The Proper Thing To Do

Writers: AL, Cali
Date Posted: 13th December 2009

Characters: F'gol, Meledei
Description: F'gol gives Meledei the gift he got at the gather.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 6, day 2 of Turn 5

F'gol knocked on Meledei's door and waited for her to open it. She knew he was coming, but it would still be rude to just walk in. "Would you like to go for a walk?" he offered her his arm when she appeared.

"Why, I do believe I would!" Meledei grinned and closed her door behind her before she took the proffered arm. "You know you don't have to knock." She stated as he lead her off. "You're the only person who has permission to come into my weyr uninvited. You should take advantage of it."

"I don't know if I have the control to take advantage of it." He said with a laugh. "But it's good to know."

"Control? Who needs control?" Meledei giggled and inched a little closer to the bluerider. "But the offer will remain standing."

"Come on now." F'gol groaned as they made their way out into the bowl. The sun had set and the night was clear and full of stars. It was a wonderful setting for a walk down the beach. "Don't you like this? Finding out if we're a good match while we have the chance?"

"I know we're a good match." Meledei stuck her tongue out at him. "You just have to be convinced, that's all." It was a nice night and Meledei was glad rain hadn't spoiled it. Of course, there was always something to be said about staying in one's weyr. "And I do like spending time with you, otherwise I wouldn't." She poked him in the ribs at that statement.

They walked in a companionable silence until they were past the docks and headed in the direction of the Dolphin Hall. "Hey, look there." He pointed to a long line of little feet scratches that went from the water up towards the rocks. "Spiderclaws maybe?"

"Looks like it." Meledei let go of F'gol and strode over to the scratches. She crouched down to get a closer look at them. "Yeah, I would say those are spiderclaws. Too bad we can't catch some, make a fire, and roast them."

"Sounds like an awful lot of work." He was tired from drills and didn't want to spend _that_ much time out tonight.

"Yeah, something to do on a rest day maybe - or the night before." It was an idea. Maybe Meledei could convince him to do that some time. When it got a little cooler, they wouldn't be able to swim, but the fire would be pleasant. Meledei stood up and slipped her arm back into F'gol's. Shall we continue our walk?"

They followed the beach around the bend, and now felt more alone. They could barely make out the Dolphin Hall dock in the distance, but didn't get any closer, instead climbing out onto a rocky outcropping that jetted out into the water. "I have a present for you." F'gol said softly as they sat down.

"A present?" Meledei hadn't expected anything and was surprised that he had gotten her something. "It's not my birthday."

"No, but it's the proper thing to do." F'gol wanted to do all that was called for in a real courting, and small presents were very appropriate.

"Proper?" Meledei knew he didn't mean it like _that_ but really, the boy just didn't get it. "Don't do it because it's proper, silly."

F'gol frowned, annoyed. "Well I don't _have_ to give it to you, not if you don't want it. It's not a big deal to me either way."

"That's not what I meant." Hey, he'd gotten something for her, she wanted it. Meledei laughed and gently prodded F'gol with her elbow. "I mean, don't do it because it's proper, do it because you want to, because of your feelings, not because that's what you _should_ do."

"Well here." he passed over the small wooden flower he'd picked out at the Gather. "You know it's because of my feelings or I wouldn't even bother."

"Do I?" Meledei sighed softly. He didn't get it at all. Maybe she could encourage her father to give him some advice without letting him know it was from her. She looked down at the gift that he held and her smile crept back onto her face. "It's lovely!" Meledei gingery picked up the wooden flower and twirled it between her fingers.

F'gol smiled, despite his mood. He loved to see her happy, especially when he made her so.

"Where did you get it?" The wood was stained a brilliant purple and Meledei sniffed at it. It wasn't scented with any fragrance, but the wood itself held its own tangy scent.

"At the Gather." He replied. "While you and Sorsha were shopping. Ri'len and I did a bit of our own."

"I love it." There was nothing in her voice or visage to indicate that she was simply being polite. The flower was quite pretty and she knew right where she was going to put it. "I wish I had something to give you in return."

F'gol shook his head. "That's not the way of it. I'm to give you presents, you're to accept them and be beautiful. I think you're fulfilling your obligations just fine."

"I still think you need your eyes checked." Meledei gave F'gol a peck on the lips before he could respond to it. "But thank you. It's a lovely gift."

Last updated on the December 20th 2009

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The Proper Thing To Do