Grandma

Writers: Dana, Eimi
Date Posted: 15th September 2006

Characters: Nialyn, Birigundi, Birina
Description: Birigundi finally introduces Ma to Nialyn
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 13, day 7 of Turn 3

Birigundi

"Well, this is Nia's weyr," Birigundi said, stopping in front of one of
a row of doors.

"I really can't figure out how you can _tell_! Every hallway and every
door looks the same!" his mother chuckled.

"The numbers help," Birigundi said pointing up at the numbered sign.

"Oh, well, I guess they would. Really, I don't know how you don't get
lost," she said, straightening her dress once more.

"Don't worry, Ma, you look perfect. And Nia is gonna love you and you
will love her, I promise," he said with his most reassuring smile.
Truth was, though, his heart was racing as hard as his mothers. Shards
he hoped he was right! Taking a deep breath he knocked on the door.

Nialyn was just running the brush through her long hair--again--when she
started at the knock. The brush clattered to the stone floor, and
flushing, she kicked it under the bed. There was no way she'd be able
to bend down _now_, for Faranth's sake. She didn't want to meet Biri's
mother from a sprawled position on the ground. How undignified!

Nervously, she glanced at the door. Shards...here it was. The day
she'd been looking forward to, and yes, dreading, for the whole
sevenday. What would his mother think of her? Smoothing her hands down her tunic
and skirts one last time, Nialyn took in a deep breath, closed her eyes to
regain a sense of composure, and opened the door.

"Nia," Birigundi grinned as he pulled his mother more into the view of
the door, "This is my mother. Ma, this is Nialyn."

"Please, just call me Ma," the woman said with a tentative smile. Her
eyes were pulled down to the bulge at the young woman's stomach. "Oh
shards," she whispered, her eyes filling with the first hint of tears.
"I'm just so happy for the both of you!" she cried as she lurched
forward to throw her arms around the mother of her grandchild-to-be.

At first the young woman was so surprised by Ma's reaction that she just
stood there, blue eyes wide. Then, after a moment's hesitation, she
awkwardly put her own arms around her. Shards--this wasn't what she'd
been expecting. But...what _had_ she been expecting? Certainly not
such a heartfelt embrace. "It's so nice to finally meet you," she
whispered.

"I'm sorry, I know I must seem like an emotional idiot," Ma said pulling
back and wiping tears form her eyes. "It's just... Well, you know, this
is my son's first..."

Nialyn grinned, glancing at Biri. "I don't think you seem like an
emotional idiot."

"That's very sweet," Ma smiled. Yes, Nialyn did seem like a very nice
girl. She could see why her son had been attracted her. She would make
him a good wife... If Weyrs went in for that sort of thing. And then
there was Demalia...

"Well, I smell food, and I'm sure you ladies are starving. Nia has to
eat for two after all," Birigundi grinned, reaching out to lay a hand
over her stomach gently. "But it seems he's sleeping at the moment. Has he
been active today?" He knew his Ma would _love_ to feel the baby move.

Wrinkling her nose, she nodded. "_Very_. It's like he knew his
Grandmama was coming today and was getting prepared for her." Her hand
slipped over his to hold it there for a moment before letting it go.

The gesture didn't fail to escape his mother's attention. It was
obvious the girl thought their relationship was more than just the one
night stand her son had seemed to paint the situation as. She wondered if
Birigundi even had a clue, or was he has blind to her feelings as he was to
Demalia's. Inwardly she sighed. He was still such a boy sometimes...
"Well, I hope he hasn't worn himself out too much. I certainly wouldn't
want to miss a chance to feel him in action."

"Well, come on then ladies, I'm starving," Birigundi said as he walked
over to the table to pull chairs out for them both.

"Shall we?" his mother said, giving Nialyn a tender and understanding
smile as she linked her arm through the young woman's.

"As soon as he starts kicking, I'll let you know...Ma." The name
sounded...strange as it rolled off her tongue, but Nialyn felt good
saying it. "I called down for roast wherry, salads and fresh bread.
Oh, and butter of course."

"Though its not as good as your cooking, I'm afraid," her son said with
an exaggerated sigh.

"Oh, hush, Weyr food is some of the best on Pern." And his mother had
been to enough Hatchings she could say that with some authority, she
thought. "Now why don't you pour us some drinks, Biri, and lets toast
to my new grandchild!"

Last updated on the September 27th 2006

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Grandma