Suprise! (L'sander)

[hrsegrl]

Marisol had forgotten to fly Between until it was too late and Seryth wouldn't take her. She had no choice but to tell the father now. She was nigh on five months and it was beginning to show, no matter what she wore. This was the first time she would bear a child and the twenty three turn old was, for the first time ever, afraid.

Knocking on L'sander's door, she felt no better than a drudge. Not that rank ever meant anything to her. Whether he would notice or not mattered little to her. She was growing quite quickly now and it wasn't going to be long before the wing knew. The greenrider knew better than to disrespect the father by not telling him. The whole Weyr would know soon enough. She hoped no one would even care.

A baby was a wonderful thing, especially in times like these but Maris saw how risky this could be. Her mother and her family had trouble, not only concieving but carrying children to term. Even then they often lost the baby and worse than that, women had been known to die. Shard it all, she wasn't dying because of some baby! If she was going to die it would be fighting thread!

When he didn't answer right away, she knocked again and this time spoke, "L'sander? If you are there, we need to ummm, talk." She hated those words. Maris hoped he wouldn't ignore her.

[brimstone81]

L'sander hadn't seen Maris for a long time. Was it right after Seryth's flight? How long was that? A few months already? At first he was a little sad, he had like Marisol, even if she wasn't much for rank, and very different from other women he had been interested in. Of course, there was two episodes in which they slept together, and that was a little awkward for him. He'd never sleep with a woman if he didn't know them well. Well, maybe expecpt for flight, and that was one of the reasons for their tryst. When he was with Renalda, it was love, pure and simple, with Maris, certainly lust in every aspect. Still, she was nice, he liked her, and somehow felt that he owed her to be close in some way or another. But she stopped making an effort too, and he couldn't feel that bad about it. He had quite forgotten about it all when there was a knock at his door. He wasn't sure if he had heard it at first, and went back to whatever he was doing. And then there was a voice.

Could it be Marisol? He hadn't heard her voice in a while, but he was sure it was immistakable. He opened up the door a crack and saw her red hair and then opened it all the way, "Marisol, come in."

It was then he got a good look at her. Bright, healthy, but what was that? She looked like she gained a little weight in the middle, though her face, arms, and neck didn't show any more weight gain. That could only mean. . . No, it couldn't be him. She must need a friend and have no where else to go. He looked at her with concern, "What is it, Marisol?"

[hrsegrl]

Well at least he didn't seem busy. Not that he was really someone known to be promiscuous, unlike her. "Glad you are in." She smiled warmly though it was apprent she was concerned. She walked into the man's weyr without much thought at being polite. It wasn't that her parent's and grandmother had not tried to make her into a polite person, she just often forgot the particulars of proper ettiquette. "Sorry to come unexpected like this. I just finally realized that we needed to talk. Once I get my mind on something I really can't stop." She gave him another smile.

Marisol wasn't expecting anything. Not for him to be happy or angry or even care what she named it. She just knew he needed to know. They were in the same wing and people would talk. "I think it would be best if you sat down for this..." Her light blue gaze found a chair. She sat down herself. Not that Maris liked to sit still, she would prefer to stand and pace about but that might make things more akward than they were about to become.

"L'sander, I never thought I was going to have to say this..." She paused, and looked him directly in the eyes. "I know I have a reputation for being somewhat promiscuous but I need you to take what I say as the truth. I would not come here if I did not know for sure. I'm pregnant and you are the father." She shivered slightly. It didn't feel that great saying it. In fact it only reaffirmed her fears.

[brimstone81]

It all started out okay, just friends coming together to have a chat. That could be nice. He even found himself smiling when she did. L'sander became relaxed and in a good mood, unaware of what things the pretty woman would utter in a few short moments. "It's fine, I haven't seen you in a while. How've you been?" His eyes fell to her growing belly a moment before smiling back up to her. Motherhood was flattering to her, if anything. "Can I get you anything? What did you have on your mind?"

He was sure she was there for a social call, and then she told him to sit down. Oh dear, that wasn't a good sign. He held a chair for her to sit and then sat himself, looking more serious as he studied her face. What could she have to tell him? Maybe this wasn't a jovial, "hey, just checkin' in on ya" type visit. He leaned foreward a little bit, almost knowing what she was going to say but not really sure if he was ready to hear it.

Then she started speaking and all was confirmed. He didn't look at her at first. He had impregnated a greenrider he hardly knew anything about. He didn't love her, he didn't see himself with her as she wasn't the type to settle. What could he offer her? What kind of father could he be? Was he even ready to father a baby? Well it was too late for that because Marisol was pretty round by this time, and by his calculations, not too far from giving birth. He swallowed hard, "Are you sure?" Obviously she was, because she had said that. But they were drunk, didn't alcohol inhibit men so this shouldn't happen? Then he looked up at her with a little smile, "I mean, that's wonderful. What can I do for you? What about, would you like to stay here with me? I'd like to take care of you. If only you had told me before. I would have- I would have taken good care of you."

He got up and walked over to her and knelt at her side then kissed her forehead, "This is wonderful news, Marisol." He took her hands in his, "I'm only so sorry I missed out. I'll make it up to you. You won't have to lift a finger. You'll let me take care of you, right? I mean, you are carrying my son or daughter, it's only fair, right? I want to make you comfortable."

[hrsegrl]

She didn't need anything so she shook her head. He took the news well, at least well enough. Didn't seem too happy that he had just found out about it. She might explain why but maybe that would be too much information for a man who hardly knew her. "L'sander...I am sorry I didn't tell you sooner but I couldn't be certain it was a good time and then it was but I was afraid. This wasn't supposed to happen to me. My mother's family are all either barren or unable to have more than one or two children. A few of them have died in childbirth. Most of the babies my mother concieved never made it to full term. I just couldn't tell you until I knew the baby was going to make it to term."

She realized she sounded liek a child at times, and acted like one but she had his best interests at heart really. "I don't really need anything right now. I feel great. The baby is hardly a hinderance. I was planning on bringing up my leave time with E'riol later...I won't be able to do much practicing the last couple of weeks. " Drills were hard enough. "Oh I do have one, small request and I think you'll agree its for the health and safety of the child." She paused and had an almost mischievious glint in her eyes. "I'd like to keep Seryth's next flight closed, to just Oberonth. That way it won't be too rough and you'll know to be careful. I can trust you to do that. Whereas an open flight would get out of control, especially when Seryth is in one of her more, fiesty moods."

[brimstone81]

"That's okay, I understand," he said quickly. Well, he had always planned on having a baby, just not this soon. It wasn't a bad thing, and unlike at the hold, no one would hold it against him for not being with the mother. No women in his family had ever had trouble concieving or carrying. His own mother had four healthy children, and well, he could only try to understand her reservations. L'sander nodded to her, "It's okay, just don't worry about it, okay?"

She should have been on leave for a while now, L'sander thought, and then checked himself of how protective he was of her now. He didn't want her riding or doing work. She was getting later in her pregnancy, and he felt she should be resting. Especially if her family had trouble carrying to term. He rubbed her hands in his hands, "Anything you want, dear one," and then nodded to her request, "Done. If that is what you want, I'll agree to it. I wouldn't want any to harm you or the baby."

He looked then to her abdomen where she was swelling with his seed, his son or daughter. It was amazing and scary that he was going to be a father. Of course, secretly though he'd never admit it, he wanted a son, a son that could be a rider, but he wouldn't get greedy. He looked up to her, "Do you mind if I, uh, touch it?"

[hrsegrl]

The red haired rider was relieved a little that he seemed concerned. She no longer had to go through this alone. Though she had not had any trouble thus far with the pregnancy she worried that there would be with the birth. She was not a woman built for child bearing as some would say. "Thank you." She said and then lightened the mood a bit with her next words. "Oh! Well of course you can! My mother said the little one was rather active. You might feel it move..."

Marisol, for all her talk of independence was close to her parents. M'lon and Nalia were thrilled about all this. Her mother wanted to raise teh child, which Marisol would have no trouble with except she wanted to make sure L'sander didn't have plans for his offspring. Since she had never planned on having any. Well this was for the good of the Weyr in a way. With the population drops this could be a gift.

She stood up so that L'sander could feel her large belly. Large would be an understatement actually, compared to Marisol's slender form. "So I was thinking of names. In the Weyr, I know it is customary to combine the names of the parents... but if you wanted to do things differently thats fine too. I mean I was named after my grandmother."

[brimstone81]

She stood up and he did as well, putting his whole hand on her belly. She was quite big, and he hoped the child didn't hurt her too much. He wasn't around women too often, and certainly not around pregnant women enough to know how to judge what was big, and what wasn't for a woman at her month. He did not feel anything move, but still moved his hand slowly over her in amazment. This was his child. Even more so he felt worried and anxious for her, "Won't you take up residence here, where I can keep an eye on you? Even if it's just until the baby is born, I can get a cot set up, but I'd rather have you around to make sure everything goes alright. Especially if you have family history."

As for names, well since he just found out, he hadn't thought of any. "Well, I, we could think of something. We have time." He liked the thought of a little one having part of his name. If it was a girl, of course it had to be something soft and beautiful. A boy needed a name that could be shortened well, and then she had said something about a hereditary name, "Yes, that's fine and all, but I like the idea of a new name. I mean, I was named after my grandmother Lyana, but I think a name where we both contribute would be fitting. Unless you have something else in mind." Maybe she didn't want people to know the father of the child. It was a distressing thought, but then again she didn't have to tell him about it, either, if that were the case. "What kind of names do you like? Um, maybe Marsander or Lysandol for boys, or Lymaris for a girl? We have time to disscuss it."

[hrsegrl]

Marisol looked down as he felt the belly and wanted to laugh but kept it to herself. She simply never imagined this for herself. Now it was here and Marisol was not the sort of person to chicken out or worry herself sick. No, she was too much a free spirit for that. "I had not thought of that..." She said, not sure if it was a good idea to spend all that tiem with the Bronzer. If he wanted to keep an eye on her, she could live for a couple months with him. It wouldn't kill her.

"I don't mind, uhm living here as you say, in fact I feel I owe you. Since you did miss out on a bit already. I do ask that you not demand me to be here all of the time. I can't stay in one place, like a runner on stall rest. It won't do for me." She needed the freedom to come and go as she pleased. That was part of the reason why she didn't have relationships with men (and women), just relations.

Naming was of interest to her. She did like his suggestions. "I was just letting you know I was open for anything. I really don't know what to call it. Not knowing what the baby will look like or whether its a boy or girl or even knowing its personality, makes it hard for me." She sighed. "I know this isn't something we planned. I am curious to know some things about you. Since I will be residing here." She was toying with him a little because she could. "First question, are you involved with anyone?" This one was asked for the obvious reasons, she wouldn't want to wreck a perfectly good relationship. Well maybe a perfectly good relationship but it would all be because ti was fun.

[brimstone81]

Of course, women like Marisol were very new to him. While there were some exceptions to the rule, many hold women settled down early and stood by their men. He was used to solid commitments, and there was virtually nothing between them, except one night of drunken passion and now he was a father-to-be. For her to suggest him not telling her to stay around or waiting for her and letting her come and go so freely took him by surprize. But he just nodded dumbly. It was better than nothing right? They weren't in a relationship, and probably wouldn't be. Not the kind of romantic relationship he had always envisioned for himself. Not a husband and wife kind of relationship.

Yet her idea to get to know one another was a good one. He'd like to know more about her, too. But he started it off, "Well, I was born in Crom Hold to a beastcrafter and his wife. I was partially named for my grandmother, who lived with us. I have two younger sisters and a younger brother. I was put in the beastcraft for a decent amount of turns until I was searched six turns ago. I Impressed Oberonth and am the bronzerider you see before you." He hesitated, "I was once in love, but she died nearly two turns ago. No one since. What about you?"

[hrsegrl]

Poor Holdbred Bronzerider, Marisol thought to herself, amused at the thought of herself seducing him. She had not realized how long it must have been since he had a woman when that happened. Still it was a fun night, or what she recalled, it was sort of getting jumbled in there with other nights now.

"My father is the son of Marisol of Gold Beynath. M'lon rides brown Tevth and my mother, Nalia is his weyrmate of over twenty five turns. I was concieved early on in their relationship and though my mother insisted on keeping me, the pregnancy was not going well. I was born two months early which was nearly a death sentance all its own. My grandmother cared for my mother whenever she could spare a moment and that made all the difference in her recovery. I was hence named for her though my mother would never be able to carry a child again." She paused and breathed a deep breath, it was scary to think the same thing could happen to her.

"I grew up a spoiled only child with boundless energy and an upbeat spirit. I was obstinate when it came to learning, especially writing. I write with my left hand." She explained, " I was also a very popular child and had many many friends. My father was none to pleased when he found most of my friends at thirteen were boys. From then on he was on the lookout for them, trying to protect me from the inevitable. I wanted to stand when I was fourteen but my parents agreed I was too young and immature. When I was finally allowed to stand I didn't make it to the sands. Like many teens, I had allowed myself to party too much the night before and spent the day puking my guts out." She laughed at the memory. It was quite clear that Marisol had been wild.

"My first real relationship was with a man eight turns my senior, I was seventeen and we pretty much had an open relationship." Maris didn't really remember much about him other than he was shocked by her. "I impressed at the age of eighteen to Seryth. I've often contemplated that Seryth and I caused the Weyrlingmaster a heart attack but I can't prove it. We have been in Zahra Wing for four turns. I've never had a serious relationship nor have a I been in love."

[brimstone81]

Wow, he had not quite expected all of that. He had figured her name, Marisol was because she was related to the late queenrider. However, he had not expected how wild she was. They were certainly two very different people. He was more like a calm old river and she more like the rapids. (yes. I think I took that from Pocohantas.) Well, they were having a child with eachother, and he was glad he knew something about her.

He nodded at her story, well they didn't have much in common at the moment, but maybe there was something else they could chat about? "What's your favorite color? Klah or wine?" He smiled a bit, well, they both knew they drank wine anyway. "Early riser or stay up all nighter?"

[hrsegrl]

The greenrider realized she had made him nervous with all her wildness. Well she wasn't going to put the baby in any danger so she didn't see how it could really effect him. Then he went on to a less akward topic of conversation though not exactly something one would expect from a Bronzerider like him. This baby thing had really struck a nerve with him, she concluded.

"I'd say my absolute favorite color is the same as Seryth's hide in the sun, just after an oiling. I suppose most of Pern thinks of green as a bad color due to Thread but I find green to be a very comforting color. Besides, it does wonders with my hair color." She grinned, very much like a little girl that she sometimes was.
"Klah is a bit bitter for my tastes and I like all wines. I'd prefer a good ale though truth be told.

The greenrider had a question that was burning to be let heard. "Is this going to be your first child too then?" The red head would not be suprised if it was but she noted how nervous he had been and wondered if he were in the same place she was. Obviously he had different views on parenting, being Holdbred. "Did you find adjusting to the Weyr difficult when you first came here? It must have been very different living at a hold and then as a crafter."