Dragon Rider Play

Erika chirped and started toward the bunkhouse slowly, following Pat's drips.  Time to get dressed?


"Maybe.  I guess we'll find out," Pat sighed, petting her dragon.  She bit her lip then touched it.  "Ow."

Jeremiah nodded. He just had a towel around his waist. He paused as he saw Pat. "As a note, if you want to pass more as a guy, don't sit with your knees quite so close together." He offered as advice before he went to get dressed. He kept the towel around his waist as much as possible for Pat's sake and modesty.

Nightshade whined softly. Pat's lip looked like it hurt bad. Maybe 53 and Needle could take a look at it?

Pat glanced down and did as he said.  "Thanks.  I, um, I'm sorry that I never told you.  I've been scared that I'd get kicked out.  Girls kill their dragons.  Something about genetics.  That's it's illegal for girls to even try.  I almost made Nightshade hatch too early.  I've been scared for anyone to find out.  I never thought I'd be chosen.  I dreamed of it, but I thought it would just be a dream."

Jeremiah smiled. "I didn't plan to be chosen either, remember? I was originally going to steal Erika's egg and sell it on the black market, but the stubborn dragon bound herself to me instead." He reminded Pat. "Besides, despite the whole hatching early thing, you and Nightshade have an incredibly strong bond, I think. She absolutely adores and cares about you." He paused. "I know it's not my place, but why are you doing all this? You were in line, so it was at least somewhat planned, right?"

"Well..." Pat rubbed the back of her neck.  "I was tired of living in a gilded cage.  I dreamed of dragons since I was little, but I spent my entire life only ever doing exactly what I was told and behaving like a proper lady.  Then one day my mother and father sat me down with this charming young man I'd never met and told me in three months time we were to be wed.  I smiled and pretended to be happy.  I involved myself in the wedding plans, but ever since that day, I started studying males.  I wanted a chance to escape.  Just a chance, no matter how slim.  Three days before the wedding, i cut off my hair, dressed as a boy, and traveled the 12 miles to the next town where the dragons Choosing ceremony was to take place.  If I wasn't chosen, I'd be a disgrace to my family and probably cast out unless they spun some story about how I was captured or something.  If I was chosen...  I had a chance to have a life of my own choosing.  And despite the constant fear of being discovered, these have been the best months of my life."

Jeremiah smiled. "I like that story. Mine never was a happy one, or even a pretend happy one. It wasn't planned, but I've been happier here than I ever remember being. I feel I actually have friends I can trust, a dragon who means the world to me, a family, and for once, I never have to worry about if I will be able to not starve before I go to bed. It's not the easiest time here, no doubt, but I wouldn't trade it."

Pat looked up at him and returned his smile.  "Neither would I, Jeremiah.  Thank you."

Jeremiah grinned. "No problem. If you want How To Dude lessons, let me know, okay?"

Pat laughed.  "Thank you, but I have my own style.  If I suddenly become more dudely, people might wonder.  Thank you.  I might take you up on a few pointers.  I do have one question."

"Ask away." Jeremiah invited.

"Why do guys seem to have the need to scratch or adjust themselves, especially when facing other guys?" Pat asked.

(I don't actually know the answer to that, so making it up as I go! XD)

Jeremiah shrugged. "They just get itchy. I never really thought of it before, actually."

"That makes sense," Pat giggled. "Thank you."

Jeremiah nodded. "Any more weird questions?" He smiled at her.

Pat shook h r head then hesitated. "I would like to know your opinion on whether I should tell Tithenor and Mark or not."

Jeremiah considered. "I'd advise it. I think I speak for all three of us when I say we will do our best to protect and help keep your secret."

Pat nodded slowly.  "Thank you, Jeremiah.  I will think about it.  I've spent so long hiding it, it's not easy to come out just like that."

Jeremiah nodded. "Well, if you want help talking to them, let me know, okay?"

"I'll need it.  Thank you," Pat said.  "Thank you for being understanding, Jeremiah.  Did you really not figure it out, or did you know?  You were the only one I worried about."

Jeremiah smiled. "There just wasn't something adding up, and it drove me up a wall. You didn't exactly fit any of the profiles I had, but now that I know for a fact, it's all making a lot more sense. Mostly it was mannerisms, speech patterns, and certain quirks and habits that didn't quite fit. All very hard to change if you're trying to be something you're not for a long period of time."

"Very hard," Pat agreed.  "Do you have any idea how hard it was to not curtsy to the Headmaster the first time we met him?"

Jeremiah laughed a little. "Probably as hard as it is to make sure you hold your tongue and stay polite around him."

"That part's easy, you're the one who has it hard," Pat smirked.  "Should we go say goodnight to Tithenor before bed?  Besides, I think Erika wants out."  She indicated the Blade dragon who was trying to fit in a patch of sunlight on the floor.

Jeremiah smiled and nodded. "I do want to make sure he's okay before I go to bed, even if 53 won't let me crash there." He stood and paused at the door. "He's like a brother I never had, you know?" He told Pat softly before opening the door. It was clear from his tone he would prefer she keep it secret. Jeremiah thought it only fair, since he accidentally, well, saw, her biggest secret.

"I know," Pat smiled slightly as she followed him out.  "That much I could pick up, and... It's not the same for me, but I trust him like a big brother.  Is it okay if we share?"
Erika saw the open door and scampered passed Nightshade to get to it.