The Way Things Stood (2)

Writers: Jane, Kaysea
Date Posted: 25th April 2008

Characters: Rahona, Fog, Lihona, Keirlee, Linli
Description: Keirlee visits the Sungazer and ends up on a picnic with Fog.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 9, day 13 of Turn 4

"Then I won't be as sad that you're not with us at the Weyr any longer."
Keirlee said, kissing Lihona lightly on the forehead, "And you're very lucky to have found a good friend so soon, too," she said, smiling across at Linli. "It took turns for me to find your mother, and look, you've found Linli in only a few months."

Fog smiled indulgently at the picture the three of them made. His eye caught Rahona's and he felt a blush creep up across his face. "So how long do you plan on staying?" he asked Keirlee directly, avoiding the knowing smile Rahona had thrown him.

"Oh, this trip is only for a few days, I can't impose on you all for any longer. The next stop is where I'll be getting off - I think?" she looked across at Rahona, not entirely confident of her own words. She hadn't missed the silent exchange between the pair, and couldn't wait to get Rahona alone again to find out what the deal was.

"Half way between here and Emerald Falls," Rahona agreed. "R'harne, my brother," she added for Fog's benefit though it was unlikely that he had missed noticing the brownrider who visited her every time the Riverboat arrived at the waypoint. "He'll find us there."

"Well, we have a few days to become a little better acquainted then, Keirlee." He picked up a redfruit and bit into it, feeling more than a little pleased with the way things had turned out today. She didn't appear to be put off by his looks, or the slightly vacant look his eyes sometimes held; that had to be a good thing - right?

"I'll look forward to it, Fog - that is, if Rahona doesn't have other plans for me?" she asked, turning to face her friend full on, knowing full well that Rahona could read the question in her eyes.

"No, no. Nothing specific," Rahona said, ignoring her friend's unspoken question. "You can help me clean and cook and sew, if you like.
Especially the sewing! But only if you want to. Most people enjoy doing nothing on the riverboat."

"You know I wouldn't feel comfortable doing nothing," she chided.
"Restdays are for resting - not everyday."

"We don't have proper restdays on the Sungazer, though," Lihona said, swallowing a mouthful of meatroll quickly before continuing, "Because the riverboat can't just stop. We have a day off here. Today! One day each way."

"I know, which is why I wouldn't feel right lazing away aboard the boat while you're all working. I can enjoy myself while helping out." she looked form one to the other, a wide smile on her face, awaiting anyone's contradiction.

"You could help with lessons," Lihona suggested with hopes that having a friend of her mother's in charge that things would go easier on her.

"I thought you had a harper onboard for lessons?" Keirlee asked, looking from one of the adults to the other.

"We do, but not for each leg of the trip - though he's due back onboard later today." Fog replied with a grin at the girls, "Sorry girls, you miss out this time."

"He isn't there _all_ the time," Lihona explained. "He gets on and off and visits lots of holds and cotholds. We only have lessons with him when he's onbaord. The rest of the time we usually have Aunt Neke or Aunty Denna."

"Ah, I see. Well if they need help, I can pitch in." she smiled in answer, glancing enquiringly at Rahona and Fog.

"I'm sure Neke wouldn't mind you're help - or Denna for that matter."
Fog answered, pleased this was turning into more than a day or two trip for her. This time away from the boat and in her company was the nicest day he had had for a long time, he would have to remember to repay Rahona the favour some day soon.

"That's good," Lihona said with a grin for her usual companion in mischief, Linli. "It'll be nice to have somebody different to give us lessons, won't it, Lin?"

"Hmmm..." Linli sat back and quietly watched the exchange between her father and the woman, her face blushing deeply when her cousin drew her into the conversation. "Yes... better than the old harper we had last time," she said, dropping her eyes again.

"Is there something the matter, Linli?" Rahona asked, looking at the girl because that abstracted tone wasn't typical. "Do you want something more to eat?"

"No, no thank you, Rahona." she shook her head, then turned to her cousin, "Wanna come for a walk, Li?" she asked hopefully. It wasn't often they had the chance to walk solid ground, and today she needed to get away from the adults for a little while - and hopefully leave the strange feeling in her stomach behind.

"All right," Lihona said with more loyalty than enthusiasm. "Since Keirlee isn't just visiting this time." Impulsively she hugged the woman from the Weyr before trotting off after her new friend.

Rahona smiled and watched them go, then suddenly realised she had an opportunity to leave Fog and Keirlee alone. "Perhaps I should go with them ..."

"We could all go?" Keirlee said,looking from one to the other in perplexity. "Or am I missing something here?" she asked, looking from one to the other, and not missing the guilt in their eyes.

"No, nothing. We'll stay. Won't we, Fog?"

"Well... Would _you_ like to go for a walk Keirlee?" he asked, finally finding the gumption to speak up. "I'd like to show you around the Point, if you'd like? And Rahona could look after the girls..." he felt him face flushing crimson, but continued on determinedly, after all this was one of the reasons Rahona had invited her friend for an extended visit. "Please?"

Keirlee was speechless for a moment, and amazed to see the colour flood Fog's face as he uttered his invitation. "Umm.. well, okay, if..." she glanced at Rahona and then realised the way things stood. "Yes, I'd...
I'd like that, Fog, thank you." She smiled from one to the other, and took Fog's hand as he helped her to stand. "Later, Rahona?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.

Rahona struggled not to look guilty. "Yes. Of course." She smiled widely. "But have a nice walk, first."

Last updated on the May 1st 2008

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The Way Things Stood (2)