Scales and Honor: Emerald Secrets

Chapter 6: The Dragon’s Curse

Arcturus eyes traced every ink laden page of his spellbook, mentally going over each motion painstakingly in detail. Warmth permeated his stomach from his recently eaten meal, joining the golden sunlight filtering gently through the canopy of the arboreal village. The temptation to do something other than practicing whispered in his ear seductively. However, the paladin knew well the importance of mastering these spells, for sooner or later, they might very well save someone’s life. He closed his eyes, taking a few calming breaths until the hacking sound of his dragon brought his meditation crashing down.

Bolting his eyes open, he was greeted to the twitching red snake of a tail of his dragon, currently with his snout buried in a thick green bush as he vomited up his recent meal. Lyyreth had described that Veledar had apparently eaten a whole bushel of berries that didn’t agree with him. The green dragon currently rested beside Arcturus, watching on with amusement gleaming in his sunflower like eyes, stifling laughter with his paw.

"So do remind me again, Lyyreth. What kind of berry makes a dragon so indisposed?" The human looked up as a grin spread from each side of the green’s spade snout.

Lyyreth turned to him with a chortle and flick of his frilled tail, "We call them wyvern berries.” Lyyreth held up his paw, holding two of his digits close together.. Blue little berries with purple dots on them. Taste sweet at first but soon come right back up."

The human rose a brow as a sneaking suspicion snuck through his mind. He flinched as another sickening wretch from Veledar permeated the air. “And how is you didn’t enlighten him about this?”

"I thought that might be obvious.” The green dragon looked away with a smirk. “ The red dragon wouldn’t cease the running of his tongue at my hunting style. Insisted that it was hardly any better than a fresh hatchling! I must have been so distraught by his words that I forgot all about the effects of these berries." Lyyreth tilted his head, placing a paw to his onyx chest, a look of honesty about his snout only ruined seconds later as it wrinkled and a sneeze was unleashed toward the canopy.

"See? I told you he’s a bastard,” Veledar hissed, thick droplets of purple bile dripping from his snout. His eyes shown with a cerulean fire towards the green, though it was short lived before the red was sticking his nose right back where it had come. “I hate….you.”

“There are better ways to solve a feud, Lyyreth. Is there no antidote you can think of?”

"Might be, but there were not enough to kill him. By the time we get an antidote they should have worked through his system." The green laid down onto all fours, curious snout descending towards the spellbook in Arcturus’ lap.

"While that dragon thinks about hunting styles may I inquire some things?"

“I don’t see the harm.”

“You claim to be a paladin of Bahamut.” The dragon breathed in deep through his nostrils. "And that book you hold is mighty old in your years.” The inquisitive nose, pressed against the book as the dragon took another breath. “And it smells like a dragon." Lyyreth raised one of his eyebrows, "You didn't happen to steal this particular item, did you?"

"It was given to me as a gift, and Veledar.Arcturus turned the page as memories sprung to mind of the red’s now hoard. “Inherited it.” The red’s big hurt eyes lingered in the back of his head, and how they had struck a chord with him. “I’m quite thankful for it.”

"And you used to hunt dragons. Your family’s name has been whispered by dragons for years.”

“That’s not who I am anymore.”

“Most interesting, curiosity still curls around my scales. How did you become a paladin of one? And even more curiously, be friends with the big, tail twitching brute?" He thrust a wing talon towards the red dragon. “Surprised you two didn’t kill each other.”

"Oh, it was a great tale of fairies, bullettes, and smelly horses." Veledar returned with a wipe of his paw. The red dragon trotted over, curling around Arcturus with a thump of his tail. His eyes narrowed on the green dragon, traveling from his tail right to his snout."And don’t think for a moment that I’m not watching you," There was a slight gurgle from the dragon’s stomach that had the red leaping up from his resting spot and back towards the tree line. Curses flowed from the dragon’s mouth as another stomach churning choir of regurgitation clawed at Arcturus’ ears.

"And yet another undignified thing I can add to my mental image of dragons." laughed Arcturus turning back to Lyyreth."To answer your previous question, Veledar wants us to help him retrieve a book that was stolen from him by someone in my kingdom. I want answers from my king why a rather innocent dragon is wanted dead. The paladin part of the story is rather…complicated, and I'm sure we both wouldn’t want to go through that bit of history again any time soon."

"Speak for yourself!” Veledar curled his head around with a grin. “I got to be a hero!"

"I seem to remember more bleeding and dying, rather than heroism!"

"Details, details." Hissed Veledar. “You don’t understand a good story.”

“You’ve asked a question, tis only fair if I ask some myself.”

“That seems fair enough.” Lyyreth kneaded the ground with his claws, frills fluttering softly in time with his breaths. “Ask your question knight.”

"Why stay here instead of striking it out on your own? Dragons seem to do that around the one hundred year mark. Yet here you are. Stuck within the forest with your mother. I know Lumara isn’t the friendliest of a places for dragons but it does seem rather odd. Doesn’t your life get boring?"

Veledar peeked around with a growly chuckle. “You’re one to talk human! Were you not the leader of those guard monkeys back in that horrid city of yours?”

“Don’t you have more important things to worry about then what I did for a living?” He countered, eyeing how the dragon’s cerulean pools kept darting to the bushes.

Veledar’s gaze narrowed with a wary swish of his tail, “Are you taking his side?”

“Must there always be a side with you?”

“Perhaps.”

Lyyreth sighed as he looked to the trees. "This place has always been our home. Then there is the issue with our mother. She claims that she needs us for something important, but she hardly shares more than that. Again and again he claims we can leave, but I grow more skeptical with each passing day. I yearn to leave, but can't tear myself away."

"That's because you’re still a whelp!" Veledar gasped in between his convulsions.

Lyyreth offered no rebuttal, letting a telling silence linger around him. The red dragon perhaps had hit the scale right on the head, and the green was simply too proud to admit it. Again the sunflower like slits eyed the rays of light, seemingly lost to oblivion till Arcturus spoke again.

"You must want to collect your own hoard of things, right? That's a common draw for most dragons. Its practically integrated into your very bones!”

The green’s tail tapped on the ground floor, as a smirk formed on his snout. "I do have a lot of books here to pass the time. Spellbooks and scrolls are my most favorite.” He settled onto his haunches, scratching at his chin with his claws. "I guess if I was going to leave, I would head towards Rothdell. I’ve heard stories that they have the highest amount of spellcasters.”

"Tis true enough. Although I’ve never seen more than the battlefields. You know, with the war going on and all."

“Hmmmmm.” The dragon swished his tail, tapping his chin. "I’ll give it some thought. Seeing you and Veledar over there lends credit to the idea of an exploring dragon. It is actually kind of refreshing, we don't get many draconic visitors." Lyyreth fluffed out his wings, "EVEN IF HE’S RUDE!"

From behind Lyyreth, Lyndis, Merlia, and Cordenth were padding along towards them. They were all laughing, the green dragon included. The human caressed his stubly chin as a sense of infectious warmth seemed to be radiating from his companions.

What could they have possibly gotten up to? Especially to make the grump of a green to be chuckling away?

Veledar returned to slunk over to the pondering knight, settling onto his haunches with his tail curled around him. He scratched at his chest, moaning in discomfort.

"Mrrawwgh, that is the last time I eat berries. Worse than that time I ate spoiled meat." Veledar’s lips wrinkled “Tried to do this aging process I read about. Messed it up worse than…than..” Words seem to fail him as the dragon squirmed, holding his stomach with a groan.

Petting the dragon’s side he snickered under his breath. Though it was uncomfortable for his friend, he did deserve some puch back with his teasing. He rubbed his hand in circles along the hardened scales, offering Veledar words of encouragement for his drained spirit, "Don't worry, It won’t last for much longer now. You’ll be right as rain, just gotta push through it."

“Grahhh…Wish I didn’t have to. How he hasn’t rid those berries from this forest is a inquiry that boggles the mind.”

“Maybe it’s to get back at misbehaving guests from time to time?” Lyyreth looked away with a mischievous smile, only dashed away as Veledar snorted at him.

“We’ll see how misbehaving I can be when I am better.”

Merlia held up the green orb in her left hand, shouting to draw two sets of serpentine necks "Look what we got while you lazy bums were lounging about!”

"I helped of course." Cordenth proudly strolled over, fluffing out his wings. " I'm a fully-fledged princess saver, tomb-delving adventurer now."

"Let’s not get too carried away now." Lyndis countered with a laugh. “Or should I add dragon savior to my accomplishments as well?”

“Fair enough.”

Arcturus had to admit, the dragon Cordenth certainly seemed to be in a better mood. Whatever had happened at the temple must have helped with that. When asked about their journey he was given the abridged version. Tales of stone golems and thrilling excitement drew their attention as his companions spoke up their deeds. Even Cordenth got a few moments in the spotlight as he grinned with his teeth on full display.

"So, off the Emerald Lady then?" Arcturus closed the book as the group had playfully shoved and laughed at one another. Veledar had taken an interest to the orb, lowering his snout to gaze intently at the spherical surface. "We best get back to Veledar's quest. Or is he now more interested in acquiring that orb?"

“I was simply…admiring the craftmanship of it.” The dragon pulled back his head, looking away with a snort. From the way his tail swayed behind him the man knew that he’d been caught. “Of course we can go back and speak to that…” He stopped, eyeing the two green brothers with a sudden warry stare. “Wonderful mother of theirs.”

The others nodded, waving them along as they began their stroll back towards the Lady’s lair. They made their way through the village getting got lots of stares, pointing, and all around attention from the villagers. It must have been quite the sight to see them all together. He imagined it must have been like when the king, queen, or their children went about the commoners. He was reminded about Cornelius’ daughter Nivra, and how her bodyguard gryphon Voidwing had to practically snap away anyone who got too close with his silver lined beak.

Lyyreth and Cordenth parted the crowd like water, smiling as people whispered and greeted them with warmth and good cheer. Veledar on the other hand was stopping to talk to everyone. He’d warble and talk about his radiant scales, and compliment people on their good taste on liking the color red. On the third such instance, Arcturus just couldn’t help himself anymore. He shoved the dragon hard to get his attention. When that didn’t work he cupped the dragon’s horned head and began to lead him away.

"You know, I have said this before, but you should really take a page from their book here. They simply adore me!" the dragon grinned. “And just so you know. I’m letting you drag me away.”

"Yea well, I won’t be praising the ground you walk on. I'll do my adoring in a different way." Arcturus stated.

"Am I hearing this right? Have you just confirmed that you adore me?" The dragon wrest himself from the man’s grip, his snout surging to mere inches from the paladin’s nose.

"You know my meaning, you sly winged reptile." He continued, pushing the dragon's snout away.

“But Arcturus.” The dragon chuckled, licking across his face with a single swipe of his tongue. “I’m a dragon.”

“How could I forget?” He groaned, wiping away the viscous liquid with the back of his hand. “And could you not? It’s hard enough to get out.”

The dragon chuckled with a sway of his tail, amusement shining in his eyes. “I’ll have to remember that in the future. Can’t have you smelling like dragon, can we?”

They made their way out of town and back to the Emerald Lady’s lair. Arcturus' eyes were once again drawn to the hundreds of statues of frozen people, and it sent a shiver up his spine to even think about how they ended up like that. Despite the friendlier attitude of her sons, the Emerald Lady seemed very much a threat. They had to stay on their toes while dealing with her, and if he did not, they could very well find themselves among those frozen in terror.

Lyyreth was the first to walk over to the monolithic door of the lair. He held a paw over a particular vine on the door, while a sense of unease lingered about the air like a heavy cloud. Lyndis was masking her concern with a grin as she shifted from foot to foot. Merlia while usually outspoken was oddly silent, gripping the orb with white knuckles as she muttered under head breath. Veledar however looked calm, with his snout towering over them. The dragon strode over full of confidence, as if nothing could possibly go wrong. It was something to admire. Truly. If he could show such bravery, then so would he. The knight breathed in, straightened his posture, and followed the green dragons as the doors opened.

It did not take long to find the misty room where they found the Emerald Lady this time. He figured she was not playing and did not want to waste any more time. She however did emerge suddenly from the same mist with her wings spread, her sharpened teeth on full display as she strolled around them.

"So you have managed to accomplish my task after all. The orb has managed to fall in your possession," she cooed, her glowing eyes falling to Merlia, who clutched the orb tightly against her chest. The large dragoness swirled around them, unnerving Arcturus for a moment. The temptation to reach for his sword burned within his veins. It was only with great mental effort that the paladin stayed his hand.

"Who was the dragon that went in that temple before?" Lyndis broke through her silence, "Don’t deny it. We saw marks. Marks that could have only been done by another dragon much larger than Cordenth."

"How perceptive of you," the Emerald Lady grinned, her tail flicking playfully across the ground. "That, my dear, happened to be none other than me. Long, long ago…when I stumbled my way out of that dreadful temple."

Arcturus' eyes widened as he connected the orb to the dragoness before him. The Emerald Lady had been like Dread Flame. The dragon who’d started all this. She had been trapped within the orb. “Who was your host?”

"What host?" came the voices of Merlia, Lyndis, and Veledar all at once.

Right. He had never told them the specifics of Dread Flame. "The last dragon that I encountered, he came from one of those orbs." Arcturus pointed to the green orb that Merlia was holding. "He possessed a wizard and took over his body like a parasite. He transformed that body into one of his own."

Arcturus looked back to the Emerald Lady, whom was giving him an amused look. Like he was still being toyed with. "So what person did you take over? Are they even alive?

"Mrrrhhhhmmm,” She chuckled, swooping back to her original position to stare at them like a cat. The thought made nervousness tingle across his skin, as her tail swished back and forth. "There was a young elven girl, so long ago I have forgotten her name. The sneaky mink stumbled into that temple, past the set of traps, past the millennia-old guardians. She, of course, found the orb I was trapped in. You should have seen her eyes, so full of wonder at her discovery. I but only had to call out to her, and her curious little mind reached back. She reached out for my prison, wishing nothing more than to deepen her understanding of who or what I was. But I was not about to play games with such an insignificant creature. Upon her touch, I was freed, and I wasted no time in overwhelming her pitiful, primitive mind.”

The Emerald Lady spread her verdant wings like a scaly angel of frightening beauty. "All that she was, all that she could have been, snuffled out in an instant, all because of an unrelenting urge to stick her nose where no mortal ever should. Like honied water she disappeared within me, strengthening me forever.”

“You…killed her.”

“No, paladin. She fulfilled her purpose from the moment she touched the orb. The body that remained after might’ve retained her appearance, but I assure you, nothing else remained of that elf when I was through with her.”

Arcturus backed away for a moment as the dragoness flashed her sharp, dripping teeth at them like a predator might in front of its helpless prey. He and the others had gotten closer together out of instinct. If only he had his armor, he would have felt so much more confident.

"Alas, her insignificant life has little to do with why the orb found its way back to me." She held out a paw expectantly. “Hand it over.”

"Hey wats da big idea?" Merlia protested. Arcturus turned to see the dwarf struggling to hold onto the orb within her grasp. It appeared to be being pulled towards the dragoness. The dwarf held the green sphere with both hands, face ever reddening from the effort exerted. “Can’t wait ta fondle a green ball?”

"Be a good subject and deliver what you were sent for." The Emerald Lady’s snout curled up to reveal her terrifying fangs once more. “You’re being utterly foolish.”

With a gasp, Merlia lost her grip on the orb, which flew and hovered over the Emerald Lady’s outstretched paw. The dwarf stumbled forward, crashing to the floor with a thud and curse in dwarven.

"You could have just asked for it!" Lyndis shouted, helping Merlia stand, though the dwarf insisted she was fine. Though the ranger’s eyes sharpened like her arrows when they met the Lady’s own.

"I could have. Perhaps next time you cut straight to our business instead of asking pointless questions." the dragoness replied. “While what I say is rather interesting. Whatever counts for conversation from you is not. Pawns don’t need to talk to be useful.”

"Why do you even need that orb anyway?" Veledar snarled thumped his paw hard against the stone floor, fluffing out his wings. “Isn’t it just an unpleasant reminder of your last place of residence?”

"Tsk, Tsk, Tsk." the dragoness chuckled deep in her throat as she tapped the floor with her claw. “I’m afraid you have it all wrong, young Veledar. It is you that needs the orb, not I," she crushed the orb in her clawed paw, letting the emerald slivers shatter onto the ground below in a cloud of dust.

"It is what is inside that you need for the journey ahead." She spread open her digits to reveal a dull white crystal among the dust of the shattered orb. It reminded Arcturus of the mana crystals back home that powered most things. However, this one looked older, and seemed to have a shifting fog beneath its surface. Like there was a serpent swirling round and round beneath the foggy surface.

The dragoness gestured to Merlia, and in an instant, the crystal few to her outstretched hands. "You will require three to finish the quest at the end of your path.”

"I’m sorry to interrupt your long-winded prophecy, but I hardly see how I need a crystal to get my book back.” Veledar bared his own teeth at the amused dragoness. “It seems you’ve been wasting our precious time.”

"The crystal is not meant to satisfy your material needs. It serves a deeper purpose. One that lies behind the quest you set out to accomplish." The dragoness chuckled. “And you are quire arrogant to think everything is about yourself.”

"Perhaps you could shed some light on what awaits us at the end of said road?" asked Arcturus, He tried to keep his posture straight as a soldier as the enormous dragoness snapped her snout towards him, her threatening slits narrowing right onto him. For a glimmer of a moment he realized how small he was. Like a mouse before a towering jaguar. When her growl came he held his ground, though noticed Veledar had shifted a tad closer as well.

"Oh, it is not for me to divulge such details," She mused as her frills twitched in and out. She was practically close enough for Arcturus to touch now, and the paladin forced himself to keep his hand off his sword. Her eyes watched him as if searching through him for something important. He felt naked, exposed, all of his hairs stood on end as the air seemed to fill with an electric aura. Then her attention darted to Veledar, her slits widening as if something had just occurred to her. An ominous chuckle spread around the room as she pulled her head back into a laugh coinciding with her tapping tail.

"Now that certainly is surprising. How interesting the threads of fate are."

Thankfully came Veledar's voice to pull away the glowing, piercing eyes of the Emerald Lady as the red dragon curled around him protectively. "Can you please unwind your twisted tongue? Tell us what we need to do, so we may leave this forest, be done with you, and that I may fly once again!”

The dragon’s words rolled off the dragoness’ scales like water as she pulled back her head with a hiss. “How disappointing you are Veledar. Most impatient and rash. It may seem the bad habits of the lesser beings you travel with are rubbing off on you." She laughed once more as her eyes looked to each one of them in turn. “That will eventually lead to your undoing young one. Maybe even strip you of flight all together. How your mother would weep.”

"You know, for an old, supposedly wise dragon, you sure lack the finesse to get to the damn point.” snarled Veledar. “And leave my mother out of this.” The dragon’s scales twitched as Arcturus took note of the hurt within his eyes. “I’d have thought even you would respect the dead.”

The Emerald Lady shook her head dismissively. "I only speak truths young one. You’re rude and uncivilized, just like the creatures you consort with. You ask why you did this? You need protection from the red orb that your knight friend secured for Lumara's king. They will be able to find you, no matter where you hide. Perhaps they will kill you, or maybe worse...trap you inside of it. You can understand how difficult it would be to get your book back then."

"Great. This is absolutely fantastic. What a way to start my day. First, your dear son tricks me into gulping down the worst berries in existence, then his mother offers me nothing but unparalleled wisdom and comforting news. Tell me, esteemed Lady, how might I be able to shield myself from such a dreadful relic?" replied Veledar as he folded up his wings.

"I must cast an old spell on you. Once this is done, they will not be able to locate you with the relic. Although...." She swirled towards Veledar, easily towering over the red. He looked like a wyrmling before it’s parent, and she pressed forward with a throaty chuckle. "You will need to do yet another task for me...tomorrow."

"Why waste any time?” The red dragon thrashed his tail impatiently. “Let’s do it now since my day is obviously ruined.”

"Tough luck, whelp. We do things in my time in whatever way I please," She snapped, glancing to all of them with a malevolent glare. When she lingered on Arcturus her hardened expression softened, and a heavy sigh passed her lips. Her snout rose higher than all of them, staring out into oblivion as an unnerving silence lingered about the air.

For an eerie amount of time this lasted before there was a sudden rush of air that ruffled everyone’s clothing. The space around her started to spark with bolts of electricity, curling around her forepaws and casting a brilliant white light across the floor. "I can cast the spell on you right now if you insist, but I will need insurance that you will remain here in my forest until our agreement comes to its conclusion.”

Arcturus sighed silently. Deep within himself, he was just glad she was not giving him that predatory stare focused on the red dragon. It was just how Dread Flame had stared him down with those fiery eyes once he twisted poor Vargus’ body into that scaly behemoth of sharpened talons he faced.

Veledar pondered in silence, the dragon flicking his tail as he curled his head to look at his companions in turn. Then they fell on Arcturus, and within those cerulean slits he saw an understanding as the dragon took a rumbling breath. Dealing with this dragoness was very disconcerting. She did not seem to do anything without cause. If she suddenly changed her mind, it had to because she had something up her scales. "Manticore’s bottom. Fine.” The red dragon hissed. “You have my word. I will stay in the forest for another day…Not like I have much of a choice now, do I?"

With a dismissive wave of her paw, the Lady’s reply came as cold as a winter’s wind."I admire the fire in you, but your mere word is not good enough, young dragon. You see, I don't partake in risks. Who is to say you won’t slip away in the night? The game I am playing needs precision, it needs absolutes. I will need something a bit more convincing to ensure that you will follow up to your words. Something more meaningful than just your honor."

Before Arcturus had the chance to digest what he just heard, the emerald dragoness held up her paws and drew a circle in the air. Lavender light twisted around her digits like thin little snakes, slowly flowing upwards with every precise movement.

"By your words, I seal you to this spell so that you will hold to the promise you’ve made."

To Arcturus' horror, her shimmering eyes turned to him. The room started to fade, sound dulled, and everything narrowed to those spine tingling eyes.

"This one will be your tether to this place, and ensure your ongoing, everlasting commitment until our agreement is fulfilled."

Suddenly, the lavender snakes flew from her to wrap around him before he could shout his protest. Brilliant purple-white electricity arced across the ring’s surface, shooting up his skin with jaw biting pain. Falling to his knees his body shook, spasmed, his fingers curled in on themselves as screams flowed through gritted teeth. In his mind he could hear the cackling of the Emerald Lady, her eyes locked on his twitching form as he voiced his mind numbing misery. His torso then felt warm, like someone had lit a furnace beneath his rib cage, and to his his horror, he was reminded of the same feeling when Bahamut had given him the powers of a paladin.

Through the roar of a dragon he heard his name. Collapsing to the floor in a twitching mess he hardly felt the stone hit his cheek. He opened his eyes as he heard an explosion quickly followed by Veledar’s thundering roar.

Though his vision was blurry he witnessed his red dragon fling himself at the Emerald Lady, toppling the malevolent ness with his bulk. Though the electricity was faded, his body felt weak. He could hardly raise his head as Lyndis and Merlia soon leaped to the red’s aid with rapier, spell, and bow. He tried to speak, anything to help his friends, but found himself unable to utter the faintest of words.

The temple shook with dragon roars, sizzled as flames were tossed from spread roguish fingers. The air crackled with electricity as Merlia fired brilliant arrows from her bow.

"Taste me lightin’ arrow ya great big iguana!" The dwarf cheered as the dragoness was sent tobbling backward, crashing to the ground with a thunderous, dust lifting thud. Before the Lady could rise, Veledar was right there to pounce onto her prone form.

"What have you done to him? ANSWER ME!" Veledar roared out as his paw struck the Emerald lady straight on the snout. It must have been enchanted, since the dragoness was smashed into floor by the powerful blow.

She recovered quickly though and lashed back at the smaller dragon in a second’s time. She held up a claw, and instantly, a whole swarm of insects flew from her outstretched digits. Arcturus did not know the name of the spell she was preforming, but it did not matter. Lyyreth was the one to move in and, with wave of his claw, the spell had stopped.

“Enough Mother!’ The green son roared, leaping between them with teeth bared.

"You help them?" The Emerald Lady hissed and smashed her child aside with her lengthy tail.

Lyyreth tumbled to the ground hard with a groan, knocking over several pedestals with a great clatter. The Emerald Lady stood her ground as the adventurers and now her children spread around her.

"Was all of this really called for?" Cordenth shouted, thrashing his tail with a ferocious snarl, "He agreed to stay here and help!"

"I work in absolute child. This is no time of me to judge my methods. I’ve found their weakness and exploited it." The Emerald Lady snapped a claw to Arcturus.

He suddenly couldn’t breath. His ribs felt as though they were digging into him, like a giant had him caught in a tightening grip. He tried to scream as pain soon found him once more, but he had no voice to give. Stars burst across his vision as he collapsed to the cold ground.

"Now Veledar, be a good whelp and back down from this senseless attack, or I will stop your beloved paladin's heart." She snarled in defiance at the party.

"You focken cunt!" Lyndis shouted out.

"What da elf said, ya good for nothin’ lizard!" Merlia added with a scowl. “Haf ta play dirty don’t ya?”

"Veledar, I suggest you make your decision now," The dragoness snarled, curling one of her digits slowly inward.

Arcturus felt the pain increase, and his vision started to go white. In the distance he heard murmured voices, calling out his name.

"Or he will die."

"Mother!" Lyyreth flared out his wings. The green dragon froze when his mother curled her head to him, daring him to say another word.

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“Everyone back down.” The red dragon hissed. With a lowered head and fluttering frills he tentatively advanced towards the intimidating dragoness that literally held the paladin’s life in her paws. His voice came softer as his pained eyes lingered on Arcturus’ writhing form. “Don’t kill him. Please! I will do as you ask."

"An expected result," the Emerald Lady replied calmly. Dismissively, she waved her paw, and like a puppet who’s strings had been cut, Arcturus flopped to the ground as sweet air filled his lungs.

“Hell.” The knight gasped, coughing as the pain receded from his chest. Never in his life had he been more thankful for air.

"Now that our agreement has been solidified, I will forgive this little outburst." She snarled, looking to the bleeding wounds they had inflicted upon her. "However, next time you raise your claws at me, I will not be so forgiving. Remember that."

“We will.” Arcturus coughed, pushing himself to all fours and eyeing the dragoness with sharpened eyes. His heart throbbed with tiny needles as relief spread about his companion’s faces. Veledar seemed the most worried. The dragon bound over, picked him up with his claws, and inspected him for any sort of injuries with a nosing snout.

"Are you sure you are feeling alright? That looked bad. Really, really bad." Worry swam through the dragon’s eyes as those caring spheres traveled to the knight’s boots and back again. “For a moment I thought…”

"Not like that.” He settled a hand on the dragon’s pebbly snout, casting away the darkened cloud that had wrapped about his friend’s demeanor. “It hurt a lot, and I feel like I’ve been drained. You needn’t hold me like a child. While appreciated…I can stand.” He closed his eyes, thinking back to how he’d healed Veledar with his powers, instead focusing on himself.

He held a hand to his chest, sighing as the enveloping warmth spread about his fingers and through his aching body. He immediately felt his body, exhausted from the ordeal of sorcery, suddenly feel refreshed. He breathed in deep and sighed as he tried to forget the intense pain still fresh on the mind.

"Bahamut’s grace, Veledar…what you’ve done is stupid. Stupid and brave in equal measures! I can defend myself, you know.”

"How are you sure you’re completely fine? That spell might’ve done damage even you aren’t aware of. Let me.” Veledar moved his snout to inspect Arcturus' body up close. “I know my way around enchantments.”

“No need for that.” Arcturus had to push the inquisitive, worried dragon away. I used lay on hands. You must have been too focused to notice. Besides…" He moved the dragon’s head up so he could look him in the eyes, "I thought we agreed it takes more than a spell to finish me off." he joked. Although he intentionally did not mention he was still sore all over. No need for Veledar to worry even more about him. This seemed to work, as Veledar turned to the Emerald Lady, who casually began to lick her wounds clean.

"There’s no need to look him over. I’ve not harmed him more than the spell required.”

"It was certainly uncalled for, mother!” Cordenth bared his teeth, snapping at the larger dragoness. His eyes were sharper than the paladin’s sword as he advanced on his mother with a violent swish of his tail. “ I said it before, could you not have handled this a better way?"

"This is my domain, Cordenth, and I do not need your opinion on how I conduct my business. I chose the most effective way to get Veledar to stay. The other options were simply less effective." She replied, not even glancing to her son. She kept her eyes locked on Veledar, who was returning her stare. If the red had the chance, he was certain the dragon would kill the Emerald Lady, just from the look alone.

"Try something like this again, and I will ensure it will be the last thing you ever do." Veledar snarled.

"Such brave words, from such a young dragon." She chuckled, "However, simple words have been known to kindle the flame of many conflicts. Even wars. Don’t forget I have your paladin’s life in my paws.”

"Only until our bargain is concluded. Now cast your protection spell on me. The red slunk around Arcturus, fluffing out his wings. “I grow tired by your presence."

"Shame, how you defy me even when you know the cost of it. I think you should learn to address those who tower above you in a more fitting way." She smirked, holding up a paw. "Now, ask me again."

Veledar growled deep in his throat and trashed his tail several times. Having vented out this way, the dragon then looked down towards the paladin. Arcturus saw conflict in his eyes. Conflict that was shortly after replaced by defeat. The dragon shut his eyes and sighed, "Fair and benevolent ruler of the forest, please cast your protection spell upon me."

"Marvelous.” The dragoness strutted about as if she almost forgot about her wounds. “See, Veledar? I knew you could be polite when the need arises."

Tension lay thick in the air as Veledar’s eyes were harder than steel. His tail twitched, paws still locking Arcturus in a near vice like grip.

"You can let me down now, Veledar, I think I can stand." Arcturus pat the red dragon’s chest scale, wiggling his feet.

"Oh....of course." Veledar lowered him to the ground with care.

Arcturus felt his boots touch the ground. It didn’t hurt, but damn, did his legs felt sore. Like after a long day of training. He leaned against the dragon’s shoulder, pushing away his concerned snout. “Said I was fine, you can stop your motherly eye.”

"Trust me, Veledar. Later down that road I’ve mentioned, you may be thanking me for this curse." The Emerald lady mused, a slight smirk about her snout. She knew she had all the cards, and there was nothing they could do about it. Just like that, they were indeed her pawns for the time being. Over his shoulder, Veledar continued his death glare to the towering green. Though this time he held his tongue.

"Now, all of you begone, save Veledar. Your presence is not required for the spell."

"If you think we will leave you alone with him you’re focken insane!" Lyndis shouted out, to which Arcturus weakly nodded in agreement. “After ya nearly killed him? What you think we are? A bunch of brain dead muppets?”

"Very well. Glare as you wish. Not like it makes any difference.” The dragoness snapped, a heavy irritation lacing her words. Faint growls rumbled from her throat as the mighty dragoness stared daggers at the defiant rogue, tapping her tail against the ground. “I’ve changed my mind. Only the paladin can stay. The rest of you may go." She waved her paw dismissively. "You may also remove my sons in the process, for they have decided to side with you against me."

"That's not going to..." Lyndis thrust a finger towards the lady, but Veledar stopped her with an extension of his wing. The rogue gasped, smacking at his membranes with a curse.

"It's fine Lyndis, Arcturus and I will be fine." His eyes narrowed as he continued to give her the death stare. He barred his teeth with a snarl "I’ll not let her hurt him again."

"You heard the dragon, Lyndis," Arcturus smiled, not finding the strength to stand without his dragon for support. "What's there to fear when you have a dragon protecting you, eh?"

Arcturus eyes traveled back to the onyx clawed dragoness. Despite his words, he felt glimmers of worry bubbling about his mind. This dragoness was powerful, but she was not all powerful. For why had she been forced to cast a spell on him? What was so important that it would make her this way? He grumbled in the back of his throat, hating being ever in the dark. If only the green ness could be more enlightening.

"Lyndis, just go have fun with our two new dragon friends. We will be along soon enough I imagine."

"Have fun, huh? That scaly hug from Veledar must’ve given you ideas," Lyndis laughed with a suggestive smile.

"Come on, Lyndis. We’ve already got a Merlia in our party. Two would be a tad too much to handle,” He chuckled, "You know what I meant."

"I dunno, lad, havin’ two of me don't sound dat bad!" Merlia smacked her knee.

"Ya , ya. Just don't let this courage of yours get you killed." Lyndis, punched him in the shoulder playfully. The rogue spun on her heels, clasping her hands together, "So Cordenth....Lyyreth was it? Let’s go throw ourselves another one of these parties. I want to wash the bad taste of this place outta my mouth."

"Stay safe, lads. Or I’ll be back and turn dis green lady into an oversize pin cushion." With a final nod, the ranger and the others were led out of the room. With two final looks of fire coming from the green scaled dragons.

"Go ahead and cast your spell now," Veledar growled, curling his body around the weary man.“You’ve gotten what you wanted.”

"A deal is a deal,” The lady rose to all fours, spreading out her wings with a yawn. “With this spell, you will be rendered undetectable by their orb of dragonkind." She drew a green triangle in the air with her paw that radiated with a dull green light. She chanted in a language Arcturus did not understand, but with each different word the air around them began to swirl. The wind rushed around them as he felt Veledar's wing pull him closer to shield him from the ever-intensifying gale. From the green triangle sprung tendrils that slithered out to caress Veledar's chest. They shielded their eyes as the tendrils took on the brightness of the sun, stabbing at their eyes like heated daggers. Veledar gasped, pulling Arcturus close as the wind and light started to fade away.

"Well, I certainly don't feel any different." Veledar curled his head around, inspecting each of his scales with a proding talon. He moved onto his tail, wiggling it before his snout. “How disappointing mundane.”

"Well what did you expect to feel?" Arcturus rubbed the beast’s shoulder.

“I don't know, maybe stronger, lighter, possibly a better sight."

"Why would you even think an anti-detection spell would have those benefits?" replied Arcturus, lifting an eyebrow.

"I don't know… She seemed more talented than she actually is," replied Veledar, sticking his tongue out at him.

"Are you finished with this pointless conversation?" the Emerald Lady announced with a loud smack of her tail. “Or have you forgotten I exist?”

'Yea, we are done." Arcturus said, "Just point us in the direction of the exit. We will gladly leave you to your licking business.”

"I would be mindful of my words if I were you, paladin.” She growled , “Wounded or not, if I did not need Veledar's compliance, you would be dead right now."

"Well, thank the gods for that then."

"Now Veledar…” she strolled over to the smaller male, regarding him like a scolded child. “Don't forget your promise to me, or the results will be quite…deadly," She cupped the dragon's snout in her large emerald paw.

"Like I can ever forget that," Veledar ripped his snout out of her grip with a snarl. To which she just chuckled and pointed to her left with a wing where a door suddenly appeared out of thin air. The dragon wrapped a wing around Arcturus, guiding him gently to the door without another word. Though before they opened the towering wooden thing, the red curled around his head with an irritated grumble. "How will we be alerted to your needs tomorrow?”

"Oh, don't worry, you will notice it when it happens. I can assure you of that." The Emerald Lady laid down with a thump, and going back to licking at her forepaws.

Well, Arcturus didn’t need any more invitation then that. With a pat to Veledar’s scales he egged the dragon to leave. They had friends to get back to anyway. Better to get this whole ordeal with the green dragoness out of their minds. They were stuck and there was nothing to do for the time being. Especially with him being so sore. Might as well have a bit of rest or fun in the while. "So, shall we see what our friends are up to?" Arcturus asked as Veledar pushed against the summoned door.

"I guess so. Figure we will need rest from all of this… excitement." Veledar cracked open the door with a growl. With a flash of brilliant, near blinding light they found themselves outside, together with the stone people.

They began their stroll back towards the forest village, pondering at what their companions were getting up to. He leaned against the dragon the entire, ignoring his words of concern. He even turned down a ride when it was offered out of pride.

"Trying to be a dragon?" Veledar snarked, "You don't have to hide how fragile your body is."

When they could hear the dull sounds of the village Arcturus had to stumble and stop. He nearly fell against Veledar as it seemed like a bony hand squeezed his heart. "Goblin Spittle," He cursed. Curse the Emerald Lady and curse the spell she’d placed upon him. He held up his hand as Veledar's snout snaked towards him, deep concern flickering in those cerulean slits.

"Don’t give me that look, dragon. I am not some dainty flower that needs tending to. I can manage the pain." He grit his teeth. “Had worse in Rothdell.” With a calming breath the pain was gone, leaving only the dragon’s caring gaze centered right on him

"You’re only suffering because of me." The dragon looked away with trembling frills. “You’re my responsibility.”

"That happens every time we venture out together." Arcturus laughed.

"But you love it, you just don't want to admit it." Veledar grinned, "We're practically inseparable."

"Only because you watch me like a dragoness would croon over her young." Arcturus replied, "Now have this trouble you no longer. We’ve been through worse, you and I" He made sure Veledar was looking at him in the eyes, "And this is all her doing, not you." He prodded the red’s nose. "Please remember that."

The red dragon let out a mighty sigh, "don't worry. I will not forget." He pulled back his head, shacking his body with several soft clinks. "To what you said, I must watch you because you need someone to protect that soft, unarmored behind. I mean, you get tossed around and everything. Wouldn’t be a good flying team if I let my partner get butchered am I?"

Arcturus said nothing as they continued to walk. He usually only had this type of banter with his friends in Entis when they got together to spend time. He was glad to count Veledar among them now. They passed below a thin branched tree, laced with deep green leaves that saw no sign of the colder months. They teased at Veledar’s scales, dragging along the finer things until the dragon sneezed with a mighty shake of his tail.

“So, any ideas for this party Lyndis mentioned?" He glanced up they saw banners of green and red were being hung up around the forest village. Veledar eyed them with a warry stare, his steps coming tentatively. If this was Lyndis was doing, she was certainly fast at it. Though he imagined that if the two other dragons were there to support her, anything could be done from these people.

"I definitely want to try that dancing now that I can transform. I was less than great at it, but mark my words, I will conquer the wobbly steps and the tapping of feet." Veledar fluffed up his wings, giving the paladin a prideful look. The conversation turned towards food, then decorations, and finally. the people wearing homemade dragon masks. Several children went running by, clothes dressed in greens and blacks and looking almost like tiny replicas of the twins.

“No one has a mask of me." Veledar snorted as the children began to flap their arms, pretending to fly and chase after another group. “You’d think they’d have good taste of all things.”

"Well it is their town, I'd suggest you keep your chin up, your envy is showing again." Arcturus said with a grin. "Besides, you have Merlia, Lyndis, and myself in Veledar’s private squad. Do you need more?" He stopped when he realized who he was talking to. Of course Veledar wanted more.

"That’s one question that never needs an answer,” Veledar whined as yet another group of people with masks passed by. “It’s like their taunting me!”

“Think about it this way.” He sighed, leaning ever more against the dragon. “You think they had red dragon costumes just on standby if one would show up to grace their presence?”

The dragon snorted, grumbling in his throat with a flick of his tail. “No…But they should. All towns should be required to, just on the rare occurrence.”

“And how the dragon envy shines every brighter.”

“I could let you fall you know.” The dragon rumbled, to which the man only replied with a laugh.

“But you wont.” He countered, smirking as the dragon merely glanced away with a shake of his neck.

They arrived back at the inn to find Lyndis slung around Cordenth’s neck and hanging up a green banner decorated with lines to represent scales. Lyyreth was nearby, watching with hungry eyes as the villagers brought out raw food in preparation to be cooked by a team of chefs. Arcturus saw him snag one, then two chickens as they were being brought out. Quickly gobbling them up with a crunching of bones before the cooks were any the wiser.

Lyndis dismounted the green dragon patting his scaled shoulder with a smile. "Thanks for the boost, my green scaled friend."

Cordenth just happily grinned with a swish of his tail.

"That emerald witch already got bored of you two?" Lyndis turned, crossing her arms. "Didn’t hurt you did she?"

Veledar shook his snout. “Neither of us.” The dragon grumbled. “It’s my good being she’s concerned with.”

"How about the knight? Even I can see he needs you to lean against."

Arcturus sighed, shrugging and ignoring the dull ache in his limbs. "I'm fine. I just need to get a good meal, some rest, and enjoy the company of friends. He turned to the green dragon, happily watching the passing by villagers."Cordenth, are you and your brother staying for the festivities this time?"

"We have decided to stay, yes.” The green rolled his eyes, pointing to his brother with his neck. “ Though Lyyreth here is disappointed he can't help cook the meals." The dragon shook his head with a growly chuckly."Can you ever imagine a sneezer like that doing the cooking? Would wind up with more of it splattered everywhere!"

Arcturus pictured the green dragon possibly messing up all the meals, and clumsily knocking over pots and pans. Despite this he pictured the red dragon behind him getting into the trouble instead. Possibly with his snout covered in flour of all things, painting him a ghostly white. “Well, I better get some rest in before the festivities start." He yawned as soreness whispered in his ear to sleep.

"Well, take it easy there, steel-butt.” Lyndis nudged Cordenth’s chest with her elbow. “Not every day a great green bitch casts a spell on you!"

“Hey I agree she went too far." Cordenth held a claw up defensively, "I even helped you during that scuffle" He turned his snout to Arcturus with a toothy grin, "Besides, I would have only threatened the red brute."

"You’re all heart, Cordenth," Lyndis the rogue rolled her eyes, punching the dragon playfully on the tough scales of his foreleg. “Remind me to vote for your leadership.”

“Please do! I think I would make a fine leader one day.” The dragon snapped his jaws happily at the air, closing his eyes with a regal snort. “What you think?”

“I think you need some work. Maybe more twine to wrap around your horns. Dragons like that stuff ya?”

“Mock me now, but one day mark my words rogue. They shall be.”

Arcturus bid them farewell and dragged his sore body to the inn. Even with Veledar's help, each step felt as though rocks were tied to his limbs. When collapsed onto the matress, he was not sure that he could lift himself if he tried. His eyelids closed when they got to heavy, not even opening when heard a creak, and felt the bed sag under Veledar’s weight.

"What are you doing?" He asked, his voice muffled by the shifting of the sheets. “You’re going to collapse the bed!

"Hardly human. They made these to have heavier guests than I. Someone needs to make sure you’re resting.” The red settled down next to him, tail coming to rest along the man’s side.

“You’re just trying to get an excuse to be lazy and sleep about.”

“I won’t ever admit it.” Veledar rumbled, settling his head around him. “Never in a thousand years.”

“Knew it.” Arcturus chuckled into the bed, sighing as a warmth spread about him. Calmness lingered in the air, coaxing him to slumber as the dragon scooched ever closer with a soft snort. When a paw brushed against his back he wasn’t even surprised. In truth he welcomed it with a pleased sound as the dragon pulled him closer.

"You don't seem to mind much." Veledar chuckled even softer, most likely a sly grin on his snout.

"Shut it," He mumbled through the approaching sleep’s fog. “Maybe I like resting with..you.” Words failed him. Where else could he felt more safe or secure than within a dragon’s careful grasp? Nowhere. With a final pleased sigh, he drifted off into sleep.

* * * * * * * * * *

Arcturus opened his eyes. The room was shrouded in darkness, and Veledar was still snoozing on the bed. The dragon was flopped over on his back, leg twitching and pushing against the far wall. He tried to wake the dragon up by gently pressing his weight against him, but the beast would not stir from his pleasant dreams. The paladin sighed, standing up straight and rolling his shoulders. He felt as good as new, better even. The aches and soreness he suffered from before seemed to have completely left him. He stretched his arms wide, delightfully wiggling his fingers.

Then pain. Sharp, stinging agony coursed through his chest. He grasped his chest tightly as he collapsed on the ground in a pile of groans and growls. It felt like something was moving around in his chest, twisting underneath the skin. With pained gasps, Arcturus reached out towards his pack to snatch his light crystal, activate it, and looked in the mirror.

Right below his skin, much to his horror, there was a large lump moving around. He could feel each disgusting tremor left in it’s slithering wake. He cried out as terror wound itself tightly around him. What was this thing? He snapped to Veledar in a panic, who was still sleeping as if nothing was wrong.

"Veledar! Help!" He screamed, but all that came out was a small whisper. He collapsed in pain again as whatever was in his chest struck against his rib cage, seeking a bloody exit.

“Grraaaahhhh!” Arcturus gritted his teeth as he felt -and heard- one of his ribs crack. He screamed in pain as it happened again, and again, until finally it felt like whatever found residence inside his chest burst right through.

Gasping for breath, the paladin looked down to see the form of a small Emerald Looking right up at him. He tried to grasp the thing with his hands, but it slipped through his fingers and plopped to the floor, scampering away with a hiss. Arcturus was left trembling there on his kneews with a bloody hole in his chest. Blood oozed from his insides in copious amounts, surely he should be dead but somehow he was still alive. The room slowly vanished as he tried to scream again, leaving him in an inky black void with no up or down.

"No one is here to save you." The Emerald Lady emerged from the shadowy void with a malevolent laugh that thundered around him like a storm. "You’re mine now. Forever a part of my treasure. You will never, ever leave this place."

Then splintered into thousands of circular orbs, impacting his body with wet smacks that tingled his skin. He could feel the jelly sinking into his body, changing him into something he did not know. It lasted for several harrowing moments of intense pain as he felt every bone in his body snap one by one. Each time stars would fill his vision, and he thought he would not be able to stay conscious. When it was all over, and the pain had stopped, he looked over at his body. The Emerald lady had turned him into a bipedal dragon with green scales. He inspected his hands, now claws with silver talons. He looked to his back to find small wings and a tail. He collapsed holding his head as he heard her laugh now all around him, loud, and taunting.

Then he felt a pair of claws grab him. He was carried into the sky. Arcturus snapped open his eyes. Veledar was holding him, and with each beat of his mighty wings, he could hear the Emerald Lady’s laughter dying. He hugged the dragon tight and held his head to his chest. He knew if the dragon held him, he would be safe. With an ear splitting knock, everything broke away like glass.

* * * * * * * * * *

Arcturus woke from slumber as another knock rattled the door of the room. He lazily opened his eyes, rubbing the grogginess soon away. He felt Veledar’s presence still around him, and let out a mighty sigh of relief, grateful that the horror he just experienced was just a dream. The room was now dark, with a small sliver of light sneaking beneath the door. He went to move and found Veledar too was up. The dragon opened his eyes as he let go of Arcturus with a tongue curling yawn.

"Come on, you two!" Lyndis’ voice followed another round of knocks, "Arcturus, are you feeling up for the celebration?"

"Yea!" He groaned loudly, standing and reaching for the ceiling. Just like his dream the pain was gone, though his stomach had something to add. It rumbled and groaned, seeking something to fill it.

“Well, lets go get you some food.” The dragon grumbled, snapping his jaws and stretching out his limbs as much as he could. “Sounds as though you could use it.” His tail swished about playfully, knocking over Arcturus’ armor with a clang. The dragon cringed, slowly turning to face the now sighing man. "Sorry about that.”

He couldn’t be upset with him. “Its alright.” He settled a hand on the dragon’s warm nose, yawning and opening the bedroom door. Light stung at his eyes, prompting his hand to rise up like a shield.. Lyndis was standing in the hall with a green headband with yellow stripes tied around her brown hair.

“Come on, you lazy dragon! Lyyreth and Cordenth have the patience of a hatchling!” She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the room and down the hallway. “They’ve already started eating and drinking while you two slumbered away in your room. I even heard one of them say they could breathe fire better than Veledar." said Lyndis.

"They most certainly cannot!" Veledar replied, scampering after them. “Wait till I give those irritating twins a piece of my mind!”

The smells coming from outside made Arcturus' mouth water. Cooked meat, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes all fought for the right to tempt him. He had to pull his hunger from his mind to hear the drumbeats and chanting that danced about the air in catchy beats. He was led to the same hall they’ve been in the previous night, but Lyyreth and Cordenth were there as well. Cordenth had his snout buried in a barrel of wine and slurping up copious amounts. The dragon brought his snout dripping with the dark red liquid and loudly burped in his brother's face.

"See? I told you I could chug it!" Cordenth gasped, wiping his snout with the back of his paw. The dragon smiled, shifting his gaze to Merlia, who was sitting at a table across from him with a mug and a smile. “And you said I wouldn't be able to do it."

"I stand corrected, but dat only counts as one for ya." The dwarf countered, smacking her palm against the table, starting to chug from a mug of her own.

"Mrrawwrrmmm! Greetings, Veledar," Cordenth hiccupped. "Now you decide to join us. Now, when we’re already at the bottom of the barrel! Leave it to a red to be late!"

“Maybe he was getting his beauty sleep?” Merlia chuckled, refilling her mug from a tankard set down beside her.

“Then why is he still so horrid to look at?” Lyyreth snickered, happily tapping his tail as Veledar merely grumbled and settled down near the table.

Arcturus pulled up a chair and piled his plate with various foods, There was pork, some roasted chicken, greenbeans slathered in an almond sauce and dashed with cinnamon. He spied biscuits, mash, and so many other dishes that he simple lost count. He went with a mismatched pile of numerous things, the delightful steam curling off of them and tugging at his nose and allowing hi to drift away in a pleased sigh.

"Well, someone had to come down here and put you two in your place." Veledar snorted, casting a challenging look to both greens. Whatever debate came next was interrupted by the dragon’s growling belly, demanding food be shoveled into it, "After I eat, of course. Can't whip your tails on an empty stomach!"

"There, ya green reptile!" Merlia shouted, slamming her tankard onto the hard wood table. "Another one down!" She towards Lyyreth expectantly, "It's your turn now, Lyyreth, Unless ya goin to admit dafeet ta ya broda dere?"

"Well, I prefer to enjoy the wine and never...." Lyyreth stumbled with his speech, clearly not wanting to continue. He then sneezed to the side. “Besides, its not really fair. You only drink a tankard for half a barrel?”

"I knew it!" hissed Cordenth in joy, "I truly am the winner!"

"Hey, don't be countin’ your gryphons before they hatch! If ya be lookin’ I be still standin!" Merlia shouted, pointing a finger into Cordenth's chest. "Ya ready for anoter go?"

"You’re on, dwarf!" Cordenth shouted, "Another keg!" He thrashed his tail onto the ground with a thwack.

Arcturus paid them little mind as he shoveled the food into his mouth, practically moaning on how good the combination of foods teased at his tastebuds. This was even better than last night, and he had thought that impossible. Maybe they were putting in a greater effort since Lyyreth and Cordenth counted themselves as part of the guests. He looked out to the townsfolk who were all busy eating, chatting, and even some who were dancing. He finished his meal just as Cordenth downed another keg and had to admit defeat to Merlia. The dwarf smiling proudly after downing three more mug fills.

"Once again, Merlia is the victor!" She cheered, falling out of her chair and landing face first on the wooden floor. Everyone burst out laughing as the dwarf cackled into her new friend.

“Come on you drunk. Seems like you only just won.” Lyndis cackled, slipping an arm around the stocky dwarf and pulling her back to her chair.

“Aye lass, but dun tell da dragon!”

"So about that dancing lesson?" Veledar slipped over to Lyndis after he had finished his meal, nearly toppling over a red faced villager who couldn’t stop laughing.. With a poof of smoke, he took on the form of his humanoid dragon self. He was wearing a simple brown shirt, and pants.

"Well, I already promised Cordenth here the first dance," Lyndis smirked, taking Cordenth’s claw when he took on an appearance similar to Veledar, but green.

“But I waited!"

“Seems you’ll have to wait a little longer,” Cordenth stuck his tongue out, while Lyndis quickly waved a ‘don’t mind him’ on her way to the dance floor.

"That dragon, I swear!" Veledar snarled, taking a seat next to Arcturus, "Even with his snout wet with wine, and he still finds ways to step on my toes."

“Might try to do the same, you know.” Arcturus chuckled, sipping his wine with utter satisfaction. Of course it tasted as good as the food.

“Dive into the bottom of a barrel? How little do you think of me?”

“Well, I know I’m thirsty,”

“Just wait until that whelp starts stumbling around.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Arcturus raised an eyebrow as irritation spread across the dragon’s snout. Claws folded against his chest as cerulean eyes watched enviously of the half-elf and green dragon.

“I’ll call the Emerald Lady a liar and instate you as the new Seer,” Veledar growled. “Just watch.”

Cordenth, even intoxicated as he was, proved quite the dancer indeed. He and Lyndis seemed to flow around the dance floor, swaying back and forth or even separating only to be brought back together. Their hands stayed locked, hips brushed against one another, it was if they had practiced this dance beforehand. With a smirk the green dragon even twirled the rogue, ending with bending her slightly over by the back.

“That’s impossible! How can a greenhorn of a whelp hold down all that wine? He’s not even a human to know the ins and outs of your silly plank feet.”

Arcturus spat out his wine at the comparison. “Why thank you for your honesty. I’ll keep that in mind next time you change into a human.”

“Oh please. He must be cheating. Of course he’s cheating. That sleazy, self-important whelp enchanted himself silly to impress our rogue. What do you think happened inside that temple, to…to…”

Arcturus moved his cup over to Veledar’s snout, only to have the red dragon pull his snout back with a snort. Instead of partaking in the delicacies of the feast, Veledar sat mumbling inaudible words, conveying his inner annoyance through soft hisses and growls.

“Patience, my friend. She’ll be done in but a moment.” He rested a hand on the dragon’s shoulder.

But after several minutes, and from the way Lyndis smiled at Cordenth as they slid around each other in the rhythm of the music, she would not be stopping any time soon.

Veledar stormed off from the party without a word. Arcturus gulped down his drink and followed him immediately. He figured with the looks Lyndis was throwing Cordenth, Merlia being passed out, and Lyyreth nowhere to be found, no one would miss him while he checked on the upset dragon.

He had to practically jog to catch up to the red who seemed to be heading towards the outskirts of the town, away from the music, the lights, and all the people. Veledar just spread his wings as Arcturus ran over to the dragon.

"Hey, wait up! You trying to lose me or what?"

Veledar glanced back at him with his blue eyes, then travelling to the village, then back to him.

"No, oh screw it." Veledar lowered himself, "I am heading for a flight. You want to tag along?"

"Nothing better to do. Figure that party is not your idea of a good time?" he climbed onto the dragon's back. He slung his leg over Veledar's other side and instantly missed the dragons saddle. He hoped that, wherever they were going, it wouldn’t be too far away.

"It bothered me last night as well. I want all the praise, of course, but to be surrounded by all the people close to me…" He felt Veledar shudder, "I think I want their admiration from afar. I am not used to be surrounded by so many people at all times.”

“I can understand the feeling.” He rubbed the red’s neck as the dragon’s body tensed and he test flapped his wings.

Veledar bounded off the rise and glided through the forest. Despite the trees, he was able to get enough height to get to the canopy. He landed onto a branch large enough for him. Though it did groan under their combined weights. Arcturus held him tight the entire time, hanging on for dear life.

"Oh, right, no saddle." Veledar mumbled softly, then curling his head around with a warmth in his eyes, "Don't worry, I won't let you fall."

'"I know, it’s just the reflexes." Arcturus grip remained as steady as ever, squeezing so that he’d not have to put that to the test. He peeked over the branch Veledar was resting on, it looked sturdy enough. He slowly climbed off the dragon, minding his balance as Veledar stared up towards the stars. Looking lost within their shimmering beauty as his tail snaked behind him and swayed every so slightly.

"She can stop me from leaving, but she can't stop me from getting this high." Shifted from paw to paw, his voice oozing trace amounts of anger. "I'm truly sorry for the curse, Arcturus, I did not think she would do that to any of you."

Veledar turned to Arcturus, the stars twinkling in his eyes. The man rose a hand to caress the dragon’s cheek, finding warmth that spread to his fingertips. He could be lost within those eyes without care, he even ignored how his cheeks flushed the longer they stayed silent, lost within each other’s eyes.

"Ah, tis but a minor nuisance. What matters is that we’re all fine. We are in this together after all." He stammered when it had been a tad too long, taking a seat on the sturdy branch.

"It's just that… I am not used to having anyone suffer because of me. The last time that happened was… " The dragon trailed off as his eyes narrowed, "It happened a long time ago."

"May I know more?” Arcturus asked, sensing the dragon was holding back. Veledar had turned his snout back towards the clear sky, his eyes looking back towards the heavens.

"This whole quest wasn't supposed to be so blazin’ complicated.I was supposed to swoop in, get what I need, and leave before anyone made sense of what just happened. There wasn't supposed to be an army of gryphons, crazy friends of yours, and curses, among other things."

"Hey, we did say it wasn't a smart idea from the start." Arcturus laughed, getting closer and throwing an arm onto the dragon's back. When he noticed Veledar was not joining in on the laughter, he stopped, "Hey, we'll manage. Besides, it won’t be long until that book finds its way back into your hoard.”

Veledar smiled as he turned his eyes back towards the human, and looked to him with caring eyes. Eyes he had never seen Veledar give anyone. There was such fondness in them that it seemed to slither about the air, wrap around the human’s heart and swirl around inside.

"I think my brother would have liked you. We used to read stories of brave knights and dragons when mother was away." The dragon's eyes darkened, then he sighed deeply. "That, however, was very long ago to you, but to me, it seems almost like yesterday."

"What happened?" Arcturus rubbed the dragon's back reassuringly. He could feel the powerful breaths he took through those finer scales. He was so close now to getting Veledar to open up.

"He died because of me. When we were still wrymlings. We went flying in an area that mother had warned us about, but like a stupid hatchling, I insisted, and my brother was shot through the chest by an arrow." Veledar pointed right at his chest. "The arrow went right through ribs and pierced his heart. I watched him plummet to the ground.” Veledar lowered his head, "That book is not just a memory of him, but also one of my mother now that I’ve lost her too." The dragon moved his head so that he and Arcturus were touching foreheads. Arcturus grabbed the dragon's head in a hug.

"It's just that the curse… it reminded me of that, on top of the situation with my mother, and it has been nothing but taxing on my strength." The dragon lifted his head and looked into Arcturus' eyes once more, "I am glad you have been there each step of the way to keep me going. Sometimes, it feels like everything is stacked against me, it’s good to know I have a few mortals on my side. Who would have known that would be so comforting?”

“How could you think we wouldn’t be comforting?”

“Never had it before from your kind.” The dragon’s voice grew soft, as those eyes seemed to take on a need, questions rippling below the surface."You ever have anyone suffer because of you?"

Arcturus had flashes of his moment with Dread Flame and everything he had lost in that one night. He tried to focus on the red dragon in front of him, on his beautiful eyes, instead of the images of his dead wife and son. Their haunting images reached out for his arms, begging for them to be saved. He closed his eyes, trying to focus instead on the campfire smelling dragon and the warmth of his scales instead of the now icy claws dragging across his heart.

"Yes,"My whole squad on the airship I commanded. Do you remember the dragon Dread Flame?"

"Yes, I remember that horrible dragon you talked about.”

"I brought the wizard Vargus on my ship. The dragon possessed him without my knowledge. If I had been more careful, maybe the dragon would have never had the chance to kill everyone on board. Then, because I sought vengeance, the dragon decided to hurt me out of spite. I only got lucky because a guard managed to kill the weakened dragon while he was busy. Because of that move I lost my companions, my wife, and the life of my son. Even in death the red bastard struck me a crippling blow." Arcturus’ eyes blinked, misting as the memories were as clear as a summer’s day.

"You were not to blame for that, you know," The dragon’s snout nosed at his chest.

"Just like you’re not to blame for this, or your brother’s death." Arcturus sniffed, wiping his eyes.

"Crying is not weakness. You know you can do that in front of me." the dragon chuckled softly, "I have seen you do that before."

"I know,It’s just… something in my eyes, is all."

"Yeah. Tears," Veledar smiled, to which Arcturus just laughed,

"Couldn't fool you could I?"

“Dragons can see through such things.” Veledar nuzzled at his chest until the tears were finally cast away. The knight’s hands wrapped around the dragon’s snout, trapping it in a hug and resting his head against his scaled head. Silence overtook them, only broken up by the soft breaths the dragon took. They maintained the comforting contact for several minutes, finally unwinding themselves and going back to looking at the stars. Neither said anything at first, but the comfort could be felt in the air about the two.

"Should we head back?" Arcturus finally asked, glancing up to the resplendent dragon.

"I think we’ll linger just for a little bit longer," The dragon rumbled, draping wing around him. It wasn't uncomfortable, so he didn't say anything. With a flick of his tail the human was pulled in closer, right up against the dragon’s body. All at once, any cold that was about the air was gone, replaced with nothing but warmth of the dragon.

"Thanks again," Murmured, glancing down with twitching frills "It helps a lot, to have someone understand. It’s….been years for me."

"No problem. You already told me that." Arcturus said with a smile.

"I know, I just needed you to know how much I appreciate your company," replied Veledar with a smile that he closed his eyes for. “I’ve read humans like that.”

It was like a hearth had been lit in his chest, as it felt like something was flying around in his stomach. Maybe a gryphon? Butterflies? Maybe a proud dragon, bounding around with tiny wiggling claws. He was touched that Veledar had been this open to tell him this. Probably the first human to have heard those words spoken from the dragon’s maw. He rested his shoulder on red scales, letting out a pleased sigh as cares seemed to melt away with each passing second.

"Things have been looking brighter since we met. Should have seen me before this whole thing started. Days were starting to blend together, food was bland and uninteresting. Things that interested me were starting to dull.” The man stopped., half remembering nights spent with half empty bottles of wine, drifting off into a drunken dream. Getting sent to hunt a dragon had turned out to the best thing for his life.

“ There seems to be something new to smile about or laugh. Ever since this quest for you started… I’ve been happier.” He trailed off, reminded of the gryphons chasing after them “Well, minus the whole king business, and Garroth, and the gryphons..."

"Yea, but we can handle that. Veledar and Arcturus!" Veledar shouted, holding out his paws to spread them wide. "The greatest team of all time. The tales people will tell of us. It will be legendary. You can bet on the scales of our tales. Well…my tail.” The dragon curled his neck, wiggling his frilled tail like a snake.

“Big enough for the both us?”

“Certainly.”

They sat in silence getting lost with each other’s company. Arcturus was sure they stayed there for longer than a little bit, but he didn’t mind. He just watched the stars with his dragon, and with his warmth beside him, he could have done it all night if he wanted to.