You're Not Alone In This Pt 2
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Avery, Paula
Date Posted: 20th August 2015
Characters: Lenala, A'kades
Description: Lenala has some unexpected news for A'kades.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 1, day 24 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Rhosyn; Pt 2 of 2
"Thank you, A'kades," she rested her head against his chest. "The problem is that one part of me doesn't want children, while the other part finds the idea of short trip /between/ repulsive. I'm hold-bred-I was raised to be someone's trophy-wife and mother to his children. Things like that don't just go away, they just got buried under all the other things I am now." It was a huge revelation to her. The knowledge she was pregnant seemed to bring all kind of things from her childhood and youth bubbling into surface.
So they had a similar background, from outside the Weyr and so traditional in nature. He kissed the top of her head reassuringly. Did some part of her still think of herself as a trophy? Did that explain some things? Like how she'd let some jerks walk over her...
The similarities made it hard to figure out what to say. The bronzerider was starting to feel like his encouragement to do what was best for her would lead her to the trip /between/. He wanted to have another child - to have this child of theirs that Lenala was telling him about - but he didn't want to push her into anything she didn't want. So while his heart constricted, he tried to let his head rule.
His baritone was soft and reassuring, the kind he used when talking with weyrlings or young wingriders about their options. "You might have been raised and told to have children, but you don't have to be a trophy and let others decide for you now. That's what being here gives you. Freedom."
If Lenala had know what A'kades was thinking, she would have told him that yes, she still thought herself as trophy, trophy-goldrider instead of trophy wife. But she didn't so she just sighed. "I need think this through, very carefully," she said.
"I'll always be here to talk to about it," he assured. "You've got some time to think about what you want to do, right?"
"Yes, some time. I've only started to show the signs now. Which is why I went to healers," Lenala replied. But she knew she didn't have that much time. The earlier the pregnancy was aborted, the safer it was for the rider. She knew this in the detached way all female riders knew.
"Have you told anyone else?" He hoped the healers would be discreet enough not to share the gossip.
"No, not yet. I need to tell Rhosyn at some point but there's no rush. I'm grounded anyways with Vilarth being expecting."
"I hope she doesn't push you into a choice you don't want. She is rather forceful."
"I know," Lenala murmured.
"I'd stand up to her if you need me to," he promised.
"I may have to hold you to that promise," she warned. Leaning against him like this felt so right. A little thought slithered in: would having his baby be so terrible after all? "And if I decide to keep it, will you support me through it all?" she was afraid of the pregnancy and birthing.
The cool fist around his heart relaxed as he thought about having another child. "Of course I will. I'd love to have another child. I'd do everything you asked."
"I don't want to be alone with this," she said softly.
"You won't be," he promised.
"You're wonderful, did you know that?" she had to stand on her toes to reach to kiss him.
His lips met hers and he pulled her against him. Whatever happened with her, he'd be there.
Last updated on the September 7th 2015