Feeding the Beast -open-

T'hex stayed silent as the young male stepped up to the edge of the Feeding Grounds and watch Syrlith eat. He watch the young . . . Candidate, judging by his gear. He was attractive for a male, probably barely coming up to T'hex's stomach, chest, which put him about Oria's height. This one is interesting . . . Speak to . . . . him . . . her . . . His dragon's confusion on what to label the Candidate had T'hex curious.

"His name is Syrlith . . . and he normally doesn't eat this much, unless he's giving Chase or showing off for pretty ones," T'hex stated, head cocked to the side a little bit as he regarded the Candidate before looking back at Syrlith.

Sitting up when the Candidate began to talk, T'hex slowly stood himself up, towering over the young male as he moved closer to the Feeding Grounds. He didn't like the way the Candidate had twisted around so quickly at his voice, nor did he like the way he was looking at him. The Kohukarider's mind raced, trying to remember if he had found this young male, but didn't think it had been him, especially since he mentioned a smaller black dragon having brought him to Sabishi Weyr.

At the mention of him being handsome, Syrlith puffed himself up, as if he was preening for the human. "And there he goes," T'hex grinned, watching his dragon. "I'm T'hex . . . What's your name?" he asked, head cocked to the side a little, regarding the young man with interest.

And with one question, T'hex's confidence was floored. He didn't like what they did to get Candidates, but it had to be done. As a Rider, he needed to do his part to make sure future dragons hatched and had Candidates to bond with. In the back of him mind, however, he could hear Syrlith chuckling at his discomfort.

Hush! Why? He's an interesting little human . . . I like him, the Kohaku rumbled, coming out of the pens and closer to the humans. Don't be rude . . . He's waiting for an answer, Syrlith mentioned causing T'hex to turn his attention back to the young Candidate.

Taking in a deep breath, T'hex let it out slowly. "I do it because the dragons need humans and because the Holds aren't allowing us to Search like the old days . . . Then we must resort to a more direct manner," he stated. "I don't like it."

As the young Candidate gasped and stepped away from him, Syrlith lowered his head and his body, trying to look a little smaller, which was hard for the oversized Kohaku. "There's no need to be frightened, young one. We kidnap potential Candidates, but have no intention of harming them," T'hex offered for his Kohaku.

"And I'm glad you don't judge us for what we must do to keep our beloved dragons going. There are many that don't share your views and even a few here in this Weyr," he stated, knowing of at least a few Candidates that weren't pleased to be at the Weyr. At the mention of High Reaches, T'hex's attention was grabbed, as was Syrlith's. Both males moved a little closer, though the Kohaku simply lowered his head and stretched out his neck.

"The Weyr or the Hold?" he asked.

T'hex didn't hear a lot of what was being said by the young man. He was to busy focusing on the young man's movements and body language. When he stumbled back and winced, T'hex stepped forward enough to make sure he didn't fall but hopefully not enough to crowd him. Back up, sweet Syrlith. We both are making him uncomfortable, so lets just try one of us, he sent to his dragon, looking up to see the Kohaku nod and slowly back away, until he wasn't right on top of the pair, but still close enough to hear, be seen, and used if needed.

"What method were your brought here? Kidnapping or willing?" he asked, knowing it was a little personal, but he was curious. "Would you like to sit down? I promise I won't come closer and Syrlith will stay over there," he offered, hoping that would make the lad more comfortable.