what they wouldn't give to have paws that could reach all of those damnable itchy spots! the kingpin was noticeably more irritable, their scent changing being the most telltale sign of entering molt, what with the occasional scent of blood accompanying them when they rubbed too hard on a sore spot. the dragon shifter hated this season for it's infamous molting period. a time where their body turned tender yet itchy as they tried to shed their old skin, as well as a most wonderful time that included shedding their antlers. it was more of a deer thing than a dragon thing, some would think, but this particular dragon would also shed it's antlers in it's molting season, a most embarrassing time for them, truly. they prided their rack of antlers greatly as it also allowed them an easy defense against attackers what with three sets of antlers.

and for that reason they were sick, staying close to their tree, feverish and restless.
the sudden loss of weight upon their head was enough to sicken them with headaches and lightheadedness. the same as a loss of heavy hair. the wounds were infected, not that they wished to admit it, but a dragon was a prideful creature and hated showing a weakness like that. their molt and antler shedding had been a secret up until now, when they actually needed help looking after themselves. Taking their chances, they would ... ask for help.

trundling up the hill from their den, they emerged close to the inn and cave. licking their lips, they went in search of food and water, movements slower than normal. the scent of their blood would surely attract attention, the silvery ichor occasionally sticking within their mane, caking to the protective scales around where their antlers normally sat.

hearing words, they growled deep in their throat, lifting their head, pain causing them to not be able to hear correctly. lip curling back, they scented the air, raking in the scents of malak and hope. help, not foes. exhaling, they relaxed, "malak. hope. apologies for growling at you. my ears are partially plugged.", they would rumble, stretching slightly with a grumble. "oh how i hate this time of year." they complained before laying their head on the ground, "i could use assistance,
yes, thank you. i need help in locating a stream nearby, or at least guidance into the waters surrounding my island. i normally soak when im molting, to help the skin come away. ive also .. shed my antlers. thats where the majority of the blood smell is coming. i hate to ask, but could i request of one of you to get the scales just under my mane? where my mane joins my shoulders." they huffed quietly.

how humiliating. being unable to scratch their own itches and lick their wounds.
they just prayed that nothing too important would happen until their antlers grew back in during the next couple of weeks. this sickness however ... they didn't like this. not one bit. "I'll leave it up to you two to decide on what ails me but i run a fever, a sore throat and my nose runs." they murmur, seeming dejected by the idea of falling ill to a cold.

//its a cold but will progress into a flu//

rumbling deep in their throat, the dragon gave a low groan, "such strange ways of healing. i should like you to share these ways with a trainee for the days we are so unlucky to not have you close to home, malak.", they utter, letting their long body relax. ears twitching slightly at each caw, they grumbled, talons scratching the ground, itchy and irritated. exhaling, they let out a heavy gust of air, stirring the grasses at the edge of their muzzle.

turning their head slightly as he entangled lavender into their mane, they gave a soft puff of interest, the scent reminding them of their childhood nest. "help with the fever and sweating ...", they rumbled faintly, curling their tongue about the aforementioned berries with a low growl, their muscles aching. "good gods ... that feels so much better. thank you malak, i'm unable to get the scales just below my mane. asteri used to do it for me.", their voice trembled at the mention of a man that they had not had in their life in so very long. pushing the pain aside, the great dragon relaxed once more,
pliant to what was requested of them.