Brighten Up Your Day

Writers: Halyonix, Shawna
Date Posted: 24th October 2024

Characters: Zariah, Vaile
Description: Zariah visits Vaile in the infirmary
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 1, day 20 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: K'far

Zariah had been holed up at the Infirmary a time or two herself, and well knew how terribly boring it could be. So, she spent her morning putting together a little care packet- some sweets, some knitting, a book she'd recently finished.

It didn't take her long to find where Vaile was stationed, and she stuck her head around a corner, "Knock knock? Are you up for some company?"

"Please!" came the theatrically plaintive reply. But Vaile grinned at her friend and rose to greet her. "I was wondering when you'd come by!"

"Well, it was worth the wait- I was gathering the good stuff. I have snacks, some yarn and needles if you're feeling productive, or the most recent Weyr romance book if you aren't. The new book delivery job is really helping me keep up with my reading." Zariah cheerfully showed off what was in the basket she was carrying. "So, how long are you stuck here for?"

"Maybe another few days, depending on how Liranth is feeling. Torth has been bringing her wherries to eat," Vaile answered as she took the basket to look over. "Tell me about the book delivery job!"

"Oh, it's great. You should consider it when you get out of here. Gives me an excuse to pop all around Pern. I was doing the Hold deliveries last time, and you'd be surprised at how popular the "Weyr romance" genre is," Zariah grinned widely.

Vaile chuckled. "Why am I not surprised?" she replied. "Those Holders, you know they have their guilty pleasures." She put the book back in the basket. "Speaking of romance, I...have been spending a lot of time with K'far and...oh, never mind, I'm not going to bring it up until it's more clear of a thing."

"Oh no you don't. You mentioned it, now you have to tell me everything," Zariah scolded. "K'far, really? How long has this been going on?" She settled into a seat, expression eager.

"You are _not_ allowed to tell me I'm being...oh whatever I'm being," Vaile said with mock sharpness. "You know how long it took me to accept M'vel's affections." The mention of her deceased weyrmate spoiled some of the brightness to her tone. "I'm trying not to rush it. You know me. I have to let it play out for a long time before I decide. But K'far has been...there. Just there. Not pressuring me. But not uninterested. I mean, I don't think he's uninterested. He's been very gentlemanly but...there's little things that make me think that...maybe?" She trailed off, making an uncertain gesture with her hands. "This sounds way more complicated than it is."

"I would never," Zariah said, "I am a romantic!" She leaned forward, eager to hear more, "Well, gentlemanly is much better than the alternative. Some people make assumptions about greenriders not needing any wooing at all, but there is such a thing as too gentlemanly. But you like him?" Grinning, she said, "If I hear him coming to check on you, don't be offended if I suddenly remember somewhere important I have to be."

To that, Vaile laughed. "Somewhere important," she echoed. "He's...kind. Supportive. I really haven't given romance much thought since M'vel but with K'far...I think maybe I'd try it again?" She sounded uncertain and followed it up with, "I don't want to rush and ruin something. I'd feel awful if I did it to him, after how nice he's been to me."

"That's all good. And you like him? I don't know him that well, but I don't remember him ever settling down before..." Zariah tried to remember any gossip she'd picked up. "Not that that means anything." She'd never settled down herself, but that didn't mean it would never happen.

"Maybe we'll just keep spending time together and...see where it goes," Vaile decided quietly. She let a pause linger for a moment and then changed subjects. "Knitted anything good lately?"

"Well, keep me in the loop, and if he needs a little nudging, you let me know. I'm an excellent nudger. Very subtle," Zariah said, not entirely truthfully. She let the subject change, however, "Oh, you know, I made another go at a sweater, but it came out awful. One day I'll figure it out..."

Vaile laughed. For the next few hours, the two women caught up, exchanging stories and laughter, until Vaile felt much better about being stuck in the Infirmary and, thanks to her friend, didn't mind it at all that day.

Last updated on the October 24th 2024

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Brighten Up Your Day