Last of the truly fatal children of Ihrinnah and Virus, Digitalis was as fond of teas as his sister Coni. Though in truth, he knew that there were parts of his chosen plant-category that could be used to humanity's benefit.

That had to change.

Though Digitalis was considered a pretty-boy by most of Atropa's friends, they still hung out together more often than not. Her constant fawning over her lovers made him a bit ill. He would hardly call the batch of makeup wearing men 'men'. But in truth, he was just as desirable as his sister, even if they looked nothing alike.

"No, really," he had to tell them constantly. "We're related."

In order to prove it, Digitalis had to take at least one of her friends on. He selected a willowy tall Asian girl, whose khol-eyes were more expertly applied than others. An exotic looking young woman herself. She thought that it was just the ecstasy that she'd taken that made her see everything as though through green tinted air. In reality Digitalis had removed all traces of that useless drug and replaced it in her bloodstream with his own potent mix.

Soon enough, she was complaining of a headache that wouldn't go away. Atropa sent them on their way, kissy-kissy and all that. Nyla thought she would be all right driving with the shake to her hands. Maybe it would go away if she could get a drink to soothe her stomach ache...

It just got worse the whole time, but still the faint euphoria and her irregular heartbeat left her wondering when she could see Digitalis again...

He would have to learn to drive. Next time she might just have that seizure he was working her up to, and it would hardly do to be in the car with her at the time.

There were many eggs on the sands at Darkling Dawn, apparently two separate nests all kind of moved together. Though by the time any of the eggs hatched, everyone could tell by the coloration who was sired or hatched from whom.

And amazingly enough, there was one extremely pretty green colored hatchling who came from an egg, wobbly... She stood next to her lighter colored sister and they both examined each other's multicolored wingsails. This one, darker, had brown and green mixed on her wings.

She strode up to Digitalis.

I think I want food. Yes. That is what I want. I do not want a seizure, whatever that is. But maybe later, if you explain what it is, I'll have one of those too.

Digitalis raised an eyebrow, and smirked. That was new. Funny! "Are you sure Skelath?"

I am sure that I want food! She crooned, and Digitalis laughed.

"Well then food it is." They went off together. Digitalis was proud of himself. This would be a nice addition. He could get anyone he wanted to come near him now - he was a dragon rider!

Skelath and her precious Digitalis paraded themselves around the hospital grounds, during one of those picnics that Escher was fond of having.

Why does he always infect things? Those people will die some day anyway. Why hurry them along?

Digitalis couldn't quite answer her. His older brother was ... well, he was someone that Digitalis looked up to greatly.

"Well," he said, pondering, "I think it's because they never pay enough attention to those things. They just assume that everything is okay."

But it would be if he didn't infect them.

"... Maybe he can explain it to you," Digitalis said, as a buxom girl - who'd just consumed one of the hot dogs that Escher plunked some of his trademark e-coli into - approached. "Would you like to see my dragon?" He asked the girl, but Skelath was already happily bounding off to talk to Rabies and her bond.

Skelath spread her beautiful wings and flapped hard. I wish to fly, my friend.

"Then feel free, it's a nice enough day," said an oblivious Digitalis.

No, no, I mean fly - to mate. Your mind is always on mating too, why should I not think about it sometimes? I am fully grown, and I should find a proper mate.

"Or an improper one," Digitalis laughed. "Should I start asking the other riders about it?"

I do not wish to fly here, she stated, stamping her strong foot, I want to find a place and do it right. With sands, and other dragons.

"We have other dragons! I can't see why you need to vacate here, we've just gotten back into the mix!"

You have, Skelath said, but I need to see my own eggs blossoming.

Digitalis paused, and nodded. "I understand. Father spread himself out before settling down too. I don't see any problem with it, Skel. I just thought maybe one of the others here would be good for you."

She gazed at her rider's family's dragons - they were magnificent, certainly, but they were not exactly what he had in mind. She wasn't quite sure what that really was, but it would be good to find out.

Promise not to kill any of the mates that might come to you, Skelath said, and I will find someone nice that you can play with.

"Now that's playing dirty," Digitalis snickered. He went off to speak to his father about it, then they collected some clothing and supplies, and headed out into the Nexus. (continued below)

I have found it, the right place. It is lovely, though you will not have very many people to damage.

"You keep saying that. I keep finding people. I win." Digitalis laughed. His green and brown dragoness chuckled to herself as well - like it was a competition to see who could mess with the most people?

It is Dou Pas River Denu, a fine place. New dragons have awakened there, and I like them. We nexus fliers have young that resemble locals, you know - do you like them?

She aimed an image to his mind, and he was taken aback. "They're different, but I like them. Odd types, wood, fire, earth... What are you?"

Wood, perhaps and a little earth ... I do not know. I know I would like to find a mate here. Please sign me up. And do not kill anyone that has a dragon worthy of me.

"Done and done, as soon as we land, my love..."