• • G'taeo and Xerbith • •

• Another proposal •

by Neishai

Ryslen Flurry | Flight | Hatching

He was extremely reluctant to ask, even though it had been bothering him for a while now. His last frenzy had been so much fun, even though his rider, G'taeo had not shared the sentiment. So much conflict had been borne of that flight, Xerbith was loath to bring the subject up.

But it was about that time of year, when Ryslen would hold it's yearly Flurry Frenzy. Xerbith was himself half Flurry; his dam, Pink Immeuzth, had hatched at the first Flurry. He wanted to carry on the tradition, especially since while he wasn't white in any way (no snowflakes, no frosting of white or silver), the powers-that-be had extended the invitation to include gemtone and pastel dragons...

But how to ask without causing undue stress to his already stressed rider? It didn't enter into his mind but for an instant that he could go behind his back to sign up. He stewed about it for some time before Gero made the decision for him.

"What bothers you so?" he asked, looking worried. "Your hide is in a bad way and I know it isn't through neglect."

The Yellow sighed. No, it could never be through lack of attention. I just... have a problem is all. I don't know how to address it.

Gero regarded him for a moment. "It wouldn't have anything to do with the upcoming Flurry, would it?"

How did you know? Xerbith was surprised, flushing slightly a pale orange.

Gero grinned. "Just a hunch I suppose."

Xerbith spied a pair of deep-orange eyes hiding in the shadows of Gero's apartments and knew that L'Talia was eavesdropping. He decided to take a chance, and broadcast his voice to include her. He wasn't surprised when he saw her jump, for the first time hearing his "yellowy" voice in her mind. But she relaxed when she recognized the similarity to Gero's spoken voice and he was pleased.

And you're not upset?

"Well..." Yes? No? Gero wasn't sure. He thought about it for a moment, for it was a serious question that required some serious consideration. Finally, he said with a sigh, "No, not really. Mating flights are a fact of life. I can never hold you back... that just wouldn't be fair." He listened to his dragon rumble deep in his chest, a sound borne of a mixture of emotions, and of agreement. He smiled ruefully. "I guess I'll just go get myself more acquainted with my good friend Alcohol or something."

That's not very healthy, Ridermine. You should try to get a stand-in or something. Any number of ladies would be more than happy to--

Gero held up a warding hand. Xerbith thought L'Talia could see it, but he wasn't sure. "You know I can't do that."

I know that, Mine, the Yellow thought to himself, which is why I'm making you say this aloud...for yourself and for L'Talia's sake. It was very difficult for Xerbith to manipulate them like this, he was not sneaky by nature, but he had seen that things would not move forward without a little help. He sighed softly. Ridermine, none of those girls cares for a long-standing relationship. I know you're not ready for one, which is why it's perfect. No stand-in is going to expect anything from a draconar who's caught in the throes of a mating frenzy.

Xerbith -- and L'Talia -- watched as Gero slid down the wall he had been leaning against in the opening to their rooms. "I know... That's why I was so easily tricked into taking L'Talia, Cyna, and Caké... L'Talia knew where a draconar would be most vulnerable."

Not every man would do the honorable thing, Mine, Xerbith said softly. Then, as if he had only just thought of it, he said, Why not ask her? I'm sure she--

"No!" Instantly, Gero was at his feet. L'Talia had shrunk back into the shadows, to avoid being seen. The vehemence in his voice made her heart trip about in her chest with fear. "No," he said softly, shaking his head. "I won't do that. She would stand in, and that's the problem."

Taken aback, Xerbith said nothing.

L'Talia wasn't sure if something about her appalled him (her fur perhaps, or maybe the tail?), or if he was insecure in his masculinity. It must be the latter, she thought, I've seen how he looks at me, not that how he looked at her made any difference. After all, "love" was just another excuse to take a woman to bed. Gero rubbed the side of his head, his fingers making the ringlets bounce. Suddenly she wanted to fondle his strange mousy-blond hair. Why doesn't he ask? He doesn't have to order me, I'd do it if he asked... I wouldn't mind it so much.

But that wasn't the point at all.

Gero forced a smile for his dragon. "Don't worry about me. I want you to have a good time and that'll be good enough for me." He chuckled a little. "We go through this every time, don't we?"

Xerbith sighed. This time is easier than the last. Who knows, you might actually enjoy yourself.

• • •

At Xerbith's urging, Gero joined the other draconars during the Flurry. The large group of riders milled about, and somehow the overall relaxed (though often heated) atmosphere was much like a large party; a dance or perhaps a festival. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad...

This time, Xerbith followed his bond's example and set his eyes on one female and refused to relent. She was white, snowflaked like any other Flurry, with purple markings on her sails. Her fins... Her fins are beautiful, Mine. Her crest is like a fish's, and it runs down her back. Underneath are beautiful purple scales like some dragons have... I wish you could see her...

Through you, I can. Don't let up for an instant.

Complementary colors streaked through the sky as pastel yellow Xerbith pursued purple-white Riishinith. He was persistant, and she – she wanted a nice long flight. Riishinith led him high into the sky before allowing him near enough. G’taeo sought out Calleta, and the instant they touched, Xerbith twined with Riishinith. They laughed as a spark jumped between them.

~ Exerpt from the Flurry Flight, written by Ty

• • •

His choice to join the other riders confused L'Talia, after what she had heard pass between draconar and dragon. She knew it was about her, but he would never come out and say it. She was unsure of how it made her feel.

She sat on the ledge, watching the rainbow flutter of dragonwings across Ryslen's red sand. She thought she saw Xerbith but easily lost him in the maelstrom of color. She heard a scuffling of feet behind her and turned to look up at Caké. Her expression cleared when she saw the girl, and then smiled. "What is it, Kay-kay?"

"Um," she mumbled, squirming as children often do when called upon to speak. "I'd like a cuppa cocoa. To keep my hands warm," she added, and L'Talia noticed for the first time that she wore gloves and thick woolen socks -- Gero's, of course.

Worried for a moment, she frowned. "Are you cold? You should sit by the fire."

Caké grinned. "No, I'm not cold, I want to keep my egg warm."

L'Talia rose to her feet, the frown-lines in her face deepening. "You should put that back in the bucket. It's much warmer there!"

The girl bit her lip. Her auntie's tone was not harsh, but it served as a sufficient reprimand. "I know. it's just that I think it wants out. I saw the sand move, and so I brought it out. I've been showing it around," she giggled. "I think it likes Gero." She held out her foot, wiggling her toes. "I showed it his room, and I found his socks--"

"Caké." L'Talia's voice carried such finality that it stopped the girl short. "I know you've been watching the bucket for days now. I know you want it to hatch soon." The girl's smile turned downward in the beginnings of a pout, an expression that seemed to say, 'don't you want yours to hatch too?' "I know you think it moved--"

"No." Caké shook her head.

"What?"

Caké grinned and held up her egg. "No, it's moving, see? Now, kick!"

Astonished, L'Talia took the egg in her hands and felt a sharp jolt from deep within. She almost dropped it, but caught herself just in time. "You're right, Kay-kay!" She handed it back, and suddenly as she straightened, she felt her heart leap in her chest. "Is the other one...moving too?"

Grinning, the girl held her egg to her chest and nodded. As she did so, she moved aside, watching L'Talia rush past. Within moments, she heard a startled but happy cry as her guardian found her own egg.

They decided to spend Flurry out on the ledge cradling their twitching flitter eggs in cocoa-warmed, gloved hands. Caké leaned against L'Talia comfortably, rubbing the sides of her egg as if tickling the flitter's own ribcage. She looked up at a sharp intake of air.

"Kay-kay, look." Thinking L'Talia's egg had begun to hatch, she stared at it. "No, no. Up there," she pointed at the sky.

It took her a moment of searching, but finally she saw it. "Snow!"

L'Talia nodded and smiled. It had been a long time since she had seen snow. Settling back against the stone walls, she witnessed two things happen almost simultaneously. First, as snowfall began to frost the ground, two Whites bugled their challenge and the Flurry had begun. Then as the bugles, roars, and trumpets and their echoes faded off into the distance, she heard Caké gasp.

One lone snowflake had fluttered down from the sky like a feather, to land on the egg in the girl's hands. There a hairline crack formed, and before their eyes they watched it grow, widening and lengthening like a fissure in the earth. With a flourish, the egg broke into three pieces with the force of the hatchling's surprisingly strong limbs. It creeled defiantly, stretching out as far as it could in every which way.

Caké squealed. "It's blue!"

"Those are always male," L'Talia said, eyes open wide in awe. She had seen people born before, but never a firelizard. It was an amazing sight, for one so small and strong all at once.

This little guy is a Ryslen flitter. No stealing!

It wasn't long before they had the little one cleaned off and with a belly full to bursting. Caké snuggled him close and he let out a tiny little belch. She giggled and L'Talia muttered something about teaching him some manners.

"Now you have to give him a name," she said, "but think about it before you settle on one."

"Oh, I already know what his name is, Nata," the girl said matter-of-factly. "His name is Snowflake. That's what made him hatch!"

• • •

Later that night, L'Talia sat alone by the fire regarding her unhatched egg in silence. It was as if the creature inside had taken a nap, laying still within its gel-filled cradle. Or perhaps it merely lay in wait for a time when it would be at the center of attention. Well, she thought, I am focused on you right now.

As if that was the only cue it needed, the creature inside began to rock fervently. It was all she could do to grab a plate full of snacks and sit back down before the cracks began to form. She waited in baited silence as a spider's web pattern formed over the egg's mottled surface. She bit her lip as a tiny muzzle poked through and quickly retreated. In the dim light, it was impossible to tell if the flitter would actually be red, or if it was a trick of the firelight. "Come back out, little one," she whispered. "You are welcome here no matter what color you turn out to be."

There was another tap! tap! before the shards began to fall away. It soon became apparent that the hatchling was neither solid red nor brown, but red and black! "Ryslen colors…" she murmured. She had never heard of such coloration in a flitter. And this had been Gero's gift to her!

This is another Ryslen flitter. Definitely no stealing!

Something inexplicable happened that night as she fed her new and only Bond. She felt a wash of something warm and tingly; it made her almost giddy inside. She found that she could become lost in the swirling blues and greens in the flitter's eyes. She was drawn in by their depths and within she was wrapped in many layers, like warm soft blankets, of strange emotions that had long since been stifled within her: love, adoration, joy, serenity, fulfillment… yes, many amazing feelings. She was only now beginning to understand their meaning, and their importance in one's life. Not only that, but she was beginning to understand the motives of others, of Caké…and of Gero.

And then she realized that sometime not too long ago, she had ceased to think of him as G'taeo, but as Gero.

She slept little that night, the remainder of which she spent administering to her new little miracle, awash in feelings and questions that had suddenly come to light about her benefactor. The more she wondered, the more she wanted to ask, and the more she wanted to ask, more she was unsure of how to do so! By morning, she was about as silent on the matter as she had ever been, but it soon became apparent that something had indeed changed overnight.

On to the Hatching!