Dragonlings and Drakes (Backpost)

Posted on Mon Jul 20th, 2026 @ 3:59am by Lieutenant Commander Nyxala Valentine & Lieutenant Colonel Ashok 'Ash', Son of Norath & Cirilla

4,105 words; about a 21 minute read

Mission: Flight Of The Valkyries
Location: Nyx's Quarters
Timeline: After the big battle

ON:

Ashok walked down the corridor with Cirilla walking by his side. She was holding onto his hand tightly, her heart racing in excitement. She was on her way to meet a new creature. The Doctor's secret dragon, Gigi. The little girl was so excited she almost could contain herself. She let out a little squeal of excitement.

"Ciri... Are you turning into a Targ?" Ashok asked softly, with a smile, as his eyes peered down to her.

"No, Daddy." The little girl replied as she looked up at him. "I'm just excited."

Ash let out a chuckle, looking away for a moment to shake his head, before looking back down to his daughter. "I know, Ciri, but you have to contain yourself. Take a deep breath and calm yourself. Some animals can feel that excitement and think its something else."

Cirilla did as she was told, taking a deep breath, to try to relax. Although she felt a bit more relaxed, the excitement was still there. She couldn't help it. She had read a lot about animals and creatures, but never thought of seeing one herself. Especially one as exotic as a dragon.

"Daddy... How do you know Gigi will feel my excitment and think its bad? Have you met a dragon before and didn't tell me?" She asked, stopping in her tracks and looking up to her father, anxious to hear his answer.

He looked down at her and smirked. "No, Ciri. I haven't met a dragon before."

"Then maybe you're wrong and Gigi will like me." Cirilla replied, turning back away as she continued to walk.

Ashok raised a brow, taking in the fact that his daughter just said he could be wrong, before letting out a quick laugh. He shrugged his shoulders before continuing to walk with her to Nyx's quarters, which was easy to find since the computer was more than helping in telling him where to find it.

When he reached the door, Ash stopped and was about to tap the chime to announce their presence, before Ciri spoke quicky.

"Daddy... let me do it." She said in a soft voice, looking up at him with a smile.

Ashok couldn't say no as he picked her up and let her reach her small finger to the chime button, causing it to ring their arrival. He slowly placed her back on the ground while they waited.

It only took a few seconds before the door slid open to reveal Nyx already in clothes much more comfortable than the admittedly non-regulation uniform that she wore when on duty. The sweatpants had the word ‘Marines’ down one leg and the Marine Corps logo on the thigh on the opposite side, but the oversized T-shirt she wore had the image of a large cartoon dragon and the words ‘Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup’ on it. Also gone was the makeup she wore on any given day, her lips now a their natural pink rather than the bright red of her lipstick.

The smile that she greeted the two visitors with was genuine with amiability as she recognized the pair, right before she went to to a crouching position in front of Cirilla and grinned widely while her eyes inspected her for anything shiny and potentially eye catching. No good having Gigi get distracted unwittingly, even if she already knew the drakeling would behave decently, “Well hello there, I see that you’ve made good on your promise to come see a particular little dragon, haven’t you?” She glanced up at Ash with a wink.

"I'm so excited." Ciri whispered back, bringing her small hands together, as she smiled from pointed ear to pointed ear. "I get to see a real little dragon."

There was a rustling from above and well within the quarters as Nyx got back up to her feet and beckoned the two of them in. As the door shut behind them, Nyx pursed her lips and made a three toned whistle. From above them, there was more rustling and motion as a dark form crawled out of the hammock-looking fixture and dropped towards the ground, wings flaring out after a couple of moments and flapping to grip the air as dark eyes inspected the newcomers before wheeling around for a loop of the room.

Ciri stood there in awe struck. Her eyes and mouth wide in surprised. She immediately grabbed her fathers hand and tugged it slightly. "Daddy... Daddy, look. Look."

"I see it, little one. I see." Ashok replied, crouching down beside her. His eyes also amazed at what he was seeing.

As the drakeling made it halfway around the room, Nyx took a step over to Ciri and again crouched down next to her this time and gave a low two-toned whistle from that position, The dragon turned instantly and abruptly, flaring her wings and backwinging furiously to kill speed and land on the ground in front of them, folding her wings back to their normal resting position behind her, flush to her body as she approached in curiosity, "This is Gigi," Nyx whispered loud enough for both Ciri and Ash to hear, "If you're really gentle, she'll let you reach out and pet her, but be careful of the spikes on her head, they can be pretty sharp if you hit them the wrong way, and always pet her from front to back, because otherwise you'll irritate her scales."

Cirilla stood there in silence. As she struggled to listen to Nyx, her eyes were fixed on the drakeling Gigi. She didn't know what to do. She had so many questions spinning in her head, but the visual of Gigi alone was enough to throw her brain off. She slowly brought her hands together as the nerves overtook her. Finally, she looked over to Nyx and asked softly. "C-c-c-can I pet her?"

"Of course you can, just be gentle. She is a natural predator, so don't wriggle your fingers too much." Nyx remained there next to Gigi, because while she didn't expect the dragonling to even consider nipping at Ciri, it didn't pay to take chances. She had followed the training guide to the letter and there was a word that had been set up that the instant she said it, the drakeling would automatically drop to the ground. It was one of the first commands that was taught and whenever she needed claw maintenance, it was the safest option.

Ciri looked to Gigi and slowly eased her hand toward it. She did her best to stay calm, even though her little heart was racing. "Hi, Gigi." She said softly and calmly as she eased her hand a bit forward again, just barely our of reach of her nose. "My name is Cirilla. Would you like to be friends with me, because I would sure like to be friends with you?" She added as she closed her eyes, her hand slightly shaking as the nerves hit again.

Cirilla stayed there, frozen, as she wasn't sure what to expect. The little girl had just about given up hope, when she felt a soft nudge against her fingers. Then something thin, but wet, wrapping around a finger before it pulled away. As she opened her eyes, she saw the drakeling nudge her hand again, before closing her eyes and pushing against it with what sounded like a rough purring sound.

The little girl's eyes widened, before darting to Nyx, then to her father. Ciri focused back on Gigi as she eased a bit closer, so her hand was slowly brushing passed the creatures nose and jaw. She was careful of the spikes, as she was instructed, as she made her way slowly to Gigi's side. It was an odd feeling, her hand against the scales, not like the skin and fur of her little Targ. Ciri wasn't sure if this was pleasing to the drakeling or irritating it. However, for the moment, she seemed to enjoy it. Especially, as Cirilla got close enough for her hand to rub against the side of her belly.

There was no lasing of the tail that Nyx could see that would indicate Gigi getting annoyed, then as the hand of the little girl touched the side of the dragon's belly, there was a mewl that trailed off before Gigi sprawled onto her side and wriggled further under Cirilla's hand in a clear invitation for a more comprehensive belly rub, the head on her long neck reaching up to run her cheek along Ciri's arm when she didn't immediately comply.

From where she was, Nyx exhaled in relief as she shared a glance with Ash, "Not that I was worried," She said softly, standing finally to let the dragon get all of Ciri's attentions, "She does have some venom in her bite, just a little paralytic for live prey so they don't struggle. It's not dangerous to us, the worst would be some numbness, but I have an antivenin for that on me anyways. Gigi sees me as her mother, so she does have that protectiveness, but neither of you were going to be seeing me as a threat so she wouldn't sense it."

Ashok's eyes widened slightly. He approached Nyx, whispering softly. "You wait till now to drop that fact?!" The Klingon raised his brow and placed a palm on his face. He looked down at his daughter, who seemed to be happy as she rubbed the drakeling's belly. As he watched her, a smile appeared on his face, before he slowly raised his head and added. "I trust you, Doctor. Please don't disappoint."

Nyx grinned and crouched back down next to the giggling Ciri and the clearly enraptured Gigi, reaching out to gently tug one of the wings out away from the body, eliciting a squawking sound from the drakeling as the wing was extended, "If you touch her wing, it's a very strong membrane that you can't hurt at all, not even with a knife or anything that I can tell." She looked back at Ash, "Naturally occurring carbon nanotubes, tougher than diamond."

Ash slowly crouched down to the floor, looking over to Nyx, before giving her an understanding nod. He placed his hand on top of Ciri's head, before she turned to look at him, giving him an excited smile. Ashok returned the smile, rubbing her head slowly, before leaning down to give the top of her head a gentle kiss.

Ciri looked back to Nyx, her hand rubbing at the little drakeling's belly, giggling slightly as she heard Gigi's pleased response. The little girl smiled at Nyx, before saying in a happy tone. "I want to learn... everything."

Her Klingon father just gave an pleasing chuckled as he repositioned himself, sitting down on the floor with the rest of them, focused more on watching his daughters reaction and excitement as she wanted learn as much as she could about her new friend from her other new friend.

Nyx went on and on about all of the minutae of what made a Drussellian Drakeling special, aside from one aspect that she planned on bringing up prior to the two actually departing, but after a while of exploring Gigi's wings and tail and even the spikes that adorned her head, the drakeling began to show uncharacteristic impatience and Nyx handed Cirilla a few of the relatively mundane treats she kept for 'public' consumption for the dragon and sat back next to Ashok as Gigi bounded off with Cirilla to play.

"You know, I don't know what's better to see, Gigi having fun with someone else, or just the sheer excitement of your daughter and her desire to learn about Gigi." Nyx smiled fondly as she watched the two of them carefully.

"It never ceases to amaze me how much she wants to absorb about the world around her. Constantly wanting to learn more then relaying everything to me. To be honest, half the time, I am more taken in by her excitement about what she is talking about than the actual material." Ashok chucked softly, looking over to Nyx with a pleased smile. "I was never like that. It must be from her mother's side." He added before looking back to Cirilla. He watched her with Gigi for a moment, before looking back to Nyx. "I'm sure you've noticed, she isn't completely Klingon."

"It's as clear as the ridges on her head." Nyx confirmed with him, "Plus it's in her medical file. But the wonder of someone who wants to learn things and takes the sheer excitement of it? I don't know if I can ever get over that. Officially, she's the person with the second most knowledge of a drakeling on board, because they don't ever get off Drussel typically. Only their nobility get gifted eggs and it's all very ritualistic." Gigi opened her wings and flapped to get airborne ahead of Ciri, wheeling once to zip past the girl before stopping and hovering nearly motionless with furious flapping to stay airborne just to make sure the child was following.

As Ciri let out a squeal in excitement, watching Gigi fly around, then seemingly beckoning her to follow. She wouldn't let her new friend down. She gave the drakeling a smile, followed by a firm nod.

Ash kept his eyes on Cirilla, making sure she was alright, before looking over to Nyx. "And you've made her as happy as she can ever be. She's learned about a new creature. She got to see it and touch it. Make friends with it. Now, she's playing with it like it was just another friend. No care in the world. Focused on enjoying every moment with it... with Gigi." He gave her a pleased smile, before looking back to his daughter. "Thank you, Doc-.... Thank you, Nyx."

"You're welcome, but it's not all one-sided. Socialization is important for Gigi as well, and she's hardly had the opportunity with all that's gone on." Ciri and Gigi were playing what looked to be a game of 'Chase The Dragon' and even when one hand wrapped around the tail briefly, the dragon didn't object in any way, just flicking her tail once it was released, then finally dove into a throw pillow for a landing before bouncing up and playfully leaping at the little girl. "You'd be surprised how many adults get a bit way around her because of her teeth and claws, but as I say, she's very well trained and knows not to use them, especially around children."

"I've never seen Cirilla be rough with anyone or anything. Even with her Targ. Hur'q will get very protective at the slightest person approaching Ciri. Charging at them, but even then, Cirilla will just scold and talk to the little targ. Never raising her hand or voice." Ash let out a laugh. "My father, the Great General Norath, had a colleague come over. Another General who was kept his grishnar cat on a chain. It was a fierce thing, still having its claws, which many stirred clear from. However, Cirilla showed no fear. At three, she approached the beast like it was just another house pet. The beast this General kept around to scare his crew and enemies was soon purring like a common house cat and cuddling with this little child."

"You'll never get me near a grishnar cat, that's for sure." Nyx chuckled as she imagined little Ciri with one, "And if we introduce them properly, we can also train Gigi not to see Hur'q as a potential bit of prey. Once he's bigger, even that would pass naturally because well... Too big for her. One thing to keep in mind is that Gigi is naturally drawn to sparkly and shiny stuff, it's a hoarding instinct, despite that I've kept her well-supplied with trinkets and gold. One of those things Earth 'tradition' with dragons that's actually true."

"I am sure it will be a nice attempt, but Hur'q might not trying to fight or protect Cirilla." He laughed slightly, before continuing. "Maybe he'll eventually calm, but that little targ has the heart of a fighter, even though it was born a runt." Ashok looked back over to Nyx as he added. "And, I am sure, Cirilla won't help by bringing her shiny things and trinkets as gifts. As long as she see's that little drakeling happy, she won't see it as anything else."

"I'm guessing that this means we'll have to arrange more playdates between the two of them, won't we?" Nyx gave another chuckle, "Which I'll happily arrange, because I don't want Gigi to be bored, which can absolutely happen, then she'll make some sort of mess for me to clean up. You, of course, are always invited to join her and we can even arrange for snacks or meals as needed."

Ashok let out a hearty laugh, throwing his head back as he did so. When he was done, he looked over to Nyx as he smiled, replying softly. "At least you thought to include me. Don't be surprised to see her wander here alone. Once you tell her she's welcome to come by, she might take it as an invitation to show up whenever she wants." He took a breath, as his mind ease away from worrying about Ciri being in some form of harm, and he just focused on enjoying the moment. "I wouldn't mind seeing you more often. Off duty, of course."

"To visit Gigi, she'd actually have to come to sickbay. I take her with me wherever I go, typically, though if I'm going off-ship for a short period of time, I may leave her aboard, which would mean here, in which case visitors would be welcomed, especially familiar ones." She made a wise, expansive gesture, "And of course you'll see me more often off duty, especially if you're joining Ciri for her visits. I don't plan on running away."

The Klingon just hung his head, allowed a slight scoff to escape his lips, before looking back to her. "Nyx... what I mean to say is... I wouldn't mind seeing you more often off duty... just the two of us. I don't mind coming by with Ciri for Gigi, but I also want to come by... for you. To get to know you better."

That caught Nyx up short as she tried to decipher what that could mean. Back in special operations the teams basically learned to live in each others' pockets, because it could be life or death in the field if you didn't know what the others were thinking. Here on board a ship? That sort of 'getting to know you' meant either someone trying to strike up a good friendship or something else. Better to err on the side of caution? Or the more direct question? Duh. "Is that you asking me out on a date? Or just out as a friend?"

"I don't know. I haven't done this in a long time." Ashok replied with a nervous chuckle. He didn't try to connect with anyone, in that way, for a long time. He wasn't exactly new to the idea of courting a woman to be in a relationship, but every since Cirilla came into his life, his focus has been directly on her. If it wasn't on her, then it was on his job. There was something about Nyx that made him want to know more. Just begin the journey and see where it took them and how far they would walk, if they even walked it together. Maybe it was her being a Marine or how she showed such strength and drive when they first met. It could have even been the gun she pointed to his chest. Either way, he was intrigued and couldn't help but want to explore it. "I would like to spend some time with you and see where it goes. Whether it leads to a strong friendship... a relationship... or another gun to my chest. You intrigue me and I would like to know more about you, if I can. Even if it means calling it a date."

That stopped her short and for several seconds she didn't know what to say in response. She looked towards Ciri and Gigi, the two of them now cuddled up on the floor with each other. But there was something else that was between them, one he did know about already. "Even though you know I'm already pregnant?" She asked quietly.

"I didn't forget." Ashok replied softly, looking over to Ciri and Gigi for a moment, before looking back to Nyx with a slight smile. "I understand if you're with someone already. Someone onboard or someone not here. I wouldn't want to get in between that. If that means we'll only be friends, then I accept that. If they make you happy, make you feel loved and cherished, I would never do anything to damage that."

"It was never like that with him." Nyx didn't let her eyes leave his face, "He was a colleague and friend from a previous part of my life, besides..." She sighed, "He died two weeks ago on a recon against the Iconians, his entire team got caught and killed before they could exfiltrate. One of the risks of that trade. One of the risks I take, just as you do. But so long as you're not intimidated by that fact, I won't be either. Just like I know you know I can be pretty damned stubborn at times." She chuckled.

"I am well aware, Nyx." Ashok replied with his own chuckle before settling it down to a relaxed smile. "I know, very well, you are more than capable to do your job in your condition. Even up until the last minute. Just remember, I'd make the same plea of asking you to step away for yours and the child's safety, just as I did for the Captain. Regardless of where we are at that time, my feelings on the matter won't change. Do your best to remember not to hold it against me should the time comes."

“Here in a couple months or so, I won’t be in any good condition to be active in the field, plus it would endanger too many others if I did. At that point, a nice comfy chair will sound just about right to me.” Nyx had to use humor, for her own sake, not just to alleviate the concern, “So… Dinner or something along those lines, then. Start off slow and see where it goes.” She looked back over at the child and the drakeling, seeing how Gigi had her head on Ciri’s stomach. “Of course, if it wouldn’t ruin her dinner tonight, there’s still one more trick to show you two… Do either of you dislike marshmallows?”

Ashok chuckled softly, smiling a bit, as he looked over to Nyx. "We enjoy them." He replied as he looked back over to Ciri and Gigi, who seemed to have worn each other out. "I took her once to a spot where my father would take us camping. It was more of a tradition so we could all hunt like our ancestors, but I didn't want to do that with her. Not yet, anyway. So, we just went out there to relax. My mother replicated some marshmallows as a treat for her. Cirilla learned all about them and wanted to try them with me. It was a nice night. She indulged herself, which was expected. I have to admit... so did I."

"I hate to disturb the two of them, though..." Nyx remarked with a chuckle, "And you're going to probably kill me for telling you only now that Gigi can also breathe fire. Not a lot of it, either seven little fireballs or an eight-second stream. Handy for getting kindling going or... Toasting some marshmallows."

Ashok looked back at her with a slight scowl, before shaking his head with a soft chuckle. "Let's save that trick for another time. Right now, I want to enjoy the moment."

"You know what? That sounds like a plan." Nyx leaned over slightly towards him, her shoulder touching his. Such simplicity and contentment weren't the normal. She could get used to it.

END

Lieutenant Colonel Ashok
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Tokyo

Lieutenant Commander Nyx Valentine
Chief Medical Officer
USS Tokyo

Cirilla
Civilian Girl
USS Tokyo

RSS Feed