Meeting the Family

Writers: Devin, Clancey
Date Posted: 20th December 2006

Characters: D'ren, Dysali
Description: D'ren takes Dysali to meet his family.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr, Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 13, day 30 of Turn 3

"Are you ready for the big day?" D'ren asked as he strapped a last package onto Menanth. He was nervous about taking Dysali along to meet his family. What would they think of her? Would they like her? What would his family think of their relationship?

Dysali was nervous too. In fact, she was fretting like a feline surrounded by canines. She didn't know if she wanted to run or lash out. Lillyth was also on the ledge, and they had yet to decide if they were both flying on Menanth, or if she would bring Lillyth. It would feel very strange to leave her dragon in the Weyr, and she wasn't sure she wanted to leave her at all, never mind just in the Weyr.

This was a big step for them, and they had only just had that disagreement at Turn's End. She hoped his family would like her; she was already sure she would love them. "I'm nervous, D'ren. What if they don't like me, or think its odd I grew up with no parents or siblings..or that we're too young .. or something..." Her voice was pitiful, just short of whining. She went to lean on Lillyth, who crooned affectionately. "I'm nervous too," he admitted. "But don't worry. I'm sure they'll like you." He walked over and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Why don't we ride separately? Menanth and Lillyth can keep each other company while we're there."
Having her dragon there would also make Dysali feel more at ease.

Her relief was almost tangible, and even Lillyth bugled her agreement. She didn't want her rider going off alone, feeling the way she was feeling.
Especially not when Menanth was telling her that his was feeling just as silly.

}: We do not understand why you are feeling scared. Like when Thread falls and we have to carry firestone sacks. You should not be, Menanth says. His will take good care of you, he always does.:{ Lillyth's wise words and the sweet kiss from D'ren put a big grin on her face and she pulled her lover close for a hug. "Thank you, love. I know we'll be fine."
*~*~*~

Menanth bugled a greeting as they began to circle down for a landing. Tiny figures came out of the cothold and the barn, waving. D'ren waved back and had the dragons land on a small hilltop, well away from the few animals his family kept. Smiling, D'ren hopped off his bronze and turned to Dysali. "Here comes my little brother." He pointed to the boy racing toward them.

Lillyth landed beside Menanth, looking curiously toward the people making their way toward the smallish green and large bronze figures. Dysali chuckled as the boy racing toward them arrived and the cold of /between/ faded rapidly at the warm greeting D'ren and his little brother were sharing. Dysali smiled as she joined them on the ground with an affectionate pat on Lillyth's shoulder. She looked toward the rest of the group, suddenly secure in meeting them. She waved toward them shyly, then turned her attention to D'ren's little brother, the closest of the lot, and smiled warmly at him. "Hi there. I'm Dysali." "I'm Dennever," the boy said, looking up at the greenrider. Then he turned and walked toward Menanth.

D'ren gave her an apologetic smile. "He's more interested in dragons." The bronzerider had barely finished the sentence when he was pounced.

"Doren!" the girl cried happily, hugging him. "Oops. It's D'ren now. I keep forgetting."

"Renil, this is Dysali," D'ren introduced. "Dysali, this is my sister Renil."

Renil held out her hand. "So nice to meet you."

Dysali shook Renil's hand with a warm smile, all of her nervousness bubbling right back to the surface. "And you, Renil. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you." She waved toward the group coming to meet them, trying not to show how nervous she truly was. To distract herself, she said to Renil, "This is my dragon, Lillyth." The green turned eyes whirling with curiosity to the young girl, and then to the other folk. "Nice to meet you Lillyth." Renil made a small curtsy as the rest of the family arrived. D'ren introduced Dysali to his two older brothers and his parents. "Come on inside, the food is almost ready," his mother said. D'ren gave Dysali an encouraging smile as they made their way down to the cothold. Inside, they were greeted by the warm smell of baking. Entering the dining room, D'ren held a chair out for Dysali and then sat down next to her. "Doing ok?" he whispered.

Dysali was swimming in a cloud of emotions; most of them were very good. She thought briefly of the 8 turn old memories she had of her parents; she'd had no siblings so D'ren's family seemed much..bigger. It made her hope even more strongly they'd accept her, and like her. At D'ren's soft whisper, she smiled at him. "Yes.. they're quite wonderful. I haven't been part of a real family for so many turns." She squeezed his hand gently under the table. "Thanks for bringing me here with you, love."

"I'm glad you came." D'ren returned the squeeze as the rest of his family took their seats and his mother came in with the first dish of the meal.

Last updated on the December 20th 2006

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Meeting the Family