Comfort Zones (Tag Sel'n)

[dragon]

The water was flowing clear again, down the river. After all the death, destruction, and mass mayhem that had happened in it, it had run dark and smelled bad for several days. But not so anymore, the water had washed most of the taint away. Soot, bits of wood and branches, blood, bodies ... it was amazing, the power of the water.

If only it could do that to souls, too. Wash away all the mess, the grit, the pain. Leave everything clean and clear again. It was all still quite cloudy, and still quite confusing... not to mention painful. But then, the pain was going to be hard to forget, especially as long as the physical pains remained.

Dorava had started finally being able to move around better, the twinges happened less frequently in her back. And today, for a spot of fresh air, open contemplation, and some sunshine, she and Aonith had taken up a spot on the river, where they could see the water flowing past. Clear to the bed, with the occassional fish.

Aonith was curled up on her good side, on a lumpy expanse of stone that was quite warm and comfy. Her own injuries were also healing well, done well by E'rro's handywork. But even so, she was always careful of her wing, just in case. Curled up between her earknobs was Mandyr, the little green flitter was sound asleep ... again. Or still. One or the other. Not even the attack had awoken her from her sleep.

Dorava herself was seated on the ground, also. But on a blanket, as she hadn't wanted to sit on the bare ground. Knees pulled up to her chest, she hugged them while resting her chin on her knees, staring absently at the water as it flowed past. Not too far away, Valiant was poking about in the grass, even though he couldn't move around all that well. At least he was occupied ... and not hiding in her breastband.

Dorava was aware she was not alone, but she didn't bother to stir or turn to see, either. She just listened, and waited. Aonith could see, however, and watched with interest. Hello. she greeted, lightly. If there was one thing about the scarred green, it was she was not afraid to talk to anyone and everyone around her.

[Rei]

Hello. Sel’n turned and waved a friendly greeting to the green. Kaao? Dorava is here as well. Be nice to her. She was to you. The brown rider snorted. Trust Kaaoloth to remember that. He had a remarkable memory for people who where nice to him. The brown crooned lightly as he back winged to land beside the green. Hello Aonith. He greeted in a friendly tone. How are your injuries? I do hope you are mending well.

Leaving his brown to the green’s company, Sel’n walked slowly over to Dorava careful not to startle her. Thank Faranth Vanity was currently in Lust’s weyr (as she called it). She would stay there for awhile yet. The mandyr had begun to return to her nasty self. For once Sel’n was glad she was gone. Vanity absolutely HATED anything female around her. Jealous vain harpy that she was. How dare another female take her attention. Oh yes the brown rider was well aware of his pet’s nastier tendencies.

Sel’n cleared his throat a bit loudly to alert the green rider to his presence before he spoke. “Dorava? How are you holding up?” As he spoke, he settled down on the blanket next to her. “I heard Val was badly hurt as well as Aonith. The attack was hell on everyone I guess.”

The brown rider picked up a loose stone and flicked it over the river’s surface. Skipping across the surface twice, it finally sank to the bottom of the river making a small puff of sand rise. A small minnow went to investigate, but just as quickly swam away again. Sel’n was silent as he waited for the woman’s answer. He was here for his own reasons as well. Comfort was something everyone needed.

[dragon]

Aonith lifted her head, and reached toward Kaaoloth with her nose in greeting. The rest of her never moved, though, in an effort to not aggrevate said injuries. Her little green flitter-hat stayed put, miraculously enough, though, going for a ride up toward where Kaaoloth was. Hello, Kaaoloth. Thank you. I am mending well ... far faster than the last time I was injured. Mine thinks I will be flying again far sooner, too. Aonith greeted. And how are you?

Dorava picked her head up off her knees when Kaaoloth landed. She watched the brown for a moment, and then turned her head when Sel'n cleared his throat. "Hello." She said, mildly surprised that anyone was bothering to come see what she was doing. "I ... I don't know." She answered, truthfully. "It's hard to tell, past all the pain and ache." Resting her chin back on her knees as he sat down, she looked over at where Val was hobbling around in the grass.

"He's getting on. Moving around a bit more. I'm glad ... for awhile he wouldn't move at all. Not that I blame him. Aonith is healing, too ... quite nicely, actually. It'll scar, but not as badly as the last round." She watched the stone skip a few times, and then sink, and then looked over at him.

"What brings you out this way?" She asked, not at all perturbed at his making himself at home so near, on her blanket. Sometimes ... it was good to have company.

[Rei]

Kaaoloth touched the injured green’s nose with his own muzzle and rumbled. I am just fine. I am glad you are mending well. I am sure you will be flying in no time. How is yours? I do hope she is ok. We stopped because mine wanted to see her. He had heard of your injuries and was worried. The big brown settled next to the smaller green and folded his wings. They would be here awhile he was sure. So why not make himself comfortable?

Sel’n smiled gently as Dorava spoke. The brown rider kept to silence until she had finished. “Yeah it’s hard to be upbeat when your attached to pain. I remember when Kaao lost his leg. I couldn’t even sleep nights.” Raising his good arm he brushed Dorava’s hair behind her ear. “Don’t worry it gets easier I promise. As they get better you’ll feel better.” Leaning gently against her the Weyrlingmaster shrugged. “Kaaoloth and I were coming back from a short flight and he saw Aonith. I heard about what you suffered in the attack and I just wanted to check up on you.”

The truth was better than trying to lie at this point. Dorava had been nice to him. Not a lot of people where, and really Sel’n had no friends to speak of. Well besides Rio, and even then he didn’t see the man often due to the hours he kept. Leaning back on the blanket he looked up at the sky. Life was a strange thing full of pain and suffering with a few good points spaced in between. No wonder he tried to avoid it for the most part.

[dragon]

Aonith blew some air silently, though it probably would have carried sound had she bothered to add it. But at the moment, she wanted to stay silent, and not bother hers. So her comment came more as a sigh than an actually comment. Which ... was really weird. Mine is stressed. She feels Valiant, too ... and he was smushed into a pattycake. That is sweet of yours.

Dorava smiled slightly as she felt her hair being moved, and turned her head slightly to look at him again. And then she blew out a gust of a sigh and leaned against him in return. Contact felt good ... unbelievably so. And even more so, that someone cared. That was a balm to her heart like no other. Someone besides her dragon cared. That was big! Loosening an arm from her own knees, she wrapped it around Sel'n's back in a partial hug.

"Thank you." She said, quietly, struggling to make the simple words come out intelligibly.

And it was good to know that things were going to look up ... granted, logically, she knew that. But in the heat of the experience, it was hard to remember. Having someone who had actually been there encourage her was by far better than encouragement from someone who had no clue what it was like.

Val sat down and lifted his head to try and peep over the grass at Sel'n, finally noticing that he had arrived. He chirped once, and then inserted his own two marks: Pretty pretty? What that was supposed to mean, only Val could know.

[Rei]

Kaaoloth chuffed in amusement. I think that is the first time anyone has ever called mine sweet. Your poor little Val. I do nope he will be ok. Our Vanity was sick for awhile too. Her lungs where full of smoke and a bit of water. For awhile Selmine did not think she would make it, but she came around rather quickly and is absolutely fine now. I am sure your Val will get better in time as well. The brown nuzzled Aonith’s neck gently. He was careful not to exert much pressure. He did not want to hurt the green after all.

Sel’n smiled gently as Dorava leaned against him. Contact felt good right now, it soothed him as much as it seemed her. He had no intention of pulling away. In fact the rider almost yearned to get closer to her. A fact that slightly confused him, but he went with it. “Your more than welcome my dear.” The Weyrlingmaster intoned softly before wrapping his own arm about her shoulders. He allowed her to lay her head softly against his shoulder and he was surprised by how…right…the contact felt.

Kaaoloth shifted and looked towards his. Touching Aonith’s shoulder gently the brown rumbled, the sound amused. Selmine is comfortable talking to yours. It is a fact I find a bit odd. He normally avoids most people. Perhaps he liked her soup. He teased the green and shifted. I hope yours does not mind him. He needs more friends. Actually the brown was surprised, his felt a sort of infatuation for the green rider. His rider’s preferences mostly leaned towards men. His never ceased to amaze him.

[dragon]

Aonith arched her neck a little bit, preening under the attention. There was nothing at all wrong with her neck, and it didn't hurt at all. Val ours will recover in time, yes. Already, he heals well. He is much better than the semi-dead state he was in earlier on. He crawls around, now, even if he does not scamper like he used to. She answered, before reaching up to return the snout-nuzzling.

A tiny smile flickered across Dorava's face at Sel'n's comment. And when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, she snuggled into his side gratefully. Ah, yes ... that was so nice. She couldn't remember the last time anything even remotely similar happened to her. To have someone care, to be hugged. And that was a very sad thing. Suddenly, and without warning, Dorava burst into a torrent of tears and clutched at Sel'n's chest, burying her face into his shoulder.

From the grass, Val meeped in suprise, and ducked his head back down again, greatly confused by the seeminly random notions and emotions rushing out of his pet. Dorava had never cried before. All they'd been through, and she'd never cried. And the 'mandyr didn't know what to make of it. Was hispet dying?!

Aonith watched Dorava for a moment, and then returned her attention back to Kaaoloth again. I don't know. Maybe. She is good at finding the best pot of soup to swipe some from. I don't think she minds ... she needs more friends, too. She cries, but ... it is good for her. Yours helps mine. She observed. Maybe mine won't upset yours, maybe mine help yours, too? She mused.

[Rei]

Kaaoloth listened intently to Aonith’s words and rumbled. I see. Well I hope he recovers fully in time. I must say I am quite glad we are so big. It would be rather hard for someone to squash us. Craning his neck he examined the two riders thoughtfully before inclining his head to appraise Aonith’s own wounds. Do you hurt much? I hope not. You can go get numbweed anytime you want you know. The healers would be happy to apply it. You should try to keep yourself from pain. It will help yours. The large brown’s voice was void of accusation it was merely informative.

Sel’n smiled as Dorava snuggled closer and then suddenly everything changed without warning and his companion had fallen into wracking sobs. Carefully Sel’n shifted to pull her closer wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he gently stroked her hair as she cried, offering no words just physical reassurance. Inwardly he was a bit confused, but the rider knew he hadn’t made her cry. The trauma had. Dorava’s breakdown had probably been coming for awhile, and it only took a few kind words to release her sorrow.

The brown rider had never professed himself good at comforting people. He never knew what to say. He only offered a physical presence to comfort and it seemed to work well enough on occasion. Softly Sel’n pressed his lips to the top of the green rider’s head and rubbed her back, letting her release all the pent up emotions she was feeling. Strangely he didn’t mind being cried on. It was worth it if it helped her.

Kaaoloth flicked a glance at the riders as Dorava broke down. Initially the beast had been worried about how his would react but the rider seemed to be doing well enough. Gently he touched Aonith’s shoulder and gave an amused croon. I was teasing about the soup my dear. But I am glad mine is helping yours. Your right they can help each other. Faranth knows they obviously both need more friends. Turning his attention back to the riders he stayed silent and just observed.

[dragon]

I am glad we cannot be squished so easily, too. Aonith agreed heartily, before considering his suggestion. I had rather thought that maybe the salve was needed for others who could not tolerate thier pains, or those still getting help for it. I think I can handle it. But you are right ... Aonith looked at hers for a moment, and then Val, too. Between the two of us, it might be too much for her, even if I am half as good at masking as I think I am. I will look into it ... I will do it for mine. Thanks for the suggestion. She reached up and nuzzled the brown's throat.

Collapsing into Sel'n's arms, Dorava was quite grateful for the embrace, even as she clutched at his shirt for a moment. She sobbed for a good many minutes, and then she seemed to get a grip on herself again. Gasping for fresh air in her lungs, she took an unsteady deep breath. Realizing what she was doing, she released her handfuls of his shirt, and attempted to smooth them back out again, and then laughed softly. Though it sounded more like sobs. "I'm sorry. Gosh ... look at me. Blubbering like a fish out of water ..." Sniffing, she wiped her face off with a wrist. But she didn't bother to pull away ... she rather liked being held, the contact made her feel a lot better. More than she would have thought. Snaking an arm around his back, she hugged him momemtarily. "Thank you." She said, softly, with sincerity.

Aonith chuckled, mentally, readjusting her wings slightly. I can make mud soup? She offered, teasingly, planting her snout against his shoulder and huffing out through her nostrils. She was starting to feel better, herself, now that hers was feeling somewhat better. And she was definitely liking the comforted feelings she was sensing. Amazing, what a hug could do! It made the green wonder why dragons didn't hug each other - and what would happen if they did.

Mandyr stirred, atop Aonith's head. Lifting her own head, she blinked as she looked around. And then she yawned expansively, worked her jaw, and then tucked her head back into her own tail to go back to sleep. All was good. And it wasn't time to eat yet...

[Rei]

Kaaoloth crooned when Aonith nuzzled him. You see. I learned the trick of the numbweed when I lost my leg. Selmine was so upset he couldn’t eat or sleep well. Every pain I felt hurt him mentally. So even though the pain did not bother me so much I went and got numbweed every time I felt the pain. It soothed mine, for he was upset I was in pain. I believe yours is much the same. If you stop your pain she will not worry about you so much. You see yours knows you are strong, she doesn’t need you to prove it. The large brown lowered his head and eyed mandyr. Your little cousin is very curious. Does she always sleep on your head?

Sel’n chuckled at Dorava’s reaction. “It’s ok, really. I don’t mind. It isn’t often I get to snuggle with someone as nice as you.” He smiled down at her and shifted to reach the handkerchief in his pocket. Brandishing it with a flick of his wrist, he offered it to her with a small smile. “Here. Don’t worry. I’ll be here as long as you need me.” His eyes held hers for a moment and he tilted his head at her thanks. ‘Believe me Dorava. You are more than welcome.” The Weyrlingmaster tightened his grip and rubbed her back gently studying her face. Pretty she was, incredibly so. But also gentle, almost innocent despite all she‘d gone through. He liked that.

Kaaoloth flicked his tail and rumbled slightly. Mud soup? It doesn’t sound very appetizing. He leaned against her gently so as not to aggravate her wounds. I am happy yours is being helped by mine. I think we should plan on trying to make them interact more. He likes her he does. I find it amusing since Fussypantsmine doesn’t actively like many people.

[dragon]

Aonith considered the idea, and then decided to do it. I will go get some numbweed today. she assured him, decisively. And then her eyes swirled in more amused colors at the mention of her hat. Mandyr is a funny flitter. She sleeps a lot, eats a lot, and doesn't do much of anything else. No ... she doesn't usually sleep on my head, but I think the notion just took her, today. Aonith explained.

Dorava smiled a little bit, and then took the hanky. "Thanks." She wiped her eyes on it, and then blew her nose. Folding the hanky, she just hung onto it ... leaning against the brownrider and enjoying the sensation of being held, and rubbed. Closing her eyes most of the way, she relaxed against him, heaving a small sigh. It just ... felt so good, to be so near someone else. Even better, to know that they cared. Stirring again, she looked up at his face, and smiled again, this time a little bigger, a little brighter. "Your timing is impeccable." She informed him, before snaking an arm up and around the back of his neck, pulling him low enough so she could kiss him.

More interaction ... yes, good... Ohmy. She abruptly ended her comment upon noticing what her rider was up to. I suppose I ought to mention that mine liked yours for awhile now?

[Rei]

Kaaoloth rumbled. She is interesting. Unlike our Vanity. I dare say I would like on of the little cousins. I will have to try and convince Selmine to attend a hatching. Snorting softly he looked over the riders to the river. It was rather clear today.

Sel’n nodded his throat suddenly constricting. “Your welcome.” Any other words he may have said where cut off as Dorava suddenly kissed him. Surprise melted into a desire he was not used to feeling outside of flightlust. He tilted her head back to kiss down her throat before shifting to lay the green rider down on the blanket they where sitting on.

Oh my is right. Kaaoloth chuckled turning amused eyes to Aonith. Do you think we should give them some privacy? Mine is planning on doing some very interesting things with yours and I would rather not be around for them. Perhaps we could get you some numbweed while we wait for them to…er interact? The larger brown stood and stretched before hopping forward a few steps and looking back at Aonith. Kaaoloth was clumsy on the ground but he did not want to fly while Aonith couldn’t. It would be rude.

((Teddy feel free to close it out <3 Just make sure you don’t go over pg13 XD))

[dragon]

Attending a hatching is easy enough to do. Aonith remarked. Though I don't seen how Mandyr is interesting ... all she does is sleep. Though ... I do have to admit, that is a deal more preferable than something more ... antagonistic! She agreed. She pushed to her feet for a moment, and then decided she didn't want to walk, after all. I agree! Privacy is good. She stepped sideways, and then laid down again, dropping her good wing down over the two riders like an impromptu, spacious tent, concealing them both from the world.

Curling her forelegs in toward her own chest, Aonith rumbled happily. Mine is going to be ok, methinks. She remarked, looking up at Kaaoloth again. I will stay. You don't have to, I will keep yours safe, too. If you want to, you could find some numbweed? She offered, shivering slightly as Val started climbing her tail and hopping along her spine toward her shoulders. There, the little blue mandyr paused to consider for a moment, before starting up her neck. Making it to where Mandyr was sleeping, Val curled up on top of the green flitter. Naptime!

Now Aonith's green hat, had a tiny blue hat on it.

[Rei]

((Closed))