well, returns are best when noticed

[shapeshifter]

After a longer than expected visit to another Hold and Weyr, one of his past to be exact, a Crimson figure popped into view above the WeyrBowl. He back winged with vigor as he went in for his touchdown, letting out a triumphant roar that only a Crimson King of his brute size could do.

R'niaan jumped from his Crimson Bamath's back, landing lightly on his feet and scanning the Bowl for sight of familiar people. He had taken some leave, leaving the Weyrlings in the care of other Riders before their intense training started. He adjusted the collar of his riding jacket to fold back down, instead of protecting his neck from the harsh colds of between. He looked up to Bamath and with a chuckle had to comment with,

'Was the entrance not loud enough?' He was of course, being sarcastic. His dragon was well aware of this....

/Of course...but I'm sure it caused fear in the hearts of those who know of us./ And if a dragon could actually laugh a loud, Bamath would have been rolling in his joke.

R'niaan shook his head and began to walk towards the entrance to the Kitchens, hopefully to catch up on the news and drama about the Weyr.

[summerrain]

Yuki sighed quietly, looking out the window of her weyr. She turned away, toward her Queen flit who was quickly maturing, when a loud roar was heard. She turned back to the window quickly, eyes lighting up when she saw Bamath's form. She turned to Ayleneth and Grace. "It's got to be him. It has to be."

Ayleneth reached out with her mind, eyes whirling with joy when she confirmed who the Crimson was, and she roared in answer. Bamath and R'niaan are back! the Aurora told Hers before sailing down to the Bowl. She landed next to the Crimson, playfully tapping his side with her muzzle. I'm glad you're back, she told him. I missed you.

Yuki turned to her Queen flit, Grace. "Go let R'niaan know that I'm on my way," she told the flitter as she quickly threw on her riding leathers over her lounging clothes. Grace chirped and popped between, reappearing in front of the CrimsonRider. She circled his head, chirping, then landed on his shoulder. She tapped his neck with her nose. Hers was on the way. Wait for her.

Yuki darted down the halls, making sure to slow down when she heard people coming, and when she saw him her face broke into a smile. She threw her arms around him, her cheek touching his. Grace fluttered away, chirping indignantly. But it didn't last long. After all, she'd known how down Hers had been since he had left. This was something that was supposed to happen between these silly two-legged creatures.

"Welcome back," Yuki said quietly. Her eyes were closed, and she couldn't keep the smile off her face. She felt tears filling her eyes, and didn't bother holding them back. She'd had no word from him for so long... It was a relief to know that he was safe.

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan saw Ayleneth's figure seem to float down from the weyrs. He stopped in his tracks, not even making it ten steps from Bamath. He felt a light tap on his neck at the moment a warm body was sitting on his shoulder. He knew she was coming.

Bamath crooned at Ayleneth, I missed you as well, my love. he rubbed his head against Ayleneth's neck, feeling her warmth once again.

R'niaan couldn't even keep the smile off of his face as Yuki bolted towards him. As she threw her arms around his neck he picked her up, wrapping her legs around his waist and holding her there, "Miss me much?" he said as he planted a kiss on her lips.

[summerrain]

Ayleneth closed her eyes and rubbed her head against Bamath's neck. She was incredibly happy, so happy that words cannot describe. She connected her mind to the Crimson's, twining her tail with his. She had never been so completely overjoyed.

Yuki's heart melted when he kissed her. Oh, how she'd missed him. She smiled at him, touching her forehead to his when she broke the kiss. "Of course," she said, her smile falling. She put herself down, standing on her own power, unable to stop the tears. "You've been gone for months. With no contact... I was worried something had happened to you!" She embraced him again, her body shaking as her worry finally left her frame. "I was so worried about you..." Her voice broke, and she openly cried. "I'm just... I'm so glad you're safe..."

Ayleneth echoed Yuki's words, but wordlessly, crooning softly to the Crimson. She was glad they were both safe. But surely if they had been lost between she would've felt it... Right?

[shapeshifter]

Bamath crooned and felt himself melt in with Ayleneth, his beautiful Aurora...oh so beautiful. He felt his mind ease from all the things R'niaan and himself had been experiencing over the past few months, the vigorous training they had put themselves through. They needed to get back to their roots...whether the way they did it was looked down upon or not.

R'niaan chuckled and grabbed Yuki's shoulders, "It's okay, I know you were worried but our time apart is over. I am here now..." He pulled her in and hugged her tightly. He then lifted her up, spinning her around and as he went to set her down lightly on her feet, kissed her again. "Now, before we continue any more reuniting activities....I'm starving and I want food!" he said it with his joking tone, giving her a wink and taking her hand in his.

[summerrain]

Yuki wiped her cheeks with her hands. "I'm so happy you're back," she said again. She laughed as he spun her, then his lips met hers. She laughed again at his words, and her hand finally slipped into his. Things finally felt right. She knew that this was how it was supposed to be. She turned to Ayleneth, who was perfectly happy with Bamath, and then led R'niaan to the Kitchens. She opened the door, smiling still. "You did sort-of miss lunch," she told him. "But I'm sure there's plenty left over. There usually is." She took a plate of bread and cheese for herself, while another was quickly prepared for R'niaan that included dried meats. Once he had his food, she went to a table. She sat down across from him, her hand still in his.

"Why were you gone for so long?" she asked him quietly. "Chiara was finally released just after you left, but because you hadn't left a note, he wasn't able to join the lessons." But her brother had been doing other things to help strengthen his muscles, including getting extra lessons from some of the older Candidates. "He's been working really hard to catch up, you know. Despite everything that happened, I can tell that he respects you. He looks up to you."

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan began to chow down with his free hand and looked up when Yuki mentioned Chiara, "He has been working hard? Good. The boy and I need to catch up after we finish eating. He needs to become full fighting strength, mentally and physically before this is all over with."

He looked Yuki up and down, she seemed to glow. He loved that about her. He asked, "So while I was gone, how have you been? And don't say worrying about me! I want to know what you've been doing and if there is anything I should know?" he grinned before stuffing a piece of roll into his mouth. He hadn't eaten in almost two days, he had been way too busy where he was to eat normal meals, but this resulted in his abdomen muscles becoming more defined, besides all the vigorous work outs that he had been doing.

[summerrain]

Yuki scooted her chair closer to him, pulling her food with him. She pulled his hand toward her, resting it on her stomach. She had been longing to tell him since she'd found out, but he had left not long after the Hatching, before she realized it. She smiled at him. "R'niaan... I'm pregnant," she told him softly. She rested her head on his shoulder. "I found out after you left. I wanted to tell you, but you never wrote to me." Her hand rested over his, holding it to her stomach. There was just a hint of a bulge visible under her shirt.

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan froze, looking at Yuki with shock all over his face. He wasn't sure how to react for a second there, but of course a smile graced his face, "We're....we're having a baby? Are you sure? Can we handle one? If we are should we bring Yura here to raise with it?" He said, 1000 questions flooding R'niaan's mind. He wasn't even sure he was ready to be a father, either way he needed to become sure now.

Bamath felt the mixed emotions from his Rider, followed with the thoughts of babies. He was not very amused with the fact R'niaan was about to become a father.

[Cait]

Korinath lifted her head as a Crimson appeared above the weyr. Bamath! Korvalia would be glad that R'niaan was back. She was forever cursing the absent man for all the paperwork and headaches he'd left her to deal with. Letting out a welcoming bugle and not particularly caring that the Crimson was busy greeting his latest conquest, the Moonlight dropped from her perch then glided across the bowl to land near the Aurora and Crimson. Tucking her wings against her back she arched her neck to peer around Ayleneth at Bamath. You're back! Korvalia was getting very grumpy and will probably have words with R'niaan. But enough of that! Why were you gone so long? Did you go on an adventure? Did you win any flights? Oh! Perhaps you had to hide from angry holders! They seem to be rather grumpy too. Truly though, you have to tell me why you were gone so long!

Excited and eager to be the first to learn about the Weyrling Master's extended absence. Sending a thought towards her rider after remembering that she might want to know that R'niaan was back, Korinath let the woman know that he was headed towards the kitchens then went back to staring expectantly at Bamath. He would divulge his secrets to her!

----

Korvalia was damn near drowning in paperwork. Between teaching Dragon Care in place of R'niaan and dealing with the various intricacies of the training of weyrlings she was grateful for her time spent at the Headwoman's hip but even her experience was sorely taxed and her patience tried. That insufferable man had been gone far too long and a brief missive with no explanation as to why he'd be gone longer than expected had only further increased her ire. Add to that her brother's constant desire to needle her and cause trouble for the other teachers, that cursed girl's continued belligerence and any number of other things had served to keep Korvalia in a near perpetual foul mood.

Then Korinath gave her an offhanded comment about Bamath being back and R'niaan going to the kitchens and the Weyrling Master's Assistant growled. Throwing down the stack of records she was organizing she shoved her chair back and stalked out of the office that she was struggling to keep from becoming a mess. Stalking down the corridors and taking the stairs two at a time, her split skirt swishing about her knees as she slipped into the kitchens. It didn't take long to spot him and when she saw that woman hanging off of him she tensed. More and more she was beginning to question his competence with every poor choice he made. Shacking up with a woman who basically spit on the rules that every candidate was obligated to follow, however, was a bit too much for her to handle at the moment. Rather than cause a scene, though, she stalked towards the couple, expression slack and emotionless though her eyes were sharp and cold.

"We're...we're having a baby?"

Korvalia's eyes widened and flared with disbelief and annoyance. A hiss escaped her and she willed herself not to grab the man by the back of the head and slam his face into the table. Not usually prone to outright acts of violence it was an unusual impulse but not unwarranted. He'd abandoned her and was now frolicking about with some clingy, meddling twit planning his domestic life rather than worrying about his duties and responsibilities to the weyr and his position. Pressing her lips together, Korvalia gathered her thoughts and her control over her emotions. Sensing her struggle, Croony popped into the kitchen and with a soft croon, settled on the woman's shoulder. She'd long since stopped shooing the firelizard away and though she'd never admit it, drew comfort from her presence. "Are congratulations in order then? I had not realized that you were back."

[summerrain]

Yuki nodded. "I know we can do this," she told him. "But I would still rather not risk Yura's well-being by bringing her here. Relations are still too tense, the Holders too unpredictable. I... I'd rather her be safe in Rainbow Mists, at least for a while longer... But then again, perhaps bringing her here would indeed be best."

{Be on watch Yuki, the assistant is headed your way.}

Ayleneth narrowed her eyes at the dragoness that appeared before them, interrupting their reunion. But she said nothing to her. That would wait. She did not sever the connection between herself and Bamath, but neither did she reach out to include Korinath in their moment.

There she was. Yuki sighed and straightened, her fingers lacing with his. She knew Korvalia didn't like her. It was no secret. But why did the girl insist on interrupting them? She didn't speak though. It was for R'niaan to do. She was his assistant after all.

[shapeshifter]

Bamath crooned as Korinath approached him and Ayleneth. My dear, dear Korinath! Well, we shall say I did not chase in any Flights...but we managed to do plenty of tactical air training. However, adventures? I flew low over seas, high over mountains, and through deserted plains...watching wild heards of beast run below us. Bamath was proud of the time he and R'niaan spent away. He was not happy, however, with how quickly R'niaan re-adapted to the two women he spent most of his time around. He was supposed to keep his head on Pern, not in the clouds. That was the point of leaving. Now he's going to have a little thing running around? Bamath did not mind children, he loved them, however in his opinion his mine was not ready for one of his own yet. Not with his duties he had!

He sighed, "I understand, with you mentioning that I almost don't want you mixed in the mess here, pregnant and all I mean. If something were to happen to you...happened to it? I wouldn't be able to live with myself." He sighed, "The only issue, with me being Weyrling Master and traveling off as much as I do, would we be able to raise it ourselves or would we have to turn it over to foster care until it's older?"

R'niaan turned as Korvalia approached them, this feeling of excitement rising in his chest when his eyes laid on her. "Good to see you too, Korva!" R'niaan said, grinning all the while as he jumped to his feet, turning loose of Yuki's hand and embracing his assistant. He was happy to see familiar faces after all that time. "Congratulations? Oh, well I'm assuming you overheard. Yes, I just arrived back moments ago." He motioned for her to take a seat, "Join us? We have business to discuss! What all has been going on? I need to be caught up. I want all the Weyrlings rounded up before sun up tomorrow to start their training."

[Shoki]

Temperanth took a moment after hearing a roar in the Weyrbowl. She had been dosing, but of course she was willing to get herself up and awake for some chatting with other dragons. She examined herself to see if her little ‘leaf’ was stuck to her at the moment. Oh looked like Ivy was napping too. Temperanth carefully turned her head and nudged the little flitter, who opened her eyes sleepily. Ivy took a moment to see what was up, and then trilled a greeting to her lovely Ice cousin before gliding to the ground. Temperanth crooned softly, and Ivy curled up ready to sleep again. She was a good little Firelizard, Temperanth knew, and a good mind for Hedara to have connected to her. For now though, Temperanth took her leave, heading to the Weyrbowl to see what was going on.

A Crimson, Aurora and Moonlight were in the Bowl. Of course Temepranth recognized each, and she had expected Bamath back sooner rather than later. The Ice landed then step toward the other dragons, looking pleased.

Welcome back, Bamath. I hope you and R’niaan have had a good trip. Temperanth observed the Aurora and Moonlight, both seemed to be catching up with the Crimson in their own way. Very good. And Ayleneth, Korinath, I do hope the day is treating you both well.

[summerrain]

She'd forgotten how flirtatious he could be. She put her hands in her lap, watching them for a moment, her heart aching. She stood quietly. "I should go find my brother," she said, not meeting R'niaan's gaze. "He has been awaiting your return as much as the rest of us." She slipped past them and into the hall. Grace popped into presence on Yuki's shoulder, and the young woman softly rubbed her head. She sighed, leaning against the wall outside the kitchen.

Mine, are you alright? Ayleneth asked, her eyes whirling an unusual array of colors. She turned toward the kitchens. Ayleneth had felt the sudden change in Yuki's behavior, and she was worried. She took a moment to make the conversation private, so none of them would hear her.

I'd forgotten how... How forward R'niaan is with other women, Yuki admitted softly. I just missed him so much... I wanted to spend some time alone with him, but then Korvalia showed up... And... She showed the Aurora the image of R'niaan embracing Korvalia.

Mine, I am sure she is nothing more than his assistant. Ayleneth assured Hers. She turned back to the other dragons as Temperanth flew down from her weyr. Well enough, she told the Ice. I suppose a quiet day around here is a good day, at least lately.

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan looked towards Yuki, "Good! He and I have things to discuss as well. I have much to do before I can even rest." R'niaan sighed, putting his head in his hands for a moment. He lifted his head and began to munch on his food again. He saw a drudge passing by and motioned for her, "Bring us a flask of wine and come glasses?" She nodded and hurried off to fetch the requested items. He commented with, "Can't do business without business drinks!" He grinned from ear to ear when she returned, giving her a thanks as she set them down and scurried off once again. He poured up two glasses, one for himself and Korvalia.

Bamath looked at the Ice queen, It is good to see you as well, Temperanth. I assure you that our late arrival was not intentional...we were held up for a moment there with some of our business affairs. His voice had darkened some at the end of the sentence, obviously not a happy ending with his story.