#luvenis

The clan had a certain way in which it dealt with the critically ill. The healer would do everything within her power to nurse the dragon back to health. They would be kept away from the healthier dragons, closer to the old snapper Mel’s den. The infirmary was rarely filled with more than one or two dragons at a time surprisingly enough for a clan that lived in the land of the plague. It was fortunate for Saevus, who wished to consult the doctor privately. The guardian walked with her head low and wings tucked so that she may fit through the tighter tunnels of the inner territory. There was only just enough room for others to squeeze past her, but they made it work.

The darkness of the caverns were illuminated with the gentle glows of finely crafted and magic-infused crystals. When the pathway opened into the central room for the medical wing, she could see the elderly snapper right away. She did not hesitate in her approach as she spoke out to the healer, “Mel?”

The snapper was not surprised by the guardian’s sudden appearance. With a hearty chuckle she turned towards Saevus with a hearty response, “Well hello there dear-” The stout lady ceased her merry ways at the sight of the guardian’s expression. It was one that was not familiar to either of them on the face of the guardian. Not a single hint of a grin on the guardian’s typically jovial expression, as instead the happiness and joy was sucked away by the expansive darkness that fear reigned.

The negativity was contagious, as it would spread from Saevus’ thoughts and infect the snapper. Mel’s expression fell as her own concern flashed in her eyes. She tried to inquire about the dramatic shift in expression, but the guardian spoke first, “I need your help.” Not a single second was wasted as the leader turned her massive head to pick up a small shape on the small of her back that Mel had not even noticed until now. The snapper’s eyes locked onto the tiny form as it was brought before her. With a mother’s care, the nocturne hatchling was set onto the ground.

He was still. What was supposed to be a never-ending surge of energy and spunk could hardly even sit up. His eyes were closed, his breath was shallow, and his body thin. The snapper was shocked at the sight of the young one. The snapper looked at the small creature, then to Saevus, then back to the bat-like critter. She hardly even realized her breath was held as she shook her head to shake off the stunned silence she was shocked into in order to speak, “Where did this one come from? Did you-with Irateus?” Mel looked back to Saevus with eyes that searched for answers.

The guardian shook her head, “He is not mine, he is my brother’s. Suavis requested a meeting with me last week. He and Trinket bore children, but this one was ill. He trusted me with this child and he thought I could take care of it. At first I thought the little one just had a small cold, but he has only grown worse as time went on. He throws up anything I give him-but now it’s as if he’s stopped trying to fight back. Just this morning though, he-he vomited dirt.”

“Dirt?” the elderly lizard shook her head once more with a much more baffled expression before her eyes focused down on the baby. Her analytical gaze watched closely as she began to bombard the guardian with questions. How much has he eaten? How long has he been like this? Were there any other abnormal symptoms like that? What was he like back at his old clan? Each question was answered to the best of the Guardian’s abilities. Once the snapper got a closer look at the small nocturne, she would give a thoughtful hum. A silence followed that was only interrupted by the nervous shift of the guardian’s wings. At last, the snapper nodded, “I know what to do.”

Hope lighted up the guardian’s eyes as her spirits were lifted. Excitement began to buzz about her mind as the future looked just a little brighter. A shake of the snapper’s head was enough to quash it as quickly as it flared to life. Mel spoke, “I’ll need to keep him here longer. Come back tomorrow morning and I should have the proper diagnosis.” Saevus opened her jaws to speak, but the snapper would have none of it. She already knew what the beast was about to say so she made sure to put a stop to it then and there, “You cannot simply stay here all day. Saevus, you’ve got a clan to run. I’m sure Echo and Rekka are looking about for you this very minute. If anything happens, I’ll be certain to send for you.” The earth-dragon gave a curt nod of satisfaction. She did not wait for the guardian’s reaction as she picked up the weak little one to bring deeper into the infirmary.