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Post by glamourie on Aug 6, 2008 12:55:40 GMT -5
Ciceroth's eyes whirled curiously. He hadn't meant his question to be one of such depth; he'd expected some kind of half-answer, or at the most lengthy, a simple and plain explanation. That was the sort of thing he would offer if anyone asked him to explain his Rys. The answer he got mildly stunned the bronze and he crooned with soft affection, nudging the young queen with the end of his nose. It was meant to be reassuring and encouraging. As far as dragons went, Ciceroth was definitely on the more physical scale; he had no problem snuggling up to other dragons, nudging, touching, and otherwise generating contact. Other people he was iffy on, but if they seemed upset it was the only comfort he understood. Ironically, he'd never been quite so affectionate to anyone else in the north. Ka'rys was always being touched by him. Ciceroth was just very fond of keeping physical contact between the two of them. In a way, it was the only option he had to give Ka'rys any sort of comfort aside from an ear to listen to and the silent reassurance that he would never - ever - be completely alone. Not that Ka'rys ever required much in the way of comfort. Was it bad that he was as affectionate with the little queen as he would've been with any other dragon? Part of him wondered if Aslath would mind. A bigger part of him didn't care. He doubted the Senior Queen paid enough attention to him to get worked up.
Mine doesn't like being understood, Ciceroth admitted, his tail flicking in the water; the light splash scattered a few river fish who had grown bold. He did not notice, even as he stretched one wing up as though to shield Hepaticath from the rays of sunlight. He does not do that on purpose much of the time. He hides his feelings from his face, sometimes, but the rest is just part of who he is. Mine does not let emotions rule him very often; neither in the way he moves nor the way he thinks. The bronze snorted, his eyes taking on a vibrant blue-green coloration. He has sometimes been described as cold, mine has. I don't think he is. I think he is simply sensible. And there was no small amount of affection in his 'voice' as he stated that belief. Clearly, that was one of the reasons Ciceroth had chosen Ka'rys - because he was so 'sensible.' I think Rysmine would find her surprise at him not acknowledging her physical appeal very amusing. He has noticed that she is female; he just finds it very rude to act or talk of that. He is not fond of showing his feelings about people, mine isn't.
Ciceroth relayed that explanation (And none of the others) to Ka'rys privately, and, as expected, received an overwhelming wave of amusement from his rider. Ka'rys did not speak, but in truth, he was having a great deal of trouble not chuckling, despite the seriousness of their conversation. Did he notice Savitri was female? Of course. But beyond that -- no. It wasn't personal. He wasn't a physical entity. He kept everyone at arm's length both emotionally and physically, and thus he did not often think in terms of who was attractive and who was not. More over, even if he did, Savitri wasn't on the list of people who was eligible. She was a Weyrlingrider, which meant she was subject to the rules in place for Weyrling training, and they were in place for a very good reason; for the safety of the rider and the dragon. He wasn't the kind of person to take an interest in someone when it would amount to absolutely nothing. Besides, he about had it with queenriders. Savitri may have been more sensible than the rest of them and that did keep him from running away from her at the first available chance, but anything more than casual conversation was out of the question. Too many things counting against her. So yes; he had noticed she was female, and no, he didn't really care much.
The fact that Savitri admitted she didn't understand half of what he said - whether she meant it that way or not - surprised him on some level; Ka'rys was used to people smiling and pretending they completely followed what he was saying. He raised an eyebrow, but didn't reply immediately, instead choosing to address her other comments. "Aliscia of Tanith is from Benden, is she not?" He hated Benden riders by default. Nothing personal, but when he'd been raised his whole life to believe they were, essentially, evil - and nothing shy of the enemy - he found it very hard to spend any level of time with them without wanting to crush their egos or feelings. He never acted on that impulse, nor had he ever outwardly shown his blatant disdain for Benden riders, but those who were able to deduce that he was from Fort (which, given his mannerisms, someone who was familiar with the ways of the north likely knew) probably were able to venture a guess to how he felt. On that front, Ka'rys had never been entirely shy.
Still, a Benden rider was better than trying to ask a Selenitas rider to teach her to fight. Granted, they were all Selenitas riders anymore, save the few spies he'd yet to identify (but knew existed). Those born and trained in the North knew better the ways of blades and weapons. They were better on the ground and in the air. Sad, but true. He did approve of Savitri's choice of mentors, at least in part. Mutasim - a candidate - hardly qualified in his eyes as a worthy teacher, but he supposed it made sense that she would rather rely on someone also closer to her own age. "Is that the one whose firelizard was on the Hatching Sands during Aslath's first clutch?" he inquired absently. "The little brown she so raged at?" If it was, then the boy's distaste for queens was not unmerited. As for Tanith, "I am sure that your greenrider teacher is more than capable of keeping her dragon in line when she so chooses." Whether or not she chose to was another story. Ka'rys knew startlingly well how easy it was for a rider to keep their dragon in check under normal circumstances. Ciceroth hadn't always been so tame.
Ka'rys turned his gaze back toward the bronze and clucked his tongue. "Half of the 'vagueness' you seem to be uncomfortable with is offered as the best way to deal with southerners who cannot, by either egotism or simple lack of intelligence, deal with the honest truth. I have yet to meet many who appreciate my particular brand of observation." He shook his head, then cast a sideways glance at her before grinning; he just couldn't help it. "Had many males try to snatch you away recently, have you? -- Ciceroth mentioned you were pleased that I'm not on that list?" He tilted his head. It was meant to change the topic and hopefully lighten the mood. They were treading into territories he didn't like - discussing him entirely too much. He'd much rather tease her.
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Post by kysseh on Aug 7, 2008 3:43:36 GMT -5
Ciceroth's attempt at reassurance went far to soothe Hepaticath's confusion, and the little gold ducked her head to push lightly against her new friend. What a kind and thoughtful male he was. It relaxed her to realize that he was not angry at the incoherence of her answer, and it made her a bit proud as well to note that she was improving with her explanations. She crooned lowly and arched her neck, squirming around until she had her little golden head well-pillowed against his shoulder, her wings tucked in close to keep from accidentally poking him. She never meant to do damage. Sometimes, it was just rather difficult to coordinate all of the parts she had, especially with feet and wings and tail and everything all growing so out of proportion. It wasn't her fault. She felt badly when things happened, but, honestly, the only thing she could do was be cautious like Hers was teaching her.
Mine does not think he is cold, merely that he is difficult to understand. Mine likes honesty in people, so it bothers her when she can not understand if a person is being truthful or not. She likes truth. Hepaticath was not so sure if she liked the implication that Hers was not sensible. Well, Ciceroth's did seem sensible, and the bronze's obvious pride in His was apparent. She did not want to disturb or upset her playmate, but... well....
Then a thought struck her. Well... was not Hers sensible in her own way? It seemed so to the gold, and she took a few moments to wonder, lazily flicking the lids over her eyes again. How tired she was, suddenly. The presence of a shadow had her alert, and then she realized it was only Ciceroth, kindly shielding her with one of his lovely wings. She rumbled softly, her body vibrating with the intensity of it. Regardless of how she might not fully agree with his obvious pride in His--the way Hers was reacting made her apprehensive toward the weyrleader--she could not dislike this bronze by any stretch of the imagination. No, she was getting to be rather fond of him. Granted, she was fond of all of the ones she had met so far, but Ciceroth had earned his place amongst them for better reasons than simple flattery or kindness. Mine is very sensible too... but a different sensible, I think. She is very practical and... efficient about what she does, but she does not bother to hide what she feels. She finds it a waste of energy, and hiding it would be dishonest. So... they are both sensible, but a different kind.
Savitri's eyebrow had started to rise, and it paused at his seemingly scathing implication that Aliscia could not control her dragon. Considering that the arrogant man had no personal, firsthand knowledge of trying to control something as independent and hostile and aggressive as a proddy green, she was sorely tempted to offer a rebuke. Instead, she decided it was simply not worth the effort to encourage him. He seemed to need no encouragement to be of his own mind about things, and continuing that line of discussion would only lead to more... arguments. "Yes, of Benden, formerly. She's got no love for the place, though, so don't you dare try picking a fight with her over pride," she said rather fiercely, her green eyes flashing with momentary threat before her face returned to its normal neutral expression. Protective over many people, Savitri was, but her few, few friends were even more closely guarded. "That'd explain Mutasim's reaction to golds, I suppose. I wasn't here, so I'm not sure." They were sharding good teachers, she thought, so unless Ka'rys was willing to take the time to teach her 'properly', he had best not open his mouth. Aliscia had already taught her enough that she was tempted to try out on the vertically-challenged man. Stupid, stupid men...
She snorted softly and shook her head. Really, did he think she was stupid enough to want useless flattery over an honest--and sometimes brutally so--fact? No, she would prefer it straight, and she scowled slightly at him as he turned his head toward his dragon. "Since I've got neither problem to any serious degree, I'd appreciate it if you'd just be simple and straightforward about it. I prefer truth over a bunch of vague metaphors. Just... say it!" Of course, she immediately regretted that as soon as he gave her that look, and she groaned aloud and promptly brought both wet hands up to cover her face. "Hepaticath! Did you-"
Ciceroth asked, and I was only being polite. the gold replied with a quiet croon, amused by Hers' frustration. Was I not allowed to say anything?
The hands came away from her face, and Savitri looked exceedingly annoyed, though whether it was at her many suitors or the content little gold weyrling was rather difficult to determine. "Very pleased. I'm sick of being uselessly complimented and fawned and fussed over. You're not as bad as the others, but I'd still prefer to not be chased like an object or a prize." She was not sure if that or the thought of having to sleep with one of those buffoons was the more irritating one. To be treated like an object or to be treated like a toy... really, which could irk a woman more?
Shadow, unfortunately, took the opportunity of her distraction to investigate a former subject of his curiosity. He crawled atop Savitri's head, flared open his over-large wings, and glided neatly over to Ka'rys, settling on the man's shoulder. The little blip of a white creature latched onto his ear with little needle-like claws, thoughtfully dangling whilst he stared at the man's face. Hmm... such a strange creature.... who had one of those pesky bigger-winged dumb things with him. Haha... well, no matter. Shadow gave the man a nibble and promptly broadcasted a series of graphic images of Aslath's Flight to the man, making Savitri groan as she caught the 'mandyr's sendings as well. These images were closely followed by a series of images of a similary nude Ka'rys in bed with a blur of something else, accompanied by a feeling of inquiry. This man was going to give him good things to spy on, wasn't he? That'd be a nice thing to do, and it had Shadow fully distracted while Savitri inched closer with the intent of trying to snag the little creature off the weyrleader.
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Post by glamourie on Aug 7, 2008 13:08:23 GMT -5
There are a lot of different ways to be sensible, Ciceroth agreed, crooning again. His eyes whirled affectionately and he swiveled his tail in the water, greatly enjoying the play of it against his hide. In his case, sensible was the word he chose to explain that Ka'rys thought of things other than emotions first; he didn't think there was any other better way to explain it. A big part of why he'd chosen Ka'rys of all the boys on the Hatching Sands - though Ciceroth could not remember it - was because of all of the people there, Ka'rys was the one least eager to prove himself; he was the most casual, most comfortable, most willing to acknowledge that the dragons knew what they were doing. The ironic thing was that it wasn't trust so much as simple confidence; he'd known his worth even then, how could Ciceroth pick anyone else? Those traits were his favorites in Ka'rys; he almost never needed to remind RysHis that he was worth more than words. He never needed to comfort. The only time he needed to offer advice was when Ka'rys was determined to do what he thought was most logical, and even then it was only because Ciceroth played 'damage control'; Ka'rys weighed logic so much higher than feelings, at times, that it was to his detriment. Ciceroth was far more emotional than his rider. That, alone, should likely have frightened people.
Humming thoughtfully, Ciceroth ignored Ka'rys's glare. He was used to the dirty looks. The only time it had ever gotten under his hide was after he'd chased Aslath and only because Ka'rys stayed mad for so long. He'd only just gotten over it! He acted as though he was convinced that something horrible was going to happen. Ciceroth did not believe Aslath's would ever intentionally hurt anyone. Though, of course, he also did not believe that That Woman paid enough attention to properly avoid doing it by accident, but he trusted his Ka'rys was competent enough to avoid any excess injury, and the annoyance was only temporary. Pfft. Ciceroth snorted.
Rysmine doesn't like talking about his feelings, because in the north, that can get people killed. Unlike Ka'rys, Ciceroth was exceptionally honest. He kept certain things secret, but not much, and it was harder when he was talking to a queen - even a little one. It was dragon nature to obey queens; hard-wired into his behavior the same way his loyalty to Ka'rys was. She hadn't asked, but he couldn't bring himself to keep something that was a relatively harmless explanation to himself. We have been at Selenitas for almost five turns now, but Rysmine spent most of his life at Fort. He doesn't talk about it much, but I see things sometimes, his memories. He explained it once as, "When you are the smallest of a group of weyrbrats, you learn quickly not to cry when you get hit." Does that help explain it any better? He doesn't mean to be dishonest.
Oblivious to Ciceroth's explanation to Hepaticath, Ka'rys tilted his head to the side and let the curiosity show on his face for a brief moment. Just what was with that look? He didn't ask; he was accustomed to finding things out by his own means and not outright stating what he wanted to know. Besides, she'd probably tell him it wasn't any of his business. Similarly, he did not respond to the statement about Mutasim; he didn't know. Was that the abnormally short male candidate with the brown firelizard and penchant for wearing elaborate, bright colors? He chose not to ask. None of his business. He doubted heavily the competence of any Selenitas candidate, but he was willing to bend that there might be something beneath the surface and anyway, Savitri hadn't asked his opinion. He was smart enough not to offer it unless it was specifically requested of him. Turns of silence had taught him discretion.
Discretion, which he quite blatantly called on when Savitri turned her attention to her gold. He bowed his head slightly and brought one hand up as though to rub his nose -- but he was hiding the wide smile. As soon as she finished speaking, he started replying - but his words were caught in his throat as Shadow leaped onto him and he froze before regarding the salamandyr with a look bordering on annoyed. Ophelie tilted her head, then disappeared between soundlessly, clearly repelled by the little creature, and Ka'rys flinched at the sudden images bombarding his mind. It wasn't Savitri's fault, though, and he was at least somewhat capable of properly distributing blame. He poked the salamandyr in the side.
"Yes, Ciceroth mentioned you were uninterested," he replied dryly, trying to turn his head to look at the 'mandyr. The result was Ka'rys sort of spinning in a counter-clockwise circle, but he seemed oblivious. "If it is any consolation, I don't see you as an object, and most definitely not a prize to be sought." No, he saw her as a child, which would probably go over even worse. He wisely kept that bit to himself, choosing instead to add, "Why is it eating my ear?"
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Post by kysseh on Aug 8, 2008 1:08:18 GMT -5
Hepaticath listened curiously to Ciceroth's explanation of why His was so... emotionally not-there, to use Savitri's word-thoughts on the topic. It did make sense to not show pain in order to stop the bullying. Pain meant a reaction, and reactions meant further actions. Savitri had explained that quite clearly to her. But... still, Hers was not a bully, was she? Hers was in charge, surely, but Hers did not make a point of picking on others. If anything, SavitriHers was much opposed to bullying. It is sad that Yours was hit much. It is too bad that he did not know Mine. She would protect him. It did make things seem a bit clearer, though. It was habit for Ciceroth's to not show things, and she passed that tidbit, and that one alone, on to her person to ease Savitri's misgivings about the whole conversation.
It does make more sense, yes. I think Mine still wants him to be honest with her, though. They seem to be misunderstanding each other a lot. she pointed out, lightly tilting her golden head to better watch the two humans and... the pet-thing. Though Mine is missing the point more than Yours is, I think, but they both look a bit... confused to me. Of course, it was not Hers' fault that she was missing the point. No, it was no one's fault. They were just not used to talking to someone as different as each other. Yes, that must be it. No one's fault. Yours need not worry. Mine would not hit him except if he hurt her. Or..... annoyed her, like right now.
Her current view of Ka'rys had been obstructed by his hand, but Shadow had flashed her an image of the man's smile in his irritation that the bronzerider was not cooperating with his plans for getting more things to spy on. Ignoring the white thing's vexation for a brief second, the healer quickly deduced that Ka'rys had been hiding that smile that so clearly indicated his amusement at her dislike of being treated like some sort of object. It irritated her beyond measure, and she shoved lightly at him in retaliation. It was scarcely hard enough to do more than rock him where he stood in the water, but it should have been enough to get his attention refocused on the fact that she was severely annoyed.
"Really, you would not be laughing so much if you were being flocked to. And if it weren't for Hepaticath, they would not give me a second look. Idiotic, power-hungry snots." It was a poor excuse of an insult, but muttered though it was, it was clear that was the most profanity one could extract from her, even when she was highly irritated. Besides, she really did think of the general population of fawners as that, as stupid snobs seeking to better themselves by worming into her good graces. Unfortunately for them, Savitri was not keen on flattery. His explanation only served to make her wonder, and though she was gratified that he did not think of her as either of those two things, the suspicion in her look hinted that he had something worse in mind. She wanted to ask, but his current problem with Shadow had her distracted.
"He isn't eating. He... nibbles. It's how he shows affection... or possession. Or anger," she pointed out as Shadow gave the bronzerider a harder chomp with his teensy jaws, just for retaliation for the poking and the spinning. Taking pity on the man, she circled her hand around his upper arm to halt his futile motions and put her hand up for Shadow to crawl onto, sending the little white 'mandyr a flurry of vague images about nude bodies in the stables. It worked like a charm, and the white 'mandyr, after one last sulky nip, returned to his mistress. He had been promised good things, and he knew they would be forthcoming. That ensured his obedience. That... and the fact that Savitri immediately started moving towards the edge of the river with the intention of getting out.
"I'm sorry to be rude, Ka'rys, but wet clothes are rather uncomfortable. I think I'll dry off for a few moments before Cath and I have to go back," she said offhandedly, settling Shadow on her own ear before bracing both hands on the rocks and levering her body upwards. Unfortunately, she was halfway up when a sharp pain across her chest had her crying out, and she immediately dropped back into the water, shocked by the sudden flare of agony running parallel to her right collarbone and then down between her breasts. Shardit. That had been a very, very bad idea, and she hissed softly and pressed a hand to the freshly-scarred area near her clavicle. Not good.
Alerted by Savitri's distress, Cath squirmed immediately to her feet and floundered her way over to Hers, heedless of any splashes she set up along the way. She would apologize later, but Hers in pain took precedence over all other matters. The gold creeled anxiously and nosed at Savitri until the young woman patted the weyrling lightly on the snout. "I'm fine. I just did something stupid, that's all," Hers said honestly, though the gold was far from mollified by that explanation. You hurt. It's my fault! It's not even bleeding, for that matter, so stop fussing.
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Post by glamourie on Aug 9, 2008 4:59:35 GMT -5
I protected him. And he did. There was nothing really to add to that conversation, so Ciceroth let it drop. Ka'rys hadn't had the easiest life, but it wasn't the hardest. Ciceroth knew that His wasn't the most friendly of sorts, before he'd Impressed him and afterwards. He remembered, in a way that was strange even among dragons, how terrified his Rys had been at Impressing him; how confused he'd been that he loved him so, and even after so many Turns, Ciceroth wasn't sure his Rys really understood how much he meant to him. Lonely was a good way to put it, though His didn't recognize it. How happy he'd been when they came to Selenitas! It was so different from that place (and Ciceroth's refusal to give it a name likely explained how he felt) and everyone was so much kinder. His was happier, too, though Ka'rys would never admit it short of express torture. It was obvious, though, in the fact that he didn't carry an arsenal of weapons everywhere he went. Typically one dagger in his leggings. For Ka'rys it was practically being naked. Yes, His felt safer at Selenitas; he wasn't always scared, and that made Ciceroth happier, too. He remembered the loneliness his felt, the fear, the anxiety; not what caused it, exactly, but the feelings were as new to him. Ciceroth hated the north in such a way that was unusual for dragons. He was very, very glad to never have to go back.
He was also very flattered that Hepaticath thought Hers could protect his Rys, but he was fairly sure that if Ka'rys couldn't protect himself, few could. Ciceroth had the advantage of knowing how lethal His was with weapons. It was not a pretty sight. Ciceroth decided not to think about that and went back to nosing, playfully, in the water.
Was it bad that the bronzerider was amused by Savitri's anger? Part of him was tempted to point out that surely not all of her would-be suitors were after her just because of Hepaticath. Charming as the gold seemed to be (and from the affection he felt from Ciceroth, she must've been quite something; his bronze was easily won over, but not to the level that the little queen had managed so quickly), he very highly doubted that most of them were only interested in her. Savitri wasn't exactly hard on the eyes, though Ka'rys was not going to point that out to her. If she was determined to believe the worst of bronzeriders, he was fairly sure he'd do just fine in reinforcing that opinion without actually talking. He'd never had trouble repelling people before. It was a gift. Sort of like being double-jointed, but a lot more efficient in scattering people he didn't like. One look could run off most anyone.
No, instead of speaking, he flinched, allowing the queenrider to remove the little pest from his ear. Honestly, what did it want? He didn't know enough about salamandyrs to really understand. His desire to question was cut off as Savitri moved toward the edge of the river and his amusement returned in full-force; see, he could run anyone off, without trying, at that. Surely she did have something more important to be doing, but some part of him found it endlessly entertaining the excuses people made to avoid him. Didn't they realize, "I don't like you, so I'm leaving now," wouldn't offend him? It was very hard to hurt Ka'rys's feelings, especially if it meant he got some mostly-alone time. He wasn't a social creature.
The sound of hissing though made him stop from saying his goodbye and he raised his eyebrows in alarm. Like Hepaticath, he moved across the water quickly, heading to the edge where Savitri was at. It wasn't condescending amusement that drew him over, though; he recognized pain when he saw it, and she hadn't started immediately complaining, which meant she probably wasn't doing it for attention. He'd heard about her getting mauled and he'd noticed the scars through her wet clothes.. even if he had tact enough not to comment on it. His movements were followed by Ciceroth, though the bronze, given his size, ended up winging out of the water to the side of the river a few paces away. He settled on the rocks and crooned, and Ka'rys climbed up to the edge of the river, then held both of his hands out for Savitri to take. Instinct was for him to grab her and pull her up on his own, but as demonstrated by her previous behavior, Savitri did not appear to be a woman who liked having things done for her. Perhaps she'd be willing to meet him half way and not pull him back into the water again.
"I hate to be rude, Savitri," he said, no small amount of playful lilt in his voice, "but I'd rather you not pull on your injuries too badly and result in me being chastised by your fellow healers again. May I help you out of the water?" See, he asked. That was... something, right? "Then you can walk off and properly dry off. Ciceroth and I need to get back to our responsibilities soon enough anyway. I'm sure that I have something I need to be doing." Like getting yelled at.
Is yours okay? Ciceroth inquired, looking at Hepaticath and Savitri with worry swirling through his eyes. She didn't hurt herself too badly, did she?
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Post by kysseh on Aug 10, 2008 1:47:24 GMT -5
By the time Savitri managed to reassure Hepaticath that no permanent damage had been done, she belatedly realized that the other dragon had gotten himself out of the water and was nearby, which means that she had likely attracted the rider's attention as well. She was immediately a bit embarrassed by her idiocy and helplessness, though only annoyance showed in her facial expressions. This was inconvenient, at best, and she glared half-heartedly at the rocks, wishing they would mellow themselves into a slope that she could simply walk onto with no need for her arms, particularly the right arm. The left arm, though scarred, was not attached to any pectoral muscles or skin that had been severely damaged. The right side of her chest had taken more damage, which was why that was the area in pain.
Ka'rys' playful tone had her looking up in surprise, and the offer telegraphed by his outstretched hands was very clear. He wanted to help, and Savitri was not sure whether to be grateful or annoyed. He seemed very amused by her misfortune, and his words sounded incredibly self-absorbed. He was at least asking permission, though, which was more than most men would do. She briefly debated slapping him for his amusement, decided it would be a waste of energy, and opted to take him up on his offer. However, that did bring up the interesting problem of how to get out. She could not take his hands, for that would only result in pulling on the arms, which would further inflame injured tissue. But... she could not stay in the water, and she certainly as not going to let him haul her out like a helpless child.
Hepaticath saved her in that matter, for the gold hooked her feet on the rocks and levered her shining body out of the water, pausing for a brief moment to give herself a good shake, spraying Savitri and her 'rescuer'. The gold lowered her head to nose at Hers' shoulder, emitting an anxious croon. I can help you, Mine. I am strong. Then you need not hurt more. Cath's distress was obvious in the quick whirl of her eyes, a whirl that soon slowed as Savitri began to move. Yes, hold on to me. I will lift you.
"Yes, you may," Savitri responded to Ka'rys' request for permission as she decided how best to get on with it. With her right forearm braced over Cath's neck, the healer slipped her left hand beneath Ka'rys' arm and grasped his shoulder from behind. As the gold dragon lifted her neck, Savitri managed to gain some purchase with her feet on the rocks and awkwardly got herself up... and then promptly plopped down on the rocks next to the bronzerider, her jaw clenched against the discomfort. Her shirt collar was pulled to one side, and she tilted her neck to look at the still-healing scar running just beneath her clavicle. Humph... red, inflamed... but not bleeding or torn open. It was not nearly as bad as it could have been, and for that, the young woman was grateful. She should've been mildly embarrassed about being so exposed in front of a man, but for the moment, she could care less. Had there been pain anywhere else, she likely would have just taken her shirt off to examine the wounds herself. But, since that was not necessary, she remained fully clothed... for all the good that did her.
"I'll already be scolded, so you'll just be joining me in that. They've been on my case already. Healers make terrible patients." She was an awful patient, she knew. She was meant to be the source of attention and fussing and caring, not the recipient of it. Perhaps that was why being so well-known was not to her liking.... though Hepaticath made it more than worthwhile. The queen, for all her pride, was the gentle calmness to her busybody tendencies, the diplomacy to her bluntness. She would not have given it up for the world. "Well, at least nothing's bleeding."
She is hurt, but she is not bleeding, and she can fix it, I think. Hepaticath finally managed to answer Ciceroth, still nuzzling lightly at Savitri to make sure the girl was largely unscathed after her mishap. She crooned softly at the bronze and then at his rider, nosing Ka'rys lightly on the shoulder to express her gratitude for his intervention. Yes, this man was satisfactory... certainly worthy enough to be in Hers' presence. She would permit it, so long as Ciceroth's did not try to take Hers away or hurt her. No, Hepaticath would not permit that. But she is angry at herself for not remembering to be careful.
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Post by glamourie on Aug 12, 2008 5:26:01 GMT -5
Ka'rys flinched in surprise at the sudden spray of water, but did not otherwise react. Some people might have scolded the young queen for her indiscretion but Ka'rys's mindset was that he was already sopping wet and a few more drops wouldn't hurt him. His arm slipped around Savitri's midrift, more to brace her than anything else, and he glanced cautiously at Hepaticath. She was young and he privately hoped she was strong enough to handle her rider's weight. Savitri wasn't a big woman but that didn't mean that she didn't weigh enough to hurt a hatchling, accidentally or otherwise. Ka'rys knew enough of those risks to be slightly weary, but he did not comment on it. The little dragon knew her strength better than he did. He was tempted to point out that Ciceroth could've handled the entire problem with remarkable ease by simply lowering himself into the water and letting Savitri climb onto him but she seemed quite determined to handle everything herself, and that would probably be a blow to her pride. Not that Ciceroth would've made anything of it; the dragon was simply too good natured and enjoyed helping others a little too much at times.
He held perfectly still, bracing himself slightly as the goldrider climbed onto the rock next to him and quite efficiently splatted - at least in his opinion. His gaze flicked to her shoulder, then back to her face, silently inquiring but no words formulated. He wouldn't bring himself to ask the question on the tip of his tongue. None of his business. If she wanted him to know, she would tell him, and Ka'rys was not the type to pry. Besides, he could find out most things by observing, and Savitri did not seem to have any problem showing the pain she felt on her face. She was a healer; she'd be okay.
"That does not surprise me," he commented quietly. Yes, bad patients were healers, followed quickly by ornery bronzeriders who hated being fussed over, hated being bedridden and hated being told what to do. Essentially, Ka'rys was not much better of a patient and he was fairly sure that, coming off being sick as he was, a lot of healers wanted to throttle him. He'd been yelled at by Rawign twice, and from Savitri's earlier behavior, she didn't seem too pleased either. Not that he cared. He was fine. Laying around did no one any good; it just made him feel worthless and weak and, in turn, made him more inclined to do stupid things. Besides, Shmee made it clear there was no rest for the wicked. "Next time, for the record, Ciceroth could get you out of the water without much trouble, if you're willing to let him. He's a friendly dragon, probably would see it as some sort of game or something."
She shouldn't be. Everyone makes mistakes, Ciceroth explained as he moved back to his cluster of rocks. It was far enough away from the group that when he shook his entire body, the water managed to spray around him without actually splashing anyone. Rather than climb into his rocks as he would've liked, though, the bronze circled around and crooned at Hepaticath, his rider, and her rider. His tail flicked animatedly. I am glad yours is not harmed. I would feel bad if our playing led to her being hurt, and mine would too, I think, though he would not admit it. She should go see the other healers just to be sure, too, though -- mine is worried she might have hurt herself somewhere she can't see. He won't say it.
Ka'rys neatly adverted his eyes to avoid staring at Savitri, and in the process nearly knocked heads with the young gold. Blinking in surprise, he lifted one hand to pat her nose gently. Then he dropped his hand and rose to his feet, still dripping. It was an awkward movement that, despite his protests, did make his head swim, which meant that his fever was returning. He managed to avoid wobbling or any indication of his discomfort, though, instead turning to look down at Savitri. "I should get to work and do something before I'm accused of slacking," he said quietly, though his tone made it clear he didn't think he was a slacker by any definition of the word. Ka'rys was a lot of things but lazy when it came to responsibilities was not one of them. That was not his only excuse for wanting to leave, though. If he was going to get sick again he'd have liked to be in his weyr to do it, so he maintained some of his dignity. "It was nice meeting you, go-- Savitri." He was never going to remember that one. "And Hepaticath." He nodded politely to them both before turning back to the rider. "See another healer about those injuries. Just so you're sure that you didn't miss anything."
Spinning on his toe, Ka'rys slipped soundlessly over the rock surface with the ease of one who had much practice. Ciceroth crooned at him before turning to look back at Hepaticath and her rider. We will see you again, he happily offered, before turning his full attention back to Ka'rys. He was hoping that the little gold's rider wasn't too offended to come around more. He rather liked her.
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