Lothyna
Weyrling
Shadow Dancer
Posts: 194
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Post by Lothyna on Oct 23, 2010 21:45:12 GMT -5
It had been a long day in the infirmary. A long, unexpectedly bloody day in fact, as a lower caverns worker had an accident involving a fall down the cliff-face. Luckily for him, he'd fetched up on a ledge only some 40 feet down the face, but it had been a nasty fall. Broken arm, broken leg and fractured ribs. Surgery was the order of the day, and it had been gruesome indeed. Finished a scant candlemark before, the bluerider was still cleaning up the blood from his tools and clean wear. Jaxith was perched on the infirmary ledge so he could help when needed, lifting things here and dropping things there. He was so familiar with the layout of the infirmary, that the blue didn't even need to see the destination first hand to direct the objects via telekinesis. S'lain brushed the blue's mind with a request, and it was done in a blink. They were efficient, even alone, but at the moment, one of the younger assistants was still there to help.
The kid bustled around with almost as much familiarity as the healer himself, and they were quickly finished cleaning. The evening crew was just flowing in, and the bluerider would be glad to give it over to them. His shoulder was aching along the scar lines; he'd have to rub it down before he could go to sleep, but Jaxith had gotten incredibly good at such small, intricate work. Finally finishing up, he tossed the last dirty cloth into the basket and mopped the back of his hand across his forehead. With a sigh, he gave a wave to the evening crew, and made his way slowly to his own rooms. Jaxith dropped off the infirmary ledge and landed on the next closest ledge which was the weyr they shared closest to the infirmary. S'lain wasn't far behind him, closing the door to their rooms and working the buttons on his shirt with practiced one-handed ease. He groaned as he removed the cloth, tossing it to the bed as he walked towards the privy room. A large basin of water sat cooling there, and he first took a dip headfirst, throwing his head back with a splash of water in the small room, the excess water dripping down towards the drain in the center point of the floor. Heedless of his pants, the bluerider took a nearby dipper, and began ladleling it over himself, washing away the smell of blood, sweat and redwort.
Meandering through the halls of the infirmary, Mikovren gave an absent-minded nod to those who passed him. It was late enough to see the evening crew heading in, and catch sight of a blue form outside the infirmary doors. With a quirked grin, which the young man noted made the people nearest veer away from him even more, Miko’s feet turned his stumbling glide out the door and towards the weyr he knew S’lain considered his. Glancing out into the bowl, he tracked the people lounging about, and the flashing hides of feeding and sunbathing dragons as the last of the sun started to sink below the horizon. Grinning laconically, Mikovren wondered at S’lain’s retiring so early. Then again, he’d been allowed the day off given the holiday, and had grasped it. Making the gift-rather, finishing it-had taken priority for him.
Holding the package tight to his chest, and pausing as he realized he’d forgotten to tie it, Mikovren cursed, and paused, one hand fumbling the length of gold-edged healer green from his pocket where it had lain, folded. Awkwardly, and ignoring curious looks, since most people never saw Miko carrying what appeared to be a –gift-, he carefully looped the ribbon over it, securing it in a cross bow, before nodding. A critical glance, and the song resumed, half hummed, as he finished trekking to the ledge. Pausing to bow at the waist to Jaxith in greeting, Miko headed inside, pausing again, and looking back at the blue. “I’m not here. And it’s not harmful.” He added, as an afterthought.
Trying the door, Mikovren grinned and slipped inside, glancing about quickly as he looked for a good place to stash the gift. He still felt a bit weird giving a gift, but… He did owe, and like, the older man, even if he felt it his duty to give him hell. Batavia didn’t do it enough. Heading further inside, Miko’s attention was caught by the sound of water, and he paused in the act of placing the package on the bed, eyes taking in the shirtless S’lain. Not the first time he’d seen him so, but he didn’t see it often…
Jaxith tilted his head in curiosity, clearly not worried that the human would do harm to His. He instead ruffled his wings and rolled onto his side, his whirling eyes peacefully green and blue to match his hide. S'lain didn't seem to notice that he was being watched right away, and he took a cloth to his shoulder, the muscles in his back jumping in reaction to the tender ache. Amusement from Jaxith filtered through his mind like a breeze, "Just what's got you so ha-" He turned with a grin towards the ledge, freezing half way as a rather familiar person entered his gaze. Only the slightest scowl touched his lips as the one person most interested in giving him a hard time had suddenly and mysteriously arrived unannounced. He shot the blue a stare, which the big dragon studiously ignored and seemed to find something veeery interesting just under his left wing. Sighing, the man pulled a smile from somewhere, and it quickly settled into something more natural as he moved out of the privy and towards the main room. "Miko... what, ah... what brings you to my room? Has something happened in the infirmary?" As if the thought had really just crossed his mind, his expression turned quite a bit more serious and he crossed the room in a few strides, the towel around his neck.
Flushed at being caught staring, Miko wiped his face back to a small sardonic grin, and removed his hands from the package on the bed obliquely, as if he himself had not placed it there, merely been curious. Nodding in greeting, the dragonhealer let his gaze trail over S’lain’s chest, before he forced it back up, meeting his senior’s stare. He’d caught the look, and sighed internally. Nope, not welcome here either. Why, Faranth, had he agreed to come to the Weyr? Then again, S’lain was the one who had appropriated him in the first place… And he’d never gotten a clear answer as to why from the other man, yet.
Forcing a neutral tone, and shunting the slightly gray thoughts, Miko shrugged one shoulder. “Nothing’s wrong to my knowledge, the evening crew just arrived.” He grinned, pushing a semblance of his teasing self forward, and stretched, mindless of the tense atmosphere. While he appreciated Jaxith’s not saying a thing, apparently, and knew it was his own fault, he couldn’t help but wish he’d scooted before being caught. Better to own up? Probably, this was S’lain he was dealing with. “I was just coming to wish you a merry Turn’s End.” He murmured, waggling a finger vaguely to the package, before turning. “I’ll leave if I’m intruding.”
He watched the younger man, his features softening just a bit as Miko replaced his momentary lapse of annoying with something more open. Interesting, and unseen in the closed youth. He couldn't help but wish that the kid would show something similar more often, but it was clear that Miko wasn't interested in showing that part of himself to much of anyone. Hiding a bit of a sigh, S'lain replaced his own now bemused expression with surprise as Miko brought the package to his attention, and even claimed that he was the giver. Instantly suspicious of the package -as more than one trick from younger healers kept him constantly on guard- he tried to not show it. "No, you're not intruding. Door was unlocked for a reason. I'm always approachable if it's open, so to speak." The bluerider walked past the younger healer to the bed, his brows raised as he surveyed the box from what he felt was a safe distance.
He wasn't sure yet if he should feel guilty for not getting anything for the youth, but he was certain he'd know after he opened the box. Who knows, maybe it was a true gift. He could show appreciation if it was deserved.
Watching the bemusement of his senior, Mikovren let a laconic grin slip, though his eyes were less guarded with the admission of entry being allowed. Leaning back against the wall nearest him, Miko tracked his gaze once more over S’lain when he felt it safe and likely unobserved. The wariness S’lain had for his gift was not unexpected, yet was also somewhat irksome, though he kept it tamped down securely. Glancing again to Jaxith, Miko shifted, and eyed the box. With a sigh, he rose, and picked it up, standing close enough to S’lain that he brushed against the older man, before turning to face him, not minding invading someone’s personal space in the least. “I’m not about to play a prank on Turn’s End, S’lain. Have some faith in me, will you?” he asked, holding the package out. Now, truly, he was wondering about his own sanity in offering the gift, and shot a glance to the door.
S'lain resisted the sudden urge to take a rather large step back. Miko'd stepped through his blind spot, whether unintentional or not he didn't know, but it still made him edgy. Jaxith let him into his eyes for the briefest moment, watching from the weyrledge with a studied air of ease, and it put the bluerider back on solid ground to see everything from so far away. Only disoriented for a moment, the bluerider tilted slightly to the side, catching himself just in time to keep from stumbling. Shards, he must be tired. Too tired to share vision with Jaxith and compensate, so he returned to his own eyes with a blink as his hand was suddenly full of soft white hide. The feel of it was rather luxurious, and he looked back at Miko curiously, though a slight grin crept to his lips. "I'm just.. watching my back yaknow." He admitted, a slightly wry look on his face as he raised a brow at the younger healer, not quite up to the task of unwrapping the gift while holding it at the same time. "Mind holding it for me?"
“I do know, considering I’m behind some of them.” The admittance accompanied a faint grin, and Miko turned his gaze back, wary of the older man’s sudden shift in vision-he always had a different air when speaking to or asking Jaxith’s aid. “Long day?” He asked, notoriously uncomfortable with small talk that wasn’t teasing or baiting others, especially in gray areas such as this. A year with the man had given hints at a person he didn’t see in the infirmary, as he was sure S’lain had seen in him. Shifting his weight, and twisting to make sure S’lain could see him easier, remembering the unease the man’s blind-side gave, Mikovren frowned, then nodded. “I don’t mind.” He finally admitted, deciding to stay somewhat longer, though he really felt uncomfortable being there when S’lain, and Jaxith, saw his attempt at carving the blue.
S'lain nodded, handing off the wrapped box -for it certainly felt like a box through the hide- to Mikovren, and then worked at the bow with a steady, surgeon-ready hand. A moment's work and he had the ribbon loosened, letting it fall over Miko's hands as he unfolded the soft hide. He'd certainly keep that too, lovely piece that it was. He could have -something- made from it, he was certain, maybe something to return his reticent gift giver. After another moment, both brows raised at the sight that met his scarred vision. The box was hand carved, and the dragon winging over the lid was somehow inlaid with a glittering, sparkling dark blue stone. He let his rough fingertips smooth over the glossy finish, tracing the dragon there, Jaxith no doubt. His mouth parted in slight awe, then his eyes blinked up to Miko's. "You.. made this?" Alright, he felt guilty now. Shardit. Jaxith snorted a thought through his mind, which he promptly ignored. Nosy blue.
A faint, uncomfortable flush lit Mikovren’s cheeks as he flickered his eyes to the side, studiously –not- watching the unwrapping, even though a fine shudder trembled through him as the ribbon fell. Unaware of the hidden thoughts S’lain had, He watched from the corner of one eye as S’lain’s fingers traced the design. He flickered his gaze back at the parted mouth, and darted a tongue over his lips before answering, unaware that he still blushed slightly. “Ah.. Yes. The inlay is corundum-Sapphire.” He admitted, before turning it so the latch faced S’lain, shifting his weight from foot to foot. Hyper-aware in his slight embarrassment, since he hadn’t brought this gift, nor made it, to receive praise, Miko swallowed. “I hope my attempts at art aren’t offensive…” He muttered, more to himself, cheeks still s slight red tone as he studied the blue rider. He couldn’t help but wonder what the other’s dragon would make of the box-nor the rider of what lay inside.
The bluerider allowed the box to be turned, his hand remaining on the inlay, following the curve of the tail, the sweep of a wing. He couldn't really feel that the image was crudely crafted, it was too... caring of a gift to feel something so negative about it. His brows raised again as the latch faced him. More inside? Now his curiosity was honestly piqued. Why had he made such an intricate gift? Everything Miko did, all the issues he seemed to have with S'lain, this was the last thing he'd expected. Jaxith scooted forward just a bit, clearly eager to get a first hand view of… himself, though he couldn't fit in so close to the privy room. S'lain tilted the box just a little towards the blue, giving him a better view. Whirling green eyes watched, unreadable. S'lain quirked a smile at Jaxith, then focused back on Miko, righting the box again with a lingering feel of the lid. Flipping the latch in a decisive way, he waited a moment for the younger healer to steady it before lifting the lid and staring in disbelief at the array of tools that glittered within, each a work of wonder that wiped all trace of the amused smile from his face.
Eyes on the pair, Mikovren followed the blue’s movements, and hid a nervousness he was surprised at himself under a tiny smile, intrigued that the blue would be so curious-yet understanding, as well. Flicking his own gaze back to S’lain as the latch was opened, Miko couldn’t help the nervous shift of his weight, and cursed a bit internally. The lack of the amusement might be a signal to run, but that meant dumping the box-and was that… a bad or good thing, either way? He twitched inwardly, debating a course of action, before sighing at himself, and blowing a loose strand of hair out of his eyes.
“I know you have trouble with the long surgeries. These are as good-if not better, in some cases-and they’re easier to clean. More, obsidian is sharper naturally than metal and wont rust.” And was easy enough for him to knap a new blade head to replace if one did break or wear out. The silence weighed on him, reminding him of how others often felt around his own quirks, and he added reluctantly, “If you don’t want to use them, that’s fine.” The nonchalant tone was somewhat lacking, even as he shrugged a shoulder, glancing back to Jaxith-as if the blue could give him an answer.
S'lain was speechless. His hand lingered on the edge of the box, unable yet to touch the instruments. The silence stretched for a moment, and might have stretched longer if Jaxith hadn't nudged him mentally. ~You need to speak, he's looking like a herdbeast under a dragonshadow. ~ The bluerider opened his mouth twice before words would come though. "Mikovren... these are.." He gave himself a shake and then reached into the box to pick up one of the obsidian scalpels. It looked so delicate, but was nothing compared to the suturing needles, in -sapphire- no less. Curved and straight, in multiple sizes. How had he done it? I know you have trouble with the long surgeries. He rarely received such sincerity, and he was almost 100% certain that he'd never received such a gift before. "You... made these too? How?" More importantly, why? The second question hung in the air, unspoken.
Mikovren sighed, and slid his carefree mask back into place as the silence lingered. Yep, he definitely should have just left the box on the bed, and fled, before being noticed. Then he’d not have to deal with more than curious inquiry, and a chance at misdirection about the source in turn-easy enough to do. No, instead he gave in to his libido, and now had to handle this. Straightening from the slouch, the dragon healer shrugged again. “I don’t spend all my time raising hell and causing problems or dis-quieting others.”
He almost snapped, acerberic, before reining himself in. It wasn’t S’lain’s fault he’d made a fool of himself here. “Sorry. That was uncalled for.” He murmured, mostly under his breath since Mikovren was –known- for not apologizing, ever. “I carve. Wood, sometimes, usually crystals.” He motioned to the long spire inlaid with flowing lines reminiscent of the ocean tied on the thong holding his hair back. “I have a set I made myself, of quartz from in the caves. Most of my crystals are from there, now,” he admitted, as an afterthought.
The flavor of Miko's initial reply was more along the lines of what he -expected- of the other healer. S'lain mentally shook himself, cursing himself the fool. His reactions were all wrong, his gift giver was beginning to think his gift was unwanted, which was not the case at all. "Don't apologize Miko, I should apologize. I've let my judgment of your actions color this... gift you've given." Replacing the scalpel in its space, the bluerider ran the free hand through his still wet hair, shedding droplets on his shoulders. He turned half away from the younger healer with a sigh, a slight wince crossing his face at the move. What could he say to make the kid more at ease? Maybe he should just let him leave, as it looked like he was about to flee anyway, box or no box. Turning back to the younger man, he closed the box, and took the whole thing under his arm, moving towards the bed so he could set the object down on the soft surface. "I know how awkward this is for you, or at least I think I do. I appreciate the gift, it really will make surgery easier I think, but you don't have to stick around longer if you're feeling the need to leave."
Now it was Miko? Had S’lain meant to call him that? Most didn’t bother with giving him a nickname, they either feared him or didn’t want to draw attention-things he both encouraged and was often amused by, yet at times, saddened-however hidden. Like now. A faint frown marred his face again, eyes snapping darkly, before he physically shook his head, mentally berating himself once more. “You’re not the first, and you wont be the last. I don’t take it personally.” He murmured, and leaned back against the wall, tense muscles betraying the seemingly at-ease posture. Lies, lies, lies. Web of deceptions indeed. As the box was taken, he relaxed slightly-at least S’lain seemed to appreciate it, and his words confirmed it, easing some of the discomfort.
“It’s no more awkward than I make others.” Came the musical murmur, gentle good humor flavoring the self-depreciating words. Now that the hard part-giving the gift-was over, the dragon healer felt a bit more at ease. “I did barge in on you, though I admit, I didn’t intend to be caught…” he trailed off, and shrugged. “Then again, I’m sure you see quite enough of me day to day.” He grinned, waiting for a reply.
S'lain turned and sat on the bed beside the box, his scarred vision returning to the younger man with a small smile. "You make it a habit to slip into people's rooms and leave unobtrusive gifts hoping to not get caught?" A small, slight tease. He had to at least attempt to lighten the mood. He felt partially responsible for it anyway. He waved off the other's use of words. "Barging in, again, something I'm used to and if the door's unlocked, well, I'm rather prepared for it. Never know when someone will need me." He leaned back just a bit, unobtrusively trying to crack the lowest vertebrae in his back as it twinged. Sitting was good though, relaxing. Only a few would ever know how much pain could come from leaning over an operation table for hours at a time. "I see you enough, sure. Doesn't mean I want to see less of you. You're a good healer, and we have precious few of those as it is."
“Of course. What else would I do? It doesn’t hurt when they’re attractive men either,” he teased, with a flirtatious grin flitting over his face. Watching the movement, Miko frowned. For all that he spent most of his time on dragon-kind, he was rather aware of human healing too-he had to be, they went hand in hand, and healers weren’t that common, unfortunately. And he knew what pain looked like-and if S’lain had been working all day again… “Apparently, I time it well enough to interrupt a bath and a respite from standing. You were the one handling that worker?” He asked, rising from the wall to walk over.
The praise made him pause mid-step, before a secretive smile was tucked away, though it lingered in the softening of his tension and gaze. “I doubt Jaxith can give massages, talented though he is.” Studying the lines of tension in S’lain, Miko grinned, suddenly, one that warned of … interesting times… ahead. “Go get clean and get back out here. Since I interrupted, I can at least help. And I do know how to handle massages…” Though what kinds, he felt left best unsaid-and it was more fun to half flirt anyways.
Was... was he -flirting- with him? No, couldn't be. He must be more tired than he thought, for certain. He nodded at the query, the unpleasant day rushing back in with the simple statement. "I was... he'd punctured a lung.. " He'd unconsciously started slouching a bit forward, and abruptly straightened as Miko drew nearer, not wary, just curious. A brow raised at the suggestion, and so help him, he wanted to agree. His scars pulled painfully in lines across his back, and to have it soothed away would have felt like nothing other than perfect bliss. A grin twitched the corner of his mouth, and he pushed off the bed. "Well, he does miss a few spots occasionally..." ~I do not.~ ~Hush~ The bluerider crossed the room to the privy, passing Miko as he did. "I'll only be a moment. Make yourself comfortable, and don't leave. Not passing up a good massage." There was some fire in his voice, maybe teasing? Perhaps he was serious enough though as he closed the door behind him and returned to the cool water which maybe even seemed a touch cooler than before in contrast to the tiny flush of heat on his skin. He sluiced the water over him again, taking the towel to rub himself down. Pants were shucked next, in a pile by the door, and he continued rinsing and washing.
Studying S’lain, Miko nodded to himself, and absently twirled a bit of the hair from his ponytail as he waited, studying the scars on the other man’s back as he walked away to bathe. He doubted S’lain had expected a shards thing, given the shift from slouch to straight, and the raised brow. Well, one more chink in the other’s armor, and it was carefully filed away. Those scars probably hurt like nothing else after a long day… At the orders to make himself comfortable, Mikovren couldn’t resist, and wiggled back onto the bed and into the furs, with a lascivious, teasing grin.
“Of course. I’m sure Jaxith would simply block my way were I to try and escape your lair of evils.” He teased, a rich, unhidden or affected humor coating the words. A peaceful jocularity, unbidden, at having someone to…relax around? He wasn’t sure. But… Once S’lain was safely away, Miko turned the words and tone over, grinning as he picked up the hints in the vocalizations, before smirking, and running a hand over the furs, inhaling enough to catch a faint whiff of the scent that meant S’lain.
Interesting. He’d never noticed it before, certainly, but he hadn’t not, either… Oh, he really should have just left. He knew when he was too tempted to control himself appropriately… Then again, the teasing flirtation was ambrosia at times to him… And possibly more? A wicked smirk lingered on his lips as he considered the other mans’ rooms and physique from memory, listening to splashing water. He was, actually, rather tempted to go join in-but S’lain was not Zan or one of the others, free and easy with favors. No, he’d have to be more circumspect if he wanted that… Did he?
S'lain chuckled at the other's words, partially heard through the door and partially heard through Jaxith. Lair of evils? That was a new one. No one had ever called him or his... lair... evil. He mentally nudged Jaxith, who growled obligingly at the form on the bed, no hint of why or that it was in jest. The bluerider finished splashing around, and took a larger towel from the provided rock shelf, drying himself with quick, familiar ease. The towel he wrapped around his waist, tucking it in with a quick movement to keep it there. Eh, he'd deal with the dirty clothes later. For now, he was more interested in getting a fresh pair of pants from the locker at the foot of his bed. Opening the door with a second glance at his hasty covering, the healer searched for the briefest of moments before spotting his guest on his bed, snuggling into his feline pelts of all things. With a wry grin, he padded over on still wet feet, leaving footprints behind on the stone. "I see you took me at my word." He commented, kneeling by the foot of the bed and opening the chest. A quick rummage brought to hand the soft breeches, and a loose shirt. Setting them aside, he placed everything back the way it was, and closed it, shooting a quick look at the youth on his bed. He didn't know what the kid was playing at, but he'd wait and see. Teasing only went so far, and he truly was tired from the day. "Be back in a moment." he said, then turned back to the other room, pushing the door to behind him. A moment later, he had his pants on, and shrugged into the shirt. Dropping the towel too, he once more exited the privy and walked to stand next to the bed. He lazily placed his hand on his hip, one brow raised. "Did I get this wrong, or am I not the one that's supposed to be laying there?"
While waiting for a reply, Miko had snuggling himself further into the pelts. He was, and knew it, quite the hedonistic young man, and rather tactile. Soft, fine cloths or furs were his favorite things aside from skin-and he indulged in that sort of contact only rarely, and never at length. Then again, he’d have an opportunity tonight… Pulled from those musing by the rumbling growl of the blue, Miko’s eyes widened, before he grinned, a shiver tracing its way down his spine, right alongside an atavistic thrill that caught his breath for a moment. Grinning, Miko tried to cool his blushes, and waggled a finger at the dragon. “No fair, Jaxith.” He commented, before glancing towards the bathing area as the door opened.
Thoughts a ghost for a few precious moments, Miko blinked a few times, shamelessly, though covertly, taking in the details of the other man that weren’t covered by the towel-hey, it never hurt to –look-, and smirked, lips twisted up at one side. “You did tell me to make myself comfortable,” he pointed out, lilting the words somewhat as he watched the other man hunt down clothes, with an internal sigh. “So why should I not? Besides, your fearsome beast-no offense, Jaxith- was threatening me when I so much as inched towards the wall,” he faux-whined. “What else was I supposed to do?” He called after S’lain, arching an eyebrow when he returned.
“Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be?” Miko snorted slightly, and rose languidly, stretching with a feline grace and almost predatory smile. “You know, that shirt’s really got to go. I don’t suppose you keep oil around here?” He mused, tapping a finger to his chin, wicked humor in his eyes once more. “And not the kind you use for Jaxith, either!” He remonstrated preemptively. “Really, though, if you like laying there…” Miko teased, voice sultry again, before he almost shoved S’lain down, a gentle push at his chest. “Shirt off. Now.”
Jaxith was highly amused by the whole situation, and the fact that the other twolegs actually waggled a finger at him. He snorted. His amusement brought a slight smile to S'lain as the bluerider watched the younger man slip from his bed with something akin to feline grace. S'lain turned a smirk to the blue, tsking at the large creature. "Naughty Jaxi, tsk for being so fearsome. You know, he really can't help it. Part of his nature, you know, violent beastie and all that." He addressed Miko with a slight shrug. Turning, the bed at the back of his knees aided Miko's push, sitting him rather effectively on the plush mattress. He looked up through the short spikes of his wet bangs. "Oil's on the shelf there, couple of kinds. I do need them myself you know. Should find something to suffice your ..tastes." He added the last comment with a slight hesitation, but added no other altering inflection to his voice. He watched, slight amusement on his face, but made no move to remove his shirt. Instead, he ran his hand over the soft furs on his bed, enjoying the feel. Felines were good for one thing and one thing only, and really, he could never have enough furs. It was the one thing he would splurge for, and hunt for.
Arching an eyebrow, Mikovren laughed outright at S’lain’s return, open and at ease for a moment. Still chuckling, he rolled his eyes. “Of course. How could I forget, ferocious, flaming giant that terrorizes all smaller animals.” Rolling his eyes, the healer stopped for a moment, barely a pause, before smirking to himself, thankfully not facing S’lain as he studied the oils. “Mmm, and you know my tastes so very well I suppose…” He mused, voice low as he ran a finger over the jars, debating. Turning with one in hand, he frowned, mockingly, before almost chirping, “If you really want that shirt ruined-or do you need…assistance?” He asked, arching an eyebrow playfully, though –mostly- joking. S’lain had known him long enough to know his preferences, he was aware. And well, who could blame him? He’d not been practicing those arts in long enough, now.
S'lain scooted back on the bed a little further, pulling his longish legs up and tucking them into a crossed position. He rested his hand on his knee, his position comfortable and stable. Despite himself, he felt like.. well, -daring- the younger healer to do something. Maybe it was his recent lack of down time that had him interested in keeping his guest in his room. Typically he valued his privacy, but this was, well, fun. "I have some idea as to what you'd prefer." S'lain agreed. "Though to be honest, I prefer the woodsy scented oils myself." Oh yes, he was talking about oils, right? "I hadn't intended to lose a shirt tonight.." He reached over and back, pulling the material over his head without further ado and letting it pool on the bed beside him. Jaxith seemed to have grown slightly bored, and rolled over away from the pair, adjusting his position on his couch so that he could work himself into a fitful sleep. His wings fluttered once or twice before settling tight against his dark sides.
Watching S’lain, after sparing a glance to the seemingly bored blue, Miko shook his head, hair flying every-which-way since the long ponytail wasn’t braided, for once. “I’m sure you do.” He muttered, before arching an eyebrow. “Woodsy scented, huh?” He replied, glancing down at the jar in hand, as if double-checking, though a small quirk of his lips belied that. “Well, as long as you don’t bed down with that box…” He murmured, walking back over. “Because I am –not- making another one.” A glance at the shirt made him hide a chuckle, “And why bother putting that on only to lose it, hmm? Are you shy?” Climbing onto the bed, slightly to the side S’lain could see him from, Miko waited, balanced on his knees. “Now lay down, will you? Unless you want me dripping this all over these pretty furs of yours.” That, or he could try and MAKE the older man… Studying S’lain from beneath lowered lashes, Mikovren mentally weighed the odds.
S'lain turned his head a little, unconsciously following Miko with his good eye as he sat, a small smile on his face. He tossed the shirt in question to the foot of his bed in a casual manner. "Hardly. It would be difficult to remain shy for anyone who's spent a significant amount of years in a Weyr." Giving the younger healer a critical look, the bluerider obligingly turned over and slid further onto the bed until he lay across it with just his feet hanging off. He pillowed his head on his upraised arm. "I really would appreciate it if you didn't ruin my furs. Don't wanna have to go through what it took me to get new ones." He glanced back at Miko with a small smirk. Wiggling a bit to smooth out a lump of fur gathered under his stomach, he finally seemed to settle comfortably, even tucking his head forward so that his neck was exposed, eyes hidden by the curve of his arm. "Be gentle." He half teased in a muffled voice.
Watching the older male body move across the bed, Miko’s brain was mostly focused on the slight movement of S’lain’s muscles, tracing them and sighing internally. Oh, he was so damned from this, but… Shaking his head, the healed crawled forward, hair dragging over the bed, furs, and S’lain as he did so. “You have a point-though I’ve only been here so you kidnapped me with no reason to why from the Hall.” He teased, still curious about that, since he knew he wasn’t Searched. Arching an eyebrow as he poured oil into his hands to warm it, Miko snorted. “No, I suppose you wouldn’t… and some of this are rather nice…” he appraised, approvingly, before allowing the oil to run through his fingers to S’lain’s back. “Aww, big, bag Dragon Healer can’t handle a little rough?” He teased, though careful to keep it from mocking, as Miko started to knead the oil in carefully, fingers dancing over the rider’s back to find all the large and small knots and soothe them.
The tickling sensation of hair over his skin sent a ripple of goose bumps down the healer's back. "Ah, kidnapped. Is that what they're calling it these days when someone gets an offer to move into a better position?" The oil was a little unexpected despite it's warmth, making him twinge involuntarily. The twinge turned into the slightest jerk when he felt something more substantial begin kneading its way through his muscles. He tried to keep himself from tensing up, but shardit, it -hurt-, even though he could tell the younger healer was both being gentle, and seemed to know what he was doing. A slight moan escaped as Miko worked through an especially tough knot. "Rough I can handle.. " he got out after a moment. "Nothing but rough is what I do." He peeked up over his shoulder, wincing a bit despite the teasing look on his eyes. "I don't get dragons who are gentle."
“Dragons, huh? Is that what you call it?” He teased, after a brief moment’s pause, taking in the pain. “I am being careful, “ He offered, quieter and more sober. “But you have some really bad knots. Is it this bad at the end of every day?” Mikovren asked, tossing his head to move the hair back behind him. Slowing down, the young man shifted his focus to another knot, carefully working from the out in to ease it more gently. If S’lain suffered through this constantly… Musing over the problem mentally, he put a thought to the side, unsure if he could voice so personal a query. “Kidnapping indeed.”
The laughter was back as Miko shifted his weight to move to another spot, “And it’s not like I’m upset, mind you. I just wanted to know why me. There were three others there, 4 if you count apprentices, who are curious and would love to work with the dragons too. Unless Jaxith had a whim of his…?” The thought wouldn’t leave though, and was getting harder to restrain. Finally, Miko gave in to his own sharding curiosity “S’lain….” He paused, then went ahead, voice devoid of teasing, and honestly curious and hesitant. “Why, if I may ask, don’t you have a weyr-mate, or at least someone aside from Jaxith to help? A dragon is well and good but there is something to be said for human contact too.”
"Yeah, dragons. And people, and firelizards and whers... all tough as nails I tell ya." Resettling his head to the crook of his arm, S'lain took several deep breaths, letting each out after a mental count of a few seconds to help relax his muscles. It had been a while since he'd had someone massage out his back, and of all the days, he'd needed it especially at the end of this one. He rolled his ankles a bit as he let the relaxation ease through the muscles in his calves. So, Miko wanted to know why, eh? "You're a strong healer Mikovren. More than that though, your studies, your practices were more suited to a burgeoning Weyr located furthest away from the central hub of healer and dragon activities. Plus I figured I could get you actually practicing here." The last was a light teasing jab. The bluerider was a little surprised at so forward a question next. He pondered the answer in silence for moment before answering. "Tess helps me sometimes, and Jaxith's gotten very good at helping me place heated stones. They're pretty soothing actually." He gestured loosely towards the small pile of flat, polished smooth stones sitting near the corner, each one about fist sized, some a little larger. "Haven't really been looking otherwise... " he murmured.
"You have to be tough to survive Fall." Mikovren admitted, watching S'lain closely as they talked, using small cues from the man's muscles, really his body, for where to move next. This was mindless, nearly, and soothing, to feel another’s skin, even if it wasn't the way he normally enjoyed. Shaking his hair back once more as it fell forward, Miko was grateful S'lain wasn't watching, as the unaccustomed praise made him blush slightly, in honest pleasure at being considered valuable for his skills, before he grinned. "Hey! I can handle the practical part!" Sometimes, and with much help, if it wasn't a wing-and people who he tended, while healed, usually tried harder not to get injured in the future, given the shorter males temper and oddities. Letting the silence linger as he considered the answer, Mikovren frowned faintly. The murmur seemed almost an unwilling admittance though, and he felt it safer not to push. Still... "Hmm... What kind of stone are they?" He asked, curiosity piqued, as he added more oil, unwilling to risk the older man's skin being too dry to work with before scooting a bit forward to work at the base of his neck. "And why did you come to Cerulean?"
The most difficult knots seemed to be worked nearly out, and the bluerider found himself truly relaxing into the feeling of simple contact and earnest effort on Miko's part to see him more comfortable. It was a nice feeling, he had to admit. Both different and similar to previous massages by others. He grinned to himself at the other's protestation, hiding it in his arm. He shifted his head to the side just a bit as Miko moved up to his neck, sighing gratefully. "They're just stones washed smooth by the surf and wash of rivers that I thought looked nice, or of the right weight and size for their purpose. I've gathered them here and there. I could probably tell you where each came from if you were to pick a few." At the next questions, he turned his head so that he looked towards the weyrledge and the resting blue there. "We needed a focus, Jaxi and I." He said quietly. "After the last.. incident, we lost ourselves in the jungle for a while. Threadfall brought us back to the Weyrs to serve, but we were still all but lost. It took this place to get us back to where we were before." He was aware that half of what he'd said would make no sense to someone who didn't know him, but he wasn't certain how much Miko would understand.
"I asked because you know I collect crystals." Mikovren finally said, after several moments of silence. "And am curious if they hold heat better or worse." in that pause, though, the healer had been turning S’lain’s words over in his mind, pairing what he knew of him and what he'd pieced together from the bits of information. "I.. Am going to assume you're referring to how you were scarred." Miko finally mused, wondering how much prying was too much, fingers sliding over S’lain’s shoulder blades and neck still, chasing out the smallest hints of tension he could find. "And from what you've hinted or told me, or others spoke, I gather it had to do with felines." He sighed, yet didn't pause his ministrations. "I don't know that I personally would have found that kind of strength." he admitted, quietly, respected for the rider in his voice-and the dragon. "But I also know that a dragon's love transcends everything for you riders." The last part was said somewhat teasingly, though a wistful note lingered just under his voice. "I wouldn't know though, even the little pesky ones are afraid of me. Aside from Jaxith, of course." He admitted, grinning back towards the blue for a moment, before moving his hands to the other shoulder, wanting to prolong one of the first more serious talks he'd had with someone since coming here. "Cerulean is unique..."
S'lain was silent as Miko pieced through his own thoughts, finding conclusions and allowing them to come. He tensed only slightly, sure the younger healer would feel the difference in his muscles almost immediately. Well, it was a bit of a sensitive subject, all told. A part of his life that had shaped him as only impression to Jaxith had. He didn't have too much of an intention to go into detail. He gave a small smile at the slightest teasing note under his statement about dragons and riders though, and his tension eased back a little as he smoothly glossed over the discussion concerning his feline encounters. "Jaxith understand people better than some people do. It's why he makes a good searchdragon. He knows what to do and say sometimes even before I do. I'd almost say he was the head dragonhealer instead of me and should be wearing the knots and colors if it weren't that he was so darn large." The last statement was delivered with a distinctly wry tone of voice. The rest of the tension melted from him as Miko shifted around, targeting different areas with single-minded attentiveness. His head turned slightly so he could glance at the younger man out of the corner of his eye at the last statement. "It is... but I'm curious as to what particular unique aspect you’re talking about."
Feeling the tension beneath him, Miko had to force himself not to react, and tucked away the note that there was an unbroachable subject there. A tiny bit of sorrow accompanied that thought, before he pushed it away as well, skimming his fingers over the newly tensed muscles to soothe them and letting S’lain steer the conversation away again. “I was under the impression that most dragons don’t understand people that well-sometimes even their riders? At least, from listening to some of my patients.” He added, curios about that insight. “I mean inasmuch that they think more… differently than we do. And I didn’t know he was a searchdragon?” A curious tilt of Miko’s eyebrow was visible as he reached for more oil, scooting down to work on S’lain’s lower back. He snorted in disbelief, though, at that. “Well, just make him some to size, then. After all, such a fearsome beast surely needs his recognition.” He taunted, lightly. Chewing on his lower lip in thought, the young healer frowned a bit.
“I’m not really sure, to be honest.” A rarity, that set of statements and intent, “But… It’s more to do with the people and attitudes here. Something different that most busy-work Weyrs and whatnot. Life seems more real and vital here. Not to mention the lovely surroundings…” Or the people, his mind added helpfully, reminding him of just who he was sitting atop. A faint bluish stained his cheeks again. “I… I admit, and I will deny this to between and back if you repeat it!” He paused, voice teasing but sure, before a truthful expression replaced it, almost scary in intensity. “I never really though beyond my studies, before you showed up and brought me here.” He shrugged. “It never seemed real, or necessary. Too removed. Especially since life was such a pattern. There is one here, but.. I don’t know. I lack the words.” He mused, and admitted, not liking it even as he did so. “And it is strange, to not be singled out for certain.. preferences, as you are in Hall and Hold, though I assume most Weyrs are accepting as such…”
Giving the slightest of nods in agreement, the bluerider shifted his legs just a bit, pulling one knee up to further his comfortable position. "Jaxith is unique, even among the dragons of the Weyr. I'm not certain when his understanding of humans reached what it is now, but it's very useful to a person in my profession, even if my talents don't always extend to the human side of things. Not to mention all the candidates he's selected, many of which further impressed. His instincts on that are rather amazing actually." Glad the blue was sleeping and couldn't hear the shower of praise and thus become over-inflated, S'lain gave a small sigh. "We've been riding searches for Turns now actually. Found a couple of the younglings who impressed our last clutch in fact." The small sense of pride in that statement was more towards having the hatchlings impress rather than being the pair to select the lucky candidates. At the shift to lower back, he bit back just a small moan, and let through a small laugh instead. "Not enough cloth in all the Weyr to fit him." he muttered with a smirk. He listened quietly again as Miko brushed over the way the Weyr was. He recognized what the younger man meant though. The sense of freshness, of life. "...it's because so many of the people here have brushed death." he replied quietly after Miko finished. "Even the transfer riders and workers live with the haunting sensation that they barely escaped horror." He gave only a small smile at the healer's last statement, silently agreeing but not really feeling the same relief. S'lain had never been prosecuted for his choices in life.
Humming a soft noise of agreement, Miko focused mostly on his task for the moment, letting the silence linger as he thought over what had been said. In the end, he decided that S’lain was more than likely correct, and shrugged one shoulder. “I was drifting.” He replied. “And… I’m not, really. And Cerulean is beautiful.” Certain bronze-riders aside, “Though I doubt Jaxith would appreciate you saying so about him.” He replied, grinning faintly before straightening slightly. “Still, isn’t it important to have that skill? Considering the need for dragons in Fall now, and thus riders… All the more worth for you and he here, then. And since Trith will be rising soon… I assume my hours in the infirmary are going to increase for a while?” He mused, not really minding.
Returning to his work, Miko frowned as he attacked a small, dense knot, taking his time since he hadn’t really found many others. Ending the talk wasn’t desirable, but S’lain was likely tired of his intrusions. “either way…” Miko offered, a few moments later, “You should be able to sleep now.” He commented, after ghosting the pads of his fingers over S’lain’s back to double-check. “And I’m sure you’re tired of me.” He added, grinning.
S'lain 'mhmm'd his agreement in a vague, almost sleepy manner. It was getting late, but the conversation and massage were both stimulating and relaxing at the same time. He'd learned new things about his young healer, and was a little surprised at the depth he'd found. It made him a little eager for more such interactions, though he wasn't certain how to get him to agree... After the last soft sensation of fingers on his back left him, he gave a slow stretch like a feline, and rolled partially over, twisting at the waist so he could better see his benefactor, resting up on his elbow. "Tired, yes. Of you? I rather think not." The bluerider said with a genuine smile. "I really appreciate the massage Mikovren. I think I'll sleep better tonight than I have in a while... and I enjoyed talking with you." He couldn't ask the young healer for a repeat appearance. It was selfish to ask without giving.
Rising, Mikovren wiped his hands free of oil on the end of one of his sturdier, plainer sashes, and smiled, not grinned, at S’lain. “Well, considering we work together, that’s probably for the best.” Watching the move, he let his gaze linger on the flexing muscles, before returning to S’lain’s eyes. He knew a dismissal when heard, and shook his head. “I enjoyed the conversation as well… But I’ll still not make you another box if you sleep with that one because of it’s ‘woodsy’ scent.” He teased, waggling a finger at the blue-rider, before stretching and heading towards the door. Pausing, Miko glanced back and arched an eyebrow. “Sleep well.” With a glance to Jaxith, Mikovren glided towards the door, and murmured something once he didn’t think S’lain would hear. “Not that I’d mind doing this again…” He snorted cynically at himself, and glanced down at his hands, remembering rather well the smooth skin under them, and the controlled desire for the older man. “Get a grip, Miko. That’s never going to happen.” He muttered at himself, before heading back to his own quarters.
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