70
The Son of Dragons
Cresha can’t help but show surprise at the tower in the distance. They had made good time traveling here, but still lagged a bit behind the others. This was done on purpose of course, her mother having to fight with the elders every step of the way. In their small group she stands out like a sore thumb. Not because of her looks, but because she is completely isolated. Everyone trying to stay away from her has made it rather obvious how they feel. She even heard whispers of those around; saying that she must have charmed her mother.
She felt angry at the words but soon disregarded it. From a young age she had received this treatment. The people were not openly rude or hostile, but they only said what was needed when needed and nothing else; keeping their interaction to a minimum. If her mother had not taken her in, she does not know what would have happened though. Sometimes she wished that the people would lash out. In her mind hate is a lot better than indifference….
-Can I blame them?- One of the first things her mother taught her is the tribe’s history. Thinking back she remembers running to her mother while crying her heart out. She had tried to play with the others but their parents would not allow it. Being so young she did not understand and thought something was wrong with her. She remembers sitting on her mother’s lap with her arms around the tribe leader.
“Creshald there is nothing wrong with you, you are just… different.”
Looking up the little girl could not hide the hurt and confusion in her eyes. Sighing her mother started to tell her a story. “Long ago when the world was desolate and barren Frita the god of nature descended and turned into a seed. This seed soon sprouted and was the first plant ever to appear. Her roots soon spread and other plants followed, but they could not think or talk to her. Feeling lonely Frita grew flowers that turned into fruits. This fruit split open revealing the very first Dryad.”
Creshald remembers how her little mind was filled with wonder at hearing this. Not willing to say something lest her mother stopped telling the story, she only continued to listen. “Contrary to how we are now the Dryad was male…. He would be the first and last of his gender for our kind. You see, in the darkness something was watching, waiting. It was the very same darkness that made the world desolate and it was angry with Frita for changing its domain. It wanted to teach her a lesson….”
Creshald felt a bit of fear. The darkness always felt wrong to her. In the sunlight she felt stronger, faster she was able to run and play more, but when it was dark it made her tired and sleepy. “Frita did not know that she was being watched and as her roots spread further, so too did nature. The Dryad male soon grew lonely despite having Frita as his company. He wanted a woman to spend his life with. Frita felt sad and jealous but she knew what the man said was true. Being a tree she could not give him the warmth or type of love he needed and yearned for. Still she postponed the creation of a woman for the sake of spending more time with the man, for she discovered she yearned for the same things.”
The darkness saw this and started to plot. It secretly stole a seed from the fruit the male was born from and planted it in the darkest place it could find. In the seed the darkness took the jealousy that Frita felt and altered her creation. Soon the seed grew with its power of darkness and from it came a creature of beauty that could steal the heart of any it laid its eyes upon and thus the first demon fox was born.”
Not able to keep her curiosity in check Creshald asked. “What happened then?”
Her mother sighed. “The demon fox easily found its way to the male and using its ability drew the male towards her.”
Creshald frowned completely immersed, her sorrow forgotten at that moment. “How, the Demon Fox is a fox and a Dryad is a Dryad.”
Her mother patted her head. “Very easy my dearest, you see the demon fox could use illusions to draw others in with that which they most wanted in the world and using this she appeared as a female Dryad.”
“Frita saw everything and anger took over the deepest parts of her. The anger was further fueled by the darkness that lives on such emotions and in a blind fit of rage she killed the male! The darkness left as soon as it came and Frita soon returned to her normal self only to find her vines drenched in the blood of the one she loved most. Sadness took over her heart and she drew him into her entwining their bodies to be together forever. Ashamed of her actions she sealed all her emotions and became like her first creations. Still and emotionless her only movement caused by the wind, but before she did she fulfilled her last promise to the male and created the female, only the female would not need a man to propagate.
Creshald felt very sad for the goddess, but it still did not answer her question. “Mommy what does the story have to do with people not liking me?”
“It is not that they don’t like you my dear they are afraid of what you may represent for our race. You see the tail you have is the very same as a Demon Fox.”
Creshald grabbed her tail and started to cry. “Mommy I am not bad! I never did something bad the darkness-“
The tribe leader quickly embraced the girl and whispered in her ear. “Listen closely my daughter. I know you are not bad and I know you have done nothing wrong, but neither did Frita yet her inner most feelings were taken advantage of. This is what our people fear.”
“Mommy don’t let the darkness get me, I don’t want to be a Demon Fox! The darkness is bad.”
Her mother lightly pushed her away and looked into the girl’s eyes. “The darkness is not inherently evil and it is not only the Demon Fox that has it, but every living creature does. The darkness can be controlled just as much as it controls you, if you let it.”
Creshald wiped at her tears, “I do not understand.”
Thinking a little the tribe leader thought of an example. “Right now you feel unhappy that you do not have any friends. This emotion is a part of darkness but can lead you to many, many very different paths. Some are bad and some are good. It is still up to you to decide which one you will choose. Darkness and light are two parts of the same coin. Many people have done bad things in the name of light and many have done good things while walking with darkness in their hearts.”
It was not long after when her thoughts were broken by a call to halt. Looking up she sees the wolves that were in the reports for the first time and she cannot help but stare. The over Dryads look around nervously as the group of ten wolves, carrying riders step forward. When they see the group has stopped the ten wolves without a sound or gesture between them start to walk forward at the same time. She can’t help but feel impressed at the synchronicity and quickly chalks it up to training, but the voices in her head soon breaks the illusion when it says they are communicating via their minds.
Even though that bit of truth is revealed she still can’t help but sense the danger they pose. Their armor especially paints an intimidating picture. With parts black as night and others the color of rich blood she can’t help her imagination running wild. If these wolves were to charge right into them it would be disastrous. To do that they would have to reach them though, knowing the prowess of her mother and others with the bow she gains a bit more confidence. She herself is not bad, but her main forte is nature and… illusion magic, both rare and hardly spoken of.
The riders soon reach them and her mother urges the chariot she is on forward. Dryads do not usually use mounts. Always in the trees and forested regions makes it useless. They once had though. Her mother told her about the strange large apes once, but they were lost along with their home in the previous war. In order to travel here quickly they had taken a few chariots and horses from the humans.
The riders talk in the dark elf language, but soon realize that the Dryads do not understand. Her mother after sizing them up talks back in dragon tongue having seen the “Maim.Kill.Burn” on their armor, but seeing they don’t understand she starts to talk in the same language they did.
After a while two riders break off and the Dryads start to follow them to the left of the tower. The other races have already started to make up their camps. Much to their irritation they are far from any trees.
Not willing to make a big issue out of it Creshald’s mother simply orders them to start setting up. Not long after Creshald spots the familiar figure of the Dwarf King. He soon reaches them along with his entourage the look of surprise barely hidden behind his hairy face.
“By my beard… you tree huggers actually came.”
Smiling, Creshald’s mother steps forward. “Of course we did, we could not leave the representation of the council to you mud-cake bakers.”
The Dwarf King laughs heartily at the jibe. Creshald can’t help but smile as well. The Dwarves have helped her people a lot; using earth magic to keep the soil around the forest rich so it could easily expand. They talk a bit more about everyday things before Creshald’s mother turns the conversation towards more pressing matters.
“Do you know what time the negotiations will start?” To her surprise he only shakes his head as his eyes takes on a haunted look.
“I am afraid there will be no negotiations, we must get them to joins us Lavenin… If they do not, we are all doomed.” Seeing anger bloom on the Dryad’s face The Dwarf quickly explains. “Before you think it, we were not threatened but shown the truth.”
“The truth?”
The dwarf nods, before saying, “Aye, the truth of what the humans are doing behind their blasted mountain. Even if we do band together we may not survive this. We need the dragons a lot more then they need us.”
Lavenin scoffs at his words. “The Dryads have never needed the dragons.”
Seeing the anger on her face the Dwarf only shakes his head before saying. “You will understand Lavenin, you will understand.”
Way on top of the tower Slyfer is watching all the new arrivals…. while chewing something. Behind him is Aldowin tired and exasperated ever since Slyfer had heard about the events he had come up here and not said a word. Not even the flying monkey could bring a smile to his face. Aldowin had tried to coax him into talking, but his student simply refused. Resigning himself Aldowin just went and sat against one of the statues holding up the round object at the top of the tower.
“Seventeen of my blood pack died, seventeen of my warriors including Ban and for what?”
Hearing Slyfer finally speak Aldowin sits up. “It was not your-“
Slyfer quickly interrupts spinning around and glaring at Aldowin. “- was not my fault? I am not a fool I know it was not my fault, but even with their sacrifice I did not accomplish the task I said I would! I trusted that woman blindly and was led right into a trap. Even after they tried to kill me I had let it go and still did not kill them. I was a fool. I nearly got Luna and myself killed and on top of it all the dragons had to come and save me! Revealing themselves, a secret kept for how many years all because of my failure.” Slyfer takes a few deep breaths and calms down and for once the voices inside him are quiet. Something he hates, since he wants someone to shout and scream at him, he wants someone to tell him what an idiot he was.
Aldowin is at a loss for words. The hurt in Slyfer is clear as day, but how does one help a person so angry at himself.
Slyfer had never realized he had pride- not to this extent, but right now that pride felt broken, shattered to pieces by his own incompetence and naivety. “Saved by dragons, my parents…. What must they think of me as a person, as a dragon! They broke a taboo to do it, I know this much.”
Aldowin steps forward but stops. Slyfer’s shoulders are squared and straight. –He is facing the faults head on and not shrinking from it.- Aldowin thinks inwardly. He sighs and then talks, his thoughts very similar to Slyfer’s, but only directed at himself. “I am also at fault; I should have given you better council. I should have done more…. Any of your failures are mine.”
Slyfer inspects his hand that is almost its normal size now. “This was unacceptable and I will not allow it to happen again.”
Trisha and Fira pop out of the entrance carrying more food and silently place it near him. For a moment he wonders where Luna is, but soon remembers she went to train in the woods.
He looks at those gathered below and a sudden bout of irritation wells up inside him. Nodding to himself he turns around. “I will no longer explain myself to these people.” His eyes then turn to Fira. “I will no longer dance around, explain and try and convince them to join my cause. They either join me or wait to be slaughtered.” Aldowin wants to object, but Slyfer holds up his hands.
“I was willing to be lashed for this cause, me the son of dragons was willing to be adopted and had to prove myself to do it and so I did… for this cause, but no more. It was never my cause to begin with. If enough people don’t join I will leave and train on my own until I am strong enough to kill Chronos, by myself. These people decided their fates when they abandoned us, this will be their second and last chance.”
He turns his back on their pale faces and looks down again while muttering to himself. “I will be nobody’s pawn, they will be mine.”
Fira looks between Trisha and Slyfer worriedly. As if sensing her actions Slyfer talks to her. “Fira, will you not go to your father and tell him what I have said?”
Fira steps forward. “I am no longer the representative of the dark elves… I have joined the blood pack. I have chosen you.”
Slyfer snaps around, surprise clearly on his face. Obviously they neglected to tell him this piece of information. Fira’s hair starts to turn blue as Slyfer’s eyes do. They had been red ever since he heard about Ban. Trisha quickly takes Fira’s hand for support a gesture that is not lost on Slyfer.
He looks at Trisha questioningly and she smiles before saying, “I have accepted her.”
The anger in him starts to melt causing other feelings to flood to the fore, along with the incessant need a dragon has at his age. The two in front of him cast against the sky he loves so much, is enough to take his breath away. Both in the officers’ uniform of his blood pack, something he feels stupid for not noticing before. For a moment he is speechless and Aldowin seeing the mood slinks away with the hope the two may be able to calm him down and in so doing change his mind; so that he will not abandon the people so easily.
Aldowin can’t help but curse at the situation, when they set off from the Slymur mountains he had hopes, hopes for his people and the other races. He was a fool to believe things would be easy. The races are locked in their differences… -always have always will be. I can’t blame Slyfer for his choice; I failed to prepare him properly. Is this what it will amount to? Sixteen years of my life… no, I cant think like that Slyfer is like the son I never had. He has long since changed from just my pupil.- Thinking back he can’t help but smile as he remembers the early days. –A little savage! I still have the mark where he bit me when we first met. The following nights I barely slept since he would try and pounce on me as if I was prey.- His smile fades as he thinks on Slyfer’s words that were uttered a mere moment ago.
-If I had to choose between all the races, no people in the world and Slyfer. In my heart I know it will always be him.- He sighs before saying aloud. “Whatever happens, I will be there.”
Trisha and Fira watch as Slyfer’s eyes turn purple and Fira lets out a shaky breath since she can feel the feelings are not pointed at Trisha alone. The emotion soon fades since she also feels that he is wary of her and she thinks. –He wants what I said to be true, but he still can’t trust me completely… I can’t blame him.-
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Trisha is a bit more reserved and not quite sure how to feel, but she had already said that she accepts Fira and so she has.
Slyfer swallows keeping back the feelings… and lust. He can still feel the anger in him and it would not be fair to do anything while in this state. So he swallows the lust down, but the pheromones and purple in his eyes cannot be hidden so easily. He feels nothing but caring and happiness when he looks at Trisha. They had a shaky start- she nearly killed him. Yet here she stands in his colors, on his tower…-she is my woman.-
When he looks at Fira the feelings are unclear. If he had to describe it, it is like a piece of parchment that has been scribbled on with no beginning or end, no direction or reason its just there. Confusing and irritating, yet he can’t ignore the memories of the few moments they shared, the feel of her warmth in his arms, her lips… her soul entwined with his. Even now that connection among all the rest is a reminder of their souls being bound. A matter that was out of his hands yet after he searches through his feelings, he finds no regret, only hope. Only longing to feel her in his arms once again….
The beasts below start to roar and sound mating calls. To all of the delegates and representatives surprise some even start to mate. Most have no idea what is going on, but Creshald at the bottom can’t help but look up at the tower where the intoxicating smell is coming from.
It’s not long before the Dryad in her pushes it down and the glaze that had settle over her eyes soon leaves along with the slight pink on her cheeks. A shout from the nearby forest she was heading to causes her to nearly jump out of her skin. A silver haired girl appears and flashes by, the speed of her passing causing Creshald’s braid to whip up.
A second later the silver haired girl shouts for all to hear. “Alpha, Luna wants to lay eggs too!”
Vinx who is down below in Slyfer’s room along with the other fairies, shakes her head and cuddles closer to Shcree. “You know, there was a time that the two of us were the only girls he liked.”
Slyfer steps forward and hugs both; Fira goes rigid but then as if melting relaxes into the embrace. He soon steps back and gives each of them kiss on their foreheads. “I do not know what happened, but I find myself happy and worried at the same time. My path in life will be filled with blood and death so I will give you this one last chance to back out without any hard feelings. I do not want you two to regret and grow to hate me in the future.”
Trisha smiles and takes his hand. “I am yours. My choice was made and will not change.” Her gaze turns into a more serious one before she says. “However do not think that I will blindly follow, if you go too far and step out of line I will be there to knock you back in your place!” She says with a smile.
Fira hesitates, but in the end takes his hand. “Slyfer, I care for my people and my family. I have chosen you, but I will not blindly throw them to the side. I know your path may cause you to turn against them or for them to turn against you. At that time I will not interfere nor act against you or them, this I can promise. Other than my people your enemies are mine and I will burn them all to ash and fight with you… can, can you accept this much?”
Slyfer looks at her for a long time before answering. “I cannot expect that of you and if at all possible I will not fight them, the likelihood of that is very small anyway. Just as long as you understand that if I am rejected by them or any of the other tribes they will be cast aside without the dragons’ help.”
She nods and smiles beautifully, feeling a large weight leave her heart. She had been afraid that he would outright reject her. In her heart she also knows that she will never be able to fight her people, if however some tried to kill Slyfer directly… the madness she felt when she fought the abomination returns with the thought and a shudder runs through her. She would send them all to the abyss!
Jade watches a few men go past her carrying tables and sighs how she got stuck with setting up the place where the negotiations would take place, is beyond her. She had only seen her brother when they arrived. Her mind turns to Trisha and Fira and it makes her feel a bit better as she thinks, -He has other things to deal with.- She directs a few more men and then glances over at Elyna who is not far away. Ever since Slyfer left the high elf had come to guard her a few times. The other high elves with her also look around vigilantly.
Jade walks over to her and sighs again. “You don’t have to stick around while I do this boring work, you know.”
Elyna smiles, the few times she spent guarding the short green haired girl, was enough for her to gauge the Dark Elf’s character. “We do not mind, besides right now you are the person that needs to be guarded the most.”
Jade’s look of confusion causes Elyna to chuckle and say, “you have a mind for politics, but still have much to learn. Right now you are the most obvious target. If there is someone crazy enough to attack, you will most likely be the main target; they may believe capturing you would be an easy way to manipulate Slyfer.”
Jade’s nose crinkles at the words, “you say that as if it may not cause Slyfer to be manipulated?”
Elyna shrugs.
Jade frowns, she does not like to be regarded as weak, but the things she has seen lately has made it obvious that there are a lot of scary things out there. Feeling the argument to the elf’s words die before it even sprouted, she looks towards the tower. “What of your Queen?”
Elyna shuffles around, “The Queen has decided to take control again, but only until they can decide on a new ruler. Aldowin’s old family house was the strongest candidate but Lookin’s father no longer has any intention of taking control. He is too ashamed by the actions of his son.”
Jade shakes her head and her brow creases in worry. The only thing more dangerous than an army is one without a leader. She can only hope that they settle it soon. She scans the sky in hope of seeing the dragons, but her hope is for naught. The two left not long after dawn, saying they would be back for the negotiations. They did not say it in those exact words of course. –I need to speak to Slyfer as soon as we finish here. I have no idea what he is planning and he needs to involve me more.- She scoffs. –Even though he said I would lead our clan, everything still revolves around him. The entire clan has basically turned into Blood Pack!-
A few hours later Slyfer is left with only Vinx and Shcree as company. The girls had gone to dress for the occasion leaving him to his own devices. As soon as they left the anger had returned, although more focused now. A knock on the door followed by Jade’s voice, stops his troubled thoughts.
Getting up and wrapping a towel around him he answers, “You can come in.”
Jade enters and as soon as she does she nearly slams the door closed again. She glares at SLyfer disapprovingly. “It is not proper for you to receive a guest like this.”
The frown on Slyfer’s brow smooths out and he smiles. “You are no guest, you are my sister.”
The words seem to catch Jade off guard and she stammers for a bit, before regaining her wits. In her heart, she is smiling though. They have had little interaction of late and it has made her feel neglected, but with those words some of her fears have been stilled. To Slyfer’s surprise Elyna is standing behind his short sister.
The old Elf only smiles while casting an appreciative gaze his way.
He gives her a questioning look while walking over and sitting on his bed. Elyna snorts, “don’t give me that look, you are the one that wanted my services, yet at the first opportunity you disappear without taking me along. Since it seems you don’t need it I decided to guard your sister who right now is probably your weakest link.”
Slyfer feels his blood turn cold and his eyes quickly settle on the Jade. “I am sorry I should have thought of it, I-“
Jade steps forward and places her hand on his mouth. “Ssshhh, I am not useless nor am I defenseless. If I can’t look after myself, how can I think of myself as a clan leader?”
Elyna nearly chuckles. -This girl is talking like this, yet I was the one that reminded her of the danger surrounding her just a few hours ago.- Elyna decides to keep it to herself. The frown on Slyfer’s face has returned, making her believe he is troubled enough.
Not one to beat around the bush Jade sits down next to Slyfer and falls over, not caring about status or decorum… she is his sister after all. “So, what is your plan?”
Slyfer looks at her and also falls down and as he looks at the ceiling says, “I have no idea. I know what must be done, I know what I want and I know what is needed. What I don’t know is how to make the people see reason and to be honest I don’t care anymore. I am tired of trying to convince and “earn” their trust. Each step of my journey so far has been hobbled by this, each time I have tried to warn people about what is coming, I have been met by walls. They simply don’t-“
Jade’s fist connects with his shoulder. Slyfer rubs his arm, more out of surprise than feeling hurt. “Slyfer, are you stupid?”
He looks at her, not sure what she is on about. Jade looks genuinely angry and he cant think of a reason why. Her scowl only deepens once she realizes he has no idea why she just hit him. “Do you think you are alone? Do you think that you have no allies? What am I, why did my father die coming here? You act as if you have no one that is willing to help yet you have never once asked for it! Am I truly so useless that you have no trust in me?”
Jade’s words hit hard and it leaves Slyfer speechless. The anger he felt at himself intensifies as he realizes even bigger mistakes. How many people are around him? How many have already decided to join his cause. Not only that, he has a whole mind full of dragons that may be somewhat mad, but they have memories, memories of thousands of lives once lived. Yet he had never thought of asking for help. Choosing only to ask for the most minor things and when some did give advice he chose to ignore it most of the time. His fists clench at his side. –I thought I did not have pride the way dragons do, no it wasn’t pride, but ignorance. I was so blinded that I have messed up so many things, made everything so much more difficult for myself…. How could I have been so stupid!-
Jade stands up in a huff. “I may not be the most powerful fighter in the world but I do hold sway over the council, you hold sway over our people… possibly more than the King himself and you are a fool for not using it properly. Yes many have stood against what you have been saying, but many others have listened and joined your cause, but you don’t use them properly. Instead you struggle on by yourself without thinking of your allies. The wolves, the tigers, our clan even the Queen of the High Elves has started supporting you.”
She stops her rant and rubs at her temples. “Still, you do have a point.” She thinks and then turns back to him. “Why don’t you tell them exactly what you have told me, but before that we need to show them proof, proof that we have an enemy and I know exactly how. Come, get dressed we have a lot to do.”
Elyna watching the two can’t help but think, -the people have no idea what is about to hit them.-
The Dwarf King takes his seat while looking at the table set in the front. The sun is giving its last rays and will disappear in a moment throwing the world into night. He has many thoughts on what may happen, all of them causes his stomach to churn. “Don’t tell me I have to go take another shit?”
The subordinate next to him gives the King a worried glance. In the last few hours the King had spent most of it with his breaches down. Having known the King from a young age, he knows this means the King is very worried.
Across from them are the Dryads. They sit aloof and unmoving except for their eyes roaming around; a proud race, maybe just as prideful as the dragons and the King can’t help but feel that, that was the reason behind their downfall. Next the dwarves are the Snow Elves. He can see the Snow Elf King is bristling with anger. He can’t really blame him. Ever since he arrived, he has requested to see his son only to be denied without explanation. His daughter is present. The Dwarf King can’t help but sigh. The way the Snow Elves treat their daughters is disgraceful, like objects to be traded for favors and if they can’t they have no worth. He was present when the girl gave her account of her time spent here. Simply put the strange boy cannot be swayed by her charm or the others’ that were with her.
A noise draws his attention to the left. The Dwarf King shakes his head while muttering, “Crazy Bastards.” The “rabbits” as he calls them are showing nothing but excitement. At their table for ten sits about forty, some even with children on their laps. –They look like they are coming to see a show rather than discuss the future of all our races.-
He wants to remind their stupid leader just why they are here when mutters break out behind him. He looks around and swallows audibly. A girl dressed in a tight fitting amber dress that has a high snit, revealing most of her bronze upper leg is making her way down the middle. With cat ears and a tail lazily swishing from side to side that is sticking out just over the dress that reveals her entire back up to that point, she attracts most of the attention even though behind her are humungous tigers that could swallow the dwarf in one gulp. As if taking a stroll through a flock of sheep, they make their way towards the front. To everyone’s surprise they do not sit down near one of the tables, but rather stand and wait near the large opening that was left at the mouth of the tent. The Dwarf King has no love for tall women, after all he would have to find a stool to kiss them, however this one seems worth fetching a stool for.
Cresha can feel her heart pounding against her chest. –Another one with a tail, if she is like me. Then she must be a tigress!-
Seeing the excitement in her daughter, the tribe leader grips her hand and whispers, “calm yourself child, or they may use your feelings against you.”
Acknowledging the statement with a nod Cresha delves into her Dryad self and soon a look of indifference takes over her features once more. It nearly cracks again when Fira enters with a dress that is dark blue at the top, fading to red at the bottom the cloth overlaps in sharp angles making it almost seem like blue and red flames. Her shoulders are bare revealing soft white unblemished skin. It makes her blue hair and dress stand out all the more. Behind her Cresha can see a tail nearly as fluffy as her own… a sense of pride instinctively grows inside her and at that same moment Fira seems to spot her. The two share a look, fox and wolf, Dryad and Dark elf, woman and woman. Cresha quickly finds that she dislikes the girl, although she can’t quite figure out why.
Behind Fira is the largest wolf Cresha has ever seen, it has gold surrounding the fur on it’s neck and easily stands two heads above any of the other wolves that is following behind it. Fira shares a look with Trisha and the two turn to look at Cresha as one, making it obvious to all. Cresha suddenly finds herself under the attention of everyone present!
Cresha’s facade of calm is just about to crumble when song fills the tent. A moment later lights, speed into the tent and the song grows louder. Cresha’s mother grabs her hand and with surprise says aloud. “Fairies!”
The lights head towards the center of the opening and soon plants start to grow, they weave and connect, soon turning into a long table and five chairs. Too dazzled by the magic happening in front of them, the people fail to notice Aldowin and Jade entering and making their way forward, before coming to a standstill in front of the “grown” table and chairs. The one in the center being especially striking due to the fairies now sitting on it.
Those who were at the ball notice it immediately and soon whispers of “Slyfer” fill the tent. As if summoned by their whispers, heavy armored feet are heard. Elyna now dressed as a blood pack warrior enters first her long blonde almost-white hair standing out in stark contrast compared to the black leather armor. Behind her are two heavily armored shield bearers with black horned helmets. The red mixed in along with the words on their shields and chests, paints a very menacing picture.
Cresha smells him long before she sees him. She recognizes it from earlier during the day, only this time it is much weaker and mixed with something else that makes the hairs on her arms stand up. Looking around she is not the only one affected this way. The “rabbits” who had been chatting excitedly now look to be wary, their ears lowered and noses twitching. Her mother is gripping the chair in a steel grip. The dwarf King’s body shows a mild glow of aura protecting him. Most of the other race leaders have the same glow surrounding them…
He enters; the most surprised at how he looks, are most probably Fira and Trisha. For the first time since they have met him, his hair has been cut! The two’s faces switch between smiling and frowning, both not sure if they like it or not.
His hair shaved short on the sides, but left long on top at about half a finger’s length, causing it to spike naturally and form a make shift Mohawk. At the back he still has a pony tail.*1 He is dressed in the clothes that Old Sun gifted to him, except the cape is red with the black blood drop of the Blood pack, on the back. Behind him is another two shield bearers.
The tent’s atmosphere along with the people inside seems frozen until he takes his seat, the setting sun giving its last rays behind him. He feels annoyed despite his sister’s insistence of having a dramatic entrance he can’t help but feel stupid for doing it. It only lasts a moment before he dismisses it with a thought, -I don’t care what these people think.-
He is just about to close his eyes to “summon” the dragons when the Snow Elf King stands up with annoyance on his face. “Is there really a need for these thea-“
The oppressive atmosphere doubles and many gasp for breath as Slyfer’s blood lust spills out. He had used it without knowing in the battle and is still unskilled in directing it so some spilled over to the people sitting around Snow Elf. His eyes turn red and to Cresha’s surprise so too does Fira’s hair.
Slyfer leaning to the side only utters one word before closing his eyes, the word spoken softly rings in everyone’s ears. “Sit.”
As if punched in the gut the Snow Elf does as told. A moment later Slyfer’s eyes open still glowing red, giving most present a foreboding feeling. Thunder claps fill the sky and Cresha hears her mother’s armrests crack under the tribe leaders grip. Her jaw is clenched and she mutters through her teeth. “Dragons.”
The thunder that is not thunder rings out a few times causing most of them to wince. A shadow falls over the tent followed by a loud crash. The earth shakes causing the tables to rattle. The excited “rabbits” now have their ears plastered to their heads.
Cresha with her heart pounding tries to spot anything through the large opening, but . A feeling of being stared at starts to grow in the back of her mind like an irritating fly buzzing around her until it is something demanding attention. Finally not able to take it any longer she turns her head towards it, only to find herself nose to nose with the silver haired girl she saw earlier. Her stomach drops; the way you would feel when suddenly falling and she nearly screams in fright, but somehow she is frozen in place. The girl’s eyes move from her face to the pink tail draped over the back of the chair.
Luna is very worried, Vinx has told her many times that Slyfer likes fluffy things and now there is another girl with fluffiness right in front of her.
After what feels like forever, for Cresha. The girl steps back while whispering. “Luna won’t lose.”
Like she appeared, she almost disappears again, if Cresha was not scared out of her wits right then, she doubts, she would have noticed the girl. She watches as Luna walks over to the tigress and sits down leaning her back against the giant cat. She takes a deep breath realizing she has been keeping it in. –How did she get so close to me without me noticing?-
Cresha’s mother, senses a bit of her distress and asks. “Whats wrong?”
Cresha looks at her with surprise before saying, “Did you not sense her?”
Her mother frowns in confusion, “Did I not sense who?”
If possible the fox girl’s blood turns even colder. She has no time to think on it as two heads appear. They are so large that they completely block up the entrance and it is not even their entire heads! In the corner of her eyes, Cresha sees a noble woman pass out right in her chair. The “rabbit’s” eyes grow the size of saucers, noses twitching at Mach speed!
Slyfer stands up. “Now that we are all here, the trials will begin.”
Cresha’s mother speaks up, the others are still to dumbfounded to say anything. “What trials, we were not told anything about this?”
Red orbs turn to the Dryad and then Cresha, if only for a second. Slyfer is silent for a few seconds, but then speaks. “Yes, trials. On our way here and while we have been here. All of us were betrayed countless times. It has come to our attention that the enemy has infiltrated our ranks. Even as high as positions of leadership. Since most, if not all of the races are here-“ Slyfer’s eyes narrow into slits. “-I thought it prudent to ferret out those still within the ranks, by using their compatriots that have already been caught.”
Many a noble man, lady or creature turn pale at the words. Many thinking back on the dealings they had with the humans, others scoff at the idea of enemies among them and then there is the final group, the group Slyfer is paying most attention to… the silent ones, those that are either shitting themselves or staring at him hostilely. He does not care which, he marks them all!
Cresha’s mother is once again the first to speak, “I will not stand here and be judged by the likes of you and your ilk.”
Slyfer only nods. “Fine, any who wish to leave can do so.”
He waits and many representatives start to move, some advisors do so without their leaders making a move themselves. These are marked and noted down as well. Slyfer gives it a whole ten seconds before he talks again while praising his sister in his mind for the smart plan. “But know this, those who leave will be exempt from our treaty and will be sanctioned.”
A noble from somewhere pipes up, however he makes sure to not be seen. “What do you mean sanctioned? You can’t do that!”
Ignoring the noble Slyfer continues. “Those that join in a pact with us will not be allowed to trade, offer help and do business of any kind with you. Finally, you will be chased out of Atlantia to fend for yourselves.”
Many who had stood up, stop in their tracks. A strange fish man with a water bubble around his head talks directly into everyone’s minds. “What gives you the right to do this, you have no authority over the city!”
Slyfer sits forward his voice growing venomous. “Have no right? Perhaps you need a history lesson since it seems the academy has been teaching nothing but lies lately.” Saying this Slyfer looks over at the so called representatives of the magic academy, which consists of a humanoid with scales, another one of the fish people and finally a short creature barely the length of his forearm. “The city was started and commissioned by the dragons. The very idea of the council was formed and thought of by them. Each race here owes them in some way. Before Cresha’s mother can say anything Slyfer turns to her. “Yes Dryad, that means you too! How long did you stay in your forest at the base of the mountain, how long did you listen to the dragons fight before the war reached your precious forest? You did not help them and now you blame them for its destruction. Face the facts or leave like the spineless dogs you are.”
Trisha puts a calming hand on his shoulder, but it does not seem to help. “Leave if you want, but you will no longer feed of off the dragons who you all abandoned.”
Cresha watches as her mother’s face changes. Without a word she settles back down into her chair. She does not agree with what was said, but their new home was built within Atlantia’s walls…. What else can she do? She did not miss that the Dwarf and Snow Elf King remained seated. Both are the most influential at the moment.
The Dwarf King speaks up. “What will you do, if those that left do not want to leave the city?”
Slyfer smiles. “In the academy you teach that the dragons are responsible for all your troubles, perhaps we will make this statement true. I have tried being nice and I was almost killed because of it.”
The Snow Elf King jumps up. “That was no-“
Slyfer interrupts, “-Your fault? Your ignorance astounds me.” Looking at the hurt and angry face of the elf, Slyfer grows angry himself. “Under whose watch did the humans operate? Under who’s authority was the gates and protection given to a race that nearly exterminated the others? Who let their pigeons sit and shit on the very City’s walls the dragons built! Don’t lie to me or yourself Elf or I will cut your head off right here!”
This time Jade also grabs his shoulder. They had not agreed on cutting people’s heads off. She whispers into his ear. “I will handle this.”
Slyfer is just about to tell her how useless this all is. When The Dwarf King kneels. “I apologize, all that you say is true. It was under our watch.” He gives the Snow Elf a stare, but the man refuses to budge. “You have not seen what I have, you do not know what is coming.”
His words and the way he said it brings shivers to all.
Slyfer’s patience wears thin and he can no longer take it. He did not come to explain things. “Enough! Make your choice, stay or leave. I will no longer point out that shit is being flung at your faces while you choose to keep your eyes closed. Keep them closed and drown in it for all I care.”
Jade looks at Fira and Trisha, but the two shrug. Fira is happy that her father has not said a word so far. Jade sighs and thinks to herself. –From now on, all negotiations will be left to me.-
The seated Dryad leader looks up with hate filled eyes. “What gives you the right?”
To everyone’s surprise Slyfer does not answer the question. The dragons do, their voices flowing deep into the reassesses of everyone’s minds and shaking the very cores of their beings with each word as if the world itself is speaking the sentence. Making it impossible to refute.
“He is the son of dragons, he has every right.”