjoy! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Log: You backwing for a landing on sands of the bowl. Juliath backwings for a landing. Lysseth backwings for a landing. T'lar slides off quickly to help the ladies to the ground. Benden Weyr> Meli says, "Ok, cue the Jaws theme!" T'lar slides precipitously down from Nicoth's back. Meli unbuckles, not an easy task in itself, and shifts around to descend. T'lar says "One at a time, please. Carefully." Meli climbs down Nicoth's foreleg to the ground. T'lar reaches up as far as he can and catches Meli. "Oof." He sets her down. Meli exhales, moving out of the way a step or two, and leans against Nicoth's soft hide while she waits for Kassi. Kassima waits for Meli to get off before unbuckling herself, muttering under her breath. Once Meli's hit the ground, she slides down herself. You climb down Nicoth's outstretched leg to the ground. T'lar reachs up for Kassima. "You two sure have gotten heavy." He tries to soften that with a smile. Meli shudders slightly, wrapping her arms around herself as she glances up at the overcast sky. T'lar offers each an arm. "Let's go in where it's warm." Kassima wrinkles her nose at T'lar, but merely looks amused and somewhat resigned. "Unfortunately true. Emlyn's heifer comments seem t'get more and more apt every day." She accepts one of the proffered arms with an agreeing, "Let's, a'fore it starts raining on our heads again." Davidon comes out of the short tunnel from the living cavern. Davidon moves beneath the rocky overhang that protects the Infirmary entrance. Meli smiles at Davi, a smile than quickly turns back into a grimace as she starts her way into the cavern. T'lar walks beneath the lintel and disappears into the living cavern. Meli walks beneath the lintel and disappears into the living cavern. You walk past the lintel and into the wide living cavern. T'lar walks in with a pregnant woman on each arm. T'lar escorts the ladies to a table. "What can I get you two tonight? Juice?" Glynna walks here from the Inner Cavern. T'lar looks up as the Steward of Beastcraft enters. He nods a polite greeting. Meli nearly collapses onto a bench, or at least that's how it appears, once she shifts around and does a sort of half-backwards bend and crouch maneuver. "Juice, definitely." Glynna reemerges from the lower caverns with a satchel stuffed with hides. She looks around, calls out rather loudly, "FELINAR, if you're out here, come get your sharding arse back to the office so I can get those hides!!! BLOODY shells." Glynna throws her hands in the air (along with the hides) and disappears again. Glynna walks towards the inner cavern. Benden Weyr> Meli giggles. Kassima, who would be one of those pregnant women, waddles in with Meli and T'lar. "Shells... nay precisely a full 'Cavern t'night," she observes, looking about. Settling carefully into a seat, she nods up at T'lar with a faint smile. "Redfruit juice, if'n they have it." At Glynna's shriek, she nearly jumps, and definitely winces. "Dear Faranth, what was that about?" T'lar starts and seems to reconsider walking across the living cavern. Benden Weyr> Kassima giggles, too. Who was that masked Steward? T'lar says "Be back in a moment." He walks across the cavern. Getting two large glasses, he fills both with juice. He stops on the way back to fill a mug with ale for himself. "Here you go, my sweets." Glynna walks here from the Inner Cavern. "Phew..." Meli exhales in a huff of air. "Louder'n Sionelle, even." She glances at the inner cavern entrance, as if to see the woman further, even though she's long gone. "Said tha' was th'steward o'beastcraft?" T'lar nods, oblivious to Glynna's return. "That's her all right." As the subject of said sentence reemerges, Meli's voice trails off. T'lar says "Wouldn't want to be part of that craft." Kassima watches the hides fall to the ground, and shakes her head. Rubbing her temples a bit in an attempt to dispel the ringing in her ears, she offers a rather hesitant, "Benden's duties to the Beastcraft, Steward." Hesitant, because she's not sure whether drawing Glynna's attention was or was not a masochistic thing to do. Glynna pokes her head back out. Looks around. Snorts. Looks around again. Bellows, "HALYN, at least you could get that rump of yours back here. The office's a bloody mess..." She glares at the riders, especially the pregnant ones, snorts, "Freaking Mnementh's testes," and heads back down, calling over her shoulder, "Ah, shaddap." Glynna walks towards the inner cavern. Benden Weyr> T'lar ROFLs at Glynna's expletives. Kassima gingerly picks up the mug, watching the Steward leave with wide eyes. "Shells and shards. If that woman doesn't quit yelling, the headache I get will at least help me forget that bloody vinegar." Meli blinks, then blinks again. "Freakin' who's wha? An' what's freakin' mean?" She looks as if she's about to rise and follow, then reconsiders, resting a hand on her bloated belly and rubbing with a grimace. T'lar says "Her name is Glynna and she's the steward at Beastcraft." He looks at Meli's obvious discomfiture. "You okay? Want me to rub your back?" Meli holds up her hand a moment, to forestall T'lar, and concentrates a bit longer, finally relaxing. "Neh, s'ok, luv, jus' another one o'those false labor pains Garant talked 'bout." T'lar nods and makes himself comfortable on the bench between the two greenriders. "Well, if you need anything, anything at all, either of you, just ask." "You've heard of Mnementh, haven't you, Meli?" Kassi murmurs, folding her hands over what's left of her waist. "Though I confess, that expletive hadn't occured t'me. I'll have to recall that one...." She winces and notes sourly to Meli, "At the moment, I'd trade you those for this bloody indigestion, m'friend. Word to the wise: vinegar and pudding don't," she grimaces again, "mix well. And here I thought I could eat just about anything." She rubs her stomach, looking like she rather regrets that assumption now. Meli sips at her juice then, pausing when her befogged brain finally registers something. "Wha' did y'say about vinegar, Kassi? Did one o'your concoctions finally disagree w'you?" she says, right as Kassi says something to the same effect. T'lar squirms in his seat. It's hard to tell if guilt or uneasiness will be the dominate expression on his face. "You sure you two are alright?" Kassima nods ruefully to Meli. "Aye. Since it couldn't have been the garlic--I eat that all the time--or the pudding, it must've been the vinegar. 'Tis the last time I'll take a suggestion from Emlyn in the food category. Been bothering me all fardling day; I'm about ready to go find Garant and wave my Emasculator at him until he can find *something* helpful to suggest." Meli quirks a brow, glancing at her weyrmate with a bemused expression. "Too bad y'didn't worry 'bout tha' nine months ago, neh?" Davidon walks in from the bowl. Garant calls, "I HEARD THAT." Davidon nods to the riders as he comes in. T'lar says "But, Meli, I didn't think you'd end up pregnant. Didn't think about that during Lysseth's flight either. I mean we'd been together for years and never...uh...oh, shells." T'lar looks up at Davidon and nods feebly. He looks somewhat uncomfortable. Meli gives Davi a welcome wave, then turns back towards Kassi. "You're not goin' t'get sick, are ye?" When she hears Garant's voice, she visible winces, drawing in on herself, before she gives herself a shake and gives T'lar's hand a patpat. "I'm teasin', is all, luv. Do try t'hang on, ok?" Davidon settles down at a table a bit removed, curiously watching the goings on, not seeming bothered about the scent of numbweed on him. Kassima yells back, "Well, *good*! Take the suggestion t'heart, why don't you, and come up with some herb or other instead of just making sick jokes all the time! Gah, what a weirdo." This is said in a more muttered tone, as Kassi shakes her head. Looking up to see Davi, she tosses off a wave. "Evening, Davi. Ach, T'lar, don't worry about it... though if I ever get m'hands on Cav, I'm going to wring his neck for tricking me into drinking that Water." At least this threat, unlike the one to Garant, sounds like it's more good-natured kidding. "Don't think so, Meli, nay... I don't get sick often. At least, nay anymore." She winces, though, and looks rather decidedly uncomfortable as well. T'lar says "I'll be fine, sweeting." He takes a big swig of his ale. "I sometimes get uncomfortable just looking at the two of you. I even feel sick sometimes as well. But I'll live through it if you two can." Meli nods, distracted by a passing thought. "Well, one c'n hope" is barely audible before she shrugs and grins wryly. "Kassi, how long's it been botherin' you? Might have t'sic Garant on y'if it keeps up." T'lar puts a possessive/protective hand on Kassima's shoulder. "I'll get him over if you wish." He places his other hand carefully on Meli's swollen belly as he has done often over the last several months. Kassima sighs, pushing her hair back away from her eyes. "Well, let's see. Had that pudding for dessert from dinner, which would make it, oh... about most of a day and night, now. I don't think riding down from the Weyr--and back, earlier--helped. Shell-sharding blasted vinegar, I knew it couldn't be trusted. There's some of the stuff in Tillek Swill too, after all." If you look long and hard enough, there *is* a way to blame everything in existance on Tillek Swill... or thus is Kassi's philosophy. T'lar says "Don't worry. It will all be better once the babes are born." His smile is positively radiant tinged with a bit of pride. "I'm sure it will." Meli shakes her head, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "Shells, Kassi, tha' doesn't sound good. Maybe y'need some horrid, foul-tastin', decay- smellin' concoction t'settle it down." She seems inordinately pleased by this thought, and starts to push herself up. "Garant! Garant!" she calls, though not loudly. T'lar hides a chuckle behind his mug. "I don't see him. Let me get him. He was brewing something foul just this morning." He makes as if to get up. Kassima notes dryly to Meli, "Couldn't possibly be any different than the other stuff I've been eating lately, or so I'm told... Ryi suggested bread, but that didn't do diddly squat." She can't help but shudder, quite visibly, as Meli calls for Garant. Glynna walks here from the Inner Cavern. Salless sits down for a moment to rest her feet and take a sip from a mug of Klah. Latiar walks here from the Inner Cavern. Felinar walks here from the Inner Cavern. Salless orders the drudges to clean a tiny spot off a table as the steward arrives. Meli continues to push herself up, hands flat on the table, and calls "Garant!" one more time. Felinar emerges, devoid of hides, for once, he sits down by the kitchen. Felinar sits on a bench at the long table by the kitchen. Latiar smiles faintly as he steps out into the cavern, moving swiftly towards the nearest table. "What is it?" Garant calls tiredly as he pads in from the inner caverns. "Hey, honey," he says to Glynna, moving around her with a polite grin to Felinar. Asrai walks in from the bowl. T'lar helps Meli to her feet. A puzzled expression on his face. He whispers, "I thought you were joking." Meli leans backwards when Garant actually appears, speechless for the nonce as her teasing takes an unexpected turn. She glances down at Kassi, and shrugs apologetically. Kassima adds wryly, "So long as it doesn't have vinegar in it, I'll be happy. I don't think the spawn likes vinegar." The inordinately pleased expression that was recently on Meli's face suddenly lights up hers. "Which probably means that it won't like Tillek Swill, either. All to the best, that." She nods to the incoming folk with a smile that's half grimace--which abruptly turns to full grimace as Garant appears. "Now see what you've done," she mutters to Meli, with another wince. Whether this is due to her indigestion or Garant's presence isn't entirely clear. Garant looks warily at the two very pregnant women. "What?" Felinar smiles as Asrai enters. T'lar says "Nothing, Garant. Just threatening Kassima with some of your foul smelling medicines." Asrai comes into the living cavern, a bright smile on her face. She gives a wave to all the people present before making her way over to the Head Steward. She's blissfully ignorant of anything that might be amiss as she plops down next to him. "Heya." "Wellllll," Meli starts, then stops when T'lar speaks up. Glynna eyes the bluerider as she breezes right by her, then at the healer. "Bloody fardling shards, what ... Faranth, I hate this place." Felinar smiles and slips an arm about Asrai's waist, "Heyla, you." Davidon, who was listening curiously to the conversations in the cavern, looks up and waves to everyone as they come in. "Oh." Garant grins nervously and leaves the way he came, muttering something about needing to meet with a certain cute new girl. Kassima gives Meli a resigned look. "You want to explain, since you called him here?" she suggests drolly, picking up her mug and shifting in her seat, rather awkwardly, to face both Healer and greenrider. The suggestion trails off in a hiss, though, and her fingers on the mug's handle spasm to allow it to drop to the floor with an unfortunately audible crash. "Ooops," says Kassi, wide-eyed, as she looks down at the mug. T'lar chuckles out loud. "We'll have to apologize to him later. Should tease a hea.... Kassi?" His expression returns to concern. Meli flinches at the sound of the crash, her gaze drawn towards the mug, then back over to Kassi. "You ok?" Felinar says "Something wroing, Kassi?" Glynna looks at the crashed mug and at the pregnant woman. Then in the direction Garant took. Then back at Kassima. Standing, she excuses herself from Felinar and moves closer to the greenrider. "Looks like the twitch of a contraction," she remarks with a frown. T'lar says "Excuse me, uh, Steward, ma'am? Contraction?" He blanches. "False labor though, right?" Asrai jumps at the crash, turning her head towards Kassi. The bright smile on her face fading a bit as all turn a concerned look towards Kassi. Her nose scrunches a bit as she sees the Herder type like person, the sour expression on the woman's face putting Asrai a bit on her guard. "Contraction?" she looks to Felinar questioningly. Meli nods in time to T'lar's words. 'Right, like I've been havin' th'past few days, neh? 'Bout time she got a taste o'it.' T'lar says "Whew." He nods. "That's okay then." Kassima looks up, rather bewildered. "Aye, I think s--" Something abruptly makes her break off, and she turns faintly red. "Um. Nay. Nay, I'm nay. V'dan!" The hapless geek of a greenrider who serves as Kassi's much-abused sidekick cringes, wondering what in Faranth's name she wants *this* time. "Let me borrow your jacket," she grates out, still red. The jacket is passed over. Kassi, looking as embarrassed as the dickens, wraps it around her waist and tries to smile up at T'lar and Meli. "D'you suppose you could give me a hand up?" Felinar shrugs, "Dunno, love, I'm not a Healer." T'lar stands. "Sure." He helps her to her feet carefully, a confused look on his face. Glynna moves closer to Kassima, a wry grin on her face. "False, huh? Water break, girl?" T'lar blinks. Asrai blinks at Felinar's words, a brighter smile blossoming on her face...that is till she looks back at Kassi /and/ hears Glynna's words. Contrary to her usual response, this time all the color /drains/ from her face. "Water? Break...that means baby." There is a look of horror on her face. Kassima gets to her feet with some difficulty, nodding ruefully to Glynna. "Aye...." And my, doesn't she look embarrassed. V'dan gets a sickened look on his face and says firmly, "You can *keep* that jacket." Meli blinks back, steps back, and shifts her gaze between the overly-loud steward and her suddenly embarrassed friend. Felinar quickly scoops up Asrai, "I need to show you something." Davidon pales slightly as he watches all the fuss he looks like he'd like to get up and help, but since a crowd is nearly gathering around the greenrider he keeps his seat. Felinar walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl. "Oh, bugger it, you twit," Glynna snaps to V'dan, "it's just water. Shards and shells. You all have an infirmary around here? I assume so, since that idiot healer ran out a bit ago." Asrai blinks and follows..like she has a choice. Asrai walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl. North Bowl> Asrai's face is ashen as you carry her out. North Bowl> Felinar says "I take it you don't know much about babies" North Bowl> Lysseth twitches her wings and suddenly *bugles*, a deafeningly *loud* note that probably doesn't do much for the ears of t hose close by. North Bowl> Felinar covers his ears, and winces. North Bowl> Asrai shakes her head numbly before clamping her hands over her ears. T'lar nods. "Infirmary is that way." He points as he tries to assist Kassima. North Bowl> Cygnith does try his best to calm Lysseth with a deep croon. Glynna quirks a brow at T'lar. "Pick. Her. UP. Idiot." Kassima nods, giving V'dan what could only be called the evil eye. "We have one, certes, through...." She breaks off with a hiss of breath, and settles for just nodding agreement with T'lar. North Bowl> Felinar looks at Lysseth, "Oh, be quiet! She'll be perfectly fine!!" A gamut of emotions race across Meli's face, settling finally into something akin to panic. "But.... but... right, infirmary... what?... hey..." tumbles out, as she glances around for help. "Garant! Portock!...." T'lar nods dumbly as he picks up the greenrider. North Bowl> Juliath's eyes increase their whirling, and she cocks her head at her clutchsister. Alyssa enters from the Bowl. North Bowl> Asrai doesn't look so sure of that herself, "She will? Be ok, that is? It can't be good...not if Lysseth is acting like that." North Bowl> Lysseth pays less than no attention to Felinar, obviously entirely unconcerned with him. She'll panic if she bloody well wants to. Which she proves, her eyes whirling most rapidly as she bugles again. North Bowl> Felinar says "Lysseth is just concerned because Kassi's in pain, but she'll be fine." He looks at Lysseth, and continues, "Dragons just spook easy." "Alyssa!" Meli calls out, waddling over to her as fast as she can and trying to tug at her sleeve. Where in Faranth's name did the calm, collected assistant weyrlingmaster go? North Bowl> Cygnith croons to Lysseth once more, trying to calm the Green before she deafens even the dragons around. Benden Weyr> T'lar waves in a panicked fashion as greenriders give birth and storms roll in RL. North Bowl> Juliath snorts, her breath a puff of coalescent white on the night air a moment. Kassima yells over her shoulder as T'lar picks her up, "Shards and shells, Lyss, be quiet a'fore you deafen the bloody lot of us!" She would probably nod to Lys in greeting, but her attention's rather occupied by something else at the moment. Alyssa looks around a bit as she appears, reading a hide...until her sleeve is tugged. "Hmm?" Benden Weyr> Meli says, "See? Friday the 13th, tornados, lightning... it really is The End :)" North Bowl> Asrai shakes her head, "Pain? Why is she in pain? Is there something wrong?" Benden Weyr> Asrai says, "And spawn, don't forget the spawn ;)" Benden Weyr> Ursa says, "Damn. I have to go to a wedding shower, or I'd come along, kick the healers out, and show you folks how a *Real* midwife works. :)" Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Now all we need is for the seas to boil and blood to appear on the moon. ;)" Glynna looks, glares rather, at the riders, and stomps out. "I'll go get a healer. Bloody shells." Glynna walks towards the inner cavern. Meli points at Kassi, hoisted into T'lar's arms. "Kassi's water broke!" she babbles. T'lar walks towards the inner cavern. North Bowl> Felinar says "Birthing isn'e exactly painless, see." You walk towards the inner cavern. T'lar walks off towards the Outer Infirmary. You walk off towards the Outer Infirmary. Benden LC> "Oh?" Alyssa's smile grows a bit, then she says, "Come on, Meli...let's go make sure she's okay." T'lar says "Uh...where do you want me to put her?" Benden LC> Meli nods, mouth opening and closing like some dying fish as she follows along, in her fastest waddle-walk. Glynna indicates the inner infirmary. "I bet they're more comfortable than dragon couches..." North Bowl> Asrai's tiny hand happens to have a death grip on your tunic, her eyes wide. "Then, then, why do they do it? Have babies? Can't the healers do something to stop the pain?" Ok, yeah, she's babbling....near panic, all that other good stuff. Benden LC> Meli walks towards the inner cavern. Benden LC> Alyssa walks towards the inner cavern. Meli walks in from outside the room. Alyssa walks in from outside the room. North Bowl> Felinar hrms, "Yes, they can, I s'pose. People do it because they want babies." Glynna pushes the tapestry aside and walks into the inner infirmary. Benden LC> Davidon watches as everyone files out and lets out the breath he was holding. "Maybe it's best I've not fathered any children...." he mumbles. Kassima gets hauled into the Infirmary by the fortunately strong--he'd have to be, to carry her--bronzerider. "Oh, on the floor would nay doubt do nicely," she suggests facetiously, though she certainly seems to like Glynna's suggestion better. "Inner Infirmary sounds good, yes." She nods her head rather vigorously, just in case there was any doubt that she likes that idea. North Bowl> Juliath shifts sideways, craning her neck forward til she nearly pokes her nose into the infirmary, giving a curious croon. T'lar just stands there with Kassima in his arms. After a moment, he follows Glynna into the inner infirmary. North Bowl> Asrai blinks, then blinks again, just for good measure. "And, its worth going through all the pain?" Her voice starts to lose the edge of panic, reasured by how calm Felinar is being about this whole thing. Alyssa arrives with her arm about Meli. "It'll be all right, Kassima... let's just go to the cots, all right? And I'll see about finding Garant." North Bowl> Felinar nods, "Yes, it is, you mum went through it for you." North Bowl> Lysseth's tail thrashes as she steps around Juliath to peer into the Infirmary herself, eyes whirling a strange green-gold. She rumbles, which is fortunately a lot quieter than her trumpeting. Meli pushes the tapestry aside and walks into the inner infirmary. T'lar pushes the tapestry aside and walks into the inner infirmary. Kassima smiles faintly at Lysseth's rumble from outside, and nods to Lys. "Sure. Cots. Sounds good. Cots, beds, a floor with some furs on it, whatever." Her voice trails off as she's carried to the infirmary. You push the tapestry aside and walk into the inner infirmary. Alyssa emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. T'lar lays Kassima down on a vacant couch and moves back. "What else can I do?" North Bowl> Asrai's nose scrunches up. She takes this in for a moment, shifting it around in her brain before speaking, "Yeah, I suppose she had to...but I don't think she was too happy bout it." Her head turns towards the two dragons, crouding the entrance to the infirmary. Most of her face's natural color has returned by now. "Felinar, do you have any children?" As everyone trails in, Glynna looks around and snarls, "Well, there's no bloody healer here, not even the one on duty. Where'd that skinny one go?" She eyes Alyssa and groans, "What IS it here? Every fardling woman's pregnant...? NO. You all stay. I'll find a healer if it kills me." Glynna departs through the curtains into the outer infirmary. Alyssa moves closer to Kassima, asking softly, "How close are the contractions, love? No, T'lar, unless she's horribly uncomfortable, walk her around to loosen up her muscles. Just support her back, all right?" T'lar looks from Meli to Kassima and back. "Okay, Lys. Whatever you say." He looks down at Kassima. "You want to walk?" North Bowl> Felinar says "Me? No." Meli finally stops grabbing Alyssa, looking as if she's going to follow Glynna. But she stops, takes a step towards Kassi, then stops again, takes a step towards T'lar, then stops again. "Aigh!" she says, eyes glazed and frantic. "What do I do?" North Bowl> Asrai turns back to look up into your face, "But, how come? Don't /you/ want kids too?" North Bowl> R'val slides down from Vidarth's back and lands in a crouch. Kassima sighs with relief as she's placed on the couch, apparently between contractions for the moment. "If the vinegar did this, I swear t'you, I'll find some way t'get it banned from the Weyr," she proclaims. An ambitious goal, but she sounds sincere about it. Looking up at Lys, she thinks before coming up with an answer. "Nay that close... ten minutes or so 'tween them, I'd think. Roughly. Didn't exactly check t'see where the sun was 'tween this and the last." Meli's panicking doesn't seem to help Kassi's composure, so she valiantly tries to ignore it. "If Lys says I should walk, I'll walk," she agrees, struggling to get up. North Bowl> R'val smiles amiably towards Asrai and Felinar as he dismounts. North Bowl> Felinar smiles at Asrai, "Aye, I do, but right now, I'm kept too busy." "Relax, Meli," says Alyssa gently. "I've been through this before, and we're more or less in the waiting sta...Kassima, did your water break?" North Bowl> Asrai waves to R'val as she stands next to Felinar, both Juliath and Lysseth blocking the entrance to the infirmiry. Kelset emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. North Bowl> R'val squints at the draconic roadblocks, Juliath and Lysseth, "Whatever is going on in there?" T'lar helps Kassima to her feet, one hand firmly in the small of her back. "That's right. Easy does it." He smiles at Alyssa, grateful for her calm mein. "Meli, why don't you sit down and rest." North Bowl> Asrai actually giggles softly, "Felinar, dear, you are always busy." She looks over her shoulder once more, "Kassi's water broke." She says like she really knows what she's talking about. North Bowl> Adonith backwings for a landing. North Bowl> R'val blinks, "Dear me! So one of 'em is giving birth, eh? Nice to see." "Uh, aye," Kassi replies absently, somewhat preoccupied by getting to her feet right now, a difficult enough task in and of itself. "V'dan's never going to forgive me for ruining that jacket of his." Incongrouously, she giggles at the thought. Kelset stops short as he appears in the entrance, mumbling, "Well, apparently the kitchen boy was right." He glances towards Alyssa and T'lar, asking, still hesitating close to the door, asking, lifting his voice just enough to be heard, "I'm sorry for barging in. Should I leave?" North Bowl> Asrai nods, "Yeah, it just started, R'val." she raises a hand in greeting to the approaching Adonith as Cygnith greets all the arriving dragons. Meli seems eternally grateful to have some direction, nodding emphatically as she follow's T'lar's suggestion. Moving to one of the chairs by the cots, she lowers herself partway down, then pauses, supporting her weight by her arms. "Sure y'don' want me t'boil somethin' or tear somethin' or clean somethin'?" North Bowl> Adonith moves beneath the rocky overhang that protects the Infirmary entrance. North Bowl> Lysseth doesn't look like she's about to move for R'val's sake; she's planted herself firmly beside Juliath in front of the Infirmary, and it looks like she quite intends to stay there. Peeking up from their seats all over the dragon, several dozen fire-lizards all start to hum at once in an odd sort of chorus. Dragon> Lysseth senses that Adonith croons gently. << My rider wises to know if you would like to be closer to your rider while she clutches. >> North Bowl> Juliath settles herself as well, taking up the chorus in her deeper register. Kassima shakes her head at Kelt, waving one hand dismissively at the suggestion. "Oh, nay, nay; we'll just turn it into a spectacle. Just do me a favor and don't write a song about any of the messy details? Lys, are y'certain this walking business helps?" T'lar says "Sit, Meli. You don't need the exertion." He begins to propel Kassima on a circuit of the room. He glances up at Kelset. "I'd say you need to ask the ladies involved about that." North Bowl> R'val raises an eyebrow, regarding the two dragons, "I don't think they want anyone intruding. Still, I can't help but want to be there." Lysseth> Adonith senses that Lysseth's response is a lightning-fast, << Of course! Is there room? >> North Bowl> Asrai giggles, "Well, the entrance through the living cavern should still be unblocked, I think they just want a good seat. Alyssa glances toward the outer infirmary and sighs. "Where *are* the healers?" she murmurs to herself before offering Kassima one of her reassuring smiles. "It helps, Kassima, and gives us something to do. And Meli...poor love, no. We have to wait." Dragon> Adonith bespoke Lysseth with << We may stay in *outer infirmary*. >> North Bowl> Lysseth bugles again at something, sounding pleased as she dashes with all haste Infirmary-wards. A few of the 'lizards are dislodged from her back to fall to the ground with indignant squawks, that only interrupt their humming for an instant before they follow. Lysseth> You go beneath the rocky overhang that protects the Infirmary entrance. Meli settles into the seat, resting her hands on her own belly, watching Kassi's progress with a sort of horrified fascination. "Tha' looks much worse'n th'ones I've been havin' these last few days." Kelset raises his eyebrows slightly, replying, "You're /sure/?" rather doubtfully. He simply nods a bit, though, remaining near the entrance. "Rest assured, I won't, Kassima," he adds, a bit more lightly, before glancing to Alyssa. "Is there anyone I can get for you?" Outer Infirmary> Juliath moves into the Infirmary from the bowl. "You're likely right, Meli," Kassi puffs, wiping her bangs back out of her eyes again. Another bugle from outside brings that same smile to her lips, accompanied by the shake of her head. "Sharding over-protective dragon...." Another hissing intake of breath ends that statement. "See what you have t'look forward to, Meli?" she mutters, while trying to breathe properly as she was taught. R'val emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. R'val slips stealthily past the guardian dragons and into the infirmary, an old hand at negotiating the treacherous waters of Protective Dragon Strait. S'good to be the healer! He moves towards the others, "Kassi! Tis time, I see?" Long distance to Meli: Kassima changes her status. :P :) Name Sex Position Status Idle -------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Alyssa (F) Wingsecond 4m * Asrai (F) Bluerider NotThatShardingInnocent? 42s * Davidon (M) DH Trainee ImAAngl2AGirlWhoHates2Sin 1m * F'nar (M) Wingsecond NotThatShardingIdle 19m * Kassima (F) Wingsecond Apocalypse Now! 0s * Kelset (M) Weyrharper Weyr Cantina Player 1m * Mehlani (F) Resident F'hlan II: The Sequel 13m * Meli (F) Asst.WLM Co-spawning! 1m * R'val (M) Bluerider The Dying Days 8s * T'lar (M) Bronzerider I'm gonna be a daddy!!! 2m ----------------------------- ( 10 players ) ----------------------------- T'lar seems to have settled down. Things are under control now. "It will be just fine, Kassi, and quit teasing Meli." He looks toward the bowl and smiles. "Nicoth is worried too. He says to tell you the eggs will hatch when they're ready." Alyssa shakes her head to Kelset, though she's watching Kassima worriedly. "I think you'd better sit down, love, and let me have a look. Gracious, where did Glynna go? I thought Garant would be here by now." Kelset simply nods quickly, then says quietly, "Best of luck, Kassima," with a warm smile before leaving. Births are not the place for Harpers. "Gee, R'val," Kassi says, managing a droll grin as the contraction ends, "what was your first clue? The fire-lizard chorus, or Lysseth making enough noise t'wake the dead?" She seems quite amiable to Alyssa's suggestion, gratefully waddle-walking back to the couch to sit. "Wouldn't y'just know that sadist wouldn't be around when he's actually needed?" is her rhetoric. Kelset pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. R'val grins goofily at Kassi, tapping a finger against the side of his nose knowingly, "Us healers, Kassi. Can't slip a thing past us." Meli watches a moment longer, then calls over to her weyrmate. "Taylar, I need t'use th'necessary. C'n you help me back up? This chair's kind o'deep." T'lar looks over at Meli. "Uh, sure, love." He looks back at Kassima. "You be okay without me?" "Right, right, here here here," Garant calls as he speeds in, dishevelled, partially attired in his leggings and jacket. "Who's popping?" A chorus of "She is," is followed by a lot of pointing at Kassima. Kassima eyes R'val dubiously. "Uh-huh. T'lar, I think I'll be fine for the time it takes t'help Meli out of her chair. Go, go!" As Garant walks in, her eyes widen, taking in his dishevelled attire. "Do I even want to know?" Meli extends her arm, starting to try to rise. "C'mon, luv," she repeats, as she glances anxiously towards the curtain to that area. T'lar reluctantly lets go of Kassima and moves over to help Meli. "Easy now, sweeting." He strains to help her up. Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Here comes the storm!" Benden Weyr> Meli says, "In more ways than one :b" Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "And I mean in RL." Garant eyes Kassima with a big grin. "Well, well. What're you still doing dressed? I have a saying: never wear more clothes when you're having a baby than you wore when you made it. Alyssa, honey, can you help Kassima get into something more suited? Please?" Benden Weyr> R'val says, "Here come the spawn!" R'val frowns faintly, looking vaguely as if he feels he's intruding, "If I can help at all..." Benden Weyr> T'lar grins inanely. Meli makes her way to the curtain, moving it aside and disappearing within. Kassima covers her face with her hands, and groans, "Are you going to keep cracking jokes like that until this is over? Dear Faranth help me." She sighs, and starts trying to get out of the couch. "The second I sit down, they want me to get back up. If'n 'twere in any kind of shape for that, I'd nay be in this mess...." "Thanks, R'val," Garant beams as he strips off his jacket and hurls it to one side. "Sorry, Kassima, house rules. No one spawns without a smile. It's a Garantee. Get it?" R'val groans under his breath, "At least when I was weyrhealer, I never cracked jokes that bad." Alyssa looks quietly at Garant with some surprise, quirks a brow, shrugs, and escorts Kassima to a curtained-off area where she can help the greenrider get undressed. Out from the necessary, through the curtain and echoing around the room comes a mighty "Aigh!!!" T'lar says "Meli? You okay?" Kassima groans again, half in pain and half in *mental* pain at the pun as she's escorted off. "If'n I only had my Emasculator right now..." she can be heard to mutter while undressing. Pay no attention to the greenrider behind the curtain. T'lar says "MELI?" He rushes to the curtain and looks in. "What's wrong?" Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "There's a storm to the south and one to the north. :P" Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "That's what happens when it's the End of the World. :P :)" Benden Weyr> Meli says, "Hm. Ok, I'll be south, you be north Kassi. We'll see which of us disappears first." T'lar says "You too? Oh, Faranth." He pulls his head out of the necessary and searches for Garant. "Healer!" Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Sounds fair to me." Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "I do NOT want to miss this. Hear me, weather? <great flash of lightning illuminates the fiercely thrashing trees>" Benden Weyr> Meli wishes the storms away out to sea. Kassima peeks out from behind the curtain, blinking. "Meli? Shells, shards, and fardling fragments, don't tell me you ate aught with vinegar too!" She ducks back behind the curtain to finish changing, muttering epithets at vinegar that are probably better left unheard. R'val crosses his arms over his chest, frowning in concern as he watches the process begin. Garant is still busy scrubbing up and redworting. "What?" Alyssa squeezes Kassima gently and murmurs, "You'll be fine. I'll be here with you the entire way, love." Benden Weyr> Kassima waves her Wand of Wishing. 'You may wish for one object. For what do you wish?' a - Uncursed Baby Goat Corpse. *Goes to an altar to the Weather Deity.* The sacrifice is consumed in a burst of flame! --More-- The thunder dissipates. Benden Weyr> R'val eyes Nethack Girl ;) Benden Weyr> Kassima's obsession with Nethack is starting to scare her. T'lar nods. Walking over to where Alyssa is helping Kassima, he finds something appropriate for Meli and returns it to her. Meli's hand emerges through the curtain long enough to accept the gown, then disappears again to the muffled sounds of mutterings. Kassima sighs as she puts on one of those ever-delightful gowns that the Healers provide for just such situations. "Hope you're right, Lys... but both of us at once? Is this normal?" Once he's nice and prepared, Garant grins cheerfully at Kassima. "I know you feel terrible, but it'll be all right. Lie down, will you? Just there, right there, special cot made for you. Meli...? How's it going?" "Terrible's an understatement," Kassi mutters as she waddles back out from behind the curtain, one hand behind her to hold that gown of hers closed. She obediantly gets on the cot, for once willing to do just about anything someone even remotely resembling a Healer says. Just in time, too; she clenches her teeth and grips the edges of the cot, hard. Meli's response is to push aside the curtain, emerging with her other hand clutched at the gown as she tries to adjust it. "OH, jus' fine, thanks," she replies dryly, walking out into the room, her previous panic apparently exhausted. T'lar says "Need any help?" He moves aside as she emerges. One arm slips around her waist from behind and he gives her a kiss on the cheek. "You doing okay?" Outer Infirmary> Asrai pads in quietly, trying to make her way around the dragons that are blocking the entrance. Luckily, she's very small and can slip through. "Excuse me, pardon me..." Asrai emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. Garant draws a sheet over Kassima more for warmth than for modesty, leaving the legs bare, and ducks underneath for a peek. "Hmm....mmmhmm... hmmmMMM. Meli, just lie down...be right with you. Break T'lar's hand if it hurts too much. Hmm. Hmmm. Kassima, you're moving right along." Alyssa sits beside Kassima and takes her hand, carefully, patting it for comfort. "I jus' SAID I was FINE," Meli replies, her voice suddenly rising as her jaw clenches and she gives T'lar's arm a tight squeeze. "Hsssst." R'val glances from Kassi to Meli concernedly. Asrai slips in, her eyes a bit on the wild side as she stands near the entrance to the outer infirmiry. She tries to make herself small, not hard considering the bulk of the dragons she just got finished squeezing past. At Garant's words her eyes widen even more if possible. Kassima takes a deep breath, the air hissing through her grit teeth again--she sounds sort of like a boiling teakettle at this point--and manages a nod to Asrai. "What is this, a Gather booth?" she quips with a faint smile, replaced by a sardonic one as she mutters, "And t'think I used t'be embarrassed about wearing less than a towel to the Springs. Is that a good thing?" The last is asked somewhat anxiously of Garant. T'lar glares at the overly cheerful healer's back. He grimaces as his weyrmate seems to be trying to break his arm. Asrai backs up, bumping into the wall behind her. Its almost as if she'd like to be part of that wall. Her violet eyes darting from Kassi to Meli, then back again...not sure where to look. "Both babies coming?" She says in a near whisper. Garant moves Kassima's knees upward, giving her a place to put her feet for bracing. "Here, here...listen, Alyssa's been through this from both ends...well, I have too, just not quite that way. Anyway, when you feel a contraction, push. She'll help. You're moving along way way way fast." He turns to look in Meli's direction. "Hoookay, what've we got going on here this way? Honing in on Kassima's night, huh? Water break yet?" Felinar emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. Felinar walks in, and stands by Asrai. Dragon> Nicoth bespoke Lysseth and Juliath with << Where are you two? I'm working now. >> Meli makes it to the cot next to Kassi's, hoising herself up with some difficulty and perching on the edge. "Yesss..." she replies to the healer's question, then puffs a few times and glares at her weyrmate. Asrai is right next to the entrance, her back pressed against the wall. Her eyes wide as saucers. Her voice is a little louder this time, loud enough for Felinar to hear, "Both of them..at the same time." Lysseth> Juliath and Nicoth sense that Lysseth thrums, her mind a chaotic whirlwind of emotion, << In the *Inner Infirmary*! >> Outer Infirmary> Juliath hummmms. Outer Infirmary> Nicoth moves into the Infirmary from the bowl. R'val nods to Asrai solemnly, "Faranth protect our poor unprepared weyr...." "Cheering section?" Garant asks with a cocked brow at the collection of people looking on. "Nice to see you all, but stay back. Please." Outer Infirmary> Nicoth glares at the blue. Felinar says "Both of what?" Alyssa says quietly, "R'val. Please." R'val smiles at Alyssa faintly and apologetically. Asrai points at Kassi and Meli, "Both babies, same time." Of course, there is no way she could get farther away from the action and still be in the room. Felinar ahhs. T'lar moves to stand beside his weyrmate, but between the two cots. "Just let me know what I can do." He leans over to kiss first Kassima then Meli on the forehead. Outer Infirmary> Adonith nudges Nicoth with a buddy-buddy sort of head-butt. Felinar nods as an assistant hands him a wineskin, he pops the wax seal and starts to drink it, not guzzling it, but not sipping either. Kassima just nods. This is a first; she's more than happy to do anything that Garant suggests. Listening to the hums of dragons and fire-lizards outside for a moment, she casts a brief dagger-glance at R'val--she's not in the best of humors, obviously--before turning anxious eyes to Lys. "Lys? What do I do? Help?" Outer Infirmary> Nicoth looks at the little blue like he just changed colors. "I'd say, from the looks of things," Garant grins, "you've already done enough." And he begins a quick, cursory exam on Meli. Outer Infirmary> Juliath pokes her snout towards the curtain, humming further as she ignores the males. Asrai slips her tiny hand into Felinar's free one. She squeezes it tightly for support. Her lower lip trapped between her teeth as she hears Kassi's plea for help. Outer Infirmary> Lysseth ignores both males totally, rustling her wings and lashing her tail in agitation while she joins her clutchsister's hum. Alyssa says as she pats Kassima's hand, "When you feel a contraction, love, bear down on my hand and push. It will feel natural, trust me." Garant's words finally register and T'lar blushes deeply. Meli settles back and stares at the ceiling, not looking at the healer at all as she somehow tries to separate herself from her body. "Shardin' silly males..." Alyssa brushes back the hair from Kassima's forehead and smiles tenderly, clearly not worried, calm as can be. R'val chuckles at Garant, approvingly. "But what if I break your hand?" Kassi nearly wails, apparently feeling this to be a quite plausible possibility. One which, predictably, she ignores when the next contraction does hit, gripping both the side of the cot and poor Lys's hand so hard that her knuckles turn white. Garant keeps peeking. "HmmmhmmmhmmHmmmhmmHMMMMMM....Ah. Aha. Here we are." His head pops out and he beams at Meli. "Congratulations, Meli. You're in labor too. We're just at that point and push routine. T'lar, have a seat. Support her if she wants to...Lys, get Kassima a little more upright, it'll feel better." Felinar smiles at Asrai, and hands her the wineskin. T'lar just nods and sits. Alyssa winces, noticeably, as her delicate hand is clutched terribly hard, but she ignores it to tell Kassima, "Good...you see? That's all we have to do, love, that's all." The edge of her sleeve dabs at Kassima's forehead as she adds, "Relax and breathe between contractions. Good." Meli nods, biting her lip with a muffled "Mmmmmmm" of her own as she lifts her upper body up and props herself by her elbows. "Pillow?" she says to T'lar when she is able. Asrai takes the wineskin with her free hand...ok, yeah, its shaking a bit. Tilting it up she drink...all right, all right, guzzles would be a better word. Her voice tight as she hands it back, "Thanks, I needed that." R'val reaches his hand out for the skin, smiling hopefully at Asrai and Felinar. T'lar looks over at Alyssa and watches how she is working with Kassima. At Meli's request, he finds and slips a pillow or two behind her. "Better?" Felinar looks at R'val, Felinar, give up a wineskin? With a reluctance, he replaces the seal and tosses it to the bluerider Kassima pants for breath and wheezes, "I have a wonderful idea. Once this is over, I'm going to get my Emasculator, hunt down all the males in the Weyr, and do every woman here a sharding huge favor." She sounds very fervently sincere about that, too. Garant stands between cots, redworted almost to his elbows as if it's a bovine he's birthing, looking happy to be in charge while he lets the women do the work. Once he's sure things are relatively in order he begins gathering bits and pieces of equipment, including blankets and basins. "I've got those eyes in the back of my head working, you two, so I'll know if you cheat and skip your proper breathing." Smiling, Alyssa helps Kassima sit up a bit more, one arm about her, supporting her from behind. "You do that, love." R'val nods wisely, "Eyes in the back of the head, the best trait of a healer." Meli nods, letting herself settle back against the pillows as the contraction passes. She glares at Garant's back, blows air up at the hair stuck to her sweaty forehead, then glares at her weyrmate. T'lar says "Kassi! Please tell me it's not that bad." T'lar jumps up and finds a basin and a cloth. When he returns, he bathes Meli's sweaty face with cool water. Asrai blinks at Kassi's words, honestly believing that Kassi would do something like that. With a slight shuffle she places herself in line between Kassi and Felinar. Like she'd really be able to protect him...but she's willing to try. "I saw that, Meli," Garant grins as he fiddles around. "And don't forget I have numbweed for later. You'll want it, believe me -- T'lar, take some of that to Alyssa, will you? Hey, her baby's not yours, too, is it?" Kassima joins Meli in glaring at T'lar as she assures him, "Oh, 'tis nay. 'Tis worse. And d'you know what I'm going to do once I've done that? I'm going to find a way to make the Water work on *men*, that's what, and tie all of 'em down and force-feed them the stuff until all of you get the experience of waddling around like a bloated heifer. Won't that be fun?" At least this is distracting her somewhat. T'lar gets up and gets another cloth and basin. "Yes, both are mine." Felinar looks at Kassima, and chuckles. Alyssa looks up hurriedly at Garant and just glares at him...insofar as Alyssa glares. "That's not funny." Felinar smiles sweetly, "It takes two, Kassi." Garant winks at Alyssa, unrepentant. "Most of my jokes aren't. Help Kassima, dear dragonhealer. Meli, you feeling okay, or as okay as you can with T'lar gripping you like that?" Meli nods at Kassi's remark, adding "I'll help." She might have said more, but another contraction catches her and she groans, leaning forward even as she draws her knees up. T'lar nibbles on his lower lip. "Now, Kassi, hon. You know I'd never willing do anything to hurt you. I love you both greatly." He moves in to support Meli even as he pales at her words. Asrai blinks, did Felinar just do what she think he just did...draw Kassi's attention deliberately towards himself? She takes a firmer step in front of him, not too far away, she may be dumb, but she's not stupid. She whispers out the corner of her mouth to the Head Steward, "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Benden Weyr> Alyssa says, "This really does feel like Nine Months." Benden Weyr> R'val says, "I wonder why?" Benden Weyr> Meli hasn't seen it, sorry for being unoriginal :( Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Great, guilt trips from both sides." Benden Weyr> Alyssa grins. You're fine, Meli. :) Benden Weyr> R'val says, "Well, it's obviously lacking a few elements. Robin Williams, namely. T'lar is funny, but, well...;)" Benden Weyr> Alyssa says, "It JUST occurred to me." Kassima glares at Felinar now, and growls, "All right, I'll do it to all the male *dragons* too. *That* should settle things." Poor Lys's hand gets locked in the Greenrider Grip-O'-Death again as Kassi's abruptly distracted from her distractions by another contraction that's accompanied by a nice stream of her most creative epithets. Felinar chuckles at Asrai, "Nay." Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "And some twit with a video camera, too. Thank Faranth. ;)" Garant moves past Asrai and notes, chuckling, "I have this feeling Kassima's too much in pain and too busy to act on that threat, and women never remember what they do or say in labor, once they see the baby. Whoa, Kassima. Well said." Benden Weyr> Caitria wonders how far apart the contractions are? (In other words, should I just log off and go to bed, or will the kids be born if I stay awake a leeetle longer?) "Grrrrraaaaaahhh!" Meli exclaims, clenching her hand onto T'lar's arm. "E'd! I'll get y'for this!" Though both the grip and the epithets discomfort Alyssa, she stays at her friend's side and keeps holding on, encouraging all the way. Asrai wishes she could be as confident, "Love, be carefull...please?" It's almost as if the Head Steward were suggesting going off to fight thread all on his own. she nods numbly at the healer and his passing comment. R'val slugs deeply off the wine, and passes it back to the couple. "Too busy? Just wait'll I get my hands on my knives, and I'll show you how bloody sharding busy I--" Kassi's threat is drowned out by another deluge of curses, which ceases as soon as the contraction stops. She really *has* been taking notes from S'riv's cursing-spates. Garant tosses a towel over his bare shoulder and scooches down to peer at Meli's nether regions. "Looking good, looking good...I can see the crown of the head, Meli. Don't push too hard or your eyes'll pop out." Felinar accepts the skin, and knocks it back, "Ahh." T'lar says "Yeow!" If there is any doubt that being a dragonrider makes one strong, it has just be dispelled. "Meli. Love. Easy." Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "I think it shouldn't be that long now, Tria. :)" Felinar hands it over to Asrai, "Here you are." "Easy? EASY! HA!!" is Meli's reply, as she falls back to the pillows again. "I want it OUT!" T'lar swipes Meli's face and neck with the cooling cloth. "It will be over soon, sweeting. Really. Then you can sleep." Grinning, Garant moves back to Kassima to check her as well. "Huh. Kassima, the head's here too. Got Meli's hair color. What have you three been doing, huh?" T'lar looks over at Kassima. "Kassi? You doing okay?" Asrai's eyes go wide again, "The head?" Too many things seem to be clicking in place at once for the tiny rider. She jumps at Meli's shout, taking the wineskin from Felinar and drinks deeply, way deeply...where does someone that small put that much wine? She then hands it back, her hand still shaking slightly, "He can see the head." She says to Felinar and the room in general. Alyssa dabs at Kassima's forehead, saying with a smile, "That's good, Kassima...once the head is out the going is very easy. Very easy. You're doing so well, much better than I when I had Alnar." Benden Weyr> Alyssa lies. Please note. Alyssa never lies, and she just lied flatly to Kassima, the bone-crunching cursing greenrider. :) Benden Weyr> Asrai says, "Unless...the head /is/ bigger then the shoulders on the spawn ;)" Benden Weyr> Caitria wouldn't be surprised, with Kassispawn. ;) Felinar grins at Asrai, 'Well, yes. That's good.' Kassima just *glares* at Garant. "Just you *wait* until this is over, Healer," she practically snarls, sweat dripping off her nose at this point. "And as to okay, I'll tell you what, T'lar. I'll switch places with you, and you can experience this, and *you* tell me whether or nay you're doing okay!" The look of disbelief Lys receives is fortunately rancor- free, since Kassi's too stunned by her words to even be angry. "Easy? Easy? Easy! This isn't *easy*!" Benden Weyr> Kassima peers at Tria. Just what are you implying? ;) T'lar give Alyssa a look that tries to convey his thanks and his sympathy. Benden Weyr> Caitria 0:) at Kassi. Alyssa shrugs slightly at T'lar, as if to say, "Nothing personal." "Shardin' stupid silly males..." Meli starts in the respite between her contractions. The volume slowly rises. "Fardlin' idiotic shardin' stupid silly bronzeriders!" with a crescendo as the next wave arrives. "Grrr... an' a gallery section too! Gaaaah!" Asrai nods, absently, wincing every time Kassi punctuates a word. She then looks over at Felinar as something hits her, a rare flash of insight. "Felinar, aren't the shoulders bigger then the head?" Her voice probably isn't as low as it should have been for that comment. Felinar nods, smiling as he looks at Kassi, "Much, much bigger." "Now that," Garant mumbles to the gallery, "isn't funny. Don't tease them that much. Once the head's out the more mallable shoulders slip out. Pipe down, you two. Or get out." Felinar pouts at the healer, and it is quite pretty. Kassima fortunately gives up on her plans to eviscerate everyone in the room, her own screech of pain echoing Meli's. If Lys's hand isn't damaged by the greenrider's grip at this point, it's certainly not from Kassi's lack of trying. She seems *so* delighted to discover the truth of Felinar's words, doesn't she? T'lar winces as Meli grinds the bones in his arm together. "Maybe if I slipped in behind you you'd be more comfortable." He lifts her carefully and moves to make his body her pillow. Asrai blinks, her shocked expression real. "What'd I say?" This time she does lower her voice. Felinar says "The truth, love. Nothing to worry about." Felinar smiles sweetly at the Healer. But somethign lurks behind that smile. Something like. . .don't you need supplies? :) Garant ignores the sweet smile of someone in on his territory and moves closer to Kassima again. "Well, very well, Kassima. The baby's head out to be out in a moment. One more good push." Meli casts a glance in Kassi's direction, leaning back against T'lar. If she were more in her right mind, she'd probably suggest he go over and help with his /other/ child. But she's not, so she doesn't. Asrai nods, relieved that she didn't say anything wrong. She turns back to watch, her face transforming from wide eyed horror, to compassion for her friends in pain, to winces at their outbursts from moment to moment. T'lar continues to try to soothe and support his weyrmate. He whispers words of encouragement into her ear. His eyes keep straying to Kassima as he wishes he were twins. Felinar sighs, "Well, I need to get back to hidework." Felinar pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. Since Asrai is conveniently standing in front of Felinar, she takes a step back till she is leaning against him. Reaching around, she takes his free hand nad brings it around her waist, holding it there. Despite her warning to the Steward she calls out, "It'll be ok, Meli, Kassi." Looking back and forth between Kassima and Meli, Garant says suddenly, "Uh......R'val. Can you have a look at Kassima there? I don't want that baby falling into nothingness, and Lys's busy." He then scoots back over to Meli, having another look-see. R'val nods to Garant's words and steps forward, moving to Kasis's side. He skilfully places himself to catch the babe, "How's it goin' Kassi?" he says, feigning casual. Benden Weyr> Meli pictures Uri in full Catcher's bball gear, squatting under Kassi. Kassima gives Garant one of those looks that implies she's envisioning playing kickball with his severed head right now, and letting her fire- lizards take care of the rest of him. "Haven't I bloody well pushed *enough*?" she demands. Of course, her body decides to answer that question for her, so she doesn't actually get to somehow get enough leverage to strangle Garant with her bare hands... darn. "Someone is going to die for this," she promises, teeth clenched so hard it's a wonder they don't shatter as she tries *not* to scream again. "Or maybe several someones." Kassi's rings actually cut deep enough into her gripping fingers to leave marks, as she gives up on her resolve and informs R'val exactly just how it's going in terms that would make a sailor blush. Asrai smiles at the Stewards squeeze, then holds back her panic as he leaves her in here...alone...with them. But her feet are rooted to the ground, not wanting to miss this event. Benden Weyr> R'val says, "Strike one!" T'lar's eyes are wide with his growing agitation. He can't decide which of the two straining women to watch. Alyssa makes a rather audible sound of pain but cuts it short by biting on her lip. R'val doesn't blush. He's a healer, and he's dealt with birthing women even more irate than Kassima. He merely smiles and nods, having heard not a word, watching her baby emerge carefully. Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Watch out and don't drop that wild pitch." Benden Weyr> Kassima whacks R'val upside the head with her baseball bat. Meli leans forward into another contraction, all her breath reserved for her effort this time, beads of perspiration dripping from her forehead and nose. Garant crouches down near Meli and puts his hands far between her knees, cheering quietly. "That's the head, Meli. You're on the way home." Meli nods, biting hard on her lip, eyes tight and face turning a light red. R'val crouches between Kassima's legs, "I see the head emerging, Kassi." He reports, calmly. Asrai shuffles forward, showing more courage then ever before...even when her and Cygnith made that daring dive to catch that clump of thread. She sees that T'lar has Meli in hand, so she goes to help Alyssa with Kassi. Asrai reaches out to take one of Kassi's hands from Alyssa...if she wants the help...no use both of her hands broken when Asrai has two perfectly good ones ready to squish. T'lar says "Breathe, Meli. You gotta remember to breathe." Kassima groans, "Can I *please* kill him?" Which 'him' she means isn't precisely clear, here. Meli's breath releases in a whoosh as she stops pushing again. "I can't do this anymore." T'lar gulps at Kassima's comment. He glances toward the changing room and then over at the bed, looking for knives. T'lar says "Yes, you can, love." He bathes her face and kisses her temple. "Just a bit more. You can do it. Get Juliath to help you. I know she can." Alyssa looks surprised at Asrai's sudden appearance. "One more push should get the baby fully out," she says quietly to Kassima, kissing her cheek. "You're doing so well." Kassima has been gripping the cot almost hard enough to leave finger-dents in whatever it's made of with the hand Alyssa's not holding, and that Asrai winds up taking. "I don't think we've got much of a choice, Meli," she wheezes, wiping hair out of her eyes. Not that this is much use, since her long hair is now plastered to her face, neck, and arms anyway. "Promise?" she asks Lys, voice almost pathetically pleading. "I promise," Alyssa smiles. Meli nods, with a quick glance towards the outer infirmary and the warm, supportive presence of her lifemate. As the next contraction starts, she inhales deeply, leans forward with a grasp at T'lar for support, and gives another mighty push. Asrai looks over at Alyssa and gives her a smile, which turns into a grimace as Kassi nearly breaks her tiny hand. "Sure Kassi, Alyssa knows about these things. Its almost over." She pats Kassi's hand with her free, still working one. R'val's experienced, skillful hands slip into Kassima, gripping the baby in a careful position. He slips the child loose, crying, "Your baby is born, Kassi! And it's a girl!" Garant calls from his odd position near Meli, "Hey, you have one more good push, Meli my love, and you'll have yourself a baby. Come on, one more for T'lar and for me. And for ....AHA. Ahahaha...well, gracious." T'lar adds support where needed, pushing back against Meli. Garant's words cause him to look up, startled. R'val severs the child's umbilical cord, and proceeds to bathe the birthing fluid off the squalling infant, then wrapping a towel about the small body and moving to Kassima's head, holding the child down to her, "A lovely girl." He murmurs, "Just like her mother." A healthy, lusty scream comes from near Meli, followed by Garant adding, "Hey, nice cord on the little girl, Meli...oh. Wait, sorry. That's not a, ahem, a cord. On your son." He grins and takes the baby out, saying with utter cheer, "A boy." T'lar looks from R'val to Garant, trying to see everything at once. "A girl?" Kassima bites her lip and nods, just before resuming her grip of death on Alyssa's hand and now Asrai's as the final contraction hits. As the baby is actually born, she gasps with relief, collapsing back against the bed. "A girl?" she pants, blinking up incongruously at R'val and the baby. Just as though she hadn't actually expected all of this would result in an actual baby or something. Alyssa smiles and hugs Kassima near her. "Love, it's a girl, a girl....oh, Kassima..." R'val smiles tenderly at Kassi, "Aye, a girl. Open your arms and take her, Kassi." Asrai blinks, then blinks again, "Girl? Kassi had a girl?" She looks down at the tiny babe in Kassi's arms, then leans close to Alyssa. Her voice starts off low, but sadly doesn't stay that way, "Alyssa, are the heads suposed to be squished like that?" she then looks over quickly, "A boy??" Meli half collapses back, giving a weak smile. "A boy? Is he all right?" she asks, craning her neck to try and see. "He's more than all right, Meli," Garant notes as he fiddles more with cleaning and the like. "He's flawless. Toes and fingers and all in the right place." Dragon> Benden dragons sense that Juliath bugles! Kassima does so, of course, taking her daughter from R'val with as much energy as she can muster. A surprising amount, really. "Let me see!" She adjusts the baby in her arms, staring down at her with absolute disbelief and fascination. "A girl," she breathes, all of this finally settling into her adrenaline-weary brain. She misses Asrai's words, probably fortunately for her. Dragon> Benden dragons sense that Cygnith *BUGLES* as well, adding his congratulations. Alyssa blinks in surprise at Asrai's comment, then murmurs, "She'll be fine." R'val stands close to Kassi's cot, looking down upon the scene of mother and daughter with a tender smile, "She's lovely Kassi. What will you call her?" Outer Infirmary> Adonith rumbles happily at Davidon. Garant eventually emerges with a tiny bundle that he presents to Meli and T'lar, his crooked grin looking just quietly happy now. "Congratulations, you two." Meli's smile widens, as she takes careful deep breaths, looking for her son and squeezing T'lar's hand much more gently than she had been before. Dragon> Benden dragons sense that Lysseth trumpets a bugling call in echo of Juliath's, adding her voice to the already deafening chorus! Asrai gives Alyssa a releaved smile, leaning back and forth between the two greenriders to look at the tiny babes, "They're so small, little miniature adults." Her smile is bright as she says this, as if she too expected something...different. Outer Infirmary> Kindre moves into the Infirmary from the bowl. Outer Infirmary> Juliath croons, poking her snout at the curtain. Outer Infirmary> Davidon looks towards the inner infirmary, wanting to see what's going on, but really showing he doesn't feel 'worthy' to be in there with the others. "Oh, Hi Adonith, you doing ok?" he asks, looking over the blue, and then the others, as if they might be here for some other reason. T'lar looks around with an incredibly goofy smile on his face. Outer Infirmary> Some other reason then trying to get a look at the new babies. Outer Infirmary> Kindre comes tearing in, her eyes wide as she scans the room. Smiling wide, she sends Juliath a quick wink. "You're a love...Hiya Davi...pardon my rush-through. Seems I'm late for a hatching." Outer Infirmary> Davidon waves to Kindre. "Shells, I don't know," Kassi murmurs. She's too engrossed with the baby to think about such matters as names. "I'll think of something, eventually... my stars, I can't believe it. She's so beautiful...." Kindre emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. Asrai giggles with happiness, all of her earlier fear gone. R'val smiles at Kassi warmly, "She has your eyes, I think." He remarks. Outer Infirmary> Davidon nods after Kindre, 'mmhmming' sullenly. T'lar looks from one child and mother to the other. "They are both so perfect." He kisses his weyrmate deeply. "Thank you, love. And you too, Kassima. Thank you for such perfect gifts." "Tish, R'val, babies have the same eyes when they're born...blue." Garant grins and adds to Meli, "This boy's got T'lar's moppy blond hair." Kindre comes skidding into the room, eyes still wide. "Did...have I... they...Herath said..." she stammers out before her gaze falls onto the babes. Face softening considerably, she grins a bit stupidly. "Oh, how lovely," is notes while peering over on tip-toes. Meli sighs contentedly, cuddling her son against the crook of her arm, glancing over at T'lar, then further towards the other cot. "You ok, Kassi? Did y'say it was a girl?" she asks, then looks back at her son's face, smiling and leaning down to kiss his forehead. Outer Infirmary> Davidon walks out into the bowl. T'lar reaches down to touch his son. He traces the tiny nose and catches one tiny hand. "I can't believe I have children." Kassima smiles down at her dark-haired daughter, nodding a bit. "The shape, mayhaps... the color, who can tell?" Running one finger along her daughter's cheek, she beams wearily over to Meli. "A girl," she affirms. "And yours--a boy, he said? Oh, Kindre... heya." That seems to be all the greeting she can muster right now, though it's accompanied by a tired smile. Asrai smiles and melts backwards, letting the other well wishers forward. With a soft smile on her face she quietly dissapears. Asrai pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. "A boy? And a girl," Kindre derives from the words she's been able to pick up. "Are you both all right," is wondered with a quiet voice before her lips finally curl into a relieved-looking smile. Long distance to Meli: Kassima giggles as she types out the command, '@create Baby'. Hee. How apt. :) T'lar says "Excuse me a moment, my love." He carefully positions Meli on the pillows as he slips out from behind her. Standing he moves over to Kassima and looks down at his daughter. A wonderous smile of his face. Benden Weyr> Asrai says, "Well folks, that was great! Congrats Kassi and Meli. I have to go folks, mom and dad are do in tomorrow. I won't be back till Wed nightish, so be good :)" Benden Weyr> Meli bol at a page from Kassi. "@create Baby" indeed! Benden Weyr> R'val grins at that. If only it were that simple. R'val smiles over his shoulder at Kindre, washing his hands after the birth. Benden Weyr> Kassima snugsnugs an Asrai. :) If it were, R'val, we'd have far too much overpopulation. ;) Benden Weyr> Caitria giggles at Meli, and demands names and sexes. And snugs Asrai. Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Meli-boy. Kassi-girl. No names." Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "No names yet. A daughter for me, a son for Meli. :)" Benden Weyr> Kindre hugsan Asrai...Take care! :) Hee...next comes @create babysitter, @create nanny... ;) Benden Weyr> Caitria arghs. And wants names. ;) Benden Weyr> Meli says, "@create Dirty Nappy Hamper" Benden Weyr> Kassima whacks T'lar with that baseball bat from earlier. GOMH! Alyssa steps back, quietly, and begins the business of helping Garant clean up the women and areas. Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Okay, Tria. Suggestions?" Benden Weyr> R'val suggests, for Kassi's baby, Jason or Freddy :P :) Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Heh, you were the one whose been hogging that braincell." Benden Weyr> Caitria uhs. What was your pre-impression name, T'lar? I don't memember. Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Oh, yeah, R'val. A girl named Jason. ;)" Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "R'val, Kassi's is the girl." Benden Weyr> R'val says, "Well, it works. :)" Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Taylar, Tria." Meli sighs again, watching her son sleep before she gives a yawn of her own. She patiently waits through the healer's cleaning administrations. Benden Weyr> Meli says, "And, mine is, um, Amelia, but don't tell anyone ;)" T'lar continues to look down at his daughter. "Can I hold her, Kassi?" Benden Weyr> T'lar says, ".oO Can I take them out to the LC?" Benden Weyr> Caitria hmmms. Taymia? Silara? Silarma? (Girls' names, of course.) Melar? Ack, that sounds like plastic. Liar? Heee. No. Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Tria, boy's names with Meli and me." Benden Weyr> Kindre says, "it's gotta start with a K, tho ;)" Kassima is, amazingly, too enrapt to even notice the Healers at work. She's got that same mushy, wonderous smile on her face as she looks up at T'lar, eyes actually brimming. "A'course," she laughs quietly, finding the strength to hold the girl-child up. "You're her father, aren't you?" Benden Weyr> Meli says, "We'd considered Tamlin (or variation) and Eliyar, among others :)" Benden Weyr> R'val says, "NO! it doesn't. Too many k names as is around here. :)" "Congratulations, you two," Alyssa says with a small bit of fatigue, "I'll visit later." Benden Weyr> Davidon waves to Kindre BTW Benden Weyr> Caitria noddles. I know, T'lar. Ooh, I like Tamlin. Benden Weyr> Kassima actually has a name OOCly. ICly, Kassi hasn't thought of such matters yet. :) Benden Weyr> Kindre snugga Davi muchly! :) Benden Weyr> Davidon says, "Whouu" Benden Weyr> Alyssa is going to logoff, if you guys don't mind. See you sometime later in the weekend. Benden Weyr> Meli says, "Thank you /very/ much, 'lys!" Benden Weyr> Kindre snuggybughugs 'Lys! :) Benden Weyr> Alyssa smiles. You guys literally did all the work. T'lar takes the little bundle carefully. He coos and goos softly, tickling her nose with his free hand. "She is so beautiful, Kassi. Just beautiful. Can I show her to Meli?" Benden Weyr> Kassima snugsnug*snugs* Lys. Thank you so much for everything. :) Alyssa pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Bye, Lys." Benden Weyr> Caitria smooooches Lys. Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Thanks, lys." Kassima chuckles deep in her throat, then yawns, plainly exhausted. "If'n I can see her lad as well, certainly." Benden Weyr> Alyssa hugs you all. T'lar says "Sure." He moves over to Meli and presents the girl. "Thought you might want to meet the other one and Kassi wants to see our son." Kindre, sensing the parents might like some time with their new family, smiles as she backs towards the outter infirmary. "I'm glad you're all well," she says with a relieved sigh and nods. Waggling a finger with one hand while pushing open the entrance with the other, she playfully notes, "As -soon- as there are names, I want to know 'em," and winks. Meli chuckles, smiling at her... stepdaughter? T'lar places the little girl in Meli's other arm and picks up the boy. Walking back over to Kassima, he hands her the other baby. T'lar laughs. "Does this make them twins?" "I'll be back in a bit...I rushes out so quickly, I think I startled Hera," Kindre chuckles quietly before waving. Kindre pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. Kassima takes the boy-child from T'lar with extreme care, beaming it him. "Ach, y'two, he's absolutely gorgeous. And I'd say that it may nay make 'em twins as such, but 'tis the next best thing, eh?" R'val swallows quietly. Seeing no one left but the three parents, he ducks out without a word. R'val pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. Outer Infirmary> R'val grins, "They're all /so/ happy!" he enthuses, catching up with Kindre. "Does my heart good to see it." Outer Infirmary> "I'm heading for some wine. How about you?" wonders Kindre as she pauses at the door. Bobbing her head in agreement, she smiles. "Aren't they? Ah, does my heart good as well." Outer Infirmary> R'val grins at you companionably and moves to your side, "I'm with you for wine, Kindre, sounds like a good idea. Aye, they're very happy." Outer Infirmary> Kindre grins, "Agreed and agreed," she says before slipping out to the bowl Outer Infirmary> Kindre walks out into the bowl. Outer Infirmary> R'val walks out into the bowl. Kassima sighs softly, eventually looking up from the lad with a faint smile. "Well, they'll need names, I daresay...." Benden LC> Kindre walks in from the bowl. Benden LC> Salless smiles sweetly at the junior queenrider. Benden LC> R'val walks in from the bowl. Meli nods, smiling. "Kassi, tha's our Tamlin y've got there. Isn't that right, luv?" she asks, glancing up at T'lar. Benden LC> Kindre, of course, returns Salless' smile while striding over towards the wines. "R'val? Red or white," is inquired of the bluerider while she fills one glass for herself. "They certainly look terribly happy...shells, I'm so glad all seemed to go well. Wish I had gotten there earlier, but..." T'lar beams at Meli. "Tamlin's a great name. What do you want to name the girl?" T'lar switches the babies back to their mothers. Benden LC> R'val slides into a seat, pulling one out for Kindre while he's at it, replying, "Red, please, Kindre, I've a weakness for it," he confesses, with a roguish grin. Kassima hrms, considering carefully as she tilts her head at an angle to peer down at her daughter. "'Twas speaking of names with M'kla and Kindre, and I always said that I'd choose something when I saw what would best fit the lass. I'm thinking that Kaylira might well be the name 'twas after." Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "I gotta go, the storm is back and worse than ever. Thanks for the RP with the spawning." Meli sleepily ahhs, nestling Tamlin against her chest. "Tha's beautiful, Kassi." Benden LC> Chuckling a bit, Kindre nods and fills a second glass with the ruby variety of Benden wine. Carrying the drinks over, she places both on the table before sitting in the indicated seat. "So," she begins then takes a quick sip, "how fares all with you? And Vidarth? Well I'd hope?" Benden LC> R'val sips the wine with an appreciative sigh, smiling down into the glass as if it were an old friend before directing a wink at Kindre, "Now that I'm done with another unexpected birth, things are quiet. I got a letter from Tinya today, though." He frowns deeply. Player Name On For Idle Doing Kassima 11:07 0s Helping bring the world to an end? 62 Players logged in. Player Name On For Idle Doing Meli 03:15 38s Same as Kassi 61 Players logged in. Benden LC> Kindre smirks a bit, "Unexpected? Jays, we all knew it would be soon. But true enough there. They were all just lighting up the room, I'd swear by the first egg..." Reflecting a moment on that, her thoughts return to the latter part of the statement. Taking a long drink from her glass, she bobs her head slowly. "Oh, you did? You don't look...terribly happy? Is she well?" Kassima leans back against the pillows, careful not to disturb Kay's rest. "We did it," she marvels suddenly, looking over at Meli with a grin. "We really did it. We're mothers." Benden LC> R'val sighs softly, "She's angry. Very angry. She's heard some..stupid rumor!" He curses quietly under his breath, his expression deeply distraught, "She thinks I'm cheating on her and she tells me it's over." Meli chuckles. "Yeh, now th'fun part begins." Kaylira(#13617s) Small and very delicate-seeming, this newborn girl-child stares back at you with unfocused eyes of the typical misty blue-grey. She is both incredibly adorable and really not much to look at in that way that new babies tend to be. Thin wisps of black hair crown her head, holding just a hint of the natural curl they'll no doubt have later; despite her newness to the world, it's still possible to see in her face some of the features of her parents if you look hard enough, especially in the slight, feline-like tilt to her eyes that matches the shape of her mother's. For one so recently born, Kaylira seems fairly alert, and often turns her tiny head to try and see--without success--just what's going on around her. Kaylira is currently wrapped in a blanket of dark forest green. Whatever else she may wear is pretty much hidden by said blanket. Looking at her, you'd estimate this baby girl to be 0 Turns, 0 months, and 0 days old. Tamlin A surprisingly thick mop of slightly curly blond hair graces the surface of this newborn boy's crown. If not for his tiny size, one might almost suspect him to be older than his 0 Turns, 0 months, and 0 days. Slightly chubby of cheek, with blue eyes that hint at an eventual darkening towards gray or brown, he nonetheless reflects back a hint of his parents' features. Tamlin's complexion is slightly ruddy still, though he appears healthy and alert between his frequent naps. He is currently swaddled within a pale yellow blanket edged with green ribbon. Benden LC> Kindre goes wide-eyed before blinking a few times. "What? Where on Pern did she hear such a rumor?" Looking a small bit distraught herself, she sighs. "She's just ending like that?" Benden LC> R'val runs a hand over his face, looking miserable, "Aye. She's unreasonable and very angry. She can get like this, but I can usually calm her, being nearby. But not this time. I even went to Telgar to try and find her, Kindre!" He nearly wails, "And she'd run off to avoid me! She simply won't listen!" Benden LC> But the odd expression on her face, it's easy to discern Kindre is taken aback by this sudden news. Running a thumb along the stem of her wine, she watches the movement quietl for a moment. "I...I'm not sure what to tell you, R'val," is finally said in a quiet voice, "I'm sorry... shells, are you alright? I mean...ah, jays..." Benden LC> R'val sighs very softly, his eyes on his glass, "No, Kindre." He murmurs, glumly, "I'm very not-alright. I..need to talk to her and she won't let me. She swears she'll never have a thing to do with me. Benden LC> "I'm sure she'll come around eventually," Kindre pipes in hopefully. "She's just angry now, so it sounds. Mayhaps in a few sevendays? Let her cool off a bit? In the meantime, though," is said while the goldrider rises out of her seat. Moving back to the table, she grabs a full 'skin of Benden Red and returns to her seat. "...This will help...." Benden LC> R'val's eyes lighten a bit, and his smile returns, directed at Kindre, "Aye, there's little that Benden Red won't aid." He cocks his head at Kindre thoughtfully, "What about you? What have you been up to?" Benden LC> Kindre takes a few more sips from her wine and shrugs. "Not too much, to be true," she admits, "Mostly records work and trying to squeeze in a visit home. Same old, same old I suppose you'd say. Oh," silvery-blue eyes widen suddenly, "are you hungry at all? I've eaten, but if you want a snack or the like...?" Benden LC> R'val raises one darkly tanned hand pacifyingly, grinning at Kindre openly now, fondly, "Shards, but you're too sweet, you are! No, thank ye, hon, I'm fine. I ate an hour or two ago." Benden LC> R'val adds, thoughtfully, "Did you manage to fit in tim for a visit?" Benden LC> "Alright then. Just thought I should offer..." Kindre notes and grins. "Oh, no, not yet. It's been harder and harder to slip out these days. But I've got to go soon. Kinjer...my brother...has a daughter and I thought he'd have some things Kassi and Meli could use." Benden LC> R'val grins, "It was a kind offer. Aye, it is hard, especially with all your responsibilities. A daughter? He probably would." Benden LC> Kindre bobs her head in quick agreement. "I'm certain he does. The lass, Jerea, is near three turns already! They've got to have a lot of baby things they no longer have use for. And with two babes to care for, I though mayhaps anything that could help would be good." Benden LC> R'val nods his head, "Aye, that'd be helpful for them, I'd wager. Although they probably will get a lot of offers around here, too." Benden LC> "I assumed as much," Kindre remarks with a quick nod of her head, "but 'tis better to have too much than too little," she grins. Benden LC> Emlyn walks in from the bowl. Benden LC> Kelset walks here from the Inner Cavern. Benden LC> Emlyn gets herself a mug of klah before coming to where Kindre and R'val are seated. "Evening. May I join you?" Benden LC> Kindre looks away from R'val a moment and waves over her glass. "Evening Emlyn, Kelset. How fares with you both," she wonders before taking another sip of her wine. To Emlyn's query, she nods and grins. "But of course. We'd love the compaany." Benden LC> R'val grins at Kindre amiably. "Too much is better, aye. Emlyn, Kelset! Evening!" Benden LC> R'val smiles, "Of course you may, Emlyn. Grab yourself some wine." Benden LC> Emlyn takes a seat. As she does so, she looks over to wave at the arriving harper. Benden LC> Kelset enters from the direction of the lower caverns, stopping by the serving tables to retreive a mug of steaming cider before moving towards the three. "Evening!" he returns, smiling pleasantly. "Do you mind if I make it four?" Benden LC> Emlyn holds up her klah and grins at R'val. "Wine sounds good. Too bad I already poured a mug of this." Benden LC> R'val grins at Emlyn, "Drink one, then the other. Though you might be up all night." Benden LC> "Too much is always better than too little, as I was just saying," Kindre chuckles and waves the Harper over. Smiling at the greenrider, she nods. "I may have klah next myself...was up at dawn because her highness was just -so-," eyes roll as her voice takes on a suffered tinge on the last word, "itchy." Shrugging, she laughs a bit. Benden LC> Kelset pulls a seat away from the table, sliding into it easily. "Wine? I may have a bit after my cider. But how is everyone? And also, how is Kassima, R'val?" He asks, sipping silently from his mug. Benden LC> Emlyn laughs and nods at first R'val's suggestionand then at Kindre's report on Herath. She sips some of her klah, then says, "Kelset, what news? You harpers seem to know more gossip than anyone else?" Benden LC> "Oh, for true. Any good stories for a late-eve gather," Kindre wonders, her brows arching a bit and her mouth quirking into a hopeful grin. "We left them...Kassi and Meli...not long ago, actually," she notes and quiets to let R'val give the details. Benden LC> "None interesting, I'm afraid," Kelt says, tossing a slightly wry grin Emlyn's way. "I did receive several messages from Masterharper Rathenna today, but the gossip isn't much to hear about recently. Not much more than Weyrling graduations at Fort, a word or two about how Skye's settling in, and not much else." Benden LC> Emlyn gives Kelset a look that suggests she thinks he's witholding information, though she nods and smiles. Benden LC> "Crackdust," is Kindre's mumbled remark, "I hadn't realized that a whole turn had past since they first Impressed. Where ever does the time go..." Benden LC> R'val chuckles, "Straight down the drain, I'd say. Shards, but it's too quick, eh?" Benden LC> Emlyn frowns, then says, "Well, what's the nose of Kassima and Meli, then? Are they both calving?" Benden LC> "Well, the news on the babes," Kindre offers and the chuckles at Emlyn's terminology, "is that Meli had a handsome lad, Kassi a beautiful lass. All seem in good health. Beaming, actually, would be a better description." Benden LC> Emlyn looks pleased. "Well, I'm delighted to hear that. Did Kassima name her babe?" Benden LC> Kelset returns Emlyn's look with something akin to amusement. "I'm afraid that's mostly all. Had you heard that Skye's been recalled?" Any emotions related to that news are replaced, quickly, with Kindre's news, a warm smile alighting upon his lips. "That's wonderful! Though I didn't know Meli was in labor as well! I must've left the scene altogether too early. They /would/ pick matching birthdates for their children." Benden Weyr> Kassima posts a note on the +bboard, for you interested- types. :) 25 Kassima Fri Jun 13 23:06:40 Twins? Well, Not Quite.... On the thirty-first day of the eleventh month of the eighteenth Turn in the Tenth Pass (or Friday, June 13, 1997 in Earthly terms), Kassima and Meli--after a lot of cursing, yelling, and general threatening--gave birth to a pair of healthy children. Kassi's rumored to have called her dark-haired daughter Kaylira, while Meli's blonde son bears the name of Tamlin. Both mothers are doing well, and are currently accepting visitors, well-wishers, gifts, and excessively large sums of money *grin* in the Infirmary. It's said that T'lar will also recover, though whether he'll eventually lose that goofy smile or not is anyone's guess. ;) ....................................BDW................................... Benden LC> Kindre's head shakes slowly. "Neither were named when we left them be...oh, and yes, I'm equally delighted! Feh, I swear it," she smirks while commenting, "they must've taken some Healer's magic potion to both labor the same day." Laughing, betraying she's teasing, she again returns to simply smiling. "I'm hoping to find out the names before eve's end." Benden LC> R'val grins, "One has to wonder at that coincidence." Benden LC> Emlyn agrees with the comments on the coincidence. She drinks more of her klah, grinning. "So, a fine lass and a fine lad. That's wonderful news. And both mothers healthy." Benden Weyr> Kindre woo's! I love the names! :) Benden Weyr> K'tyn blinks. :) Names? Benden LC> Kelset lets out a light chuckle, lifting his mug of cider to his lips for a moment. "We all ought to before the night's far gone. Though I haven't any idea in what kind of shape they'll be to receive visitors." Benden Weyr> Kelset smiles. "Kassima's and Meli's new offspring." Benden LC> Still grinning, the goldrider nods. "So it seems, indeed. All looked quite heathly and happy...if tired." Glancing briefly at the door leading to the bowl, she seems to contemplate a moment. "I'd think they'd be accepting visitors. Alyssa and Garant cleaned up and we mostly left to let them be in those first moments of motherhood..." Benden LC> R'val hrms, "They could be sleeping right now. Those were trying births." Benden Weyr> Kindre hugga WL :) Hiya Kiat! Benden Weyr> Meli snores :b Benden LC> Emlyn sets her mug down, considering. She says, "Well, I'd like to see Meli and Kassima and wish them well. Newborns, I have to admit, bore me to tears. They just sleep and suckle. Calves, at least, stand and lurch around the pen." After a moment, Emlyn adds, "Not that I tell new mothers this, of course." Benden Weyr> K'tyn grins, and congrats Meli and Kassi.:) :) I like the names, as well.:) Benden LC> R'val grins at Emlyn amiably, "It's true. They don't really do much, aside from look adorable." Benden LC> Kelset nods solemnly at Kindre's words, then R'val's. "Well, perhaps one of us'll just have to look in then." He chuckles amusedly at Emlyn's words, shrugging a bit in response. "True enough. But their mothers make such a bigger deal out of it than bovines do, it more than compensates." Benden LC> Kindre chuckles, shaking her head as she grins at Emlyn. "Well, they -are- cute," she nearly echoes R'val, "so I suppose that makes up for the lack of lurching...Hmm. I'll mayhaps go with you if you intend to visit, if you'd not mind?" Benden LC> Emlyn lifts an eyebrow. "Do you think they look adorable, R'val, when they're newborn? They're all red and squirmy and make that little mewling sound when they cry." She listens to Kelset and looks entirely unconvinced. Benden LC> R'val grins, "I think they're quite cute. And if anyone is going to visit, I"ll come too." Benden LC> Emlyn nods, though, to Kindre and stands. "I'd love to. And I promise not to mention herdbeasts while I'm there." Benden LC> "Well, if you promise," Kindre winks. "I'm certain they're tired, but dying to show off the little ones. They all must be so proud..." Benden LC> Kelset simply grins a bit at Emlyn. "I never enjoyed calving, myself. I certainly helped my father enough when I was growing up, and never managed to develop much of an interest in Herding." He nods. "Good. Then we'll all go, and add our own well wishes to them." Benden LC> Emlyn looks at Kelset after his declaration as if he'd just said he'd never really developed an interest in breathing. Her eyes are wide as she joins the group heading out. Benden LC> "Then it's settled. A-visiting we go," Kindre says with a chuckles and strides out to the bowl. Benden LC> Kindre walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl. Benden LC> Emlyn walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl. Benden LC> R'val walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl. Benden LC> Kelset rises to his feet, leaving his mug behind, and joins the others. Benden LC> Kelset walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl. R'val emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. Kindre emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. Emlyn emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. Kelset emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. Benden Weyr> Meli says, "Eeek, arrival spam :)" R'val walks in with Kindre, Emly and Kelset, peeking at the two greenriders uncertainly, "Knock knock?" Kelset enters with the others, beaming a quick smile to the two women. "Hello again," he says with a quiet chuckle. "Hope you don't mind some visitors," Kindre says quietly and smiles at the new mothers. "Kassi, Meli, if you're both tired, we won't stay too long." Emlyn stands quietly, waiting to see if the two new mothers are in a condition to receive guests. Kassima is leaning back against the pillows of her cot, eyes closed, but the speed with which they open bely the idea that she was asleep. A weary but sincere grin crosses her face as she sees the assemblage of visitors. "Heyla, all," she calls over quietly. Either this is because her voice is still hoarse from all that screaming, or because she doesn't want to wake the bundle currently sleeping in her arms. Meli shifts on her cot, levering herself up a bit further, careful not to disturb Tamlin, who sleeps nestled in the crook of her arm. "No, not quite asleep yet, an' I think this little one's likely t'sleep through anythin' t'night." She smiles at her friends and brushes fingers unsuccessfully at her tousled hair. Kelset approaches a few steps, silently, bringing him close enough to see Kassima's bundle, or some of it. "She looks beautiful," he comments quietly, a warm smile resting upon his lips. "Congratulations, Kassima, mother of one. Might I inquire what you've decided to name her?" Kindre's smile is a relieved one, "Well, we won't keep you two up, I promise." Pulling up a stool, she nods at Kelset's question. "Oh! Yes, have you decided on names yet?" Emlyn smiles warmly as she moves quietly nearer the two beds. She tells Meli, "I hear this little one's a fine strong boy?" She nods at the bundle. R'val walks over gingerly at Emlyn's side, peeking at the babies again. Meli smiles, nodding. "Beautiful boy, we've named m'Tamlin." Nestled in Meli's arms, Tamlin shifts slightly in his sleep, his tiny mouth opening and then closing. Kassima doesn't even bother to try and rearrange her hair. Trying to comb out something that long and that tangled with one's fingers would be an ultimately futile attempt. Instead, she settles for beaming at her friends and shifting the baby in her arms so that she can see. "Thankee, Kelt," she replies; up close, it's easy to tell that she is rather hoarse after all. "After much deliberation, I believe I finally managed t'settle on something. Her name is Kaylira." To Kindre, she laughs silently and quips with some of her usual humor, "Oh, I somehow doubt I could possibly sleep tonight, exhausted though I am." Emlyn repeats the name, then smiles. "That's a lovely name, Meli. And how are you feeling? You look strong enough to plow a field." Meli chuckles lightly at Emlyn's comment. "Oh, don' know 'bout that, but I feel pretty good, an' whenever I get a twinge or two, I jus' have t'look down at his face an' ev'rything's all right." "A strong name for a strong boy," Kindre comments and smiles wide. "Tamlin. Certainly going to grow up to be quite a handsome man, I'd gather," is noted while she peers at the baby boy. Chuckling at Kassima's latter words, she says of the name, "Kaylira...oh, I do like that! Shells, and she's such a pretty girl! Though I didn't expect other." Beaming a bit, Kin sits there with a rather odd grin on her face. "I can still hardly believe it...you're both mothers." Another chuckle escapes her lips at Emlyn's comment. R'val smiles, "Tamlin is a good name. T'lin. It contracts well! And Kaylira. Hopefully she'll be as evil as her mother." He winks at Kassi. "Kaylira and Tamlin," Kelt echoes in a whisper, smiling gently at the little baby, reaching out a hand to brush a finger softly against the girl's forehead, then straightening up, and drawing back a few steps. "Very beautiful!" he adds, walking over towards Meli now. "And little Tamlin." He glances back at R'val, letting out a soft laugh. "I see you've plans for him already, R'val?" Meli rolls her eyes at R'val's comment. "Bit early t'worry 'bout that." She glances at Emlyn and Kindre. "One o'you two young women want t'hold him?" Emlyn bites her lip as Kindre chuckles. The greenrider had promised not to mention herdbeasts. Well. Maybe, should she be reminded of this later, she'll be able to point out that draughtbeasts are -not- herdbeasts. She shifts and grins at the talk about the children's future. At Meli's offer to hold Tamlin, Emlyn's eyes widen a bit and she gives Kindre a quick look. Kassima smiles up at Kindre. "*You* can't believe it? Shells, I can hardly believe it m'self. But she *is* a most beautiful baby, isn't she?" In the fashion of mothers everywhere, Kassi of course ignores the fact that baby humans really aren't usually all that much to look at. Kindre blinks a few times before shaking her head. "I...I couldn't. I'd be afraid of not holding him right...he's so tiny. You're both well, though? Despite being tired?" Kelset says, a light grin resting upon his lips, "If neither of them would like to take the opportunity, I'd be wonderfully pleased to, if you'll pardon my inviting the favor for myself." Kassima glances over at Meli, and grins. "And if'n one of you'd like t'hold Kay, you're quite welcome to. I'm certain I can trust you all with her, eh?" Another chuckle, and she sits up a bit more on her cot. "Oh, indubitably well at the moment. Ask me tomorrow when the pain's had time to register again." Emlyn likewise begs off holding the baby. She says, "I'm not used to something newborn being so fragile. I'm afraid I'd set him on his legs and tell him to find the udder himself." With a smile and a careful movement, Meli sits further upright against her pillows, til she's nearly seated, shifting Tamlin as she does so until he's resting in her arms. "He won't break, an' I trust y'not t'drop him! So, who first?" She turns at Kelt's words, and nods. "Only fittin' should be a harper, you'll have plenty o'time w'him in th'Turns t'come." Kindre can't help but giggle at the greenrider's comment. "Emlyn, shells, you're too much," she grins at her. Waving her hands in front of her a moment, she shakes her head. "Mayhaps when they get a bit bigger...they seem so, well, like Emlyn said...fragile. I'd be afraid I'd do something wrong. I'm glad that you're feeling well! I'll bring lots of juice and kiwi muffins in the morning to help distract you from whatever pains follow this," is promised with a nod and smile. Meli gently shifts Tamlin, setting him down. Kelset carefully cradles Tamlin in his arms. Kelset takes a seat slowly on the edge of the bed, gently transferring the child to his arms, holding the tiny body supportively, obviously not inexperienced in handling children. "I wouldn't dream of dropping him, Meli," he assures her with a warm smile to Tamlin's mother. "And I certainly hope so!" Emlyn peeks at Tamlin over Kelset's shoulder. "Ah, a fine infant," is her her comment. Tamlin gurgles, eyes opening briefly to gaze unfocusedly upwards towards Kelt's face. R'val grins, "Already a talker, he is." He comments, gazing at Tamlyn, "Gurgling up a storm." Kassima grins wryly at Kin. "Ach, now, recall--Kay's had all those months of... interesting... foods to strengthen her! But I must say, I'd certes appreciate both juice and muffins. And I'll remember to call you her Aunt Kin, like you asked." Kelset pays little attention to Kindre and Emlyn's excuses as he looks down at Tamlin, resting the infant in his arms with a warm, slightly silly looking, but quite affectionate smile for the child. "A fine infant, indeed!" he says, echoing Emlyn, rocking him very gently as his eyes open. "I'm Kelt," he says, introducing himself to the child, brushing his one hand lightly over Tamlin's stomach. Emlyn nods to R'val. "He is, yes." She nudges him and nods toward Kassima. "You can hold the lass, R'val. I bet as a healer you're no danger of dropping the girl." Tamlin's brief movements settle back into the deeper sleep of the newborn, his slightly squished red face relaxing. R'val reaches out his arms, and nods, "I've held many a baby." Kindre's face almost melts into an 'aaaaw' expression as Kelset holds the baby Tamlin. Smiling wide, then, at Kassima, she says, "For true? I've only the one niece and I haven't seen her since she was a babe...Gah, she's such a beautiful baby, Kassi, I swear it by Hera's shell. Looks so much like you, too." Kelset grins, emerald eyes glancing up briefly to R'val, returning with a chuckle, "He is, isn't he? Perhaps a future in Harper Hall might be more accurate a prediction, eh?" He looks back down to Tamlin as he returns to sleep, still swaying slightly. After a long few moments, he glances around, looking almost reluctant. "Shall I let either of you have a chance? I suppose I can't be overly selfish with him." R'val chortles quietly and tickles Tamlin's chin with one finger, "A harper, a healer, a rider, a weaver. Hmm, many fates you could have, young'un." Emlyn shakes her head again, still smiling. She looks again at the two mothers. Kassima smiles and passes Kay over to R'val, unable to keep from watching closely despite her trust in the Healer. "Well, there may be *some* resemblance," she chuckles to Kin. "But y'can tell who her sire was too, I think." Kindre adds her own shaking head to the offer. "No, no. I'm still a bit too nervous to hold either yet. Oh, yes, for certain Kassi. Definately T'lar's child." Meli shifts herself, wincing only slightly. "Have t'see how his lungs turn out, m'sure we'll be able t'tell by th'range o'his yells whether harper or healer's more likely," she chuckles. Emlyn observes, "Meli, Kassima, I must say that motherhood agrees with both of you. Tired and worn as you both look right now, each of you has a glow that is really lovely to see." Meli giggles, which she rarely does. "Tha's all th'dried sweat, Emlyn." "Well, if I have anything to do with his training, and unless I'm tossed from Benden forcibly, I imagine I will, he'll have the best of vocal training early on," the Harper Journeyman says with a merry smile, still smiling softly down at the sleeping infant, anything but displeased with Kindre's refusal to hold Tamlin. Emlyn grins at Meli and shrugs slightly. Kassima smiles up at both Kin and Emlyn, laughing at Meli's reply to the latter's observation. "You've such a turn of phrase, Meli. But you're like as nay right. Shells, 'tis good of all of you t'come see us like this." Nodding her head in another move of agreement, Kindre smiles and echoes the young rider. "Indeed. Gah, Meli," she laughs. "Well, forgive me for departing so quickly, but I had a bit of a long day and am in need of my bed." Kindre sighs, glancing at each babe with an almost fond, wistful expression. Standing, she says, "Congratulations to you both. Such beautiful children, to be true." Kelset lets out a quite laugh, shaking his head. "No, I'll agree with Emlyn. You're both simply radiant." He finally looks back at Meli, smiling gratefully. "I suppose I should return your little one. Thank you, very much," he says, carefully passing the child back to her. R'val slides the baby gently back into his mother's arms, grinning, "You both are radiant, "He echoes Kelset, "Motherhood agrees with you." Emlyn moves toward the exit with the goldrider. "I too need to run along. Congratulations to you both." She leaves quietly. Emlyn pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. Meli murmurs a quiet "Thank you," to her junior weyrwoman, then smiles at Kelt. "Please, I miss m'already," she replies, resting a hand on her not- yet-flat stomach. Kassima accepts her daughter with a smile to R'val, obviously relieved to have her back even after such a short span. "Keep drinking the Water, Kin, and this could be you," she laughs. "'Twas good t'see you, very much so." "Great, I'll walk out with you Emlyn," Kindre says before a parting wave. "I'll be back early in the morning...well, mayhaps not so early," she adds before going. Kelset gently shifts Tamlin, setting him down. Meli carefully cradles Tamlin in her arms. Kindre pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. Kelset smiles warmly, lifting his now-free hand in a quick wave to Kindre and Emlyn. "Take care, you two." He turns back to the others remaining, risinging to his feet once again. "I suppose we should leave you some peace and quiet for some much needed rest," he says, not without a shade of reluctance. Meli stifles a yawn, smiling apologetically. "I think y'may be right. M'sure he'll have me up soon 'nough." Benden Weyr> Meli says, "It's very late, and there's so many K people about :)" "You're welcome t'visit again sometime, Kelt," Kassi points out, smiling and stifling a yawn at once. "Though I confess, I am rather tired. Clear skies t'you, eh?" Benden Weyr> Kindre says, "Power To The K's! ;) Okie, I'm really going now :)" Benden Weyr> K'tyn nods. There are. We are the K-team. You will be infiltrated. :) Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Yay, K's! Hee. I've done my part to add to the K-Team, ayep. ;)" Benden Weyr> K'tyn nodnods! And I am--well, will be.:) Benden Weyr> Kelset chuckles. "You sure have, Kassima. :) And you will be well rewarded for your dedication to the Cause..." ;) Benden Weyr> Meli sighs. "Not only have I not properly added to the Evil M-pire, I'm populating the T-types :b" Kelset beams Kassima a smile, nodding. "Thank you, Kassima! Though I warn you - I'll take you up on the invitation. Sleep well, and once again, congratulations to the both of you." Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "We'll forgive you, Meli. But only if your next Spawn has a K-name. ;) And hey, Tamlin's as much an Evil M-pire name as Kassima is, and I'm a member. :)" Meli murmurs something about 'babysitting' as she scooches back down in the cot. Kassima flashes Meli a brief grin, having heard the word. "Thankee, Kelt. G'night...." Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Ryibabe! :)" Kelset pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. Benden Weyr> Ryialla says, "Hullo, the world ended yet?" Benden Weyr> R'val says, "Yup, Kassi has spawned." Ryialla emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. Ryialla slips in quietly, trying not to disturb the residents. Kassima looks up at the rustling of the curtain, focusing her eyes on the newcomer. "Ryi, heyla," she says as quietly as possible, with a smile. R'val smiles over his shoulder, and waves to Ryi, "Evenin'." He murmurs. Meli drowses, half-asleep, in the next cot over, her son a small bundle beside her. Ryialla smiles warmly, making her way over to Kassi's bed. "Hello..I'm really sorry I couldn't get here until now. I was stuck at Telgar." Kassima suppresses a yawn as she replies, "Oh, 'tis all right... such things happen." She sounds rather hoarse, probably from all the cursing and screaming she indulged in earlier. She shifts the green-wrapped bundle in her arms so that Ryi can get a good look at the sleeping newborn girl said bundle contains. Player Name On For Idle Doing Kassima 13:06 0s ISpawned&TheWorldDidntEnd?Inconceivable! 45 Players logged in. Ryialla ooohs. "Oh, she's precious..looks just like you." R'val excuses himself, "G'night, new mothers!" R'val says "And you too, Evil Ryi." R'val pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. Kassima smiles, looking over Kaylira--as if she hasn't done enough gawking and staring at her today. "Everyone says that, so I guess it must be true, though I think y'can see her sire in her too if'n y'look. Her name's Kaylira, by the by." Ryialla nods. "Pretty name..how'd you come up with it? Or did it just hit you?" Kassima chuckles wryly. "Well, for all m'denials of having a proper name, I'd actually been considering several, and that one just seemed t'fit best. 'Twas planning from the start t'choose something starting with K that would be one of the traditional name-combinations, which did lower the field of choices a bit." Adjusting her daughter's blanket to make sure she's wrapped snugly, the greenrider looks up at Ryi and wonders, "Would y'like to hold her, perchance?" Ryialla practically beams. "I'd be honored." You set Kaylira down with utmost care. Ryialla carefully gathers Kaylira up into her arms. Kassima passes the child over, a bit awkwardly as she still isn't used to this business. "I figure that I can certes trust you nay t'drop her," she laughs, leaning back against her pillows again. Ryialla automatically adjusts her arms to hold the baby properly, and her face softens as she looks down at the newborn. "She is a most beautiful baby, isn't she?" Kassi asks, nearly beaming with pride. "I'truth, I can hardly believe she could possibly be mine... even after all of that pregnancy ordeal." Ryialla strokes the tiny head gently, and then touches the tiny, tiny fingers. "So small..I forgot they're so small.." Kassima comments with a touch of her usual humor, "I still can't believe she's so small, either... she certainly seemed bigger from the inside." Ryialla says "I think that's pretty standard, actually.." Kassima quirks a faint grin, watching Ryi and Kay both. "Really? You had that same phenomenon with the twins?" Ryialla nods. "Doubled." Ryialla carefully hands Kaylira back to you. Kassima gathers her daughter back into the crook of her arm, getting one of those mushy, 'Awwww, isn't that *cute*!' faces as the baby yawns. "I must say, 'tis a relief t'have her born and all, though... aside from nay longer having the birthing to dread, and hopefully soon m'old figure back, 'twill nay be too long ere I can get back t'work and to m'travelling... taking her along on the latter, a'course. Wouldn't dream of doing aught else." Ryialla says "You think you're going to raise her, then? Not foster?" "Nay sure," Kassi answers slowly. "I plan t'raise her for a time... I'll likely stay with Meli and T'lar for at least a bit longer. I can't take care of her all the time, though. 'Twas thinking of hauling one of m'cousins up from Greystones--she's always wanted t'live here, Faranth help her. She'd nay doubt be all right with moving here and taking care of Kay when I'm on-duty or something. When she's older, I'll have t'see." Ryialla says "I wish..I wish sometimes I would stuck with raising Lanryi and Rylan a little longer. But I didn't have the time to do more than feed them and keep them clean after a while..so I had to recruit help." Kassima listens, then smiles faintly after a moment's thought. "I think you did the right thing, Ryi. I hope I can bring m'self to get help once I'm to that point; the children deserve more than that, and on-duty riders can't really give them what they need... even with friends to baby-sit and whatnay," and here she waggles her eyebrows a bit, grinning ruefully, "I don't think 'twill be possible." Ryialla says "Well, some riders do manage it..although it seems to be the ones with weyrmates that do." Kassima smiles wryly. "Aye... many of whom are nonriding weyrmates. Neither of which helps me much after I move back into m'old weyr, more's the pity." Ryialla grins. "So get a weyrmate." Kassima snorts with amusement, grinning up at Ryi. "Ach, I don't think even the convenience of it would be worth the price! Aside from which, I've yet t'find one I'm suited to." Ryialla nods. "I hear you there." Ryialla says "I should let you and the babe rest.." Kassima shakes her head. "Oh, you don't have to...." The yawn she can't quite suppress belies her words, though. Ryialla smiles softly. "You're tired. Trust me on this one. Besides, I'll come back and visit after sweeps tommorrow." Kassima smiles back, indeed looking tired now that some of the excitement of the day has worn off--to say nothing of the adrenaline. "That'd be kind of you," she says through another yawn. "I think we'd both appreciate the company...." Her nod towards Meli includes her in that as well. Ryialla waves. "I'll do that, then." Ryialla slips out. Ryialla pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary.