A horrid sound echoed through the Weyrwoman's study, a vile retching of one who could only be rather sick. Utterly stripped of strength and pose, it would be Alesia that was sitting in a dark corner of her room, hair stuck to her face from sweat and a bucket between her knees. Finally, the episode eased and she'd be able to sit back, coughing roughly. She was sick.. she was rather sure of it now. The Weyrwoman hadn't been feeling well for nearly a week, and it seemed to have finally come to a head. Finally, when the captives were taken into custody and dragons started coming in with goods, Alesia barely had enough time to get to her study and unceremoniously grab a trash bin before her breakfast could no longer stay in her belly.

Within her Weyr, she could hear Iolath pacing heavily, the glint of her worried eye peering into the room every now and then. You are not well. I should call someone. I could beseech Behemath's rider? Alesia quickly waved that idea off. L'gan, after so disappointingly letting her down in front of the caravan, was now actually proving his worth in coordinating the rest of the effort. At this rate, she might actually forgive him, and certainly wouldn't tear him away from putting on a good face for the Weyr. Iolath snorted, frustrated.

I could get your Headwoman. She has a firelizard I could call to.

Alesia would have laughed, but it came out a dry heave. She regained her composure, coughing. "What? My dear queen can't call my Headwoman herself?" If anything, it was more a curious question.

Iolath though, would be perturbed, not in the mood to be teased when she was so uneasy. I do what is necessary, and so will her firelizard. Alesia couldn't refuse, for once more she was overpowered with the urge to become sick again.

Greatly cheered after her relaxing half-hour of klah and sweet breads in the company of the two Candidate girls, Zenna was humming as she returned to the bathing pools to retrieve her laundry basket. A half smile lit her serene young face, not yet creased with care and responsibility, as she lugged her load down the next two levels to the washing pools. She upended the basket into the waist-high, steaming water, and used one of the long paddles set in racks by the wall to push the mass of soiled clothing and linens toward the center of the pool for their first long soak.

It was a relief to take pride in her work again, even if it was just this simple chore. Each of her movements was economic and graceful; her half-Turn at the Weyr had made her as practiced with the unfamiliar tasks of manual labor as she had already been with managing goods and people.

And Alesia had returned. The trumpeted greeting of the Weyr's dragons greeting their queen had shaken the floors of the Lower Caverns and set lounging weyrfolk scurrying. Zenna had not been sent for immediately, which she took as a sign that all had gone well. And so, after dismissing her young friends back to their lessons, she had returned to her own chores. Sooner or later, she would have the chance to speak to Alesia about what had transpired that day. Until then, Zenna had plenty to do.

A delighted trill, followed by a wilder and more panicked chattering, interrupted her wandering thoughts. Bruiser. Zenna looked up, her smile widening as she held up one arm, the other still holding onto the paddle, to give her bronze fire lizard an easy landing place. He landed lightly, sidling up to her shoulder and giving a soblike croon before burying his face in the short hair that curled behind her ear. His compact little body was taut and trembling, but this eased as Zenna stroked him and spoke softly. "What is it, pet? What's got you all distressed?" Clearly, Bruiser was happy to have found her, but whatever had sent him to her had frightened him. Unable to imagine what would perturb her sweet, opportunistic young pet, Zenna calmed her own mind and asked him again what was wrong.

Images reached her of a big dragon. Big, scary, golden, with a powerful voice and a relentless need. Zenna almost laughed. Yes, Iolath demanding something of a fire lizard would scare one half witless, especially one so young as Bruiser, who had only broken shell three sevendays ago. The memory of his Impression was still strong enough to soften Zenna's face. But now was not the time to slide into a memory. If Iolath had sent Bruiser to her with a powerful need, then Alesia must want her. And if Alesia had been unable to send for Zenna personally, then something was wrong.

Her feet were a blur as she hastened along the corridors and flew up the steps that would take her to the Queen's Weyr, Bruiser complaining all the way at the jarring he was taking on her shoulder. Catching herself on the rough-hewn stone of the door frame, out of breath, Zenna called out haltingly, "Weyrwoman?"

Alesia wasn't in her quarters, but Iolath was. The great golden beast swayed uneasily, crowded to the far side of the room. The glows had all but burnt out, and Iolath's eyes shone a tyrade of distressed colors through the dim light. Things were knocked off tables. and whether it was done by the Weyrwoman or her dragon was unclear.

Iolath houghed loudly as Zenna came into the room, leering in her direction for a moment before moving away from the wall to expose the Weyrwoman's study. "Iolath.. who is it?" A weak voice called out. Looking away from the Headwoman the dragons head obediently swiveled into the direction that no doubt the Weyrwoman was; in her study. Then, a dry heave.

Iolath's reassurance of help made Alesia feel so relieved, yet frightened all at once. She was foolish, she knew, to not want to be seen like this. At that point, she needed something to settle her stomach. When she had heard the footsteps, she had suddenly felt unsure, afraid maybe it was L'gan.. or worse yet, her wingsecond with a report. She'd called out to her dragon before she'd even considered that it was most likely in fact who she had called forth to begin with.

It is your Headwoman. Iolath crooned lightly, making a half-start to crowd the entrance again before thinking twice and making room.

"Zenna.." Alesia's voice was weaker than she wanted it to be. ".. I think I'm sick.." Hah! An understatement! She was staring at her breakfast!

The sight of the great golden beast pressed uncomfortably into a space much too small made Zenna quail momentarily. Nor did it help matters when Iolath turned her head toward the headwoman at the sound of her voice, eyes gleaming lambently in the gloom. Bruiser gave a small squeak of terror and wound his bronze tail around Zenna's long neck, half choking her. She reached up automatically to soothe the creature, even as her own fear passed. Iolath was distressed, she was sure of it. The queen's emotions hung heavy in the room, and as she moved aside to reveal the study beyond, Zenna walked forward with a great deal more confidence. "Thank you, Iolath," she said quietly, her breathing slowed by a chance to rest. She bowed her head to the great queen as she passed through the stone arch into Alesia's study.

And there was Alesia herself, squatting in a corner with her head between her knees. Her short hair was dark with sweat and stuck to her forehead, which was sickly pale in the half-light. The smell was overwhelming, but Zenna took no notice; she'd been in too many sickrooms for that to bother her.

"Oh, you think so?" Zenna's voice was gently teasing as she reached down, cool hands against the Weyrwoman's forehead, then the side of her neck. "Your pulse is racing and you're burning with fever. I'd say you're most definitely sick. Come on, now. Can you stand? What you need is bed, and a warm infusion of herbs." Stooping, she lent her shoulder to Alesia. "Take hold of me, that's right. Let's get you under the furs." She chuckled softly. "I'll make the herbs taste as good as I can, but they won't be pleasant. You're Weyrwoman, so you may have fellis if you wish, to help you sleep." She glanced sideways at Alesia's unhealthy pallor. "What brought this on, do you know? And when?"

Zenna bit her tongue from asking any more questions, and was careful to keep her voice calm and impersonal. She was dying to ask about the Thyra caravan raid, but common sense told her now was hardly the time. Besides, if Alesia was more concerned about her illness than anything else, Zenna reasoned, then the raid must have been a success. Ah, well. She'd have the gossip that evening over supper for certain, and L'gan would be bound to make an announcement. For now, her priority was Alesia's health.

((Oh my god, Alesia's wingsecond. I am imagining K'jin barging into that room with a report, to find Alesia wracked with flu - her embarrassed, him poleaxed...ohh, lovely lovely!))

((I think I'd utterly die of embarrassment -for- Alesia if K'jin decided to bumble in XD))

The Weyrwoman grunted mutinously at the mention of herbs, but had little power to argue with the woman as she clambered under her bedfurs, shuddering with chill. Rather childishly, she was resistant to her questions, feeling helpless and resistant to her tone even as she realized how silly it was to feel that way. "I don't know... I felt sick since this morning. I thought it was just nerves.." Alesia admitted, giving a little cough but was able to hold back any impulses to throw up. She really didn't have much left.

Drat it all! Why did she have to get sick at a time like this! She was utterly mad at herself, but with the goods commandeered and the leaders taken prisoner.. Sleep? Snapped out of her thoughts she gave the woman an almost incredulous look though it lacked any power with how sick she felt. "No.. no I can't.. need to.." She shook her head weakly.. "Maybe.. Maybe L'gan can handle it? If he doesn't get sick.."

Iolath crowded behind them, craning her neck forward to lay her great head on the other side of the cot. "Oh Iolath.. you'll be in Zenna's way..." but her protests were very much half-hearted and she reached out to touch Iolath's snout. Her head was foggy from fever, and she wanted Iolath nearby..


((Now, I honestly -don't- want this to become some horrible pandemic that floods through the Weyr with the Gather coming on. This -does- though, last for about a day and then a bit the day after, followed by general ick for maybe a day more. What is this? Why, it was the stomach flu from hell. Delirious fever, persistant vomiting.. and some other gastrointestinal issues that are cumbersome to address and rp so we'll omit that symptom =( Bad memories anyways. If anyone else wants to catch it then feel free! I know I don't! =P ))

Incredible that she could stoutly resist the smell of fresh vomit without flinching, but the sudden hot breath of Iolath on the back of Zenna's neck could make her tremble. Knowing she couldn't hide her sudden start for Alesia, the headwoman laughed weakly. "You'd think, after Impressing the fire lizard you were so kind to give me, that I'd be getting used to dragons." She finished tucking the furs up beneath Alesia's chin, conscious of the nearness of the immense, colorful eye in the golden head only a few handspans from her own face. Zenna took a long, careful breath and stilled her hands.

"What's really amazing is how she manages to sneak up on me, being as big as she is." And she cast Iolath a glance of mingled trepidation and timid fondness. The truth was, she still wasn't used to dragons - her duties at the Weyr brought her close to people, not dragonkind. And other than a sort of quaking reverence, she had no idea how to really behave around them. One day, she resolved, she'd ask Alesia - or another dragonrider - whether the great dragons could hear the thoughts of any person, or just their rider. And all manner of other things, but now was not that time.

"If you like," she murmured soothingly, taking her mind with some effort away from the hovering Iolath, "I can whisper in L'gan's ear to speak to the Weyr over the evening meal." She paused, cocking her head with concern as she studied Alesia's face. "Unless you'd rather have him here? I think you should rest, and if it was up to me I'd prefer you saw no one except the Weyr healer until we know exactly what the trouble is."

To give Alesia's fevered mind time to come up with an answer, Zenna left the bed to fetch the half-full bucket. Making a mental note to bring it back clean when she returned with the fellis juice and herbed tea, she stroked the quivering Bruiser with her free hand. For the little fire lizard's sake, at least, she must be brave. It wouldn't do to have him fluttering around Alesia's sickroom in a panic over the proximity of the great queen dragon.

As much as she had been able to smile wanly at her comments about Iolath, her face went stolid once she mentioned L'gan. "N.. noo.." She murmured, but nobody answered. For a moment she nearly panicked, a bit delirious from fever.

She has left, but she will come back. She took that awful bucket with her. Worse than firestone ash. Iolath chided gently.

It was breakfast soured on two flights /between/, I'm not surprised.

Iolath looked back to the door expectantly, hoping the woman would return and make her rider feel better. You did not wish for Behemath's rider to be here.

Alesia frowned, putting an arm over her eyes to block out the light. It was so harsh to her eyes, and she felt dizzy. I don't like for people to see me like this.

Zenna's a person. Iolath pointed out.

This time the Weyrwoman paused, becoming frustrated with her queen's questions. She's different

She's not a rider. Oh, how observant and intelligent dragons could be!

Alesia groaned and rolled over, shivering. She didn't want to talk about such an irrelevant topic any more, and Iolath soon realized that now would not be the time to pursue it further.

((A weak post, I apologize XD If you feel like you need/want to spice things up with K'jin then feel free.. and L'gan can bluster in as well if Wolfie wants to do that.. but I'm not sure how Wolfie's schedule is doing... but.. yeah XD I'm open to anything))

((Oo sounds like fun, I'll have in come in here, and possibly later over with Limaru and Alesia for some more awkwardness! :) As soon as my brain is unfried from the beach, that is.. o-o ))

((yay beaches! And sounds good =D ))

After the events of the morning, L'gan was understandably exhausted. After returning to the Weyr, he was surprised not to find Alesia waiting impatiently, eager to oversee the organizing of the goods. Zenna, to his mild irritation, was also nowhere to be found, so he spent the next few hours issuing orders and helping carry the heavier items to their respective places. He had asked Behemath earlier where Alesia and Iolath were, but was met with stolid silence from the bronze. Maybe Iolath was mad at him too and refused to answer? Finally, once all the work was winding down, L'gan was able to return to the weyr he shared with Alesia. As he opened the door, a malodorous wave of dried vomit assailed his nostrils. There was no movement in the room, but his eyes caught the telltale bump in the bed. "Alesia?" His brow furrowed deeply with concern, L'gan took a few quick strides towards the bed and sat down on the other side, his hand reaching out to touch her shoulder. "Alesia, what's wrong?" 'Math? He inquired worriedly. Iolath says her rider is sick. The bronze replied slowly. Well obviously! L'gan retorted, a fresh wave of irritation rolling over him. Alesia seemed dead set on excluding him from her life, despite his best efforts at caring charm. Taking a deep breath to try to calm himself, L'gan rubbed the Weyrwoman's shoulder gently, hoping for a straightforward answer for once.

Iolath had hardly been in a mood to greet her mate jovially, so she stuck by Alesia's side. Only after Zenna had seen to Alesia had the queen dared speak to Behemath. Her rider had been so.. resistant to them coming.

She's feeling so awful, Behemath.. Her headwoman will see to her though. She will be back soon. She breathed heavily on the bronzerider, looming over him as he pestered her rider. She'd do nothing to him, for she knew he would do his rider no harm, no matter how much the intrusion bugged Alesia.

Alesia knew who it was the second she felt him grab her shoulder. It was a touch she had grown accustomed to.. one that was familiar to her.. but not one that invoked any deep emotion as she may have so foolishly hoped within the time they had been living together. She winced a bit. He seemed frustrated, frantic. Worried? She was silent for a moment, unwilling to answer him for some stubborn and senseless reason. Deep down though, she knew she had no reason to act like this. He was a good man, a responsible man... but it was so hard to keep those things in mind when her head felt so hot, yet her body so chilled.

"Sick." Ugh, she sounded pitiful, and she hated it. "Zenna's bringing me back something... but I think I need to see the healer..." Hesitantly, she moved, shaking free his hand. That might have been misconstrued had she not then turned slowly to face him. She had formed a few specks of red along her checks from the intensity of which she had been getting sick; the blood vessels in her face having burst. She half-smiled. "Everything went well?"

L'gan was made intensely aware of Iolath's guarding presence as she craned her neck over him, whuffing warm breath against his neck. He decided it was wiser to ignore her than to comment, and so he waited patiently for Alesia's grudging answer. When she remained silent, he opened his mouth to repeat himself, but she finally spoke up, cutting him off short. When she shrugged his hand away, a small pang knifed through L'gan, but he composed himself quickly and was relieved when she turned to face him.

She was surely sick- the blotches in her cheeks gave that away immediately. He instinctively reached forward to feel her forehead for fever, but stayed his hand at the last minute, adjusting the bedfurs instead. Smiling grimly, he nodded. "All went according to plan. They gave us little more resistance other than being rather slow to unload their goods and turn them over to us. I oversaw the dispersion of it all here, so no need to worry about that."

He paused for a moment, unsure of whether or not to broach this next subject. "About K'jin.. would you like him to face disciplinary action, or should we just drop it? I know he has a reputation for hotheadedness, but.." he trailed off, noting a slight flicker in Alesia's face as mentioned the brownrider's name.

((Sorry bit that bit of powerplay at the end there!))

(Oh-ho! Well aimed powerplay I'll have you know. ;D Oh! She's breaking poor L'gan's heart!! *hugs him* ;__;)

Whatever semblance of a smile that had reached her face was not absolutely shattered when he mentioned K'jin. His level, searching gaze unnerved her.. and suddenly she was very well aware of how awkward she felt even mentioning the man who held so much anger, so much depth.. something about the pain that had been in his eyes told her all to clearly that it wasn't necessarily his fault that he had acted in such a way. At that moment, she shut herself away, the shock and embarrassment on her face turning to stony resolve. She wouldn't play favorites to a man with a dark past. Her own hadn't always been so kind to her.

"We'll see if a few extra shifts of watch duty steels his patience and resolve." Her voice sounded amazingly cold even to herself, rolling onto her back to break that agonizing stare.

Returning on light feet, Zenna hesitated at the rumble of a male voice from within Alesia's sleeping quarters. It was times like these that she missed Hold life - there, at least, one could tap politely on wooden doors before entering another's quarters. Tapping on meters-thick stone just didn't have the same effect.

"Pardon me, Weyrwoman?" Zenna called, softly as befit her charge, but loudly enough - she hoped - to give whoever was inside fair warning that he was no longer alone with Alesia. She ducked through the hangings. "Oh, Weyrleader L'gan, good afternoon." Her voice held far more relief than she intended. Brandishing the steaming cup she carried, Zenna edged around him with a smile. "Tea, Alesia, with ash bark to ease the fever and alfalfa to settle your stomach." She hesitated, wide brown eyes fixing again on L'gan. "There's a healthy dose of fellis in it, too. The healer's on his way, and I know you two have things to discuss, so don't let her drink all of it at once, L'gan." Zenna held up a warning finger. "Don't wait too long either. She's sick and will only get better with rest and care." Mindful that she was interrupting, she nodded to both Weyrleaders and stroked Alesia's wrist gently. "Sleep when you can, and don't fret. If you need me, just have Iolath ask Bruiser again. See? He's behaving himself better now that he's seen your queen twice in one day."

With a smile curving her generous mouth, Zenna stroked the little bronze fire lizard, who was indeed sitting peaceably on her shoulder, and quietly withdrew.

((Haha, indeed! Poor guy! One of these days he'll find a devoted weyrmate... I hope XD He ain't growin' any younger, ya'll! Anyone want a handsome, charismatic bronzie?? :P ))

L'gan realized suddenly that he had hit some kind of nerve in Alesia when he mentioned K'jin's name. Her face went through a strange array of tension to stony resolve before she spoke, and when she did, it was with the steely resolve he had grown to expect from his goldriding weyrmate. He nodded as she rolled onto her back, though he doubted if she even saw his response at that point. He abruptly turned to find K'jin and then retire in a dark corner somewhere with a glass of something strong when he heard Zenna call.

He turned and smiled- he had always liked Zenna. He had more than an inkling that she preferred Alesia to him, but that was nothing new. She always treated him kindly and with respect, and he in turn held her in high regard. "Good afternoon, Zenna." He greeted her. Her tone, he noticed, had changed somewhat, but he couldn't pinpoint the emotion behind it. Wariness? Relief? He shrugged it off. At this point, if something was going on, he sure as Faranth didn't want to know. He had enough on his plate as it was. He moved back quickly as she approached Alesia, and managed to stifle a wry grimace when she assumed Alesia had anything else to say to him. He for one intended to get out of this weyr as soon as possible. The atmosphere was decidedly awkward and he realllly wanted a mug of wine to dull his racing thoughts. Or maybe two.

He waited a few moments after Zenna left to be sure Alesia began to drink her tea before clearing his throat and leaving with a muttered goodbye and well wishes. Stalking down the hallways, he made a beeline for the kitchens, his tangibly intense mood stopping passing riders from bantering wit with him as he walked.

((I'll probably end up putting him in the lower caverns brooding somewhere if anyone wants to console a slightly tipsy Weyrleader later. :P))