Post by Lothyna on Jan 23, 2011 18:56:02 GMT -5
For once as unnerved inside his own mind, and unstable and grounded at the same time as he appeared outwardly, Miko was heading slowly, almost reluctantly, towards the infirmary wing he'd once? Still would? Call(ed) home. The place he'd come to work, thinking never to leave, unless it was to take up with a rider on a more permanent basis-though that hadn't happened, and was maybe for the best now. Lost in thought, the trademark sliding walk was absent, and it likely unnerved a few who knew him-or thought to- to see him wandering in a straight line, head down, lost in thought. Since the day of the hatching, he'd slowly lost most of the flamboyant clothes, settling instead for dark, sturdy leathers dyed in greens and blues instead-he was yet unwilling to give up everything he enjoyed, and they did complement his beloved Seriath so well...
Seriath, the reason he was acting the way he was. Thankfully, the determined and demanding (devil!-whom he loved) green hatchling was sleeping, belly tight with food and hide freshly damp and oiled, in the field. He preferred her not awake for this, tender and loving as she could be, given his own turmoil. She still didn't understand his reticence, or concerns-too young and self assured. He smiled fondly, lips quirking into a rarely seen gesture, before being brought back to his senses as the smell of ointments and linens washed over him. Dropping the lock of hair he'd been twirling, the journeyman slipped inside, keeping a wary eye out for those he knew. While it was necessary to seek out his superior-and wasn't that a kettle of fish now? To find out what changes would have to be made, he wasn't looking forward to it. Heading towards his rooms, he wondered how things would turn out now, adding the half-romance he had with S'lain currently to the issue of his craft, and Seriath's age. All those favored activities, beyond flirting, he'd have to curtail for her sake, for over a year-and if that didn't scare those who'd run across him before, nothing would. Perhaps that was why the other healers and apprentices were leaving space in his path towards his previous quarters...
A white dragon. A -white- dragon. Such a thing had only happened a handful of times since Ruth's birth, the first noted hatchling with such unusual coloring. For Cerulean to birth one, the last ill-fated clutch of Trith's... S'lain was not a superstitious man, but he would keep an eye on the delicate thing. Even now Trivaruth and her... his? rider were asleep in an adjacent room after careful feeding of the newborn. Despite so many mutations, the rest of the hatchlings were of surprisingly good health, and that alone was heartening. It was amazing, and seeing all the newly hatched had given the bluerider and his dragon a warm feeling they'd missed for a time. Jaxith watched from the over-large ledge attached to the healing cavern, where injured dragons would usually stay when the weather was fair. His was shuffling through papers on his desk, making a notation here, jotting a scratched mark there. He'd file them in a while, but best to notate them while the concerns where fresh in his mind. One or two of the newly bonded had already come in with over-feeding problems, and he'd probably have to approach the whole group before too long to address the issue before someone became seriously sick. Pausing at his work, he rubbed the back of his hand across his nose in a brief scratch, unknowingly leaving a small smudge of ink behind across the bridge. Placing the quill back in the adjacent inkwell, he leaned his forehead on his hand in a moment of rest, eyes closed as he took a deep breath.
Pausing in his movements as a familiar figure caught his eye, the new Weyrling stilled, gaze tracking over S'lain's form and across the paper-strewn desk. While he wasn't really in the mood to talk yet, at least he knew the bluerider was present, currently. Still, he lingered there a moment, half-formed wishes sifting through his thoughts, before shaking his head. Moving on before S'lain could note him, Miko slipped towards his rooms, masking the thoughts that had briefly run rampant over his features, hiding the wistful air with determination. As soon as he passed into the hall, he hurried to the door of his quarters and inside, shutting it with a faint sigh. Peering about, he grumbled and lit a taper and lamp, studying the projects and notes strewn over his desk. The sight of his traveling kit reminded him of the oft postponed trip for more herbs, before he shook his head. Someone else would have to do that. Moving to find a chest under the bed, he grumbled at the dust there, reminded that he'd meant to sweep, too, the day of the hatching. “Of all the...” Cursing, he finally pulled out the lined wooden box, settling it on the bed. If he had to leave, he'd have to pack-and figure out what went where. Wandering over to the desk, he paused, fingers tracing over the half-carved chunk of lapis lying there, an early start on a present for Jaxith and S'lain, that he'd yet to really iron out beyond the first simple cuts.
S'lain took no note of the quiet movement behind him, his hand moving to pinch the bridge of his nose. Jaxith, however, followed the silent form across the infirmary with slowly whirling eyes, a dark blue shadow on the ledge The blue let his much sharper senses take note of the rustle of cloth and small movements within the healer's quarters, debating within his large heart whether to mention the passing to His. Jaxith's unusual understanding of human behavior allowed him to note the youth's atypical behavior. Perhaps he wished to be left alone, but a brush against the mind of the young healer's sleeping hatchling brought a flavor of unrest, as well as the typical curl of pleasure at hatchlings in general. It had been wonderful to see the young dragons, and the big blue was looking forward to speaking with them.
For now, however, he decided it was best to alert His to the youngling's disturbance. His would want to know, as he'd grown rather fond of the young man in general. *Mikovren is in his room, Mine. He is not... normal.* S'lain blinked at the unusual phrasing the blue used, and raised his head. The sneaky healer must have tiptoed right behind him. Shards, he must be tired to have not heard anything. Scooting the chair back, S'lain walked over to the hallway with the healer's quarters, pausing before Miko's door. He had yet to invade the youth's personal space, was now a good time? Who knew what might be said. S'lain had always meant for Miko to stand at least once, but the flavor of unease from Jaxith meant something was... unwell. Surely he wasn't upset about impressing? Resting by the door, S'lain didn't knock just yet, but leaned against the wall, his head close to the door, listening for some sign.
Unaware of the plotting of dragons-though after living here several turns now, he really ought to know, Miko finally pulled his gaze from the piece, eyes slipping closed. He wasn't sure when that would be finished now, and would rather not dwell. Turning away, he eyed the shelves on the walls, mentally cataloging what he would need or want, and what he'd have to see if S'lain could store for him, if what he suspected became the case. He looked around the rooms, and had to admit, squeezing Seriath in here, before long, would be impossible, green hatchling or no. Still, it pained him somewhat, and he sighed, anger feeding through before he tamped it down, lest he wake the dragonet he'd worked to avoid letting know-until the move was over, and he'd calmed-what was going on. Heading into the secondary room for a chest to store most of the non-essentials in, he grumbled to himself, finally able to give in to the stress and surprise.
While he would never go back, now knowing how much a part of him his beloved was, it still meant a major upheaval in his life-and to his sense of duty. Dragging the chest back into the main room, he stopped, and glared at the offending mess, almost tempted to throw everything haphazardly into place. Then again, breaking it all wasn't really what he wanted. Moving to a shelf, he lifted down the tray with his carved tools and needles for his craft, carefully checking each piece, before setting it down at the desk and staring at it. “How is this going to work?” He murmured, gaze on what he'd spent his life working at, personified in crystal and wood before him. “It's only a year and a half, but still..” He muttered, eyes dark.
Things were quiet within, and S'lain leaned a bit closer, his ear all but against the smoothed wood of the door. A sudden scraping from within alerted him to something being moved, but things were distressingly quiet otherwise. No hint as to what might be troubling the young healer. Perhaps... perhaps it was simply time to ask. He hesitated though, yet again, until he felt Jaxith's pressure at the back of his mind like a hand on his back pushing him forward. Straightening himself and leaving his leaning spot for a more regular seeming position before the door, he raised his hand to knock twice, the sound easily audible but not compulsory. "Mikovren... it's me." He doubted he's need to elaborate, but just in case. "..S'lain" he added after the briefest moment of hesitation. He hoped he wouldn't have to open the door himself, it seemed far too invasive of the younger man's space.
Frozen at the sound of knocking, Miko wondered briefly about hiding and pretending not to be there-until he heard who it was. Drat.~ Jaxith. ~ He muttered, mentally, feeling Seriath stir in the back of his mind, before settling when he calmed. He'd bet a month's wages the blue had something to do with S'lain being outside the door, when he -knew- he'd been quiet enough to not be noticed. A faint frown creased his brow, before he sighed, and rose. More, he knew he'd have to talk to the older man later anyways. Grumbling about interfering blue dragons-even if he never got proof, he suspected, he edged around the crate on the floor which had previously been a shelf in the other room. “Just a minute.” He added, trying not to knock something off a shelf. He hadn't purposefully put the crate there, really. Pulling the door open, Miko ran a hand through his hair, and arched an eyebrow, too frazzled to properly mask his emotions, though it was well enough unless you knew him. “S'lain. What is it?” He asked, shifting his body somewhat to try and block the view of the room. Then again, he mused, it wasn't as if it would be his much longer...
Roux: If nothing else about the younger healer's current state were evident, he would have realized something was amiss simply from the clipped way he was greeted. Miko always had something more to say, something to add, something to poke fun at. It had grown... fun, and now, the noted absence was... well, noted. He clearly was not welcome. He was momentarily taken aback by the sheer amount of -stuff- in Miko's room though, from the brief glimpse through the door before Miko surreptitiously moved to shield the room from sight. Blinking back to focus, S'lain remained outside the door, carefully keeping to neutral ground for the both of them. He'd just try for something short and to the point. The bluerider wasn't in the mood to be shut down for attempting to help. "You busy?" Yeah, that was to the point. He tried again with only a brief pause. "You alright? You don't seem your usual cheerful self."
Watching S'lain, the healer-turned-reluctant-weyrling shifted, regretting the sharp greeting. He'd grown quite fond of, and close to, relatively speaking... the other man, and sighed. Shifting his weight slightly at the questions, he debated the possible answers, before shaking his head once, and moving aside, inviting S'lain in wordlessly, first, and glancing into the hall. “Of course I'm my usual cheerful self. I'm simply delighted! Over the horizon, no, really, over Rhukbat itself. Do come in, unless of course, your ever so busy schedule allows you only enough time to knock.” he teased, albeit a bit sharply, gesturing simply. “It saves me the trouble of tracking down your gracious self at a later time.”
S'lain gave an uncharacteristic grunt at the severity that seemed to be within the younger healer's jests, though he wasn't really 100 percent that it was there. Just.. a difference. He wasn't really certain if he wanted to be within close quarters with the younger man as well, but figuring it would be a short visit, he stepped within the quarters, careful himself of bumping anything on the numerous shelves. He moved just inside the door, his thumb hooked lightly into the band of his breeches in a study of ease. "Yes, you do seem glib." He agreed in a serious tone. "And why would you need to 'track down' my precious self in the first place? Something you need to discuss?" His scarred vision tracked over the room as he spoke, resting briefly on the moved chest before sweeping the crystals, books, pieces of wood and whatnot. He kept his vision on the room though, trying to allow Miko time to answer without feeling like he was being stared down.
“Indeed.” Miko returned, shutting the door, before moving to sit at the desk, shuffling aside a few pieces of paper to hide the in progress carving. “Sorry.” He gave S'lain a wan smile, and leaned back somewhat, before watching the older man study the room. To be fair, it wasn't that cluttered, just that he kept almost all his tools in here, rather than the actual infirmary. “Oh, just the matter of Impression, though.” He replied after a moment, and let himself remember with a faint smile the first thoughts, brush of mind, and greeting of Seriath. Running his tongue over his lips, the healer sighed, and waved S'lain to the bed. “I'm sorry for the greeting, you deserve better. I'm just stressed. I wanted to talk to you about what happens now, given how Seriath changes things...”
Roux: Taking the offer to sit, but just barely, S'lain perched himself just on the edge of the bed, his eyes now wholly on Miko. He didn't comment on the apology one way or the other, instead far more interested in the comment afterwards. "How Seriath changes things?" Not for the first time, S'lain mentally cursed the fact that he couldn't read Miko nearly as well as most people. He seemed... frustrated? Annoyed? .. Sad? Surely not. The bluerider let his hand sink into the soft fur on the bed, sharply reminded for a moment of the first time he was made aware of potential feelings for the younger healer, and the potential for return feelings. They hadn't done much since then to encourage things... and now perhaps it was too late? Shaking his head slightly, S'lain planted his eyes on Miko. "Tell me then how Seriath changes things?"
Watching S'lain, Miko bit his tongue before replying this time, before a half-smile graced his lips. Studying the older rider, he finally sighed. S'lain knew him best, yet not at all at times, and he still wasn't sure how he felt about that. He'd wanted something more, and was reminded of the one chance he'd had-and let slip by, the night he'd given the older man a massage, as S'lains hand settled on his prized furs. “Yes. I adore her, don't get me wrong.” he reassured, smiling more openly at the thought of the demanding little green. “She's... not innocent, certainly, but wonderful. I never expected something like this...” And had definitely been plotting revenge, before the hatching. During, he'd just been ill with worry. After? He'd been besotted. “Perhaps you'd best tell me, though?” He teased, faintly, eyes sparkling with a grin that was reminiscent of the early banter, before stress made him ever sharper-tongued. “I know the rules about this.” Still, and this time purposefully, being vague, Miko arched an eyebrow at S'lain with a faint grin, feeling himself relax somewhat in spite of himself with the older man.
The small flashes of smile on the younger man were reassuring, but still not... completely there as they might have been on any other day. Not innocent? He might have to actually ask about -that- part later. What exactly could a little green dragon not be innocent about? Putting curiosity aside, he continued to allow his hand free roam on the fur closest to his leg, enjoying the lush feeling as he did so on his own furs. "Well, things will change, that's a simple fact of impression. You'll be taking Weyrling lessons, and spend much of your time with your little one. That's necessary for the bond, and for her good health." His eyes strayed to the chest again, a pointed reminder of... something. He didn't yet know what. Perhaps the reason for Miko's uncommon unease. "Most newly bonded don't seem to find it too difficult, despite all the care a growing dragon takes even over an adult, beyond the difference in sheer size." S'lain wasn't really certain what Miko wanted to hear. "What else are you expecting?”
Unable to help himself, Miko rolled his eyes. "I was aware of all that, S'lain, despite being a new Weyrling. I am trained to heal them too." He grumbled, though not at the bluerider before him. “I meant,” At least partly, he amended mentally, “What happens with regard to my being a healer?” He studied S'lain, eyes narrowed. “I know you're quite capable, oh estimable superior of mine, but both Batavia and I were stolen away from aiding you by those little darlings.” he added, curious. “And we were short handed before.” More, he really didn't want to give up his craft for any length of time, though he'd never put it above Seriath, even thinking to do such was anathema now. Catching on the last comment though, he frowned, almost pouting. “Most? You think me so incapable?” He teased, half-flirting for a second, before waiting for an answer, honestly curious. “That must be it. Which means you're only here to luxuriate on my furs instead of your own, too.” His gaze tracked S'lains hand for a moment, as he fought to keep a teasing smile off of his lips.
S'lain seemed genuinely surprised at the question about what would happen to Miko and being a healer, and also deigned to disregard the smartass comment he'd made about already knowing everything. Was this why he was getting the Mikovren equivalent of a cold shoulder? "... Nothing happens. Your healer duties will of course come second to care of your hatchling, but every Weyrling is given the option of continuing his or her trade skill after impression." He wouldn't point out himself as a prime example of just that thing, it didn't seem... appropriate under the circumstances. "You should also be aware of the fact that Weyrlings can be given specific chores, and healers typically keep to their trade simply because it's what they do best." The bluerider leaned forward just a bit, a hint of a smirk on his face. "Unless you'd like to be scraping barnacles off the fishing docks of course." He abruptly stilled his hand when Miko made such obvious reference to its motions, and he instead leaned forward with it placed on his own knee. He made no other mention of that particular comment. "Incapable, no. I'm merely attempting to... alleviate any misconceptions. You seem... unhappy." Averting his eyes from the younger healer, he focused on the various crystal pieces as a means of hiding his own sense of discomfort at so personal an observation.
“Yet the chores I've been assigned so far are, of course, not related to my craft or what would suit the Weyr most as far as using a persons’ full talents. Sorting records? Crushing ink?” He rolled his eyes, but relaxed somewhat regardless. “I knew it wouldn't matter after Seriath and I graduated, but until then?” He shrugged, not needing to say it had been obviously tormenting him since the feast. “And if I ever deign to smell like a fish, I'll be certain to add some to your precious furs.” he returned in jest, a true grin tugging the corners of his lips up just slightly, tension seeping out of his shoulders. Noting the stilled hand, he sighed, and toyed with the idea running in his head, before shrugging it, literally, off. “I was...concerned.” Still am, too..., he mused, staring through rather than at the wall behind S'lain, less guarded and aware for a moment. “Seriath changes a lot of things for me...” For us? He wondered, before putting it down as wishful thinking. “Though I do know it's going to be a long year and however until she's mature.” he muttered. However, from the semi hopeful/gleeful look, he was considering the benefits, too. “You must have been concerned yourself, to come in. Why for?”
S'lain refocused at that, his brows coming down in clear annoyance. "I'll talk to the taskmistress who hands out chores for the Weyrlings. I'll put you on special assignment if I have to. If that's what you want of course." He yet again failed to rise to Miko's baiting, only snorting lightly at the insinuation that Miko would have free access to his own furs. Who knew. A small grin tugged at a corner of his own lips as he felt a slight easing in the youth before him. His brow drew down just a bit at the mention of concern, increasing his own concern. His hand brushed up and through his hair, leaving it slightly more mussed in his unease. "She will mature with the rest... you'll have the other new Weyrlings to help you with whatever causes young people the most angst these days during the Weyrling restrictions." His answer was purposefully vague as to what what 'whatever' might mean. His feature turned a little more stoic at the last comment, his questioning gaze lingering on Miko. "Why would I not be concerned?" The question seemed entirely honest. "You seemed unhappy, and I just couldn't see a recent reason for it. I was... worried... that something more might have happened to cause upset."
Miko snorted, and shook his head at the annoyance, honestly pleased by S'lains' care, even if it was simply an interest in his craft skills... Then again, he could always try to turn it to more later, when free to do so. “I would prefer it. Otherwise, I'll be short on sleep and food, between Seriath, chores, and my work here.” He admitted, despite suspecting that would earn a lecture or three from the older rider. “In any case, that brings up the other topic...” He muttered, avoiding the entire subject and bypass of weyrling angst. He knew well that any 'help' in that area was distinctly not allowed, given the confusion it could cause a growing dragon not yet mature. “What happens to these rooms? Seriath wont fit more than a few months more in here, and I know we ought to be in the barracks regardless, in case of some emergency.” He added, head falling to one side as he paused, sliding his arms crossed his chest for comfort.
“Do you need them for another?” He truly hoped not, but, he also knew at this point he'd supposedly earn his own weyr in a year and a half anyways-or become attached to a rider whom either he fancied, or whose dragon Seriath wanted-assuming she wanted just one, given that most settled greens he'd seen were older. “My upset has been trying to reconcile differing duties and desires.” He finally added, not-quite willing to admit that, but knowing S'lain, or Tess, Faranth take her, would ferret it out of him.
The bluerider made a mental note to take care of that on the morrow, and pushed up from the bed in a sudden urge to no longer be on the bed of all places. He tucked his hand into a pocket of his breeches, partially to keep him from picking up any of the terribly interesting things in the younger healer's room. Who would know just how extensive his love of the mini-craft of carving was? He rearranged his mental view for a moment, picturing someone else living in the small quarters, and the image gave him a surprising pang of distress that he quickly brushed away. His back was to Miko as he continued.
"These quarters will be yours until you decide otherwise.. as you said before, there's a distinct shortage of healers and no one is in desperate need of living space. Afterwards, well... as healers with dragons, we get a particular choice in where to live. Or... we can ask the stone crafters to cut you a Weyr off the healing wing like mine and Jaxith's, even before your green comes of the age to need one. As a healer, you were valuable. As a Rider and healer, your worth is only doubled." He said all of this with a somewhat forced feeling of distancing himself, his voice fairly neutral, as if conversing over the weather. He turned towards the younger man, mixed emotions on his face belying his tone. "You need never live in the barracks if that's your choice."
Wondering at the sudden surge of movement-had he managed to get that far under S'lains skin to discomfit the other man that easily, and not in any intended way?- Miko almost rose as well, before leaning back slowly, as if to sink into the comforts of the seat beneath him. He was toying now with a strand of his hair as he stared at the older man through half-lidded eyes. Noting the movement of his hand and eyes, the young weyrling arched an eyebrow, then grinned. “You can look, you know. You and Tess are the only ones brave enough to venture here. Though if you ever tell anyone I carve, I might have to practice carving something a bit softer...” he teased, gently, before letting his gaze linger on the lines of S'lains figure freely, since the rider had his back to him anyways.
He had to admit, it was a nice view... Feeling Seriath stir in question, he carefully sent her a tendril of love, before she slipped back into a happy half-doze, cuddled into her little wallow. “If that is the case, though...” He frowned, and debated, mind running over the weyr's he'd seen, and the general space and layout of them. “For now, I may as well, it would be ...distressing... to have to pack everything away or try and find space for it in the barracks. Besides, I prefer privacy.” He added, with a faint smirk, before rising to stretch. “I am only valuable here thanks to you and Jaxith, whom I am sure is pleased he was right in his not-search-as are you?” Miko asked, honestly wanting to know. “Considering before you always sidestepped giving me a proper answer.” he added, tapping a foot lightly in a mock of annoyance. Still turning over the question of where to live, with those options, he inched forward, wondering just what S'lain found so interesting that he himself couldn't see-his rooms weren't -that- strange, were they?
Tilting his head to the side a bit, S'lain smiled just a little. "Tess has been in here? What did she want?" He narrowed a doubtful gaze on the younger healer when the teasing threat came up, snorting a bit at the absurdity of it. He took a deep breath and moved a little closer, though in reality he was already pretty close in the smallish room. Privacy.. that wasn't a subtle hint to leave, was it? He hid the smile quite well when mention of Miko's 'search' came up. True, he'd never actually told the healer what Jaxith had informed him of... he would have never stayed, and would have probably run as far away from the hatching sands as possible. Luckily he'd given Tess the heads-up, and she'd been all up for giving the younger healer a 'push' in the right direction. Maybe it was just a little bit of revenge for her, but S'lain had been gratified to see him impress. Jaxith of course, was entirely too smug about it, but he always was when his uncanny search abilities proved an apt pairing. "I ... had some idea." He finally admitted, wondering if he was in for... well, a very annoyed Miko. "You probably know as well as I who makes all the decision around here though." The bluerider said wryly, lifting his hand in a loose shrug.
“Well, I rather suspect she's been inhere more than once, however... She was nagging me about the touching, actually, and all of that wondrous candidate stuff.” He muttered, trying hard not to remember that day as his hand trailed unconsciously over the thin line on his right arm. Arching an eyebrow at S'lains moving closer to him, Miko's lips quirked, before he snorted. “I am not surprised. Be glad that I -did- Impress to Seriath, or I would be making you wish you were on Rhukbat right now.” He muttered, glowering darkly before the teasing grin overrode it. “As it is... pre-hatching? I would have. Now? I'm...glad.” He admitted, turning his head to the side to 'study' the shelf of crystals there he'd yet to carve, not sure why he was admitting that. “And I know. I'll have a talk with him later.”
He muttered, before softening once more, mind running over the moment Seriath had come over and quite clearly demanded he take care of her, and only her, at the end of the hatching. “However, as far as living arrangements go...” Turning slightly to glance over his shoulder at the taller healer, Miko's dark gaze was not quite teasing, yet was, as the move shifted him a bit closer. “Why not a weyr next to yours, then? That way I am right here for those who need, and should Seriath ail beyond my skills, you're right next door. As is Jaxith.” he added, with a devious grin that he turned his back to S'lain to hide. There were plenty of reasons to move so, and convenience of access... well, that was a rather -broad- one. “And it's less of a distance to move her and myself.” He added, a note of finality and self-pleasure in his voice. “It's perfect, wouldn't you agree?” he asked, glancing back over one shoulder with a carefully-schooled face to betray none of his thoughts.
S'lain almost -almost- winced at the brief admission from the younger healer that he would have been in for a highly agitated Miko if he hadn't come away bonded, and he silently gave thanks to Faranth for it. Not letting his relief show through however, the bluerider tilted his head in interest at Miko's suggestion for a living space, not entirely certain if the suggestion was genuine or another attempt to trip him up. One could never bee too careful around him, that one being S'lain. The idea of course was what he would have suggested, but he placed his hand to his chin in a classic pose of contemplation, brows drawing down in clear thought.
"Hm... I suppose we could have the stone masons carve you a new weyr close by." He didn't add that it might help with Miko's adjustment in the long run, and all in all wasn't too bad of an idea. It wasn't like the younger healer would be living that much closer to him and Jaxith anyway, that was just a Miko-generated tease, he was rather certain. "I'll speak with someone about it." He finally said in agreement, his hand falling to the bed as he leaned back just a bit to glance at the ceiling. "I'll note that you need higher ceilings too." He said absently before looking back at Miko with a more serious look on his face. "You'll tell me if you need help?" He asked quietly after a moment, leaving the reason for needing help as general as possible.
Watching S'lain's moue of thought, despite his decisions being one that S'lain had suggested himself, if more obliquely, M'vren felt one of the first genuine smiles of late stretch over his lips, eyes sparkling in amusement at the banter. Turning to lean against the wall, he glanced up as well, then frowned curiously. "How big do you think she'll grow to be, S'lain?" He asked, finally, since he'd been muddling along on his own long enough, and the relief at having someone who was able, willing, and ready to help brought down plenty of his normal barriers. He had that inherent pride in his dragon that he knew all had to some degree, but was far too careful to let it show often.
S'lain was actually the first he'd bothered to discuss her with, since he left as soon as lessons were over to try and keep up with things-and the lack of sleep was starting to show prior to this. "I..." He paused, about to remark that he could handle it, and stopped. Keeping his gaze back to the ceiling where it had been drawn again, he frowned, before a familiar blankness slid over his gaze. Should he? S'lain was, bit by bit, getting closer to him, with Tess not-so-far behind, though they were really hte only ones in the Weyr. Did he really want ot let his guard down? But, there was also Seriath to consider. For her sake, his pride had to bend-and S'lain wasn't one to bandy it about or hold it over him. "I will. If I really need it, I will." He finally said. Turning his gaze back to S'lain, Miko gave a twisted half smile, admitting silently that maybe, just maybe, he should have asked before now.
Pondering the green form he'd seen shortly after Seriath was hatched, S'lain took another look around the room with a small smile. "Well, it's difficult to tell at this age just how big she'll get, but based on how big she was when she hatched, she'll never fit into this room again after a few months have passed." Placing his hand back in his lap, S'lain finally pushed off the bed, standing slowly and stretching out his back in the same move. He paused as Miko actually answered his question, half turned towards the door so that the small smile wouldn't be seen. Coaching his features, he turned back with what he hoped was a decently pleased expression, though not -too- pleased. "Well, I think I'm going to go finish up in the Infirmary and then head to bed. I don't have the overnight shift tonight so I can actually sleep on a regular schedule." The wry tone to his voice spoke volumes of how often that particular event occurred.
"She was a bit smaller than some, but... I've seen before how the runt can shoot up to larger than the rest, so..." He shrugged, not too concerned, but had to agree with the assessment of his quarters. A dry chuckle was the answer S'lain received for that, as Miko let a grin slip on his lips. "Lucky you. Hopefully I'll get back to somewhat of the same soon, now that I'm not being pulled into the common drudgery." He added, before glancing about. It was late, but he figured he had some time yet. "I'm just going to pack up some things, then, and head back to Seriath. She's not sleeping well tonight with me gone." He grumbled the latter somewhat, rueful that she was aware enough to note his absence, but also touched. Shaking his head, he made a shooing motion. "I'll find you later, or you me, I'm sure, about the new quarters. I suppose I'll survive the other weyrlings for a bit longer." He added, half joking, half serious.
Nodding himself, S'lain made it to the door within a few steps and opened it with a soft jerk. "I'll look into them tomorrow, and see what I can do about getting the potential blueprints to you. You do have a bit of a choice, considering how important you and your green will be to the infirmary, not to mention it's being made new to begin with." He shot Miko a smile, and stepped outside. "Goodnight Mikovren. Wish your Seriath a good sleep for me and Jaxith." He closed the door behind him with a small wave and made his way back to his desk to tidy up for the night.
Seriath, the reason he was acting the way he was. Thankfully, the determined and demanding (devil!-whom he loved) green hatchling was sleeping, belly tight with food and hide freshly damp and oiled, in the field. He preferred her not awake for this, tender and loving as she could be, given his own turmoil. She still didn't understand his reticence, or concerns-too young and self assured. He smiled fondly, lips quirking into a rarely seen gesture, before being brought back to his senses as the smell of ointments and linens washed over him. Dropping the lock of hair he'd been twirling, the journeyman slipped inside, keeping a wary eye out for those he knew. While it was necessary to seek out his superior-and wasn't that a kettle of fish now? To find out what changes would have to be made, he wasn't looking forward to it. Heading towards his rooms, he wondered how things would turn out now, adding the half-romance he had with S'lain currently to the issue of his craft, and Seriath's age. All those favored activities, beyond flirting, he'd have to curtail for her sake, for over a year-and if that didn't scare those who'd run across him before, nothing would. Perhaps that was why the other healers and apprentices were leaving space in his path towards his previous quarters...
A white dragon. A -white- dragon. Such a thing had only happened a handful of times since Ruth's birth, the first noted hatchling with such unusual coloring. For Cerulean to birth one, the last ill-fated clutch of Trith's... S'lain was not a superstitious man, but he would keep an eye on the delicate thing. Even now Trivaruth and her... his? rider were asleep in an adjacent room after careful feeding of the newborn. Despite so many mutations, the rest of the hatchlings were of surprisingly good health, and that alone was heartening. It was amazing, and seeing all the newly hatched had given the bluerider and his dragon a warm feeling they'd missed for a time. Jaxith watched from the over-large ledge attached to the healing cavern, where injured dragons would usually stay when the weather was fair. His was shuffling through papers on his desk, making a notation here, jotting a scratched mark there. He'd file them in a while, but best to notate them while the concerns where fresh in his mind. One or two of the newly bonded had already come in with over-feeding problems, and he'd probably have to approach the whole group before too long to address the issue before someone became seriously sick. Pausing at his work, he rubbed the back of his hand across his nose in a brief scratch, unknowingly leaving a small smudge of ink behind across the bridge. Placing the quill back in the adjacent inkwell, he leaned his forehead on his hand in a moment of rest, eyes closed as he took a deep breath.
Pausing in his movements as a familiar figure caught his eye, the new Weyrling stilled, gaze tracking over S'lain's form and across the paper-strewn desk. While he wasn't really in the mood to talk yet, at least he knew the bluerider was present, currently. Still, he lingered there a moment, half-formed wishes sifting through his thoughts, before shaking his head. Moving on before S'lain could note him, Miko slipped towards his rooms, masking the thoughts that had briefly run rampant over his features, hiding the wistful air with determination. As soon as he passed into the hall, he hurried to the door of his quarters and inside, shutting it with a faint sigh. Peering about, he grumbled and lit a taper and lamp, studying the projects and notes strewn over his desk. The sight of his traveling kit reminded him of the oft postponed trip for more herbs, before he shook his head. Someone else would have to do that. Moving to find a chest under the bed, he grumbled at the dust there, reminded that he'd meant to sweep, too, the day of the hatching. “Of all the...” Cursing, he finally pulled out the lined wooden box, settling it on the bed. If he had to leave, he'd have to pack-and figure out what went where. Wandering over to the desk, he paused, fingers tracing over the half-carved chunk of lapis lying there, an early start on a present for Jaxith and S'lain, that he'd yet to really iron out beyond the first simple cuts.
S'lain took no note of the quiet movement behind him, his hand moving to pinch the bridge of his nose. Jaxith, however, followed the silent form across the infirmary with slowly whirling eyes, a dark blue shadow on the ledge The blue let his much sharper senses take note of the rustle of cloth and small movements within the healer's quarters, debating within his large heart whether to mention the passing to His. Jaxith's unusual understanding of human behavior allowed him to note the youth's atypical behavior. Perhaps he wished to be left alone, but a brush against the mind of the young healer's sleeping hatchling brought a flavor of unrest, as well as the typical curl of pleasure at hatchlings in general. It had been wonderful to see the young dragons, and the big blue was looking forward to speaking with them.
For now, however, he decided it was best to alert His to the youngling's disturbance. His would want to know, as he'd grown rather fond of the young man in general. *Mikovren is in his room, Mine. He is not... normal.* S'lain blinked at the unusual phrasing the blue used, and raised his head. The sneaky healer must have tiptoed right behind him. Shards, he must be tired to have not heard anything. Scooting the chair back, S'lain walked over to the hallway with the healer's quarters, pausing before Miko's door. He had yet to invade the youth's personal space, was now a good time? Who knew what might be said. S'lain had always meant for Miko to stand at least once, but the flavor of unease from Jaxith meant something was... unwell. Surely he wasn't upset about impressing? Resting by the door, S'lain didn't knock just yet, but leaned against the wall, his head close to the door, listening for some sign.
Unaware of the plotting of dragons-though after living here several turns now, he really ought to know, Miko finally pulled his gaze from the piece, eyes slipping closed. He wasn't sure when that would be finished now, and would rather not dwell. Turning away, he eyed the shelves on the walls, mentally cataloging what he would need or want, and what he'd have to see if S'lain could store for him, if what he suspected became the case. He looked around the rooms, and had to admit, squeezing Seriath in here, before long, would be impossible, green hatchling or no. Still, it pained him somewhat, and he sighed, anger feeding through before he tamped it down, lest he wake the dragonet he'd worked to avoid letting know-until the move was over, and he'd calmed-what was going on. Heading into the secondary room for a chest to store most of the non-essentials in, he grumbled to himself, finally able to give in to the stress and surprise.
While he would never go back, now knowing how much a part of him his beloved was, it still meant a major upheaval in his life-and to his sense of duty. Dragging the chest back into the main room, he stopped, and glared at the offending mess, almost tempted to throw everything haphazardly into place. Then again, breaking it all wasn't really what he wanted. Moving to a shelf, he lifted down the tray with his carved tools and needles for his craft, carefully checking each piece, before setting it down at the desk and staring at it. “How is this going to work?” He murmured, gaze on what he'd spent his life working at, personified in crystal and wood before him. “It's only a year and a half, but still..” He muttered, eyes dark.
Things were quiet within, and S'lain leaned a bit closer, his ear all but against the smoothed wood of the door. A sudden scraping from within alerted him to something being moved, but things were distressingly quiet otherwise. No hint as to what might be troubling the young healer. Perhaps... perhaps it was simply time to ask. He hesitated though, yet again, until he felt Jaxith's pressure at the back of his mind like a hand on his back pushing him forward. Straightening himself and leaving his leaning spot for a more regular seeming position before the door, he raised his hand to knock twice, the sound easily audible but not compulsory. "Mikovren... it's me." He doubted he's need to elaborate, but just in case. "..S'lain" he added after the briefest moment of hesitation. He hoped he wouldn't have to open the door himself, it seemed far too invasive of the younger man's space.
Frozen at the sound of knocking, Miko wondered briefly about hiding and pretending not to be there-until he heard who it was. Drat.~ Jaxith. ~ He muttered, mentally, feeling Seriath stir in the back of his mind, before settling when he calmed. He'd bet a month's wages the blue had something to do with S'lain being outside the door, when he -knew- he'd been quiet enough to not be noticed. A faint frown creased his brow, before he sighed, and rose. More, he knew he'd have to talk to the older man later anyways. Grumbling about interfering blue dragons-even if he never got proof, he suspected, he edged around the crate on the floor which had previously been a shelf in the other room. “Just a minute.” He added, trying not to knock something off a shelf. He hadn't purposefully put the crate there, really. Pulling the door open, Miko ran a hand through his hair, and arched an eyebrow, too frazzled to properly mask his emotions, though it was well enough unless you knew him. “S'lain. What is it?” He asked, shifting his body somewhat to try and block the view of the room. Then again, he mused, it wasn't as if it would be his much longer...
Roux: If nothing else about the younger healer's current state were evident, he would have realized something was amiss simply from the clipped way he was greeted. Miko always had something more to say, something to add, something to poke fun at. It had grown... fun, and now, the noted absence was... well, noted. He clearly was not welcome. He was momentarily taken aback by the sheer amount of -stuff- in Miko's room though, from the brief glimpse through the door before Miko surreptitiously moved to shield the room from sight. Blinking back to focus, S'lain remained outside the door, carefully keeping to neutral ground for the both of them. He'd just try for something short and to the point. The bluerider wasn't in the mood to be shut down for attempting to help. "You busy?" Yeah, that was to the point. He tried again with only a brief pause. "You alright? You don't seem your usual cheerful self."
Watching S'lain, the healer-turned-reluctant-weyrling shifted, regretting the sharp greeting. He'd grown quite fond of, and close to, relatively speaking... the other man, and sighed. Shifting his weight slightly at the questions, he debated the possible answers, before shaking his head once, and moving aside, inviting S'lain in wordlessly, first, and glancing into the hall. “Of course I'm my usual cheerful self. I'm simply delighted! Over the horizon, no, really, over Rhukbat itself. Do come in, unless of course, your ever so busy schedule allows you only enough time to knock.” he teased, albeit a bit sharply, gesturing simply. “It saves me the trouble of tracking down your gracious self at a later time.”
S'lain gave an uncharacteristic grunt at the severity that seemed to be within the younger healer's jests, though he wasn't really 100 percent that it was there. Just.. a difference. He wasn't really certain if he wanted to be within close quarters with the younger man as well, but figuring it would be a short visit, he stepped within the quarters, careful himself of bumping anything on the numerous shelves. He moved just inside the door, his thumb hooked lightly into the band of his breeches in a study of ease. "Yes, you do seem glib." He agreed in a serious tone. "And why would you need to 'track down' my precious self in the first place? Something you need to discuss?" His scarred vision tracked over the room as he spoke, resting briefly on the moved chest before sweeping the crystals, books, pieces of wood and whatnot. He kept his vision on the room though, trying to allow Miko time to answer without feeling like he was being stared down.
“Indeed.” Miko returned, shutting the door, before moving to sit at the desk, shuffling aside a few pieces of paper to hide the in progress carving. “Sorry.” He gave S'lain a wan smile, and leaned back somewhat, before watching the older man study the room. To be fair, it wasn't that cluttered, just that he kept almost all his tools in here, rather than the actual infirmary. “Oh, just the matter of Impression, though.” He replied after a moment, and let himself remember with a faint smile the first thoughts, brush of mind, and greeting of Seriath. Running his tongue over his lips, the healer sighed, and waved S'lain to the bed. “I'm sorry for the greeting, you deserve better. I'm just stressed. I wanted to talk to you about what happens now, given how Seriath changes things...”
Roux: Taking the offer to sit, but just barely, S'lain perched himself just on the edge of the bed, his eyes now wholly on Miko. He didn't comment on the apology one way or the other, instead far more interested in the comment afterwards. "How Seriath changes things?" Not for the first time, S'lain mentally cursed the fact that he couldn't read Miko nearly as well as most people. He seemed... frustrated? Annoyed? .. Sad? Surely not. The bluerider let his hand sink into the soft fur on the bed, sharply reminded for a moment of the first time he was made aware of potential feelings for the younger healer, and the potential for return feelings. They hadn't done much since then to encourage things... and now perhaps it was too late? Shaking his head slightly, S'lain planted his eyes on Miko. "Tell me then how Seriath changes things?"
Watching S'lain, Miko bit his tongue before replying this time, before a half-smile graced his lips. Studying the older rider, he finally sighed. S'lain knew him best, yet not at all at times, and he still wasn't sure how he felt about that. He'd wanted something more, and was reminded of the one chance he'd had-and let slip by, the night he'd given the older man a massage, as S'lains hand settled on his prized furs. “Yes. I adore her, don't get me wrong.” he reassured, smiling more openly at the thought of the demanding little green. “She's... not innocent, certainly, but wonderful. I never expected something like this...” And had definitely been plotting revenge, before the hatching. During, he'd just been ill with worry. After? He'd been besotted. “Perhaps you'd best tell me, though?” He teased, faintly, eyes sparkling with a grin that was reminiscent of the early banter, before stress made him ever sharper-tongued. “I know the rules about this.” Still, and this time purposefully, being vague, Miko arched an eyebrow at S'lain with a faint grin, feeling himself relax somewhat in spite of himself with the older man.
The small flashes of smile on the younger man were reassuring, but still not... completely there as they might have been on any other day. Not innocent? He might have to actually ask about -that- part later. What exactly could a little green dragon not be innocent about? Putting curiosity aside, he continued to allow his hand free roam on the fur closest to his leg, enjoying the lush feeling as he did so on his own furs. "Well, things will change, that's a simple fact of impression. You'll be taking Weyrling lessons, and spend much of your time with your little one. That's necessary for the bond, and for her good health." His eyes strayed to the chest again, a pointed reminder of... something. He didn't yet know what. Perhaps the reason for Miko's uncommon unease. "Most newly bonded don't seem to find it too difficult, despite all the care a growing dragon takes even over an adult, beyond the difference in sheer size." S'lain wasn't really certain what Miko wanted to hear. "What else are you expecting?”
Unable to help himself, Miko rolled his eyes. "I was aware of all that, S'lain, despite being a new Weyrling. I am trained to heal them too." He grumbled, though not at the bluerider before him. “I meant,” At least partly, he amended mentally, “What happens with regard to my being a healer?” He studied S'lain, eyes narrowed. “I know you're quite capable, oh estimable superior of mine, but both Batavia and I were stolen away from aiding you by those little darlings.” he added, curious. “And we were short handed before.” More, he really didn't want to give up his craft for any length of time, though he'd never put it above Seriath, even thinking to do such was anathema now. Catching on the last comment though, he frowned, almost pouting. “Most? You think me so incapable?” He teased, half-flirting for a second, before waiting for an answer, honestly curious. “That must be it. Which means you're only here to luxuriate on my furs instead of your own, too.” His gaze tracked S'lains hand for a moment, as he fought to keep a teasing smile off of his lips.
S'lain seemed genuinely surprised at the question about what would happen to Miko and being a healer, and also deigned to disregard the smartass comment he'd made about already knowing everything. Was this why he was getting the Mikovren equivalent of a cold shoulder? "... Nothing happens. Your healer duties will of course come second to care of your hatchling, but every Weyrling is given the option of continuing his or her trade skill after impression." He wouldn't point out himself as a prime example of just that thing, it didn't seem... appropriate under the circumstances. "You should also be aware of the fact that Weyrlings can be given specific chores, and healers typically keep to their trade simply because it's what they do best." The bluerider leaned forward just a bit, a hint of a smirk on his face. "Unless you'd like to be scraping barnacles off the fishing docks of course." He abruptly stilled his hand when Miko made such obvious reference to its motions, and he instead leaned forward with it placed on his own knee. He made no other mention of that particular comment. "Incapable, no. I'm merely attempting to... alleviate any misconceptions. You seem... unhappy." Averting his eyes from the younger healer, he focused on the various crystal pieces as a means of hiding his own sense of discomfort at so personal an observation.
“Yet the chores I've been assigned so far are, of course, not related to my craft or what would suit the Weyr most as far as using a persons’ full talents. Sorting records? Crushing ink?” He rolled his eyes, but relaxed somewhat regardless. “I knew it wouldn't matter after Seriath and I graduated, but until then?” He shrugged, not needing to say it had been obviously tormenting him since the feast. “And if I ever deign to smell like a fish, I'll be certain to add some to your precious furs.” he returned in jest, a true grin tugging the corners of his lips up just slightly, tension seeping out of his shoulders. Noting the stilled hand, he sighed, and toyed with the idea running in his head, before shrugging it, literally, off. “I was...concerned.” Still am, too..., he mused, staring through rather than at the wall behind S'lain, less guarded and aware for a moment. “Seriath changes a lot of things for me...” For us? He wondered, before putting it down as wishful thinking. “Though I do know it's going to be a long year and however until she's mature.” he muttered. However, from the semi hopeful/gleeful look, he was considering the benefits, too. “You must have been concerned yourself, to come in. Why for?”
S'lain refocused at that, his brows coming down in clear annoyance. "I'll talk to the taskmistress who hands out chores for the Weyrlings. I'll put you on special assignment if I have to. If that's what you want of course." He yet again failed to rise to Miko's baiting, only snorting lightly at the insinuation that Miko would have free access to his own furs. Who knew. A small grin tugged at a corner of his own lips as he felt a slight easing in the youth before him. His brow drew down just a bit at the mention of concern, increasing his own concern. His hand brushed up and through his hair, leaving it slightly more mussed in his unease. "She will mature with the rest... you'll have the other new Weyrlings to help you with whatever causes young people the most angst these days during the Weyrling restrictions." His answer was purposefully vague as to what what 'whatever' might mean. His feature turned a little more stoic at the last comment, his questioning gaze lingering on Miko. "Why would I not be concerned?" The question seemed entirely honest. "You seemed unhappy, and I just couldn't see a recent reason for it. I was... worried... that something more might have happened to cause upset."
Miko snorted, and shook his head at the annoyance, honestly pleased by S'lains' care, even if it was simply an interest in his craft skills... Then again, he could always try to turn it to more later, when free to do so. “I would prefer it. Otherwise, I'll be short on sleep and food, between Seriath, chores, and my work here.” He admitted, despite suspecting that would earn a lecture or three from the older rider. “In any case, that brings up the other topic...” He muttered, avoiding the entire subject and bypass of weyrling angst. He knew well that any 'help' in that area was distinctly not allowed, given the confusion it could cause a growing dragon not yet mature. “What happens to these rooms? Seriath wont fit more than a few months more in here, and I know we ought to be in the barracks regardless, in case of some emergency.” He added, head falling to one side as he paused, sliding his arms crossed his chest for comfort.
“Do you need them for another?” He truly hoped not, but, he also knew at this point he'd supposedly earn his own weyr in a year and a half anyways-or become attached to a rider whom either he fancied, or whose dragon Seriath wanted-assuming she wanted just one, given that most settled greens he'd seen were older. “My upset has been trying to reconcile differing duties and desires.” He finally added, not-quite willing to admit that, but knowing S'lain, or Tess, Faranth take her, would ferret it out of him.
The bluerider made a mental note to take care of that on the morrow, and pushed up from the bed in a sudden urge to no longer be on the bed of all places. He tucked his hand into a pocket of his breeches, partially to keep him from picking up any of the terribly interesting things in the younger healer's room. Who would know just how extensive his love of the mini-craft of carving was? He rearranged his mental view for a moment, picturing someone else living in the small quarters, and the image gave him a surprising pang of distress that he quickly brushed away. His back was to Miko as he continued.
"These quarters will be yours until you decide otherwise.. as you said before, there's a distinct shortage of healers and no one is in desperate need of living space. Afterwards, well... as healers with dragons, we get a particular choice in where to live. Or... we can ask the stone crafters to cut you a Weyr off the healing wing like mine and Jaxith's, even before your green comes of the age to need one. As a healer, you were valuable. As a Rider and healer, your worth is only doubled." He said all of this with a somewhat forced feeling of distancing himself, his voice fairly neutral, as if conversing over the weather. He turned towards the younger man, mixed emotions on his face belying his tone. "You need never live in the barracks if that's your choice."
Wondering at the sudden surge of movement-had he managed to get that far under S'lains skin to discomfit the other man that easily, and not in any intended way?- Miko almost rose as well, before leaning back slowly, as if to sink into the comforts of the seat beneath him. He was toying now with a strand of his hair as he stared at the older man through half-lidded eyes. Noting the movement of his hand and eyes, the young weyrling arched an eyebrow, then grinned. “You can look, you know. You and Tess are the only ones brave enough to venture here. Though if you ever tell anyone I carve, I might have to practice carving something a bit softer...” he teased, gently, before letting his gaze linger on the lines of S'lains figure freely, since the rider had his back to him anyways.
He had to admit, it was a nice view... Feeling Seriath stir in question, he carefully sent her a tendril of love, before she slipped back into a happy half-doze, cuddled into her little wallow. “If that is the case, though...” He frowned, and debated, mind running over the weyr's he'd seen, and the general space and layout of them. “For now, I may as well, it would be ...distressing... to have to pack everything away or try and find space for it in the barracks. Besides, I prefer privacy.” He added, with a faint smirk, before rising to stretch. “I am only valuable here thanks to you and Jaxith, whom I am sure is pleased he was right in his not-search-as are you?” Miko asked, honestly wanting to know. “Considering before you always sidestepped giving me a proper answer.” he added, tapping a foot lightly in a mock of annoyance. Still turning over the question of where to live, with those options, he inched forward, wondering just what S'lain found so interesting that he himself couldn't see-his rooms weren't -that- strange, were they?
Tilting his head to the side a bit, S'lain smiled just a little. "Tess has been in here? What did she want?" He narrowed a doubtful gaze on the younger healer when the teasing threat came up, snorting a bit at the absurdity of it. He took a deep breath and moved a little closer, though in reality he was already pretty close in the smallish room. Privacy.. that wasn't a subtle hint to leave, was it? He hid the smile quite well when mention of Miko's 'search' came up. True, he'd never actually told the healer what Jaxith had informed him of... he would have never stayed, and would have probably run as far away from the hatching sands as possible. Luckily he'd given Tess the heads-up, and she'd been all up for giving the younger healer a 'push' in the right direction. Maybe it was just a little bit of revenge for her, but S'lain had been gratified to see him impress. Jaxith of course, was entirely too smug about it, but he always was when his uncanny search abilities proved an apt pairing. "I ... had some idea." He finally admitted, wondering if he was in for... well, a very annoyed Miko. "You probably know as well as I who makes all the decision around here though." The bluerider said wryly, lifting his hand in a loose shrug.
“Well, I rather suspect she's been inhere more than once, however... She was nagging me about the touching, actually, and all of that wondrous candidate stuff.” He muttered, trying hard not to remember that day as his hand trailed unconsciously over the thin line on his right arm. Arching an eyebrow at S'lains moving closer to him, Miko's lips quirked, before he snorted. “I am not surprised. Be glad that I -did- Impress to Seriath, or I would be making you wish you were on Rhukbat right now.” He muttered, glowering darkly before the teasing grin overrode it. “As it is... pre-hatching? I would have. Now? I'm...glad.” He admitted, turning his head to the side to 'study' the shelf of crystals there he'd yet to carve, not sure why he was admitting that. “And I know. I'll have a talk with him later.”
He muttered, before softening once more, mind running over the moment Seriath had come over and quite clearly demanded he take care of her, and only her, at the end of the hatching. “However, as far as living arrangements go...” Turning slightly to glance over his shoulder at the taller healer, Miko's dark gaze was not quite teasing, yet was, as the move shifted him a bit closer. “Why not a weyr next to yours, then? That way I am right here for those who need, and should Seriath ail beyond my skills, you're right next door. As is Jaxith.” he added, with a devious grin that he turned his back to S'lain to hide. There were plenty of reasons to move so, and convenience of access... well, that was a rather -broad- one. “And it's less of a distance to move her and myself.” He added, a note of finality and self-pleasure in his voice. “It's perfect, wouldn't you agree?” he asked, glancing back over one shoulder with a carefully-schooled face to betray none of his thoughts.
S'lain almost -almost- winced at the brief admission from the younger healer that he would have been in for a highly agitated Miko if he hadn't come away bonded, and he silently gave thanks to Faranth for it. Not letting his relief show through however, the bluerider tilted his head in interest at Miko's suggestion for a living space, not entirely certain if the suggestion was genuine or another attempt to trip him up. One could never bee too careful around him, that one being S'lain. The idea of course was what he would have suggested, but he placed his hand to his chin in a classic pose of contemplation, brows drawing down in clear thought.
"Hm... I suppose we could have the stone masons carve you a new weyr close by." He didn't add that it might help with Miko's adjustment in the long run, and all in all wasn't too bad of an idea. It wasn't like the younger healer would be living that much closer to him and Jaxith anyway, that was just a Miko-generated tease, he was rather certain. "I'll speak with someone about it." He finally said in agreement, his hand falling to the bed as he leaned back just a bit to glance at the ceiling. "I'll note that you need higher ceilings too." He said absently before looking back at Miko with a more serious look on his face. "You'll tell me if you need help?" He asked quietly after a moment, leaving the reason for needing help as general as possible.
Watching S'lain's moue of thought, despite his decisions being one that S'lain had suggested himself, if more obliquely, M'vren felt one of the first genuine smiles of late stretch over his lips, eyes sparkling in amusement at the banter. Turning to lean against the wall, he glanced up as well, then frowned curiously. "How big do you think she'll grow to be, S'lain?" He asked, finally, since he'd been muddling along on his own long enough, and the relief at having someone who was able, willing, and ready to help brought down plenty of his normal barriers. He had that inherent pride in his dragon that he knew all had to some degree, but was far too careful to let it show often.
S'lain was actually the first he'd bothered to discuss her with, since he left as soon as lessons were over to try and keep up with things-and the lack of sleep was starting to show prior to this. "I..." He paused, about to remark that he could handle it, and stopped. Keeping his gaze back to the ceiling where it had been drawn again, he frowned, before a familiar blankness slid over his gaze. Should he? S'lain was, bit by bit, getting closer to him, with Tess not-so-far behind, though they were really hte only ones in the Weyr. Did he really want ot let his guard down? But, there was also Seriath to consider. For her sake, his pride had to bend-and S'lain wasn't one to bandy it about or hold it over him. "I will. If I really need it, I will." He finally said. Turning his gaze back to S'lain, Miko gave a twisted half smile, admitting silently that maybe, just maybe, he should have asked before now.
Pondering the green form he'd seen shortly after Seriath was hatched, S'lain took another look around the room with a small smile. "Well, it's difficult to tell at this age just how big she'll get, but based on how big she was when she hatched, she'll never fit into this room again after a few months have passed." Placing his hand back in his lap, S'lain finally pushed off the bed, standing slowly and stretching out his back in the same move. He paused as Miko actually answered his question, half turned towards the door so that the small smile wouldn't be seen. Coaching his features, he turned back with what he hoped was a decently pleased expression, though not -too- pleased. "Well, I think I'm going to go finish up in the Infirmary and then head to bed. I don't have the overnight shift tonight so I can actually sleep on a regular schedule." The wry tone to his voice spoke volumes of how often that particular event occurred.
"She was a bit smaller than some, but... I've seen before how the runt can shoot up to larger than the rest, so..." He shrugged, not too concerned, but had to agree with the assessment of his quarters. A dry chuckle was the answer S'lain received for that, as Miko let a grin slip on his lips. "Lucky you. Hopefully I'll get back to somewhat of the same soon, now that I'm not being pulled into the common drudgery." He added, before glancing about. It was late, but he figured he had some time yet. "I'm just going to pack up some things, then, and head back to Seriath. She's not sleeping well tonight with me gone." He grumbled the latter somewhat, rueful that she was aware enough to note his absence, but also touched. Shaking his head, he made a shooing motion. "I'll find you later, or you me, I'm sure, about the new quarters. I suppose I'll survive the other weyrlings for a bit longer." He added, half joking, half serious.
Nodding himself, S'lain made it to the door within a few steps and opened it with a soft jerk. "I'll look into them tomorrow, and see what I can do about getting the potential blueprints to you. You do have a bit of a choice, considering how important you and your green will be to the infirmary, not to mention it's being made new to begin with." He shot Miko a smile, and stepped outside. "Goodnight Mikovren. Wish your Seriath a good sleep for me and Jaxith." He closed the door behind him with a small wave and made his way back to his desk to tidy up for the night.
