Fort Weyr - Scenic Overlook * Sheltered Ledge
An irregular opening in the outside western wall of Fort Weyr provides a sheltered scenic view of the mountains and valley's beyond. A sturdy but decorative metal railing has been installed along the length of the opening to keep the unwary from inadvertently falling. The low ceiling of the sheltered cavern juts out just enough to protect any observes from the worst of the elements as well as prying sky bound eyes. It offers a perfect spot to settle and watch the spectacular sunsets, stargaze, or just relax in a peaceful atmosphere and watch time go by. Towards the outer edges of the covered ledge's railing one finds a couple of woven reed chairs and small wooden tables where one or two folks can sit in relative comfort.
There sits the weyrleader, his new perch, eyes flickering over the bowl and it's inhabitants. There is a bronze that slumbers on the bowl floor that has R'oc's eyes locked on him, a deep breath is taken. His thick form sitting back against the chair to one side, his arm propping up his head a bit lazily.
Pralius has given both himself and the Weyrleader time to calm down, several hours, in fact. Fresh from his infirmary visit to make sure there wasn't any damage, the skin of ice is still pressed to the left side of his face, mostly obscuring the now deep blue-purple bruise there. Considering his odd positioning, it's no surprise that he's struggling up the last few stairs, breath coming a little harshly. He takes a few deep breaths, calming his beating heart, then clears his throat, "R'oc… can we talk?"
R'oc does not move when he hears the breathing, not even when he speaks to R'oc. "What do you want to talk about?" The voice is cold, low, though not aggresive sounding. "You come to gloat about your child……or how your mate was able to give birth without losing him?" The weyrleader's large fist balls up against the arm of the chair. "Or maybe tell me how I'm not fit be weyrleader?" There is little more movement, but he takes a deep breath and waits.
Pralius takes another slow breath, then shakes his head, "No… I wanted to apologize for being a gigantic wherry head. I shouldn't have said any of those things and we both know it… especially the part about Kessa giving you a child." He takes a slow step towards the Weyrleader, somewhat afraid of ending up with a matching bruise, "I just… snapped, I guess. And I'm sorry." There's plenty more to say, but he pauses long enough for the WeyrLeader to speak again.
"Sorry….is that it….you snapped because I teased you a bit." The man takes a long long deep breath. "If you were anyone…..anyone else I would have broken you…" The weyrleader lets his fist uncleanch. "You out of all people to say that….you who should understand more than anyone." R'oc's words are heavy and slow. "How could you….it would not upset me if it wasn't you….." The man stays quiet still again.
Pralius shakes his head again, "What more can I say? That I feel like a horrible person for rubbing things in your face that are neither your fault nor should you be reminded of?" He takes another step towards the man as he fists unclench, "The fact that I should have known better as both a healer and as your friend just makes me feel worse. Even Wyn called me stupid after finding out what had happened from Shisuth." He frowns, then winces, then winces more. Ah, the joys of facial bruising. "I can tell you what pushed me over the edge… but I can't take back the words. All I can do is say that I know I was wrong and that I think you're a good WeyrLeader."
"Never have another man's words cut me so deep…..and I forgive you….." THe bronzer takes another deep breath. "But if you take another step forward…..I can't guarantee I'll hold back…." The fist clenches again. "As I said I forgive you….but my mate will not…..and I will not tell her what you said." The bronzer's eyes close. "I forgive you…..but my body has not forgotten…..and I don't know how long it will be before I can completely forget." The words are harsh but the way he says it is warning now.
Pralius pauses mid-step and wobbles awkwardly before he catches himself. After a long silence he nods, "Thank you. I don't think I could bear the shame of Kessa knowing what I said in anger." He goes silent once more, standing there, ice pressed to cheek and looking somewhat like a wounded cat, "Perhaps you shouldn't forget. I said things I shouldn't have, but so did you. You basically implied to Wyn that I'd intentionally not gone home."
"Of course thats what I said….you think Wyn doesn't know you well enough to know it isn't the case. I know you well enough to know that isn't the case." The bronzer sits there looking off into the bowl, and luckily the bronze slumbers lest his anger be passed and fueled. "I was teasing you…jabbing at you….if you didn't know I was just ribbing you." THe bronzer takes a deep breath and then says. "There is no excuse for your words….but if you feel so wronged by my words…then I apologize." HE says but no more words come.
Pralius sighs softly, "R'oc… you've raised 3 children… at the same time, no less… you know how sleep deprived new parents are. And how sleep deprivation can make people act and feel. I just… I couldn't handle you telling me I was taking bad care of my mate and son. I-" He stops suddenly, "I was stupid… and thank you." He goes quiet for another moment, "I promise you, if there's any way I can help you and Kessa have a child within the turn, it's yours to ask."
"Just leave…." The bronzer says, his voice calm, though a certain sense of anger still apparant. "Just go…." Seems that even for the best friend that stands there apologizing can he forget so soon. He goes quiet his form staring intently at the bowl below.
Pralius nods slowly, "Okay… you know where you can find me… when you're ready, but I couldn't not apologize now." He swallows somewhat loudly and turns to leave, the obvious sound of his heels scraping against the stone as he does so. Words beyond useless as he moves to the stairs.
'The World of Pern(tm)' and 'The Dragonriders of Pern(r)' are copyright to Anne McCaffrey (c) l967, 2000. This is a recorded online session, by permission of the author but generated on PernWorld MUSH for the benefit of people unable to attend.