More like Prison [Kaya/Holt/ Open]

[Shoki]

76.02.27

“What?!” Mau managed to be rightly outraged before breaking down into a bout of painful coughs. Unlike some of the other riders her cough had devolved into a horrible sounding hacking. She had been coughing up all sorts of unfortunately colored things. She had felt horrible and T’kar had finally kicked her over to get it looked at properly and she didn’t like what she had found.

“You have to stay at least a couple days while we watch you. You have something that needs to be watched and you need rest.” The rider pushed her back onto a bed and Mau looked mystified before coughing again. Shards her chest hurt. The healer forced her to lay down and Mau eventually started to sulk rather then protest. She had to admit she had been feeling horrible on her feet for the past couple days. However she felt even worse now because she was going to be stuck in a bed, not helping! Her mood drew her firelizard to her, the Tiger arriving with a little fanfare on his part. He sat down next to her, prim as he could manage, and Mau had to cheer up a little. Her bright little king was good company to have.

Outside, Quimyenth was taking it a bit harder. Mau had to stay inside? But what about her? She wanted to do stuff with Mau. Qui grumbled a bit and reached out, looking for someone to hang out with. Maybe they just needed some company.

Korith? Are you busy? I want to go flying and Mau is sick so she has to stay at the Aerie. Maybe you want Holt to come here and we can fly for a bit? The Green sounded hopeful, after all, the Blue always seemed to be up for things.

[Kaya]

"That's the last of 'em," the overseer said, giving the tie down one last tug. "--Oh, oh! I almost forgot. These too," he said, handing Holt a package. "Letters. We had the children here practice their writing to send some kind words along with the supplies."

"Oh," Holt said, turning the package about in his hands. "Extra special delivery then."

"Send the refugees our best, from Stormy Plains," the man beamed. It had been no small effort to rally together people and things, especially since the announcement of the disaster had been fading into old news.

"Thank you. I'm sure you'll be getting some letters back," Holt said, tucking the pack under his arm. "May your skies stay clear," he added as a farewell. It seemed appropriate, given the smoke free air.

He was readying for flight back to the Weyr when Korith got the news.

Mau's sick.

...sicker? She's been coughing since this all started.

She's at the Aerie.

Holt frowned, but wiped it off his face to wave a polite goodbye. Korith took off and his expression slipped back.

Quimyenth, I would love to go flying. Holt and I are on a delivery run. Give us half a candle mark and then we should be free.

-------

It had taken more like the better part of a candlemark to unload the crates and get the package of letters in the proper hands, but eventually they'd located Kashpa, her ever present followers, and a few parents. If those weren't the right hands then there were none.

Meaningful work as it was, irritation at not being there for Mau grew in him. So when the whole hour had passed and he was finished at last he threw up his hands and proclaimed, "Finally!"

Our duties are finished. We are coming now.

They flew up out of the Bowl and winked between to shave off the additional minutes of flying the distance straight. Not that Korith would mind the stretch for his wings - he was quite looking forward to going out with Qui - but for Holt he made the effort.

"Thanks, buddy," Holt gave Korith a sturdy pat on the leg.

You are welcome. You owe me though.

"A good scratch later, got it."

My friend, always knows. Good then. Go on and see her.

Korith took off when Holt was clear and called again for Qui, We're here. Come fly with me?

After asking a pair of healers at the entrance he was eventually directed to Mau's room. The little frown twitched and flipped up into a lopsided smile. He was not pleased by her situation, but at last, here he was.

"Hey," he said with a subdued smile and sat down on the edge of her bed. "You okay?"

[Shoki]

Okay! The Green’s enthusiasm was obvious and she settled down to wait for a bit. The time ticked by too slowly, of course, but she chatted with Mau about little things in the meantime. Her rider was just as interested to past the time. Even if she could tell that her thoughts drifted off like they would when she wasn’t feeling good.

As Korith alerted her he was on his way, Qui got more and more excited. She had to stay patient…

We're here. Come fly with me?

YES. Like a slingshot she leapt into the air towards where the Blue was, ecstatic. Let’s go!

Mau had been in and out, mentally. Of course, she was coughing as well, which distracted her. She kept a handkerchief nearby, she rather had too. Hammer was being decent company, as he could keep her mind of things without being needy. She pet him every once in a while, and he stayed curled up near her. However, he got quite forgotten for a moment, as soon as Holt stepped in the room.

“Holt!” Mau’s face lit up and she sat up, though admittedly she felt a bit better laying down. That didn’t quite matter though. Her first instinct was to insist that she was fine, but a quick breath to speak brought about a dull pain in her chest, an echo of what she got when she coughed now. “I don’t think I’m as bad as they think. They want me locked up here though for a bit.” She paused to have a hacking fit, which probably wasn’t the best thing to claim she was in good health. “Ugh, can’t say I’m a fan of the cough though. Everyone has one though.” Hammer poked his head up, looking a little questioning before putting his head down. Whatever.

“What have you been up to?”

[Kaya]

Let's go indeed! Korith called back as he watched Qui jump with great speed into the sky. He replied to her enthusiasm with a quick roll int he air and then soared in next to her. He itched to weave through the skies with her. Do the particulars of where matter? he asked, dipping his wing on one side to drift off and then alternating to drift back to her side.

He beamed at her excitement to see him but it was dampened as he saw her cough. He frowned but it softened into an unobtrusive, caring smile. A smile that had to sit there helplessly while his Mau coughed her lungs apart. He lifted his eye brows apologetically at her comment that it wasn't so bad. Maybe. But he'd certainly seen her better.

"Missing you," he said. He brushed his thumb down the side of her face. "In what little time I have left over, I've been bringing in and sorting supplies for the refugees. They're good people. They give and they make the best of it. They all remind me of you."

[Shoki]

Not in the slightest. Have something fun in mind? The Green was delighted to find Korith itching for fun as much as she was. The wind under her wings was so gratifying; she couldn’t help do a little midair spin to warm up. I defer to your idea if you have one. Finally there would be something fun around here.

Mau’s face warmed a bit at Holt’s touch and she listen raptly to his words. She was about to say something like ‘you are just saying that’, but the more she thought about it, the more that made sense. After all, she had been on the move most of her life. These refugees would likewise be moving between homes.

“Well, I’m glad you aren’t too busy to spare me a thought.” She teased lightly but sobered up a bit. “I’m glad. Hopefully we will be able to get things calmed down for them soon.” She had to admit that she was more than a little annoyed that she was being put out of commission like this, she wanted to help as much as she could. Still, it looked like it was necessary. Didn’t make her feel better about it. What did make her feel better about it was that Holt was here and they had a moment together.

“I have to say, I’ve been missing you too.” Her skin didn’t really color, but she felt warm. At least a little warmer. Hammer’s body rested near her, and it didn’t seem like he was warm at all compared to her. Of course, there was a reason for that, she just didn’t notice.

[Kaya]

Well, the oceanfront winds are strong today. The air's clear for it, and I saw the seabirds having a grand time of it whilst Holt and I had to manage the worthwhile but certainly less fun job of moving crates. Korith rolled in half a barrel loop to stare at Qui and the rest of the upside down world below. His jaw fell open slightly in a draconic grin before he completed the loop and righted himself. Do you think their company would be agreeable?

"And for us. We've had this smoke around for too long," he agreed with irritation. He had experienced his own days of helpless cough and burning lungs. But from his work he knew that things had changed even more dramatically for the displaced people. He couldn't imagine his parents losing their house, his childhood home, the details that made the mining camp his home.

His lips turned up at her words and he took one of her hands in his. He touched their foreheads only to back slightly at the temperature. He could just be feeling overly concerned, but she felt unusually warm. "When was the last time they came in to check on you?" he asked.

[Shoki]

Qui’s eyes whirled with amusement at Korith’s antics, taking the chance to spin again. She just wanted to move today, but hanging out with Korith was fun even if they didn’t go anywhere at all. I could use a little salt air, and I don’t mind sharing it with a few other fliers. The Green’s wings suddenly snapped down and she sped toward the beach. Let’s go! She did turn her head back to make sure Korith was coming too, it was his idea.

“I can’t wait for some fresh air.” Mau sighed a little, but she smiled when Holt did and she was happy when their foreheads touched. What didn’t make her so pleased was how fast he recoiled. Oh sure, it wasn’t like ‘ah, get away from this girl’ but it was enough that she showed off some displeasure. He asked about the healers, and she arced on eyebrow up before giving an answer.

“I don’t know. I don’t think anyone has been actually in here since I first got here. They told me to rest but I haven’t felt like sleeping so I have been just staying in the bed. Why?” She hadn’t minded the lack of attention, even if she didn’t have anybody to talk to, she had not wanted to talk with the healers if they were just going to insist she was sick.

[Kaya]

Agreement was all it took for Korith. They had a where to start wondering to, and if that wasn't far enough to wander they'd pick a new where and keep going. The Blue enjoyed the trips, but he found it rather hard to go without a destination in mind. He'd finished packing up his thoughts when he looked to see Quimyenth ahead of him staring back. I'm coming! he insisted, diving to pick up speed in exchange for a little altitude. He leveled out and invited the warming of his muscles in the rushing wind, guiding his wings as they pulled the air.

He saw her wince. His worrying frown only took over more of his features. "You're pretty warm," Holt explained. He put one hand up to the side of her face. The doubt from lack of experience with the sick nagged at him, but he couldn't be hallucinating heat. "Too warm, I think," he hazarded the guess. He sighed. "I had wanted," he trailed off and kissed her forehead. "But I can't make you worse."

[Shoki]

“Not you too…” Mau looked exasperated, and even more so as Holt continued. When he kissed her forehead and finished his words, Mau got a pitiful look on her face. Thrice curse that man for being so loving and caring! Why did he have to care about her well-being so much? Now she wanted nothing more than to thoroughly infect him with whatever it was that she had, but he just looked so sweet right now…

“Eh.” Mau gave a sort of resigned sigh and fell back into the bed. “I hate being sick.” Mau was starting to sulk, a little childishly, she would have to admit. She just wanted some peaceful time with Holt without being sick, was that too much to ask? Apparently so. As if to punctuate the annoyance she started to cough again, and grabbed her handkerchief. What she was hacking up right now was an unpleasant green color, which was what the healers were so worried about at the moment. She was going to be miserable for a while.

[Kaya]

Holt agreed with her sentiment. He hated that she was sick too. He put a hand on her back and rubbed in small circles when she wasn't shaking too much from the cough. "I'll go get you some water for that," he said softly when she'd stopped coughing for a minute. It might help. Holt got up and slipped out of her room to find a healer, and some water, perhaps together, preferably.

He waited out in the hall with the water while the healer he'd found went in to check. Better if he didn't associate himself too closely with the unwanted help.

"Doing okay?" he asked, entering near what he assumed to be the end of the checkup. Besides, she'd want the water. Remembering that was what he'd been holding for some time now he offered it to her.

---

A strong gust of sea air filled Korith's wings. He tried to imitate the sounds of the seabirds, a failed attempt at best. Brushing it off and hoping to avoid any related embarrassment, Korith set into a series of dives and turns in the wind, occasionally slowing to admire the scenery.

[Shoki]

The rubbing on her back, she had to admit, felt really good. There was always something soothing about someone rubbing her back. It was very nice after her coughing fits, since it still very much hurt to cough. However, it wasn’t for too long, he insisted on getting her some water.

“Okay, don’t take too long.” Mau smiled a little bit, and then watched him leave. She sighed after he left, but took to giving Hammer a pet beside her. The little King crooned, possibly more to give her something nice to pet than anything else. Sort of like a Feline purring. However she was not alone for long. A healer surfaced.

“Let’s take a look at you.” Mau didn’t protest as the healer felt her head, checked her pulse, and took a look at the back of her throat. She kinda just wanted this to be over. “Hmm.” The man seemed to be thinking before eyeing the handkerchief she had been using, and seemed to note something about it before Mau pulled it closer to herself. Geez, this was annoying. She prayed for a distraction. That was when Holt came in.

“I hope so, but the Healer isn’t done yet.” She accepted the water with a half-smile, taking a quick sip.

“I’m done.” The healers serious voice naturally drew her eye, and Hammer’s as well. “We figured a few people would get this with all the smoke in the air. You have to stay inside for the next couple sevenday. No wing practices, generally no going outside. Drink plenty of fluids and you have to rest. We also have some medicines for you to take.” He had a bit of parchment and was making a note, presumably of what horrible things she was going to have to ingest.

Mau looked pretty annoyed at this. She didn’t like it at all. “Do I have to stay here with all of this?”

“We would prefer to watch you, but as long as you remain inside and someone is around to keep tabs on you…you could stay in your weyr. However, here at the Aerie it’s quite easy to watch you and get you what you need so it is rather convenient.” Mau ignored the last part. The go home and die of boredom there was highly preferable. “But first we should talk aobut your medicine. I’ll go get it and talk you through it.” He finally left and Mau sighed. Sort of sighed, she seemed slightly out of breath.

“I really don’t want to stay here if I don’t have to. At least at home I have things I can do.”

---

Quimyenth seemed quite amused at Korith’s attempts to match their audience. It was nice up here, and she couldn’t help but have a good mood. The Green dragoness spun in the air, letting some of the breeze coming off the ocean toss her for a moment before straightening out. Korith was diving into the air coming at him and the Green had to say, it felt kinda like how it did when she had gone swimming in the ocean. Instead of jumping into ocean waves, it was waves of air coming from the ocean.

That thought was quickly overtaken by her own attempt to match the cries of the sea birds around her. It was an equally hilarious failure.

[Kaya]

"I have wing practice. Outside of that, I could keep an eye on you," Holt mentioned, having seen from his visit that Mau was not in good spirits to be kept in this place. Perhaps being in her own space would help her feel a little better, despite the circumstances.

The healer nodded at Holt's comment, though his agreeable posture was contrasted by a more serious look that he better mean what he said. He finished instructing Mau about the medicine he wanted her to take and satisfied for the moment, took his leave. He wouldn't be far away in any case.

"What kinds of other things were you planning to do back home anyway?" Holt asked, curious.

---

Korith watched Quimyenth play in the breeze. He felt it fill his wings and the salt brush onto his hide. He felt the prickling sea droplets as he flew fast and low by the water, letting the tips of his claws drag through the tops of the swells. His head jerked up when he heard the strange sound from Qui. He tried not to rumble in laughter at her cry. In a plan that only occurred to him suddenly, he roared and felt the air shake around him. Perhaps Qui wouldn't have noticed his attempts to not laugh at her now.

[Shoki]

Mau’s face lit up when Holt spoke. Yes, she was quite pleased with the thought of Holt looking after her. Very selfish, sure, but she felt sick enough that she could do with a little bit of selfishness. The sort of feeling that got her to wanting to have her favorite foods when she was sick, she wanted a bit more time with her favorite person.

Her thoughts shifted quickly when the healer began to explain her medication, some of which sounded unpleasant to take. Ugh, well she would take them but she didn’t have to like it. She nodded, then felt a weight shifting to her lap. Hammer was eyeing her. He cared about his human, and rather wanted her to stay well. Mau could sense this, and smiled a little. Really, should would take the medicine. Soon enough the healer left and Holt asked her a question before she could speak.

“Oh, I have a bag I’m working on, and a few other things. I’m always making something.” It was fairly accurate. She didn’t have anything on the books that were for Holt, but she was always thinking ahead to the next turnday. “I am making a simple skirt to wear too. I’ll show you.” She didn’t always like showing off what she was working on, but she did not mind when it was someone she knew well. Which is when the other thing she was going to say bubbled back to the front of her mind.

“Holt? Thanks for this. I might not be better yet, but I certainly feel better.” It was true, she was in a lot better mood now then she had been before.

---

Quimyenth didn’t notice the attempt at stifling laughter. She just knew it was fun to be playing and flying over the beach. A roar broke through the air, and their feathery friends took their leave at once, heading away from the noisy dragons. The Green was rightfully amused and copied the Blue, roaring to chase the rest of them away.

So much for company! That was alright with her, she had all the company she needed.

[Kaya]

He smiled and took her hand. "Good. Just need to get the rest of you better, now." He stood up, brushed a kiss on her head, and waited to help her up when she was ready. Given her earlier comments she would want to spend more minutes at home and fewer of them here.

"Let's go have you show me your sowing. You can even teach me the right questions to ask. And how to compliment the button, tie, pieces." Changing the subject, "Have you asked Qui to pick you up?"

---

Korith watched the birds scatter. He was relieved when Qui joined in, fine with sending their flying companions on their way for a time. Did you see how fast they went? he asked, watching the disappearing small dots that had previously been birds.

[Shoki]

Mau could almost feel the warmth of the kiss on her head, only she was still very warm herself. What she could feel was the nice soothing, not heat but warmth none the less, filling her up. Oh she so did want to infect him but she had to be good. Besides he was going to be checking up on her. Plenty of time to infect him later. She held onto his hand, just mentally getting herself ready to stand up.

She laughed, just a little bit when Holt spoke. Too much and she would just end up coughing again. “Sure, I’ll have you be an expert in the right questions to ask by the time I’m done.” Hammer moved off of her lap and to the site of the bed as Mau got ready to stand up with Holt’s help, before pausing. “Right, I almost forgot.”

Qui dear, we need to get back home.

Okay! Quimyenth acknowledged the plan before shifting back to Korith. They zoomed off! I thought they couldn’t skip Between. She rumbled a little with draconic laughter. But now Mau is ready to go! So much happier now. She could fairly guess why.

Mau’s attention returned to the room she was in, and finally got around to standing up. Well, with Holt’s support she got up. She smiled, that little lopsided smile up at Holt, looking well ready to get moving.

“Let’s get out of here.” She was well ready to break out of this prison.