Something To Think About

Writers: AL, Kaysea
Date Posted: 17th October 2008

Characters: J'gen, Irlani, Gyta
Description: J'gen, Irlani, and Gyta have dinner together and J'gen realises something.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 12, day 12 of Turn 4

Irlani still had a cough, one that lingered despite having rid herself
of any other symptoms. It was always worse when she woke up, would
get better as the day wore on only to return as the late afternoon
would creep up. She had returned to her duties, taking a rambunctious
Ravyan and a quiet Gyta, glad to be back to their normal routine. She
had also returned to J'gen's weyr, his quarters providing much more
space than her little one could afford. Ravyan was still there when
he returned, though it was obvious that she was gathering up their
things to take him back to his mother.

"How did your day go?" he asked, trying to appear more energetic than
he felt. The little boy's presence not something that pleased him on
this day, but he did his best not to show that either. The day had
been long and heartbreaking for all in the infirmary as two dragons
went between following Fall the day before. One had only been a year
out of weyrlinghood, and the other almost ready to retire, both had
lacked the concentration to manage a complete Fall and had made stupid
mistakes - such a waste and a loss the Weyr couldn't afford.

"It was good." Irlani looked up from where she was gathering toys and
smiled brightly at the bronzerider. It faded when she saw the
expression on his face. "Is something wrong?"

"No, I'm fine, just a little tired." he answered. "You're looking a
little brighter than you have been, I guess the healers tea works
afterall?" he asked, teasingly.

"Seems to." Irlani relinquished one of the toys that she had picked up
when Ravyan came bouncing over her, vocally protesting its putting
away. "I still have a lingering cough, but other than that and getting
tired a little easier, I'm doing fine."

"Well, you have your hands full all day. Are you sure you didn't
return to looking after the children, well Ravyan, a little too soon?
I thought you'd give yourself a little more time, to be honest."

"No, I'm fine." Irlani shook her head as she bent down to pick up the
two turn old. "I enjoy my duties and wanted to come back as soon as
possible."

"Okay, but please - don't exhaust yourself with your duties." he
chucked the little on under the chin as he walked past. "I think I'll
go and have a quick bathe, would you care to join Gyta and I for the
evening meal?" he hoped she would say yes, he enjoyed spending time
with her - she had become a part of his family, whether she realised
it or not.

"Certainly." Irlani shifted the boy from one hip to the other. "I'll
just go take Ravyan back to his mother while you bathe. Shall I meet
you back here or at the entrance to the Dining cavern?

"Here if you like? That way we can all walk down together, alright?"
he asked, almost leaning over to drop a small peck on her cheek, but
stopping before he made a fool of himself. Too familiar - to
comfortable, that was the problem.

"Here is fine - closer to Aileyan's where so I won't be so long I don't
think." Of course, by the time he bathed and all, they would probably
have both made it to the Dining cavern at the same time anyway. The
foster mother reached down to stroke Gyta's hair. "I'll be back in a
bit."

* * *

He had bathed quickly, and dressed in a dark blue pair of trous and
tunic to match, he felt a little better than he had when he had
arrived back in his rooms. Gyta was sitting quietly, watching his
comb his hair, she was all ready to leave when a knock came at the
door. She skipped across the room to the door way.

"Hello, love." Irlani's familiar voice was accompanied by an immediate
hug, even though she had seen the child only a few moments prior. "Are
you both ready?"

Gyta nodded and took Irlani's hand, dragging her back into the room.

"Oh good, you timed that well." J'gen turned around and smiled
welcomingly. "We're all set."

"Impeccable, eh?" Irlani laughed softly. "We should probably go
before I faint from hunger."

"You're feeling weak?" J'gen stepped forward, holding out his hand,
"You _did_ overwork yourself today." he declared, worry creasing his
brow.

"It was more a figure of speech than anything." Irlani wasn't about to
give too much indication as to exactly how tired, and yes even weak,
she felt. She could rest after dinner.

He slipped his arm through hers. "Even if its a figure of speech, I'd
still like to walk you down to the dining cavern, assisted. If that's
alright with you?" He looked down and met her eyes, even if she
wasn't willing to admit it, she wasn't back to her old self, and he
could tell. He held out his hand, and Gyta took it. "This is nice,
being escorted by my two favourite girls."

"I suppose I can allow that." Irlani gave a light laugh. "Though I
haven't been a _girl_ in quite some time."

"You are to me." he said lightly, smiling warmly. "Come on, let's
dine. My stomach feels as if my throat's been cut!"

"I've been reduced to nothing more than a girl." Irlani shook her
head, but didn't release the hold upon his arm. "Ah well, I suppose
that shall have to do."

"I would have thought that would have been a compliment?" he chuckled
softly.

"It depends on who says it I suppose." Irlani countered with a glance
up at the bronzerider.

"Oh, now don't I feel put in my place?" he asked, pulling the door
closed behind them.

* * *

"I'll go find a seat, and you two can go and choose your meals, okay?"
he asked, releasing them both as they entered the dining cavern.

"Certainly." J'gen, always the gentleman. Irlani let her hand curl
around Gyta's and she smiled to her foster daughter. "Hungry?"

With a nod Gyta started to lead Irlani through the tables. J'gen watched
them go, then made his way through the tables towards their usual table. A
smile crossed his face again as he went over their playful conversation on
the way to the dining cavern. She was good company, even in her delicate
state. He didn't feel as bad now, as he had when he first arrived back at
his quarters, his day had improved the moment he had entered his rooms and
seen her face. It certainly gave him something to think about.

Last updated on the October 18th 2008

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Something To Think About