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"You will love the palace" Arh said as he moved about the cave with a sprightly bounce in his step. "And I am certain you will enjoy the feast."

He was like that all morning. I couldn't blame him, last night was our first moment of genuine intimacy, and I was beaming too.

Though I was worried that my presence would offend as I hadn't had a chance to shower for the past few days and my body had grown quite the funk.

Dressing for the flight, I noticed that Arh was stealing coy glances at me. As much as he wasn't ready to do anything more than cuddle last night, that moment of intimacy seemed to light a fire in him to savor what he could.

Though Arh didn't seem to mind waiting for the right moment. Perhaps it was because he knew what was coming; from what I knew of the joining ritual, we would be physically entwined for seven days. Seven days quite literally joined at the hip while the magic transformed my body.

A crash broke me from my thoughts and I turned to look. Arh was busy stacking the pile of logs that his tail had knocked over, and he grinned sheepishly when he caught me looking.

His smile faltered when I pulled my pants up and fastened my belt. "I understand now why hyooms wear clothing. I imagine it must be uncomfortable to leave your genitalia hanging loose like that."

"It's not so bad." I said as I shot him a grin. "Clothing does make it a bit easier to hide when we're excited."

He blushed. "You did not notice my arousal last night? In any case, you appear to be ready. Shall we depart?" He said with a barely restrained grin.

I smiled and nodded, to which he moved one of his wings down to help me up. When I was on his back and laying myself against his neck, he walked to the edge of the cave. Looking down, I felt a rush of cold fire in my spine at the thought of falling.

"Hold on tight." he said then leapt from the cave with a holler.

My stomach lurched into my throat as a rush of energy washed over me. He reached the apex of his leap then grasped at the air with his wings to propel himself higher until the trees below almost became one solid sea of green.

As we sailed through the sky, eventually the forest gave way to the odd pasture and rolling hills with settlements dotting the landscape. It wasn't easy to gauge how fast we were going but when he descended closer to the ground, it zipped by so fast that it was a blur of green. But rather than stay there, he quickly swooped upwards again in a grand arc that caused both of us to whoop and holler; him with excitement, me from the fear that tried to tell me I would be thrown off his back.

And he enjoyed every second of it. He had an energy to him that was radiant and with every pulse of his wings, his body glided through the air like a sheet of silk in the wind.

Sometimes when he'd dip down over the tree-tops, I saw glimpses of dryads running along with us. Their legs moving so fast as they touched the tops of the trees, and sometimes diving under the canopy, or cresting and leaping over us like dancers. They appeared to be sharing in the joy Arh was feeling.

When I eventually calmed down, and the rush was no longer making me feel afraid, I was able to feel the power in his body as his muscles flexed and thrummed with every movement he made. To be honest, it was quite a thrill and I could feel my body respond accordingly.

Though his flight was certainly in a specific direction, he dawdled. Weaving from side to side, both for the pleasure and to show off his aerial prowess. And when he wanted to ascend, he'd pump his wings forcefully, thrusting us upward with every thrust until at the apex he would follow gravity's pull to arc back down in a dive.

We eventually reached the outskirts of a city and he was flapping his wings to slow his descent. The tower he landed on was large, and seemed to be situated in the town's center where he took a few moments to gulp down water from one of the fountains around.

This town was filled with dragons of all kinds.

The smaller dragons, which I would soon learn were of the kobold tribe, were dressed more ostentatiously compared to the larger dragons. Some of them wore long robes that reached down to below their knees, and with a gap in the back to allow for their tails. Others wore shirts with sashes and epaulets and some kind of trousers on their lower halves.

There was one kobold, however, that stood out. They appeared to be performing to a crowd. Young and old alike watched as he would dance and pose, sending out plumes of fire from his mouth into the air to which the children in the crowd shrieked and gasped, but failed to captivate the adults. However, when he puffed more, and in varied colors, the jaded smirks before him melted into awe, and applause from all. When his performance was over, he bowed gracefully with his hat held out which he used to catch the coins tossed to him.

Though we didn't have much time to spend because when Arh had slaked his thirst, he soon climbed up to the top of this tower to launch himself back in the air.

He continued in the same direction, taking me over rolling hills, meandering rivers, and small lakes to the mountains, all with scattered dwellings and farms, and a few clustered settlements and villages.

Most of the mountains were old, and not very large, but there was one that was taller than all the rest that rose above the clouds. Arh didn't make much note of it, but I did see that when he was speeding past it, he wasted no time and soon it was behind us.

And only a few minutes after, the palace came into view.

To say that it was majestic would be an understatement. The main building was tall and made out of a white stone with veins of gold embedded in it that caught the light of the sun brilliantly. And in front of what I assumed was the main entrance was a large field with statues circling it.

Making one last triumphant circle to close out our journey, Arh came in for a landing. His wings pumped in great sweeping motions to slow his descent to let him touch down with barely a thump.

Taking my cue to dismount when he leaned down, I slid down his shoulder to the ground. My legs felt like jelly, but after a few moments to catch my breath and feel the comfort of solid ground underneath me, I stood to lean against Arh's foreleg. He took this opportunity to lean his head down to take in the scent of my hair.

I didn't have much time to gawk at my surroundings because within seconds we were greeted by a group of dragons. Two kobolds and a greater dragon with blue scales and wings that looked more like a birds' wings.

"Welcome, Arh'eoban. We have been expecting you." The greater dragon said with a bow of his head that the kobolds matched. "And a good day to you, small hyoom. And may I know what name you use?" The blue dragon inquired.

"I'm William. It is nice to meet you." I bowed in response.

"I am Hoh'rikis." He responded kindly, then he shifted his gaze to Arh. "Please come this way, Arh'eoban." He looked at me. "I hate to separate the two of you, but I must insist he come alone. Do not worry. I leave you in the care of our best attendants."

"Understood. Lead the way." Arh started to move but stopped to look to me. "Do not worry, little one. I trust that you will be adequately taken care of." A nod towards the two kobolds that were standing there was all he offered before he followed Hoh'rikis toward the palace.

I was then left on my own in the company of the two kobolds.

"Welcome, William." The male with tan scales said as the two of them bowed. "However, before you enter the palace of our queen, you must disrobe." The tan scaled kobold reached his arms out toward me. "Nothing may be hidden."

I took off the bag slung around my arm and handed it over. Then, I stripped off my shirt, which he grabbed thankfully and draped over his arm.

Next up, my pants. He took them similarly and after folding them roughly, hung them on his arm with the shirt.

"Small cloths too." The female kobold with slate-gray scales next to him said.

This was embarrassing. I had only been nude with Arh and of course my cheeks flushed. Seeing me respond like that provoked a giggle from her.

"Before it is forgotten, I am Eis'shan." He said, touching his chest. "And this is my keo'vah, Aes'vral." She nodded while holding her hand to her chest as well.

"We are to attend to you for the duration of your visit." Aes'vral offered. "And you may call me Aes. We are all family here."

Eis nodded and smiled his scaled lips. His red eyes narrowing mirthfully. "Yes. But you will still need to disrobe." He concluded, his arms outstretching making that gesture to hand over my clothing to him again. "In the interests of security."

I blushed deeper. I had no choice. But the two of them were also nude, as was every dragon I could see here.

Bending down as I slid my underwear off. I felt defenseless but not cold, even with the elevation. The air felt like a cool summer afternoon against my naked body.

Passing the rest of my clothing to the kobolds, they both bowed their heads then turned.

"This way" Aes said then started walking towards the entrance to the palace, her thick tail undulating behind her as she walked, an unmistakable skip to her step.

"You will surely need to bathe after your long journey. Come, come!" Eis beckoned me as they both started towards the castle.

Despite the nudity, it was not difficult to remember which was the male, and which was the female. Eis's body was stocky like a typical human male's body. And despite not having breasts like a woman, Aes's body was shaped in an almost hour-glass shape.

I followed the two kobolds into the palace's entrance.

I swallowed. My throat had gone dry when I realized that this was the most powerful dragon in the land. I knew that I would not come to harm, but the sense of intimidation stuck with me nonetheless.

It didn't help that I felt like I was being watched. Surely a creature such as myself would draw attention, since there hadn't been a human in these lands for centuries.

Aes and Eis went up the stairs into the opening. The palace before me was grand but in this entrance the change in light made it difficult to see.

When my eyes eventually adjusted, the atrium I was in was massive. Along the sides were six alcoves, three on each side. And in each alcove stood a statue of a smaller dragon. Four legs, wings, sitting upright with wings folded behind them.

They seemed to be carved out of a shimmering pastel jade, and in front of them were containers that held bouquets of wild-flowers that perfumed the air.

"Memorials to those that paid for the peace we now enjoy." Aes said over her shoulder. "Though now is no time for tragedy."

"Yes, now is not the time." Eis said. "Today is to be joyful; you are to meet our Queen." He seemed to have some trouble restraining his enthusiasm.

We passed through the atrium and came into a grand hallway.

From both sides there were passages that branched out with silken drapes billowing gently in the air. The drapes seemed to catch the light and helped soften it of any glare to make it much easier to see.

The two kobolds motioned me to a hall that branched out to the right. It was narrower than the main hallway, but still vast. Surely designed so as to accommodate the larger dragons that could be found milling about their duties.

Though they all seemed to look at me when we passed. I hoped that I wouldn't elicit stares from everyone here. That would turn the anxiety slowly burning inside me to an inferno I likely wouldn't have the strength to fend off.

"In here, please." Aes held open a door for me to enter.

This was where I was to be bathed. I figured as much mostly because of the wide pool in the middle that was fed by a steaming spring pouring in from a carved trough.

But we weren't alone.

In the bath was a large greater dragon and two kobolds. The greater dragon had russet colored scales and a tan-colored belly. The two kobolds, the male with grayish blue scales, and the female with scales the colour of red clay, hushed their conversation and turned to watch us when we entered.

I felt their eyes on me as I was led to a small table and stool.

"Please sit." Aes urged politely. "We must make sure you are prepared for an audience with our queen."

"So this is the hyoom everyone is whispering about?" The kobold male eying me said.

"Oh hush, Kan'eath." Eis cut him off. "But yes. He is to be bathed."

"I am well aware. I could scent him from the hall."

"And you naturally smell like wild-flowers?" Aes grinned. "But if you are not currently occupied, surely a warrior of your stature would not be above helping us prepare him."

"Hmm." He paused, clearly thinking over the opportunity. "If it would give me a sense for who he is, then I will oblige." He looked at his companions and nodded "If you will excuse me, my keo'vah. Duty calls." He stood up and make his way over to us while the female kobold chuckled at his bravado.

As he climbed out of the bathing pool, I could see all of his body. He was muscular and quite tall. At least a foot taller than me. He had no horns on his head like the female kobold in the water did, but he did have sharp looking plates sitting on his brow, and a spike sprouting up from the tip of his nose.

When he came close to me, he leaned down and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Please know this." He spoke softly into my ear. "Your prospective keo'vah... He is close to me in the way few earn." His breath tickled my ear. "And if you cause him pain, it will..." He trailed off, his grip on my shoulder getting firmer.

"Kan'eath." Aes interrupted him. "It is not your place to judge another's prospect. If he is worthy, we will know soon enough."

His posture softened, and his eyes cast down as Aes's scolding robbed him of his confidence.

Aes sighed with her hands on her hips. "I know you are close but today is not a time to be so cold." She went on, her tone relaxing and hands coming off her hips to return to my back. "He is under our care, and we will ensure his safety. Not that you would be so foolish as to break the peace in the palace. So save your posturing for a real battle."

"Hmph." His attitude deflated as the two dragons in the bath mocked him with an almost rehearsed "oooh."

To be honest, I had to fight back a laugh. It was quite the picture to see this strong, powerful warrior being put in his place by a kobold much smaller than him.

"You are correct, Aes. I apologize for my mis-step." He said with a grudging smile. "Arh is certainly no whelpling."

He stood, reached to the shelf to grab a small towel, and shook it open.

"If he has found one to join with, then I should be happy for him." He straightened and bowed slightly. "Please forgive my indiscretion."

After that, the three kobolds bathed me. Three hands all ensuring the grime on my body was scrubbed off.

I was cleaned diligently, and they were almost finished. There were only a few places left; my thighs, my ass, and...

... I didn't like where this was headed.

Aes knelt down in front of me, motioning for me to spread my legs. The rash of anxiety in the pit of my stomach rushed out and I felt a tremble.

She was quite perceptive, however, because as soon as she noticed, her cheeks darkened with a blush.

"Oh my." She giggled nervously. "I am sorry, William. Please forgive me for causing you discomfort. Perhaps Eis should--"

"Allow me." Kan took this moment to stand. "I understand what is likely running in his mind more than Eis would. I shall bathe him."

He walked in front of me, trading places with Aes.

"If you insist." Aes said facetiously.

That his crotch was at eye-level for a moment only exacerbated the flustered feeling. He was attractive, in a rough sort of way.

He moistened a towel in the basin then looked at me.

His eyes looked like he wanted to say something, but he stayed there until I nodded. I didn't think I had to, but it was nice to be given the option.

When he slid his hand between my legs to urge them wider, my mind went into a tail-spin. He was careful in how he cleaned me, but despite the casual nature of the task he was performing, my body decided to respond as if I was being seduced by this very masculine kobold.

And he noticed.

He leaned in, resting his hand on my inner thigh to speak softly. "The gods have chosen well, it seems." His voice was nothing but calm but felt maddeningly seductive. And when he pulled back, the grin on his face was somewhat infuriating. "I may have to ask Arh one day if I may--"

"Gods above and below, Kan'eath." Aes interrupted, trying to stifle a chuckle. "You are incorrigible."

"It's not every day you get see a hyoom." He said with a pout.

"None of us were alive to see one, but that does not stop us from conducting ourselves with a small measure of dignity." Eis smirked.

"Dignity is a luxury not afforded to those of us that keep the peace." Kan rebuked.

"Quite true. And it is undignified to treat a fellow dragon differently because of their profession." The female kobold in the bath said, watching the show with her head resting on folded arms.

"My apologies then, Kan'eath." Aes said. "However, it is worth remembering that it is not appropriate to covet the keo'vah of another dragon."

"Too true." Kan said as he nodded towards me. "I know it would drive me to rampage if anyone dared to violate the bond I share with my keo'vah."

"You flatter us with your devotion, love." The kobold female said. "Perhaps, however, we should introduce ourselves."

"A fine idea." Kan said. Then he pointed to the female kobold "This is Orh'ahna."

"A pleasure to meet you..." She said, her trailing silence implying I should introduce myself.

"William. William Avers." I hurriedly said.

"Hmm, a strange name. But I am glad to make your acquaintance, William." She casually saluted.

"And I am Nau'issi." The greater dragon in the pool said, lazing with his head next to Orh'ahna's.

"Make no mistake, William. They may appear at ease right now, but my keo'vah are some of the most skilled at what they do."

"What do you do?" I wondered.

The three of them chuckled.

"We sell our services as warriors." Kan'eath said as he reached for another cloth to dip into a basin of water.

"Do you work for the queen?" I asked.

"We do." Orh responded.

"And I am sure they will tell you a story or two." Eis said, to which Aes chuckled.

"Our prowess is of no doubt." Kan protested.

"Surely. However you have a tendency to embellish on certain details." Aes said. "Such as the enclave of shapeless you routed out recently?"

Eis shuddered. "I would appreciate it if we do not talk of such frightening topics. You know the shapeless leave me feeling uncomfortable."

Orh chose this moment to laugh. "It never fails to amuse me how delicate the sensibilities of city-dragons can be."

"It is not a matter of being delicate." Eis argued. "Mother made sure to keep me in check with threats of them stealing me away for whatever transgressions whelplings are known for."

"The truth is likely to be stranger than you believe it to be." Nau said. "In any case, it appears that the three of you have nearly completed your task. So finish up and come sit with us. I would like to know this hyoom better."

A silence came over them as they all looked to Kan, who I assumed was grinning but he only nodded and reached up to scrub the rest of my body.

And with that now finished, he helped up while Aes and Eis made their way to the pool.

"Mmm, the water is welcoming." Aes said while slipping in to the steaming water. "I would not mind another soak today."

"This is certainly one of the benefits of being here." Nau said as he slid deeper into the water.

I gingerly stepped into the pool. It was warm, almost hot. But the shock of the heat soon dissipated as I slipped further in. The water had a fragrant scent to it that, combined with the heat, helped melt out any remaining tension I was holding on to.

I wasn't sure where I could sit, but when I turned to find a spot, I noticed that they had made space for me between Orh'ahna and Aes'vral.

We soaked for quite some time and while we were lounging Kan and Orh both took this opportunity to regale me with tales of their heroism, and showed me the scars they earned in pursuit of their duties.

Then the subject turned to magic, and a question of what sorts of magic I hoped I would be bestowed by the gods when the ritual was complete.

I honestly hadn't put much thought to it. I was preoccupied with becoming a dragon that I never paid much attention to what else would come with it.

Aes piped up to show me that some forms were innate, as hers was a form of magic that turned her scales different colors depending on what emotion she was feeling.

"It is a pity that Tir is not with us. He would certainly enjoy showing you his magic." Nau piped up. "Though he would likely have a difficult time keeping his hands to himself."

"Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" Ohr asked.

"Ohr'anha, you know better than to assume that of me." He retorted with a look of mock-indignation, to which the rest of the dragons in the pool laughed.

"I am certain that you will like him." Ohr said as she turned to me with a coy grin. "Tir may be the most clever at his duties, and make for wonderful tales, but the hunger he holds for the flesh of other males is a far more entertaining story to tell."

"There is nothing wrong with that." Kan said. "If the gods did not want us to enjoy the pleasures of sharing bodies, then they would not have equipped us to feel what we do."

"Quite true." Ohr replied. "And he did inspire the confidence in me to embrace my femininity." She said while standing to fetch a bottle of oil, which she applied to her neck and sides in an almost seductive manner.

Eis cleared his throat when he saw her look over her shoulder with a grin. "Gods above and below!" he gasped. "If my heart did not belong to my keo'vah, I would be sorely tempted to court you."

"If you wish to sleep with the beasts in the stable tonight, please continue talking." Aes retorted, sliding her body closer to her keo'vah to remind him of the privilege that came with being her mate.

"As always, my body and soul belongs to you, my dear. But that is not to say that I am forbidden from recognizing beauty when I see it." He then turned his head to her and planted a deep kiss on her cheek. "You know whose heart mine beats with." He said as they parted lips, to which her markings turned a deep purple.

The conversation veered into them asking about what customs humans had when they choose mates. I described the the concept of marriage to them, which fascinated them, but provoked quizzical looks when I told them it was between two people, and often only those that could produce offspring.

"Do hyooms need permission from their rulers to breed?" Nau asked.

"No." I said with a laugh. "Breeding was never a problem for us. Marriage in my world is more like a contract with the government that you'll stay together."

They seemed perplexed that the world I came from would have those kinds of structures in place, but they didn't press the issue.

Regardless, our conversation veered onto many other topics. Aes and Eis were especially curious to know more about what sorts of knowledge we had discovered and how our culture had grown in the centuries past.

As the afternoon grew long, Nau announced that the bathing should come to an end as the feast were nearly upon us.

"I feel fortunate to have met you, William." Nau said with a smile and a ragged purr rumbling from his chest. "Perhaps we shall meet again?"

"That would be nice." I said. "Though I don't know what my life will be like in the next few months."

"Perfectly understandable." Nau replied. "In any case, send my regards to Arh'eoban."

I nodded as the rest started to exit the pool (whose level had lowered dramatically when Nau exited it.)

Kan, Nau and Ohr had made their way out of the bath, leaving only Aes and Eis waiting for me to finish up. Their duty to attend to me was their primary concern and they were intent on fulfilling it.

But now that I was freshly bathed, I was ready to be escorted to the grand hall so that I may meet the one that brought order to this world; I was to meet the queen of the dragons.