As far as disembodied voices go, that one was feminine and unfamiliar. I can't even smell anyone unfamiliar around, which is a little annoying because it means I have no idea where this person is hiding.

Looking around doesn't yield any results, even as the voice giggles at my apparent trouble locating the source. Cheeky mysterious voice.

As I continue looking around, Raya stares into my eyes as she asks what I'm looking for. And of course, I reply by saying that I'm looking for the source of the mysterious voice since she has to be around here somewhere.

Raya is staring at me even more now, with a decidedly questioning facial expression... And then she gets up and jumps off my nose, which just isn't safe, she's like five meters (16.4 ft) above the ground. That doesn't appear to be a concern for her as she sticks the landing.

"She's right there, wearing a black and red dress. She might even have more jewelry than Skelly, so you should smell her."

If she's wearing that much delicious jewelry, then I should be able to smell her, which makes me feel like maybe I'm being pranked. That feeling is assuaged as Raya starts climbing something invisible... That's pretty clear evidence of something being there, but I still can't see it...

Raya's climbing is interrupted as the voice's source seems to grab her and hold onto the goblin in a carrying fashion. And as Raya opens her mouth, a piece of something appears out of thin air and she starts eating it! I want to eat mysterious, suddenly-visible things too! Especially since it's obvious how delicious it is, making Raya drool and smile.

"Don't take candy from strangers, Raya, it's not safe!"

Now she's giving me a look...

"Says you."

Yes, says I! Poison effectiveness is affected by body mass, and Raya is tiny while I'm huge! There's a difference when I'm being irresponsible!

"Lauren, help me out here."

"You both have good points, so leave me out of this."

As a healer, she's the support, so she should support me in keeping Raya safe from wily voices and telekinetic snugglers! Besides, why does Raya trust the voice to carry her like that? She's being carried like a Kirarmored baby, and she isn't fighting it at all. Nudging her about it, she puts a hand on my nose as she replies.

"It's Volly, she's been around town a few times. Why wouldn't I trust her?"

I have never met anyone named Volly before, but I seem to regularly run into people I've never met. Now I just need to run into this Volly person so I can see them.

In fact, I'm gonna see if I can nudge them. Raya is within reach, so I don't see why not, and as I try, my nose does impact something solid, which means they aren't invisible to my sense of touch!

"Volly, can you make her see you? I think she's getting bad ideas."

Am not! I was just gonna wrap my tongue around the two of them to have something to work with.

Judging by Raya's floating changing, I'm assuming she's being put down on the ground. A moment later, she stares up at something as a young scalefolk lady appears out of nowhere. And geez, she's pretty... And the smell of delicious wealth is overpowering my ability to maintain my non-drooling state.

"A pleasure to meet you, Great Kira. My name is Tara Volkai of the Shae clan. How may I be of service?"

Raya was right, that is more jewelry than Skelly had, and I know that name... It's the Shae! And she's polite! That bodes well for us not getting our butts kicked by some superpowered legendary figure. She doesn't smell all that powerful, though, but I'm not convinced that that isn't just her hiding it somehow.

"Volly, we're looking for someone called the Shae to ask about a faction of nice undead, so we can get them to help with the bad guys trying to do bad things around our home."

"Oh, a quest of utmost importance. Though what course of action would you take, should this Shae deny your request? She might rightfully fear for your safety as the unliving tend to covet those rich in magic, such as Kira. And those walking in death do have the power to bring down even someone as strong as her."

"We have to do something. If they kill all the humans, they'll come for us next and..."

"And?"

"It's the right thing to do... We can't just let them all die."

Aww... Raya is the best. I should find some treats for her at some point, she deserves it. We should focus on the undead who might be strong enough to take me down, though, since that worries me a little. It's not enough to keep me from trying to find Skelly's friends, I'm sure they're just as nice as Skelly, but it does mean we should add some caution to this expedition.

I am curious, though...

"How come I couldn't see or smell you?"

With a smile, she puts on a ring and disappears from my sight. That's cheating! She can't just have a ring of invisibility! What if the bad guys have one as well? I'll be powerless! Well, aside from lighting the entire area on fire, but that's somewhat inconvenient.

"It is an obfuscation enchantment. It simply creates a barrier that prevents the wearer from being seen by magical means."

Okay, yeah, but I'm using my eyeballs, not my magic, so... wait, I'm magic. Dang it! I have magic eyeballs and that sounds like a very rude technicality. So essentially, this ring prevents any magical being from perceiving the wearer, and they can just sneak up on someone like me. That's terrifying, and it makes me uncomfortable. I might never leave Tuiran without an escort again.

"Great Kira, though you may worry, the enchantment holds one significant flaw. Should you be able to identify the weakness, you will find yourself capable of seeing things beyond the scope of what a Dragon should."

"That's nice and all, but if you're telling me, aren't you trying to help me? And if you're helping me, shouldn't you teach me how to do it, since I might get stabbed or something while trying to learn it?"

Hearing an invisible voice laugh is unnerving, even if it is cute. I feel like my point is solid, though, but she isn't getting on with the explanation, which suggests that I'll have to figure it out on my own.

Okay, so I have to find something I can't see or smell, but I can touch. I'm gonna try using my tongue for the sense of touch. It would be weird if my sense of touch was blocked as well. In fact, it would be very dangerous. What if I stepped on someone and squished them because of that invisibility and just never noticed. I would have squished person stuck to my foot for days! Gross.

Thinking of gross things, I forgot to wash off all this mud! Geez, my hygiene habits are slipping with this whole dragon thing.

"Your words ring true, though it is not the only lesson you must learn. Should I give you the information, you will walk the path, and what else you might stumble upon will be lost. Such is the nature of fate. Though you have done much to change yours."

I don't know about that, but I'm starting to appreciate Merciferus since she's more inclined to bend the rules to help instead of keeping secrets.

Judging by Raya looking around with a frown, she's trying to spot Volkai as well. Neither of us is having any luck, though.

"Oh! I figured it out! You're right there!"

Dang it! Okay, I'm gonna try properly as well, so focusing magic into my eyes, I look around in the direction Raya stared at when she spotted Volkai, and I don't see anything... These branches are in the way, and I'm gonna blame them!

"Kira, could you let me down if you intend on assaulting the foliage? I would prefer not to fall."

Right! Lauren! I forgot she was still on me. As I lower my head, she's quick to jump down and join Raya. It's clear that Lauren doesn't have the kind of recklessness that Raya has, which is good, since it means that it isn't from my dragon infusion.

Focus, Kira! Find the scalefolk! See the invisible! Destroy the foliage!

As I'm biting at the branches around us and creating a clearing, I do learn something new: branches are very good at getting stuck in my teeth. I hope that isn't the lesson I'm supposed to learn, that would be dumb. Using my tongue to get them unstuck isn't helping. I could probably just burn the branches away, but then I shouldn't burn down the forest on a whim. I know what I have to do...

"I need help, the branches are stuck..."

With a motion of her hand, Raya is quick to direct me to lower my head for her. As I do, I open my mouth, and she just climbs in and starts pulling out the branches, bringing delightful relief.

"What unusual restraint for a Dragon. To think you would ask for help before solving your problems with flame."

Darn right! I'm great at showing restraint and not giving in to my every impulse! In fact, I haven't burned anything to the ground for quite some time! Granted, the ruins of Plainshold did go a bit far on that matter, but I'm trying to be a little more cautious around flammable things.

Dang it, I'm getting distracted again. I'm supposed to be finding this invisible scalefolk. Using my keen and magically amplified dragon-sight, I scan the area around us to spot her, but I don't see anything.

There's a pull on my magic, and it appears that Lauren wants in on the magic. It doesn't take long before she starts looking around for Volkai as well. At least now I'm not alone in not finding the sneaky lady.

"Oh! I can see her as well."

Dang it! Why can't I see her?! Heeelp me, Raya!

"She's right there, look for the-"

Her sentence is cut short as her voice disappears in a tingle of magic. Volkai cast a spell on my Raya! That's not okay! Screw holding back my flames, I won't tolerate my Raya being restrained!

"Kira, wait!-"

Screw waiting, Lauren!

As I get ready to unleash my flames to scorch the area, Raya steps in front of me, not really stopping me, since she's so small compared to me, but the gesture is obvious...

"-Lady Shae, please undo your spell. Kira is quite protective of us, as we are of her."

"As you wish. I meant no offense, and I apologize for my actions. My intentions were simply for Kira to find her own way to the objective. Though I see now that she does possess the infamous territorial attitude of female Dragons."

Of course I'm gonna be protective of my friends when one of them has a spell to silence her cast on her. What else would I do? Just let strangers throw around spells? That's stupid...

"To think a goblin could hold back the fury of a Dragon. Such wonders the world will witness."

"Of course she can! She's my friend and I trust her, so fuck you for implying that she's less than me. Just tell us where we can find Skelly's faction and we'll leave. I don't want to be here anymore."

As my rage bubbles under my skin, I hear Raya's familiar clapping to get my attention, and as I turn my head down to face her, she smiles up at me.

"I'm okay, so let's get our tempers under control and start over, okay?"

Fine, but I get to be indignant about it the whole time...

"I don't need your mood eyes to tell what you felt just now. Trust us, Kira. We won't stand by and let anything happen to the other, or you. It was a simple silencing spell, so all it can do is stop her voice."

Lauren is being reasonable about it, but the Shae's willingness to cast the first spell tells me that casual casting isn't off the table and that irks me. What if the next one is something dangerous?

"It is clear that I have greatly offended you, Great Dragon. Might I offer reparations to mend our potential relationship? It would displease Lord Faran should I have done irreparable damage."

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"She likes treats."

Lauren and Raya agreeing that I like treats doesn't mean I'm in any mood to be bribed. I'm not opposed to people earning a little good favor through treats when I'm in a good mood, but I'm not, so I won't accept such a simple gesture.

"Treats can be offered, though for such a thing to happen, we would need to depart for the north. Though for that, it is of grave importance that none of you use your magic sight. To guarantee it, a binding must be worn to prevent a curious mind from using the sight and to bring your sight to mundane levels, Kira. It would also bring your goal within reach as Korfarrakir resides in the north."

I don't know that name, but it all sounds questionable as hell, and I'm not gonna risk having my magic bound. I don't know anything about this stranger who has apparently been lurking around Tuiran without introducing herself.

"Kira, why are you so upset? The spell didn't do anything other than make me quiet, and I can talk now, see?"

I don't know why I'm so upset, but I am, dang it!

"It is because I misjudged the situation, Raya. I had not expected you to be part of her hoard. Think of it as if I walked into your home and knocked an item you favored onto the floor. You would rightfully be upset, even if it turned out the item in question remained intact. Such is the action I committed, and it takes two components to undo my mistake, an apology and time."

Pfft, she may understand me better than I do, but I'm still gonna be upset.

"You think I belong to you, Kira?"

Oh great... Now we need to deal with that can of worms...

"Maybe, I'm sorry, I can't help it..."

"It's fine, but you have to belong to me, too. I want Lauren as part of the deal, it's only fair."

"When did I become part of this?"

That went better than I thought it would... I can't really say that it's healthy to be that possessive about my friends, but if they're fine with it, we'll face the downsides together.

"So since you belong to me, Kira. I order you to feel better and then we can get free food! I know that Volly doesn't want to hurt us, so trust me, okay?"

Well, when she puts it like that. Of course I trust the bossy little goblin... She deserves a nudge. Lauren is gonna get one, too. It's good that I have my friends around to talk some sense into me, but I'm still not sure about this binding stuff, it sounds sketchy.

Raya starts talking things over with the Shae and it doesn't take long until Raya starts bossing her around as well. Raya is quick to bring up promises and oaths to guarantee that I won't be bound in any way aside from the magical aspect of my sight, and she's very thorough about it.

"So, to summarize, you wish for the binding to occur through an enchanted piece of flimsy fabric, which Kira will be able to tear off at any point. You wish for it to hold a lessened effect with no lingering effects. I have to swear a blood oath that it will not harm Kira, and then you wish to keep the material once we have fed Kira as much as she wants. Is that correct?"

"And I want something fancy for Lily. She's giving up Skelly's robes, so she should get something, too."

Geez, it's bordering on extortion now. We should do this more often. And the Shae agrees to it! I didn't expect that when Raya started making demands, but it's fine, it seems. The scalefolk lady didn't even bat an eye at it. And then she sticks her hand into the air beside her and it disappears...

As she withdraws it, a long piece of fabric comes with it and... How the heck does she already have that?! I'm gonna ask her about it.

"I do not mean to appear deceptive, as if I had planned for all of this. Lord Faran has his ways of preparing for oddities such as this, and he had this prepared for me without providing any information. And he had a blood gem prepared as well, although I cannot guarantee that it is meant for this encounter."

As she mentions the blood gem, she puts her hand into the void again and pulls out a tiny pearl that smells incredible and fits snugly in her hand. If that's the kind of treat I was offered, I might have taken it. Before I have a chance to lick it, Lauren interjects with a question.

"You're just giving us a blood gem that big? What's the catch, is it cracked or fake?"

I have no idea what a blood gem is, so I nudge Lauren about it, which does get me an explanation. As it turns out, blood gems hold quite a lot of power and that small one the Shae is holding is apparently huge. But they can't be used as general magic batteries like other gems; they are great for enchanting and inscribing, making it a great gift for Lily.

"Had it been cracked, I would not be near it, as I do not wish to die. You are most welcome to inspect it."

Lauren takes it and starts looking it over, and it doesn't take long before she tries to hand it back, satisfied that it isn't dangerous. But the Shae points out that it's a gift for us, so we should keep it.

With a shrug, Lauren looks back at me before throwing the gem toward me, and I can't resist snatching it up and swallowing it. It's so delicious!

"Now, should you wish to proceed, we must make our way north to my people's new homeland. Once there, you will have the opportunity to meet with Lord Faran, should you wish it, or you may seek out Korfarrakir's association."

She's too helpful and prepared. Nudging Raya, I make sure she's sure that we should trust this person, but she's quite sure it seems.

"Lauren, stop being quiet, I'm feeling unsure about this whole thing, so what do you think?"

"Kira, if she breaks an oath, she will dishonor the one she serves, and as the Shae, that would be Lord Faran. It would be akin to me going out of my way to offend Merciferus."

Oh, well, that's some important context, Lauren gets annoyed when I offend Merciferus, so I can't imagine her doing it herself. I'm not sure about comparing him to Merciferus, though. That sounds blasphemy-adjacent.

A pat on the side of my muzzle brings my attention to a smiling Raya.

"You're thinking too hard about it, Kira. We can find Skelly's friends and get good food, those are things we want, so we should do it."

That's a pretty solid argument and I'm just being contrarian about it all. As I agree, the Shae suggests flying north, but I'm not letting her ride on me, my mood hasn't improved that much. But I can bring her with us without her riding me.

The nearest open area to take flight from is a little south of here, so trees, you're getting knocked over as I turn around! Try as I might, these trees are growing too close to each other for me to not cause some havoc, but that will just be room for younger trees to have a chance.

As I clear a path, Raya, Lauren, and the Shae follow behind, seeming to make sure to stay where I can see them if I look back under my wing, which I appreciate.

"Does she?..."

"Shh..."

Yeah, shush her, Lauren!

I may be taking my frustrations out on the trees and bumping into more than necessary, and it does feel good to cause a little destruction. It doesn't last long, though, as we reach the open plains.

"It's getting dark."

Raya is right, it is getting dark, and we should probably get moving. Lowering my head to the ground, Lauren and Raya know the drill, but instead of letting the Shae climb me, I move a little and grab her with a clawed hand before setting off. With a beat of my wings and a scream of our third passenger, we're off to the north.

"I must object to this method of transportation! Please do not drop me, Kira!"

Pfft, I don't drop people. Although... No, behave, Kira. Raya would be disappointed, and Lauren would yell.

It occurs to me that we still need some directions and the scalefolk lady I'm holding isn't in a great position to give them. I can hear Lauren and Raya when they talk during flight because they're often shouting and on top of my head, but with the length of my neck and back-swept arms, the Shae is quite far away for communication to work.

I might have to be an adult about this... Ugh! Stupid reason! We're landing again...

As we set down with a squish, I put down the Shae, making sure she doesn't fall on the moist soil.

"Raya, please help her up."

"Please, I need a moment... That was a new and uncomfortable experience..."

That's fair. I was being rude, and I could have been less vindictive. As she collects herself, Raya helps her climb up on my head as she settles down, with Lauren keeping her secure.

Instead of just taking off again, I'm gonna make sure she's actually ready for it and, asking her, she hesitates for a moment before letting me know that we can start flying.

Taking off with a short run before beating my wings, the takeoff is a lot more gentle and only yields a small yelp rather than a full scream, which I will interpret as approval.

With the Shae being a little more comfortable, and Lauren reassuring her that I am not, in fact, evil, she starts telling me where to go, which is north, toward that giant wall of mist. We could have found that on our own, but it feels like I'm only aware of it just now. If it's another thing screwing with my perception, I'm gonna be annoyed, so I won't ask about that.

"How come we couldn't see it when we flew north before?"

Dang it, Raya, you inquisitive little goblin!

"When looked upon, the mist makes you forget unless you have been directed toward it. This allows my people to guide others here while keeping ruffians away."

Oh, I was right! That negates the annoyance! Point to Kira.

It doesn't take long for us to reach the mist, and before we pass through, Volkai directs us to land at the grassy edge. Taking us down and landing as softly as I can, Raya helps the Shae down as they help each other wrap the scarf around my arm.

The effect is obvious as the world darkens. Everything becomes more gray and bleak, and I can't quite see as far. Geez, I didn't realize my excellent sight was powered by magic in a natural way. Is it natural since it's altered by literal magic?

Wait... Scalefolk have tails, how the heck can she sit in front of Lauren? Then Lauren shouldn't be able to hold onto my horns on account of being far enough back to make room for the tail. I'm gonna ask about that and Lauren is hesitant to answer.

"Raya, I thought you said it was okay."

That what was okay? I'm very sure this involves me, and they don't seem to be including me in this conversation.

"Yeah, it is okay, it helps you hold on, right?"

"By the Gods, Raya. You can't just tie reins to someone without asking them first."

Dang it, Raya! You little rascal! And how come I haven't felt it? Ropes tied to me should be something I should have noticed. I am noticing the sensation of them being removed, though.

"Here, Kira. I'm sorry, I didn't know she hadn't asked. I should have known."

I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with the ropes, plural, but I am curious why there are more than one. A large one and a much smaller one with a hoop. I assume the large one goes on my horns, since it's the only one that fits, but the small one confuses me.

Nudging Rascally Raya, I demand that she explain the function of the smaller rope! Or she will be punished with a puff of smoke!

"The big rope goes through this little rope, so when you turn your head, Lauren doesn't lose her grip on the little rope. It keeps her safe."

That's clever. Dang it, I kinda like it. We might have to find something more ornamental than an old rope, though. So no punishment for Raya today, that was a good decision. I just would have preferred being part of it. We'll settle for a mild talking-to when we get home.

As I notice the Shae, having totally not forgotten her existence, she appears to have a raised eye ridge as she stares at us for some reason, but we don't have time to explore that. We should get moving and see this weird place I've wanted to visit for two lives.

As Lauren climbs back onto me, she ties the ropes onto me again, with my consent this time, and the Shae directs us into the mist. The terrain immediately changes from squishy grass to crunchy bones and the place is big. Geez, how many freakin' things have died here?

Asking the Shae about it, she talks about how this place is the burial of thousands of wars fought in this world, and this desert of death is their final resting place. Geez, if a necromancer got in here, they would have a fantastic day. Or an osteophage. Should I try eating some? No... That would be rude.

For some reason, the place isn't dark, but the clouds appear as if they might rain at any moment. Yet the place doesn't seem to have any moisture. I have no idea how this place works, which makes me want to inspect it with my regular vision as well as my magic vision. But both are off-limits...

"Are we going to that big wall, Volly?"

Good question, Raya. I assume we are, and after stretching, the Shae tells us that Raya's question was prudent. A bit further east from here, we'll find a road that will take us to an entrance into the Lands beyond Death. I'm gonna assume that all these bones are the death part of that, then. And that means I have no idea what we're gonna find on the other side of that wall.

I'm beginning to think that people around here have too casual a relationship with death, considering the bones and necromancy going on. And just letting some undead jerk attack in the south.

Never mind that, for now, we should head for this wall and see what's going on over there. And as Raya helps the Shae back on board, we take off in a gentle fashion again. The place is utterly littered with bones of all sorts. As we fly, I spot dwarves, humans, scalefolk, fur folk, and bigger humans. What a weird hobby it is to collect this many bones.

"We are closing in on the road, and it will take us to the gate. Above the gate, the wall will open to allow you to fly through. It was an entrance built for Deannon'Tathir and Thaegon."

Oh, that's the emerald dragon of Haven and his little buddy, Thaegon, Merciferus told me about. I guess they came around here so often that a special gate had to be built. Although as we close in on the wall, "built" might be the wrong word. Even the freakin' wall is made of bones, and I miss my dragon sight already. It's like I need glasses, and magic was my sight correction.

The bones crawl away as we approach, which is very creepy, but also convenient. The other side of the wall opens up into a huge meadow, and if I didn't know we were approaching winter, I would have thought it was the middle of spring. The ground is covered in flowers in bloom, and that feels suspiciously magical.

"Kira, above us, you will find a balcony, if you land on it, we can walk into the great hall and prepare a meal for the three of you."

Ooh, now the Shae is onto something. I didn't even have to worry about that offer being retracted after I was mean to her with the initial flight.

She's right about the balcony above us, and it's actually made of stone instead of bone, which is a nice contrast. As we approach, giant windows come into view, and they look gothic. If I had a giant bone castle, I would want black, gothic windows, too.

I'm a little hesitant about landing, but the Shae reassures me that it was built for someone much larger than me, which seems odd, since it isn't that much bigger than me.

Landing on the edge, the Shae is quick to have Raya and Lauren dismount along with her as a door to the side swings open and there's another scalefolk to greet us. This one appears male with bright scales of blue and red and he's wearing an apron. He might be the chef. And just like that, it occurs to me that I haven't been able to smell as many things as usual... Dang magic restriction, it had better not affect my sense of taste.

As I'm caught up in distraction, the Shae and the chef direct Raya and Lauren into the wall building, and before entering, Raya whistles for me to draw my attention. I can't fit through there, so I don't know what to do. For now, I'll just nudge Raya and let the three of them go inside.

As I get closer to the doorway, it grows... Everything grows... I'm freakin' shrinking?!

"By the Gods, what monstrous being can cast magic potent enough to affect a Dragon like that?"

"I don't care, Kira is adorable!"

First of all, I'm always adorable, and second, Raya is bigger than me now! And she's picking me up! No! Stop! I'm a big mighty dragon, not a plushie!

"You fit on my head now, Kira!"

And she does put me on her head, and if it wasn't for how nice Raya's hair feels, I would be very upset at this development. Geez, from natural disaster to a goblin hat in a matter of seconds... It is a very nice head to perch on, though.

And fitting through the door won't be an issue anymore.

As I ride my steed through the grand gateway, we happen upon a vast structure of a table with giant chairs arranged all around it. Not one chair is of the same design, seeming to be suited for a variety of guests. There's a taller-than-average chair, which, if I had to guess, looks like Raya might fit it well. There's a human-sized chair and... there's a pillow chair. I'm pretty sure that pillow chair is for Deannon'Tathir in a shrunken state.

They all look grand and fancy with carvings depicting their species' traits, made of some sort of black wood. And at the end of the table, there's a plain chair made of metal. There are no ornamental carvings, it's just blank metal, and it looks very uncomfortable.

"Please do find a seat and our chef will bring out your meals."

Lauren is quick to grab a chair next to the goblin chair as she calls out to Raya.

"Raya, sit down and you can play with Kira some more."

That doesn't sound like a good plan at all! And Raya just listens to her, as if treating me like a toy is the most normal thing in the world. As soon as Raya sits down next to Lauren, she places me on the table and starts proving my toy analogy is more rooted in reality than it should be. Raya, unable to keep her hands to herself, begins playing with my wings and I'm powerless to stop her! She's flapping my wings for me and playing with my tail! The indignity of it all!

"Kira, we have to find a way for you to turn small like this again. This is so much fun, look at your tail!"

"I can look at my tail while I'm big too, Raya."

"But you could visit me like this."

I hadn't thought of that, that's a very good point. I could visit a lot of places, I would just have to be careful to not get stepped on. Geez, it's kinda terrifying to be tiny.