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It was not in Erastan's nature to be the self sacrificing hero for all but a few special connections. However being at the weyr had forced him into that role, like it or not. Due to his lack lustre commitment to group exercises and general teamwork, once in the air he had been quickly punished by thread for isolating himself.
The young riders arm was still bound and slung up across his chest while Aspalath had been pierced by the same strip of thread that had damaged his rider, so he had a hole straight through the delicate membrane of his wing near the base, as well as a few minor ash burns across his rump. None of it was serious and all signs pointed to natural healing within a few months. Though Erastan would have to work hard to rebuild the muscle that thread had eaten away he would still be able to use his arm with relative ease.

Since it was not serious or life threatening the anti social pair had quickly been banished back to their own weyr by the healers. Which suited them just fine.
Their sandy hut was at the edge of the weyr settlement over shadowed by the twisted shrubs and nutrient starved trees that clung to packed sand dunes or craggy rocks, the only grace was a salty water hole that at least offered a good bathing option in the hotter months. It was a rather depressing corner of the otherwise beautiful island so unsurprisingly the blue rider had it almost to himself, with many of the surrounding huts unoccupied or abandoned by the moment more favourable accommodation became available.
Since they had been injured defending the weyr they had also been given a few days off to rest.

Erastan was making the most of that opportunity and he was lounged against the blue hide of his partner in the crisp spring sun. A bowel of fruit nestled in his lap which he was trying to cut up rather awkwardly with his single usable hand.
Aspalath was dozing, just enjoying the peace, quiet and closeness of his bonded.
Right up until the voice of his sister cut through his semi concussions repose making the blue jerk his head up and stiffen involuntarily. Erastan jumped in turn at the sudden movement almost dropping the fruit and tightening his grip on the knife.

What is it Aspalath? He asked urgently.
It is my sister, she wishes to visit us. Maybe she wishes to scold me for my poor performance that got you injured. the blue suggested mournfully.
We've been over this, it was not your fault.
I'm sorry I choose you mine I needed you but...., if I had let another dragon pick you I am sure you wouldn't have been hurt so easily.
I told you, no other dragon would have picked me, cause you are the only one for me.

Aspalath tried to twist away bashfully but Erastan caught his head, hugged it close and felt the blue calm. The poor creature had always been riddled with self doubt which had quietened somewhat since his hatchling days, but the recent incident had caused a flare up. Not that he would admit it to anyone beside his rider.

What shall I tell her to sister.
Tell them to come, if they are going to try and scold us. I'll have a few words for them as well. Erastan promised. Aspalath hesitated not wanting to cause a fight but after a minute he reached back to the gold.

You may come by our weyr sister and be welcome. I am with my rider in my wallow. He informed her quietly, his mental voice even taking on a faint and tremulous quality of his nerves.

Erastan got awkwardly to his feet when the gold pair landed, shuffling his body upright using Aspalath as support while he tried to hold the knife and bowel of fruit in one hand simultaneously keeping his injured arm static. His thick brows were still scrunched into a unfriendly glare but Aspalath reached out to soothe him. It is okay Erastan, I do think they are true to their words, they just want to check on our condition. Erastan's set deep frown twisted , taking on a hint of confusion. It was a strange feeling having someone genuinely worried for him that wasn't his sister but he could feel it, through Aspalath , sending him the pulse of sweetness from the gold.

"I'm fine." He snapped more harshly than he meant. "We're fine." he repeated forcefully killing some of the edge. He stared down the gold rider, still uncertain but some of the 'how to be human' lessons he had been getting from Liat must have been slowly taking effect because he didn't chase them off as soon as they landed. Not knowing how to address the death of their fellow tea siblings he choose instead to thrust the bowel at Ezyzu. "Fruit." Thankyou captain obvious. "Have some, it's fresh." Erastan being Erastan it sounded more like a demand than an invitation but he was realllly trying. Having lived many years as an urchin and struggling to get enough to eat day by day, to offer up his own food was a big gesture.


Meanwhile Aspalath reached out to his sister. He didn't snuggle Khamaith as she might have desired but he did exchange gentle nose boops. Thankyou for your concern but as you can see we are healing well....you are not Intruding. Me and mine are just happy to be alone most of the time but we have been told such habits are not good for us. He explained to the gold, his voice still shy, but slowly growing in confidence the longer they interacted. Besides. His rider was trying so he had to follow his fine example.