A Bloody Blooding: Aftermath.

Writers: Jelena, Leigh M-F.
Date Posted: 12th September 2016

Characters: A'kua, Genna
Description: A serious situation prompts a serious conversation.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 8, day 8 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Ilyssia, Firelloa (ONPC), Taren

Genna

Fall had taken too long this time, way too long. Lissath had informed Genna when A'kua and Zeiranth had dropped out of Fall. Of course they'd both been keeping an eye and ear out to see how 'their' weyrlings were doing. Of course they had been nervous, hoping no one got hurt. But it had never occurred to Genna that /A'kua/ could get hurt, or die even. It had been above question that of course her best friend would sail through this with flying colours. When Lissath heard of the serious injuries, time seemed to make a dead-stop. Fall dragged on. Every minute that kept her from checking to see if her friend was alright passed too slowly. He hadn't died, Zeiranth was still with them, that much they knew, but other than that...

When finally the Fall was over, Genna rushed through Lissath's care like she normally never would. But there were no complaints from the gold dragon. She too wanted to know. Soon the young goldrider rushed into the Infirmary, turning to the first Healer in view. "Excuse me, I'm looking for A'kua, rider to bronze Zeiranth. Can you tell me how he's doing?"

The healer consulted a slate he was carrying. "He's awake now," he said with some disapproval. "His weyrmate and his sister came to see him and accidentally roused him." That was said even more disapprovingly. "And he could be awake for a while longer because he keeps refusing fellis." The healer shook his head. "Blasted bronzeriders. Even Weyrhealer Taren saw fit to dose him with some, but he isn't listening now."

"Would it be better for him if I came back later?" Genna said, feeling herself torn in two directions. She wanted to see how he was doing and offer support, but if her presence would keep him from getting much needed rest, she would come back later and explain then why she hadn't come sooner.

The healer sighed. "I don't know. Perhaps you could convince him to accept some fellis by pulling rank." He motioned for Genna to follow him to the appropriate area, curtained off by thick fabric, and scratched on it loudly. "Bronzerider, you have a visitor."

"Send 'em in," A'kua said, and the thick drawl that had largely faded from his voice was back in full force.

The healer pushed the curtain open. "I'll give you twenty minutes to start," he murmured to Genna, and walked off.

The tall redhead was sitting up in the standard bed, bandaged forearms and hands crossed in an X against his chest and knees pulled close to them. His shoulders were hunched, his jaw was tight, and he looked unbelievably tired, but when he saw Genna, he managed a smile. "Gladja here. Not much likin' bein' 'lone right now. Zei's with me, 'course, but he cain' fit in here."

Concern marked Genna's face as she sat down beside A'kua, though she too managed a smile. "I'm glad to be here. Glad you are still here. That was quite a scare up there, wasn't it?"

"Don' remind me," A'kua said, an edge in his tone. "Had t' ask Lys t' take Firelloa out 'cause she was gettin' too upset. She doesn' want me endin' up dead like her da. We thought she was ready for this, but guess she wasn'."

"I can go see her, too," Genna offered softly. "See if I can offer some consolation. How are you feeling? Are they keeping you numbed enough?"

The redhead gave her a weary look. "How d'ya think I feel? I'm tired, but don' wanna sleep. My arms feel disconnected from the rest o' me 'cause o' all the numbweed, everyone an' their great-granny wants t' dose me with somethin' addictive, an' I gotta hide all this from Zei best I can-" He broke off, moving his left hand to rub his forehead. "Head hurts, an' no matter how many blankets they gimme, I cain' stop shakin'." He lowered his hand and held it out, and sure enough, his fingers were practically vibrating. "Coulda lost my _arms_, Genna. Coulda been made completely helpless!"

"But you didn't," Genna said with sadness tinging her voice. She hated seeing A'kua like this. He was always so strong, he was the one that picked her up when she was doubting herself in the world. She just hoped she could do the same for him in return. She took his hand in hers gently, even though she doubted he could feel it with his arms numbed up like that. "You're still here. Zeiranth is still here. You both did exactly what you needed to do when you were scored and thanks to that, you are okay. Now all you need to focus on is to keep breathing and get better."

The weyrling almost laughed. "Dunno how breathin's s'posed t' help here." His fingers curled against her skin a little too tightly, and he stared at a spot on the blankets for a few minutes. "This may jus' be all the med'cation talkin', but if'n I'm not so staggerin'ly lucky next time -if I get hurt even worse, bad 'nuff I cain' live that way- who'd be willin' to take me between?"

Genna looked a little shocked at the request at first, but she quickly recovered, knowing that her upset wasn't what A'kua needed right now. "If such a day ever comes and Lissath and I are still around, we would." she promised solemnly.

}: But you'd better not have it be your own fault, if it ever does. I'd chew you in half first before taking you. :{ Lissath intervened, speaking once more directly to A'kua as she had done before. Though her words were harsh, her mindvoice spoke in an unusually soft manner, soothing and comforting in a way she usually reserved for Genna alone. The young gold had always adored A'kua and she sensed from Genna and Zeiranth that now was a very bad time for all of them.

A'kua twitched. Hearing from Lissath was somehow different now that he had a dragon of his own. Slightly more intrusive. But it wasn't unwelcome; he knew Lissath meant well whenever she decided someone aside from Genna was worth talking to. And he did appreciate her gentleness now. "Not plannin' on doin' it on purpose," he muttered. "Just know now one day my luck could run out. Didn' think this on a whim; worried 'bout life qual'ty."

"I think I understand," Genna nodded. Well. perhaps she didn't. She had never been scored, so carefully guarded in the Queen's Wing. So she really only could imagine what her friend must be going through. Lucky she had a lively imagination. "Is there anything else I can do for you right now, A'kua? Anything, name it."

The weyrling had to think about that. "Guess I need sleep, much's I don' wanna," he finally said, releasing his friend's hand. "Make it easier t' hide things from Zei an' stop thinkin' a while. Can ya ask the healers for somethin' without fellis? Maybe they'd listen t' ya. They're treatin' me like I'm hysterical an' dunno what's best for me." He listed several non-addictive herbs that could work singly or together for a restful slumber.

Now there was something she could easily do. Genna was fairly sure that exasperated healer from before would jump to the opportunity to get A'kua some rest, even if it was without fellis. "I'll go make a case for your with the Healers, then," Genna nodded. She got up, but before she left she bent down to give A'kua a very awkward light hug, too afraid to touch him where it hurt. "I'll be back soon."

A'kua allowed the hug, glad for it, and reluctantly let go to let his friend speak with the healers. **Gonna get some rest, Zei. Don' panic.**

}:Good, you need more sleep,:{ the bronze said immediately. }:I'll be fine; don't worry about me. I'll stay right here on the ground so I can be close, and everything will get better.:{

He wasn't so sure about that, but A'kua didn't argue. **Tell Gwynnyth that Lys an' Firelloa can come back tomorrow mornin', if either of 'em're up for it.**

}:I will,:{ Zeiranth promised, and added a moment later, }:Gwynnyth says Ilyssia says she'll keep Firelloa with her tonight.:{

**Good. Tell yer ma that.** If Genna still wanted to visit his sister, she would know where she was. Now all he had to do was pray to the Ancients he wouldn't have any nightmares.

After convincing the Healer on A'kua's request, arguing the herbs were better than nothing, Genna left the infirmary with a heavy feeling in her heart. A'kua was going to be alright, it seemed, but she was struck with the hurt his accident had caused. Never had a serious injury hit so close to home before and it had shaken her. For once she was both glad and frustrated that she was always down below with the Queen's wing, safely tucked away from most of the danger, while others were up their risking their lives.

}: Keep an eye on Zeiranth, will you love? :{ she asked Lissath in a tired voice. }: Let me know if anything changes. :{

Last updated on the September 28th 2016

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A Bloody Blooding: Aftermath.