Within the first few says of their partnership, B'ari learned a whole lot more about dragons and the care of them than he'd been able to pick up from examining the Night-Green hatchling... not that Auspexeth was a hatchling anymore.

B'ari sang softly as he oiled Hithliniath's hide. He wasn't aware of the others listening, or even joining in, but entirely absorbed in caring for his dragonet. There was nothing he wouldn't do to make sure Hithliniath was happy -- and vice versa. Hithliniath was a very caring brown dragon. He did everything in his power to make sure everyone was happy.

Someday, they would be an asset to a wing; but which? And who would lead it?

B’ari sand as the water poured down over his head. He sang loud and strong. His voice was deep as the ocean and strong as Turkish coffee. Hithliniath swam about in the pool beneath the small waterfall. It wasn’t strong enough to injure either of them, though the water was cool.

And you’re sure we won’t be in trouble for being here? the brown asked.

“Positive.” His rider replied. “Besides, Hith’, we’re responsible all the time as medics. They’ll forgive us one afternoon of misbehaving.”

I hope you’re right. the brown said, wallowing in the cool water. It washed over his hide, rinsing away insecurities as well as dirt. He knew when B’ari climbed out of the water and lay himself out to dry. He looked rather sharp in his swimclothes, but he didn’t care. Ego was the first to go when one really learned medicine. They dozed for a while, until a sound caught Hithliniath’s ear. The scream sounded nearer, and B’ari leapt to his feet.

Across the river, a young girl was being chased by a pack of feral canines. Hithliniath was out of the water like the Menace was at his heels. B’ari leapt astride, and together they flew towards the girl. One roar from the dragon scattered the canines. Hith’ landed, and B’ari slid down, putting his arms around the distressed girl. Upon closer inspection, B’ari saw that she wasn’t as young as he’d thought – only small. She was perhaps fourteen, but not much more. Her bare legs were bleeding from scratches and scrapes and her dark eyes were wide with fear and shock. Safe in B’ari’s arms, she let loose and cried.

After she calmed, Hithliniath flew them slowly back to Falas where his rider could care for her superficial injuries.

“See Hith’? It was good that we were there.” B’ari said to his dragon as they curled up in their beds.

I suppose so! Hithliniath returned sleepily. What will become of her?

“I don’t know…” Bari said with a wistful sigh. “I don’t know.”

B’ari had been studying long and hard with the dragonhealers at Falas, and was sure he and Hithliniath would be tapped to join their number. It came as a shock that he was assigned to the Ilsiel wing.

“Don’t take it as an insult, B’ari.” Ker’t said to him. “Falas is well stocked with healers, and having one dedicated to our wing will be a real benefit.”

B’ari still didn’t feel happy about it.

“Think about it, B’ari,” Ker’t said, “as field training. You’ll be able to care for dragon – and human – injuries at a moments notice.”

B’ari laughed. “A healer with his own dragon transport really is a benefit.”

Ker’t nodded. “You remember C’nordi of Vallen’s?”

B’ari grinned. “Of course. Do you think I could ever be as useful as C’nordi?”

Ker’t laughed. “You’ll be more useful – just do your best.”

Hithliniath was a sturdy brown, large and muscular. He had endurance, but lacked in speed. His flaming was uterrly controlled, giving him a drastic advantage during Fall – A splendid addition to the Ilsiel wing.

B'ari Impressed at Falas Weyr.