• • Uaillikenth becomes a daddy • •

• Wooing Sunrise Aqua Illumin •

by Neishai

Ryslen | Cathair Utopian | Flight | Hatching

Ga'rel's injury had healed; its only residual effects were several scars on either side of his arm, a puckering of light pink skin where no hair would grow. And though Uaillikenth had put the mishap out of his mind as dragons often do, Gato's faith in his dragon never wavered.

Not that it wasn't put to the test on a daily basis.

On this silvery-grey, warm yet humid day, Uaillikenth had a peculiar gleam to his eye as Gato scrubbed under his wing. The Red's head was cocked to one side as he gazed at his rider in amusement. Finally, the dark-complexioned young man glared up at him, placing his fists at his hips. "I can't stand it anymore. Just what do you find so entertaining?"

He failed to mention that a light-green flit, the same color as Gato's eyes, was perched on the dragon's head, jutting off to the side at an angle that was, coupled with the dragon's now guilty expression, particularly humorous.

Realizing that he had been caught "red handed" as the saying goes, he immediately sat upright, dislodging Qyzell from her perch. Irritated, she swooped down to land on Gato's shoulder. Oh, it's um...nothing. Gato continued to glare at him. A soapy-wet drop of water dripped off the long-handled brush in his hand. Well as you know, we dragons are very good at keeping in touch.

"Yes," Gato muttered, "it's like you have a hive mind at times."

Well I heard it from another dragon that there's going to be a mating flight soon, and I want to chase!

Confused, Gato relaxed his stance slightly to drop the scrubbing brush -- a well-made one with soft yet strong bristles -- into the bucket. "Uaillikenth, all of Ryslen's Flights are full, you should know that. You can't chase. Well, I'm sure you could, but I don't particularly want to deal with the consequenses," he grinned ruefully.

Oh, I don't mean Ryslen. There will be a Chase at Utopian soon, and that's the one I want to sign up for.

"You mean Cathair Utopian! Cathair, as in on an island on the planet Danach." The dragon sat facing his rider expectantly. "But, we've never been there -- haven't been anywhere but here!"

But Gato... Illumin, from what I know of her, is truly magnificient. She's a sunrise-winged blue, the color of sunshine kissing the sea, and her rider it seems, is also exceptional. She's a pirate.

"Hmm, a pirate you say...interesting." This admission was reluctant, but despite all of his protests, Gato had to admit he was intrigued.

Uaillikenth felt very satisfied indeed, glad that his choice also pleased his rider. He was more than happy to provide him all the details. Well she was, you see...

• • •

Ga'rel told his brother about Serena over breakfast. G'taeo shook his head at him with a large grin on his face as he went on and on, forgetting about his food. Or picking at it, absently drawing little designs in the sauce. Or waving it around like a pointer.

"What?"

"Nothing." Gero's grin spread from ear to ear.

"Oh come on. Uaillikenth said the same thing yesterday, almost word-for-word! Now, what?" he repeated.

"I was just thinking that you seem smitten with this girl already. You haven't even met her yet--" he gulped as Ga'rel flared, "-- don't get me wrong, brother. I think it's wonderful. I hope it works out, I really do. Just don't take it too hard if Uaillikenth doesn't catch Illumin."

Gero's expression and tone conveyed the truth far better than his words, or any words could have. Gato was grateful. He nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, I won't lose my head, and I will make sure he doesn't either."

And I will make sure of the same. We are a team.

Later on, Uaillikenth stood on their ledge with his rider strapped in tight. Qyzell was already in the air, eager to be off on another adventure. Ga'rel chuckled to himself. "Okay, everything's ready. You have the coordinates?"

You know I do.

"Good, then what are you waiting for? It's bad form to make a Lady wait." Gato slapped his dragon on the shoulder teasingly as he launched himself into the sky. Uaillikenth circled the crater that housed Ryslen, Gato waving at Ke'li and Xhimboth before they disappeared from sight.

More coming soon!