[6.24.2707] Please Forgive Me!(G'rett,Arktos,Quind

[sorra]

Kiyoni slowly came to feeling slightly dazed. She couldn't quite remember where she was or why she felt so sore and stiff. She rolled to move and gasped when she bumped into something warm. That's when she realized she was still naked and in the flight room.

"What happened?" she mumbled, looking around her. Her eyes widened in shock and tears slid down her eyes. What kind of flight had she just had?

[Kendrall]

G'rett stirred in his sleep, not quite fully awake when he felt warm flesh next to his. It felt soft and he wanted to embrace it, and unconsciously linked his thoughts to that of his Bronze. Nothing save for content sleep, and it was apparent Coth was satisified with Elliwodth curled up next to him. That stray thought eased him toward consciousness when his senses picked up on the fact there were two warm naked bodies next to his, and not just one. Wait a minute. Two? One had to have been Kiyoni...but who was the other? And why was he in bed with two people instead of just one?

That's when he heard Kiyoni's mumbled voice, and his own eyes slowly opened. Kiyoni was on one side of him, her eyes wide with fear and tears were streaming down her cheeks. But who was on the other side of him?

He turned his head to look, and his heart sank. Gulping visibly, he pinched himself just to be sure he wasn't seeing things. Ouch. He wasn't dreaming, and this certainly wasn't a nightmare. Quindara lay on the other side of him, just as naked as he and Kiyoni. Yet how did she manage to find him, let alone get into the flight room? Typically it was off-limits to Candidates, unless...

...Unless Quindara happened to be witness to Elliwodth's Flight, and either saw or heard that Coth gave Chase. Which meant Coth won the Flight, and somehow Quindara slipped in without anyone seeing her. G'rett's mind tried to figure out what happened last night, but it was all still a blur. A cruel thought ran through his mind. What if he managed to get both Kiyoni and Quindara with child? That would mean Quindara would be ineligible to Stand...and she would probably never forgive him for it. Kiyoni, on the other hand, was a close friend...but how would she react?

He looked over at Kiyoni and it took him a while to answer her question. "I think Coth won the Flight...and we had a visitor come and join us." He looked over at Quindara and frowned.

[Kit]

Quindara awoke to the sound of voices, which was odd, and abruptly realized she was naked, which was odder....then memories of the flight came rushing back. She blushed a little, it had certainly been interesting. Part of her wanted to lay there, feigning sleep and hoping some of the problems would just resolve themselves, but she knew that wouldn't work. She rolled over, and gave G'rett a sheepish look.

"Hello..sorry...I...ummm" words failed. She shrugged, and gave an imploring look to G'rett, hoping he wouldn't bee too angry with her. She hadn't meant for this to happen. Kiyoni, she tried not to look at. It was awkward, and she felt a strange mix of angry and pity for the other rider, now that she was in her right mind.

[sorra]

Kiyoni buried her head in her arms. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. She shuttered a little as she remembered some of the things they had done. Never in her right mind would she had let anything like that happen. How would she ever explain any of this to Arktos? He'd never forgive her. She continued to cry softly, her shoulders slumping.

"I-I can see that," she whispered hoarsely. She didn't really blame Quindara for what happened. Anyone could get caught in flightlust, but still, why? She closed her eyes and tried to forget the little bit that she remembered. All of her Turns as a rider she had never woken up beside another female. Even with G'rett there is was still odd and she wasn't sure how she felt about it yet.

[Kendrall]

G'rett sighed and only shook his head. He knew Quindara knew she wasn't supposed to be there, and poor Kiyoni was thoroughly embarrassed at the fact there was another naked female present in the room. G'rett felt sorry for the Searchrider, and slowly lowered his arms to gently wipe away the tears, then kissed her on the forehead before drawing her into a gentle hug. "Kiyoni," he said softly, "None of us can go blaming ourselves for what happened between the three of us. We all know what flightlust can do when people are close enough to be drawn in." He sighed. "It's still early, which means there's still enough time to vacate the flight room before everyone in the Weyr is fully awake." He turned his head to Quindara, and removed one arm from Kiyoni's form to embrace the other woman. "You know you shouldn't be here, Quindara," he gave her a gentle rebuke. "As much as I hate to, you know I have no other alternative but to speak with Arktos about this. Which means at some point, all three of us will have to face him together." He turned to the still teary-eyed Kiyoni, and frowned. "I have some pull with him as Wingleader of Stardust, so I should be able to keep this whole incident away from Cybele's or Toniel's notice." Or that of Quindara's brother for that matter.

He pulled Kiyoni in close to him to give her a soft, gentle kiss, then turned and did likewise with Quindara. "I can only ask that the two of you forgive me for pulling you both in at the same time. Thankfully, the laws of the Weyr are flexible when it comes to flights. However," his voice grew serious. "Both of you are now at risk of carrying my child. Quindara, you know your status as a Candidate is now in jeopardy. I would never ask you to abort the pregnancy, nor would I want that. If you're unable to Stand at the Hatching because of this, then the responsibility falls on my shoulders as Wingleader of Stardust. I'll have to patch things with the Leadership, including your brother." He turned to Kiyoni. "I couldn't ask you to abort our child either, Kiyoni. I'll do my best to be a father to both children and see to it I'll set aside time to be with them." He shifted back, slightly, so he could look at them both but still kept his arms around both women. He knew they were now his lovers, but technically only one could be his weyrmate, and that title would go to Quindara. Still, I know how Kiyoni feels about Arktos and I can only surmise it goes both ways. I have nothing but respect for the man, yet if anything were to happen to him and he passes on, I must be there for Kiyoni and her children, regardless if they are mine or his. Quindara may not like it, but I'll get her to understand there is enough room in my heart for both ladies and their children. I must be responsible for my actions, and I will.

"We'll get through this, somehow," he said, comforting them both. "But first things first." He looked over onto the floor and had to squeeze his eyes shut when he saw Quindara's ripped tunic was abandoned. He shook his head ruefully. "Kiyoni," he said, turning to the Searchrider, "can you see Quindara safely back to the Candidate Barracks without being noticed? I'll come find you later." He then turned to Quindara. "You'll have to borrow my tunic. Yours got ripped somehow." G'rett didn't dare want to know how that happened, but could only take a guess. "Take Kiyoni with you and get back to the Barracks. Just be ready to speak with Arktos when he summons you."

G'rett looked at both women, and injected authority into his voice, but kept it soft. "I hate to pull rank, but I do outrank the both of you. You have your orders. Move out."

[sorra]

Kiyoni continued to tremble slightly as tears still slid down her cheeks. She knew G'rett was right, but it didn't make it any easier on her. At least not at the moment. Maybe later she would be able to convince herself that it was just a flight, but the moment she was embarrassed and devastated all at the time. Although she made sure to keep her thoughts blocked from Elliwodth. It wasn't her green's fault after all. "I-I'll talk to Arktos," she said, her voice cracking.

Renewed tears slid down her cheeks at that thought. Becoming pregnant hadn't even crossed her mind, but now that G'rett had said it he was right. It was very very possible that that very thing could happen. What am I going to do? I'm falling apart here. I can't have a child. No, I won't even think about that right now. She knew G'rett would stand by his word if it did happen. "Thank you," she whispered.

Kiyoni looked over at Quindara. She felt bad for the candidate too. They could all end up getting into some major trouble for this flight. She nodded. "I'll go with her," she whispered. "Should I get her a shirt from my wery, so no one can ask questions why she has yours?" she offered. Her voice was still weak, but she was trying to get a grip on things.

[Kit]

Quindara fixed G'rett with a look. "You don't have to take all the blame for this. I am an adult after all, and I can participate in Flights if I want. Not that I meant to, but well..." she shrugged. "I'm not worried for myself, and as far as a child," she sighed. "We'll cross that bridge if it happens." She stood, and pulled her pants on, and grabbed G'rett's tunic, dropping it over head with little ceremony. It smelled of him, she breathed in the scent deeply before pulling her boots on and quickly tying her hair into a quick knot.

She shook her head at Kiyoni, "I'll wear this one, its fine...I need a bath anyway." She took a deep breath, of course she was worried, and this whole situation was weird. But there was nothing to do but go on with life. She sat back down on the bed, and embraced G'rett quickly. "I will see you later. Please don't worry about me too much." She kissed him on the cheek and glaced at Kiyoni without looking too hard, trying to avoid the serious awkwardness that had sprang up between the two women. "I'm ready whenvever you are."

[sorra]

Kiyoni quietly got up and got dressed. She was still too numb to really react to anything. Although she realized how sore she was when she tried to move. She managed to keep her trembling to a minimum as she turned back to G'rett and Quindara. She didn't want their presence to be awkward, but she just couldn't help it.

"I'm ready," she whispered hoarsely, her voice rough from crying. She looked over at G'rett. "Take care," she said, her eyes red rimmed from crying.

[Kendrall]

G'rett shook his head when Kiyoni said she would talk to Arktos. "You're not really in the best of moods to speak with him, Kiyoni," he said lightly, getting up off the bed after he returned Quindara's hug and kissed her on the cheek. He found his breeches and pulled them on, one leg at a time, then his boots. "I'll find him later to see how he wants to handle this. As for you, Kiyoni," he addressed the Searchrider, "Don't you dare shut me out. You'll only make matters worse."

He was pleased when Quindara took in a deep breath from his tunic, and figured he'd never get it back. Ah well. He could always ask one of the weavers to weave him another. "And you're right, Quindara. If either of you or both of you wind up with child, we'll have to deal with it then. Either way, I'm going to stand by my word and do my best to be a father." G'rett wasn't happy when Quindara told him she'd participate in Flights if she wanted to...but was already worried about the fact she could wind up Ineligible to Stand. I'll have to make sure Q'del doesn't catch wind of this.

He walked up to Kiyoni and wiped the tears from her cheeks with his hands, and noted she was still trembling from fear. "We'll pull through." He looked at Quindara. "All of us." Giving them both another quick hug and kissing them on the cheek, G'rett walked out of the flight room and only paused for a moment to look at both women. "If either of you shut me out," he said, "then I'll just have to find a way to make it up to you. Kiyoni, never forget the fact I'll always be here for you as a friend, and even your lover if that's what you want." He looked at Quindara. "You've always had my heart, Quindara, and you've now become my lover as well. All that's left is for you to take me as your weyrmate." He looked at both women again. "I know neither of you may like the fact you've shared me with the other, but that's the truth. We can't deny what happened last night in there, flight lust or not. But you'll see just how big my heart is for the both of you, and any children that's borne to me as a result of this. Still, both of you have been my first experience, and I will always be grateful for that."

G'rett looked into the eyes of both women; Kiyoni's blue and Quindara's green, his own brown eyes telling them both he would stand by his word. He'd always been a man of honor, and it would be a warm night between before he would throw it away. Blowing both ladies a kiss, he turned and headed back to his own quarters, then quietly closed the door. Thankfully, Coth wasn't on his dragon couch; he was still with Elliwodth. Letting out a sigh, G'rett flung himself onto the furs of his bed and buried his face in them. He felt as if it would be ultimately up to him to get him and both ladies out of this mess. That meant he'd have to deal with Arktos. Rising from his bed, he rummaged through his clothes before finding a clean tunic, then walked into the separate bathing chamber to wash his face. Slipping the tunic over his head, he headed back into the main living quarters and looked at the candle. Dawn was approaching fast. He'd give himself one or two candlemarks at most before soliciting Arktos' advice.

[sorra]

The search rider shook her head. Right mood or not, she had to talk to Arktos. Even if the Candidate Master never spoke to her again she owed him this at least. Although she just wouldn't tell G'rett what she was doing. It was her life and this flight was as much her fault as anyone's. It was her dragon that had risen afterall.

"I didn't say I'd shut you out," she whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. She wouldn't. She didn't want to losee G'rett as a friend. Especially if she lost Arktos. She would definitely need a shoulder then.

Silent tears slid down her cheeks. She couldn't even think about a child at the moment. It wasn't that she didn't want children, but she just didn't know what she would do if she became pregnant this time around. She closed her eyes tightly. She'd cross that bridge if need be later. Kiyoni nodded slightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

Kiyoni looked back over at Quindara and waited for the candidate to say she was ready to leave. She quietly moved to the door, ready to leave as soon as she could. She had to think and she had to talk to Arktos even if it turned out badly.

[Kit]

Quindara watched G'rett leave with mixed feelings. Despite the danger to her Candidacy, she was glad to have been with him for his first time. But the circumstances were not ideal, obviously and she would have wished it to be just the two of them, in a more romantic setting. But considering she might have to wait a Turn for her next oppurtunity, she'd take what she could get.

Shaking herself out of her reverie, she nodded to Kiyoni. "Lets go." She felt horribly sorry for the woman, she was more upset about the Flight than Quindara would have expected and it had taken the mention of the Candidate Master to telll her the reason. Arktos and Kiyoni huh? Well, she could see how, being dragonless, it might upset the man, but he'd be a fool not to forgive her. She could hardly stop Eliwodth from Rising. But she disagreed with G'rett, if her hypothesis was correct, it was imperative she speak to Arktos immediately or he would lose faith. She almost said this to Kiyoni, but decided it was none of her business and instead followed the woman to the Barracks mutely. At the doorway to the girl's side she turned to the other woman. "I am sorry... And good luck."

[sorra]

Kiyoni tried to pull herself together as she watched G'rett leave. She was glad in a way that it had been him. At least he was still a good friend. It had just been an awkward flight they had ended up in.

The young rider walked with Quindara back to the barracks. She was thankful that they made it there without being seen. "Thanks." she whispered. "And don't be. You couldn't help this anymore then I could," she said, her voice cracking. She dashed at some tears before turning and walking away. As soon as she was far enough from the barracks she took off running. She had to see Arktos. She got to the office and knocked on his door, hoping he'd be there.

[Kit]

With a sigh, Quindara took herself off to the baths, letting the warm water wash away some of the soreness in her muscles and allowing her to collect her thoughts. There were approximately three marks before morning chores. Perhaps she'd have a nap.

Meanwhile, at the door of the Candidate Master, at first there was silence after the knocking, but then suddenly, Forge appeared from between outside the door, took one look at who was waiting, chirped and dissapeared again. There was a noise, a scratching, scrabbling sound behind the door and suddenly it opened with a quiet snick. Arkysk's great head appeared, his whirling eyes yellow-gray with anxiety.

Oh I am glad it is you. Mine is sad! He has shut me out, I cannot hear him. You must help! the wher said worriedly. He backed into the room. Follow. Please. he crooned piteously and then turning, padded quietly through the office and pushed the adjoining door open with his head. There, in the dim room, Arktos lay fully clothed on his bed, face down and sideways so that both his head and his feet hung off the edges.

[sorra]

Kiyoni wrapped her arms around herself as she waited for an answer. Even if it was a go away. Tears slid unashamedly down her cheeks as it remained quiet. She shouldn't have been surprised, but it hurt. She knew now that she loved him. But she didn't know if he would ever give her the chance to tell him.

The search rider jumped, but winced when Forge appeared and then the door creaked open. Her eyes widenedi n surprise when it was Arkysk who opened the door. Her heart broke at his words. "I am so sorry, Arkysk," she whispered, following the wher.

Kiyoni sobbed softly when she saw Arktos. What had she done? She moved over to his bed and knelt down beside it. "Arktos?" she asked softly, touching his cheek. "Please, it's Kiyoni."

[Kit]

Arkysk knew little of the meaning of Flights, and since his bonded had blocked their link, he had no idea in what way Kiyoni was involved. He only knew that she made Arktos happy and that was what was needed. I don't know what I wrong. He drank a bunch of something that smelled terrible. the wher wrinkled his muzzle in a disgusted grimace.

At the touch on his face, Arktos made an unintelligible noise, and waved his hand to brush the thing away. His muddled mind assumed it to be Arkysk. But Kiyoni's voice seemed to register and after a moment, he opened his eyes and stared at her blearily, trying to make some sort of sense out of what he was seeing.

"Kiyoni?" he said, his voice rough with fatigue. He pushed himself up to a sitting position, his head aching and mouth cottony, remembering what had prompted him to drink himself into oblivion. Eliwodth had risen and... he swallowed... Coth had won. A feeling of gloom settled over him. As dark as it was, and as wrapped as he was in his own sark mood, he didn't notice she'd been crying. In his state of depression he assumed she had come to tell him she was in love with G'rett.. Or something equally bad. "What are you doing here? I..." his voice cracked, "I didn't want you to see me like this."