An Exam Between Friends

Writers: Suzee, AL
Date Posted: 22nd February 2011

Characters: Tavia, Vandor
Description: Tavia has her first exam
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 24 of Turn 5

Tavia

Vandor

Tavia was about half way through her shift in the infirmary when she
ran out of steam. She sat longer than she normally would have near one
of the patients. Finally she got up the energy to get moving again and
continued her rounds.

"Tavia, bring me the baskets of fresh bandages." Vandor didn't have
to raise his voice, it boomed with little effort and echoed through
the infirmary. It wasn't on purpose, that was just how well his voice
carried. "I need to take inventory."

"Sure," she responded and picked up the basket to bring them to him.
"A little slow tonight, not that I mind," she said.

"It won't be in a sevenday or so." Thread, the ever returning
enemy. It would soon keep Vandor, Tavia, and all the others busy.
"You be careful in Fall." It was a caution he always gave to any
dragonrider when the subject came up. "I want you here working, not
as a patient."

She smiled. "Thanks for the good wishes," she said. "But you'll be
able to schedule me for more shifts. I'll be taking a break from
Threadfall." She took a breath before she continued. "I'm expecting so
I'll be working the infirmary for the next few months."

"Oh really? Well then, I guess we'll be seeing more of each other."
The news wasn't a surprise. Vandor had his share of female
dragonriders, pregnant from flights or from simply being with someone
outside of a flight. It was not uncommon. "And of course, I expect
to see you for regular checkups as well."

She nodded and smiled. "Of course." she said.

The large healer gave a sidelong glance to the woman. He noted her
expression, the way she was holding herself. It didn't _seem_ any
different, but Vandor couldn't help but get the sense that something
was wrong. His eyes returned to the bandages, white rolls carefully
pulled from one basket as he counted and placed in the other. He went
through the entire basket before speaking again - no point in allowing
conversation to interfere with what needed to be done. "How far along
are you?" A polite enough question.

She smiled and shook her head. "I'm not really sure but I just found
out myself. So not long. You'd probably be able to tell better than I
can." she added.

"I'd have to do a full examination for that." Vandor wasn't a
specialised midwife, but he'd had enough experience with pregnant
women - and with delivering babies. It was just part of being a
healer. He had to admit, he enjoyed working with pregnant women. He
found the entire thing fascinating. Women were truly remarkable, to
be able to sustain life, carry a child. It was truly a beautiful
thing. Though he had a feeling if he told some women that, they'd
punch him. "When your shift is over, I'll be glad to do that for you,
give you a better sense of timing."

Vandor was a friend and they'd spent a great deal of time working
together. They'd even spent some off time having drinks or a meal on
occasion. She considered him one of her closer friends, about as close
as she let anyone. So, it felt a little awkward but she trusted him
more than just about anyone. "Sure" she said with a smile. She'd get
over the strangeness. She laughed at herself. "That would be great
Vandor, Thanks."

"For now, though, we've got inventory to take." Vandor nudged her
gently and motioned to another basket of bandages. "Mind counting
this one while I get this other one over here?" The official exam
would be later. For now, they had work to do.

"Yup," she said grabbing the basket and starting the count as he had
done the last one.

*********

Vandor stepped out so that Tavia could get dressed with some privacy.
At least, as much as the curtains afforded. He took the time to wash
his hands and think over some of the things he needed to get done
before he could wander to sleep that evening. When he felt she'd had
adequate time, he called to her to let her know he was returning and
then stepped around to the little area shaded from view. "Well now,
that wasn't too bad, was it?"

"No" she said "Just a little awkward." she said with a smile as she
shrugged on her jacket.

"It looks like you're about five weeks or so along. Still pretty
early." It still wasn't too late for her to make that choice. Not
that Vandor would suggest it. He never suggested it and didn't
particularly care for the fact that so many decided to make that
choice. It never sat well with him. He didn't condemn them,
but...well, it was still a baby. It still bothered him. "And
everything looks good. You're in good shape and I don't see any cause
for concern. Just don't go runner back riding any time soon." The
last was stated with a grin.

She chuckled. "Yes, wasn't planning on that. Though I will be climbing
Sawauth still. I'll probably be riding sweeps." her eyes rolled "Lucky
me, and some messenger duty as long as it isn't between. But I spoke
with my wingleader and I'll still have more time for the infirmary and
will probably spend the entire Threadfall here."

"Have to admit, I think I prefer that arrangement." Vandor nods in
approval. Yes, it sounded like a much better arrangement than some
greens who, though they were moved to the queen's wing, would still be
dealing with heavy bags of firestone. Vandor felt like the amount of
babies lost among them was higher than it could be because of it, but
what could he do? Thread had to be fought. "I'll be sure to put you
to work, have no fear."

She smiled "Oh somehow I didn't think you'd miss the opportunity." She
suddenly felt incredibly tired and let loose with a giant yawn.
"Sorry" she tried to say though it was hard with her mouth locked wide
open. When she was finally able she snapped her jaw shut "guess I"m
tired." she said. "I think I'll go get some sleep."

"That's a good idea. You'll be quite tired for the first few weeks,
then likely have a burst of energy after the second month or so."
Vandor did his best not to smile at the sight of that yawn, but there
was definitely amusement in his expression. "Let me know if you have
any questions or concerns."

Impulsively she threw her arms around him. "Thanks Vandor" she said
hugging him tight for a moment before stepping back. She grinned up at
the big man wishing she was tall enough to kiss his cheek too but she
settled for a pat.

"You're a good friend."

Last updated on the January 28th 2012

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An Exam Between Friends