Emerald Secrets Chapter 3: The Ladies Hoard
Scales and Honor: Emerald Secrets
Chapter 3: The Ladies Hoard
Cordenth led them through the smoke covering the floor and away from the Emerald Lady. Veledar was certain the room shifted around them, because the trip out was considerably shorter than the way in. When they finally emerged from the lair, the sun was high in the sky.
"Do try to keep up." Cordenth said as he stretched his wings wide.
"Oh he better not fly." Veledar thought to himself, getting ready to pounce upon the green whelp and drag him down to the ground once again. To his disappointment however Cordenth met his gaze and adopted a submissive posture. Cordenth waved a paw, causing yet another path to form in front of the dragon.
"So anyone wonderin what a village run by three dragons is like?" Merlia asked.
"Only one dragon!" Veledar replied loudly, "The other two are here servants." He than snickered as he heard Cordenth snarl in front of them.
"After meeting her I imagine it is a horrible place, where the people are treated just like slaves." replied Lyndis harshly, "Trust me I am not trilled to be here."
Through his friends talking he noted that Arcturus had stayed silent as they walked. There was no way Veledar was going to allow that to stay that way.
"So what's the paladin's thoughts on the matter?" he cocked his head down at the human.
"Curious actually, since this village has been here for awhile it seems." Arcturus said quickly, "am I right Cordenth?"
The green dragon turned his head back so that he could focus his eye on the human, "Indeed, although it should come as no surprise to you." The green dragon than returned his attention to leading them to the village.
"So how do you feel about the Emerald Lady? You looked rather fierce when you stood up to her for us."
"Thank you, the rest of you looked rather intimidating for mortals as well. However I am annoyed with her. I hate all the delay presented before us, I just want to get to your city, get my book back, give your king a piece of my mind and be done with it!"
"She had good points though!" Lyndis chimed in from behind, causing Veledar to roll his eyes at being reminded.
"Yes I know dearest Lyndis, and that is what makes it more so annoying. Everything has to be so complicated." Veledar sighed as he continued to follow the green dragon.
The path they took were taking took them quarter of an hour before Cordenth stopped suddenly on the path he had created. "Well, we are here."
Veledar looked around. There were no buildings, no stalls, nothing that he would call a village. There was not even a hut or tent for the mortals to sleep in!
"What are you playing at?" He walked over to Cordenth, and stuck a talon on his scaled chest. "Is this some sort of game, lead us to the middle of no were to waste our time?"
"Veledar" Arcturus suddenly said, but Veledar ignored him.
"Cause I find this very rude, although what should I expect from a little whelp such as..."
"Veledar!" Arcturus shouted, and this time he felt the human shove him with his shield.
"Hey, just cause you know my name, you shouldn't just sh----" He turned to Arcturus, the human was pointing up. Veledar looked with his snout.
Up in the treetops were numerous wooden structures, practically growing from the trees. It was done with magic Veledar could not see any signs of magic on them. The buildings were connected by wooden walk ways that seemed large enough for a dragon like Veledar to walk along and still have room at his sides.
"Satisfied?" Cordenth said, the smugness apparent on his snout. Oh how Veledar wanted to smack that look right off his muzzle. However with one look to his friends he held himself back.
Cordenth than led them to a particular large trunked tree, that had a spiral walkway that lead up it. Cordenth let them up it into the trees, were Veledar than got a good look at the people walking around the treetops. They seemed to be a collection of different races,clad in simply green tunics and brown pants. They seemed to be in the middle of bringing supplies back and forth. With a sniff he determined it was cooking supplies, if the smell of the spices were any indication. He watched the collected people shift their gaze to himself. He saw a look of wonder as they stared at his crimson scales. He figured it was their first time seeing another dragon besides the green ones.
So Veledar naturally swelled up his chest, unfurled his wings, and held his snout high for all of them to see. He walked like this for a bit until a woman walked out from the masses to greet Cordenth. She had black hair with a pink flower stuck in it.
"What can I do for you master Cordenth?" the woman before them spoke clearly, after bowing her head to the dragon.
"You can show them around this place, they are the Emerald Ladies guests for the evening. Treat them with the utmost respect." Cordenth said calmly to the human woman, "Even the red dragon there." the green dragon gestured to Veledar with his neck, before turning back to them.
"Now this is were I leave you. Veledar come back to our lair after, you will of course be staying with us."
"Separate from the others?" Veledar asked, tilting his head to the side. He had always heard splitting the group like that was absolutely ridiculous. He cleared his throat and gave a firm, "No"
He heard and tried to ignore the collected sighs from his friends from behind him.
Veledar held up a paw and waved it dismissively at Cordenth, "So you run and go tell your mother we will not be splitting up."
Cordenth seemed taken back, almost as if he could not believe that Veledar had refused that request. "Fine" the dragon growled, "See what I care." Cordenth than bounded off the walkway without another word. He spread his wings and glided to the forest floor below.
"Well good riddance to that green whelp." said Veledar, turning to the human with the pink flower.
"So what is your name dear? Or should I just call you little human?"
"Veledar!" Scolded Lyndis from behind. He however ignored the half elf, as she grumbled at him.
"N-names Mira" the woman said in a quiet voice, right after she gave a great bow to the red dragon. Veledar tried to not be too happy at her actions. "Would you like a tour of our village as well great one?"
"See Arcturus, if you all treated me like this I might be more tolerable."
"You'd get a bigger head den an airship" laughed Merlia, "Den we would have ta carry you everywhere."
Veledar rolled his eyes as he imagined smacking the dwarf off of the walkway with his tail. However he held himself back with a smile instead. "We would love to see your village Mira, but were can my companions put their things, I imagine their limbs grow tired."
"They are not your servants o great dragon?" Mira said in surprise, as she raised one of her eye brows.
"No, No they are not" Veledar snickered, as he looked back to the others.
"Don't even get any ideas" Lyndis said, pointing a finger at him. "Besides if anyone should be waited on hand and foot it should be..."
"You miss princess?" he cocked his head to the side. "Don't think I will let your trimmed pants live that one down." he laughed in his head as the half elf suddenly shut her mouth, and her ears turned a slight red.
"I can take you to our inn, sometimes our Emerald Lady has need of it for her guests."
"How often does she have guests?" Arcturus asked inquisitively.
"Oh every month or so." Mira said, starting to walk along the onlookers of the town.
Veledar made sure to hold his head out, or beam his teeth in a smile. They passed numerous houses as Mira talked about history and such. Veledar however paid her no mind as he was too busy showing off to pay attention. He was surprised when they suddenly stopped in from of a building built into the side of a large hollowed out tree. The doors were large enough that it appeared he did not need to squeeze through them. They had several stories of windows, that seemed to have glass in them to look out. On the front door was a picture depicting that of a green dragon holding out its arms to a collection of humans kneeling over in prayer. Veledar was reminded of Trost, and he missed the gryphons he had sung with over drinks and food.
"Do they have any good drinks?" He asked Mira, and ignoring Lyndis when she grumbled, "Veledar all you care about is eating and drinking."
"Well we don't partake of it often, but the two masters Cordenth and Lyyreth like the taste of our wines from time to time."
"Wait they come down to visit you from time to time?" Lyndis asked suddenly, "I got the impression they were simply too good to come and visit you."
"That is not true, Lyyreth likes to come down and play with the children from time to time. I head he is quite good at dodge ball that they play. Cordenth on the other hand likes to come down as a human and engage in our dances. He puts up a tough better than you attitude but we have seen him caring and yearning to leave this place. I think his mother keeps him around for her own devices, and he resents her for it."
Veledar had wondered why the two dragons were still here in the forest. If they were not that much younger than he was they should have left the nest as of now. Perhaps while they were here he would have to push them out from his mother's clutches. Teach them to be less whelp like.
'I would like to see the beds." Veledar spouted out, once again ignoring Lyndis saying, "and beds, can't forget about those."
"We have some of the best beds o great dragon. The rooms are large, and have beds that are befitting of kings. However despite that, I do not think they were made with one such as yourself in mind great one."
Mira led them into the mostly empty tavern, which had plenty of spaces between the tables for Veledar to walk around. It would appear as though the Emerald Lady had them construct it so dragons could visit here if they wanted. Veledar wished all mortal towns were like this. They passed by the barkeep, as Veledar started towards him. He was about to ask the man for some drinks when Arcturus grabbed him by his right horn. The human held if firm and started to dragon him away. He gave a half hearted tug and allowed the human to pull him away, "awwwww" he wined.
They climbed a set of wooden stairs, that were hard and sturdy. They did not even creak when Veledar walked up them. They stopped outside a well lit hallway by lanterns that seemed to be giving off the same light as Arcturus' light crystal. There were six rooms with signs by each of the doors. Each sign was marked by a number, and a green dragon in a different pose. One curled up, one flying, or blowing poison gas, one roaring, one sleeping, and the last one meditating with it's claws up. Veledar bolted towards the closest one, and opened the door in a flash. He heard Arcturus speak to a no doubt surprised Mira, "Yea he does that."
The room was rather spacious as inn rooms he had seen. There was a large bed covered in emerald and gold sheets that dominated the room. Veledar got close to inspect it. It was not big enough to hold him if he spread his wings up, but if he folded them close against himself it would. He plopped down on the bed, which sagged under his weight. The dragon rolled around, and came to a stop as he looked at the wooden ceiling. It seemed to be covered in green moss. Veledar stuck his tongue out in disgust at this, everything else had been great. He shifted a bit and closed his eyes and relaxed for a few minutes. With this short rest finished he got up and decided to find Arcturus' room.
It was not that hard to find, the human had picked the room next to him. "_Well wasn't that considerate of him"_Veledar thought as he opened the door with one of his paws. The paladin had already stripped himself of his armor and had on just his tunic, pants, leather belt, sword and scabbard, and the rod he had given him.
"Got bored already?" Arcturus grinned, as he was currently looking at himself in a human sized mirror in his room.
"Well I can't go sleeping the day away." he raised his head so that he was still looking at the human at the side of his vision. 'Besides, someone had to keep on eye on you guys. Have to be sure my investments are not running off."
"Oh I don't think you have to worry about us running off. I think you might have us enthralled." replied Arcturus, as he brushed against Veledar as he walked back to the hallway. "So Mira, how do they treat you around here? The dragon's I mean." Arcturus asked before he could ask Mira about the food.
"Honestly they are quite fair, and don't treat us badly. Although the Emerald Lady has us perform tasks for her from time to time. I also already told you about master Cordenth, and Lyyreth.
"Well are you free to leave?" asked Lyndis, rubbing her hands together as she exited her room. She was wearing simple brown pants, with a dark blue short shirt.
"Well no." Mira said, hesitating before answering the half elf. "That is not our decision to make."
"That sounds like slavery to me." Lyndis said with a frown as she moved to Veledar's left side.
'It's a tad more complicated that that..."
"doesn't really sound that way" replied Lyndis, crossing her arms.
"They are part of the Emerald Ladies treasure" Veledar stated, "it is what Arcturus said earlier."
"How can a person be treasure?"
"Green dragons like to hoard people, connections, favors, anything they can use to their own gain." chimed in Arcturus sounding like he was reading from a textbook.
"So it is like she is blackmailing them into service?"
"Dearest Mira, do tell my companion how the Emerald Lady went about acquiring you as part of her treasure." He turned his snout to Mira, who was clearly growing more nervous with each passing moment.
"She saved my traveling trope from some bandits." Mira's eyes lit up. "Like an emerald guardian sent from above she saved us, and killed every bandit that held a weapon to us. In return for her efforts we live here and take care of her guests."
"See its more like they are subjects within one of your kingdoms." Veledar said smiling, "its not as bad as you think."
"What it you wanted to leave?" Lyndis asked, ignoring Veledar it seemed. He wrinkled his muzzle and narrowed his eyes at his friend.
'Well you would have to get her permission, which she usually grants. The only requirement is that you carry an amulet she gives you. It is so she can keep an eye on you, and request you return if she needs you."
"And if you do not wish to return when she does that?"
"Why would you not to return? She treats us well and gives us places to live. However I suppose she would go about retrieving you." Mira than looked to the stairway, like she wanted to escape from this conversation, "Besides, you would probably want to see the rest of the village instead of talk to me about trivial things." Mira than turned around and headed back where they came, and down the stairs. Veledar caught Lyndis shooting daggers at him with her eyes.
"I did not keep people as treasure!" He held up a paw and placed it on his chest. "Besides, they seem happy and well. Besides if she did not help them they would be dead!"
"Arcturus, help me out here. Clearly you can see that this is wrong!" Lyndis said, turning to plead to the paladin.
"Well they seem taken care of, not hurt, and they can usually leave when they want to." The human sighed as he looked to an angered Lyndis, "It is like our kingdom in a way, and she is their queen. I don't think anything needs to be done, unless of course she was treating them badly."
"Unbelievable!" Lyndis shouted, throwing her hands up as she began to follow Mira.
"Lass" Merlia said, putting a hand on Lyndis' shoulder, "Perhaps go talk to a few more before ya start gettin all angry an shoutin like a dwarf."
"Fine" Lyndis said, than sighing as she put down her arms in defeat.
Veledar followed the half elf, with Arcturus right at his side. He breathed in deep and got a whiff of what the kitchens were cooking, and he nearly swooned from the smells. He liked the food at his mothers cave that was summoned forth, but real cooked food always was better. They passed through the tavern floor, as Arcturus grabbed his horn again when he had started to wander towards the kitchen.
"I would not make a habit of this Arcturus." He growled playfully at the human, "Or I might have to get physical."
"Well than stop getting distracted by your stomach." Arcturus replied, pointing his finger into the dragon's tan chest.
"It's easy for you to say, your stomach is so small in comparison." replied Veledar, rubbing his stomach with his other paw. It gave off a low grumble.
"Don't worry, I am sure they will be cooking up something good for you. We have never had a dragon eat with us after all." said Mira, with a big smile. "I am sure the others will be thrilled and honored by your presence or great one."
From the kitchens they were brought around the village. Mira was talking about pretty boring things to his companions, as they kept asking her questions about everything. Like how many people there were, how long they had been here, and other mundane things like that. Veledar rolled his eyes at each one as the human's attention was off of himself. They stopped for a moment as Mira went on about living here, to observe children playing. Veledar noticed that Lyndis was watching in silence with a hand on her chin. Veledar could not resist and slunk over to the half elf in thought.
"Still conflicted dearest princess Lyndis?" he asked, watching a child throw a red ball at another child. The ball flew through the air and struck the child, as they laughed in joy.
"Yes" Lyndis said after a long pause, than she sighed. "Perhaps this isn't so bad after all. Gods listen to me, focking making excuses!"
"Despite what you think, she treats them well and cares for them. I have heard tales of lord and others of your kind treating people not even close to this well."
Lyndis than kicked a wooden beam in frustration. "Yeah I know." she replied, "Thanks for talking to me about this."
"Think nothing of it princess." he said, although Lyndis had narrowed her eyes, "I mean dearest Lyndis." He than stretched his wings out, causing some of the children to take notice of him. They stopped their game to point at the dragon and smile. He of course held his snout high and puffed his chest out for them.
"You two coming?" Arcturus asked, "Mira is continuing with the tour!"
"Yes Arcturus" Veledar replied as he rolled his eyes and snorted. He turned to the amazed children one last time and let out a small jet of fire from his maw. He grinned afterwords at their collection of tiny cheers.
"Veledar?" came the voice of Arcturus again, who was clearly walking away.
"Coming!" he replied, bounding after his group.
Mira than showed them the blacksmith, who seemed to make fine wears. Arcturus said as much, and he figured the human knew of such things. After all the human was clad in such a fine piece of armor. After this they headed to the outskirts of the village, and back to the forest floor. Veledar kept his eyes on several guards as they passed by them on the way down. They were clad in chain mail with green tabards. They stood there vigilant and watchful, showing no sign of the glowing attention the rest of the town was doing whenever Veledar walked by.
"So how many guards do you have?" he asked, "Didn't think you would need them, with the three dragons around here."
"Not too many, but when we have guests we can't be too careful." Mira said holding her hand up.
They finally made it to the outskirt of the village, to a large stone square made of smaller stone squares. Right outside this landmark was a small hut made of sticks. It looked like it was barely standing on it's own, and was covered in mud and grime. The roof had holes in it, windows were non existent, and looked to have been slashed at by a sharp object. Outside this hut sat cross legged a brown fur covered minotaur. His horns were curved and were a shade of off-white. He wore simple brown rags with a green sash around his waist. Lastly what drew his attention about the minotaur was that he possessed a black spiked collar around his neck. The minotaur did not even open his eyes as they walked closer towards him.
"Now if you go further along this path you will come to a grand temple, that we are forbidden from going to. It is rumored that the Emerald Lady built it ages ago. She has told us it contains many dangers and does not wish to see us hurt."
"So who is the minotaur?" Arcturus asked.
"He is another of the ladies possessions, although he kept here out of punishment. He did not choose willingly to be here."
"For what" Arcturus asked.
"He has never spoken to it about us. He is forced to live out here in that hut, and to heal us when we are injured.
"So a cleric eh?" Merlia asked, "Ta what god does he pray to?"
"Once again I do not have an answer for you. He has not mentioned it to us, and hardly speaks a word." Mira answered, turning back towards the village in a twirl. "Well that will conclude our tour, we best get back to the village. They are preparing a feast after all."
Ignoring her, Arcturus and Veledar walked over towards the minotaur. Veledar picked up his pace so that he would arrive at the minotaur first.
"Minotaur, my friends have questions. For instance, what god do you follow?" Veledar demanded. Arcturus caught up before the man could reply, he had an irritated look on his face.
'That is information that you are not privy to dragon." said the minotaur, opening one of his brown eyes.
"I apologize for Crimson Sky's forwardness." Arcturus said to the minotaur, " I however would like to know how you were acquired by the Emerald Lady."
"You mean enslaved" the minotaur said sternly, "You lessen what she does by using that word. However in my case I deserved my punishment."
"And how is that?"
The minotaur held up one of his hands, "come speak with me tomorrow and I will tell you my tale. For now I grow weary and wish to not dwell upon my past."
"Come on Arcturus, obviously this bull has nothing to say, besides they are preparing a feast!" exclaimed Veledar, as his mouth began to water at the thought.
"I suppose" Arcturus shrugged, 'Thank you for answering me minotaur. I will gladly come back tomorrow to hear your tale."
The minotaur nodded in response, and closed his eyes once again. Veledar slipped his tail around Arcturus, and it was his turn this time to drag the human back to the tour group. Which Mira had been talking to Lyndis and Merlia it seemed to keep them busy. They swiftly resumed their walk to the village.
"What had that bull done that he was kept here as punishment rather than what she usually did?" thought Veledar. "_If it was something bad, why was he not frozen outside her lair like all the others that had gone against her."_He shook his head and focused on the promise of the festivities. He took note of all the villagers that passed running by with green ribbons, and lighting torches for the night at hand.
He heard drum beats in the distance, although he did not find them annoying. He found his tail tapping slightly to their beat as they walked.
"They are goin to have music?" Merlia gasped, "We can have a proper celebration! I havn't had one in years!" the dwarf than broke from the group, to no doubt go find drink and make a fool of herself. Veledar chuckled as the dwarf vanished into the crowds of people.
Mira brought them to an open area with numerous large tables, with a group of brightly clad minstrels playing on various wood instruments, and drums. There was a particularly large table that had been formed by putting two tables together, obviously were they were supposed to sit. So Veledar strutted over to his spot as his companions took their seats at the makeshift table. It did not take long for the numerous villagers to file into the place, as the sun began to set. Chefs clad in brown clothes brought out trays of various foods. Alot of the cuisine he could not name, figuring they were from Drenedar or Rothdell. However he did spot some roasted animals among the silver trays. He smirked at the display of food before him, he could certainly get used to be catered to like this. He would lament of course having to catch himself a meal, perhaps if this was the norm he would do it from time to time. Lyndis quickly grabbed some sort of blue pudding and started practically shoving it into her face with a spoon. She mumbled something, but with mouth full of food even Veledar could not make out what she had said. Merlia had managed to file in with the others and had taken a seat along side them, grabbing piles of the assorted meats. She also was spouting a large tankard of ale in her other hand when she took her seat. She gave a great big dwarven smile as she clinked tankards with Arcturus, who was sitting to the dragon's right.
The hosts than dug into their food as the minstrels kept on playing. There was laughter as the group told their tale to people that kept listening with bated breath. Veledar could not help himself as he played up their fights, and daring deeds. He even let out little streams of smoke or flame during the tale to really add to it. When the tale ended, the eating had as well. The villagers had gathered in the middle of the area to start some moving around with each other.
"Oh they have dancing here!" Lyndis cried out, clapping her hands together.
"So this is what you call dancing?" Veledar asked Arcturus, tilting his head to the side.
"Come on Arcturus!, I have been wanting a dance!" Lyndis laughed as she dragged a red faced Arcturus to the dance floor. If they were any good Veledar did not know but it certainly entertaining to watch. They were at it for about fifteen minutes, than Veledar found that his tail had started tapping on it's own to the music. He was done waiting, he wanted to try this dancing now. He did the quick spell to change his size and shrunk himself down. He made his way over to the two dancing and butted himself in, pushing Arcturus out of the way.
"I wish to try this dancing." announced Veledar, as Lyndis and Arcturus just laughed.
"Hey" the human protested, than crossed his arms. "Well this of course I need to see."
Lyndis just held up her hands for Veledar to hold as she laughed in good cheer. Veledar reared up on his hind legs and held her hands. She quickly went over some of the basic movements found in the dance they were preforming. Although as he tried it out with her he found with his hind legs it was a tad difficult to duplicate. He stumbled more than once, taking the elf with him tumbling to the dance floor. They both hit the ground laughing, as they got back up and tried yet again. After the fourth time that he tumbled to the ground he thanked Lyndis and grumbled as he returned to his seat.
"Didn't do so well huh?" Arcturus asked the grumbling dragon. Than put a hand around the dragon that with a paw movement returned to normal size. "Don't worry, you will get the hang of it eventually."
"Don't you think I wont" Veledar pouted, "Besides it pales in comparison to OUR dancing anyway." he continued, than stuck his tongue out.
"I know, you have told me before." Arcturus sat down with him to watch the others continue to dance. "Never knew a place like this could exist." Arcturus took a swig from his tankard. "Didn't know we had a dragon this close to Entis."
"Well she does seem like the secretive type." Veledar tapped the table lightly with his left paw, than curling his tail around the sitting paladin. He than looked up into the sky, and could make out the stars which were bright as always. How he longed to be back into the sky, the wind against his snout and wings, following the currents, how he hated being forced to walk around like a common animal.
"Don't worry, we'll get you back up there. We just have to play pawns for miss Emerald lady for a little bit." Arcturus smiled, which made Veledar grin at his friend's reassuring words.
"You mean WE will be back in the sky."
"of course."
They sat and watched the night rile down. Merlia found some dwarves to share her drink with, and listen to her crazy adventures before she had met the group. Veledar's favorite was about how she had hunted down a pack of displacer beasts to get the meat for another crazy dwarves stew. Lyndis had danced the night away with the others, seeming to have gotten lost in the music the entire time. When everything had quieted down Veledar gave a big yawn and got up to head to his bed. He used his tail to drag Arcturus with him. He led the human to his bed and both plopped down onto it. Veledar closed his eyes and fell asleep almost instantly. Hopefully he would dream of flying, with Arcturus right with him, both of them cheering and roaring in joy the entire time.