The Coming Down is the Hardest Thing
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Leigh M-F., Miriah
Date Posted: 28th November 2017
Characters: A'kua, Ninaine
Description: A'kua visits Ninaine when he is most needed.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 1, day 25 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Ilyssia (ONPC), Firelloa (ONPC), Callaine (NPC), Talwynn
Yesterday hadn't been a good day. Today wasn't looking much better. Ninaine and Luneth had been hurt in 'Fall, and when he'd tried to check on them, A'kua had been turned away by the healers and told to come back later. The half-snarled profanities he left in his wake as he departed the dragon infirmary had probably caused several pairs of ears to bleed. But it was later now, and he was going to see if he could finally see his chosen sister.
He caught the nearest healer who seemed to have a free moment. "Where are Ninaine and Luneth? They're Cyan riders, my wingmates."
The Healer looked up, looking harried, but paused to turn her attention to A'kua. Her brow furrowed, recognizing him from the night before and her expression changed, becoming sympathetic. "Hello again. Let me see if they're ready for visitors yet." She looked at the hides in her hands. "I think she can receive visitors now. She's with Luneth at the Dragon's infirmary." She looked up at him. "I suggest you keep your voice lowered when you see her and Luneth."
"Anythin'," the bronzerider vowed as he followed her. "What else do I need to know?"
"Rider Ninaine will have to tell you anything more about her condition, if she chooses, but I can tell you that she is able to be up out of bed. I'm not at liberty to say more. " Her smile was apologetic even as she led him to the area Luneth was kept. They wound through to a private curtained alcove. The Healer tapped on the curtain, "You have a visitor, Ninaine. Will you allow them?"
There was the sound of shuffling feet and the curtain was twitched aside as Ninaine stepped out. She had dark circles under her eyes, was visibly bruised, and had a large bandage over her temple, but when she saw A'kua, was able to lift her lips into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Hey." She looked over her shoulder. "Come on in, but quiet. The sedative is starting to kick in."
A'kua nodded and lightened his step, a skill he'd never thought he would need again once he was gone from his home hold and didn't need to steal anything. Just as carefully, he drew up a stool and sat in it. "Ancients, but I'm glad you're still with us, sis," he said in a low tone, pitched just so in order to let the sound carry, but not aggravate the greenrider's undoubtedly pounding skull.
"So am I." She twitched the curtain closed and looked at her heavily bandaged dragon, now deeply sleeping. Her face showed the strain and under the low lights, it was evident that there were tear tracks down her face. "We were lucky."
Maybe not as lucky as she was saying, if her tears meant anything. A'kua didn't comment on it. "Lys and Firelloa were worried when they heard what happened. Firelloa actually offered to check on Callaine in the creche, just in case. But is there anythin' you need? Anythin' I can do while you two are recoverin'?"
"Tell them thank you for me, if you would." She moved back to sit beside Luneth, her hand stroking along her hide. "We'll be here for a while, A'kua. A long time, I think." She swallowed hard. "The Healers, they just left right before you came." She chewed on her lip and struggled to keep her voice even. "We won't be in the wing with you anymore."
The bronzerider's eyes widened, and he sucked in a breath. That couldn't be right. Ninaine couldn't be implying what he thought she was, could she? "But- You-" He shook his head. "Tal's workin' on comin' back. You could too, couldn't you?"
She swallowed hard and her eyes swept to the heavily bandaged wings. "Oh, it's not me. Tal can work past what happened to her. " She turned her gaze to A'kua and her eyes looked haunted. "Luneth may never fly again, A'kua. They think she's...the injuries..." She visibly struggled. "She'll never be a fighting dragon again. They're certain of it. If it was just the threaded wingsails, it would be one thing, but there's also broken bones and joint damage into the shoulder, and one of her wings was dislocated..." The listing of injuries broke her and she began wiping at her eyes hurriedly. "She's hurting so much that they have to keep her asleep to heal right now. Even Onnyth and Chioneth being with her wasn't enough to keep her quiet and calm."
"Oh, sis," A'kua said with feeling, and held out a hand in case she wanted to hold it. "I- I'm so sorry. I don't know what else to say." This was a fardling tragedy! Luneth was so young and healthy. It wasn't right that she was grounded so soon in her life.
His hand was taken, but her grip wasn't firm. "There's nothing really to say. She's alive. I've that blessing, really."
A'kua gently stroked her knuckles with his thumb. "If there's anything we can do for you, please tell me," he said quietly. "I know that's not enough, but it's still yours to invoke at any time."
"Thank you. There's really nothing I can think of right now. I just need to stay here and be here with her. "
"Then I can stay until you think I should leave," her friend promised.
Ninaine nodded and her grip on his hand firmed. "Thank you."
"Any time, sis."
Last updated on the December 10th 2017