Much Needed Comfort

Writers: Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 8th August 2024

Characters: Cyradis, D'hol
Description: Comfort comes after a Weyrmate leaves.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 10, day 22 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentioned: K'deren, N'vanik, Timassa

Cyradis

D'hol

He didn't even bother knocking as he strode into the office, only
paused long enough to ensure that she was not with someone. Tugging
off his flight helmet, he tossed it down to the ground and approached
Cyradis' desk. "That fecking idiot." His dark face was set in a frown
as he tugged off his riding gloves and threw them down next, "Are you
alright?" He didn't give Cyradis time to respond, but circled round to
where she was seated and knelt, reaching up to cup her cheek.

Of course Panitath had warned her that Yumath's was coming and made
room for him on her ledge. The corner of her mouth lifted slightly as
he barreled in. "I will be," she nodded and covered his hand with her
own.

"Why didn't you tell me what was happening?" The scold was light as he
stroked his thumb over her cheek and under her palm. "Sweet Faranth,
Cyradis. You don't deserve that."

"No one deserves it," she said. "It was between him and me." She
leaned forward and put her head on his shoulder just taking the
comfort he was offering. "You didn't deserve it when I left," she
added softly.

D'hol didn't hesitate to gather her in his arms to hold her close to
him. He settled her firmly in his embrace and kissed the top of her
head. "That doesn't matter right now." He murmured softly into her
hair. "I'm here now. For whatever you need. I would love to shove my
foot up his arse for good measure." He had already comforted their
daughter when she had heard the news and was fully prepared to
completely fill the role of being her father as much as he was able to
do. But his concern now was the woman in his arms. He hesitated only
for a moment before he gave his next quiet question. "Do you need me
to come home to you, Cyradis?"

Her breath caught but somehow the lump in her throat prevented her
from responding right away. But then she pulled back and looked into
his beautiful eyes. "Timassa, doesn't deserve that either and you have
a big job as Weyrleader." Tears sparkled for a moment as her eyes
filled. "We both must serve a higher purpose for now." She sat back
up. "I'll have to deal with this," she put her hand over her heart.
"before any other decisions are made. I'm strong. I can do it."

"And I would give it all up if you asked it." He took her hand and
placed it over his own heart. "I know you're very strong. You always
have been." He wound his fingers with hers. "But you don't have to do
this alone if you don't want to." He kissed her hand and laid it back
on her chest along with his own." I know I'm in there too. Just like
you're in mine. If you need me to share your mind, your heart, your
bed..." he gave a slight grin at the offer, but it was quickly
replaced once again with seriousness, "I'm yours."

She shook her head. It was a bad idea on so many levels and yet she
wanted it so bad she could taste it.. She almost snorted and pushed at
his shoulder. She wouldn't mind him in her bed at all, but that would
just be a way to delay her own healing from K'deren's abandonment.

"All true," she chose to say "and at some point I might take you up on
it but for right now I think we must both remain where we are. I know
you know that."

"Mmm..." He softly acknowledged her words, but kept her firmly nestled
in his arms. "Perhaps that's true." He studied her face and then spoke
softly to her." But Cyradis...you don't have to be strong right now. I
have shoulders and arms that can bear some weight for you. Let me."

With that the dam broke inside her releasing the tears she'd been
holding back. She couldn't cry in front of N'vanik, or her kids or
even the mindhealers. Later she wouldn't be able to recall how long
they'd stayed like this just holding on but the relief was real. The
load was less.

Finally she wiped her eyes and put her arms around his neck. "Thank you."

He held her close, stroking her back, just being there to support her
in her grief. Each of her sobs was like a dagger to his stomach, but
he held firm, bearing the weight that she needed him to bear. When her
arms were placed around his neck he rested his cheek against hers and
gave her a gentle squeeze of comfort. "Anytime you need, Cyradis. You
don't have to ask."

She nodded and closed her eyes for a moment. She could not make any
decisions right now in her current state that would affect so many
lives. "Thanks D'hol," she said. "You know I'll always love you." She
gave him a watery smile.

D'hol placed a kiss on her brow, continually rubbing her back in slow
circles. "I know. You just can't help it. I'm glad you finally
admitted it." The tone was lightly jesting, followed by another light
kiss to her temple.

The thing was, he knew all her buttons. But she smiled as she gently
pushed away. The contact had helped her feel stronger and more ready
to get through the day. "You're impossible," she said and reached for
a hankie to wipe her eyes. "Please tell Kielya I'll be alright and I
hope she will too."

His hands lingered, as if reluctant to let her go as she moved away.
"I've already told her that you'll be okay. She's dealing with her own
bit of hurt and anger too, but she's coping well with it. She's made
friends and she's spending time with them." He tilted his head at her
and arched a brow. "Have you been getting sleep?"

"Sometimes yes, sometimes not so much," she smiled. "And your twins?
How are they doing?"

He arched a brow at the vagueness of her reply and then the not so
subtle deflection. "They're fine. Healthy as runners and just as
noisy." His lips lifted in memory of only recently being spat up on
just that morning. "They're going to the creche now during the day. I
don't know that Timassa or I are ready for them to go overnight yet."

"I know that feeling," she said, regaining just a portion of her
equilibrium. "I keep Cyranik with me far more than I have the others
at this age. I don't know if that's good or bad."

"I'm sure it's fine." D'hol didn't precisely let her go, but he
recognized her process of gathering herself. He touched her cheek.
"You good?"

"I'm good," she affirmed. She half smiled. "I need to get back to
work and I'm sure you do as well Weyrleader."

Last updated on the August 11th 2024

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Much Needed Comfort