Feels like a thousand ways I could fall (Tags Rii)

[Rei]

Snap! Kaaoloth’s teeth snapped together just inches from the stick his bonded was shaking at him. “Get back you overgrown poor excuse for a wher. Don’t you dare. I’ve had enough you hear me. Enough.” The large three legged brown examined his bonded with deep amusement whirling through his multifaceted eyes. Enough hmm? I think we are just beginning in my dearest friend. Suddenly lunging forward he grabbed the stick his was swinging, ripping it out of his hands and tossing it with a head flick just out of reach and close to the edge of the jungle. His thus disarmed he sat back on his haunches and swung his single foreleg out towards the older rider, just barely missing catching him with hooked talons. Sel’n in turn danced backwards and shifted to the left where Kaaoloth had less chance to hook him. His dragon was missing a limb on that side after all.

“Abusive you are and then you wonder why I am grumpy.” He shot back at the brown dodging a swing of the beast’s massive head and diving for the stick that had been previously tossed just out of reach. The brownrider got hold of the stick just as Kaaoloth’s maw closed around his pant leg. Shards. Feeling himself being lifted from the ground he cursed aloud. “Damn it put me down. If you break me….I swear...” Rumbling in amusement Kaaoloth shook his head up and down to rattle his rider a little and avoid the stick being swung haphazardly at his muzzle. You swear what? I do not think you are in any position to bargain Selmine. Maybe if you are very nice and beg I’ll let you go. “Not a snowballs chance in hell Kaaoloth.” Sel’n shot back cursing his injured arm. Had he had two completely useable ones it would be a simple matter to lever himself up. As it was now, he had to work at it. Hmmm.

Dropping the stick the rider reached out towards the near edge of the jungle and gripped a branch for stability. Never mind Kaaoloth, with very little effort, could tear him away should he so choose. Hooking his good arm over the tree branch the rider aimed a kick with his free leg at his beast’s muzzle. “Let. Me. Go.” Vanity scrambled from the ground to the branch hers was gripping and tilted her head at him. No you let go. “Who’s side are you on harpy. I’m the one that feeds you. He’s the wher faced leech. You’re supposed to be on my side damn it.” Amused the mandyr gave the tip of his nose a nip. Just then Kaaoloth suddenly released his leg and Sel’n gave a yelp of surprise, clinging to the branch as it bent under the sudden addition of his dead weight. “Fuck.” Branch snapping both rider and mandyr gave a squeal and plummeted to the ground, their fall being broken by a rather sad looking bush.

Kaaoloth had been distracted by a movement in the jungle, thus the release of his bonded. He might need these teeth. Rising to all three feet, nostril’s flaring, a low growl rumbled in his chest. He faced the direction of the movement and brushed his bonded’s mind with apology and concern. Falling was better than being eaten or attacked by felines no?

[rii]

Each movement was slow, precise. Fingers trailing along the flat rock face until they found a small niche to firm against. The tendons in his hands shone as he used the strength there, not solely in his muscles, to pull himself up high enough to obtain another hand hold. F'lix enjoyed the steady pull at his muscles and the high level of control it took to scale the rocks – more of a task than a mindless run. His weyrmate may prefer the more fast-paced activities, but F'lix liked his careful progression up to higher ground. Which he reached shortly, crouching over heels and taking a quick survey before, as silently as possible, pulling himself further up onto a large branch of a neighboring tree.

A bow slung across his back along with a small quiver; both angled diagonally across his torso to minimize their burden. The cold weather permitted the use of a long sleeved shirt, which F'lix usually wore in the heat regardless. This day a shade of dark green, the ends loose but tucked under the dark bracers that laced up the inside of his wrists. His booted feet easily picked their way across the branch, transferring to another without pause. The jungle had numerous pathways.. other than the rooted ground.. that only took a creative mind and daring step to travel.

It wasn't.. hard.. to notice the brownpair. They were making enough noise and movement that F'lix felt it mostly unnecessary to mask his own approach. He light onto a lower branch, skimming along the length and making a longer leap to another tree. His hand sought out a hold, grabbing a small limb that snapped as he pulled on it for balance. Pure reflex took over from there. F'lix's leg hooked around the branch under him as he weight shifted forward, spinning him around upside down. His hands flew out – not for a grip – but for the arrows that slid out of his quiver.

All but two. Drat.

Golden eyes narrowed at the feathered ends visible from his position. The caught arrows were switch to one hand, and it was then that F'lix's ears perked on the sound of growling. Too loud and deep to be feline – Hn. Apparently his commotion in the branches had drawn Kaaoloth's attention. But no acknowledgment other than possible thread. F'lix couldn't stop the sly smile that formed. The lithe rider swung back up onto his perch, sliding closer to the trunk before depositing the arrows back into the quiver. All but one, that is, which he notched to the string of bow.

Yes, F'lix liked to play.. dangerous games. So it amused him to make people a touch nervous and uncertain. He played with fire, and on occasion got burned for his trouble – his past attested to this fact. Drawing deep, F'lix aimed at a trunk well aside from the brownpair (no need to risk actually hitting them, though his first temptation was to try and wing them with a close shot. He wasn't that good of an archer). He let loose, letting the tell-tale thunk of metal into wood draw the dragon's attention to that section of the jungle.

[Rei]

Groaning Sel’n tried to catch his breath for a few moments. His back hurt like hell and his chest was tight. Fall probably just knocked the wind right out of him. There was also a stick poking uncomfortably at his hip but he hadn’t the desire or strength to move just yet. Vanity in turn had caught herself with her wings and had made an awkward glide down to his chest where she now stood. Rearing up onto back legs she frilled up at Kaaoloth peppering him with insult after insult until the brown actually snarled and a noise caught the attention of both his mind mates. The green mandyr fell back to all fours and arched her back like an angry feline. Frill flared and tail whipping the air she broadcasted widely. Miiiiine. No hurt. Eat you will. An angry spitting hiss left her throat as she backed up along the brownrider’s chest. As Kaaoloth moved the small mandyr moved back to her bonded’s chin and rubbed against it. K is Fusspant. Hurt much? Worried yellow eyes examined her love for a moment before flicking back up as a shadow covered her.

The thoughts that sprang to the brown's mind had swiftly turned from felines at the thunk of the arrow. A snarl ripped from Kaaoloth’s throat, the sound low, violent, and menacing. That noise worried him. It was human made. This much the brown knew from experience. The fact that they where alone also worried him. It reminded him of that time near the coast. When they had been jumped and his so badly hurt. A long memory Kaaoloth did not have. No dragon did, but those things that where important or terrifying left an impact on him. Neck snaking around the large dragon hopped forward until his body was positioned over that of his rider. Teeth displayed as he peeled his lips back, wings lowering to block anything from getting at his. Broadcasting widely the brown's tone was far from friendly. In fact it was icy cold. Come try and get him if you dare. I will rip you limb from limb this time. A loud growl rumbled from Kaaoloth after that as he ducked his head and swung his tail at a nearby tree, shaking it to it’s roots and making it lean haphazardly.

Sel’n coughed thickly, hand coming up to try and brush at Vanity. The concerned touch to his mind caused him to brush the brown back with slight irritation. Quit worrying. I’m fine. A lie and you know it. You hurt. You can try and hide it but I felt it before you masked it. Do you need a healer? No I’m fine. You idiot. I’m the idiot? You’re the one who decided putting me feet up in the air was a good idea. I’m not as unbreakable as I once was you know. Kaaoloth let a small thread of amusement brush his bonded’s mind at that comment before his attention swung back to the jungle and the threat somewhere within.

Are you a coward? Show yourself. Sel’n closed his eyes against another wave of discomfort and snorted dryly. “Get off me mister paranoia. It was probably just a falling branch or some animal...” Animal is not likely. The brown flared his nostrils trying to catch a scent, but sadly whatever or whoever it was had been intelligent enough to locate themselves downwind. That meant all he had to go on where sounds and possible movement. Not that he could see much, even with his eyes. Too much motion in the jungle.

[rii]

Temper, temper.

F'lix settled his back against the trunk, out of sight of the brownpair. The bluerider didn't need to see, only hear the creatures movements and anger. The brown going so far as to lash out at the very trees. Curiously F'lix wondered the possibilities of stirring up the dragon enough to try and bush whack through forest – lure it deeper into the earthy tangles to make it fall victim to it's own folly. Dragons were intelligent, a given, but anger often usurped common sense. F'lix canted his head to the side, smiling to himself in response to the taunts. This time, the dragon said, as if this was not the first time that – what? Someone shot arrows in their general direction?

His fingers touched against the feathers of another shaft, simply running his fingers along the fine edge in silent consideration. In the end, F'lix let his hand drop and his voice raise. "If I had wanted to shoot you, I would have. You're not exactly a small target." Amusement danced along his tone. The blue rider dropped to a lower branch, from there landing on the jungle floor with a soft contact of his boots meeting the packed earth.

The two dropped arrows were picked up, one being slide into the quiver jutting over his shoulder while the other remained poised lightly between his fingers. In no hurry, F'lix leisurely made his way toward the brown pair – purposely keeping a thick tree trunk to his side in case the dragon saw it fit to swing his tail. Calmly he eyes Kaaoloth over, before letting his gaze drop down to the man trapped beneath the brown girth. Again F'lix head tilted off to the side with a single brow rising at the sight. "You two–" a quick glance to the green salamandyr "–three, make a lot of noise. Are you trying to attract attention?"

[Rei]

The words the man spoke had Kaaoloth’s growl rumbling louder. Not recognized at first was the bluerider’s voice. All the brown recognized was that the voice was human. Human and northern. That was enough for the whirling color of his eyes to deepen. The words in particular where noted with a thin line of uncertainty running through his mood. Yes that was true. Had be wanted to hit him it would have been easy. Not that Kaaoloth thought something as small as one arrow would do much damage. Unless it struck a particularly sensitive area like his eye for example. The brown was to large for a single arrow to do too much damage. Unless of course it hit his. As F’lix landed however the anger and worry in the dragon’s eyes dimmed a bit. Saboth’s. He repeated mentally to his in explanation. Kaaoloth was still not entirely sure what to make of the bluerider. On one hand he knew his liked him. Considered him a friend even. However on the other hand Saboth's was also mated to Inocenth’s and although Sel’n and F’ur had been getting along relatively well lately, Kaaoloth was still reserving judgment.

Even so the brown folded his wings and back stepped once away from his rider, lowering his head enough to view his easily. Although Kaaoloth made no move to touch his rider he was close enough that should Sel’n need a hand up his head would serve as decent leverage. Sel’n gave another cough and took a breath before swatting Vanity of his chest, earning him a hiss. Breath sufficiently back he levered himself up on his elbows wincing slightly at the pain that shot though his back. “Nice to see you again F’lix. Odd circumstances to be sure.” Vanity in turn was quiet as she regarded F’lix. Part of her still remembered and missed Simper, and the green still viewed F’lix as belonging to the dead blue. It made things odd for her. So instead of remarking in trademark prissy fashion she merely skittered back up her bonded’s form to dive down into his shirt.

One eyebrow rose at Vanity’s queer reaction before Sel’n again turned his attention to the younger bluerider. A half amused smile flitted briefly across his face. “Loud. That’s one way to put it. Probably more annoying however than anything else.” Eyes flicking from F’lix’s face to the arrow he gave the rider an apologetic look. “I apologize if we scared away all the targets within five miles of here.” Levering himself up and griping the edge of Kaaoloth’s muzzle the brownrider winced as he levered himself into a standing position. “Word of advice however. Once you hit mid thirties stop climbing trees.”

The dragon blew a gusty sigh over his rider causing his hair to mess. Now, now Selmine. Just because you’re broken now doesn’t mean Saboth’s will be when he ages. Whirling eyes regarded the other rider placidly for the moment. Tell him that if I was trying to draw attention I would have made you scream louder. Sel’n snorted and rolled his eyes. “Wher face wants me to inform you that he is abusive to me.” Kaaoloth rumbled with amusement before pulling his head away and causing his to tilt dangerously towards the ground. Wincing Sel’n straightened up again and shot a glare at his dragon‘s retreating head. “Damn it.” Told you. You need to see a healer. Shut up.

[rii]

"I was never much of one for chatting over tea anyway," F'lix commented idly. Situations that people considered normal circumstances bored him. Filled with dreary conversation over the weather and the health of dragons. Not F'lix's cup of tea. Finding someone off guard, however, proved to be more interesting. If Vanity's reaction was odd, the bluerider didn't take any notice. For all he knew it may have been do to the presence of his own green; who nestled comfortably in the dark strands of his hair. Her company was more foreboding than pleasant, and since Simper's passing she refused to let him be alone.

Softly clicking his tongue, F'lix watched intently as Sel'n struggled to rise on his own – not commenting on the obvious sight that the brownrider was hurt. Instead the arrow made a smooth slash to the side, an extension of his own body language, dismissing Sel'ns apology. Not the first time at that. The brownrider had the strange habit of apologizing for insignificant details. "Just out for a stroll." In the trees. "Not exactly hunting, but if I cross paths with a whersport I won't pass up the shot." Preferred whersport for their small size and rarity – a challenge. Yet since they were hard to get near eough for a shot his ventures into the jungle did turn out to be nothing more than memorizing pathways through the trees.

The stoic expression broke as F'lix let out a barking laugh. "How about you try telling F'ur that bit of advice."

As Sel'n stumbled, F'lix took the chance to slip forward. The grass whispering faintly of his movements before he was there in front of the taller man. The feathered shaft was used to move one of Sel'ns hands aside so that F'lix had an open shot.. to lay his hand on the side of Sel'n's ribs. He curled his hand firmly, feeling for anything broken as he moved the touch down the side that the man looked to be favoring.

"What were you doing anyway.." Golden eyes flicked up to.. Kaaoloth; given that Sel'n was likely not going to give a straight answer.

[Rei]

Sel’n watched F’lix with quiet interest. “Whersport hmm. Can’t say I’ve seen one of those in the last turn or so.” No the brownrider’s preferred game was bigger and nastier. Felines. It was more a exercise in play and siphoning of frustration than anything else for the brown pair however. Oh the feline furs still adored his bed when Kaaoloth didn’t rip them to shreds but it was more culling than actual hunting. A way for his brown to sate his blood lust without turning on another dragon mid-flight. That had happened only once since they came to Selenitas and if Sel’n had any say would not happen again. The topic on hunting however was quickly forgotten by the older rider in favor of a grin at F’lix’s laughter. Ah F’ur. Good to know he was still insane. That comment was kept to himself however.

“I’ll have to give him that bit of advice someday then. At the very least it will give him something else to comment to me about.” Not that Sel’n minded conversation from F’ur. It was less awkward than it had been in the past after all. Kaaoloth rumbled at that train of thought, his massive head turning to better view F’lix as he moved forward. There was no menace in the movement however. At least not currently. Sel’n however was taken a bit off guard by the younger rider’s sudden proximity. He didn’t see F’lix as a threat anymore. Hadn’t for awhile, which may or may not be a mistake depending on how you looked at it. All the same the older rider still wasn’t entirely used to or comfortable with contact still. It still made him feel a bit awkward. Quirking an eyebrow as his hand was batted away Sel'n opened his mouth only to promptly shut it. In taking his breath as the bluerider moved down his ribs the man winced slightly as the contact moved lower.

“Landed wrong. It’s fine. Not like I’m bleeding or faint. I’ve had worse.” Which was the truth. In fact he had nearly had his arm severed from his body and had the scar and nerve damage to prove it. This was baby stuff in comparison. Yes but then I have to listen to you bitch for sevendays about it. Quit being so stubborn and get it looked at like a sensible person. That comment was kept private but to F’lix he did grudgingly offer. The pain radiates. Mostly in his back but could be a bruised rib or two. Idly the large brown arched his neck giving his rider a look of disproval. No fellis either. Guess I do have to listen to you bitch. Those words included F’lix as well, out of politeness. Kaaoloth did not like talking to others. But he made certain concessions. Especially where his rider was concerned.

Sel’n in turn offered his dragon a sour look. “What was I doing? Why don’t you ask him that question?” He flung a gesture at Kaaoloth who snorted and ducked his head in slight embarrassment. “It was an accident in truth. I was being grumpy and irritable and he was trying to cheer me up with a bit of play. Sadly he thinks tossing me around as if I was a toy to be suitable play.” Wincing again the brownrider snorted. “Getting to old for us to be acting like weyrlings. Need another hobby that doesn’t include falling out of trees.” Like what for example? Chess? Boring.

“I think the time being grounded has gone to our heads. Have a bit of hay fever. Don’t have brats to take my frustrations out on either. In truth I feel a little lost.” A dry chuckle was given after those words Sel’n’s hand gently brushing F’lix’s off his side. “Sorry. I’m normally not this talkative. Seems you have come about at an interesting time.”

[rii]

It didn't escape F'lix's notice that Sel'n didn't respond defensively to the sudden invasion of space. Such a little piece of information were always rightly noted and stored for later use. Because despite that F'lix intentions were to simply check if Sel'n had broken a rib, part of his mind still commented on how easy it would have been to sink a blade into the side of chest he had easily exposed. Paint the rider's blood all over the green. Always impossibly bright red when it came from the lungs – something that had always fascinated the dark rider.

As he worked down the ribs, F'lix had to wonder if Sel'n simply trusted him to that degree or he had honestly caught the older man by surprise. The Bendenite played the harmless bit all too well. Even to people that thought they had his trust in return. F'lix would never make a good friend, or so he firmly thought, not when his past spoke otherwise. His eyes drooped, growing distant with thought as he half-listened to Sel'n. Selenitas didn't realize that he felt no trace of loyalty to the weyr, the people. There was F'ur then.. nothing.

"A broken rib tends to puncture internal organs and that blood doesn't show up nicely on shirts," F'lix responded in a quiet tone just to show how little stock he was putting in Sel'n's attempt to bat the subject aside. Months of dealing with a weyrmate that chose to hide every ache and wince of pain made F'lix really not care about protests brought on by masculine pride. F'ur had said similar enough things – of having worse. Irrelevant information, in F'lix's opinion. That all was then, this was now.

"Nothing is broken," The words were offered in response to Kaaoloth's words. The topic of fellis had F'lix focusing a bit better, his gaze snapping up to Sel'n's face. The look itself was questioning. He had been wondering about the man's progress on getting away from fellis. Not that he would really be able to tell whether or not Sel'n was using still. One of those things, users tended to be able to spot other users, but those that didn't meddle with the substance were out of the loop.

"Actually, I was asking him. Not you," A wry twitch of lips. "I never expected to get a straight answer from you. Never do. But–" He shrugged lightly at the whole ordeal. "I"m not a healer and I'm not going to keep badgering your for details." As his hand was brushed aside, F'lix lifted it to jab a knuckle directly into Sel'n's breast bone. A light shove if anything. The man would be fine, after all, if just nursing a sore side for a while. F'lix was not exactly the most touchy-feely individual, but Sel'n remained one of the few older men around the F'lix enjoyed.. toying with..

"It's called boredom," Flix stepped aside, canting his head to peer up at the brownrider. "Were you really so busy before to not have activities to fill in the idle moments?" If his questioning was sharp F'lix didn't seem to notice. Sel'n, at least from their few past encounters, should have picked up on F'lix didn't quite operate on the same lines as other individuals. Hn. F'lix twirled the arrow between his fingers. Again his lids drooping so his lashes hide most of the amusement briming in the molten color. "I always seem to catch you at 'interestings' times, Sel'n. If it is most inconvenient.." His words trailed off as his brows rose accordingly. "I could just be on my merry way."

[Rei]

As the riders below him interacted Kaaoloth cocked his head watching quietly, carefully. Despite his rider’s obvious ease around F’lix the brown still had his misgivings. Paranoid the dragon had become and with good reason. His bonded was far from indestructible and tended to make rash decisions when it came to those he cared about. Unfortunately Saboth’s rider was viewed as a friend. A place where Kaaoloth was not sure the other northern rider should reside. Still the brown made no comment, made no action to dissuade. His was an adult and could care for himself. The large dragon would only react when and if needed. At the very least he would rip the other to shreds before he betweened himself should mortal harm come to his rider. Shifting Kaaoloth flopped onto the ground sprawling out sphinx like in front of the pair tail his tip barely twitching in a seemingly idle movement.

For all his complaints and vagueness Sel’n did truly enjoy F’lix’s company and he always strove to listen carefully to what the other was saying. Just in case. The other bluerider wasn’t fond of speaking to much usually and so anything spoken was normally worth paying attention to. Normally. The older rider /tolerated/ the prodding to his side. It hurt only mildly the problem with the touch really laid in the fact that it was /F’lix/ touching him. Not that Sel’n would refuse the contact had it been his decision. However the younger bluerider was untouchable. Not just because he belonged to F’ur either, but because F’ur was obviously fond of F’lix. For all the past hurt and emotional upheaval he caused the fellow fort rider in the past owed his comrade at least the decency to behave around his chosen life weyrmate. Sharding shame F’lix had to be so attractive.

Eyes flicked down to the before mentioned bluerider as he made a comment about broken ribs. “Had them before. I know how they feel. I’m breathing fairly well even if my chest was tight at first.” You tended to be unable to catch your breath well when you busted a rib or two. This pain was different. Still Kaaoloth gave a soft croon to F’lix as he was addressed and a short thankful feeling was pressed gently into the rider’s mind before he withdrew completely again, head tilted as if in consideration. Listen to the young one Selmine. He speaks the sense you do not sometimes. I do warn you however I am not above taking his head off if I have to. Whether he belonged to Inocenth’s or not was not an issue for the dragon. Kaaoloth was not comfortable with hurt towards his rider. However well intended it was. To such an end the shove at his caused a quickening of the whirling colors present in his eyes but he offered not another movement. His rider diplomatically chose not to comment, instead merely throwing the brown a surge of disapproval. They differed on this point. No sense arguing.

Sel’n in turn intentionally stumbled back with the light shove. An amused grin briefly was flashed at F’lix. “Hmm not healer? Then I guess I don’t owe you for the examination. Lucky me.” The brownrider had seen the look when fellis was mentioned. However, true to his normal habits, he didn’t relish talking on any subject that was uncomfortable to him. He much preferred to act like he hadn’t seen the look. Never could get a straight answer after all. He smiled wryly at that thought, one hand coming up to brush through his hair. The older rider shifted as his blue riding companion moved eyes searching the younger rider’s face for the briefest of moments. “Boredom. I’m very familiar with that feeling. This isn’t boredom. More like a feeling of inadequacy and uselessness. This bothers me.” Which was the honest truth. Sel’n hated being made to feel useless. Above everything else this was what bothered him the most about his forced grounding.

Still the brownrider didn’t linger on the subject after F’lix’s next words. Instead he smiled. “Not as inconvenient as you would think. I like being surprised contrary to popular belief.” Watching the other rider twirl the arrow he gave a half shrug. “I suppose this is where I am supposed to beg you to stick around and amuse me. Lucky for you I don’t beg.” He flashed F’lix a slight smile. “You do what you want. By now you should be well used to my particular brand of ‘interesting’ situations.” Sel’n gave a dry laugh eyes flicking from the arrow to the bluerider’s face. “I rather enjoy your company. But if you are busy?….” He trailed off one eyebrow raising slightly.

[rii]

Pointedly lax, F'lix casually shifted his weight over one foot and continued to twirl the arrow. A smirk turned up the corner of his lips as a stray thought surfaced. A gambling game, wasn't it, of a fifty-fifty chance. Which end would point at the brownrider when it finally came to a stop. A harmless feathered end good for a laugh, or the small sharp arrow head with one good purpose. Head slowly canting to one side, F'lix mentally toyed with the prospects of making some sort of fun out of the idea. Given F'lix started the meeting off by messing with Kaaoloth, it didn't bode well for Sel'n..

"Last I checked the healers didn't charge for their services." The arrow shaft began to slow. "I'm afraid that me acting on my good nature instead of just having to like a healer brings about a dire price.." He let the words trail off to hint at something foreboding. Fingers halted, and with a downward peek F'lix noted the arrowhead pointing at Sel'n's abdomen. An amused smirk chased across his youthful features before F'lix donned a more serious expression. The arrow was flipped upward, the feathered end caressing slowly along his jawline as he thoughtfully considered the brownrider.

"All in your head," F'lix stepped forward, moving past Sel'n's side while lightly tapping the feathered end of arrow against the man's chest. "Considering you've been put in charge of a squad – don't tell me you are ignoring this in favor of self-pity. I may have to hurt you if you are.."

F'lix narrowed his eyes, casting the mild glare over his shoulder to make it unclear if he was using sarcasm or blunt honesty. "You're grounded until you're clean. Then it's back to be putting to use, then you can complain about not having a free moment to rest your head." F'lix couldn't understand Sel'n's need to feel – involved. Of course, the idea of being nothing more than a tool to use never sat well with the Bendenite.

"No?" A brief, sly glance over his shoulder and F'lix continued to slowly make his way apart from the brown pair. "Pity that." A part of F'lix did like to hear that Sel'n wanted his company. Almost easy to flatter, if he bothered to take any of it seriously. Never did though, it was always a game. F'lix made a waving motion with the arrowing, beckoning Sel'n to follow. The brownrider shouldn't need any more invitation than that.

"Not busy," Just in case the man didn't get the hint. F'lix slid the arrow into his quiver as he moved into the trees to fetch the one he had shot into a trunk not far off from the clearing. And if it just so happened to lead the brownrider away from his dragon, well, that was merely coincidence..

[Rei]

Sel’n’s gaze was torn between the arrow and F’lix’s face. It was almost unnerving in a sense but that particular emotion was coming specifically off of Kaaoloth. The brown was uncomfortable with the weapon being so close to his. It did not matter than Sel’n himself was armed. The older rider would be at a distinct disadvantage if Saboth’s ever forced combat. It was only astride Kaaoloth that Sel’n had a better chance. Especially since the older rider seemed to like to ignore the threat the bluerider represented, which bothered the brown to no end. Stupid rider. Head of bone he had sometimes. No brain. The anxiety present in Kaaoloth however made Vanity stir, a private conversation going on between mind mates as Sel’n attention was stolen by F’lix and his words. A soft hiss escaped the mandyr but no more as she obeyed the brown, for once, clambering out of Sel’n’s collar and winding about his neck instead. Whirling green eyes where fixed on F’lix as Kaaoloth voiced a quiet rumble that sounded quite close to a growl.

Sel’n tilted his head at the words the younger rider offered, ignoring both his mind mates. He made no movement or comment as Vanity showed herself, instead chuckling lightly at the comment of a ‘dire price’. “Good nature hmm? I seem to have seen that quite a bit as of late. Makes me wonder what your dire price is.” The arrow pointing at his gut was reacted upon on a base level, the brownrider shifting to the side and taking one backwards step. Kaaoloth in turn dug talons into the soil lip slightly curling but not enough to show teeth as Vanity frilled with distaste. When the arrow flipped Vanity dropped her frill but Kaaoloth merely shifted, his talons creating furrows in the ground. The older rider threw one sharp glare at his dragon. Stop it. You’re making me nervous. Maybe you should be nervous. He would have no qualms about watching you bleed out my friend. I would rather keep you alive despite your obvious lack of concern on the subject of life. Trying to hold back a snort Sel’n shook his head lightly. And you call me paranoid…

Movement from F’lix tore the brownrider’s attention away from his dragon and back to the bluerider, just in time to catch the tap to his chest. Raising and eyebrow he gave a light smile. “So I’ve heard. You needn’t worry about me ignoring such things. I’m bound to be ready to jump right into it once I’m allowed.” Tilting his head slightly he wondered at the last comment but decided he was better off not asking about it. Did he ever complain about being too busy? The mild glare he was given however was returned with an amused look.

It was hard to tell whether or not is companion was joking. Probably his intention. It was hard not to look interested as the bluerider moved away. Almost without thinking Sel’n spun his body so he could follow F’lix’s movements. The beckon quite sealed the deal, the older rider moving forward almost without thinking. Much to Kaaoloth’s displeasure the brown actually going so far as to rumble in warning, tail lashing across the ground once before stilling except for the tip. Vanity in return chirped at the silent request from the brown. She would watch yes. Coiling tighter around her bonded’s neck the green blinked her transparent lids before fixing her eyes on F’lix.

“So if you weren’t busy I assume you where just killing time.” Killing time until what? Drills? F’ur got back from whatever he was doing? More than likely a combination of both. Which meant Sel’n was either in the wrong place at the wrong time or the right place at the right time. Depending on how one might view the situation. Silently he watched and followed as the bluerider put his arrow away and moved into the trees to presumably find his other. There was no hesitation as the brownrider followed, despite the obvious unease coming from Kaaoloth. The dragon hated not having his in easy sight and reach.

Sel’n however wasn’t worried, if F’lix sought to kill him here or somewhere else there was little he could do to prevent it. Still the older rider preferred to believe F’lix wouldn’t do such. If only because doing such would put his standing with the weyr in jeopardy and the brownrider rather believed the bluerider would want to stay where F’ur currently resided. There was no doubt in Sel’n’s mind that he was merely an object of interest to the younger rider. Perhaps a toy of sorts. Which strangely didn’t bother him at all. Toy or not he got his own amusement and interest out of F’lix. So in his mind it was quite justified.

[rii]

Ignoring Kaaoloth's misgivings, F'lix continued forward into the trees with no doubt he had the brownhandler in tow. If there was a certain, prowling grace to his step he didn't take much notice. These games were old habits of the Bendenite. Even if Sel'n knew he was being lured, the brown rider still chose to follow – going so far as to dismiss Kaaoloth's unease. A ghost of a smile passed over F'lix's lips. Really, what was so different being here in the jungle than out on Sel'n's ledge. The brown dragon had been welcoming enough at the weyr.

Out here, though, there certainly was a lack of witnessing eyes..

Shifting in F'lix dark hair, Lilitu turned around to keep her slitted, venom green eyes on the brownrider and his green pest. The dark beauty had little love for vanity – but ire in spades. She knew through hers that her simpleton Simper had got the silly idea in his head to run from Vanity. The underlying desire to cause pain to the brighter hued green – to perhaps touch at the pain she and lixhers endured – lingered just beneath the surface of her placid gaze.

The salamandyr's strong disdain was a likely cause for the dark mood in which F'lix's mind had settled. Subtle enough for the Bendenite not to notice the difference between his own pastimes. Activities he had not indulged in fully since his turns at Benden. "No, not really." Killing time suggested he didn't value it – didn't exist without being involved in some other event in time. "I come out here to think." He paused next to the tree impaled by his arrow. Golden eyes trailed along the wooden shaft before flicking over to Sel'n. "Or to stop thinking."

Curling his hand carefully around the visible portion of arrowhead, F'lix gently began to wiggle it back and forth. After a moment it gave and F'lix intently examined the metal tip at length. "I suppose I can ground myself as well," Instead of taking back to the pathways up in the trees. F'lix turned, gesturing silently with his chin the direction he would go, giving Sel'n a moment to look before taking the lead. Further and further away from the large brown. "Do you like archery, Sel'n?"

[Rei]

Sel’n offered no words or complaints as he slowly made his way after F’lix. As he entered the first row of trees he felt Kaaoloth’s unease strike him like a rolling wave, but it was a simple matter to sever most of the contact. Keeping just enough for self preservation’s sake, more out of instinct than anything else. This wasn’t the first time he had been in possible danger and separated from the brown. Idly his eyes went to the bluerider’s form appraising it. The brownrider’s boots shuffled through the vegetation the forest fall provided and sufficiently his footsteps. It was eerily calm in the jungle. Whether it was his dragon’s presence or the presence of the two riders Sel’n wasn’t sure. But the life in the jungle seemed glaring absent for the moment. Still Sel’n was loathe to break the silence. Instead he pushed forward ignoring the pain in his lower back and the little voice in his head that told him this was a very bad idea. He attributed that voice to his annoying pet and dragon, but perhaps it was more than that.

Vanity caught the moment from Lilitu and absently frilled in her direction. No words where offered the other green. The mutual hate however was returned. The older mandyr hated females as a general rule but F’lix’s dark mandyr earned much of her ire for simply existing. Vanity never rationalized the hatred. She just returned it where it was given. Hissing softly into her bonded’s ear the small green tapped her claws against the skin of the brownrider’s neck to remind him of her presence. Watching she was. Normally the mandyr had comments to offer but this time she was uncharacteristically silent. Perhaps instinctively aware of the almost foreboding mood coming from the rider in front of her.

Sel’n if he was aware of the tension gave no notice to it. Really he would be a fool to not notice it. It was more like he simply chose not to give it any attention. Instead his eyes flicked to their surroundings and then back to the quiet F’lix. Or he had been quiet. The older rider found himself nodding along to his companions words. “Yes walking out in the jungle always seems to start my mind on tangents. It is stopping thinking I haven’t quite mastered yet.” That was one thing he would probably never master. A slight smile of amusement at his own expense ghosted across his lips before his attention wavered back to the bluerider. Leaning back against a nearby tree Sel’n watched as F’lix proceeded to free the arrow. One eyebrow rose slightly at the comment before his attention went to the direction F’lix had indicated. Where to now? The distance and cover along with the comment about archery made warning bells sound in his head so to speak.

Still the brownrider merely gave a slight smile and pushed off the tree to walk forward. “It’s a pastime I used to dabble in occasionally but I’m afraid I’m not able to perform it anymore.” Slowly Sel’n raised his crippled arm and gave a soft snort. “Miss it sometimes.” With one near useless arm archery was something that was lost to him. There where a lot of things that where lost to him, things the older had to be careful of but it was second nature to adjust now.

Choosing to ignore the mental unease Sel’n fell in step behind F’lix. The fact that they where drawing away from Kaaoloth was not lost on either half of the pair. It was Sel’n that gave the brown permission to leave which begot nothing but a mental hiss in return and a battle of mental wills which ended in the brown staying right where he was. Tilting his head almost imperceptibly the older rider resisted the urge to ask just where they where going. With F’lix you could never be quite sure what would happen. He had a gift for being unreadable.

[rii]

For whatever tension Sel'n might be feeling, F'lix was at perfect ease. Moving through the jungle's undergrowth almost silently and at a subdued pace as to not lose the brownrider's company. No need to bother to check up on the man with a glance of any kind. F'lix only offered Sel'n his back, keeping track of the brownrider by the sound of his movements and voice.

"The trick is to find something that takes all your concentration so there is no room for stray thoughts to form and multiply. I like certain physical activities.." F'lix lifted the arrow, wagging it side to side for emphasis. Being in the lead he didn't seem Sel'ns raise of arm, but he already knew of Sel'n's – weakness. At least he still had a functioning arm. Useless would be to not have one at all. As an aside, F'lix had seen Sel'n use the arm at the gather against someone else to know it wasn't as weak as the brownrider seemed to suggest with words.

"A shame. I like having a partner every now and then for bit of competition." He had tried teach F'ur, but their learning styles were so vastly different that F'lix had quickly gotten frustrated with the Fortian. F'lix was purely visual. It was the only way F'lix learned, and in return, taught. F'ur did better with words. Imagine the Bendenite's aggravation when he could just show the simple act of docking an arrow. Why did it matter how it all worked to propell the arrow forward..

Stepping up a wide root spanning out from the base of a nearby tree, F'lix pivoted halfway to wait for Sel'n to be at his side. Well out of sight (more importantly – reach ) of Kaaoloth, F'lix's gaze narrowed inquisitively on his 'friend'. "Your dragon needs to make up his mind. Some days he likes me, other days he growls and shifts like he wants to bite my head off."

[Rei]

As F’lix kept up his steady pace Sel’n followed behind loyally. The further they got away from Kaaoloth the more nervous the dragon got and the more the older rider had to block until it culminated in a brief mental struggle than ended in the brownrider reclaiming most of his previous ease with the situation. It’s fine. You’re a paranoid git. Now stop it. If he had wanted to kill me he had plenty of opportunity before. Damn it. You are making no sense. Vanity upon his shoulder frilled briefly. No sense. The words where given privately to both dragon and man. See she agrees now stop. The emotion he got after that could probably be compared to that of a toddler having a brief fit and then giving up when it became apparent he would not win.

Sel’n did understand Kaaoloth’s paranoia with the whole situation. He did. But this was F’lix, and for better or worse he trusted the bluerider not to kill him outright for no reason. Stupid? Perhaps. But the Fortian viewed the former Benden rider as a comrade and a friend. F’lix had shown he cared at least minimally time and time again, and until he proved himself untrustworthy the brownrider was willing to go with what he felt. Right now he didn’t feel any threat beyond what Kaaoloth interjected.

A brief smile claimed his features for a few moments at F’lix’s admission. “Ah so that is the trick is it? I’m afraid it’s near impossible for me to completely concentrate on one thing unless it is in aerial combat. Life or death. Not the sparing matches that are so common.” Sel’n actually chuckled at the arrow wag however. “I’m afraid I have yet to find a physical activity that consumes all of my concentration. I’m far to easily distracted I guess.” He feel silent then for the moment listening to the retuning jungle sounds. Now that Kaaoloth was further behind the jungle was starting to come alive again. In this area anyway. The shadow of a darter winging overhead caused him to look upwards. A flash of red and blue marked it’s passing. The older rider returning his attention to the bluerider when he again spoke. “Yes it is a shame. I can imagine competing with you would be a interesting challenge.” Sel’n trailed off as F’lix stepped up onto the root and turned. With unhurried steps Sel’n drew up alongside the younger rider. F’lix appearing taller for the moment due to his perch.

A sheepish smile was given to F’lix along with a slightly apologetic look. “I apologize for him. It’s not that he doesn’t like you. Ever since Fort used me as a medical experiment he’s been paranoid.” Sel’n ran a hand through his hair, a trademark nervous gesture of his. “He remembers. He remembers more than I do. I’ve blocked most of it out. He relives it occasionally. Kaaoloth doesn’t like feeling helpless or failing. He failed to protect me and it bothers him immensely. We where alone when I was jumped. It was your approach that set him off. Had you walked up like normal he would have been fine. Your technique in approaching, play or not, awoke ghosts that even I have trouble subduing. He’s calming now but I can feel his twitches.” Sel’n’s eyes sought out F’lix’s golden ones before he gave a helpless shrug. “It’s distracting at best.”