Good Impressions

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 19th May 2011

Characters: U'kaiah, Aileyan, Eilomar, Merlish, Ravyan
Description: U'kaiah and Aileyan catch up with the happy couple.
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 5

"So I thought you wanted to make a good impression! When are you going
to show me off to your family, hm?" U'kaiah asked, as Ravyan dangled
between them. He had learned it was fun to swing between the pair as
they walked, though it meant the bronzerider had to stoop rather low in
order for him to comfortably reach both his and Aileyan's hands.

"I don't know? As soon as I get a suitable chance," Aileyan said. She
was far too reticient to just push her way thru the crowd that was
congratulating the newly weds.

"When was the last time Ravyan met his grandfather?" U'kaiah asked
curiously as he steered them both in the general direction of the
reception line.

"It's been a while, too long," Aileyan admitted. She was glad of
U'kaiah's presence. Without him, she would probably withdraw to some
shadowy corner.

"Have you told your family anything about me?" U'kaiah asked curiously.

"Only to my sister," she replied. "I don't generally talk much about me,
in case you haven't noticed," she added wryly.

His lips quirked into a pleased little smile. "What did you tell her?"

"That I've met someone who makes me smile," she said.

"Oh, for Faranth's sake," he said, shaking his head with a soft chuckle.
"Do you have _have_ to say things that make me want to kiss you?"

She smiled at him, "I guess I do have to."

"Well, then, I guess I'll just have to kiss you," he grinned, stopping
to stoop down and give her a light, teasing kiss with Ravyan swinging in
between them.

Just then Eilomar finally broke free of the congratulators and went to
look for his daughter. "Ahem," he cleared his throat, not sure if he
should be embarrassed seeing her kiss a bronzerider. That seemed to be
rather normal behavior among the weyrfolk.

U'kaiah pulled back, turning towards the sound, pursing his lips
slightly after breaking the kiss. Recognizing Aileyan's father and
bride, he smiled. "Good evening, sir. Ma'am."

Merlish's eyes were bit wide. Not only was she surprised at the way he
was kissing Master Eilomar's daughter right out in public, but also by
the fact that he was so _tall_!

"Father, Merlish. This is U'kaiah, rider of bronze Kalamath," Aileyan
was surprised herself who calm she was and not embarrassed at all.

"It's a pleasure," the wingleader grinned, reaching out his hand to the
Choir Master. "And congratulations to you both."

"Thank you. Aren't you one of Dragonsfall Weyr's wingleaders?" Eilomar
said and asked. He was harper and harper's duty was to know.

His bride's eyes grew a little wider as she looked at his knots. He was
indeed a Wingleader! Not only was Eilomar well connected, it seemed his
daughter was as well! She wondered if the Wingleader was also the
father of the beautiful little child playing between them.

"I am, sir," U'kaiah confirmed with a proud grin. "I am Cyan's
Wingleader. And a journeyman harper, I might add, though not
specializing in any of the finer arts."

"Always nice to meet a fellow harper," Eilomar said and shook his hand.
As far as he gave the matter any thought, it was Aileyan's own business
and she could take care of herself. The girl always seemed to land on her
feet. He crouched. "Hello, Ravyan. Will you give granpa a hug?"

U'kaiah gave Aileyan a little wink, rather pleased with himself. He was
sure he had made just the sort of impression she was hoping for.

Ravyan wasn't so sure how to react to this big, fat man and looked his
mother for clues. Should he cry, hide or do as he was asked. "Go on,
he's your granddad," Aileyan give him an encouraging smile and little
push. Hesitantly the boy surrenedered to the old man's hug. Well, at
least it was soft. Aileyan suppresed a laughter and winked back at U'kaiah.

Merlish was happy to see that Eilomar took an interest in his grandson.
She hoped he would be as loving with their own children. Oh shards,
that just brought to mind how they were going to _produce_ those
children! No, she thought with a slight shake of her head. She would
not worry about that now.

U'kaiah rested an arm around Aileyans' shoulders as he watched Ravyan
and his grandfather. This was good for her, he was sure.

"I hope you do enjoy the feast," Eilomar said after releasing the boy.
"You should bring him over more often, he barely remembers me," he added
to Aileyan.

"I should," Aileyan admitted, "and I will, if Merlish doesn't mind, that
is?"

"I would be happy to have you, Aileyan," Merlish assured her with a
well-practiced confident smile. "And your family too, of course," she
added with a nod to the bronzerider.

"Well, I guess we are all family now," U'kaiah said, not wanting to
correct her. He grinned down at Aileyan.

"That's nice," Aileyan said, keeping her poker-face, although for some
reason she felt like laughing or rolling her eyes.

Merlish felt she had done much better this time meeting his daughter.
In fact, she felt rather proud of herself as she took her husband's arm.
"I hope you will all enjoy the festivities. I believe the harpers will
start playing soon. I understand the Hallmaster has written a new dance
piece."

"Perhaps if Master Eilomar and Aileyan can spare us you would save me a
dance?" U'kaiah asked, turning his most charming bronzerider smile onto
the new bride.

"After the first dance, I'll be claiming that," Eilomar said.

"Of course," U'kaiah said with a polite bow to the groom. "Perhaps the
first song of the second set?"

Merlish looked to Master Eilomar for permission before she would give
her consent. It was, after all, his prerogative to claim her for as
many dances as he choose.

Eilomar nodded, having no reason to deny it.

As he had no objection, his bride did indeed blush, but nodded her
consent.

U'kaiah looked down at Aileyan, squeezing her a little closer. "And how
about you? Can you spare me for a dance?" he asked, knowing full
dancing was not her favorite thing.

"I think I can manage dance or two," Aileyan promised.

"Well, of course, it would give you a chance to get Aileyan onto the
dance floor, Master Eilomar," U'kaiah said encouragingly. It would be
good to give the two of them a little moment to themselves, he thought.

"Yes, of course," Eilomar quickly agreed. He hadn't thought of it, but
of course he must dance with his daughters too.

U'kaiah reached for Ravyan's hand once more and looked down at Aileyan.
"Well, then, shall we find a place to put this little man so we can have
a dance or two ourselves?"

"Sure, I saw a temporary creche somewhere," Aileyan replied and nodded
to Eilomar and Merlish.

"Yes, there are some young woman who volunteered to babysit visitor's
children," Eilomar said.

"Then we'll see you at the second set," U'kaiah said with a bow. As he
and Aileyan turned to find that creche, he leaned down to whisper in her
ear teasingly, "So, it looks like I'll get my chance to steal her away
after all. What do you think of my chances?"

"Hard to say. I know what _I_ would choose," Aileyan whispered back.

"And I know who my first choice to take home tonight is," he smiled,
leaning down to kiss her once more softly. "What do you think of
_those_ chances?"

"Looking pretty good," she said, bit breathlessly.

Last updated on the May 29th 2011

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Good Impressions