Verdy had been carrying certain gear along with him any time he went into the woods or the wilderness nearby lately.  It had been a while since he'd seen the big dragon of the wilds around here, the one known as Frosk.  Of course he wasn't afraid, not like what most students should feel wandering around on their own.  He was the big guy's pet, his Bug, and the past few times he'd tried to stop by Frosk's unofficial lair he hadn't been home.  Hopefully this wouldn't reflect poorly on Verdy as he did have to spend some time at the school but his master wasn't exactly fond of a prolonged absence.

It was strange really, Verdy was only ever really a stronger figure when he was around this towering dragon.  In school, in most instances in life, he was kind of a pushover.  The monster Krynn had torn him apart a couple years ago though he survived barely, he tried taking boxing, martial arts, fencing, every kind of fighting he could think of yet he was terrible at them all.  Still around this big dragon he had a different mindset, a different motivation.  He wasn't the meek student, he was the proud servant and companion of a mighty dragon.  And today he was carrying probably about thirty pounds of gear ready to get to work if he did find his master.  Rags, oils, perfumes, a file, everything he could need to shine scales treat claws and horns and do any emergency treatments for wounds.  His master would have to get a drink sooner or later and this was the coolest and sweetest water around.  Crisp mineral water from the falls, the constant movement keeping it fresh, even slightly "bubbly" if you got some from under the falls.  "Oh dear master, where are you?"

Today all and all had turned out to be a rather clear and crisp day. Even when the clouds overhead had been threatening rain earlier this morning, the only thing that had seemed storm like all day was the higher than a mild breeze winds that blew through the area. They knocked the limbs about every so often with a gust of cooler air, causing a ruckus that scared smaller animals into hiding, before calming again to a steady flow that sang through the forest, carrying the song to any who was able to hear it. One such being was a large True Dragon that appeared to have seen better days, his body was dirty, scarred and reeked of a great infection of the wounds he sported. Weeks worth of battle injuries lay untreated yet the Dragon did not seem to care, he held his head high, picking through the muck around him for food as he ignored the many bloody cuts and gashes that weeped puss and whatever else he managed to get in them. The main wound was a medium sized gash under his right eye, the already blind eye was now puffing out terribly to the point of giving the Dragon an uneven shaped head, indeed it seemed the eye may be completely lost this time. But if he noticed it or not he gave no indication of it, carrying on about his work as if he were the healthiest thing out here.

Scratching about in the near ankle deep - for him anyway - mud, Frosk searched for any sign of the fish he had pulled out of the water no more than ten minutes ago. It had been a sloppy attempt at catching something to eat, leading to an awkward little dance to keep hold of it after he managed to grab a rather medium, compared to his size, fish out of water. Frosk had lost his hold on it and dropped the little beast into the muddy hole he managed to make when he dug out a section of the earth for his hide spot. Now he was digging deep, hoping the fish wasn't lost for good but finding that it might well be the case, not noticing because of his blind eye that the fish had been slung to the other side of the pit and back into the water in his haste to dig for it. A sound nearby caught his attention and the nostrils on his head opened wide with a loud 'whoosh' of air, sounding very much like a porpoise exhaling water away from its blow-hole, before sucking everything back in. Something was close by, a familiar smell, though with the way he himself smelled it was hard to pick the new scent out. Turning his head in the direction he believed the scent to come from, Frosk pulled his feet out of the mud and started off toward the waterfall a few yards away.

He spotted the source almost immediately after rounding the bend, a familiar small green shape of Bug sat near the water with a hoard of goodies that Frosk recognized as his "Beauty Kit", something the red Anthro known as Drake had teased him about once during one of the more civil visits between them when he noticed Bug, known as Verdy to them, giving Frosk a good rub down to shine his scales. As this memory came to the surface of Frosk's damaged mind, he suddenly forgot his hunger and remembered his terrible current condition, wanting nothing more than a good cleaning and a massage. Snorting loudly again as the only form of alert that Bug would get to his arriving company, Frosk trotted over to where the green drake was sitting and flopped down with a growl. His one good eye narrowed in on Bug's form, taking in the changes from when he saw him last. There didn't appear to be any other 'scents' clinging to him, but Frosk knew from past visits that it didn't always mean Bug hadn't been with any 'partners'. Not that Frosk cared all that much about who Bug was with, only that he came back to HIM when Frosk wanted something done. Thinking on it now though, Frosk did wonder what would happen if he took the little drake as a mate, if only for fun, how such a thing could go.

The thought of Crimson flashed in his mind suddenly and Frosk mentally reeled back at the intrusion of his current track; it had been a long time since he was around her, did she still think of him? Did he still want her? The answer was yes, he did still want her, but he also wanted more. Perhaps he could have her AND Bug...depending on how things worked out. But first he had to FIND her and make her his.

'A task for another day though. Today is cleaning day'

Frosk rolled on his right side, keeping his head up above ground to watch his little pet and grinned, showing his few, even fewer than last time, remaining yellowed teeth.
"Bug" he rumbled lowly with a leer, trying to catch the drake into his little trap like always. "I have been away for some time and require...your expert care. Oh how I have missed the perfect conditions you kept my great form in"

Hmm?  Was that?  Apparently the old saying of Ask and ye shall receive turned out to be true as his great master showed up.  He had to smirk just a little, it seemed like every time his master wasn't around for a while, whenever the great one didn't see him, he came back with more and more injuries than the previous time.  The green dragon turned to his master, took a low deep bow, and wondered where to begin this time.  He brought his bag over, gently patting his master's snout.  "Yes my master, I will have your scales shining your wounds all cleaned and your belly filled."  Of course the best part was he'd been finding time to read from Rose's old books and to even take a few lessons from her.  She had very antiquated methods but quite a few were lighter, more compact, and worked better than other alternatives.  "Now let's start with some of these injuries shall we master?  I'll be very gentle, very soothing, and soon you'll have everyone bowing down before you like you deserve."

Thankfully there was a nice supply of fresh water and cool mud that he could use for treatments.  A little heating lance to take care of some of those infected wounds and open them up or burn out the worst parts.  A strange powder Rose had given him, supposedly able to trigger some sort of regenerative properties.  He didn't quite believe it but then again there was a hydra at the school and Verdy had seen him do some pretty wild things.  Of course part of his little bag was some alcohol though he always felt like it would be better to have a whole keg for his big master to drink and use the bottles for treating wounds.  Time to get to work though, knowing just how sensitive his master could be and how to avoid him flinching or roaring and squishing his little Bug.  Half an hour or more just being spent on cleaning up infected wounds before he could get past that, spending another half hour on the injuries over the blind eye.  Using a touch of that "miracle powder" Rose gave him just to see how well it worked.  If he believed her claim it could treat almost anything, might not give sight back but it would save the eye from having to be removed.

Letting the powder do its thing he started the actual cleanup work to shine his master's scales whil offering him one of the four bottles he kept.  "Always so noble, never wanting to bother me with each little scrape master, but I love spending time with you and giving you the royal treatment."  Shame he still wasn't allowed in the mouth to take care of those remaining fangs.

The great drake smiled and preened when Bug mentioned that everyone would soon be bowing to Frosk's mighty form. 'As it should be, of course' he thought, observing the tiny creature as it worked to restore him to glory. Too long he has spent hiding in the muck filled forests and filthy parts of the nearby town long after the sun set, that his 'mighty form' had become just a little more than greatly pathetic. Bug was fast with the cleaning and the healing, Frosk had to admit, the first few times he met the little bugger he was a bit clumsy and did more damage to the areas needing fixing than the initial wounds had. Although the wounds in the end were very well patched and only mildly sore, it still had been quite the bumpy road at times leaving Frosk wanting to eat Bug at the end of each session. Now however, things were more than different, true it still hurt, as all wounds will when being prodded, but the overall pain factor was much lower.

All the work being done on him right now was a mixture of that lesser pain and pleasure and Frosk was having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that perhaps he shouldn't be so quick to start fights now that he was considered an old dragon; Bug could only do so much after all and it was becoming more difficult to deal with the wounds not to mention the lost body parts. Currently the cleaning of the wounds felt quite nice, the clearing out of the wounds, however, did not, nor did the powder that was put on the wounds after all was said and done. Frosk could feel his body's reaction to the powder wherever it was placed, his skin starting to ever so very slowly attempt at pulling together. Baring his few remaining teeth in pain, Frosk eyed Bug carefully, keeping his body still for the green healer while still allowing for observation of the work being done.

Where could Frosk go to live that would prevent him from losing anymore parts or getting anymore injuries? So far he had been lucky and hadn't damaged any old injuries to the point of making the limbs useless, but he was getting close. His wings were rubbish now, giving him very little flight capability and thus becoming more of a dead weight than a vital part of him. Perhaps if he lost all the old feathers and regrew healthy ones in, the wings might be a bit more useful, but as wing feathers on a dragon rarely fell out, it would mean going through a lot of pain to have someone (Bug) pluck them out one by one. Although there were not nearly as many on his wings as there should be, he still had quite a large number of them, thousands really, which would mean a day's work on just plucking them.

Then the cleaning of the new wounds and the stopping of any heavy bleeding will have to be done. The whole surgery is not a one person job nor should it be done outside in an unclean environment with eventually failing light. Which means if Frosk wants to fly properly again he was going to have to get help from a group of healers, probably go to where the healers work and have the surgeries done indoors. Just the thought of being around a lot of unknown people and having them work on him was terrifying and caused a shiver to run through the dragon's body.

'Maybe Bug can lead the group, it's not like I will be unable to protect myself from them, but having him in charge of the others might help keep any who wish ill on me away'.

With that thought in mind Frosk settled down with a huff. All he needed to do was ask Bug about it, surely the little drake would know if it was a good idea or not and perhaps knew of a few people who would help him. Either way, Frosk would need a clear head to make decisions and no matter how much he wanted it, alcohol was not something he needed to drink right now. Eying the bottle with longing, the dragon turned it away with a flick of his tail and laid his head down, flinching when his tender jaws hit the ground harder than he expected. Frosk knew the few teeth he still had were infected and would probably need to be removed. The thought of him without teeth was humorous, terrifying as well, but mostly humorous. Indeed he had entertained the idea of having someone make him some fake teeth, like they do for the other Anthros out there. He knew there were naturally colored fake teeth, though some would rather the gold or silver ones.

Frosk only knew about fake teeth by asking about tooth care, always from a very shadowed spot in the town, surrounded by other objects like dumpsters and other buildings and hunkered down low to prevent others from really seeing his size, telling people he was ugly and that he wanted to get a few things done to fix that. Frosk had been greatly surprised to learn that one had to clean their teeth regularly with some kind of paste to keep them healthy. How was he going to get such a paste and in a large enough amount to do him any good?

Making up his mind that something needed to be done or he was going to be a rather poor example of a dragon soon, Frosk sighed and posed his questions in an irritated tone. "Bug, where would I go to get new teeth? I can't grow new ones anymore at my age and to be fair, I think I may be too poor in health for them to grow even if I was younger. I need new ones, these hurt, they are old and taste foul. And I didn't have some magic paste to keep them healthy." he pouted, though would swear he was doing nothing of the sort if someone pointed it out to him later. "I also need my wings fixed, all these feathers are damaged and have to go, they won't grow new ones either for some reason, possibly my poor health." Frosk stretched out his wings to show the terrible state they were in.

The normally bright purple glowing feathers were now a dull purple black, tattered and torn and covered in filth. So few in number from the norm that the reddish purple skin under them could be seen in great amounts in spots. Gashes in the skin were also in need of fixing and the blood was so thickly matted on some of the feathers that they looked like a dried tar version of an icicle. It was where most of the smell was coming from and would need a good thorough cleaning before he went anywhere for 'fixings'. Many of the smaller nasty feathers fell out and landed on the ground with a soft puff, showing how caked with grime they were to make them that heavy.

Frosk turned his gaze from his wings and looked at Bug, letting his tongue hang just a bit out the front from his slightly open jaws, catching the scents and tastes of the area around him to gage how things were going to play out from here.

The green dragon had finished the bulk care of flesh wounds and deeper gashes, now focusing simply on polishing scales, claws, doing a little filing here and there to ensure any area that seemed ready to crack or provide a later issue would be dealt with now.  He listened carefully though and took a good look at both his master's great maw and the... he refused to use any adjective that might be negative even in his thinking when considering the master so settled for "imposing" wings.  Yes imposing, to have to treat, clean, or restore in any way.  Still he remembered how awe-inspiring they had been.  Oh yes, in his best condition which Verdy was certain that his master still could be, he was such a sight that everyone with any common sense would drop to their knees and worship him.

He remembered when he had first started being the mighty dragon's servant, when he was refused any chance to work on those teeth, and now it was showing though he wouldn't dare point it out in that way.  "Hmm, two names come to mind my master.  One is very trustworthy, one I know you to somewhat dislike.  The black scaled one that would pretend his might could even be a fraction of yours, he has the materials and skill to craft such things.  I would not dare let him near you though to place such things in your maw, for that I would much sooner trust an aged red scaled one that lives up on the hilltops.  Her healing skills are even beyond mine and I have heard rumors that she has a son visiting who would also be beneficial to aiding you."  Verdy smiled, giving a loving touch and caressing along his master's scales.  "Of course I'd never let them do anything without asking me first and making sure it would be alright.  And your wings, you know I would be more than happy to clean and cure them.  We will have you flying high again soon, inspiring awe and terror as your shadow falls over the land, you the true master of all you set your sights upon."

The young green dragon idly began spinning a few thoughts around in his head trying to figure out if they were worth approaching or not.  Trying to figure out if he could suggest a few fanciful plates for his master, perhaps gold or silver to enhance his weakened areas, added armor that wouldn't chafe or cut into him but would still serve as suitable protection.  Decorative as well of course, he wouldn't wish to provide the great dragon with anything of a lower quality or standard... again he'd need Blake for that though.  Damned rich guy... well... technically he was related to him through his adoptive father Rook but Blake had that superior attitude...  Still liked him but he was a little annoying.  Kept trying to teach him how to box or fight in certain ways.  "If I could, and if they were half as nice as yours, I would gladly give you my wings, my fangs, but alas I don't think they'd fit you."

Frosk snorted at the thought of "That Dark One" being anywhere near him as anything other than a snack. He lowered his head quickly and shut his wings with a loud clap, laying back down slowly to think on what he heard. The idea that there was an old female red close by that was a healer, and had offspring who could also heal was a tempting one. "The Dark One is the only one who can make teeth? Or can the female red and her offspring also do this? If she can't, why not have her get what ever the Dark One needs, as I know there are 'fittings' that need to be done, and then have the Dark One make the teeth? If the female can make the teeth then we can cut the Dark One out of our business all together." he rumbled, placing a finger on his good eyebrow in thought. "I would let you fix my wings if it were possible, my dear, but you must understand that there is much to be done, and I would rather not spend days at it when, however much I dislike it, many people doing the job all at once would be much faster and far less pain than dragging it out." he curled his lips at the thought of any more people scurrying about him like ants on a kill.

Frosk looked over himself a bit, smiling at the thought of all those little trinkets that the Anthros wear for show, shiny gold or silver bands with gems pressed into them all over their fingers and ears, plus the gems hanging from chains around their necks. Such things would perhaps be a bit much on him, but a few gems or scraps of metal pressed into spots that were missing scales might look alright, especially on his nose and head. Frosk ran a paw over his head and face, touching all the holes where the scarring had gathered after loosing scales in battle. He didn't remember being this worried about his looks a few years ago, true he loved to look great, but the scars had been badges earned in combat, now they were unsightly and bothered him quite a bit. His eye rested on Bug, thinking about putting gold or silver bands on his pet, gems on his horns perhaps? Give him something to show that Bug belonged to him and no one else. No, no gems or bands, he had a helmet still from long ago, it was bronze with an odd sort of decoration on the top that was like hair, though it used to be black, now faded to a dull gray. To Frosk the hair looked like something that belonged on a bird, it also reminded him of a hair style some young Anthros sported called a Moe-hawk though why they called it that he didn't know. Bug would look good in it, after it was polished and the hair replaced, and perhaps in some of the other helmets and armor Frosk had stashed away.

The urge to show his claim over Bug was strong now, stronger than ever before, if others were to be brought into their circle (as they would have to be if they were to help fix Frosk) then the great Dragon needed some way to put his mind at ease, and that was to show ownership over his little companion. "No, you will need your wings and fangs little Bug, however, there are things that you can give me that will help for now. I would like these holes-" he indicated his head and face where the scales were missing "-to be filled with things that shine, gems, metals and the like. I do not care for my badges of combat anymore, they bore me.." Frosk laid his head down to rest his sore neck, he hadn't noticed how heavy his head had been due to the infected eye and extra scar tissues until they were removed. Now his neck demanded a rest and he had no problem with giving in for just awhile, Bug still had work to do after all.

"Call on this female and her offspring, I will meet with them and we shall see what can be done about these empty jaws and puny looking wings"

"I can't be certain about the red one's son.  I have yet to meet him but there is a chance he can perform the necessary work.  They can likely keep the  black scaled one from ever having to be close to you, though I grudgingly admit his crafting skills are almost unparalleled.  I know the red scaled one to be a great healer though, she has treated me for a few injuries and I've witnessed her in many amazing efforts."  Rose would likely take a glance at his master here and figure out every little cure he might need.  No matter how much Verdy might study the book she'd loan him her skills and experience would always exceed his own.  It was funny though how master seemed to know exactly what he was thinking, probably showed that he belonged as the great dragon's pet, they thought so much alike.

"Gladly master, all the holes shall be filled but even the most precious of stones and metals hardly compare to your natural grace and regal bearing.  I have many things that would be close to suitable though, gems, gold, silver, whatever you might desire."  Thankfully he had finally had a bit of dragon's luck in his recent past, gaining a decent chunk of wealth though he hadn't disclosed the source to anyone yet.  He wouldn't need to go to Blake for every little detail, every scrap of metal or gem.

"I will give them a call, let them know that I could use their assistance in a few matters.  The red scale is known as Rose, her son I am not sure.  I believe he is known as Ameranth?  The three of us should be suitable to take care of your wings as well if we have a full day to do all of the work."  Maybe, just maybe he'd have to invite Drake into the equation as well.  He wasn't a favorite to the master but not as horrid as Blake.  "Meanwhile... when patching these holes, I think master deserves a suitable crown as well?"  Just a thought, and while a proper lord of the land didn't need it to be recognized it never hurt to be able to show off a little.

Nodding his head in a agreement to his pet's words, Frosk tilted his head and smiled. Yes his Bug adored him, but Frosk wanted his complete loyalty and could think of a few ways he could get it; one way was letting the little drake feel more special and included. Raising his paw and pointing down at Bug with a sharp gesture "I will let you choose what to place here-" he then waved his paw to gaps in his scales all over his body. "-you are more than able to correctly decide what I would like, but don't go overboard, I will not thank you if I look like some glittering statue that others will mock, nor will it be a grand thing to behold if my prey gets away from me because they could see me coming a mile away due to all the light catching off me, I don't want to look 'pretty' I want to look Regal!" he added, giving Bug a dangerous look and a sneer for good measure. Frosk then settled and nodded again when Bug mentioned the female's name, he remembered that his mother had met an old female, well old for Anthros, and had said she was alright for a half dragon.


His pets next few words caught him off guard...A crown? The thought of a crown made Frosk almost salivate, he would be recognized at first glance as a Lord of Something if he had a crown...but how would it stay on his head? Also would it seem too...what was the word...conceited? Never mind that it was true, but there was no need to give others such an obvious weakness for them to take advantage of. Bug was different, he seemed to believe Frosk was the best thing since sliced bread, so the dragon had no issue with him knowing his weakness. "Yes, I think a crown would be nice, but wouldn't that be a bit...." he trailed off and made a face. "I seem to remember the Dark One being quite vocal about my...how did he put it, self centered-ness. Most of the area would agree and though I want them to worship me, I do think I should ease them into it rather than a big shock." Frosk smiled at the idea of being like the Great Ones of old who would simply lay about and have whole villages and towns coming to offer them food, trinkets, wash downs and more. But that wouldn't happen now-a-days, unless he got a cult like that one dragon did in Germany a century or so ago before the whole group, dragon and cult just vanished into thin air. Yes, a cult would be very nice, tons of people waiting on him hand and foot, Bug as the high priest....

Shaking his head in clear amusement of where his thoughts had gone, Frosk smiled at Bug and chuckled "Perhaps we need a cult for us, Bug. So that we might have people of like minds who will not judge us". The large dragon pushed up on one of his aching and loose teeth with a paw and growled at the thought of losing all his teeth and not having any replacements.

Having the honor of selecting what to go in the gaps?  Of course his master made a good point, maybe he could get some darkened metals that would mimic some of the darker streaks in his color pattern.  Deep blues, blacks, it was possible.  He smiled, bowing his head.  "Thank you great master, I will do my best to honor you and make you proud of me.  Perhaps we can get you a crown that could only be worn when holding court over your subjects, or for guests that you allow into your presence?  Something that won't make everyone else jealous right away?"  For what other reason could there be for not wanting to admire such a regal creature as his master?

It was a quick call to Rose, she almost seemed to know what was going to  be asked and she let him know she'd be on her way instantly.  How did she do that, always felt like she knew what was going on, like one of those old traveling gypsies that could see the future.  "Well the red one is on her way, and I'm sure she'll be able to assist.  If we manage to gather a cult I wouldn't mind them joining, very sensible and respectful."

The green dragon smiling, brushing a little muck from along his master's neck and polishing his scales.  He'd missed being able to do this, could spend hours, days admiring and treating the great one.  The only thing that had kept him busy was gardening and other hobbies, school work, once in a while a little tryst but nothing serious.  His boyfriend, if he were still to have one, was on the school soccer team and always busy.  Still it was nice getting to see him, about as nice as basking in his master's presence.  "While we're waiting, is there anything you would wish to know about the area since your last visit master?  I'll try to answer if I can."