Did Someone say Wine? (Sel'n)

[Requiem]

He is heeeeerrre. Who are we talking about now? Kalierre was still rather busy trying to convince Fury that running around by her foot was not the best idea in this sort of crowd. It was M'ta's turn to take Rel. Adults needed time to themselves, after all, and Teri seemed to brighten with Rel there. Apparently Fury trusted the scary knife man enough to disobey Kalierre and insist on protecting Hers. Which amounted to rather unfortunate lunges at passing bootlaces. If they made it through the day without a Fury pancake, it would be a small miracle.

While Kalierre was worried about the youngest of her mindmates suddenly becoming a good deal flatter than what would be expressly healthy, Phremath was stalking through the trees. It had started as chasing flutterbyes. But there was something here, and a glimpse of hide had her hearts quickening with excitement. (She'd quite forgotten his name, but she knew she'd seen this male before.) The big one! Our friend...he's missing part of his leg? Creeping a little closer, the green suddenly burst into the glade and pounced Kaaoloth indiscriminately. Gotcha!

The dragonhealer was just on the edge of figuring out what Phremath was going on about this time when her answer came in the form of a mental prodding from Lust. That half-hunched figure over there looked awfully familiar, now didn't it? Kalierre glanced at Vanity, the two mandyrs shamelesly entwined on the head of her cane - like they almost always were these days - but the green seemed to be showing no reaction just yet. Queer. But not necessarily proof that the man wasn't Sel'n. Vanity and Sel'n were an odd pair, to be sure. It would match Phremath's exclamation anyway...

The woman leaned over the small wooden wall erected around the tables circling the food stall and whacked Sel'n lightly over the hand with her cane. "Hey, drunkard, care to share that wine skin before you pass out?" Her half-smile was quirky. (Even if it wasn't Sel'n, since when had Kalierre ever been shy?)

[Rei]

You should have picked a better disguise. My disguise is fine. Better than your lack of one. You shouldn’t hazard being this close to me at all self proclaimed master of camouflage. What if something happens and you can’t tell me cripple? I prefer to be in contact range in case I have to save your sorry ass. And what if someone sees you wherface? Then we’ll be the cause of everyone’s death. There are others close too. Onyth is closer than I. She blends better and isn’t a fat ass. You should be grateful that I care this much for you screamer. Don’t call me that. Why? Salenth’s does. Such an affection nickname he has for you. ….Shut up. I love you more than the sun Selmine. I said shut up. Shall I serenade you to prove my undying devotion? You should bring back one of those funny red strings for me. Kaaoloth I swear on the golden egg of Faranth if you ever became mute I’d die of happiness….

The baiting back and forth continued as Sel’n poured himself another glass of wine from the skin on the table. Idly sipping at it he examining the crowd while keeping up an insult war with his better half. Just another day at the gather. He was looking for familiar faces really. Anyone from his old wing. Possibly F’ur. Actually the older man was surprised by now many faces he was looking for. There were only a few he would hazard trying to contact but knowing the others were alive was something of a nagging desire. Annoying really.

Kaaoloth was hunkered down in the trees. The canopy above keeping him as hidden as the press of trunks he had wound his large body about. He had a decent view of the sky so he could scan for any trouble. Providing there was no one hunting on foot the brown was safe enough. He rather figured everyone would be preoccupied enough that he needn’t worry about attack. Tail tip flicking as he indulged in his favorite pastime of baiting his, he didn’t notice Phremath. Not until she had burst from the glade and pounced him. Giving a low and threatening growl in response Kaaoloth’s talons unsheathed and he swung to snarl viciously at his assailant entire body tensing for a return strike. But fortunately for Phremath the green with the tiny wings was very memorable and the large brown’s growl morphed into a surprised croon his snarl falling and muzzle shoving affectionately against her hide instead.

Phremath? What are you doing here? The flash of surprise from his told him that he had been startled as well. Crafty green pair. I am sorry for snarling at you. You startled me. Shifting his weight back into a more comfortable position and sheathing his talons Kaaoloth cocked his head. You should be careful on who you pounce. Indeed he could only imagine what would have happened had the sweet little green pounced at anyone else. Half curling his larger body about her he rumbled playfully and nipped gently at her neck. Have you and yours been well?

Sel’n had caught brief movement out of the corner of his eye, but he was too busy trying not to facepalm over the sight of S’rei the pan peddler. Really? As such the rap to his hand had the brown rider starting and swinging his gaze towards his assailant. Blue eyes widened then. Kalierre? The sudden burst of adoration from a small green mandyr was proof enough that it was her. Vanity had disentangled herself from Lust to fling herself at Sel’n. Scampering up the brownrider she lunged and sank tiny fangs into his lip. Cripplemine. Lovelovelovelove. Idiot. Much stupid. Miss Vanity? Despite her words the overflow of love had the older man reaching up to gently disengage the mandyr from his lip. Pressing a kiss to her head he set her on the table and spoke. “You made it. Horrible nasty thing that you are I’m not really surprised. Yes I missed you Harpy.” Trailing a finger from her snout down Vanity’s spine as she wiggled in ecstasy he flicked his eyes back up to the dragonhealer and gave her an actual smile.

“After you’ve abused me so? I don’t know. Seems rather masochistic to keep you around.” As he spoke Sel’n refilled his glass and stood. Suddenly reaching out the brownrider wrapped his arms around Kalierre’s waist and lifted her up and over the small wall, despite the fact that he knew Fury was likely going to have a royal fit at the action. Squeezing her briefly before he set her feet back onto the ground he grinned. “Have you lost weight?” More softly he added. “Thank you for taking care of Harpy. I’ve missed you Kals.” Awwww. Shut up wherface.

[Requiem]

The snarl should have been enough to give her pause - would have been, truly, if she wasn't already fully committed in her pounce. Not that Phremath truly thought that the brown would hurt her. He was a friend. Surely he wouldn't have forgotten her already! Phremath hadn't forgotten him. (Only his name, but that was neither here nor there. Oh. Kaaoloth, Hers supplied.)

I was following the flutterbyes, Phremath shared cheerfully. But you are much, much better. Amusement much like a giggle rippled across her mindtone. Oh, but I am being careful! Kaaoloth would never hurt me. Of course, Phremath didn't believe anyone would hurt her, and probably wouldn't hesitate to pounce any dragon that she recognized. It wasn't something she needed to share with fussy, though.

The small green's tiny wings fluttered in her excitement, the female sliding her head up over his neck and twining her tail with Kaaoloth's. Her cuddle friends were all gone. It was very sad. She'd even forgotten most of their names they'd been gone so long! We have. We have been much luckier than a lot of our friends. Mine has a wing! It is only me and Feyrianth right now, but soon it will grow, she bubbled happily.

Lust was disturbed from his position on Kalierre's cane. Even if his annoyance didn't reach his eyes or express itself in words, the dragonhealer could feel it, and that little wave made her half-smile even more crooked. Bronzie was being possessive, hm? At least he knew enough not to protest Vanity's return to Hers. Didn't keep him from finding something else to grump about, though. No 'ttack wall, slop for brains, he grumbled to the green he didn't favor. Not that it kept Fury from trying to slash the wall to ribbons for blocking her sight for even a moment.

Kalierre nudged Fury into calm with the toe of her boot. (Or, rather, the green turned to attempting to shred the woman's bootlaces.) This was so, at least, until Sel'n's arms suddenly encircled her. The woman blinked in surprise at being lifted. Then she wrapped her arms about his shoulders, lifting her legs so they wouldn't catch on the wall. This of course set Fury off. Thief! Thief! 'Napper! the bipedal mandyr shrieked, nearly climbing the wall in her efforts to follow. But that would mean going up.

Lust curled up in disgust. Yes, brain slop. Round go. Goood idiot buglet. Fury ignored him to attack Sel'n's feet, her loud screams of Thief! not dissipating. Kalierre ignored her for the moment. "I should hope not. Too young for everything to be going to fat already," the woman returned. Flattery had never been a highly effective tact to take with her. Still, she smiled at him anyway. "Sure you're not just getting stronger? Must be all the rough and hardy living." The woman wrinkled her nose, then settled into a seat.

She stole the cup whether it was meant for her or not. "I hardly do a thing. They feed themselves, after all." Kalierre oiled Vanity, true, but it wasn't like Lust separated from her enough to make it any easier not to. The bronze was still hanging back, though, even if he'd left his cane perch in favor of the table. The dragonhealer took a sip. "So then, masochist...how are you faring?"

[Rei]

Kaaoloth crooned warmly at Phremath. I am much better than a flutterbye eh? Well thank you for saying so. Although I do not think I am anywhere near as graceful. Rumbling the brown regarded the smaller green with placid whirling eyes. Indeed Phremath I would not hurt you. Not on purpose but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t do it accidentally as he almost had. He had a feeling arguing the point would get him nowhere though. So Kaaoloth merely curled his larger body about the smaller green’s, the embrace almost protective.

Her enthusiasm caused amused shades to whirl through the brown’s eyes as she twined tails with him and he lowered his head to the ground to make cuddling more comfortable. Your own wing? Well congratulations my dear. I am sure you and Feyrainth will have more wing mates soon. What do you do with your wing Phremath? It was a curiosity to him really. Surely they did not fight or fly thread? His supplied the probable answer just a moment later but the brown was content enough to let him smaller companion tell him in her own words.

Vanity regarded the interaction between Kalierre and Sel’n quietly for a moment. Her frill flaring outwards in a half hearted attempt at scorn. But really she didn’t care. A Lust came with a dragonlady and the small green had gotten used to the woman over the turns. Even if it was slightly irritating that said woman was stealing attention that rightly belonged to her. Small head titling she scampered back across the table to reclaim her place next to Lust. Giving the bronze mandyr’s head an affectionate lick she twined her tail with his and regarded Fury with thinly veiled irritation. So loud. Ignorant act. Quiet. Loud not help. Why loud Ugly? Cause Stupid? Did the ugly little green really think threatening hers would stop him from interacting with the Lustpet? Silly stupid Fury. With a disproving hiss Vanity took to affectionately bathing Lust’s frill. Hers was here and for the moment all was perfectly right in her world. Well with the obvious exception of the bipedal nonsense spewing menace making far too much noise for her liking.

Ignoring Fury as he always did, (He had quickly learned that ignoring mandyrs was the best way to deal with them) Sel’n chuckled at Kalierre. “Rough and hardy living. Yes that’s exactly what it is.” Watching her take a seat he gave a return smile before settling himself in the one beside her. His gaze momentarily flicked to the mandyrs as the dragonhealer took the cup. He didn’t move to stop the woman. Even if the brownrider hadn’t poured it for her he would have let her have it anyway. “Regardless thank you. I’m just happy she made it.” It had been a gamble, Sel’n would readily admit, releasing her like her had. It was that or watch her die though. Better to give her a chance in his opinion. It seemed to have been the right choice. Impressively stubborn creatures mandyrs.

Blues flicking back to Kalierre, Sel’n smiled. “Well enough I suppose. Surviving at any rate and that seems to be the current goal.” Taking a sip of wine straight from the skin he shrugged. “Perhaps in time that will change for the better. Remains to be seen.” It could always be worse. Always. “And how do you fare Dragonlady Kalierre? Still ruling the infirmary with an iron fist? Kaaoloth tells me they gave you your own wing?” News from home, no matter how small, was appreciated. And who knew what could eventually come in handy besides. Plus questions gave him an excuse to keep the woman here longer. Win, win in the brownrider’s opinion.

[Requiem]

Lust welcomed Vanity back to where she belonged with a croon as he possessively coiled about her. His tongue washed whatever he could reach in an absent sort of way. The bronze was not much in the habit of bathing his mate to show affection. Rough an 'ardy live without Greenqueen, the male stated with a decided lack of mercy. His tone made it clear that he had not forgiven Sel'n for leaving and taking her with him in the slightest. Try killdead VanityLove? Greenqueen Mine. Dunghead killdeader no 'llowed take. Lust curled even tighter around the green. Much as he loved his mate, she wasn't getting a say in this one.

Kalierre watched the bronze out of her peripheral vision. Mostly because, despite Lust's general habit of insulting everything that moved - and claiming the rest - this was different. He'd kill himself before letting Sel'n separate him from his mate again. The dragonhealer chose to leave that lovely little bit of dispute between the two of them for now. "Anywaaay, yes, I agree. That's the important part." She wasn't ready to part with Lust. Not now or ever.

Her dark eyes focused on Sel'n's face with a certain amount of calculation. "Hm. Well, priorities. Can't help anyone if you can't live from day to day." It was a decidedly neutral statement. Kalierre thrived under the new regime as she thrived in everything...and she hadn't really thought that those who'd fled from Selenitas would be any stronger after a turn of exile than they were when they were forced out to begin with. Not for Kalierre naive hopes. "Yes. It's a tiny wing, but it'll grow by three when the eldest of our weyrlings graduate. I just wish I didn't have to suffer Healer Hall trying to fix my problem for me. I have someone here suited for Weyrhealer who actually knows what she's doing."

The equivalent of a dragon giggle escaped Phremath. The flutterbye is more graceful, yes, but a flutterbye cannot talk to or cuddle with a Phremath like a Kaaoloth can. Not unless she is a flutterbye dragon named Feyrianth. Still amused, the green pressed herself even closer to her brown-friend. Behruth did not like to cuddle with her so much lately and that left so few left.

Well, um... Why did Kaaoloth have to ask her such a difficult question? We practice landing anywhere and flying into close places? I think it has something to do with healing. I'm not sure. We have never done more than trained. That last was said with no small amount of puzzlement. Phremath wasn't really sure what her wing was for.

Well, that was just rude. This situation clearly called for more drastic measures. Fury's attack against the side of Sel'n's foot ceased, the green going suspiciously quiet as she tilted her head slightly to one side. Hers was not in danger. This the intelligent little bugger had figured out when the dragonhealer merely sat at the table and began drinking contentedly. However, there was a certain matter of principle yet to be resolved. Fury could not suffer Hers to be Mine-napped. Now, what manner of punishment did this man and his irritant of a mindmate deserve? Rubbing her forelegs together, her tail swished from side to side as Fury considered.

[Rei]

Vanity crooned softly as Lust coiled about her, returning his affections in an enthusiastic manner. If she noticed her bronze’s almost absent manner she didn’t comment. Nor did she comment on his barbs shot at Sel’n. In the green mandyr’s mind her Lustking had every right to be upset and in the end her metallic mate was correct. The brownrider could continue to exist without her if he continued to be silly and not return to where he belonged. Although she didn’t really believe hers was a killdeader and to reassure him of this fact she brushed light affection across his mind.

Not that Sel’n needed such reassurances. In fact he was actually a little amused at the large bronze mandyr. “I so you seek to keep her from me to do?” He asked trying to keep his tone serious. Raising an eyebrow he decided there was no harm in poking a bit at the little creature. “Well then maybe you and I should have a duel over her. What say you self proclaimed King of the mandyrs?” By this point the man was trying very hard to keep a straight face. What was the harm in playing a little with Lust? It wasn’t like he was planning on taking Vanity away anyway. But eh, amusement was amusement.

Half of his attention returning to Kalierre as she spoke he turned fully to face her. “Indeed. Decent outlook to have on things. Have to be able to do your job after all.” Sel’n responded just as neutrally. Hmm. He didn’t quite think the healer would out him. But perhaps it was better for her to give little to no actual information about Selenitas and him to give little in the way of Burimyu. Despite his desire for information from home. Maybe just keep this platonic and friendly. He had missed Kali like hell. But the way things were currently. Well there wasn’t much hope for seeing her as often as he used to. As depressing as that thought was.

Sel’n however was well used to life’s disappointments. This was just another mountain thrust into his path. With a chuckle the brownrider reached over to tug on a strand of her hair. “Wingleader Kalierre. What I wouldn’t give to see that in action.” He responded with a smile and drew back. Taking a swing from the skin itself, he almost spit the wine back out at her next statement. Blue eyes regarded her with something akin to confusion. “Healer Hall? Weyrhealer? Isn’t that R’wign’s position?” He let the question hang, blue eyes regarding her with a trace amount of curiosity. Why would they need another Weyrhealer?

Kaaoloth rumbled in amusement as the little green tittered at his side. She was quite adorable and he missed her and her simple mind. Ah but then I think I prefer a Phremath to a Feyrianth. A Phremath is better at cuddling. He said with a slight wise nod of his head. To be honest he wasn’t sure of that. The brown couldn’t quite completely remember Feyrianth or if she had ever cuddled with him. But he was willing to bet a Phremath was better anyway. The large male stayed silent as the little green cuddled up to him considered and then uttered a perhaps slightly unsure answer.

Eyes whirling in predominantly amused shades Kaaoloth extended a wing and draped it over Phremath. Ah I see. It sounds like hard work. I am sure you and your wing will perform admirably when duty calls. Healing wing. Hmm yes. Something new the Wastelanders decided to bring to the table. Rubbing his body against hers happily he crooned. I am happy to see you again my friend. Even if it is only for a short time.

[Requiem]

Vanity's reaction - or lack thereof, at least in the verbal sense - was pleasing to the bronze salamandyr. It was far easier to make his point against the man who had separated them if she wasn't contradicting him, after all. (Some 'mandyrs had this strange idea that they had to support Theirs even when Theirs was dead wrong.But of course Lust's Greenqueen was far better than that.)

No need fight killdeader, the bronze returned dismissively. Is King. No need prove. Greenqueen stay with Lustking. No argument. Can go 'way now, killdeader, the male added, with just a touch of peevishness. Oh, he definitelly had not forgiven that man yet. Not in the slightest. Lowering his head so that it was resting on his mate, he watched Sel'n through slitted eyes, dastardly plans no doubt floating around somewhere in his little mind.

I think Kaaoloth must not remember how good a Feyrianth is at cuddling, Phremath responded demurely. Bigger dragons are always better at cuddling, because they can keep you warmer. And she has laaarge wings. The little green attempted to illustrate with her own, stretching them out as far as they would go. So large that she can cover most of you with them and it feels so nice.

The green immediately brightened at Kaaloth's words, stated with such assurance. Nevertheless, she had to ask, Do you really think so? I hope we all do well! I've never led a wing before. I didn't think greens were supposed to. Well, it was more Kalierre leading than her, but it was still way different than she'd expected. I always like talking to my friends! Phremath chirped happily.

Ignoring what seemed to be a moment of depression - or at least intense reflection - she eyed the fingers playing with her hair, even though she made no move to stop him. The look itself was mostly playful, anyway. Kalierre sniffed. "I'll have you know that we're doing quite well, thank you. Trying to say we're not up to the task?" the woman concluded, with just enough haughty umbrage to make it hard to tell whether or not she was just giving him a hard time.

Of course, when she realized what she'd let slip and that she'd now have to speak to it, Kalierre sobered right up. Which of course she chased with a sip of wine because a body shouldn't be sober at such times. "We lost him last sevenday," the woman finally responded. "A freak illness, really. Started out as a cold...his lungs haven't been good since the Siege and no one can really say what exactly happened. He went to sleep and never woke up."

Fury chose that precise moment to begin Operation Teach the Bonebag a Lesson. Of course, he likely didn't notice the clever little she-devil working loose his laces with her finely manicured claws, and he certainly wouldn't expect to have to look down to make sure a salamandyr wasn't tying his bootlaces together. (Most 'mandyrs were not so clever as to be able to tie knots, yet alone possessed the necessary dexterity. Fury's bipedal nature gave her a natural advantage.)

[Rei]

Sel’n chuckled at Lust’s admission. It was perhaps a bit silly to keep arguing with the bronze but the brownrider was having a bit of fun with it. He missed his similar battles with Vanity quite a bit. “You’re just scared that I’d beat you.” He said with just a small amount of challenge before shrugging and turning away from the mandyr. “And I’m not going anywhere. Not until your lovely bonded drains all my hard earned liquor anyway.”

You caught me my little friend. I do not remember how good our resident flutterby is at cuddling. So I will have to take your word for it. It has been quite awhile since I have seen her after all. The smaller female’s attempt at showing him how big Feyrianth’s wings were caused Kaaoloth to give a rumble of amusement. Phremath really was quite adorable. With a wise nod the brown nuzzled the green. Yes that does sound very nice. You should take advantage of such cuddling. I would. He replied in a sincere tone before laying his head on her back.

Oh I definitely think so. I’m sure you’ll all prove yourselves to be quite useful. The large male responded, tail tip flicking as he further considered. Well my Phremath. You are a special green. I think that qualifies you to lead a wing. He added in a content tone, whirling eyes tracking her exuberance with amusement. I like talking to my friends too. But I have not seen you in a very long time. I have missed our cuddle time. And he would again miss her when they inevitably parted. But for now he was content to bask in her happy company. She was much more accommodating and sweet than most of Burimyu’s few greens. Four in total actually, now that Kaaoloth thought about it.

Sel’n watched Kalierre with undisguised amusement. “Oh no dearie. Never. I’m sure you make a good Wingleader. Probably better than most men I know ironically enough.” Another tug to her hair. “And I’m sure your wing performs just as well for you in the air as they do in the infirmary. But if you want me to be all doom and gloom and lament about female wingleaders I will.” He added with a wry smile. Oh he knew she was just likely giving him a hard time for the hell of it. But the brownrider rather thought it might be smarter to cover all the bases just in case. He’d rather not have an irritated Dragon Lady right now. A drunk and content one was much better. But it ironically had the unpleasant effect of reminding him that he couldn’t do this all the time like he used to. So enjoy it for now Selarinmine and quit being a downer. Hard for you I know.

Ignoring his dragon for the sake of listening as Kalierre explained something, Sel’n outwardly winced. Which was perhaps ironic considering who they were talking about. R’wign dead? It almost seemed impossible. He was sure the shock registered at least momentarily on his face. The brownrider had taught that boy after all. Been embarrassed by him at that classes graduation and constantly after. And they had always had something of a strange relationship besides. The Weyrhealer had seemed to enjoyed attempts at frustrating Sel’n at every turn. And Sel’n would have been lying if at some times he hadn’t found it amusing and strangely comforting. For R’wign to be dead…well it was definitely something of a sobering thought. “I’m sorry.” The man finally managed after a moment of silence his tone sincere. Kalierre and R’wign had seemed pretty close.

Shifting his feet slightly, still completely unaware of the plotting bipedal menace up to no good, a thought occurred to the brownrider. R’wign had a weyrmate. “How’s M’ta holding up?” Sel’n wasn’t sure if the greenrider would know but he was under the assumption she had some clue. Not that he wanted to spend this entire time talking about sobering things but...now that he knew the older rider had to know at least a bit more. For at least some peace of mind.

[Requiem]

Oh, I do! I love the flutterbye! Feyrianth liked to play games almost as much as she did, and was more playful than Behruth. Behruth was nice, but he would just as often watch their games as participate in them. Well. Used to. He hadn't been around lately, and neither had...another dragon whose name she should remember.

Enough of that. She preferred to think of happy things. We must. Mine says we are safe because they are healers, but it would be much better if we can make them understand that we are good dragons, too. Feyrianth really, really wants to be useful. Her wings make her slow, you know. Just like Phremath's made it so she couldn't fly some days when there was no wind.

I would come to cuddle with you, but Mine says you are far away in a secret place. Is that so? Is it really secret? Why are you hiding? I'd rather have you at the infirmary with me. A note of petulance had entered her generally sweet tones. She didn't remember very far back, and she simply didn't understand why friends would want to go away and hide from her. That didn't seem very nice!

Kalierre sniffed haughtily. "Naturally." She'd been running her infirmary for turns. The woman had no doubts as to her ability to lead the same people in the air. Tch. Men were not better. (They were better than most women, cause women were silly, emotional creatures. But Kalierre considered herself in a class all her own.) Dismissing this topic of conversation, she instead made a show of attempting to wither his fingers with her gaze alone.

Taking liberties with her hair. Lack of a verbal or physical rebuke, however, gave it away as the empty protest it was. Kalierre was aware that her leniency with Sel'n had a lot to do with Lust and Vanity. Even if the two riders were pretty good friends. (She wasn't altogether sure that wasn't a result of the salamandyrs, either. Not something that really needed to be analyzed.)

She didn't soften at his wince, if only because it reminded her of her own feeling of emptiness. R'wign wasn't quite like losing a limb, but it still felt like part of her had just suddenly...vanished. His OCD presence was gradually being erased from the infirmary, too; no one could keep everything so perfectly organized and pristine as he had. Strange that she would actually miss that. "Thanks." Her only response.

That was, at least, until Sel'n mentioned M'ta. The woman's lips pressed together slightly. "He hasn't been to the infirmary since. I watch Teri for him and he watches Rel for me sometimes...like we used to before. But I really can't say. You know M'ta. He's either an open book or he's wearing a steel mask feet thick. He's unreadable to me right now." She shifted slightly. "I don't imagine he's doing that well, though," Kalierre added quietly.

[Rei]

Kaaoloth quietly listened to Phremath speak, noting just now animated she really was. He had forgotten how amusing she could be really. Safe because they were healers. Well that may be true. In certain circumstances. But his said even healers were not safe at times. Not if the invading weyr had it’s own healers to use as replacements. Not when taking out the other side's healers was a goal. They sometimes became casualties of war too. The brown didn’t reveal that to the simple green cuddled beside him. It would be cruel to say anything on that matter. No best not to say a word.

Just because you are different does not make you bad no. But not everyone will realize that. I lost a leg. A set of talons. But I fight and I get along just fine. Slow or not Feyrianth will be able to do things that other dragons may not be able. And so will you and the other different ones. It’s a matter of finding your place. Selmine says everyone has one. There is no such thing as truly useless. Not if you have the will to try. I am glad for you and your wing Phremath. You need to promise me to try very hard. So you can show everyone how wrong they were and are. Lightly he nuzzled the green, a soft croon uttered as she asked her questions.

Now how to answer these ones? The note of upset in the green’s mind tone made Kaaoloth want to reassure and comfort her like me might one of the young ones. Yours is right. I am very far away and in a secret place. Not because I want to be. But because if we did not hide we would die. There is no other choice you see. I wish there was. I would very much rather be at the infirmary with you. I would also like to return back home. But I cannot. And he may never be able to in truth. A sad fact of life. One that the large brown accepted solely because he didn’t have much of another choice. We should just make sure the time we are able to spend together today is spent well. Don’t you think? He asked Phremath softly as one wing extended to drape over the smaller female and pull her even closer. Let us be happy for current presence yes? Briefly he nuzzled along her spine.

Sel’n only raised an eyebrow when Kalierre continued to glare at the fingers he had now quite sufficiently tangled into his hair. The brownrider was loathe to remove them and he wouldn’t unless she actually physically did it herself. He was quite prone to ignoring most of her verbal shots and demands after all. He actually oftentimes only found himself changing behavior when the greenrider started to get physical. And or throw his hard earned liquor off of weyr ledges. Insufferable woman. Talk of R’wign didn’t even cause the older man to lose what physical grip he had on the woman across from him. If anything it only made him even more reluctant to let go.

The interviewing silence lasted a few moments until Kalierre uttered her Thank you. Sel’n wasn’t sure that there needed to be thanks at all in this conversation, but he offered her a light and hopefully reassuring smile all the same. Couldn’t take away the pain or make it better. And he was terrible at comfort. But all the same if he could even offer the greenrider a smidge of something he would feel better. She had helped him often after all. That was what friends did. Unfortunately the brownrider couldn’t continue on with attempts to buoy her mood over the next days. Because he would be gone. They would both be going back to their lives. The only thing keeping them even a bit connected? The mandyrs intertwined on the table between them. How…frustrating.

Refilling Kalierre’s glass Sel’n gave a soft sigh. “No I don’t imagine he’s taking it well at all. Poor guy. I’ll keep him in my thoughts.” Not that that would really do any good, but it was the only option available to him. Losing people was hard under any circumstances. Everyone dealt with grief differently. He’d just hope for the best with M’ta. Now there was this matter of getting away from the topic of death. It had pulled this sense of hovering doom over his reunion with the Dragon lady and Sel’n couldn’t quite let that happen. Not when this could be one of the last chances he’d get to see her for a good long time.

“You still drink like a fish I see. Most unfortunate for me and my poor dwindling stash. So you have a new drinking buddy yet? Which lucky sap are you breaking my heart with?” With a wink he lightly tugged on Kalierre’s hair again a mild frown on his face. “Better be someone better looking. Although I don’t imagine that’s too hard to find.” As he spoke he raised the skin to his lips to take another pull from it. “I get better looking the more you drink you know.”

[Requiem]

Of course we are not useless! Phremath chimed in, a bit distressed. Hadn't she just said that they would show everyone they weren't? The thought that Kaaoloth might not quite believe that made the little one upset, and she pulled away from him in response. But as he continued his meaning became more clear. Oh, well, okay then.

Yes, I promise, she agreed quickly. Of course, his explanation didn't really help make things any clearer concerning the very unsatisfying fact that Kaaoloth was somewhere she couldn't be. Phremath knew he wasn't hiding from her - she didn't want to make him a dead dragon! - but it still felt like he was. So many of her dragon friends weren't around to play with anymore!

But, who would want to kill you? she questioned of the brown in genuine confusion. Kaaoloth was a nice dragon, and not one you'd think anyone would want dead. Phremath did not understand the killing thing at all. Well, if you cannot.. Then he could not. She leaned against him, but some of her obvious excitement had abated; Kaaoloth would be leaving her again soon.

The greenrider snorted softly at the useless platitude. Who knew? Maybe Sel'n was magic and his thoughts actually could do someone some good, unlike the rest of the world keeping people 'in their thoughts'. She accepted the refill and drained the cup perhaps too fast. Too young. Too many of the people she knew were dying far too young, in senseless ways.

"Pooh. Just replenish your stash here," the woman responded, unperturbed. What was a Gather for, if not for getting blitzed a sevenday after your friend died? Couldn't quite stay morose forever, though. If only because Sel'n seemed to be trying so hard to cheer her. A wry chuckle. "Of course I do. Why do you think I drink so much when you're around? Some things simply can't be experienced sober," she concluded dryly.

Her eyes went to her glass, lips quirking slightly. "Saps. Though I think drinking buddy only applies to one." Thus far. She rather thought she could convince Ba'sun to drink with her with very little persuasion. "Mi'rah's not more attractive than you, but he's interesting." His behavior simply didn't fit any stereotypes she knew. There was something about a stuttering man pinning her to a wall and getting bold with her that interested the healer.

"And there's Serissa." This was added with a calculating perusal of Sel'n's face. Men historically liked to picture a couple women together.

[Rei]

Kaaoloth titled his head as Phremath pulled away from him in slight distress, whirling eyes betraying his confusion at the reaction. Hadn’t he been explaining that fact? The male let the green pull away from the close contact although part of him was a bit disappointed that she had. He liked the closeness. Snuggling greens at Burimyu were few and far between. A dip of his head was given in acknowledgement to the female’s promise as his tail tip flicked back and forth in contemplation. How to answer her next question. He wasn’t even sure he could answer it in a way she would understand. Hmm. It was entirely possible that Phremath did not even remember the invasion. Kaaoloth himself was only reminded through his at times. That and distant memories which were more like feelings of another place.

Perhaps you do not remember my Phremath. But there were dragons who came from another place. Who killed our brothers and sisters. Killed one of our queens and then drove some of us to seek shelter from them. It is them who would harm us if we made to return. For now, my little friend, I and some others are stuck in this other place so that we may continue to live. Perhaps one day we can return to you. Although by Sel’n’s thoughts that seemed highly unlikely. The brown didn’t add that in though. He simply dipped his head to nuzzle the green now leaning against him. He hadn’t meant to make her sad but it seemed that is what he had accomplished. With a soft nudge to her shoulder Kaaoloth attempted to overturn the cloud of depression. Why don’t you tell me about flutterby catching? I am not sure how it is properly done. According to his changing the subject on a female to something she liked was often a good way to deal with their sadness.

Sel’n gave a light chuckle at Kalierre before murmuring. “If only it was that easy my favorite lush. Where I reside marks are few and far between.” Along with some other needed supplies. Why else would they be resorting to common thievery? Yes they were stealing from the weyr that had exiled them. But still. They had to terrify poor holders to do it. A half smile was given to the dragonhealer seated next to him, the brownrider chuckling slightly. “Indeed. Drunk off your ass is about the only time I am tolerate able I am sure. How do you think I get people to sleep with me? No one in their right mind would.” So loving you are to yourself. It’s a wonder you don’t have people flocking to you what with all the confidence you exude. Sel’n gave a light snort and finally let his fingers fall from Kalierre’s hair. "Kaaoloth always has his two cents to put in."

A quirk of a smile was given to the woman’s answer. He wasn’t really surprised that she had someone else to play with but multiples? That probably wasn’t all that surprising either now that he thought of it. Kalierre was an attractive woman with her own unique set of charms. “Well at least my drinking buddy title still stands for now.” He replied with a mild frown, fully for her benefit. “Not that that will last forever either.” Refilling her glass he tapped it with the skin. Might as well enjoy the last drink they might have together. And here he said he wouldn’t get depressed. Bah.

Tilting his head Sel’n smiled. “Mi’rah huh? Then they left him alive. Do be nice to the poor man Kals.” with a chuckle he shook his head. “Then again I’m sure you are.” Was he jealous of Mi’rah? Not really. Toys would be toys. The brownrider highly doubted anything would come of those two pairing up. The next name caused one eyebrow to rise however, the older man’s head tilting. “Serissa? The bluerider correct? Rather pretty blonde one? Well that is a mild surprise. I didn’t know you played for both teams.” And that was really all he had to say on the subject. Sel’n didn’t much go for women anyway, the thought of Kalierre tangling with the other blonde wasn’t really something that was all that exciting to him. Merely a curiosity.

“I’m going to be suitably jealous now. All I have on my end is girls young enough to be my daughters. Apart from Darya. And on the other side all I have is one very straight pot peddler. Not much in the way of choice. It’s a good thing I have a lot of practice in being abstinent.” That and he was older than dirt. Sex didn’t tend to be high on the brownrider’s priority list anymore. Not that it really ever had been.

With a wry smile Sel’n leaned forward and flicked at the dragonhealer’s nose. “So what do you say we get off our asses and actually find something to do? Providing you can still walk?” Cue doubtful up and down examination of the woman in front of him.

[Requiem]

The news that Kaaoloth delivered to her so freely was shocking to the innocent little green. Phremath visibly started before she began to tremble against him. That sounded horrible! Who would ever do such a thing! Was that why the Behruth and the Feyrianth did not play with her as much as they used to, why the brown whose name was right on the edge of memory, just out of reach, no longer came to play with her at the infirmary?

I really hope you can, the green returned, but the tremulous nature of her mindvoice betrayed her distress even more surely than her physical trembling. Fortunately, Kaaoloth's change of topic served its purpose well. Her nerves steadied as her mind shifted to flutterbyes. How she loved chasing flutterbyes! Though what he'd said still lingered like a dark, horrific shadow in the back of her mind, she eagerly kept it back there in favor of concentrating on the more delightful problem of catching flutterbyes.

Well, she began eagerly, first you have to find a flutterbye. They like to stand still and move their wings only very slowly. Like this. She demonstrated by slowly flapping her wings up and down, pausing at the peak and trough of each flap. Then, when they see you... And the green leapt away, using her wings to hop and do short glides, changing directions eratically. Her legs were still remarkably strong (being a sort-of landbound creature) and Phremath executed her imitation with alacrity (if not complete accuracy).

Sipping at the refilled glass with a nod of thanks, a slightly wicked turn came to full lips. "Oh, I'm being very nice to him," she agreed, with no small amount of suggestion. "He's worth investing in," the dragonhealer added more seriously. "Genius level intelligence. A smidgeon of confidence and he'd be practically unstoppable. At least in a lot of venues. Besides, I find the stutter adorable." Kalierre drained the glass, closing her eyes to revel in the warmth it was awakening in the pit of her stomach.

A mere nod was given the brownrider in response to his questioning about Serissa, then a mild shrug. Almost as if to say there were many things that Sel'n didn't know about Kalierre. A twinkle entered her eye at Sel'n's complaints regarding the selection. "Oh, psht. Iskierka and Elysia don't count now? Though I suppose you like your strong women with some semblence of friendliness," she concluded with a teasing smile. Actually, she was not altogether sure that Sel'n did like his women that much, come to think of it. Rumors said Ba'sun and F'lix. Possibly F'ur (though she found the last a bit unbelievable.) No. Wait. Dorava. Okay, definitely a switch hitter then. She was almost disappointed. Kalierre would have liked to have been special, even if it was probably only Lust.

There was a spike of interest from the curiously quiet Fury - who had left Sel'n and his tied laces to return to her post of Kalierre's defender at the woman's feet - but the greenrider didn't spare much attention to that curiosity. Instead, she wrinkled her nose. "As if two glasses would impede my faculties any. I think you're just trying to preserve your booze. Quite ungentlemanly of you."

Nevertheless she rose with the aid of her cane, the movement surprisingly graceful. If you could call a predatory economy of motion graceful. "Maybe we can do something about that abstinence of yours," she added, her voice taking on a sultry timbre. Kalierre smiled down at Sel'n. No, she hadn't indulged with him outside of Vanity's Runs in the past, but circumstances had changed.

[Rei]

Well darn he went from upsetting her to really upsetting her. Kaaoloth’s eyes whirled in concerned shades as Phremath trembled against him. The brown’s head dipped so that he could nuzzle her in an attempt to reassure. He hadn’t meant to upset her so thoroughly and a large part of him felt terrible. Maybe it would have been better to just keep quiet about the whole thing. Instead of setting her off so. Bah. No help for it now. He’d just have to hope his change of topic worked to improve her mood. And look here. It seemed to be working. So maybe his wasn’t a complete waste of human space after all. Maaaaybe.

Kaaoloth’s head tilted almost completely sideways as Phremath spoke. Almost unconsciously his wings mimicked hers, eye color changing to predominantly amused. Like this? He asked with humor, his wings slowly flaring and copying the movements of hers. A rumble was given as his green friend started doing her best to mimic a fleeing butterfly. Well then. That looks like it would be hard to catch. How do you catch a creature moving in such a fashion? I do admit that something moving like that might be hard to pin down. Whirling eyes regarded Phremath with good cheer, the brown still not moving from his laying position. He was comfortable there and he moved rather awkwardly on land besides. What with only one foreleg for stabilization. Yes he'd much rather watch her cavort around.

Kalierre’s explanation of Mi’rah made Sel’n turn his full attention to the woman for a few moments. Hmm. Well the man had impressed a bronze after all. So he couldn’t be a complete failure right? Hidden strength then. Made sense. Not all bronzers could be influential in all ways. Should he be jealous that the greenrider was using Mi’rah? No. Was he? Not really. Not enough to even worry about it anyway. He attributed the jealousy to being from Vanity anyway. Whether or not it was or not something he really wanted to question. As the woman across from him went on the brownrider snorted lightly. “No I prefer my woman to have some type of warmth and to be able to enjoy myself without having to worry about them disemboweling me in my sleep. Besides I’m not so sure they are women. More like nasty supernatural beings masquerading as women.” Sel’n gave a shiver then, purely for Kalierre’s benefit.

The shiver turned into an actual laugh as the Dragonlady wrinkled her nose. “I never claimed to be a gentleman my dear. In fact I’m probably the furthest you can get from such things. Not a chivalrous bone in my body.” That said the man stopped the wine skin. In all reality he didn’t mind sharing with her at all but the brownrider was fine with playing along with her comments. He was planning on giving the rest of the skin to Kalierre when they finally parted ways. A bit more than half it’s contents were left. She could do with them what she would. Quirking a smile up at her he moved to rise as she did, one eyebrow also raising at her tone. Oh really?

“Who ever said my abstinence needed anything done with it? I’ll probably only embarrass myself and you any….” The sentence murmured softly didn’t completely finish because as he tried to take a step forward Sel’n found his progress impeded by something. Balance thrown off he flailed in an attempt to keep it. Which…did the brownrider no good at all. With a rather loud crash he fell onto the end of the table, tipping it over and catapulting the twined mandyrs, vase and flowers, glass and anything left on it into the air. He ignored Vanity’s infuriated shriek in favor of the pain radiating through his shoulder as it hit the ground. “Damn. That. Hurt.” Each word was offered in between grimaces as the older man tried to look around from his sprawled position and survey the damage. How the hell had that happened? He Didn’t make a habit of tripping over his own feet.

Rolling over with a wince he looked up at Kalierre and narrowed his eyes at her expression. “Not funny.”

[Requiem]

Phremath was more than glad, of course, that Kaaoloth seemed so interested in this discussion of flutterbyes; he was quick to catch on, too. Flapping his wings the right way and everything. It had even distracted her for a few seconds, as Phremath often was by such large, beautiful wings as his. The green was not exactly envious per se, but she definitely appreciated a good set of wings.

You have to be veeeery sneaky, she responded gleefully. To illustrate, the dragon crouched low, creeping along with a grace that even rivaled those pesky creatures called felines. One thing could definitely be said for Phremath; her ease of mobility on the ground more than made up for the small lack in the air. And guess where they're going, or you'll never catch them! She pounced on her imaginary flutterbye and turned eyes whirling in delighted blues on Kaaoloth.

Nasty supernatural beings? The comment got nothing from Kalierre but an amused snort. No doubt she had similar things said about her. Dragonlady indeed. Though...she could at least accede that Iskierka was about as cold as they came, and Elysia...Well, cold was not the proper word for her. Slutty power-hoarding bitch seemed a more apt description. It might have been insult if the greenrider hadn't seemed to try so hard to maintain that descriptor.

"Now you're just being ridiculous," the woman responded dismissively. "Hyperbolizing everything. No, you're not chivalrous, but that hardly makes you the furthest thing from it. You're far too unassuming to be that insulting to women all over Pern," she concluded with heavy irony. "Unless you're referring to your stench, in which case, I haven't noticed because the numbweed fried my ability to smell long ago."

The woman found Sel'n's muttered response both amusing and annoying at the same time. But she never had a chance to respond to it, because the brownrider's spill preempted any such comments. Fury's resulting surge of self-gratification indicated the culprit quite clearly, but Kalierre couldn't find it within herself to scold the small green; that was a clever little trick to be performed by a salamandyr.

A hand was lifted before her mouth to conceal the amused grin, but it did nothing for the chuckle. "Says who?" She didn't bother to suppress the laugh after that. "Serves you right," she added, nudging at him with the end of her cane. "Turning me down. That's an insult I won't be quickly forgetting, you know, even if it is due to a disgusting lack of confidence. Even Mi'rah's more sure of himself."

Kalierre filched the wine skin and began hobbling away.