To Ground

[Administrator]

Shmee watched S'rei's struggle, firmly keeping the fellis at his lips even as the man resisted. No, she couldn't let anything happen to him; if he drank this, she told herself, S'rei would be all right. Finally, something in him accepted the fellis. She helped him tip it back into his mouth, flinching as he appeared to have so much trouble with it. It scared the Weyrwoman, not understanding what was happening with him. Is this the reason he had kissed her earlier, as well? However, this didn't matter to her as much- she needed to concentrate on keeping him alive.

Relief flooded her when the fellis worked its job. He was completely out, but Shmee found herself shaking anyway. With the hem of her tunic, she wiped his face free of the sweat that formed. "You'll be all right," she murmured to S'rei, know he couldn't hear her. Her voice was as shaky as her movements were, and she found herself just smoothing his hair repeatedly. He was alive still- he would stay that way, wouldn't he?

Aslath didn't loosen her hold on Salenth. Instead, she nuzzled him gently to try and comfort him like a frightened hatchling. She knew that what was happening had more likely than not terrified the bronze. Shards, she herself was terrified! He will be fine,[/color] Aslath told Salenth soothingly. Shmee will take good care of him.[/color]

She listened silently to what Salenth told her, silently seething. Which green dared betray them? She had half a mind to call her her and demand what and why she did it. It especially surprised her that it was the rider of a green who did this. Greenriders, being generally women or homosexuals, were treated horribly by the Benden elite. Perhaps this green's rider was guaranteed protection by C'leon or something of the sort. She wrapped herself around Salenth's curled up body, making her protection clear.

Thank you for telling me this,[/color] she replied solemnly. We appreciate his desire to protect us, but now, due to both of our troubles, the allowance of Benden riders near Selenitas will be banned, and transfers more closely looked at.[/color]

She nudged her rider mentally, who appeared to be in a trance, smoothing back S'rei's hair even though it was now already smooth from the multiple times she had done it before. Shmee looked up, blinking. Mine, Salenth's had met Benden riders, but most of the riders are dead now. One lives- a traitor,[/color] Aslath told Shmee with quiet fury.

Slowly, Shmee's dark eyebrows contracted. C'leon will pay, she vowed quietly. We will take care of him. He will not get away with this, not after what he did to me and not after being responsible for this. She looked back down at S'rei.

I'm not leaving him. I simply can't- I'm going to stay and keep him comfortable, she added softly. She shifted her position, lifting his head carefully so that her legs were crossed instead of staying on her knees. It concerned her how he kept clawing at his throat and chest even now, but it was enough that he was alive. Not waiting to stretch her legs from the uncomfortable kneeling position, she immediately pulled his head back into her lap. "You'll be all right," she repeated, one long hand tracing the side of his face, from his hair to his jawline. Hesitating, she leaned over him, kissing his forehead so lightly that she could have been kissing air. Jerkily pulling herself back up, she went back to smoothing his hair.

[Requiem]

He accepted Aslath's reassurances with as much good grace as he could muster. But she couldn't feel the near-frantic state of S'rei's mind. She couldn't understand what it was like, this helplessness to do anything but wait and hope that, somehow, his would find the strength to overcome this poison. Nor could she know how the knowledge that he might well have ensured his mine's death by insisting on the sedative. S'rei was quieter, yes, but Salenth couldn't possibly know how the fellis and whatever this was would mix.

But, despite his worries, the truth of the matter was that all there was to do was sit and wait. The bronze let his head fall near Aslath's, taking in the comfort of her warmth. It soothed him a little. He settled in for the third watch. Tell yours thank you. Salenth hadn't wanted to respond to the gold, certain she would know just how shaken he was. But she knew that already. Didn't she? Don't leave.

Hours passed. S'rei moved less and less, though whether or not that was due to the drug leaving his system, or because the man was weakening, even Salenth couldn't tell. The bronze had withdrawn. He felt his mine through the slightest of connections, afraid to know. Then something broke. For a moment, Salenth thought he'd lost S'rei after all, and then he realized he had. Though not in the same sense.

The bronzerider stirred, eyes opening, immediately noting the unresponsiveness of most of his body. So weak. It felt like the time he'd come down with a fever after staying out in a storm all night, his mother chiding him even as she took care of him. S'rei lifted a hand, staring at the skin and blood beneath the nails for a moment. Salenth's mind embraced his in relief and puzzlement, ReiMine? The bronzerider responded with a wave of reassurance. It's alright. Just a little tired. Amusement rippled around the bemused Salenth. Looks like I clawed myself up pretty good. Though I can't say as I can complain about the company.

It had finally happened. Salenth had thought that the mind-link between him and his rider had been fully repaired, but now he realized that what they'd thought was complete was merely superficial. Whatever else might be said about the attack upon S'rei, it had finally released the part of his mind that had locked up nine turns before. The quiet self-assurance and sense of irony was back. So, too, was a sense of wholeness that had been missing. Salenth found himself overwhelmed.

Hey now. Don't get too sentimental. S'rei snuggled into Shmee's thigh, enjoying his position while it lasted. He could feel the warmth of the blood flowing through her artery. The Weyrwoman wouldn't let him remain there once she knew he was fully aware. Oh...better stop that smile...ah yes. Blank face. That's right. Were you ever this mischievous? Remember the Headwoman's daughter? Salenth snorted. I remember having to rescue you from an angry mother with a broom. What possessed you to hide in her quarters anyway? S'rei attempted to pull off an innocent tone. Can't blame a teenager for wanting a peek now and then. That girl was always too smug. You should have seen her face! Nice breasts, too. Seen better. But nice.

Salenth let out a draconic sigh. Truthfully, though, he was relieved. And slightly shocked that he could feel everything S'rei was and wasn't saying through their connection, layer upon layer. Was this what it had been like at Impression? It must have been. He also knew that beneath that outermost layer of playfulness, S'rei's quick mind had already dissected the situation, named Rawiath's as the traitor, and forgiven the man because he knew T'ment had four children - one of those bisexual greenriders who was mostly bisexual because of his Impression - and that C'leon was aware of those children.

Beneath that, concern and feeling for Shmee, despite his levity at finding himself in her lap when she awoke. Concern and care for Laurie, for Miguel, for Kali. A strange feeling attached to Kali that Salenth had never been aware of before now. And beneath all that a quiet grief for Sage and the others lost in the dragon wars, as well as a small feeling of guilt that he had been unable to keep them from fighting. All of this Salenth was now aware of. All of this had been closed off to him before. The peace, at least, he was pretty sure had not been there at all for turns. That had to have something to do with the barriers tumbling in S'rei's mind.

The bronzerider sighed, admitting to himself wryly that he'd best just let Shmee know he was awake before she found out and slapped him. That brought a mild grin to his face. A sobering thought intruded. He hoped he hadn't scared her too much. S'rei turned in her lap, looking up at her face with a soft smile playing on his lips, one arm snaking around her waist as he used the leverage to pull himself closer to her, then sat up, using her body for support.

He paused as his head swam for a brief moment. Once it had settled, he looked down at her. "I know you can't resist, my Lady, but really. Isn't it a bit too soon? We hardly even know each other." S'rei grinned cockily. Yeah, he sounded a bit like a jerk, given what she must've been through in the last hours. But he had a natural gift for knowing what a person needed, and Shmee was the sort to need a release for her tension, and if he could give it to her by acting the fool - which he rather enjoyed doing anyway, truth be told - then there was nothing to regret.

Salenth glanced at the rising sun in contentment. He felt Aslath breathing against him, and thought this may just be a nice way to greet the morning. The light has come out, Lady Aslath. And he didn't just mean the sun.

[Administrator]

I will not leave,[/color] Aslath promised soothingly, crooning to him. She would not sleep; like her rider and Salenth, she would remain awake and be a support for them if needed, Salenth in particular. She worried for the bronze, and, having no idea on what this was like, she would be there to deal with the worst should the need arise. Shmee sat attentively over S'rei, watching him with an unmoving, unreadable expression. However, to Aslath, her mind was an open book, full of worry for S'rei, frightened that at any moment, all movement would cease.

In the hours that passed, Aslath could tell Shmee was growing more and more exhausted. The woman would barely let herself blink, and dark circles soon formed under her blue eyes that were growing bloodshot. Several times, Shmee needed to blink her eyes multiple times to keep herself awake, realizing that she just may fall asleep with her eyes open. That idea was frightening, and she found herself checking S'rei's pulse periodically in case she had fallen asleep. Every now and then, she would stroke his hair, desperate for any kind of normal contact with him, urging him to live.

She was nearly asleep when S'rei first began to show signs of movement. She was leaned forward, her eyes half-closed, not noticing as he began to stir. Her hand rested on his head, combed in his hair loosely. Her thoughts were slowing, focusing on S'rei for most of it, but the exhaustion was fading the thoughts in her head, making them seem bleached, only half-there. Once she did notice movement, however, she forced herself awake, straightening herself up and moving her hand to his arm, massaging his arm absently. Was he awake yet?

Apparently so. Her senses felt like they were burning as he managed to pull himself up, his arm sliding around her waist. Shivering involuntarily, she let him use her as a support. Her mind was still slow, and she found it difficult to realize he was actually awake. "S'rei?" she murmured, her voice having trouble functioning in her exhaustion. "How are you feeling?"

It took her a moment to realize that he was joking with her. She frowned, her eyes closing slightly. "I don't get it," she mumbled, her hand going to his face seemingly of its own accord. He was really talking to her now? He was really fine? Stroking his cheek with her thumb, she slowly tried to register his state. Scratched up, yes, but was his mind all right?

He is all right?[/color] Aslath asked, lifting her head. Mine doesn't understand. He is truly fine?[/color] She paused, casting a glance over to the sun. Another day spent here, another heavy day. Still she had not seen her children... The sun is so warm,[/color] she added absently, failing to catch any hidden meaning to Salenth's words.

[Requiem]

((Shorter, I know, but I anticipate this thread's conclusion soon...hope it doesn't disappoint!))

She seemed so tired. A stab of guilt struck him, knowing that she would be sleeping now if not for him, but S'rei's thoughts stilled as her thumb stroked his cheek. The muscles in his stomach quivered. He gazed into her eyes, seeing in them the worry and extreme exhaustion. She'd stayed with him, his head in her lap all night, most likely. S'rei's arm tightened around the Weyrwoman.

He leaned in, watching her eyes all the while for any protest. Then their foreheads were touching. "Thank you, Shmee. For everything." His free hand came up to rest at her neck. Almost absently, he toyed with some of the recently cut hair. A feather-light touch. S'rei's mouth found hers, gently, tenderly, altogether different from the angry assault on her mouth that had preceeded his incapacitation. He teased her upper lip. After a short time, the man drew back, kissing the tip of her nose lightly.

"Rest. We need to get back to Selenitas today, but right now I doubt either of us could make it more than a few steps." He took the furs that had settled down around his lap, drawing them up and around both of their shoulders. S'rei drew the younger woman into his arms. He may be feeling rather weak, but this much, at least, was well within his power. The man had his back to the wall, and was not yet induced to sleep, only to sit still and regain his strength.

Salenth heard the weariness in Aslath's mind-voice, a weariness that mirrored his own. Yes. He's all right. There was a pause. His tone sounded almost disbelieving. Actually, the poison helped break through his amnesia. This might have worked out for the best. That last statement sounded just a bit too shaky and uncertain. Yes, Salenth was glad that the boy who'd Impressed him was now part of his rider's mindset again, but he wasn't sure he wouldn't just have left it the way it was to avoid the terror that had overtaken him at his bonded's danger. S'rei still could have died...

I didn't. Salenth actually twitched in surprise. Their link had been incomplete for so long, he was unaccustomed to being incapable of keeping anything from his Mine. I'm sorry, Salenth. I was stupid. But the fact of the matter is that everything is fine. We'll return to Selenitas later, make what preparations we need to...and get on with our lives.

[Administrator]

Through her exhausted daze, Shmee was very aware of the rhythmic thudding of her heart. She didn't protest as S'rei leaned in toward her, though she was watching him as closely as she could with her fading eyes. If it looked like he would be so aggressive with her again, she would probably try resisting, not that she would have the energy to. Fortunately for her, though, that wasn't about to happen- the arm around her waist was comfortable, not forceful, and she could tell in his eyes that he meant her no harm. She didn't respond to his thanks- he had stayed with her for the past couple days, after all,and Shmee was glad to be able to do something for him in return.

Goosebumps spread from S'rei's gentle touch at her neck, yet for now, she didn't care if he had noticed or not. After all, if he was this close to her already, why would he care? Once again, she felt surprised at her hair length; she had once again forgotten how short it was. But perhaps it was a good thing- S'rei didn't seem to mind it. In her mind, it was just easier for him to play with.

Even with all these tender actions, the kiss still managed to sneak up on Shmee. However, she fell along with it easily, almost having it fail to register in her mind. This was not the fierce taste she had gotten all that time ago. This was what Shmee could follow along in, what she actually enjoyed. The hand that had previously been on his cheek slipped behind his head, cupping it with her pale appendages, while the other found it way to his own waist. It surprised her that she could easily slide into those motions even when she was too tired to think straight. Right now, the only thoughts pulsing through her mind was that S'rei was alive, and he was kissing her...

It ended all too soon. Her eyes opened slightly as he kissed her nose ever-so-lightly, but she didn't protest. They were both exhausted. Or, at least, she was, and sleeping was a warm thought. "You should sleep, too," she murmured, resting against his chest as he covered their shoulders with the furs. He was so warm, she thought sleepily, her other arm joining the first around his waist. It reassured her that they would be back at Selenitas today, safe. She would take a small sick leave, then come back in time for the Flight. She simply didn't want to be questioned; where she had been, what had happened to her there, what was happening with her hair, why she had been gone for so long with S'rei...

Her eyes closed, asleep within moments, feeling genuinely safe and extremely relieved, both for her and for S'rei.

Aslath said nothing, at a loss for words. This poison actually helped Salenth's? Poison wasn't supposed to help; it was supposed to kill. Not only had it not killed Salenth's, but now this amnesia was gone. After a long moment, Aslath finally replied, What a peculiar twist of events... At least all is well now. You are both safe. Sleep now. I will take my turn at watching.[/color] Squeezing Salenth's tail comfortingly, she urged sleep toward him. He would be exhausted now, and he had done the same for her. Time to repay him before taking the quick hop back to Selenitas.

[Requiem]

Salenth thought the whole situation was rather strange as well. Could anyone have predicted that lethal dose would be overcome? If they could, who would benefit from S'rei recovering his memory? Or was it just a strange fluke, that a drug that attacked the mind would jar loose something that had been gummed up for so long?

Let it go, Salenth. Now is not the time. We'll get to the bottom of this thing eventually. But you're spoiling the moment with all your worrying, and you need sleep. A flare of annoyance arose at his bonded's tone. It had been a very long time since S'rei had spoken to him like this. See? You're grouchy. The bronze huffed. He was a bit tired...Still, he hated being treated like a hatchling. He's nothing but a collosal pain, the dragon grumbled to Aslath. His head came up out of sheer obstinance. He wasn't going to let a female outdo him. Though, truthfully, he was just in the mood to fight everyone on this, S'rei's manner getting to him. I can watch... The mind-voice drifted off before the statement was even completed. Salenth fell asleep immediately.

Her arms around his waist, her head resting against his chest, her soft exhales moving the fabric of his shirt, S'rei found a wry smile tugging at his lips. It seemed that, no matter how tired, sickly or otherwise weak he was, one part of him was always ready for action. He remembered vaguely that his father had mentioned virility being a family trait. Why was that again? Ah, yes. Those wonderful teenage years. At any rate, he'd just have to do as he always did. Thoughts of day-long meetings closeted in with other dragonriders as they talked everything to death in the heat of the day - most of them very ugly older men - was enough to take care of his problem.

Then he just closed his eyes and imagined it was Lauranna clutching him. They had, when she was younger, slept in the same bed, the girl coming to him when she was scared. Ironic that he was the younger brother. But things were the way they were. Yes, it was his sister he was holding. Sleep tugged at him, despite his earlier assumption that he'd had enough sleep to keep him up for hours.

Soon the man was slumping slightly, his head descending into his chest, arms loosely forming a protective circle around the woman nestled against him. He snored gently. And the sun climbed higher in the sky. The following days might bring many more horrors to dampen the spirits of Selenitas, but for now all was peaceful.