KH: Eye Of The Gathering Storm

Posted on Wed Apr 30th, 2025 @ 1:12pm by Gold Rider Lana & Bronze Rider A'ren

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

Once Calarya had gone back to the Weyr Lana and A’ren had rushed back into the diplomacy that was those events for them, dancing, talking and not having much time together. It was not until much later when Lana slipped into the room that had been put aside for them and saw the man standing by the fire she realised how much weight he had on his shoulders right then and there. “How can I help?” Lana wondered quietly.

A'ren felt like a feline chasing a mouse. Things just seemed to keep going in circles and he wasn't sure if he was making any progress. When it had finally seemed proper to be able to slip away he took the opportunity to just think and breathe. The Weyrleader turned as Lana joined him, giving her a smile. “Can you make everything stand still for just a couple of moments?”

“We are here together so the world can wait for a moment.” The woman said quietly as she moved across the room slipping out of her heels.

“Good,” he said in relief. It felt like he was always on the go and then when he realized how bad his wing second was it nearly broke him.

Lana reached up and pulled him down to her height leaning her head against his. “Just breathe and take a moment.” She whispered softly seeing the relief in his posture.

A'ren relaxed against his mate. Here, he knew they wouldn't be bothered and he could relax a bit. “I'll try,” he promised, taking a breath to steady himself.

“What is wrong?” she wondered quietly, stroking his hair back from his face. She had an idea with Calarya but needed to hear him speak his truth.

He sighed softly, closing his eyes. “How did I not see Calarya was still so upset?” He asked quietly. He had never had her snap at him like that.

“Because you two have had a strained relationship for the last month.” Lana pointed out softly. She had seen it brewing since before Leith had rose but she suspected the gather had been bothering Calarya for awhile.

He blew out a breath. Lana was right. there had been something going on for a while and he had never actually taken the time to sit down with Calarya and check on his wing second. “I should have talked to her more.”

“This isn’t un-fixable, A'ren. You can still get things back to how they used to be.” She said quietly, caressing his cheek. Nothing was rarely broken enough to be completely broken and she knew the pair had been solid for turns longer than she had known them.

He nodded a bit, slowly looking up at her. “I know. I just can’t believe I missed it.” It felt like he had had so much on his mind lately that he had missed a lot of things he shouldn't have.

“She is very good at keeping you at arm's length.” Lana commented smiling sadly at his confusion over it all. “And her dragon did try and get you in a room after she made a very un Calarya like scene.” She pointed out. The man had tried his best and more.

“How are you all so good at that?” He asked. Both Lana and Calarya were able to do that. “And if it's something you learn, please don't teach Ari,” he said, trying to smile again. It was a lot and he hated it.

“Hey I am trying with you.” Lana said, stepping back as she could see him trying to smile and lighten the mood. She hated how sometimes she kept him away but it was easier sometimes to not seem weak and dependent. “I just don’t want to appear weak and she is most likely feeling the same. And your daughter is in no danger of learning anything like that from me.” Lana assured quickly.

“I know you are,” he answered. A'ren knew Lana was trying to keep him in the loop more. He sighed softly. “You'll never be weak to me, but I guess I can understand your concern.” He laughed a bit at her quick answer. “I love you no matter what and I see why you and Cala have acted the way you have.”

“It's tough being Weyrwoman and even tougher being a female wingsecond. You chose correctly but I bet she needs you a little more than she lets on.” Lana said, turning away from him to stare at the fire.

A'ren hadn't considered that. He knew being a rider in general was hard, but he hadn't thought about the fact that Calarya was the only female wing second. He had never doubted her abilities to do it so he hadn't thought about her needing a bit more attention. “I honestly hadn't considered that. I'll do my best to remedy that.”

“She’s been without another woman in the wingleader ranks since Nerlyn. Jena doesn’t overly count.” She sighed. “It’ll be okay. Just try and fix it tomorrow when we are home unless you want to go home now?” She wondered if it would plague him enough for that.

That was true. Having Nerlyn had probably been a big plus for Calarya. A’ren nodded a bit. “I will find her tomorrow. I think we both need a little time.” He also knew he couldn't really leave the Gather. That wouldn't look right.

The woman nodded and sat down on the edge of bed and ran her hands over the furs. They were high quality but also far too hot for the night. “You certainly do.” She commented.

“Thanks for listening,” he said quietly. He sat down in one of the chairs, feeling a bit better but still not ready to face everything yet.

“Of course.” Lana assured. That was why she was there as Weyrwoman to listen to the Weyrleader and try and find a solution to problems.

A'ren yawned a bit. “This has been a trying day,” he admitted. “So much going on.” He was glad Lana had picked out what was wrong with Calarya.

“And I woke you up far too early,” she teased a little. “But most of it has been good.” Lana had not had a day like it in a very long time, it had been enjoyable.

He chuckled a bit. “No, that was a good thing,” he smiled. He nodded a bit. “It has. And I think the rest of the night will be good too.”

Lana nodded standing up to look in the mirror to make herself look more put together as he was right it had been a long day. “Of course it will be. We also do not have to go anywhere in the morning either. Lord Marcano has requested our company at breakfast.”

A'ren breathed a sigh of relief. “That's good.” Not having to leave right away would be nice. He pushed back to his feet and straightened out his own clothes.

Lana turned when he joined her at the mirror and grinned. “I am looking forward to that bed.” Lana grinned glancing back to the comfortable bed that was far larger than their bed back at the Weyr.

He actually chuckled a bit. “Any certain reason why?” He teased her, kissing her cheek. He knew they needed to get back out to where everyone still was.

“You can spread out without pinning me In your sleep.” She turned, capturing his lips in a gentle kiss. Pulled back she grinned, wiping his face free of the lip stick.

“Oh is that it?” He laughed before she kissed him. He really hated for the moment to end but they were running short on time.

“Mmm hmmm a night free of being pinned by you. Perfect,” she grinned, getting most of the stain off of him. “Ready to face Pern again, Weyrleader?” Lana challenged knowing they had no choice but to get out and continue their discussions with crafters and holders alike.

He rolled his eyes with a chuckle. He'd get her back later. A'ren slowly nodded after she finished trying to get the lipstick off him. “I think so,” he answered, knowing they didn't have a choice.

“Lead the way, Weyrleader.” She prompted taking a deep breath to center herself. She had done this for ten turns. She could do this and it was so much easier with this man by her side.

A'ren flashed her one more smile before stepping out the door. Back to being the Weyrleaders. You would think he would be used to it by now but this part was always the hardest for him. He waited for Lana before they headed back to the Gather.