“Come on Sali,” Dane called after him,the bronze hair inventor was a head of with him a bundle of strange instruments in his arms. “It’s almost time.”

“Time for what?” Salfir jogged to catch up to the eccentric man he’s met only a few days ago, breaking into his families summer home; looking for lost secrets about their shared dragon blood. An invitation to watch the meteor shower had come suddenly, after the rest of his friends had long gone to bed. Salfir had gladly accepted the offer, a night away from talk of dragons and memories of his former noble life.

“The meteor shower will start in 10 minutes I want to get the telescope set up in the right spot.” Dane said as he hurried along.

“Why can’t we just set it up here?” Safir caught up and fixed his dark hair, out of place from running.

“Because Sali this only happens once every 50 years. And I for one want the best view. Now hurry up.”

He liked the way Dane talked to him; questionable nickname and all, not like he was a prince, or someone with the blood of dragons running through him, or about any of the crap going on in this world.  His mind so focused on the task at hand none of that other stuff mattered. With him it didn’t feel like destiny pressed down on his shoulders. All he wanted to do was see stars.

They came to the clearing and the tinkerer to set up large spy glass he called a telescope, things Salfir had seen in wizards tower as a child but hand never been taught their use. Moving dials and adjusting lenses, his bright kaleidoscope eyes looking through the view finder every few moments as he fiddled with the settings. It was like Salfir wasn’t there. He didn’t mind all that much, it was just nice to watch.

“Can you hand me my 1/5 screwdriver Sali.” Dane reached out his hand with out looking back. Salfir back in his reality. “It’s in my bag.”

“You’re really intent on making me your lab assistant arn’t you?” He rummaged through his friend’s bag, through the tools and trinkets.

“You don’t affect the temperature of the room by walking in. Deliora and Eria throw of all my calibrations.” He said lamenting the presence of the fire and ice dragon’s children who slept soundly inside the manor house. “Acid is far mor stable.”

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Well don’t I feel special.” Salfir smirked as his hand touching a smooth greed bottle, as he searched the bag. “Whisky ?”

“I said 1/5 screwdriver not whisky.”

“Then why do you have whisky?” Safir took the cork off a smelled the sweet contents.

“Not whisky Sali. Fey Liquor. But right now I need the screwdriver.”

Salfir rolled his eyes and passed him the tool and Dane went back to his tinkering. Salfir watched intently and his fingers moved skilfully about the time dials and nobs. Fiddling with a few moments longer before he seemed satisfied. He then pulled out a note book and started leafing through the pages, scribbling some notes and rereading others.

“If my calculations are correct things should start in 5 minutes and 39 seconds .” He checked his pocket watch. 

“You know we could watch from up there, right? We can both fly.” Salfir looked up to the sky. “Probably a better view.”

“Just because you and I have to the physical and magical capabilities to do such of a thing doesn’t mean it’s the optimal vantage point.” Dane walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. “Sky above ground below our feet, besides the telescope is far superior to even dragon eyes.”

“Still didn’t answer the question as to why you brought Fey Liquor.” Salfir dared to flirt, “in my experience this stuff makes for a pretty fun night.”  

“Humans social interaction can be predicated on sharing of beverages. If appropriate. 4 minutes 24 seconds.”

“Well I do like a drink,” he stepped back his tone, not knowing how to take that response, “And new friends seem like a good reason to share a bottle.”

“Sali do you think I’m strange “  Dane asked suddenly, “3 minutes 56 Seconds.”

“Dane we’re both a little strange. We’re literally the children of dragons.”

“No not that, the way I talk and carry on. 3 minutes 15 seconds.”

“Dane you’re fine trust me.” He leaned against the other man.  Sure he had his quirks, but he was no stranger than anyone else. “Show me how the telescope works.”

“Two minutes 45 seconds.” Dane said as Salfir led him back to the telescope. “Don’t touch anything.”

Dane showed him how to look through the eyepiece and Salfir carefully looked without disturbing the fine calibrations. Seeing a bright star  more vividly and close than he has before.

“Slac Cresheog,” Salfir said he rhythmed off the ancient name of the celestial body. “the giant that smashed the sky.”

“You know the name?”  Dane looked surprised. “1 minutes 30 seconds.

“Not as dumb as I look. I studied this stuff a lifetime ago.”

“Your intelligence is far above average. You like to swing a sword, but your chess game is superior, 55 seconds.”

“I’m flattered.” Salfir smiled. “I don’t usually get....”

“Stop talking.” Dane covered Salfir’s mouth with his hand. “15 seconds.”

Salfir stood stunned by the action but let it pass as the two to them looked up to the sky and the meteor shower began. Slowly, a few streaks of light across the sky that soon became a shower of light that took up the whole sky. All the magic that Salfir had witness didn’t compare to this. The heavens opening to them.

Dane removed his hand from Salfir’s mouth and the prince turned to speak but thought better of it as he watched the light dancing in Dane’s eyes.  A rainbow of colour swirling about. Awestruck. Salfir reached down and took his hand squeezing it tight, a foolish move but he’s missed chances before. Dane was right, this was the optimal vantage point.