Settling In

Writers: Devin, Dana
Date Posted: 28th December 2006

Characters: Traelyn, K'kar
Description: K'kar and Trae catch up
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 1, day 5 of Turn 4

"Well hey, K'kar," Traelyn grinned once she'd opened the door. "Nyith said that Wyverth told her you were coming up. Finding your way about okay?" Taking a step back, she ushered him inside.

"You have some very helpful people here at Dolphin Cove," the bronzerider told her.

"Mmmhmm." She eyed him slyly. "No doubt the women have been most helpful, hmm?"

He grinned. "Yes. But you do have some _very_ friendly male greenriders."

She snorted, flopping back on the sofa. "I can only imagine. They don't hit on me, you know, so I haven't experienced their amorous behavior firsthand." Looking up at him, she patted the spot next to her.

"Lucky," K'kar said as he sat down.

Curling her knees up, she scooted over until she was resting lightly against him. She had always shared a familiarity with the boys in her group growing up, and that had never really faded with the Turns. So she rested her head against his shoulder, murmuring, "I'm glad you're here, Kar."

It was only a gesture of friendship, of comfort, and he knew that. But that didn't change the way it made him feel. K'kar put his arm around her. "So tell me, what have I missed in the exciting life of Goldrider Traelyn?" It was an honest question, even if the wording was playful.

"_Lots_ of excitement," she replied dryly, thinking of a couple things in particular with a self-deprecating smile. "And all involving men. Isn't that surprising?"

"You always were popular with the boys," he said.

"Mmm." She hid a wince in his shoulder. Shards, how she knew... "I could do without that sometimes, Kar." But she didn't feel like talking about N'vanik right now. Or B'ram. Maybe especially B'ram. Time to move the conversation back to him. "But you know what it's like. You were always one to please the girls back then..." Her expression had changed from somber to gently teasing as she looked up at him.

"I can't help being this handsome and charming," he grinned. "But then I found Em, and things changed." K'kar's grin faded. "And now . . ." He shrugged. "Maybe I'll start pleasing the girls again."

She hadn't meant to touch on his pain. "I'm sorry, Kar..."

"I'll be okay," he said. "It'll just . . . take some getting used to." After turns of being with Emolli, suddenly having a life without her was strange. And lonely.

"Yeah... You know...you know I've been there too." Traelyn lifted her face to his, continuing softly, "Don't be alone a lot, okay? It feels worse when you're on your own."

"I'm not alone. I've got you." K'kar hugged Trae to him briefly. "And B'ram's here too. Half the old group is here now."

Shards, if only he knew... She resisted the urge to hide her eyes against his shoulder. "Mmmhmm. Have you seen him yet?"

"Not yet. I've been busy getting unpacked and settling in."

**Good.** "Speaking of settling in..." A new light gleamed in her eyes, and her expression turned impish as she slipped out from beneath his arm. "I have a new bottle of white that has been chilling. I think we should try it out."

"That's an excellent thought." K'kar smiled and leaned forward on the couch. "There aren't many better ways to settle in than wine with a good friend."

Last updated on the December 29th 2006

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Settling In