Wedding Invitation

Writers: Paula, Eimi
Date Posted: 18th March 2011

Characters: U'kaiah, Aileyan, Ravyan
Description: Aileyan has a favor to ask of the bronzerider
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 13, day 10 of Turn 5
Notes: Mentioned: Eilomar, Merlish (not by name)

"Well, look at you!" U'kaiah grinned as he lifted the little toddle over
his head like he had many times before. Rayvan had seemed to love that,
and the bronzerider had missed his laugh far more than he had ever
thought possible the last few sevendays. He settled the boy on his hip
as he draped the other arm over Aileyan's shoulders. It just felt
natural that way. "Are you both hungry then?"

"I am," Aileyan said. She was watching them with smile on her face. Her
smile faded a bit when she remembered the letter she had received that
morning.

"Uh oh, Ravyan. Your Ma's face looks mighty serious all of a sudden."
U'kaiah hoped she wasn't having second thoughts about seeing him today.
He had made the invitation as a friend only, thinking that might make it
easier. "What is it, Aileyan?"

"I got letter from my father, well, step-father. He is getting married,
I'm invited to the Wedding and I'm supposed to arrange dragon
transportation for his wife-to-be's family," she sounded worried and
perplexed. "And it's a big family! I kind of planned to take my sister and
her family...although I probably need help in that too, because if she
takes both of her children, we won't all fit on Kjarliheth's back.."

"Oh, well, that is a problem," he said, looking down at her
thoughtfully, wondering if she was too proud to ask or not. "What are
you going to do then?"

"Ask friends for favors," Aileyan said. "I know M'non won't say no, but
since it's Turn's Beginning, many have other plans," she studied him
solemly. "As you have said you're my friend, did you happen to know any
bronzeriders who were free at the Turn's Beginning to ferry some wedding
quests from a place I've never heard before?"

He turned to look at her square in the eye. "I know every bronzerider
in the Weyr. I'm sure some of them would be free. Do you want me to
make a list for you?"

"I don't know," She wondered if she had been too vague or if he was
teasing her. "I wonder what I could have offer as a favour. Unless you
count attending the wedding itself as a reward. A wedding in Harper Hall,
long speeches, harper performances, good food, excellent music and
dancing,"
she was actually looking forward to that part herself. She wasn't sure
what she felt about Eilomar remarrying but at least the feast would be
something to remember.

"Some might be tempted, though we'll be having good food, excellent
music and dancing here, _without_ the long speeches." U'kaiah continued
to look at her expectantly, just waiting to hear the words.

"Could you be my date for the wedding party?" Aileyan asked.

U'kaiah was momentarily surprised. That hadn't been the question he had
expected her to ask. "Yes, Aileyan, I could. I would be honored." He
was rather touched that she would ask him, in fact. "And I will help
you in any way I can, because I _am_ your friend."

"Thank you," Aileyan said from the bottom of her heart. "Does that mean
I'm going to impress my step-mother's relatives with a wingleader?" she
added jokingly.

"As their ride? Or as your escort?" he asked, an eyebrow quirking
curiously.

"Both," she replied, smiling brightly.

"Well, how do you know I won't make _too_ good of an impression?"
U'kaiah's mood was turning playful to match hers. "The bride might fall
madly in love with me and leave your poor step-father standing in front
of the Harper alone."

"That would just be _his_ bad luck," Aileyan snorted.

U'kaiah wasn't sure exactly what was going through her head at that
statement. Did she feel sorry for him? Did she feel he deserved to be
toss around in love? "I suppose such a man is to be pitied, then."

"You never met master singer Eilomar I take it? She's the one you should
pity," Aileyan said with dry tone.

She had spoken about her past to him while they lay together late at
night. He knew there was a lot of pain there. Giving her shoulder a
squeeze he said, "You know, you don't have to go. We can think of an
excuse."

"Oh, but I have to go. I'm too curious to stay away," Aileyan smiled
with self-irony.

"Well, then, I will just have to impress them to the fullest." U'kaiah
could hear his stomach growl and remembered that they had met for a
reason. "What do you think, little man," he asked the boy still on his
hip. "You ready to eat something?"

"Yes! Food!" Ravyan said happily.

"I never seen him say no to a food yet," Aileyan smiled.

"Of course not, he's a boy," U'kaiah grinned, tickling the tot's tummy
fondly. "There are two things a man can never say no to - food, and a
pretty woman."

Last updated on the January 9th 2012

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Wedding Invitation