A Rather Unusual Favor

Writers: Devin, Bree
Date Posted: 9th January 2006

Characters: Tiya, K'mai
Description: Tiya comes to K'mai with a rather unusual request.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 10, day 2 of Turn 3

K'mai

"Well, if it isn't my favorite apprentice healer!" K'mai called as he came up behind the girl in the hallway.

Tiya turned, her sullen expression melting into a rare smile when she caught sight of K'mai. "Hello, K'mai."

"Where are you headed?" He asked.

Tiya waited until he caught up with her before starting to walk again.
"Outside. I was going to take a walk on the beach."

"Would you mind if I joined you?"

She shook her head, still smiling shyly. "That would be nice." Besides, she had something to ask him... if she could get up the nerve to actually do it.

He held his arm out to her. "I'm honored," K'mai said with a smile.

"Oh, don't be silly." Tucking her hand into his arm, Tiya let him lead her down the hallway, trying not to feel tiny next to the tall bluerider. Her fifteenth birthingday had passed a few days ago, leaving her feeling slightly put out that she still didn't seem to be growing. "But I'm good at being silly. It's one of my best traits," he crossed his eyes to prove the point.

She laughed in spite of herself, the laughter sounding odd. It seemed sometimes that the only time she laughed was when K'mai was around, which made her comfortable around him. "I think I like you better when your eyes aren't crossed."

He uncrossed his eyes and smiled at her. "It certainly is easier to see when they aren't crossed. And you're cuter when there's only one of you." "I would expect anyone would be," Tiya replied, wrinkling her nose. "Hey, K'mai? Can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure," K'mai answered without hesitation.

"It's a little odd," Tiya warned him nervously. "And you can say no if you don't want to, I won't care. I promise."

"Well, now you've got me curious," K'mai said. "What is it?"

Even though there was no one close by, Tiya lowered her voice. "I need something to help me sleep, but if I ask the Weyrhealer, she'll get all worried and make me start meeting with the healers every other day again.
And it's not a problem... I just can't get to sleep some nights..."

"Abrei will skin my hide if she finds out," K'mai said. "But I can get you a little something." He figured Tiya had gone through enough recently and a little trouble sleeping wasn't worth fussing over. "But if you keep having trouble sleeping, promise me that you will go see a healer."

"I will," Tiya promised, relief evident in her voice. "I'm just so tired of being fussed over. They're finally starting to leave me alone..." Not that she was allowed in the stores anymore unsupervised, not after Shayla had told Abrei what she'd done to her so-called husband. If she _had_ been allowed access to the herbs, she could have found something to help her sleep without resorting to begging K'mai for help.

"I understand," K'mai said, patting her shoulder gently. "I'll go see a healer tomorrow, and if all goes well, I can have something for you by dinner time." She eyed him for a moment, obviously deep in thought, before she slipped one arm around his waist in an awkward hug. "That would be wonderful."

Last updated on the January 9th 2006

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A Rather Unusual Favor