Sister or Brother?

Writers: Devin, Suzee
Date Posted: 19th January 2019

Characters: Z'ku, Pierka
Description: The kinds of things that make a family unit.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 8, day 2 of Turn 9

Z'ku

Pierka

Life as a dragonrider was hard. The physical labor of caring for a
dragon and keeping himself fit, the constant danger of injury or death
fighting Thread. When Z'ku had accepted the Searchrider's offer, he'd
imagined only the heroic yet difficult aspects of being a rider during
a Pass, picturing himself as a leader, setting his sights on moving up
the ranks until he could become Weyrleader someday.

Yet he'd been able to carve out a small piece of domestic bliss, and
aside from Xemroth, he loved nothing more than the evenings and
restdays he got to spend with his family. After dinner they settled
together, he and Pierka on the couch while Kazom played on the floor
with his toys.

Unconsciously, Pierka's hands gently roamed around her expanding belly
while she watched her son play. She leaned against Z'ku. His presence
as always comfortable and comforting. "I overheard something today,"
she half smiled.

"What?" he asked without turning.

"Oh, a couple of wingleaders discussing a certain young bronzerider
who might be ready for more responsibility," she said with a twinkle
in her eye.

Z'ku tried not to get too excited. "Oh really?"

"Mmmm," she mused. "Appears they approve of the job he's been doing in
the wing... among other things." She couldn't help the impish look she
gave him before she asked. "Do you have any idea who they might have
been talking about?"

"Oh, I'm sure there are plenty of young bronzeriders that fit that
description." It was easier to be playful about it than to get his
hopes up.

"N'vanik said your name Z'ku. I heard it plain as day."

"Oh." He turned to her, his face warming. "The _Weyrleader_ was
talking about me?"

"Yes," she smiled. "Then he saw me and stopped. But not before I heard
them discussing stuff like additional responsibilities and things
like that." She was so proud of him she couldn't help but hug him
hard.

He made a small "oof" and then returned the hug. "Did he happen to say
what kind of responsibilities?"

"Oh!" she exclaimed and grabbed his hand. She pushed it onto her belly
and grinned up at him. It felt like their baby was playing waterball
the way he or she was kicking.

Z'ku's expression froze while he felt the small life moving around.
Then a smile spread across his face. This was always amazing. "I think
we got them excited."

"Sure feels like it," she grinned up at him.

Z'ku looked down at Kazom. "Do you want to come up here and feel your
little sister or brother?"

"Up!" came the command from the floor and little arms reached up for his da.

"You have legs, little man," Pierka grinned. "I don't know how you're
going to carry two of them around all the time." She shook her head at
Kazom.

Z'ku lifted his arms and flexed his muscles. "One of the benefits of
being a strong dragonrider." He grinned. "Now a _third_ one might be a
problem."

"Well hopefully by then, this one won't demand you carry him
everywhere." She smiled at Z'ku. Pierka was happier at this moment
then she could remember in her life. She was thankful for the way her
life had gone and now that her memories had returned she didn't feel
quite so alone in the world. She had love and children and now a
sister and her family. Looking at her handsome Weyrmate her eyes
softened with the love welling up inside. Then she giggled when
Liddith crooned from the ledge.

"Does that mean you want us to have more children?" Z'ku asked with a
raised eyebrow.

"If you don't mind," she said. "I seem to have an easy time of it."

He smiled as his heart swelled. "I would love to." He kissed his
weyrmate, aware once again of how blessed he was to have Pierka in his
life.

Pierka sighed her happiness as Kazom climbed up to participate in
their little embrace. She laughed and hugged the little guy. "Pretty
soon you're going to have a brother or a sister."

"Sister," he said and leaned his head against her stomach.

Z'ku chuckled. "Does that mean he has a preference?"

"I doubt he realizes there is a difference," she laughed back. "What
do _you_ want?

"Anything, really. I know men are supposed to want lots of sons but I
only want a happy, healthy baby. And a happy, healthy weyrmate." He
leaned over to kiss Pierka's temple.

She leaned into the kiss and closed her eyes. "I _am_ happy Z'ku," she
sighed. "Happier than I'd ever thought possible all those turns ago."

Last updated on the January 21st 2019

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Sister or Brother?