[Caravans/Egg Stall] Aches and Pains

[Rei]

Ebolath brought her head down to look at the egg. It is so tiny. You will be a good mother I think. The green stated before tilting her head at the next question. I have not met him in person but I have talked to him.

The small dragon nodded and turned to follow Kale, as she informed her that they could now leave. Oh I bet he does look pretty in ribbons! Ebolath’s eyes whirled in happy blues. I am sure he looks amazing, but I promise to tell him he does either way. The green said solemnly to her new little friend. What fun she was!

Raylin smiled as Kalerary took the knots and pronounced herself bronze rider. Ebby? Ah, she was calling Ebolath well that was a new one. Her little green didn’t seem to mind however. Not in the least, in fact she was practically bouncing beside the girl. Suddenly the weyrling realized she was being spoken to and she turned to meet the bronze rider's eyes.

His intense stare had the weyrling trying not to squirm. She normally tried to avoid eye contact with men in general. His gaze had her feeling quite nervous and she didn’t trust herself to speak so the woman settled for listening politely and nodding where it seemed appropriate.

Finally she trusted herself to speak. “Hepaticath. That is Aslath’s only daughter correct. I only saw her once. The night Shmee…” She trailed off. No sense in bringing up horrible things. Instead she focused her attention on the young creatures in front of her. Vega winged ahead to perch on Ebolath’s neck ridges. The pale blue was forced to occasionally flare a wing to keep balance, as his green perch tried to mimic Kale‘s skip. “I do hope she grows out of her laziness. I also hope she gains some grace the poor dear.”

Ebolath ignored her rider in favor of the promise of ribbons. Oh you would give me ribbons? Pink ones sound so lovely! Mine often says I am pretty and Stupid says I am beautiful. I would be even prettier with ribbons yes? Would you like a ride? She lowered her neck just in case the girl decided she did. We would get to Cissy oh so much faster. I am excited to see him in his pretty ribbons.

Ebolath was momentarily distracted by Ciceroth. I agree we are much better than the smelly beasts. They taste very, very good? Oh I would like to try one but we mustn’t tell mine she would be upset. I do not like to make mine upset. The green’s eyes flushed with a touch of yellow at the words. She so hated to make hers upset. Hers should always be happy. Thank you for the kind offer. I would gladly accept as long as we do not tell mine. Is that you with all the flying ribbons? The bronze was now in sight. I will get ours to hurry so you do not have to wait to long.

Ebolath turned to regard the slower humans. Hurry up! We are almost there! Raylin rolled her eyes. “We are going as fast as we can hobble love. You can hurry up with Kale if her dad says it is ok.” The weyrling turned to regard Ka’rys. “Don’t worry Ebolath would never let her fall. But you are her father it’s up to you. I doubt Kale’s weight could strain Ebolath at all.” The last bit was meant to reassure herself more than him.

[glamourie]

Kalerary skipped toward Ciceroth, still grasping the shaking egg in her fingers. Her gaze was on Ebolath as they moved and she shook her head frantically. "I'm not allooooowed," she chimed sweetly. "I'm not allowed to ride with anybody but grownups. Papa's very specific. He said it might hurt weyrlings before, and that it is dangerous. I don't want to hurt you, Ebby!" There was a definite worried note in her voice, but Kalerary made no effort to stop in her movements. It wouldn't hurt them to walk. After all, walking was good for a person. That was what R'wign was always telling her. Plenty of exercise. She got that, and she took it very seriously because Kalerary wanted to be a healer. Thus it was that the little girl paid a lot of attention to the instructions given to her by healers. Ebolath was an exception: she listened to her papa because she wanted Ebolath to grow up big and strong, like Cissy was.

Only... daughter...?

Ka'rys blinked, squinted, and looked at Raylin oddly. Did she realize that greens were female? Surely she knew her dragon's gender? Yet she had said "only daughter." Perhaps she meant only queen daughter, but it was an odd statement nonetheless, and he was not capable of refraining from comment. "Aslath had plenty of daughters. As I recall, your Ebolath is one of them." Shrugging one shoulder, as though absent-minded, Ka'rys turned his gaze back to the dragons. "If you mean the only queen that Aslath bore, yes, that would be Hepaticath." He kept the tidbit of information - namely that Ciceroth was Hepaticath's sire - to himself. That sort of thing didn't matter to dragons or their riders (dragon lineage was rarely thought upon) but he didn't want the girl to realize he was technically one of the former Weyrleaders of Selenitas. Or that he was attached to Savitri in any way. He didn't normally try to hide that fact, but it was... nice not being treated 'special' because of any rank, real or imagined. The girl seemed somewhat disinterested in him and he appreciated that. He hated it when people were fascinated by him in any way.

"I'm sure you'll see a lot more of Hepaticath before the turn is through. Unless T'rid changed it, Weyrlings usually rotate on the queen's wing when they're fresh out of training - typically to get a feel for how Threadfall works," he added with a slight shrug. "Though if you wanted to see more of her, you could always hang out by the infirmary. Savitri likes trying to go live there and has to be forcibly removed, often with metal objects, to convince her to eat. I dare you to bring her a large bowl of fruit one day. You can say I sent you, she'll fuss at me instead." He had no doubt that if some weyrling showed up with food, Savitri would fuss at him for it, probably complaining that it was bad enough he and Cath tried to force her to eat. She'd insist she ate plenty, and he'd end up trying very hard not to laugh... and then changing the topic. Which usually worked as an effective distraction technique. He hoped she took up the idea... It had potential.

The bronze rider flicked his gaze quizzically to Ebolath as her rider spoke, and he bit his tongue before eying up the weyrling curiously. “She’s about five months old, correct? Dragons don’t typically learn to fly until around seven, and eight for with their riders. Even though Kalerary is small, I don’t think it’s a very good idea yet. If she was a couple months older, I’d agree to it -- but Kale is right. There is a strong chance she could hurt Ebolath, unintentionally, and none of us would be happy about that. Besides, Ciceroth isn’t going anywhere, I promise. He’s found himself a nice little rut and I expect I’ll have to work to convince him to even take us back to my weyr later on. He’s quite the lazy dragon, you see. Given a choice, I think he’d lounge around and do nothing all the time. Eat and sleep. Periodically flirt with Hepaticath, but mostly eat and sleep. Great big pile of useless hide, he is.” Ka’rys rolled his eyes, but there was enough to his tone to tell he adored his dragon, even if he did insult him.

Kalerary cast a half-glance to her father before looking back at Ebolath. “Don’t worry, he’s right, Cissy won’t go anywhere, and I would give you ribbons, yes I would. I have lots of them. K’von of Dohulth and papa bought me toooons, and I like making them out of papa’s old shirts, because Savivi --” She couldn’t remember the girl’s name, sadly, “-- keeps giving him different ones to replace the old. I have to dye them though because his old shirts are uuuuuugly.”

The mere mention of the ribbons made Ciceroth throw his left wing up and over his face. His wings were easily long enough to hide his head behind when he wanted to and he did so often, usually when embarrassed. His tail twitched slightly, just enough to be noticeable. Why did the hatchling have to put so many ribbons and bows on him? He looked so silly. He could just feel RysHis’s amusement too. It was not something to joke about, but RysHis found his predicament very funny. Ciceroth felt that RysHis also needed ribbons, but the hatchling seemed to disagree. If he was more open he would have suggested it to her himself. Haaarumph.

The hatchling feels I need ribbons, the bronze replied, with as much dignity as he could muster given his situation. You are welcome to make me wait. I assure you, I’ve no intentions of returning home until these … bows… have been removed anyway. You’re welcome to them if you like. Tell the hatchling you‘d prefer them and I am sure she would put them all on you. I expect these are more your color than mine anyway.

[Rei]

Ebolath snorted. I do not think you would hurt me on purpose oh no! The green sounded horrified by that fact. She quite liked Kale she did. (Then again Ebolath liked anyone who was nice to her). We will walk then. When I am grownup would you someday like a ride? I would not mind. It is the least I can do if you give me ribbons. The green flared her wings in excitement, ribbons sounded so nice they did.

When Ka’rys returned her comment Raylin blushed and frantically stammered. “Of course I....I know Ebolath is her daughter. I....I suppose that was extremely poorly wooded on my part. I meant only queen she produced but you already figured it out and…I... I’m stammering sorry.” The green weyrling concentrated on her feet as she walked and bit her tongue. So stupid, why did she always appear so brainless around males? Dimly she felt a loving mind caress from Ebolath and Raylin let it soothe her partially.

Taking the mental equivalent of a deep breath she nodded as the bronze rider continued to speak. They were almost to Ciceroth and the green weyrling was momentarily distracted by the ribbons and the bronzes attempt to hide his head. Still she had caught all that was said and the last bit caused her to frown.

Raylin turned towards Ka’rys. “Savitri sounds like she is pretty busy I wouldn’t want to disturb her. However I wouldn’t mind bringing her some food if it meant getting a better look at Hepaticath. Besides Ebolath and her are half sisters. I am sure Ebolath would love to meet her. Your sure she will fuss at you? I wouldn‘t want to get you in trouble.”

Ebolath listened to Kale’s explanation about the ribbons and gave a draconic huff of laughter. Tons? That is a lot of ribbons. Perhaps you should gift them to some of the dragons of the weyr. I bet Corinth would like some ribbons. The green dragon stopped then as they had reached Ciceroth.

You are so big! He was huge, bigger than Corinth who was by far the biggest dragon she remembered seeing. Her memories of her clutch mother, Aslath, were hazy at best, unless she plucked them from her riders mind. Ebolath ducked her head to try and get a better look at the great bronze. I would take them from you if you like but you look very handsome in them. Do you really think they are my color? The green asked turning to look at her own hide to compare. How do you tell if they are my color or not?

“Yes she is five months. I wouldn’t want to ever hurt her even by accident. I would be quite distraught.” Raylin replied as they made there way up to the great bronze. His comments about Ciceroth caused a smile to play across her face. “Sleep, eat and bother her friends. That’s about what Ebolath does. Although she tends to pack on weight quickly and I am always pushing her to exercise. I am afraid that if she grows fat she will be unable to fly without hurting herself.” The weyrling bowed politely to the ribbon covered bronze and tried to fight back a giggle. The large masculine dragon did look quite put out by the whole situation, no need to make it worse.

[glamourie]

“I would!” Kalerary replied exuberantly. She very much liked riding on dragon back, though Ciceroth was much bigger than the girl was used to. Her mother was a greenrider in the north before she was … before… That thought was abruptly cut off, to avoid becoming upset. She liked riding on greens though, greens and blues. Never queens. Queens were useless, her mama told her, because all they did was sit and make eggs, they didn’t even properly fight. Not that anyone at Selenitas fought, she thought with a bemused twist of her nose. It struck her as odd that none of the dragons defended their Weyr. Weren’t they worried they’d get attacked? She’d asked her papa once why no one learned to fight, and he’d said it was because the south didn’t think they needed it. She thought that was silly. Just because there was a whole lot of water in between them didn’t mean that the other Weyrs couldn’t come. When dragons could blink between in an instant, water wasn’t really scary, and even without dragons there were boats. She found southern people a little odd.

Sauntering right up to Ciceroth (she had no reason to fear him), the weyrbrat leaned over and patted his nose. However, Ebolath’s next statement made her go rigid. “I don’t like the Weyrleader,” she said, unashamed. “He’s mean to felines. He’s mean to baby felines. I got one - he’s Reggie. T’rid’s Rejected Feline. He wouldn’t take ‘im even though Reggie wanted him. It’s okay though because Reggie loves my papa more, and my papa is a much better bronze rider than he is. My papa’s the best bronze rider.” She solemnly nodded. It wasn’t hard to be the best bronze rider to Kalerary though. She pretty much disliked bronze riders as a whole, finding them arrogant and annoying. T’rid was very much along those lines in behavior, and her experience with others at Selenitas was limited. She really only talked to brown riders and her papa. “Do you really think his bronze would like ribbons? Ciceroth doesn’t like them at all, I don’t think, but that’s okay because he looks good in them and boys rarely know what’s good for them.”

Ciceroth leaned over and nudged Kalerary gently. It was an undeniably affectionate gesture borne of spending much time with the young girl. However, like her or not, he did not speak to her. He was quite snobbish in that respect. For Ciceroth to speak mind-to-mind to anyone but Ka’rys was rare indeed, and he tried to avoid it at all costs. They were not His. RysHis was. Still, he had no problem leaning forward to lick the girl, a habit he’d learned from Hepaticath. The response was instantaneous. Kalerary squealed and yelped a loud ‘Eeeewwwww’ for all to hear while Ciceroth sprawled himself out properly. He turned his head and nosed Ebolath’s side, taking a look at her. Hmm.

You are green. Pink looks better with green than bronze, he said as if he would know. He didn’t. He just didn’t like the ribbons. They make me look quite silly, but they make the hatchling happy. The hatchling being happy means Rysmine is happy, and I do not have to listen to him whine about how Corinth’s is not doing enough for the poisonings, or what he isn’t doing. Honestly, he fusses quite a bit. That is why he and Hepaticath’s like each other, I think; they like to fuss and fussing over one another gives them something to do. Make yourself comfortable, hatchling? This spot is very good for light. I can move if you like so that you are not caught by shadow.

“Half-siblings,” Ka’rys mused, outwardly ignoring Raylin’s discomfort. He had a talent for making the people around him feel awkward and if he brought it up it usually made it worse. Also it implied that he cared: he didn’t. She was the one who said it, not him. “Savitri is busy because Savitri goes out of her way to be busy. She’d be fine with you and Ebolath coming to lavish praise on Hepaticath, I’m certain, and yes, she’d fuss at me. It gives her a disturbing thrill to have a reason to fuss at me. You’d make her day, I assure you.” Half-siblings was such an odd way to put it. Most people didn’t put much stock in dragon lineage. He could usually tell Grenostith’s offspring given their appearance, other than that… well, dragons were dragons. Did she realize, he wondered, that the bronze lounging so neatly next to her green was Hepaticath’s sire? Probably not. Ciceroth and Hepaticath both had long forgotten that fact, and Ka’rys did not deign to remind him. Dragons didn’t usually care about that sort of thing.

Rubbing his nose, Ka’rys eyed Ciceroth for a moment. Then he made a face (when he was sure that Raylin wasn’t looking). The bronze snorted back at him and he smirked; clearly the disgruntled look had amused his winged counterpart. “She’ll probably stop packing on so much weight as she gets older. Exercise with her regularly ought to help. I’m surprised she’s not more playful. When Hepaticath was her age, she was chasing Ciceroth around trying to out splash him. Come to think of it, she still does that.” He paused, then looked at Ciceroth. “Can she out splash you yet?”

She has quite a ways to go if she intends to take my title of biggest splash in the South, Rysmine. I will not give it up without a fight. Indignant, Ciceroth ruffled his wings. As if he would be so easily defeated.

[Rei]

Kale’s admission that she would love a ride soothed Ebolath. Good she could pay her back for her ribbons someday. The information that Kale did not like T’rid drew a surprised croon from the green. Yes Ebolath quite liked T’rid and really the reasons were not that hard to figure out.

The green had a vendetta against depression, it was as if her sole purpose in life was to try and cheer people up. T’rid was like an ongoing project for her because he was a manic depressive. Two he was immature and so the young green naturally gravitated to him and three, well three was she just did.

I did not know that T’rid did not like felines. The green remarked sounding a bit confused by the fact. Her confusion quickly turned into a happy head bob however. Oh I do think that Corinth would like ribbons. He likes gifts. He is very nice. He is not a silly as his mine. Oh no. Not at all. The train of thought was effectively cut off at Ciceroth’s lick and Kale’s exclamation of disgust. The green chuffed in the dragon version of laughter eyes whirling a merry blue.

Ciceroth’s nose touch to her side made the green puff out a bit, unconsciously aware that the bronze was taking stock of her. Yes I think you are right. Green would go well with pink. At his offer to make herself comfortable she gave a small croon and plopped down. Oh do not hassle yourself on my account. The sun is very nice yes? I am quite happy it is sunny today. It has rained a lot lately.

Raylin was quite happy that they had stopped walking, as her ankle was beginning to throb. She lowered herself to the ground and watched the two dragons interact, mentally reminding herself to pay Savitri a visit. “Oh she’s playful just not overly so. She tends to prefer to laze around most of the time. I walk and run with her when I can, but with my ankle it makes it hard to get her to do anything. She adamantly refuses to exercise if I am not doing it with her. Stubborn beast. I really do hope she loses weight. Extra weight will mean more stress on her bones when she does learn to fly won’t it?”

((Gah kinda sucks. Sorry Symsy))

[glamourie]

[ it’s fine, not sucky at all~ ]

“Well, he doesn’t,” Kalerary replied with a slight nod. “Papa calls him ‘Weyrfailure’ instead of Weyrleader, but don’t tell anybody that ‘cause I could get into big big trouble for repeating it.” Her words were conspiratorial, and quiet enough that the other two humans present wouldn’t be able to hear. She trusted Checkoth not to tattle on her, and she didn’t believe Ebolath would, either. In some ways, Kalerary was quite naïve. She didn’t trust men at all, but Ebolath was a green dragon and in her opinion greens were the absolute best of the Weyr. She didn’t believe Ebolath was capable of doing anything wrong. Greens were the bestest. They could do things queens couldn’t. She’d never understand why anyone liked golds. Being a gold rider to her sounded like more of a chore than anything else, even if Savivi’s shiny was pretty. “I think felines are pretty though. Sometime, I will bring Reggie to meet you. You’ll love him. He climbs on Ciceroth and kneads him and papa said Ciceroth thinks it feels really good. I bet he’d do that for you too. He really likes dragons, my Reggie…”

While she spoke, Kalerary frantically wiped her face with her arms and sleeves, trying to get the dragon drool off of herself. Under her breath she muttered something about bad dragon slobber, and Ciceroth rumbled at her in response. An embarrassed flush crept up the seven turn old’s face and she worked faster, hoping to remove the annoyance. She had very little luck, however, and finally gave up to sit right on the ground and rub with both arms. Trying to do so while standing was putting her in very real danger of toppling over onto her side, a humiliating option to be sure. The last thing she wanted was for her new friend to see how silly she could be.

Eyes still on his child (as any dutiful parent would doubtlessly have), Ka’rys listened to Raylin. He followed her example in sitting down, and propped his ankle (fractured as it still was) up on the bronze’s flank. Ciceroth snorted at him; he ignored it, instead clucking his tongue curiously. “Among other health concerns, yes, but I don’t think you’ve got a lot to worry about. She’s young enough that she’ll likely outgrow it. Just keep onto her, and you’ll see. When they’re that young, they eat everything that you push at them. Ciceroth used to steal my clothes, and some of them went missing. Pretty sure he ate a pair of my pants once, though he denies it vehemently even now. Like he can remember that far back, ridiculous beast.” Rolling his eyes, Ka’rys scratched the bridge of his nose. “If you’re really concerned, you should consult one of the dragon healers for some peace of mind, but I think you’re fussing over nothing. She’s a hatchling. They all eat everything. Baby humans do, too. Dragons are just less likely to spit it back up on you like human infants do.”

Rysmine likes the rain, Ciceroth admitted as he continued to nose the little green over. He didn’t mean it offensively; he was very physically affectionate, with everyone he liked, be it human or dragon. Strangers sometimes too, but to a much lesser degree. Ebolath had his interest, which meant he’d be nosing her and touching her just to study. Nothing personal about it. I like the sun and the rain. After so much dry, the rain is good. It makes the jungle grow better, and the jungle growing means the crops nearby grow and the two-leggeds have more to eat. Rysmine is very happy, too; he prefers rain and storms to bright sun and light. He thinks the sunlight is blinding. Stick in the mud, mine is. Want to hear him squeal? I can make him squeal like a female.

[Rei]

Oh I would love to meet your Reggie. Where I live there is a Ellie and a Beau and I like them lots. They are also felines. They tickle my nose sometimes and I have to be very careful not to step on them. Does anyone step on your Reggie. Mine says I could hurt them and I would never want to do that so I am very careful. The green tilted her head as she regarded Kale thoughtfully. You do not like to be licked either? Do humans not like being licked? Ebolath rubbed her head against Kale to try and help and rumbled softly. She was very careful not to exert to much pressure. She would not want her new friend hurt. Oh no.

Raylin kept her eyes on her dragon as Ka’rys spoke. “Thank goodness as of yet Ebolath has not gotten a taste for inanimate objects. At least not to my knowledge. I have the feeling she would like to eat my roommate’s green mandyr instead. They are such horrid beasts. I really don’t know how anyone can stand them. I have met some that are alright but for the most part they are horrible.” The green weyrling was careful to leave out what mandyrs she liked, for as of now Stupid was the only one. She had no doubts that that was mostly due to Ebolath’s affection for him however. At least he didn’t scream obscenities often and he had been nice to her (although again that was thanks, in no small part, to Ebolath being a green).

“Thanks for the advice however. I will stay on her about exercising and if I get worried I will look up one of the healers. Do you have any recommendations? I mean who would be best to talk to?”

Ebolath was quite happy to have Ciceroth nose her. He was such a nice bronze. She decided she quite liked him. He was very polite and friendly. Ebolath positively adored contact. Snuggling was a favorite pastime and so Ciceroth’s nosing (even if it was just study) was quite welcome. Oh yes rain is very nice after lots of sun. Mine does not agree completely however. She hates to be wet and cold. The way her extra layers stick to her bother he she says. Humans are silly.

The comment about making Ka’rys squeal made Ebolath’s eyes whirl in happy amusement. You can? Isn’t he a male? That would be very amusing. I would like to see it. Will yours get mad at you? I do not want him to get too upset with you. The green took at look at Ka’rys and then turned her attention back to the bronze.

[glamourie]

“Papa stepped on Reggie,” Kalerary said very seriously, and as she spoke, she shot Ka’rys a look that could kill. There was no doubting that the girl blamed him for the encounter, never mind that the feline had run between his ankles. Like Reggie, she felt he should have been able to move in time… and that the broken ankle was all his fault. Her hands rested on her hips as she stared pointedly at the older, male mirror image of herself: she looked so much like her father as to leave no doubt to her lineage, though at seven turns old with long hair, it was definitely easy to tell she was a girl. The only hint of her mother in her appearance was in her gray-blue eyes, which were almost a stark contrast to her father’s. He had dark brown eyes, almost black. Even the little girl’s physical build, though, was more like her father: small, thin, lean, nothing delicate about her. At seven-turns-old she could qualify as boyish at times, not just in her build but her demeanor. She took after him in more than just looks, too. The audacity Kale displayed often amazed others, but it was simply an outspoken version of her father’s arrogance. “Luckily, my papa’s small and it didn’t hurt him any… or I’d be really mad.”

Rubbing her face at the mention of being licked (again), Kalerary crinkled her nose. The seven-turn-old cocked her head to regard Ebolath curiously, then replied, “No offense or nothin’ but um… dragon breath smells really bad, and I don’t really like to be covered in drool.” She flushed in embarrassment and gave Ciceroth a disapproving look. “People don’t generally like to be dripping with drool. It’s kind of really gross.” Kalerary swung one arm over the end of Ebolath’s nose and allowed herself to be pulled upward, her other arm still cradling the cracking egg. She was oblivious to the wiggling of it, though, else it would have had the girl’s full attention.

Amused by the two hatchlings’ antics (for Ciceroth viewed Ebolath and Kalerary both as the same in that regard), the bronze crooned softly. His tail flicked in a remarkable imitation of a feline lost in thought (a habit he shared with Hepaticath, ironically enough) and his eyes whirled pleasant blues and greens, all shades to indication his immense delight at the conversation. He liked hatchlings. They were generally much easier to get along with than grown dragons. Then again, Ciceroth was often very light in demeanor, sometimes to the surprise of others. For a bronze he was remarkably laid-back and more than once he’d been commented on as acting more like a brown - much to Ka’rys’s entertainment. Ciceroth did not think that he behaved anything like a brown. Browns were amusing, but he was clearly more intelligent, and it amazed him anyone could disagree. Pity that they were all so blind.

Rysmine is always cold. He wears long sleeves. He also does not wear shoes. It is amusing, the dragon explained thoughtfully before flipping a wing as if in dismissal. I very much like to be wet. Water is pleasantly cooling and soothing. I like the sound the waterfall makes down the river, too. I enjoy sleeping there; Rysmine finds it odd, but it is my favorite place to be. Rumbling, he turned to regard the humans and then finished with, I expect he would be annoyed at me, yes, but Rysmine is often annoyed… Was it worth it, though?

Ka’rys was oblivious to Ciceroth’s evil schemes, as Raylin’s rant about salamandyrs had him quirking an eyebrow. He didn’t like them. At all. K’lir’s evil little bronze monster liked to steal his earrings, and Savitri’s little white nuisance enjoyed spying on him. In fact, he was surprised that the obnoxious creature hadn’t popped out from a tree yet. He did not give voice to his distaste for salamandyrs out loud, seeing it as not worthy of discussion (his opinion on them wasn’t exactly something that was pertinent to the conversation). He instead settled for answering the girl’s question by shrugging one shoulder. “S’lain is a dragon healer. So is Kalierre. E’rro I believe is an apprentice dragon healer. R’wign has some training but he leans more toward healing people who will talk back to him so that he can babble incessantly and otherwise be irritating.” Was there fondness in his voice? Maybe. “Of them, I would suggest that it depends on when you’re awake most often. Kalierre is on the day shift.” He knew that because Ka’rys took great pains to avoid the dragon healer when he could. If he never spoke to her again in life, it would be all too soon.

Just as he was beginning to brood, though, the bronze made a decision. Ciceroth lifted his head and leaned over to snatch the waistband of Ka’rys’s pants in his mouth, lifting his rider into the air like a bizarre chew toy. The bronze rider let out a startled yelp in response and hung limply from the dragon’s maw with nothing short of a scowl on his face. However, it was obvious that Ciceroth had done it many, many times before: he didn’t thrash and scream, after all.

“There’s no water nearby to toss me into, you hulking bronze brute! Put me down before I tell Ebolath and Raylin all about how you used to trip over your wings!”

[Rei]

Oh poor Reggie. It is good he wasn't hurt. I am glad your papa is not very big. Squished kitties would make me very, very, sad. I do hope your Reggie would like me. Flopping down on the ground she nuzzled Kalerary lightly. I am sorry my breath smells bad. I will try to remember not to lick anyone. I did not know slobber was bad. Beau feline sometimes licks Mine and she doesn’t mind. Perhaps feline slobber smells better? The greens voice was entirely curious. What did feline breath smell like? For that matter what did any breath smell like?

Ciceroth’s voice caught Ebolath’s attention next and she turned to regard the bronze with blue whiling eyes. He was so shiny and so interesting and wise. The green paid close attention to him, her tail tip brushing the ground lightly. Oh mine always wears shoes because she says her feet are ugly. Humans are very weird. I like the river as well. The mist from the water crash feels especially good after sunning. Why does yours think that is weird? The green’s question was promptly forgotten as Ciceroth made his move. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as the bronze's rider was hefted from the ground and dangled.

“Kalierre.” Raylin repeated the name carefully and set it to memory. Day shift would be the easiest and she made a mental note to drop by and ask the healer a few questions if she wasn’t to busy. Turning towards Ka’rys she smiled faintly. “Thanks for your help I..” The sentence was interrupted, as a large bronze head hefted the rider into the air. Raylin gave a started squeak and stared at the bronze with wide eyes. “Does he often do that?”

Ebolath chuffed in laughter. So where does the girl squeal come in? Her tail flicked in amusement and she half lifted her wings. At Ka’rys statement she crooned to Ciceroth. I find it hard to believe that you ever tripped over your wings. Truly the green had a hard time wrapping her mind around such a concept. From what she saw the bronze was perfectly coordinated. How did one trip over their wings?

[glamourie]

“S’harder to tell with felines,” Kalerary explained, “because they’re smaller, see. One lick from them is like this much --” The seven turn old lifted one hand to put a finger against the side of Ebolath’s flank, indicating the length of her first knuckle for explanation, “-- and one lick from a dragon is most of my body. See the difference? Much more. Their breath is kinda smelly too. It comes from eating so much meats, I think, ‘cause I don’t eat that much meats, and my breath doesn’t stink so much ‘cause of it. It’s okay though because I like you just as you are and wouldn’t change it, and I betcha Reggie would like you too. He likes everybody… everybody but salamandyrs. He hates salamandyrs. I kinda don’t like ‘em either, I mean, they don’t seem to serve a purpose other than to sit and be mean to everybody, do they?” Not that Kalerary had much experience with salamandyrs. Mainly Showoff, Lust in the Infirmary, and Shadow -- none were prime examples of salamandyrs being sweet. In fact, it could be said that they were the exact opposite: classic examples of salamandyrs at their worst. She very much preferred the flutterbies. They were at least sweet.

Her attention was immediately snared from Ebolath by the moving egg in her hands, perhaps fortunately; given the chance, Kalerary could and would go on and on to people (or in that instance, dragons) that she liked, to make it clear how fond of them she was. But her egg! Her egg baby! It was moving--!

Rysmine finds my sleeping by the river to be strange because of how I do it. I curl amongst rocks, you could barely see me I fit in so well, Ciceroth elaborated, wondering whether or not there would be much merit in trying to teach the young green his trick. He’d tried to teach Hepaticath and well, it hadn’t gone so well. I am sorry. He didn’t do it. Normally when he is surprised he squeals. Today he yelped. Spiteful, Rysmine is. He’s right though, I did trip over my wings very often when I was small, because my wings were much bigger than the rest of me. I’m not ashamed to admit it. Every dragon has a learning curve they have to get past to be able to fly and well; mine was my wings. I don’t remember it, but he tells me often enough that it must be so. Rysmine wouldn’t lie to me. That and Hepaticath had similar problems, because of her size. He remembered hers and it fell to logic that if she had such problems, so did he. Not that he minded very much. There were worse things to be bad at. Poor Phremath could barely fly at all.

Dangling from Ciceroth’s mouth, Ka’rys shot his dragon a murderous look. “He does this often, yes. He thinks he’s cute, he does.” He was not cute. Not in Ka’rys’s opinion at all. Ciceroth rumbled, obviously taking great delight in his rider dangling back and forth. “Do you have any intentions of putting me down, you overgrown brute, or is this your way of telling me that you plan to carry me around henceforth?” No response other than more rumbling. Ka’rys scowled, and folded his arms indignantly. Typical. The dragon thought he was being funny, but the bronze rider did not remotely agree. Perhaps it was simple arrogance or more accurately termed as snobbery, but he’d never liked being treated like a rag doll and nothing was going to change that. No matter how funny or cute Ciceroth tried to be, nor how amusing it likely was for the weyrling pair. Kalerary wasn’t even paying them any attention! Though, Ka’rys quickly noticed why --

“Is your egg hatching, Kale?” he inquired softly.

“It is!” the little girl said, flinging the egg up for everyone nearby to see. Ciceroth dropped Ka’rys who yelped in frustration, but neither the bronze nor the girl appeared to notice. He recovered quickly enough to crawl over and look at Kalerary’s prize, as the shell gave another rapid shudder, and then what appeared to be a foot with sticky toes poked out at one end. It was unlike any kind of draconic egg possible, yet… there it was. Kalerary squinted and gazed awkwardly at the egg, one hand coming up to peel away the shell fragment in confusion. “But I don’t have a clue what is gonna come out of it ’cause that doesn't look anything like any dragon or flitter I've ever seen!”

[Rei]

Ebolath listened to Kale’s word carefully. The green even nodded where she found it appropriate. The picture of an attentive friend Ebolath was. When the girl finally trailed off the green's full attention was drawn back to the shiny bronze she so liked.

Ciceroth’s statement about the rocks caused Ebolath to look towards the river. Really you could almost hide there? They must be very big rocks. I bet you feel very comfy all curled up. I like to be curled as well. Truly she did. Snuggling with something as you slept was so nice. Her couch was made of rock so she couldn’t fathom why the bronzes special place would not be comfy as well. Ah well someday you will have to show me how he squeals.

Ebolath looked up at Ciceroth and stretched her neck to gently touch along one of the bronzes wings. Oh they are still so very large compared to my wings. I am afraid I do not trip over my wings but mine says I get fat easily. She is forever making me exercise. She says I will not be able to fly like the others if I am to fat. Perhaps that is my learning curve? The green sounded unsure and she looked back along her own length as if she could somehow prove such a thing.

Kale’s exclamation of joy brought Ebolath’s head back around and she fixed her eyes on the egg. Oh it is hatching. I wonder what it will hatch? It most certainly is not a foot I remember.

Raylin looked up at the dangling bronze rider and tried not to laugh. “Well really you do look quite funny from this angle. But your right it really isn’t cute of him to do that.” The green rider supplied eyes turning towards the large bronze. Ka’rys’ statement made her turn from the metallic dragon to eye Kalerary. “Oh is it really. I wonder what kind of baby will hatch. I have heard that some of them contain chicks and the like.” The sticky toed foot that appeared had Raylin at a loss as well. What kind of creature had toes like that?

Ciceroth’s sudden dropping of the bronze rider caused Raylin to wince although the bronze rider himself seemed not to notice, or really even care. It had to have hurt. Especially with his broken ankle. His curiosity about his daughter’s pet touched Raylin. If only all father’s were as mindful of their daughters. She rather doubted Ka’rys would ever even remotely consider marrying his daughter off to someone he barely knew. No dragon riders were definitely a breed apart.

[glamourie]

They are very big rocks, Ciceroth conceded with a pleasant rumble; unfortunately, Ebolath only had part of his attention, though no offense was meant by it. The hatching thing in the hatchling’s hands had the majority of his focus and he couldn’t help but lean over and sniff in its general direction, as though to deduce the source of the leg poking out. He wrapped one wing affectionately around Ebolath. She was still small enough that his wing covered most of her body. That one touch was very gentle and very kind. Ciceroth liked hatchlings, always had, and he was very friendly with other dragons, if a bit quiet… usually. Very large. Boulders, really. They’re tall enough that when I curl amongst them, I do mostly vanish, though my hide is light enough that all can see me from above. I like them very much. They are perfectly grooved for my size. I had to push them around to make them that way, though. It took some work, but I believe I earned my sleeping spot.

Wriggling, the bronze made himself comfortable on the ground and watched the hatchling curiously. Ebolath earned a mere flip of his tail, her compliment to his wings greatly appreciated. They were actually large for his body, wide, making them excellent sails for gliding; Ciceroth could stay aloft on winds for much longer than the average dragon of his size because of it. Her inquiry made him rumble his amusement and he snorted, You are a baby. Babies have many learning curves to get past, but eventually they all do. You’ll see. Some day you will be so very pretty in the air that you will find it hard to believe you had any trouble in the first place, and Yours will remind you in play, as Rysmine does me. He believed that with utmost certainly; Riders were good for reminding them of the silly things that dragons could not recall.

Funny? He looked funny? Pride ruffled (just barely), Ka’rys sniffed. It was a very indignant sound. The bronze rider couldn’t help but fold his arms and glance at the weyrlingrider in silent protest. Fortunately, she was looking away when he did so, focusing instead on his daughter’s egg - something that had his attention as well. Settling himself on his knees, Ka’rys squinted at the egg as Kalerary scooted over to lean against him and hold it up for the dragons and Raylin to see better. The little foot wiggled before yanking shyly back into the shell, and Ka’rys cocked his head to the side. That was an odd looking thing, yes, it reminded him a little of a fire lizard but not quite. They had claws, not - not sticky, cup-looking things. So very strange indeed.

The egg shuddered again, and Kalerary tightened her hands on it. Her gaze flew to Raylin. “I don’t think mine contains a chick,” she admitted, and Ka’rys grinned down at her; no, definitely not a chick. “I don’t really know what it is. Papa--?”

“Let’s wait, let it hatch and find out,” he suggested, motioning for Raylin to sit with them. It was probably the most friendliness he’d shown the girl, aside from some casual comments. Kalerary’s excitement made it hard for Ka’rys to be his usual grouchy self. Her moods heavily influenced his. Both of his arms wrapped around the child’s torso and he rested his chin atop her head to look down at the cracking egg. “When it hatches, then we can deduce what it is. Looks like it’ll be coming out at any minute. But no - definitely not a chick of any kind. That foot looked almost like a salamandyr’s, minus the little claws…”

The egg shuddered again and cracked into several more pieces, before the fragments fell down around Kalerary’s hands. She gasped in surprise as egg goop fell into her lap, staining her pants, and both she and Ka’rys leaned over to get a better look at the newly-released creature.

It had six legs. That was the most noticeable feature the shiny hide (from being slick from recently hatching) possessed. Six legs, each with large toes naturally designed for climbing. The size of a lizard, the creature was an odd mottled gray-white color and was most definitely not a fire lizard of any kind. Southerners would likely squawk in terror at the sight of him, for he was a crawler/crawlie. Pests, they could be, for they liked to arrive in mass numbers, but the hatchling was only one. He wiggled and flopped over almost lifelessly in Kalerary’s hands, feigning death for the moment, though the slight movement of his body made it clear he was very much alive. His hide shifted color, slowly, before turning to resemble the girl’s skin remarkably well.

“It’s a color-changing salamandyr!” Kalerary proclaimed in delight, before holding it up toward Raylin. “Isn’t it?!”

---

Name: ???
Age: Hatchling
Species: Crawlie
Owner: Kale
Appearance: This little creature is similar in appearance to the Terran gecko. He is roughly lizard shaped, with an arrow shaped head, thin body and long, prehensile tail. His six legs are equipped with large toes that have been adapted to climbing walls, ceilings and other sheer surfaces. His typical colouration is rather dull, consisting of a plain greyish-white speckled intermittently with brown, but he is able to alter his colouration -to a limited degree- in order to blend in more easily with his surroundings. This little creature is mainly insectivorous, but will not be opposed to nibbling the occasional piece of raw meat. He will most often be found sitting on his owner’s shoulder or napping in her pocket.


Personality: Because he shows no outward signs of intelligence, it would be quite easy to write this crawlie off has having no personality whatsoever. One might venture to comment on his patience however, for this little fellow is nothing if not truly, staggeringly patient. He is willing to endure a ridiculous amount of manhandling from his owner without complaint, sometimes waiting for hours until she grows bored with him. Only when her back is turned will he make his escape -stealthily and silently- to strike terror into the hearts of the local buzzfly population. If she catches him? The process will begin all over again.