The Prodigal Son [Ageno]

[nineofswords]

Dunsk, like most whers, had a fairly good sense of smell, and a solid memory to boot. He tended to remember people's smells best of all, a byproduct of being bonded to a man like Dunsmith, who put a lot of emphasis on his social ties. So when Dunsk came across a scene he recognized in the Weyr's plateau, one from his past, one Dunsmith was obsessed with...well, Dusnk immediately knew who it was, and immediately knew it was his duty to make sure Dunsmith never caught wind of that scent.

Dunsk bided his time until a particularly busy day for the duo, one where Dunsmith was tired and just wanted to go to bed - not hard to do with an older man who enjoyed his sleep. Then, Dunsk just had to creep out of their weyr while the man was sound asleep and follow the scent trail until he found himself outside of Thatch's personal abode.

It was a little before dawn. Dunsk had his goggles in his mouth, because he expected to need them by the time he left the young man's weyr, but he lacked the thumbs to put them on himself. Quietly, gently, he scratched at the door, trying to make noise but not leave a mark. Thatch? He projected into the room. Thatch, please open door. Is me. Is Dunsk. Am alone.

[Agenothree]

Between bathing Kidagakath and unpacking in his new weyr, followed by some light reading before bed, it had been a productive night. Thatch was winding down to sleep when he heard a scratch at his door, catching both him and Kidagakath off guard. Who or what would be visiting so late? A domestic animal, perhaps? Neither of them could recall one, canine, feline, or otherwise, fancying them enough to follow them home. But as a voice projected in, Thatch's face drained of blood, a sudden shift in demeanor that immediately had Kidagakath up in arms.

But before she could demand answers of him, before she could remember what he had always been open to her knowing, Thatch was moving toward his door. Though he hesitated for an instant before he opened it, he was glad to see Dunsk and no Dunsmith, as was promised, though that did little to put his mind to rest. "Dunsk..." Thatch began, though he struggled to go on, all while Kidagakath regarded Dunsk cautiously. "It's...good to see you." Simple enough, and honest. Thatch moved to allow Dunsk entry, should he will it.

"Um, right..." Thatch stuttered, looking down before looking to his blue. "Dunsk, meet Kidagakath..." No further introduction is needed. To her credit, Kidagakath's steely regard softened a little as her mind met Thatch's to find what her draconic memory had lost. Welcome, Dunsk. As Thatch's friend, you are my friend as well, and are welcome. Clearing his throat as he closed his door, Thatch's eyes darted uneasily between Dunsk and Kidagakath. "So, erm, Dunsk..." they began quietly. "May I ask what brings you to my weyr...in Semaca...across an entire ocean?"

[nineofswords]

Dunsk's eyes whirled briefly in blues and greens as Thatch opened the door. Is good see you too, he said fondly, before anxious yellow overtook his eyes once more. He gave a nod when he was invited inside, and then stopped, surprised to see a blue dragon sitting in the weyr. He shouldn't have been. If he'd been focusing on anything other than finding Thatch and making sure Dunsmith wasn't following him, he would've noticed Thatch's smell intertwined with a dragon's. He'd overlooked it because the Weyr was overrun with the scent of dragons. Sloppy of him.

He recovered from his surprise quickly, though, giving Kidagakath a polite nod when she was introduced to him. Thank you, he said at her greeting. Is nice meet you. Very glad Thatch have dragon in life. Is good. He turned back to the human. Should be no surprise Dunsmith not listen to you ask to not follow, Dunsk said, his disapproval clear in his voice. Where he go, I go. When could not find you, he take us to Semaca. Decided it farthest you could run. Would rule out, make it easier to find you. He shook his head. I try talk him out of it, but you know you father.

He sat down. Do not approve. So when smelled you, did not tell him. He not know you here. I not tell him, but only matter of time before he figure out himself. Wanted warn you, so you not caught off guard. And...wanted to say hi. See how you doing. Did miss you. His tone was fond rather than chastising. Thatch was a good kid. Well, not really a kid anymore, but Dunsk couldn't help but share a little bit of his humans paternal feelings towards them nonetheless. But how you been? Happy, I hope?