All references to worlds and characters based on Anne McCaffrey's fiction are copyright © Anne McCaffrey 1967,2000, all rights reserved, and used by permission of the author. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by Anne McCaffrey, used here with permission. Use or reproduction without a license is strictly prohibited. For more information, visit the Worlds of Anne McCaffrey.

23-01-03: Happy families
It's Lydiere and two kids - and Llysereth, though she's napping.

Hoisting a sandy-brown haired toddler into her arms as she steps onto the sands from a dark passage, Lydiere goes first to Llysereth, who blows warm air into the face of both members of the party, and then shuts her eyelids to nap again. With a wry smile, Lydiere wanders closer to the galleries - she knows full well who is up there, thanks to her lifemate. Llysah, this being the toddler, is readjusted, as she waves her arms about gaily, as, with a smile, the Weyrwoman comes to a halt. "Evening."

From the Galleries, Erk, authority. Keidire steps away from Jessamy and her companion before leaning down to say out of the corner of his mouth, "Hey, mum."

"Did you come for the eggs, Keid, or because you expected to find me here?" Lydiere wants to know - though she's smiling; it's not a 'serious' request. "Though, on second thoughts, I guess I go for the former." Llysah's a squirming child who lets off a long, lisped statement that seems to have something to do with dragons, though it's hard to tell.

From the Galleries, Keidire shrugs helpfully, a very typical gesture when expected to explain something. His younger sister is excellent distraction, and he leans over the railing to wiggle fingers at her and smile "Hi, Llysah!" he says brightly. "Are you here visiting my eggs, too?"

Llysah wiggles her hands back, beaming brilliantly, and says something that seems to imply that they're pretty. Leaning up against the edge of the railing, Lydiere comments, "So was it a good turnday present, or a bad one? As turnday presents go."

From the Galleries, "I agree completely." Keid tells Llysah, nodding seriously. He grins and winks at the baby, though she's unlikely to catch the gesture. "It's a fine present, Mum. As long as I get to keep one. Dad would surely throw a fit, though." He holds his arms out for Llysah over the railing. When she's in a good mood, she's fun... Right?

Lydiere hands Llysah up - though she keeps a close eye on the process, holding on to her younger child until she's absolutely certain Keidire's got her tight. "He would, wouldn't he? Not that it's his business, really. Which reminds me," she continues, thoughtfully, "You're probably old enough now to decide for yourself when," and if, though that remains unsaid, "you go stay with him. I mean, you could decide to apprentice, now, or you could be searched."

From the Galleries, Llysah is lifted safely over the railing and then twirled around acrobatically a few times, eliciting a squeal and a giggle from the little girl. Settling the child on his hip a little awkawrdly, Keidire makes a face at his mother. "Do I haaave to?" he whines.

"Have to, what?" Lydiere frowns. "If you mean stay with your father, of course you don't. Just as long as you tell him yourself, even if it's just in a letter."

From the Galleries, "Awwright," Keidire makes another face and shifts his little sister on his hip. "Oof, Lly, you're heavy." He complains to the child, making it seem like a fun thing by making silly faces as he says it. "Hey, Mum, can I take her to the playground with me? I'll be careful." And attract attention from girls. Yay.

Lydiere's lips twitch - it's not hard to tell that she's pleased, regardless of anything else. "If I were mean, I'd make you tell him to his face, remember," she comments, with a grin. "Oh, all right. It's probably not good for her to be in here for too long. Be /very/ careful."

From the Galleries, Keidire nods obdiently to the admonition, and gives his sister a tickle to keep her giggling. "I'll write him a letter - I promise. Look, Mum, I don't know. I..." He seems like he'd like to say more, but doesn't. "Never mind. I'll bring her back in an hour."

Lydiere tilts her head to the side, querying with her eyebrows, but then nods. "I'll see you then, Keid."