The Preparations Begin

Writers: Kaysea
Date Posted: 27th January 2008

Characters: Tayette, Binta
Description: The women discuss the twins impending arrival and what will be required
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 8, day 16 of Turn 4

"So? What did they say, every thing's alright, isn't it?" the old woman crowded her when she entered the kitchens that afternoon. She had come to let them know she couldn't work for the foreseeable future, and that the Headwoman would be confirming as much within the next day or so.

"Yes Binta, everything is fine. More than fine really." she smiled shyly, "I'm having twins." she said quietly so as to not disrupt the whole room with her news.

Binta gasped and stumbled backwards at the news, reaching behind her for the stool she had so recently vacated. "They're sure? It's really twins?" she shook her head disbelievingly.

Tayette nodded, "Yes, almost certain. They said that's probably why I have been feeling so awful and definitely why I am so much larger than I should be." she pulled a stool towards her and took a seat close by Binta, the woman was the closest thing to a mother that Tayette had experienced in along, long time.

"How did the Harper take the news?" she asked, still referring to Hartam by his craft instead of by name.

"I'm not sure, I think he's in more shock than I am, really." Privately she was worried that he may still be having regrets about the whole situation they had found themselves in. She could curse the green dragon that had put them in this predicament, but then she would be denying herself the chance at children of her own.

"I've to see Desree tomorrow morning and we'll discuss what I can and can't do around the Hall. I might be able to take on fostering for the months I have left." the idea appealed to her, a chance to get some first hand experience before the babies arrived.

"Do you think you're up to it?" Binta asked, laying a hand of caution on Tayette's arm. "I mean, surely, you should rest for the next few months, take it easy - a woman of your age, an'all?" Binta had never been known for tact, and bluntly asked the questions that many would be afraid to ask.

With a shrug Tayette considered her words, "Well, maybe, but the way I see it, one baby to take care of shouldn't tax me too much, surely? And it means I can still be of use to the Hall."

"Use to the Hall?" Binta exclaimed in mirth, "You're joking, aren't you?
Of course you're being of use to the Hall, Hold and Pern itself, you're bring forth babies, something _all women were born to do_." she intoned flatly. Hadn't that been drilled into them all since the plague took so many lives. "I wouldn't be surprised if you received a bouquet of flowers from the Lord Holder for what you're doing!"

Tayette let out a tinkle of laughter, "Oh Binta! Really." she shook her head. " You make me laugh, woman."

"I'm being serious and all you can do is laugh?" she asked, trying to keep her lips firmly together. "So now, you need to start collecting things for the babies, I take it?" she said, returning to the more pleasing of subjects.

"Yes, 'go tell whoever that you need two of everything', was basically what we were told." Tayette nodded, "But I'm hoping the Headwoman will have a stash of baby items somewhere in the Hall?" she wasn't sure what to think now, though.

At home the whole community would contribute to newly pregnant women.
Cots, clothes, wraps - everything a new mother could possibly need just got passed from one family to the next, but that was in a smallholding, not a huge craft hall.

"I'm sure Desree will have a selection of things you can look through,"
Binta assured her, "but I know others will want to contribute as well.
Once word spreads I don't think you and the Harper will be left wanting for anything." she nodded knowingly at the younger woman.

"I hope you're right. I think one thing that really gave Hartam a gliff was when he realised we would have to find the marks to pay for a lot of things that we'll need." Tayette nodded, "One of each is manageable, but two? And we need to see if Desree can find us larger accommodation too.

Hartam's quarters were quite adequate for us and one child - maybe, but not for four of us." She had been concerned by his silence as they had made their way back to their quarters, but his hesitation when they'd entered the tiny rooms was evidence enough of where his thoughts lay.

Things would work themselves out, she had to believe that. And hopefully they would reach the easiness of friendship they had first experienced, once they both settled into the relationship completely.
She missed the comfort she had felt in his presence, but partial guilt still ate at her, feeling responsibility for falling pregnant when she did, even though it really was out of her hands.

"Well I had better go tell Cinale and Hethra that I won't be able to help out any longer." she slipped off the stool and steadied herself.

"You go home and put your feet up." Binta nodded in agreement, reaching out and pulling her into a hug. "I'm so pleased for you Tayette." she said, her eyes filling with tears of happiness.

"I am too, Binta. Thank you." she smiled and squeezed the old womans hand in thanks.

Last updated on the January 27th 2008

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The Preparations Begin