endless dreaming

Last Fall (Future Promises) (545 words) by Sharpest_Asp
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Dragonriders of Pern
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Moreta/Nerilka [Dragonriders of Pern]
Characters: Moreta [Dragonriders of Pern], Nerilka [Dragonriders of Pern]
Additional Tags: Background Polyamory, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Pride
Summary:

Last Fall is over Ruatha, so Moreta brings the official word to the Lady who has slipped into her heart.

Last Fall (Future Promises)

Orlith back-winged delicately on the courtyard, followed by Hannath and Nabeth. Their draconic jubilation was shining in blue-green faceted eyes as all three riders started unbuckling their riding straps to get down and greet the Lady of the Hold and those that were waiting with supplies to aid the end of flight.

"Lord Alessan is still out with crews?" B'lerion asked.

"Of course!" Nerilka called back, before pushing klah into Moreta's hands, having reached her swiftly.

"I am pleased to report, Lady Nerilka," the Fort Weyrwoman began, "that the lands are clear, and this should be the final Fall of the Pass."

A ringing cheer went up from the drudges and other staff that had followed their beloved Lady out to tend the trio.

Nerilka's hands were still around Moreta's gloved ones. "We are grateful for the reassurance," she said warmly, looking up with adoration at the older woman. "And extend our invitation to come visit, once the Weyr is certain."

"I'll pass that on to all parties," she said, her own eyes locked on Nerilka's face. She could hear Oklina and B'lerion briefing Tuero on which areas might have injured crews coming back — far fewer than some Falls, by the egg! — even as she was looking forward to a true Rest Day spent here.

"Though I am sure K'lon will spend more time at Igen," Nerilka said with a smile. "We don't want to keep you; I know you usually tend the wounded with my sister over there."

"So we do, but the weyr-healer has been handling what is needed today; Orlith listens for me," Moreta promised, sipping the klah gratefully. "Sh'gall was handling personally informing your Holder at Ruatha River Hold; the clumping is always worse near rivers and seas."

The words were a necessary courtesy, but Sh'gall did not come to Ruatha if he had reason to be elsewhere, even if he had mellowed with Moreta choosing to let him Lead through the end of Pass. He was even more uncomfortable with her choices for companionship than with his blue and green mated pairs.

"I'll have your rooms aired soon," Nerilka said far more quietly as Moreta finished the klah. Orlith's croon still made Nerilka blush a little, even so many years after coming to the startling awareness that they suited one another.

"I'll pass word before I come; I have invitations from all the major and minor holds, some not even beholden to Fort!" Moreta's laughter was contagious, and Nerilka was so glad of that.

How far they all had come since their trials eight Turns prior.

"Save the best for last," Nerilka had the temerity to say, taking the mug back so Moreta could mount again.

"Duty, so pleasure can linger."

That heightened the blush, and Tuero bit his tongue as he joined her, so that he didn't tease her too hard.

It was known, in Ruatha's main hold, that the Weyrwoman visited often, and why, but not a breath was whispered elsewhere. This was theirs, much as it was their Lady's, to have the heroine of all Pern so tied to them.

In minutes, all three riders were strapped in, their dragons leaping for the Thread-cleared skies and winking out, their final duty to Pern done for this generation.