[G] [C] 732.12.12 | A Long Time Coming [Valerian]

Talian grunted and rolled onto his side, trying his best to come to terms with the fact that it was sundown and he was still trying to sleep from the night before. Fellis chirped softly beside him, concerned eyes flashing yellow and gray as he nosed his bonded's arm. "It's fine, Fellis," Talian sighed, trying to mask his exasperation. It had been a horrible ...shards, how long had it been? Sixteen hours? That sounded about right. It had been a lively, eventful, terrible, depressing, encouraging, inspiring, wonderful, fucked up sixteen hours!

That's a lot of words for one small event Khaduceth said, his voice creeping fluidly into Talian's mind. The healer became aware of a new weight on the edge of his cot, and promptly rolled over to see Khaduceth's paws on the edge. Talian's expression instantly softened. "I didn't realize you were awake," he said, reaching out to stroke the dragonet's nose in wonderment. How had Khaduceth woken without him noticing?

You were deep in thought. Your mind is wonderfully free when it roams. I like to watch the dragonet said admiringly. May I join you?

Talian smiled and rolled over further, just enough to reach over the edge of the bed and help the newborn dragonet crawl up beside him. Khaduceth was surprisingly sturdy for just a baby, but still small enough to fit on the cot. Talian doubted things would stay that way for long. The only brown dragon he'd truly seen up close was Tyrrisath, and if that was any indication, his little baby would be a monster before long. Ugh!

"It's hard to imagine you getting that big," Talian said as he stroked the dragonet's neck. He could feel the tickling of Khaduceth's mind poking around in his own. Are you worried about it? Khaduceth asked, faceted eyes locking itnently on his bonded's. Fellis chirped, joining them by way of climbing over Talian's midsection. The blue fire lizard situated himself in a Fellis-sized gap between Talian and Khaduceth, enjoying the warmth of his two favorite things.

"A little," Talian confessed. He rested his head and let out a long sigh. "I'm worried about a lot of things, though." He paused before letting his eyes flash back to Khaduceth's. "This wasn't a small event, you know," he added, a belated correction.

I know

They were silent for a while afterwards. Both new dragon and new rider were aware of the situation, but neither felt any need to discuss it with the other. They knew the other knew, and their mutual understanding was more potent than any words could have been. It soothed Talian's nerves to simply lie and let the little beast's mind wrap around him, warming him and making him feel safe. Khaduceth felt much the same.

After a period of silence, Talian frowned. The sun was getting low outside. "I wish I could sleep," he said, burying his face against Khaduceth as the dragonet roused from a little nap of his own. You miss your old room he observed. Khaduceth already knew that Talian disliked change, and being moved from his usual quarters was proving difficult. He licked the healer's face and purred. I am sorry

Talian shushed him. "Don't be sorry. You didn't do anything wrong," he said as he slowly sat up, unwinding himself from dragon and fire lizard. He then peered out the window. "Looks like they're setting the feast up. I guess we'd better get ready," he said, voice filled with dread.

Why? You don't want to go

Talian was surprised. "You don't want to go meet everyone?"

They will be there tomorrow, and the day after and the day after...

Talian's lips twitched into an almost-smile. "Everyone will be expecting us."

Who cares?

The dragonet's words startled Talian. "What are you suggesting, Khaduceth?" he said. It was only the second time he'd said the dragonet's name out loud...or third, if you counted the hoarse failure with B'jin.

You shouldn't do something because other people want. You should do it because you want.  And I want what you want. He spoke firmly, as if his way was the only way. He crooned and nosed Talian's hand, jeweled eyes flashing blue. They can't make you go to a feast, he said, his voice filled with dismissive arrogance. Why should his Talian mingle with peasants if he didn't have to?

Talian laughed. It was a pleasant laugh, amused at his dragonet's insistent nature. Khaduceth was already proving a little bit pushy, but Talian had yet to see such pushiness aimed at him. Somehow, he doubted it would be.

"You're right," Talian said, utterly relieved at not having to go. Or, deciding not to go! He smiled and leaned against the headboard of the bed. "I think I'll just stay here with you two," he said. Within moments, one half of his lap was filled with Fellis and the other with Khaduceth's head. Both creatures purred and Talian let out a happy sigh.  The evening was...turning out surprisingly good!

A few moments later, Kkhaduceth lifted his head. Someone is coming. Fellis had alrady figured out who it was, though. The fire lizard chirped and darted for the door, filled with excitement. He couldn't wait to show Daddy Valerian his new big brother! He chittered, filling Talian's mind with images of Val.

He smiled. "It's a friend of mine, Khaduceth. I very good friend of mine..." he said as he waited. So the day got even better? Amazing!

It wasn’t a question about seeing Talian but more a question about when.

It was clear everyone was shocked about that particular Impression and even Valerian wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it. He was thrilled that Talian got to experience the wonder and peace that came with Impressing but he was worried it wouldn’t sit right with the Healer that was far happier with a scalpel in hand, not a bottle of oil for itchy hides. Valerian had gone to bed after the Hatching as confused as he had been upon seeing Talian hugging his little brown and it kept him up for several hours. Thankfully the Weyr was much more relaxed after a Hatching and Veeth was old enough to not need constant attention at odd hours so he was able to sleep in when the need to rest finally kicked in.

After sleep and a day filled with more thoughts on Talian and the dragon, Valerian realized the Feast was almost upon him. It was a time where everyone got together to admire the new baby dragons and welcome the Candidates into the fold as Weyrlings. Even he had been suckered into going and making an effort for it. Then again, it was hard to say no to Veeth who had been ever so excited to go to a party and show off – until Charath sped by splashing mud on the pretty blue hide. That had been hilarious but also heartbreaking with how distraught Veeth had been. Unfortunately, Valerian knew Talian wouldn’t want to go and if he didn’t convince himself it was best that he put in an appearance, he knew the man wouldn’t leave his new room at all until the dragon made his hunger known.

Not knowing whether he would ask Talian to go with him for a bit or simply hang out for a little while in the Barracks, Valerian wandered over to see Talian. B’jin hadn’t been too excited about letting people in to visit the newly Impressed but that didn’t stop Valerian from giving a flat look before rolling his eyes and walking by anyway. He could understand the hesitation in letting people visit but since it was a night for doing just that, Valerian felt B’jin could let loose a bit more.

He heard Fellis before he saw the firelizard and Valerian’s own group took off to greet their friend. He loved Vex and Quill but they were a bit of a handful sometimes. Erisi would have been pleased to see that neither of them had been hanging out on his shoulders that evening though. He knocked lightly, for no reason really, since everyone was making enough noise to alert Talian of company and slipped inside the small room before shutting the door behind him.

He didn’t mean to make it so dramatic but Valerian turned around slowly from the door to smile softly at Talian before green eyes fell on the brown dragonet. He was precious! The concerns over Talian weren’t forgotten but they were temporarily on hold as Valerian took a few small steps to the dragonet and sank down to his knees. “Hi,” it was the same little greeting used for the hatching of his firelizards that were now settling down to sit near him on the floor. Vex eyed the brown with a bit of apprehension but Quill was curious and wanted to make friends, like always.

Veeth, far too big now to roam the halls like he once had, sat outside the window and unknowingly copied Larrikith from earlier as he peeked in with one swirling bright eye before nudging the glass with his nose. Hello! It’s lovely to meet you. Veeth’s lilting voice was just as chipper and sweet as always as he addressed the new addition to their little group and it didn’t change when he greeted Talian, now unafraid to bespeak the Healer. Are you well, Talian? We’ve been waiting to see you both but didn’t want to impose.

Talian's eyes lit up. "Val!" the healer exclaimed softly, sitting up as best he could with one lazy dragonet wing resting over his midsection. "I didn't expect to see you!" The sweetness and relief in Talian's voice was accented by a stirring of excitement. Was that excitement, or perhaps oddly placed optimism? It was certainly an unnatural light on the young man's face, though traces of his weariness from the long day and night were still visible. The shadows of his worries had not yet faded, but much had been done to heal them. Khaduceth, of course, along with B'jin's earlier efforts and now a visit from Valerian...

Talian felt so very loved.

Khaduceth regarded the visitor with only mild interest at first. He'd silently tolerated B'jin, for in spite of the man's negativity towards Khaduceth himself, he was important to Talian. B'jin was a father and an anchor, and Khaduceth was willing to endure all manner of insults to make sure his bonded wasn't denied that. This new human, however, was different.

Memories flooded into the healer. Khaduceth watched patiently as Talian's overactive mind poured over the past two turns, but one recent day in particular received the most attention. Khaduceth's young brain didn't quite grasp the significance of the sex, but it was obviously meaningful to his bonded and seemed very natural and nonthreatening.

Yes, his bonded held a different kind of love for this human, and it was a special kind indeed.

Khaduceth crooned, eyes flushing blue as Valerian knelt and uttered that single word of greeting. The brown dragonet said nothing, but politely pressed his nose forward to sniff Valerian. Tal chuckled, one hand running sweetly over the dragonet's neck as he rested his head on it's side to face his friend.

"I'm glad you came, Val. I've been thinking about you," Talian confessed. For once, he was confident enough in his words to neither stumble over them nor blush furiously at the first syllable. He just smiled, trying awkwardly to wriggle his way out from underneath Khaduceth's wing. Khaduceth tried to help, but being only hours old and not yet sure how to operate his own limbs much of the time, his efforts were clumsy. He chirped apologetically, but Talian quickly soothed him. "Shh, hold still..."

Oh, Veeth.

Tal paused, looking up at the window in search of Veeth' whirling eyes. As expected, there he was. "Hello, Veeth. I'm just fine," Talian confirmed. He still wasn't absolutely used to talking to the blue, but today it seemed so much easier. It warmed him to know that they'd been thinking about him, too.

Khaduceth turned one eye on the blue and crooned for a moment, his soft purring earning a little laugh from Talian. The boy threw his arms around he dragonet and squeezed. Hello Khaduceth said in greeting to Veeth, but the majority of his attention of focused on Talian. Khaduceth licked the healer's face a time or two while the boy held him. I love you the dragonet reminded him, making another awkward effort to unwrap himself from the man.

Talian helped, gently guiding the dragonet's wing as he folded it. "There you go," Talian said, slowly sitting up to properly face his friend. "Um, Val? This is Khaduceth. Khaduceth, this is Valerian..." Tal took a moment to reflect on how different this moment was than what he feared it might be. B'jin had helped Talian work through much of his immediate fear, and now Valerian was distracting him from his future fears. Right now, though, it didn't seem to matter.

Talian ran his fingers over Khaduceth's spotty hide and let out a long sigh and a weary laugh, the irony of the situation not lost on him. "You were right, Val. This little monster ruins my life and  I don't even care," Talian joked lightly. Then, with a great deal more sincerity, he gave the dragonet a pat on the snout. "I love him."

Veeth gave a croon through the window at Talian when the Healer greeted him and confirmed he was well but Khaduceth’s short reply confused the blue until he was moping. Shush. Not everyone is as friendly as you are but he’s also still fresh from the shell. His main focus and concern will be Talian. Give them time, Veeth. All will be well. Veeth had no choice but to believe Valerian and quietly pulled away from the window, not wanting to crowd the little group any further. He did, however, call for Vex and Quill to join him. He didn’t want to be alone while everyone else socialised! With a little encouragement from Valerian, the flitters took off to go sit with their larger counterpart.

“It’s nice to meet you, Khaduceth. Don’t mind Veeth. He’s a sensitive soul and was eager to meet you. He’ll wait patiently for a time you two can spend time together though.” Valerian wasn’t sure if the brown needed assurance but he gave it all the same just to keep everyone on the same page. There wasn’t a need to have anyone get riled up or left anxious and fretting over issues that didn’t even exist. He cast a quick glance at Talian with that thought, knowing his friend would already be overwhelmed by a million new things that he didn’t need to worry over Veeth’s feelings again.

“And I should hope you love him, Tal. He already looks like an amazing dragon and well-suited to you,” it wasn’t empty flattery as Valerian genuinely thought Khaduceth was adorable and properly proportioned to his untrained eye. He also believed the dragon was perfect for Talian simply by how quiet and calm he was, not to mention how accommodating he seemed to be as well by the simple moving of the wing and what seemed to be an apology. They would be a good team and that erased a lot of the tension the blue weyrling had.

“The dragon always knows,” Valerian whispered as he continued taking in dragon and rider in turns. What Khaduceth knew Talian needed and he could provide was still a mystery but Valerian was still figuring out what exactly it was Veeth saw in him as well. He didn’t doubt their bond for one second and sometimes felt Veeth’s sole purpose in life was to see how many people he could get Valerian into bed with but that was about as far as he ever got in thinking about their bond beyond it simply feeling right.

Valerian shifted to sit properly on the floor, uncaring that his semi-formal attire was likely already dusty on the knees with how he had been sitting and would now have a dusty bum as well. He quietly flagged Fellis down, patting a knee for the blue to come sit with him in a slightly selfish move. There was a desire to pet Khaduceth but Valerian didn’t want to crowd the hatchling or presume that would be acceptable so Fellis would earn extra petting instead. “You’re not going, are you,” it was more of a statement than a question and casually tossed out as well while Valerian watched the firelizard. The parties had never been something Talian had been into to begin with so it didn’t seem likely being one of the stars of the show would change the man’s mind on attending. Like with Erisi, Talian may love his dragon but he still hated the riders and Katila.

Khaduceth wasn't phased by Vveeth's apparent distress, but Talian sensed it. Val's little reassurance confirmed Tal's suspicions, but he let it go. He knew Veeth was sensitive, and much like Valerian, he didn't want some sort of problem to materialize out of thin air just because his dragonet was quiet-natured. "It's okay," Talian said, answering for Khaduceth as he patted the dragonet's snout once more. "He's just very quiet towards other people, I think. I don't think he's spoken to anyone at all aside from me yet," the healer continued.

I have not Khaduceth confirmed to Talian. The healer's wording was telling; Khaduceth had been quiet overall at first, but in the last couple hours he'd started chatting more and more with his new bonded. The dragonet had sensed his poor rider's discomfort at first and had kept quiet, but once Talian realized his dragonet wasn't going to eat him, he found him a nice conversational partner. It was so nice to talk to someone who understood him so well!

It was something Khaduceth and Valerian had in common. The brown watched as Val summoned Fellis to his lap. The little blue quickly complied, hopping from his former perch and settling happily onto Val's knee. Fellis loved petting, and while Daddy certainly hadn't abandoned him, he'd been getting less petting than usual in the last few hours. Good thing Val was an excellent petter, too!

"You're the only other one Fellis will go to," Talian said with a smile. "And I'm glad you like Khaduceth," he went on, though he left off the concern that prompted the comment. B'jin had seemed apprehensive of the poor creature, and while the greenrider had made a strong effort to hide it, Talian had noticed. He assumed it was because Khaduceth was a brown, the color of  Tyrrisath and N'mall's dragon, whom Talian had never caught the name of.

"I know I was impatient with dragons for a long time," Talian said lightly, with just a hint of regret. He hated that in his fear, he'd hurt Veeth's feelings so badly. He was so thankful that Veeth was sweet and didn't allow the situation to damage Talian's relationship with Val. Tal had mistrusted Larrikith as well. He would be patient with B'jin's aversion to browns and ever-thankful that the man even bothered to disguise his apprehensions, but it was nice to be free of that concern with Valerian as well.

I like anyone you like Khaduceth chimed, looking back to Talian and purring reassurance. The healer patted his nose lightly before giving it a soft push towards Valerian. "Well, say 'Hello', then," Talian urged softly. His expression softened and a hopeful look sparkled in his eyes as the little brown seemed to almost shrug, then turn his head towards Valerian.

He still didn't speak, but he inched delicately towards the edge of the bed and pushed his snout towards Valerian again, this time butting his nose lightly against the young man's arm. Khaduceth's warm breath lingered against Valerian for a few long moments as the blue-eyed creature looked approvingly at the young man. Anyone Talian liked, he liked. This one was polite, too!

Talian righted himself, crossing his legs on his bed and looking down at his friend. "I'd invite you up, but I think we're pushing the weight of the bed as it is," he said. "And going...? Ah, the feast..."

He frowned a little and shook his head. "I'd rather not. The last thing I want is a bunch of hypocritical dragonriders jostling around me and telling me how welcome I am. I've been here for two turns; they could have welcomed me then and it would have made a world of difference." He shook his head. Bastards. "But it's okay. Now that you've come, I've seen everyone I want to see anyhow," he said, slowly smiling again. Khaduceth's warm reassurance lingered in the back of his mind.

Valerian smiled down at Fellis, not really surprised that he was the only other one that the creature liked. It was likely due to his calm nature and patience around dragons and firelizards alike. It was why he didn’t bat an eye at Talian quickly explaining the quiet brown either. “I don’t mind. Charath has never spoken to me either,” which had actually been a little weird for a while given the near-Impression they had and how much she liked to cuddle up to him but Valerian got over it quickly. Sometimes silence was still golden and they got along perfectly despite every conversation being one-sided if he talked at all. He imagined it would be much the same with Khaduceth and was okay with that. Any dragon that liked him in return was fine by the Harper.

When the nose nudged him, Valerian gave a small crooked smile and petted Khaduceth lightly on it. He was a sweet and calm dragon which was perfect for Talian. It was hard to imagine a flirty, energetic, or overly social dragon at Talian’s side and he couldn’t be happier that if a dragonet had to pick his friend, that it was this one. “I wonder which one of you will be the troublemaker in the pair,” Valerian teased, already convinced neither of them would willingly dive into anything close to being trouble.

Valerian didn’t look up from the borrowed creatures checking him out as Talian answered his question. It was the answer he expected and there wasn’t a need to look for the lie in the man’s face. There also wasn’t a need to argue the point that it wouldn’t have made much of a difference for Talian if more people had welcomed him with smiles and flower petal showers. Talian didn’t like being kidnapped and didn’t like the location just like he didn’t like the people. While it was fun to tease some people about the past, Valerian was fine with leaving it where it was and simply live in the now since that was what helped shaped the future.

The way Talian spoke, it was obvious B’jin had been by already though Valerian was willing to bet it was more in a Weyrlingmaster capacity and not a friend or father. The greenrider was probably having a harder time coming to terms with Khaduceth than Talian himself was but Valerian was glad B’jin made the effort to show up all the same. “Like I’d stay away. We gave you enough time to rest up since Khaduceth and his clutchmates have horrible timing but I wouldn’t have let you think you were being avoided.” Not this time; this was an unexpected development but it wasn’t horrible like the flight encounter had been. There wasn’t a need to stay away from his friend.

“And I can stay for a bit but B’jin said the other day he wanted to get me to sing again so I might go to humour him. Mostly because I’m going to write a song and make him sing it at my graduation.” That was going to be a special treat and Valerian looked forward to the reactions, especially B’jin’s.

Khaduceth's contented rumbling grew slightly louder as Valerian petted him. The brown dragonet found that he liked this boy, who seemed to calm and quiet and whom his bonded cared for so much. Khaduceth didn't quite understand the connection, possibly because Talian was still interpreting it loosely himself, but it was very positive and pleasing just the same. Valerian made his bonded happy, and Khaduceth could also see why Fellis went to him willingly; he was a very good petter, too!

"He likes you," Talian relayed, moving his own fingers down the dragonet's neck and watching the quiet interaction. Talian couldn't have been more pleased. Khaduceth was not so forthcoming with his approval as Valerian as he was in his love for Tal, but the warmth and comfort was readily visible to the healer, and it meant a lot. Talian was pleased to think that the days of awkwardness and discomfort concerning dragons were finally over.

Tal smiled. "Don't let me keep you, Val. You're welcome to go whenever you need to. It's really very good to see you, though," Talian said, tone relaxed as he settled back beside his dragonet. "Though hearing that tempts me to follow you."  His mind wandered back to the time they'd gone stargazing together. Talian learned a lot about Val that night, and he often wished he got to glimpse the creative side more often. "I don't take enough time to listen to either of you sing."

He rolled onto his back and sighed, tired but content. "I guess I don't take a lot of time to admire many beautiful things," he said. He felt Khaduceth reassuring him silently, and he smiled. "I need to. You and B'jin have always helped with that, you know? But I've spent so much time worrying over little things, or even big things...big things that just sort of eat me alive, you know?"

Oh shards, he was rambling! He started to apologize, but he stopped himself short. Why should you? Khaduceth said sweetly. Iif he didn't like you just the way you are, I don't think he would be here now. Kkhaduceth based his guess off of Talian's memories alone, but he spoke with such confidence that it made Talian feel stupid for ever doubting.

"You're right," he replied, patting the dragon's side lightly. He leaned up just enough to cast a reassuring smile at Valerian, as if to say 'no,  I haven't gone crazy!'. He was just talking to his dragon! His wonderful, beautiful dragon.

"I'm done with all that," Talian elaborated, situating himself so he was half-laying on Khaduceth's side as he faced his friend. The pair seemed perfectly comfortable laying in their little pile. "I promised B'jin I wasn't going to let this bother me. I mean...I'm worried about some things, but I don't suppose feeling sorry for myself now will do any more good than it has been. I told him I'd give this dragonrider thing my best shot..." He paused for a moment, allowing his fawning eyes to look over Khaduceth one more time.

"Think I have a shot, Val?" he asked with carefully disguised playfulness.

Was that optimism in his tone? Maybe just a little bit, but he wouldn't have admitted to it. He still didn't want to be a dragonrider, but how could he argue with a gift like Khaduceth? Somehow, the little bastard made him feel like it would be okay.

“I don’t sing much in public,” Valerian pointed out before Talian started to think he was being a neglectful friend and not paying attention to his interests. “I might start changing that since I do enjoy it but for a while it was something I kept for myself when I came here.” He hadn’t exactly been punishing the Katilans by not singing for them but he had taken to the life of not having to always be a Harper-on-call and continued to let everyone think his skills lied in transcribing and composing. It certainly kept him out of teaching which he had always been shoved into back in the North and that was fine by Valerian. Except he let slip his ability to mark a paper in front of B’jin and now the man liked to get him to do most of it while the greenrider ran off to play with R’nd.

While he babbled internally to himself, Valerian let Talian babble aloud and made no attempt to stop him. He’d stop when he wanted to and it appeared his friend either caught on quickly to what he was doing or Khaduceth had intervened. The look that he was given a moment after Talian spoke randomly aloud again showed that there had definitely been a private conversation but Valerian hadn’t minded and didn’t need the silent explanation. He had his own dragon he spoke with and had been at Katila long enough to know how riders behaved when they were speaking to their dragons both privately and aloud.

“I think we all have a shot. Besides, you did already pass the most important test for becoming a dragonrider; you Impressed.” Valerian wasn’t stupid. He knew Talian didn’t want that title but he also knew that it didn’t mean you would forever be simply a dragonrider that did nothing but sit atop the dragon day in and day out. Katila was a bit odd in its set up due to situation and lack of people but Valerian had read enough of the histories to know that many riders still held other positions within crafts practiced at their Weyr. Talian could still specialise in medicine and visit patients and attend the random wing practice when they popped up as well. All in all, it wasn’t the end of the world like a few people seemed to think.

“Just keep remembering that you’re not alone in this journey. You have Khaduceth but you also have friends.”

"I always have," Talian responded, eyeing Valerian almost mirthfully. His mood had improved drastically since the day's start, and he hadn't truly noticed it himself. Khaduceth had, however, and the little dragon was quietly aglow with pleasure. He pulled himself back onto the cot, body curly snugly against that of his bonded. Talian lazily draped one arm over the dragonet's side, taking great care not to compress his newly-dried wing, and rested his chin on the dragonet's neck. It was comfortable, both physically and emotionally. It was like they fit together by design.

"You've been here...almost since the very start," Talian said lightly. He felt a little sappy getting into that, but he figured it merited a mention and some quiet acknowledgement, if nothing else. Valerian had always been there for him, even when things were hard and awkward. A soft smile of appreciation was given before the healer relaxed again, content to lie there quietly and enjoy the companionship of his best friends.

Fellis was in an affectionate mood. The little beast paced in circles in  Valerian's lap, squeaking softly and nosing the harper's fingers for more attention. Fellis was quite taken with Valerian, and the simple creature was filled with mixed emotions from a long day filled with ups and downs. Daddy had been so distraught for so long! But these visiting humans and Fellis' new big brother helped so much! The happy blue eventually settled down, laying neatly in the harper's lap and purring softly as he started to doze off to sleep.

Khaduceth opened his eyes and watched. He was fond of Fellis, who was so gentle and sweet. The human seemed a good match, so Valerian earned the dragon's approval without so much as a twitch. The relaxed dragon was just as spent as his little brother, however. It had been a long first day alive, and much like Fellis, he was taxed from the ups and downs. Talian had wanted badly to reject him, and while that hurt, Khaduceth knew that the healer needed him.  He needed him, and he was stronger than he even seemed to realize himself. Khaduceth sensed it though, and even though Talian rejected him in concept, the dragon sensed that they were already stronger together than the healer realized. 

After a few minutes, Khaduceth started to snore softly. Talian sat up, tawny eyes flashing down with delight at the sight. It was so...so cute.

Talian wrinkled his nose comically. He'd hated dragons for so long...how dare Khaduceth be so charming? "I hate these things," he groaned with the slightest laugh. One hand lightly trailed down the dragonet's side. "I guess he is just a baby..." he whispered.

“A baby that sleeps a lot and at weird times.” Valerian watched the dragonet sleep for a moment, still a bit impressed at his friend bonding to a brown. It made sense to him but since they had all expected Talian to not Impress at all, Valerian couldn’t admit to thinking brown would be waiting for him. He was glad though; Khaduceth would be a good match and if he went by the dragonriders’ way of thinking, that was a good position to be in if he wanted some respect or at least less hassle.

Valerian shifted his focus to Fellis who had so recently made himself perfectly at home in his lap, making it seem like he was there for the long hull. He patted the little blue on the head and carefully scooped him up and passed him over to Talian anyway, a bit sorry he had to disturb him. “I’ll leave you guys to rest. Send Fellis my way if he gets active while you’re sleeping. I’ll be up for a while.” Valerian would already have Vex and Quill getting into mischief at the party so Fellis wouldn’t be alone if he happened to appear while the Harper was dragged on stage or busy watching the interactions of those around him. There would be new weyrlings wandering around that would attract new attention as well as the usual drunken riders that would cause scenes.

Getting to his feet, Valerian hesitated a moment before mentally shrugging and figuring it wouldn’t hurt too much with Khaduceth asleep and what he wanted to give. Leaning in, he gave Talian a quick kiss on the forehead and stepped back. “Congratulations, Tal. You two will be great together. Just go with it and keep being yourself.” He offered a small smile before turning for the door. It was best to go before they got too sappy.

“I’ll see ya later,” he tossed over his shoulder and slipped out the door. Talian probably didn’t believe it just yet but Valerian knew his friend was going to be okay and that Khaduceth would make sure of it.