Anybody Out There

Writers: AL, Heather K
Date Posted: 16th June 2011

Characters: E'ril, Meledei
Description: E'ril brings Meledei her dinner and the two chat about life and love.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 2, day 24 of Turn 6

Meledei would have plunked into the seat except that her thigh and hip
wouldn't have cared so much for that. She was in a less than happy
mood and she sighed as she waited for someone to bring her food. Maybe
she should have just had dinner in her weyr. Her foul mood would
probably just rub off on anyone else she was with. But she was there
now, no point in getting up and heading back to her weyr. Besides, she
did have more work to do in the record's room and it was a shorter trip
from the dining hall than it was from her weyr.

Having intercepted the drudge with Meledei's meal in kitchens, E'ril now
strode over to her table with her tray of food. "I thought you could
maybe use some company at this empty table of yours," he said with a
smile as he put the tray down in front of her. "Besides, I was
hoping to catch a cup of klah and a bite before class." Glancing at her
face, he noticed that she seemed off and her spark was not as bright
today. "Something troubling you? Look like you've got something on your
mind."

"Oh, I'm just getting frustrated, that's all." Meledei smiled a little
and motioned to the chair across from her. "Just tired of being on
these crutches and having to depend on others, even if it's just with
little things."

"Sorry to her that, Mel. I would ask if there was anything I could do
for you but it sounds like that's the opposite of what you want. I do
offer a ear to listen if you feel like venting. I'm particularly good
at that." He took a sip of his klah and sat down, ready for anything
she could throw at him.

So few people called her Mel anymore since her Impression that it took
Meledei a moment to realise he'd used her old nickname. She gave him a
rueful smile - and here she thought she had escaped it! So much for
that! "Well, I'm not dumb enough_not_ to accept help. It's just
frustrating, that's all. At least its temporary." The sooner she
could walk on her own two feet, the better. "And it's not as bad as it
_could_ have been." She could have lost her leg permanently!

**Note to self, don't use Meledei's nickname,** E'ril thought as he
chided himself for letting it slip. This whole injury thing really had
her worked up it seemed. "Yes, thankfully it wasn't too bad. Is there
anything you need then since I really should have asked? I don't mean
just things like a cup of klah or a roll or something. What does
Meledei really need?"

"Meledei really needs her leg back." Meledei leaned over a little to
look down at the leg in question then sighed. "Just want to be back to
normal, that's all. Think you can do that?" She grinned then, knowing
full well the answer. "If you could, you'd be the greatest Healer in
all Pern!"

"I think that request is a little over my head, sorry. Healing skills
aren't exactly in my repertoire," he shrugged, feeling the scar on his
shoulder pull as he did so. "But really, besides the obvious issues with
your leg, what do you need these days? Friend to friend."

"Oh, I don't know." Meledei shrugged and started to smile but it
faded. The sight of someone else drew her attention and she frowned
then looked away. "Could always use someone to give F'gol a right good
beating." It still bothered her. And some days it bothered her more
than others - and today was one of those, probably thanks to her foul
mood to begin with.

She must be in a rough mood then to say a thing like that. Meledei
wasn't normally that violent, even in regards to a certain bluerider.
"I'm sure there are plenty of young men around that would love to
deliver such a beating in your name. All you'd have to do is ask. Is
there anyone that has helped erase him from your heart though? Someone
that has captured your attentions perhaps?" There of course had been
talk about Meledei and T'nom but E'ril would only believe the rumors if
she herself admitted to them having any truth.

Meledei sighed. "I'm not ready for that. I've been hurt once. I
don't want to rush into another relationship when I'm still obviously
not over that one." The goldrider cast a glance to the bluerider in
question, but he was headed out the door and disappeared almost as soon
as she spotted him again. "And I have friends. Guys I think it would
be nice to have more with, but it might be best to wait before I
really seriously think about going down that road."

"I see." The bluerider barely had time to catch a glimpse of the man in
question but he didn't need to see who she was referring to know. That
was the thing about the Weyr. There really was no true escape from
people you wish would just go away. They were still just sort of around
and it made things hard at times to not be able to get away. "Well, no
sense rushing into things I suppose. You'll know when you're ready.
You're young and have time. The same can't be said for all of us."

"You're not_that_ old." Meledei was glad to get off the subject of
_him_. "I'm sure plenty of gals and guys have the hots for you, you
just don't notice!"

She was right, he really wasn't _that_ old. He had been just feeling a
bit lonely lately was all. "Well, if they're out there they should make
themselves known. It would be much appreciated."

"Some people are shyer than others. Or maybe they're waiting to get to
know you better before trying to start a relationship. Still, you
shouldn't give up. I mean, who knows, you may find someone right under
your nose!" Meledei hoped that when the time came it would be so easy
for her. Of course, there was Z'ku, but did she return the feelings?
She liked him as a friend, but was there more? She didn't know. And
right now, she just wasn't ready to try and find out. Not yet.

Right under his nose. Last he checked the only people that were right
under his nose as of late were weyrlings and his co-staffers. None in
those circles of weyrfolk struck him as 'interested.' "Keep an ear and
an eye out for me then. I'll be the first to admit I'm not the most
observant guy."

"All right E'ril. Will do." Meledei stated and offered him a small
smile.

Last updated on the June 17th 2011

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