KH: An Old Friend at The Gather

Posted on Wed Feb 5th, 2025 @ 2:56pm by Sr Journeyman Rena & Apprentice Talomin
Edited on on Wed Feb 5th, 2025 @ 3:32pm

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: Kymos Hold
Timeline: M2 D29

Talomin laughed as Lea bounced in front of him. The little girl never strayed far and hadn’t even wanted to stay with the new baby. Oh no, she wanted to be with Daddy and find Mommy something pretty. Talomin, of course, hadn’t argued—he loved the little girl. He stopped, though, when a familiar figure crossed their path. “Rena?”

Rena was wandering in the wrong direction. She knew she should be heading to the runner stables, as the races started soon, but she was of two minds about what to do. She should run while she had the chance—she did not want to be either man’s wife. Enabon had attempted conversation over breakfast, stopping only when Senabena had appeared, ready to go to the runners and needing his help. Marceno, she barely knew. He had been kind, but it was too intense for her.

She turned at the familiar voice, half-expecting Bensen, but was surprised to see Talomin. “Hello,” she greeted, smiling genuinely for the first time in a while.

Talomin grinned as he stepped up to his friend. “It feels like forever. You look lovely.”

Lea peeked out from behind Talomin’s leg and waved. “How have you been?” he asked as he picked Lea up.

“I look huge,” she said, glancing at her stomach. She was more bump than anything at the moment, but that was okay—her body was doing something right for once. “I have been better. But who is this little one?”

“You don’t,” he assured her. Lea snuggled against her father. “This is mine and Terliyn’s daughter, Lea. Lea, this is a good friend of mine, Rena.”

“Hi,” the little girl said, unaware of anything bad that had happened.

Rena looked at Talomin in surprise before smiling more. She hadn’t expected to see him again after they fell out of contact when he returned to the Weyr. “Well, Lea, it is an honor to meet you. I knew your parents turns ago when your father lived at Far Site. Where is your mother?”

“Lived here?” Lea asked, surprised.

Talomin chuckled. “I did. Rena introduced me and Mommy,” he told his daughter. “Terliyn is back at the Weyr. She’s due to have our second any day now and didn’t want to be far from the Weyr. She’ll be sorry she missed you, though.”

“Then you need to visit Far Site. If you can come to Kymos, you can come to Far Site. Or maybe I can come to the Weyr—I’ve never been there.” She admitted thoughtfully. Maybe the Weyr would be an option if she needed to escape marriage, despite how well-intended. “Congratulations. You’ve come so far—married with nearly two children.” She looked proud of the younger man.

Talomin considered it. “You have a point, and you are most welcome at the Weyr.” He smiled, shifting Lea. “Thank you. It has been a long road, but I think we’re finally on the right one. And what about you? This will be number two for you as well?”

“It will be. Brenna is four turns now. She was left at Far Site this Gather,” Rena explained quickly. She missed her dearly, but only one more sleep and they would be reunited. “But it was worth the road, hmm?”

“I can’t believe she’s four already. Time has really flown by.” Talomin still couldn’t believe it. “We will definitely have to come see her. And hopefully, Terliyn will be ready to travel.” He kissed Lea’s hair. “It was.”

“It has. You’re all grown up. Only Leisa and Emalee stayed at Far Site after everything, but I hear from Theeressa and Riklan from time to time.” She had been invited to their celebration but thought it best not to attend, though she had sent a gift for the new baby. “You should see all their children—they are so polite and sweet, just like this one,” she commented absently. “So what are you two up to while Terliyn is stuck at the Weyr?”

“Everyone has families now,” he commented, finding it crazy to think about. “I’ll definitely have to go see them. It has been a while.”

“Find Mommy pretty things,” Lea whispered.

“Everyone is busy moving forward.” Rena rubbed her bump where her child was determined to kick to prove a point or two. “Oh, well, I think that’s lovely. I’m sure your mommy will appreciate the effort. I have to see the runner races soon. My h… Oseben’s runners are racing, and his family wants to celebrate the breeding program he started to produce strong, fast runners.” She spoke softly.

It was amazing how much had changed in a short time. Lea smiled, determined to find her mommy something pretty. Talomin moved to hug Rena’s shoulders. “How are you holding up?” he asked gently. Everyone had heard about what had happened at the Gather.

“Good days surrounded by many bad days.” She touched his hand on her shoulder before pulling away slightly. She had pulled away from people since Oseben’s passing, but it had been nice of Talomin to offer comfort. “But I am well, physically, as you can see.” She smiled sadly.

“I’m sure,” he said gently. He hadn’t lost Terliyn physically, but mentally, she had been gone for quite some time. He dropped his hand back to his side. “That is good. You look good,” Talomin assured her.

She knew he had experienced his own heartache thanks to Dragon Hold. She was just glad something good had come from that terrible event, that they were gone and would destroy no more lives. “Thank you. You look all handsome and grown up. Not quite the teenager I remember healing up,” she teased lightly, trying to find her voice again. “So, tanner, I see?” She noted the color and ropes on his shoulder.

He flushed a bit. “Thank you. A lot has happened, and I certainly don’t feel like that teenager anymore. I owe you a lot for that time—I don’t know what I would have done.” Talomin smiled broadly. “I am. It’s nice to have a respectable craft now. You just let me know if you ever need anything.”

“You owe me nothing, Talomin. Just seeing how much you’ve thrived and how fatherhood seems to have suited you.” She assured him quietly, watching as Lea grew bored of the conversation. The girl had lasted longer than Brenna would have.

Talomin smiled. “Thank you, Rena.” Lea yawned, kicking her feet as she tried to stay still in her father’s arms. “Are you still planning to watch the races?” he asked.

“Yes, I promised to be there, despite just wanting to sleep,” she admitted with a smile. She wasn’t going to let Senabena or Bensen down.

“I know Terli says she’s tired a lot. Would you like us to walk you there and then we’ll go shopping?”

“Oh, don’t be silly. You’re already at the stalls—it seems pointless to walk me there just to come back.” She gently touched his shoulder. “Thank you, though.” She paused. “Will you be staying for the night festivities?”

“Probably not. I don’t think little Lea here will last that long,” he admitted. Plus, he really wanted to get back to Terliyn.

Rena smiled, genuinely happy to have seen him. “I will visit if I can soon,” she promised, smiling at the girl. “And you, little one, I am so happy to have met you today.”

“That would be great. I know Terli will love seeing you.” Talomin had enjoyed running into Rena—she was one of his oldest friends here. Lea smiled and waved.

“See you again soon.” Rena turned toward the runner races, knowing she would be late if she wasn’t careful. But despite her reluctance, she wasn’t about to let Bensen down.