Retsuko insisted on the lake.
Given the time of day ... or the darkness of night, in this case, Retsuko felt far out of her element. Initially she'd given herself over to the idea of dragon candidacy. Even the dual candidates shared their 'classroom' duties that took the expanse of the time when the sun was out. Here in the dark, those awake were watch-whers and their handlers. Maybe a nocturnal rider or two. Or witless candidates, drudges going about their duties before sleep commanded them, cooks prepping for meals tomorrow while keeping the stew and k'lah warm for those night-shifters.
Her last venture out after dark had been to meet Ronnie and the Osk that was responsible for her first injury. Before that, the camping trip ... Those events ran almost parallel to one another. One caused great anxiety and the other ... relief. Retsuko hadn't expected Osk to be apologetic. He was far too big and brutal and old and ... sensitive, regretful. Ashamed. Quite a sight to see a large creature like that be aware of his actions and even more to know he felt guilty for it.
Mckenzie offered her to meet his own partner a few weeks back. She mulled it over long and hard but it wasn't until this past visit with Osk that Retsuko felt bold enough to consider the proposal. So she'd sent FoxFire off with a note - a request to meet - on the next full moon. Lunar light spilled onto the walkways, giving Retsuko's quivering nerves a balming courage.
With the help of a drudge, Retsuko set up a little table and a pair of chairs just off the beaten path. Hot k'lah blew steam into the air tinted with winter's soon-to-be-arrival. She made herself at home on one chair, sipping slowly and sighing when the green on her shoulder made loving nuzzles under her chin. FoxFire was a new addition, and welcomed. The affection she gave Retsuko was a massive help in the healing process, that was for sure.
"If I ... start getting spooked," Retsuko told the green quietly, "try to restrain yourself." The green already had a habit of hissing at folks who made her feel pitiful. "I don't want to cause offense."
FoxFire blinked in limes and chirped. The scratching of her eyeridge prompted a sound like a purr.