Iron Dragon Chapters 169-170
#84 of Iron Dragon
The strange thing about the memory was those who had touched Roslyn had shared it. Sarnia, Tera, Beatrice, Freya and Dagger all saw what had happened to her in her first life. Beatrice was the werepanther General and had been the last to fall before Rose herself. It was one thing to relive your death through your own eyes, quite another to see it through someone else's.
"At least you need not fear Glados anymore." Dagger said after they had sat back at the table.
Roslyn looked down at her plate, but a slow smile crept across her lips. "You are right, although not by my own hand as I promised... I am glad I was there for it."
"Fate can be cruel, but sometimes it can be kind." Tera said softly.
"Indeed it can." Beatrice said and after a pause added "There is still another few days left. What would you three like to do?"
"I am not sure about Tera, but I would love to do some fishing." Roslyn said and looked over at Sarnia.
Tera blushed. "While I am not one for fishing... I have never been on a sea going vessel."
"Let me call my mother, I am sure it would be no problem." Sarnia said with a smile.
It was no problem at all, in fact after it was found out the princess would be with the three Valkyrie, there was considerable excitement. While not the usual ship Sarnia worked on, this ship was better suited to the sport fishing, Roslyn had in mind.
Roslyn had been deep sea fishing once before, and had always wanted to go again. Today was warm and sunny, without a cloud to be seen in any direction. The water they were in was clear enough it allowed them to see the coral and sea floor in fifty feet or less. Roslyn figured this might be another one of Jenny's fantasies, since there were no men on the ship. Plus they were not wearing a great deal of clothing. She only had on a pair of cargo shorts and a bikini top. Tera had on the most, though it was very loose fitting and light, since she was not used to being out on the water; and most likely would sunburn easily.
The ship's Captain took them out to a good spot for catching sail sturgeon. A ugly looking fish that could get over ten feet long and weight several hundred pounds. Roslyn had seen one on the pier another had caught earlier in the day. It looked like a marlin, a tuna and a sturgeon. It had fair sized teeth and was uglier than sin, but everyone said it tasted fantastic, and was a thrill to fish.
While the tackle and rods looked similar, there were a few differences, but not really note while. The sea was calm and Roslyn was looking forward to getting a couple of monster fish on the end of her line. She did not have to wait very long before her first bite, and they were right it was a fight.
With Sarnia's help Roslyn finally got the sail sturgeon in close enough they could wrestle it into the boat. While not a monster, it was still a good five feet and a couple hundred pounds. A good catch for the first time out Roslyn thought. After noting its size, they released it back into the sea. The day was still early and they figured bigger ones were out there.
The princess was certainly not going to let Roslyn out fish her and managed to pull in a seven footer a little later. That friendly little competition went on throughout the day. While Tera might not be much for fishing, she enjoyed being out on the sea. Actually she had brought a pen and notebook, and was working on the lyrics for a song.
With it getting late in the day, they took their catch and headed back to shore. Dagger managed to beat Roslyn by half a foot and twenty pounds. Roslyn did not feel too bad about it, and was thinking more about cooking them. They did take Roslyn's picture with the nine and three quarter foot long sail sturgeon. It was the biggest she had caught by a fair margin.
Sarnia's family also owned a restaurant, that her father was the head chef at. Unlike earth, it was actually rare for a male to be the executive chef at any restaurant. It belonged to her grandmother, but her father did the cooking. Sarnia's family took great pride and honor in her becoming a Valkyrie, a great deal more so than Tera's family. To have Roslyn, Tera and Princess Dagger was cause enough for a celebration.
Tera was quiet most of the night and did not mind the fact, she was not able to drink alcohol on the Amazon world. It was way too strong for her taste anyway. As alien as she was compared to the Amazons, this did feel right in some way. They did not forget her and had prepared some grilled vegetables along with some fantastic fruit.
"A little livelier bunch than you are used too?" Roslyn asked as she sat down next to Tera. They were up on the roof watching the sun set.
"A little bit, yes. Still this was fun, I don't get to get out much. The boat trip was very nice, the coral and reefs were so pretty." Tera said softly and smiled.
Roslyn had learned her small size was partly due to age and partly due to the particular type of deer she was. "Why don't you get to go out much?"
"My family, teachers and managers think I am too frail to be out... And well they would rather I stay in and make music." Tera did not blush like she usually would at that question. She was surprised by how comfortable she felt being with Roslyn and Sarnia.
"That's a pity, how else are you supposed to be inspired if you do not get out? Furthermore, how do you not go crazy? Being stuck in one spot is the only thing I actually hate... well I hate cauliflower, but that's beside the point." Roslyn chuckled.
"I don't like being stuck, and take a great deal of joy when I do get to travel. I am so very thankful the Queen insisted that I come alone, citing that they would take very good care of me." Tera said and paused. "What is cowly flower?"
Roslyn chuckled. "Cauliflower... it's a fairly common vegetable found on my world."
"What is Earth like?" Tera asked.
"It is a lot like your home, just with no magic. Really even this place would fit right in at home." Roslyn said and looked at the drink in her hand. "The people are the only difference."
"I don't think we are all that different. We all want the same things in life as anyone else. Everyone wants someone special to share their lives with..." Tera said.
Roslyn smiled. "I suppose you are correct. Our paths to our goals may be different, but the goal is the same."
Tera looked over at Sarnia and her mother, sad that her own mother was not as accepting of her change. "How did your family take the news?"
"Of my change?" Roslyn asked, following the young girls gaze.
"Yes." Tera said and looked at Roslyn.
Roslyn sighed. "I only have a single living relative, and I have not told my brother about it. I doubt he would understand. Did your family not take it well?"
Tera teared up a little. "No, they did not take it well at all. If not for a dragon they might have abandoned me."
"I am sorry to hear that." Roslyn put an arm around Tera, gave the young girl a hug and kissed her cheek. "It will be okay. I know another girl who's family did not always treat her well; and she is doing just fine."
Tera's tears started to run down her cheeks, feeling a little better being held by Roslyn, and her kind words. Though the two of them were very different, Tera had never felt so at ease in another person's arms. She actually felt more connected to the dark winged human than many Velopians back home. For being the iron raven, Roslyn was very kind.
"So what is he like?" Tera bashfully asked.
"Time has not been very kind to him... Especially this life in particular. His body and mind have been warped or forged I suppose would be a better word. Into a creature with an even more focused existence." Roslyn said.
"I have heard those stories... but that is not what I meant." Tera said softly.
Roslyn blushed, "Oh, did you mean in a more intimate setting?"
This time Tera turned quite red and shook her head no. "Oh, no, no, no, not like that at all. I know what he is, but not who he is... If that makes any sense at all."
Roslyn chuckled. "Sorry about that. Now I understand the question, though I am not sure how to answer it."
"I guess it is a silly question." Tera said.
"Not silly, just difficult. It is hard to put into words the extremes and impossibilities that make Nodrog who he is. You would be surprised to learn that the most feared typhoon is an exceptional piano player." Roslyn said.
"I did not know he could play a musical instrument... Though I have never met a dragon who could not either play or sing. I was so happy Mianth sang with me, she has such a pretty voice." Tera said with a smile.
"I think you have a very pretty voice, and I am sure he would agree with me." Roslyn said and smiled.
"Do you think we could meet him?" Tera asked sheepishly.
"Meet who?" Dagger asked as she came over to check on them. She had noticed the young girl crying earlier.
"Nodrog." Roslyn said.
Dagger pulled out a small personal assistant. It was a small handheld device with a holographic display. "I do not see that posing any problems. However it would only be for the day, before the two of you are to return to your worlds."
"That is fine, I would like to meet him, and thank him for setting us free." Tera said and smiled.
In the time they had spent together, Roslyn learned the two of them were very much like her until their own transformation. Something had always seemed a bit off, or not exactly right to them. It could never be put into words, or even song because Tera had tried that. They all spent a time looking for an answer to a question they did not know. None of the people they confided in, could give them any help.
Both of the younger ladies had transformed due to extreme stress. Tera had been cornered late one night, nearly assaulted and kidnapped. Sarnia had been dragged overboard in a violent storm trying to get a line out to one of the crew who had gone over first. It was painful and terrifying, but in the end they each had the means to save themselves. Sarnia had also managed to save the other woman's life.
Sarnia was celebrated, both in her change and in the courage she mustered to save the other woman. Tera meet a much different set of circumstances, she had fought off the two attackers. However she was neither celebrated or fawned over, especially since she put one of them in the hospital. The school had threatened expulsion until a group of Velopians and dragons intervened. Tera's saving grace was, they knew what had really happened to her, in part because they knew what happened to Roslyn.
Since Tera had traveled so little, and the other two had traveled a great deal. The next two days were spent with Dagger taking in some sights and culture. The more time Tera spent with Roslyn and Sarnia, the more open she became. While not completely over her shyness, she smiled and laughed a great deal more.
On the last day, they stayed in the castle. There was plenty to do and see around the castle. Roslyn was glad the young Velopian had opened up to them, and they had even heard her sing a few more songs. They were in the library with several of the young women who were training to be royal guards when the very distinctive sound of metal footsteps could be heard.
The rich marble floors and walls did little to muffle the sounds, as the sharp clack of hard sole boots contrasted to the heavy metal footsteps. Oddly Ziden, did not bark at the approaching noise. The men who worked at the front counter quickly stood at attention as Beatrice and Nodrog entered the library. Those in the library quickly made their way to see what was going on.
It was not uncommon to see the former Queen anywhere in the castle, however younger women and girls wanted to see her any chance they got. Word that she was with the Iron Dragon quickly spread leading to more people crowding around than usual. While Nodrog was male, his unusual place in the universe along with now being the most powerful dragon... Even the Amazons wanted to see him. Earth was actually one of a small number of worlds where he could hide in plain sight.
Roslyn was the only one who did not take a step back as the two typhoons walked over to them. The others had for a couple of reasons, respect, fear, awe or a combination of them. Actually after the painful memory, Roslyn had to suppress a giggle at the fact Beatrice was now much taller than Nodrog. Since in that life, no one was bigger than he was.
Beatrice introduced the two Valkyrie, Sarnia first, because she was older. Tera knew that in Amazon culture, one always introduces the eldest female first. She was four years younger than Sarnia and was actually a little grateful to be last. If they were on the Velopian world, the youngest is always introduced first, mainly because everyone knows young children are impatient. Even in this slightly different false form he certainly was handsome. His eyes remained the same as she remembered a little more from that life.
Tera blushed as he kissed her hand and blushed even more as he mentioned that she did have a beautiful voice. He had heard one of her songs on the radio at Inilth's home on one of his visits. The young musician was a little surprised by the fact two well know earth elementals, were fans of her music. Since earth elementals were more known for their love of... heavier forms of music.
Actually Nodrog had drawn quite the crowd as the two young Valkyrie, Beatrice and several others asked him questions about the Valkyrie and their history. With Glados' knowledge, he knew a great deal of both histories. Though he was careful to avoid certain topics or correcting things the Amazons deeply believed in. Thankfully they understood that searching millions of years of memory was a difficult thing to do.
Roslyn was equally interested in what he was talking about. Though she was partly amused by how quickly he had seemed to woo Tera and Sarnia. He did have that effect sometimes, after all she had fallen for him rather quickly herself. Granted she figured all Valkyrie had some intimacy towards him, since he was the only one who believed their innocence, and tried to protect them.
That dark memory was one she had relived hundreds of times, no matter what she tried to do in the dream, it always ended the same. Tera was the young girl she carried in her arms, Sarnia was by her side as Glados accused them. She had seen Nodrog fall during that dream over and over again. Stacy had recounted just how badly injured Nodrog was when the little lion was brought aboard her plane. The only thing that now eased the pain, was having seen Nodrog fall fighting Glados a second time, and getting back up.
It had grown late in the day when they gathered their things to head for home. Roslyn was glad she listened to Jenny and came to see them. She now had two more friends, that would live as long as she would. While Nodrog did not know the particular spell, he promised Sarnia and Tera that he would ask if one of the elves could teach them how to send magic letters to each other. That way the three Valkyrie could keep in touch despite there not currently being a quick technical solution at the moment.
Even with quick forms of space travel and the ability to send electronic data vast distances, though delayed. Personal mail to loved ones or friends was a bit slower, since it had to be transported with other goods onboard starships. The nice thing about magic letters was you did not have to know the same language to write a person. It would always be readable by the person you sent it too, and only by the person you sent it two. Which eased Tera's fear that she could not be candid with Roslyn or Sarnia without her parents or someone finding out.
After meeting Nodrog and Roslyn, the young Velopian had a little more resolve than before. Tera was not going to be such a pushover anymore. She had been ignoring her own dreams and ambition for too long. Learning the most powerful dragon, played music with a band gave her an idea to break free of her own bonds.
Nodrog shared Roslyn's room on the ship ride back home. He was extremely happy how close the Valkyrie had become once again. He was even more pleased with Roslyn's growing enthusiasm for life. He and Jenny had done a lot to get the otter to let people get close to her, now she was excited to experience new things.
Alice had another upcoming race, but Nodrog needed to tend to something else and would miss qualifying. He assured them he would on time for the actual race.
"Long time no see." Winston said as Nodrog walked over to the group.
Nodrog chuckled. "Sorry about that."
"Can't fault you though since it is part of your job." Stan chuckled.
They all looked over as Wednesday and her manager walked in. "Well there is someone I haven't seen in a while."
"Good to see you as well." Nodrog said with a smile and kissed the top of her hand.
"What brings you by?" Freddy asked.
Nodrog held up a data drive before handing it to Winston. "I have something from a young woman, I think you should all hear."
Chapter.
While Tera's music was not as quick tempo as those listening usually played. They all liked what they were hearing. Her voice just a softer tone than Wednesday's with a slightly smaller vocal range, but lovely none the less. A light four string Velopian guitar like instrument was the only accompaniment to her voice. It was a light hearted and playful song, though she was singing in Velopian.
"That was beautiful, I have to meet this young lady." Wednesday said turning to her manager. "Please tell me you agree."
Her manager, a short and slightly overweight female chuckled. "I have not seen you this excited to meet another singer in a while. I am not sure a single song can be used to judge her, but I agree she sounds promising."
"Where did you meet her?" Winston asked as he handed the data drive back to Nodrog.
"I heard her on the radio during a trip to the Velopian world. I got the chance to meet her a few days ago. Her name is Tera Lightsong and she can play an instrument similar to the piano far better than I." Nodrog said.
"I am not sure about the others, but I would be interested in meeting her as well. Because I have the workings of a duet in mind." Winston said and gave Wednesday a wink.
"I think we are on the same page." Wednesday smiled.
Nodrog wrote down a number on a slip of paper, handing it to Wednesday. "This will put you in touch with someone who can let you know the starship schedule, and arrange passage if you want."
"And how do we get in touch with Tera?" Winston asked.
"I can take care of that for you." Nodrog said with a grin. Lilith had already taught the three Valkyrie how to send the magic letters to one another and both of the younger Valkyrie had already wrote Roslyn.
Alice smiled as Nodrog walked over to them, dressed in his fire suit. "Did you get everything taken care of?"
"I did, thanks for letting me sneak out of yesterday." Nodrog said.
"Could any of us really have stopped you?" Alice teased, clearly excited to get out on track.
"No, I suppose not." Nodrog said.
Alice was starting in second, as this was Wes' favorite track. He had racked up several wins here, his lowest finish was fourth. This race marked the half point of the season and Alice now held a large point lead over her friends.
Though they were growing fewer in number, those who still scoffed at Alice continuing on at this rate were rather vocal. However they were starting to irritate Alice, who was slowly losing her patients with them. At this point the only way to deal with them was to continue to defy them and keep winning races. She would not stoop down to their level.
Nearly all of the other drivers had some respect for Alice, she was a damn good driver. Unlike a few hot headed drivers, Alice did not force passes in places where it was not safe. So her on and off track courtesy did help in most cases. Today was another sunny day with packed grandstands.
Jenny had several people over at the apartment to watch the race. Roslyn, Stacy, Samantha and Sherman, Jim and Carrel along with Kenny and his family. Even Molly and her boyfriend came over. Roslyn had helped Jenny make up several snacks for the race before everyone came over. Everyone but Jenny and Molly were between field assignments.
Wes might be at his favorite track, but that didn't stop Alice from taking the lead early on and keeping most of the race. Carly had to start at the back of the field after blowing the engine in qualifying. A faulty thermostat was to blame, she worked hard and had made it up into the top ten at least. Alice taking first once more with Wes in a very close second.
The next event would be the invitation only rally down in France. Where Alice and Mike were thrilled Carly would make it this year. It fell during the mid season break for the Grand Prix series they were competing in. Unfortunately, Jenny would have to miss this one as well, since work would keep her home.
Nodrog would also miss that multi day event as he would be accompanying Marko, Winston and Wednesday, and a few others on a trip to the Velopian world. Where one of the stops would be to see Tera perform at a major Velopian holiday event. Roslyn had managed to convince Marko to let her come and see her Valkyrie sister perform.
Tabbatha was still not fond of traveling to different worlds, or Roslyn childishly teasing her about that. At least once on world, she could relax a little, and dealing with the Velopians was an easy enough affair. She was also not very trusting of the hover cab they would be taking. Which Roslyn also teased her about.
The hover vehicles were primarily in testing. Because they were expensive and had limited range. They also had some draw backs, since they could not stop as quickly as a wheeled or tracked vehicle, and they did not do well in windy conditions. Still Roslyn found them interesting even if not entirely practical at the moment. It was technology Marko was curious about, for smaller jobs. Such as moving freight inside buildings, or medical patient transportation, a hover ambulance would really cut down on the possibility of injuring a person more during hasty trips to the hospital.
Wednesday and Winston were in awe of the city they found themselves in. While the odd technical marvel like the hover cab was neat, they were far more interested in the culture. Roslyn had warned Winston about it being difficult to find meat when they ate meals. Thought Roslyn and Nodrog were sure Wednesday would love it here.
After a stop at the hotel they would be staying at, they split ways. Nodrog and Roslyn would take Wednesday and Winston to the college to meet Tera between classes and work. While Marko and the others went on to business meetings.
Mianth had agreed to meet Nodrog and the others at the college. Since she had taken several classes and knew a number of professors who worked there. They had a little time before Tera would get out of a music theory class, so Mianth showed them around. Today Mianth was wearing civilian clothes, which was of the latest fashion. The little elemental was positively stunning today with enough skin showing to draw a few people's eyes to her. Even Roslyn kept finding her eyes wandering a little more than they should. Mianth was just adorable in every aspect.
With a pleasant chime, classes ended and students headed out for lunch or to work depending on their class load. Tera had two free hours before she was expected down at the studio. Mianth knew exactly where the statue Tera had asked them to meet her at was. The young Velopian had what looked like a typical college book bag crossed with saddle bags across her deer back, it mostly hid her white wings. She smiled as she spotted them and actually trotted over to them. Well she approached Roslyn first and gave her a hug, she was still a bit in awe of Nodrog.
"It is good to see you again, Tera." Roslyn smiled and turned to introduce Tera to Wednesday and Winston.
"You have no idea how happy I am to meet you both." Tera smiled but was still soft spoken. She was still a little shocked to be meeting musicians from earth, even with Roslyn assuring her. Wednesday was beautiful, and Winston was well dressed and, if she were honest, handsome.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well. Though it seems Nodrog failed to mention how young you are." Wednesday said with a smile. She was still getting used to the magic translator she was wearing, but was pleased it did not affect the sound of the young girl's voice.
"He is a bit forgetful, however he spoke very highly of you." Winston was actually impressed with the magic translator. She maybe young, but even her speech was pretty.
"Age is not something I pay much attention too." Nodrog said.
"I am used to the comments about my age. If none of you mind, my apartment is not far and I can offer a light lunch." Terra said. She smiled when they agreed and they talked more about her classes on the way to her apartment.
Unlike Mianth's cute little apartment, Tera's was rather large. More of a spacious condo, with only a single bedroom and a large living room. There was not very much in the way of decorations, though Roslyn smiled at the large photo of them at Sarnia's family restaurant. There were multiple musical instruments all over, including what looked like a odd shaped grand piano near the lengthy wall of windows, and a very expensive looking harp.
Mianth helped Tera get everyone something to drink and made some sandwiches of sorts. A rather fancy peanut butter and jam, which was better than a veggie one to Roslyn and Winston. "Sorry but I don't get very many visitors."
"It is quite alright." Wednesday loved the tea and the jam. There were a few open notebooks with poems or song lyrics written in them, scribbled music and random notes in others. Tera didn't mind them flipping through them. It looked a bit like her own home, though a bit empty of personal things.
"That is okay, I don't get many visitors myself." Winston thought the tea a little too sweet for his own taste. The jam reminded him of some his mother used to make. The instruments looked expensive and the lack of personal things told him, she had wealthy supporters with little concern for her life outside of music.
"How many instruments can you play?" Wednesday asked after the light lunch.
"All of them you see plus a few wind instruments in cases. Though I am mainly known for the harp and piano." Tera said.
"And you write your own music?" Winston asked as he looked at a notebook. Clearly it was music notes, just in a very different format than he had ever seen.
Tera walked over to him and flipped to a different set of music. "I write most of the music, though a studio percussionist writes that part of the music if needed."
Roslyn and Mianth were lost in the technical discussion, and while Nodrog could read any music, he still could not write it. All of them listened intently when Tera opened the keys of the piano to play for them. Winston noted that after placing her fingers on the keys, her nervousness went away. They had just asked her to play a favored piece, either one of her own or one by someone else.
The Velopian piano lacked the black keys and foot controls of an earth piano. Though Winston thought a couple of other hand controls performed similar things as the foot pedals. It was an upbeat tune and a bit in line with Motown. She did not sing, since she had vocal practice to do at the studio. Though Mianth did sing the chorus of the song.
Wednesday giggled at the dragon's sudden embarrassment. "So are all dragons musically talented?"
"Actually they all are. I asked a professor about it today in class. While just a theory, that is why some believe certain instruments are common all over." Tera said.
"I suppose that makes sense since so many cultures, even on our own, have tails of dragons." Winston said.
"Something wrong?" Roslyn asked as Tera sighed.
"I would love to stay and talk, but it is time for me to head to the studio." Tera said softly. She enjoyed having them here and talking music for the enjoyment of it and not for work.
"Well don't let us make you late. Besides I am sure we will have time to talk more." Winston was pretty much sold on her talent.
Roslyn gave Tera a hug before she got in a car to take her to the studio. "Well, I don't know how much time Mianth has, but maybe she knows some other place we could check out the music scene."
Mianth smiled. "I do know just the place to go, and if you don't mind a crowd. You can meet some of the people I work with."
"Also if you need a little more food, this place does cater to those of us who eat other animals." Mianth chuckled.
"A little something more would be nice. The jam was delicious, but not very filling." Winston said as they stopped at what turned out to be a somewhat futuristic bus stop. The routs and times were displayed on the glass walls.
"This world lacks some common nutrients in any of the food we are going to eat. That's why all of you have been given the supplements." Nodrog said as a large bus quietly pulled to a stop.
"Why do Roslyn and you not take them?" Wednesday asked as they got on the bus. Nodrog had a bus and train card that he used to pay for their fairs.
"My biology is substantially different than humans, even factoring animal genetics. Roslyn's second breath as they call it, has afforded her with a very adaptive digestive and immune system." Nodrog said.
Mianth giggled. "Sounds like someone has been doing a little studying of his own."
"Well I do have a great deal of free time, while everyone else is sleeping." Nodrog said.
Wednesday and Winston were intrigued by Mianth's watch. Which doubled as a communication device, it was two and a half inches wide, looked like an ornate bracelet and watch. A small holographic display allowed her to type out a short message to Alyvia.
Mianth took them to the club and restaurant Alyvia and some of her warriors frequented often. Most nights there was a band, DJ or karaoke. It was one of the "it" spots in the city so there was usually a crowd. Thankfully Alyvia had gotten a good sized table early. Winston and Wednesday were worried about being the odd couple out seeing how Nodrog and Roslyn were well known.
Neither of them had much to worry about as they were quickly regarded as friends. Since that was just the way the Velopians are, there were only friends who had never met. Since Mianth and Nodrog were both dragons, Winston's wolf appearance was of little concern. His smaller build than his brother did help a little, as did his choice of clothes. A gazillion miles or more and he was still hip and cool.
When Winston and Wednesday mentioned why they were in town, those at the table were thrilled that Tera was attracting attention from other worlds. They also explained that it was quite the honor to be the main act for the Velopians' summer celebration. To the Velopians summer was as important in their religion and beliefs as spring is to some Human beliefs. It also marked the tribal unification that solidified the Velopians into a single world nation.
Winston took Roslyn's suggestion about getting sail sturgeon in bbq form. It was an import from the Amazon world, and she figured he would like it. Which after one bite, he agreed with her. Little spicy for his taste, but still really good.
After dinner one of the local bands took to the stage. The two humans were a little surprised to hear slightly rockabilly, jive this far from home. It was something Roslyn explained she found a little odd having been to this world and the Amazon world a few times. Some things no matter the distance or culture never changed. In that regard, Tera for having done so little traveling was right.
Mianth had duties to attend to the rest of their stay, so she wished them a pleasant trip. Nodrog took them around the city to check out some other things. Nodrog didn't mind translating the written language as they toured the fairly advanced and "hip" city as Winston called it.
The two men did have to wait a couple of times while Wednesday drug Roslyn into a few stores. They both laughed as Roslyn mouthed 'please stop her' or something along those lines. Winston and Wednesday were not very keen on sharing a hotel room, since they had been close at one time; and now they were seeing other people. Roslyn didn't mind sharing a room with another woman, and Nodrog really did not need a room, except to shower and change.
"Hey, I have already been here." Roslyn mock pouted as they got out of the hover cab at the stadium she watched the field ball game in.
"Oh that is right, Jenny and you took a day to come to a game." Marko chuckled as they got in the line for those with tickets. He was in a smart sport coat, blue jeans and plain leather boots. They did not have seats, since they would be close to the stage sitting on the field. Kitty and Catlin were also suitably casual and still armed, however they had less than lethal rubber rounds loaded.
Tabbatha was the slightly odd one out, being a bit more business. Roslyn's blue jeans fit her ass wonderfully as many males noticed. She was wearing her normal men's style button work shirt and high top sneakers. Winston was cargo pants and multiple shirt casual while Wednesday was like Roslyn and much more relaxed. Which was how most of those in attendance were dressed.
The large stage was at the open end of the field, right where the goal would have been if a game night. A pair of familiar voices called out to Roslyn as Sarnia and Dagger came over to join them, and the pair of seven foot tall royal guards, who like Kitty and Catlin were causal and armed. Not that Marko or Dagger need much protecting with their own abilities, but that just went with the positions.
A short pagan or shaman prayer and ceremony started the event, and save one light the rest of the stage lights dimmed. The lone light illuminated Tera Lightsong, who looked beautiful, her lovely voice bringing the filled to capacity crowd, silent. Unlike the rock and roll Roslyn heard at the game, which the translator could not really translate. Tera's voice and song it could handle as flawlessly as speech. Likely because the lyrics were not as quick, or distorted. On the other hand it might be that Tera herself had a great deal more magic than the other singer did, or they shared a special bond being Valkyrie.
The first song she simply sang, the others she alternated between the harp or piano. Tera had a rather fair sized band behind her, however she was the only one who sang. Most of her music was folk, country or Celtic in sound and tone. All of them positive and upbeat, at least at this event she did not have any sad songs. Winston and Wednesday were in love with her voice and musical talent.
It had been a rather long day for everyone but Nodrog and Roslyn. However now that the sun had set, the fireworks would kick off after Tera's last song. Tera and two people walked up to the front of the stage while the others remained in their positions.
The female who accompanied Tera helped her remove some of the clothing she was wearing, mainly the heavier cloth covering her wings. She was still dressed modestly, but now everyone could see her wings, a number of bells around her ankles and on a belt around her waist.
Tera bowed slightly and smiled brightly at the cheers and applause. "It is an honor to be here tonight. I hope you enjoyed the performance."
More cheering, applause and whistling, even a couple of 'I love you' Which caused her to blush. "I know that the program lists what the last song is supposed to be... But I am going to be a little rebellious and sing a different song."
If anyone was shocked it was lost in the cheers of everyone else. "This is a celebration of change and as many know, early this year I underwent a rather big change." Tera said, with not even the faintest hint of being nervous as she raised one of her wings.
"I really have to thank Cynthia and Pipes for their support and not so gentle nudging to perform this song. Which aside from the three of us, no one has ever heard before." Tera said smiling as the gathered crowd continued to cheer.
"Thanks to my own change, I now can count two other women as very close friends. This song was inspired by our time spent together, and I dedicate it too them." Tera said and took half a step back from the mic.
Cynthia nodded and raised up an odd stringed fiddle and Pipes brought an odd looking wind instrument to his mouth. Knowing the two of them were ready Tera took a deep breath and clasped her hands together at the small of her back. Where her soft pale skin turned to soft wet sand colored fur.
Tera did a little buck, bringing her hooves down hard onto the stage, jingling the bells that adorned her. She hopped from right to left, still clicking her hooves loudly on the stage. Cynthia ran her bow across the strings and picked up a quick tune. Pipes joined a little after Cynthia. His odd instrument sounded like bagpipes, but instead of sharp crisp notes, it had a much lower sound and reverberation, like an Aboriginal didgeridoo.
The music was quick and sounded Celtic, as Tera starting singing it maintained that light sound. The lyrics started off on a dark note as the song entailed the rather horrific circumstances behind their change. The chorus uplifting as the song went on to how the three became close and how Roslyn and Sarnia gave Tera a brighter outlook on life.
At the end of the song, the three of them bucked and on the sharp clack of their hooves, the stage went dark and fireworks shot into the sky. The booming of the fireworks did little to drown out the crowd, who had went nuts over the new song.
Tera looked up to the sky as it was lit up with color, she knew her manager and parents would likely be upset with her little act of rebellion, but change was what the whole thing was about. There was a reason she had given Nodrog the recording, and the typhoon had kept his word, bringing other musicians to hear her first hand. Tears of joy ran down her cheeks as the fireworks continued to boom overhead.