Dragon Rider Play

"Blade dealt the final blow, sir. I had the intent of only chasing it off," Tithenor added.
Grumbledorf smiled at the pair of them. "Well done, both of you! Most new trainees run. A handful freeze in fear. Some would chase it off, but I have never seen one actually try to kill it." He patted Blade's shoulder. "There may be a bright future for you here."

Blade instinctively moved a little to get out of the headmaster's patting. He didn't like being touched. He was also oddly quiet, his face emotionless. This kind of thing was said similarly to him once under similar circumstances. He walked away without saying anything. Sure, it was probably rude, but Blade didn't care. He wasn't anyone's lap dog.

Mark watched Blade go. That guy confused him.

The Headmaster watched but said nothing. Instead, he turned to Blue. "Thank you for your good dead. It will not be overlooked. Now you should go wash up for supper." He turned and strode away calmly.
Tithenor bowed then turned to follow Blade.

Blade had disappeared into the crowed, melting into the people as easily as a shadow. He wanted to be left alone. Once through the crowd, he went to the mess hall and scaled the building until he was on the roof. He then sat there and thought, his face in his knees.

Blue didn't see where Blade went, nor was he too concerned. He had his own errand to run. After a time, he went on the search for Blade. He started on the ground, but eventually thought to look up, remembering how he'd liked the trees. Ah. There he was, on the roof. The elf found a ladder and easily scaled up onto the roof. He went to Blade and sat next to him silently, a few feet away.

"Go away, elf." Blade said. He saw just enough to see it was Blue.

"I plan to," Blue said calmly. "I thought you might like this back." He set the knife on the roof between them. It was the one Violet had tossed over the bridge.

Blade looked confused. "Huh? But this was the one the one lady threw over the bridge? How...?" He picked up the knife and examined it. Yes, this was the same one. Now he was confused.

Tithenor stood and brushed off his pants. "Supper is soon. I trust I will see you there?" He turned and started for the ladder.

Blade didn't say anything until Tithenor was almost to the ladder. "Hey elf! Uh, thanks. This... this means a lot to me."

Blue glanced back and tipped his head. "You're welcome." He headed down the ladder, swinging down the last couple of steps and heading inside for supper. He was a little early, but he had nothing else to do at the moment.

Blade went in as well after a bit. He found Blue and hesitated. He decided to trust the elf some. He walked over to Blue. "Hey Blue? Can... can I tell you a secret?"

"Fo course," Blue said, watching the other trainees mill about, trickling in from outside.

Blade took a deep breath. "Do you remember when we were with the eggs, and you told me to just go to the library to figure more out about my dragon?" he asked.

"I remember," Blue said, wondering where this was going.

Blade looked down. "Well, I didn't want to do that because I.... uh... can't read." He said quietly.

"I see." Tithenor smiled faintly. "I thought it might have been the case. If you'd like, I will teach you."

"Do... do you think they'd take my dragon away if I can't read?" Blade asked Blue. There was a hint of fear in his voice as he asked the question.

Tithenor gave Blade a look. "If they tried, they would fail. I would not allow it."

Blade nodded a little. He still had fear though. "If it's okay, I'll see how far I can get without learning to read first. I've been fine so far not knowing, and I see no sense in bothering if I can keep getting by without it."

"You will get farther with it, but it is your choice. Should you change your mind, let me know." Blue smiled and reached out a hand, not touching Blade, and yet somehow guiding him to turn. "And look. The cooks are almost ready with your favorite thing. Food."

Blade smiled a little faintly in thanks and went to get in line near the front. He wasn't used to trusting people, and wasn't sure if he should trust the elf or not.

Pat got there late, at the end of the line once again. She kept to herself, almost sitting by herself, but Blue swept her along at the last second, guiding her to sit at the same table as himself and Blade, gesturing for Mark to join them.

Mark did join them. Blade had a nice, heaping plate of food. He ate it with relish, enjoying every morsel. "I am in love with the chefs here!" Blade exclaimed. "They must be descents of angels to make such heavenly food!"

"Are you going to marry all seventeen of them, perhaps?" Blue asked dryly, delicately eating his own food.