30.Sep.22, 09:33 PM
Oiling Pardrith was far more of a task than oiling Chirp. The dragonet was growing quickly, leaving Ch'es with the frustrating task of determining whether or not he was itchy or if Pard was suffering. When in doubt, the boy opted to simply slather his bonded with both affection and oil. Chirp took advantage of the excess by simply loafing between Pardrith's forelimbs and accepting any run-off from his dark hide.
Pardrith looked black whenever he was fully slicked down, but as his coat dried in the sun, those bronze spots of his were growing in number and even his handsome face was lightening up to show off the pretty metallic color. The dragonet's eyes were half-lidded and baby blue, contented as he practically purred under Ch'es's kind hands.
By the time the freckled hunter finished, he was covered in as much oil himself, and sweat-soaked on top of it. Ch'es flopped down on the ground with the chore finished, arms spread in surrender. He may have even dozed off some because Sironar's approach had him jolting into a sitting position and managing to look sheepish, followed quickly by excitement.
Sironar's visits were rare, but always wonderful. Ch'es missed his roommate fiercely, including the more private room they'd shared together. The barracks were practically overflowing with how quickly the dragonets were growing. Pardrith had long since been unable to sleep on the pallet with him, but the pair usually managed to be touching in some manner at night. At the very least, his little troublemaker had grown out of the desire to be awake at all hours of the night getting up to mischief.
Pardrith glanced around as Fancy Lad landed on his back. Sharing in his boy's affection for the little flitters, he nuzzled the blue one before turning back to groom Chirp who was still nestled between his forelimbs.
Eager for the fresh pickings, Ch'es peeked into the bowl Sironar held out and popped a few fat blackberries into his mouth before following them up with a pair of strawberries. Called by the arrival of food, Chirp abandoned her bath under Pardrith's tongue and bounded over to perch on her boy's shoulder in the hopes of scraps. Dutifully, Ch'es held out his uneaten ends of the strawberries which she accepted without complaint.
He's already starting to, Ch'es signed, automatically falling back into their nonverbal communications since Pardrith now busied himself with grooming Fancy Lad. Along his face and the tops of his wings.
Hearing Sironar asking about classes and sensing his bonded's difficulty communicating, Pardrith took over and translated.It's been an adjustment for him. Adding on his own observations, the dragonet commented, He doesn't seem to have trouble socializing with you, but when it comes to others, he's slow to open up. Of course, Pardrith knew Siro and Ch'es had spent a great deal of time together and had the opportunity to grow accustomed to each other's presence in a more natural way as compared to the constant changes that came with Weryling classes. Still, Pardrith thought his boy was doing well, considering where he came from.
Far more attuned to his friend's moods than Pardrith, Ch'es picked up on the dour mood. He watched with concern as Siro flopped on his back and stared up at the sky. He always got that far away, sad expression whenever his own thoughts were being particularly vexing. Ch'es was certain Siro didn't even realize it.
It's okay. But you're more than just tired, Ch'es pointed out with a soft frown. Not for the first time, the boy wished Siro had been able to bond with one of Pardrith's siblings. If he had a dragonet, perhaps he wouldn't be so sad. I'll see if I can come to visit you more often. Sometimes, getting away from his class seemed impossible. They always had to be under watch to the point that it felt like being held prisoner! Ch'es knew it was because the dragonets could get into so much trouble. Especially Malvayth's babies. They were all as chaotic as their mother.
I have some free time now. Do you want to do something? Or just hang? After signing, Ch'es lay back and pillowed his head on Siro's arm in silent companionship. The freckled teen so rarely sought out physical comfort from others, but Siro was on the short list of people he felt safe enough to do so.
Pardrith looked black whenever he was fully slicked down, but as his coat dried in the sun, those bronze spots of his were growing in number and even his handsome face was lightening up to show off the pretty metallic color. The dragonet's eyes were half-lidded and baby blue, contented as he practically purred under Ch'es's kind hands.
By the time the freckled hunter finished, he was covered in as much oil himself, and sweat-soaked on top of it. Ch'es flopped down on the ground with the chore finished, arms spread in surrender. He may have even dozed off some because Sironar's approach had him jolting into a sitting position and managing to look sheepish, followed quickly by excitement.
Sironar's visits were rare, but always wonderful. Ch'es missed his roommate fiercely, including the more private room they'd shared together. The barracks were practically overflowing with how quickly the dragonets were growing. Pardrith had long since been unable to sleep on the pallet with him, but the pair usually managed to be touching in some manner at night. At the very least, his little troublemaker had grown out of the desire to be awake at all hours of the night getting up to mischief.
Pardrith glanced around as Fancy Lad landed on his back. Sharing in his boy's affection for the little flitters, he nuzzled the blue one before turning back to groom Chirp who was still nestled between his forelimbs.
Eager for the fresh pickings, Ch'es peeked into the bowl Sironar held out and popped a few fat blackberries into his mouth before following them up with a pair of strawberries. Called by the arrival of food, Chirp abandoned her bath under Pardrith's tongue and bounded over to perch on her boy's shoulder in the hopes of scraps. Dutifully, Ch'es held out his uneaten ends of the strawberries which she accepted without complaint.
He's already starting to, Ch'es signed, automatically falling back into their nonverbal communications since Pardrith now busied himself with grooming Fancy Lad. Along his face and the tops of his wings.
Hearing Sironar asking about classes and sensing his bonded's difficulty communicating, Pardrith took over and translated.
Far more attuned to his friend's moods than Pardrith, Ch'es picked up on the dour mood. He watched with concern as Siro flopped on his back and stared up at the sky. He always got that far away, sad expression whenever his own thoughts were being particularly vexing. Ch'es was certain Siro didn't even realize it.
It's okay. But you're more than just tired, Ch'es pointed out with a soft frown. Not for the first time, the boy wished Siro had been able to bond with one of Pardrith's siblings. If he had a dragonet, perhaps he wouldn't be so sad. I'll see if I can come to visit you more often. Sometimes, getting away from his class seemed impossible. They always had to be under watch to the point that it felt like being held prisoner! Ch'es knew it was because the dragonets could get into so much trouble. Especially Malvayth's babies. They were all as chaotic as their mother.
I have some free time now. Do you want to do something? Or just hang? After signing, Ch'es lay back and pillowed his head on Siro's arm in silent companionship. The freckled teen so rarely sought out physical comfort from others, but Siro was on the short list of people he felt safe enough to do so.