Dragon Rider Play

"That is not something to joke about!" Tithenor scolded, watching Luke worriedly.

Luke was still out for now, which was probably for the best.

Jeremiah frowned. "Sorry. I was trying to lighten the mood slightly."

"I don't think elves lighten the mood when stressed. At least ours does not," Pat murmured, watching Luke. "Too serious and literal."

Jeremiah sighed. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Waiting might have taken a while, so Jeremiah decided to try and rest in the meantime.

"I wish we could have brought our dragons in," Pat said softly.

Jeremiah sighed. "We have Mellon, but I prefer snuggling with my spikeball, personally." He murmured.

Tithenor had an idea. "Maybe we can call them. What good is a bond if we cannot use it for useful things? I don't mean say, Here, Erika, come, but mentally convey the thought."

Pat brightened. "That's a wonderful idea!"

Jeremiah frowned. "Erika doesn't like the rain, and I don't want to risk her getting hurt by the lightening too."

"53 sent Needle out, so maybe the dragons aren't as effected," Pat suggested, but Tithenor shook his head.
"Jeremiah iis right. We should not risk...". His words trailed off as he heard a commotion in the main part of the ward.
Something fell with a clang and there were yells then it all fell silent. 53 opened the door, a muddy and sopping wet Warrior under one arm. "I believe this belongs to one of you?"

Jeremiah smacked his own face. "Why doesn't this surprise me that much.... Warrior's Luke's dragon." He sighed and looked at Warrior and 53. "Want me to clean him off some?"

Pat clamped a hand over her mouth, struggling not to laugh.

"I am not surprised. I have been expecting him," Tithenor commented.

"Next time, a little warning would be nice!" 53 told Tithenor, holding out the apologetic and hopeful dragon. "Yes, Jeremiah, once he is cleaned up, he may stay."

"I'll help, if you want," Pat offered, standing up.

Jeremiah nodded and gladly accepted Pat's help. "Yes please. I think Luke would be happier to see him once he wakes."

"So do I," Pat smiled, leading the way to one of the deep sinks.

Erika stood at the hole Warrior had escaped out of. She fluttered her with GS and shook her head, hissing. She'd felt Jeremiah's distress and wanted to go to him, but so much rain and mud!

Jeremiah grumbled some as he washed Warrior. Mostly he was wondering how the dragon managed to literally get mud everywhere.

Nightshade looked at the hole and made a soft, slightly sad sound to Erika. They weren't going to see their riders?

Warrior wriggled as he got washed, mostly trying to lick Jeremiah's hands. Pat tried to help in the washing and ended up mostly trying to contain the mess. This was ridiculous!

Erika growled softly then movement caught her eye. Hmm, someone had forgot a cloak! Getting up to free it from the peg was easily enough. The hard part was figuring out how humans kept the things attached! She managed with room for Nightshade to fit as well then approached the hole once more. Okay! Let's go see Pat and Jeremiah!

"Warrior, calm down!" Jeremiah tried to tell the dragon. "You can see Luke once you're clean."

Nightshade wasn't sure about this, but followed her friend under the cloak. It was warm under here.

Warrior churred and chirped excitedly, holding still except for his twitching tail. He was being good!

Erika followed the driest path she could even though it was the long way around. Finally they got to the door. Erika stared up at it then turned to Nightshade. Doors were her magic!

Once he was still, Jeremiah had a much easier time washing Warrior off. Once the ordeal was done, Jeremiah sighed.

Nightshade looked at the door fore she reached up, standing on her hind legs. She opened the door before she stood back on four and chirped at Erika. Door open!

"Let's take him to Luke," Pat said then paused, turning.  "Do you feel something?"

Erika purred as she scurried inside.  Well done!   Now, where would their riders be hiding?

Jeremiah nodded. "I feel a bit happier now..... and a draft."

Nightshade twitched her ears. This way! She heard Pat's voice! She expertly ducked and weaved through the medical equipment towards her beloved rider.

Pat turned toward the door.  "Oh no!"  Kneeling, she couldn't help laughing as she held out her arms.  "Nightshade!  I'm here."

Erika followed quickly, hindered by the cloak stuck to her spines.  She called out as she ran, following Nightshade.

53 closed the door and gave the two riders a significant look.  Any mess, they cleaned up.

Nightshade leaped into Pat's arms and licked her rider, purring.

Jeremiah picked up Erika and got the cloak off of her. "What're you two doing here?" He asked his dragon as he made sure she was unhurt.

Pat held Nightshade tightly, sighing in relief.  She'd needed this!

Erika chortled and rubbed her head against his neck.  They'd come to be with their riders!  She'd felt his stress and knew something had to be done about it!  So here they were.

Nightshade crooned affectionately and kept licking Pat. It's okay, rider. Nightshade was here now.

Jeremiah laughed some. "Let's go back with everyone else, all right?"

Pat stood still holding Nightshade.  She followed Jeremiah into the room Tithenor and Luke were in before sitting on the floor with Nightshade.  Nightshade really did make everything better.

Erika purred and rested her head on his shoulder.  She was willing to go anywhere he did!