Old Acquaintances

[Scratchet]

DATE & TIME : September the 2nd, late evening
WEATHER CONDITIONS : ok, slight autumn chill in the air
CHARACTERS INVOLVED : Scratchet and Baldr
PREVIOUS THREADS ? Diplomatic Mission, Building Bridges

HTTYD soundtrack - forbidden friendship

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Scratchet had been pretty moody that Berk had locked her out, but from what she had heard from her Terrors she wasn't the only one. Luckily Terrors were so common they were being ignored, so the Nadder could still get all the information she needed. But the dragons didn't know that the Hysterians were returning, nor could the Terrors recognise Hysterian ships.

One thing tipped her off from the descriptions though. The Harold stranger had been traded off to these newcomers. Hysterians were here again! There wasn't a war raging though, and her debts to Luna were deemed paid, so she felt no obligation to be defensive for Berk's part, after all...

The last scrap of information came later, where a rust-coloured terror let her know of the location of where these Hysterians were camping. But it was an irksome location.

It was in her spot.

The clearing where the moss grew soft and the light was warm in the day, a secluded place for scheming and snoozing, and of course a common meeting place for her little gang.

She was going to pay them a visit. She began to stalk in that direction, then stopped just as quickly as she had started. And remembered. They were Hysterians. Hysterians... She ruffled her wings uncomfortably, unsure what to do. She was torn between home and what home had done. A heart-wrenching memory flashed in her mind which made her step back slightly, as if spooked by something in the darkness ahead.

She then snorted, stamping her foot in the earth. No. She wasn't going to let the past, nor the present shoo her away. She was Scratchet and she had gained plenty of experience in escapade in case anything goes wrong. It was time to make the Hysterians remember of the nuisance, and restore the memory of this Nadder!

Fueled with new inspiration, she continued on, her footsteps lightening, knowing the way the forest worked with her body. The camp was found easily enough - Humans tended to use fire more than dragons! She listened for a while, but heard nothing of interest. The camp was a little off her sacred patch, but she needed to do recon anyway before getting up to her old tricks. Maybe she'd go all nostalgia and pull off one of her most memorable stunts back in the day...

In the glade there was a single tent and fire. Perhaps this was their leader? Who better to cause nuisance to! Maybe it was Frothy himself... She paused a moment. If it was Frothy... Well, it would be a good time to prove how 'Deadly' Nadders could really be.

But she'd toy with him first. Out of the light, keeping her footsteps down by treading on moss patches she knew of, she circled the glade, though keeping out of sight of the main camp. What to do, what to do. There was movement in the tent, and Scratchet instinctively jumped to a sturdy branch in case she was spotted. She paused, watching. It was hard to see through the branches though, but she could make out a figure with a broad menacing shape.

She almost croaked a growl but caught herself. Scratchet felt she had been here too long now, so shifted her place, stalking the Hysterian from the shadows, sometimes on a branch, sometimes on the floor. She didn't realise she was making more noise, agitated and eager to show who's boss. Then something glistened that caught her eye. A weapon! She was on a branch and the realisation that the man was armed made her awkwardly lose her balance and crashed to the floor.

She quickly got to her feet and retreated a bit more, flustered. Her cover had most definitely been blown. She kept herself low, but something kept her from fleeing.

Memory. Hatred... Home.

The man had taken a step forwards. "Screw this." Muttered Scratchet and lunged forwards, bursting through the vegetation into the clearing, but the first thing she noticed was obviously the smell.

That smell was unmistakeable, after all these years.

Her stomach lurched and her feet froze, skidding to a halt. Her nostrils flaring like haywire. That smell! No.. it can't be. She tilted her head to let the man in her vision.

The smell didn't match the face it belonged to. She studied it, still drinking in the odour her powerful sense provided. This face was older, rugged. The hair was shorter and had hair in other places too, slightly muted.

But those eyes. She stared into those blue eyes. And then she knew. The smell did belong to this face.

"...Baldr?"

[Baldr Bjorg the Bonkers]

Baldr finally left the sight of his companions and the villagers. It wasn’t dark yet, though since they were entering autumn, twilight wouldn’t be long. He quickly moved through the forest making sure to do so in a stealthy manner and attempted to shake anyone who might secretly be following him off. He knew he couldn’t take his chances, for his own sake or for Ashaere’s.

He finally got to his destination; it was a small clearing and a nice spot. He smiled slightly, Good choice, he thought to himself as he started to get a fire going. Once he got everything set up he sat down, unsheathed his sword and laid it by his side, while he didn’t want to use it against Ashaere, he had to be defended if someone else attacked him.

And so he waited. It wasn’t long before his doubts about what he was going to do started giving voice. Some were encouraging him, trying to get him to believe that it would all be okay, others reminding him of every bad choice and action he’d made in regards to Ashaere and how she would never accept any form of apology, that every action he’d been doing would not make up or it all. Many other voices went for different variations of the two, some lighter, some even darker. All making it harder and harder for Baldr to concentrate on what exactly he wanted to say, how much he should tell Luna, and how not to break down while doing it.

And then one voice cut through them all saying You’re not alone suddenly silence reigned as Baldr listened out for the noises his subconscious had noticed first. His eyes had adjusted to the light now, but even now things were too dark in the distance for him to see anyone or anything. His hand did slowly clutch his sword, just in case.

Then Baldr started to hear the rustling and snapping of branches in the trees. Something was circling him. He slowly got up as the noises got louder, sword in hand. Then there was a loud crash to the left of him. He looked and could see the silhouette of a large prone creature. Dragon[/color] he thought to himself, probably a nadder.

Then it started lunging into the clearing and Baldr braced, ready to jump out the way and try to shout statements to try and calm it, he did not want to kill a dragon on Berk, especially since Ashaere could turn up any minute.

But then the dragon halted in its spot, looking at him incredulously. He stared at the Nadder confused as it sniffed the air. Should I move or talk? he thought, to which the voices gave multiple responses he didn’t need right on.

But then one voice he’d heard a lot over the years in his head came out of the dragon. This caused Baldr to freeze like the dragon had to him. It was only now that he recognised the dragon’s turquoise colour and under developed nature.

He stuttered out, “Scr-scratchet?” he had not expected this, not in the slightest. Why would he expect Scratchet to be on Berk? “What are you doing here?”[/i]

[Scratchet]

The stranger stuttered, the voice much more different than what she knew, but he knew her name, and responded to his own name. There was enough evidence on the field. It was really him.

She blinked, sill amazed, feeling her heart pounding inside her chest. She completely ignored him and thrust her head into his middle, to give him a very big nuzzle, crooning in joy. She had miscalculated the force though, through excitement and through the habit of knocking over large sturdy Vikings, her best friend toppled over, but she nuzzled him into the ground with her snout. She was overjoyed.

"Baldr! I've missed you so much!"

Happy memories gushed into her thoughts and showed him affection in the only way she could - she licked him with her large wet tongue. She stood back and watched him with interest, tail swishing from side to side eagerly. She finally observed him with her beady eyes, glancing with one eye then the other periodically.

"You've changed so much! I remember when you were only this tall!" She lifted one foot off the ground to indicate how tall he was 21 years ago. But it was extremly exaggerated, only lifting her foot a couple of feet off the ground. "And now you're like the rest of 'em..." She paused a moment, before her horns twitched and she became alert, suddenly wary.

What if he has become like the others? What if, now Frothy had been in reign for so long, he too kills dragons? Would he kill her? She backed up slightly. Then she had reversed enough that the gleam of the sword shone in the fire, and seeing the weapon again made her flustered, and she ruffled her wings, spreading them slightly as a visual defense.

"You're one of *them* now, aren't you?" She asked nervously.

[Baldr Bjorg the Bonkers]

He clenched up when she went for him, but he’d known the moment she did he was going to be sent to the ground. While Baldr was much stronger than he had been all those years ago, a full sized dragon could still send him to the floor with ease. While he was startled by it, he wasn’t afraid, he could feel the happiness coming from his old friend.

It was nice to see Scratchet once again, he had so many good memories connected to her. He laughed slightly as she licked him and asked her to stop. She complied and watched him avidly as he slowly got up. When she’d sent him to the floor his sword had left his hand, which he was glad.

She commented on how much he’d grown, he smiled at the stupidly small height she’d set for him. While he’d probably have felt that height at the time, he really doubted he had been it. Then she tenced up. Baldr did too, he’d recognised danger of what she’d just said.

She looked at him and backed away, Baldr tried to sya something, but she saw his sword first and reacted badly. Baldr instinctively but his hands out in a similarly defensive way that the Nadder did.

"You're one of *them* now, aren't you?" It stung a bit, but it wasn’t like he hadn’t expected it.

“Not out of choice or want, and I’m trying to make *them* more like we used to be. he took a step forward, trying to show himself to be harmless and friendly in his positioning, though he knew his fear would be sliding through, in one on one combat Baldr had no chance, even if she were to miss with her breath Scratchet could kill her if she didn’t just run. “I’m the chief of Hysteria now, that little kid got the lands mum had always wanted me to have. And while it’s still against dragons, I’m trying to turn them back to the old ways. Please don’t be afraid of me Scratchet, I won’t hurt you and no Hysterian will come near here, and I’ve not seen you in so long.”

[Scratchet]

The alarmed Nadder swiped her tail in front of her, spines erect and ready to be thrown in his direction if he was to prove hostile. She watched, pupils as thin slits, as Baldr raised his hands, showing his palms bear and free of any object that could cause pain.

The concept of a grown Viking man doing this sort of thing made her feel slightly odd, but he slowly spoke and Scratchet kept herself poised, just in case. She wasn't letting her guard down yet.

She could smell his fear of her. He was.. afraid? Scratchet was also afraid, unknowingly thinking the same thing, that this man could also kill her easily given the chance. She wasn't like the other Nadders after all. And he was Hysterian, and had pretty much just confessed that he killed dragons, but she could hear him speaking truthfully about the lack of choice.

He slowly took a step forwards and Scratchet instinctively flinched, rattling the spins on her tail slightly like a snake as she did so, she was so tensed up. But her feet kept her rooted, something made her not want to flee. She watched Baldr, observed his blue eyes in the light of the flames. His smell filling her nostrils.

Her eyes widened and minorly snorted at the news of his new standing. He was the boss of Hysteria? What happened to Frothy? But Baldr immediately continued to explain, answering her next question, why Hysteria was still against dragons if he was in charge.

Baldr started to sound a little sad and it tore at the Dragon's heart as he spoke. She didn't want to be afraid of him. He was Baldr! She remembered to all those years ago.

She didn't want to be afraid. She slowly retreated her tail and lowered her head submissively, but keeping her eyes on him. I can trust him, otherwise I would have no one else to trust instead. She took a step forwards too, her spines and horns slowly flattening.

She paused to look at him again, before closing the distance, her head almost at his height, and hesitating slightly, gently pushed her snout into his left palm.

"I miss you." She said apologetically.

[Baldr Bjorg the Bonkers]

When Scrathet had flinched he had frozen, afraid of setting her off by accident. She looked surprised as he explained himself, and he didn’t blame her, the idea of him being the leader of Hysteria must have been weird. As he talked she seemed to lapse her mistrust, but only a little bit. They watched each other for a little bit and Baldr was about to give up hope that she would trust him when she started moving towards him.

His face slowly lit up as the dragon placed her snout on his palm and he started to well up, “T-Thank you, Scrathet.” He slowly moved forward and gently hugged the neck of the dragon. “I missed you two, girl.” It felt nice to hug the nadder again, it had been so long and they had both grown in the time, him more than her.

He finally pulled away from her, “What are you doing here? I want to hear what’s happened to you since you left all those years ago.” He smiled slightly, he could feel the child side of him want to come out, after all, this was a dragon from his childhood, “And have you gotten a new friend?”

[Scratchet]

"Im sorry I doubted you," [/font]She mumbled sadly. But Baldr changed the subject, asking about her. She also retreated and regained her natural stance, still taller than Baldr after all this time.

She quickly preened herself before replying, "Well, you know what happened. I tried to stick around but it wasn't enough... Hysteria got too dangerous. And Villany got crammed and some Vikings came over here too, and well, me being me, I needed to find a place where I could live it in safety." Scratchet settled herself on the ground, and heaved a sigh, since the memory of her having to leave Baldr and Hysteria was too awful.

"I was on some lost forgotten island somewhere when I saw some dragons, with riders. I followed them and I came across Berk, though I didn't know it was that island then. But I figured hey the humans are friendly here so I won't be in trouble. Though it took me a while to find their village... It's on really on the mainland at all, and theres like... Only *that* one." She pointe her head roughly in the direction of the village.

She then raised her head and grinned. "But I've made an infamous name of myself! I'm so proud! I even got my little minions and everything." This was something she hadn't told anyone, but then again Baldr wasn't just anyone.

She tilted her head at Baldr's last question. A new friend? Her spines flattened slightly. She hadn't occurred to her to have a companion like Baldr on Berk. It flustered her a little, to think she had been gone so long in solitude. "I've been making a infamous reputation for myself here. The Berkians aren't all that smart. 'Sides, you're the only friend I'll ever need." She nuzzled him at that.

Scratchet then began to recount tales of her misadventures, when she got caught and tricked the humans into letting them go, glazing over her second time she was encaged, though. All the times she stole fish from the fishermen, and taking a lot of pride in it, remembering how she wasn't that strong at all during her time with Baldr. She enjoyed sharing her tales, it wasn't the same as with her minions...

She then realised what he meant by having a friend.

[Baldr Bjorg the Bonkers]

“Its fine girl,” Baldr said at her apology before saying what he’d then said. He did understand why she’d reacted like she had. He listened attentively as she explained all the stuff that happened to her, and he remembered some of the context that he had lived through in that first year after the alliance on Hysteria between dragons and men had fallen. Hrothgar had been vicious in his hunt against dragons, with all the things our people knew about dragons the adults of the time were the best dragon hunters he could have wanted.

He had been trapped in the village while it was happening, but he’d heard all about the evils the adults were doing to the dragons that dared to stay on the island and the hunting parties that went off to our sister island. He was not in the least surprised that Scratchet had left for saver ilse, in fact that had always been what he had hoped. She went through how she’d ended up on Berk, he couldn’t help but smile at her comment on the single hooligan settlement, Hysteria was much bigger so they were both used to multiple villages on one island.

He saw how proud Scrachet was at being a nucance on the Berk and Baldr couldn’t help but feel the same way, “I’m glad for you,” he said rubing her gently. He asked his question then, she looked slightly confused before making a derogatory comment about the locals, he chuckled as Scratchet nuzzled him, “I’m sure I am, and you really have grown so much since I last saw you, from what you’ve told me.” His heart sank slightly as he knew this needed to be said, “but…I’m not here for you anymore. I’m trying to make things better, but right now our homeland is still against dragons and I am it’s leader. I hope I can sway them back into the ways of old but…” he let the statement hang for a moment, he didn’t want to finish that sentence, he didn’t want to show the thoughts his voices had been giving him.

“You need someone here.” Baldr finally said, “I don’t want you to be all alone because I can’t be with you.” He gave her the kindest smile he could, but he could feel the worry seep into it, “will you try to find a human friend here? You don’t need to find a replacement for me, they don’t need to be like me. Just try and find someone, will you promise me this?”

[Scratchet]

Scratchet was pleased that Baldr was proud of the things she had done. She enjoyed this contact with him and savoured every moment.

But then he dropped a bombshell on her, she needed to find a friend. Her spines flattened sadly, but he was speaking truth and Scratchet was smart enough to know he was right. She could tell he was trying his best to mold Hysteria back into something that it once was, but it sounded difficult.

There was a pause before he turned the thoughts back to Scratchet. The Nadder twisted her head to look at him properly. She crooned sadly. She didn't want to be alone either! But she didn't want anyone else. No one was like Baldr. Despite these internal protests, he insisted she find someone on Berk.

Scratchet had no idea at all how to do that. She'd ruffled up so many feathers, there's no way any of them could forgive her, let alone be a friend. She heaved a sigh and gave a croon.

"...Ok," She started, bowing her head in submission. She could never go against Baldr's wishes. "I'll promise... But I'll still love you the most."

She had no idea how she'd pull it off, but she'd do it for Baldr, and right now she didn't want to think about it. She didn't know how long he was staying here, but it certainly wasn't permanent.

[Baldr Bjorg the Bonkers]

He laughed when she said he’d be the one she’s love the most, “I wouldn’t expect anything less girl, you were always ‘my’ dragon, no matter what was supposed to be the case.” He nuzzled her and rubbed his hand on her head.

“I wish things were different…I wish we could stay together. But I have obligations now and Hysteria isn’t yet ready for dragons again.” He looked away for a moment, he was very sad now at the thought of having to leave her once more. “A small part of me wishes we didn’t meet right now. It’s going to be painful having to leave you again…But I know you’re alive and on an island that’s safe for dragons.”

He pulled away and looked properly again, “I didn’t realise just how many ghosts of my past I was going to see tonight on this island…” She’d be here soon, hopefully. “I’m meeting someone here, Scrathet. When they’re here, I’m going to need you to leave, and not tell anyone you saw me, or the person who I’m meeting with. they means a lot to me girl, and people knowing they’ve met me will be bad for them. Promise you’ll keep quiet about this?” He knew he could trust her, but there was always the chance something might slip out and he needed to make sure she knew it would hurt him.

[Scratchet]

Scratchet relished in the attention he was giving her. She had missed this for far too long. Though he called her 'his' dragon, it didn't bother her. Baldr was the only human she'd happily submit to, after all. She crooned in delight.

But then Baldr started to make realistic statements. This reunion was not for good. Scratchet knew that too. It was sad, but she didn't want to think about it yet. She knew the Hysterians would be staying for a few days... Surely she'd be able to spend at least a little time whilst they were on the island? But the more she thought it through, the less it was viable. The chances of them getting spotted together would be pretty high, if he was the leader on foreign territory he would hardly be left alone. And then there was that lockdown in the village...

The Nadder paused for a moment, twisting her head slightly to recieve Baldr in her vision. "I want to be with you too..." She started, she knew just as well as Baldr there was no other way, though. "...But maybe we could say a goodbye properly. When the time comes, I mean." She didn't want to leave the Hysterian just yet. She was still as stubborn on that front since the day dragons were deemed enemies on Hysteria. She had attempted to linger around after the ban, risking her skin to stay with her beloved friend. Eventually it got out of hand though, and she was forced to leave too abruptly for her tastes.

Baldr told her he was meeting someone. She rose in height slightly and peered at her surroundings curiously. Who would he be meeting? Did he know someone on Berk? How come she was not informed? She couldn't hear anything though so looked back to her friend. He told her to not share any of this information. Scratchet clucked in agreement. "You can count on me. You know I'll do anything for you!." [/b][/color]She then considered maybe spying for Hysteria, now with Baldr as top dog, but the problem of communication quickly defeated those thoughts. She didn't realise that Baldr probably didn't know that she had been keeping her identity secret on the island. An unknowingly similar trait among deserters.

After an affirmation from Baldr Scratchet observed her surroundings as the promise stagnated the conversation. She stalked about slightly before smirking and turning back to Baldr. She then reared back her head and gave a short one of her iconic cackles. Once she had calmed down she looked back at Baldr. "It's so funny!" She said, more mellow after that bout of laughter. "You know, this exact clearing is also my little meeting spot for my little 'gang'. Hehehe" She said, finally and truly imparting one of her own little secrets. Baldr had to try keep that one now, but she hadn't said it was supposed to be a secret. She wondered if he would catch on after all Baldr had told her to do just then. They trusted each other, after all, even despite these years.

[Baldr Bjorg the Bonkers]

“I’d like to do that,” Baldr said in response to the nadder’s want to say goodbye properly, “I’ll make sure to try and get back to here some evening before we go back.”[/i][/color] He looked around for a moment; this was a nice meeting spot. “Thanks Scratchet, I know I can trust you.”

“Interesting,” Baldr muttered when she mentioned her ‘gang’ and how this was their meeting spot, “Well this place is quite a find-able spot, and definitely one if I would use if I wanted to have secret meetings with me diabolical syndicate bent on causing havoc to the island.” He said this in an increasingly dramatic way, he liked that Scratchet had made a group of underlings, though they were obviously all just dragons and no humans. She’s have mentioned any humans.

He turned to smirked evily as he looked at Scratchet, “Maybe I should try and take done the evil troublemaking dragon and get in the good books of Berk!” he lunged forward and started scratching the nadder, until finally he hit the right spot.

His smile returned to a much more fun one as the dragon collapsed in enjoyment, it had been so long since he’d seen a dragon do that. He’d never used that trick in dragon fighting, he’d felt that would have been too wrong. He then heard a crunch behind him.

He internally swore.

[Scratchet]

Scratchet crooned happily at Baldr's agreement. She then listened with glee as he commented on her meeting place. It was definitely a prime location. She didn't quite enjoy that he called it 'findable' though. It was supposed to be hidden from prying eyes of the village, so she could conduct her planning in secret, so there would be no spoilers when the time came.

But then he described her group, and his tone changed. It made her squeam inside. She adored it when people played their roles well in a game. She hadn't found another game player like Baldr on Berk. They didn't understand her properly to do such a thing. They had such low tolerance, these Berkians. She flared her spines and crest in surprise at the description, before subtly, almost eloquently striking a pose to do some silver-tongued talking.

"Oh," She started, also giving a tinge of evil. "I wouldn't call it... diabolical. No... It's more... hmm... Humour Correction Treatment."

After observing the place, he turned to look at her from her remark. He pulled off a suave smirk and gave a threat. He began to advance. Scratchet's eyes widened. "Oh no you wouldn-" But Scratchet got cut off as he began to tickle and scratch under her chin! Ohh that felt so good, she hadn't recieved that kind of attention in far too long a time. She didn't even resist anymore, for once, she lost willingly.

He quickly found that sweet spot, making her jump before collapsing in sheer bliss. She fell on her side slightly, with a rather loud crash. A foot twitched in mid air and her tongue hanging outside her mouth. Oh, she could stay like this forever. She was too much in ecstasy that she didn't hear the noise, nor realise that Baldr had noticed someone arrive.

[Your Humble GM]

(Apologies in advance red, this post will be minorly godmodding, I kind of wanted to get this post in and I knew how the gist of this would go if we were to rp it together, we can make it into actual what happened tomorrow or something

After talking with Luna and getting her to agree to meeting with Baldr, the Hooligan Shaman went back to the other elders who were still talking with the Hysterians. There hadn’t been much effect from his absence and no one commented. When he found a good moment, Ari let Theroputix know she’d agreed and gave him directions to the location.

As the sun was setting, Ari overheard Baldr make his request to go out into the forest and experience the wildlife, though Ari didn’t bother to stay to listen to the result. He did see the Hysterian leader leave a short time later with some items and go out of the village. He was intrigued that Theroputix hadn’t followed.

So he decided to ask him about it. When Ari talked with Theroputix it seemed like he was surprised about it too. Baldr had decided to meet the dragon healer alone and hadn’t gotten him permission too. After a bit of talking, Ari agreed to help Theroputix to go out and join the talk. Once enough time had passed, Ari took Theroputix out of the Hysterian encampment and towards the home of Luna.

He didn’t feel worried about causing trouble for Luna or himself, after all, he and Theroputix were both the shaman of their respective villages and had a known correspondence. If anyone asked anything, he was just taking him to see the fledgling healer of the town so that she could get well aquatinted with another practitioner…the fact that he’s her teacher is neither here nor there.

They finally reached Luna’s house. He knocked twice. Ari had a quick scan around to see how noticed he was. There were a few people watching, and probably one or two within earshot, but that only meant he had to keep up the pretence until they were inside.

The door opened to show Luna, Ari smiled, “Good evening Luna. I thought I should introduce you to the shaman of Hysteria as he was on the island. Is it okay if we come in?”

[Luna Hieler & Ayer]

Luna paced nervously. Evening had approached even more quickly than she could have imagined. Soon Ari would arrive to accompany her and Curtis to the arranged place of meeting between her and Baldr. She wasn't ready, although even months of time would never prepare her for this. She worked on controlling her emotions by concentrating, she had no desire to appear unnecessarily weak with emotion before her cousin.

Curtis stood by, sword at his waist- simply a precaution. While she was fairly sure no physical harm was in store for her tonight, there was no need to be careless. She would also bring Ayer, mostly for transport purposes, but protection was certainly a factor. Nonetheless, Luna wished to avoid any type of confrontation that would end in bodily harm on anyone's part.

There was no conversation between he couple. Neither were quite sure what they were going to face, nor did it feel appropriate to discuss possible outcomes. Luna glanced over and tried to read his emotions, but he was guarded, as usual. All three dragons lay quietly together in the corner. For once, they seemed to make an effort to avoid their typical squabbling.

A knock at the door. Likely Ari, but in case of it being clientele, she elected to answer. No need to arouse unneeded suspicion, and Curtis answering the door armed might come off as strange. Despite attempts to be calm, her hand trembled as she turned the knob and swung open the door. Before her was the Berkite healer in all glory, dressed as he must have appeared at the meeting of elders, leading her to believe that it had only recently disbanded. Why would he come to her so directly?

The answer was behind him. Luna's heart welled with emotions, her face betrayed her struggle. She stared at Ari's guest in disbelief, she hadn't expected this. Ari's voice seemed distant when he spoke, and Luna invited them in with as much eloquence as she could muster. Luna was completely unprepared for this. She showed the men in.

"Please sit! If you like..." she managed, motioning toward the table. She glanced at Curtis, who sat by the fire. He watched in inquisitive silence. She looked at back and forth between the healers, standing before them. She felt lightheaded with emotion. With misty eyes, she tried to compose herself, disbelief clouded her feelings of affection. She tried to master her emotions. Her hands clasped tightly as she gazed at her former mentor. She broke the silence. His name rolled off her tongue with familiar cadence for the first time in years.

"Theraputix?"



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Red next, I suppose...