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Blackgum was so confused.

He was pinned. A large paw pressed on his lower back and hips while powerful jaws held around his shoulders and neck.

Had he said something wrong?

They had flown away, following his Queen’s brothers. Blackgum’s siblings, spare Sidewinder, and Queen Moorhen’s brothers had landed a good distance away. Far enough that they couldn’t hear Queen Moorhen’s conversation with his mate, but well within sight. Sidewinder might be able to hear them at this distance, but MudWing ears were insufficient. Everything was good.

His Queen had accepted his SandWing brother.

Blackgum had kept control as best he could. Tears had rolled down the sides of his muzzle, but he did his best to ignore them. He could feel Sidewinder’s tears too. Their tails held tight. Sidewinder’s was tense in a way that let Blackgum know he was crying. Stoic as ever, soundless, but crying. Blackgum did his very best to mimic his stronger brothers, but it was so hard not to tremble. To keep breathing steadily. It caught a few times.

Their strongest brother, of course, was stone. Kobicha was so strong he could bear anything. He could carry the sky and stars themselves. No trembles, not a single tear. Stoic, unmovable.

Blackgum had to wipe away the tears with his wing tips when they landed. After that he was relaxing with the queen’s brothers. They were very nice. They all talked about his troop’s time away, how wonderful it was that the war was over, and MudWing life. How Kobicha and Blackgum missed their tribe’s food. How they missed the wallowing in their homeland’s mud.

They walked as they spoke, circling around to get a better view of his Queen and his mate. They settled once they were at Sidewinder’s right. Then more lounging and chatting.

Everything was great. Blackgum glanced over now and then, excited to see how his brother and his queen were conversing merrily. Both looked really happy. Everyone in Blackgum’s troop was smiling. What a wonderful, perfect day.

Then Sidewinder looked more serious. But that was normal, right? There had to be serious things to discuss with the whole ‘welcoming a SandWing into the tribe’ part. Obviously Queen Moorhen was happy with them. She had welcomed his brother, and she was so lovely. Blackgum had loved his Queen since the moment he heard her name. And now, after so many years, Blackgum had actually met his Queen. She was everything he had hoped. Queen Moorhen was so very kind. She was radiant with love and warmth.

Then Blackgum was pinned. Jaws clamped down on the base of his neck. His Queen’s brothers were older and larger than he was. All of them were considerably larger than Kobicha, even. The pin was firm. It didn’t hurt. But he was so confused. Why was he pinned? What had he said?

Blackgum could move his head a little. A glance showed his bigwings was pinned as well. One of the Queen’s brothers was atop Blackgum, while two were on Kobicha. That made sense. Kobicha was so very strong. The two royal MudWings probably weren’t enough, even with their size advantage. But why were they pinned? Did Kobicha say something wrong? Kobicha wasn’t fighting back. That was good for the two MudWing Princes.

Blackgum moved his head the small bit he could manage and looked toward his mate and his Queen.

Blackgum began suffocating.

He couldn’t breathe.

His heart ached in a way he hadn’t felt in a decade.

Sidewinder’s barb was to his chest.

Blackgum’s roar shrieked out. He twisted and squirmed and kicked as best he could. Then he was free, pumping his wings so very hard. Everything was so slow. His muscles and joints began to ache with exertion. He was flying faster than he had ever managed before.

He skidded onto the platform beside Sidewinder. He couldn’t ram into his brother at full force. SandWings were too fragile.

He still slammed into his brother.

Blackgum shoved Sidewinder’s tail away as hard as he could.

“Don’t EVER do that again!” he shrieked.

Sidewinder looked from Blackgum’s Queen to Blackgum.

“I’m sorry-”

“NEVER! AGAIN!” Blackgum screamed. He could feel his voice squeaking and breaking. He wished he had his bigwing’s powerful, commanding voice. But his voice was high pitched, crackling when he screamed.

“Never again, my sweet tadpole,” Sidewinder murmured. He gently nosed at Blackgum’s muzzle. “That was too reckless, my love.”

Only then did the world catch up. Queen Moorhen shouting ‘stand down’. The wingbeats around them. The dips, twists and jerks in his flight as he instinctively dodged, refusing to allow any obstacle between him and his mate’s side.

Blackgum glanced around. Why was the world so bright now? Guards had circled them, weapons at the ready, and Queen Moorhen’s sister was held back by his Queen’s wing and tail.

Blackgum couldn’t care less.

Blackgum had loved his Queen since the moment he heard her name.

But nothing mattered more than his siblings.

Blackgum quickly dug into his right satchel. He pulled free a clean cloth and started wiping over Sidewinder’s chest. His talons were so clumsy as he tried to clean away the venom. He fumbled the cloth several times as he wiped. Why were his talons shaking? Blackgum hated that smell. Faintly acrid, sort of bitter. The venom barely had a scent, but it was so strong for the weak MudWing. It was a smell Blackgum knew well.

It was the scent of their sisters’ deaths.

The world was so bright it hurt Blackgum’s eyes. His watery eyes. He couldn’t stop the tears as he worked the cloth over his brother’s beautiful scales. Wiping away that black-green death.

It was so hard to breathe.

Blackgum dropped the cloth. He dug into his left satchel and pulled free a stone container of brightsting cactus salve.

“It didn’t penetrate-”

Sidewinder stopped when Blackgum’s eyes glared into his own. Blackgum could see his reflection in his mate’s onyx eyes. Blackgum’s reflection was crying. Shaking.

Why couldn’t he be stone, like his bigwings.

“Thank you for treating me,” his mate murmured affectionately.

Blackgum looked back at Sidewinder’s chest. He knew the tail barb hadn’t pierced. His brother would be with his sisters if it had. He still dipped his talon into the gel and spread it along that spot. Down along where the deadly fluid had dribbled.

He barely choked in a breath. It burned his throat.

“Return to your posts. Immediately.”

The wingbeats surrounding them faded away.

Blackgum faintly knew Kobicha had joined them. His bigwings’ wings were pressed to their sides. Not engulfing them, not hiding them. But he was safe.

“I said not to hurt them.”

That was his Queen’s voice.

“I’m so sorry, Moorhen. He’s small and my drool made him slippery. He’s so bendy and he just moved so fast.”

That was the MudWing Prince that had pinned him.

Only then did Blackgum feel pain. There was hot blood on his scales. It was along his neck and shoulders, down his front legs.

He didn’t care.

His job done, his brother healed, Blackgum collapsed forward. His muzzle and face pressed to Sidewinder’s shoulder. His body rocked with sobs. His throat was so tight.

It hurt SO much to breathe.

Why was it so hard to fill his lungs?

Why couldn’t he be stone?

“Queen Moorhen, I know your time is precious and limited. If your test is over, and if you would grant us your grace, I request we continue our discussion when you are next available. My brother is distraught.”

Sidewinder was such a good communicator. His words were perfect. He always knew the right thing to say.

Blackgum wished he was perfect.

It hurt so much to breathe.

Blackgum pressed closer, his wings tucking around Sidewinder’s lower back. He was crying harder now. He could feel Kobicha’s wing moving over him, swathing him. Hiding his weakness.

Why couldn’t he be stone.

“Yes, of course. I will schedule time for us to meet tomorrow.” There was a pause. “Kobicha’s troop is free to do as they wish. If they choose to leave our kingdom, not a single dragon will try to stop them. They are free to stay or leave.” That was loud, commanding. His Queen was powerful, just like Kobicha. Her voice became soft, affectionate again. “I will ask that you do not leave. Not as your Queen, not as an order. I ask as someone who cares for all three of you greatly, as I care for every member of our tribe. But you are free to do as you wish.”

“Thank you, my Queen.” Kobicha’s voice was so deep. So comforting. So strong. His brother was stone. He could never be moved. There was not a thing in Pyrrhia that could break him.

Blackgum’s lungs slowly filled. His throat ached, his lungs burned. But slowly, barely, he could breathe in.

Blackgum wasn’t sure how long they were there. His siblings held him, cradled in eight wings, until the tremors and sobs ebbed away. Until he could breathe without it hurting. Until their crooning soothed his soul.

It was all a slow blur from there. Everyone had left. His Queen, her siblings, the guards. All that was left was his troop and one of Shoebill’s troop to lead them. Blackgum wasn’t sure which one it was. The voice was familiar. But he kept staring at his beautiful, sand-colored brother. A quarter of his everything. A quarter he had been so scared would join his sisters.

When had mud been applied to his neck and shoulders? His troop was guided into a spacious room. A large platform hung from the ceiling, cushions and swaths of fabric piled atop it. The other MudWing said things. Blackgum didn’t really hear any of it.

Kobicha climbed onto the platform. Sidewinder followed as their bigwings settled. Sidewinder settled into his spot to Kobicha’s left.

Blackgum couldn’t. He climbed onto the platform and hurried to Sidewinder’s side, opposite Kobicha. He broke formation, ignoring his spot to the right of his bigwings. He was such a weak MudWing.

Blackgum leaned close to Sidewinder, pressing their bodies together as he passed. Brown scales slid along sandy scales. Sidewinder shifted to make room for Blackgum. Blackgum made his way between his brothers, tucking in tight as he could to Kobicha. Sidewinder scooted closer, pressing Blackgum even tighter against Kobicha. Blackgum tucked his face to Kobicha’s foreleg. Wings worked over him, hiding him from the world.

Protected, invisible to the world, Blackgum broke down again. Sobs wracked his body as his tears met Kobciha’s scales.

Why did it hurt to breathe again?

***

Blackgum’s body occasionally trembled in the safety beneath his siblings’ wings. He had stopped crying. He could breathe again. His throat’s ache was dull and distant.

Why did he have to be so weak?

Blackgum had heard his bigwing speaking to a different dragon. Muffled, far away, like Blackgum was under mud. Blackgum didn’t quite know what the other dragon wanted. He was in his deep space. Deep, so deep, far away from the world. His deep space, where there was nothing else. Just his siblings, wrapped safely in their strength and power. Held by his brothers. Held by his sisters.

Blackgum’s brothers were hiding him, while his sisters comforted him. Helping him breathe.

His four siblings, everything Blackgum wished he could be, protected him together.

Blackgum fought to stay there, recovering in his deep space. But thoughts kept dragging him away from it, back to that day. To that embrace. To the barb-

“No one is listening now.”

Back in the world his brother’s bodies had changed. Still, quiet. There was a change in Sidewinder’s voice. Instincts pulled Blackgum away from his deep space. His sisters lifted him upwards. It was Sidewinder’s strict, controlled voice. Quiet, clear, terse. The ‘important for the troop’ voice both his brothers could use. The voices that had kept them safe for the last decade.

Blackgum was back. He lifted his head as Kobicha nodded. His muzzle got affectionate nudges and a kiss from each of his brothers.

“Thank you,” Sidewinder murmured affectionately. Soft, sweet, loving. Blackgum managed a quiet purr in response.

“Did you tell them that you…” Kobicha whispered.

“I did not.” Sidewinder’s voice was strict, quiet, again.

Kobicha nodded. Their bigwings had given Sidewinder free reign to disclose what he wished. Blackgum was glad Sidewinder hadn’t shared everything.

“Will we stay?” Blackgum whispered. His voice lacked the strict precision his brothers’ did.

Why were they both looking at him?

“Do you want to, little tadpole?” Kobicha asked in his normal voice. Warm, rumbly, affectionate. Not the ‘troop business’ voice any more.

Blackgum knew all his siblings coddled him. He hated that he loved it, that it felt right.

Why couldn’t he be stone?

Blackgum looked between his siblings. Brown, amber, and onyx eyes full of love and warmth for him. Blackgum could see how scared he was in his reflections in each pair of eyes. So weak.

“You were the one who was injured, my love,” Sidewinder encouraged. “You are the one who saved me.”

Saved him? Sidewinder had never really been in danger. Right?

“Do you want to go home?”

Blackgum lowered his gaze to Sidewinder’s chest. The brightsting cactus salve had been wiped away at some point. Sidewinder’s beautiful scales showed no sign of what had almost happened.

“What did you hear in Queen Moorhen’s voice?” Blackgum implored. Pleaded. Did his Queen truly deserve his love?

Sidewinder didn’t hesitate. He knew everything. He knew the truth.

“She spoke true. We are free to leave if we wish. There was anger, but mostly pain. It hurt her to see that you were injured. A bit of fear. I believe she did not want me to be hurt, either. My response scared her.”

Sidewinder’s response. His Queen’s hurt. Blackgum kept staring at Sidewinder’s chest, where his heart was. Sidewinder was so good at his role. He could hear everything a dragon didn’t say. He could see through a dragon. He could always sense the truth.

Blackgum finally dragged himself away from what had happened. What had happened earlier that day. What had happened a decade ago. He turned his head to nose at Kobicha’s jaw.

“Can we stay?”

Kobicha nodded and rumbled, “We will stay.”

It felt so much better for his bigwings to decide.

They settled again. It was peaceful. One side of him was warm against his bigwings. The other side was even warmer, pressed against his mate’s SandWing body. This was his favorite place, safe in the embrace of his troop. His favorite place other than his deep space, where he could feel all four of his siblings.

Then he was slowly dragged back to his thoughts. To the earlier. To a decade ago.

“I can’t stop seeing it.”

Why did he have to blurt it out?

“I can’t either,” Kobicha rumbled. He nosed along Blackgum’s neck, avoiding the patches of semi-dried mud.

“Me neither… I’m sorry.”

It was all Sidewinder could say. It wasn’t something Blackgum wanted him to say. Even as he saw his SandWing sister’s barb sinking into his MudWing sister’s chest. Saw MudWing jaws clamping around SandWing throat. The falling. Sidewinder had said today was a test. His brother had given the correct answer, Blackgum was sure of that. He wanted to tell Sidewinder it was okay, that he shouldn’t blame himself. But then he saw barb to chest again. Jaws to throat. And again… and again…

Become stone.

Be strong as Kobcha.

Sense the truth like Sidewinder.

Retreat to his deep space.

Blackgum was distracted. He stared into the pillow between his forelegs. It was a wonderful green color. The view was framed by beautiful scales. His bigwings’ deep brown and amber scales on one side, the beautiful desert sand scales of his mate. He tried to take it in and see nothing else. To not see what had happened. Not to see barb to chest.

Sidewinder was moving to adjust against Blackgum. Probably moving to be more comfortable. Shifting scales, like sand trickling down dunes.

It took a while to notice. A melody slowly drew Blackgum’s attention. He lifted his head, ears perking. Sidewinder had moved to free his foretalons, not to be more comfortable. He was holding one of his lyres, taken from one of Sidewinder’s pouches. It was the one with too many strings for Blackgum to use well. Sidewinder’s claws worked so gracefully over them, more delicate and precise than Blackgum could manage.

Kobicha’s muzzle nudged against Blackgum’s shoulder. Kobicha gestured to the floor with his muzzle when Blackgum looked over. Blackgum could feel his chest warm and a smile break through, spreading over his muzzle. He quickly pushed himself forward and slipped off the platform. He turned and backed away, making ample space for his bigwings.

Kobicha slid from the platform and settled in front of Blackgum. They moved in unison as Sidewinder began humming along with the lyre.

A slow bow of their heads. Then right wings extended, both MudWings stepping to their respective right. Their left wings extended as the right retracted, swaying back to the left. They turned opposite circles, tails trailing over one another; then repeated it in the opposite direction. Blackgum tucked his wings as Kobicha raised one of his. Blackgum slid beneath it, sides pressed together as they passed. Their tails entwined. Blackgum turned as their tails slid past one another.

He ducked under Kobicha’s other wing, the dragons passing one another again, tails coiling, and turning the opposite way.

Dancing with his siblings always made Blackgum so very happy. It chased away all the doubts, thoughts, fear.

They came together, chest-to-chest. Blackgum pressed his cheek to Kobicha’s shoulder, Kobicha’s neck and head resting atop Blackgum’s shoulders. They swayed and stepped together, a dance they knew so well. The dance Landslide had taught them.

Their sisters danced alongside them.

They swayed, crooned, and rocked together. His pain, the memories, his fear had all melted away as they slowly stepped through the familiar motions.

“That’s so pretty…”

Blackgum liked that voice. He lifted his head and smiled toward the room’s entryway. Woodrot was standing there, his impressively dark scales a stark contrast to the adobe walls. Woodrot was looking between the two dancing dragons and the musical SandWing. Blackgum smiled at Kobicha, then gestured for Sidewinder to join them. Sidewinder set the lyre aside and hopped off the platform. Blackgum then motioned for Woodrot to follow as he climbed back onto the platform.

Blackgum rummaged through one of Sidewinder’s pouches that had been left on the platform. He pulled one of their djembe free from it. He turned to Woodrot and set it down. Blackgum started to tap at it with his front talons, drumming with his palms and claws. He could see Sidewinder and Kobicha dancing in his peripheral vision. Far more vivacious, bouncing and stepping around one another, the way SandWings liked to dance.

Once he had played for a little, Woodrot watching intently, Blackgum moved the djembe over to the smaller MudWing. Woodrot looked so, so very excited for the chance to play. He brought the drum closer and began patting on it how Blackgum had shown him. It wasn’t nearly as precise or in-beat as Blackgum had been, but it was still wonderful and easy for his brothers to dance to.

Blackgum pulled another lyre- a simpler one- from the same pouch. He started plucking along to Woodrot’s drum beat. The two MudWings bobbed their heads as they played, watching the large MudWing and SandWing gracefully hop about.

Diamondback and Landslide were beautiful dancing along with them.

Blackgum spotted two snouts peeking into the room. He laughed and let out a soft purr toward them. Swamp and Sinkhole’s heads pushed in, curiously glancing at Blackgum. He gestured for them to come in with his wing, playing all the while.

They looked delighted. Sinkhole scampered to Blackgum’s siblings and started dancing with them. She wasn’t quite as coordinated at the energetic dance as his brothers. And she was careful to not end up behind Sidewinder, even though Sidewinder’s tail was curled politely.

Swamp, on the other talon, dashed over and pounced onto the platform with Blackgum and Woodrot, making the platform sway back and forth. Swamp settled and raised his wing. He slid a flute out from beneath it, lifted the instrument, and looked hopefully toward Blackgum. Blackgum squeaked happily and nodded.

Swamp was amazing at playing the flute. He worked into the drumming and lyre expertly, wings lifted and bobbing about as he played.

Blackgum was considering taking a turn dancing with his siblings when someone cleared their throat. He glanced over, paws going still on the lyre. Standing in the entryway was Shoebill. Just behind her was a far larger MudWing. The Prince that had pinned Blackgum earlier.

“Blackgum, your presence has been requested.”

“You can say no, of course. I’m sorry to interrupt, but I wished to apologize,” the Prince added after Shoebill spoke.

The room had gone still, all attention on Blackgum. Blackgum looked to his siblings for help. Neither brother seemed to have an answer. Kobicha tilted his muzzle, indicating it was up to Blackgum. His sisters encouraged him.

“You’re up Sidewinder!” Blackgum chirped as excitedly as he could muster then tossed his mate the lyre. Sidewinder caught it and began strumming. He balanced on his hindlegs, playing as he started to dance again. The flute and drumming worked back in, the dragons resuming their fun- though Blackgum could feel glances on him as he left the room.

Shoebill led Blackgum and the large Prince to another chamber. A deep pool of mud filled two-thirds of the room, a walkway going to the middle.

Blackgum was guided in first, followed by the Prince. Shoebill bowed her head and exited, pausing for a brief, concerned look before she was gone.

Blackgum was about to bow. The Prince beat him to it. The royal MudWing lay prostrate before Blackgum, his muzzle to the ground. Blackgum slumped back, sitting on his haunches, flabbergasted.

“Please forgive me. As Moorhen’s brother I am a servant to our tribe, and every MudWing … and SandWing in it.” It still made Blackgum feel so happy, so tingly, that his mate was accepted as his brother. “It kills me to have hurt one of our citizens, the exact opposite of my duties. I am so sorry.”

Blackgum felt himself choke up.

Why couldn’t he be stone?

He stared, sitting there, a royal dragon submitting to him. Blackgum, of all dragons. The weak, shrieking MudWing who had caused so much trouble. The one that couldn’t be stone or sense the truth.

“Y… you’re forgiven, of course. Please, don’t bow to me. It’s really fine, you were doing as you were ordered.” Blackgum’s chest relaxed as the dragon rose.

The Prince had very pretty eyes.

“Thank you. I truly wish I hadn’t had to do that, but I am loyal to my sister without question. I know her orders were important and just. Though I am saddened by what occurred.”

Blackgum nodded. Of course; he was also loyal to his Queen. He loved his Queen. He would have done what she ordered as well.

So long as it didn’t hurt his siblings.

“I reacted… poorly. I’m sorry too. I hope I didn’t hurt you?”

The Prince waved a talon. “Nothing to worry about. In fact, injury is part of why I am here.” The Prince rummaged through a bag at his tail base. Only then did Blackgum notice a cauldron hanging from the Prince’s tail tip. The Prince pulled a package from the bag. It was wrapped in thick paper with a grass rope holding it closed. “I am the healer of our troop. May I treat you? I’ve developed a very effective healing mud.” He pulled the rope knot undone with a claw and unfolded the paper. There was a thick, dark cake of mud, bits of green in it. A wonderful herbal scent wafted from it.

“You don’t have to, it’s really okay. You were just-”

“Please. As a MudWing that hurt another MudWing. Please let me try to make up for it.”

Blackgum wished he could know the truth. Was this right? He slowly nodded. Blackgum turned around and sat again . He spread his wings a little, displaying the patches of mud on his shoulders and neck.

“You’re incredibly brave, flying into danger like that.”

Brave? Blackgum?

“I wanted to protect my brother is all.”

“Still. Flying straight toward the Queen, with all of her guards, her sister…” The Prince had settled behind Blackgum. The old mud was brushed away. Blackgum heard him suck a breath between his teeth. “I’m so sorry…”

Blackgum shrugged his wings a tiny bit. “It doesn’t hurt any more.” Was it bad to lie to a Prince? He felt like he shouldn’t do that. He also didn’t want the Prince to feel bad about it.

“Still…” the Prince murmured. He brought his tail around. Blackgum watched over his shoulder as a chunk of the mud cake was broken free and mixed into the cauldron of water. The chunk dissolved into a pleasant, muddy slurry. The Prince started to apply the mud over Blackgum’s injuries. Blackgum shivered. It tingled, then a faint numbness took hold. Then warmth. Blackgum felt his wings sag as he relaxed.

“That feels amazing,” he mumbled.

“I’m glad. It should help you heal even faster than normal mud would.”

Blackgum leaned his head forward as his neck was stroked over. The scent was just as relaxing as the warmth. Blackgum could tell the mud was actually cool, but something about it was also wonderfully warm.

“I’m our troop’s healer too. Could you teach me how to make this?”

“I’d be happy to. I’m hoping to share it with the whole tribe once I improve it. Unfortunately, some of the plants are small and uncommon, so I’m trying to find alternatives,” the Prince shared, clearly pleased. He went over the process- refining and filtering silt for the mud, what plants to dry, which to use fresh, how to grind them. It was impressively complex to Blackgum. He wondered how the Prince had figured it out.

A couple of layers of the mud had Blackgum feeling warm all over. He felt a faint buzz in his head. Not drowsy or drunk, just… pleasant. Relaxed. Buzzy.

“Does Queen Moorhen know you’re here?... You’re not going to get in trouble, right?”

The Prince shook his head. “She gave me permission,” he rumbled in response. He was wrapping the mud cake back up, moving the now-empty cauldron aside.

“I’m sorry I ruined whatever her plans were.”

“She did ask me not to talk about that, as she will address it all tomorrow. However… Please do not fret. I cannot speak for my sister, but I was very impressed with what you did. As I said, it was very brave.” The Prince paused before adding, “I’ve never seen a MudWing move quite like you did.”

Blackgum turned around and sat back, now facing the Prince. “Sidewinder has taught me a lot that I don’t think other MudWings know. Wing movements, angles… using my talons to catch the air, that sort of thing. Though I’ve always been really agile. It’s because I’m shaped weird for a MudWing.” He splayed his wings out, showing how narrow they were. “It helps me turn and adjust faster. I don’t know why. I sort of wonder if it has to do with my black insides too.” Why was he babbling? Surely the Prince had more to worry about than a weak MudWing’s strange features.

“I admit I have never seen another with those traits, but I would say they are unique. Not weird. Do you know if your mother had similar features?”

Blackgum shook his head, “No. We don’t know who laid our clutch. Kobicha thinks she may have been ashamed to lay such a small clutch, so she never let anyone know about us. But I don’t hold that against her. She couldn’t have known two of our troop were laid by someone else.”

The Prince considered this for a good while. “I suppose that would be fair. But I’m glad you’ve returned to us. Unique is good. Diversity in a tribe is a strength . Mayhaps some of your dragonets will inherit your unique traits.”

Blackgum smiled at that idea. He still had this wonderful sense of fulfillment at having made eggs for his first time. He didn’t know if Sinkhole would actually have his eggs, but the thought of his traits being valued, and passed on, was a very pleasant one.

“Please, take this,” the Prince requested as he pushed the paper-wrapped mud cake to Blackgum. Then he rummaged in his tail bag again. He pulled something free. “And this. I won’t say it’s an apology… a gift. Welcoming you back to our kingdom.”

The Prince held out his talons in front of Blackgum. Cradled in the Prince’s palms was an earring. The hook looked to be gold. A stone hung from it, oblong and polished. It was black with veins of gold running throughout it. “It’s from my own treasure, not my troop’s. It matches your eyes, and your insides… like it was meant for you.”

Blackgum opened his muzzle to protest.

“Please.” The Prince’s words were so sincere, so hopeful. Blackgum stared into the Prince’s pretty eyes.

“Thank you.” Blackgum’s voice quavered. If only he could be stone. He reached and gently took the earring in his talon.

The Prince bowed his head. “Thank you. And thank you for letting me treat you. I should return… Always work for the royal troop. You said earlier you missed roasted anaconda. I’ll have the palace chefs prepare and send a meal for your and Shoebill’s troops. I insist.” The Prince smiled, once more cutting off Blackgum’s protests. “It was wonderful to get to know you better, Blackgum. Thank you for forgiving me.”

The Prince turned, taking the cauldron on his tail again. He left the room, walking with such a happy and regal air about him. Blackgum lifted himself, taking the gifts in one foreleg. He followed the music back to where his siblings were. Sinkhole was singing to the music, playing the djembe, while Woodrot was dancing again. Blackgum quickly put his gifts with his satchels, then scampered to dance with Diamondback.

They kept dancing and playing until the food arrived. Sidewinder also loved roasted anaconda, to Blackgum’s delight. Then they retired early to ensure they were prepared for their meeting with their Queen the next day. Blackgum slept between his brothers, engulfed in their scents, hidden from the world. He sank into his deep place, nestled between all four siblings.

He had such wonderful dreams.

***

A guard led them to the throne room. They gestured for Blackgum and his brothers to enter, but did not follow them in. The throne room was breathtaking. Adobe walls were adorned with beautiful murals of the surrounding swamplands. A particularly gorgeous mural was of Queen Moorhen, looking over her shoulder resting upon a stump in the wetland, her castle in the background. There were large windows that allowed the room to fill with sunlight. Potted plants were scattered along the walls, bringing a sense of realism to the art. Queen Moorhen lounged on a large throne. It was raised a bit above the surrounding platform, large enough for her troop to join her and still be elevated above anyone else present.

But the siblings weren’t there. Nor were there guards. It was their troop and Queen Moorhen.

The three dragons bowed.

“You may rise. Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

A large pile of silks had been arranged before Queen Moorhen. Kobicha settled atop it, Blackgum and Sidewinder tucking against Kobicha on their respective sides.

The weight, and motion, of the piercing in Blackgum’s right ear was strange. He liked it, though.

Blackgum’s Queen lowered herself, bowing to them.

Blackgum stared.

“I apologize for what you went through yesterday.” Queen Moorhen righted herself. “What I did was unforgivable, even as your Queen. I hope that you may forgive me, but I have no expectations or orders for you to do so. I appreciate that you chose to stay and to speak further. I want you to know what happened yesterday, and why.

“Before that, however, I have one very important point of business to discuss.” Queen Moorhen gathered items beside her, reached forward, and deposited them before Kobicha.

Blackgum leaned forward to see what it was. There were three copper cuffs, one sized to Kobicha, the other two smaller. They were all engraved the same, and the front-middle bore Queen Moorhen’s seal.

“Please accept these tokens of my gratitude. They give you immunity to come and go throughout the Mud Kingdom as you wish. I will work to ensure every MudWing knows that we have a SandWing in our tribe, and a member of a treasured troop. Until then, everyone will know Sidewinder is our family with this.”

Kobicha moved one smaller cuff to Sidewinder, the other to Blackgum. Blackgum could see his brothers put the cuff on their right forelegs. He chose to slide it onto his left. It felt like that balanced his anklet and earring, both of which were on his right side.

“These are yours, regardless of your answer to my next question. You are members of our tribe, forgiven for your desertion, and every action you may have committed before this moment. As for my question. I said what I did is unforgivable, and I truly believe that. It is even worse that I, your Queen, would hurt you three so. Not just the damage done to Blackgum, but to put all three of you through such a painful experience.

“Because of this, I ask- do you still accept me as your Queen? I will understand if you do not. If you choose not to, you will be free of your service to me, and free of any orders to our tribe, even in the event of war or emergency. However, that also means you will not be able to reap the benefits of our tribe. You may still live among us, if you choose; but you would do so independent of us. The only condition is that you never harm our tribe.”

Blackgum was lost. He looked to his bigwings for guidance. He could see Sidewinder doing the same. Kobicha met Sidewinder’s eyes. Then they both looked at Blackgum. Blackgum looked between his four siblings, uncertain.

Blackgum had loved his Queen since the moment he heard her name.

Kobicha nodded. The troop turned, bowing their heads.

“We do.” Kobicha’s strong voice felt right saying it. His words were deep, powerful, the right sound to dedicate their fate. Perfect to seal their commitment to their Queen.

It felt so much better for his bigwings to decide.

They rose together.

“Thank you. I am grateful that you still trust me. Though I must ask,” Queen Moorhen’s attention focused on Sidewinder, “Do you also accept me as your queen, Sidewinder? I know you are loyal to Kobicha, and he has answered for the troop. However, your body is that of a SandWing. Your heart is SandWing. Even if you remain loyal to Kobicha, and loyal to me, I would accept if you do not view me as your Queen. And you would still be a part of our tribe, and have its benefits. I would not make you independent of us. Even if you are loyal to me, I do not see it fair to force accepting me as your Queen upon you.”

Sidewinder nodded, “I do, my Queen.”

Blackgum felt like he was soaring. Sidewinder loved his Queen too.

“However, as you stated, I am a SandWing. I feel an obligation to meet Queen Thorn. Even if I am loyal to Kobicha, and to you, I feel it is my duty to meet her and share what you would allow. I feel she should know the truth as well.”

Queen Moorhen took a moment to consider the request. She tapped a claw against her throne. “And what if she requested you return to the SandWing tribe? Your body and heart are those of a SandWing. While I do not venture to assume the thoughts or decisions of Queen Thorn, she may deem that evidence that you belong to her tribe. She may also see the value in your troop that I do. And Possibility is within the Kingdom of Sand. Possibility may be more suited to your troop than any place in the Kingdom of Mud.”

Blackgum’s head spun. What if Sidewinder did feel loyal to the SandWing Queen? What would they do if the Queens wanted to tear their troop apart? Or to just take the troop for herself? Or worse?

“I have pledged myself to you, my Queen. I am loyal to you and my bigwings. I am loyal to our tribe. If I am stripped of my identity as a SandWing, so be it. My body will still be mine. My soul will still be with my siblings. I have heard Queen Thorn is very reasonable and kind. Just as you are, my Queen. I have put my faith and hope that our visit does not come to that.”

Sidewinder was such a good communicator.

Queen Moorhen lowered her muzzle. Just a little. “I thank you for your loyalty, Sidewinder. The loyalty of all three of you. I do not know that I deserve it after yesterday, but I cherish it.” She lifted her muzzle. “I have considered another possibility. Queen Thorn may indeed want you, or your entire troop, as members of the SandWing tribe. I am open to the possibility that your troop may be a bridge between our kingdoms. Members of both the SandWing and MudWing tribes. A symbol of the new Pyrrhia. Of the new peace.”

“It would be an honor, your majesty,” Kobicha purred.

Blackgum’s vision became blurry again.

Please. Please be stone. Just this once.

“Wonderful. Again, I cannot know how Queen Thorn will respond. When you meet with her, if you think it is a viable option, you may offer it to her.”

The three nodded. It made tears roll down Blackgum’s cheeks. Kobicha and Sidewinder stood so stoic, so proud beside him.

Why couldn’t he be stone.

“Regarding yesterday. Yes, I was testing your troop. Shoebill was very convincing with what she shared about you three. And I believed in your troop the moment I saw you fly in and land together. But there is diversity among our tribe’s troops. Some troops have weak bonds. Some have a sibling abandon them. Regrettably, there are even … tragedies between the siblings of a troop.” Sidewinder’s tail found Blackgum’s. “Other troops are incredibly close. And many troops act as one dragon. I tested your troop to understand how deep your connection is. You move as one and you function as one. A troop containing a SandWing is a shining example of what all troops can aspire to.”

Blackgum’s chest hurt, so full of pride and relief and happiness. Tears kept flowing.

“With that, as your Queen, I charge you with one task. Share this shining example. Just as the dragonets of destiny, just as Possibility, show Pyrrhia that tribes can be together and flourish together. I have arranged a residence in the capital for your troop. Near Shoebill’s troop, in fact. You will always have a home in our kingdom. But you are welcome to travel and share with Pyrrhia as you wish. MudWings are living life in ways we have been unable to during the war. We are recovering, rebuilding, and healing. I encourage you to do the same. Live as you were unable to in the last decade.”

Kobicha’s wing wrapped around Blackgum’s side. He was pulled against his bigwings. Blackgum looked up to his brother. Kobicha’s head was lowered, his breath slow, his expression neutral. Blackgum pressed his cheek to Kobicha’s shoulder.

“It would be our honor, your majesty.”

Sometimes, Blackgum wondered how much it hurt to be stone.

***

It was a blur from there. Blackgum knew his Queen had said more, but he was so occupied holding his brother. He thought it had been just a moment, but then they were leaving. The length of that moment became obvious when he saw the sun had migrated. Only then did he realize he had lost a good bit of time.

Woodrot was waiting for them outside the throne room. Blackgum adored Woodrot. He was such a sweet dragon. He seemed the same for Shoebill’s troop as Blackgum was for his troop. Woodrot was different. He did silly loops and said playful things. He made mistakes. Blackgum imagined Woodrot must have weird thoughts too. All the traits Blackgum had.

Blackgum hoped Woodrot’s troop loved him as much as Blackgum’s troop loved him.

Woodrot led them to their new home. An addition to the several homes they already had- hideaways, Sidewinder called them. Maybe those were hideaways, and this was their first proper home? Surely they would still use all the ones they had created before. Right?

Their newest home wasn’t quite as extravagant as Shoebill’s troop’s. Smaller, more barren- so they could choose their own adornments- and no mud room. There was a sloping hallway at the back of the house that led into the swamp, though.

It was overwhelming compared to the homes they founded in the last ten years.

The resting room had a hanging platform, similar to the one they used in Shoebill’s troop’s home. Not nearly as large- suited for the three dragons, not five- but it was lush with silks and pillows.

It was perfect.

They moved back toward the entryway of their new home. Woodrot had followed behind them, answering questions and offering information as they went. When the tour was done the little MudWing rumbled sweetly. Blackgum glanced back just in time to see Woodrot lower and slip under Sidewinder’s tail. From the right side, to the left, heedless of the dangerous barb. He stroked and pushed up against Sidewinder’s left side as he moved.

“Shoebill gave me permission to stay here, if your troop needed to talk, or help, or anything after the past couple days you’ve had.” He continued upward, under Sidewinder’s wing, and nuzzled at the SandWing’s neck base. “I kinda figure you might want to rest and spend time together tonight, and recover and the like. But if I could help, I’d love to.” He made his way out in front of the three larger dragons. He turned and sat. His hopeful smile was so cute.

“Maybe with some tongue under your tails?”

“Oh yes, I’d love to accept Shoebill’s offering,” Sidewinder hissed as he moved forward. He responded before Blackgum could think it over. Sidewinder slithered past Woodrot, turned, and settled atop him. Atop Woodrot’s tail, holding the MudWing captive. “Such a sweet little MudWing.” He leaned closer, and closer, until he whispered against Woodrot’s ear, “I want you to be ours tonight.” He looked up to his mates. “What do you two think?”

It was unreasonable how hot and beautiful it was to see Woodrot tremble under his mate’s teasing.

Blackgum had joked about stealing Woodrot.

It kind of wasn’t a joke.

“Rrh… are you going to stick your head in my mouth again?” Kobicha playfully growled.

“Can I?!”

Blackgum could tell his bigwings was taken aback. Kobicha sat and titled his head. He maintained a playful smile despite his uncertainty. They watched Sidewinder licking and mouthing on Woodrot’s ear. Blackgum savored how Woodrot whimpered, moaned, and squirmed.

“You really like that, huh? You don’t want me to bite you, right?... Or try to eat you?”

“N- n- no! Nothing like that,” Woodrot whimpered out. “I just… your mouth is hot. And your tongue is super hot.”

“His tongue? Hot? Oh, you’re asking for it, little MudWing.” Sidewinder moved back and took Woodrot’s tail base in his talon. Woodrot flopped forward, an adorable squeak escaping his muzzle, when Sidewinder yanked upward. Blackgum’s mate’s muzzle disappeared beneath Woodrot’s tail.

“Ohh… mmh.”

Sidewinder’s muzzle split in a grin, mischief sparkling in his eyes.

“Oh, wow. Wait-” squeak.

Sidewinder hissed in pleasure as he worked.

“Mud and gators! How… how deep… it’s so hot… mmh…” Woodrot dissolved into whimpers and groans of pleasure.

Blackgum savored his mate’s expression of pride.

“Blackgum?” Kobicha purred.

Blackgum startled when he was addressed. He had been so enraptured in Sidewinder’s puppeting of Woodrot he had lost himself. He looked to Kobicha, then Sidewinder. Both were watching him. Neither expecting, both looking for his input without judgment. He could still say no, if he wanted.

He didn’t want to say no, of course. They hadn’t had fun since the eggmaking night.

Blackgum moved in on their prey. It was somewhere between a rumble and a growl as he made his way in- one of the few sexy sounds he could do well. His muzzle rubbed against and around Woodrot’s.

“Do you want us to have you tonight?”

“Please. Yes, yes, please,” Blackgum pleaded.

It made Blackgum so hungry. He pushed in and forcefully kissed the smaller MudWing. He growled into it. Their muzzles fit so nicely. Their tongues entwined perfectly. It was so new to be bigger, like Kobicha was to him.

“Your siblings aren’t here to save you, little MudWing,” Kobicha growled. He approached, towering over the other three. “Are you sure you’re brave enough?”

Blackgum broke the kiss, panting, nostrils-to-nostrils with Woodrot.

“It’s not like… you’re going to eat me… right?” Woodrot panted.

Kobicha’s laugh was so deep and wonderful.

“No, but you might wish we had after all it’ll take to sate us.”

“Fireflies… it’s so deep… so hot,” the small MudWing whimpered. “Yesss… I want to. Please, please let me be yours tonight.”

Blackgum slid his muzzle past Woodrot’s. He nosed into Woodrot’s ear and whispered, “You’re ours now, little MudWing.”

Woodrot’s whine of excitement was delicious.

***

Extensive aftercare trailed off into the four cuddling. Kobicha was spooning Sidewinder. Blackgum and Woodrot had curled together at his brothers’ hind talons. Woodrot was still eagerly nuzzling at the hind talons. He rubbed his muzzle on them, kissed them, mouthed on claws, and licked over them.

Blackgum had given it a go. He nuzzled Kobicha’s claws, then licked over Sidewinder’s sole. He didn’t really get the appeal. It was the same as grooming them anywhere else- but Woodrot clearly felt different about it.

“If you don’t mind me asking…” Woodrot had lifted from the hind talons long enough to speak. “How did you three survive in hiding? I’m friends with one of the guards, and she told me a little bit. But there’s only three of you… wouldn’t that make it really difficult?”

Kobicha’s tail shifted just so, giving Blackgum permission.

“It was easier than you think. Kobicha is our strength,” Blackgum said with pride. “He’s really strong, unbreakable, and great with troop tactics. Sidewinder is our senses. He sees everything, hears everything, and always senses the truth.” Blackgum looked to his brothers in turn, smiling lovingly at each. It made him feel so warm when they looked at him.

Blackgum also looked between Blackgum’s brothers, exuding admiration.

“And Blackgum is our soul,” Sidewinder added.

“He feels stronger than either of us,” Kobicha continued. “Whenever we’re unsure, he can feel what’s right. And he’s the only one of us that can still see our sisters.”

Woodrot turned his attention to Blackgum, eyes wide, visibly awed. “Wow… Really?” he murmured.

Blackgum lowered his head, resting it atop Woodrot’s, and nodded. “They both like you, by the way.”

Woodrot looked fascinated, and delighted, to hear it.

Blackgum’s brothers were still gazing at him lovingly. He felt his eyes get a little wet.

Sometimes Blackgum remembered it was okay to not be stone.