Let Me Help

Writers: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 26th June 2008

Characters: Eliste, Reitha
Description: Reitha visits Eliste, finds out she's off of bed rest, and asks a favour.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 10, day 10 of Turn 4

The healer had left just moments before so when there was another knock on the door, Eliste was rather surprised. However, since she had been given permission to walk once more, instead of calling for the person to enter, the young woman rose, easing herself up and made her way to the door, opening it herself.

"Reitha," Eliste greeted the woman with a wide, warm smile. "I wasn't expecting you."

"Ellina! You're ... Well, I'm sure you know you're off the bed. Did that healer say things were ... better?"

"You just missed him." Eliste stepped aside so that the woman could enter, then closed the door behind her. "I haven't had any contractions since I was brought here, so he thinks it should be all right to be up and about. He doesn't want me to over do it, though."

The younger woman made her way back to her bed, sitting upon it so that Reitha could have the chair. "I plan on taking a walk this evening. It's going to be so nice to be able to go out without that chair."

"Oh you'll be so _glad_!" The Holder's wife settled herself in the chair and beamed at their visitor. "To be able to get around under your own steam again. You must have missed it."

"Yes, I have. Though he still doesn't want me to do a whole lot, it's better than before." Eliste folded her hands in her lap. "It's warming up. I'll be glad to see all the flowers blooming. Spring is my favourite time of the turn."

"Is it? I like winter, myself. No, I like the change of seasons, and going into and out of winter are the most marked of the changes."

"Change can be an interesting process." The change she had tried to made certainly had been. It certainly hadn't turned out like she had thought it would. "I'm sure the garden is looking lovely. I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time there."

"I hope you will. We have a lot of old aunties and uncles in this Hold and we do try to keep the garden nice for them to sit in or look at all Turn around."

"It will make it easier to spend time outside, certainly." She wouldn't have to bundle up, and Eliste knew that older people couldn't handle the cold as well as the younger ones. She paused for a moment, then asked, "Is today the day the riverboat docks?" It was so hard to keep track of time when one was inside so much.

"Yes it is." Reitha's eyes twinkled in amusement. "Fancy you knowing that."

Eliste couldn't stop the gentle blush that crept over her cheeks and she lowered her gaze. "I have friends there." Of course, Reitha knew that quite well, there was no need to state something so obvious, really.

"It's always good to have friends, Ellina," Reitha said in kindly assurance.

"Yes. Friends are precious." So many things were precious, even more so since she had fled from her situation. Eliste didn't want to lose any of it. "I wonder if they'll visit." She thought they would. She hoped they would.

The Holder's wife let out a shout of laughter. "Oh, Ellina! You're so modest and humble. It's a refreshing change. Of _course_, they'll visit. Half the Sungazer crew seems to be asking where you are and how you are every time they're here."

"I don't know what is so interesting about me." Eliste shook her head slightly. She couldn't fathom why Nico had feelings for her. Or why Fog and Jardon had befriended - but they had, and she cherished their friendships, all of them. If she let herself, perhaps she could hope for more, but...but...but no. She wouldn't be around to cultivate anything. She was going to miss them all terribly when she left as it was.

"You don't have to know. Just enjoy it. As you'll enjoy being allowed up and out of here. I hope this means things are going to be smooth sailing for you from here on in, dear. You've had a hard time of late."

"Things are already better." Eliste smiled a little. How lovely it would be to be able to walk, and thankfully the weather was warm. She wouldn't miss the blossoming of the flowers and trees. "Maybe I can walk with Jardon today instead of riding."

"Maybe you can do a lot of things. But - if you have time in your new schedule - could I get you to do some hemming. Sheets we've cut down for smaller beds now they're worn through in the middle. You've such a neat stitch and you'll do it in half the time of some around here."

"Of course." Eliste was working on a quilt for Reitha and her husband, but she wasn't about to tell her that. "Please, let me help. I can't do much, but I can do that. You've done so much for me, I should do something in return."

"There are always a few sewing jobs and Demerand thought you might want something to do for us. Not that I want to keep you inside now you're allowed out and about. I'll just leave the sheets here and you do as much as is convenient."

Eliste nodded, "Of course. Just let me know what you want done." Her gaze darted back towards the door. "Do you know what time it docks?"
She queried softly.

"Early evening. Before dusk - nobody likes sailing in the dark on the Nettleweed, though around this area we do make sure the channel is clear of obstacles so they can safely run a little late coming into here - or leave a little early."

She would take her walk then, Eliste decided. Perhaps she would meet Fog. Or Nico. Though Nico would be rather interesting, knowing what she knew now about his feelings for her. Eliste felt that she should tell him, stop things before he grew hopeful. The young woman nodded slowly. "Before dusk." She copied, then smiled. "If you bring me those items, I can work on them before then."

"They're just in the corridor. I'll get them for you and then I must be getting along. I've a few things to do today before the Sungazer's in."

Ah, so the visit wasn't merely one for company. Eliste's lips quirked on one side a bit in amusement. Well, it was the least she could do.
And it would also help pass the time as she waited for the Sungazer to arrive - not that she didn't have plenty of things to work on, but this would at least help out the hold in some small way. "I'll send word when I've finished."

Reitha waved a hand in casual dismissal. "No doubt I'll be back to see you before then. Thank you for this Ellina," she said as he bustled out of the room to get the sheets for the younger woman to work on.

Last updated on the June 28th 2008

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Let Me Help