Getting to Know You

Writers: AL, Kaysea
Date Posted: 18th June 2008

Characters: Irlani, Gyta
Description: Irlani spends her first day with Gyta
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 10, day 5 of Turn 4

"What would you like to do today, hm?" Irlani asked after J'gen had gone off to the infirmary. She turned to the young girl, her smile warm.
"Perhaps we could go over your lessons a bit this morning, then for lunch we can get some food and eat it by the summer lake. How does that sound?"

Gyta looked up at her fostermother, considered her words and pulled a face.

"No, hm? Well, we should go over your lessons anyway. Maybe we can find ways to make them fun." Irlani had decided to keep the girl from her harper class and see how she responded to her one on one. It was an experiment, but maybe it would help.

Gyta shrugged her shoulders, but a glint of interest lit her eyes as she considered the woman's words. With a slow shake, she looked up at Irlani, the corner of her mouth curling up.

"And of course, we'll read." Irlani continued. "Reading is fun, I think.
And for writing, well, just writing the same word over and over and over again can be boring. We'll work on your writing by making up stories. I think that's far more interesting than just copying random words and sentences. What say you?"

A wider grin split the child's face, she thought the woman funny. Nice, but funny. She never stopped talking. Gyta shook her head, again. But this time the genuine amusement was obvious in the child's eyes.

"If we eat by the lake, we can go swimming afterwards." The woman's smile grew as Gyta's did and Irlani's eyes twinkled. At least she was getting some sort of reaction. That was more than her previous foster mother seemed to have been able to get. Of course, she didn't have several other children to care for. "After we wait a little bit first, of course."

Gyta nodded slowly. A sudden twinge of sadness overcame her then, this was like it had been with mama. Her smile disappeared and her eyes filled instantly with tears, she missed her mama so.

Irlani saw the change of expression and sat down, drawing close to the girl. She placed a gentle arm around her, though she was ready to move if the girl didn't want her touch. She didn't say anything, didn't ask, just sat there to be near the child.

Gyta looked up into Irlani's face, she looked nothing like her mother, but... there was something. She _felt_ like her mama had and she was nice to her like her mama had been. She inched closer, turning her face into Irlani - this was a comfort she'd missed since her mam.... Her body shook, sobs erupted as she clung to Irlani.

The woman remained silent, saying nothing. She didn't have to ask what was bothering the child. Irlani kept her arm around Gyta and used her freehand to gently stroke her hair, letting her cry as much and as long as she needed.

She held onto Irlani for the longest time. Feeling the pain in her chest ease eventually to a dull ache, but she felt so tired and Irlani's embrace was so warm and comforting.

~*~

She hadn't meant to fall asleep. She pushed herself up and away, and looked up at Irlani through puffed eyes.

Well, the lessons hadn't gotten done, but considering the situation, Irlani wasn't going to press it. She looked up from where she had been mending a shirt for J'gen, though he hadn't asked her to, and smiled.
"It's almost lunch time. Are you hungry?"

Rubbing her eyes, Gyta gave a small nod and a tremulous smile. She wasn't to be scolded for missing her lessons? Puzzlement warred with gratitude in the childs eyes.

"Would you like to eat by the lake?" The woman queried, finishing the last stitch and locking it. "Maybe swim afterwards? You never did indicate whether you'd like to or not."

Gyta nodded, a smile lighting her face for a moment. She got up off the chair she had been laying in, and moved across to Irlani. She leaned in and hugged her for an instant.

Irlani looked down at the child in surprise, but laughed, delighted. "I guess that means yes." She put aside the mending and held out her hand.
"Come on, let's see what we can get from the dining hall, hm?"

Last updated on the June 28th 2008

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