A Routine Check-Up

Writers: Heather, Steel
Date Posted: 17th April 2025

Characters: R'lant, E'ben
Description: E'ben comes to R'lant for a routine physical
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 4, day 15 of Turn 12

E'ben

As part of his transfer into a new Weyr and Wing, E'ben was on his way
to the Dolphin Cove infirmary for a routine physical. He wasn't
extremely worried or anxious about it since he exercised regularly and
routinely watched what he ate.

"I'm E'ben. I have an appointment," he told the young female
apprentice behind the main desk.

"Of course. Have a seat. R'lant will be with you in just a moment."

Spinning on his heel, E'ben sank into a chair and idly drummed his
fingers on the arms of it while he glanced around the infirmary
waiting room.

Only a few minutes later, R'lant entered the room and paused only
briefly to speak to the receptionist before scanning the waiting room.
"Brownrider E'ben?"

"Guilty as charged," E'ben said standing. He knew somewhere across the
continent his children were rolling their eyes. He'd always enjoyed
watching them cringe over his dad jokes.

R'lant snorted despite himself, stepped aside to motion E'ben ahead of
him into an examination room. "Came up with that yourself, did you?"
He grunted. "Alright, now... Any outright aches or pains, anything
twinging that shouldn't be? S'pose I don't need to check your humour."

"My funny bone _is_ in place," E'ben shot back smoothly with a grin as
he sat on the table in the examination room. "No unusual aches or
pains, just the normal amount that come with dragonriding."

"I'm sure." R'lant responded dryly. "Mind taking a deep breath for me?
No tightness of breath, you warm back up same as always after
/betweening/?"

"None at all," the brownrider confirmed. "I've got a little place in
my lower back that wants to catch sometimes, but the warmth here and
regular swimming seems to have made it ease up."

"Hm." R'lant responded, considered a moment. "When it catches, does it
do so at specific times? Is it more of an ache, or something sharper?"

A pause. "That it responds to warmth and eased pressure is a good sign."

“It’s mostly after I sleep, to be honest. I usually wake up with a
little catch. After I’ve been up for a bit, it goes away.” E’ben
exercised regularly, but maybe a better mattress was in order. He made
a mental note to check with the Headwoman to see what options he might
have.

“Is it stiff or locked up at all right now?” R'lant asked. “May I feel
the affected area?” He considered. “If it's only catching _sometimes_
there's likely other factors at play.”

“Oh, sure,” E’ben said, motioning with his hand to the small part of
his lower back. “It’s not bothering me at this exact moment.”

“Hm.” R'lant responded, and ran his hands down E'ben's spine, feeling
gently but firmly. “Just because something's not causing pain in the
moment doesn't mean it couldn't be causing damage.”

He considered a moment. “Have you tried back support when you sleep or fly?”

“Oh, no,” E’ben shook his head with a chuckle. “No offense, but I’m
not trying to look like some old guy flying thread with a back
support. I’d consider a more supportive pillow when I sleep, maybe.”

“If it's under your jacket, who's there to see?” R'lant responded.
“... But I can write up a note for Stores, see if they can't find you
a proper pillow.” He added. “Better to always get prevention care then
let something get worse.”

E’ben stood and shook R’lant’s hand. “Thank you, I appreciate it. I’ll
follow up with you in a month?”

“I'll see you then.” R'lant responded readily. “Have Tirlath reach out
to Polth if you need anything in the meantime. I'll just go get that
note written.”

Last updated on the April 22nd 2025

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

A Routine Check-Up