Dragon Rider Play

Blue willingly moved away, surprised. He watched Blade in confusion but somehow pleased that Blade was so concerned about his dragon. "I apologize," he said quietly, moving away.

The little dragon calmed, stirring in her shell into a more comfortable position then going still. This was her rider. This touch was acceptable. She was okay with this, and he had a nice voice.

Blade seemed relieved once his dragon was happy again. He stood and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah, no worries. I, uh, guess we know now?"

"I suppose we do." Blue turned away. "I intend to speak to Mark as to the particulars of my dragon. Would you like to come?"

Blade shrugged and nodded. "Sure. Not much else to do right now."

Blue walked out, heading to find Mark.

Mark was back in the barracks. He had started hand crafting some toys for his little Frillback. These should help stimulate the little guy and help him stay active...

BLue stopped in the doorway. "Mark, we had a question."

Mark looked up at them. "Certainly. Ask away."

Blade let Blue ask first. He went over to his bunk and made sure everything was in order. All his sharp little babies.... except his one that the meanie Violet threw over the edge. He felt sad again. The particular knife had been with him longer than the rest, and out of all of his knives, that one had always felt the best in his hand.

"We desired to know if you will accompany us to the nursery and grant us with your wisdom concerning our dragons as well as do a little experiment with yours," he said calmly.

Mark laughed softly and stood. He had nothing better to do. "Sure. What all do you want to know?"

Blade trailed behind the two of them for now.

"I believe Blade had the most questions," Blue said, deftly involving the other in the conversation as they walked.

Blade sprung to attention. He started to grill Mark about fifty questions about the Blade Dragon. Mark answered them all patiently and to the best of his ability, although he didn't know much about the rare breed. "If you want more information, you can always go to the library."

"What is it with everyone and dumb old books?" Blade grumbled. "People are better than some crusty pieces of leather and paper."

"Where do you think the people get their information from?" Blue smiled, subtly guiding Mark toward his dragon first. "What do you suppose would happen if you showed interest in my egg?"

Mark scratched his chin. "It would probably react depending on the temperament of the dragon. Some may be passive, while others may think they are in danger."

"What about anger? Why would a hatchling feel anger?" Blue asked.

"Again, it would depend on the individual." Mark said. "It would be like how different people react to the same thing, based on their personality. Same goes with dragons."

Blue glanced at Blade. "Would you care to try?" he asked with a faint but clear motion of deference. It was completely up to the other rider what was done with his hatchling.

Blade shook his head. "No. It spooked my hatchling, and I don't want that to happen again. Not to mine, nor another hatchling."

"Understood," Blue said simply. "Mark, may I observe how your hatchling responds to you?"

Mark nodded and went over to his egg. He knealt close to the baby dragon and stroked the egg gently, humming a song. Most all dragons liked music to an extent, and he knew this particular song a lot of the hatchlings on the farm he worked at liked.

He didn't want to wake up. He was cozy and sleepy. But he heard his rider's song and crooned sleepily without moving. He liked this song.

Mark smiled and backed away to let the little dragon sleep. "We should probably let them rest." Mark told his comrades with a smile. "They will need their energy when they hatch."

Blue watched with a faint smile. Then he said, "I am curious, Mark, why is it there was such drama around Pat's egg? Was it truly about to hatch prematurely?"

Mark nodded. "It was starting to hatch. If an egg hatches prematurely, the dragon could have health problems or deformities as it grows. As far as why it was watching then, I have no idea. My only guess is that Pat is special, and he may be a rare kind of rider."

Blue raised an eyebrow. "Curious." Then he glanced at Blade. "You have competition for who will get the most attention."