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Chapter Eighteen

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Mandel looked at his sister. Her pretty face was scrunched up in a frown.

"Ok, I'm listening. He said. “You wanted to talk to me about Ardwella?”

"Honestly, it's really creepy Mandel." said Mavis. "It's Aunt Ardwella's body, but she seems totally different. And I'm not just talking about her eyes."

The three elves were sitting in the cafeteria eating breakfast together. Cantrell looked over at the floor area next to a nearby table. That chipped tile looked rather familiar.

"I honestly don't know how you can even evaluate how different she is from the original Ardwella. We didn't know her while we were growing up. Are you sure you are not trying to compare her to our mother?

"They are twins." said Mavis.

"That doesn't necessarily mean that much, They have lived very different lives."

"I think what you are both are forgetting is that Ardwella isn't in control. In everything you are observing, you’re seeing the dragon. Zinariya is just wearing Ardwella's body right now." said Cantrell.

"Doesn't Ardwella have any control at all? How could she agree to that?" asked Mavis. "Like I said, it's creepy."

"You would have to ask her about that." said Cantrell.

”I wonder” Asked Mavis. “How much influence Ardwella still has over her own body’s actions?”

Mandel shrugged.

"She seems fairly normal to me, except that Aunt Ardwella doesn't strike me as being that lazy. All Zinariya has done is eat mung beans and sleep. She eats them in every way that we can prepare them. Then goes straight back to bed." said Mandel. "It's like she's on vacation or something."

"It's only been two and a half days." said Cantrell. "I don't think Zinariya is lazy. She was willing to deal with this problem from the first time that I met her. For a dragon hatchling she is highly ambitious."

"Perhaps she is just motivated by revenge." said Mavis. "She did come into this world already under attack."

Cantrell pushed away his half finished plate.

”Mo-Rung absolutely destroyed those elves. I was there. I’ve never seen anything quite like that.”

Mavis patted his hand.

”I felt his fury through the bond,” she said. “We’ve discussed it since. His actions were controlled by a powerful instinctual desire to protect Zinariya’s egg.”

"There is probably more to it than that. There is something about the metallic dragons that makes them very special. I think she feels some sort of responsibility for dragon-kind in general."

Mandel leaned forward.

"I've heard it said that the metal based dragons are considered Royalty by the other dragons. I suppose I should keep that in mind. I may not just be dealing with an individual but the future leader of their reborn nation."

"Right now she is just a lazy assassin." said Mavis.

Cantrell frowned.

"I think you will find that she's much more than that. She's got amazing powers! She actually teleported me!"

"Why are you defending her?" huffed Mavis. "Did some of those pheromones she left in our bed rub off on you? You're supposed to be immune since you were bonded."

Cantrell suddenly realized that he was treading on thin ice.

"You know that her pheromones can no longer affect me. Even if they could, you broke Ardwella's hold over me with your sweet attentions long before Esmarilla and I bonded."

He wiggled his eyebrows.

"By the way, I do appreciate you making sure that I’m completely safe from pheromones since I've been back," he said with a grin.

Mavis blushed. She finally re-found her smile.

"I missed you way too much when you were gone Cantrell." said Mavis.

"Look lovebirds. Let's stay on topic. I don't want to hear how I'm going to have to buy you a new bed too!"

Cantrell blinked. "Can you actually buy a bed with the blockade going on?"

"Heavens no, we actually make them in house. But our woodworkers are busy making bows, arrows and other implements of defense. Argent's daughter's loyal troops are still attacking the walls, now seemingly more than ever. I thought that Ardwella, I mean Zinariya, was here to start dealing with the root of the problem."

"We are here to do just that!" said a voice.

Zinariya walked into the cafeteria. She sat next to Mandel and across from Cantrell.

"Hey Goldie! How's tricks?" asked Cantrell winking at her.

Zinariya stared back at him, expressionless.

"I thought you had forgotten about that horrible nick-name." She finally said.

"No Way! I earned the right to use it. I ruined a quilt for the privilege."

Mavis bumped him with her shoulder.

"How about we stay on topic dear?"

Zinariya's eyes searched her. She sniffed.

"This elven nose may not have the sensitivity of a dragon's Mavis, but I think that I smell jealousy."

"What?" exclaimed Cantrell. "That's not even possible."

"Of course it's not." said Zinariya. But it gave me the opportunity to watch her eyes when I said it. She avoided eye contact."

"I'm not avoiding eye contact with you because I'm jealous of you! I don't look at your eyes because they seriously creep me out!" shouted Mavis.

People at nearby tables all stopped talking. They were suddenly the center of unwanted attention.

"Perhaps we should move this conversation to my personal study" said Mandel.

"Not until I get some mung beans for breakfast" said Zinariya. "To answer your question about my delay in getting started, it seems Ardwella had seriously run herself down lately. Her body was trying to keep up with the unreasonable demands of the Platinum dragon as it forced her child….

"Charity" said Mavis.

"Yes, Charity, that's the name. Ardwella should have provided that name to me. I think somehow she is being stubborn and refusing to help me at the moment. Ardwella's new baby Charity was forced to grow more quickly than was reasonably safe. This did terrible things to Ardwella's health. Also there was the ongoing loss of her dragon bond supplied healing. She was starting to show signs of unusual wear and tear. I have remedied all these things. She's now better than ever."

"Don't ever underestimate the power of mung beans and magic" said Mavis.

"I took Esmarilla from her." Said Cantrell, a half second later.

"You did not take me away from anyone. I was a free dragon at the time. My issues with Ardwella were my own." said Esmarilla through the bond. "You saved my life in the process!"

"That's very strange..." said Zinariya. "This elf..."

"Ardwella." said Cantrell. "That's her name in case she is holding out on you again."

"I know her name Cantrell."

"Then use it. She deserves some respect. She is about to risk her life to make all of our lives better."

Mavis looked at him awkwardly.

"So you were saying?" asked Cantrell. He gazed at the dragon and tried to smile.

"Ah, Yes, I will continue. Ardwella... was bonded to your dragon for a very long time. Even now I can hear an echo of her speaking to you, at least when I'm this close to you."

'You can eavesdrop on my conversations with Esmarilla?"

"Yes, I can, right now at least. I probably could not do it at longer range."

"Could Ardwella do that before you joined with her?"

"I sincerely doubt it. This body and all its telepathic powers are substantially enhanced at the moment." said Zinariya.

"Anyway, poor sweet Ardwella needed some work. I've given it to her, along with some needed rest. We are almost ready to get to work on your problem."

Cantrell, trying not to be obvious, looked quickly at Ardwella's body. It was very unfortunate but she looked terrific. Better than ever in fact. It was a similar effect to when Siophra had turned extra gorgeous when inhabited by the same dragon. Cantrell loved his wife but it was damned distracting. He had tried for a surreptitious glance, but when he looked back up, he was embarrassed to see the golden eyes locked on his own. She gave him a small smile.

Mandel had gotten up from the table while they had been talking and was now coming back to the table with a huge mung bean covered green salad.

"Here you go Auntie." he said.

"An Emperor that doubles as a waiter." said Zinariya with a smirk. "There is hope for this country yet."

"Zinaiya dug into her salad with gusto. Cantrell was pleased to see that she knew how to use a fork. It had to be at total accident when her leg brushed up against his leg while she was eating so enthusiastically. Then it happened again.

"We will meet you in your office in a few minutes Mandel." said Cantrell quickly getting up from the table.

"Come on Honey," said Cantrell to Mavis. I think we need to go talk to Esmarilla in person. I have some new questions."

Mavis was silent as they walked toward the stables.

"Cantrell, I think this is going to be a problem." she said. "She's right. I actually am jealous."

"Don't be. You know that nothing ever happened between us..."

"Yes, but for a while, you wanted it to." said Mavis angrily. "Now it turns out she trapped you deliberately."

"We only have Zinariya's word for that" he said. "I think we need to actually talk to Ardwella about it. Even if it's true, she has no power over me now. Thanks to you!"

Cantrell stopped and gathered her into his arms. He just stood there in the hallway, holding her, breathing her in. She smelled like honeysuckle and vanilla. She smelled like home.

"Mavis, I love you!" he said. "She's a dragon. You have nothing to worry about."

"I'm not worried about the dragon trying to steal you away from me. I'm worried about Ardwella!"

"She's ancient." he protested.

"She didn't look that ancient to me." said his extremely beautiful wife. "Someday I hope to look that good! She must be hiding all that extra dragon flesh in her boobs! Don't you think that they've grown?"

"I really hadn't noticed" Cantrell lied. He tried to keep his face as neutral as possible.

"Sure you didn't" said Mavis. "You're a terrible liar Cantrell. But I'm glad. It means you haven't had that much practice."

The two of them entered the huge stables where Esmarilla was housed. Currently the big black dragon was the only one there.

"I heard what she told you about overhearing our conversations through the bond." said Esmarilla. "I'm sorry, but she is probably telling the truth about that."

"How can that happen?" asked Mavis.

"With all the years we were bonded, I think certain things can happen. Dragons and Elves become even more attuned the longer that bond exists."

She hung her head.

Stolen novel; please report.

"I'm a second-hand dragon."

"Look, it's no big deal." said Cantrell. "We've got nothing to hide. It's only going to for a short time anyway and then Zinariya will move on from Ardwella and it will no longer be an issue."

"There is something else Cantrell." said Esmarilla.

"What is it?" asked Mavis.

The black dragon looked awkwardly at the two of them.

"Zinariya also wasn't lying when she said that Ardwella had designs on your husband Mavis. She deliberately infected him."

"I knew it!" shouted Mavis.

"That just doesn't make any sense!" said Cantrell. "She's married to Albarad. She loves him."

"Ardwella doesn't talk about it, but remember she's old. She's had several serious relationships over the many years."

"She just had his baby, for crying out loud!"

"A parting gift. An apology. She even orchestrated his replacement wife. This time, conveniently, its her own sister. I've seen it before. She wants to move on.”

"With me?" he practically croaked.

"THAT IS NOT HAPPENING!" shouted Mavis.

"Of course not." said Esmarilla. "You two obviously love each other very much."

Mavis was fuming. She was clenching and unclenching her fists. She started pacing. On her way past, Cantrell finally grabbed her. He spun her toward him and looked into her eyes.

"Talk to my dragon!" he said. "Ask her how I feel about you. Ask her if I'm going to be faithful to you. She can read my mind."

Mavis looked up at Esmarilla. Doubt was in her eyes.

"The truth?" asked Esmarilla through the bond.

Cantrell nodded.

"Cantrell really loves you Mavis." said the dragon. "But as soon as we can... we all need to get as far away from Ardwella as possible. She usually doesn't quit until she gets what she wants. The only thing probably keeping that from happening right now is Zinariya."

"This whole conversation has been ridiculous" said a voice.

Zinariya walked up to the them.

"Hello Esmarilla" she said. "Long time no see."

Her eyes were blue.

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"You know that this is a different quilt don't you?" asked Ronniflass with a smile.

"The flowers on it are pretty, but not as pretty as you." said Cenderick blushing.

Ronni rolled onto her side and kissed him on the cheek.

"Males are such terrible liars." she said.

"What are you talking about?" Cenderick sputtered.

"A dose of honesty." said Ronni. "Both you AND Lothinar's last relationships were with stunningly beautiful full blooded elves. Siophra and Ardwynn. I know that I don't really compare."

He frowned.

"First of all Siophra and I were only friends and second of all...What makes you say that?" Asked Cenderick. "You are beautiful."

"I don't know, maybe it's hard to hear, because I'm always someone's second choice." said Ronniflass.

”I wouldn’t put it that way.” He protested. “Up until, uh well now, you have always been with somebody else. First the Dairyman. Then Lothinar.

”Actually the dairy was originally mine. It was smaller though. He knew a lot about cows and owned a champion bull. The relationship kind of started out as a business partnership, but then…..You know, I just remembered that I was actually his second choice too. That's really funny.”

”It doesn't sound to me like you're laughing, Ronni." said Cenderick with concern. "Are you saying that you were Lothinar's second choice too?"

The half elf sighed.

"Of course I am, or was....I practically forced myself on him. He really is a nice guy you know. Although he probably would deny it, I think he was only with me because of guilt."

Cenderick got a faraway look in his eyes.

"Guilt is a terrible reason to start a relationship." he said.

The half-elf nodded.

"Its long past time to relieve him of those obligations." she said with a sad smile.

"So you did this to end your relationship? Because if you wanted to have sex with me to make Lothinar angry, I don't think that was very kind! To either of us."

She smiled apologetically.

"I didn't do it to make him angry. Or you either for that matter."

"Why then?"

"I did it because I'm tired of waiting for Lothinar to come back just to revive a relationship that probably should never have happened. It is time to move on."

"Why me?"

You are handsome and actually seem genuinely interested in me. Was I wrong?"

He smiled.

"No, you aren't wrong. I think that I have made my interest fairly apparent." he said.

He scratched his chin.

"What if Lothinar doesn't feel that way? What if you sleeping with me hurts him?"

"It won't"

"How can you possibly know for sure?"

"Well, for one, because I was his second choice and two, I think he genuinely wants me to be happy."

"So me being with you made you happy? And here I thought that I was the only one." he said with a grin.

"It cheered me up considerably." she said. "I thought you noticed."

"Did you need cheering up?" he asked carefully.

"Well, I got some bad news lately."

"Is it something that you want to talk about?"

"Not really. If you decide to stick around then I'll tell you soon."

"I'll let you tell me about it when you're ready." he said.

"Ok. But as the old joke about elves goes... I'm all ears."

She giggled.

"See! Funny."

"How about I cheer you up some more?" he asked with a smile.

"If we don't leave soon we won't make it back to see Vanador before he leaves." said Ronni.

He looked down at the floral quilt lying over him. It was rising.

"We can just say that something came up."

"What about Siophra?" she asked, sometime later and somewhat out of breath.

"Siophra who?" he answered.

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After giving up trying to get Michelle to come home with him, Courtney had returned to his domicile. On his desk he found a letter. Someone from his household staff must have placed it there. It must have come while he was gone. He opened it. It was on Imperial letterhead. That surprised him. The fast courier ship from the mainland to Sivantra had not been scheduled to arrive for several more days. They must have had favorable winds.

To Courtney, Regent in my stead, Isle and Kingdom of Sivantra,

Dear old Chap,

The war is won. We are now awaiting the opportunity to return to you. We will be bringing dragons back to the islands with us. It will no doubt change our way of life. Our relationships with them will continue to grow in importance. I therefore renew my request to treat their emissary Lothinar with the greatest respect. When possible, and within reason, try to accommodate him and his wife as best you can.

We have come into some difficult news. It seems that our Queen Priscilla is unable to bear us children. That is less of an immediate issue as dragon bonding has likely extended many of our lives, Myself included. There are challenges to this, as well, of which I will spare you many of the details for now.

Nevertheless, the need for an Heir is on my mind.

You have been a faithful member of my court and are my top advisor. I know that you have a daughter. If it would not be too presumptuous of me, I would like you to mention my situation to her. I have briefly spoken with her in the past and found her quite charming in both body and mind.

I would greatly enjoy the opportunity of getting to know her better upon my return to Sivantra. There are of course many intelligent beautiful women here on the mainland as well. Perhaps this message will only serve to disappoint the both of you should I find someone suitable here. But my own hubris is showing. I should not assume anything as to your daughter's returned interests.

Please continue to act in my stead with my full support.

Enderline, King of Sivantra.

"Other candidates indeed!" huffed Courtney. "I haven't worked this hard to have an opportunity like this taken from me by a girl from the mainland! In the morning he was going to drag his daughter back home by her hair if he had to!

"Lothinar and his pregnant wife will probably be grateful to finally be rid of her." he thought.

Courtney lit the letter on fire.

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The late night had been exhausting. Finally long after midnight he and Ardwynn had finally been able to sneak in just a few hours of sleep. For a change Michelle seemed content to retire to her own room without complaint. Firestorm didn't even have to watch her. Vanquish's influence on her was certainly appreciated. Much to everyone's surprise it began to rain slightly before dawn. It stopped fairly quickly. The morning came early. The air was fresh and clear.

Lothinar had already packed. He was not taking much at all on the return trip. Water, a few snacks, and of course his sword, Crimson, worn at his waist. Lothinar did have a small vial of mung bean extract safely wrapped up in a double sealed container in his bag. The cook had smiled when handing it to him.

"This should get you there," he smiled. "Not that you need any help of course sir."

Lothinar had mumbled his thanks.

"I heard you were leaving, sir. I just wanted to tell you that you have expanded my culinary horizons! Thank you!"

"You are an excellent cook and chef. If you ever make your way over to the mainland, please look us up!" said Lothinar.

"I may do that sir. Safe flying!"

Lothinar and Candasar stood under the Gazebo as Michelle prepared to preempt her father's return visit by riding Firestorm over to the Regents house.

VM or Vim, as Firestorm had actually started calling Vanquish-Michelle, had actually made a strange comment as she climbed aboard. She complained that flying this way, perched upon a dragon's back was far too dangerous.

Candasar and Lothinar had just laughed it off as a joke.

"A dragon that's afraid of flying! HA HA. " said Lothinar.

Vim had given them a sharp look before Firestorm threw herself into the air. As Firestorm banked hard and flew over the house, Lothinar had heard a little scream. He looked over and saw Candasar looking up. She was smiling.

"You have to admit that there is a strange irony in this" said his blue dragon bond.

"The first time on dragon back can be pretty scary" said Lothinar sympathetically. We elves have a saying. 'The shoe is now on the other foot.'"

"What's that even supposed to mean?" asked Candasar. "Vanquish has never even worn shoes before today. It doesn't make any sense."

"It's an idiom."

Candasar seemed to be thinking carefully about that.

"There is no reason to think that Vanquish bonding with Michelle would have made either of them less intelligent is there? I would think that it might actually improve things for the both of them in the smarts department. Of course I never met Michelle before she lost her mind for you."

"Id ee om."

"Oh, I thought you said something else. You know elvish is not my first language Lothinar."

Lothinar laughed.

"You might be able to get away with that excuse with someone else... But not with me Candi."

The blue dragon smiled. It really was an exceptional smile.

"I still struggle a bit with the human tongue though." she said. "While we've been here I've been attempting to learn a little more of it."

"Who have you been talking with?"

"Since you mentioned shoes, I did hear the head gardener telling his young son a story about elves and a shoemaker the other day. It was a bit disturbing although I may have not understood everything. It sounded to me like some humans keep elves as slaves. They had to work all night and didn't even get paid."

"There is a lot of false information about elves in the human community." Lothinar said. "Our nations have been separated for a very long time. It's going to only get better now that the war is over."

"Unless the elves in Sivantra rise up and kill their cruel taskmasters. The humans won't like that." said Candasar with a grimace.

"I think that was just a story Candasar. I think Ardwynn and I are the only elves in Sivantra right now."

Lothinar had an inquisitive look on his face.

"Where was I when you were listening to this upsetting story? If you had concerns perhaps I could have talked to the gardener for you."

"You were having sex. You tend to get really focused. I know better than to try to interrupt you at times like that."

"Well I appreciate that." said Lothinar.

"I do too." said Ardwynn walking up to them. She was smiling. Obviously she had overheard.

Lothinar blushed. Then he looked towards the garden. He wondered if the gardener was going to be getting an early start today. He didn’t see him.

"I'm really trying to get back to the "boot on the other leg' idiom...." Lothinar said as he attempted to plow through the distraction.

"Boots now? Not shoes?" Said the dragon.

"Either boots or shoes will suffice for this example, Candi. It has to do with a reversal in positions and how uncomfortable it can be." said Lothinar.

"Especially when you're pregnant." interrupted Ardwynn.

Lothinar groaned. He decided to ignore her.

"Look Candi," he said with exasperation. "Before this, Vanquish has always been the one providing the rides, she has never been the rider."

"Obviously," said Candisar. "But what has that got to do with feet?"

You probably have noticed at some point that my feet are slightly different from each other. They are somewhat curved. Shoes are made to accommodate that."

"But you usually wear boots."

"Yes, I do. Most of the time for what I'm doing... Well, my old job was doing a lot of walking around. I could probably switch to something lighter now that I'm not a warden anymore."

"Do boots make your feet sweat Lothinar?"

"I suppose they might."

"Well, I wasn't going to bring this up, but I've also noticed that they smell." said Candasar. "It's really bad when your boots have been on a long time and then you take them off."

"Really? Why didn't you say something earlier." Lothinar reached down and pulled off his boot. He gave it a sniff.

"Hmm.. It's not terrible, but you might be right." said Lothinar. "I wonder if it's because of the pheromones. I've always had sweaty feet."

"Well, they are hanging down, right there, when you are riding on my neck Lothinar."

Ardwynn reached over and grabbed his boot. She held it up to her nose."

"A little musky, but not terrible." she said. "It just smells like leather and Lothinar."

Candasar pretended to gag.

Ardwynn threw the boot back. He caught it and put it back on.

"See if I put this boot on my other foot it would be uncomfortable. As uncomfortable as Vanquish is riding a dragon."

"No! Don't take it off again! I'm afraid I might pass out!" yelled Candasar.

Ardwynn scoffed.

"You do realize that Candasar has been teasing you this whole time don't you?"

"Sshh" said Candasar. "It's fun to see if I can make him lose his temper. He's extremely patient."

"Yes he is." said Ardwynn. "It's probably a good thing for both of us."

"More than you probably actually realize, Ardwynn" said the blue dragon.

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Courtney was in the barn with his men. They were saddling their horses before riding over to the Elven ambassador's place. These men were his best. They had been in his employ for a very long time. They would help him get Michelle home and more importantly, they would be discreet about it. He heard a commotion in the yard. Several groomsmen were outside. They were gaping at the red dragon that had just landed in the yard. On the dragon's back was his daughter Michelle.

"What are you doing on that dragon?" he yelled.

"I'm coming to see you father." she said slipping off the dragon's neck and landing on her feet. She seemed to cling to the red dragon for a moment as if to steady herself.

"I told you it would be fine" Courtney heard the red dragon whisper, just a little too loudly.

Courtney looked at his daughter. Something was different. He just couldn't immediately tell what it was.

"I'm going to the Mainland." she said. "I'm leaving today with the elves. I'm going to be flying on this red dragon."

"Have you completely taken leave of your senses?" he said, staying surprisingly calm.

"I want to get married." she said. "To Enderline."

"We've been over this. The elf said....." he stuttered to a stop. "To who?"

"Enderline. The King."

His mouth was hanging open. He closed it.

"I've come into some facts." she said.

"And what are these new facts?" he asked.

"Queen Pricilla can't have children. This changes things." she said.

Courtney bit the inside of his lip. He had just had Enderline's letter say the same thing.

After a whole young adulthood of fighting him, was this girl finally going to come to her senses and do something smart? He grew suspicious.

"Don't you think the King might have something to say about this?"

"I've met him daddy. I have confidence that I can convince him that I'm the one to bear his children. Your grandchild will be the next King."

This was too good to be true. He narrowed his eyes.

"I can't have you galavanting off on a dragon. No offense, Firestorm. If you are serious about this, we can send you on the next ship."

She stomped her pretty foot. For some reason her shoes looked muddy and tattered.

"It will be too late by then." she said. "When word of Pricilla's plight becomes known, there will be competition!"

Courtney thought once again about the letter. She would be able to get there faster on the dragon. It seemed safe enough. The elves had done it several times in fact.

"Ok, Fine." He said testily. "But only because I love you and want you to be happy."

"Thanks daddy" she beamed. "Can I get a few things out of the house before I go? "I need at least a change of clothes."

"Of course, of course." he said. We can't have you meeting Enderline in that!"

She ran into the house and up the stairs. In her room she quickly changed into a tasteful but beautiful frock. She dropped her ruined and muddy shoes into the trash can. She put on new ones. Walking past her father's open office door she crouched down and brushed away the dry, small muddy footprints that lightly stained the carpet. Footprints that exactly matched the shoes she had just discarded.

"It's a good thing that we know how to structure a formal letter." she said to herself. "Muina had some excellent penmanship skills that I never thought I'd need, including a talent for forgery. The letter looked real enough. Father obviously must have read it. Other than having to run through the rain, that went way easier than I expected!"

She straightened her dress before hurrying downstairs to gave her father a hug goodbye.

"You look beautiful. Here's a little traveling money" he said, wiping a tear from his eye.

She took the small bag and quickly climbed back on the red dragon.

"Thanks daddy! I'll be sure to write."

Firestorm jumped into the air. They flew for about a minute.

"Hey Vim! Have you gotten heavier? Firestorm asked. You feel heavier than on the way here."

"Yes, my father gave me some gold."

"Is some of that for me? We talked about that."

"Sure," she said. "I'll share. But I expect to keep enough to buy a formal gown when we get back to the mainland. After the one that got ruined when we first met, I think the blue dragon part of me still owes myself one!"

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Killingsworth landed on the outskirts of the Elven capital. It was a largely agricultural area. Large homes and barns dotted the landscape. It didn't take long for a group of grim faced elves with long spears to find him. They quickly surrounded him.

"Take me to your leader" he growled. "I have some information that they are going to want to know about."

"Is the dragon male or female?" one of them asked.

"Male!" one of the others answered.

"Can't lay eggs then. He's useless to us."

"Just stab him!" one of them shouted. The elves moved closer.

Killingsworth attempted to flee far too late. He did not survive the fifth spear. His last thought was that the stupid elf had been right.

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