𝖘𝖈𝖆𝖑𝖊𝖘 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖘𝖈𝖆𝖗𝖘 𝑏𝑢𝑛𝑛𝑦 𝑥 𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒 ᶰᶳᶠʷ

[Bunny]

Gods, she had had thoughts of need and lust before. She’d hated herself for finding those who clearly despised her attractive but at least they’d never known her thoughts. That Merkur had gotten a clear flash of that startling desire, so sweet and needy was embarrassing as hell. Thankfully though, beyond a slight look, he didn’t push past her mental door nor did he make any comment and she was slowly able to let the flash of desire safe as they rose into the sky. When he knocked, she opened the door for him. Her mind once more tightly in control she curled her hands in his feathers as he warned her to hold on. His body surged heavensward, and she felt the coldness brush her face hand hands, her lower body warm against his heat. The fast accent was nothing compared to when he dove and her cry of pleasure was ripped past them as the wind and air sped past them, but down the bound, he’d feel nothing but joy. The two seemed to want to race, Merkur almost able to match Noct for speed. Even without asking, she wondered if he could have, had he not been concerned for his new rider. She didn’t ask though and he didn’t share and when they both landed, her hair was windswept and stray locks had slipped free from the leather thing she’d used to tie it back. Slipping from Merky’s back, she stroked her fingers along his side as she walked towards his front. Her nails trailed along his scales lightly and she paused to give his snout a kiss before turning to face Noct. “Why do you think they have us climb the damned wall? To show off for you?” The flash of her smile was offered with her words. As she walked to him. She held her hands up for him for a moment and when he lowered his head, she brushed a kiss to his snout as well. This sort of display wouldn’t happen when they trained, but here, where it was just them? Karra didn’t feel the need to hide her affection. His head rose and she walked to his flank. It took her a moment to size him up and then, she began to scramble up his haunch. She moved gracefully, running along the muscles of his leg. She couldn’t hurt him, she knew this, even as her roes dug into his scales, giving her purchase to run further. Walking along his back she stuck her tongue out at him. See, I am a big bad dragon rider, I can even mount you all on my own. The double entendre that could have been taken was missed by her as she settled into her seat. Staying seated on Merkur had been almost.. Easy. At least when it came to his size. Noct would push her limits and by the end of riding with him, Viskarra knew her thighs would ache. She needed to learn though and they all needed practice. Because he had decided to poke her, she poked him back, playful. Her mental voice held laughter as she said, Now how does one get a dragon to go again… Mush? Needling him would hopefully have him sticking to his guns. She’d rather fall now, where no one could see her, than before everyone in her flight. Because, all the strength she had might not save her. She’d need to learn how to adjust to their maneuvers or risk plummeting to her death. It wasn’t unheard of of dragons letting their riders die early on if they couldn’t keep their seat. Karra knew, without asking that neither dragon would allow her to die without at least trying to rescue her before he became a pancake. It might make sense, when I am not riding one of you, the other acts as a scout? Kitten, would you pick targets for us both? Noct could likely hut without issue, but if they were both forced to hunt different targets, it could prove… difficult. ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Merkur was a strong and mature dragon. A paragon of his kind, seen as the best they could offer for this year's threshing. He could be the one to help change the tide of the war. A warrior though and through. Which made it especially pathetic that he thought so much about Karra's ass as it slid down his side. Her dragging her nails along his scales, about as close to a gentle caress as a dragon could experience, doubled the complications. And to top it all off, she pressed her lips to his snout. He was beginning to wonder if Karra had woken to something with that kiss or if she had a fetish for dragons all this time and they did not know. Not that he took issue. It was simply... distracting. Noct, aside from his usual pleased huff of air at her kiss, seemed to be immune. Or oblivious. He seemed pleased as she teased him back, that glitter in his eyes again. Things with Karra were just... comfortable. Now that they had settled their disputes over the boundaries of the bond, or lack thereof, things seemed like they would be easy. So, as she made quick work of climbing his haunch, Noct simply lifted himself to full height, stretching his wings full. The double meaning was lost on him entirely, his mind not even working in that direction for now. Merkur, still fully open to the bond and freshly exposed to her thoughts, could not resist. Going from kissing to mounting that fast? I won't say no, but poor Noct is innocent. Where Noct might have grumbled, even growled, at the other dragon only yesterday, there was a strange silence. The black dragon could have shut down the bond, hidden away. Instead, there was something like a mental nudge, equal parts playful and shy. It was like permission, an acknowledgement that Merkur could tease her and he would not complain, even if he might have wanted to. Whatever was happening between the three, he was curious. Once she was seated, though, Noct let that nudge stop, a signal that he was ready to he serious. Only for Karra to immediately throw a little jab at him. This time, he did growl, the bond letting his annoyance mix with his affection. Annoyed, but accepting of her little joke. I am not even sure what that is meant to mean. Let me think of how Merkur might say this... if you want a dragon to go, you ask nicely. We do not answer to the commands of little human girls. Close enough. A little huff of a laugh from the black dragon as he began to flap his wings, lifting them off the ground and going nearly straight up. The bond made it easy for her to make her request of the silver dragon, who gave up on his lazy position to slowly follow them. As much as he wanted to laze about after their flight, he knew the other two would give him grief. So, like a silver bolt of lightning, he shot past them, high into the sky. Merkur left a circular hole in the cloud cover, soaring high up so that he could see for miles and miles. Northeast, along the ridgeline. A whole herd of antelope. Small and fast. Perfect practice for a novice archer. And with that, the bolt of silver came back through the clouds, banking wide around the antelope, who jolted and began to sprint as his shadow passed over them. Northwest, angled so that they could left in from their western position and keep the herd parallel between the two dragons. Noct, seeing the line Merkur was creating for them to fly along, shot down at a harsh angle. He even put his head low, letting Karra experience the full force of the wind. Surprising from someone who has never seen combat. Did they use you to herd livestock? Merk only offered the mental equivalent of a middle finger as the two dragons swept alongside the antelope, giving Karra a perfect shot. Provided she could compensate for the speed, that is. ​ #eaba6f #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

Scandalized was the best word for the feeling that rose in Karra at Merkur’s words. It was a small mercy that he didn’t mention the thought that she’d accidentally shared down the bond and she narrowed her eyes at him. Though that shy little playful nudge from Noct had her cheeks heating and she made a small little sound that neither dragon could miss. She squeaked. An utterly feminine little sound of embarrassment. Neither door closed and she looked from one to the other for a moment. She sent a soft, little mental stroke down the bond at Noct and toward Merkur, it was like her nails on his scales. A little less gentle and shy. It ended though as she took her seat. All focus. All seriousness. Mush is how you make dogs move. That laughter was still there and she snorted softly. I bet I could prove you both wrong.Though it wouldn’t be about riding. Their bond, the one that seemed to settle both within her presence, was more than the desire to join the war effort, but something softer and far more intimate. If I commanded you to kiss me, I doubt either of you would have a single, huffy arrogant thing to say about it. Like eager puppies, they would be more likely to fight for the privilege than anything else. This thought was not share but there was a smugness down the bond. Noct rose, not as swiftly as Merkur, but it took more effort to lift his massive bulk. Her fingers ran along his scales, finding the almost grip that they formed. Novice?! Came the outraged response, though it was clear she wasn’t angry. The angle that Noct dove with was harder on her and her but slid some along his scales, wind whipping her face making her eyes water. It did however almost counteract the dive, plummeting like they were the wind pushed her backwards. Her laughter could be felt down the bond even as she drew her bow and took aim. The first shot missed, but not by much. The speed and the wind were things she needed to learn to calculate. The second arrow hit an antelope but it wasn’t a kill shot and quickly third notched arrow though was fired and the third shot brought the beast down. It stumbled and collapsed in a tangle of limbs, sliding a few feet along the grass. There was joy down the bond and as Noct banked hard to the side, her seat slipped. Almost in slow motion she felt herself dislodge from his back and her bow was released as she tried to grab at his scales to keep her in place. Her scream was mental and slipped from her throat as she bounced along his broad back, once twice and then she was airborne, plummeting to the earth. Hair streamed past her face, the leather thong ripped from her hair. Her body tumbled through the air, as she tried to right herself in position to the ground. They’d catch her, one of them. Even knowing it there was fear, a mind numbing fear as she raced to her death. ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Merkur was the one who mentally scoffed at her insistence that they would bow to that order. The dragon responded with all the haughty arrogance that Noct had tried to imitate just a few moments before. You might command it, but it would be done by our choice. You think other riders command their dragons into their bed? Maybe he had exaggerated the scenario, but it was true. No one but a dragon could command a dragon to do anything against their will. And even then, most attempts ended in a fight. Only the elders could give an order and expect it to be obeyed. And, just when it seemed like Merkur might be going on another tangent about how great he was, the dragon added in a sly comment. And it's absurd you think you would even have to even ask for that. Both dragons pressed on her from the bond. Like she had sent that sensation, the feeling of her nails on their scales, they sent back nuzzles of their snout, and a moment later, the sensation of being pressed between them both that morning. There was a comfort forming, though it would likely not last long once they ended up vying for her attention again. Noct, hearing her mock outrage, decided it would be good to test her. Even as she managed to keep her seat against the wind, there was another playful nudge from the black dragon when she missed her shot. Then, another when her second was not on its mark. The third, though, got her that warm press of their minds on either side of the bond. Encouragement to go along with a good performance. Now, it was just time for the test. He sent a simple signal to Merkur before he banked hard. They were closer to the ground than Noct might have liked for a first lesson, but would not be accused of coddling. And, as he felt Karra lift from her seat, Noct did his best not to shout in panic. Two bounces off his scaled back, both easily prevented if she had grabbed the base of his wings as she passed, and she was in the air. She fell, shouting down the bond and out loud, for almost five seconds. Another four and she would be on the ground, a broken heap. The flash of silver swept over Karra and his talons curved under her arms. With a sharp jerk, her body stopped, held aloft like someone holding a cat up under its front legs. It would leave a bruise or ten, but Merkur flapped higher, faster, until he had closed the gap to Noct. The black dragon had slowed, coasting in circle while he waited for her return. And when Merkur released her, it was right until he former seat, though he imagined the landing must have been unpleasant. Not your best moment, Karra. You will have to work on holding tighter when you use your bow. My back is smoother than most dragons. It was a worry Noct had always had. His shoulders formed that natural seat like all other dragons, but he had significantly fewer ridges and spines down his back. The closest he could offer was for her to wedge her heels against his front haunches, though even that would not help much. As they turned to go back to the spot she had downed the antelope, Merkur flew past in a blur again. Catch. And Karra's bow dropped from above, unbroken. Maybe they had been a little cruel, but an unexpected turn could be the difference between life and death. And they would not let Karra risk herself, even if they had to injure her pride. Merkur had been given a swift lesson on that already. When the black dragon finally came crashing to the earth by her kill, he stayed tall and waited for her dismount. Perhaps we should seek a way to compensate for our size difference. No amount of muscle training will make your legs longer or my back smaller. Merkur flew down a few seconds later, another antelope in each talon, skidding across the grass of the plains as he released them. Lunch for the dragons as well. They could not exactly share when each could eat a whole animal themselves. ​ #eaba6f #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

The ease in which he could scandalize her was embarrassing. A kiss is not the same as commanding you into my bed. Karra protested indignantly, that huff she had picked up from Noct coming down the bond. Fine, I shall not command you to kiss me.. I shall only command Noct to do so! It was playful, prodding at his arrogance. In truth, Viskarra wasn’t sure if she would ever command either to do anything. A kiss was harmless and it was a demand that she knew both would want to fulfill. Her laugh was bright and she lifted a mental brow at him. Maybe you aren’t kissing me and I want you to, therefore a demand for a kiss would be required, would it not, kitten? A press of both down the bond had made Karra feel warm. Comforting that press of their minds against her own, a mimic of how they had pressed her between themselves earlier. It was more than simply being touch starved, the almost craving to be snuggled between their warmth. She’d miss it come tomorrow as she would be expected to be back within the confines of the school. They looked the other way when they had free time, but only then. The only bright side was now Karra would have her own room. Nudging her when she missed had been a way to make light of her failure had eased the pressure she put on herself. Karra needed to be the best, not because of pride but in spite of them. If she showed weakness they would push her harder. Even in the top percent of the school, she’d been jumped. The two dragons had witnessed it and in part it was because of that foolish act that she’d bound to them. A warm press was her reward and she smiled brightly, happy and then disaster befell her. A lesson, but one that still had her heart in her throat. It hadn’t been explained, but some things were best learned by touching the flame rather than having them described. Talons curled under her arms and there was a searing pain along her shoulder joints. The doors slammed almost fully closed, not because she was mad, but she wouldn’t abuse them with pain from her own foolishness. Carried back to Noct’s back she was dropped. This twoo hurt and she winced but stayed silent. You try doing better. The reply was grumpy, but there was no anger. Rolling her shoulders Karra bit her lower lip to avoid hissing with the pain. Catch. The only warning before her bow fell from the air. Catching it, she slipped it back over her shoulder as Noct descended and then landed. Her body swayed and she slipped from his back, trying to not let the pain show in her features as she did so. If I go into battle with a harness, they will never let me live it down.. It was the first idea that came to her for compensation. There had to be something though. Two other antelope joined the first and she looked at the beasts. It must have been nice to eat them in a bite or two. It would take Karra a while to properly dress the beast. That idea alone made her groan. I suppose you don’t want yours cooked? A question, though there was still some grumpiness in her tons. There was nothing else for it. She walked to her kill, retrieving the two arrows that had landed. Cleaning them after inspection and they were added back to her quiver. Skinned, gutted and fillets cut free. Karra was careful to waste as little as she could. It was still too much meat for her and she offered them what she couldn’t eat. Next time, she would need to bring supplies to preserve the meat. Next she made herself a fire, this was done without help from either dragon and their flames. As the meat began to cook she flopped down and sighed. I don’t know what to do about the size thing yet, but there is another issue. As of tomorrow, I can’t stay in the cave until my next free weekend. I will be expected to be back within the dorms. While she didn’t say anything about her worries connected to that issue, they could easily feel them. Do either of you know of a hot spring? That would help ease the ache of her body from the near death fall. ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Merkur knew that she was simply being playful. Just as he knew she had no intention of implying they might do more than kissing any time soon. Yet, it seemed like she was more than a little eager to find out more about how touch could feel. It made it easy to rile her up and he had no intention of stopping any time soon. You can command him to kiss you, but I'll take my own share when I wish. I doubt you will have any complaints from what you showed me earlier. Noct sent a questioning prod down the bond a the same time Merkur gave Karra the mental equivalent of a nudging elbow and wiggling eyebrow. It was only the sudden chase after the antelope that interrupted their little chat. That and nearly throwing her to her death. There was a spike of concern when the bond was suddenly closed off, but when it opened again, neither tried to push for more information. And when she mentioned a harness, Noct was almost bristling. It seemed that topic was not acceptable. You will not be fitting a harness on me, whether your dignity could suffer it or not. We will find a solution. Merkur was already ripping into his antelope when Viskarra asked about cooking the meat. By the time she had finished dressing the animal and began to cook, the dragons had both finished their meals. They offered no help, knowing she would likely snap at them for doing so, with Merkur returning to his casual cat stretching. Each dragon took one of the large haunches that Karra had offered up, neither seeming bashful about the way they crunched the bones and swallowed it in only a few small gulps. The next topic was one they had considered as well. While dragons being in the school was not unheard of, especially given how many of their kind liked to be intimately involved with humans, it was frowned upon. No one would he so stupid as to forbid them from spending any time they desired with their bonded human, it was still seen as a sign of weakness to constantly have your dragon watch over you. Bonded riders were much less likely to kill one another, given how likley a feud between dragons could form over it, but the humans who had been unworthy and had survived threshing were dangerous. Until Karra knew how to work her magic and protect herself, it would be the riskiest time. Merkur let out a small growl at the insecurity Karra felt. It is insulting how poorly they care for you humans at that place. What good is killing all your soldiers? We will simply stay nearby. One of us can stay just outside the limits of the school at all times. The idea of losing your rider to some rejected student who caught them sleeping was unacceptable. Noct, laying with his front paws crossed over one another, huffed with such anger and distaste that black flames flared from his nostrils. The change of topic was welcome, the black dragon clearly consumed by thoughts of what he might do it someone touched his rider. It was Merkur who spoke up this time. I know one that is further into the mountains. There is a valley that has a spring running down into the rocks around it. They form natural baths before draining into the earth again. ​ #eaba6f #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

That arrogance was still there and she lifted a mental brow. Is that so? What if I don’t want to kiss you? There was no real threat of that, but it did prickle a touch that he could take but she couldn’t demand. Then he prodded about that flash and she made a very dragon-like growl down the bond. For a moment, she debated showing him the second half that he’d not seen. How it was Noct, with his head buried between her thighs as she squirmed in pleasure against the softness of his feathers. It seemed far too cruel though. Both responded and Kara just flushed and mentally shoved Merkur, while just seeming embarrassed to the gentle question. I wasn’t seriously suggesting a harness. It was the first thought I had and even if your dignity could suffer it, mine cannot.That same grumpiness at his indignation at the idea. It hadn’t been a real suggestion anyway. While her rabbit cooked, she looked over his scales. More attention was focused on the larger of the two dragons, though by the almost distracted look on her face, it was clear her ‘favor’ was one of calculation not lust or desire. Could she drill through a scale without hurting him? If so.. Could she make something that her boots could hook and and out of with ease? It had possibilities, but it would take some effort and that was assuming it was even a viable option… It wasn’t the only concern as her mind shifted to going back to school. Merkur’s anger made her smile slightly. Once we have bonded we become far more precious, though we are still expendable. Keep in mind, Kitty, you and Noct are not expendable. I am. Without me, you two could go on to other bonds, if I fell in battle. If you fall, I die. Out of the two of us, which do you think they value more? Viskarra also wouldn’t put it past the admiral to turn a blind eye to those wanting to kill her. If they claimed negligence, perhaps they could be spared. It was, as the pair knew, not the bonded that Karra now had to fear. The plan did not fill her with confidence. Close was not with her. Not with her might mean she’d still die in the night. Once she had magic, she’d be safer, but that came in time. Even with their powers flowing through her, a steady hum of wealth to draw from, it wasn’t magic for her just yet. The little huff from Noct had her changing the subject. Her hand stroked along his side, offering comfort as Merklur answered. That sounds lovely.. Would you take me? It was a request, matched with the sweetness of her voice, a softness they would only be the ones to see. Merkur’s agreement had her climbing back onto Noct’s back. I want to try something. Was all she said at the less that subtle pout from the dragon. Once more the two rose with their ride aloft on Noct’s back. Merkur led the way and as they flew, Karra started to plan. It had to do with how close the pair flew, the wind. She was tracking all of it as they glided through the air. Noct flew slightly above Merkur, the smaller silver dragon rippling through the air. She opened her mind to them both and showed them the beauty she saw in him. How his scales looked in the sunlight, how they glinted and how his feathers rippled in the wind. Distraction at its finest, she held onto the look of him as she shifted in her seat. It wasn’t the first time Noct had felt her shift, likely chalking it up to discomfort after the fall. It would stay that way until he felt her rise fully and with a running jump, Karra was airborne. Wind ripped past her as she fell, Her leathers doing little to keep her warm as she swam through the air. Angling her body she all but dove for Merkur. When she was just above him, her fingers curled in his feathers and she settled herself onto his back snuggly. Outrage was coming, she knew it, but she took a moment now, to show Noct how she saw him. How the night of his wings made it seem like there was a starry sky above her. How his scales seemed to eat the light. How massive he was, how strong it made him seem. She held out against their joint anger and outrage for a moment. Proud that her maneuver had worked out. It was something she wanted to perfect. Slipping from one to another would make her harder to track in battle and while killing a dragon would kill her, killing their rider would take the dragon out of the fight almost immediately. The shock and pain of losing a part of yourself wouldn’t be easy on anyone. ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Merkur was honestly a bit confused by her question. Just as dragons did not take orders, they were not ones to give them to one another. He was a bit more intense when it came to his bonded human, but the idea of forcing her to do anything like that was abhorrent. He had heard stories about humans and, despite the playfulness in her tone, he felt like he needed to be clear. Then, you don't kiss me. But, you may kiss me whenever you wish, unless I say otherwise, and I will do the same. No need to complicate it. The topic of the harness got a single mental huff from Noct. It seemed they were going to communicate mostly through mental gestures if Noct continued to influence Karra. He had been defensive because most humans were woefully unaware of what might offend a dragon. They were considered mounts by anyone outside of the riders themselves, who all quickly learned that such a sentiment would end with you eaten. Though, Noct did find a flaw in her logic about the bond. Dragons do not consider their riders expendable. We do not bond lightly. And, given that we have two bonds, it may be more permanent for us than you think. We do not know if the double bond will make it echo between us, make it twice as intense. The words were fairly ominous, but the feeling behind them was much better, a little note that she should value herself more. That they did not find her dying in their place an acceptable option. Luckily, Noct's protests made her shift the topic before the black dragon could get more morose. The idea of a bath sounded lovely, though he doubted there would be a pool that could accommodate his massive size. And when she climbed onto his back, he did not protest when she claimed to want to try some idea. That was why they were out here. Merkur's pout was indeed subtle, but only because they had agreed to swap after their hunt. He could accept that Karra needed to practice more with the black dragon. Whatever it was, they moved into a safe position for it, with Noct launching himself high while Merkur stayed low, ready to catch her if anything went wrong. Noct had simply been waiting for Karra to tell him what the plan was, when he felt her shifting. The black dragon assumed she was trying to prepare herself for whatever it was, and he was correct it a way. When she stood and leapt from his back, the bond roared with a whirlwind of emotion. Fear and outrage and anger all exploded at once. And Merkur looked up in time to see the little human dropping toward him. Luckily, he was aware enough to flare his wings slightly, slow down to match the wind resistance that robbed her of speed. And when she landed, there was no sympathy for the pain that shot through the bond. Noct, flying high above, closed the bond to a narrow opening so that it would not affect her. Merkur, on the other hand, simply spoke with a flat tone. I won't say a word. Pulnoc will manage just fine. And they left her like that. Silence from one end and cool disappointment from Merkur. For the entire twenty minute flight to the pools, they made the human sit in silence. Merkur had barely even touched the ground when everything shook. Noct had slammed down so hard the water in the cascading stone pools rippled and spilled. He was in human form before Karra could even consider discounting, though Merkur laid flat so she could not avoid him. "Do you find this to be some joke? Is your life something you wish to throw away because of pride? Or does it simply amuse you to make us worry? A single word! All you needed to do was send a single word down the bond. Instead, you throw yourself into the air after having the gall to be angry with Merkur when he opened his power to you! One slip and you would have slid down his back before falling to your death. Dammit, Karra! What were you thinking?" ​ #eaba6f #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

It was interesting to think there would ever be a case where Merkur wouldn’t want a kiss, but Viskarra didn’t push it. He wasn’t wrong, there was no need to complicate it. Her mind turned to the problem at hand. Harnesses were out. Neither dragon nor rider would allow him to be harnessed like some simple beast. Outside of their lands, many considered dragons beasts and it was a point of pride for both dragons and their riders that they were far more. You may not, but mine do. You in theory will continue to bond for generations. I will only live so long in their eyes. I wasn’t speaking to the unusualness of our own bond, but in broader strokes. Noct wasn’t incorrect, they had no idea what her death would do to the pair. It was uncharted waters for all. The emotions that slammed into her were shuttered out. Oh, she knew they would both hate it, but if they could do things without warning, so could she. Warning them would have likely resulted in nothing but protests from both. The idea though, she was sure had merit. Merkur had adjusted as needed to allow her to scramble onto his back and settle into place. It hurt, yes, but it would be valuable in battle to pull attention away from one of them or to swap, so she was harder to track. Emotions shuttered, she could feel Noct, but his mind was all but closed to her. Viskarra knew he was angry, hell that they both were. Sighing she slipped her doors to slivers. They had not had riders and while both were older than she was, she wasn’t some child. So while they flew, all silent, Karra stewed with annoyance. Upon landing, she stayed on Merkur’s back and her body trembled visibly as Noct slammed into the ground. The world rippled and he was a human and already. He stalked toward them and Merkur lowered himself flat. Helping the other dragon in his own way. Her own anger ignited and she climbed off Merkur sparing a dirty look for him before facing the angry dragon before her. Her hands rose and she shoved him hard as he shouted at her. “I am not some child Pulnoc!” She growled and pushed at his chest again. “So you will not shout at me like I am.” Her hands fell away from his chest and she crossed them under her breasts, glaring up at him. “I trusted you both to catch me. Had I told you that I wanted to leap off your back or Merkur’s back, what would you have said? Honestly?” A brow lifted sardonically. “Even not coddling me, would you have been okay with me putting myself “in danger” like that? Something tells me that neither of you would have wanted me to try.” Her features were furious. “And you both decided to see if I could stay seated, no warnings. It wasn’t much better than what Merkur did and when I decided to try something, I get scolded?! Was it because the oh so powerful and magnanimous dragons decided together that it was okay? Because you are both older than me? Because you know best?!” At this point Viskarra was spoiling for an actual fight. Shaking with anger she snapped at them both. “As to what I was thinking, it could be a useful tactic to draw fire from one of you or to get away from fire myself if I am being focused and I might not have time to warn you. I might need to make that leap of faith and trust the other to see the mental image and slow, as Merkur did so I can switch seats. We were also more than high enough that I knew he’d be able to catch me. Unlike when the pair of you decided to test if I could stay on your back…” Her words hung in the air, the fury of the tiny female rider radiating off her. “My life isn’t and never has been something to throw away. What I did had nothing to do with pride. Nor do I find this a joking matter. You should know better, Pulnoc. To think so little of me or my actions and to assume so little of me that I’d make you worry for simple amusement.” Gods above, she wanted to hit him. To stalk away in anger. To start walking back to the castle.. But she’d never make it in time for lessons the next day. Fucking Dragons.. ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

The raging human who came at him found a very different version of Noct standing there. When she shoved him, it was like pushing against a wall. There was simply too much weight and power packed into his human form for her to do much about it. Merkur was watching from a distance, unhappy with the stunt, but unwilling to involve himself in what he knew would be a massive shit show of a fight. He knew they both had their reasons, but had Karra gotten hurt, had died because he failed to catch her, he would never have recovered. Not really. So, he let Noct lay into her. Noct felt the anger go cold inside of him, felt all of her words sink into him like knives. He should have felt a little remorse, should have regretted yelling at her when becoming her dragon had been so important to him. Her words were just so... naive. They turned his flaming rage into a something hard that he knew would lead him down the wrong path even as she pushed him again. So, he let her burn out. Let her get her feelings in the air. And when she seemed like she was done, he raised his lip like a snarling animal. "Is that what you think? You think this has anything to do with me coddling you or treating you like a child? Well, Viskarra, let me explain. We are not your fucking human army. We do not let humans die for the sake of practice. And this bond we share is not for show. I asked for one word." Noct stepped away, letting her be frustrated in her own little bubble. She seemed to think that she could turn him into the mess that the silver dragon had been when confronted. Noct was an outcast, and that had turned him into something rougher around the edges, just like Karra had done to her. He did not cave when someone pushed him, verbally or otherwise. So, he stared down at her, eyes hard and brutal. "You could have sent Merkur the image. Could have told me you planned to jump. Because what we did was a small test. You decided to throw yourself into the air with less than a day of experience flying. I suggest you learn to speak over the bond while you do other actions, because catching a free falling human with no warning is not as simple as you seem to think. Do not accuse me of coddling you and in the same breath say you expected to be saved if you fail." Noct huffed a breath out and his rage was so jagged that black flame licked the air, disappearing in a plume as it rose into his face. He turned sharply and stalked toward the pools, done having this conversation. He had no tolerance for her antics, her assumptions. Even so, he let the bond open completely. It would be stupid arrogance to block her out. Instead, he let the emotions inside of him float in the bond, miasma made up of icy rage and true, complete terror. The silver dragon padded over to her, claws clicking on the stone one moment, then the gentle pad of human feet the next. He had decided to forgo his shirt, still clearly planning to take his bath one way or the other. A gentle hand moved to rest on Karra's shoulder, his thumb stroking against her even though he doubted she could feel it through the leathers. "He wasn't trying to coddle you, Karra. It isn't so easy as adjusting when someone is in free fall. We understand the thought, but without you sending me a mental picture, I had to guess where you were in the air. You tried to sprint before you walked. Now, come get in the water with me and relax. You don't need to prove anything to us." Merkur let his bond slide open as well, let her feel how much fear had been in both dragons. The silver dragon wished he could see all the scars she did not wear on her skin, could see where this need to throw herself fully at any perceived enemy came from. ​ #eaba6f #eaba6f