KH: End Of The Night

Posted on Tue Jun 17th, 2025 @ 5:20pm by Gold Rider Lana & Bronze Rider A'ren

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: Kymos Hold
Timeline: M2 D29

Lana had to admit Kymos knew how to do a gather, and she was glad that it was there and not Far Site for the turns first Gather. She was tired, but it would be rude to leave despite Lord Marcano suggesting it even as Lana sat staring at the last few people dancing smiling to herself. She let herself fully relax for the first time in months. She smiled as a familiar person sat close by. “We did it, Weyrleader.” She said, leaning against him, feeling that it was okay even with the Grand Hall being nearly empty at that time of night, other than a few stragglers.

The Gather had been one for the records. Marcano had out done himself and everyone had truly enjoyed themselves. It was good to see everyone smiling and laughing again. Although he was ready for some sleep, but not until later. A'ren made his way over to Lana and sat down, feeling exhausted. “We did,” he smiled.

“It was great. What has been your favourite party?” She wondered about what hers had been but she could not decide. But that was likely due to her being exhausted from riding before dawn and it dearly being the last candlemark.

A'ren yawned a bit before answering. “This part right here,” he answered, his blue eyes half closed. Early mornings and late nights certainly worked against each other, but he wasn't complaining.

“This part right here?” She wondered quietly trying to work out what he meant. She glanced at him and smiled as she saw the yawn. She felt the same way but was not quite at the yawning stage yet.

He nodded. “Seeing everyone happy and being with you,” he answered, now wondering if he had misheard her question in his half asleep mind.

“Oh.” Lana laughed and leaned closer, laying her head on his shoulder. She understood what he meant now. “Same though seeing your face earlier at the opening speech was also my favourite part.” Lana teased just a little thinking that it was well over 12 candlemarks ago if not more that, that had happened.

A'ren laughed softly as he put an arm around her shoulders. “Yeah that was very unexpected,” he agreed, kissing her hair. “I still don't know how you kept it a secret.” that speech had definitely caught him by surprise.

“I have kept many secrets over the turns thank you very much.” Lana commented.

}: Not many of them kind:{ Kalaith reminded Lana, making her roll eyes as Lord Marcano came towards them.

“Lord Holder.” Lana whispered, sitting up reluctantly as the man approached.

A'ren glanced at his mate. “Oh I don't doubt that. But you guys definitely surprised me.”

):you deserved it. You are a great leader,:( Zarminath pointed out, causing A'ren to shake his head.

“At ease Weyrleaders. I am not as formal as to require space when you are… whatever weyrmates are.” He commented with a smile as Lana rose to her feet.

He sat up straighter and was on his feet as soon as Lana was. “Lord Holder,” he said with an incline of his head.

The Lord Holder nodded back with a smile. “Please relax. I just wanted to let you know the gather is closed so you can go to bed.”
The man said, amused as he indicated the dancing ended as the Harpers starting to pack up. “We have all done our duties to Pern today.”

A'ren hadn't even noticed the Harpers had stopped playing. He was half asleep from the long day. The Weyrleader smiled. “Thank you for the day, Lord Marcano. It was a beautiful Gather.”

“What we all deserved. Weyrwoman please go to bed this time.” He instructed bowing which made Lana curtsy a little and offer a smile to the man. She could not in the slightest see the man Sophida had described all those turns ago as someone evil and intent to turn Kymos against the south but seeing how it turned out with her it was all most likely a lie.

He was right. They did all deserve it after everything they had all been through. A'ren chuckled a bit. “I'll make sure she goes this time,” he promised Marcano. Not to mention he could use some rest himself.

Lana smiled more as the Lord holder disappeared off with his steward leaving them along. “Come on then Weyrleader take me to bed.” Lana declared taking his hand formally.

A'ren lifted a brow at his mate. “As you wish, Weyrwoman,” he smiled, leading her away from the Harpers cleaning up and back toward the room they had been given.

Lana smiled at the look on his face but did not say anything until they were inside the large and fancy room and the door was locked. “Are you feeling better?” She wondered softly.

Once they were in the room A’ren’s shoulders relaxed completely . “I am. It has been a nice day. Just long.”

Lana turned and smiled, putting both of her hands on his shoulders. “Everyone is safe.” She said, gently leaning her forehead against his chest. “Longer than threadful days. And lots more people.”

He breathed a sigh of relief, resting his head against hers. “They are,” he agreed. Hopefully everyone would start to remember this Gather and not the one that had cost lives and injured others. “Very true. It will be nice to not have to do anything tomorrow.”

“True. Can sleep in.” Lana soothed. “Calarya is safe and calmer back home, by the way. Kalaith has spoken to Leith.” A’ren did not doubt the man having checked on things, but she wanted that out in the open between them.

He yawned again. “That will be a treat.” They didn't get a chance to do that often. He gave her a smile. “Thank you for that. Means I can truly relax now.” He had been worried about Calarya, but thanks to Kaliath and Zarminath he knew she was safe.

“It will be.” Lana said quietly hoping that they would get to sleep a couple of extra candlemarks to recover.” Help me out of this dress then you can go to sleep my love.” Lana laughed, feeling him practically asleep against her as they stood there.

A'ren nodded, slowly shifting around to help with the dress. “Shards, how did you breathe in this?’ He asked. The dress seemed so tight to him.

“Slowly and hope you’d catch me if I fainted.” She laughed a little as he loosened enough of the ties so that she could shimmy out of it allowing it to pool around her feet.

He shook his head. “I would have caught you but I'm glad you didn't faint. Although you did look lovely.” He yawned again, wishing he had more energy.

“Me too.” Lana smiled, stepping out the dress and grabbed it up, placing it over a large chair. “Go clean up Weyrleader and get to bed.” Lana said laughing as she caught him yawning again.

“I'm sorry. I just can't seem to wake up,” he admitted, tugging at his shirt a bit to loosen it. Getting cleaned up sounded good to him.

“Course you can’t.” Lana teased. It had been a long day with lots of emotions and politics. “Go Weyrleader and then straight to bed.” Lana said, wandering over to where she had left spare clothes and toiletries. She pulled out her comb and started to run it through her hair to untangle.

A'ren nodded and slowly made his way back to the bathing room. Sleep sounded good. It had been a really long day.