Liar, Liar - Pants on Fire...

[Akki]

Why was her weyr so far away?

Really, this was just ridiculous. She had only been in Dark Moon for five minutes and already there were drudges whizzing around, making up rumors as to why the bluerider looked so…atrocious. None of them offered to help her; which was fine, they probably didn’t know anything about Healing.

It had been only fifteen minutes since Veran had suddenly disappeared. Who knew you could lose a fair bit of blood in fifteen minutes? This was certainly news to her. Her shirt was completely ruined, all dark red now with slashes in it. Boy, that really ticked her off. She had gotten the shirt at the last Gather and she was never going to find an identical one again! Urg, that man would pay.

Akki stopped her walking and simply sat heavily on the ground. Her body hurt too much to keep moving without a break. Actually it didn’t hurt that much but it seemed to protest. ‘What are you doing! Stop moving, yell for help!’ But she didn’t want to yell for help. She didn’t want to admit that she somehow managed to get jumped. Too embarrassing!

So instead she was just going to quietly bleed in the middle of the Bowl.

[mc16neo]

Kegin was walking to chores when he saw the woman fall. He was surprised none went to her to help. Kegin ran over to her and took her arm, "Are you alright ma'am?" he asked. "Let me help you. You are in need of a healer." he said. Kegin tried to help her up, "Who did this to you?" he asked. He knew it was knives from past experience. He saw the letter in her shoulder and paused a bit. "Miss please tell me you were not near the forest?" he looked a bit shocked. He took a deep breath. "They are getting more aggressive if they attacked a rider." he said to himself. He decided it better not to let her stay here even if he got in trouble. He knew what was really happening to her. Kegin lifted her into his arms, glad he had muscle to spare. "You need a healer quick." he said and began to take her to a healer as quickly as possible. She didn't have much time left. if he was right.

[Akki]

Akki looked up and flashed the lad a thumbs up and a crooked smile, “I’m peachy. Just peachy.”. She let her hand fall and she scrunched up her face as she looked over Kegin. She hadn’t seen him around before and this didn’t seem like a particularly fun way to meet someone. Memorable? Yes. Fun? Nope.

“No worries, just a few cuts and scrapes.” She laughed, shrugging. Akki hated dramatic scenes, hated people worrying over her. Her infamous crooked smile snuck back onto her face. “I fell. Rocks and junk ended up cutting me.” It was an obvious lie. Rocks would not leave such straight cuts, nor would they carve any letters but it was all she could think of. The small smile turned to a slight frown, the boy clearly knew something about this Veran – how else would he assume the forest?

Her thoughts were interrupted though when suddenly she was being lifted off of the ground. “Whoa there kid!” She protested loudly, squirming. “I’m going to bleed all over your clothes!” Her clothes were a mess already; she didn’t need to wreck his! “Don't know where the Masterhealer is, there might be a Journeyman here. It’d be easier if I just got my dragon to talk to his, you know, instead of searching for him.” She laughed softly.

Plus she reeeeeally didn’t want someone seeing her being carted around by a candidate, that would just involve a lot of weird looks and questions.

[mc16neo]

Kegin normally would have done as she said but he knew a few things that he wanted to keep hiding. But the only problem with that was that she might end up dead. THought he knew his brother very well, and knew the second, this one was rather new to the hunt and he caused many a problem. Kegin has been on the recieving end of those knives once before. He wanted to let her call the dragon but the healer won't make it if she just stayed on the floor. "I am sorry but I can't obey what you say. If my cloths become bloody then so be it. I can clean them or get new ones. You are in more danger then you realize from those knives. You might already be suffering from the effects."

Kegin didn't bother to look around, he lifted her up and began to carry her to the Healers, "Tell your dragon that you are going to be waiting and that he must hurry. I will try to do what I can but if it isn't soon you will have more to worry about then you will ever know." Kegin got to healers and gently put her on the table. He looked at her with an appologetic look, "Sorry but I am going to be seeing you naked. At least the top of you." he said.

Kegin looked for the healers cutting tools and then got a wet cloth. He washed the blood from her body as he cut her tunic open. "When he cuts he makes sure to sever tendons and nerves. If you are lucky he might have chosen to miss. I hope." Kegin looked at her face to see how she looked then went back to work. He washed his hands till they hurt and went to the woman. He took a sowing tool and thread and once ready he looked at her, "This is going to severly hurt but I don't know where the healer keeps the numbweed." He really needed the healer to come quick. He was able to do minor healing but what was needed was above his skill.

Kegin sighed and looked over some of the wounds. What he knew how to do he kept trying. Kegin put a bandage around her shoulder and made sure she wasn't bleeding internally. He wanted to try to make sure her muscles, nerves, or tendons were not damaged in any way.

"So how did he get to you? His attacking means they are getting ready, stronger. But why did he mark you?"

[Akki]

Akki let out a huffing noise, clearly disappointed that she wouldn’t be put down. “Fine, carry me. But if I’m ever Candidate Master, I’m giving you laps to run.” She sniffed, crossing her arms.

She closed her eyes as she was lifted, connecting with Ebbeth. The wall of haze between them quickly fell away when she said his name. Within seconds the blue dragon was up, aware of the fact that his rider was hurt and quite angry about it. Akki could imagine the blue in their weyr, tail whipping side to side as he let out mute snarls. What happened! I’ll murder them! His voice was dark, the growl quite present.

I fell so calm down. I need you to talk to Osaith for me, ask where K’ael is Akki frowned. This was why she didn’t want Ebbeth to wake up, because he had some anger issues whenever she was hurt. Ebbeth complained, knowing that his rider didn’t fall but complied. Within seconds he informed her that K’ael was out of the Weyr currently, at Caspian to be exact. The girl opened her eyes again only to find herself already on the table in the Healer’s room. “Journeyman’s out. MasterHealer doesn't have a dragon so I can't get Ebbeth to talk to theirs.” She shrugged, ignoring the pain that came with it. “It’s okay though, I’ve played Healer many times in my childhood.”

She was a clumsy kid back then, getting hurt was an everyday thing. She was getting pretty good at stitching herself back up. She laughed loudly when mentioned the top half of her bit. “You’re the first person to apologize for sneaking a peek.” She snickered. Thankfully Akki was the kinda gal with no personal boundaries so losing her top for a bit really wasn’t a big deal. When the tunic was cut open she simply crossed her arms over her chest and was ready to go, “Tell me when I have to move my arms, if I do.”

“I think I can handle it. It can’t hurt more than being cut.” She grinned, watching him carefully. Hopefully no one would walk in – her half naked and bleeding with a candidate in the room would be awkward to explain. “If you don’t have a steady hand then pass the needlethorn my way.”

She knew she should be more worried about everything; especially Kegin’s little bit about cutting tendons and junk. But she was able to walk to the Weyr so surely she wasn’t hurt too badly, right? Plus Veran made it sound like they would meet again so why paralyze her.

Akki looked up at Kegin from under her eyelashes and flashed him a wicked grin. “I asked the bloke what his name was.” The grin disappeared as she said the next part, “You seem to know a fair bit about this whole ordeal. Are you planning on sharing those secrets?”

[mc16neo]

Kegin looked at her and chuckled. He could see why he would chose her. He calmed himself and began to stich her up. "I know many things. But right now i need to focus. I am just glad he doesn't use his usual poison. That would have made things worse. All I can tell you is I know who trained him in his art, and been under the knife from him as well." Kegin lifted his tunic to show his scares on his back then quickly got back to work. Kegin was sure to make everything clean and neat. "Good thing he also wanted to just cause pain. It isn't like him but he normally let his lust for blood control what he did. SO the more you lived and bleed the happier he was. If you want to know more I can tell you once this is all over." Kegin was tempted to ask her to move her arms, just so he could get a look but he didn't. "I am not that kind of guy to try and sneak a peek. If you wanted to show me then I would see, no sooner. That is how I am and am happy to be that way." Kegin smiled and chuckled a bit at himself.

Kegin cut the thread and washed the stitching gently, "There we go. THere was no internal bleeding. Nothing was cut but skin so you shall be fine. Just rest and let your body regenerate the lost blood." He washed his hands and mumbled to himself about how her body will be beautiful again in no time with some scars to add. He put the bloody cloth away and went back to her, "Can I get you anything? some Klah or something to eat?" He took a clean cloth and gently wiped off her body and looked from her chest to her eyes. He smiled and took off his bloody tunic and eased it over her body. He was sure not to sneak a peek as she says and let her wear it. Then he waited. He took a stool and waited for the healer, not wanting to leave her alone. He took her hand to let her know he was still with her.

[Akki]

Akki listened carefully to Kegin’s words. She already knew that this Veran was a dangerous man but she was beginning to see that she only saw the lesser dangerous part of him. Poison on knives? A cowardly act but a devious one, she would admit. She watched as the candidate showed her his scars and smiled softly, “Scars give people character.”

She snorted then laughed once again, “He chose the right person then. I’m a bleeder. I get one little cut and it’s gushes, gross right?” She was definitely curious about everything, very few people were brave (Or dumb) enough to attack a rider. Knives and swords could only do so much compared a dragon’s teeth and claws. She used her good hand to lightly slap Kegin on the shoulder, “Ha! Well aren’t you a gentleman!”

“Resting isn’t my forte.” Akki admitted with a crooked grin. She hated sitting still; sleep seemed like a waste of time. Why keep your eyes closed when they could be open. She closed one eye and contemplated his offer of food and then shook her head, “Better not. I don’t think any healers would take kindly to see me drinking Benden wine in here.” She mumbled the word ‘Gentleman’ again when he placed his own tunic over her shoulders and took her hand.

She showed him her injured hand and waggled the fingers, “Look. I’ll be able to high five kids in no time. Not too shabby there, boy.” She placed her hand on top of her knees and surveyed him for a second, “What’s your name anyways? I’ve never seen you around and I make a point to know everyone. Course I’m not usually bleeding or naked but hey, bonus for you.”

[mc16neo]

Kegin chuckled and looked at her, "I am Kegin, I just got searched not to long ago." Kegin watched her and couldn't help but like how tough she tried to be. "I had to tend to my own wounds countless times. And I have been through worse." Kegin watched her as she spoke and moved, "Do you have a problem with me being a gentleman? If you want I can take after my brother and have my way with you?" Kegin looked at her and then sighed as he realized what he said. He shouldn't have spoken about his brother. "Um...Forget I said that. I just like being a gentleman. Though I realize most women don't like nice guys, and nice guys tend to lose any girl they are with but it is me."

Kegin chuckled, "I think Klah would be a bit better for you. Maybe a meatroll to tied you over. Now when is that healer supposed to be here? i did all you needed but a master healer would be good to look you over. Since I chose not to do just that." Kegin smiled and looked around the room before looking at her eyes. "Well since we are alone ask me anything you want to know. I am an open book."

[Akki]

The bluerider had to admit that she was a bit saddened by the fact that she was slacking in the ‘Knowing everyone’ department. She used to be quite on top of it! Ah, well, what could you do? “That explains the good job at stitching. Mine are normally lopsided.” She snickered. Her brother actually had a scar on his right calf, this weird little crooked thing thanks to her not so nice stitching job.

Her mouth twitched slightly as his gentleman ramble before she burst out laughing, a tear forming in the corner of her eye. “I’m the nice-guy killer.” She continued to laugh. Some of the drudges at Dark Moon had started to say she had the ‘Kiss of Death’. It seemed that any guy that liked her and she liked them would eventually just disappear. R’dan, R’xis, even R’fael had gone off somewhere. Apparently I have a thing for names that start with R She thought with a frown as she noticed that connection. Weird but not the point.

“Besides, I think Dark Moon is in need of some gentlemanly characters.” She thought out loud with a nod of her head. “A meatroll? You’re just trying to make me fat.” She grinned before shrugging, “Not sure but I think I can do without one. You did a good job at stitching me up and I’ve stopped bleeding, that’s what counts right?”

She closed her eyes and thought for a moment, trying to think of a question. “Where you from, anyways?”

[mc16neo]

Kegin chuckled and looked at her, "You fat? I couldn't imagine such a thing. I think your body is too beautiful the be anything but." Kegin smiled and thought a bit. "Well I am from far away. It has been a while. I lived at a hold till my family left with Traders to come here. But they didn't make it. I grew up in the Creche, and then searched so I am from here." he said. "Any other questions. And I thought you would rather know more about Veran then about me. It seems you are unable to protect yourself from him but then not many really can." Kegin chuckled and for a moment thought she just might be interested in him.

"I think I might be willing to take that risk if you wish to not give up." He knew what it was like to have someone you like disappear. His brother took away any girl he liked. And Rogin made sure he knew where they went or who did it when they turned up dead. "Besides you will learn I am a hard person to kill."

[Akki]

She stared at Kegin before laughing loudly once more. “My body will be black and blue in a few days, then it won’t be so pretty.” She snorted. She was a rather clumsy gal with the tendency to get into wrestling matches with G’han. She couldn’t help it, the man was always looking to pick on her and it always somehow turned into something physical.

She nodded her head and then rolled her eyes, “Veran is a man with an anger management problem and clearly some childhood issues. I think that’s all I need to know about him.” She leaned in closer to Kegin and flicked his nose with her finger, “Besides, I like to know everyone at Dark Moon.” She leaned back and shrugged, “You’re at Dark Moon, he isn’t. ‘Nuff said.” The bluerider made a huffing noise, pursing her lips together slightly.

“I can totally protect myself from him. He’s a coward who got to me when I was half asleep and lying down. Next time I see him though, I’ll show you that I can hold my own.” She promised. Akki wasn’t a horrible fighter, all riders were taught some sort of defensive and offensive techniques – she just had some bad luck. She flashed Kegin her infamous crooked grin, “I won’t die while the leaves still breathe on the trees.”

She winced, “No, wait; that’s a lie. Ebbeth might kill me if he finds out what happened. Do me a favour, kid – if a blue dragon shoves his face into yours and asks about me just tell him that I fell, ‘kay?” The dragon had enough on his plate, she didn’t want to add to it. “As for the V, I can just say that my brother did it because I lost a bet. His name starts with a V too so hopefully no one will question it.”

[mc16neo]

Kegin looked at her and glarred at her when she flicked his nose. He didn't believe what she said. He knew better then to. "You know what I don't believe you. I know better then you, which is one I can't really normally say." Kegin chuckled. When she pursed her lips he felt like he wanted to kiss her. He looked away as if looking around the room. "He isn't a coward. He is smart. But I can guaranted that you will not survive a fight with him. if you did it would only to use you in the furs before he killed you. And then the others will kill your dragon while he is in a frenzy. THey are good at it." he said. Kegin looked back at her and looked her over. "And the leaves will die soon enough, which means so will you. And honestly that is not a thought I like." He sighed and shook his head. He should stop talking. It started to sound like he liked her. Well he did. He wanted her. But that was his brother's sibling talking. Not Kegin. But Rogin's little brother. He wasn't that anymore since that day. "Do as you wish. But be lucky it was only a V. He takes longer to collect."

[Akki]

She snapped her fingers together and grinned, “Why, is that a bet Kegin? That next time I see Varen, I’ll lose? Because I’m more than willing to prove otherwise.” She was a scrappy kid when needed to be. Enough to stand up against a knife wielding maniac? Maybe not, but she’d find out.

“They might be good at it but Ebbeth can do some serious damage.” She laughed. He was a cunning dragon when it was called for. He was normally a rather mellow bloke, lazy with a sarcastic tongue. But he could slash, bite, claw like a wild feline. Still though, she wouldn’t want to find out what Ebbeth could be like. She liked him as the lazy dragon, not as a fighting one.

She contemplated the leaves dying and shrugged rather casually, “They come back eventually though, so that means I must too. I’ll just be the walking dead or something like that – which actually would sort of be cool if I weren’t dead for it.” She drummed her fingers along her jaw line, grinning to herself. “Can’t die though, Dark Moon needs all the riders it can get.”

Akki waggling her finger in front of Kegin, “Luck had nothing to do with it m’boy. I chaaaarmed my way out of that one.”

[mc16neo]

"I only mean be glad an R wasn't carved into you. He collects many times. Veran won't. He has some to deal with but he will once he is bored with them. And to be honest I would rather have you in once piece. Not that what I want matters." Kegin looked her up and down. She wasn't going to last long against Veran. Then he thought of her dragon, "They could also take your dragon in his sleep. He could have last time I believe. Now since you most likely no longer need me I believe I should go. I would be embarrassing you if I was seen caring for your wounds." Kegin stood and headed for the door, without his shirt.

[Akki]

“I think what you want matters quite a bit. I’d like to be in one piece also.” Akki laughed. She was curious though as to who this ‘R’ guy was. How many of these Veran-types were waltzing around here? Maybe she should go confide to G’han about this incident. Then again, she didn’t want to see her old friend freak out.

“Don’t let Ebbeth hear you say that. He won’t take kindly to being called weak.” She smiled. Ebbeth was certainly no buff bronze but he had a dragon strength nonetheless and he liked to flaunt it when called for. Such as flights or play time at the lake. He was nothing more than an over sized toddler.

She watched as Kegin got up, eyeing the scars on his back as he walked towards the exit. “Hey, kid.” She called out, unwrapping the shirt from her body. She crossed one arm across her chest as she removed the fabric and tossed it towards him. “Candidates can’t go walking around half-naked, people here are at least used to seeing me waltz around indecently.” Sad, but true.

She drummed her fingers lightly across her kneecap, “And I owe you one.”

[mc16neo]

Kegin caught his shirt and turned a bit pink at the sight of her covering ssher chest. He had the notion of how lucky her arms were. "I suppose now you will report me and everything i have told you to the higher ups?" he asked. Kegin sighed and put the shirt on. "Actually a candidate walking about without HIS tunic on could be thought of as going to the lake to swim. And I would rather have that." Kegin took the tunic back off and threw it back at her with a grin.

He thought a moment about her dragon. "I guess it might be smart if I do watch what I saw about any dragon. But I just can't hold my tongue when I know the dangers and nobody believes me just because they think no body is stupid or smart enough when it comes to fighting a dragon. Seeing as I live with them and know quite well I can see how easy it would be. And I don't like that." Kegin shook his head and looked at Akki one last time. "Now I must bid you farewell my lady. Until we meet again." Kegin left the Healers and went quickly to the barracks to take a new tunic. Then put it on andgot back to chores.