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Kobicha let himself wake slowly. He could hear Sidewinder speaking. It wasn't the urgent tone. His siblings were safe. Sidewinder would hear and see anything coming far before they were in danger. Kobicha would usually be alert, prepared, but he felt so nice here. So comfortable. He felt like he, and far more importantly his siblings, were safe. There was nothing to protect them from here. Kobicha could relax and enjoy the comfort of the resting platform. It swayed with their movements. It was very different from sinking into mud, but it had its own charm and comfort. Better than laying on moss, grasses, sand or stone, as they had to do to accommodate Sidewinder. And it was comfortable for his mate- even better than mud in that respect.

“Can I see your barb? I've never seen a SandWing barb up close before!"

That got Kobicha's attention. He remained still, eyes closed, but he listened intently.

“Of course." A shift and rustle, a sway in the resting platform. “This is where my venom is stored, that's why the tip of our tails has a bulb. And this," a brief pause, “is the barb. It's what injects the venom when I sting."

“Is it sharp?"

Another shift, “Careful, don't touch the tip, my venom is… potent," Sidewinder gently chastised. Kobicha knew all too well it was an understatement. “I can't control the venom. If there is pressure on my barb tip, the venom ejects, whether I want it to or not. The barb is decently sharp. It's easy to sting, say… a cactus, or a cow. Harder things take more strength or momentum. Something difficult to sting is wood. It is possible, but a SandWing has to work up to that, or their barb could break. And it takes a strong tail swing."

“But you can sting a tree?"

“Yes, I can."

“What about a dragon? Is it hard to sting through scales?"

Kobicha felt a dull ache in his chest. He knew Sidewinder shared it. Their tails were Kobciha and Sidewinder's greatest weapon. Both carried the blood of other dragons.

“In its own way. Barbs can penetrate dragon scales far easier than I would like. And mine can do so easier than most…" Sidewinder kept his composure. But Kobicha could hear the sorrow under his mate's voice. His brother's pain was his own. “But it's still hard because… what it does to them."

“Have you stung a lot of dragons? If your venom is… Oh no, I'm being bad aren't I? I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! I was just really curious! I do that a lot, I'm so sorry…"

“It's okay, Woodrot," Sidewinder cooed. Kobicha heard the familiar sound of a wing draping around a smaller dragon. “You are correct, I have had to sting a lot of dragons. It's one of the worst feelings in the world… I hope I never have to again."

Sidewinder's voice shifted as he spoke, a strain to it. Kobicha could hear a talon drifting along scales, then something harder. Woodrot caressing along Sidewinder's tail and bulb, Kobicha imagined.

“I bet you won't. The war's over… the world's so nice now. Can't you feel it? Everything's going to be perfect now."

“That would be wonderful, wouldn't it?" Sidewinder rumbled affectionately, cuddling the smaller dragon. Kobicha could hear the doubt in his mate's voice again. It was hard to see a good world after their respective roles in the war. And after a decade hiding from a bad world.

Kobicha yearned for that world. A world where his siblings weren't at risk. A world where dragons loved and shared and having a SandWing in their troop didn't earn murmurs and judgment. That world seemed so far away. If only Woodrot could be right. Maybe he was. Maybe that would be the gift the world owed him.

Kobicha finally lifted his head and stretched his neck, rumbling as the muscles released. His jaws felt wonderful as he shifted them side-to-side. Getting to bite amid intimacy was such a rare indulgence. He felt guilty doing it to his brother, whom he was supposed to protect. Now and then his aggression would well up and he would play rougher with Blackgum. It was pleasant at the time, ecstasy in the moment, and Blackgum assured Kobicha it was fine. That Blackgum wanted it. But guilt always rooted itself in Kobicha after release.

Woodrot seemed to believe that Kobicha was just then waking, though Sidewinder knew better. The SandWing moved his wings, making room for Kobicha to reach Woodrot. The little mudWing did his adorable purr as Kobicha's muzzle stroked along his side. Woodrot turned to greet Kobicha, “Thank you for biting me!"

Kobicha slowly blinked, staring at the little MudWing. Thank you for biting him? Kobicha had only been indulging one of his worst traits. How feral he was when aroused, and even worse in the throes of passion. But Sidewinder shifted his right talon. Woodrot was speaking the truth.

“Really!" Woodrot insisted, “I liked it. Not exactly being bitten… I don't want some other dragon to bite me. But you enjoyed it so much! I loved that. It made me so glowy and warm! It filled me with fireflies! You really love biting me and I'm so glad you bit me."

Such a strange little MudWing.

“Does it still hurt?" Kobicha nosed along the places he had bitten Woodrot, especially along Woodrot's throat.

“Nope! Well, barely. I've always been a fast healer, even when it's not fire."

That had been quite a sight to see. Woodrot blowing fire over his own wing, yet there was not a trace of damage afterward. “I'm glad," Kobicha rumbled. He licked along Woodrot's neck and jaw. “You were incredible last night. You're the most impressive little MudWing I've ever met."

The way Woodrot giggled and wiggled was delightful. Kobicha subtly angled his tail and wing.

“I'm going to help Blackgum bring the food in," Sidewinder chirred cheerfully. He stood and turned, leaving the room, just as Kobicha had signaled him to do.

“Woodrot, I wanted to ask you something." Woodrot was watching Sidewinder leave but turned to face Kobicha. Those gold-green eyes were so full of happiness and excitement. Woodrot was still swaying a little, unable to sit still. Kobicha wasn't sure the little MudWing had ever been still in his life. But this might do it. The larger MudWing leaned in until their muzzles were tip to tip, sharing a brief breath. He lifted his head a little but maintained eye contact. “We will be leaving for the Kingdom of Sand in a few days. We hope to meet with Queen Thorn. Do you want to come with us?" He paused a moment before pushing further, “Do you want to be ours, little MudWing?"

There was a flow of emotions and expressions. Woodrot looked fascinated at first, like Kobicha was speaking words he had never heard before. There was shock, like Woodrot couldn't believe someone would want him in that way. Then it faded more of a neutral expression, Woodrot's eyes losing focus. That was something Kobicha hadn't seen yet; Woodrot had been curious, excited, giggling, awed, grumbling, something. Always something the entire time Kobicha had seen the little MudWing. Never neutral. And Woodrot stopped swaying. He stared at Kobicha. Woodrot lowered his head, his gaze dropping slowly to the floor. Fear showed in his eyes and on his muzzle, then panic started to set in, and the little MudWing started to tremble.

“I'd… I'd have to … I'd have to ask Shoebill, and talk to Swamp and Sinkhole, and…" Kobicha could tell Woodrot's heart was beating fast. He was breathing faster.

Kobicha leaned in and nuzzled along Woodrot's side, “Deep breath, little MudWing. Come back to me."

Woodrot did so. He listened so obediently to Kobicha. Perhaps he saw all bigwings as he saw Shoebill. A source of guidance, a voice to be obeyed. Their eyes met again. Woodrot still looked lost, but his breaths were slow and deep. Kobicha nuzzled in and laid a few affectionate licks on the little MudWing.

“That was the perfect answer, Woodrot." Kobicha once again earned such a wash of emotions. Excitement and happiness, likely for giving the right answer; confusion since Woodrot didn't know how it was the right answer; and relief that he was no longer having to consider what Kobicha asked.

“We wanted to know that your troop loved you. Your response makes it clear they do. And that they take care of you. And you clearly love them a lot. You're too perfect of a little MudWing to not have a loving troop. If they didn't, we were going to take you."

Overwhelmed, that was the newest expression. And relieved.

“You are SO bigwingsly!" Woodrot squeaked happily and gripped onto Kobicha's muzzle and pressed cheek to cheek. Kobicha had no clue what 'bigwingsly' meant. “Thank you. Yes, my troop loves me a lot. Shoebill is the best bigwings, just like you. You're both so bigwingsly." Woodrot slipped back, the biggest smile spread across his muzzle. “Thank you. I like you three a lot. You're my favorite troop that's not my troop! You three are just so wonderful and amazing and you three are perfect too." Maybe his brothers, but Woodrot didn't know what was inside Kobicha. “I'd love to spend a lot of time with you, and maybe someday I could go on a trip with you? And I can be yours for a night or a trip, but I'm always Shoebill's. I couldn't ever leave her."

Kobicha was smiling in return. He nodded and purred, “I'm so happy to hear that, little MudWing. You're our favorite little MudWing and our favorite other troop as well. And yes, we can always spend time together. I'm just relieved you have what you deserve." And that he wouldn't be joining them. Kobicha truly adored this little MudWing, but at the same time, joining them would be rough for Woodrot. The intensive training their troop went through, the formations he would have to fit into and practice over and over, dealing with the remnants of their trauma… Woodrot didn't deserve all of that. Not when he had a loving troop without those drawbacks and tarnishes.

“Are you hungry?"

“No," Woodrot chirped, “... well maybe a little. I'm still kind of full from last night."

Kobicha laughed heartily while leading Woodrot out of the room and toward his brothers. Both smiled at them when they entered. Sidewinder had heard everything and conveyed it to Blackgum, of course. If either was disappointed, it was overshadowed by their happiness and relief that Woodrot was loved; just the same as Kobicha.

Shoebill and Sinkhole arrived a little after their meal. Kobicha thought it would be to check on Woodrot but he could tell they weren't concerned. They seemed to know he would be fine. Shoebill had two large barrels strapped atop her lower back when she entered. There were brief pleasantries and greetings before Shoebill got this playful smile. She had such a serious and calm demeanor, just like Kobicha, until her true self shined through. Kobicha thought her true self was the playful and kind side, at least. He wondered which was the true him- the playful one around his brothers- and now this other troop, or the serious and stern self he portrayed to most everyone else. Which was the facade? Was either real? It was hard to know after so many years. Maybe neither was. Kobicha had long ago sunk deep into the mud within him. Both playful and serious were careful, calculated, only what Kobicha wanted to show bubbling to the surface.

“We've brought you a bit of a gift. For taking care of our brother last night." Sinkhole was unstrapping the harness around the barrels. Kobicha moved in to help. He was the largest and by far the strongest; it would be rude to do otherwise. “And for… well, Sinkhole and I will not be able to enjoy wine for a long while, so we might as well share it."

It took Kobicha a moment, staring at Shoebill's smirk, before the information settled. He sat back, still holding the wine barrel. “It took?"

“Mmhmm."

“Both of us!" Sinkhole effused. She was unstrapping the other barrel. Kobicha quickly put the one he was holding down and helped with the second before it fell off Shoebill's back.

“Do you know who it was?" Blackgum asked Sinkhole meekly.

“No, I can't really tell." She looked between the two of them, smiling brightly. “I'm happy either way! Maybe we'll know if it's yours if their mouth is black? But I guess your brother's isn't, but his wyrmlings might still have that… Hm. Maybe it'll be a mix? I don't actually know how that works. Squelch is really good with health and biology, so she might know. I don't think she'd want to discuss it, though."

Sidewinder snorted, waving his wing faintly, “She's quite a dragon. Didn't you say you're all charged with having a clutch this year?"

Even Sidewinder was comfortable speaking openly around these three. The comment was warranted in Kobicha's eyes. Squelch had turned her snout up at them being a lowborn troop. Her reaction to Sidewinder greatly surpassed that. The troop, spare Woodrot, had been cautious about Sidewinder's barb. Squelch had been outright offensive and hateful toward it.

Kobicha could have easily crushed her in his tail. He wouldn't of course. That had to stay deep under the mud. But he had thought about it.

“Yes, Squelch is expected to bear a clutch this season as well. She has been doing her best to attract one of the princes and carry their brood," Sinkhole answered. Her grin and tone of voice conveyed her amusement.

“The princes are huge." Blackgum blurted out.

“Mmhmm," Sinkhole's grin was even wider.

Shoebill nudged Sinkhole's wing with her own, “And we hope she achieves what she is pursuing. Sinkhole wants what is best for us and her clutch." She addressed Kobicha and his troop again, returning to her highborn demeanor. “Squelch wants an even better life for her clutches than our troop enjoys. And it would reflect highly on our troop if she were to carry a prince's clutch. We thank the moons for having her for a sister. She's remarkably intelligent, and works in the royal library at Queen Moorhen's castle. Her goals are well within her reach."

“Yeah she is! Squelch is amazing. She's totally going to do it!" Woodrot squeaked happily.

That hurt in a way. To see Squelch chastising her brother's lack of decorum for their role, and Woodrot still loved her so much despite it. No matter how good her intentions, Kobicha could never understand anything but absolute love for a sibling.

“It doesn't really matter if it's Kobicha or me," Blackgum rumbled, breaking the awkward mood. He moved closer and leaned under Sinkhole. “It was an honor you chose us. Our troop's first clutches," He purred. Blackgum stroked his cheek across Sinkhole's belly then sat to lean against her side.

Kobicha adored his little brother. Blackgum felt so strongly and he was so emotive. He got to share their emotions, while Kobicha had long ago trampled them into the mud. Only the select bits could bubble through. It was the only way to stay safe. But he knew this was a happy thing. It gave him a sense of fulfillment. He had done his duty.

He wouldn't mind doing it again, though. More clutches would be better.

Kobicha mirrored Blackgum's actions, leaning gently against Shoebill's side. He rumbled affectionately, “Will you tell us when the clutch is layed? I don't want to interfere or interrupt their troop bonding on hatching, but…" How could he say it? He was part of a small clutch. He was broad and his tail was extra large. Blackgum's black insides and his narrow wings. They were very healthy MudWings, but they were also odd MudWings. “It would be nice to know they made it to a safe nest. And I'd love to know if there's a blood egg."

Shoebill looked like she knew Kobicha wasn't being entirely forthright. Thankfully she let it be. Shoebill looked over to Woodrot. He was rubbing up against Sidewinder, slipping past him one way, turning, and then the other. “Someone's being a little braggart, mm?"

Woodrot froze and looked up. He quickly sat and tucked his wings close. “Was that supposed to be a secret? I forgot if it was supposed to be a secret."

Shoebill laughed and stepped, leaned, and nuzzled Woodrot affectionately. “It's not a secret. It's just cute that you showed off for once. You must really like them."

Woodrot nuzzled back then nodded eagerly, squeaking happily. Shoebill looked pleased as she rested back against Kobicha. She nodded, “Of course, I'm happy to let you know when they are laid. We can visit the nest, though you've quite some time to wait. Maybe there will be a blood egg. It's uncommon, but there's supposed to be one every few years or so. I don't know if Woodrot makes me more likely to lay one, though."

Kobicha nodded, rumbling approvingly. He looked to Blackgum and Sinkhole, then Shoebill resting against himself. MudWings generally didn't bond outside of their troop. It was strange he felt fondness for this other troop, especially Woodrot. And Blackgum felt the same. Perhaps being Sidewinder's mates had changed their mindsets, changed their hearts? On the other talon, they were odd MudWings in more ways than just their troop and bodies. Maybe Shoebill's troop was as well.

“Are there good areas for training nearby? We're rather behind on that, with all the activity and travel."

Shoebill tilted her head curiously. Woodrot and Sinkhole looked curious as well.

“How often do you train?"

“Thrice weekly," Sidewinder answered Woodrot.

“Sometimes only twice, or sometimes more, depending on the week." Blackgum glanced at Kobicha, who approved after Sidewinder shifted in his periphery. “We had a lot of free time," Blackgum added a bit darkly. That information couldn't hurt them, and it might let Shoebill's troop understand them better.

The surprised looks led Kobicha to assume the other troop did not practice as often. Three times a week was standard for MudWings in the Diamond Delta. Especially with the war going on. Shoebill's troop must not have had a battle role in the war. It would fit since they were high born MudWings.

“I know some militant troops train to the south-east, heading straight toward the Rainforest Kingdom," Shoebill rumbled and gestured with her wing. “There's several swamps, marshes, and thick forest growth that makes for good training. From what I hear, at least. All sorts of variety, depending on what you are looking for."

“Thank you, that sounds perfect."

“Were you on the front lines?" Sinkhole was asking Blackgum. After assessing his brothers' silent input Kobicha shifted his tail tip. Minimal truth.

“Not on the front lines, really. We were generally escorts or messengers. Since there were three of us, we had to be very well coordinated in case we did fight." Blackgum's responded, just what the three had agreed upon.

“Can I watch?!" Such an excitable, sweet voice Woodrot had.

“Sorry, little MudWing." Sidewinder leaned down and flicked his tongue across Woodrot's ear. “Troop tactics are a closely guarded secret where our troop comes from. They're less effective if others know and use them."

“Awhh… makes sense…"

It was mostly the truth. A few troops guarded their tactics where Kobicha was hatched in the Diamond Delta. His troop's tactics were particularly unusual, growing up as a troop of three. And they had strayed even further from MudWing tactics, having a SandWing in their troop. Training was also not a pleasant thing for others. Kobicha did not think Woodrot would enjoy what he would see.

“Maybe we could train together some time? We mostly train etiquette and boring Squelch stuff, but we do combat sometimes," Woodrot asked, eyes shimmering with hope.

Kobicha tapped a claw to keep his brothers from responding. This was his decision. His role to guard them. He turned to Shoebill and rumbled, “I don't think that would be very fair, Woodrot. We're larger than the majority of your troop, and likely have far more experience. It would be rude of us." Rude to humiliate another troop with proper training, or by holding back. Either way, they would be insulting a troop born far higher than themselves. Further, if they wished to skirmish, it might not go well. And Woodrot seemed the type to want to play fight.

Shoebill tilted her muzzle to Woodrot, then met Kobicha's gaze. “Even with the war over, it wouldn't hurt to focus some of our training on tactics. If Kobicha's troop wanted to observe us and give feedback, it would be welcome. At the same time, we shouldn't waste another troop's time, Woodrot." She addressed Woodrot directly again, “And we should not make requests of them, Woodrot. Those cuffs put them higher than us. We respect troops who serve the queen directly."

Kobicha held still, expressionless, but it felt so wrong inside to be labeled such. His brothers were just as uncomfortable.

“Oh, I thought they were our friends. I'm really sorry."

It hurt to watch Woodrot lower his head and bow. The three assessed and agreed. Kobicha bowed the midpoint of his tail left. It was Sidewinder's turn.

“We are your friends, little MudWing," Sidewinder crooned. He dipped his muzzle under Woodrot's, lifting the little dragon to sit proper. Sidewinder looked into Woodrot's eyes, smiling affectionately. The gaze lasted a moment before Sidewinder looked at Shoebill. Woodrot remained staring up at Sidewinder. Kobicha knew that spell well. “We consider every member of your troop friends."

Kobicha tilted his head, drawing Blackgum's attention. Their eyes briefly met. Another subtle sign.

“Yeah," Blackgum said while lifting his left foreleg. He looked at the cuff, purring, “To us, these are only signs we're a part of the tribe once more. A sign that Sidewinder is safe here." Blackgum lifted his head and smiled brightly, “You never have to think of us as above you. Even if you're so small you could walk under Kobicha." He gave Woodrot a playful grin.

Kobicha didn't want others to think his brothers were lesser than him. Bigwings spoke to bigwings. Kobicha had never liked that. He was their protector, their guide, their love. He was not their commander. His brothers were their own dragons that he respected. They were equals. Kobicha's gaze lowered to his right talon. He slid his thumb out from under his palm. The war was over. Hiding was in the past. Maybe old habits could die with the war.

Kobicha noticed Shoebill was staring at him. He turned his snout and smiled at her. “You heard them. Friends, not superiors. We're all dragons, loyal to our queen, loyal to our tribe." Specifically, not loyal to MudWings. Dragon species had long lost its meaning to him. Sidewinder was their tribe too.

“Well-said!" Sinkhole chirped. “There's more than tactics we could learn from your troop." Then she paused. She slowly looked up to Shoebill, her ears perking a little. “... What? Woodrot gets away with it all the time, don't I get one?"

Blackgum looked away, stifling a laugh. Sidewinder had a slight smirk, though Kobicha was sure the other troop didn't see it. Kobicha simply looked between the two, observing, giving no sign of judgment or thought one way or the other. He certainly wouldn't mind having a friend troop, though. And Woodrot was perfectly charming the way he was, even if he spoke out of turn.

“We should return home. We have business this afternoon." Shoebill regarded all three of Kobicha's troop in turn, “Thank you again for hosting Woodrot last night. I hope you enjoy the wine, maybe we'll bring more over if you like it."

“If you don't, we get really good mead! I like that a lot more," Woodrot chimed as he followed Shoebill.

Blackgum and Sinkhole smiled at one another. Then Sinkhole rolled her eyes and turned to follow her siblings.

***

They flew in speaking formation, Sidewinder and Blackgum just above and behind Kobicha. They glided apart when they needed to beat their wings, then drifted back together. They saw other MudWing troops flying around. For once, they didn't have to ensure they remained unseen. They certainly got looks, a Sandwing in troop formation, but no one initiated contact with them.

“I think I'm more comfortable if we keep them… just in case."

They all had the same thought, but Blackgum was the first to voice it.

“Agreed. I want to believe in the world that Woodrot sees… but I don't think I can. Not yet." Sidewinder flicked his tongue. “It's safer."

“Sidewinder is nodding… but Landslide looks hopeful. I think she believes Woodrot." Blackgum murmured quietly. The gentle, weak voice he had when speaking for their sisters. “It's up to you, bigwings." Blackgum had always liked it when Kobicha was the one to voice their decision, even if they reached it together.

Sidewinder snorted. “She never trusts anyone. Barely her siblings."

“She's glaring at you…"

“I don't need to see her to know that," Sidewinder chuckled, a large grin spread over his snout.

Kobicha nodded. Every sibling's input was important. But his thoughts were with the majority. Their second language was handy for many years, beguiling dragons they ran into or coordinating during engagements. But if the new world were peaceful, if Woodrot's view was true, they weren't needed.

If. It was a very big if.

“Yes, we'll keep our signals," Kobicha rumbled. They spread, stroked their wings a few times, then drifted back together. “We could have a release signal." Kobicha continued. “Instead of always signaling when any other dragon is around… we could choose when they're necessary."

They silently agreed upon it. Kobicha tried a couple signal motions, then settled on a tail curl motion; or a faint click of fangs, if they were out of sight. His brothers mirrored it, and it was established.

“This is strange, right?" Sidewinder voiced their next thought. “I'm not … I only have experience with my troop. But MudWing troops don't bond like this, right?"

“Are… we bonding with them?" Blackgum timidly asked.

“All of us adore Woodrot," Sidewinder retorted. “You two may be closer to Shoebill and Sinkhole, but I'm… comfortable with them. Most of them." Sidewinder's jaw briefly tensed at the thought of Squelch. “Within a day we were speaking openly and intimate with them, even if we were signaling. I've never been comfortable with a dragon outside my troop… I am clearly biased towards MudWings at this point, but… This feels unusual?"

“Could we be beguiled?" Blackgum half-asked, half-mused.

“You know that's not possible," Kobicha rumbled. All five of them knew that. He glanced to Sidewinder, then to Blackgum, before righting his head. “We're… hm." he flicked his wing tip, signaling Sidewinder to speak.

The signals were very deeply ingrained.

“I have thought about it." Of course, both MudWings knew their mate had been. “I've considered it might be… a rebound? From our isolation, and the trauma of … It's possible the relief, delight, and the like has caused us to imprint upon them. That seems unlikely? We aren't those kinds of dragons."

Kobicha gave a nod. Blackgum did three times. All five agreed.

“Alternative to that, it could be that they're similar to us. We could all sense it from the start."

All nodded in agreement again.

“They fit their role as a high born troop because they have to. That's not who they are."

Sidewinder and Kobicha both stared silently at Blackgum. It wasn't quite what they expected from their smallest brother.

“I mean… Woodrot can't hide it. The rest do. Squelch is… very… repressed. But we saw who they really are, right?" Blackgum murmured, half in thought.

“I thought so too," Kobicha rumbled in return. “It feels like that, but I wasn't sure. Reading dragons isn't my role."

Both MudWings looked to Sidewinder. Sidewinder rolled his eyes and huffed, “I'm not a mind reader."

They kept staring.

“... I think so as well. Of course Blackgum is correct. And our sisters too, I imagine."

Blackgum perked and lifted shifted his wings, giving a little Woodrot-like wiggle of happiness. Sidewinder rolled his eyes, even more exaggerated this time, and snorted. A quick glance showed no other dragons in sight. Sidewinder rolled from his position, swooped up, and jumped off Blackgum's back before climbing higher.

Blackgum dropped a few feet from the 'attack', hissed, and rapidly flapped to chase their mate upward. Kobicha rolled his eyes and rumbled after them, “We're still doing our full training, even if you two wear yourself out."

It didn't stop them, of course. But that was fine. Kobicha enjoyed watching his brothers flirt and chase and play.

It made the world feel like Woodrot saw it.

***

Formations were always first. Speaking formation until they found a proper area to train. Then standard formation, with Sidewinder and Blackgum in their respective pockets. Slipstream formation, the three in a line, tail-tip to muzzle. Burning formation; a defensive formation where they slipped and wound around one another and could unpredictably spout a gout of flame in any direction, narrowly missing one another. Hidden formations where Sidewinder and Blackgum glided just above or below Kobicha, angling as needed so an observer from below or above would only see one dragon.

The most difficult was one dragon formation. Kobicha in the lead, Blackgum's jaw pressed just above his pelvis, and Sidewinder doing the same to Blackgum. A long, single dragon. Their wings beating in a ripple as one, their bodies twisting and gliding like a long serpent as they weaved between trees. Kobicha angling or curving just right to indicate a target, their barb striking as they flew past.

Formations practice was tiring. Battle training afterward was moreso. While Kobicha excelled in strength, his dexterity was lacking. He was limited to using a spear, though his real weapon was his tail. Longer and stronger than it ought to be, he could easily grapple and break opponents with it. Just like that SkyWing. The one that set them on this path. Kobicha could still feel its neck in his tail at times.

His primary role was defending his brothers in close combat, striking where he could. Blackgum and Sidewinder were the true attackers. Smaller, nimble and fast. Kobicha always struggled when they teamed up on him. Keeping up with their movements, and him being a larger target, made it difficult to intercept their attacks. On the other hand, in real combat, Kobicha could endure far more damage so a few missed strikes weren't a significant problem.

And then it was time for Kobicha's strength training. Large, felled trees and boulders served as his equipment. Lifting and hauling with his tail; stacking them atop him to carry and squat to strengthen spine and legs; Carrying them in his foretalons while walking on his hindlegs. The sun slid across the sky as he did. Finally, flying. Find the heaviest item he could grapple and take off with it. Taking off with it was an ordeal. Then flying with it. Finally, hovering vertically while carrying the weight. Then longer. And longer. He watched his brothers train while he hovered. Blackgum was getting better with the wooden chakrams and small pendulum axes. He was almost never stung by Sidewinder at this point. Or, more properly, hit by the hard, wooden peg that covered Sidewinder's barb. Each strike that did connect hurt all three of them. But it was important to be able to defend themselves.

Kobicha kept hovering even after his brothers trained. His shoulders and wings ached with each wing beat. He watched as Sidewinder spread himself out, sunning himself. Blackgum explored the area, gathering plant materials and roots to make his various salves and treatments. It felt like Kobicha's body would rip from his wings, his four legs and tail shifting between immense ache and numbness. But he had missed several training sessions since meeting Shoebill's troop. He had to make up for them. He had to become even stronger. He had to have the strength to protect his brothers.

To protect them like he couldn't protect his sisters.

Each time, that thought steeled him to endure longer. No pain could ever rival losing them.

Buried in the mud. All that could bubble to the surface was strength. A foundation for his troop.

Kobicha felt the boulder slip as he was startled by Blackgum. He had been so focused had lost track of his surroundings.

“You've been up here a long time… A really long time. Can you come down now? We all want you to…"

Kobicha glanced down to Sidewinder. The SandWing was polishing and sharpening weapons. Kobicha doubted he had said anything, but both knew the sentiment was shared. He glanced at the sun, now much closer to the horizon.

“Sorry, I lost track of time," Kobicha rumbled. His voice came out weak. He hadn't realized how hard he had been panting or how dry his throat was. Kobicha angled to lower himself but his limbs faltered. The boulder slipped free and crashed to the ground. A distant flock of birds leaped into the air and raced away.

Kobicha landed harder than he intended, but landed nonetheless. Not a crash, at least. His muscles roared at him.

“Get in the mud," Sidewinder hissed without looking. “Now," he cut off any protests. His voice was stern, a sure sign Kobicha had gone too hard and worried his mate.

Kobicha didn't have the strength to protest. He walked, shakily, off of the dryer bar and into the mud. It squished between his talons wonderfully. He slowly paced forward, deeper and deeper, until his whole body sunk under. He tilted his head as he sank and worked deeper. His nostrils would have to remain above, he was still panting too hard.

Submerged in the mud, pressed in on all sides, hidden from the world, Kobicha trembled let out a silent whine.

Everywhere hurt so much.

Blackgum's talons guided Kobicha's head up from the mud. His muzzle was opened and a familiar, vegetal flavor filled overtook him as his gums were packed with a poultice. His head sunk under, his breath recovered. A solid hour to heal in the mud, his brother's treatment drawing away the pain and releasing his tense muscles.

Kobicha woke as his lungs signaled his hour was over. He used his tail to push him upward and rise from the mud. He pushed with his talons and walked back to the drier ground his brothers were on. He shifted as he walked, the mud sliding off his freshly hardened scales. He used his tongue to push free the vegetal mass Blackgum had put in his muzzle. He spit it into the mud before climbing onto dry land. He shook from head to tail tip, casting away the last of the mud before approaching Sidewinder. He nuzzled his mate's snout, then turned to nuzzle Blackgum's.

“Sorry. And thank you for treating me."

Sidewinder responded with a soft hiss of disapproval, but forgiveness. Blackgum chirped sweetly, nuzzling back eagerly. He pressed closer, neck against neck, chest to chest.

“We're staying here tonight. Blackgum caught a small gator and I nabbed some fowl." Sidewinder's voice was still stern, a way that Kobihca knew even his status as bigwings held no leverage in this decision. A soft 'mm' from Blackgum only enforced that Kobicha was outvoted. And that was okay. It was good. They were equals, and that's what Kobicha wanted.

They worked together to roast the gator and pluck the fowl clean. They ate together, affectionately crooning and cuddling, sometimes feeding one another. Blackgum and Sidewinder were exhausted and sore in their own ways. Kobicha could see where his brothers had got one another with their practice weapons. A few on Sidewinder, more on Blackgum. Sidewinder always felt bad after training, especially how Blackgum was outmatched. But their youngest brother was cheerful and loving as always, and that assagued all their pain.

They groomed one another as they settled in. Sidewinder tucked and curled up, Blackgum and Kobicha covering him. MudWing bodies were far more resilient to the mosquitoes and pests of the swamp that a SandWing was vulnerable to.

Sleep was deep and wonderful, serenaded by the sounds of the swamp.

***

The flight back was a pain, but nothing Kobicha couldn't handle. The soreness was a familiar friend, a reminder that he was growing ever stronger. The day was spent resting and recovering in their new home. It felt so familiar and right already. Kobicha found himself growing more fond of the resting platforms. Pillows and fabrics were a luxury they never found in their times hiding.

Swamp arrived in the late afternoon. It seemed all of Shoebill's troops had duties. Swamp and Woodrot served as messengers for high ranking generals, Moorhen's council, and the like; or as guides within the capital and to distant locations. Shoebill and Sinkhole played host to important guests and were respected public speakers. All this in addition to Squelch's work in the castle library. A high-ranking troop indeed. It explained their behavior and strict adherence to customs.

Swamp had come bearing the news that their trip to the SandWing kingdom to visit Queen Thorn had been approved. Entirely unnecessary, with Moorhen's promise to them, but following decorum wouldn't hurt. They also hoped it would help the highborn troops accept a lowborn troop living among them; and more so, a lowborn troop being suddenly outranking many other troops born into this prestige. The cuffs meant little to Kobicha and his siblings. But they certainly stepped on the talons of some other troops.

Swamp had also brought a second message with him. Shoebill was inviting them over for a meal and to stay with her troop that night. There was a strong implication she had intentions for Kobicha, and that she really hoped they would accept. Swamp maintained his perfect highborn, official business demeanor until the very end. When Kobicha accepted, Swamp smiled and bowed his head in thanks. He had addressed Kobicha the whole time, 'as proper' per MudWing customs in the capital. Bigwings were the one you spoke to.

But then Swamp's eyes flicked to each of Kobicha's brothers, then back to Kobicha. Two faint tail shifts, a near silent click of fangs. Kobicha chuckled and waved a paw dismissively.

“It's fine, Swamp. We don't care about that sort of thing."

Swamp looked overjoyed. “The rest of us would spend the night with you two… would you like to bring your instruments over again? It was so fun playing with you. I'd love to jam more. Or you could teach me how to play those things? I have a lot of flutes too, I could teach you two to play too if you like!"

Kobicha could feel the happiness and excitement of his brothers. It was normal for Blackgum, but a joy to have Sidewinder relax and drop his guard. To be genuine to someone outside their troop.

Kobicha really could, should, draw himself up from the depths of mud within him. Not the surface… but closer.

“That'd be so cool! I mean, I probably won't play it very well, I'm not really good with my talons- ow!"

Kobicha growled at Sidewinder for striking Blackgum with his bulb. It was gentle, but still, Kobicha had told Sidewinder not to. Outside of training, at least.

The SandWing ignored his bigwings, leaning and growling sweetly to Blackgum, “No one speaks ill of my mate. Not even my mate."

Kobicha turned his head to watch his brothers but maintained his focus on Swamp. In their first encounter Swamp- and all his siblings- reacted strongly to Sidewinder striking Blackgum. Fear, maybe terror, ready to fight or flee. Now Swamp just seemed amused, looking back and forth between the two, enjoying their affectionate banter. This other troop really was different. Special. Like Kobicha's siblings. They just had to hide it behind walls. Kobicha's troop could easily do the same with their training. Hopefully that would bring the local highborn to accept them as well. And, Kobicha hoped, to not assume Diamond Delta MudWings were so lowly and barbaric.

“Fine! You didn't have to strike me…" Blackgum pouted.

Sidewinder circled behind Kobicha to Blackgum's far side, nosing along back and wing, finishing by nuzzling and kissing along Blackgum's muzzle. Swamp watched with such glee.

“Good. My mates are perfect," Sidewinder purred. He nuzzled under Blackgum's muzzle, pushing it upward. Sidewinder's eyes fixed on Swamp from beneath Blackgum's jaw, “We'd love to. Sandwings have ney, a kind of flute, but I've never played one before. I'd love to learn. And this piece of peat moss is surely going to do better than I will."

Sidewinder began mouthing along Blackgum's jaw and muzzle, hissing affectionately. Blackgum turned away, bashful and huffing, “Yeah yeah… We'll be there, wings and scales… and barbs." Blackgum suddenly growled, jerked, and pushed against Sidewinder. Blackgum was the youngest, the sweetest, and the same size as Sidewinder. He still had the advantage of bulk over Sidewinder. The two fell to the ground, wrestling and growling and mouthing on one another. Kobicha watched them, grinning, but kept Swamp in his peripheral. Swamp's eyes were on Kobicha's brothers. A mix of fascination, delight, and want painted over his muzzle. Kobicha would never adhere to Mud Kingdom capital culture inside the walls of their own home. But he had a strong feeling that was not often the case in Shoebill's home.

Growing up in the Diamond Delta, Kobicha had fantasized what his siblings could have enjoyed if they were high born. He now appreciated how the moons had blessed them by hatching where they had.

“What time should we arrive?" Kobicha rumbled, drawing Swamp's attention again.

“We have duties for the next few hours, would dusk be an acceptable time?" Swamp answered, having resumed his prim and proper behavior and form.

“Yes, that will work perfectly for us," Kobicha responded similarly. As much as he could while his tail pushed his wrestling brothers from rolling into him. “Treasurer, you have a moment?" he growled, playfully, down to Sidewinder.

“Oh, no! Please, it's not needed." Swamp had his paws raised up to stop them. “I am paid by the court, and it's an honor to fulfill my role." Swamp glanced over his shoulder, lowering himself. He turned forward and spoke in a quieter voice, “I am not allowed to take tips from higher troops. It's considered poor taste to offer gold to a troop below yours for their work… It's my pleasure, my joy, to fulfill my role. That's all the additional recompense I need."

Kobicha stared at him. His brothers had stopped, and he imagined they were doing similar.

“Sorry…"

Kobicha's ears lowered. He shook his head and waved his paw, “Thank you for letting us know, Swamp. A lot of this is new, but important for us to know. So no gold, mm?" Swamp nodded. Kobicha leaned forward and reached a wing out. He gently pulled the smaller MudWing in and nudged Swamp's muzzle with his own, “No sorries. You have served us well. No gold… but my brothers will find a way to thank you tonight, I'm sure."

Swamp looked surprised, then flustered. Kobicha could see his brothers giving Swamp a playful- borderline lecherous- look. Swamp's eyes flicked to them, then back to Kobicha.

“I look forward to the pleasure of hosting your troop." Kobicha withdrew his wing as Swamp bowed his head. Then he stood and turned. Kobicha savored the shiver that went through Swamp's closed wings from Kobicha's paw tracing along his tail as Swamp departed.

“Do we belong here?"

Blackgum looked hurt… worried? Maybe scared.

Sidewinder's paw moved up, stroking over Blackgum's cheek. He cooed, “We belong wherever we want to be, little salamander."

Kobicha crouched down and settled with his muzzle to his brothers. He nosed each affectionately, purring, “Exactly. We're better trained than any other troop here. We can do the flight, embody the behaviors, speak right… it's just little details we'll have to learn."

Blackgum nodded, closing his eyes and purring as his muzzle was pressed between his brothers'.

“Do you want to go back to the Diamond Delta?"

Blackgum opened his eyes at Kobicha's question. He looked into Kobicha's eyes for a moment. Then he glanced past Kobicha, up and to the side. He stared there a moment, then back to his bigwings. “We like it here."

“Me too," Sidewinder softly hissed, kissing at Blackgum's ear.

“We're staying here. For now. We can do whatever we want… we're free after all."

The relief on Blackgum's face warmed Kobicha's heart. He nuzzled in. All of them glowed with it. They were free. Not fugitives, not hiding, not scared to be found, not scared to be separated.

Burn the world, whether it was Woodrot's paradise or not. Kobicha had everything he needed.

***

Dinner was as much a lesson as it was a meal. Nothing overly important and nothing was chastised. Just gently informing Kobicha and his brothers what would be appropriate of them since they ranked higher than Shoebill's troop. Or informing them, should they be in the presence of higher troops, the proper etiquette. It was all kind and gentle until Squelch returned, having worked late in the library. She seemed to delight in this activity. She wasn't mean or rude- though she still showed distaste for Sidewinder. Kobicha would certainly not consider hurting her for the slight. That would be wrong. She did, however, revel in the details and most niche complexities of troop interactions and societal status.

None of it was like IceWings, from what Sidewinder had taught the troop. These were just subtleties to be kind, to defer to higher status, to show that a dragon understood where they were and the privilege of being in such a location. Kobicha was certain they could break every single one of these guidelines and never see a bit of consequence. But he wanted his troop to be appreciated, to be liked, to make friends.

To make up for everything they had missed in the past decade.

It was a joy to watch Sidewinder. He had grown up in Burn's stronghold. He knew how to act, how to respond, how to hold himself. The eternal threat of the faux-queen's ire had trained Kobicha's SandWing siblings well. The way he studied everything, saw everything, heard everything… he was the perfect example among the three, and Squelch couldn't comment a thing upon him. Spare when she mentioned tail etiquette, and Sidewinder politely corrected her that it was proper for a SandWing to hold their tail in a way where their barb was not threatening. Squelch was quick to defer to that point. Certainly a highlight of the meal.

Everyone had been polite enough to ignore Blackgum's soft snort and muffled chuckle, and moreso, Woodrot's outright laughter. Woodrot, as Kobicha expected, held little care for all these guidelines. He could, certainly, but why would he in his own home?

The end of the meal devolved into casual discussion, laughter, and merriment. Squelch seemed to regret the chance to share her encyclopedic knowledge of culture was over, but seemed pleasant enough. Until Sidewinder addressed her. Kobicha's mate was ever on point. He approached and sat near Squelch without invading her space, lowering his muzzle. He quietly requested to discuss etiquette with her, to which Squelch reluctantly agreed. Her head was up and turned away. Kobicha wondered if it was her love of the topic or Sidewinder's hypnotic charm that lured her in. Either way, it was effective. They were soon deep in conversation, her full attention turned to Sidewinder, regarding such specific scenarios and the most subtle of details between troops. Sidewinder knew well the hierarchy between female and male MudWings, but he still discussed it at length. Sidewinder went into the details of SandWing sex implications in societal interactions as well. Squelch ate it up. Attract more dragons with salve than venom, as Sidewinder would say.

Kobicha's brain would hurt from the tedium of it all.

Squelch must have realized she was bonding with a SandWing (one from a lowborn troop, if she even accepted Sidewinder as such). She excused herself quickly after that. But her disdain had clearly dissipated. Perhaps there was hope for her.

Kobicha's brain did hurt. Even without Sidewinder's hearing. He could pay attention to his brothers and another dragon or two. But this whole troop, a focus on Squelch, while conversing with Shoebill, and the occasional interruption from Blackgum or Swamp or Woodort, was exhausting. Maybe a decade ago he could do this. Back when they were around other troops, other dragons, regularly. But it had been so long. Years of just watching two dragons, and the occasional interloper. Kobicha had no idea how his mate heard and saw everything and maintained his sanity. The mead, at least, allowed him to stop worrying so much. He felt a wonderful warmth deep inside.

Shoebill's wing brushed Kobicha's. He turned his muzzle to her, a warm expression allowed to bubble through the mud. He rumbled quietly to her.

“Would you care to join me upstairs now?"

It was getting late in the evening. Before Kobicha could turn his snout he felt his brothers' tails on his own. Both were looking at him, love and affection in their eyes. Their tails both rested upon his, but each was shaped in a specific way. Kobicha chuckled, his teeth quietly clacking together. Both his brothers smiled brighter.

“Can I trust you two to Shoebill's troop for the night? You won't teach them to play bones?"

An act, hiding their secret language. The other dragons looked intrigued.

“What's wrong with bones? It's fun," Sidewinder scoffed, a paw going to his chest, faux offended.

“No betting."

The SandWing chuckled and dipped his head. “No betting. Just for fun." His wings gave a little shrug as he did.

“Well then…" Kobicha turned to Shoebill. Her siblings looked curious and excited. She looked amused. “Shall we?" He rumbled sensually.

Shoebill nodded. She stood and leaned over Woodrot. “Take care of our siblings, my little briquette."

Woodrot chirped and purred as he rubbed up against Shoebill's muzzle. It was adorable. It caused Kobicha pause- did others find his brothers and himself cute in that way? Swamp had been watching Sidewinder and Blackgum similarly earlier that day. That probably meant he had let the right expression bubble through.

“I will! I love you bigwings," Woodrot squeaked and purred in the cutest way. His wings hugged Shoebill's head and neck. Then the dark little MudWing dashed off to leap on Sidewinder's back, hugging him tightly. No one reacted negatively to it, to Kobicha's relief. Sidewinder's deadly tail had stopped becoming an item of terror for the whole troop.

They headed up the stairs. Kobicha knew Shoebill's troop had a large, extravagant home. The mudroom alone proved that. He hadn't realized how large and accommodating the rest of their abode was. Shoebill led to a chamber, similar to the resting room in Kobicha's new home, but significantly more spacious. The wall had a large opening leading to a balcony; to take off and enter, Kobicha assumed. The scents in the room were off.

“When we host guests they stay here. Our siblings will be in my troop's usual sleeping chamber, but you and I can spend the night together here."

Kobicha nodded, admiring the room's decor. The grandeur of the room was indicative of just how prestigious of guests they might host. It surpassed the rest of Shoebill's home, though not by far. Several lingering scents were not MudWings. It was wonderful to be invited into this level of luxury, but at the same time it impressed that Kobicha really was outclassed by Shoebill and her siblings.

Shoebill climbed atop the resting platform. She slumped, rolled to her back, and looked at Kobicha invitingly. She had such a warm smile on her muzzle. Proper etiquette time was over. Kobicha's brothers and he had all agreed to relax and enjoy themselves. These were friends. They were safe. Kobicha's troop was free. Kobicha had to pull himself up from the mud. At least, closer to the surface.

He climbed onto the platform with Shoebill. His muzzle traced along her chest and neck as he joined her. It left a tingling warmth across his muzzle scales when he touched her like this. The buzz of mead made it all the stronger. A small lick to her jaw, then he settled beside her, upright, gently brushing their muzzles together.

“Woodrot said you offered to take him in, if he ever became an unsib."

Deeper into the mud. Was he plied with alcohol to loosen his tongue? Was this some kind of test?

Kobicha gazed into Shoebill's eyes. He wasn't Sidewinder. He couldn't read a dragon inside and out. But her eyes were still warm. No anger, as best Kobicha could estimate. It was okay. Relax. They were friends. No sinking deeper, be genuine, he reminded himself.

“That's not quite what I said."

Shoebill rumbled a soft laugh, “I figured not. Woodrot tends to remember things how he wants to. I'm sure it was sweet, though."

Kobicha continued to stare. He leaned in and closed his eyes, brushing their muzzles together. “I asked if he wanted to join us to see how we responded. We needed to know if his troop loved him. Whether he was taken care of. He's one of the sweetest dragons we've ever met. I said if he wasn't, we would have taken him. But his response made it clear how strongly you all do love him."

Kobicha ventured a peek. Shoebill seemed more curious than upset. He thought.

“You would take him, mm?"

Kobicha nodded. He slowly pushed himself up to sit on his hindquarters. “Take him. I doubt he interpreted it as I meant it… but yes. Even if he didn't want to, if he didn't have what he needed… As I said, he deserves love. He's the sweetest dragon I've ever met. And…"

“He doesn't quite fit in here. And Squelch can be a bit harsh to him."

Kobicha shrugged his wings but nodded. “I can leave if you like," he ventured. But he still didn't see anger or aggression.

“No. It's sweet of you, and you're right. He has the best heart of any dragon in Pyrrhia. But we do love him," Shoebill cooed. “You know, Woodrot said you're the best bigwings ever, after me at least," she said with a teasing little puff. “So, to take him… you'd have a hard time doing that." A playful grin. It was such a beautiful grin. “You certainly know how a loving bigwings will raze the continent before losing her sibling."

He could only stare.

Curiosity. Then, slowly, Shoebill's expression fell. Realization settled in. Her muzzle opened and closed without speaking. Kobicha looked away, toward the entryway. He could hear the music their siblings were making, but Sidewinder certainly heard what had been said. Kobicha hoped it had not upset his mate.

“I'm… Kobicha, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I…"

He would never want Sidewinder's hearing. But it would be so useful to know what his mate was feeling right now.

“Please stay?" Shoebill's wing brushed against Kobicha's muzzle, drawing his attention back to her. Shoebill, who was a perfect bigwings, who had never lost a sibling. “I didn't mean it that way at all. I couldn't agree more with Woodrot. You're a bigwings I look up to. I can see so much in you that I only hope I can be some day."

The genuine hurt in her voice was comforting. She truly didn't mean to hurt Kobicha. It didn't take away the spear in his gut from her words… but, at the same time, she was devastated by her own words. She was sympathetic for him, for how he ached. Kobicha could see that even without Sidewinder's senses. Maybe she could understand the pain, even if she had never had it.

Kobicha chuckled. It earned a stunned, confused look from Shoebill. “Well yes… You're laying down, you have to look up to me." He gave the best charming smile he could. The one that made Sidewinder swoon. Shoebill was confused for a moment, then rolled her eyes and laughed as well. Kobicha leaned in to stroke his muzzle along hers and simply savor that they really were friends.

“Would you like to tell me about them?"

It gave Kobicha pause. His thoughts often drifted to his sisters. Would it hurt too much? Or maybe it would be cathartic. Kobicha settled down again, cuddling around Shoebill as he did so. It felt so different from his siblings, but so pleasant all the same. She was closer to his body size than any of his siblings. It was strange not being able to wrap around and engulf someone in his body and wings.

The ache in his gut was fading.

“Landslide and Diamondback were perfect," Kobicha murmured. They settled in close, muzzles against one another. Kobicha closed his eyes and shared the story of his sisters. Not the fall, but before that. The nice parts. Landslide teaching them how to dance. How Diamondback secretly loved to paint. Nights where they cuddled and watched the stars, something both the MudWings and SandWings of his troop did growing up even before finding one another.

Catharsis. That was new.

“You remind me of her, you know."

Shoebill made a soft 'mm?' sound. She moved her muzzle tip to Kobicha's, sharing a couple breaths. “Your sister?" Kobicha returned an affirmative 'mm'. “How so? I'm nothing like a SandWing."

They laughed, Kobicha nosing and growling playfully after. It devolved to crooning and nuzzling before they settled once more.

“It's… funny? Strange? Landslide had this loving look when she gazed at Blackgum. It was the same way you looked at Woodrot before we came up here. Or when you stopped by yesterday." Kobicha moved his muzzle along the scales of Shoebill's neck. Her scent was so familiar, MudWing scent, but at the same time unique to her. And comforting. And thrilling. “Landslide had the most beautiful scales of all the dragons in the world… the same color as yours."

“So that's why you like me? Because I remind you of Landslide?"

Kobicha was stunned for a moment. He quickly shook his head, “No. Of course not. They're just… lovely qualities you both happen to have."

“Ah… but you admit it. You do like me."

The mead was not helping. Kobicha's brain was swimming with all this information, emotions, all the newness. MudWings could be friendly, but they didn't like others outside their troop. Not like this. That wasn't normal.

“... We're a strange troop. Between Blackgum's black flesh, his wings, my tail… our brother and sister are SandWings…" he murmured. All the thoughts, excuses, they all jumbled together.

“We are too. What you see is years of training. We were always a weird troop, and we were losing our status among," Shoebill gestured her wing around them, “but Squelch worked hard. We trained, we observed, and now it's second nature. But," she crooned, moving closer, “I like you too."

Their muzzles met. The kiss was affectionate, then deeper. Their muzzles entwined and their tongues curled together. Her tongue wasn't as large as his, but larger than Blackgum's. It was a new sensation. A very pleasant one. As nice as knowing that Shoebill's troop was a weird troop. They were all weird. Weird together.

The kiss stretched on. When it broke their muzzles brushed one another. They went tip-to-tip and shared several breaths. Another thing Kobicha had never done with one outside his troop. Not until this other strange troop.

“Woodrot also mentioned that you bit him," the words teased against Kobicha's lips just as they teased his ears.

“I did."

“Bite me. Just as you did him. I want to know what you did to my little brother." Their muzzles drifted a talon's breadth apart. “But I intend to bite back. Or, really, I'm going to bite you even if you don't bite me. My poor little brother deserves his bigwings taking vengeance for his pain."

The words should cause Kobicha panic. They would, usually. A threat to him was a threat to his troop. But this was his friend. They liked one another. Her tone was playful. The scent of their arousal peppered the air, and Kobicha could feel his tip had pushed free. It was leaking against her tail base, and Shoebill certainly wasn't shying away. They gazed into one another's eyes for a long moment. Kobicha slowly leaned in to brush his lips against her neck. He slipped his jaws around it, then bit down.

There was a hiss of pleasure, then jaws on Kobicha's shoulders. Pressure. Then a wonderful pain. Kobicha's brothers didn't bite him outside of training. Not like this. A sunset of different sensations, from a yellow burst of sharp pain to the deep pink of heat spreading across his shoulder, then to a wonderful, dark blue ache that started to build.

Kobicha was a new kind of sore the following morning. A very nice kind of sore.

***

The three had chosen to make a detour on their trip to the Kingdom of Sand. They left the day after Kobicha awoke with Shoebill. A day of recovery, before setting out in the morning. Sharing his sisters with Shoebill had been pleasant. Now Kobicha wanted to see them. So much had changed in such a short amount of time. It hadn't been but half a year since they had last visited, but it felt so much longer. They were due.

The three settled, side-by-side, before their sisters. It wasn't where the fall had happened, but close by, a little down the river. Where they had interred their sisters, held together in their eternal embrace. They had marked the spot with a boulder. It was split halfway, a small selection of plants growing from the wide crack at the top. Some of Landslide's favorites, and a few small desert plants Sidewinder had brought on their first visit. Diamondback had never been one for the beauty of plants, but it seemed right to bring them together this way.

Just like ten years ago, Kobicha's wings were over his brothers. They were pressed hard against his sides. Blackgum cried heartily. These days Sidewinder cried a little. And Kobicha. Kobicha sat there, holding everything he had left tightly against himself.

Long ago Landslide had been Kobicha's catharsis. She knew the words to soothe him in times of pain or stress. And then she was gone. Kobicha hadn't cried since the fall. Not when he was with brothers. He was always with his brothers. But Kobicha was too strong. He had to be too strong, both in body and spirit, to ensure nothing would ever hurt his siblings again.

They were together like that for a while. It used to be hours. But after a couple years Blackgum had asked for time alone with their sisters. They each had taken their turn after that.

Blackgum slipped from beneath Kobicha's wing, leaning to press his muzzle to one side of the boulder, then to the other. Kobicha and Sidewinder slipped away to gather that night's meal.

They never spoke about what they did during their private time, but it was easy to pick up over the years. Blackgum would walk around with their sisters, lay with them, converse with them. Blackgum could hear, see, and feel them stronger here than anywhere else.

Kobicha and Blackgum gathered healing supplies during Sidewinder's turn. It was easy to see what Sidewinder did. He would take to the air, just over the treetops, circling and slowly flying over their sisters. Kobicha could recognize the patterns. He had done the same in his mind, over, and over, and over. They were slow, languid, but they were the flight patterns of that day. Sidewinder going over the maneuvers, over what happened, what could have gone differently. Tears glittered in the sun as they fell from his eyes and rained down to their sisters.

Then it was Kobicha's turn. Blackgum and Sidewinder took what had been gathered and returned to their nearest hideaway to await Kobicha's return. It was the only time Kobicha would be away from his brothers, but he knew they were safe. Exactly where they were. It was okay to spend time with his other two siblings. Just for a little.

Kobicha laid down with a foreleg to either side of the boulder. He gently nosed one side of the boulder, then the other. “Hello, my beautiful sisters." He always started with a greeting. He rested there for a moment, thinking. Surely Blackgum had told them everything. But he wanted to share. He told his sisters about the end of the war, about their acceptance to the MudWing tribe. He spoke about Shoebill and her troop, and how it was wonderful but confusing. How he wasn't sure what to do, but he thought it was going in a good direction. How he had spent the day following their encounter thinking. How he liked her, but how he never would want to merge troops. He would never want to take her as his mate. How, as much as he liked her, he would never want a tie that strong to anyone but his siblings.

Once he had shared all he could think of, Kobicha took a slow breath. He leaned in, pressing his muzzle to the left side of the boulder. “I miss you so much…" He moved his muzzle to press on the right side. “I wish I had gotten to know you."

Kobicha slowly rose out of the mud within himself. Retreating from the depths, the pressure, the warmth and comfort. Closer and closer, until he felt the cold surface. For the first time in ten years the mud slipped away, the filters disappeared. Kobicha had not cried since the fall. Not a single tear in front of his brothers. He had to be strong in every way. But Sidewinder and Blackgum were safe in their hideaway, far enough not to hear him. There was no one here to protect. Only the two he had failed to.

During his previous turns Kobicha had rested there, tears watering the plants that grew in the half-split boulder. He had breathed, recalling his sisters, letting the sorrow slowly drip from his jaw.

The past few weeks. The war ending. Queen Moorhen's blessing. Talking with Shoebill. It all had changed something. Rejoining society. Recalling so many good memories, so many tails of his SandWing sister. Reliving the good and the bad he had buried deeper in the mud than he had been. They weren't just his and his brothers' secrets any more. The world beyond them knew.

Kobicha felt ten years of life boil up and out of him. He cried. He cried for the injustice of it. For his own weakness. For his failure. He cried for living more years without his sisters than with them. He cried like a wyrmling, body shaking, breaths choking. For never knowing Diamondback. For going so long without feeling Landside's warmth. He cried for the damnable world for taking what it had no right to. He cried. He lifted his head and howled. He wailed, pouring a decade of pain back into the world that had created it.