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The injured were coming in. So many had gone, yet so few returned. The Weyr itself was in shock as the burned, injured and hurt riders and their lifemates were brought in. Bolth's fear rolled through C'rci's mind like a tidalwave, his thoughts condensed in a hot knot of panic that sat just within his riders throat as she fought to calm him and herself.

Don't go Mine. Don't go, don't go to fight! Stay with me. The Blue creeled his eyes yellow and orange with fear, even from their weyr he could smell the burned and riddled flesh of those charred dragon and human alike by thread. The steely blue clung to her standing tall on his hind legs to thread his wings around his rider in a gripping hug. Don't go. . . Bolth pleaded shivering with fear as his rider turned in his grip wrapping her arms around her lifemate's neck.

"I will never leave you Bolth." C'rci whispered allowed her voice rough and cracking with emotions as she stroked her beautiful blue's neck the thought of his hide being riddled with threadscore for even a second filling her with pain. Leaning her face against him the girl found her cheeks wet with tears and squeezing her eyes shut she could not stop the flow as a small sob tore it's way from her throat. Around her neck Fasha pressed close a mourning keen lifting from the little crimson.

The little sound seemed to shake C'rci as she lifted her head giving Bolth a reassuring squeeze. I will NEVER leave you. She reassured him once more stroking his face, memorizing every stripe, ever dip and rise that she knew so well. But now is not the time to mourn. I am needed down there to tend to the injured or there will be more we'll need to mourn. C'rci spoke gathering her courage as her determination kicked her senses into over drive.

Carefully she unwound her dragons wings from her and gently folded them at his side with a loving pat. Then lifting her hands she gripped his paws and lowered him to the floor dipping to press a kiss to the tip of his nose love shining bright in her hazel gold eyes. Stay here Bolth. I don't want you to see what's out there. She told him as she moved to collect what supplies she could knowing more would be shoved into her hands once she got outside where they were bringing the injured in.

Bolth rubbed against his rider's leg wanting to be as close to her as possible even as his sorrow at her going to aid filled C'rci's mind. I will see what you see Mine. Your eyes are my eyes. Bolth replied in a soft unusually wise and gentle tone as he reconciled himself that his rider was needed more out there then physically in here with himself. No matter how much he wished otherwise. We will share these horrors together. He assured her even though he knew it would be many nights before he could sleep soundly again without nightmares of his own rider riddled with thread.

I'm only ever a thought away dear Heart. C'rci whispered in his mind her love thrumming through their mutual connection. It was true neither Bolth nor herself would ever be alone again as long as they lived. Not while C'rci still drew breath.

I will return and soon. She replied and with one last loving caress of Bolth's eyeridges C'rci dashed out the door running from the Weyrling weyrs down to the field where everything was chaos. From their shared weyr Bolth watched through her eyes shuddering. I know Mine. Come back soon.

Reaching the ground C'rci's senses where hit with the putrid smell of thread scored flesh and numbweed. For a moment she was frozen in shock in the door way as she took the scene in. So lost in the horror of it she didn't even notice the steely blue form slipping down the stairs behind her until she felt a gentle nudge. Go Mine. We will ease the pain together. Bolth told her looking up at his rider with whirling eyes as C'rci glanced down at him in surprise, her gasp of horror turning into a small sad smile.

Together then. She agreed and grabbing some supplies the pair set out amongst the throng of bodies zeroing in on a green that had a bad case of scoring along it's side, it's rider trying to sooth it's lifemate.

That one needs us. Mine. I will circle round. Bolth pointed the green out and C'rci nodded fully agreeing as she approached the pair.

"We're here to help." She stated fully in work mode only pausing to wait until Bolth had come up to the dragons head. The blue weyrling folded his wings and settled down right next to the injured green crooning reassuringly.

We will make the pain go away. Watch me. Listen to your rider and me. What is your name? Bolth inquired from where he'd settled by dragon and rider comforting and distracting them with questions as C'rci went about lathering up the green's side with numbweed and working carefully to wrap the bandages tight, but not too tight lest she hurt to poor dragon more. A muffled sigh from the green let her know when the numbweed kicked in as Bolth lifted his head to peer over the green's neck at his rider.

Is it done? This one and her flightless one seem calmer now. Her eyes are no longer gray with pain. Bolth asked as C'rci checked her handiwork one last time and gave a nod.

"It's done." She assured both her own dragon and the pair she'd been tending too. The little steely blue weyrling settled down giving the greens muzzle a gentle parting lick of comfort and a nuzzle to her rider before moving to join C'rci.

It would be a long day, there were many to treat. So many injured and hurt and in pain. So many needed their help.

But they would help them together.

A bronze suddenly came from between above the weyr circling the bowl a few times before landing heavily and laying down his shoulder scored by thread and from the looks of it his rider took a hit as well from the burnt edges of the mans riding jacket. At his call for numbweed C'rci moved to help Bolth hot on her heels as the pair moved to assist Z'fer and Bronze Calanoth.

"Here." C'rci called approaching the rider quickly numbweed and bandages in hand. "We're here to help." She assured him giving the bronze rider a small bow before moving to treat his dragon as best she could.

Bolth, the little blue weyrling fell into step circling around to lay down next to Calanoth's head. Greetings. What is your name great bronzed one? The blue inquired practically radiating gentle friendly warmth as he stuck close to the bronze's side. Mine would like to treat you now. She is good at fixing things. Do not worry. The flightless one is your rider yes? What is he like? Settling in Bolth did his best to distract the bronze as his rider waited to apply numbweed to dragon and rider alike when given their permission.

Bolth crooned low in his throat nuzzling the bronze's muzzle gently. No need for thanks. Mine and I like to help even in. . . And Bolth paused shuddering his fear whirling bright, but with a quick wash of assurance from his rider he regained his composure. Even in the face of thread. He replied trying his best to ease Calanoth's pain with gentle words.

With permission from Z'fer C'rci stepped up to Calanoth digging into the numbweed pot to quickly slather the poor ailing bronze's shoulder grateful for him moving his wing though she knew the motion must have hurt.

How soon until the numbweed kicks in Mine? Bolth asked lifting his head to peer at his rider's progress, C'rci never lifting her eyes from her work.

Soon. It should kick in very soon. C'rci replied unwinding the bandages and wrapping them over the injured spot as best she could. It was a rough job, not befitting a healer even less a bronze, but it would have to do. He was just so big compared to the green dragon from before making it harder for C'rci to get around him.

I'm sure the other dragons and riders just wanted to help. Mine says the numbweed will make the pain go away very soon. Please tell me when it stops hurting so I can let her know. You and yours are very brave to fight the thread. Mine and I will strive to work hard and fast to help the other injured riders. Can you tell me where your weyr is great Calanoth? I can fetch a few others to help you to it if you need aid. Bolth offered lowering his little steely blue head to giving Calanoth's face a gentle lick rubbing his own face against the injured bronze in a nuzzle. Bolth had always been one to look on the brightside even when things were at their darkest. Still keeping up the same soothing croon, much like the low thrumming croon then echoed from his riders throat as she worked the little weyrling sought to keep his patient calm. It was a sound of healing and comfort both dragon and wher alike held in common. A sound of safety

Eyeing her work she tied the bandages off tight hoping that they would do for now until a proper healer could see to them. "All done." She replied outloud turning to tend to the rider now.

It was only a strong stomach and having been privy to a wher mauling or two that helped C'rci keep her level head at the mass of dried blood, specks of leather mixed in with the thread score on the poor man's neck. Looking around she flagged down a bucket of water and a rag setting them down beside Z'fer. At least the bronzes wounds had been clean this would be a bit more difficult.

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to need to clean your neck first. It will hurt, but the moment I get it done I'll slather it up with numbweed so you won't feel a thing." She explained wetting the clean rag in the bucket and readying it waiting until Z'fer gave the go ahead.

Bolth keep the bronze distracted. I'm tending to his rider and his rider's pain might startle him. C'rci warned her lifemate and Bolth in turn snuggled closer to Calanoth his crooning picking up an octave. He needed something, questions, yes questions!

Mine and I hope to take to the skies soon. Can you tell me great Calanoth how did you get so big? Is flying hard? Tell me about flying please? Bolth asked his eyes whirling with curiosity and tone soft and open trying to draw the bronze ever deeper into conversation.

C'rci wet the rag and with a nod she gently applied it to the man's neck sponging and washing away the caked blood, bits of fur and leather as she worked. She knew the pain must have been horrible so the weyrling made it a point to work as quickly and as gently as she could. C'rci was grateful for him sitting down, making her job easier with her rather small stature.

All the while C'rci cleaned Bolth kept up his conversation. Mine and I work very hard. She worries about me a good deal. She says I'm too nice on occasions so she pushes us to be our best so no one can make fun of us. But we will be patient and listen to the Weyrling master. The little blue weyrling explained tilting his head slightly as he eyed Calanoth. I think she feels that because she is a thing called a girl that she has to work harder to prove her place because I am a blue. I really don't understand humans all that well. Mine doesn't either, but I want to fly well. I want to make her proud. Bolth replied his voice filled with hope and determination. He'd fly to the dawn sisters and back if it meant making C'rci happy just as he knew C'rci would take on the whole Weyr to protect him.

Finishing the last of the cleaning C'rci slathered the numbweed onto the wound giving it just a second to set before unwinding some bandages and wrapping them around Z'fer's neck and tying them off. "All done. I think I got it good a clean, but get a healer to look at it later to make sure it doesn't get infected." C'rci advised giving the man a gentle pat on his shoulder and a smile.

His rider is all done. Let the bronze know that they're free to go. C'rci informed Bolth who let out a chirp in acknowledgement. Mine is done working. You should rest now and call a healer if you or your rider start hurting again. Bolth urged getting to his feet as he gave the bronze one last parting nuzzle trotting around him to come to a stop against his riders side leaning into her affectionately. Looking down at the steely blue C'rci smiled lovingly wiping off her hands on her shirt to reach down and hug her lifemate to her side. They'd be off again in a moment to lend aid. Having found a rather decent strategy of application and distraction.

Bolth tilted his head back to stare up at the massive bronze his eyes bright with admiration. Your service far outweighs mine. The little blue replied his voice soft in awe. It was clear the bronze's words had struck a deep cord with the little weyrling.

Lifting her head from where she'd been looking over her work on the bandages on Z'fer's neck she eyed Calanoth critically as he rose checking that the bandages stayed and the injured bronze wasn't being put under too much strain. Then stepping back as Z'fer rose to his feet she blinked up at him startled at his height and that in her rush she'd greatly overlooked just how handsome the man was. "You're welcome. I-it was nothing." She murmured embarrassed at the sudden tinting of pink along her cheeks as he patted her head and moved to mount his dragon. Leaving the usually composed and hard working weyrling a bit flustered in his wake.

Mine are you alright? Bolth inquired rubbing up against his riders leg as she shook her head blinking her hazel gold eyes as if trying to shrug off a sudden fog.

Yes. Sorry Bolth, just got distracted. Must be the shock. C'rci replied giving her head one last good shake before moving on to tend an injured blue that had just landed.

Grabbing some more bandages and a fresh pot of numbweed she moved quickly to assist the injured dragon, Bolth being so kind as to bring her a fresh bucket of water and a rag as he set it down by his riders feet. Then falling back into stride the blue circled around to lay beside his injured fellow's head crooning comfortingly and asking questions or telling stories whatever would distract the poor injured dragon.

C'rci herself readied the numbweed, this dragon unfortunately hadn't gotten away with a clean wound and the thread score had been right along one of the riding straps. The thread having eaten through the strap nearly tossing the rider off had it not been for the others and riddled the wound with bits of ash and leather. Trying not to wince she nodded to the rider reassuringly.

Bolth let the dragon know I have to clean the wound. I will be quick and gentle, but it will hurt. She informed her partner as she readied the cloth waiting until Bolth gave her the signal.

He understands Mine and is ready. I will distract him as best I can. Bolth informed her as C'rci began to clean the wound falling into a routine as she worked across the injured flesh. She had to keep working, keep moving. There wasn't time for her to think on handsome bronzeriders and their roguish smiles.

Finishing the cleaning she grabbed the pot of numbweed prying the top open to begin slathering the relieving substance on the wound feeling the injured blue's hide shiver under her finger tips as she smeared it across the burn. Poor creature. Poor poor dragon. Smiling gently at the blue and his worried rider she began to unwrap the bandages. This dragon should be easier, he was a good deal smaller then the bronze and would hopefully be less awkward for the petite girl

Mine he tells me the numbweed has kicked in. He seems calm Mine. How is the rider? Bolth asked keeping up his comforting croon to the injured blue leaning up against the hurt dragons head to let him know he was there.

She escaped injury. She had a close call with one piece of thread, but it didn't make it through the jacket. C'rci informed Bolth just as she tied off the last bit of bandage. Let him know I am done and he may return to his weyr. Does he need any assistance? The flame haired Weyrling inquired as Bolth relayed her question. I can send Fasha for help. She continued, the little crimson who had stuck close to her riders neck chirping up in agreement.

No he says he is able to make it Mine. Bolth replayed as C'rci stepped back allowing the rider to carefully mount their dragon. Then with a nod of thanks the pair were gone.

She needed to keep working. No time for Bronzeriders indeed. Besides she didn't even know his name. The bronze. His name is Calanoth. Bolth so helpfully informed his somewhat distressed rider as she turned to blink down at the blue. "Oh." Was all C'rci managed to say.

MINE!!! Bolth called out his voice heavy with worry and fear as a familiar blue and rider burst into the air above the Weyr. Lifting her head C'rci sighed with relief. Wykla and Kameth had made it, but at what costs. Tensing she reached out to lay her hand over Bolth's neck giving him a reassuring squeeze as much to comfort herself as him. They're alive Bolth. Now let's see to it they stay that way. C'rci replied to her own lifemate staring down at the steely blue her eyes glittering with determination. She wouldn't fail him nor her friends. Not in this.

Then moving as one like a well oiled machine the pair took off towards Kameth and Wykla, Bolth circling around to lay by his fellow blue's head leaning up against the larger dragon. Mine and I am here. We will stop the pain. Bolth assured Kameth, bolstered by his rider's drive as C'rci circled round to come up beside Wykla.

"What's the damage- Oh wing score. We'll need to stitch that." C'rci spoke up spotting the problem even before she finished her sentence and frowned at the wound. Well it wouldn't be the first time she'd knitted up a wing. She'd helped do up a gash in the membrane on one of her Hold's wher's when she was younger.

"Here I have numbweed. If you'll allow my help I can spread it on the tear in the wing and around the skin to numb it if you'll keep Kameth's wing open for me and level." C'rci asked looking to her friend with worried eyes knowing all to well the fear and pain the poor woman must be in. The very thought of Bolth being scored made C'rci shudder, but this wasn't the time for such thoughts. Gritting her teeth and putting on a confident face she waited for Wykla's response. She would know best if Kameth would allow C'rci to treat him.

"Dragon wing membrane is very delicate, much like whers if not more so. If you don't stitch it up right it could make flying difficult for them. A lot of handlers like to clip their whers wings when the wher is young to prevent flying. Basically they just saw off all the wing membrane or put holes in it so the wher can't get in the air." C'rci explained with a shudder feeling somewhat sick to her stomach just at the thought. Her teacher had never held to the idea of clipping a wher's wings and like him she found the idea disgusting and cruel.

No one will ever clip our wings Mine. Never. Bolth assured her and was suprised at the amount of anger and C'rci's reply. They'll have to kill me first to even think about doing that to you Bolth. She assured him eyes narrowing as she stared at the thread burns as if she could glare then away.

"Right. Keep the wing still. I'll slather it and Kameth's butt up with numbweed then run get a needle and thread. By the time I get back it'll have numbed him. Just to be sure I'll have Bolth keep tabs. Did you get that love? C'rci asked with a thought feeling secure when the blue responded with a Understood Mine and on it.

getting a good deal of numbweed ready C'rci began to carefully apply it to the holes and tears in Kameth's wing and the edges around it to numb him for stitches. With Wykla's help the process went much quicker then expected.

Mine is going to use the smelly stuff to take the pain away. She wants you to let me know the moment you can no longer feel the threadscore. She has to make the holes in your wings whole again. Bolth carefully explained to Kameth as best he could crooning comfortingly to the larger blue and nuzzling the dragon's cheek gently

"If you can keep the wing steady. I'll get the last of the numbweed on and be back before you can count between." C'rci assured Wykla circling around to begin lathering up the threadscore on Kameth's butt and once that was done to her satisfaction she dashed over to the healers to fetch a needle and thread. Lifting from her shoulder Fasha circled round fluttering over to Wykla to hover near Boreal cheeping a greeting to him and the rider's horde of flits.