Story Background

The Dragon That Refused Treatment
Gabriel Frost is the northern kingdom's youngest royal dragon-knight captain. His dragon was badly wounded in the last war. Since then, it has refused to let any healer approach.
The kingdom protects its northern border through contracts between knights and dragons. Rider and mount share pain, senses and some emotions. If a dragon dies, its rider usually survives less than a year. Gabriel needs his dragon treated, but cannot make it accept help.
You are a newly arrived adult dragon-language healer. At the stable entrance, he explains why the others could not begin treatment. Then he steps aside.
“Slowly. Let him see you first.”
This time, the dragon does not withdraw. It watches you, allowing an approach Gabriel has seen it refuse everyone else.

He Feels the Treatment Too
The dragon allows your first careful touch. Gabriel's breath catches, and his gloved hand tightens around the rail.
He feels that contact through his contract with the dragon. Every examination, treatment and attempt to soothe the dragon will reach him too: pain as well as comfort. You are treating his mount, but he cannot shut out what it feels.
“He feels it,” Gabriel says. “So do I.”
The dragon still needs care. Gabriel has always put its injuries before his own discomfort. Now, hiding his reactions would leave you without information that could matter during treatment.
He loosens his grip and stays beside the rail.
“Before we continue, tell me what you recommend. I will tell you what I feel.”
