The Luckiest Woman on Pern

Writers: Kaysea, Vanessa T Sommerfeld
Date Posted: 6th December 2007

Characters: Supaka, Kateena
Description: Kessel plans a surprise date for Supaka
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 7, day 10 of Turn 4

"She's asleep." Supaka announced as she entered the room.

"How many times did she call you? I lost count" Kessel joked.

"Let's see, one 'I'm thirsty', three 'I'm scareds', two 'I gotta tell you somethings', and a 'Can I sleep in your bed'. What's that? Seven? So actually, it was a good night." She chuckled.

"Are you tired?" He asked.

"No, I really enjoyed the nap you suggested while you and Selka played.
Thank you. It was such a luxury! I never get to do that."

"Sure. I hoped you'd be able to sleep." He had a grin on his face that made her stop and look at him.

"Why? What are you smiling about?"

There was a soft knock on the door. Wondering who would be visiting at such an hour, Supaka opened it and was surprised to see Kateena standing there holding a bundle of clothing. She had a similar grin on her face.

"What's going on?" she asked cautiously.

"Um?" she glanced past Supaka, and met Kessel's eyes, "You haven't told her?" she asked, finding it hard to wipe the smile from her face.

"You have impeccable timing, Kateena. Come in, and thank you for coming."
He looked at his wife with a cunning smile. "I asked your friend to look after Selka in the unlikely event that she wakes up. She has graciously agreed to spend the night, and I promise to have you back before Selka wakes in the morning. Now, I have honored your wishes to maximize our family time while Selka is awake, but I would like to have one night alone with you. Will you honor me with your company for the evening?"

"But where are we going?" she asked, still reeling.

"That, my love, is a surprise," and again he smiled.

"But Kateena, you only just got married."

"Yes, I know." Kateena chuckled softly, "but Swift has an early shift in the morning, so he has already retired for the evening - and for you - the night is special, so go," she prompted, "and have a good time. Selka will be fine here with me." she reassured the pair.

She looked from Kateena to Kessel and it was obvious they had it all planned out. "OK, well, let me get something to put around my shoulders and we'll go."

She returned from her room with a wrap and an irrepressible grin. "Kateena, I can't tell you what this means to me.to us. Thank you." She looked intently at her friend to drive home her sincerity.

"I knew from the way Supaka talked about you that you would be the only one she'd feel comfortable leaving Selka with. We are both very grateful." He bowed slightly in Kateena's direction.

"I'm just pleased I can help. Now go, both of you, and have fun."

The pair looked at each other and made their way for the door. "We'll be back before Selka awakes. Goodnight." Kessel opened the door and placed his hand at his wife's back to lead her out.

As they made their way outside, Supaka's curiosity overcame her. "Where are we going?" "You'll see." He led her to the water where a small rowboat awaited them. She knew immediately their destination and giggled. Supaka's heart was beating fast. She felt positively giddy. "The True Runner," she said although it sounded more like a sigh.

"She has missed you, as have I." He held out his hand and helped her into the skiff.

"She is home to me.as are you." Supaka swallowed her emotion. "This is perfect. Thank you."

He looked pleased with himself and rowed expertly toward the anchored ship.
"I'm glad you approve."

They reached the ship and Supaka noticed there were other boats moored there. When they boarded the True runner she put her hand to her mouth.
Baskets of glows were everywhere. A small table and two chairs were set up in the middle of the deck. At the sight of their captain, 4 crewmen and Kiron, the first mate, turned and saluted Kessel. Kessel returned the salute. "Well done, Kiron. You are dismissed." "Thank you sir, " Kiron smiled in acknowledgement of Supaka. "Journeywoman, we hope you have a very pleasant evening." These men had been family to her for many happy years. "Thank you, Kiron." Her voice cracked with emotion.

"Dismissed!" Kiron shouted as he headed for the rail. The crew disembarked the True Runner and rowed toward the harbor.

As Kessel led her toward the table, Supaka noticed a tray of bread and cheese and the wine.

"Is that Benden?" She asked, incredulous. He pulled out her chair and she sat.

"Nothing but the best for you, my love." It was clear that he was very pleased with her reaction. He seated himself, then opened the wine and poured.

"Mmmm." She sighed after her first sip. Keeping her nose close to the rim of the glass, she said, "It truly lives up to its reputation, doesn't it?"

Kessel closed his eyes and savored the experience. "Indeed it does. We haven't had Benden wine since our wedding day, remember?"

"Of course, your captain gave us a bottle as a wedding gift and then drank most of it himself as I recall." They both laughed at the memory of their friend and commander, who was known for his love of a drink.

Supaka looked around and then fixed her eyes on her husband. "So.are we alone?" "Completely and utterly," he replied, grinning.

"I am truly the luckiest woman on Pern." She left her chair to sit in his lap.

"We are both lucky."
~ ~ ~

They spent the night in the Captain's quarters where they had lived together for several happy years before it became necessary to separate.
Supaka awoke to Kessel's breath on her neck and turned to look at him asleep beside her. She whispered, "I love you."

"I love you," he answered, still half asleep.

"If you wake up now, we'll have a little time before we have to get back to Selka."

His eyes opened instantly and he answered her unspoken request.

Last updated on the December 8th 2007

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The Luckiest Woman on Pern