Just the Way You Are
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Bree, Clancey
Date Posted: 30th November 2006
Characters: J'darin, Maurgen
Description: J'darin and Maurgen share the festivities together, but decide they'd
rather be alone.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 3
Having dispensed with his duties as Weyrleader, at least for the moment, J'darin sought out Maurgen. He had danced with Traelyn and enjoyed her company, but he knew he was not her preferred partner. Besides, he had promised to dance with the lovely harper as soon as he was able to do so. He scanned the crowd and didn't see her immediately. He knew she was nervous about being his escort, but Turn's End would quickly see him becoming just another bronzerider among many at the Weyr. He finally spotted her off to the side, and made his way to her through the pressing crowd. Maurgen forced a smile as he approached, telling herself that she could not give the slightest indication that anything was wrong. She would put V'lorn from her mind, along with this threats and disgusting demands. After Turn's End, she'd think of a way to deal with him. "Hello, J'darin."
His arm slipped around her, pulling her close to his side for a moment. "Hello, little Harper. Are you enjoying the festivities?" He could not tell anything was wrong, though he noticed her smile was not as bright as usual. But, J'darin being unaware of things as he was, was assuming that was related to her not wanting to be there with _him_, the Weyrleader. "I hope you don't regret joining me tonight, lovely." He kissed her cheek softly, holding her even tighter still. "Of course not." Her eyes drifted partly shut as she snuggled into his side, enjoying the comfort of being held safe and close. "Did you have a nice dance with the Weyrwoman?"
Encouraged by her willingness to lean into him, J'darin closed both arms protectively around her, pulling her almost in front of him and resting his chin on the top of her head briefly before he answered her. "I did; I am fortunate to get along, most of the time, with the Weyrwoman." He chuckled dryly. When he wasn't being an obstinate wherry's arse, of course.
"But she has other folk she'd rather spend time with, and I, I would like to spend the evening with you, Maurgen. You look lovely, by the way." He added softly, tenderly, as if he hadn't told her so already. Maurgen blushed and smiled as if she hadn't heard it before. "Thank you. The dress you got me is beautiful. Everyone says so." **Even V'lorn...** She pushed the thought away and slipped her hand into J'darin's.
He swirled her out onto the floor with just that much invitation, spinning them into a nice, slow dance that involved him holding her quite close. He grinned at her. "I had to work hard enough to get you to let me buy you a present, Maurgen, and let me say, it was worth every mark, and every plea I had to make."
He winked, teasing her. "I'm glad you're enjoying it." It eased her guilt about letting him get it, in any case. She'd never owned anything even half this beautiful, though, and she felt a little out of place. J'darin nodded in understanding. He had to be careful what he asked of her.
She was beautiful and fine just how she was, he thought. "I am sorry if being with me is difficult, Maurgen.." he said softly, watching her eyes. He assumed the bit of reticence he felt in her was because she had really not wanted to stand out quite so much as being here with _him_ forced her to do. "Oh, no." Maurgen forced another smile, trying to make it genuine. It wasn't that hard with J'darin smiling down at her. "Don't think like that, please. I--I really enjoy being with you. It's just a lot to take in, still." "I think you and some other weyrfolk might like me better if I wasn't Weyrleader!" he chuckled, though softly, and spoke quietly in her ear. Maurgen shook her head and leaned in a little closer, letting her head rest on his shoulder. "I like you just the way you are, J'darin."
J'darin let a soft sigh of relief out, one he didn't know he'd been holding, and offered her a warm smile as she leaned against him. "Love, we can leave early if you like.. retreat from all this.." He waved a hand at the celebration. "...
and have our own party if you wish?"
She felt more relief at the suggestion than she'd ever let on. Instead she gathered her courage and leaned up to brush her lips across his cheek, not caring who saw. "I'd like that. A lot."
Looking around them, he realized the party would continue just fine without their presence, and he grinned like a boy getting out of chores. "Let's go then. They'll be up all night, but maybe we will too." He winked at her, and called Hasaarth for a lift. It was a good night.
Last updated on the December 1st 2006