[Fairytale Clutch Lesson 2] Getting to Know You

[lithle]

The first month of Weyrlinghood was, in many ways, a difficult one. Young dragons were needy and fragile. They required quite a bit of care. In addition, the pressure of a new mind beside one's own was difficult to some, not everyone adjusted to the experience of having a lifemate with ease. For his own part, L'vey had enjoyed the arrival of Faeth in his head. But he'd known weyrlings who'd been troubled by the transition.

As such, L'vey did his best to make the first month easy. There were lessons, but they were not physically demanding and many only nominally involved the dragons themselves, as the youngsters often needed sleep and L'vey wasn't one to force them into activity. With this particular group, things were different. He still wanted to make things go as easily as possible, but the needs of the group were different.

So was the hostility level.

In the past couple sevendays, he'd kept his demands light. He taught them to care for their dragons. He emphasized, repeatedly, the importance that they respect the rules of Weyrlinghood, for their dragons sake, if nothing else. The weyrlings, prisoners and otherwise, had been assessed to determine things like literacy and ability to figure. Lessons to catch up those behind would begin soon, with Gwynell impressed, they'd need someone new to teach. L'vey was very much wishing he had an assistant or two. He couldn't keep asking the older Weyrings to help out.

Now, two full sevendays after the hatching, the sun had disappeared behind the treeline and curfew was in effect. The day's lecture had been on dragon illnesses (still no dragonhealer to look at the babes, but the Guard assured them one was forthcoming). The dragons were fresh fed on meat that the weyrlings had prepared themselves, a lesson from a few days past. He had warned the weyrlings that there would be further instructions after their lifemates were fed.

"Is everyone fed?" he asked. "Good. I'm glad to see your butchering skills have improved, I didn't see any over-large pieces."

He scanned the group. There was still tension, and little trust among them. Some kept entirely to themselves.

They would not like this lesson.

"As you well know, it's important your lifemates be oiled once more before they sleep. They're growing fast and they will continue to do so. Tonight, we'll be doing things differently. Everyone is to oil someone else's dragon. You will be trusting each other in the air, you must learn to trust each other here, as well. No arguments please, I well know how some of you feel on the subject of trust."

With that said, he consulted the list in his hand, reading off the riders and the dragons they had been 'partnered' with.

Romethia - Snowth
Tiael - Caninth
Kretyn - Djith
Kuriel - Bravadoth
J'thir - Invidith
F'ox - Cabarath
Milune - Willoth
Reeva - Golith
T'ron - Iiateth
Sheraz - Knighth
Gwynell - Roseth

((OOC: Group things are always difficult, because you're depending on someone else to be active. Hopefully everyone will have at least one active partner. Don't wait on L'vey for posts, or on a posting order, as this is a more 'partnered' activity. However, if something happens that L'vey would have to react to, say, someone trying to stab someone else, please wait for a response.

Additionally, there will be a more detailed updated of where everything stands in lessons soon. Remember, prisoners wear yellow, and while they've been supplied with clothes, they're free to get different ones if they like, provided they're the right color. Asking L'vey nicely would probably be enough to get a slightly more personalized outfit.

Guards would not be present in the barracks, unless someone specifically invited their guard to join them.))

[S'yal]

F'ox still felt sick as he fed Snowth, whispering apologies to the poor herdbeast he'd butchered. Poor thing! It probably had a family and... but no, Snowth would starve if he didn't kill the herdbeasts. He set his jaw in a stubborn set, finishing the feeding of his young green. He quickly grabbed a cloth that his guard- an exuberant man in his thirties who was determined to be F'ox's friend- had given him. He wiped off her muzzle carefully, earning himself thoughts of thanks. He smiled shyly at her, rubbing her headknobs as she began to doze off. A full belly was making her tired, and oiling would put her right to sleep. Her injury taxed more energy from her, and she spent more time sleeping then her other green sisters. F'ox didn't mind- he spent a lot of time sleeping too.

He turned his eyes to L'vey, still not willing to admit to anyone besides Snowth that he liked the man. He'd found L'vey to be at least worthy of minimal trust, but he wasn't about to tell L'vey that. When people knew you trusted them, they abused it. F'ox had learned this well. He was respectful and quiet as the teacher spoke, only for his spine to stiffen as he was told someone else would oil Snowth. His heart leapt into his throat, arms reaching out with obvious possessive intent to wrap around his young green.

He ignored the comment about no arguments, feeling his own argument was very important. "But L'vey... Snowth is hurt..." He spoke weakly, a whimper coming from the albino. "They've never oiled an injured dragon before..." Snowth's injury was rapidly healing, but it was still sore and he didn't cherish the idea of someone accidentally applying pressure to it. He bit his lip, nearly drawing blood from it as he stressed. Then, attention turned to Romethia. "... Take special care around her headknobs..." he began softly, his voice quite easily lost if Romethia was distracted. "She likes when they're rubbed..."

Don't worry, F'oxmine. She's nice. Snowth yawned, drowsing. Her head was already drooping, and F'ox had a momentary fear that she would fall asleep right there. She shook her head violently, waking herself up... before another yawn got through her defenses. Aww, sleepy dragon baby. F'ox sent an unhidden glare at L'vey, finding that his sudden liking for him was now damaged. What if Romethia accidentally hurt his Snowth? She was fragile and she needed special care!

He reluctantly moved away from his green, turning to Cabarath and smiling shyly. "Um... hi..." Oh god Cabarath was going to eat him.

[Spiffy]

J'thir was wiping his hands clean as the rest of the group finished feeding their dragonets. Having the smallest dragonet of the clutch - still to his slight ire - meant that J'thir needed to feed Golith a little less than the others. He'd already learned that it was not a good idea to try and feed Golith more than he wanted in an attempt to make the tiny grey grow bigger, something he'd been chastised for by both L'vey and Golith himself. Experiencing indigestion that wasn't his own was enough of a put-off for the prisoner.

He was about to reach for the oil pot to begin oiling Golith, as was now part of their routine, when L'vey spoke up from the far side of the room. J'thir grudgingly listened, leaving the pot momentarily where it was. The comment about feeding over-large pieces would have had J'thir chuckling if it weren't for the fact that he'd fallen foul of it himself. He frowned, however, when L'vey said that tonight things would be done a little differently. How could they oil their dragons differently? Surely it was simple enough, or for some complicated enough, already?

Well, that's a change, Golith murmured into his mind, watching L'vey from where he sat at the foot of the bunk. J'thir's attention went to the green on the other side of the barracks as his name was read out on the list, had only enough time to think This could be interesting before turning a critical gaze on Reeva. So he was supposed to trust this woman with his dragon, was he? Even with a task so menial as oiling, he had his doubts, naturally. But he remembered what Reeva's green had done at the hatching and, even though Reeva herself had shown no such signs of violence, he would not forget that easily.

Golith stood and stretched as his name was read out, following his rider's gaze to Reeva, sensing J'thir's doubts. Don't worry about me, Mine, I'll be fine. You just concentrate on Invidith, he instructed, scheming as always. Besides, if either of them tries anything I'll just have to remind them of how good claws are at cutting flesh, which I'm sure they will not have forgotten that easily, the grey added, rather morbidly, as he walked over to Reeva, skirting around Invidith in case she looked angrily on this change, but bobbing his head to her in greeting. Be careful with my rider, Invidith, and I shall do the same with yours, he said to the green, voice cheery and friendly but the veiled threat still evident.

[nemix]

Tiael had offered Roseth the last piece of meat from her bucket a while ago, the Green seemed a speedy and eager eater, much as she was about everything. The Green didn't like to waste time on menial things. Even if she did enjoy food, there was a lesson today and Roseth seemed to be all about the lessons. The pair had begun to understand one another better, their routine becoming almost normal. The addition of a Guard had been met with curiosity from Roseth, and mistrust from Tiael. Not that Tiael had let much of this on, she'd been polite enough, though she seemed to have wound up with a Guard who could either barely speak, or chose not to. It had prompted Roseth to follow along in silence, drawn up tall and attempting to be extremely serious. Tiael had laughed and Roseth had given up, not quite understanding why he was so serious when they'd come to no harm at all.

Thankfully, there were no guards in the barracks, and the pair had relaxed in to eat. With Roseth finished early, Tiael had been sorely tempted to simply oil her Green so they could get on with their evening. Roseth however had spent some time skittering about the room, mostly bothering Snowth with questions about her day until Tiael had ushered her back to their small 'room' so people could finish eating in peace. Sitting and waiting wasn't something Roseth did well, though a full belly of food was a good start to having her remain in one place while they waited for the lesson.

It was a good thing Roseth was restless, as became evident when L'vey introduced the activity for the evening. Oiling another dragon? Tiael raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. She'd been learning, and behaving herself, since their first night in the barracks. She wasn't about to say anything that would bring more attention to herself. Still, she could handle the oiling of another dragon, it was someone else being handed Roseth that bugged her. The Green had a passion and drive that Tiael deeply admired and though she seemed interested in learning and growing as much as she could at Wardens, while Tiael was still dreaming of the outside, they held a common goal. They'd be more than what they were now, and they'd work together on that. She didn't like the thought of someone stepping in and possibly irritating her, Roseth was her dragons, not someone elses. No matter how much they were supposed to 'trust' each other, Tiael knew she'd only be trusting people she chose to get to know.

Today, we'll just have to make do. Besides, maybe they can be helpful later. It may not be so bad. Roseth interjected into Tiael's protective inner grumblings. Mildly surprised by her dragon's calm attitude about things, Tiael ceased her thoughts for now. Roseth was not one to be social, but there was some merit to her words, maybe they could be useful. If Tiael didn't get to know more of the group, how could she possibly fathom a way off this rock? She needed a network of people she could navigate through. Very well, but listen carefully and alert me if you don't feel comfortable. Tiael replied silently, receiving a flood of confidence and assurance back. It was nice, not to have to use words all the time, Roseth knew her inside and out and welcomed every part of her. It was something that still amazed Tiael. No judgement, just love, and a positivity that they could reach their goals. They were a perfect match.

Unafraid, Roseth hopped off her couch and out into the large area near the door. Tiael followed, keeping an ear out as L'vey read through the list. Roseth ground to a halt, so fast that Tiael almost fell over her. Her leg colliding with Roseth's, she looked down. You ok? Tiael asked silently, watching as the Green seemed to be thinking deeply.
You watch him.[/i] The Green fnially replied, causing to Tiael to blink. Come again? The Weyrling asked, toying with the bottom of her yellow shirt. She'd liked the colour change, liked that it set her apart a little more from the general prisoner populace, she looked the same as the non-prisoner Weyrlings. Another step in the right direction. Caninth. Just, watch him. I want Mine back in one piece. Roseth finally managed, before moving off to find Gwynell, stopping near her and watching her thoughtfully.

Curious, not but wanting to disturb the lesson, Tiael moved on too. She trundled closer to the Brown and his rider, smiling cheerfully to them both. Fit in, do your job, scope out the group. Watch the Brown. She could handle this lesson. "I'll be as quick as I can, and I'll gladly go over anything I miss if you let me know Caninth." She said with a slight incline of her head towards the Brown. She hadn't gotten too close, she knew he could be something of a powerhouse and a little short tempered, hopefully she'd make it through with herself in tact.

[Wren]

“Sh’az, your lesson, mate.”

Sheraz cracked an eyelid open and peered at his personal guard Eostorm. He frowned in general displeasure, then scowled specifically at the other man. “What I say ‘bout calling me that?” He complained, then grinned a little. He’d taken quite a shine to Eostorm since the guard had been assigned to him, and though, while Iiateth was still so young, he could not act upon his urges, he hadn’t refrained from befriending him. Even Iiateth had gotten used to him, after a few days of nervous sharing.

Now he heaved a sigh and rolled out of bed, nudging Iiateth into wakefulness and quickly pulling the yellow outfit he’d been given over his under-garments. “You comin’ wi’ me?” he asked over his shoulder. From time to time he’d asked Eostorm to accompany him to his lessons; the man had expressed an interest in dragons, and was keen to come along and learn all he could.

This time though, he shrugged; “Only if you want me to.”

Sheraz shrugged back, “Nah, I reckon the others are startin’ to think I’m scared wi’ you followin’ me everywhere.”

Eostorm nodded, and Sheraz strode out of the room with Iiateth scampering at his heels. Her coordination had improved massively since her hatching, although she was no less neurotic, and she glanced at the other weyrlings and dragonets fearfully as they all made their way to breakfast. Sheraz was by-now quite used to butchering meat for his pearlescent life-mate and he got it done with little fuss. That morning they talked about flowers, which was an odd choice of conversation, but one that Iiateth was very curious about.

With that done, they headed towards L’vey, expecting the usual ritual of oiling to come next. However, this morning the weyrlingmaster had something of a surprise for them. When Sheraz heard the announcement, he frowned. His protective instincts soared and he put an arm around Iiateth, scowling unhappily; he didn’t want anyone touching his girl than him. Iiateth was more worried; she squeaked in fear, and buried herself in Sheraz’s side, shivering.

Don't leave me, please don't leave, Ridermine, Knighth isn't better than me, I promise.

Sheraz stared at the dragonet in shock for a moment, then blinked at L’vey, torn by conflicted impulses. On one hand he wanted to prevent her from experiencing anything that made her distressed. On the other, well, she needed to socialise a bit more. She didn’t to know that other people wouldn’t hurt her, and that she could survive without him for a moment or so. The fact that she felt he was trying to replace her with Knighth was more upsetting, but then it would also do her good to realise that, no matter how much time he spent with other dragons, Sheraz would not abandon her.

It’s not like that, girl, this is gonna’ be good for you, trust me. He lightly kissed her head, then looked around for T’ron. Sheraz did not know him well, but he did seem pleasant enough. Sheraz trusted him not to hurt Iiateth, and if he did try, well, Sheraz would sort him out. Before Iiateth could protest further he strode away in the direction of the bright pink dragonet, Knigth, leaving the opal shivering and twitching in fear and gazing towards T’ron.

[Zen]

This is an excellent chance for me, T’ron. Cabarath had gone far from his first few days of birth. He had surely gotten his legs quicker than the other dragons, including the Opal. Truly gifted, some said, an abomination, others decreed. Sure, Cabarath was a Gray and people were bound to hate him for that fact alone, but Cabarath had also gained his legs, his poise, his whole being before most of the other dragons had discovered they’d had wings. It was harsh to say that, but Cabarath was Cabarath.

T’ron was not so sure. “Cab, you know what happens when you wander away from me.” He said, and his blue eyes sparked with nerves and spirited anger. The last time Cab had wandered off he’d gone out of the Weyrling’s barracks to talk to his mother. While that wasn’t so bad, he had still left T’ron’s line of sight and he’d scared T’ron to his core. Cabarath had stuck close then because he’d injured T’ron, if only indirectly. T’ron was his rock, and if T’ron shook, then Cabarath shook.

This is different, T’ron. Cabarath’s voice in his mind was silky smooth but it did not lose that velvety texture that gave it its name. The name? ‘Cabarath’s Voice.’ He nosed into his rider’s legs, You will still see me. I will be here. I will be with F’ox. No need to fear. Cabarath had lapsed momentarily back into the childish, baby-speak that most baby dragons spoke in no matter how civilized they were. He had lapsed only because of T’ron’s unease with him, and when T’ron was uneasy, Cabarath was uneasy.

However, the blue-eyed former guard relented. “I suppose it’s a lesson. You’re to go straight to F’ox, though. I don’t want you wandering off trying to impress one of those pretty females.” It was true, Cabarath had taken a liking to Snowth if only because she needed someone to look after her. Knighth probably would beat him when it came to actually taking care of her, but Cabarath gave the impression he was taking care of her because, well, she needed someone. When she was on his side, he would have one more follower.

Cabarath nodded brusquely and turned to F’ox. Without any further ado, F’ox was assaulted with the ‘Cabarath’s Voice.’ The velvety tone danced across F’ox’s mind as he touched it, F’ox. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am very pleased that you were chosen to oil me. The Gray said with little abandon into F’ox’s mind as he stopped in front of the rider. It was true, Cabarath was not afraid to show F’ox that he could speak to others besides His. And T’ron didn’t care; T’ron knew where his loyalties lay in the end.

For his part, once he saw that Cabarath had done what he’d asked, T’ron turned to look for the Opal. He stepped lightly before the two, a nice grin stripping his face of any anger he’d held for Cab before. “Sheraz, Iiateth! Sheraz, would you allow me to oil your Opal? I am telling you that I will treat her as if she were my Cabarath. I do promise not to hurt her in any way.”

[Velcro]

Romethia lovingly fed Knighth, not minding the blood and gore because it was for a good reason. After all, she ate meat too, and butchering for a dragon wasn't that different of a concept from having your own food butchered. She was still glad that butchering wasn't her lifetime job, nonetheless. She finished feeding him the last pieces of meat, watching him gobble it down. I am sure I could eat more, mine. I want to get big to protect you![/color] Romethia smiled at him, shaking her head. She could see that his belly was full from the outside, let alone that she could feel the same thing from her bond with him. "Nice try, Knighth. I know you're full, and eating more right now won't make you get any bigger any faster." She lectured him quietly, rubbing his shoulder at the same time.

She perked up as L'vey started talking, then instantly stiffened as he explained the exercise. That would be so... odd. Having to oil another dragon who probably wouldn't tell you where he or she needed oiling the most. She had easily adapted to hearing Knighth in her head, it had just seemed like he had been waiting for her here.

Romethia got up and managed to hear most of what F'ox was barely saying, and tried to nod reassuringly at him. She went over to Snowth, a smile for the green. Romethia noted that the little green was different from her own, rather rambunctious pink dragon. She seemed much more quiet and subdued. Maybe it was because of the injury she'd gotten just after hatching? Ro wondered as she knelt down and began the task of oiling. She gently started rubbing oil on the greens hindquarters, while talking to her. "Hello there, Snowth. You're looking well since your injury at the hatching. When we get up there with the oil, feel free to let Knighth know to tell me if I press too hard... You're such a pretty thing, you know. In a different way from Knighth, of course. Opposite colors, you know...." Romethia carried on with chatter to sooth the green, oiling her as gently as she was able to. Snowth felt like she might break, compared to Knighth.

Knighth watched Sheraz approach, nodding at him sagely. Knighth didn't want to speak to him, but he would ask Iiateth if he needed anything. It made more sense to him that way, since it would give him a chance to talk to the little pastel dragon. He didn't mind that at all, not a bit. He liked talking to the girls, and he felt rather protective of the ones he had spoken to.

[Wren]

By the time T’ron spoke, Sheraz was already half way towards Knighth, but he turned and nodded anyway. “Yeah, you better,” He replied, which might have technically been a threat, but he was smiling, and the tone he used was friendly and joking. He meant it more as acknowledgement of the love he felt for Iiateth, and his desire to protect her; the love every rider felt for their dragon.

Despite Sheraz’s show of ease though, Iiateth remained uncomfortable. She flattened herself as T’ron approached, then slowly crawled closer to him and stopped at his feet blinking up at him. She felt awkward; an action that was so natural and easy with Sheraz, oiling, suddenly seemed difficult and clumsy. She wondered if she ought to speak to him, though the idea of a human mind other than Sheraz’s repulsed her a little, she wanted to do something other than cower on the floor.

Hello. She began tentatively, then, upon discovering that the world had not burst into flames, she spoke all in a rush; Ridermine doesn't mind; he's going to oil Knighth. Only because L'vey told him too; not because he thinks Knighth is better than me. She minced from foot to foot and looked over at Sheraz, as if seeking reassurance that this was true. He turned and nodded and smiled at her, sending her comforting images, and slowly she turned to look back at T’ron, Sorry you got me. She added, looking between her forefeet; she still believed that she was no good, that she was a disappointment for not being born a gold, and she could only apologise for inflicting her inadequate self upon T’ron.

Sheraz, meanwhile, was approaching Knighth. He didn’t much like the sensation of Iiateth talking to someone else, he felt almost as though he was being cheated on, but he knew she just did as a means of coping with her stress, and he was fine with that. She loved him, of that he was sure, and as sure as he was that he would never abandon her, he was equally certain that she would never take someone over him. He gave the pink dragon before him a friendly smile, as he would if he were meeting a human for the first time and wished the encounter to be a happy one.

“Hello there, boy.” He said cheerfully, “Don’t worry about a thing; I won’t hurt you.” He tipped his head to the side, looking at the dragonet curiously; he had not seen many of the hatchlings up close, except Iiateth of course. “You are bright aren’t you? Anyway, nose to tail, yes?” He picked up a pot of oil and looked to the dragon for confirmation. He was not surprised that Knighth had not spoken to him directly, but he hoped that they would be able to communicate somehow, perhaps through Iiateth, if he was willing to talk to her. When oiling the opal he usually started at her nose and worked back to the tail, and then did the wings afterwards. If Knighth was agreeable he’d do the same for him, though the pink was larger, and Sherz he would take a little longer to get him fully oiled.

[ramba]

Of course I'll be careful with Yours, Golith. I have no quarrel with a handsome grey such as yourself. Invidith replied. The young green was of course lying abouth the handsome part. Grey to her was such a bland colour, and Golith was smaller than her. Invidith got to her feet and moved over to J'thir. Reevamine, the grey is warning me from hurting His, but he won't harm you unless I do. Invidith said as she sprawled on the ground by J'thir.

Being oiled by someone else wasn't a problem with her - that's what these humans were for wasn't it? She wasn't too keen on Reeva oiling another dragon though, why should she?

Reeva didn't share her dragon's sentiments, in fact, the yellow clad weyrling was rather excited. If she was kind to someone elses dragon, perhaps she wouldn't feel like she was being blamed for Invidith's actions at the hatching. Reeva closed an eye and looked down at the pot of oil she held. At least this dragon wasn't bigger than Invidith, for she would have ran out of oil otherwise.

'Golith, should we perhaps sit by your rider? That way he could perhaps give me pointers on the spots that are itchiest on you? It would be a great help to him too, because Invidith doesn't like talking to other people.' Reeva suggested. She saw Invidith snort and turn her head to glare at Reeva.

Don't you trust me with the Grey's bonded, Reevamine? Invidith asked, watching her rider with red tinged eyes. Reeva's lips thinned. Until just then I did. Reeva replied. The red faded from Invidith's eyes and a draconic grin appeared on the green's face.

Probably for the best dear Reeva. I don't want to be crippled because I decided to snack on someone elses fingers. Invidith replied.

[Spiffy]

And I would expect no less from a pretty green such as yourself Golith replied with nary a pause, in the same voice as before. But then he ruined the effect for his rider by tittling the same line into his mind, voice more than mocking, J'thir covering a laugh with a cough.

The grey paused, blinking up at Reeva as she spoke to him. Riiiiight, just as long as she didn't expect a reply, not just yet anyway. Well he supposed that sitting with his rider was as good as any, he could hardly complain, nodding his head to Reeva before turning and heading back over to J'thir and Invidith. Make room, Mine, we're coming over. That way Invidith's can tell you where she needs oiling the most. And I'm not sure I want to talk to her just yet either.

J'thir, for his part, watched the green as she stalked gracefully over to where he sat on his bunk then, quite ungracefully, collapsed onto the floor. Ok, well at least he didn't have to worry about getting any oil on his bedsheets. Gathering up the pot and rag, he knelt on the ground next to Invidith, keeping the green at arm's length, just in case. With Golith's comment he indicated that Reeva could take a seat where she liked, the turned his attention back to Invidith. He flinched slightly as she turned a glare on her rider, eyes tinged red, before speaking.

"Right then, Invidith. I'm, uhhh... I'm gonna start on make a start on your shoulders, then I'll come back to your head at the end, ok? Then you can tell me if there's anywhere that needs doing again." Too scared to start with her head, Jareth? his grey teased, and was ignored as J'thir began to run oil tentatively into the green hide.

[S'yal]

Snowth blinked in surprise as Romethia approached, cocking her head to one side. Most dragons were shy about talking to others, but Snowth was just shy in general. At first she'd been unsure about talking to other humans, but F'ox had impressed on her the importance of not ignoring others to talk to someone else. Just the very thought of talking to Knighth instead of his human partner made her shudder. It'd be so... so rude! She didn't udnerstand that most people didn't find this rude, just thinking of it in the terms that her rider did.

I'll talk to you, if you don't mind. She remarked with some shyness, inching closer to Romethia. She liked the girl, for some reason. She reminded her of her rider at times. It would be terribly rude to ignore you if you asked me a question... Thank you for the compliment. You are a very pretty human. The bashful creature commented, sitting on her haunches and lifting her forelegs for Romethia to oil. My legs have been very itchy today. Please be careful around my toes, though. F'oxmine says I am very ticklish there. She did not want to jerk and slap this poor rider in the face.

F'ox was no longer startled by dragons speaking directly to his mind, it having happened with three others at this point besides Snowth. He smiled shyly to Cabarath, excitement emerging. Oh, a dragon! A dragon that wasn't his own! He gently grabbed the oil and settled beside the one his dragon had deemed to be Cab, gentle hands reaching out to spread oil on the gray's forepaws. He always started from bottom to top with his Snowth- it made it easier to cover everywhere.

"I like the patterns on your hide..." He remarked shyly, deciding to make conversation. "Your rider must be very proud of his dragon being so handsome." He hesitated for a moment, trying to think of the things dragons liked to talk about. "So, I bet you can't wait until you can fly!" Was that a good thing to say?