Friends Found, Friends Lost (M'ta)

[Rowana]

Merridan took a deep breath. She'd been hoping for this day for a long time. The Weyrs were finally united and working together again. They had lost many friends and even family, but it was over. Mer knew she should be thrilled to see her old friends again, but the meetings had filled her with a sense of foreboding. No one blamed her for what happened to Meira, of course, not even Elysia and the others who'd been with her. Yet it still hurt to see T'san and Meira's other friends, as if she'd failed them.

Not only that, but word had reached her that R'wign was gone. She could hardly bare to think about the loss of another friend and she knew it hadn't really hit her yet. How could she come to terms with something that had happened months ago for half of them? It was all a lot to take in at once. Maybe what she had planned for today would set her mind at ease, or at least give her one friendly face in the midst of all the chaos. Not that she was sure he would be interested in visitors. From what she'd heard, he was hurt pretty badly and likely in a lot of pain. All the more reason to bring him something to cheer him up.

Brother Behruth? Chaoth called pleasantly. My Merridan is coming to visit Yours. Shall I join you as well? The large brown was looking forward to being able to speak again. Not to mention not having to hide from dragons he knew should be his friends. Mer arrived at M'ta's door. She started to knock, then shrugged and pushed the door open. It might be rude, but she hoped M'ta wouldn't mind. She didn't really want to give him the chance to turn her away.

"Lunchtime!" She announced. She was carrying a tray of soup and juice the infirmary had recommended, since M'ta was having a hard time getting around. Auran had her usually spot on her shoulder, while Vikky was on the tray, enjoying her own personally mug of tea. Mer knew she would regret giving it too her later, but at least it kept her occupied for now. Shira had even decided to come, out of curiosity, and flew in to find a rocky perch from which to watch. Mer offered M'ta a wry smile. It really was fantastic to see him, she couldn't deny it.

"Been a while, M'ta," she commented as casually as possible. It wasn't really wise to tackle hug bedridden friends while carrying trays of soup. "You look awful," she added bluntly.

[Requiem]

Chaoth! There was no mistaking the joy behind the brown's exclamation at Chaoth's words. Sadly, Behruth's memory for those who had left required seeing or hearing them again, even though he had an outstanding memory. It had just been too long. Please, I'd love to share my ledge with you. To illustrate just such a truth, he shifted to make more room for Chaoth.

Merridan caught M'ta rather flatfooted, so to speak, the brownrider wiggling recently cleaned toes with his good leg extended to the ceiling. He'd spent the last minute or so just wiggling those toes and watching the bones and tendons moving beneath the skin with an intensity that only someone with absolutely nothing to do could achieve. Turning his head toward Merridan and blinking in surprise, the leg hung in the air for a few more seconds until a smile broke over his face and he remembered himself enough to lower it.

Who is? Devon queried curiously, peeking his head up from the bowl of once clean water that he'd been using as a swimming pool. He shook out his head to rid it of water and crooned at the girl. Mine, mine, who friend? "This is Merridan. And she brought food." He knew that would get Devon crooning even more. Though whether Merridan would realize this wasn't PMS was anyone's guess. Both 'mandyrs had been blue.

The brownrider couldn't suppress a snort as he pushed himself up and back against the headboard with his elbows. Could he use the bad leg, even with the pain? Yes. But since he couldn't bind it in place so the bones didn't shift due to the nature of this gaping leg wound of his (made bigger after removing dead, nasty tissue when it had turned infectious) M'ta was trying to avoid having it rebroken after the wound healed. Fortunately, it was finally knitting together and maybe in a sevenday...

"No doubt," the man commented dryly. Washing oneself wasn't particularly easy, especially when you had to remember to ask for things like fresh water and soapsand to be brought to that table by the bed for you. Even if he had just washed that morning, though, he knew he was somewhat thin from the fevers that came with infection still and he didn't sleep so well. Reaching for the tray, he flashed another grin at her. "You look excellent, though. Quite well enough to carry an invalid around, in fact," he added, not bothering to pretend he wasn't shamelessly attempting to conscript her. "Smells great. How are you, Mer?"

[Rowana]

Chaoth rumbled happily and settled easily in the place Behruth opened for him. He hardly remember the older brown anymore, but Mer was good at reminding him of the good times they'd had before. She also remembered another brown, one with two tails, but Chaoth hadn't seen such a dragon yet. Behruth, though, he knew as he heard the voice. Thank you, he answered happily. You look well! How do you like your new home?

Merridan pulled up a table to set the tray down so M'ta could reach it without moving much. She'd heard about his injury, but it was even worse seeing how sick it seemed to be making him. Thank Faranth he was finally on the mend. Her eyes drifted to the salamandyr, frowning slightly, then shaking her head. It didn't quite look like the one she knew, but maybe she shouldn't ask. "Thanks," Mer grinned. She was lucky, really. Nothing much had happened to her physically since the exile. It was only the loss of so many friends that left her scarred. "Flattery won't get you a slave though," she added with a smirk. Not that she'd mind helping out an old friend.

Smiling, she pulled up a chair, pushing the amusement aside. "I'm alright. Much better now that all of you are here," she waved vaguely to mean the Weyr at large. It was a huge weight off everyone's minds not to be at the throat of friends and family. Her face fell for a moment, growing sad. She knew what she wanted to say, but she hated ruining the mood. Still, it was better to get it out of the way quickly and be done with it. "I suppose you heard about Meira," she began slowly. It was almost impossible for him not to know by now. "I'm sorry," she said sincerely, her fist clenching. "I should have protected her."

[Requiem]

It is lovely, here, the brown responded pleasantly to the younger dragon. Especially with so many friendly faces. We are both very glad to be here, even if Mine had to be hurt by the shaking earth to get here. He rumbled in amusement at the pulse of irritation from His, who never liked to be reminded he was injured. You will have to show me the best hunting and sunning places; I have had little desire to explore until just recently, and I confess I am growing hungry.

"Can't blame a guy for trying," M'ta returned, around a spoonful of soup. No one had ever accused the brownrider of having a small appetite, at least not in recent turns. He scooched up against the headboard and held the bowl, though he at least was polite enough not to continue talking mid-slurp, and slowed it down after the first few bites. Even the grumpy midgit man was clearly in a good mood, despite his leg; he was happy to be back among friends himself. (And to no longer have to worry about a Weyrleader who had it out for him.)

As the two humans caught up, Devon took to watching the green firelizard enjoying her cup of tea. He tilted his head to one side so much that he actually managed to flop right out of his swimming pool bowl with a wet squeak. The blue was immediately on his feet and he jetted over the small distance of table, onto the tray, and up the side of the cup to touch his snout to Vicky's. Hiiiiii. Who is?

M'ta, who had been watching his 'mandyr with something resembling bemusement, returned his attention to Merridan at her words. He set the bowl down and reached over to cover the hand she'd tightened into a fist with his. "No one could have anticipated that. You shouldn't blame yourself." His hand dropped from hers. "Sometimes...shit just happens," he concluded with a touch of bitterness. He'd lost a great many friends and those he considered to be family.

[Rowana]

It is so much better with all of you here, Chaoth agreed readily. He yawned and stretched, showing just how pleased he was to not have to hide anymore. The hunting is well enough. Wherries and the like. Along the river is best. Would you like me to take you now? Chaoth was always willing to help and truth be told, felt a bit hungry himself.

Vikky peeped happily at Devon. Would he like some tea too? She was afraid she'd drunk most of it, but it was lovely! Tea gave one the most wonderful bouncy feeling. Auran never shared tea with her, he was boring.

Merridan took a deep breath and managed a smile. M'ta's words rang true, especially in light of the recent earthquake. No one could have anticipated that. "True enough," she agreed with a sigh. "Thanks. I'm sure you were hoping for something more cheerful. What about that leg?" She grinned, as much from the change of subject as from putting her friend on the spot. "It's very impressive."

[Requiem]

Hunting along the river for wherries with a Chaoth? Now how can a dragon possibly say no to that offer? Behruth returned with just a touch of amusement. He nuzzled Chaoth briefly, then stepped forward along his ledge, spreading wings wide. In such a position what likely had not been noticed until that moment, what with his wings tucked neatly against his flanks, was the tragic shredding they'd sustained. A good portion of the wings had healed. A good portion more than probably should have if not for luck and excellent dragonhealers. But they were still too thin in places, still tattered in others, and there was little doubt that Behruth's flight was not anything like what it had been. He glanced back at the younger brown. Coming?

Devon crooned. Like you. Friend, yes? Friends with Devon. Devon call you...purty tea flyer. He lifted a foreleg in what was clearly a stroking gesture down the side of her face. Bold little thing. The male eyed this proffered tea, then clambered up on the rim of the teacup and over, slipping down inside it and clinging to the glass so he could bring his snout to what remained of the tea. Mine like tea. Some good, some ick. Good tea this? he questioned of Vicky. Before she could answer, though, the blue had already started sipping at it.

M'ta's eyes narrowed on Merridan. Cue M'ta the Grump (that midget who everyone knew and loved) rising back to the fore. "I broke it, obviously. Who knew that big ass boulders would win fights with legs?" He snorted softly. "And of course my bone, sensing a chance at freedom, tried to escape me by punching a hole in my leg. All it succeeded in was a glimpse at a cave-in and some blood. In all seriousness, though, I imagine it was all that dust and dirt getting into the open wound that caused it to eventually become infected. Help didn't really arrive quickly and then I was one of the only healers available for all the other injured. So naturally they had to cut out the dead tissue and my leg should be immobilized but it can't be until the wound heals more. So I'm stuck." He smiled wryly. "Sounds like fun, doesn't it?"

A spark of wickedness entered his dark eyes. "Which reminds me. I will have need of an assistant weyrlingmaster. Ever wanted to terrorize weyrlings, Mer?"

[Rowana]

Of course! Chaoth agreed warmly. He pushed off the ledge, careful not to disturb the smaller brown with large gusts of wind from his wings. He rose above the trees and drifted lazily down the river towards an open area of bank that wherries liked to frequent. Though not as filling as herdebeast, wild wherries did have a certain extra tasty flavor. Lucky for them, the flock had yet to be scared off by other hunters. Your pick, brother, Chaoth dipped his head respectfully to the older dragon.

Vikky purred at the compliments Devon showered on her. Auran was never this nice. She chortled at the salamandyr's antics in the tea cup, more than willing to share her treat with such a lovable creature. Yes, it was very good tea, did he like it?

Merridan tried to look sympathetic, but it was increasingly difficult with M'ta's retelling of the demise of his leg. Her face returned to seriousness, though, after a moments thought. "It sounds awful," she corrected, never one to sugar coat things. She finished with a smile, however. "At least your alive. I know I'm glad, even if it does mean I can't challenge you to a sparring match." She'd been practicing, but M'ta could probably still beat her and it was good to fight someone better. At least, he could when he could stand properly. It looked like their match would have to wait for some time.

The next question caught her by surprise, enough to look shocked before she could regain composure. "Me?" She frowned briefly. She'd never given that idea much thought before. Teaching, except for blades, wasn't really her forte. She was also concerned that the work might cut into her time to practice for fighting wings. Not that they really needed it anymore, but she was still itching for some action and teaching a bunch of young riders how to clean and feed their dragons wasn't her first choice. Still, M'ta would need help and it would give her an excuse to spend more time with her friend. She might also get a chance to teach them some self defense while she was at it.

"Maybe," she answered, carefully suspicious. "What would this job involve?"

[Requiem]

Swirling up after Chaoth, there was a certain playful edge to Behruth's flight. He managed well enough on his wings after so much time to practice and adjust, such that there were only a few manuevers he steered clear from and the majority of his issues had to do with endurance. Normally I would argue with you and insist that you go first, but I am too hungry right now. Thank you my brother. He twisted downward and dove, pulling up shallow to reduce the surface tension on his wings and skimming low over the bank, snatching one of the wherries up as it attempted to flee.

Yeeeesss is good good, Devon exclaimed with enough of an excited edge to make it clear that he was quite pleasantly surprised by the quality of the beverage. The blue salamandyr than proceeded to scooch a little further into the teacup and bury his head beneath the surface of the tea and slurp. After a few seconds of that his head reemerged and, still clinging to the cup with hind legs and tail, he undulated his upper body in a quick whip, spraying tea droplets all about.

"Oh, I'm unlikely to die anytime soon," M'ta responded drolly. Which was true enough. In his limited experience, the brownrider was proof against death. Even when he wished for it with all his heart. (Which was not, fortunately, now.) No, he'd been convinced at one point that some higher power was punishing him by causing all his friends and family to die around him while refusing to let him join them. Though in all honesty he'd have to admit it more likely had to do with his being insanely stubborn than anything else. "I used to - and still do when my leg isn't being a snot - spar with E'rro. He might be willing to practice with you."

The brownrider couldn't resist a laugh at her expression and the cautious note to her voice. "Well, I'm going to need someone to run with them in the mornings. I clearly can't. And most of the other physical work until my leg heals. I'm not going to lie. It's not an easy job and there's a lot of time involved. But I won't need someone as much later on. We teach all kinds of things. Bond strengthening. Dragon care. First aid. Self-defense. All kinds of things. If you want I can give you a copy of the general topics covered and the schedule for the first sevenday? So you have a better idea."

[Rowana]

Chaoth rumbled appreciatively for Behruth's skill. Wherries were harder to hunt than slow herdebeast and it seemed that the other browns injuries had done nothing to reduce his skill. Of course, now the prey were alerted and fleeing for cover. Making it harder for me I see? Chaoth chuckled warmly. He swooped down low, neatly blocking the escape of some of the wherries with his large body and snatching one before pushing off again. It is better to share a good meal, he declared.

Vikky danced with delight around the tea cup. It was like a rain of tea! Devon was so clever! Look, Auran, she chirped excitedly. Auran snorted at them, still sitting proudly on Merridan's shoulder. What silly creatures they were to be sure. Games and such were a waste of time. Vikky whistled sadly at him. Poor Auran didn't know how to have fun.

"Is that so?" Merridan's eyebrows went up at this revelation. All this time she'd been here and never once thought to ask E'rro for a match. Of course, he was pretty busy being a Healer and a Council Member. Still, the idea was interesting enough for her to look into later. "I'll have to hunt him down some time," she agreed with a grin. After all, if he could keep up with M'ta, he would probably be a challenging opponent! Mer had no problem sparring with people better than her. How else was she to get better?

"Running?" Mer hid a chuckle. "And here I was afraid you needed my charm and wit." Still, it didn't seem all that bad and it would only be until M'ta recovered fully. How could she refuse to help a friend? Besides, it would keep life from being boring for several months if it was anything like her weyrling days. "Alright. Let's here what you have."

[Requiem]

Indeed. It would be quite the shame to eat alone. The brown had made short work of the first wherry, eying one scampering down the side of the bank and swooping down, catching it with a scooping motion just before it escaped into the trees and sending it flying. He twisted and caught it in his jaws. It really had been awhile since last he'd eaten. The hunting is very good around here, it seems. What other secrets do these mountains hide?

It was probably a bad thing that Vicky responded so enthusiastically to the mess that Devon was making. It only resulted in encouraging him to make even more of a mess, flopping right into the tea and scampering back out to do a rather animated dance on the rim of the cup that consisted of flaring his thrill and flailing all five of his limbs in various combinations to send droplets flying everywhere. Tea for allllll! Hey! the blue squeaked when M'ta's hand shot out and closed around him.

"That's quite enough," the man commented flatly. He didn't much care if Devon wanted to play, but spraying him with tea...not really in the mood for that. Slavedriver oppress his Devotion, the blue stated from within the man's hand, sounding ever so pitiful and beset upon. "Now I know you're just mimicking what the kids say." He smiled wryly at Merridan and wrinkled his nose. Silly blue.

"I really need your legs more than anything else," he commented, only half-joking. Another man might have taken that opportunity to comment on how nice her legs were. M'ta, though, wouldn't know how to go about flirting, even if he'd wanted to. "So, the morning runs start at six and last till seven, and then I wouldn't need you again until about 3:30 for a couple of hours. I'll borrow Caden or Er'ani for the PT...they both know all the exercises. That would be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tuesday and Friday I'll have 'Ruth call you if he needs you but it would be for four hours at a time starting at 1:30."

[Rowana]

Chaoth chewed lazily at his wherry, pleased to see that Behruth was eating well. It was good to share the bounty of these mountains, though with the new dragons they would probably have to start bringing in more herdebeasts as well. It wouldn't do to eat all the wherries and leave none left for later. It is nicer than I had expected, Chaoth agreed. Have you seen the strange avians? Merridan has acquired one that stays with us. She is quite clever.

How sad, Vikky crooned. The mean man had stopped the tea rain. It was such a pity. Humans were always ruining her fun. She curled around Merridan's arm. It wasn't fair, she moaned. She wanted to play with her new friend and now all the tea was gone! Mer patted her absently. Vikky always perked back up pretty quick so she wasn't worried. Auran sighed deeply. Foolish little creatures.

Merridan nodded thoughtfully. "Doesn't sound too bad," she admitted. It might even be a lot of fun. She gave a wry grin. "I'll do it!" Those weyrlings would be really whipped into shape between her and especially M'ta and the others. They were going to need it. Just because the Weyr was together again didn't mean all their troubles were over.