Holding on (Wide Open)

[Rei]

Crystoph was passing time by doing something pointless. Chucking different things into the rapids a few miles or so before the waterfall. He didn’t have lessons anymore, and his chores had long since been done. Some strange urging had carried him to this particularly violent stretch of the river. The sticks and foliage bobbing in the strong current reminded the lad strongly of just how out of control life really was.

As soon as you thought you had it…something sucked you down and tore you away. Up heaving all you knew to be solid and true in the blink of an eye. In truth Crystoph felt like that hapless stick, torn by currents, but his currents weren’t so much physical as mental. How did one deal with the demons life created? The red head thought he had been doing a good enough job. But now he was questioning everything from his decision to come here, to his relationship with his twin brother. Had he just imagined their close bond or was his own stubbornness making it worse? Had they really needed to leave Benden? Why hadn’t Mik come to look for him? Was a sharding dragon really all that important?

Growling Crystoph swung his arm back to make a particularly vicious throw, and was suddenly struck from behind. Lurching forward the candidate tried to regain his balance but it was all in vain. Before he knew it rushing water was crashing over his head. The current was extremely strong and he had to force himself to let it take him. If he fought to hard he would exhaust himself early, and there would be no hope. With a sputter Crystoph broke the surface and tried to quickly gauge where he was headed. The current had already swept him a few meters from the bank and the trees where rushing past at an alarming rate. A quick examination of the bank revealed nothing. Who or what had pushed him? Had he even been pushed?

Faranth help him. Before Crystoph could so much as try to gain control of his trajectory a boulder was looming towards him… fast. Bracing himself for an impact the red head kicked out strongly, trying to avoid what was currently an collision course. The kick took him slightly to the left and the boy clipped the rock with his left side. The pain that shot through Crystoph wasn’t as bad as it could have been, and he knew it. It would be a nasty bruise for sure, but at least he had survived with his ribs intact. The roar of the falls was quickly growing louder and a sudden fear gripped him. Was this how it would end? Dashed to death on rocks below the falls? How ironic. He was as hapless as that broken darter in the jungle had been.

Still Crystoph wasn’t going to give up that easily. Not yet. He wasn’t ready to die. A sudden conviction gripped him and he aimed for the next group of rocks jutting out of the rapids, the riptide around it was strong. Even so it was his only shot. As the candidate was whirled around the rocks, he quickly drew his dagger and stabbed wildly at the smooth stone. As if by some miracle his weapon lodged itself into a crevice and the lad was brought to a sudden painful stop. His shoulder throbbed painfully but Crystoph tried to block it. Pulling himself toward the rock, the red head held onto the hilt of his weapon with all the strength he possessed. If he let go he would die. Somehow he was sure of this. All he could do was hold on and pray. Even if he could get the breath to scream, it was doubtful Crystoph would be heard above the roar of the falls.

Hold on. Hold on. Don’t let go, his self preservation instinct screamed. But how long could be possibly cling?

[Requiem]

Humming softly, Xerxes strode up the stairs after having visited the creche with food from the kitchens. Being a candidate didn't mean he never helped out his family anymore, and the workers in the creche had a lot on their plates - no pun intended - without having to worry about scrounging for food. Besides, he liked kids. They were fun. (Especially when they weren't yours. He'd never actually say it, but those little creatures were apt to drive a person up the wall if you had to spend more than a few candlemarks with them.)

Adults, however, he could spend all day around. Intelligent conversations were nice. He bounded up the last set of stairs, wondering if he'd be able to catch some of the older drudges between shifts. He'd heard all their stories a few times by now, but that only meant he'd earned the right to ask to hear his favorites. In a cheerful mood, Xerxes trotted along the bank of the river, eyes already searching for a boat that could get him to the island...

He stopped, eyes widening as he caught sight of the struggling figure clinging to one of the rocks. Oh no. Far, far too close to the edge of the falls, and he didn't have a firelizard or salamandyr or any other such convenient creature to alert someone more suited to helping. Not only that, but he definitely didn't have the time to find someone. The struggling person was likely to lose his hold at any moment.

Not sparing any more time for thought, he dashed a short way downriver, leaping out onto a rock. Selenitas was his home, yes, but he wasn't usually a rash person. He'd only done this before when the water wasn't as high, which was now several turns ago. (And had gotten his backside beaten raw for it, to boot, when his father learned of the stunt.) Fortunately, the boy was quite graceful - too graceful, really - and he bonded across the wet rocks without any real trouble. Just a few slips here and there. It was difficult, balancing speed with the need to not fall in himself.

Xerxes wasted no time, flinging himself down belly-first on the rock the other candidate clung to and digging his toes into the ridge on the other side. He reached down and grabbed Crystoph's forearm with one hand, straining to pull him up onto the rock with him. Xerxes was not a big person, however, and if the other candidate couldn't use what little help he had to offer, they were both likely to be swept out over the falls. The eighteen-turn-old bit his lip, veins sticking out along his neck. Not good. Not good.

[Rei]

Crystoph shut his eyes tightly against the strain in his muscles, they where really starting to burn. Truthfully he wasn’t exactly sure how much longer he would be able to hold on. Opening his grey blue eyes the red head was fully prepared to say what goodbyes he needed. Never mind that his remaining family would never hear them. Then a sudden movement was registered and he flicked his gaze towards it. Disbelief was the prominent emotion. Was that what he thought it was? Surely he was hallucinating. Wait no he wasn’t that really was another person.

Crystoph’s eyes widened as he realized what he was seeing was real. Who was that kid? Was he insane? What if he fell in as well? Hope warred with concern for this unknown person. Why the heck was he risking himself like this? The candidate’s body was in an adrenaline charged mode, but even that small bit of extra strength was fading quickly. Crystoph could feel his grip starting to loosen. No not yet. He couldn’t die. Just as the candidate was sure he could hold on no longer Xerxes was reaching for him. Crystoph felt the other boy’s tight grip on his forearm and it gave him some small shred of hope. As his fellow candidate struggled to wrest him from the water Crystoph gathered what remaining strength he had for one final effort.

Visions of both of them being swept to their deaths where quickly pushed aside. He wasn’t going to die. Not yet. Faranth please. With a loud groan of effort Crystoph reached up with his right hand and gripped Xerxes tightly, using what stability the other boy offered he was able to get a grip on the slippery rock with his legs. Giving one final desperate lunge, he succeeded in helping the other candidate remove him from the rushing water.

Gasping for breath, and sprawled out on the wet rock, Crystoph closed his eyes, his drenched hair clinging to any part of him or Xerxes that was available. Breathless, the red head spoke the words coming slowly. “Are…you…insane?” A few deep gasping breaths and his head was starting to clear. That had sounded pretty ungrateful. Whoops. Undaunted Crystoph continued when he was able. “Still…I’m glad…your…crazy. Thanks.”

[Requiem]

Gripping at the rock with the hand that wasn't latched onto Crystoph's forearm, Xerxes bit his lip to keep from crying out as he took most of Crystoph's weight - not to mention the water battering at the larger boy. A groping hand latched onto his shirt, the smaller candidate's fingers losing their grip for a moment before he spread his legs further to better anchor himself. Nevertheless, he could feel himself beginning to slide forward, the muscles in his limbs burning, particularly in his arm, though he still clung to Crystoph stubbornly. He'd decided to help, and shards if he was going to let the river take the other boy without a fight now.

Then Crystoph got his footing, and was lurching up. This time he couldn't quite keep back the cry as his muscles wrenched. He lay there, partially beneath the other candidate, feeling the adrenaline slowly fade and the ache in his joints. Wincing, Xerxes nudged Crystoph over a little, pulling his legs up beneath him in a kneeling position, though he was shaky enough that he kept his palms grounded on the rock for the time being. He turned his head to the side, his face mostly masked by the now spray-dampened hair. A slow smile spread across his features. He'd done it! (They both had, really, but he wasn't worried about that little detail.)

"Crazy?" He blinked down at Crystoph. "I couldn't very well swim with you. You're rather large, and these currents are too strong for me anyway." Because of course that's what the other candidate meant. (It would have never occurred to Xerxes not to help, and obviously if he'd hesitated any longer - even to get a dragonrider's aid - the long-haired boy would be smashed into pieces.)

Xerxes was only half-listening to the gasped words of the other candidate. There was blood on the other candidate's shirt, and it wasn't from Xerxes' bloodied hand. The smaller boy edged forward, prodding at Crystoph's knee. "You're welcome, but you're bleeding." He pushed the hair from his eyes, sobering now. His gaze flicked toward the bank. How likely was it that Crystoph could return the same way he'd come? For that matter, how likely was it that Xerxes could? Everything ached and he wasn't sure he could trust his life to his shaky legs right now.

Tucking his legs beneath him tailor-style, he puzzled over the problem of being stuck on a rock out in the middle of rapids. "I don't suppose you have any mindmates?" Unlikely, considering they probably would have gone for help, right? He tugged lightly on the sodden braid. A brief annoyance at how disheveled he must look passed through his mind, but he didn't linger on it. That could wait until they were safely on the bank. Xerxes shrugged after a moment, the gesture for himself more than his - companion? "One of the dragons will see us eventually, if nothing else," he stated with definity. His gaze flicked over to Crystoph. "Is it bad?"

[Rei]

Crystoph stayed silent for a moment while he caught his breath. Obviously the candidate had not gotten the meaning of his question but that was okay. Of course no one could swim in those rapids. It wasn’t what he had meant. Still the important thing was that Xerxes was indeed crazy. Either that or the sort who acted before thinking something totally through. The red head’s eye brow raised slightly at the concern in the other boy’s voice. He was bleeding? Really? Now that the candidate’s attention had been drawn to it, he began to feel a sharp pain every time he took in a large breath. Really he had almost forgotten about the rock he had struck earlier. The adrenaline must have caused him to block most of the pain. Terror and desperation usually made people forget a lot after all. He’d seen people do impossible things when their life was on the line.

Groaning, Crystoph struggled into a sitting position and immediately clamped his hand over his left side as pain flared in that region. Slowly drawing his hand away from the injury the candidate stared at his blood stained palm. “Huh. Guess I am.” Gingerly he lifted his shirt. Most of the wound looked superficial, a bunch of skin had been scraped away, but there was only one deep looking gash. Might need a stitch or two but a dark bruise was already forming. Hopefully he had gotten away without and broken bones. Despite the pain in his chest when he drew breath, he figured he had gotten off pretty lucky. Trembling from exertion he turned to look at Xerxes. “No I don’t have any mindmates.” Yeah they seemed to avoid him like the plague (despite how many hatchings he’d been through). Quite unfortunate for the situation the boys currently where in.

Slowly and painfully he tested out his legs and arms making sure the only injury he had sustained was the one to his side. A small scrape on his knee and a shallow cut on his palm, from his death grip on the dagger, seemed to be the only other points of injury. “It’s not that bad.” Crystoph declared finally, turning to examine Xerxes. “How about you? You alright?” The red head’s voice held more than a bit of concern. He was extremely grateful for what the other candidate had done. If Xerxes hadn’t helped it was obvious Crystoph would be dead right now. It wasn’t easy for the Benden bred boy to admit it, but the truth was the other candidate had saved his life. Would he have done that for another person? One whom he didn’t even know? To be honest the red head wasn’t sure. Most likely not.

Throwing a hopeful glace to the sky above, Crystoph trembled slightly. He was cold and his muscles ached. That coupled with the annoying pain in his side, made him wish he was somewhere far, far away from the soaked rock he was perched on. “Hopefully a dragon finds us sooner rather than later.” Despite the fact that both boy’s where bleeding, they where obviously exhausted and also soaked. Really it made for a rather miserable situation. One Crystoph felt rather guilty for involving Xerxes in. Throwing the other candidate what he hoped was a grateful smile, even if it was rather weak, he continued. “I don’t suppose you have any friends or such that would miss you quickly?” If Xerxes didn’t it was likely they would be stuck here until the candidate master noticed their absence. Good thing Emoyan was something of a mother hen.

(( Anyone can feel free to throw a dragonrider our way ^^ Even if it is a glaring F’lix <3 lol))

[rii]

The warmth washed over his uncovered face as the bluepair appeared from between. It could almost become a sickening feeling – snapping from the chill of between to the hot, humid temperature of the southern jungle. Saboth stretched his long wings to their fullest and drifted languidly through the air. They were in no hurry to return from their morning trip.

F'lix was just beginning to mull over the idea of working on his inking to pass the time when Saboth relayed a series of images. Two males in the river, one pulling the other onto the safety of a boulder. Idiots. Golden eyes narrowed as Saboth tucked his wings and started them into a tight downward spiral. The bluerider had no desire to interfere in what he saw as a natural order of things. If people wanted to be daft and play in the waters above the waterfall, they deserved to be swept over the cliff and be dashed on the rocks below. Why intervene?

Saboth paid no heed to his bonded's disdain. He never did. Wings stretched back out, smoothing their spiral into a straight path that followed the flow of the turbulent river. His shadow flew over and past the sodden pair before he arched around to skim over the nearby bank. A powerful down sweep of his wings stilled his progress enough to allow his rider to dismount in one smooth motion, landing feet lightly onto the dry ground. Saboth then kicked out, catching the bank with his back legs to push him back up into the air.

Lovely day for a swim. His calm sense of amusement was clear as he rumbled at the two candidates. The blue landed in the water downstream of the boulder and dug his claws in against the current that parted around his slender body. Just another boulder in the way of the flow. Saboth cut up through the water until the front of his chest brushed against their small island of safety. I recommend a lovely eddy downriver of the falls. Perfect at this time of day.

Of course Saboth knew the two were not out swimming, but sarcasm was something dragon and rider shared. Saboth was just more friendly about it. He stretched his neck out, turning his body only slightly (didn't want to turn broadside, after all, and be pushed around by current) the riding straps at the base of his neck were in reach of the two males – a clear indication for them to mount up.

On the bank, simply because he didn't want to get wet, F'lix calmly tugged off his riding gloves and tucked them through one of the belts angling across his slender waist. Indifferently his golden eyes watched the situation, maybe with the faintest touch of irritation to his scarred features. His two smaller mindmates, roused by curiosity of their own, climbed out from inside his riding jacket and took their respective positions on his shoulders.

Pathetic.
"Indeed."

[Requiem]

He was watching out of the corner of his eye as Crystoph inspected himself, worrying lightly at his lip. Not a lot of blood, no. Didn't even really need to be stopped up. (He wasn't a healer, but his mother had impressed upon him early what injuries were and weren't worth trotting off to the infirmary for. The healers had enough to deal with without treating scrapes, she said.) While the bleeding should stop up, the dark bruising on the boy's side should be looked at. Pooling blood. You learned a few things, running around in the thick of an understaffed infirmary. Internal bleeding, possibly, and that wasn't good at all. Likely just bruised ribs, though. He hoped as much. Crystoph wasn't coughing up any blood, anyway.

Startled a little by the other candidate's question, Xerxes took stock of himself, then nodded. "Just tore up my hand a little. Nothing to worry about." He smiled reassuringly at the older boy. His body ached and he was a little cold, too, but those things were just - inconveniences. He didn't want to distress Crystoph, and the other boy did sound a bit upset.

Shivering? Xerxes edged closer, not sure how the other candidate would respond but currently not caring much. If he did have internal injuries, he could be going into shock, and he needed to be kept warm. The smaller boy curled into his chest to try to keep Crystoph's core a little warmer. "No need to worry," he responded quietly. "They were expecting me back in the kitchens soon. Someone will notice before long." How long was debatable. People didn't usually worry if Xerxes was running a little late - he was rather personable and it wasn't entirely unusual for him to get caught up in a conversation and lose track of time.

Almost as if the words themselves were prophetic, a shadow fell over them, Xerxes glancing up. Dragon - already changing course. He nudged Crystoph and nodded toward it. "See? Already found." Flashing a grin, he watched the rider dismount on the bank with no small amount of curiosity. Surely he didn't think that the two boys and him would be too much for his blue? No telling. Xerxes drew himself up as Saboth neared.

"Oh, we weren't swimming," he responded awkwardly. Being weyrbred, he was all too comfortable with dragons, and the source of the unease was a mild sheepishness. It did have to look pretty foolish, didn't it? "At least...I think we weren't?" He cast a questioning glance toward Crystoph, then reached out for one of the riding straps still dangling. Catching it, he wrapped it around a hand and extended his other to Crystoph. "You should probably let someone look at your side. Can you get up okay?"

[Rei]

Crystoph didn’t object or even comment as Xerxes curled up against him. No he was to cold and the added warmth was very appreciated. The red head nodded absently at the comment about the kitchens. Good perhaps they would have to wait long then. The candidate began to zone out for a moment concentrating on the pain in his side and the fast flowing water around them. The small bit of silence wasn’t oppressive, at least not to Crystoph, instead it was almost welcomed. If not for the lingering feeling of having barely escaped death, Crystoph was almost comfortable. It was the first time he could truly say he was grateful for having company in the last few months.

The nudge to his side caused the candidate to give a glace to Xerxes and then turn his attention to Saboth. Rescue. The blue was a relieving sight. As his companion left his side, Crystoph almost longed to call him back. The physical comfort was reassuring and he was loathe of have it end so suddenly. Still the red head didn’t comment. Instead he merely drew his arms around his chest to try and lock in some of the warmth before nodding to the blue as he spoke. “Most definitely not swimming.” He commented both to Xerxes and Saboth. No he wasn’t that crazy. Nor was he suicidal. He had survived at Benden for how many turns? Why would he throw his life away in such a stupid way? Suicide was a cop out and Crystoph most definitely wasn’t a quitter.

As Xerxes caught the straps and extended a hand the candidate stretched his legs out and braced himself to rise unsteadily to his feet. Wincing he finally rose. He tried to ignore the rushing water around them, instead he carefully made his way to the other candidate’s side. Now that he was concentrating on it the pain was worse. Raising his head he nodded to Xerxes before speaking. “Yeah I suppose I should definitely get it looked at. Hurts like dragon fire at the moment.” The other question had been answered as soon as Crystoph had made it to his feet. Yes he could get up. Pain was temporary after all. Reaching out he gripped Xerxes’ hand tightly.

After he had steadied himself enough the red head reached for the other dangling strap. Winding it around his hand tightly Crystoph took a deep breath and bit his lip, as he grabbed a ridge and painfully pulled himself up onto Saboth. For a minute he stayed hunched over gripping his side. After the pain subsided to a gentle throb he looked back at Xerxes and smiled faintly. Slowly he inched back on the dragon to give the other candidate room to mount. Normally he would have offered a helping hand but, as it was, he didn’t trust his balance or strength just yet.

[rii]

Saboth rumbled with laughter, a deep thundering sound inside his chest. He pressed further against the boulder, sinking down so his underside scraped against the rocky river bed. One wing protectively arched around to make sure both candidates didn't fall while mounting. He regarded both with a single whirling blue eye. As far as he could remember, he had never flown with two riders before.

Once the two settled Saboth raised his wings high overhead. Water dripped from the tips as he placed foreclaws against the boulder. Muscles coiled and Saboth turned his attention to the sky. Hold on. He gave ample time for them to react before launching with his back legs. A powerful pump of wings did the rest of the work. A fine spray raised around them as wingtips brushed the river's surface. His long tail lashed against the water as Saboth gave another sweep of wings – stretching them out to glide toward the bank.

During the event, F'lix boredly surveyed the scene as Saboth shared the finer details. The smaller male he didn't know, other than glanced at in passing, Crystoph however... was familiar – and familiar meant Benden. The bluerider let his mind flick through the images of the past until he decided that yes, he had seen that one before, usually in double. Hm, and it was the Bendenite that was injured. Might as well knock him back in the river, Saboth, a lost cause there..

The blue altered his course, turning smoothly to glide over the bank and instead head for the Weyr. They crested over the waterfall and made a straight path for the landing platform outside of the infirmary. His doubted the one would actually get looked at, something about it being a matter of pride and getting hurt while doing something stupid. Silly humans. Saboth made the landing as gently as possible, quickly crouching low to allow the two passengers off..

Strange that F'lix felt mildly disappointed that he didn't get to chide them in person, but, he shrugged the matter aside. He turned and began the walk back to the Weyr. If anything, he didn't want to be associated with any notions that he had helped them. No, no. That had been entirely Saboth's doing, not his.

[Ooc: Since I don't know when I'm losing connection, or when exactly I'm going to be back, simply ducking F'lix out of the thread.]

[Requiem]

Xerxes didn't bother to hide the worried expression. He squeezed Crystoph's hand reassuringly, though he doubted the other candidate would notice. Waiting for the larger boy to mount, his hand went boldly to Saboth's snout, stroking the dragon almost absently. It was very convenient to always have dragons around when you needed them. Most definitely. He had no idea what could have been done in those rapids if not for dragons. Poor holders must constantly be in a lurch.

The young man coiled the strap more firmly around his arm, using it to aid in his jump so he could get an arm around Saboth's neck ridge. The mount was quite fluid, levering up with the arm around the ridge as soon as it was secure and swinging a leg up. He settled himself up close to the front. Xerxes didn't care if Crystoph was touching him or not, really, but he didn't want to jostle the other boy in the event that it hurt him more.

Clinging tightly to Saboth, he pressed himself against the neckridge. Here we go. Fortunately, the blue wasn't being particularly daring today, though the take off jostled a bit. Xerxes couldn't help but enjoy the thrill of being in the air, even if the circumstances that got them there were less than ideal. He didn't often get the chance to fly, even being weyrbred. That seemed to be reserved for weyrbrats with dragonrider parents, after all. He dismounted easily the moment Saboth landed, reaching up to Crystoph in the hopes that he might be able to do something to ease the dismount, despite not being the strongest of people.

Xerxes' gaze flicked to the infirmary uncertainly. "Looks like you have no choice now. One of the healers has noticed us." He smiled up at Crystoph, tucking into his side in an almost protective fashion. His eyes followed Saboth's retreat. "Goodbye nameless blue," he whispered to himself. Would have to find out which dragon that was, maybe thank the rider that they hadn't had the chance to meet. Definitely would have to thank the dragon.

[Rei]

Crystoph bit back a groan as Saboth leapt into the air. The motion caused him to jerk back slightly which aggravated his side. Absently he put a arm around Xerxes waist to help steady him and grimaced against the metallic taste of blood in his mouth. Yuck. Didn’t think he had bit down quite that hard but no matter. The red head watched the passing scenery as they gliding towards the infirmary. Being on a dragon was exhilarating, even now with his side in pain and his damp clothes driving him crazy. The ride was over far to fast and Crystoph braced himself as the blue dragon came to a rather smooth landing and immediately crouched to allow a dismount.

Ah the dismount, another sticky problem but remedied slightly by the assistance Xerxes offered. Grabbing onto the candidate’s offered hand he borrowed some of the lads strength to take a bit of the force out of his landing. He winced anyway and an arm flew to his side out of instinct. Shells. Crystoph nodded absently as Xerxes spoke. “It’s ok. I really should get it looked at. I’m here anyway no sense in being stubborn.” The other candidate’s presence was welcome and the red head only slightly hesitated before asking. “Would you mind hanging around a bit?” He had no desire to confront a scolding healer alone.

As his companion tucked into his side Crystoph smiled faintly. It was comforting to know someone had even a bit of worry for him. It stung a little to, because the contact reminded him of Mikail (M’kai now), did his twin ever miss their old close relationship? The next time Crystoph met him he wasn’t sure if he wanted to deck his brother or hug him. For now the candidate took comfort in Xerxes presence as he awaited a healer. Suddenly it came to him that he didn’t even know his companion’s name. Oh well someone was approaching and he would probably have time to ask later.

((Move to Infirmary or stay here? Up to you Req ,<3))

[Requiem]

((Here's good. xP Less work.))

Xerxes flashed a smile at Crystoph, his quiet response typical Xerxes. "Leave you to the wher-tempered healers alone? That would be cruel." He chuckled, urging Crystoph toward the entrance where he could at least get off his feet. "Most of them are pretty nice, actually, and the ones who aren't are mostly growl." Yes, he knew most of the healers.

Including the small man who bustled up to them, gave Crystoph the once over and jerked his head brusquely toward the entrance. "Shirt off, Xer. It'll be a minute." One more lingering glance was spared for the tall candidate before he turned on a heel and sped back into the infirmary. Constantly in a hurry, that one.

The young man smiled awkwardly. "I think he's heard how you got banged up. Or at least where. At least he's not a lecturer. It'll probably hurt a little though." So saying, he continued urging Crystoph into the infirmary, locating a room and propping the door open so the healer could find them again when he came looking. Xerxes nodded toward the cot, picking at the shredded, fingerless glove on his left hand. He peeled it off and dropped it into the receptacle in the room.

"Want help with the shirt?" He wasn't sure how painful Crystoph's side was to him right now, though he did know that wearing wet clothing probably wasn't helping the other candidate much.

[Rei]

Xerxes’ ease with the whole situation helped. Where Crystoph alone he would have been extremely uptight, jumpy and prone to flight, like a frightened herd beast. Instead with the other candidate’s presence, he was more like a nervous cat. Not as prone to flight as he was to observing and possibly striking back. The urge to unsheathe his claws was pushed far to the back, in the knowledge that Xerxes was there as a buffer of sorts. The red head followed the smaller boy quietly eyes darting here and there and examining the place. He had spent enough time here to be rather familiar with it thanks to his recent bought of sickness. The candidate still hated scent of medicine and sickness that permeated the air.

Really Crystoph was rather relieved that they had gotten a seemingly busy healer. The quicker this was over the better, and if he could further avoid a lecture, thanks be to Faranth. It wasn’t as if the candidate had meant to be in the river after all. Following closely at Xerxes heel he entered the small room and obediently sat on the cot the other lad pointed out. It was mildly nerve-wracking to be here. Brought back bad memories. Or rather fuzzy ones. In order to stave them off Crystoph again looked towards his companion. Xer. That was the closest he’d gotten to a name for his fellow candidate. Short for what? There where many possibilities.

Smiling the red head shook his head at Xerxes’ offer. “It’s ok. I’ve got it.” Gingerly he picked up the damp edge of his shirt and in one swift motion pulled it up and over his head. His ribs protested the movement, but the pain had receded to a dull ache that was more easy to ignore. With a flick of his wrist Crystoph let the shirt hit the floor with a wet plop. While he waited for the small brisk healer to return he gingerly examined his side. The bleeding had stopped, but it was still rather ugly looking with the bruising. Returning his gaze to Xerxes the red head smiled faintly. “So this is rather embarrassing but I just realized a few moments ago that I hadn’t even gotten your name.” Understandable really, but still it bothered Crystoph. The lad had saved his life and he would rather like a name to fit the face.

[Requiem]

Xerxes nodded, glancing at Crystoph's side just long enough to make sure the bleeding had stopped - which it had -before turning back to taking care of his hand. He didn't want to waste anyone's time with it, after all, and most healers just couldn't leave something alone if they saw it. Unfortunate, yes, but the truth. So then. He was in the process of applying redwort and hunting down bandages when the redhead spoke, causing Xerxes to color slightly. Where were his manners? He'd totally forgotten about something as fundamental as introducing himself. (Though, to be fair, most people didn't bother with his name - at least until recently - and in that context it wasn't altogether surprising that he wouldn't think to give it right away.)

He located the bandaging, turning to face Crystoph with a sheepish smile (though at least the blush was gone now.) "I'm sorry. I didn't even think. It's Xerxes. And you're..." Then the blush returned. He was positive he'd seen the other candidate before, and he was certain that he'd known his name at one point. Xerxes was usually quite good at remembering them. Now he felt rather foolish, and masked it by glancing down at his hand while he wrapped it. His eyes flicked back up to the older boy's almost shyly, the blush once again under control. "I'm afraid I've forgotten."

Must be the circumstances. He did feel just a touch frazzled after all the excitement. Though, before things could get any more awkward, the healer rushed back in, sparing Xerxes only a glance. He walked right up to Crystoph without preamble, probing at the boy's side with brisk efficiency that likely wasn't very comfortable, but clearly told the healer all he needed to know. "Nothing broken," he stated brusquely. "It's a bit swollen, but you'd expect that. Ice. Keep it bandaged to reduce swelling. Head above the feet thank you, or the blood will pool. If you want fellis I can get you some, but you shouldn't even need it after a day or two." He sniffed pointedly. The kid had gotten off easy.

"Xer, you know how to do something that simple." And thusly he disappeared, leaving the younger candidate rubbing awkwardly at the back of his head. "Umm heh." Words were failing him, clearly.

[Rei]

Crystoph smiled at Xerxes before opening his mouth to speak. However he shut it quickly as the busy healer bustled in. The prodding drew a slight growl from Crystoph and it was with effort that he stopped himself from retaliating in some way. Did he look like some animal that was ok with being prodded and scolded? Even he owned a pair of claws and teeth good thing he was patient. The healer was efficient but quite lacking in bedside manner. The only reaction besides the growl Crystoph offered was a death glare at the man’s retreating back. “Efficient even if his manner leaves a lot to be desired.” The red head said with slight annoyance before dismissing the matter to return his attention back to Xerxes. The other candidate was the one who really held his interest.

“Suppose it’s pare for the course really. As far as the name it’s Crystoph and you didn’t forget it. I’m afraid we where both a bit too preoccupied to exchange greetings.” The candidate chuckled before running a hand absently through his damp hair. Grimacing as he pulled out a waterlogged piece of vegetation he sighed. It take forever to remove all the debris from his hair. “So I take it you frequent this place? They sure seem to know you.” The words where offered gently and smoothly. Crystoph could sense the other candidate was a bit nervous and he was doing his best to remove any awkwardness. No need to be awkward. The other boy had saved his life. If anything Crystoph should feel awkward. But he didn’t feel awkward at all. Rather strangely calm and light as if a weight he hadn’t known he was carrying had been lifted.

“Guess you’re my healer now.” The candidate offered a wink to his companion before gesturing to his side. “Promise I won’t bite and as far as the fellis goes I don’t need it. I have a pretty high pain tolerance.” Crystoph snorted and chuckled slightly at a private joke. “Just call me accident prone.” Flicking blue grey eyes over the other lad, he shook his head. “Sorry for getting you involved in this mess.”