As night fell upon the town, Ebonheim sat alone near her cottage ruins. She leaned against one of its charred beams while resting her chin against her knees drawn up to her chest. Her fingers fidgeted idly in front of her, tracing patterns through the dirt.

She found herself reflecting on everything that happened since her return from building the road. So much had transpired so quickly—the reports, the funerals, Kelzryn's declaration of vassalage...everything seemed overwhelming in hindsight. She let out another sigh as her thoughts wandered further.

A rustling noise drew her attention from her musings. She glanced toward its source and spotted Serrandyl emerging from the nearby brush. The Beastkin strode over towards her and offered a cheerful smile.

"What brings you out here?" Ebonheim asked. "It's quite late..."

"Thought I might find you here," Serrandyl greeted in a casual tone—a hint of teasing in her voice. "Figured you could use some company."

Serrandyl crouched next to Ebonheim and folded her arms across her legs. Her tail swished lazily behind her while her ears perked forward inquisitively.

"I still can't believe that the dragon wants to become your subordinate," she remarked. Her voice carried hints of awe and amusement. "But if it means you'll have more power...I guess that's good, right?"

Ebonheim hummed in agreement. "Yeah...I suppose so," she muttered. She didn't know what else to say beyond that. Sure, it'd be beneficial for the town to have a powerful ally. But she didn't expect this sort of outcome from a random act of kindness. Not when there were so many unknowns surrounding him and his motives.

"Are you worried about something?" Serrandyl prompted. She nudged Ebonheim gently with her elbow. "Come on, talk to me."

Ebonheim chuckled softly before responding. "Just trying to make sense of everything," she replied. She ran a hand through her hair absentmindedly. "I've been going around talking to everyone to understand how they feel about having a dragon living among us."

She shrugged helplessly. "Even if he's on our side now...and even if he becomes my exarch...there's no guarantee he won't turn against us later down the line. Especially if he gets bored or something." She exhaled deeply through her nose. "Or worse—what if I end up doing something to anger him? And then he goes berserk?"

She slumped back against the beam once more—her gaze drifting toward the heavens. "Maybe I'm just overthinking things, but...you never know, right?"

Serrandyl reached over and ruffled Ebonheim's hair affectionately. "That's true. You never know," she agreed—an edge of sympathy tinging her words. "But from what I can tell...he seems honest enough. I doubt he'd try anything underhanded at least."

"Mm..." Ebonheim grumbled noncommittally—her expression dour—a slight pout tugging at her lips. "Guess we'll see..."

Serrandyl let out a soft laugh—a short huff that carried more amusement than condescension. "I think it's hilarious that someone more powerful than you, wants to serve under you."

Ebonheim's pout deepened further. "Well, sorry that your goddess is weaker than a mythical being!" she retorted half-jokingly. "You must be so embarrassed right now..."

Serrandyl snorted as she elbowed Ebonheim's side again. "No! That's not what I meant!" She chuckled briefly before continuing. "I mean...it's kinda funny. All those tales about dragons being aloof and powerful...and here we have one asking you to take care of him." Her face became more serious as she spoke. "It's almost like watching a lion submitting to a mouse."

"Hey!" Ebonheim protested. "I'm not a mouse!" Her expression softened into a wistful smile after a moment passed. "Though I do admit...the irony isn't lost on me either. It's like having an emperor bow before a commoner."

Serrandyl settled into a more relaxed posture—crossing her legs together and resting her hands behind her body for support—a contented sigh escaping her lips. Her tail swished behind her and wrapped around Ebonheim's ankle briefly. "In all seriousness...I don't mind having Kelzryn around," she remarked. "He seems decent enough from what little I've seen of him." She flicked her ears forward in amusement. "Plus...I wouldn't mind getting a chance to spar with him."

A chuckle bubbled forth from Ebonheim's chest. She glanced toward Serrandyl and met her gaze—sharing a smile between them. "So long as he doesn't eat anyone..." Ebonheim joked. "And as long as he's respectful to everyone here."

Her expression became thoughtful as her thoughts shifted toward the topic of dragon biology. "Hmm...I wonder what kind of diet he'd need to follow?" she mused aloud. "Hopefully nothing too difficult." She considered her next question for a moment. "Do you suppose he'd like fruit or vegetables?"

Serrandyl shrugged vaguely. "Beats me," she said with a wave of her hand. "I've only seen him drink tea so far."

Ebonheim laughed once more at the nonchalant reply. "Guess we'll find out sooner or later. I'm sure there'll be plenty of time to learn his preferences." She lifted herself off the ground and stretched her limbs above her head with a groan. "Alright, well...guess we should turn in for tonight," she stated as she dusted herself off. "Thanks for keeping me company, Serrandyl."

Serrandyl got to her feet as well. "No problem!" she responded cheerfully. She looped her arm around Ebonheim's and pulled her close against her side—tucking her firmly into a half-hug. "My goddess can be so cute when she's insecure. You know that?"

Ebonheim snorted at the teasing remark but didn't try pulling away from the embrace. "Oh shut up," she countered playfully. "I'm allowed to have my doubts sometimes! Especially if there's an ancient being coming in and asking for something like this."

Serrandyl laughed heartily while ruffling Ebonheim's hair again. "I know, I know," she replied between bouts of laughter. "Anyways, are you sure you still want to sleep in your burnt-down cottage? I've got room in my tent."

"Hmph! There are still a few walls standing and they'll do just fine!" Ebonheim objected—puffing out her cheeks indignantly. She pushed Serrandyl's arm away and marched ahead—pretending to be upset—a hint of pink coloring her cheeks as she hurried away. "Goodnight!" she called over her shoulder before disappearing into her ruined shelter.

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As the sun began to rise over the horizon, its rays piercing through the broken rafters of the charred ruins, Ebonheim stirred from her slumber. She rolled over onto her back with a yawn and rubbed her eyes blearily. Her aching muscles protested against every movement, stiff and sore from spending the night on the hard floor.

As she awoke fully, she found herself face-to-face with Kelzryn—lying beside her. His azure gaze peered intently into hers.

"A—AAaaaaAAAaahhh!" she shrieked in surprise, scrambling away from him as fast as possible. She tripped over a fallen beam and fell onto her butt with a grunt.

Kelzryn propped himself onto his elbow and tilted his head curiously at her reaction. "Are you always this way upon awakening?"

He lifted himself up and stepped toward her—offering his hand in assistance. His expression remained calm and neutral as he waited for her response.

Ebonheim coughed awkwardly as she reluctantly took his hand and pulled herself to her feet. "Well...not usually..." She averted her gaze in embarrassment. "You startled me, that's all."

She dusted off her dress and fixed him with a questioning stare. "How long have you been watching me?"

"Long enough to discern your sleeping patterns," he answered matter-of-factly. He clasped his hands behind him and inclined his head forward in acknowledgement. "I must say...you do tend to talk in your sleep. Perhaps too much." He lifted an eyebrow at her.

Wait...what?! Did she talk in her sleep? How come nobody had ever mentioned it to her before? And more importantly—what exactly did she say while sleeping?! A furious blush spread across her cheeks at the implications. She buried her face into her hands and let out a muffled groan. "Uuugh..."

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"I am curious why you choose to partake in the act of sleeping despite not needing to," he remarked casually. "Is there any particular reason you indulge in such activities?" His tone held genuine curiosity as he tilted his head to the side in question.

Ebonheim lifted her face from her hands and met Kelzryn's gaze with a sheepish smile. She shrugged vaguely before replying. "I don't know about other gods, but my form requires food and sleep just like anyone else's. I know I can just demanifest and remanifest a new body whenever I want...but still. It helps me feel...more connected to my people."

Kelzryn made a thoughtful hum in response. "Interesting. I suppose the process of maintaining an organic form requires significant maintenance even for deities. Your efforts appear commendable."

Ebonheim shifted uncomfortably at the praise—a light blush returning to her cheeks once more. She turned away and pretended to examine the burned remains of her cottage. "Yeah, well...it's not like I'm doing anything special. Besides...I think everyone would prefer me like this anyways."

She ran a hand along one of the charred walls and frowned, the texture rough against her fingertips. The scorched wood crumbled beneath her touch as she pulled away. "In any case..." she started—turning back toward Kelzryn with an expectant look—arms folded across her chest. "Why did you sneak inside here while I slept? Seems kinda rude...don't you think?"

She tapped her foot impatiently on the ground, waiting for his response.

Kelzryn pursed his lips thoughtfully before responding. "My apologies. I did not mean to intrude upon your privacy. However...I felt compelled to remain close by after seeing you return to these ruins last night. As your protector—I wanted to ensure nothing disturbed you while you slumbered."

He gave a slight bow at the waist in contrition. "As I said before...I have vowed to protect you and your domain—to whatever extent you allow me to do so." He lifted his head enough to meet her gaze again—his expression earnest and sincere. "This includes protecting you from threats both seen and unseen. Forgive me if I have overstepped my bounds."

Ebonheim raised an eyebrow skeptically as she processed his explanation. She remained quiet for several moments before letting out a sigh—relaxing her posture and letting her arms drop limply to her sides.

"You realize that your status as my exarch is still being decided...right?" she reminded him gently. She rubbed her forehead in exasperation. "Although I appreciate you wanting to guard me...there's really no need at the moment. I can take care of myself just fine."

"Your current state does not detract from the fact that I am bound to you," Kelzryn countered bluntly—his gaze unwavering. "Even if you choose not to accept my service, I will still endeavor to serve you regardless. That's all there is to it."

He shifted closer—his eyes flashing brightly in challenge as he peered directly into her face—the air around him crackling with energy. "Until then...allow me to fulfill my obligations to you."

A shiver ran through Ebonheim's spine—the hairs along her arms standing on end—as she felt an invisible pressure descend upon her shoulders. A subtle aura emanated from Kelzryn's body, surrounding her with an intense sensation akin to standing too close to a bonfire.

She didn't dare use her Divine Sight to peer deeper at what she sensed. No doubt, the results would probably leave her reeling.

"Fine...fine!" Ebonheim relented, waving her hands in front of herself in surrender. She stepped backwards—trying to put distance between them. "If you insist on playing guard dog, then so be it." Her back collided with the broken remains of a wall behind her and she pressed herself against its charred surface. "Just stop being so scary!"

Kelzryn pulled back and cocked his head curiously at her request. His eyes continued glowing dimly while he observed her. "Scary?" he echoed quizzically. "How so?"

Ebonheim brushed off a bit of debris from her dress—stalling for time as she formulated an appropriate reply. Finally, she gestured toward his entire person. "That! What you're doing right now!" she exclaimed. "I mean...sure...you look intimidating enough...but..."

She trailed off uncertainly—her words failing her as she struggled to find a suitable description. "Err..." She gestured vaguely with her hands again while frowning at him. "Look, if you could please tone down the presence, that'd be great."

Kelzryn blinked rapidly several times, a confused frown tugging at his lips. "Ah. I see," he acknowledged as he straightened himself. He averted his gaze—shifting uncomfortably on his feet. "My apologies."

His expression softened as he exhaled heavily through his nose. A moment later, the pressure around him vanished entirely. The air no longer felt oppressive nor heavy. He stood before her now like any other human male—only taller and more striking than most...and with horns. "Will this suffice?"

Ebonheim rubbed her arms vigorously to relieve the goosebumps—giving him a small nod in response. "Yes...that's better. Thank you."

She pushed herself away from the wall and walked past him towards the exit—ducking underneath a fallen beam blocking her way. "Anyways...now that we've gotten that settled..." She turned to face him again. "Care to join me for breakfast? We can discuss what to do after."

"Gladly." Kelzryn strode forward and followed suit without further comment.

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After obtaining their meal, Kelzryn and Ebonheim settled in a secluded spot along the outskirts of town. They sat beside each other on a fallen log, eating their food quietly while enjoying the tranquility around them. Ebonheim snuck glances at him every now and then, watching how he ate his share of bread and fruit.

Every movement appeared deliberate—meticulous even—as if each bite was savored before being swallowed. Even when speaking, he sounded eloquent and composed despite the casual nature of their conversation topics. In fact...he seemed perfectly at ease in the moment—unperturbed by their proximity or surroundings.

"Is something amiss?" he asked suddenly, interrupting Ebonheim's musings. His eyes flicked toward her briefly as he took another bite of an apple. "You seem distracted."

"No! Nothing!" Ebonheim blurted out defensively. She glanced away hurriedly while stuffing another mouthful of food into her cheeks—swallowing it hastily. "I'm fine...just peachy..." she mumbled between chewing. "You?"

He raised an eyebrow at her behavior but did not pursue further inquiries. "I have no complaints," he answered simply before returning to his own meal.

They continued eating together in silence until only crumbs remained on their plates. Ebonheim let out a sigh as she set aside her empty dish and rested her elbows on top of her knees.

"So," she began slowly, glancing at him sidelong. "What's it like being a dragon?"

Kelzryn paused, an apple poised halfway to his mouth, as he considered Ebonheim's question. He lowered the fruit and stared intently at her. "Do you wish for a general summary or specific details?"

She shrugged indifferently and waved her hand in a noncommittal manner. "Eh...either one works."

His brow furrowed in response to her answer but otherwise didn't object to her request. After a few moments of deliberation, he finally replied. "Being a dragon...is to exist as a custodian of an older world. A caretaker, if you will. We exist as living ties to ancient secrets—an embodiment of knowledge—and a witness to history itself. It is both a burden and privilege—one that requires constant vigilance. Especially with regards to what transpires beyond our sight."

Ebonheim nodded along absently at his words—trying hard to digest his meaning behind them.

Bjorn and Th'maine had mentioned that dragons were ancient beings from a distant time...but...they failed to mention just how old exactly they were. Perhaps no one really knew.

She regarded Kelzryn more closely as he spoke, noticing how his expression changed subtly whenever he explained something. His eyes glowed faintly as he continued describing what life entailed for a dragon—how they viewed themselves within the larger scheme—and their place among all else.

The tone in which he spoke carried a reverence for tradition—an awe for the majesty and power associated with their existence—yet also an understanding of duty towards maintaining order. In short...it sounded exhausting to keep track of everything.

A thought suddenly occurred to her—a question rising to mind regarding his comment about 'secrets'.

"Those ancient artificers that trapped you, and the contraption that kept you captive," she started cautiously, "how come you didn't recognize any of them?" Her brow furrowed slightly in puzzlement as she studied his reaction. "Seems odd for someone who claims to have witnessed history firsthand..."

Kelzryn gazed pensively off into the distance as he responded to her question. "Indeed. I've no recollection of ever encountering such beings during my lifetime. That goes doubly so for their machinations. Those mechanisms you speak of are entirely foreign to me—no matter how well preserved their designs may appear. For all intents and purposes...I believe they should have perished long before I myself came to be."

His eyes flicked back to her—a flicker of intrigue showing in their depths. "Your discovery of their use must represent an aspect of history lost to time—an event erased from records or otherwise forgotten. Either way...it's quite curious." His brow creased as his face scrunched up in contemplation. "Regardless...thank you once again for freeing me from imprisonment."

Ebonheim shook her head dismissively as she brushed aside his gratitude. "It's nothing," she replied dismissively. "As long as we got you out safely, then that's all there is to it."

Kelzryn let out a hum and tilted his head slightly toward her. "Be that as it may...know that I am grateful regardless." He fell silent briefly as he pondered his next words. "In truth...I'd thought my end had finally come...trapped by that contraption—powerless to stop its workings."

His voice took on an almost wistful note—his gaze distant—as he spoke. "Despite the circumstances...your timely arrival proved fortuitous for us both. A lucky break, one might say."

"Calyxia helped too. Don't forget about her."

"Of course. It would not have been possible without her aid as well," he conceded. "But I digress." His expression shifted back to a more neutral state. "Given my current status and disposition...I figure it would behoove me to seek your guidance moving forward."

Ebonheim quirked a questioning eyebrow at him. "Guidance? In what regard?"

Kelzryn inclined his head forward. "With regards to how to appeal to your people so that they would be favorable towards allowing me to become your exarch."