[PRP] A Discerning Eye (Holleth/Macuith+Riders)

[Meepfur]

Their first 'Fall as full-fledged wingriders had gone quite spectacularly, all things considered - for them, at least.  A few clutchmates had been injured in this way or that, but it looked like they would all fly again, whether a sevenday or a few months from now.  It was still not ideal, of course, or else everyone would have had not a scratch on them, but this was their reality, and would be for Turns and Turns to come.  Ever since their Blooding, Holleth had been much more careful about watching his limits, and ensuring His knew when they drew close to them, rather than trying to hide it and keep pushing just a little longer.  It was more important than ever now, to fight at their very best every time, even if it meant swallowing his pride on occasion.  He was only a very small, very delicate blue, after all, and not even his considerable willpower was enough to keep him in the air if his wings gave out.  It was not an experience he intended to ever repeat.

Though he had dipped into the lake to wash off the ash and soak away the strain after, that had not been his *bath* proper: that was today, and he leaned indulgently into every scrub as Talis made thorough and efficient work of it, his eyes a deep blue.  Though the water and air were both chilly, he had no complaints, and she was no less diligent.  And once the scrubbing was finished, there was a bucket of lightly-scented oil waiting to be applied.

Uta

 

[Uta]

“Come on, pal. Let’s get you scrubbed.” C’lusi wasn’t entirely relishing the idea of scrubbing down His in the lake, but there was nothing to be done. Macuith hadn’t been cleared to leave the Weyr or fly long distances yet, much less with his rider. Still, the blue was finally able to at least practice flapping his wings, and was stable enough on his three limbs to make short glides throughout the Bowl. His landings were a bit rough, but both C’lusi and Macuith were determined. If it meant he had to re-learn how to land, so be it--and C’lusi would never judge his sweet blue for any hops, skips, or almost-rolls that happened in the meantime.

Like dragon, like rider, C’lusi was in better spirits than he had been. He was still shocked he was going to be a father, but Nadry’s condition had him focusing on everything but his missing arm. It was a good change, a good distraction, and both R’shahar and Nadry’s affection and support had helped him through the worst of his moods. Over all, life was still good. Macuith was all but back to his old self, and C’lusi had every arm and hand-joke memorized. Carrying a bucket of oil and some brushes under his good arm, the man could feel his blue’s pleasure the closer they got to the lake.

They weren’t the only ones enjoying the water and Macuith hopped forward with excitement as he recognized one of the younger blues. Eyes whirling a bright green with pleasure, the blue dragon gave a croon in greeting at Holleth as he approached the shore. Hello young Holleth! You’re looking exceptionally handsome today. Do you mind a bit of bathtime company? Macuith didn’t think the other would object--who would ever say no to his company?

C’lusi wasn’t too far behind his blue, only too happy to set down the bucket of oil and brushes. He set down a few towels he’d had over his shoulder too, knowing full well he’d wind up half-way soaked before the end of it. “Nothing like sharing a bath in half-frozen water, right?” He mused with a grin. Where Macuith had already trotted right into the water, C’lusi was feeling a bit more reticent. The water wasn’t unbearable yet… but it didn’t look exactly inviting either.

”Meepfur”

 

[Meepfur]

Macuith. You and Yours look well today. Holleth acknowledged the other blue and his greeting with a polite dip of his head. Though he did not know him well, he certainly knew him; Macuith had yet been making visits to the infirmary when Holleth had been there himself after his and his clutchmates' Blooding. He was a most agreeable, friendly sort...and Holleth had very much taken note of certain frequent company as well, though of course he'd never commented. There is room aplenty, if you wish to share the lake. Holleth gestured with a sweep of a wing, highlighting how much lake there was compared to his own small size.

"But it's so refreshing!" Talis replied with transparently false brightness, looking up from her work with a grin. "Good for the circulation, I've heard, although I'm not sure I buy it."

Holleth quite enjoyed the cold, and it was a preference that had, to a certain extent, rubbed off on her. But cold weather and cold water were two very different things.

Uta