KH: The Fireheights Moments

Posted on Thu Jan 23rd, 2025 @ 8:25pm by Sr Journeyman Rena & Sr Journeyman Bensen & Jr Journeyman Senabena

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: Kymos Hold
Timeline: M2 D28

Rena stood on the fire heights just watching the preparations for the first gather since her husband and many others were killed in what people called The Night of Holdbreakers. The harper could see why it was called that as it marked the event as a turning point of distrust and loss before the Weyrleaders called a conclave and united everyone again but she did not want to be there remembering that night.

The woman was not sure how it was only 7 months since that night or how she had allowed Lady Sena to talk her into coming to the event when all she wanted to do was hide in Harper's work or spend time with Brenna but there she was looking down as the glows were all set up and she could she Oseben’s family’s badge flying proudly.

Bensen was still in shock. How could his brother be gone? How had this happened? None of it made sense. They had all certainly turned a blind eye to a true danger. Now they were paying.

He sighed softly as he went for a walk. He really didn't want to be around people, but when he caught sight of his sister-in-law his heart broke all over again. “Rena?” He asked gently.

Rena turned to look at the familiar voice and offered a sad short smile. “Bensen?” She asked in the same tone before turning to look back at the glows lighting up the night sky. “You escaped your mother too, hmm?” Lady Sena was the woman you wanted to have as your mother in law; she had refused to let Rena leave the Hold despite her protesting that she did not need to stay there or any other number of things Rena had tried to do in the last couple of months in hurt and rage. She glanced down at the bump that was prominent and pulled her jacket a little more around her. Of all the times she had managed to keep a pregnancy alive it had to be after her husband's death.

He nodded. “For a few minutes. She's busy with other business right now.” He knew his mother meant well. Right now though they were all running on little sleep and high emotions. “How are you holding up?” Bensen asked gently.

“It was nice of Kymos’ Lord Holder to invite us all to stay in the Hold but I would have rather stayed at Far Site.” She said explaining but not explaining how she was feeling as she shifted over to let him see the glows lighting up all the banners of Pern. “What about you?” She shifted the question back to you.

“It was kind of him,” Bensen agreed. He also had to agree he would rather be home. He stepped up beside her to see all the glows and banners. It was pretty if one didn’t think what it was for. “Holding up. I still can't believe it honestly,” he admitted.

It was really kind of Lord Solphedon to invite them all and he had been so kind the night but Rena truly just wanted to be home with her daughter. “It is hard to believe that it has been 7 months.” She whispered gripping the metal barrier.

Bensen blew out a soft breath. “Hopefully we can leave soon,” he said softly, turning to see her better. “I'm sure Brenna wants you home.” He shook his head. Seven long awful months.

“Your mother and father will only allow us to leave after duty which is their way of coping. They are caring and Enabon is agreeing with them.” She said softly looking at him and shaking her head as she felt the baby kick hard. She was so disassociated from the pregnancy trying to protect herself from everything in case every emotion she had tried to bury came back out.

She knew his parents all too well. That was true but at the same time, he had no doubt that Rena would be better back in Far Site. Bensen stepped up to her and gently pulled her into his arms. “We'll get through this. Is there anything I can do to help you?”

Rena shook her head quickly at the older man as she froze at the comfort he was trying to offer her. Bensen was such a lovely man that she was clueless as to why he was not married off especially with Enabon no further forward in his marriage engagement. It was not like she had provided an heir unless they were going to go with Brenna which was unlikely. “There is nothing you can do unless you can find a way for me to run away and never stop until I forget.” She said knowing it would be impossible to run.

Bensen loosened his grip when he felt her tense. That was not what he had meant to do. Things were so confusing right now and he really just wanted to make sure Rena was alright. She didn't deserve to be a widow already. “If I could do that I would go with you. I'd like to so the same thing.”

The woman nodded and slowly moved to wrap an arm around him pressing close to someone for the first time in a very long time. Brenna had been the only one she wanted close despite all the comfort that her deceased husband's family tried to offer. “Thank you.” She whispered.

Bensen kept his arms gently around her. It was the first time she had let him close and right now he was sure they both needed the comfort. “Of course. Anything you need.”

A cough came from behind them and Senabena stood there awkwardly watching. “Is this hug for you too or can anyone join in?” The teenager asked feeling the strain herself. She wanted to be anywhere but there. Rena jumped back hearing the voice.

Bensen glanced at Rena as she jumped back. “Think anyone can join,” he smiled, motioning his sister over. this was certainly taking a toll on everyone.

The teenager smiled and moved forward and wrapped her arms around Rena wanting to engulf her. She knew her brother knew he was loved but Senabena was worried about her sweet sister in law, she had been through so much in the last 3 turns. “Thank you.” Rena whispered to the girl.

Bensen stayed to the side. They had all been worried about Rena. Something like this never should have happened and he knew he was going to keep an eye on Rena in case she needed anything.

Senabena closed her eyes, relieved that the woman was allowing them to be close for the first time. She opened her eyes and looked at Bensen smiling sadly as she savoured the moment before she let the woman go. “Mother is looking for you both.” Senabena admitted revealing why she had been wandering around.

“You two go on ahead. I need a few moments.”

“We can wait…” Senabena said firmly.

Of course she was. He couldn't really be angry with their mother. She had lost a son after all too.

“We'll wait,” he agreed with Senabena.

Senabena smiled that Bensen was agreeing with her. He was the brother she was closest to without Oseben and they had grown even closer since.

“Ben? Abe? Please just give me a few minutes alone. I will be okay.” She pleaded but saw that neither of them were going to move away she sighed and just turned back to the night sky.

Bensen knew Rena would be okay but he still wasn't leaving. She didn't need to be alone at the moment. None of them did honestly.

Senabena loved when someone called Abe, it made everything so much easier than using her long winded name. She glanced at Bensen, watching the woman intently. “But we will give you a little privacy,” Senabena assured as she indicated that they at least give her a little space by heading towards the stairs down and they could speak a little.

Bensen moved away enough to give Rena some space but still be close. He draped his arm over his sister’s shoulders. “How are you holding up?” He asked softly.

“Oh, I am okay. My life is still progressing with my engagement and learning of beast craft healing. How come you escape that anyhow?” It had always irked her that she and Enabon were the ones constantly paraded for the marriage market whilst her other brothers were free to pick.

He nodded. That was good to hear. At least some things were still normal. Bensen shook his head. “I don't know what made Mom and Dad choose that course with you two,” he admitted. Not that he was complaining but it was odd.

“He is the heir and I am the girl able to be sent away for political purposes.” She laughed softly at his confusion. It was the way of Holders but it did not mean she liked it. She glanced back at Rena and watched her carefully. She was so slim against the bump that seemed to be taking over to the girl who was inexperienced and unmarried. “You think she is going to be okay?”

“True,” he smiled a bit. He really hadn't thought about that. He followed Senabena's gaze and sighed softly. “With time she will be,” he answered. And he would make sure of it. He didn't want her leaving or anything like that.

Senabena raised an eyebrow at his tone but said nothing as the Harper finally joined the pair stopping any further conversation. “Do I look presentable?” She asked looking down at the dark coloured dress she was wearing.

Bensen chose to ignore his sister's look. He smiled at Rena. “You look lovely,” he assured Rena.

The younger woman smiled as she looked at the man and then the woman.

“My brother is correct. The dress suits you and highlights… yes lovely.” Senabena rolled her eyes not wanting to mention her pregnancy.

“Thank you.” Rena blushed a little but moved to loop her arm through Senabena’s to get back down into the Holder.

“How are your rooms?” Senabena wondered making conversation.

Bensen grinned as his sister was trying to be tactful. Rena looked lovely though. He still couldn't believe Oseben was gone. “My rooms are nice. Very comfortable.”

“Same. I had a good nap after we arrived earlier.” Rena assured as Senabena gripped her arm as they had to part to get down the stairs. The harper let the pair go first so she could go at a slower pace without bothering them both. She might not speak about her pregnancy often but she was fully aware that she was top heavy and it was only going to get worse.

“That is good. It's not home but they have out done themselves.” Kymos had been very accommodating and did their best. Bensen would just rather be home. He glanced back to make sure Rena was alright as they took the stairs down.

Rena saw him glance back and offered a smile and mouthed that she was okay. “They have. You should see mother and fathers rooms. It is just like back home in grandeur and styling.” Senabena commented not missing the exchange as she reached the bottom and turned to offer Rena a hand. The older woman took the hand with a whispered thank you.

“I believe I might need to change my shoes. My centre of gravity is not quite what it has been.” Rena commented slipping the heel’s off.

He breathed a little easier when she said she was okay. Bensen chuckled a bit. “It is definitely beautiful,” he agreed, having only been in the rooms once.

“Do you want us to go grab you a pair of flats?” Bensen offered as Senabena helped Rena.

“No, my room is on the way down. We can just pass on the way.” The woman assured as Senabena took the heels from her and shook her head. The shoes were beautiful but whatever for was the woman wearing them in her condition when she was so top heavy at the moment.

“Really Rena even I do not wear this high and I have no issues with centre of gravity.” The teenager laughed as she led the way.

Bensen looked at the shoes in Senabena's hand. “How do you girls walk in those?” He asked. He knew he would fall right over.

Rena had no idea how to answer that when she sometimes wondered when she had to be formal instead of running around the beast craft ball. “All in the hips I guess.” Senabena commented as they reached where Rena’s room was opposite both of their own. She slipped inside taking the shoes leaving the pair alone. Senabena raised an eyebrow at her brother. “Anything you want to discuss brother?” She wondered.

“I'll have to take your word for it.” He definitely didn't want to try. He watched Rena disappear before Senabena spoke up, causing him to spin around. “Ah, no I don't think so,” he answered quickly.

“Too quickly answered.” She commented, narrowing her eyes just a little to take in the man who was nearly a decade older. “Well if you do I have access to a skin of wine and we can talk away from mother and father.” She offered grin , hopeful that he might take the offer up.

Bensen glared at his sister. How had she figured out anything so quickly? He blew out a breath. “I don't even know what to think,” he admitted, very confused about his feelings.

“About what?” Rena asked, opening her door wearing flat sandals now which she threw her skirts over.

“Bensen was telling me that he was not sure what to think about this dinner we have to attend.” Senabena answered without missing a beat offering a smile to Rena as a drudge appeared at the end of the corridor to escort them. Senabena glanced to Bensen and offered a big grin as she realised exactly what was going on with him.

Bensen struggled for an answer but thankfully Senabena was on it. “Right. This dinner,” he agreed, mouthing a thank you to her. Rena looked much more comfortable in her flats.

Rena did not notice the pair as she led the way. “Come on, let's get you both some wine to cope with tonight.” The harper said quietly. At least they both could drink to avoid all of this if they chose to.