#Doomdad about to adopt Gecko

[omies-odd-writing-spot]

Wraith of the Mother: 05 Dragon

Best-est of good boys has come with a present, holy hot chocolate, not to mention real food about to be served. And arrival of the Doomdad into Gecko's new life.

Also in typical Omie fashion, this turned into something so much longer then I intended. it's like full chapter length instead of a short...

@noris-stoneward @thespiritofcliffhangers I did thiiiiing

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 6]

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05 Dragon: It was one thing to see the outside through windows and a few glimpses of memories that were unguarded. It was wholly another and nicer thing to be able to sit in open clean air. 

Even with the expanse of stars, and the shield that protected this area. Well. This roofed area. Protected only from the odd pockets of rain, Gecko was still trying to sort out how the artificial weather worked as he watched the misting downpour from his spot.

Not impossible to get up for him, as the last adjustments for his first new leg was made elsewhere.

Gecko wanted to see the process, but though his request to do so was given to whoever was making the first prosthetic. He really did not need a translation for the snarl that came from a device, the startled look on Asa’s face had been clear. Then seeing the apothecary… healer's expression darken before snapping back and scolding whoever, was entertaining. More so as the annoyance was no longer aimed at him. Again he did not need the translation for the conversation that followed. Mostly Asa growling at whoever for a solid ten minutes, and in a horrible way never raising her voice but the anger was clear.

There was a second voice in the background that barked a demand or order, Asa had switched to the second voice. Who then took up scolding the first in person and dragging them away.

Lily had giggled openly and shamelessly beside Gecko in that same ‘someone else was in trouble’ way. Something universal between mortal and nearly immortal it seemed.

That had been a few days ago. After waking up he spent a full day in Asa’s domain. Likely monitored, having some questions asked and answered by both. Gecko was sure he was in the wrong… time. Possibly. He was also still going on half formed memories and instincts. Gecko was familiar with his own body in many ways, the rest of the place is what had him confused.

He recognized humans, different brothers (and sisters?), and the small ones. Little babies, or not all babies. Toddlers and such, each one could fit in his hand nearly, but he could watch them from his spot now, as the little ones were taught. He was also keenly interested in the class itself, listening in. Finding it as endearing as…informing.

He was picking up the local language faster with the classes the last two days coming inside. Gecko not at all bothered by it being for the so young, the picture cards he glimpsed also helped sort a word out. Not to say that he did not have company that helped, or company overall. Lily visited at least a few times through the last few days. There were another few recovering brothers of this new… chapter (chapter?) as well in the covered area.

At the moment only one was here with Gecko, and he sounded asleep. From the way Asa had parked him, and that cool glow used, the pass out may have been intentional. Then again this other man was wrapped in a good amount of bandages and Gecko recognized the smell of healing, burnt flesh. This man had fallen asleep on his side, propped on some cushions, not unlike what Gecko had. Fallen asleep watching the great winged creatures taking off, spiraling in play and then coming down to roosts out of sight. Even the wolf creature that came and went had not calmed him down until seeing the wintherin.

“Who is he?” Gecko asked the last time Lily came by. One large hand rubbing the big, old wolf head that rested in his lap.

The woman looked over, taking a moment to recognize the other before speaking. “I don't know his name. But he's a wintherin rider. They pulled him through a portal before we found you.”

Dragon rider?

Gecko wondered at that again now, glancing down to see that the last class of the young was done for the day. The other area did not have as much coverage for rain that day as he watched the rain turn from misting to proper rain. The clouds were thicker than ever, at least since before Geko woke up.

It was… nice.

There was a curious sense of peace that was coming over him. No.. it was coming over those all around him at the rain, the smell of the rain and that odd smell of warm stone that got wet suddenly.

Petricor.

Gecko blinked and looked around, reaching out unseen to the unconscious brother who was easing a bit more in his dreams. The man reached out farther to that brother, trying to smooth away nightmares again, wanting his odd little brother to heal peacefully.

Sound drew his attention, even through the rain, picking out a familiar voice now. Lily was just close enough, and Gecko looked around realizing she was talking with someone else. He could hear that cart, and sat up a bit. Reflexively reaching out as he sensed the old wolf again, and another soul. Mind. Younger but not, somewhere in Lily’s age range but shimmering with a more solid wall.

Like the new brothers, but rooted very well, one might say. It reminded Gecko of a shield or wall really, and almost reminded him of someone he used to know. Older than this boy, but just as solid in that person’s soul and mind. Or… he had been. When they… were… young… together?

Gecko shook his head, turning in his lovely seat, looking for the young woman. That cart meant real food, and also dinner was coming. Food that had taste, even if he was on soft foods still. Also he would get company for a while until Lily was pulled away by her tasks. He was still trying to figure out all of what Lily did, other then learning how to be a healer.

She took care of a few people?

Hmm.

Movement from the covered path had him looking over. Seeing the now familiar, little form that was Lily. She had an escort, one without armor and dressed in a similar style of lavender colored clothes. Though unlike others, this young one had purple cuffs and hems. Like Lily's own?

Was that a former family thing? A brother visiting their own family…?

Gecko watched as the young man's attention was pulled down to the human. He blinked and then stooped over as Lily motioned for him to bend down. Gecko did not need his other senses to suddenly understand that the two were not once siblings, watching the young man's eyes widened and then flushed. Lily let go of the taller one, grinning a bit awkwardly but peering up. Only to get scooped up and squeezed into a hug, possibly kissed back. But they were laughing, even with the storm.

The man could not help stare for a long few moments, part of his mind almost seemed to short circuit. It was both very cute, but also… for some reason almost seemed wrong?

Like he, Gecko, knew the young brother should not do that. Yet at the same time he could feel the happy humming from both, it was a stolen moment for them but not a… a… bad? Gecko could feel the delight from the young brother that was living in this moment of life. The exited thrill from Lily at being held and willing to open up-

It was, by all accounts, something that was a cute, soft moment.

Gecko could not understand why part of him also thought it was too much. That this young brother might not know what could be done to him if caught…

…caught by who?

The man watched as Lily was being lowered back down by the cart, which had not been disturbed despite being sniffed around by that big old white wolf. The younger brother cupping Lily’s face and smiling before using both hands to ruffle her hair. Getting smacked and flailed at before Lily ran her own hands through her short hair to straighten it out.

It was only a few moments, a minute at most, and the young brother was grinning, walking lighter on his feet as he followed behind the smaller human. Their path stayed under the covered areas with the rain as long as possible. Lily had to pull up her jacket, a bit too big, closer and a hood up to run through the one spot to get to where the covered area that Gecko and his sleeping companion were. The younger brother had a hood pulled up as the old wolf just trotted with her own time. 

The wolf shook herself, her fur too thick to be more than just a little wet. She en moved to check on Gecko first, then over to sniff and check over the other injured man. That young brother went there first to check and pulled out some things from his own jacket to tend to the exposed parts of the burns. As well as starting to change bandages that were exposed. 

“Good afternoon Gecko! Are you still wanting to be outside with the storm?” Lily asked and greeted as she came over with her cart. It was a different one from last time, larger and had what looked like a heating element to keep the food warm on top, and an enclosed part that seemed to hold some more things. 

“I like it,” Gecko said aloud, there was a rumble in his voice now. Something a little more familiar to his half formed memory. A few days with steady food, rest and plenty of water was helping his healing ability and his voice had been getting stronger. Or back to normal yesterday, and now it was getting a bit smoother. There was still a lower gravely edge to it that might not leave. “And I think, your healers layered enough on me.”

Gecko looked down, bemused at his seat being very well padded, he had three whole blankets on or beside him.

Lily giggled a bit, rubbing her neck and looked at the lower section. “Yeah…and Pax sent more. Just in case.”

“Check the brother there,” gecko half requested, looking over at his normally quiet companion. “He might need the added coverings more than I, with the weather change.”

Lily looked over, hesitated and then walked over to the other two, “Rai?” 

“He seems to be asleep,” that young brother… Rai spoke in his language from where he was sitting on his knees checking the face and head. The older warrior was able to pick out some words on his own now as he listened carefully while the boy… young man, checked the mobile bed itself next. “It's a good thing I brought the extra batteries. We can move him closer to Gecko. Go ahead and set up the dinner Lily, I'll move this brother closer to make room and set up the bars for the blanket.”

“Get him moved while he's still asleep.” Lily agreed and pulled the cart over closer to Gecko, smiling at his red gaze. Gecko was pleased that his new little friend never did seem afraid of him, but fascinated.

Then again, Lily seemed used to living among the giants around here, as did most of the normal humans Gecko got a glimpse of. Even those babies and small ones he had been watching. He hummed as the old wolf came back over to nose into Gecko’s lap, then lifted up carefully to thread herself under the one blanket and into the nest. Partly in his lap for attention, partly on the bed frame, with her wagging tail and one leg hanging off. “Hello again Lady. Are you two…three going to be staying as company?”

“Yes!” Lily seemed excited, then dropped her voice so as not to disturb the injured being rolled closer. Opening up quite a lot of space in the covered area. “Dad's coming up to join us for lunch. I hope you don't mind, but we thought the rider here would feel better if he had his Wintherin come to visit him.”

“Here?” Gecko asked, pausing while petting the big wolf head until his left hand was nudged. Blinking, the man sat up a bit before reaching to give another pet to the wolf, able to smell the food and smiled. He liked the idea of one of the creatures he had been watching in the air over the last few days coming here. “I would like to see one.”

“He might not interact with you directly,” Lily said, helping the bigger young man with spreading a large blanket over the frame that had been set up around. Thick enough to help limit the cooling breeze that would chill the healing burns too much. “Dad's riding him up here to see his rider.” 

“Your father?” Gecko echoed and seemed happy at that. He had been starting to worry that Lily did not have anyone to lean on, not to say that she was not an adult, but family admits the all the warriors was a good thing. “He is a… rider of the dragon creatures as well? Wintherin rider?”

At his attempt at saying the phrase must definitely have an accent. Judging from the looks Gecko got not just from Lily, but the other tall young man stood up and looked over. Lily giggled and echoed the phrase, correctly, getting Gecko to repeat it a few times to get it right. The younger warrior was grinning now as he finished.

Coming over, Rai sat down beside Gecko's spot, his tone reassuring and words mostly understandable. “Really close brother!”

“...Close.” Gecko muttered, then rumbled almost in time with Rai as movement caught both their attention. Lily was at the cart and was setting bowls out on it, and lifted the first cover off a dish.

He could definitely smell whatever it was, Gecko not sure what the pale dish was, but it was something creamy. It smelled good regardless, and there was something else that was tangy he had the scent of but could not see yet.

Then the first wonderful thing of the evening was offered to Gecko. The large handless cup that Lily needed both hands to hold was brought over. Something that smelled rich now that it was uncovered. An earthly, nutty flavor of smell that gecko could almost recognize by some deeply rooted human instinct. Even though Gecko also knew, despite quite a lot of gaps in his void-burned memories.

“What is it?” Gecko asked, seeing how the younger man was perking up and sniffing at the air.

“A comfort, and treat,” Lily said with a proud grin that said she might not have officially been allowed to bring this. “Since Dad's back I made a big batch. There's some alcohol in it, but that should have cooked mostly out. It's spiced, hot chocolate.”

“Ooooh,” Rai sat up, watching as if to be sure Gecko had a good grip with his sole hand. Not to steal but making sure that nothing would be spilled, Gecko could feel the unguarded, surface thoughts. Wanting him to have the treat. Then he chuffed happily as the young man was offered a cup too. 

Gecko was lifting his cup, before being able to try it, the old wolf was climbing up in his space. She was shamelessly making full use of the room that came from the lack of Gecko’s left leg. The wolf sighed deeply as she rested her head on Gecko’s left thigh as he blinked. Then the wolf was so still that the darker man had to listen intently to be sure there was a heartbeat as the other two looked over. 

Then the wolf took a breath and snored.

All three were relieved. 

If Gecko had two hands, he would give his furry companion a pet. Having gotten fond of the creature that still thought of protecting her people even her aged state. 

“Shite, Rula you scare me sometimes.” Lily said as she came over to cup the massive head, ruffling the pale fur. Gecko could feel the worry from the young woman. “You’re not allowed to leave me, pretty lady, not after only coming to see me for a few months.”

The wolf gave a soft thump and wag of her tail before dropping into a surprisingly boneless sleep. Gecko smiled, trying to sort out how to give the wolf a pet without putting his drink down. The idea of the prosthetics seemed even more appealing now that he wanted both hands again. The old wolf had been a good companion when she was by to check on him. 

The earthy, sweet smell of the drink drew Gecko’s attention back to it. It smelled rich, and the cup was wonderfully warm in his hand. The smell was a good clue that he never had anything like it, but when he tasted the drink there was something so very deeply instinctually aware that this was good. It satisfied a human rooted taste for something that had been around humans in the early life of their race- but was missing when he was. 

Gecko knew both that he never had whatever was in the drink, but also knew that it was something safe, warm and comforting that his body still knew of.

Ritch, earthy, smooth and then creamy as he took careful sips to enjoy the odd but ingrained known treat. There were a few fluffy balls of half caramelized sweet on top of the drink that tasted good.

Gecko wondered not for the first time if he had died, if these people, the odd brothers (and sisters?) and little human lives were also trapped in this pocket with him. Trapped in a pocket beyond the void with souls that were peaceful, recovering- some echoing his own protectiveness… would that… be… so bad?

Sound of air moving against the storm, then sensing mass and a well of power had Gecko looking up, startled. He was a third of the way through savering the rich drink and quite honestly was not expecting to sense someone with enough radiating power to blur the edges of his other senses-

The massive creature suddenly blocked out most of the light over half of the roofed area of the stone pavilion. No, not blocking the light exactly as large forepaws, then larger hind paws grasped the railing and stone foundation. It’s wings were dark naturally, darker like charcoal by the body and limbs, even the wing limbs. There was a dusting like splattered silver spots over the black, and the wing membranes lightened to a gray, then were edged in a burnt orange. The large head and neck was pushing into one of the openings of the pavilion, making itself inadvertently seem bigger by stretching out to sniff the air. 

The big creature purred- paused and then backed up, to adjust to lean back and fold up those massive wings. The dragon-like creature eased into the open space of the covered area, sniffing around the roof before tilting his head down. Muscles rippled and flexed as the dragon stepped in, crouching low to make sure a human figure on its back was not knocked off. 

That was when Gecko saw the saddle, a band of formed hide, straps and what might be metal. Around the base of the thick neck, the saddle down its back partly between spined ridges, made to hold one person but not strapped in, other than twisting an arm into the straps. The dragon had no bridle, or anything to do more then seeming pressure of the rider moving to get the…blind? Blind dragon?

There were no eyes visible, a patch of off-color pits on the armored head under the large red-orange horns that were in the main placement one would expect eyes to be. The horns were swept backwards in a crescent shape, and with the shorter, thicker horn of the same color. It almost seemed like the creature could ram into things. Gecko was quick to spot the little pits on the edges of the horns, like sensors?

Gecko reached out with his other senses, feeling the crooning, soft thoughts of the dragon as he found his rider. Wings held tight and purring to the injured, unconscious man, the dragon-like creature was smart enough to hold affection and worry for his person. His rider. Stretching out on his belly, the purr picked up, seeing the world very different, as people glowed and pulsed with energy and life. All in different ways, alike but some stronger than others

Like the current rider dismounting and walking around the dragon was ablaze with a well of power. The dim, crippled but still hot ember glow that was Gecko himself. The shield-like shimmer of Ria that was sitting beside him. Then the soft steady golden glow that was… Lily? 

Gecko could only look up as the big head was leaning close, sniffing his own remaining leg, then the wolf. Ria and Lily were both young enough to get a lick of greeting before the wintherin was trying to slowly turn itself around. Finding how to place his tail and then rump, before one massive wing extended enough to become a shield against the storm. What thoughts that came from the dragon were curling around its worry for its rider. The want to nest with his person was so strong, the want to help keep his rider warm and safe and show off what he had helped make? But the wintherin knew it should not, and could not properly nest on the injured man.

So the dragon was coiling and curling up around the bed without disturbing it. Water fell off its frame as he crooned a soft song to his rider. Head resting over his tail near the head of the bed, almost vibrating the air with the reassuring purr that came out.

What a wonderful creature…