Trust me... (ember)

[Tashe]

Nautic didn’t remember much about what happened on the sands, a few fuzzy flashes there and a moment of clarity here, but nothing was coherent enough to piece together. All he knew was that one minute he was sitting on Nautsk chatting with Dmitri and then there was a searing pain in his head, the whole world went black at that point. And when the world left so did his mind, which was probably why he couldn’t remember anything. The Healers, when they got to him, kept him awake for what had felt like forever before finally letting him sleep. He was pretty sure that they did something to his head in that time period, the shaved section of his head and the large scab gave it away. What he hadn’t realized was how badly his arm was injured. In all actuality it could have been worse, he could have broken it. Instead the fall had sprained his shoulder and elbow, pretty badly to boot. His elbow was wrapped in a compression bandage, while his entire arm rested comfortably in a sling. They had also restrained his shoulder in some sort of brace. There had also been mention of a fractured hand, but when they told him, he had been too out of it to care. He hurt, but there wasn’t much they could do about it. And anyways he was getting out of the infirmary today, they said he could go heal in the peace of his own Apartments now that his head was healing nicely.

Whenever Nautic woke up from his frequent naps, he’d be greeted by one of his three friends. Well, the non-human ones. Nautsk refused to move from beside his bed unless threatened, while Absinthe and Tizzy slept on his stomach or legs, depending on where they ended up through the course of the day. They kept him company when he was awake, and stayed with him when he slept. Leaving only to get food or to interact with the other pets that were staying in the infirmary. His Wher retreated when the Dragonhealers told her she needed to go away or when she needed her burns treated, but she eventually ‘snuck’ her way back. If a pony sized carnivore could sneak through a crowded Infirmary.

Shifting in his sleep, Nautic mumbled something incoherent. He was dreaming, but it wasn’t one he’d remember when he woke up. Sleeping on his back had been uncomfortable at first, but when it was your only option you got over it quick. A frown twitched at his lips. No sir, he didn’t want a man eating bug as a pet thank you...

[Ember]

Nautic had another frequent visitor, though he was fairly careful not to stick around long and only came when he was sleeping. Eikane had asked Nautic's mindmates not to mention him but if they did there was little the goldhandler could do about it. He was more than willing to support others and learn more about them but he actively avoided letting others know too much about him. It was easily explained by people pushing him away or abandoning him in the past. He didn't want to bother letting someone too close in case it happened again.

He'd grown to care about Nautic though. He was easy to talk to and an all around friendly guy. That's why he risked visiting him in the infirmary at all. That and the guilt. He still couldn't get over the fact that both Dmitri (another he visited) and Nautic and their whers had been injured because of him. He'd sent them to the entrance and they'd been injured because of it. The usually healthy Eikane was suffering from his guilt. Nightmares and lack of appetite were carved into his features. That's what would get him caught in Nautic's room that day.

He hadn't meant to fall asleep sitting in the chair. It had just happened. More time passed than Eikane expected. By the time he woke up Nautic was beginning to shift a little. The goldhandler jumped out of his chair, nearly knocking it over in the process. Shifting could mean he was waking up and he really didn't want to risk getting caught by Nautic. It was the frown that caught him. He paused by the bed and glanced around (for what he wasn't sure) before reaching down and brushing Nautic's hair lightly. Nightmare?

[Tashe]

"Nnnn... I don't... want a bug... pet..." As Eikane touched his hair Nautic stirred again but didn't wake, his head turning away from the Goldhandler.

Absinthe though, she awoke from her slumber when the other human had lept to his feet. She sat on Nautic's thigh watching him in vague amusement. The Salamandyr had remained silent about Eikane's visits, but only because it would benefit her in the long run. If Her's never found out how often the Goldman came, she could use it as blackmail for precious wine in the future. Twitching her tail, Absinthe slowly pawed her way closer to the human Her's was fond of. Hellohello Big Kane. You still here? You sleep, I sleep. Would be gone now you would. Taking up her meerkat position on Nautic's chest and exposing her almost white belly, Absinthe crooned cutely. But anyone who knew her, knew that when she was acting sweet it was always for some evil purpose. Sit. Talk with Absinthe. Siiit~. She waved her paw while the other traveled to the side of her frill, but soon both dropped back onto the blankets. Come see Mine much you do. Very nice you are. She twitched her tail back and forth, looking very much like like a feline.

You come because friend? Or because you feel bad? Her frill rose slightly, a sign of her enjoyment. The one month sober alcoholic Absinthe is a truly evil creature indeed, but, she was also doing it for the benefit of Her's. He was awake and listening, even though his eyes were closed. She knew because she could invade his mind, but also because the rhythm of his breathing had changed slightly. Only something she would notice, having lived with Hers for so long. I see look in face. Look bad. You tell Absinthe. She hopped forward a little bit and resumed her position. Tell why upset. I listen. I listen. She crooned again trying to make it sound as lovingly as she could. See, all she wanted to do was help? No way was she trying to make Eikane spill something that he would otherwise keep in to Her human. Noo, never. I never tell.

Nautic had indeed woken, but he had remained silent. Absinthe was speaking and what she said had interested him, although he had missed the part about him visiting often. He had regained consciousness around the time his Mandyr asked why Eikane came, and he had to resist telling the Green off for prying. She was up to something, and he was wary. Pretending to still be asleep was probably the best course of action, for now at least. His Salamandyr had better not make his friend angry...

[Ember]

Eikane pulled back at Nautic's dream muttering, a slight smile crossing his face. It faded quickly as he noticed the green salamandyr of Nautic's crawl towards the other wherhandler's chest and himself. He was mildly surprised when she started talking to him. He had almost forgotten how talkative salamandyrs could be. He didn't see them all that often in the apartments and his own blue was a quiet fellow. He'd started considering it as a quirk of the occasional one he heard talking to broadcast.

He ought to have known better, really he should have, but when invited to sit he picked up the chair and moved it closer to the bed. Nautic had stopped making waking movements and the green seemed pleasant enough. Absinthe ought to count herself lucky that her owner's friend knew so little about her. He had nothing to say about him being nice but her questions caught him off guard. Was it that obvious that he was upset because of Nautic? Or was the green pointing it out because she blamed him?

"A bit of both, you clever girl," he replied with a defeated sigh. Nautic was a friend, Eikane knew that to be true and he was wary of it. He was also, in his mind, guilty for his friend's current state. The goldhandler was too glad for a sympathetic confidant not connected to his mind to bother keeping his deeper feelings bottled up as he normally did. Much to his eternal shame, he didn't doubt that the green would keep his secret. Too long with Nocturne had made him too trusting of the devious little creatures.

"Its my fault," he admitted in an anguished tone, "that he's here. If only I hadn't sent him and Dmitri to that entrance they wouldn't have gotten hurt. I have a gold wher so suddenly I'm given the right to order the other wherhandlers around?" He snorted contemptuously at his presumption. Stupid Eikane. "Anyways, as you said I've been here longer than I expected. Thanks for listening." He stood up and looked over Nautic again briefly.

[Tashe]

Yesss. Yes tell her all about it. Tell her how bad you feel, yesss. Dig yourself a hole, make your own snare in which Her's could tap you in. Good little human, goood. Both yes? Hmm. Yes, tell Absinthe more. Get off chest, make feel better. She made a noise very similar to a purr, oh yes she was enjoying this. Scampering forward she perched herself on the edge of the cot and placed her front paws on the closest of Eikane's limbs. Looking up, the Green swung her tail from side to side as she listened to the Goldhandler speak. The corners of her maw pulled back when she felt a swirl of emotion from Nautic, knowing her answer fishing had caught both of them hook, line and sinker. Absinthe praised herself quietly before scampering back onto Her's leg when Eikane stood to leave.

But when the Gold handler looked over at Nautic, he wasn't greeted with a sleeping peacefulness. No, the younger man was staring unhappily right back at him. "Bullshit." Oh miiine~. I no know you were awaaake. Absinthe looked from one human to the other. Oh noo. Private that was. Absy soooo sooorry. If she could giggle, she would have. Bouncing away, the Green stood on her hind legs and used Tizzy's head as a balancing point. Nautic on the other hand struggled to pull himself up into a sitting position using one hand, normally it wouldn't have been hard, but he really didn't want to disturb his pets. "That is bull and you should know that!"

Using his unrestrained hand, he wagged his finger wildly at Eikane. "It is soo not your fault! You didn't come up with that idea. That stupid Bronzer did! And he told you to do it and if you weren't around then he would have picked people anyways. It was only chance that Demi and I happened to be near by, and no gigantor Bronze or Brown pair could have fit in the stands anyway!" Folding his free arm into his sling, Nautic sat back heavily against the wall behind him. All that had been said quickly so Eikane didn't have the chance to flee. "For the love of little Green Hatchings, geesh!"

[Ember]

Why wasn't he asleep!? He was supposed to be asleep! Eikane had never thought out what would happen if Nautic happened to wake up when he visited. In his surprise Eikane stumbled backwards, tripped himself up on the chair and fell heavily on his backside. Oof! He didn't linger long on the ground. He was quickly back on his feet and trying to stare in astonishment at Nautic and glare at Absinthe at the same time. The green must have known her owner was awake. Tricksy little beast. That'd teach him for trusting any salamandyr besides his own.

The goldhandler was torn between fleeing and helping Nautic sit up but his mind was caught on the words spilling out of his friend's mouth. The stunned expression on Eikane's face was likely comical as he ran through what Nautic had said a couple of times. He should know that? Not his fault...he knew it was the bronzerider's suggestion but he hadn't said who to send. It was the odd curse at the end that made the man blink, shake his head, and begin to respond. Or try to at least.

"But I...you...ngh!" Real articulate Eikane. If he wasn't careful his status as journeyman harper may be questioned. He had no idea what to say to that. On one hand he knew Nautic was right. On the other hand he was still holding onto that guilt. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Though he knew it was mean spirited he muttered, "You hit your head pretty hard...." He was daring to insinuate his friend was still not thinking clearly when the greenhandler was trying to set him straight.

[Tashe]

He felt like flailing. He felt like throwing something at Eikane. Damn his injuries! "You~!" Picking up a pillow he chucked it at the Goldhandler, aiming for his chest and hopefully his head. But the toss was weaker than it should have been seeing as his uninjured arm wasn't the one he normally used. "Well no duh I hit my head! I wouldn't just shave a portion of my hair off for fun! Gah!" Removing his other pillow, he waved it threateningly at Eikane. "AND THAT WAS WEEKS AGO THANKS VERY MUCH. My mind is perfectly alright now. I got over my concussion a day or two into my Infirmary stay. My arm is still messed up though.." He made a face. "But that is not the point!" Shaking the pillow again, Nautic wiggled unhappily. "That whole situation was annoying! Such a confined area with two exits and filled with creatures? People were bound to get hurt and it just happened that we were the first ones."

Swinging the pillow so that it hit Eikane he pulled it back and hugged it to the side of his chest with a sigh, shifting so that he was in a more comfortable position. "If it makes you feel any better, I don't blame you. War is war, and people get hurt. As Wherhandlers we don't get involved in the daylight fighting, but everyday Riders get hurt. And they know from the beginning that its part of their job." Drawing his knees up to his chest, he tucked the pillow under his chin and sighed. "You look horrible. It looks like you haven't eaten since the attack." His eyes remained downward, he was watching Absinthe and Tizzy right themselves from the tumble they took off of his legs. "A growing giant like you needs food, or you'll wilt like a Meadowsweet without water." He didn't want Eikane to feel guilty about what had happened, but he also realized he couldn't just make him suddenly change his mind. It would take a while. And that frustrated Nautic because he was the type of person who hated to see others worry about him, or rather, worry about anything at all. Nautsk wasn't the only fusser in the partnership. "I really need to get you that lunch I promised. Looks like you're just going to keel over and die or something."

[Ember]

Eikane caught the pillow out of reflex. He held it in such a way as it hid the amused smile on his face. There was nothing he could do to hide the smile in his eyes though. He hadn't had something thrown at him since his apprentice days. He was fairly sure he was the older one present and being treated like an apprentice by Nautic served only to amuse him. The conversation made him grimace and lower the pillow. He tossed it back onto the bed lightly.

"What I said was unfair," the goldhandler said, "I'm sorry. At least you're better now. You were quite something right after you hit your head, y'know." Was that a lsight teasing tone? Maybe. Telling someone else about his guilt had done him good, even if it was to a little sneak like Absinthe. She wasn't the sympathetic audience he'd thought she was, and neither was Nautic really...he just told him how much of an idiot he was. Whatever did the job, right?

"Abuse!" He cried when Nautic hit him with the pillow. "Bullying a person already down, hmph! It does help, though." Eikane felt the need to lighten the conversation. Too long in that realm didn't suit him. He wanted to protest that he had been eating...just not as much as usual. He had a relatively fast metabolism so he ate often and ate a lot when he was feeling normal. The growing comment made him quirk a brow curiously. He wasn't growing much, if at all. Not to mention he looked older than he was so it was surprising Nautic considered him a growing boy.

What really caugh him was... "Did you just liken me to a flower?" He snorted in amusement. He could see why someone might make that conenction with himself. Flowers were feminine things and Eikane had softer features than most men. "I know I'm gorgeous, but to think you thought me as gorgeous as a Meadowsweet, oh my!" He was flirt-teasing as much because he wanted to as to cover up his feelings again. "Lunch does sound good, though I'm not as bad as I look."

[Tashe]

"Actually I don't... but I'm not sure I want to know. I hope I didn't do anything embarrassing. Like... drool on someone. That would be horrible." As he traced patterns into the blankets with one of his fingers, Nautic used his knees to prop up his chin. "I really don't remember anything from the attack. I remember falling, but after that? Nothing much. A few things here and there, but all of the flashes are so fast its confusing." Shifting his gaze he looked over at Eikane, but was only able to see his midsection. "Could you... sit, please? Its much easier to talk if you're down at my level. I have to look up even when I'm standing! I'm sooo short." He groaned, although he didn't know why. His height had always plagued him, but he had always made up for it in spunk. But right now, he didn't feel very much like being his normal self. Just like he didn't feel like looking upward. Turning his head so that his cheek rested on the pillow, he yawned loudly, trying to shake off the clutches of sleep.

"I liken everyone to flowers, so don't get your special pants all in a twist." He smiled slightly. "I run the floral stall when Selentias has gathers. Flowers are kinda my thing. My hobby if you will." Petting Tizzy as he crawled over to investigate, Nautic closed his eyes briefly as a draft of wind tussled his hair. "Other people collect things, or make things. I study flora and sketch them. I love plants just about as much as I love Whers. And you know how much I love Whers." He'd told Eikane before about it, and how he was compiling a research project on them. So even if the Goldhandler didn't have a total grasp on how much he loved the species, he'd have a general idea. "Though Meadowsweets are pretty, so maybe you have something there." See, two could play that game. "If you say so." He opened his eyes again and studied Eikane quietly for a moment. "I'm sorry for yelling at you. I just don't like seeing you feel bad. I also should have warned you before this about how evil Absinthe can be when she is sober. The good thing is though, is that she does everything for a purpose." Absinthe, who had been listening despite not looking like it, curled her tail around her smugly before returning to chatting with another Salamandyr at the end of their cot.

[Ember]

Eikane chuckled softly at Nautic's admission. So he didn't remember being carried? The goldhandler wasn't entirely sure if that was a good or bad thing. "I don't recall you drooling on anyone...not unless you drooled on Roisk when you were brought out," he said, a slight growling hiding underneath his voice as he remembered that moment. He hadn't liked letting Dmitri and Nautic be carried out on Roisk but it had been that or let them suffocate to death. "You did bleed though. It was...worrying." Tch, awkward admittign that.

When Nautic asked him to sit down her retrieved the chair he'd been slumped in earlier and pulled it close to the bed. He sat down, propping his elbows on the bed and his chin on his hands. He didn't much like that groan of Nautic's. It didn't fit Eikane's image of the blonde. He leaned to the side slightly to free his left hand. He gently ruffled Nautic's hair (more than a little afraid he'd hurt him) and said, "Most people seem short to me. In truth, I'd rather be a little on the short side than tall. You have no idea how many times I've whacked my head on things thinking I had more room." He'd removed his long before he finished speaking, returning it to under his chin.

Eikane listened with interest as his company explained his fascination with flowers, a small smile creeping onto his features. Drawing was to Eikane as flowers were to Nautic, or so it sounded like. Perhaps he ought to show the greenhandler one of his drawings at some point. He actually kept a couple with him at all times. Pockets were a necessity on Eikane's clothes; he liked to hide some of his drawings in them. He blinked at the return flirt before he grinned. Oh ho! So Nautic was going to play too.

"I'm used to getting yelled at," Eikane said dismissively. He really was, too. He'd been yelled at plenty as an apprentice, and again as a 'candidate.' He was touched Nautic cared so much about his feelings. "Probably did me good." At mention of the green salamandyr, the harper glanced at her and shook his head. "I got so used to mine, I forgot that a lot of other salamandyrs can be so devious. She won't catch me off guard again." It was a promise to himself.

[Tashe]

He lifted his hand to touch the scar, his fingers slowly tracing it's length from one end to the other. "Yeah. I had to get stitches." Nautic could feel the fuzz of new hair growth beneath his fingers. "I... I think I remember holding onto Demi. Riding on Roisk..." The Wherhandler sighed and ran his fingers through his bangs, resting his forehead on his palm. Nautic hated not being able to remember, he normally had a good mind for that kind of thing, able to memorize recipes or facts the first time he hears them. But not being able to visualize an small portion of his life was frustrating the shards out of him. Ruffling his hair unhappily, an unusual action for him, Nautic closed his eyes again. "I don't like this feeling. Not being able to remember. It feels wrong... I keep trying and trying. But its like grasping at smoke." Letting his hand fall away, the Handler curled it around his legs.

And for once, he didn't complain about Eikane ruffling his hair, instead he took the moment to enjoy the feeling of the other man's gentle touch. "I guess thats true. But its still annoying when you can't reach, for the life of you, the very top shelf." Rubbing his eyes, Nautic removed the sleep from them as he listened to the Goldhandler talk. He was used to being yelled at? A funny thing to think about. Nautic couldn't picture someone yelling at Eikane without thinking it strange. Especially him. Returning to the conversation when Absinthe was brought up, Nausi shook his head slightly with a smile. "Oh I don't know. I tell myself that all the time, but she always finds a way to manipulate me. The thing is not to get in her debt."

[Ember]

Eikane frowned at Nautic's predicament. He actually knew what had happened to the other handler in the span that Nautic oculdn't seem to remember. "Perhaps you're trying too hard," Eikane suggested, rather than actually telling him what he was forgetting. "Even smoke can be caught, but it can't be done forcefully." His guilt led him to say more though he normally wouldn't. "I do know what happened after you hit your head. I won't tell you yet, okay? If you still don't remember after a week or two I'll tell you if you want to know."

That he'd offer to tell something so awkward was telling; he cared enough about Nautic to put aside some of his own discomfort. He'd do the same for Dmitri who was something like a younger, very annoying brother. Nautic wasn't very brother-like to him. Eikane was convincing hismelf that he still considered Nautic a toy that he was simply rediculously fond of. Because that totally made sense.

Eikane yawned into his hands. He was still tired, despite his impromptu nap. He forced himself to concentrate on Nautic though. He smiled at the blonde warmly. "If you can't reach just get one of us freakishly tall people to help you. Assuming we don't hit our heads on anything coming to help you." He eyed the mandyr again and shook his head. "I'll have to be super wary then!" He fished around in one of his pockets until he found a sheet of paper. "Can I get your opinion on something?" He took out the folded paper and held it up. It was a drawing of their classes' whers, their handlers, and their teachers. It had been done over the course of several months as he discreetly watched the other wherpairs go about their business. It was one of his best drawings.

[Tashe]

"Yeah... you can catch it in a jar." His eyes flicked over at Eikane when he told him about what he knew, or rather that he knew what happened. "Oh not faaaair. Now I'm going to be wondering about it even more." Wiggling visibly, he bounced slightly on his cot. "Okay fiiine. But I'm going to take that as a promise though!" He wanted to know! Nautic had this nagging feeling that the Goldhandler was lying and that he had done something embarrassing. Oh this was going to bother him for sure. But he could wait, and if he got his memories back then good. Fine. But if he didn't Eikane had better tell him the truth. Momentarily he stopped all wiggling, his eyes focusing on something that wasn't there. He took on a glazed over look. Nautsk was checking up on him again from herside of the Infirmary, not able to sneak over and visit quite yet. The Handler offered his Wher pictures, telling her that Eikask's was visiting him so he was fine. Shaking his head slightly as the Green left him content with his condition, Nautic smiled over at Eikane.

"I'll just send Tizzy to find you, solely to reach the top shelf for me." Tilting his head up so that his face no longer rested on the pillow, he watched as the other Wherhandler removed something from his pocket. Was that a picture? Gently taking it from Eikane, Nautic gave a little gasp when he saw what it was. "Oh wow! You drew this? This is really amazing!" There was him, Eikane and Demi. Ayria and Quintrell. And even their old Wherlingmaster. And the Whers! Oh the Whers were so nicely done. "Eikane." He turned to look at the other man, his face a mix of excitement and intent. "Would you be willing to sketch Selentias's Whers for my research project?" A history of the Weyr's Whers wouldn't be complete without a few pictures! If Eikane wanted payment for the sketches, he'd be willing to pay as many marks as needed. And if he ran out of marks, well, he was good for IOU's. He could also trade for favors, like... cooking meals or something.

[Ember]

Eikane grinned devilishly at Nautic's protest. It was quite fun teasing the other wherhandler. "Fair enough," he commented on the subject of promises. It was a bit unfair to know something like that when the other man didn't remember it at all. Thinking back on it, Eikane remembered how cute Nautic had been. A slight blush creeped onto his cheeks and he pinched the bridge of his nose harshly. Bad Eikane. He glanced at his company to see if he'd noticed but he figured he was safe, if that faraway look was any indication. A moment later Nautic smiled at him and he returned the expression.

He snorted in amusement at the idea of being fetched by a firelizard for such a thing. "I can hear him now. 'Herrp, herrp.'" He was attempting to mimic the firelizard's odd speech. He wasn't entirely sure it worked all that well. The mental image was amusing enough on its own though. Then suddenly Nautic was praising his work and the man positively radiated pride. He was very proud of his drawings but to have them praised so was really wonderful. He was reminded again why he often played in areas for all to hear; the man loved for people to enjoy his work, recognize it for how good it was.

Eikane couldn't help but focus when his name was called like that. He looked at Nautic curiously. That expression was slightly worrying.... He blinked at being asked to contribute his artwork to Nautic's history project. "Hnn." He generally didn't share his artwork so openly. It was a more personal thing than music written by other people. He hesitated for a while before caving in to Nautic's expression. "I suppose I could lend my considerable skill to your cause."

[Tashe]

Tizzy looked up from his human's hand and jumped onto his knees, gazing at Eikane intently. "Herrp, ru?" Did the big human need help? He could help, yessir. He was a handy Salamandyr, he was special because he could go Between, like his white kin. He could also fly but he never did it, he really didn't want to do anything his smaller Brother and Sisters couldn't do. He didn't want them to get mad at him, or even be jealous. Moving his wings up and down like Absinthe had done with her frill, Tizzy tilted his head from one side to the other. "Heerp?"

Laughing as his Firelizard responded to Eikane's call, Nautic flipped the hair out of his eyes. "Noo Tizzy, he doesn't need any help." Fondly petting the amazingly skinny Blue, the Wherhandler wrinkled his nose in a grin. "Thank you very much though. Why don't you keep Absinthe out of trouble yes? I don't want her frolicking with all the male Salamandyrs in the Infirmary." Nautic pushed gently at the flitter's butt until he moved, crossing is legs under the blankets as soon as Tizzy was out of the danger zone. Now, back to Eikane. "You will? Oh thats so great. I mean, it might not be the most looked at book... not many people like reading about Whers. They tend to prefer looking at Dragons, because almost everyone thinks they're 'cooler' than Whers. Or smarter or what have you." He trailed off. "But anyways, it'll be one of a kind. Only one copy in the entirety of Selenitas. I've already talked to the Archivists and they said they were happy to receive it when its done. But I don't think I'll be done for a while..."

"Oh but anyways. Is there anything I can do in return? Since the book is still in the compiling process, I don't know exactly what's going to be done with the sketches. Like poses and stuff..." Scooting himself so that he was angled toward the Goldhandler, Nautic balanced his free hand on his knee. "This is of course, all dependent on whether or not you can stand being around me for a while." Nautic smiled happily. This was very exciting for him, a good turn in events. He had missed almost month of precious research time but now he had secured something he had thought would be much harder to get. He didn't know many artists, and really had been putting off due to his semi-pointed procrastination.