((Starts in Wyrmling barracks but I figure they'd go to the lake gardens ;) Let me know if you'd like anything changed!))

Savitr lay in the dark silence. He tried to pass time by listening to Thyla’s heartbeat and breathing….Yes he was still allowed on the bed but he knew soon he’d be far too big. But that was fine. He wanted to be big. Despite the comfort of the bed he couldn’t sleep. And this was bothering him. He just wasn’t tired. Why sleep if you weren’t tired? Why eat if you were full? The “structure” this place tried to push on him was making him more angry. Thyla seemed fine with it but why? Had she not come here to escape slavery from her family? This was very similar as far as he was concerned. Savitr HATED being told what to do, when and where to do it, etc. It was maddening! He could tolerate it if they were being trained in anything that mattered. But BATHING? That lesson had really pissed him off. Not the bathing itself but the principle of it. And he worried about what some of the other lessons would waste their time on…

That thought sparked his inner fire. He didn’t need to be confined to this room and made to sleep! What utter dribble! He was not sleepy, so why not do something? He almost wanted to wake Thyla and perhaps go for a walk but he knew his rider to be rather unpleasant when she was sleepy…half asleep would be trying. Perhaps Telluria? No, she would probably not care to be woken. Plus knowing her she’d find some way to put him in a worse mood. He hardky cared enough to go to anyone else’s room and get caught. No, if he wanted to do something he’d need to do it himself. He didn’t NEED company after all.
He ever so careful slithered off the bed. Pausing when he was fully off to listen to Thyla and be sure she was still sound asleep. Indeed she was. Using his cat like movements he crept to the entry hallway, that way would be quieter. Again he paused to be sure Telluria hadn’t woken…he could clearly see her surprising him at the last second before he slipped out. That clever Crystal….

Then it hit him…what was he doing? Where was he going? Outside obviously…..hell he could do whatever he fancied. He’d figure it out when he was outside and out of earshot. He was almost tempted to raid the kitchen but he didn’t need Thyla getting scolded for his own choices. That was another ridiculous injustice he had witnessed with other pairs.
Now he was safely away from his quarters. He began quietly padding down the hallway. He listened carefully for anyone else who may be about. Luckily his color would help him hide in the darkness of the hall and furthermore outside in the night. But he had a bit to go until he COULD get outside. He knew he’d have to slip out of one of the open windows.
Savitr sat now in the dark silence and looked about to find the best way….

Elysium had been very lightly Dozing. She hardly needed to sleep. She would take an hour, very deep naps and then be ready to get back to exploring. Unfortunately after a day of attending to Ely's hyperactive needs, Talula would sleep like a rock all night. Too bad she did not function on naps Ely pined. They could be having so many more adventures and making nighttime friends. However it meant that Ely had to keep quiet until morning, which meant a light doze in and out of strange dreams. It was in this semi-lucid state, she began to smell something familiar. A scent she recognized. Her bright purple eyes opened slowly, reflecting glimmering green in the light of the moon that filtered through her window. Her crest rose in curiosity as she blinked off the half dreamed nonsense that had been stalking about her head trying to sort out what it was she was smelling.

She glanced to the window and sniffed again. Yes she knew that scent. It was late and there were supposed to be curfews. Or so her bonded said. Talula hardly ever let her go out and look at the stars. She loved the stars, and the moonlight. She liked the soft way it danced off her shimmering skin. It was far different then the sun that made her almost hard to look upon without catching a glare to the eyes. In the moonlight things took on a strange gray color, it was beautiful. But again, it was after hours. She glanced at her roommates, and then to Talula. She didn't want to worry anyone, but she couldn't leave well enough alone. Curiosity killed the ice dragon. She uncoiled from the end of the bed, already she was starting to crowd Talula's leg room, and slithered onto the floor like a shimmering stream through the night.

Talula, suddenly freed of the chill of her dragon, cast off her heavy blanket, suddenly too hot for all that heavy bedding. She slept on though, much to Elysium's delight. She pushed the cracked door open with her nose and ventured into the hallway.

Her wings flared and she peered about the hall in confusion. She could have sworn she smelled a certain cynical gravity dragon. She held perfectly still, listening. Then she heard it, a rustle of wing just down the hall. She stalked low, catlike to the floor and crept forward. Talula wasn't here to stop her and she felt the excitement at seeing her friend welling inside her. Just a little closer and she could pounce him to show him just how excited she was to see him. She was lucky, his back was to her for while he was dark as the night, she flashed and gleamed in every flicker of torchlight. Every glimpse of a moonbeam set her a sparkle. She was about as far from stealthy as you could get where coloring was concerned.

She wiggled her butt in the air and then flung herself at the equally sized male. She gave a tiny squeak of delight on first contact which quickly was consumed into peels of, stifled, giggling laughter as she hauled herself to her feet and away from Savitr. She wiggled in joy, doing her best not to make any noise. She knew she wasn't supposed to be in the halls but that wasn't stopping her from being there to say hello to her favorite gravity hatchling, mind you she hadn't really met the other gravity hatching, but that didn't matter. He was her current favorite.

“Hello Savi~avi~avitr!” She whispered in the best, quiet, sing song she could. She loved how his name broke down and unfortunately she might never get over the way it sounded as she trilled it out. She sat herself down, blinking her large purple eyes innocently at him, as if she had not just launched her way onto him, “What you doing? We're supposed to be asleep you know. What if they caught you out here you would get into trouble. I mean see! I caught you out here! Where are you going so late? Do you like to look at stars too?” She whispered in rapid succession looking utterly delighted with herself for her detective skills.

Looking about he had to focus carefully. Some of the windows may be too small for him and his jagged spines...he was starting to realize that although they looked cool they may prove to be a burden in many situations. Finally looking at a larger open window, he judged it would be easy enough for him to slip out of, it was a bit higher up but he could easily make it with a small leap. He would just need to be as silent as possible…

As he prepared to do just that, a glitter of reflective light caught his eye. And not just any light. The light reflecting from a dragon’s scales! Just as he swiftly turned to see who it was, his new company pounced right on him. For a split second he thought he was being attacked and prepared to fight but then his “attacker” jumped away and addressed him in a very familiar song like fashion. The good old “Savi-avi-avitr” was clear as day but to his surprise, it was much quieter than usual.
Ah, Elysium….sigh. Well at least she’s TRYING to be quiet!
His eyes focused as the chipper Ice bombarded him with comments and questions. Just as his head began to spin he responded.

“SHHH! Ely! Hush!” He put a paw on her muzzle. By now he knew harshness was NOT the way to deal with this young female. “I will explain but you need to not talk for a minute…and when you do keep it super quiet…like a game!” He saw her eyes shine at this thought.
Good, I am getting better at this….
“Ok….I’m going outside. But not for long and I am not going far. I promise. But the others can’t know I don’t want Thyla worrying or worse getting in trouble. I know I’m not supposed to but I can’t sleep.” He paused as he realized she commented on liking to look at the stars.
“Stars? No I-“ He looked up out the window once her eyes looked up at a particularly lovely night sky.

Savitr took a deep breath in a sigh as he let go of her muzzle. He had a thought and it slithered about his mind in a strange fashion. It was odd to be compelled to be kind. But he didn’t have a plan on where to go or what to do anyway. And now he did! Still, he grumbled just a little before looking at his friend (Yes, he did see her as a friend..Albeit a very trying one)
“If you keep quiet and don’t tell anyone you van come with me. We have to be really careful but if we’re silent enough we can go to the lake gardens, I’m sure we can see lots of stars there” He looked back up at the window he had chosen
“We can get out through there, but again- we MUST be quiet! Can you do that Ely? If you can't reach the window I can lesson your gravity again to help”

Elysium did in fact babble away until his paw hit her mouth. Her eyes welled with unhappiness as he shushed her rather abruptly. His explanation made her blink in curiosity though. She did want to know what he was doing out of bed. He asked her for silence and she considered it carefully. She liked games after all. If it was a silence game she could do that. She was the best at games after all! She bobbed her head, shaking his arm slightly, but did not try to remove it. Her haunches hit the floor and she kept pleasantly silent until he finished explaining. A slight iciness met the air around her, the young female starting to take on the characteristics her breed were known for, even if her personality was far from chill or standoffish.

She considered his plan her pupils slowly swelling at the excitement of it all. To go outside with no one to hold them back, no one to tell them no. Already she felt the pull of her bond calling her home, but she didn't want to let him go alone. It would be bad wouldn't it? Friends looked out for one another. Besides the stars called to her. She could imagine the bright points that waltzed slowly across the heavens in an eternal, effortless dance sent her mind spinning. His paw left her mouth and she tucked her head to her chest. One clawed paw lifted in uncertainty and her crest lifted slowly. She looked like a puppy begging for scraps, or a kitten for a dish of cream. The look made the ice almost painfully cute to stare directly at.

“I won't tell if you take me with you...” She cooed as he seemed to be having second thoughts about her. She bat her eyes trying to appear as cute as possible. “I will be quiet I promise!” She whispered softly and put her own claw to her lips covering them as he had only moments before to show she understood. She beamed at him, her smile arching around her eyes at the prospect of a new adventure. “Then I won't tell or you will right?” She said brightly as if that solved everything. She would have no reason to tell if she would get a scolding to.

Again she bobbed her head, giggling slightly at how all business he was, “Try to have fun Savitr. This is fun after all. I mean look at me!” She said to him and backed up a few paces. She hunkered down, and spread her wings to judge better. Once sure of herself she bounded forward and gave a few strong flaps. It didn't give her much of any height, but she managed to hit the lip of the window and she shuffled madly as she yanked herself up. Her wings flailed rather futility, giving her just enough push to get up onto the ledge.

“See I don't need gravity powers to jump high” she whispered brightly at him her wings folding rather regally at her sides. The moonlight glimmered off her scales making her appear the softest of opal whites and she peered down curiously at the ground below. They were a floor up now, only the candidates slept on the first floor. She glanced down to Savitr and scooted closer to the wall so he could join her and analyze the conundrum. She considered how they might get down and worse back once they were outside, but it didn't seem important enough to warrant going to Savi with the issue. It could be solved when they came back after all. “Its kinda long way down isn't it. Look at that wow!” She whispered to him.

He listened carefully to her. Like Elysium he too felt a strong pull to return to his own Thyla. But he knew that soon they would have to separate to do their own business now and then. He’d need to get used to straying from her. And he knew she was safe here at least. He never would have left if he felt she needed him at all. Still….he did not like the feeling of being far from his rider. He also disliked that they seemed tethered together. It was a reminder of his lack of freedom. But his love for Thyla helped soften that blow.
Ely seemed both eager and in agreement over the situation. Which made him relax a bit. Her over eagerness and hyper ways always disturbed him, but he found he was rapidly growing used to it. She seemed just as eager to get out as well, but he’d have to watch her. Which annoyed him but he had to admit it would be more enjoyable with her company.

“Ok good. I just…I don’t want Thyla…or Talula to get in trouble because of us. But I NEED to do something when I can’t sleep”
She further impressed him when she made an attempt at short flight. He knew too well that they could not fly yet, but he knew most of his clutch mates still made attempts to practice. And Elysium gained more altitude and length than he expected! She even made it to the window without his help!
Huh, gotta start giving her more credit it seems…
He chuckled when she explained she didn’t need Gravity powers. In truth he did look for excuses to use his ability. He was disappointed in it, but he wanted to at least get "good" with it. So he found himself "flexing his gravity muscles" as Thyla sometimes said
As she scooted over in the window he did a cat like leap to her side and looked down. It did seem the drop outside was greater than the inside. But that wasn’t a great surprise. Savitr analyzed.

“Ok…I can either do the gravity trick here or if you prefer…Try jumping up and spread your wings out and up a little. It will slow you down like a parachute.”
Savitr wanted to jump down himself but now that he had someone under his watch he knew he had to help her down first. And it also crossed his mind getting back in would be a challenge, but it was still do-able….in this case his ability would come in handy as a last option

((Bleh sorry these have been short, Reno trip and now work >_< Sucking away creativity! Boo! lol))

Elysium wiggled on the window sill, pacing like an agitated cat. His suggestions were taken and she spread her wigs wide. They unfurled and the moonlight caught them, almost casting her into a strange glow as it spread across her glimmering scales. They were quite different the pair of them, sitting there on the ledge. He was all dark and jagged edges, and she as the perfect image of smooth, flowing lines. Her feathers chimed as she rose and lowered them, her tail straightened and then she launched herself off the sill with graceful ease.

Her wings spread wide, and angled slightly up. At first she looked as if she would maintain. She flitted downwards until she was about four feet above the ground. Then an errant gust of wind caught her wings and she sprawled sideways. She bailed, her wings flailing, her legs sprawling. Suddenly she flipped over, with a deft twist of her wings, and landed cat like on all fours. For a moment she was dead silent. Her heart pounded against her ribs and her mind raced with fear that she had almost hurt herself. Then she realized exactly what she had done.

She spun around bouncing in place as if she had springs in her feet. Her grin spoke volumes. She gave a half squeal but it stopped before it got much past her lips. She snapped her mouth shut and clamped a paw over it, stopping the sound dead in it's tracks. She was so proud of herself. Had he seen that landing! Then again how could he miss it. The light of the moon danced off her scales like it did across a frozen lake. She glimmered and sparkled with each gesture and twitch. It would have taken one hell of a distraction not to track her entire descent.

As soon as he reached her she began bounding about in tight circles, “Did you see that! I was like woosh! And then I was like woah!” she rolled across the ground, tucking her wings tight to her sides, “And then bam!” She rolled and jumped landing catlike on her feet. All this was done in a very soft whisper, but her over enthusiastic body language said the volume she wished she could have said it at. She bounced directly in front of him in utter, abundant joy. Unable to resist her need for movement. Then her eyes shot upwards.

For a moment she just stopped. In the moonlight she shown with potential of the dragon she might one day become. Her elegant lines promising to grow shapely and strong. Her feathers arching upwards in a crest that appeared more rosemary then ice. She was still as the liquid she resembled, like a statue amid the grass. Then the moment was gone and she launched herself at a spider she saw scuttling through the grass. A light hearted giggle springing to her lips.

(No worries!)

Savitr's eyes widened as she spread her wings. The reflective sparkle from them was damn near over powering! he was now surprised someone hadn't noticed them yet because of it! It frustrated him but he knew he couldn't be mad at her for that. It wasn't her fault. Hell if anyone tried scolding him because of his color or spines he'd likely rip their lips off. And also....he couldn't help but admit he found her scales and the effect they had very beautiful.

Then Elysium jumped. He was hoping to use his gravity on her just to be safe but apparently she was more stubborn than he gave her credit for. Now Savitr fully expected her to glide down slowly perhaps with a few awkward flaps, and at first it looked to be alright but then it seemed wind hit her and her wings flailed. Panic hit Savitr.
"ELY!"
He cried out and leaped from the window sill. His intention was to grab her and help her to the ground but then he found himself on the ground looking at a perfectly safe Ice dragon who was bouncing about in glee at what had just happened.
He gaped at her. Hell she even remembered herself and quieted down. It then hit him that he had been...worried? He felt panic and went to help her without thinking....And this felt odd to him. Not BAD, but odd. As if it was something he didn't intend to do but did from instant instinct.
He shook himself and looked about nervously. Surely that had woken someone? As he waited on any sign they had been discovered, Elysium was pouncing at something in the grass. Her scales still shining in the night. They'd need to leave now before they were caught (even though their luck had indeed held out!) He again found himself staring at her sparkling form in a slight daze.

"Come on Ely. We have to go before your scales give us up. Come on now the lake gardens are that way...lots of stars" He sounded grumpy but in truth the fact they made it out at all filled him with gleeful mischief. He just found it uncomfortable to express.
He headed off and she was eagerly at his side. Noticing the grass was growing taller and thicker, he had an idea
"Elysium, lets try moving low...like stalking or hunting" He lowered his body below the grass line to show her. But although he couldn't loose her, he was perfectly camouflaged for the night. She could easily loose him.
"Here, hold onto my tail...just grab one of those spikes on the end"
He glanced up at the sky. The stars were indeed bright tonight but there were still a couple trees obscuring the view. The closer they got to the gardens the clearer the sky would become.

"Ok we'll be there in just a couple minutes...Never been there at night so this will be new for me too. Just stay close" He felt her tug at his tail and oddly enough...it was a comforting sensation

Elysium stopped jumping around when he mentioned her scales would give them up. The poor spider she had been harassing went scuttling off, thankful for another day alive and that the great beast had left it be. She cocked her head and glanced at her sides, causing her to spin a few small circles. They were rather bright, even in the dim moonlight, he was right. She looked around for a bush or something she could hide in, but it appeared Savitr had a plan. She bobbed her head quietly. She really was a headstrong little ice. It was one of the reasons her bonded Talula spent so much time chasing after her, a wonderful game Ely loved.

Her eyes were alight with mischief too, though not at breaking rules, at being out to do the things she wanted despite warnings. It wasn't that she wanted to break rules! In her mind she had told herself someone had to be out with Savi~avi~avitr. Mr. grumpy scales would get himself into trouble and she couldn't have that. She like him too much to let him be the center of a problem with the adult dragons. Besides if an adult came and she told them he had come with her to look at the stars and protect her from monsters, the adult was more likely to be kind, then if Savi went mouthing off in his somewhat usual manner.

His askance to grab his tail caused her to pause. She glanced at her paws, realizing she would need these to stalk and instead gripped his tail very lightly in her teeth. Now this might be a bit unpleasant as her jaws were quite a bit colder then the air around her. Though her teeth hardly scraped his smooth black scales, her tongue would flick it from time to time, shooting chill through the tip. It was unintentional, but he had told her to hang on.

She skittered through the grass after him, staying low. Which wasn't hard as she was just over four feet long and not even a foot high at the shoulders yet. They were tiny specs, and in the grass even her scales could hardly catch the light. She felt a thrill of the unknown. She had been to the lake gardens before but never at night. She followed him until they broke the tall glass. Her mind whipped around with all the attention span of a gnat and she released his tail.

Instantly her excitement got the better of her and she leaped free of the tall grass to stand in the light again. She loved the way the moon and sun played off her scales. It was beautiful. All those flecks of light dancing on the ground. She pranced along the water's edge, glancing back to make sure Savitr was sticking close to her heels. She didn't want to lose him out here. She paused at the water's edge, staring at how the moon reflected back up on it's surface and thousands of stars held captive in the stillness of the night. She felt that by falling into the lake, you might just fall into the heavens and never return.

She spun around to face Savitr and thrummed gratefully. “Oh wow! This is amazing! Thank you for bringing me! Do you do this often? Look at how many stars there are! Away from the torches you can see them better! Look at the mooonnnnnnn~” Her voice was a bit louder now, but still hushed. She was trying her best to be quiet. She just wasn't the best at it.

Savitr indeed felt the chills from Elysium gently grasping his tail in her mouth. In a somewhat amused thought he realized it’d be beneficial to hang out with her on hot days. Though he detested the notion of “using” someone. But hey he enjoyed her company…a revelation that surprised him. He’d need to keep that under a lid. He still wasn’t sure why he felt he needed to do things like that but he also tried not to question it.
He could smell the flowers and water of the gardens very close. They had barely come to the edge of the tall grass when Ely released his tail and bounded forward. He almost hissed at her to slow down and be careful but he reminded himself it was hardly dangerous here. The biggest worry was drowning in the lake (very unlikely for them as they were both capable of swimming) And sneezing from the flowers.

He looked about. It was strange but this place seemed more appealing at night in the moonlight…Part of this of course came from the light dancing off of Elysium’s scales. As she bounded and danced, he watched her and all the dancing light. He couldn’t help but wonder how it would look with the different phases of the moon.
Thyla would love this He realized. But thinking of his rider brought attention back to the painful pull of their bond. So he focused back on Elysium. She certainly looked even happier than usual! He really couldn’t picture her ever being down. Savitr walked to the water’s edge and looked at his reflection. Again admiring his twisted horns and striking markings. He’d be able to see better if the moon was brighter…

Elysium bounded to him now and exclaimed her thanks and excitement. He felt the typical twinge of annoyance but it quickly softened.
“Well…no, this is my first time out without Thyla. So it’s new to me…And…” He seemed to struggle a bit “I am glad you’re enjoying yourself…just stay in sight. And don’t worry about silence now, we’re far from the barracks and we’re alone out here”
”He sat and looked up at the sky. Tonight was particularly brilliant as far as stars were concerned. It made him look back at himself and again wondering why he lacked the star-like markings that other Gravity dragons were so known for.
“I wonder why I am so different from the others of my breed…” He mused out loud. Forgetting Ely was within earshot. This setting seemed to do something odd to his mind. He held far more tolerance and affection for Elysium and he was being more self aware and thoughtful.

This thought process made him glance at his companion and then to the lake. She was an ice dragon, not a water dragon, but her scales were so water like he couldn't help but wonder if she would camouflage well in the water. Elysium was a good example of her breed. Perhaps his oddities came from his chaos father? Uhg he needed to clear his head! He had another idea.
"Ely I'll be right back...you can follow me but don't make me have to save you" He actually said this in a humorous manner so as not to upset her. what it translated to was 'you better w=swim well'
With that he jumped into the water with an impressive splash. The water was oddly warm which was nice on a night like this. And he did feel his head clear!

Elysium churred as he went about his musings. She darted after moths, and pranced through the flowers. Everywhere her feet touched left little trails of frost, like a whisper of winter in the warm night air. It was a sign she was getting stronger. She peered into the bells of night blooming flowers, and under their leaves as if expecting the night to have changed them too. His words turned her. Honestly she wasn't a good example of her kin. She lacked the three pronged claws at the end of her tail, the jagged scales, the jutting horns. Hell if you turned Savitr's scales to ice, he would be a better example of the breed then she. Where most were all sharp points and jutting edges, she was smooth and fluid as a frozen lake. Sure she looked the part, glimmering and crystalline, but her imitative feathers and softly sloping horns only added to her smooth edges and sloping lines.

She came sauntering up to him, her head lowering so she could peer into his brooding eyes. Her own hid nothing, no fears, no worries about who she was. She was Elysium, and that was all that mattered. “You know why you are different Savi~avi~avitr?” She cooed and she leaned forward to nuzzle his nose affectionately trying to cheer him up, “Because you are you. No one else looks like you. Rejoice!” She cried a little louder and then giggled flopping her rear quarters to the ground. “Instead of thinking about why you are different, you should think about why they are the same. That's what makes you special after all.” She beamed with all the mirth that ever flowed from her. Unrestrained, unbridled, she didn't care what others thought of her, well unless you counted Talula, but her bonded was different. Her words held wisdom beyond their years, though to her being yourself had always made sense. While she looked a perfect cross between her rosemary father and her ice mother, she had no concern which she more resembled. She loved her parents for hey had brought her, and her twin, into the world.

She was special. She was new. She was something the world had been waiting for and she wanted to experience everything it had to offer. Her reverie was broken as a large brown moth fluttered particularly close to her face and her grin turned to a slight crinkle of her muzzle. She turned to snap at it, but it flitted out of range. With a playful growl she took a swipe at it with one paw and missed. Giggling she bounced off after it in delight, his brooding mood having been forgotten.

His trek into the water slowed her bouncing and the moth finally managed to find a safe hiding spot. She looked around for it, snuffling, then her eyes swept to the water. She darted to the edge, staring where he had vanished. She didn't feel like swimming, she wanted to run. So she pranced along the edges watching him closely. Her mind kept wandering back to Talula, safe in bed. She would have loved Talula to be here, but she thought it was nice. Spending a little time with another dragon. It was strange, she hadn't considered that she spent so much time with Talula she really hadn't come to understand much about her own kind yet. So while her bond tried to draw her home, she enjoyed her first taste of freedom.

He swam in circles to exercise his muscles and continue to clear his head. Her nuzzle actually confused him a little...because he liked it. A lot. But he shouldn't! He was Savitr! Strong and Stoic Savitr. He didn't soften for females...did he? He shook his head as he swam...Although She WAS right. He was himself. And he was very proud of that. He wasn't sad that he was different. Not at all. But he WAS very curious....perhaps when he was older he'd approach his father on the matter. But he was impressed something true and rather deep came from the normally innocent almost child-like Ice.

He launched himself out of the water and shook himself of much of the water. So now he felt very refreshed. He wanted to bound about himself but Elysium was present....but still...
Aw hell, Screw it!
He jumped and began to run through the grass. Sending up various flying insects. Elysium may be here but she was far safer than Thyla. Who would use this rare instance of him letting loose against him sometime. At the moment, he felt great. And it was partially due to the fact he had broken the rules and followed his instinct. And it turned out well!

"Ha! See Ely? We'd normally be sleeping but instead we're out enjoying ourselves!...not that sleep isn't great!..nor would I suggest doing this all the time but....Bah! We're enjoying the night! Those fools at our little training camp don't know the first thing about raising potential in great dragons like us" He ran a bit more, the spikes on the end of his tail stirring up more grass than he intended. So he slowed down.
Holy....if Thyla saw me now I'd NEVER hear the end of it
All the more reason to cut loose. He jumped up and flapped his wings. He was actually able to stay a loft a bit longer than expected. He knew he wasn't ready for flight just yet but if he got a head start maybe he'd obtain better flight sooner.

He came to a stop by a small rotted log. With another mischievous itch he brushed his tail against it and with focus, made it float up several feet. It seemed his ability was growing stronger.
"Hey Ely...have you tried out your ability any further? You should try to see what more you can do!"

((Hmm, I know, he's being abnormally nice. But I'm finding it hard to have him be mean around her lol. Plus I always figured he could be closet nice to some but rude outwardly to the bulk of society. Plus I figure if they do get found out he'll be his normal nasty self. hehe))

Elysium giggled as he burst out of the water and flared a wing to shield her face and eyes from the droplets that flung off him. They landed upon the outstretched membrane and slowly ran down the side, freezing before they could drop off. She folded it just in time to see him take off at a full sprint. Glee spread over her features, and her smile wrapped right around her eyes. She bounded after him, prancing with each leaping step. She felt so alive, so vivacious. She didn't care that Savitr was normally far more grumpy, nor that he was being particularly nice to her. She was just glad he was playing with her!

His sudden stop almost had her barrel into him but she bailed sideways, rolling over some poor flowers as she got herself righted again. She shook the dirt off her scales, still beaming like a ray of sunshine. “Oh yes. I am not tired anymore~” she thrilled. “This is far better!” Her heart ached for Talula though. While this was better then sleeping she hoped the girl would not awaken to find her missing. Unlike Thyla and Savitr there was almost no hard feelings between them. Her bonded had been so good to her, guiding her to get along better with others, helping her when she needed it. It worried her a little she might be worrying Talula.

However once he started floating small logs she couldn't help but be distracted from that troubling line of thought. She bounced forward to sit beside him, watching him work his magic. He was talented, that was clear as the night around them. She glanced up to the stars as he asked her what she could do. She had been keeping fruit somewhat frozen, to keep it fresh, in a little pile under Talula's bed but she didn't think that was what he was talking about. So she scrounged for a night blooming flower and sat herself in front of it.

Her face screwed up in concentration, this took some thought, and as drifting as her mind was, she found it hard sometimes to focus. She leaned forward and opened her jaws, breathing out a cloud of white mist. The Flower frosted over, its petals becoming rigid, the leaves curled slightly in protest but her work was too swift. The cloud thickened and then she snapped her jaws shut. When the mist cleared the little flower had frozen solid. She puffed up looking pleased, it was no log, but it was more then she had done up until this point.

“I can do that!” She dreamed big though. She couldn't now, her power was still so small, but one day she wanted to freeze a bridge over the lake. One that shown like her hide and was just as strong. She wanted to cross it and show everyone she could be great. It was a dream, and that was enough for her. She stared at the log again, knowing Savitr had greater power then she at this point, but just wait. She would catch up. She just needed to work on foc—she sprung sideways at a moth batting wildly with both paws giggling like bells.

As he tended to do he increased the gravity now on the log he had rise into the air so now it fell to the Earth with a loud thunk as it sank more heavily than normal. He watched now with interest as Elysium tried out her own abilities. As usual he felt a twitch of jealousy, but he also felt something else…Respect yes but this was something new…Pride? Was he proud of her? He had felt his first inkling of pride for someone else with Thyla. When he saw her stand up for one of her friends. When he first felt it he was unsure what it was or even if he liked it, Though at least now it was becoming a tad more familiar.

“You look like you have gotten stronger” He finally said to her “If you wanted to you could be a superb warrior” Savitr looked at her again, he knew Ely would not be one to want to fight or be a part of any war…And he knew he would not want to see her have to. Though he had to admit seeing her full grown and fighting like a champion would be quite attractive.
Savitr laid down now and looked back up at the sky Elysium seemed so enamored with. He stared up for quite a while. Becoming rather enamored himself.
I would blend right in had I typical Gravity coloring…But then, why the hell would I want to blend in?
His newer line of deeper thought surprised him…well, a little. He knew he was fully capable of deep thought, but he was more surprised of what brought it out.

“Well then, Glad to see you are enjoying this night Ely….I’m starting to see why you like the stars so much”
That did it. He had gone soft. But hell, if it was just Elysium present to see it there wasn’t really any harm done….At least he hoped so. He was soft around Thyla…most of the time. He would be more-so but she and he just had somewhat clashing personalities. Well, surely his rider would learn his heart in time.
Savitr yawned a bit. NOW he was growing tired but not nearly enough to sleep just yet….

“So…any thoughts on what we should do next?”

((BAH! Been having internet failures and brain-failures lol. I’m having a thought they might fall asleep together at some point and have Thyla/Talula find them in the morning. Just a thought, what do you think? :)))

Elysium was overjoyed as he expressed his satisfaction in her performance. Her slender tail wagged so hard her whole rump took to shaking. She flexed her wings excitedly, looking like she might pounce him again, but she restrained. “Thank you~ Thank you~ But you're soooooo good Savi~avi~avitr! I mean I couldn't make that whole log ice. No way~ But you were like whoosh!” She stood up on her hind legs making a motion with her forepaws as if lifting something heavy.

“Then you were like BAM!” She flung her paws downwards so she landed on them springily. She didn't know about that warrior stuff but she liked the idea of being good at something. Sure she could fight if she needed to, she had to protect her friends after all. However it wouldn't be her first choice of careers. Heck she would try everything once if she could. Then she could do everything and try it all! She looked distantly up at the stars grinning to herself at this line of logic. That seemed good.

She snapped back to focus when he mentioned the stars and she actually saw them again, she had been so lost she forgot to actually look, “They are wonderful are they not~” she chirruped gladly. She was glad they had this chance. His next question caught the little dragonette off guard. She considered. There were so many things they could do! If there was no one to catch them. They could run through the library, or try to get into the infirmary and see what was in there. Or perhaps they could see what an grown dragon's room looked like! There were so many possibilities! Endless! Vast!

Her belly gave a massive rumble. It was enough to startle the little dragoness herself. She jumped and looked down to her belly thoughtfully. She didn't seem to think anything of Savitr going 'soft'. He seemed to be relaxing and letting his guard down more sure. But to the ice, there was no soft and hard. Mind you that mindset might change as she got older, but for now she believed everyone had some good on the inside.

“My belly says we should go find some food!” she said giddily. “Wanna go sneak into the kitchens?” She looked positively thrilled at the idea of food. She was a growing dragon and it seemed as if her belly was eternally empty. Then again if she didn't do so much scampering about maybe she wouldn't need to eat so much. That didn't occur to her, and even if it did she would never stop scampering.


(I like that idea. Maybe in one of the rooms they break into, or they can't figure out how to get back inside and end up falling asleep in the grass.)

Savitr watched Elysium vividly describe and reenact his feat. His expression didn’t seem changed but he was amused and even charmed. He let out a slight chuckle. He stopped when she gazed up at the stars again. She seemed to change whenever she looked upon them. He couldn’t help but find it fascinating.

Interesting! The night sky seems to have a calming effect on her. I’ll need to remember this…

When her stomach rumbled was when Savitr himself realized he was hungry. This may be a problem since they couldn’t go back to sleep being hungry…at least he couldn’t. He looked around for any fruit trees but really what he wanted was meat. What surprised him next was the Ice’s suggestion. SO much of a surprise Savitr had to repeat it to be sure he heard right

“Sneak into the kitchens?” He had two trains of thought on this. First of all he really wanted to. He was quite content with helping himself if there was enough food present. But a nagging worry in his mind reminded him that their riders may be held responsible if they were caught….But the night was young, they would just need to be careful and quiet and not knock anything over. Hell they wouldn’t get caught! Even if they were he could possibly knock out any witnesses…

“Well, it sounds good to me. I need meat. But we MUST be careful. There’s a lot f breakable and loud things in there I’m sure.”
He knew the Kitchens were on the way back to the barracks and that the doors on the inside were often unlocked but getting in may be a bit harder. Odds are they’d have to go through a window again. As they trotted towards the building from the gardens his own stomach grumbled. Hopefully after they ate they could slip back into their beds with no one being the wiser.
As they approached Savitr had an idea. Perhaps they could get in through the vents? The kitchen had to have some surely! But he was able to spot a couple larger windows as well. He could smell various food items within and he began to drool a little...but he kept it in his mouth so as not to alert Elysium

"Hmmm...Well, how would you like to get in? We can use vents or perhaps try and unlock a door or window..."

((BAH! So sorry for this one, We've been trying to find a new place to move and it's taking up so much of my energy >_< Also I'm kinda winging it on the structure of the kitchen lol))

Elysium had, once before, stolen into the kitchens late at night with Talula, which was the only reason the idea even popped into her head. It had been just a few days after hatching and Elysium had been 'starving' to the point she was keeping Talula awake. So her bonded had told her that if they were quiet she would sneak the dragon some food. Now she knew that this was an option, otherwise it would never have crossed her sweet little mind. Food was important though, important enough to warrant a little trickery.

Her stomach gave another unhappy rumble and she stared at Savitr as if he were a little slow right now, “Well where else are we supposed to fill our bellies?” She asked sweetly as she could, trying not to sound amused. Her tail flicked with good humor, not fully understanding he was copying to see if he had heard correctly. She was hungry, what else was there to do?

When he started off she trotted joyfully at his side, occasionally darting off to the side to snap at a moth or some other poor flitting creature of the night. Her giggles were ever flowing out here despite the risk and danger of their 'mission'. She bobbed her head at his cautionary tone and eyed the building carefully. It was likely the vents would have some sort of stone slatted covering, something to keep creatures from scurrying into them. Plus she didn't know if they would fit. Sure they were small wyrmlings but they were no where near as little as they once were. If there was a chimney they could shimmy down that but she doubted they could get to the roof.

She pondered a moment then dropped her voice to a whisper once more. “Maybe a window?” She trotted along near the ones at ground level, inspecting them until she saw one with the latch drawn. She lowered herself and then launched up, caught the lip, as she almost always did, and drug herself up to sit on the sill sniffing at it, “This one's unlocked Savi~” She whispered back at him. She indicated with a claw, though it was obvious which one she meant, with her sitting on the sill, “We need your gravity power stuff~” She cooed nosing at the crease, there was no way she was strong enough to lift the heavy window.

Savitr watched with interest as Elysium checked the wondows.
She's far more clever than I gave her credit for! He admitted to himself. He even smirked when she discovered one of the window's was unlatched.

"I dare say. Good work Ely!"
The second she mentioned needing his "powers" he quickly leaped cat like to the window sil and checked to make sure the window would lift safely before brushing it with his nose. Immediately it lifted up.
"Ok you go first, I have to keep it lifted. When I come in it will drop again....damned limited ability" He muttered. He watched Elysium enter the room before carefully slipping in himself. As soon as his paws hit the floor he let go of his mental grip on the window. It shut easily.

Now in their destination, Savitr sniffed about for something tasty. He headed right for the fridge..knowing the meat would be there.
"What do you want Ely?" He pulled the door open and nosed about. He knew they had to be careful not to take too much or make a mess. He saw a long "rope" of sausages and quickly snapped a few off and swallowed half before tossing the other half Elysium's way.

"I swear" He muffled as he chewed "I think they keep the good stuff from us. Which is dire-crap. We're growing dragons we deserve prime nutrition!" He swallowed "I still think our wyrmling 'masters' just see us as free labor. If the lessons don't start teaching us something valuable I'd like to take Thyla and find our own trainers." He sniffed again and saw several hams in the back part of the fridge. Nudging about carefully, he pulled one out by the bone
"Help yourself Ely. No ridiculous rules tonight!"
He tore several mouthfuls off the ham and offered it to her again. Impressed by how effectively his teeth sliced the flesh. He knew he'd need to eat fruit soon to even out his meal or the meaty smell would alert Thyla to his previous whereabouts when he saw her next. he just hoped she was still sleeping soundly....

((Yeah I'm just assuming they have refrigerators lol))

Elysium glowed with pride. Her tail flicked happily, those little ice feathers chiming like sweet little bells. She had clearly done well again. She loved praise, she thrived off it in fact. She truly was a child at heart, and probably always would be. She watched him land perfectly beside her, deep violet eyes taking in how he moved his wings, and angled his body. She would get this leaping thing eventually. She slid through the window and bounced off the sill and cat like onto the floor. She spun in a circle checking to be sure there were no adults. The coast clear she rose from the loop she had made of her tail blinking up at him.

The sound of the window dropping made her wince and peer around cautiously. She saw nothing and trotted after him into the kitchens. The sound of their claws echoed off the walls filling the space. She marveled at how large they sounded. Like adults. Even their shadows looked huge against the wall. She pretended, for a moment they were full sized dragons, and she stretched her neck a little taller and held her tail just a bit higher. She let her wings arch outwards slightly and she pondered what Savitr might look like with his massive horns and twisting spikes, he would strike fear into lesser dragons, but she would never see it. He would always be her Savi~avi~avitr. She thrummed softly at the thought, liking the idea of being grown. Soon enough it would find them.

She followed him into the cooler her eyes sweeping the wonderful work of some ice dragon of the academy. The ice of her breed never melted, unless they willed it. She couldn't control her own that well yet. Yet this was a hopeful glimmer of her future power. She would have to practice more. She puffed out a bit of glimmering air into the frigid space and grinned at it wide eyed. Her nose twitched, turning her to a lower shelf. She stumbled upon a leg of lamb and snatched it up with glee, this would fill her belly. Her eyes were aglow as she flopped herself down and tore at the chilled meat. It felt good in her own chill jaws. The meat did not taste as good cold, but she couldn't complain. It would fill her belly and leave her satisfied til the morning meal. “They feed us plenty.” She quipped back.

It was true. They gave the hatchlings as much as they needed to eat, except at night when the kitchens were closed. Which was why they were currently sneaking, and hopefully not getting caught. She ripped the last bit of meat from the bone and stashed it behind some other roasts on the shelf. Pleasantly she watched the clouds her breath created in the cold air, loving the feeling of the chill room. Momentarily she wished the whole world could feel like this. It would be amazing. But there would be winter, when the chill she so loved would reign supreme. Talula had mentioned it. She was starting to feel soul sick at the distance.“Some rules.I don't want to get lost!” She said brightly.

Seeing her dig into a leg of lamb he himself finished the ham. Not stopping until the bone was picked clean. While he was partially satisfied he still went and ate several pieces of fruit, seeds, core and all. Afterwords he checked and made sure it didn't look like much had been taken.

As Elysium countered his comments, he realized with a dull weary surprise that he envied her. To be so at ease with things the way they were....she felt they were fed well and that rules were all well and good.
"Well now.....I'm sure you wouldn't get lost Ely. You have your wits" he said in response. This was indeed a compliment.

For good measure to ease his tension, he gobbled up a chicken. Now he was nice and full. So now he curled up and watched as Elysium munched her lamb. He glanced up at the window again and noticed the night sky was not as dark as it was when they arrived. Sure they still had time, but it was good to know they would need to head back soon.
"Well, eat up. After this, as much as I hate to say it we may need to head back. The sun will be up soon" He let out a sigh "But hey if you like the stars you may well like the sunrise as well."

He was already thinking he'd need to do this again sometime soon. He loved the freedom far too much and he needed to experience it again. Still, as much as he had his 'I don't give a damn' attitude, he still made sure to cover his tracks
I'm not afraid, I'm just smart He told himself
Looking again at Elysium he also felt curious as to how she would appear as an adult. Really he was curious about all of his clutch mates, but Elysium's beauty was captivating already at this age. He looked away to change his train of thought at that point. Politely waiting for her to finish her food.

"Let me know when you're ready to head back. Now since we're full we can probably sleep well now" He said with a yawn and a stretch

((Bleh. Le Crap =P))

Elysium snatched up a few pieces of fruit contently her eyes aglow as she forced her teeth through the chilled flesh. The crisp juices slathered her tongue and she thrummed softly in glee. She liked fruit, well some of them. She wasn't a huge fan of blackberries. They were too tart in her opinion. She liked the sweet ones.

Her eyes darted up at his complement and she practically glowed. Savitr did not often hand out complements and when he did she accepted them with glee. It was good to know he appreciated her. Elysium on the other hands dolled out complements like flowers at a festival. “I do don't I.” she said brightly. “But what if I went wwwaaaaaaayyyyyy out into the forest and I ran into a big monster!” She bared her teeth, though the look was closer to a grin then anything threatening. She burst into giggles and gave in to the smile.

“It's only for a little while. Get a bit bigger and there will be less rules.” She rose to her feet and stretched like a lazy feline before trotting over. She was missing Talula deeply, like a soft ache in her chest. She rubbed against Savitr in a companionable manner, absolutely oblivious to his thoughts on her form and figure. She was just silently telling him she was enjoying his company. Things like mating and any adult responsibility really didn't enter her rather innocent little brain.

She bounced out of the kitchen and right up onto the window sill. This time she made the jump, knowing the height a bit better now she alighted gracefully and she stood observing the gray of the coming dawn. Her tail coiled around her feet as the gray light turned her figure into a beacon in the windowsill, and still as she momentarily was she could have easily been mistaken for a figurine of glass. Then her head turned back to Savitr. “Lets go home ok? They will worry and I don't want bonded mine to be worried.”

Savitr nodded at her statement. In truth he was eager to be his full adult size. Sure Gravitys were not the largest of breeds but they were not small by any means. And he had already gotten comments on how he was growing quickly and was quite large for most Gravitys at his age. He knew his markings and spines alone were an oddity for his breed, but his father was a Chaos, so he was prepared to be different than the norm. And he was perfectly content with that.

His thoughts were interrupted by Elysium rubbing against him like a loving cat. Of course Savitr wasn't quite as innocent as his friend and so he got a rather enjoyable shiver through his body as she did so. But Savitr also had enough sense and youthful innocence (and respect for Elysium herself) not to react as many adult males would do. So he simply enjoyed and appreciated the touch.
(inwardly he knew if any other dragon reacted less than respectfully to her Savitr would become VERY protective)

He sighed at her next statement. He knew she was right.
"yeah....you're right. We should try to rest a little at least. Alrighty then"
He went back to below the window and jumped up up to grasp the sil and lifted it with his ability before dropping down to allow Elysium to go first. He followed her after he made sure everything looked un-broken into so they wouldn't be hunted down tomorrow. Which meant he had to carry some bones with him to bury outside...
Once out he did so despite that he would enjoy having a gnawing bone in his nest.

He and Elysium trotted towards the barracks. His full belly making it harder to complain about anything or even talk too much....which was fine because walking with Ely under the fading stars actually seemed to sooth his mind.

Upon reaching the outer wall of the Wyrmling barracks it dawned in him the window they exited from was higher up outside than inside. So getting in would be difficult. This actually succeeded in stressing him a bit. Like Elysium he wanted to get back to his bonded. Curling up with Thyla in their bed while letting his food digest sounded VERY inviting....

"Hmm....Looks like getting in will be harder than getting out unfortunately"

Elysium churred and hopped down, graceful on her feet now she was getting used to those particular distances. She spread her wings once outside, letting the cool air of the coming morning slide around them. It might have chilled her if cold was something she understood. Instead it soothed her. With a little smile she folded her wings back at her side comfortably and trotted quietly at his side.

Just like him she was a bit overfull. Her belly even bulged slightly against her skin. Giving her the tiniest bit of a ponch. Her eyes hung half lidded, content with their spoils. She was happy to walk quietly at his side, and more then happy to help him dig holes, in fact she dug a few extra just to show him she could. All of this was done with round after round of delighted giggles.

Though once they reached the window she stared up nervously. Perhaps they could go in through the main door? She couldn't fly up to the window and she didn't know if she could climb that well yet. Her tail flicked a few times in concern, the counterfeit feathers chiming off each other softly in the growing morning air. “I don't know if I can climb that high Savi~avi~avitr.”

She imagined Talula waking up without her and fear spread through her bond, hesitant and nervous. What if they couldn't get back in. They would blame Savitr. She couldn't have that! He had taken such good care of her! Well there was no point in worrying yet. She trotted too and fro under the windows then looked towards the door. “Do you think your gravity powers can unlock a door? Maybe I could freeze it and then we could break it? But then everyone would know...” Her concern was growing, and with it her movements began to become more twitching and agitated. It was clear she was growing more and more worried about being trapped apart from their bonded. Poor Talula would be so worried when she found the dragon gone from her usual place at the end of her bed. What would she think? Would she panic?

Elysium would panic if she ever found Talula gone! She was suddenly regretting their midnight foray. While she had enjoyed it now she was beginning to fear repercussions. The idea frightened her. What if Talula didn't want to be her's anymore! “We need to get inside...” She whispered nervously.

It hit him now just how full he was. Savitr scolded himself for not taking into account that it may take a few moments to realize just how much he ate. Same with Ely. They should have only gotten a light snack and not filled themselves to near bulging.
He sat silently cursing himself as he looked around and at the window. Elsium began to express her worry. And Savitr worried too. Though he didn't say it, he did not want Elysium to get in trouble, nor did he want to worry Thyla...OR talula for that matter. And if Thyla got in trouble for his actiona when she did nothing wrong he WOULD have to bite someone.....

"Ok ok don't panic...let me think..."
At her suggestions he mulled over the possibilies. No, it was unlikely his ability could unlock a door. And yes even if he did break a lock that would just be more evidence against them. He wouldn't be surprized if some fool shed tears over a busted lock. No, the best way it seemed as through the window again. But they were now heavy with food. He'd have to test his power...and his wings. He had unique wings, perhaps they would be strong enough?
"Ok, I'm gonna try to shift my own gravity, if that works I can easily get upu in too. Let me try..."
Savitr concentrated, he could feel himself feeling lighter...but he only rose at most a foot off the ground and no more

"Damn! Ok hang on, gonna try my wings too"
He opned his wings fully and began to flap as he tried to climb up to the window. This actually lifted him a few more inches, but to his (great) dismay, his wings just weren't strong enough yet. The muscles burned and refused to give him any more of a boost. He was too young. His body sank down to the grass along with his heart

He sat sulking for a minute before breaking the news to Elysium
"Dammit!...It's no good. I'm not strong enough yet. And if i can't lift myself, even if I shifted your gravity it wouldn't be enough" He sank down, trying to disappear in the tall grass. he could feel the air loosing some of it's chill as morning came. But he could feel Elysium's chill. Snd she was afraid.
Savitr felt again a feeling of guilt. A feeling he hated. But the truth was painful. He ha d dragged her along, he'd have to see to it that she didn't get in trouble.

"I don't think we can get in but don't worry...I'm sure some early rider will open a door and we can slip in that way. Until then we can just hide here, the grass is tall...And even if we're found out just blame me. Hell I'm used to getting guff" He snorted.
He felt his anxiety rise for Thyla. he wanted to be with her and he didn't want her suffering because of him.....He wasn't sure why it was so hard for him to admit it. To make matters worse, the full belly coupled with the slowly rising sun was making him very sleepy....

((I'll have Thyla wake up next post ;)))

Elysium paced until Savitr told her to stop panicking. She slowed and sat down near him watching the little gravity struggle to rise to the window. Her belly was full enough she doubted she could make the leap anyways. She frowned upwards her eyes becoming misty. She considered wailing for Talula to come get them, but that would draw more attention to them and that was the last thing they needed. So she quieted herself. Forcing herself to be brave. It was easy, they were right outside of home, nothing bad would come this close to the Academy. They knew better. So they had to be safe enough.

In her mind she pretended to be her sister, serene, calm, collected. She took a little breath and slunk over to Savitr. Carefully she curled into the tall grass beside him. Once she sun rose she would be as obvious as an excited lightening. Her skin would catch every ray of sunshine, every flicker of dew. She would give them away, but she didn't mention that. Instead she curled up beside savitr and licked his cheek sweetly.

“I think you did really good Savi~” She said softly. “Maybe our riders will come find us soon. Don't worry. It will be ok. You'll see.” She did not answer him about him taking the blame. She had her own plans. Her tail wagged slowly. “Tonight was fun right? Maybe when we are old enough to come out alone we can do this again. I liked it.” She beamed at him and dropped her head onto her claws. The food was making her sleepy, she couldn't help herself as her eyes drooped. Besides no one would mess with Savitr. He was a big tough gravity dragon after all.

In their shared room Talula tossed and turned. She was dreaming she had lost something very important and no matter how hard she looked she couldn't find it. She was alone, and scared. She was lost. Talula sat bolt upright gasping for breath. She groped at her nightstand wildly until she found the amethyst seashell where it rested. Her fingers clasped around it, holding it as she had that first night on the sands, and she breathed a little more gently, “What a dream...” she whispered into the room. She turned to the end of her bed to check on Elysium, only to find the spot vacant. She peered around the room, hoping that she missed the little dragoness. Softly she rubbed her hazel eyes and peered around again. “Ely?” She tried.

Yet as the moments grew longer, her panic began to rise. Elysium wasn't here. She wasn't anywhere. “Ely?” She whispered a bit more urgently into the darkness, but no playful hidden giggle, or coy tinkle of feathers returned her cry. Her eyes turned to her roommate and the blind little forest, glad she had not woken them. What would they think? Talula pushed herself from bed and drew her robe about her body for extra protection against the chill of the halls. She slipped out, barefoot, into them feeling her panic rise as she saw Elysium out there either. Her heart pounded harder against her ribs as her fear rose. What if something had happened?

She was a horrible rider! She had lost her dragon! How had this happened. She felt tears welling in her eyes, what if they took Elysium from her. Talula was tired, disoriented, and scared. She gripped her crystal harder. Kazuko had chosen her, but what if something had happened to Ely? Would she change her mind? Would she take the light in Talula's life away from her? She broke into a jog heading town the wyrmling hall. She peeked into any open doors, hoping the dragon had just gone to see a friend, and not left the building but she knew how Ely liked stars. “Ely!?” She called a little louder into the growing dim of morning.

Savitr felt a bit awkward. Here was a totally innocent fellow hatchling that was depending on him and trusted him. And he had gotten her into a bind. The first waves of guilt began to hit him. His wings felt hot from the attempt at flight. If only his ability was stronger! He wanted to roar and curse, but he couldn’t. He had to keep a lid on it for Elysium’s sake.
This was why he wished he could be on his own. He hated relying on others but he suddenly realized with a sort of dull weary yet heavy surprise that it was even worse to have others depend on him. He may let them down. This both angered and stressed him.

He shivered a little when she licked him. Not from displeasure, but because it was cold. He sighed repressing his anger.
“Yes….you’re right. Come on, let’s just stay as hidden as we can in the grass until we can get to our riders” He did not object when she curled up next to him. He owed her SOME comfort at least. His full belly also induced sleepiness especially after his work out. Within moments he laid his head down and began to drift off
“I’ll keep you safe…” He murmured sleepily as he gave into exhaustion.

Thyla was still in bed and sleep herself when she heard a familiar voice calling for a familiar name. A sleepy grunt emitted from her as the cries began to awaken her. But she didn’t snap into full alertness until she reached out to cuddle her dragon- her arms came back empty.
Thyla’s eyes snapped open as she stared at the empty side of the bed. Sitting up she looked about frantically. The Crystal pair they roomed with had left early (They warned her the night before) so she sat alone as she scanned the room for Savitr. Nothing.
It was then that She heard Talula’s panicked cries for Elysium loud and clear. Ely was gone too? Ok something was up. Elysium was one of the few dragons Savitr grudgingly accepted. They must be together perhaps? Or one was looking for the other? Thyla leaped out of bed and dressed as fast as she could. Making sure to put on her belt thatheld her crystal. FInally bolting out into the hallway too follow Talula’s voice.

“Talula! Talula!” She called to the other girl “I heard you calling for Elysium….Savitr’s gone too”
The two looked at each other in both mutual panic and understanding. “I’d be willing to bet they’re together. Any idea where they may go? I have a feeling they’re not in the building” her tone gave away her worry.

Elysium was mostly unworried. She was nervous sure, scared Talula would be mad at her, scared there might be repressions to her actions, but mostly she was worried about Savitr. The gravity dragon was taking all of this to heart. She scooted closer until she could rest her chin on his shoulders and breathed soothingly as she could. She needed to make him feel better, that was what she was good at. “Don't worry. They will find us.”

Her eyes drooped though, and soon enough she slipped from the waking world into that of the dreaming. Her full belly and the stress of the moment having cast her into a rather groggy state. Glad to now be left to rest, she did. Talula would come, she told herself, and Thyla too.

Talula nearly jumped clean out of her skin when Thyla came bursting from a door she had just past. She swung around so quickly her hair fell like autumn leaves across her face and she stood stark still and pale in the growing morning. With her large eyes and gangly appearance, for a moment, she looked like a bird about to take to the skies in panicked flight. Horroified tears brimmed in her gold green hues. She was so glad not to be alone she ran to the other girl without thinking and threw her arms around her. “Oh I am so sorry Thyla! Elysium doesn't sleep well, she gets bored. I don't know what to do! Whatifthey'vebeenhurt! Orgotlost intheforest!” By the end she was rambling so fast it was hard to understand anything that came out in her soft, somewhat affected, capital accent.

She took a deep breath and coming to her senses she quickly released Thyla with an awkward apology. It took her a moment as Thyla asked where they might have gone, but Talula knew Elysium well enough. It wasn't like the dragon ever wasn't telling her partner things she liked. One thing that was a constant askance from the dragon, was the stars. “They might be outside. Ely likes to stare at the stars and the moon she thinks they are fascinating. Or maybe they were hungry?” She hoped they were together.

Savitr had a reputation already for being a fierce little hellion and if Elysium was with him, at least she had some form of protection. The little ice was the sort who would stare down a taint's throat just to know what was inside. Hell if they asked nice enough she might just crawl right on into their jaws. Talula shook off the thought, the horror stories she had heard in the capital city were just that, stories. The war was long since over and safety reigned. She shouldn't be so worried, but the tightness in her chest of the missing other wouldn't let her calm down.

She headed for the nearest staircase. “I hope they just got stuck somewhere, I hope they are ok...” She cast a look to Thyla seeing her own panic mirrored in the girl. A part of her was glad not to be alone, the other part was terrified that Ely might have drawn Savitr into one of her hair brained adventures.

((This may suck...having a bout of RP block aka lack of creativity, so if you'd like me to change anything please don't hesitate to tell me!))

Thyla wasn't surprised at the embrace. And in fact returned it while also patting Talula on her back. She felt horrible to see her like this. What if it was Savitr who coaxed Ely out? The ther girl pulled away in apology but Thyla assured her

"There's no need to apologize. Really! I worry it was Savitr's idea...I mean I don't KNOW but it wouldn't surprise me...uhg sorry. It's alright, I wouldn't think they've gone far...Whenever Savitr and I get too separated he and I both feel pretty anxious. And he hates that."
Thyla shut her mouth, she felt she was babbeling. Talula seemed to have a clearer head as she headed for a staircase to outside. Thyla followed closely as they ran.
It was still very early so it wasn't too bright as of yet. Thyla wasn't sure if this would be for or against them.

"Savitr!" She called out as Talula called for her Eysium "Savitr where are you?!!" Thyla couldn't help but acknowledge the pain in her heart at the notion of not having Savitr in her life. Sure he was a patronizing pain in the ass but she loved him to death. She couldn't picture life without him now. Though most people would never think so, she felt their bond was very strong
"Oh if anything happens to either of them I'll never forgive myself!" She wailed "SAVITR!"

The young Gravity was now dreaming. He dreamed he was in a thick fog and he heard a familiar voice calling out for him. But try as he might he could not see or reach it's source. He felt lost alone and miserable.
Savitr

Thyla and Talula were now in the tall grass outside.
"We'll look right outside the building now and move out from there, maybe we can find some kind of tracks" It hit her that Elysium would be easier to spot than Savitr the way she reflected light off her lovely scales...plus if Ely saw them first she;d bound right to them surely! But with this grass being so tall, even light bouncing off scales wouldn't be obvious...Her mind began tearing at itself and she wanted to pull her hair out from worry.

Savitr.....
Why couldn't he find his way? Why was he alone? A new sound reached him now. A rustling of movement. Something coming closer. It was enough to pierce his conscious. He remembered Elysium then, he was able to shift his body and mind to at least partially awake and away from the bleak dream...He knew it to be a dream now. He felt Elysium pressed against him...but he still heard things. He heard something approaching. That brought him back. Elysium, he had to keep her safe. Quickly he snapped his eyes open and flipped over onto his feet, standing over his Ice companion protectively and baring his teeth every which way unsure where the movement was coming from...

Talula jogged outside and came to a stop swinging her head wildly, looking for any glimmer, any glitter of light. That would be the tell. The dragoness wasn't exactly a needle in a haystack. Talula was breathing hard from the run, her heart was pounding in fear and exertion. Tears still stung at the corner of her eyes. Why couldn't Ely stay put!?

“Elysium!” She called into the morning, shivering a little at the chill air. She jogged after Thyla nodding at her plan. “Ya that is the best option we have...” Concern laced her voice, but there was no need to babble needlessly any more. Both would be considering the worst case scenario without her repeating it over and over again. Besides dragons were intelligent, mostly, and shouldn't be running far.

“Ely where are you!?”

Elysium was slowly rousing, hearing familiar sounds. Distant cries of her name. However she didn't truly come out of her dream until Savitr leaped upright and stood, somewhat over her. She snaked out from under him, Stretching as she blinked at the morning. Everything was sort of foggy, but she roused quickly. There was a crashing of grass and then... her name!

Elysium leaped up grinning. “Talula!!!” She cried in mirth. Her bond affirmed it and she bounded forward, forgetting that Savitr was supposed to be protecting her. “We're here~ We're here!” She bounded out of the tall grass and launched herself at Talula in absolute joy.

Talula, upon hearing her own name called, spun in the direction just in time to see the glossy blue shape streaking for her. She knew to be prepared and spread her arms wide, closing them around the glassy, cold form as she was impacted. Talula went down and clung to Elysium tightly burying her face into the cool sides of her bonded not wanting to let her go. She let out a choked sob of relief, her tears frosting to her cheeks as she clung to the squirming dragoness.

Ely for her part lapped at the tears, turning them to salty drips of ice before consuming them, not wanting Talula to cry on her behalf. It made her feel miserable for causeing such concern, so she did her best to alleviate the worry. “I am so sorry!” She pipped before Savitr could get a word in edgewise. “It was all my fault! I wanted to see the stars and I convinced Savi~avi~avitr to come with me so I wouldn't be alone. I didn't mean to get locked out Talu~lu~lula!” She cried and pressed herself into her chosen's chest. “I didn't mean to worry you! We meant to be back honestly we did! but we got stuck outside and we couldn't make it back in! Savi was so brave he tried so hard to get us back to you! And and and he kept me safe until you came and found us~ I am sorry Thyla for making Savi be bad it is all my fault!” she rambled wildly, almost as fast as Talula herself had just moments earlier.

Talula pushed herself up to sit upright and simply clung to her chill friend, not minding that her skin was prickling into goosebumps from the cold. “Oh Elysium don't worry me like that! Wake me and I will come with you next time! You aren’t supposed to be out here and you could have been hurt! You are both ok right?” She glanced to where Elyisum had come from hoping to see Savitr was alright as well. She refused to let Ely go yet, and the little ice hardly seemed to mind as she wiggled in her bonded's arms. Talula was elated to see them safe, so much so she couldn't bring herself to be angry yet.

Thyla was almost startled when Talula cried out in joy upon seeing her dragon. Already the bounding little Ice casts spots of light all over them. So much Thyla had to squint a little. Her mind was racing all about. But everything else seemed to exit her brain when she heard what Elysium said

" I wanted to see the stars and I convinced Savi~avi~avitr to come with me..."

So Savitr WAS with her! Thank goodness! Where was he? Little did she know Savitr was hunkered down against the ground. He was expecting Thyla to come scream her head off at him and scold him for his actions. But he listened carefully. Elysium was telling them the truth (except it was his idea to sneak out) but he wondered if she would be believed.
Thyla continues to listen. as well. Savitr had taken care of her and tried to get them back in? She looked up now at the window they were below...It WAS rather high up. More so than it was inside the building. .And she then saw some scratch marks on the wall as iff a young dragon had indeed tried to make their way up to the window. Thyla knew Ely was speaking the truth...although she did wonder if Savitr had instigated the adventure. But that didn't matter so long as they were safe and sound. Now where was HER dragon?

"Oh Ely I'm so glad you're ok. And I can see Savit took care of you....do you know where he is? I miss him terribly..." Her eyes let a few tears out as she said it. She did hate being separated from him...

"Do you really?"
A familiar somewhat patronizing voice said from the tall grass. Thyla saw his distinctive horns first as he rose his head. Without any hesitation she ran to those horns faster than Savitr thought she could run. The young Gravity was far more stunned when Thyla burst through the grass and nearly tackled him wrapping her arms tightly around him. So quickly that one of his back spines scratched her arm causing a slightly bleeding red mark to appear but Thyla did not seem to notice it. She buried her face into his shoulder.

"Of course I missed you! Do you have any idea how I felt when I woke up and you weren't there?" She gave him another tight hug "Oh Savitr please don't scare me like that again...."
Savitr felt himself choke up. Was she really that upset and not angry? Her arms around him did comfort him and tenderly he nuzzled her in response.

"I can't promise. We ARE meant to fight you know" He said simply. Trying not to reveal his emotions he was currently feeling. Thyla hugged him a bit longer and even rocked him a little in her arms before standing up. She was clearly feeling much better even as she wiped tears from her eyes.

"Well, you two have had a long night...you hungry?" She asked

"NO!" Savitr quickly said which caused Thyla to look at him cockeyed "I mean....We're just very very tired. I'd rather sleep"

Talula finally dislodged herself from her own dragon companion and became worried for Savitr, as he had been talked about but hadn't appeared. Talula knew ely would have said something if he had been hurt. Soon enough he revealed himself and he and Thyla had a less exuberant, but still heartfelt reunion.

Talula remained seated on the grass, slowly stroking Ely, unable to refrain. There was so much that could have gone wrong. She took a deep breath, calming herself. It was going to be ok. The dragons were fine, no one would know, but the four of them. “How about we keep this as our secret guys...” She said carefully. “It would make it easier. Just don't go roaming at night until it is aloud in the future ok?”

Elysium bobbed her head. She did not want to be locked out again but at the mention of food her stomach made a guilty turn. “No I agree. Sleep sounds good. We were stuck out all night and I am tired.” She gave a great yawn as if to display this and stood on weary limbs. It was mostly true, excepting that she had eaten. She left that bit out, feeling guilty and embarrassed.

Sadly with a bond these things did not go unnoticed by Talula. Though she could not categorize the emotions very well having never received them from Elysium before. Normally the dragon didn't feel guilty. Embarrassed perhaps, but guilt was something she wasn't commonly caught with.

Talula relaxed and scooped up the four foot wyrmling, cradling her in her arms. “Lets get you to bed then. Thyla thank you so much for helping to find them. I am glad both of them are safe.” It was true though she was feeling exhausted from the panic that had come and gone so quickly. She could sleep an hour or two more. “Good night you two. Sweet dreams.”

With that the pair disappeared inside, this event becoming a memory instead of a tragedy.

((Feel free to post again but I think that is a good closer))