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Flower Child


Date:  May 25, 2003
Place:  Lysseth and Kassima's Weyr
Game:  PernMUSH
Copyright Info:  The World of Pern is copyright(c) to Anne McCaffrey 
l967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.

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Kassi's Note:  The visits to Kassi and Kaswyn continue, with May the
visitor this time and with a new set of gifts in store.  By the end
of the evening, Kassi will be wondering how she ever rated a friend
like Maylia--and for once, that's meant in the positive rather than
despairing way. 0:)

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The Log:

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Tierth's mindvoice is, of course, in the
here-and-now, though it blurrs around the outer edges into thoughts of
humid heat, beaches and tropical trees waving in salt-scented breezes. 
<< My rider wishes to know if she may visit yours, and the little-yours? >>
she asks, polite as ever.

Lysseth> Tierth senses that Lysseth's crystal spire-forest is half dreamy
by contrast, though it's less sleep that gives it that faintly unreal
quality than wandering thought. Perhaps she can thus be forgiven for being
distracted momentarily by the images of such warmth as she's not been able
to enjoy for some time, especially since she does at brief length answer,
<< Yes, mine would welcome her. >> Amusement trickles through. << As much
as she loves him, I think she is starting to go slightly stir-crazy, with
only the hatchling for human company. You would think I was chopped liver. >>

Tierth backwings for a landing.

Maylia slides to the ground, giving Tierth a parting caress and a tender
smile.

Tierth glides to a graceful landing, careful not to crowd too close up to
Lysseth. That just wouldn't do. Her rider quickly and easily dismounts - an
indication that she'd either not bothered with riding straps, or undone
them on the approach. She's bearing a bundle of stiffened wherhide, handled
carefully, and a small satchel as well. "Evening, Lysseth," May greets,
then frowns slightly. "You smell a sight bit better than chopped liver, I
assure you. And probably better than ... well, you know." From the wrinkle
of her nose, she means diapers. With that, she's off, further into the weyr
to visit.

No, no, that wouldn't do at all. Some of the bronzes might see and get
Ideas, and start needling them to do a double flight with maybe some hot
green-on-green action. Lysseth's taken up a side of the ledge for
sprawling, thankfully, so there's room enough, both for Tierth to perch and
for May to get into the weyr; the grey-touched green rumbles with laughter
as the other's rider passes by. "Oh, quite better than you-know," Kassima
assures once May's in the weyr proper, grinning wryly. And little wonder:
she's seated cross-legged on the weyr floor near the bed, in a robe and
hair loosely braided, apparently just finishing up the changing of one of
those you-knows since she's deftly knotting her son's swaddling closed.
"Shells, everyone's coming in with bundles! Given that 'tis you, I don't
know whether t'be touched, or afraid--it might," she teases as she scoops
Kaswyn up from the floor, cuddling him in close to try and soothe his
post-changing crankiness, "be crabapple catsup."

Maylia tilts her ear back towards the ledge, as Tierth settles herself,
careful to ensure that not only does she not come close to the other green,
that her *tail* is as far away as possible. No. Green-on-green is not her
schtick. At all. So they have no problem. Maylia quirks a little grin,
knowing this arrangment, before coming all the way into the weyr proper.
"Well, you-knows aren't exactly fragrant in a nice way, now are they?" she
asks, letting the grin expand. "And of course we're all coming in with
bundles! What do you expect, we'd not do it with this one 'cause he's
number seven?" She blanches a little, shifting the bundles so the satchel
swings a little behind her. "Okay, okay, there *is* that stuff in here, but
my mom insisted, and I was just going to keep it quiet and take it back to
my weyr. I swear it's not contaminated the other stuff, and she did send a
nice crocheted outfit for him. You're okay? Surviving, recovering, all that
stuff?"

Kassima agrees fervently, "They most assuredly are nay." But after saying
this, she glances down at her whimpering child and assures him, "Nay that
you're nay worth it, m'love, but someday you'll understand. I still don't
know what I did t'be deserving friends like you, May--and Ryialla, and
I'sai; they sent gifts too. And V'dan's been bringing me puddings, bless
him." Shifting Kaswyn to a one-armed hold, she scoops up the diaper pail as
she stands, the better to take it somewhere nice and unobtrusive--read, out
of smelling range--before returning to sit on the bed and give May a drolly
amused look. "I guess I should just be glad you didn't bring that by a'fore
he was born--he might've come early! Sit down if'n you like? Pull up a box,
or there's space on the bed? Bless your mother! I have some clothes for
him, a'course--look at what Kat sent," and she tugs the forest green baby
blanket aside a bit to better show off the tiny black shirt the baby's
wearing, embroidered with silver daggers. "But warm things are more'n
welcome, and 'tis so nice of her t'be thinking of me. As t'recovering,
m'legs are *finally* starting t'speak t'me again. I should be able t'leave
the weyr soon. Though I can't say I look forward t'the first time I try and
sit astride Lyss, if'n you get m'meaning."

Maylia curls up a leg, and sits herself on the bed, noting, "Boxes are more
comfortable than I'd think, but after a day of drills and sweeps, then my
parent's hard chairs, I'm looking for something more comfortable. Puddings,
hmm? Well, let me know if there's anything you're wanting. Here - have a
look at these, and I'll haul out the other things, hmmm?" The stiffened
hide package is offered, already indicating that the contents are tropical
blossoms, by the scent. A fresh change, perhaps, from diapers. "Charming!
Those knives are well-done, too. Can almost tell the weight of the haft.
Mom's sendings are warm, here, see?" They're not wrapped especially, but
instead are just pulled out of the satchel. Mostly red, the little
sweater-and-cap are detailed with black and white lines, bright enough for
cheerfullness, yet not so vibrant as to look offensive. "I'm surprised that
after the first three or four you didn't think to rig up a side-saddle,
like the ladies of the Holds use when riding runners. At least that'd get
you from here to the living caverns or springs in better comfort?"

Kassima kisses Kaswyn's forehead, then turns about to settle him down onto
the bed too, nestled amongst the pillows so he's unlikely to wriggle away.
Not that he's *that* motion-capable yet, being only a few days old and all,
but it never does to underestimate the escaping powers of a baby. He feebly
attempt to kick the blanket away, but otherwise accepts the change with
something like grace. Kassi's arms free, she's able to take the package and
open it to admire some of the flowers with a deeply inhaled breath. "'Tis
like a bit of Boll here, since we can't go!" she says, clearly pleased. "I
love 'em. 'Twill have t'get a container with water t'put 'em in so they'll
last a bit--or mayhaps I should dry 'em... well, I could do both. They
*are* well-embroidered, aren't they? If'n Kat's going t'persist in trying
t'pursue my affections, I can't complain when she's doing it with free
quality clothing for the lad-ling, with nary a trace of pink on it
anywhere." Shuddering, she confides, "'Twas nigh afraid she'd send him
things covered with lace... oh! May, those are perfect!" She frees one hand
to reach out and try to touch the crocheted material. "Just what he'll need
when winter comes. Which is blessedly soon. A good time t'be getting back
into condition, when our Falls are less frequent anyway--truth, when I can
get away with it I do plan t'go without straps and sit a bit more
comfortably, if'n nay sidesaddle. Just don't tell any of the Weyrlingmaster
team. They'd probably give me Looks for setting a bad example."

Maylia admits, "Thought of putting some sand in with the flowers," with a
grin, "to add to the effect, but figured that'd get messy." The bouquet is
predominantly white flowers that scent the night air, but accented with
vines bearing brilliant blue blossoms, and a flame-red and yellow petalled
one in the middle. "Enjoy them for a few days, they'll smell nice, then dry
them?" she suggests, then offers, "If you dont have a vase, I'll bring one
up later. Nah, I nixed lace from my mom, at least. But with Kat, you never
know, huh?" She snorts, at the bad example idea. She's not exactly known
for setting the best examples lately, now that she doesn't have to worry,
and having *trained* the weyrlingmaster isn't likely to have to answer to
anything. "You must be going nuts in here. Need anything? Want anything?
Got enough of everything?"

"And Kazy'd probably be a *bit* miffed if'n sand got into his swaddling,"
Kassi agrees, nevertheless entertained by the concept. She touches the
petals of each different-colored blossom gently, careful not to bruise
them. "May, this is delightful. I don't know who else would think t'bring
me flowers. Could you, with a vase? I can't honestly recall whether I do
have one, it's been so long; I have a pitcher, but that lacks a certain
elegance. And *tell* me about it, with Kat." She rolls her eyes skyward for
emphasis. "I told you about her latest infatuation, didn't I? Need, want--I
don't suppose you've a way t'make me instantly back in shape, or some means
of letting me drink again without it harming Kaswyn while I'm nursing him,
d'you? I'd pay a bundle for those things. By and large, though, I'm all
right. Could mayhaps use a bit more fresh fruit and juice, but you
shouldn't be worrying about such things."

Maylia flashes a good-natured grin, then suggests, "I should've put the
sand in a bottle, or something. Next time. So you've got your own little
reminder of Boll, for when you can't go. Well, use a pitcher for now, but
I'll bring up a vase for you. The white lillies should keep blooming for a
while, there're a few that haven't yet opened, but they will." She gives a
sympathetic grin for Kat's attentions. "Artists - whether they're painting,
or making clothes, are odd folk. My sister's got some interesting stories
about Katlynn, let me tell you. But then, Zerra's an odd one herself. Now,
instant back in shape, can't help you. Nursing ... well, see about a wet
nurse, is the only advice I can suggest to avoid that problem. At least if
you drink, he'll sleep better? Countless holder girls use that trick, I'm
told." Her tone of voice just reeks of her opinion of this. "Fruit and
juice. I should've brought you fruit from Boll, shardit! But I'll see what
I can do. And who else'll worry about this stuff? Hmmm?"

"Y'know, I like that idea--Lyss probably would, too. Y'know how
Boll-obsessed she is, and mayhaps she'd nag about it a *bit* less if'n
'twere a piece of Boll here for her to see." There's a sleepy snort from
outside. Yeah, keep dreaming, Kassi. "I'll get the pitcher--" She sets the
flowers gently down on the bed, and gets up to fetch that implement,
already filled with water. "Tell me the stories? Is Kat in love with your
sister, too?" she wonders, as she slips the flowers into the water with
care. "Nay for the wet nurse. You're nay the first t'suggest it, and
'twould make a certain sense, but I rebel at the notion. He's *my* son,
taking care of that is *my* job and privelege. And it does make the weight
drop faster besides... oh, do nay be tempting me, when he's around teething
time." She crinkles her nose at the thought. "Pshhh! The flowers alone are
enough and beautiful! Thankee for thinking of me, though. I'm sure Ozy'd do
his best if'n he had the time--he's very considerate when he's here... let
me break his hand and everything, y'know. Did I show you the quilt he made
for me?" Pause. Sheepish pause. "For that matter, have I properly shown off
m'son? Faranth. Y'know you're nay getting enough sleep when." When she's
settled back on the bed, she picks the baby back up to cradle. The talk of
the adults would seem to have bored him to sleep.

Maylia reaches over to wriggle fingers in Kaswyn's field of view, testing
to see if he's learned the Threat of Being Tickled yet. "Then that's what
I'll do," she says, focussing on her own hand. "Bring some sand for you -
even just a little bit, so you've got some." She's soon aware that he's
sleeping, and looks a little sheepish. "He's beautiful, you know? And I
don't blame you, about the wet nurse idea. I sure couldn't do it. Let's
see," she puts on her 'let me think' face. "Zerra tells me that she's more
than a little eccentric, what with her fashion ideas, and all. Then there
was something about pushing people into dying vats. And embarassing new
journeymen, though that's standard, I'd think?" Her half-tales dwindle,
watching the baby in Kassi's arms. "Well, if you're not getting to sleep,
and if you'd like a hand, let me know. You need your sleep. I could come
over and rock him or hold him, and let you get some snoring time in."

Well, maybe not entirely asleep--Kaswyn's eyes do open a fraction, still
the misty blue common to newborns and still not quite adept at focusing on
those fingers. One of his hands does try to wriggle free of the blanket as
though to reach for them; Kassi shifts the cloth a bit to facilitate this
process. "You're magnificent, May," the greenrider informs her mentee
warmly. "When I'm on m'feet again, fully, I want t'try and pay you back for
all this kindness, y'hear? I'd offer t'watch Tasayli for you sometimes or
something, but Tasa might be offended by the notion she'd need a keeper." A
soft smile lights her face at the compliment to her child. "He really is.
He's perfect. Methinks his hair's going t'be curly, like Ozy's, but black
like mine... hard t'tell yet for the rest. But I don't really care *what*
he looks like. He looks like himself, m'son; and I love him, and that's
enough." It's a good thing Kaswyn doesn't seem to notice all this gushing.
He might get a swelled head. "Well... aye, that all sounds familiar. You
know she's carrying a baby by Is now, don't you? I wonder if'n that's nay
making her even weirder than usual. Faranth--if'n you mean that, I might
take you up on that, I should be warning. I want time with him, I love time
with him, but I've done this a few too many times t'nay know how much sleep
I'm going t'lose." She's silent a moment before asking, almost hesitantly,
"D'you ever wish you had more? Children, I mean?"

Maylia moves her hand within reach of Kaswyn, and remark with a gentle
snort, "Tasa needs a watcher. Just don't teach her how to throw knives,
okay? Bad enough she can sock Tavauri hard enough to make him see stars,
don't need him with a knife in the eye. By Is, really?" May lets her hand
remain, wriggling, where it is, but glances up to Kassi. "Well, it's
appropriate, I suppose. You and he seem pretty close, and then he and she
... and then she thinks you and her..." May shrugs, letting her voice fade
suggestively. "Quite the triangle." She's about to gush some more about her
offer of time sitting with the baby, but hesitates. "Yeah." Is the simple
answer. "But Weyrlingmastering, just didn't work that way. Was always
hopping between, constantly, again and again. Had a few starts, but never
came through. Still could happen, though. Flights, and all."

The boy's tiny fingers may flail close enough to brush May's hand, but he
only grabs at empty air. Between sleepiness and still being pretty new to
the world, he's just a bit off his game. "Normally I'd make some sort of
aww sound about nay teaching her, but given her tendency t'punch and kick,
I'm going to agree with you on this one," Kassi concedes wryly. There's a
pause. "I don't... I doubt you could consider us close in *that* light.
He's got that Istan. And that Igenite. And Kat, apparently. But she did
suggest we should all have group sex, aye. Occasionally with Ozy in the
mix." She can't help but snort in amusement. "I told him about that, and he
teased me, asking if'n she was cute...." Trailing off, she lets silence
reign for a moment before asking quietly, "A few starts? Shells... I'm
sorry, May. I didn't know. Mayhaps there'd be time now. We'd miss you in
the ranks, a'course, but we could spare you if'n you had the fortune."

Maylia moves her hand closer, holding it still and moving her finger in
response to any attempts by the little boy. "I'm thinking that close-range
damage is enough for Tasa. She and Tav should both be offlimits for
throwing. And, no, not quite like *that*, you and Is. But close, still, am
I right? Anyways. Is she still insisting it's your child? Or is she
admitting that it's Is's? " She gives a diffident shrug at the various
'starts'. "It's the way things go, when you're training folks. Winter, in
the wings, is differnt. Training, you're always hopping between, no time to
let things runtheir course. We'll see, though. Nobody specific now, but
flights happen, and life happens. Right?"

With such help, Kaswyn eventually manages to snag one of the greenrider's
fingers. Not that he really has any idea what to *do* with it, but he
closes his own tiny fingers around it, holding it tightly in that uncanny
way babies can and staring rather muzzily. Kassi, natch, is just a hair
away from melting. She masterfully contains any urge to say 'Awww,' though.
"Mayhaps someday she'll grow out of wanting to pummel him into the dirt,"
she murmurs. "I have t'be hoping so. I'm nay one t'object t'lasses brawling
beside the boys if'n they've the strength and will, but this vendetta they
have with each other... mmm. I do guess you could be saying close." She
latches quickly onto the subject shift. "You heard about that? Only
methinks 'twas more her saying Kaswyn was *hers*, and don't ask me how
'twas supposed t'work--as best I know, she admits 'tis his. Really, I don't
think she wants me 'tall. She just wants t'get t'him. A'course flights and
life happen." Kassi flashes her mentee a rueful grin. "Look at me. Nay
reason you couldn't have more children if'n your luck's in, and sometimes
luck's all 'tis." Pause. "Well. Nay *all*...."

Maylia gives a little laugh, as Kaswyn entraps a finger. She wriggles the
finger, to keep him entertained. "As long as Tasa and Tav leave each
others' eyes and teeth where they belong, I can at least deal with it.
Faranth knows, we did everything we could to convince them to get along."
She shrugs a shoulder, still leaving her finger either in the baby's grasp
or nearby. "Go figure. I don't quite know where I heard that rumour.
Probably my sister. All the same, just as well she's seeing better reason,
now. Delusions aren't a good thing, in a craft master!" Maybe in a
Wingleader, but a craftmaster? forget it. "We'll see, maybe will have
another child, maybe I won't. Not entirely up to me, I suppose. So, on the
subject of children and the getting of them, do you think Oswyn'll be up to
spending time with this little guy? give him a good father-figure? You'n I
should arrange times to head South, me to see my sisters, and you to bring
Kaswyn to see his dad?"

It's certainly not hard to wiggle the finger, since whatever strength
Kaswyn might have in his grip is something his arm doesn't share. He makes
a high, quiet sound, not really a whimper, not yet a wail, but a sort of
comment. Kassi strokes a finger down his cheek, and he turns his face
towards her. "I can sympathize somewhat. Kyjain and Kisai don't much get
along either, and I'm worried Kisai won't be vastly fond of Kaswyn. She's
been used t'being the youngest and the focus of more of m'attention, with
her other sibs nearer grown. And now...." It's her turn to shrug. "But Is
is taking care t'spend more time with her, take her t'see her other kin and
all. He's a good man. Isn't it *bizarre*? A'course, I'm still nay sure how
much of all this she's taking seriously or meaning seriously. I mean, even
if'n she did start feeling lust in her heart for women--*me*? Madness." The
question gets a quick half-grin. "Methinks he'll try. He's said he wants
to, and I certes believe him, and we've talked of visiting back and
forth--taking Kazy t'see Ozy's family as well as mine, that sort of thing.
When he's old enough t'be traveling. And he's invited me t'come visit at
his house again sometime; I hope I can, 'tis beautiful down there. I'm all
for trips, though. It sounds like they work him something horrid down
there; might be easier on him if'n I could do more of the travel."

Maylia smiles dotingly on the little boy, and tries to withdraw her finger.
"Kisai'll adapt, I'm sure. I'm sure hoping that whatever animosity Tasa
feels for Tav, it won't be continued with a younger sibling. Especially now
that Tasa's growing up." She can't help but show a little pride, for her
daughter. "She's still awfully young, to be on the sands and all. I'd argue
with Ymedath, if I could!" The agreement about trips is met with a nod.
"Well, I've two neices down there, plus sisters, so any time you'd like
company heading down, just let me know. That way you'll have someone you
know around, when he's busy."

Kassima reaches to assist in this, gently prying Kaswyn's fingers free and
tucking the hand back under the blanket. "Here's hoping. She's been moping
ever since I told her she was going t'have a younger brother, but if'n they
can get along--sometimes methinks 'tis just personality clash, y'know? And
she is indeed," she adds, grinning at her friend. "How old is she? She
isn't one of the babies of the group--y'know, I like that idea. Some visits
I'd probably want t'go alone, y'ken, but that could be fun on
occasion--stop by t'see our kin, and then when they're busy mayhaps relax
on a beach or some such ourselves instead of hurrying home."

Maylia wriggles her fingers, now freed of Kaswyn's grip. "She'll adjust,
I'm sure. Maybe get her involved in looking after him, the good stuff at
first, then encouraging responsibility without pressure? I don't know,
could be hard, but might just work. Or, maybe bring her on the Southern
trips, show here there are rewards to having siblings?" She nods,
understandingly at the idea of solitary trips. "Of course, you've got to
spend time with him just you guys. I mean now and then, make it a trip
together." She returns, then, to the topic of Tasayli. "She's pretty young.
Thirteen turns, just barely. Most of the group're older than her. There's a
couple her age, though - one from Fort that I know of, and a couple others
I think, too. Still, it's young, and I don't think she's exactly mature in
some ways. She'll grow up, but would be best I'd think if it was on her
own, not while raising a baby dragon."

"Mayhaps." Kassi sounds dubious, though. "I don't really want t'pressure
her t'look after him. I always think it sounds unfair, when I hear someone
say they were made t'look after all their younger siblings, whether they
wanted to or nay--there's nay reason for Kiss or any of the rest t'*have*
t'help out. I'll let her if'n she wants to, a'course, but I don't want her
feeling as resentful as I'd probably feel." Her nod to the next idea is
thoughtful. "Mayhaps. If'n Ozy doesn't mind. I'd probably be nonplussed
if'n he wanted t'bring Zyana up t'my weyr when he's visiting me, so I can't
expect him to like it the other way--I could ask V'dan or someone who
doesn't have any kin t'be visiting t'come too, I guess, and go exploring or
swimming with her, but I worry she'd feel like she mattered less t'me. I
don't know. 'Tis a thorny problem and I can't quite decide what t'do about
it. Different, 'tis, than 'twas with the others." She whistles, low; says,
"Thirteen--I thought fourteen at least for some reason. Young i'truth. It
could be she'll be left Standing, this time... I don't really hope for
that, I imagine 'twouldn't make her feel very good, but at least she'd have
plenty of time."

Maylia flicks her fingers, now well out of range of the baby, shaking her
head. "I don't mean 'having' to look after him. Or at least not all the
time. But a little responsibility could go a long way, right? How old is
she, now, anyways? Perhaps the older of my nieces would be thrilled to have
her stay over? She's got a tree-fort sort of thing, in the forest by
Shasta's weyr. Kiss'd probably have a blast." To the 'plenty of time'
statement, May nods. "Lots of time. I don't wish her to be left on the
sands, but if she is, it might just be for the best." At this, she rises,
reaching for the satchel. It's got one medium sized lump left in it -- the
jar of catsup, most likely. "But. I should get going. Sweeps and such, you
know!"

Kassima frees a hand rub briefly at the back of her neck. "Eight Turns... a
tree-fort? I do think she'd like that. Probably eat it up, actually; that
could be a great solution, if'n you're sure 'twould be well with everyone?
I've nay wish t'impose, not on Ozy or your family or Kiss if'n I can help
it." Pause. "I do hope if'n she is left, Tavauri doesn't get on her too
much. Mayhaps a word in his ear t'that affect from Tas or Auri would
help...? Nay that I've had quite as much contact with him, so I don't know
how likely it is, really." That lump is eyed warily. "Aye--and take that
with you!" she says in mock-sternness. "Seriously, though, May, thankee so
much for the visit and flowers and presents. And everything. You take care
of yourself, y'hear?"

Maylia shrugs, slightly. "Well, Khy's a mite bit older than she is, but
might just enjoy showing a 'kid' around the Weyr. I'll run it past her, and
my sister. See what they say. Well, now," May seems sort of undecided. "It
might just be fair, if Tav gets after her. She's had her nose in the air
about being Searched when he wasn't." Kassi is given a stern look. "If you
don't take me up on my offer to help you in any way I can, I promise you
I'll bring the crabapple catsup back. You know what that does to you! I'll
do so, and you too - I'll bring up some fruit with me tomorrow, and a vase.
For now, try to get some sleep?" And with that, May's headed off.

Maylia swings up to her place astride Tierth, her lifemate welcoming her
with a rumble.

Tierth spreads her wings and leaps from Lysseth's ledge.