[ He lets his touch linger as long as Wren's does. There's a nod at the second part, and then a grim look at the part after. Though... the touches are nice and have him relaxing. ]
The start of a trapping spell. I barely stopped it in time. It should vanish the rest of the way, the further away we get. It's how I'm able to tell that none of the hunters are nearby. It would expand again, if they were.
[ While the touch to Aeryn's skin would like to linger, there's still much to do. So Wren will reach for the bloody shirt to pull it off completely. Doing so gently. ]
Then let's get you cleaned up so we can get out of here before they start moving closer.
[ Once the shirt is removed, he gets the bucket of water and a rag to wipe off all of that blood. Yes, he intends to do it so that Aeryn doesn't have to hurt himself stretching. ]
[ He helps with the removal of his shirt, nodding with ease at the words. He doesn't expect Wren, however, to start... bathing him? A quiet sound of surprise escapes as he falters, hands momentarily hanging in the air, awkward and uncertain. Like he really doesn't know what to do with them.
Eventually, he lowers them and shyly glances away, deciding to let Wren do this. Shyly, he mutters. ]
[ It's cute, the way Aeryn flusters over such a thing. Especially since Wren is more focused on the medical care the other needs. He does idly wonder how close they were when they were younger.
There's a nod at the thanks, though perhaps Aeryn will notice that he's not nearly as chatty as his younger self. He wipes away the blood, and another rag comes to dry. Any injuries that might need a bandage are getting one. ]
All done. [ Wren reaches for a shirt - not the one Aeryn was holding earlier. This one is done in a blue color that matches the dragon's hair. He'll help put it on. ]
Are you injured lower?
[ Even as he asks, Wren's hand is trailing over Aeryn's thigh and calf - searching for a wound or even just blood spots. It's certainly... not a shy touch. ]
[ His gaze softens at the look of the shirt, a smile tugging at his lips as he carefully makes dressing him as easy as possible. And then he's being touched so readily, his eyes widening just a little as a soft almost-squeak-like sound slips free, followed by a startled laugh. Guess who's ticklish on the back of his thigh...
Aeryn is redder than ever as he quickly - but very gently - captures Wren's hand. Not to pull it away, granted. Instead, he's guiding it to his ankle, a faintly sheepish and shy smile on his lips. ]
Just a minor sprain. We don't have to hold things up for that if you think we should get moving quickly.
[ There's something that settles in his chest upon seeing Aeryn in his shirt, wearing his colors. Satisfaction. As if the other was always supposed to wear his shirts, to be draped in that color.
Then his hand finds a ticklish spot and Aeryn makes extremely cute sounds. The desire to continue touching grows greatly, even though he allows his hand to be taken to a different location. Fingers curl around that ankle gently, holding it as if that's enough to heal the injury there. ]
We'll wrap it up and then get going.
[ His other hand reaches out to grab some bandages, and he makes quick but gentle work of it. Wrapping it so that it won't move around too much and make the sprain worse. ]
There. [ Time to get Aeryn settled in the carriage in a comfortable place. It's clear there's a moment of debate, before he slots himself between the other's legs and picks him up that way. ] You can rest on my bed.
[ The smile lingers as he watches the dragon tend to the ankle, though he doesn't get a chance to express his thanks. When he sees the look of debate, he tilts his head up at the other, a curious expression on his own face. Something that's short-lived, since he gets an answer fairly quick. ]
Wr-?
[ Both arms wrap around the dragon's neck, his red face now much closer to the other's than he anticipated. With the hint of a whine, he presses his own face into the dragon's shoulder. ]
Maybe... piggyback, next time?
[ It's such a weak suggestion that it's probably obvious he doesn't actually mind this. He's just flustered. ]
[ Definitely no denying how much Wren likes it this way, over other considered options of carrying. He gets to see Aeryn's face, this way. The logical part of his brain says it means he can tell when Aeryn is in pain... though his heart flutters at the redness of the other's face. ]
Maybe.
[ Wren isn't guaranteeing a piggyback next time. It's only a soft "maybe". He knows he isn't the strongest, and it's all situational.
Regardless, the dragon moves Aeryn to his bed inside the wagon, not letting go until the other male is settled on the soft bedding. Honestly, if anyone from the outside were looking at them, it might seem as if Wren is about to press Aeryn into that bedding for more intimate reasons. Though maybe an outsider might not be the only one with that thought. He maybe... really likes how warm Aeryn is against him. ]
There's food and water. [ Nodding to the side, where there's a canteen of water along with some bread and cheese within reach. ]
Help yourself while I break camp and get us on the road. I've got safe places we can go to.
[ He gives the hint of a pout at the 'maybe', but there's no protest. Only a soft huff as he buries his face a little more into the dragon's shoulder. And when he's put on the bed, he doesn't exactly rush to let go.
No, for just a moment, he's outright clinging to the opposite form. The briefest of trembles moves through his body as his fingers curl into the other being's shirt. ]
Sorry...
[ There's an apologetic mutter as he does pull back, smiling sheepishly in spite of the hint of tears. He hurriedly moves to dry his face, smiling a little brighter as he says the next words. ]
... See you soon.
[ There's something about those words - like they have some unspoken meaning, something far deeper than he's letting on. ]
[ Wren allows himself to be held close, to be clung to. It must have been frightening, being hunted and almost caught, on top of all that pain he was put through. So he just holds on in return.
When they do break apart, he lets his hand move over Aeryn's cheek. ]
It's okay, you're safe now.
[ Safe with Wren. He leans his forehead in to rest against Aeryn's for a moment. ]
Be back in a moment. [ Then Wren will leave him there to break down camp. It really is a quick process since he's done this so many times, done in just a few minutes. Magni has trained him how to move fast on this.
Only once they're on the road, does Wren look in on Aeryn. ] How are you doing?
[ He relaxes into the touches, closing his eyes as he nods. He whispers. ]
I'd almost forgotten what that feels like.
[ Being safe, being held onto. There's a small smile as he watches Wren leave, idly running a hand over the blankets once the dragon's gone. Then, with a heavy breath, he lets himself curl up. He has a small smile once he's relaxed into the bedding, eyes closed. In spite of the lingering pain, exhaustion has this feeling particularly nice. He could almost fall asleep...
When he hears the question, he opens his eyes and gives a tiny smile. ]
The best I've done in a while. Normally, I'd be finding a cave or some trees to hide in for several days.
[ He slowly and carefully moves to sit up. ]
My kind has decreased by over half, since the last time I saw you. Although... I'm the last healthy unicorn standing. So, I'll need to check on my family as soon as it's safe to go that way.
[ It's not a fun feeling, knowing that this is the first time Aeryn has felt safe. Though, Wren is determined to make it the first of many, for however long they're together. Which he kind of hopes is a long time. ]
We have a few places like this, set up all over.
[ He nods, knowing that it's important to check on his family. ]
We can send a message to them, too. Until we can go check on them.
[ There's a look of open appreciation as he nods. ]
I can't say I'm surprised you do... Although, I'm not sure on the 'we' part. Did you... find more dragons to travel with, or...?
[ Well, it's clear he's hoping that it's a case of other dragons, for Wren. He, of course, won't push for Wren to reveal someone else's identity, without consent, which is why the question trailed off the way it did. He offers a sheepish look before continuing. ]
You don't have to tell me that, if they wouldn't like it. And... a message to my family would be greatly appreciated. I do want them to secure the home and be prepared, just in case.
[ There's a soft blink as he looks in the direction Wren's motioning. With a couple of nods, he makes his way over and picks out one of the scrolls. Then, carefully, he semi-hops his way over to where Wren is, so he can sit next to him. Delicately, he rests the scroll in his lap. ]
Amazing... I bet these cost quite a bit. Are you sure I can use this?
[ He doesn't finish that sentence, but he likely doesn't need to. Wren watches Aeryn scoot across the wagon for the scroll and then makes his way over to him. Then reaches up to lightly tug on those purple strands. ]
I'm sure. This is what they're for, after all. Magni would be okay with it, if it meant others were safe too.
[ Wren certainly doesn't need to elaborate on the first part. And... Aeryn decides to not draw attention to it, for now. Instead, he grins up at the dragon over the next thing, a soft chuckle escaping as his hair is tugged. He shifts ever-so-slightly closer, letting out a soft sound of consideration. ]
... All right. But you two have to let me do something to pay you back.
[ It'd make him feel better, really. With that, he will shift so that he can sit with his back against the side of Wren's seat (or against Wren, if there's no back to the seat). After digging something to write with from his pocket, he gets right to it. The message is short and sweet, simply going into exactly what he told Wren it would.
He doesn't even bother signing it, given... who else would it be from? Besides, they know his handwriting by now. Once it's done, he leans his head back, looking up at Wren with a small smile. ]
[ Eventually, he will need to talk about it. Aeryn is a good person to do that with. He's never minded if Magni told people he trusted, knowing that his adopted brother wouldn't tell just anyone. ]
We can probably work something out.
[ Chances were Magni wouldn't ask for anything much, just enough for Aeryn to feel he paid it back. No matter what the payment was. The other can lean directly against Wren's side, though the dragon isn't paying attention to what is being written - leaving that private.
When Aeryn announces that he's done, that's when Wren looks back. Nodding. ]
Fold it up and tie it with this.
[ He pulls some string out of his pocket, holding it out. ]
We aren't too far from the town. You should stay in the cart when we get there.
[ Their cart already has all of the supplies it needs to survive a long trip. Wren can also send Magni a message there, too. ]
[ There's a smile when no protest comes, which lingers as he leans against Wren's side. When offered the string, Aeryn accepts it without hesitation, doing just as the dragon instructs. Then, when the next words are said, he pauses... then nods. ]
Okay. I'll stay in the cart.
[ It's clear he isn't the type to like having to stay behind, but the trust in Wren's judgment on this outweighs that. He holds out the scroll. ]
[ He understands wanting to repay someone, even if neither him nor Magni would have complained about it otherwise. There is a reason they have such things, after all. ]
Good. I'll be quick there.
[ Not that he intended to park the cart that far away from the messenger bird aviary. Wren takes the scroll. ]
No, this is fine. [ The dragon pulls out a small stone, blue in color and blows on it. That seems to be some sort of activation, as the stone turns into a large blue bird. Wren holds the scroll out and the bird takes the string in a talon, with that it sets off into the sky. ]
It will find the recipient, then track down Magni for me to let him know I moved.
[ Wren keeps that stone on him at all times, many wouldn't look twice at just a stone being held. ]
[ He watches with open intrigue, soft purple eyes widening at the appearance of a blue-colored bird. ]
Oh...
[ Aeryn gives a delighted smile to Wren, nodding with a hint of excitement. ]
That was amazing!
[ Granted, being a unicorn, it'd make more sense for him to be kind of used to magic. He definitely seems more surprised and awe-filled, than used to it. ]
Magic is always so fun to watch. This, however, might be my new favorite... Such a clever way of keeping in touch.
[ The magical bird flies high enough to not be seen easily by normal human eyes. Keeping itself safe until it gets to its destinations. ]
Magni decided we needed a way of contacting each other in times of emergency. They will act differently depending on the situation on the other end. If it were a desperate situation, it would flap wings and whistle until the other follows.
[ But since it's just him having to change locations... ]
With our current state, it'll sing a song. Then he'll wait for me to contact him.
[ He gives a look of understanding to the first part, and then chuckles at the next thing said. ]
I thought it might be something like that. That's very clever.
[ Aeryn looks up at the sky for a moment. ]
My mother used music to communicate, as well. She had over thirty songs, each with a unique meaning. We'd know just how long to stay away, where to meet her afterward, and what to be prepared for when we got there. All done with humming...
[ With his eyes closed, he trails off. It could be easy to assume he's dozed off, but his breathing patterns imply it's more like he's remembering. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be an especially happy memory. ]
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The start of a trapping spell. I barely stopped it in time. It should vanish the rest of the way, the further away we get. It's how I'm able to tell that none of the hunters are nearby. It would expand again, if they were.
[ So, for now, they're handy. ]
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Then let's get you cleaned up so we can get out of here before they start moving closer.
[ Once the shirt is removed, he gets the bucket of water and a rag to wipe off all of that blood. Yes, he intends to do it so that Aeryn doesn't have to hurt himself stretching. ]
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Eventually, he lowers them and shyly glances away, deciding to let Wren do this. Shyly, he mutters. ]
Thanks...
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There's a nod at the thanks, though perhaps Aeryn will notice that he's not nearly as chatty as his younger self. He wipes away the blood, and another rag comes to dry. Any injuries that might need a bandage are getting one. ]
All done. [ Wren reaches for a shirt - not the one Aeryn was holding earlier. This one is done in a blue color that matches the dragon's hair. He'll help put it on. ]
Are you injured lower?
[ Even as he asks, Wren's hand is trailing over Aeryn's thigh and calf - searching for a wound or even just blood spots. It's certainly... not a shy touch. ]
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Aeryn is redder than ever as he quickly - but very gently - captures Wren's hand. Not to pull it away, granted. Instead, he's guiding it to his ankle, a faintly sheepish and shy smile on his lips. ]
Just a minor sprain. We don't have to hold things up for that if you think we should get moving quickly.
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Then his hand finds a ticklish spot and Aeryn makes extremely cute sounds. The desire to continue touching grows greatly, even though he allows his hand to be taken to a different location. Fingers curl around that ankle gently, holding it as if that's enough to heal the injury there. ]
We'll wrap it up and then get going.
[ His other hand reaches out to grab some bandages, and he makes quick but gentle work of it. Wrapping it so that it won't move around too much and make the sprain worse. ]
There. [ Time to get Aeryn settled in the carriage in a comfortable place. It's clear there's a moment of debate, before he slots himself between the other's legs and picks him up that way. ] You can rest on my bed.
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Okay.
[ The smile lingers as he watches the dragon tend to the ankle, though he doesn't get a chance to express his thanks. When he sees the look of debate, he tilts his head up at the other, a curious expression on his own face. Something that's short-lived, since he gets an answer fairly quick. ]
Wr-?
[ Both arms wrap around the dragon's neck, his red face now much closer to the other's than he anticipated. With the hint of a whine, he presses his own face into the dragon's shoulder. ]
Maybe... piggyback, next time?
[ It's such a weak suggestion that it's probably obvious he doesn't actually mind this. He's just flustered. ]
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Maybe.
[ Wren isn't guaranteeing a piggyback next time. It's only a soft "maybe". He knows he isn't the strongest, and it's all situational.
Regardless, the dragon moves Aeryn to his bed inside the wagon, not letting go until the other male is settled on the soft bedding. Honestly, if anyone from the outside were looking at them, it might seem as if Wren is about to press Aeryn into that bedding for more intimate reasons. Though maybe an outsider might not be the only one with that thought. He maybe... really likes how warm Aeryn is against him. ]
There's food and water. [ Nodding to the side, where there's a canteen of water along with some bread and cheese within reach. ]
Help yourself while I break camp and get us on the road. I've got safe places we can go to.
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No, for just a moment, he's outright clinging to the opposite form. The briefest of trembles moves through his body as his fingers curl into the other being's shirt. ]
Sorry...
[ There's an apologetic mutter as he does pull back, smiling sheepishly in spite of the hint of tears. He hurriedly moves to dry his face, smiling a little brighter as he says the next words. ]
... See you soon.
[ There's something about those words - like they have some unspoken meaning, something far deeper than he's letting on. ]
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When they do break apart, he lets his hand move over Aeryn's cheek. ]
It's okay, you're safe now.
[ Safe with Wren. He leans his forehead in to rest against Aeryn's for a moment. ]
Be back in a moment. [ Then Wren will leave him there to break down camp. It really is a quick process since he's done this so many times, done in just a few minutes. Magni has trained him how to move fast on this.
Only once they're on the road, does Wren look in on Aeryn. ] How are you doing?
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I'd almost forgotten what that feels like.
[ Being safe, being held onto. There's a small smile as he watches Wren leave, idly running a hand over the blankets once the dragon's gone. Then, with a heavy breath, he lets himself curl up. He has a small smile once he's relaxed into the bedding, eyes closed. In spite of the lingering pain, exhaustion has this feeling particularly nice. He could almost fall asleep...
When he hears the question, he opens his eyes and gives a tiny smile. ]
The best I've done in a while. Normally, I'd be finding a cave or some trees to hide in for several days.
[ He slowly and carefully moves to sit up. ]
My kind has decreased by over half, since the last time I saw you. Although... I'm the last healthy unicorn standing. So, I'll need to check on my family as soon as it's safe to go that way.
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We have a few places like this, set up all over.
[ He nods, knowing that it's important to check on his family. ]
We can send a message to them, too. Until we can go check on them.
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I can't say I'm surprised you do... Although, I'm not sure on the 'we' part. Did you... find more dragons to travel with, or...?
[ Well, it's clear he's hoping that it's a case of other dragons, for Wren. He, of course, won't push for Wren to reveal someone else's identity, without consent, which is why the question trailed off the way it did. He offers a sheepish look before continuing. ]
You don't have to tell me that, if they wouldn't like it. And... a message to my family would be greatly appreciated. I do want them to secure the home and be prepared, just in case.
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Magni. He took me in after what happened. Kept us safe.
[ There's no clarification on what Magni is. Not because Wren doesn't trust Aeryn, but because that is technically his adopted brother's business.
With one hand, Wren motions to a cabinet off to the side inside the wagon. ]
Look in there. We should have some emergency scrolls that you can use to send to your family. It's enchanted to only reveal itself to the recipient.
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I'm really glad he did.
[ There's a soft blink as he looks in the direction Wren's motioning. With a couple of nods, he makes his way over and picks out one of the scrolls. Then, carefully, he semi-hops his way over to where Wren is, so he can sit next to him. Delicately, he rests the scroll in his lap. ]
Amazing... I bet these cost quite a bit. Are you sure I can use this?
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If not for him, I probably...
[ He doesn't finish that sentence, but he likely doesn't need to. Wren watches Aeryn scoot across the wagon for the scroll and then makes his way over to him. Then reaches up to lightly tug on those purple strands. ]
I'm sure. This is what they're for, after all. Magni would be okay with it, if it meant others were safe too.
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... All right. But you two have to let me do something to pay you back.
[ It'd make him feel better, really. With that, he will shift so that he can sit with his back against the side of Wren's seat (or against Wren, if there's no back to the seat). After digging something to write with from his pocket, he gets right to it. The message is short and sweet, simply going into exactly what he told Wren it would.
He doesn't even bother signing it, given... who else would it be from? Besides, they know his handwriting by now. Once it's done, he leans his head back, looking up at Wren with a small smile. ]
Done.
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We can probably work something out.
[ Chances were Magni wouldn't ask for anything much, just enough for Aeryn to feel he paid it back. No matter what the payment was. The other can lean directly against Wren's side, though the dragon isn't paying attention to what is being written - leaving that private.
When Aeryn announces that he's done, that's when Wren looks back. Nodding. ]
Fold it up and tie it with this.
[ He pulls some string out of his pocket, holding it out. ]
We aren't too far from the town. You should stay in the cart when we get there.
[ Their cart already has all of the supplies it needs to survive a long trip. Wren can also send Magni a message there, too. ]
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Okay. I'll stay in the cart.
[ It's clear he isn't the type to like having to stay behind, but the trust in Wren's judgment on this outweighs that. He holds out the scroll. ]
Do I need to do anything else with it?
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Good. I'll be quick there.
[ Not that he intended to park the cart that far away from the messenger bird aviary. Wren takes the scroll. ]
No, this is fine. [ The dragon pulls out a small stone, blue in color and blows on it. That seems to be some sort of activation, as the stone turns into a large blue bird. Wren holds the scroll out and the bird takes the string in a talon, with that it sets off into the sky. ]
It will find the recipient, then track down Magni for me to let him know I moved.
[ Wren keeps that stone on him at all times, many wouldn't look twice at just a stone being held. ]
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Oh...
[ Aeryn gives a delighted smile to Wren, nodding with a hint of excitement. ]
That was amazing!
[ Granted, being a unicorn, it'd make more sense for him to be kind of used to magic. He definitely seems more surprised and awe-filled, than used to it. ]
Magic is always so fun to watch. This, however, might be my new favorite... Such a clever way of keeping in touch.
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Magni decided we needed a way of contacting each other in times of emergency. They will act differently depending on the situation on the other end. If it were a desperate situation, it would flap wings and whistle until the other follows.
[ But since it's just him having to change locations... ]
With our current state, it'll sing a song. Then he'll wait for me to contact him.
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Magni sounds like a very smart and reliable man.
[ There's a hum of curiosity as he considers something. ]
Why a song?
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He's been alive a long time. Made a lot of friends who will help him make useful things.
[ The bird stones and the scroll, along with a few other things. ]
Male birds sing to keep other males off their turf. This way we know not to go back to the last location we saw each other.
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I thought it might be something like that. That's very clever.
[ Aeryn looks up at the sky for a moment. ]
My mother used music to communicate, as well. She had over thirty songs, each with a unique meaning. We'd know just how long to stay away, where to meet her afterward, and what to be prepared for when we got there. All done with humming...
[ With his eyes closed, he trails off. It could be easy to assume he's dozed off, but his breathing patterns imply it's more like he's remembering. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be an especially happy memory. ]
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