Above and Below

[Desert]

Ayeda bit her lip. She managed to hide her reaction well, but his exasperated words had hurt. She blinked a few times and closed them, feigning a spell of weariness so he wouldn't see how close to tears she was. In her weakened state, her emotions held a much stronger sway over her state of mind. She hated the weakness it imposed upon her; every fiber of her being rebelled against this crushing illness and struggled to return to its optimum. There had never been a question that Ayeda had lacked the will to recover. Still, while her health was in question, she was forced to deal with the myriad consequences.

Xeal hissed, both audibly and into Landaras' mind, while at the same time trying to console his rider. Make matters worse, why don't you,[/b][/color] he snapped to the Hold Lord. And I thought you were supposed to be tactful. Can't you see she's already under enough stress? For Faranth's sake, man, the least you can do is be a little more sensitive! She is in pain, and not just physical pain. You know what would help a lot? If you would just listen to us. Try some empathy - it goes a long way. Stop being a stubborn ass and consider that you might not be in the right this time. I swear, if I could fit into the Caverns, I would box your ears to see if I could knock some sense into that thick head of yours![/b][/color] Xeal rasped a growl into Landaras' mind. You want to know what we want from you? Do you remember what you promised us back when we first came to inform you? Fulfill that promise, Landaras. It doesn't take much time or effort to just be here. She needs a confidant, a human confidant. You may not realize it, as aloof as you have been, but a bond tends to form when a woman carries a man's child. Not just to the child, but to the father. You feel guilty - so take responsibility for this and it will recede. All I ask of you is that you try to think of her wellbeing and be there for her. This is a stressful time for her and if you continue to be a wherrybrain who can't pull his head out of his rear, then you will have one very angry duvalia out for your blood.[/b][/color]

At the fierce protectiveness in Xealnaveth's mindvoice, Ayeda had to smile a little. Her bonded was such a comfort that way - even when she could barely lift a finger or a voice in her own defense, Xeal was perfectly capable and more than willing to do so. And she no longer had to feign the weariness, for the medication that Jylan had administers was fully kicking in, and it made her drowsy. Rest, myOwn. I will try to deal with Landaras.[/b][/color]
[/size]

[elainsie]

Landaras bristled at the Duvalia's mind voice but he did not interrupt, and he let the hybrid have his say. If the dragon could read his mind so clearly why could he not understand that he was trying to do the best for them all in such a stressful and complicated situation? The Lord Holder spared a glance at Ayeda, but her eyes were closed and he could not determine if the rider was of a similar mind as to her dragon. He could not help noticing how fragile, a word one would hardly ever associate with the woman he was sure, she looked. He wanted to break through whatever barrier was between them and assure her that he would keep his promise, that he would still look after her, but wht Landaras could not figure out was how to do this. He was an intelligent man, and not too modest to pretend he was anything else, and while solutions to problems generally arose so naturally in his mind in this instance it seemed no matter what he tried to do it was the wrong thing. Was the Duavlia right? Was it only his presence and company that he needed to provide?

If it is my company as you say, which you desire of me I will provide it. I do not make promises lightly, whatever your opinion is of me, however I think with your rider asleep as she is now, I should return to my Hold and fix matters that need attending so when Ayeda does need me, I can be available. Is that a solution that is palatable to you?

It feel rather strange, at least to Landaras, to be carrying out such a conversation when the only other person in the room was asleep, but he supposed it was something that became quite natural to dragonriders. Would he ever come to think of it that way?

[Desert]

She is still awake, but barely. I think it would do her well to hear your voice before she drops off and you return to Kijuju. You have told me you will keep your promise, but you haven't said it to her - and believe me, it will mean as much to her as it does to me. So at least say a few words to her. I will take you back to your Hold since your runner was about to founder. In the future, if you should desire to visit, just send a fire lizard over and I will come to get you.[/b][/color] Xeal rumbled a deep sigh as he got up and stretched his wings. And that extends to after Ayeda recovers. As the Lord Holder you have every right to prompt transportation to the Weyr. It's for emergencies only, though.[/b][/color] he gaped a faint draconic smile as something approaching a teasint tone entered his mind-voice. I don't want to be in and out at all hours of the afternoon.[/b][/color]

ooc; AUGH -facedesk- i'm sorry this is so short... i don't even know. TT^TT
[/size]

[elainsie]

Landaras inclined his head. Of course, and thank you for the offer. I truly appreciate it. Turning back to the figure of the sleeping Ayeda he laid the palm of his hand against the smooth surface of her exposed cheek, fingers lightly trailing over it. "With all that has..." he floundered for the appropriate word, "..Occurred, know that I am still always here for you. And I will keep that promise." He let his hand drop from the dragonrider's face, head bent low, as he quietly left the infimary.