An Unexpected Turn of Events

Writers: Ames, Devin, Suzee
Date Posted: 21st February 2019

Characters: T'nom, Z'ku, Pierka
Description: T'nom's attempts to reassure the couple are interrupted.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 9, day 14 of Turn 9

T'nom

Z'ku

Pierka

It felt good to be _home_ again. He had needed the time away to clear
his head, to focus his mind, and to find a new path for himself. T'nom
had done all that during the last Turns at Dragsonsfall. While he had
grown, matured, and set himself onto a new path there, he had always
felt a call to return home to the Weyr that had made him a rider.
There were other reasons for his return, and one of them was the
little toddler he saw as he walked into the dining cavern.

He stood in the entry, just watching for a time. He knew he hadn't
truly _been_ there during these past few turns the way he had hoped he
would be, but he _had_ visited from time to time. He knew Kazom didn't
truly _know_ him. He was just someone who visited sometimes. T'nom
knew that Pierka and Z'ku had made a good family together for Kazom.
He had no intentions of changing that. He had chosen a path to success
over the past turns and as part of that he accepted that at least for
now, he would simply be a _relative_ to the child. When he was older,
he hoped he could explain more who he really was, but he knew it would
be too confusing for such a young child. He just wanted to have a
small part in his son's life now that he was back.

He walked up to the table where the young rider he'd held feelings for
in the past now sat. He had seen her from afar during many of his
visits, talked with her briefly from time to time, but now they would
be interacting a lot more often, so it was time to truly talk and put
bygones by the wayside.

"Pierka," T'nom said as he approached the table, "can I join you?"

"Hullo T'nom," she said rather warily. Her knee pressed against
Z'ku's under the table. "How are you," she asked noting the Dolphin
Cove knots on his shoulder.

"So you've transferred." Z'ku couldn't keep an edge of hostility out
of his voice. While everything had worked out for him and Pierka, Z'ku
couldn't forget the way T'nom had hurt her.

He knew this was going to be hard, but it was time to put the past
truly behind them and hopefully build a small footbridge between them.
He didn't long for anything more than some type of relationship with
his son, hopefully without hostility from Pierka or Z'ku in the
process. They didn't have to be friends, but at least cordial would be
nice. Anything more would be just extra.

He slid into a seat at the table across from them. "Yes, I'm back,
here, _home_. Dolphin Cove has always felt like home since the moment
I arrived here." He held up his hands in a gesture to let him continue
before anyone interrupted.

"I know things didn't go originally how _any_ of us had planned, but
life happens, and it turned out pretty good for you both," he
shrugged, and continued, "I am _not_ here to intervene in your
relationship or ruin the family unit you have made. I'm here because
_here_ is home to me. I've visited Kazom over the turns, but not
nearly as much as I could or _should_ have. It's not as easy to be on
the outside as you may think, but regardless, I could have done more.
Before you say anything, just let me finish," he knew they likely were
worried and uncertain of his intentions. "I only want to continue to
have some role in Kazom's life, hopefully see him more than I have,
with your permission of course. I know he calls you da," he looked to
Z'ku, "I get it. It makes sense. You've been here for him, both of you
and I thank the stars for that. He doesn't need to know me as his
father now. It would confuse him. I just want to be a real part of his
life in the here and now. He can learn the truth later, when he's
older." T'nom stopped, let out his breath now that he had said his
piece. He finally settled into his chair while he waited to hear what
they had to say.

Pierka tucked her hand into K'zom's under the table. Her other lay on
her very pregnant belly during the entire speech she simply held on.
But she was uncomfortable and had been off and on all morning. Now a
particularly strong twinge made her squirm in her chair and grunt with
a frown. Then her eyes widened and she looked at Z'ku, "My water just
broke. I think I'm in labor."

Z'ku jumped up and fought off a wave of panic. He'd been here before,
they both had. "Do you think you can make it to the infirmary? Do you
need me to carry you?"

T'nom pushed back from the table, not really sure what to do or say.
"Uh.' He looked between the two of them. "I think I should go. Unless
you need me to get a healer for you?"

When she came out of the contraction she struggled to her feet and
leaned against Z'ku. "Can you just run ahead and tell the healers
we're coming," she asked T'nom and then she nodded at Z'ku to pick her
up. His sleave would get wet but that was better than her trying to
walk it and have to stop every couple of minutes.

"Uh, yeah, you got it!" T'nom said, actually glad for a reason to
leave and let the two of them deal with the experience together. In a
flash, he left the dining chamber and headed straight for the healers
to let them know. Activity started bustling around him as some of the
healers headed off to try and help the pair along the way, while
others prepared the room for what was to come. T'nom slipped quietly
out. He hoped his message of wanting to be part of Kazom's life
without stepping on their toes had reached them both before the
activity happened, but it would all wait for another day. Now, he knew
Pierka and Z'ku had much bigger things to deal with. He quietly wished
them both well while he disappeared.

Z'ku easily scooped up Pierka and then looked down at their son. "We
need someone to watch Kazom." His mind was spinning with fear and
excitement.

Of course they'd attracted attention with her sudden groans and moans.
An nearby greenrider hopped up and grabbed Kazom. "Who's his foster
mother," she asked.

"Loriet," Pierka managed to gasp.

"I'll get him there," she promised. "I've got this," she looked
directly at Z'ku.

Another contraction started and Pierka moaned. "Go please," she begged
Z'ku and hid her face in his neck

Z'ku tried to hurry while also being gentle.

}:Your egg is hatching?:{ Xemroth asked, concerned about his rider's
intense emotions.

**Yes, very soon now.** The infirmary wasn't far but it seemed to take
forever. Finally, they neared the entrance and healers came out to meet
them.

Last updated on the February 28th 2019

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An Unexpected Turn of Events