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• • G'taeo and Xerbith • • • A Yellow's proposal • by Neishai Ryslen | Enzan Shi | Flight | Hatching During Gato's absence, Gero was left to his own devices, monitored only by his Yellow dragon and his Brown flitter. Xerbith felt a need to keep his rider busy, to occupy his mind in the hopes that his rider's dreams would be filled with anything besides his previous life. No, his intentions were not entirely selfless, for many a night the young Yellow had been deeply troubled by G'taeo's nightmares. It was a warm, breezy day; Xerbith lay comfortably on their ledge sunning himself, his well-oiled hide gleaming like liquid sunshine. He allowed himself a slight smile. Keeping his rider busy certainly had its advantages. |
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He rolled onto his back, head and tail hanging from the rim, when suddenly the tiny finned Vanhi appeared and landed on his chest, bringing with him a gust of chilly air. Oooh, the dragon shivered, your claws are so cold! Get off! The Brown flit trilled merrily, taking flight. "What was that about?" Xerbith rolled back onto his belly, stretching his body like a cat. He turned to regard his rider, who had just appeared in the doorway, ringlets practically dripping. Vanhi just came from between and landed on my chest. His feet were very cold, and it tickled. "I can imagine." How went your bath? You look… the dragon leaned in close and inhaled deeply, and smell much better. His tone was gently teasing. Gero slapped him gently on the muzzle with a wide grin. "I feel very refreshed. I'm not sure if I want to bother doing much more today," he said, moving past Xerbith to look out over Ryslen. What a beautiful day, he thought and took a deep breath. They had finally taken a break, after a "long" day of work, at lunchtime, flying sweeps out over the Nidus' territories, and helping with some of its construction efforts. They were always building and renovating to accommodate its many and varied inhabitants and guests, and it was only natural that its own resident draconars pitch in from time to time. It had been demonstrated that Uaillikenth relished the task of digging holes and tunnels, but Xerbith was good at hauling awkward loads and erecting structures. And of course, Gero was always in the kitchen helping to feed people, though that had not been their job today. Ahh, what a wonderful idea, Xerbith exclaimed, following his rider's train of thought, you can cook something up! Gero turned around and looked at the Yellow, who was practically wiggling with excitement. Laughing, Gero nodded and slapped him on the shoulder affectionately. His dragon had developed quite a taste for human food, not just meat. "Looks like I won't be relaxing just yet." • • • Later that afternoon, the pair sat out in a field watching the scenery with a certain air of melancholy. Soon, the leaves would begin to turn, then flutter to the ground like multicolored feathers. Gero, leaning up against his dragon's side, looked Xerbith up and down. "You know," he said, "you're about the color of a golden leaf." I've seen yellow leaves, and I think you are right. I do not flutter though. "You are just as beautiful though." Gero smiled and looked back up at the sky. The white clouds meandering across the firmament were large and puffy, like balls of cotton. Following his rider's gaze, Xerbith watched as several dragons flew overhead. His gaze lingered on the females. Seasons come and go, ridermine, he remarked. Summer is over. Uaillikenth's clutch grows and yet he is only one clutch my senior. At first, Gero did not register the meaning behind his dragon's statement. Continuing to look at the sky, he nodded vaguely. Xerbith waited with patient expectance. When G'taeo finally gathered his meaning several moments later, he jumped, then turned to look at his Yellow's swirling blue eyes. Paling visibly, he murmured, "You ... want to participate in a mating flight?" Suddenly his mouth and throat were dry, inhibiting his ability to swallow. Yes. "I... I, ah ... I can't. I don't know." He turned his gaze downward, unable to think. What about-- What if-- As his mind whirled, his dragon tried to force those thoughts away at every turn. Finally Gero exhaled and slumped, leaning finally against Xerbith. Ridermine, Xerbith said with the same gentleness as before, but firmly. Listen. Autumn will soon be here. There is a frenzy... He paused, Gero's mind flinching at the mention of the word. He knew these things shouldn't have bothered him (especially considering who his father was), but he couldn't help it. After Layla-- He swallowed spasmodically. He didn't want anyone else. He wanted to think about her, he wanted to hide in his rooms, he wanted to work himself into the ground, he wanted to forget about her. No, never forget-- Ridermine. "I'm sorry," he whispered, feeling oddly chastised. The wonderful thing about a frenzy is no one is worried about "being with someone." You are just there. There is not connection unless you want there to be. You do not even have to physically be there. You can go be alone, you can go drink yourself silly, you can do whatever you want. "I know," he said miserably. I am worried about you. She can never be replaced, nor can She come back. But there will always be others who love you. "I know this..." You need time away from here. You need a vacation. You need to go to the Fiery Fall Festival Frenzy. "A festival?" Yes, Enzan Shi is celebrating Autumn with a festival. Would you not like to go? Let me Fly in the Frenzy... we can both enjoy ourselves. Gero smiled weakly. His brother would not have returned long before a frenzy clutch may have hatched. Wouldn't Gato be proud to see his brother's clutch, or clutches, hatch? I want you to be happy, Xerbith. I don't want to deny you anything. I'm so selfish. No, you are not. You and I must look out for one another. This will be good for both of us.
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