Scales and Honor: Emerald Secrets
Chapter 14: One Last Night
On the back of the dragon, the screams and shouts of guilty and innocent alike no longer troubled Arcturus. There was only the fire and the smoke, devoid of everything that made combat gruesome. He breathed in the fresh air of the high skies, letting it pool in his lungs before exhaling with a sigh. The thrill of combat still permeated his muscles. With no one to let it out on, it turned into bothersome shivers that gave him no peace.
To try and find distraction, Arcturus looked around the great expanse surrounding him. The patches of water impressed him the most. They were like little blue gems surrounded by the sea of green. The back of his mind reminded him that they had the stone to teleport, and that this grand exit was only for show. However, with the wind rushing against his face, the sunlight bathing them with its cascading warmth, and the steady wing beats of his dragon calmed him like nothing else ever did.
His dragon...Well, that is surprising,
Prior to this moment, he never thought of Veledar as his. They had been through so much, this stupid dragon and him, so this was an inevitable step in the development of their relationship. He patted the red scales of Veledar’s neck, smiling at this discovery. From this angle, Veledar looked not only magnificent, but also beautiful. Actually, he looked like that from any angle.
However, if you told him that, you would never hear the end of it.
"I never expected humans to soil themselves just because a dragon addresses them," Veledar shouted over the wind, snapping Arcturus out of his thoughts.
"It surely helps that you grow more and more proficient at pulling off the intimidating dragon act!"
"Who was acting, Arcturus? I AM intimidating!" Veledar did a turn by tilting his wing, spinning them through the air. Wispy clouds underneath them twisted and coiled like little storms as the dragon chuckled deep in his throat. Unable to resist Arcturus joined the dragon in his laughter, enjoying the pleasant rush of warmth to his cheeks.
"Most intimidating, and let’s not forget merciful.” He smiled as the dragon flashed one eye back to him, rows of shiny teeth displayed in a proud smile. One dutifully earned in light of the attack. “You did well, giving them a chance to surrender. Really.” He patted the dragon’s neck. “Knighty.”," Arcturus said with a smile.
"Is that an insult?" Veledar tilted his head, his frills on either side fluttering as the wind batted them. “Just because you’re aloud to fly upon my back, does not give you the right to inflict upon me grievous word wounds.”
"No, I meant it in the best way possible!" He laughed, the dragon joined with him until it grew into a pleasure filled warble on the wind.
"Good to hear!” He rumbled, smirk returning to his snout. “Do you think those pitiful soldiers had enough? Effectively burned into their eyes the majesty of my scales? No doubt tell for years on end the story of how they were bested by Crimson Sky?"
The paladin offered the pleased dragon a sigh, putting an end to such ego before it got out of hand."They did not seem so pitiful when they had you pinned against the wall. You’re not invincible, you know."
“Course you mention.”Veledar blew out a puff of white smoke in derision. “Please, you had me in a tighter spot than they ever did. You succeeded at entrapping me with a lesser number of men too, although it should have been mighty obvious by my deeds.” The dragon returned his snout to the horizon with a prideful grin on his snout, one that even had his eyes closed. “that I went easy on you."
"We can always have a rematch," Arcturus replied, returning the grin. "Unless you are ready to accept your limitations right here and now. Once more find your mighty claws trapped beneath that of a human."
"Hah!" Veledar laughed deeply in his throat. "It will be you that is pinned to the ground beneath me...” The dragon growled playfully in the back of his throat. “Right where you belong."
They laughed together as the dragon began his descent, landing with a steady back-wing and hardly a bump when his hinds touched upon the ground. The sounds of their companions cheering drew their attention away from their light conversation. as the two other dragons and their accompanying gryphon landed beside them.
"Never gets old!" Lyndis shouted, pumping her fist. "I think you actually fly better than our dragon, Cordy!"
"Naturally, Lyndis. As a fire dragon, Veledar has far too much hot air in him," Cordenth replied with a smile, sticking his tongue out at Veledar as the half-elf dismounted.
Veledar just returned the tongue joust with a smack of his tail as Arcturus clambered off his crimson steed. He smacked the dragon on his shoulder, smirking as Veledar curled his head around with a snort of white smoke.
“Unbefitting of a knightly dragon to do the tongue jousting.”
“I’m not a knight.” The dragon replied with a rumble, curling around the human with a sway of his tail. “And what if I rather like the tongue jousting? You going to stop me?”
“Possibly.” He smirked, pushing away the red’s snout, only earning himself a long, wet lick across the face. “Hey!”
“One victory to me it seems.” The dragon rumbled, spinning round to saunter his way over to the rogue and green dragon laughing about something. Enough that she was leaning up on his scales, smile practically dominating her features. If Arcturus didn’t know any better he might think they were sweet on each other. Before he could offer his praise to his companions the bratty red dragon was quick to offer his instead.
"At least you didn’t end up skewered by a metal stick this time.” Veledar chuckled, nosing his snout in on the chatty green. “ And you acted quite brave. Standing by myside when they had me..cornered. I could have sworn I saw two full grown dragons out there who actually listened to instructions. Instead of the freshly hatched whelps you seemed intent on convincing me you are!"
"Hey, you’re barely older than us!" Lyyreth protested with a growl, crouching low so Merlia could slowly make her way off the dragon. The entire way down she complained about his height, and how dwarves were not meant to ride dragons. Gryphons? Sure, but not the scaled reptiles. “Besides, I heard you’re the reason our plan was thwarted by killing a captain that Arcturus had all but subdued.”
“Arnt you the one that sneezed and blew your cover above the fort?” The red snorted, pushing his snout practically against Lyyreth’s own. “Or am I mistaken?” The red smirked when the green’s frills turned a darker shade of green, his nose wiggling, begging to sneeze.
"Yeh did fine lads, the lot of ya!" Merlia shouted with the voice of a creature four times her size, crossing her arms tightly across chest. "All’s well when it ends well. Rest is just details!"
"But it’s the details that embellish a story!” Veledar spun around to tease at the smirking dwarf. “Like the ones where I made sure to keep all of you from getting surrounded, almost at the cost of my very life! Make sure to remember that when you tell all the other people you travel with miss dwarf." Veledar stretched out his wings, fluffing them outward so she got a good look.
"Is dat so? Who saved yer scaly arse when dose gits had ya pinned?” The ranger gestured to the humanoids and Arcturus. “Or are we rememberin dat wrong?
Arcturus coughed, and Lyndis just chuckled.
"Fine, fine, details, I get it," Veledar grumbled, rolling his eyes. “You helped too I suppose. Enough room in the song for Crimson Sky’s companions as well.”
“Is there?” Arcturus was soon to smile, relishing how the red kneaded the ground, quick to snake his neck down, snapping his jaw inches from the man’s face.
“Yes.”
Without fear he patted the dragon’s cheek, right below the tannish eye scales and getting a long snort of warm air that ruffled his hair.
“Good thing you’ve grown on me. Otherwise you’d lose that hand.”
“That so?”
“Willing to tempt it?” The dragon rumbled, cerulean spheres challenging the paladin to keep this up. So of course Arcturus did so, ending up on his rear when that horned head pushed him over with a growling laugh.
“Mind we break this up?” Lyndis was quick to pull the blushing human up,fishing out the stone from her pouch, wrapped in the cloth from before. “I’d like to get ourselves away from the fort before we get about some more bloody flirting.”
“We weren’t doing….that.” Arcturus brushed himself of any lingering debris, finding a red snout hovering over his shoulder. Nodding in agreement.
“If I were flirting, I’d tell Arcturus pleasing he looked.”
“Wait what?”
The dragon’s head tilted downward, hissing his apologies with a wrinkled snout. “She’s got me all tongue tied!”
Lyndis just smirked with a raised brow, her eyes teasing the man as they glanced between himself and the dragon. “Sure I do.”
Veledar surely wasn’t doing that with him right? He eyed the hissing dragon, silver tongue trying to talk his way out of the half-elf’s snickering laughter. She cut off his argument with a hand.
“Unbelievable!” The dragon snorted, pressing his claws into the grassy ground. Flicking his tail, glaring as Lyndis strode over to the gryphon with an outstretched hand. “The nerve of that woman!”
"What is this?" Azurisz asked, backing up and flaring her wings, as if ready to take off at a moment’s notice.
"Apologies, Azurisz," Arcturus pushed the thoughts of flirting and whatnot from his mind, slowly placing his hand on the gryphon’s neck to caress it slowly, tenderly. Like he was easing a spooked horse. He explained that it was to take them to the Forest of Despair, and whom was waiting for them to return. He then explained how to activate the stone, as well as the mild symptoms that first-time travelers might suffer from.
"So, she does exist…" the gryphon said softly, leaning against Arcturus’ arm as if to find refuge in his touch. "I have heard such unpleasant things about what she does to trespassers."
"Dun worry yer purdy wings off!" Merlia gestured back to the tiny fort. "She wanted that place gone and got us dere. We won’t let her hurt ya, lass."
Arcturus nodded in agreement while still combing through the gryphon’s neck feathers to try and soothe her. Azurisz, however, folded her wings up, took a deep breath, and stepped away from the party. "I prefer to take my chances wherever my wings may carry me. I want nothing to do with that…” Her voice grew taught, “Emerald Lady.”
"Well, dat’s understandable, lass. We've had our fill as well," Merlia shrugged, touching the stone. "Speakin’ o’ which, I wan’ ta get dis ova with... Take care of yerself, lass," Merlia gave a quick salute before caressing the stone in a circular pattern. With an utterance of the activation word she was consumed by thick, purple fog. With a sudden pop the fog vanished, and with it the dwarven ranger.
Azurisz leaped backwards with her wings spread wide, her chest rising and falling quickly. "I take it this is goodbye, then?"
"Appears so," Lyndis replied as Cordenth and Lyyreth touched the stone themselves.
"Thank you for freeing all those people from that horrid place.” The gryphon bowed her head, ears splaying on either side. “and most of all, for not only showing mercy to my brother, but for healing him and giving him a blessed second chance,"
"It’s what we do," Arcturus nodded as she rose up, test flapping her wings. “You’ve a good heart and a gentle soul, dear gryphon. I pray that you shall find a mate worthy of your affection.”
“And if he misbehaves, aim for his balls. That will straighten him right up,” Veledar snickered, curling around Arcturus with a swish of his tail.
"What are your names?” Azurisz’s ears twitched as she turned to each of them. “So that I may treasure them?"
"Lyndis Kuxion!" Lyndis gave a quick salute.
"Veledar, but I vastly prefer Crimson Sky for personal reasons." Veledar held a paw to his chest as it swelled, his snout held high.
"And I am Arcturus Lund, Paladin of Bahamut," Arcturus said, grabbing her forepaw to cup it between his hands, his kindness turning the gryphon misty eyed.
"Cordenth, Radiant Star," Cordenth interrupted the moment the two tried to share.
"Radiant Star?" Veledar turned his snout to the green dragon, bemused. "You chose Radiant Star as the name to share with everyone else?"
"What? It’s better than Crimson Sky,” he snorted a puff of smoke in challenge. “At least mine can fill the role of a beautiful metaphor in the songs and poems of the bipeds, while yours sounds like the childish dream of a hatchling who doesn’t realize he’s just a speckle in the sky.”
"Grrrh,” Veledar snarled, clearly taken aback by Cordenth’s savagery. “At least mine’s imposing and grand, while yours is probably copied from an astronomy ledger, hrawr!"
"And your name?" Azurisz turned to Lyyreth as the two dragons continued to squabble with hisses and flaring frills. Arcturus gave her a meek smile, downright embarrassed with the turn this took. He nearly face palmed when talk of doing better than the other was brought into the mix. This was his life now.
"It’s um.... Lyyreth, the Benevolent Scholar, I think. I mean, yeah, that’s it," Lyyreth coughed, almost embarrassed to say his title after the other two ruined this moment for him.
"Thank you, Benevolent Scholar," the gryphon replied with a smile on her beak. "At least you are wise enough not to involve yourself into… whatever that is," she gestured to the green and red, who were listing their accomplishments in no particular order.
"We're arguing about who is more radiant!" Veledar turned his snout to the gryphon, "For if I am more radiant that Cordenth, then he has to change his name to more accurately represent his diminished radiance." Veledar grabbed the stone with his claw, signaling to Arcturus to scoot over.
"Well Azurisz, we must be off. May your wings carry you safely from here," Arcturus gave a quick bow, which the gryphon reciprocated as a sign of mutual respect and admiration.
"May yours as well." Azurisz spread her wings, and with a graceful flap, she was in the air.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you don't have any wings," Veledar corrected her.
"It’s just an expression gryphon say." Arcturus laughed, grabbing the stone as well and throwing Veledar a sly glance. “You’re not as long and wide as your namesake implies either.”
“Hey! You’re supposed to take my side, just like I take yours!”
“When you criticize others, prepare to be criticized back,” Arcturus pet Veledar’s shoulder. “An eye for an eye, right?”
The dragon turned away from him, unwilling to put up with more wordplay. Arcturus turned to give the plains one last look, then shifted to the large column of rising smoke in the distance. Part of him couldn’t help but feel guilty at the thought of leaving all those prisoners in such a vulnerable state, but they reaped what they sowed. So, he turned back to the dragons, who now began to argue about who was the better flier.
"Send me," Arcturus said after preforming the circular pattern with his finger. Like before it felt as though the stone was a blackhole, strongly pulling into it’s precipice. His entire body shivered, trying to fight this unearthly call but it was inevitable. Icy tendrils raked across his skin, permeating his being and sinking into the marrow of his bones. The man’s eyes fluttered as it suddenly changed, overpowering heat replacing cold in the blink of an eye. Stars burst in front of him, consuming his vision, as pained, fractured screams echoed within the bright flashes. He tried to clutch his ears to shield them, but found he could not move his limbs. He himself had ceased to exist, simply a wavering cloud of silver gas. Then everything froze when the sound of his son pushed everything aside. Repeating the same phrase that dragged a sword across his heart.
"She’s so pretty, father…"
Breath suddenly found his lungs in a spine tingling gasp. Never had the smell of pine and that of a damp forest ever been so refreshing. Arcturus coughed, banged his chestplate and let the flickering stars fade into the bursting colors around him. With a cough he realized that he was standing within the Emerald Lady’s lair, surrounded by his friends and the lingering mist swirling about their ankles. The towering dragoness was lounging on her side, talking to Gerald by the looks of it. Arcturus was about to voice out his surprise, but instead stumbled forward, his legs like they’d been turned to jelly.
“Oh….there it is.” He groaned, landing with a sudden clang of metal on stone. Thankfully he didn’t feel a thing, either from his armor or the numbness about his limbs.
"I think I am done with fairy magic for a century or two." Veledar wheezed, nosing at Arcturus’ ears. “Speaking of which. Are you okay there? Or are you trying to do an impression of a log? Cause if so. Well done.”
“No. No.” He groaned, slowly rising up with the help of a well-placed crimson neck. “Though you make a good scaled hand hold.”
“I can still drop you.” The dragon teased back, curling around him protectively as the Emerald lady set her predatory sights on them.
"It appears your mission has been a success. Wonderful," the Emerald Lady cooed. She seemed less menacing than before. Almost friendly, given the noticeable smile that spread across her snout."Since I received the prisoners, I suspect our bargain is through…unless you have something to add.”
"I may haf someting ta say.” The dwarven lass took a steep forward. “If ye can see da future like ye love ta brag, why ask us? Tis all a game to ye, isn’t it? Or maybe yer just dat good at pretendin’,” Merlia chuckled weakly. Arcturus saw her lurch and cover her mouth.
"Sometimes the future can be…fickle." the Emerald Lady stared up from them, seemingly out into an endless void. "There are times when you can change the outcome, and times when the strands of fate have a will of their own." she twitched her tail, then licked her nose, as if she was almost relieved of the positive outcome. "Thankfully the fates were kind to me this day."
"To you? Now dats a good jest! We were da ones out dere, fightin the fight!"
"Yes, but I was your general. The victory goes to me, no matter the part you played in it."
Merlia turned red, but with a glance from the Emerald Lady reigned in her tongue.
The dragoness flicked her gaze to her children, a fondness spreading within those amethyst pools."I am also pleased to see my offspring safe and…mostly unscathed. I assume the taste of your first real battle convinced you to follow your plans?”
So she actually does care about them.
"Y-yes," Lyyreth replied, holding up his snout. "There are so many things we still have to learn, and we can only do so by spreading our wings.”
Cordenth was next, striding past his brother with an air of urgency about his voice. Like his next few words might be denied him by a lingering hiss. “My brother speaks true. Whatever reasons you had to keep us in your forest have ran their course, have they not?” Silence fell as the dragon held his gaze, his frills twitching in and out. His muscles only relaxed when the larger dragoness rumbled in her throat, a smile spreading across his muzzle. Between the pair of them she glanced them over, from onyx horn to frill lined tail. She took a step forward, warmth practically filling the air.
"That is true, little ones. You’ve outgrown the comfort of your home, and while the world is a wondrous place to brave, you must always be mindful about the dangers lurking at every corner. Today has been one of the greatest tests of your lives; a test you have conquered like every brave dragon should," she gestured to Arcturus and the others. "Now you are ready to leave." Emerald Lady surged in, nuzzling Lyyreth with closed eyes. Her purrs filled the air as the smaller dragon nuzzled back, returning her affections. Without missing a beat green scales rubbed along each other as the emerald mother spread her wings, pulling her other offspring in. The group sat in silence as the air filled with a cacophony of pleased sounds, set to what looked like a ball of wiggling green snakes.
When she parted, the mother gave the two a departing lick. Gesturing to that of a bright white door that rose from the floor, seemingly by a wave of her claw. “You may go. I won’t be long with these mortals.”
Arcturus rose his brow as his mind whispered suspicions of one last trick. What was she trying to do? He leaned against red scales as the greens asked as much of her. She replied with a chuckle, insisting that she meant them no ill. At least that was one less thing they had to deal with.
The two dragons said a quick goodbye as they went to leave. Cordenth, however, turned his neck back towards the group before stepping through the door frame. "Don't take too long. We should do something before tomorrow. Something small to celebrate our achievements." The dragon gestured to the doors with his neck.
"Don't worry Cordenth. We’ll be there." Lyndis replied, giving the green dragon a wave. Cordenth nodded and walked out the door that closed behind him with hardly a sound. The Emerald Lady was soon upon them, striding with a happy gaunt and swish about her tail. Much different than the predatory stares she’d been given thus far.
"That brings me to the gifts I wish to bestow upon you. You were my pawns, but oh, so excellent pawns." The Emerald lady rumbled, settling upon her haunches and swirling her claws. "I will look into each of your futures and pluck a possibility that I shall share with you. These things of course can be the kind that are almost certain to happen." Her vast wings spread wide, motes of glowing lights sprouting from their leathery surfaces like enchanted flowers.
"I dunno if I wanna know me future from ya!" Merlia laughed nervously as the Emerald Lady snuck her neck ever closer. "Ruins da whole surprise if ya ask me! Besides, I bet it be something crazy. Like I be meetin a gryphon or something of me dreams."
"Do I look like a mundane fortune teller?" The dragoness reared up, spreading wide her forelimbs. The motes on her wings began to lift like little birds, swirling upwards until they hung about the air. Their radiance only increased, until what was a torch’s light now resembled hundreds of little suns. What had been a darkened space of stone and vines now appeared to be reflection of the night sky, only the Emerald Lady the moon. One such star started descended towards her outstretched talons, orbiting at a leisurely pace. Her eyes closed, taking in a deep breath, her tail tentatively tapping the stone. With a snort her muzzle wrinkled, her lips peeling back to reveal her teeth.
"How unfortunate. You will die alone, Merlia. Far from here, waiting on friends that will never arrive.”
"Well ain’ dat fittin?!" Merlia shot the dragoness an amused laugh. "Well of course I die alone! Can’t take any of dese heathens wit me to Valhalla now, can I?" Merlia crossed her arms across her chest, giving the dragoness a disapproving chortle. "If I wanted me fortune told, I'd go visit one of dem siigonis oracles."
The Emerald Lady seemed to not hear the dwarf. Without a word the dragoness shifted her snout to Lyndis. The rogue gulped as the air grew thick with tension. It seemed to radiate a power of it’s own, sending a shiver down everyone present’s spine. Once more another light descended down, this time rotating around the dragoness’ snout.
"Lyndis, princess of Drenedar. Your kingdom will be ruled by dragons, and you will welcome them with loving arms."
"Yeah right, like we'd welcome dragon conquers into our lands with welcome arms." Lyndis blew her hair out of her eyes, her voice starting to waver as the dragoness held gaze."I think your divining gift might need a few tweaks here and there. I’d ask for my money back if I were paying.”
Again, the comment fell upon deaf ears, the dragoness not even reacting in the slightest. Her trance far too deep for any of them. Arcturus counted them lucky, watching with hesitant breath as another star started to orbit one of the dragoness' horns. Her tail wiggled across the ground as The Emerald Lady focused her on Veledar.
"Veledar the red dragon. You will have your claws on the greatest treasure you have ever known. One that puts even that great horde of yours to shame…but brought down by a banner and a head."
"Greatest treasure?" Veledar asked, stretching his neck into the shape of an S. "It can't be two hoards the same size of mine." the dragon sat on his haunches, drumming his talons across his scaled cheek, debating the news by talking to himself.
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That's when the Emerald Lady turned towards Arcturus. Eyes that had been leaking purple magic like a faucet suddenly shifted gold. The already thick air suddenly turned cold, standing all the hair on the knight’s neck. His spine shivered as she neared ever closer, dread running it’s talons across his neck. The urge to react to his basic fight or flight instinct was almost unbearable at this point. Her words seemed to echo, consuming the entire room around them with her weight.
"Arcturus…there will be a moment where your entire world is gold. To resist will mean utter destruction. Let yourself go and you might find salvation."
What could that even mean?
Arcturus caressed his chin as the others complained or mumbled about their given futures. They were only brought out of their chattering when the Emerald Lady shook her head, like she’d tasted something rotten. Her eyes shifted back to purple, and losing their inner light. They bound from each of them like a spooked rabbit, her scales seemingly trembling before them. The Emerald Lady pinned her wings behind her, composing herself with a flare of her head frills.
"Well that certainly is odd. Typically, when I see the future, I remember everything about it.” Her eyes narrowed, staring past them into oblivion. “This time the strands of fate seem hidden even from my eyes."
"Your eyes turned gold when you looked at me." Arcturus pointed to himself. “Did that have anything to do with it?” His question nearly silenced the dragoness, a breath catching in her throat. She snapped to him, voice as soft as her inn’s beds had been.
"They did what now?"
The Emerald Lady grew still as her eyes widened into slits. Where confidence and malevolence lurked instead was replaced by a sliver of fear.
"Your eyes…they acquired a particularly strong shade of-"
"Yes, Yes. I heard you. That’s just a side effect of my far sight. Think nothing of it." The Emerald Lady dismissed his concerns with a shake of her head. "There are so many things I have to keep in mind. So much to do, so little time." She spun around, starting her way deeper into her lair, "I have given you all that I could. I take it you can see your own way out?”
Arcturus turned to see that the door her offspring had left through opened wide, sunlight bursting through to reveal the garden of stone With a brief look to check on the dragoness, Arcturus exited the doorway with his friends. Before they could even comment of their futures some more, the door slammed shut with a thud. Disappearing without a trace to be had.
Arcturus led the group back to the inn like before, muttering of the dragoness still about everyone’s tongue. Only Merlia kept pointing out how everything was sourer than a goat’s milk and to not pay no heed to the predictions. Everyone was in agreement by the time they returned to the village, but something was amiss. The air was heavier than normal. The townsfolk were in a more somber tone than the previous times. With little questioning, they found out they had missed a funeral for those killed by Garroth's men. Arcturus gave his condolences before returning to his room and throwing his armor onto the bed. He sighed at the loss of the extra weight, though not exactly heavy it certainly felt better to have it off. With that done, he turned and climbed down the stairs to the tavern area. He looked out at the tables and chairs they’d eaten at for the last few days. It started to feel good, to have a routine once again. Wake up, chat it up with his friends, then head out for some crazy task for the mysterious Emerald Lady. In some strange way he was going to miss that. He shook his head with a laugh. Him miss anything to do with the Emerald Lady? Stay any longer in this place and he’d go crazy.
He moved aside some chairs that had been scattered about the well polished floor, finding a table that Lyndis and Gerald were at, having a heated conversation. He seated himself at the bar, asking for some water.
"What do you mean you agreed to be hers?" Lyndis suddenly shouted, "You agreed to this?" she gestured to the bar, but Arcturus knew she meant the whole town.
"Yes, yes I did." Gerald gave a shrug, "Made sense at the time."
"How could it make sense, Gerald? Now you're just another part of her treasure! How will you defend Drenedar if you’re stuck in this forest you dolt?” Lyndis turned a bright shade of red. Arcturus looked around, waiting for Veledar to comment on it, but the dragon seemed nowhere nearby.
He must have gone for a walk...or a fly.
“That's enough, you might be a princess, but I am a free man capable of making my own decisions.”
“Aye. What a man you are, to walk willingly into slavery.”
“Better here than under the shadow of the same men that threw me into that prison!” Gerald slammed a fist on the table. Lyndis seemed shocked. The people around her, concerned.
Upon realizing he was within an inch of losing his temper, Gerald took a deep breath, his stern face softening back into the semblance of a man. “I’m sorry. There are so many things that changed since your departure. Drenedar is not the same place you left behind, Lyndis. Your parents sighed a treaty of non-aggression with Lumara. Your father is hardly seen out from the castle. The war is over.” The man’s frame seemed to shrink as he stared seemingly to the bottom of his cup. “We’ve nothing else to fight for,"
"Why?” Lyndis’ voice shook. “Why would my mother do something like that? She and my father were always going on about standing up for what was right! How can they betray everything they stood for?"
Gerald sighed, "I cannot claim to know their reasons, princess. Maybe they are tired of the war. Maybe this is the only way to peace. The last time I talked to the queen… she seemed frightened. It happened right before they signed the treaty…back when she told me to go north and find you.”
“Why?” Lyndis pressed on.
“She told me to make sure you never returned. That things had grown too dangerous for you there. And she only wanted to see that you were safe. My team and I headed north to find you, only that, instead of you, we found them, nestled within their stone walls. We could not resist hitting them in the dead of the night. It worked, perhaps a bit too well." Gerald dipped his head, "Drunk on our victories, we never imagined a scenario where their gryphons overpowered our winged steeds. It all happened so fast…I’m sorry, Lyndis. We just couldn’t pass on the opportunity for a little vengeance.”
Lyndis sat in silence for a moment, seeming to take the information in. "That's all good, Gerald, but that doesn't explain why you enlisted into Emerald Lady’s hoard! She’s…she’s not…she’s not the benevolent rescuer you think she is!" Lyndis banged her fist on the table with a resounding smack, shaking her own glass.
"She promised to get me a team again. Promised me a bleedin chance to strike back at Lumara, something your mother denied us." Gerald's eyes lit up as he held his head back up, "We're going to make a difference here. With each fort we liberate we add more to our ranks, and when our numbers become legion, we will have the power to change the tide of this conflict. Blazes, we might change the face of the whole world!”
Lyndis just held her head and shook it back and forth as she let out a loud sigh. "Ever the patriot, Gerald. You always tried to be the valiant hero, rushing into battles, doing the right thing. I hope you know what you’re getting into. Cause the last time you got some vengeance it didn’t work out.”
"I can only hope now that fate has given me a second chance to fight. But enough of my life choices to serve a dragoness." Gerald laughed, "Where are you off to with your friends? More crazy adventures?"
"Just going to help that red dragon of ours, Crimson Sky. We get his book back from Lumara's king... Then I guess I’ll be on my own all over again."
Arcturus caught Lyndis look to him, flashing the man a smirk as he thanked the bar tender for his mug of water."Going to miss them, even that boasting winged lizard."
Thats when the doors burst open to reveal a pair of green and red scaled dragons. Lyyreth was giving Veledar an angry, snarly glare. The dragons strolled, a maroon colored pouch slung around the green’s filled with bound up scrolls swishing back and forth. They plopped onto their haunches besides one of the larger tables with a dull thud. The green’s eyes narrowed every further, seemingly trying to ignite the air between the two.
"How clumsy can you be, to knock over every single bookcase?!” Lyyreth shouted, cleaving through the moment of silence. “I had them all alphabetized, placed right where I needed them, and you messed all up in less than five minutes!”
"Well, perhaps you should not have placed your bookcases so close together." Veledar hissed, rolling his eyes as the green continued to berate him. Cordenth just laughed, striding through the door with a happy bounce in his claws.
"So whose ready for a night of fun, jus the lot of us?" Merlia clambered down from the bedroom stairs, clasping her hands together like thunder. "All this victory needs a proper celebration!"
"What did you have in mind?" Arcturus laughed as he took a seat at the table with his friends.
"Glad ya asked, lad!" Merlia pulled a manila scroll out from her pack. It landed on the table with a smack, and started to unroll. Arcturus could tell even from across the table this list was covered in writing. He guessed she’d been working on this for days.
"That certainly is a lot of scribbling on such a small scroll." Veledar stated, then turned to the waitress who’d brought over another patron’s meal of lamb, potatoes, and other healthy-looking vegetables.
"And now I hunger." Veledar moved his snout to the waitress, “I’d like whatever meat those mortals are having.”
"Lamb," Arcturus said, stuffing his face.
"Yes, lamb. But make it a dragon-sized order, if that’s at all possible." Veledar gave the waitress a large tooth filled grin, causing the waitress to giggle at him.
"See, Arcturus? She laughs at my clever use of human politeness!" Veledar turned his attention towards him.
"It’s probably because she did not expect a giant, scaly horned lizard to be so polite.” The paladin quipped.
"Well tirdly we have to have anoter drinkin contest before we go. I gotta put ya dragons in yer place, den we got ta tankard toss, and lastly dis game called poker." Merlia finished, setting the scroll down onto the table.
"You’re going to spend the night trading cards and banter?" came the stern voice of Asterion as the minotaur strolled over to where they were sitting. Arcturus saw that the collar that had been around his neck was gone, and the minotaur carried a small leather pack on his back. He had a pair of leather bracers on his forearms with small amounts of fur.
"Aye we are, my dear bullman. You should join us... considerin’ you’re part of da group now." Merlia turned to Asterion with a grin. “Yer welcome by the way.”
"I suppose that is correct. At least until I get the diamonds I require anyway." Asterion's tail swished behind him lightly.
"What do you even need the diamonds for anyway?" Veledar tilted his head to the side as he looked to the minotaur.
"That is a personal matter, red one."
“You can call me Crimson Sky," Veledar tapped his tail, which caught a chair by accident. It crashed with a clatter, bringing Arcturus’ palms to his face.
"I think dragon will suffice." Asterion crossed his arms like a wall, his eyes full of defiance. Arcturus thought his attitude might change in his freedom, but it would appear as though he was just as stern as before.
The red dragon’s eyes narrowed, meeting such a challenge."Then I shall just call you a minotaur."
"That's fine by me dragon." Asterion waved his hand, turning his attention to Merlia," Now about that drinking contest of yours, I bet I can drink you under the table."
"Dat sounds like a challenge!" Merlia chuckled loudly, "You'll get yer chance later. Den I'll show ya who da dwarf really is."
Merlia shot up to gather supplies for a game of tankard toss. Some sort of dwarven game she explained involving knocking over stones. Lyyreth fished out a scroll from his satchel. His eyes brimming with happiness as he plopped it onto the table.
"So look what I found in my library!" the dragon smiled, though as he met Veledar’s face it melted into a scowl. "Before a certain dragon messed up my perfect well of knowledge.”
"Not my fault!" Veledar snorted, holding up his snout. “Why did you even place them so close together? Not to mention so easily caught by a tail?” They were about to get into another round of bickering hisses before Lyndis cut them off.
"So what do you got in that scroll of yours?" She leaned in, spreading out the scroll before them. It was covered from inch to inch in tiny scratches of ink. Draconis language the dragon explained.
"I am so glad you asked, Lyndis, it’s a scroll that details the various ways a dragon can change his or her breath to some different element.See? Right here!" the dragon pointing with a happy talon at tiny sketches of dragon heads found amidst the wording.
"Most intriguing. How long does the spell last?" Lyndis held up a hand and twirled her fingers, "and does it only work for a dragon's breath? I’d love to change my fireballs into something more…well, more!"
"I’m afraid it’s dragon breath only." Lyyreth's wings fidgeted as he read the words in draconic. He then held up a paw and twirled each digit in a clockwise fashion. He finished with a wiggle of his nose and flick of his tail. Little sparks spread about his head, causing the dragon's eyes to go wide. He sneezed fire, accidentally pouring a few flames on to the table.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry!" Lyyreth flailed, covering his nostrils with his claws.
Asterion held up his hand and flicked his hand in a downward motion. "Aqua," he muttered, as a small cloud formed over the table. Dousing not only the burned scrolls, but that of the table.
"I'm so sorry about that!" The green’s frills turned darker green. “I’ve yet to practiced that spell.”
“I think you needed to work on not sneezing.” Cordenth grumbled, shoving lightly at his brother’s shoulder.
"Least it wasn’t in anyone’s faces!” Lyndis laughed, followed by the others as well. “I know! We should practice spells! We can set up targets and everything!" Lyndis clasped her hands together. "Even if I might embarrass all of you with my pristine aim."
Cordenth rumbled, curling his neck around to grace her with a smile."Well now you’re starting to sound like a proper dragon."
"I certainly spend enough time with them now." Lyndis shrugged, "So who is down for some spell practice?" Everyone raised their hands, claws, or wing talons in response. They waited for Veledar to finish the lamb that was brought over before they went to head outside. That's when Merlia returned to the table with her arms filled with tankards. As she saw the ruins of her scroll and scorched table they dropped with a thunderous clang."Oh ya got ta be kidden me! I’m gone for a few minutes!”
Arcturus explained as the others clambered out that they were going to be doing some target practice with spells.
"Well fine den, we'll do dat! I whoop your butts an’ be back to tankard tossin’ in no time!"Merlia laughed, clasping him hard on the back. "Yer spells got nuttin on me arrows! Well come on then! "I'll shoot circles around all of ya!"
The group continued to make jabs and boasts as they strolled across the wooden walkways, an air of warmth spreading between them. Arcturus even found himself joining in, wiggling his fingers and insisting he’d do well with his eldritch blasts. He’d missed this sort of behavior from long ago. Long before dreadflame and the events that followed. With every step his smile only grew wider, Entis and what lay beyond the furthest thing from his mind. They’d strolled into the training area like every other morning, just as Veledar insisted they were going to be eating their own tails.
“Well you guys can brag all you want. It will all end up with ya kissing my focken boots!" Lyndis proclaimed, punching her palm.
“Because you’re a princess." Veledar rolled his eyes, "And because Cordenth has developed a remarkably unprofessional liking to you," the dragon teased, only to have his snout swiped by Cordenth's tail.
“I’m not the only one with an unprofessional liking.” The green gave a growly chuckle.
"It will be neither one of those things! If I win that’s solely on merit because I am simply the best!" Lyndis shouted with a smug expression about her face.
"I find your boasting humerous." Asterion said last. All pairs of eyes, dwarven, elven, and dragon suddenly switched to him, and for a long, silent, tension-filled moment, it seemed as if a real fight could break out. “I will of course be the victor here. For Korde will request it."
"I don’t know about that." Arcturus broke the silence with a hearty laugh. ‘This isn’t exactly a battlefield.”
“Aye, seems small potatoes for the god of battle.” Merlia said with a smirk, “Besides, Thor be wantin me ta win anyway.”
"You can find battle in most things.” The cleric snorted, flicking his eyes to the confident dwarf. “And if I recall, Thor always loses to my god in the end. The true god of battle.”
“Oh is dat so ya overgrown cow! Wait till we get shootin. I’ll show ya how wrong Korde be!” Merlia was quick to snap back, unbinding her bow.
"Take it easy you two. We don’t need a battle of clergy here." Lyndis flicked her wrist to summon several red and white striped circles. They hovered several feet in the air, not moving. "So who wants to go first?”
"Hittin’ sittin’ targets? Maybe the cleric will be able ta hit sumthin after all!" Merlia laughed as Asterion stared daggers at her. "Course lass, we aint little babbies... well perhaps apart from da red one over here," Merlia gestured to Veledar with her left thumb. “Maybe makin it a challenge?”
"You watch what comes out of that dwarven mouth, lass," Veledar narrowed his eyes as the others chuckled. "You’re not going to be so proud when I utterly defeat you." The dragon held his snout high as Lyndis snapped her fingers. The once motionless target started to move in circular patterns.
"Now dats more like it! Merlia cracked her knuckles as she pulled out her bow, knocked an arrow and tossed her braided hair behind her head. "Well I best start an show ya how it’s done! Pay attention Asterion. This one be for Thor!" She let fly the green feathered arrow. It struck the target dead center, shattering the thing like glass. The pieces that hit the ground exploded into tiny purple clouds of whispy smoke.
"Dere! Try and beat that ye pointy eared rogue!” Merlia grinned, giving a wink to the others. "it’s no problem if ye give up now. No shame in admittin’ defeat o course.” She tossed Asterion a nod. “Unless yer not bein able ta.”
“Wait for my turn dwarf.” The bull snorted, crossing his arms tight. “Actions speak louder than words.”
Veledar moved her aside with a wing, slowing dragging the dwarf away as she pretended to bow to an invisible crowd. "Now I will show you what a dragon can do, you little dwarvish thing!" Veledar held up a claw, "Pyra" he snarled. Flames collected around his claw before he tossed it towards a target. The projectile sailed through the air towards the target as one, but the flames barely licked the edge as the target dissipated in a puff of smoke.
"That was supposed ta beat me? Yer sapposed ta hit da target, not lick it like ye lick yer lover!" laughed Merlia to a grumbling, disappointed Veledar.
"Your endless boasting and over the top mannerisms distracted me. I demand a retry!" He smacked his tail against the dirt.
"No more chances for you Mr. Whining scales." Lyndis laughed, holding her hand out. “Prepare to have that smug smile wiped off your face, Merlia!" Lyndis muttered the same spell phrase as Veledar had done, summoning fire to her hands. She let loose a fire bolt towards the floating target, hitting it dead center.
"Hah! She sure showed you!" Cordenth roared in laughter, slapping the ground with his claw. “So much for the better than thou dragon!”
"Let’s see if you manage to rise to the same level as your beloved, you little boot licker." Veledar snarled playfully, slinking his snout close to Cordenth's, lowering his voice to a near whisper “Though if I were you, I’d let her win on purpose. Humans love that.”
"She’s not human. Well, not entirely,” Cordenth gave the dragon a playful poke with his snout before he moved passed Lyndis, who was doing the same thing Merlia had been doing, making Arcturus laugh to himself.
“Lads, lasses, please, eyes on the target. You’re about to witness a spectacular piece of dragon magic.”
Cordenth waited for all the eyes to focus back on him, silence to fall among them. He spread his wings as he stretched his neck into the shape of an S. With a flick of his wrist the dragon tossed yet another fire bolt, missing the wavering target entirely. The green dragon’s frills grew dark green as Arcturus counted how long it would be till Veledar poked fun. He didn’t need to wait long, as the dragon did it instantly.
"See, Cordenth?” The red wheezed, mimicking Cordenth’s own ground tapping. “That didn't even come close!" The dragon, nudging Lyndis with one of his wings. “He did that on purpose.”
“Did what?” She rose her brow,
“That chivalrous thing males do. You know,” Veledar nudged her again.
“Oh,” realization dawned upon Lyndis along with a thin shade of pink in her cheeks.
“Well, I have other talents to compensate,” Cordenth frowned. When he walked by, Lyndis patted him on his side. The dragon shyly looked away from her and sat down away from the others in a little loser’s camp. The green dragon just gave Veledar a knowing glare, as the red dragon continued to snicker to himself.
Lyyreth was next to stand up. He flourished his claws in little circles, cerulean magic began to twirl around him like little ribbons. He seemed to be lining up his attack as his snout was full of concentration, but he seemed to be stalling. It was not long before his brother teased him.
Lyyreth growled in his throat as twin beams of blue magical energy sprung forth from his eyes. The ray of intense cold left a mist on the air, surging forth until it splattered against the target.. "See at least I HIT the target," Lyyreth rumbled, striding past his brother with a happy sway of his haunches. Green frilled tail rubbed along Cordenth’s snout, drawing out a playful snap of jaws. “Try to not be too jealous of my superior skills, dear brother.”
"My turn!" Arcturus stepped forth, holding out his arm towards the targets. He reached down inside of himself, feeling the magic like Veledar had taught him back in the cave. However, he changed it slightly by thinking of the dragoness Bahamut. He felt it in his heart, a warming sensation that spread to his outstretched hand. Three glowing strands of magic emerged, spiraling around his arm. They flowed down to his fingers it until they reached his hand, then soared out towards his intended target. They all combined midway through as they closed in on the floating target…and missed entirely.
Arcturus’ face reddened with shame when he realized he missed worse than Cordenth. At least the dragon had come a bit closer. The man sat, unwilling to face that of his now snickering friends.
"Yes! The fabled paladin of Bahamut!" roared Cordenth. “I will try to contain my excitement!”
“That was downright terrible!” Even Veledar could not contain his laughter as he joined in as well. However, when Arcturus turned towards him, the dragon stifled himself by placing both his paws over his snout. Arcturus just held two fingers to the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, taking his place beside Cordenth.
"Well this is rather a first. I am at least new to the whole magic thing." He leaned back, eyeing the still snickering green with a smirk. “What’s your excuse again fair dragon?” The dragon’s laughter ceased, his frills suddenly freezing. Even his nose wrinkled as his head pulled back.
“I was distracted.”
Lastly, Asterion stepped up without a word to face the targets. The minotaur bent his knees and seemed to weave the magic around him with both of his hands. The bull eyed the target with such fierceness as he held out a hand, the magic flowing off him in a bright golden wave towards it. Despite the show, his magic missed the target as well. Once the target disappeared in its usual fashion, Asterion just stood there in silence, waiting for Merlia to burst out in laughter.
"I knew it!" the dwarf erupted as expected. Her hand smacks against her leg like a drum. “There’s ebe no shame in losin. Guess we found out who the best god of battle be!”
Without a word Asterion joined Arcturus and Cordenth with his arms crossed.
"Next round I think!" Lyndis shouted, clapping her hands together. She held her hand up again and snapped them. From the air sprang four more targets that moved at the same speed from before, but they were now but the size of the rogue’s palms."Well, you’re first Merlia. Try to hit that!"
"Dun mind if I do!" the dwarf pulled another arrow taut, and let another one loose at the target. Once again, the shaft flew through the air and hit the target dead center. Merlia only gave a cheer, also miming a phantom crowd shouting her on. "And the crowd goes wild for the dwarven ranger!"
"Okay Merlia, enough of you showing off. I will of course put you back in your place." Veledar surged forward, puffing out his chest. Arcturus couldn’t help but follow the way his form rippled, tail wiggling along like a red snake. It wasn’t long until Cordenth has nudged his back with a claw. Snickering about him staring.
Veledar turned to face the targets and let loose another fire bolt from his claws. This time the dragon did much better, possibly by his sheer determination to outdo Merlia. The target exploded as he too hit the center of it.
'There! What did I tell you. I can do well when I put my heart in it," Veledar turned towards Arcturus and walked over to him. "Arcturus! Did you see that? Did you see how wonderful I did?"
"Yes, Veledar, how could I ever miss such perfect strike?" Arcturus rolled his eyes, causing the dragon to just grin at him.
"Oh, don't be so jealous Arcturus, just because you missed your target. I know you’re much better at a myriad of other things anyway." Veledar strode past him very much like Lyyreth, his tail rubbing against his leg.
"Well, I guess I’ll go next." Lyndis stretched and stood before the targets once more.
"Wipe that smug look off Veledar's face!" Cordenth cheered for the half-elf, as Lyndis said the activation word.
"Don't worry Cordy, I focken plan to." Lyndis turned to throw her fire bolt at the target, hitting the target and exploding it. “Peh! Piece of Drenedar cake," the victorious rogue leaped over to to Veledar, and leaning against the red dragon's flank. “One of us is going to win this game.”
“Me.” The dragon rumbled.
Lyyreth was once again up, taking a deep breath and swishing his tail. The dragon focused on the target, once again taking his time. He shot another beam of frost at the target, missing it completely.
"Better luck next time, little brother" Cordenth chuckled. Lyyreth just sneezed as he slunk over to the losers area with his head down.
"Oh so dat leaves da princess an’ da red baby to beat. Easy as pie!" Merlia laughed as Lyndis summoned another set of targets for them to break. These targets were the same size as the ones before, but they were moving much faster.
"Get ready to cheer for me lads!" Merlia knocked another arrow, took aim, and seconds later let it fly. The arrow, as expected, hit dead center of the target. "See? What'd I tell ya? I’m just that good!" Merlia once again strutted to the winners area. “Thor has clearly blessed this day by thunder!”
Veledar strutted over again, his scales drawing Arcturus’ eyes as if on a thread. "Nice job Merlia. Your natural talent with the bow really supports my decision to bring you along on my quest." he grinned.
"Your decision?" Arcturus asked, cheeks turning red as Cordenth made another whispering snicker about staring. "I'm pretty sure it was a group decision."
"Ah, but Arcturus, my decision was more important at the time."
"How is that?" Arcturus laughed as the dragon gave him a playful look. He was of course teasing him.
"I'm a dragon, Arcturus. Everything I do is more important by default. So everything I do, people I call my friends, and those I love are more important as well." The dragon ran his tail under Arcturus' chin, only making those red cheeks burn ever hotter. "So, feel honored that I decided to bring you along on this quest of mine."
"Git ta firing and stop yer stallin afore ye put as all ta sleep!" Merlia interrupted, shaking her fist at the dragon.
“Fine, get ready to bask in my magnificent light then." Veledar shot another fire bolt at the target, however this time his fire bolt flew towards the target, and just barely missed it.
"Guess your light must be pretty dim," Cordenth laughed as Veledar pouted and sat down beside him with a snort.
"Don't feel bad, Veledar. You said it yourself.” Arcturus rested a hand on the red’s scaled form. “ There’s plenty of other talents that hide beneath your scales.
Veledar batted him on the head with his wing. Not enough to hurt but enough to make him flinch and shield himself. "Shut it," he grumbled.
"Oh, did I touch a nerve there? It must feel pretty terrible for a dragon to be bested by a dwarf.” He teased his friend by poking his scales lightly. He got another bump on the head for his troubles.
"Don't escalate this, Arcturus. A sleeping wyrm might look harmless, but if you wake the dragon up…"
"Go ahead, red scales. I know your weakness!"
"Oh yea?" Veledar growled playfully, snaking his snout towards him.
"Yea, and I will tell those two exactly what that is." Arcturus pointed to Lyyreth and Cordenth, smirking as the dragon’s and his eyes met. He wiggled his fingers, whispering about his ticklish wings.
Veledar shook his head back a few inches with a hiss, "Well that is just playing dirty.Fine, Arcturus. Have your laugh. At least until I get my revenge. Mark my words."
Arcturus caressed the bottom of the red’s jaw, trying to call the dragon’s bluff. "Oh yea? I'd like to see you try." With a flash of pink and moistness the man found his hands licked and covered in dragon drool.
"Oh, come one!" Arcturus shook back his hand as if he’d been bit, causing the others to laugh at the scene. “This is your fearsome revenge? This?”
"What did I tell you?" Veledar chuckled, "and that is just the beginning. Just imagine what my tongue can do to that little body of yours."
Arcturus did not have time to think about what else Veledar might have in store when Lyndis stood back up to continue the contest. "Well now that that's over with, I will of course upstage Merlia." Lyndis twirled and tossed a fire bolt. She exploded the target as Cordenth gave her another cheer.
"And yet more reasons to be happy I have such good adventurers on my quest!" Veledar grinned. “Only the best gets to come with me."
"As much as I love the flattery Veledar, I think it's time we ended this." Lyndis snapped her fingers, summoning two more targets. The targets were moving just as fast as last time but were now even smaller. Arcturus had a hard time keeping track of the targets as they seemed to dance back and forth in midair.
"Well time ta show ya princess" Merlia loosed one last arrow, and once again it struck her target right in the center. Merlia gave a cheer as she pumped her fist in the air. "Yes! Ye’ll find no betta ranger in all da realm, Veledar.”
Veledar just watched her as she walked by. He still looked unhappy, despite his boast about the best going with him.
"Still jealous Veledar?" Arcturus smiled.
The dragon covered him under his wing to block him from view. "That's enough out of you I think."
Arcturus grabbed the membrane and pulled it down. The dragon only seemed to put up a token resistance to this, as he soon was able to move it quite easily. He looked out to see that Lyndis had taken her place. She was holding her hand out once more towards the targets. After a moment of concentration, the half-elf let loose a fire bolt fly towards the target. It looked like it was going to be a hit.
How long can these two keep this up?
Then the bolt flew right past the. Lyndis just stood there, putting her head into her hands with a smile as she shook it back and forth.
"Dere! Now all of ya know I am da best!" Merlia proudly stuck a finger to her chest before pointing to the others.
"Well you don't have wings," sneezed Lyyreth,
"Or claws," grumbled Cordenth.
"Or a breath attack." finished Veledar.
"Awww, I got all three dragons jealous!" Merlia waved for them to follow her. “Now let’s move onta da tankard toss afore ye come with new ways ta lick yer wounds, ya big scaly babies!"
* * * * * * * * * *
The night found them eventually relaxing in the inn as they fought the ever present urge to fall asleep. Arcturus was sitting down and reclining on Veledar's red scales with the dragon’s head resting on his lap. Arcturus looked around to find Cordenth and Lyndis away from the others. The dragon seemed to hand her a green bit of clothing. To his amazement he saw Lyndis reply by giving the dragon a kiss on his snout that was quickly followed by a warm hug.
Well that’s certainly unexpected.
"So if you were a dragon, Arcturus, did you ever imagine what color would fit you?" Veledar asked, practically purring when Arcturus started to rub at the base of his horns. In these moments he couldn’t believe this bundles of scales and teeth could be so warm, so inviting, so….cute. He couldn’t help but smile.
"White, with those frill things," he gestured to his neck. "Add in a breath of pure cold, wings, and a flair of majesty, and we have ourselves a proud nice dragon.
"That was pretty quick." Veledar chuckled, "have you been thinking about dragons?"
"It’s a common thing among children." laughed Arcturus, "Especially if you spend it learning about your kind."
"So what would your name be?" Veledar's glanced up to him, “The once human? The not so annoying?"
"Arcenturious?" he shrugged. If it sounded silly Veledar didn’t seem to mind or notice.
"Ah yes, Arcenturious, the champion of dragons!" Veledar said, thumping his tail on the hard wood floor. This caused some of the nearby tables to rattle in response.
"Be careful with that!" Asterion barked, gesturing to how his ale had toppled over to drench his fur.
With the energetic atmosphere dying down to a relaxed state, Lyyreth began to speak of the wonders that would await him in Rothdell. The cities of magic, the countless years he could spend learning. The sights and smells that would be awaiting them. His voice filled to the brim with hope and excitement. He had just wrapped up talking about it when Cordenth and Lyndis returned to join in on the conversation. Arcturus saw that she was now wearing a green sash around her. She caught him looking and offered a warm smirk, running her fingers over the near pristine cloth.
"What’s the matter Arcturus? Didn’t you know green was my favorite color?"
His eyes widened. How had he missed that the entire time. That was why the green had been acting the way he was. With a laugh he congratulated them, unconcerned that something had evolved that quickly between them. He just smirked, getting drawn into a humorous story. One that had Merlia bragging about a time she’d wrestled bears into submission, and being the polite paladin that he was, Arcturus gave the victorious dwarf his full attention.