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The cavern was filled with a cacophony of growls, snarls, and roars as the assembly fought. Back and forth went the heated affray, tempers had long since been flamed to the point of no return, and the result was unimaginable, the volume of the spectacle was deafening, the sights dazzling. Over two dozen full grown dragons were locked in furious combat, scales flashing as wings flapped, jaws snapped, and tails whipped through the air. One could scarcely fathom the furor in the room.

"No, you may not have the Warwickshire feeding grounds Bashram! My flight needs them! Besides, you have the entirety of the surrounding country. Your flight is smaller than mine! You are just greedy!"

"Greedy? That country is useless, barely able to support the necessary herds! My flight is smaller because we don't have the food to become any bigger!"

Draconic Council meetings are the single most boring thing you will ever witness. After the first couple of times, seeing a few dozen massive reptilian killing machines at each other's throats over who has what pastureland or who mated with whom in whose flight and conceived; it gets dull fast. It's hardly unexpected I suppose. What else could happen when you throw a bunch of creatures that are by their very nature greedy, vain, and swift tempered? I suppose I should explain a bit shouldn't I? My human name is William Price, my draconic name is...well, humans can't make a few of the necessary sounds, so it's usually shortened to Vardeck. I am the unofficial official scribe for the one thousand thirty second Draconic Council. Draconic Councils are exactly what they sound like. All the leaders of the local dragon flights get together to argue about land, petty rivalries, humans, and anything else their inflamed egos necessitate addressing. I have the unenviable job of recording the decision(s) reached. This particular Council had been going on for two months straight now, eight hours a day, seven days a week. The list of issues (which took the first week to fight over before a final list was agreed upon by all) was sixteen scrolls long. So far items one through three were dealt with, astoundingly fast work for a dragon Council. It would get faster as it went along; one unwritten rule was that items were worked out in order of most important to least important, so the Council meetings gained momentum as they went along.

I ignored the squawking and braying of the assembled dragons with practiced ease and leaned back against a convenient stalagmite, stealing a glance at my draconic Mistress. She was laying down with her tail curled around herself counterclockwise, her wings neither laying flat against her sides nor extended, her neck arched in such a way as to project wisdom and beauty. It was the only proper formal position one could take when one finds themselves presiding over something as important as a draconic Council. Incidentally, it's also just about the least comfortable position one could lay in if one held it for any period of time. My Mistress caught me looking at her and turned her head ever so slightly towards me and gave me a glare that could have melted brass. I smiled at her cheerfully and made a show of stretching and shifting to a more comfortable position. Her glare intensified. I couldn't help but laugh quietly. I felt sorry for her, I really did, but I just couldn't help myself. She was going to be hideously sore later, and I knew that the first thing she was going to do after this infernal meeting was over would be to haul her stiff, crackling, frame to the nearby baths and fall asleep in the boiling water until I came to wake her up and get her back to her chambers. She would get her revenge when I had to record the decision of the Council and copy them out for the Matriarch or Patriarch of each flight. Until then, life was good. My Mistress turned back to the Council and studiously ignored me, just then a bell sounded. Loud and clear enough to pierce the din of the arguing politicians. It always hurt my ears and left them ringing, no pun intended. Mistress addressed the assembly in the silence following the bell.

"Our time for today has come to an end." She said in the dragon's language. "I call today's session to an end, we shall reconvene tomorrow. I bid you all goodnight." She had said the same thing at the same time every day for the past two months; it was part of the script. Part of the formalized duties of the Host of the Council. The rest of the dragons picked themselves up in an eye watering dazzle of colors, each leaving through one of the many well lit tunnels bored into the surrounding stone. Some of them left triumphantly, others sulked or brooded as they left. It was much the same as the past few months; things wouldn't change until the Council was finally done. Mistress held her pose as her compatriots filed out, only when the last of them had been gone for a minute or so did she finally let go of her composure.

"Ugh." She grunted as she collapsed to the floor, her limbs splayed out, her wings falling limply to the ground, her neck stretched out as far as it would go and her snout on the floor. She stayed completely still and silent for a moment, looking like a corpse, then a weak whimper escaped her. I got up from my seat and walked over to her, a small part of me found it amusing, but the majority of me loathed seeing her like this. We may have an irreverent relationship, but we still care about each other. I sat down next to her muzzle and gently stroked her snout, offering what comfort I could. She stirred briefly, shifting her muzzle to best take advantage. "I cannot do this anymore. I cannot. I ache in ways only a grey scale should ache, I have lost my hunting skill to be sure, and I am so anxious I can barely eat! Look at me! I used to be the very picture of sleek perfection, now you can nearly see my ribs! Oh, how could anyone want to sire an egg with a dragoness who looks like a greyhound?"

"You have been saying the same since this whole debacle started. As I have told you before, you look fine, your ribs are perfectly non-visible, the brilliant scarlet of your well-burnished scales remains completely untarnished, and I am sure any dragon would fight over the opportunity to fertilize your eggs." She was vain, as they all were, but in her case I can understand the insecurities. She was much too young to be leader of her flight, and she felt it. Her parents had been killed in an...accident, some years ago. She, true to her nature, had refused to be ousted from her rightful position as Matriarch of the Dragonflight, a ridiculous title for one who had only become fecund half a decade previous, not that she had let that stop her. No, she had put her head down and bulled her way through any opposition until her title was granted to her, only then did she realize that she had no idea what to do.

It was only due to a strong loyalist faction in the flight, quick thinking on her part, and the presence of a very talented and not to mention good looking young human aide de camp that may or may not be a scribe, that she held onto her position. She had gained a firmer foothold in the convoluted world of draconic politics, but her position was far from solidified. It would take years of negotiation, bribery (considered commonplace and acceptable among dragons) and prearranged breeding (also commonplace) for her to become secure.

"That does not change the fact that it is true." She sulked, cracking open and eye and examining herself despairingly before looking back to me. "Do you really mean it?" She asked, her voice small and sad. I smiled, amused.

"Of course. You are just as beautiful as you always are." Part of my job was shoring up her unstable self esteem, not that I minded.

"And about the eggs too?" Now she was blatantly fishing for a compliment, I refrained from rolling my eyes. She had not laid a single egg yet, an extremely sensitive subject. I laid both hands on her snout reassuringly.

"Without a doubt." I said gently. "How bad is it today?"

"Awful." She said plaintively, honestly, she could be such a child at times. I smiled as she sighed and laid her head back down; looking as pathetic as anything I have ever seen. I stood up and laid my hands on her neck, channeling my will and creating and electric charge under my hands, which I used to knead the much abused muscles in her neck. She moaned happily.

"Oh...that is wonderful."I paced up and down the length of her neck, fluctuating the power I used, continuing to wring moans from her as I did. Eventually I stopped, drawing a whine from her. "Do not stop, I still ache!"

"You must eat something, and a soak in the baths will eliminate your aches more effectively than I can." She sighed.

"If I must..." She slowly and painstakingly levered herself to her feet, wincing as she did. I put a hand on her shoulder as she did. She really did need a long soak; I swear I could hear every joint in her neck popping as she reluctantly picked herself up. We walked out of the chamber in silence; she drooped like a wilted flower and moped on her way to the baths. Despite my encouragement she still fretted over her appearance. By the time we got to the baths she was nearly as upset as before.

"Oh, I am sure my scales are dull, you could practically see your own reflection in them before the Council began, you cannot tell me that they are not dull!"

I was unable to respond for a moment, choked as I always was by the thick steam and heat of the baths, which matted my straw blond hair to my head and dropped a few of the untamable locks into my brilliantly blue eyes. Baths is a misnomer to be honest, they are nothing more than large pools carved out of the stone and filled with water kept at a constant, vicious boil and refilled by an ingenious system of aqueducts of a design affectionately stolen from the Romans, they were heated by a few unlucky dragons; Usually whatever adolescents foolish enough to gain the ire of their instructors. There were some humans that worked in the baths as well, but they only maintained the stonework, they didn't have anything to do with the actual operation of the baths themselves.

"If they are dull, and they are not, it is because you fret so. Either way, the best thing for you is to soak out your aches and then eat something. After that there are some minor issues in the flight you need to be informed of, then you must sleep."

She sighed and eased herself into the water up to her head, which she set on the rim, her eyes already closing. I carefully ventured close enough to kneel and stroke her muzzle until she fell asleep. After she finally did drift off I quickly left the room to avoid heatstroke and set about preparing her evening meal, organizing the dozen odd trivialities that members of the flight brought to her, usually things to the tune of 'the visiting dragons take up too much space/food/bathtime'. It never ceased to amaze me how petty the large creatures could be. I shook my head as I walked through the subterranean halls that honeycombed the seaside cliffs of the flight's abode. I was left to my own business as I went; all those who dwelt in the Den knew me if not by sight then by the unique patterns of my scarlet and black robe and cloak. I was given a wide berth by humans and dragons alike, the dragons recognizing me as the Matriarchs personal aid and the humans were wary of me due to my magical talent. They thought I was an abomination, an aberration, an affront to nature. I didn't mind, I had never liked humans much anyway, dragons I could deal with, humans...not so much.

I had grown up on a normal farm, or as normal as it can truly be when the farm is owned by a Dragonflight. We raised cows mainly, though there were some pigs and a small flock of chickens as I recall. Thankfully the dragon who dealt with us was fairly understanding and was willing to work with us when drought or harsh weather affected the herds. We were never a big farm to begin with, but the flight needed a lot of food, so we were kept. It wasn't an odd working relationship really; most of the farms in the immediate area of a Dragonflight's Den were usually owned by the flight and operated by humans on their payroll and under their protection. I actually met my Mistress for the first time on the farm.

I had first showed signs of magical talent when I was five years old, small things at first. Glittering lights, candles igniting for no reason when I was near, random things levitating, that sort of things. Mother and Father had been shocked, but once that wore off they were overjoyed, if wary. Those with magical talent were greatly mistrusted by most people, and in many places they could be captured and burned at the stake as the scapegoat for whatever problem their village had encountered. Mother and Father had insisted that I hide my talent, I had been too young to understand why, but I agreed. I learned and practiced enough to control it, and I occasionally used it to help around the farm, even though I wasn't supposed to. I think Mother and Father had hoped that if I didn't use it, it would fade away with time. The thought of never using something that seemed so natural and integral to my very being had never even occurred to me.

Unfortunately, regardless of how careful we may have been, someone found out about me. The lord that ruled over the village and the representative of the Dragonflight had come to our door one day and began asking questions. I was ten years old. The lord of the town had wanted to have me exiled or executed, not necessarily in that order, the Dragonflight's representative had wanted to know how strong my talent was, Mother and Father only wanted to keep their only child, and I had only wanted to stay with my parents. Eventually, when it was made clear that the townspeople would murder me if I remained on my farm, Mother and Father agreed that the safest place for me would be with the Dragonflight. Dragonflights were among the few organizations that took on those few lucky people to have magical ability. The dragons aren't afraid of us, as humans usually were; they are rather practical about it, as they are with nearly everything. They saw it as a useful tool instead of an abnormality.

So it was, the next day a messenger was sent to the Dragonflight informing it of the news, not three days later our farm was graced by the Matriarch and Patriarch of the flight and their only daughter. To say we had been shocked was an understatement. As a peasant, the odds of just seeing the leaders of a Dragonflight flying over your farm was a rare occurrence, actually being paid a personal visit was unheard of. As it turns out, the Patriarch wanted to improve his relationship with the humans in the area. He had taken to hiring humans to work in his Den beyond the duties they normally took, such as maintenance that was too delicate for dragons to perform, something extremely rare to say the least. When he had heard that a human village under his jurisdiction had a mage child he had seen an opportunity. Taking the child away from the village who wanted him dead would certainly improve their opinion of him, and he got a powerful asset to boot. I have to give old Jarasad credit, he was a cunning old wyrm, and every bit as tough as he looked; and as a truly massive brown-black dragon with teeth the size of a grown man's arm and claws longer than most large dogs, he looked tough. He was forthright with my parents; he didn't sweeten his words or give any false pretenses. He told us all what the deal was: I would go with him and be trained as a scribe and scholar, to serve his family. In return, my Mother and Father would know I was safe and I would be under his protection.

I will never forget the looks on my parent's faces as the deal was struck. Father was solemn, but he knew that this was his only option. Mother had held me close the whole time, and she wept as the deal was finalized, I turned and hugged her tightly, weeping a little myself. When the time came to part, Mother kissed me one last time, and Father gave me one last hug before I left. I am proud to say that my face was dry and I walked tall and unashamedly towards my future.

I was carried to the Den of the Dragonflight by one of the attendants Jarasad brought with him. My hard-won composure melted almost instantly under the stresses of flying, and I nearly lost the contents of my stomach more than once, but pride and egomaniacal determination prevented that, Something which amused my pseudo-adoptive Father greatly.

*Flashback*

"Most humans vomit the first time they go for a flight, well done lad." Jarasad's voice was deep, but not as deep as one might think for a creature of his size.

"T-thank you, sir." I didn't know what else to say, he scoffed.

"Bah, do not call me sir, I'm no human lord." He said gruffly.

"Do not speak to him so, love, he is already frightened enough." Jarasad's mate, Alvena said. She was a soft beige color, slim, sleek, and graceful. I didn't have to be a dragon to see her beauty. She lowered her head to my level and spoke to me softly. "Call us Matriarch and Patriarch, dear."

"Don't coddle the boy; he will need to be tough if he wants to survive here." Alvena gave her mate a look I would later learn to be something unique to annoyed females.

"He is not going to be a warrior, he is to be a scribe, do not be ridiculous." Jarasad proved himself very wise by backing off, though I would not realize it until years later. Before I could thank Alvena, however, I was interrupted by a soon-to-be-familiar voice.

"And you can call me Mistress, human." Jarasad and Alvena's firebrand daughter, Selnala, was well known among the Dragonflight and the humans who worked for them. She was just as imperious as rumor had made her out to be.

"Selnala! We have talked about this; you will not treat him so." Alvena reprimanded her daughter firmly. The young scarlet dragoness mantled at the reproof, but was silent, glaring at me, the usurper to her imagined throne.

"Alright, enough jabber, we have business to attend to tomorrow and it is getting late." Jarasad said, entering the large cave he and his family, and now I, lived in. I followed the dragons, forced to run because of my vastly shorter legs. The main room was very plain, completely empty in fact. There were multiple tunnels bored into the sides of the room, making it look like the hub on a giant wheel. Jarasad entered the largest tunnel to his left, apparently forgetting about the rest of us. Alvena turned to Selnala and I, who had followed.

"William, you will share Selnala's room-"

"Mother! Must I share my room with a human?" At least now I knew why she didn't like me.

"Yes, I have told you already, you are too big to sleep with your Father and I, and yours is the only reasonable bedchamber for him to use, now go. And behave yourself." I had heard that tone of voice from my Mother more than once, you don't argue when your Mother uses it.

"Fine." Selnala spat sulkily. "Follow me." She turned to her right and trudged along unhappily, I followed uncertainly, nervous about sharing a room with a dragoness who didn't like me. Selnala looked over her shoulder one, only to meet her Mother's stern gaze, and then hurried her steps.

Selnala's bedchamber was nothing more than a small cave, shaped like a half sphere. There were torches in the tunnel leading up to the cave, but only up to the halfway point, leaving the rest nearly pitch black. When we did get to the chamber I was disappointed by the lack of any bedding, I only had my small pack of clothing and a blanket. I was going to be cold and uncomfortable tonight. Selnala settled down on the right side of the room and curled into a ball, hiding her head under a wing. I mournfully set my pack down as a lackluster pillow and wrapped myself in my single blanket.

Predictably, sleep wasn't easy. I couldn't help but think about my simple bed at home, and how hard and unforgiving the stone felt by comparison. To my surprise, the stone was heated, and that eased my comfort somewhat, but not much. I could not help but think of my parents, and the fact that I would rarely, if ever, see them again. That thought was enough to bring tears to my eyes. I laid there for a long time, tears falling down my cheeks, but as I wallowed in my fears and misery, I became aware of a strange sound coming from the other side of the room. I looked over to Selnala, my eyes long since adjusted to the dark, and I understood. She was crying. I tried to ignore it for the longest time, but I could not. Eventually I gathered my courage and padded over to her shaking form, small by dragon standards (even if she was noticeably bigger than a draft horse).

"What is wrong?" I whispered. She didn't hear me; I tried again, louder, still without results. The third time she finally heard me.

"What do you want, human?" She said, her voice muffled by her wing, she didn't move her head from underneath it.

"You are crying, what is wrong?"

"I am not crying!" She said, the thickness of her voice giving away her lie.

"Yes you are, I could hear you. What is wrong?" There was no response for such a long time that I thought she either had not heard me or she was ignoring me, but just when I was about to ask again I heard her muffled voice. I could not make out what she said. "I cannot hear you, you must speak up." Her wing moved and her head finally appeared from underneath it.

"Mother and Father will not let me stay with them at night and I do not know what I did wrong." She said angrily, thinking back to Alvena's words earlier I understood, Selnala was only recently too old to be allowed to sleep with her parents, she must be afraid.

"I do not think you did anything wrong, you are simply too old, like your Mother said."

"I am not! I...why does it matter?" She asked, she sounded wounded, like she truly did not understand why she had been forced out.

"Did you think you would sleep with them forever?"

"Well, no...but...but..."

"But you are frightened?" I finished.

"Of course not! I am never frightened!" She growled angrily.

"You were crying." I pointed out.

"No I wasn't!"

"Then what were you doing?"

"I was...I was..." I waited for her to finish, she stumbled over her words for a few more moments before giving in.

"Fine! I was crying, what does it matter to you? Are you going to gloat?" She said, glaring, I could see the tears on her muzzle. They had not stopped falling during our conversation, making her arguments rather pointless.

"No."

"Then what are you going to do?" I was about to respond, but I suddenly realized that I had no idea what I was going to do.

"I...I do not know." I said.

"Well then leave me alone!" She spat, hiding her head again.

"Fine." I said, angry with her. I was only trying to help!

I went back to my bedding and wrapped myself up again, trying to sleep. I could have saved the effort, if anything Selnala was crying harder than before. After a long time, long after I had given up trying to sleep, I heard a rustle. I rolled over to see Selnala looking at me.

"You were crying too."

"What?"

"You were crying too. I can smell it on your face." She said.

"So what if I was?" I grumbled, I was in no mood to play a game like this.

"If it is so hard for you, being separated from your parents, I thought that maybe...maybe if you slept next to me you might feel better." I blinked. Was she trying to get me to sleep next to her? "Hurry up and decide, human. I want to get to sleep." I thought about refusing, but I knew she would keep crying, and now that I looked closer she looked very upset. I wordlessly moved over to her, she lifted a wing in invitation; I looked down at the dim tangle of limbs next to her body, trying to figure out how to do this. She saw my hesitation and shifted position, giving me room. I awkwardly settled down, my head pillowed on one of her forelegs. She rested her head next to me and covered us both with her wing. We were both silent for some time, and I thought that I might finally be able to sleep, but I felt a quiver run through her body and I felt a tear fall on my arm. I was about to tell her to stop so I could sleep, but before I could I felt sympathy well up within me. She was right, I had been crying. Before I realized what I was doing I rolled over and put my hand on her snout. She opened her eyes and looked at me, surprised.

"You do not need to be frightened...everything is okay." I said awkwardly, I did not know how to comfort her, and I almost expected her to berate me again. She did not. She buried her face in my chest, or as much as she could, her tears soaked into my shirt as she wept silently. I clumsily stroked her and tried to reassure her. She shifted again, pulling me close to her body and coiling around me tightly, keeping her muzzle pressed against me, making small, pathetic noises. As I lay there, arms around her muzzle, I found my own tears returning. I tried to stop them, but it was pointless. Before long I was weeping just as hard as she was, I know she noticed, but she didn't laugh or jeer, she was too upset. She only wrapped tighter around me. We didn't sleep for a long time, our shared fears keeping us awake for hours, but slowly our tears stopped and after what seemed like ages she fell asleep, I soon followed.

The next day, we awoke at nearly the same time. Neither of us moved from our positions, and neither of us spoke, unsure of how to bring up the previous night. She was the first to break the silence.

"You...you will not tell anyone I wept?"

"No...and you will not tell anyone I did?"

"No." There was another long pause.

"If...if you are frightened again, if you want me to, if it would make you feel better, I would do this again." I said, not knowing how she would take it, but it felt right to say it.

"Thank you...and if you are frightened or you miss your parents, you can tell me and you may sleep with me." I tentatively reached out and put my hand on her muzzle.

"If either of us is frightened we...do this, and we do not tell anyone or mock each other." I summarized.

"Yes...Mother and Father will be awake soon; if I do not clean off the tears they will know." She uncoiled and I sat up, looking at her, confused.

"How will you clean them off?" Instead of speaking she parted her jaws slightly and ran her tongue over the side of her muzzle. I was a bit surprised, but I could not help but be fascinated. "You have a long tongue."

"Of course I do. I am a dragon." She extended her tongue as far as it would go; it was easily longer than her muzzle. "Now hold still, I have to clean you off as well." I wasn't so sure about it, but I did not want to ruin our tentative friendship, so I did as she asked. She was gentler than I thought she would be, and her tongue wasn't rough like I was afraid it might be. She took her time about it, despite the warning about her parents, long enough that I began to think it was her way of apologizing. I let her take as long as she would, it was surprisingly reassuring. "Do...do you feel better?" She asked tentatively. I nodded.

"Yes, thank you very much." On an impulse I reached out and hugged her, wrapping my arms loosely around her neck, she stiffened for a moment, but adjusted quickly and returned the gesture as best she could, partially looping part of her long neck around me.

"You are welcome hu-William." I held her a moment longer before letting go. "We will have to give you a proper name though, William is fine for humans, but you need something a little fiercer sounding." I blinked.

"What?"

"William is not a name a dragon can respect, I mean no offense, it just is not. You need something like...Varsgclexzdleck." She said. My 'name' was just a jumble of mismatched sounds to my ears, and certainly nothing I could say. She seemed to be quite pleased with herself, nodding her head as if to affirm her wisdom.

"I...do not think I can say that." I said uncomfortably.

"Oh." She looked disappointed. "Well...let us shorten it to Vardeck?" Well, at least I could actually make all the sounds in that one.

"Alright."

*End flashback*

My training began the day after I was brought to the Den, no sense in wasting time after all. Being a peasant I was illiterate, so first I was taught human language, which took some time, although it was infinitely easier than learning the complex language of the dragons. Sometimes I think the dragons made their language as complicated as possible just so they could show off. The grammatical rules for English are hideously complicated at times, but draconic is much much worse. There are more exceptions than rules, literally, I counted. Thankfully once you learn how it's set up, writing it out follows a logical format. There are five sentence formats one uses, two for questions and the others for everything else. The speaker is always identified at the beginning and the audience is always identified at the end, the middle of any sentence is separated into blocks in which the message is relayed. I won't get into more detail because that is about as far as it gets without the vast list of exceptions comes into play, and I have no intention of inflicting that on anyone else.

Jarasad and Alvena turned out to be interesting foster parents. Jarasad never failed to communicate his high standards for Selnala and me, but he was always fair. We were punished only rarely, and we were always told why. He was sparing in his praise, but he always told us when we were doing well. He wasn't the most affectionate parent, but I could have done much worse. It was also made clear that I was to be Selnala's functionary when my training was complete, I was not his heir. For all that though, he did right by me. When I came of the age where I began to become a man he personally took me aside and explained what was going on, dragons are very casual about mating after all, so he had no problems explaining things to me. He also laid down his expectations about my behavior in that arena. Since humans could not control their conception like dragons could, I was not allowed to mate until I was mature enough to be a Father. Once that point was reached he did not care who or when I mated as long as it didn't interfere with my duties. He also taught me what it took to be a real man: honor, reliability, work ethic. The qualities that make a good man a good man. He also answered all the questions I had and, in a rare moment of emotion, told me that he was proud of me and that I was well on my way to becoming a man. He endeared himself to me forever by not faulting me for the fact that I cried a little when he said that. Like I said, he may not have been the most affectionate Father, but he did right by me, and I hold him in the highest respect.

Alvena was very much her mate's opposite, where Jarasad was very business oriented she was dedicated to being a Mother. She was the one Selnala or I went to when we were frightened or sick, though dragons got sick only rarely, it still happened. She treated me like her own child, something which I am eternally indebted to her for. Whenever the humans in the Den harassed me, which happened quite often, she was the one I went to. She was the most nurturing being I have ever met, she never refused me on the occasions when I truly needed reassurance and asked it of her. I will always remember the time my first 'love' spurned me. I was crushed, it had taken me the better part of a year to work up the courage to approach her, and she had rejected me thoroughly and cruelly. I had come back to the cave Jarasad's family shared very late, and Alvena was the only one awake, I swear she must have known and was waiting for me. She asked me what happened and refused to let me go until I answered her. Once she wrung the truth out of me, she sat me down and talked me through things; she didn't lie or downplay the pain, it was bad and I would carry it with me for some time, but it would fade and I would be wiser for it. I felt a little better by the end, and I slept easier than I would have otherwise.

Selnala...well, she was a firebrand then, and she still is now, our relationship is odd to say the least. Even though I am technically her aid and nothing more, we treat each other more like siblings. We fought endlessly growing up, but in the end we could always rely on each other when things went bad. I consoled her when the first male she approached to mate with had refused her. She had come on far too strongly, and the male was wary of mating with the flight Patriarch's daughter. Selnala's consorts had already been picked out as a political deal and since they had not fertilized any of her eggs yet, it would be dangerous for him to do so. She had been shattered, and Jarasad had not been happy when he found out that she had approached another male before her consorts. They were from a different flight and the deal for allowing them to mate his daughter had been very sweet.

Unfortunately, the consorts were, in a word, unbearable. Loud, arrogant, egotistic, and callous were the kindest terms one could apply to them. Jarasad had been absolutely furious, and when Selnala's own anger had been awoken and she responded rashly things rapidly devolved. I had never seen Jarasad so angry, and at one point they had actually lunged at each other. I jumped between them and used what was then the full extent of my power to hold them back. The backlash overcame my defenses and struck me unconscious, breaking both my arms in the process. They were both sufficiently shocked to stop fighting, and healers were called.

Alvena had been away hunting at the time, but when she got back she had gotten furious in her turn and, as I was later told, berated her mate and her daughter viciously. She never told me about it, I had found out from a number of people who had actually overheard her...through the stone walls of the cave. I woke up later that night with a raging headache but with two mended arms. One of the healers was a mage herself and had set the bones and healed the breaks completely, but it left me maddeningly hungry and horrendously sore. I woke up to find Selnala sobbing guiltily by my bedside, both at her parents' anger and my injuries. It took me some time to calm her when she saw that I was awake, and I was thoroughly soaked in tears by the end, but I did it. Once she was reasonably rational again I made her promise never to do that again, I felt a little guilty for taking advantage of her state, but seeing them nearly fight had terrified me out of my mind. Jarasad had later apologized to me, and to a lesser extent Selnala, but their relationship was cool for some time. Alvena had briefly admonished me for putting myself in danger, but thanked me for stopping them.

Our relationship was not and is not limited to me bolstering Selnala's self confidence and comforting her when things go wrong though, she has upheld her duties as my adoptive elder sister many times over the years, never more so than when my parents died. A little more than five years after I had come to the Den a plague swept across the countryside. Hundreds died, slowly coughing their lives away until they merely ceased to breathe. Healers were dispatched, but by the time they got to my parents it was simply too late. The first and last visit I ever made to them lasted more than a day, I sat at their bedside until first Mother and then Father gave up their lives. I buried them myself, magically digging graves and placing them in, with a carved stone marker indicating their final resting place. The mayor of the town approached me as I finished and had the nerve to ask if I would sign the land over to the town, since it was technically mine. I almost incinerated him on the spot, but despair stopped me from finding the will to gather the necessary energy to do so. I informed him that the land would be ceded to the Flight, he tried to protest, but it only took one grave look and a small conjured flame to make him flee with his tail between his legs.

When I got back to the Den no one bothered me, I walked through the halls silently, unaware of the people and dragons around me, intent on nothing but seeking my bed and sleeping for the foreseeable future. I didn't have to tell my adoptive family what happened, they could see it on my face and in my bearing as I came in. They said nothing as I silently trudged to my room. I was so enamored with grief that I didn't notice Selnala following me. When I did notice I wearily told her to leave me alone, she refused to listen to me. Instead she, more carefully than I have ever seen her act, reached out and gathered me in her claws, almost cradling me. Then she curled around me and covered us with her wings, just like she had on our first night together all those years previous. I was too exhausted to fight, I laid there with her and wept harder than I ever had, or ever have to this day.

In the following weeks I was a ruin, barely able to perform my duties. This was actually tolerated fairly well, Draconic tradition allows a three week mourning period following the death of a loved one, they don't believe in hiding grief as humans do, and they think that forcing others to do so is hideously cruel. Given the long lives they live, I can see how much more attached they can become, and how much harder they are struck by grief as a result. Selnala told me, discreetly, that the deal we struck on that first night still applied, and that she was there for me. Even through my grief I had been touched, and I still am today when I think about it. I stayed my nights with her far longer than the traditional three weeks, but she never spurned me, she was actually very affectionate, cuddling me close to her soft underbelly and nuzzling me awake when I had nightmares.

Though our relationship is strange, I truly love her to the bottom of my heart, and I would travel to the ends of the world for her. That is one reason why I don't fault her for her rampant insecurity and the constant need to bolster her self-esteem. The death of her parents, especially to an 'accident' left her scarred just as badly as I am.

I stopped myself from continuing that line of thought any further, the memories of my adoptive parent's deaths were still too painful for me to recall. Instead I busied myself with my duties, I informed the Herdmaster that Selnala would be taking her evening meal in her room, and that he had better send along a sheep or a lamb along with her usual cow, she had had a bad day and needed something to reinforce her for the next one. Thankfully the Herdmaster was one of the loyalists, so he did not give me trouble. I also prepared the list of complaints for Selnala to review once she was finished with dinner. Once those tasks were done I went about the myriad other little details that I technically did not need to do, but needed to be done. I pride myself on being prepared, and I get a disproportionate amount of enjoyment out of having things ready before Selnala (or anyone else) even know that they need doing. Selnala has joked a few times that I may be precognizant, and the rumor flew through the superstitious humans of the den like wildfire. I don't actively encourage it...often. I do manipulate circumstances to make myself seem that way occasionally, just for fun. But it's not something I dedicate much time to.

I had just finished my duties and was taking my time walking back to the baths, Selnala needed all the rest she could get, and the heated baths were doing her a world of good, when I happened to pass by the quarters inhabited by Bashram, the Patriarch of the neighboring flight, and overheard a 'conversation'.

"And if you ever do something so foolish and idiotic again, I will see to it that you will be heating the baths for the rest of your life! Do you understand me?" Bashram was a singularly unpleasant dragon. He was cruel, sadistic, and short tempered in the extreme on his good days...no one that knows him has ever seen him have one of his good days. I scowled; he also has the habit of berating his subordinates for anything that went wrong for him, whether or not the subordinate had any part of it made no difference.

"Y-yes Patriarch...I understand." Came a soft voice from nearer the door. My ire intensified, I recognized that voice.

"Good, now get out of my sight before I carve a reminder into your useless flesh."

A sky blue dragon emerged from the entrance to Bashram's quarters. Lesana was Bashram's functionary, my contemporary. She was without a doubt the sweetest, gentlest creature I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. She is also Bashram's favorite outlet and chew toy. Since our flights are neighboring, we end up in contact with each other fairly often, and she has always been very kind to me, going out of her way to help me, especially when I was just learning my job. My heart aches for her, I cannot stand the way she is treated, but I am in no position to help. I do what I can, ensuring that any information or records she requests from me are organized perfectly and laid out in a way that even Bashram can understand, and I make a point of treating her well. She walked out of the cave, her neck drooping and her wings practically dragging on the floor, until she noticed me anyway. Then she forced herself to perk up and greet me cheerfully, it made my stomach turn with guilt.

"Oh, hello Vardeck! Do you need anything?" I put on my best fake smile.

"Oh, no. I was just passing by on my way to the baths. Were you looking for me?"

"No, I was just..." Bashram hadn't given her any sort of duty, and I could see her fumbling for an explanation or an excuse, normally that wouldn't have been a problem, but she was still upset.

"Thinking of taking a bath or getting something to eat?" I supplied.

"Oh, I could not trouble you for that, I have already eaten and I am sure the baths are full already."

"Nonsense, I was there not too long ago myself, and they are quite empty. Come, I must fetch Selnala anyway, and while we are there I believe she might have some information that Bashram requested." Bashram had made a request of Selnala, ignoring Lesana and I. Giving her the information would placate Bashram for a while and hopefully improve lot in life in some small way, especially considering her brief look of panic when I mentioned it, she hadn't been told.

"I-I do not know..."

"It is no trouble, come now. It is perfectly alright."

"If...if you insist."

I was cheerful and polite as I walked with her to the baths, and she was equally so, on the outside anyway. I have known her long enough to see through the mask she puts up. I could also see the limp she was concealing. There have been days where the only thing keeping me from murdering Bashram has been the fact that he had not crossed my path, today was shaping up to be one of those days.

The baths were all but empty when we arrived, I could scarcely see through the choking steam, but I could make out perhaps three dragons lounging, not counting Selnala, who was still sleeping. I carefully approached her, wary of the slippery stones, and woke her up gently. She groaned unhappily.

"I am awake, I am awake. Is it time already?" She grumbled, stretching.

"Yes. By the way, I ran into Lesana on my way here, do you remember the information Bashram requested?" Selnala woke up fully when I mentioned Lesana, and I saw her visibly slip into her Matriarch mentality.

"Yes, of course. He wanted to know if I was open to trade some of my pastureland for a few of his flight. I would greatly appreciate it if you would tell him that I would be glad to open negotiations, but at the present time I am busy with the Council. Once it is finished we can negotiate." Lesana was visibly relieved at the news, as relieved as she was panicked earlier when I had mentioned it. Good news would mean he would be in a relatively better mood. I knew for a fact Selnala was vehemently opposed to giving away any of our land, and our flight did not need any fresh blood in its lines, but the answer she gave him would keep him from raising s commotion in the Council.

"Thank you Matriarch, I will report to him." She turned away and left, I would not have thought approaching him again this soon was wise, but I could not do anything about it. Once she left Selnala heaved herself out of the baths and gave herself a quick blast of fire to dry off, then we headed back to our quarters, the same we had always lived in. I told her about the various complaints along the way, all of them either about the visitors or some personal drama (which dragons are given to). By the time we got to our cave we had everything straightened out and ready. Her dinner was already in place, and she fell on it savagely. I left her to it while I gathered my own, more civilized dinner. Once she was done licking the blood off herself (her favorite part of the meal, and the one that always left me somewhat queasy) she spoke up again.

"I seriously do not know how much more of this wretched Council I can stand. It is driving me mad."

"Have you ever considered taking some time to yourself in the evenings?" I asked. "Go hunting perhaps. That always cheers you up."

"I cannot, and you know it. If I am away when one of the Matriarchs or Patriarchs wishes to see me, they might well become very irritating." She sulked.

"What about mating? You have three consorts, all of which are more than ready to spend time with you." She glared at me fiercely.

"I am serious; if it helps you relax..."

"They are only interested in fertilizing me. They hop on, thrust twice, and finish. Then they leave, while I am left dripping seed and feeling my eggs worse than before. I am already mad to have them fertilized and lay them already, but I cannot stand those wretched males."

"Can you replace them? You are a Matriarch, you should be able to get rid of your consorts and replace them with new ones."

"I have tried, but the contract Father made with Bashram is ironclad, until they each fertilize me at least once I cannot do a thing about it. And do not say, just let them fertilize you, the very thought threatens to make me vomit. What possessed Father to deal with Bashram to get my consorts? Why could he not have picked a few of our own males? Yarsen would make a good leader, if I was ever incapacitated. Barnezs is solid and dependable, and Kelsod-" She quivered "I would let Kelsod mount me daily and fertilize all the eggs he wanted." She said dreamily. I shook my head.

"You said the same of Liranus last month, Wreadl the month before, and Naluhk the month before that." I said, restraining a laugh, she mantled and blushed, or would have if she could have anyway.

"Oh-oh hush you. You are lucky, you can mate whomever you wish." Then I did laugh.

"You are joking! The most of the humans in the Den do not stray within ten feet of me if they can help it. Any woman who admitted that she mated with me would be ostracized at the least!" I regretted my words the instant I said them, Selnala had always been interested in finding mates for me, and she had tried to 'help' me every chance she got. Since she found her own consorts unbearable she got a vicarious sex life through me, although her own sex life was probably better than mine. She had been under the belief that I had a 'normal' sex life (normal for dragons would be considered particularly...vigorous, among humans) for some time, and that I was simply private about it.

"What? I thought they had learned their lesson by now. Are any of them mistreating you?" Alright, it seems that her interest in getting me to mate was overshadowed by her elder sister protective instincts. I felt myself warm a little on the inside, her concern means a lot to me.

"No, they just have as little to do with me as possible. It is no different than it has been for years." She looked dubious. "Trust me, Selnala, if things were going badly I would tell you. But your concern touches me."

"Vardeck." She mumbled, lowering her head so it was relatively at my eye level. "I am concerned. You never speak of having human friends, and you are always working. That is not healthy."

"You are overreacting, I am fine."

"When is the last time you mated?" I frowned, blushing a little. I do not have any trouble talking about mating normally, but when asked directly...

"It is not important."

"Vardeck..." I knew that tone; she would not let the matter rest until I gave her an answer.

"Not since Sybil was last here." Sybil was another functionary. She was in the service of an Irish Dragonflight that had close ties with our own, she was my first, and we had an understanding: when either of us was staying at the other's Dragonflight we would spend our nights together, but in the mean time, and there was a lot of mean time, we were free. It is hard for mages to find...companionship, due to the superstitions surrounding us, and I had counted myself lucky to find someone like Sybil. Other than her, my chances had been few and far between.

"That was nearly three years ago!" Extremely few and far between.

"It does not bother me, I am fine." That was a lie. When one is a virgin, one's interest in sex is more out of curiosity. Once one has actually had sex, well, let us just say that going from a warm bed to a cold one is distinctly unpleasant and leave it at that.

"I could always find you some-"

"No, I am not letting you try to pick out consorts for me. We have been over this, what works for dragons does not work for humans." She slumped slightly.

"But...it is only logical. More mates mean you spend more time mating." I laughed again.

"Amongst dragons perhaps. Among humans it would mean more drama and infighting, there would be less sex."

"But you will not even try." She said petulantly, remember what I said about her needing a vicarious sex life?

"Selnala...I am touched at your concern, truly I am, but it will not work. We have to accept the things we cannot change." I said seriously, approaching her and petting her muzzle, which she lowered once I approached.

"How ironic, here we are, the Matriarch of a Dragonflight and her second in command, both raised by the strongest mated pair in the entire country, and neither of us have real friends or mates. It is pathetic." She said, laughing bitterly. I could not help but join her.

"Yes, yes it is..." Silence stretched on between us as I slowly stroked her muzzle. "I meant what I said earlier. About being touched by your concern."

"Hmm?"

"You...you are all I have left Selnala, you are my only family. You work harder than anyone I know, and you still think of me. I am touched." I said quietly.

"William..." My name, my real, human name. She is the only one that knows that name now, there are times I am afraid I will forget it myself.

"I love you, sister." I leaned in and softly kissed her muzzle. I felt her talons close about me in a soft embrace as she gently pulled me closer to her.

"And I love you, brother. With all my heart." She leaned down and nuzzled me softly. I returned it as best I could. We stayed like that, embraced, for a long time. Drawing comfort and reassurance from each other, only parting when it was late.

"We should go to bed, it is late." I said, unhappily drawing back.

"Yes, you are right." She replied, sighing. "I will see you in the morning."

"Good night Sister."

"Good night Brother."

We both turned and went to our rooms, feeling both better, and worse than before.

*Following Selnala*

I love William, I meant it when I said I loved him with all my heart. I know he is lying when he tells me he does not mind the way the humans shun him, and I wish I could help him, but deep down he is still afraid of them, and until he faces that fear I cannot do anything. Still, there are days, days when I see him hiding rage or tears, that I want to do nothing more than cradle him in my claws and tell him everything will be okay, like Mother used to do when he was upset and she thought no one would see. I know I cannot do this, it would not help him, and he would not accept it, but I still want to. He is my brother, and I want the best for him. It is not healthy to be isolated like he is. I resolved that I would, discreetly, very discreetly, attempt to find a female for him. I would try for two or three, a perfectly sensible number, especially for a young male, but he insists that humans are best only taking one mate. I do not understand it in the least, but I take his word on it, no matter how silly it seems to me.

I sighed as I laid down on the heated stones of my roost and curled up to sleep, William's problems would have to wait. I rested my head on my claws and folded a wing over myself, mentally replaying my day and trying to extrapolate what might happen at the Council meeting tomorrow. After I had turned it over for what felt like the thousandth time I gave up and let my mind wander, towards sleep hopefully.

After an uncomfortably long period of time, with no sleep in sight, my mind meandered back to my conversation with William, specifically his suggestion that I spend time with my consorts. I was honest when I said I could not bear the thought of breeding with them, and I was not about to let them get any potential leverage on me through my eggs. It was unfair, I had carried my first egg for so long I had to lay it unfertilized because it would have gone to rot! Scandalous! The way things were shaping up I would have to lay my second egg unfertilized as well. I could already feel the beginnings of my third egg taking shape in my pelvic girdle; my eggs would start coming on faster as I aged into full fecundity and I started being fertilized regularly.

It was not fair! All I wanted from my mates was a little sympathy! No male on the planet understands how it feels to have an egg sitting in your girdle, just waiting to be fertilized, the warm, almost ticklish, heat that radiates from it that threatens to bake away any semblance of rational thought; I understand that, but I still want a male who will be a little more understanding of me!

A male who is willing to listen to me when I tell him how uncomfortable I am and is willing to give me some relief, it wouldn't even have to be mating...well, yes it would, but there are other things that go along with it! I would like a male who would listen to me after a bad day, who would give me a long, slow, luxurious flame bath to scorch the parasites from under my scales and bake my aches away, and a male who would let me hide under his wing and let me pretend not to be in charge anymore, let me give up the weight of responsibility for a time...oh, and I would also like it if he would take his time during mating so I can get some relief as well!

I growled as I thought this and realized my mistake, I felt the heat of my egg radiating hotter, and I felt myself moistening to prepare for a male who did not exist. I whimpered. Not tonight, please not tonight. I just want to sleep! My neglected body, as usual, ignored my pleas. I sighed, knowing there was nothing for it. I uncurled and stretched my tail before curling it in while simultaneously curling my head around my body so I could get a look at myself. My entrance was inflamed and moist, almost dripping. I guided the tip of my tail in and gently began rubbing the swollen lips. I moaned slightly as I did, those first soft strokes always felt beautiful.

Neither I nor my body was in the mood for any teasing however, so I decided to skip to the good part. I pushed my tail in as far as it would go, which unfortunately isn't nearly as far as I would like. I play mated myself with my tail for a few minutes, but made no progress. I knew what I would need to do, but I put it off until I knew I couldn't avoid it. I sighed as I moved my tail out of the way. It just wasn't designed for this; it wasn't flexible enough for this task.

My tongue, on the other hand, is prehensile, and just as long as any male. I sighed and moved my head closer to my entrance, inhaling my own scent through my nostrils and feeling it affecting me, that is how desperate I am, normally only males would be intoxicated by a female's scent, but in my state even my own pheromones made my head light and tingly. I knew that the smell alone would drive me to mate myself at least twice, potentially more. I did not care now, when I was under its influence, this became much more fun. I grinned a bit as I opened my mouth and slowly stuck out my tongue, barely caressing myself. I sighed happily as the tang of my fluids, so very familiar to me after all these years of self-pleasuring and so very delicious, danced marvelously over the tip of my tongue. After a few moments I decided to drive myself to my first completion quickly, I would take the time to lovingly tongue every inch of myself later, oh just the thought of slowly running my tongue all over myself made me shiver, but now, I needed to finish.

"Ah! Aah, Oh...mmm...uh!" I did not try to mask my moans as I established a rhythm and mated myself energetically, the sounds were almost as enjoyable as the feeling of my tongue sliding quickly in and out of my heated body, or the delicious taste of the fluids coating it. The taste of my fluids made me salivate copiously, but I do not care. I felt my completion nearing, so I moved my head closer to myself so I could fully penetrate my warm, eager body with my tongue. I pushed it all the way in and felt the ring of flesh that closes off my egg chamber, the ring was completely dilated with my arousal and I was actually able to put my tongue on my egg. That sent me over the edge, I cried out in ecstasy as my entrance rhythmically squeezed my tongue, trying to milk semen that was not there. I opened my jaws wide and caught the fluids that splashed out of my body in my mouth.

I panted and slowly removed my tongue, careful not to lose any fluid, the best part of a self-mating. Once my tongue was safely out I withdrew it between my jaws and snapped them shut, closing my eyes in bliss as my sensitive tongue was literally bathed in my fluids. I kept my mouth shut and savored my flavor for as long as I could make myself, then I swallowed the wonderful liquid with an audible gulp and began licking the rest of it off my muzzle and the area around my entrance. By the time I was done, I was more than ready to go again, which was the point. I smiled as I began slowly licking my outer folds, this time I would relax and savor the journey as well as the destination...and I would splash my entire muzzle this time, I would regain my arousal faster. I would need a bath tomorrow morning, but it was more than worth it.

*Normal PoV*

I grunted as I awoke, it was before dawn. I would dearly love to sleep in, but martial discipline woke me up at the same time every day, without fail. It would have helped had Selnala not been pleasuring herself half the night. I have no doubt she needed the release, well, releases, but I do wish she was not so vocal about it. In the end I had to resort to a sound blocking enchantment in order to get to sleep. I grumbled uncharitably as I dressed and grabbed a few small loaves of bread and stuck them in some various pockets to eat later. When I emerged Selnala was already on her way out.

"I am going to take a bath before the Council meeting today. I will meet you in the Council chamber at the usual time." I nodded, she was in Matriarch mode, so I did not begrudge the tactless greeting. Besides, she really did need a bath. Just because I could not smell her exertions from the previous night did not mean that other dragons couldn't. I left her to her business as I walked to the Council chamber; I was only with her as a formality anyway.

I was technically supposed to run to get information she might need, or write down notes or such things, but as an unwritten rule, dragon Councils try to avoid such things in the interests of time, this would spell disaster for any human congregation. Dragons got around this by dint of the fact that all the Matriarchs and Patriarchs had the entirety of the codes of draconic law committed to memory. An impressive feat, even if it is done out of self defense.

Why, then, would the ever practical dragons bother bringing functionaries to draconic Council meetings? Simple, they are brought along to mate with. Matriarchs and Patriarchs are allowed only one guest when attending a Council meeting at the Den of another flight due to the expense of housing dragons, and given the length of time the meetings could go on, it was best you bring someone whom you could relieve tension with. Many of the 'functionaries' were actually consorts of the various leaders, but some were not; Matriarchs and Patriarchs occasionally brought along other companions besides their consorts, as a way to add a little variety I was told, though when one has three mates one has access to every night, I have to wonder how much variety you really need.

The system of consorts actually only exists in the higher ranks of dragon society. Matriarchs, Patriarchs, and their various counselors all have consorts, as a way of ensuring the validity of the hereditary positions of power. Lower ranking dragons usually mated for a night or so and then found other partners as their urges caught them. This is not a good system when one has to keep track of a genetic line, thus the consorts. Consorts are independent, functional members of the flight with their own jobs and duties who are 'assigned' to a certain dragon, whom they swear an oath to. The oath is long and complicated, but essentially they swear to fertilize or be fertilized by the dragon in question, and they are allowed to mate only their assigned partner until they have produced a certain number of offspring (the exact number is negotiated during the selection process). Once the number of offspring is met, they are allowed to mate anyone they wish, though their assigned mate is given priority and if he or she requests a mating they are not allowed to refuse.

This is actually a rather favorable position for dragons of a flight that were not born into power, males and females alike, and it is much sought after. It is also true that both consorts and their assigned mates are both rampantly promiscuous, regardless of their oath, but no one cares as long as they continue to produce eggs of at least passably believable paternity, and only the most extreme of consort contracts completely prohibits mating others, such as the one Selnala is under. The only exceptions to this rule that I am aware of were Jarasad and Alvena. They had eyes only for each other. This was extremely odd, to say the least. Most Matriarchs and Patriarchs are the most promiscuous members of a flight, given their status it is not hard to find a willing mate, even if being sought after by a Matriarch or Patriarch was not seen as good luck of a sort.

"Penny for your thoughts, human?" I looked up to see Hurshjal, one of Selnala's consorts. He was flanked by Ulyogt and Marhgdulm, his flightmates and fellow consorts.

"You could not afford them or understand them, Hurshjal. What do you want?" I was in no mood to deal with him, fortunately Ulyogt and Marhgdulm were astoundingly unintelligent and seemingly incapable of acting under their own free will, always following Hurshjal's orders. They all scowled and bared their teeth at me, it would have looked menacing, three brown-black dragons all snarling at me, if I had not known how moronic they all were.

"Watch your mouth, pet. I wish to know where Selnala is. She has rebuffed our advances and my patience grows thin, we had a deal. Find her and tell her that I will fertilize her tonight." That could almost be construed as a threat; if he was willing to make such a drastic move as that something was happening. I would have to tell Selnala. In the mean time however...

"I would like to see you try!" I said, bursting out in genuine laughter. Selnala had a well deserved reputation as fiery and short tempered, but for all that she had the martial skill to back it up. "She would chew your wings off and leave you running to your Mother!" Hurshjal lunged at me and snapped his jaws six inches over my head. I reflexively jumped; he has never been that aggressive before, he is too cowardly. Something is definitely going on.

"Your impudence will get you killed, human." He said, grinning at his 'victory'. "Selnala cannot protect you forever." He said, gloating.

"I do not need her protection." I replied, anger suffusing me, awakening the inner beast that was my magic.

"Ha!" He scoffed. "And what, pray tell, could you possibly do to me?" That, my friends, is the kind of opening I dream about. Hurshjal's laughter was cut short when a lightning bolt arched from my casually raised left hand and shattered a stalactite over his head. If he had not dodged it he would have been seriously injured. He yelped in surprise, sounding like a whelp. I resisted the urge to grin, I was about to deliver a death threat.

There are three primary ways to go about those: First (and most ineffective) is to sound furious, true, you sound like you might just do it, but it lets those around you think that it would only happen because you are angry, and that makes you sound unreliable. Second, you can smile and laugh about it, this is very effective, it makes you seem insane, which can be a very effective tool, but that is not something I want or need. The third way to deliver a good death threat is to be calm, serious, and matter-of-fact. This produces a 'chilled to the bone' kind of fear that is particularly effective against cowards like Hurshjal.

"What I could do, is kill you. I do not take well to threats against myself or my Mistress, and if you ever threaten either of us again I will murder you out of hand, I do not care if we are in public at the time. We could be in the middle of the Council for all I care; the only difference it would make is how messy I would allow your death to become. Do you understand me?" I said calmly, like I was relaying a report to Selnala. Hurshjal growled at me.

"How dare-" Another lightning bolt arched from my hand and struck the wall next to him with a buzzing explosion of noise, heat, and shrapnel. He was pelted by superheated rock fragments. He yelped and fled, his cronies following. I frowned, so much for taking my time. The only way he could grow that much spine that fast is some kind of outside influence, like someone told him that there would not be repercussions for his actions, which was worrisome in the extreme. It could mean that a member of the flight had his or her sights on Selnala's position, or it could be another Matriarch or Patriarch out to expand their holdings. Bashram immediately leapt to mind, after all, his flight neighbored ours, so expansion into our territory made sense, and all of Selnala's consorts were originally of his flight, the offspring of highly placed dragons as I recall. On the other hand, he did leap to mind readily and quickly, which is reason enough to doubt that assumption, it could very well be that another, more intelligent agent or faction was at work, there would have to be some serious espionage soon. Whoever they were, they could not have timed their move better, the Council was rife with opportunities to meet with contacts and conduct all sorts of nefarious business while close to Selnala. I sighed as I started walking quickly towards the baths; I absolutely hate these political games.

I found Selnala luxuriating in the boiling water of the baths, and in a surprisingly good mood given the coming meeting, I hated to break it.

"Good morning Vardeck! How are-"

"Hurshjal just threatened to kill me." Rude though I might have been, I wanted to get started on this fast. The longer you let this kind of problem fester the harder it is to deal with. Selnala went from happy and playful to serious in a heartbeat.

"How serious was he?"

"He nearly bit my head off, literally."

"Did he hurt you at all?" I smirked.

"Let us just say that I forcefully impressed upon him the unacceptable nature of his actions." She sighed.

"You did not hurt him seriously, did you?"

"Oh no, the first lightning bolt shattered a stalactite, but he moved out of the way. The second one only showered him with some shrapnel. The death threat I gave him did more damage I suspect."

"You threatened to kill him?!"

"I told him that if he ever threatened either of us again I would murder him on the spot, regardless of who may be watching." She sighed deeply and heaved herself out of the water.

"I wish you had not done that, it needed to be done, of that I have no doubt, but I would rather deal with such things when I do not have a dragon Council to run." She sighed yet again and dried herself with a blast of fire. "Come, tell me the whole story on the way to the chamber."

I did as she instructed, not omitting a single detail, she was understandably grave. She did not need my help to come to the same conclusions I had.

"I wish this had not happened now of all times, but when it rains it pours. We cannot do anything until after the meeting, or rather I cannot. I want you to spread the word to every informant and spy you have, I want information."

"Now, Mistress, whatever gave you the idea that I am in the habit of cultivating spies?" She gave me a look.

"The fact that you do so compulsively without bothering to inform me first." I smiled, she was right of course, spycrafting is not technically one of my duties, but Selnala does not engage in it, and I figure someone has to.

"I will do so; hopefully we will know something by the end of the Council."

"The way things are shaping up your great grandchildren will not see the end of this bloody Council." She grumbled. I patted her sympathetically as we entered the Council chamber.

Espionage is a frustrating business, primarily due to the amount of time and patience it takes to get any kind of return on your investment so to speak. For example, three weeks of various less-than-legal intelligence gathering operations not producing a single clue. No matter how many favors I use, threats I make, how much information I steal, nothing. All there is to show for three weeks of constant wrangling on my part has shown nothing. See what I meant by frustrating?

"Have you found anything yet?" Asked Selnala as she walked into our abode, fresh from the baths and still slightly steaming.

"Nothing. Not a bloody thing, I know you are supposed to be patient when engaging in this sort of thing, but I do not know how much more patience I have left." I growled, throwing the latest file I had compiled, economic reports of the various flights, away angrily, the papers inside would have spilled out were it not for the bindings upon the folder.

"Nothing from the financial reports either?"

"Nothing, I do not understand it. I have better reports of the finances of every flight close to us than the flights do themselves, how is it that whenever I think I see a lead, it vanishes?" Selnala sighed.

"Well, at least Hurshjal has not bothered me today, that is good news." Hurshjal had become more vocal about Selnala's recalcitrance, no one in the flight listened to him, but he had taken to harassing her at every opportunity he could get, and despite my earlier threat I could not actually kill him, it would be too suspicious.

"I suppose I could have him assassinated." I mused aloud. "After all, I highly doubt anyone would care if he had a sudden hunting accident or fell ill and died. Hmm, the more I think about it the better it sounds." I was seriously beginning to consider this when Selnala interrupted.

"Surely you cannot be serious?!" She said, shocked. Dragons can be annoyingly...honorable, about this sort of thing. If they want someone killed they will do so themselves, it has always baffled me how they can engage in the most horrendous of political corruption and shy away from covert killing when they are the ultimate predators.

"Yes, I am. It would certainly solve a few problems."

"No, no, I forbid you from doing it. It is repulsive. If it comes down to it I will have to kill him myself." I sighed, dragons and their honor.

"While I admire your honor, I truly do, I feel I must ask you what good your honor will do you if you are dead. Do you really think he would not cheat?"

"Well...no, but I will not have you do something like that. Hopefully we can eliminate the threat without killing him, but if it has to be done it will be done correctly, not by assassination." It was like talking to a boulder.

"Fine, but if he attacks you I will kill him. On the spot if I happen to be there, and the next time I do see him if I am not."

"You are assuming you would be able to kill him faster than I would." She said wryly. She actually had a valid point, she was extremely fast for her size and even though dragons did not have a formalized system of martial arts, per se, she was regarded one of the deadliest combatants in the country. If he attacked her there was every chance that she would slay him before I could, even with my magic. Not that I would ever admit that point, not in a thousand years.

"Oh, I am confident in my ability." I said demurely. She laughed.

"Of course you are, little brother, keep telling yourself whatever bolsters your ego." I was about to reply when one of the guards came in. The large dragon approached Selnala respectfully and waited until she acknowledged him to speak.

"Matriarch, there is a functionary here to see you. Lesana. She said she had a message from her flight leader regarding some negotiations, should I let her in?" Selnala looked at me; I searched my memory and recalled the negotiations in question. I had so many things on my mind lately they had fallen by the wayside. I nodded to her.

"Yes, let her in."

"I will do so, Matriarch." He left quickly, and a few moments later Lesana came in, her posture appropriately submissive.

"Greetings Matriarch, I have come on behalf of-"

"Lesana, there is no need to be so formal. After the Council meeting today I have had all the formality I can stomach, call me by name please." I grinned, that right there was the main reason Selnala had held onto her position. Whereas most Matriarchs and Patriarchs demanded constant pomp and circumstance, she was more informal. She interacted with her flight directly, not just through intermediaries. She was approachable, she was real. Most leading figures of the flights were never seen by those they ruled over; Selnala had met and interacted with each and every member of the flight on a personal basis at least once, including the humans that worked for the flight. I had pushed her into that, and it had earned her a great deal of goodwill from a largely undervalued portion of the flight. Humans working for Dragonflights found it easy to become lost in the crowd if for no other reason than our size. Having the Matriarch visit and talk to you personally about how your job is going is very flattering. Also, it is a wonderful way to get a more accurate idea of how the flight is running, reports are all well and good, but there is no substitute for getting the news right from the horse's mouth as it were. She had received and followed many suggestions from the low level workers of the flight that had drastically increased the strength of our economy. Many flight leaders looked at it askance, but could not argue with the fact that it worked.

Lesana was shocked for a moment, but was visibly pleased. Functionaries are usually treated as nothing more than walking scrolls, as I well know, and a warm reception like this is extremely pleasant.

"Thank you M-Selnala. My Patriarch wanted me to relay his request to open negotiations early, he fears that if left until the end of the Council, a great many will not survive the winter." That got our attention.

"Will not survive the winter? What do you mean? Is there a plague?" Lesana shook her head sadly.

"A famine, our crops have failed for the past few years, and our herds have shrunk. There is not enough food, and many are growing weak and sick." She gestured to a satchel attached to a harness like device she wore, standard issue for couriers, but often worn by functionaries as well. "My Patriarch's initial terms are in the topmost folder." She laid down so I could reach in and extract the folder she signified.

"I will look at this immediately Lesana and I can also arrange for aid to be sent as well. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, you have done well." Lesana bowed her head respectfully.

"Thank you Selnala, I will inform my Patriarch at once." She left quickly, likely having more errands to run. I had opened the folder and begun skimming the information it contained as soon as I had gotten it.

"Well?"

"These reports confirm what she said." I murmured, trying to absorb as much information as I could as fast as I could. "And they match the reports from my sources in the area...wait, of course, now I feel foolish." I grabbed my large file of intelligence and began pulling out economic reports of Bashram's flight.

"You think that is the reason for Hurshjal's behavior?" Selnala was quick, when she put her mind to it.

"Well it makes sense. Everyone knows Bashram still has influence over him, they are related somewhat closely after all. He is Hurshjal's uncle. If Hurshjal fertilized you he, and Bashram indirectly, would have a means of controlling you. Or he could just have you killed and manipulate the offspring, or he could have you killed off before the offspring part and have Hurshjal take over as Patriarch, which would be faster. He could also-"

"Alright, alright, I understand. Bashram is making a political move to get control of the flight. Where do these negotiations come in?"

"As a way to get in contact with you I suspect, he does have the power to annul the contract between you and your consorts; he is the one on the other side of the deal. I suspect your meeting with him will end with an offer to free you from the contract if you only let him fertilize you."

"Ugh, not in a thousand years." She said, revolted.

"It could also be a test, to see how willing you are to deal with him, it is most likely both. The only thing you can do about it is agree to meet with him, backing out now would look suspicious and that is the last thing you need right now." She sighed in resignation.

"Oh, if I must. I only hope he does not try to fertilize me, just thinking about it makes me ill."

As it turns out, Bashram did indeed attempt to manipulate Selnala into letting him fertilize her, and it was just as sickening as we had both predicted it to be. The meeting started fairly normally, with negotiations going as they usually go among dragons: slowly. Then things started taking a turn for the worse. Bashram made what I am sure was his idea of a subtle inquiry about Selnala's relationship with her consorts, which then led to him offering disgustingly insincere sympathies and putting forth a far too casual comment to the effect of 'I will nullify your contract if you let me mate you.' This was accompanied by ill concealed posturing on his part; it was so bad I almost gagged for Selnala's sake. I was not the one whom the 'courting' (if one could call it that) was directed at and I still felt nauseous. Selnala turned the offer down with a truly stunning measure of tact and grace, only to have it repeated in one form or another rather frequently for the rest of the negotiations, only stopped my mention of the time and how we would all need our strength for the coming Council meeting. Bashram did not take well to my interruption, but tried to conceal it...the operative word being 'tried'. Honestly, how did he manage to stay Patriarch when he was so stupid? He left after scheduling another visit for the following week, he had tried for the next night but thankfully Selnala had a previous engagement. After he left Selnala shivered all over and declared that she was going to take a bath 'to wash the..._him..._off me' and promptly left.

I, on the other hand, went back to studying my stolen information, honing in on the economic reports coming from Bashram's flight. I had been going over it in detail since the whole debacle began, and I had found some unsettling discrepancies between the 'official' reports and records, and the ones I received from my sources. It was true that production as a whole was down, and had been for a few years, it was not nearly as bad as to cause the kind of illness and suffering Lesana had described when I 'accidentally' met her during some off time and asked her about it. The files were a mess; the official reports said that the bulk of the crops and livestock were going to the flight's members, as it should be; but the reports gathered from suppliers in the flight willing to part with information showed a much lower amount. In addition, the personal finances of Bashram and the highest ranking members of his flight were suspicious. Patriarchs and politicos were by no means poor, quite the opposite, but given the reports of the kind of things they bought and the kind of 'additions' they had for their homes and caves were out of the range of even their rank. It was not hard to leap to the conclusion that they were corrupt, but I did not want to assume anything.

I found what I needed in records of financial transactions and trade manifests, hideously undervalued things that they are, they have never steered me wrong. Money makes the world go 'round after all. It seemed that a portion of livestock and other goods meant for the flight's own consumption were being traded to fuel the expensive tastes of Bashram's upper tier. This would not have been a problem unless something like a plague or a famine were to hit. The flight must have been barely eking by before things went bad, once the crops and livestock started to fail the house of cards that Bashram constructed for himself had begun imploding. By the time I reached these oh so uplifting conclusions Selnala had returned from her bath.

"I believe I know what is going on. The whole picture, or something close to it anyway." I said as she walked in.

"Do tell, but can it be a summarized version? I want to go to bed." She said, yawning.

"Alright, the quick version it is then. Bashram and those close to him have been siphoning funds and selling livestock and crops meant for the flight for their own personal gain, then the crops started to fail. Now they, and Bashram in particular, are in the unenviable position of being to blame for the suffering of a great number of creatures that could kill them quite easily." Selnala sighed.

"I had feared something like that. Lesana is not involved with it is she?" I blinked at the odd question.

"No, I do not even need to consult my files to tell you that. I mean no offense to her, but she is simply too scrawny to be living in the kind of opulence that the records suggest. Why do you ask?" Selnala flipped a wing, the equivalent of a shrug.

"No real reason, I merely hoped that she was not. She is so..." She struggled to find a word to adequately describe the certain quality she was looking for.

"Sweet? Innocent?" I supplied.

"Yes, something like that. If worst comes to worst I am afraid she would be targeted as well as Bashram. Everyone would come to the conclusion, and reasonably so, that Bashram's functionary was involved with this as well. If things do go badly I would like to try and get her out of there." Selnala and I had always gotten along very well with Lesana, and I had a particular soft spot for her granted all the help she gave me when I was just learning my job. She had been stationed here as an aide to the draconic equivalent of an ambassador, and she had led me through the first few months of my job impeccably.

"I could not agree more." I said, smiling slightly.

"Well, I am for bed. Do you think we should warn the other flights?"

"That is a difficult question, I will have to ponder that."

"Well, you do that, but not now. Go to bed, I want you fully awake for the meeting tomorrow, I have a feeling something might actually get decided and I want you at your best."

"Very well, good night."

"Good night."

The next morning dawned cloudy and full of the promise of storms, a thoroughly bad omen if one were given to believing in such things. I am not. Selnala and I girded ourselves for another long, boring meeting, preparing in our usual ways, having much the same conversations that we normally have each morning and walking the same path to our destination. Following our usual routine. This routine was upset, however, by an additional face in the meeting room. Hurshjal. Seated with Bashram, this could not be good. My eyes narrowed, and I did not need to look at Selnala to know that hers had too. I also did not need to think to know what her response would be.

"Greetings everyone, I would like to bring this meeting to order, but it seems Bashram has seen fit to make a serious breach of etiquette by bringing in an extraneous companion, I for one am curious about this. Would you care to explain, Bashram?" He stood up and swept his gaze around the room theatrically, launching into a pre-rehearsed speech. Lesana, who I noticed was also in the room, although in a position befitting her station, looked uncomfortable.

"I would indeed, but first I would like to apologize to the Council for my actions, I would never under normal circumstances think to deviate from the codes that govern our Council meetings, but I have been made aware of a problem that I feel I may require the full authority of the Council to solve." I was impressed that his vocabulary was so polysyllabic, but at the same time a feeling of dread was creeping into the pit of my stomach.

"And that would be what, Bashram?" Queried Zeriana, the amethyst colored Matriarch of a smaller, but economically rich, flight bordering our own. She had always been a strong ally of ours, and was suspicious of Bashram, due to what she called 'unsatisfactory relational incidents' between their flights, she never elaborated and I never asked.

"That, dear Zeriana, would be a breach in contract by a Matriarch." Damn, I was right. My heart sank, dragons take legal agreements extremely seriously, and he was referring to the contract Selnala was under with him, the strictest legal agreement in the system. The Council began murmuring collectively, there was also nothing they loved more than drama, and this was shaping up to liven their days quite nicely.

"And who would you be referring to?"

"Why, Selnala of course." Bashram said. Trying, and failing, to keep a smile off his muzzle. To her credit, Selnala kept a straight face and answered him calmly.

"That is a serious allegation, I am quite offended Bashram."

"As am I, young Matriarch. As am I. You are under a betrothal contract to me. Your consorts were supplied from my flight years ago, and you have not produced the eggs set forth in the agreement signed and notarized by your late Father. I entered this contract in good faith, and I am shocked and wounded by your betrayal." More murmuring from the Council.

"That seems to be a private matter between you and Selnala, Bashram. Why bring it up in front of the Council?" Thank you, Zeriana.

"I bring it up because I feel a need to have the Council judge this matter. The set time of the contract has been exceeded, and though normally I would be perfectly willing to renegotiate, the only possible reason I can see for such a crass abandonment of this issue is infertility." Damn him, damn him to hell. He actually had a point; The only reason to think Selnala had not produced the eggs is that she is infertile, which would disqualify her for her position as Matriarch. If Selnala claimed to be fertile, she would face the breach of contract and the punishment set forth therein, which included many things, up to and including being stripped of her status and having it handed to the wronged party, Bashram. If she claimed infertility, she would forfeit her post and it would be handed to Bashram, as a matter of reparation. We had been outmaneuvered. Either way she went she would lose her position unless...there was a way I might get her out of this, it was a long shot, but choosing between a long shot and getting Selnala ousted and having a dictator take over (who, by the way, would most certainly have both of us killed sooner or later, probably sooner) I was more than willing to take the long shot, especially since it would include a little petty revenge. Time for some of my own drama.

The Council was waiting with bated breath as they awaited Selnala's choice, all of them knowing as well as we did the inevitability of the outcome. The room was entirely silent...until I started clapping that is. The whole room turned to me, lounging casually against a stalagmite and clapping slowly and theatrically. I waited until I was sure I had the whole room's attention before standing.

"Well played Bashram, well played. No matter how Selnala pleas, she is removed from power. I congratulate you on your stunning victory. I do wonder, however, why you feel it necessary to depose the leader of your neighboring flight. What possible reason could you have for upsetting the delicate balance of power as well as dragging an obviously personal and sensitive conflict into a public setting?" Bashram looked at me angrily, as did Hurshjal.

"You are treading on thin ice, human." Spat Bashram contemptuously. I just smiled at him.

"Such anger, Patriarch, is totally uncalled for. I am merely stating a rhetorical question. You see-" I said, addressing the whole room. "Bashram, the same one who has been attempting to gain land and resources this whole meeting-" Most of the matters on the Council's to do list had been Bashram attempting to grab every piece of land and every potential bit of money he could get his claws on, a fact that escaped no one. "Has every reason to want Selnala is simple-"

"Silence human!" Snarled Hurshjal. I smirked, I was making a very dangerous play, A play that could easily come back to bite Selnala and I in the tail region as she liked to refer to it, but it was our only shot.

"Bashram's flight is collapsing. As you have heard him say these past weeks. Famine, crop failure, plague, all run rampant. And yet, his fields produce enough to feed his herds despite the crop failures, any perusal of his official records will show this. The same with his herds, there is enough to feed his flight, or so his records say. And yet somehow his people are starving." Bashram and Hurshjal were furious now, good, anger would make them prone to mistakes. "The only way his flight could be in the crisis that it is would be if the top echelon of his flight, who are all quite well fed and plague free by the way, were discreetly selling excess resources. They must be doing this to pay off serious debts; why else would they do something as dangerous as sell food meant for a flight of dragons?" This was a point that everyone could acknowledge, Bashram was known for his extremely opulent tastes in, well, everything. His personal chamber had marble walls inlaid with pure gold, and their own heated baths, among other things. The kind of money that took...

"You have no proof!" Yelled Bashram, his tail lashing back and forth dangerously. I just smiled at him.

"Oh, I do not? Why, I was sure I...ah yes, here it is!" I said, pulling my large file of economic reports from my satchel and walking over to Zeriana, the acknowledged expert on finances and financial law amongst the Council. Her functionary, another human, and an expert in finances as well, took the file from me with a wink. It did not take long for them to read the file (helped by the annotations I had made) and come to the same conclusion that I had.

"You are correct Vardeck; Bashram's finances are a terrible mess. That does not exempt Selnala from her contract though. So unless you have something planned for this information..." She trailed off. I smirked; I did indeed have something planned.

"I do, Matriarch. You see, as I have proven, Bashram needs more money and resources to pay his debts, and what better way to obtain the kind of money he needs than by taking over another flight? Removing Selnala from power and seizing her flight would give him all the money he needs." Bashram was quivering with barely controlled rage now, and the dragons nearest him had moved away.

"He is angling to be made the Patriarch of a consolidated flight; however, given the state of his financial affairs and the resulting state of his people, he is obviously incompetent. He cannot be allowed to go through with this. A vote of no confidence will have to be taken, and his actions will have to be scrutinized thoroughly." Selnala smiled, I had reversed his play on him. A vote of no confidence bolstered by the evidence I had just put forth and the admitted state of his flight cast him in an extremely dim light and would inevitably oust him from his position. We won.

"He...is correct, Bashram." Said Zeriana "As things stand there will be a full inquiry, and while you are under an inquiry you cannot legally perform this action. If you pursue it, it will be counted as another strike against you. Stand down Bashram." Zeriana's voice echoed through the silent hall. Bashram looked murderous; I stared him down and readied my power just in case he tried something foolish. The room was silent for a long time as he shook, meaningless sounds escaping his throat, he actually took a step towards me at one point, but the rest of the Council rose to their feet in an instant; attacking anyone, regardless of status, in a Council meeting was strictly forbidden, no exceptions. Unfortunately, we had all been watching the wrong dragon.

Hurshjal had his chance to claim Selnala, as he certainly would have if Bashram had won, and he shared many similarities with his uncle, including temper. I realized that he had subtly moved behind me as I had been speaking. I noticed him move out of the corner of my eye, but by then it was too late.

*Selnala's PoV*

William did it! We won! I had been terrified when Bashram had brought up my contract, there had been no way out of it, but William had made a way! He reversed the play and made it backfire on Bashram more eloquently and beautifully than I could have ever imagined! With this turn of events I would be free from that accursed contract and be free to choose my mates for myself! Oh, the freedom, the-

"Damn you human!" I spun to see Hurshjal Charge William from behind. Time slowed down, I saw the dragons in his way bowled aside by Hurshjal's sheer mass. William saw, but he did not have the time to move out of the way, in that awful split second I felt my world shatter as my precious brother spun too slow to avoid the coming blow; for all the speed he could conjure he could only avoid being cut in half by the barest of margins. Hurshjal's claws scored fatal furrows into his right side. I was already moving, rage fueling the flame already blossoming from my jaws. Once again I was too late, in the last act my brother would ever make he raised his arm and let loose a blast of pure force so powerful it snapped Hurshjal's neck straight up and sheared his head off, disintegrating it in a shower of gore that spattered the vast majority of the Council. I was too slow. I was going to lose the only family I had left.

*Normal PoV*

I was too slow. I may have killed Hurshjal, but it did not matter. I was going to die here. I felt blood pouring out of me onto the stone floor. I was getting cold. I could vaguely hear Selnala shouting my name above the furious din of the meeting room. She was sobbing, any semblance of propriety gone, begging me not to die, I feel so badly for her. I wish I could listen to you, sister, I truly do. I want to stay with you more than anything, but I do not have a choice. As my lifeblood pooled on the floor I felt my magic raging like a caged beast.

Magic is almost a living thing, any mage can tell you that, it calls to you, it speaks in a primitive voice, and it knows nothing but basic instincts. Find food, find mate, breed, live. With the last of my fading sight I saw my blood pool mix with Hurshjal's. A painful shock shot through me and I jerked. Dragons were magical creatures, their lifespan, flight, and fire all owed to magic. Not the directed, strictly controlled power of a human mage but a bone deep force of nature as old as the earth itself. I felt my magic latch onto the powerful well of pure power contained in Hurshjal's blood, and then it did something it had never done before, something absolutely and utterly terrifying. It thought.

In a split second of a split second it formed its plan. It was used to manipulating everything in nature: trees, rocks, water, air, thunder. It had even manipulated flesh; it had healed me many a time. It latched onto the power it found and pulled. Hurshjal's body began to glow, motes of energy gravitating towards me, sucking in power to fuel what was to come. I knew what it was planning, there was no stopping it. I could only warn Selnala.

*Selnala's PoV*

"William! No! Please do not die! You are all I have left! Do not leave me!" I sobbed as I saw his head loll to the side, tears pouring down my cheeks. The Council was in an uproar, but I could not care less. My brother was-

"Ackhg!" William's body arched. I jerked back. I felt something stir, the whole room did. Everyone backed away as Hurshjal's body, still gushing blood, and William's both began to glow. Balls of white light poured from Hurshjal's body into William. Suddenly William arched again and did the impossible. He stood up. He stood up despite the hideous gouges torn out of his side, no human could have stood up with those wounds. The supporting muscles and bones had been all but destroyed. I watched in horrified fascination as bits of Hurshjal's aerosolized flesh and large orbs of glinting blood accumulated in the wounds, floating unnaturally towards William and pressing themselves into place, sealing the wounds. My brother was leaning backward, as one who resists being pulled. His feet were planted firmly on the ground and yet he was being inexorably dragged towards Hurshjal's corpse.

"S-Selnala...run." He rattled horribly.

"William!" I moved towards him, but someone got in front of me. Kalversaid. One of the few dragons who made a study of magic.

"Selnala...get...OUT!" He screamed as the light got painfully intense.

"Get out! Everyone out! Unless you wish to die here, get out!" Kalversaid roared. It took him, Zeriana, and three others to pull me away. I fought them furiously, I could not leave William! Despite my efforts, I was dragged out of the room and the doors were sealed.

"Damn you all! Let me go!" Zeriana managed to push me off balance and the rest of them piled on top of me, there was no way I was getting up.

"Listen, Selnala! He is not dead!" Said Kalversaid.

"Liar! I saw it! I saw him! So did you!"

"Yes, you saw him wounded. Then you saw his magic take over. That light was the magical energy of Hurshjal's body, the life energy that had not yet fled. Magic is like a living thing, it will resist death harder than you can imagine. He is not dying Selnala...his magic is assimilating Hurshjal's energy...and his body, to save him."

"Wait, you cannot be serious, those old hatchling's tales..." Sputtered Zeriana. "They cannot be...true?" Kalversaid nodded solemnly.

"They are completely true. The circumstances under which a transformation can happen are all but impossible. Rare enough that true accounts have become hatchling's tales." I froze.

"William...he, he will live?"

"Yes, he will." Said Kalversaid. Getting off me, the others followed suit reluctantly.

"How can you know it is a transformation?" Asked Zeriana, a question I was about to ask myself. He looked at her strangely.

"I am a scholar of all things strange and arcane, amongst my fellows and I, the accounts of transformations are studied voraciously, there are only five accurate accounts in existence and they all share the same details. It is a transformation."

"How long until it is over? How long until I can see him again?" I asked desperately.

"Soon, I can still feel it happening. When the fluctuations of power cease it will be done. All we can do is wait." He said, settling down on his haunches. After a few moments Zeriana followed suit, as did the large crowd of Council members that had gathered around us. I could not sit; I paced impatiently, keeping my eyes on the sealed doors at all times.

The wait was interminable, I was consumed with worry and fear, if it turned out that William had truly died...I, I do not know what I would do. I swear I gouged a trail in the floor with my claws as I paced back and forth, desperately wanting to go to my brother. Kalversaid stayed stoic and silent while we waited, not saying a word, the others murmured fearfully for the most part, cowards. I kept looking to him every time the strange light seeping from under the door lessened or the otherworldly sounds changed. Each time he simply shook his head. Just when I thought I would break the doors down and rush in, consequences be damned, the light and noise finally stopped. Everyone who had been sitting stood instantly.

"Stop!" Barked Kalversaid, his voice was sharper than a bullwhip. "Only Selnala, Zeriana, and I shall enter. The rest of you go back to your chambers, this is a delicate matter and there is no way we are getting anything else done today."

The others did not dare argue with him. I pushed forwards and broke the doors down without breaking stride. I ran into the Council chamber not knowing what to expect. What I found was scorched stone, twisted and warped in ways that were not possible naturally. It was as though the rock had turned to liquid without heating to magma and someone had stirred it with a stick, there was a strong smell in the air that I could not identify, it was something unlike anything I had ever smelled, it was like...smelling bright light and vibrant sound, there are no words to accurately describe it. Kalversaid breathed deeply, no doubt fascinated, Zeriana only looked troubled, I just wanted to find William. The torches in the room were simply gone, leaving only one source of light. A patch of stone on the ground was glowing; it was surrounding a sparkling form. The form of a dragon.

I approached cautiously, the dragon on the ground was the purest emerald green I had ever seen, and was stretched out on his side, seemingly asleep. I carefully laid down next to his head and listened, I could hear his breathing clearly. I looked at Kalversaid, not sure what to do.

"Speak to him Selnala, wake him up. Be the first thing he sees. He will be frightened, and he will need his sister to be with him." I nodded tearfully and turned back to the still form in front of me.

"Brother...William, wake up. It is me...Selnala, your sister." To my amazement and relief he stirred, his legs and haunches twitched, and his head rose unsteadily on his neck. It took him a few moments to orient on my face.

"S...shelnala?" His speech was slurred, his body not performing as he was used to. I smiled at him through my tears.

"I am here brother, do not be afraid. I am here." I moved closer, letting him inhale my scent. He shivered and began to weep. I laid down next to him, belly to belly, and curled around him as best I could, letting him hide his face under my wing. "Everything is alright brother. I am here, and I will never leave you. Never." He only wept harder, his body shivering violently, but no sound escaped him. I covered as much of him with my wings as I could, which was not much. He was large, very large.

"I...I could not tell which way was real, which way led me back." He sobbed quietly. "There is...there is so much...so many places...time does not exist there, it is dead there. I was afraid I would drift into some place worse...no mortal is meant to go there." He collapsed into incoherent sobbing and curled against me tightly. I looked at Kalversaid again, he was speaking very carefully, as though he was intoxicated, and he was not making any sense; Kalversaid shook his head, he would tell me later. Zeriana tentatively approached us and moved to William's other side, looking at me as though to ask permission. I nodded, and she laid down as well, he stiffened at the first contact, but did not otherwise react. She huddled close to him and spread her own wing over him. Kalversaid paced the room, investigating everything. It took William some time to master himself, but eventually the shivering stopped and he stirred. Zeriana moved off, but I stayed close. He carefully raised his head, obviously having trouble adjusting to the drastic changes to his body. I waited patiently, and eventually he was able to look me in the eye, if a little unsteadily.

"I...how long was I...gone?"

"Twenty minutes or so." Said Kalversaid, William shook his head, or tried to.

"No, it must have been longer. It must have. I was there for an eternity." He said, shivering again. I nuzzled him, careful not to push on him too hard and upset his still-unsteady balance.

"It was likely that you were there for two eternities, or perhaps three. You said yourself that time does not exist there. But you should not think about that place, it is not meant for us mortals. Thinking about it will drive you mad, the memories will fade quickly. No mortal mind can endure that place."

"If it is best he does not think about it, perhaps you should not speak of it and frighten him further." Said Zeriana. I was inclined to agree. Kalversaid nodded in agreement.

"If had not spoken of it he would certainly have brooded upon it, but I am finished. Now we should get you to a safe place to rest, you must sleep, then eat. The transformation is taxing in the extreme."

This proved to be a very inconvenient and difficult task; William had lived his whole life walking on two feet, a ridiculous number for something so essential, and getting used to suddenly having twice the amount proved troublesome. He was as wobbly as a newborn calf, only more awkward because he had wings, a tail, and a much longer neck than he was used to. Kalversaid and Zeriana had to support him at points, I went on ahead and cleared a path to our cave. The trip must have been more exhausting than I had realized possible, because William's legs were quivering with weakness by the time we reached the entrance. He took heart upon entering our home, and made it all the way to my room before collapsing. Kalversaid promised to return in the morning, as did Zeriana, and left us. I curled up with William once more and we sheltered underneath my wing. He pressed his muzzle against me and inhaled my scent, seeking reassurance.

"It is over now, brother. It is all over, you are safe. You may sleep without fear, I am here for you." I murmured softly to him until his eyelids drooped and his breathing evened out. Only then did I close my own eyes and let sleep overcome me.

The next few weeks were very stressful, to say the least. The whole Council was in an uproar, Bashram was widely blamed for the incident; he had brought Hurshjal in after all, and he now had the whole legal system breathing down his neck. Zeriana took over my duties, normally something that would have caused an uproar in and of itself, but given the circumstances no one was willing to begrudge me my absence. I spent the days with William, who had adjusted to most of the changes with a truly shocking speed, although eating live animals was a bit of a problem at first, it made him nauseous and the fact that blood suddenly tasted good and soothed his belly instead of upsetting it disturbed him greatly. Thankfully Kalversaid made a habit of talking with him every day and helping him through the process, Zeriana also helped, she taught him the bits of anatomy that every dragon needed to know, but as a human he had never learned.

Kalversaid also addressed the Council and described the process of transformation as thoroughly as it was documented by scholars, as I was told later the whole explanation lasted less than five minutes.

We all helped him make sense of the physical changes to his body, which was quite a process, but thankfully William was a very quick learner. The biggest obstacle we encountered was flight, while he had flown on the backs of dragons before he was reluctant to jump off any ledge of enough height to allow him to get in any real practice. This I can understand actually, normally one learns to fly when one is much littler and much more lightweight, this means the drops are smaller. Learning when one is full grown? Well, that takes a lot of courage, not that William is a coward, but at the heights we need the fall could seriously injure him. We collectively decided to wait on flying until he has a firmer grasp on everything else. In the mean time he returned to his previous duties, under our protest. However, he insisted that he was well enough to take messages and made the valid point that he could take over his old job faster than it would be to train a replacement on his 'finely tuned, and laboriously perfected mastercraft of organizational engineering'. It was good to see his sense of humor returning, the apparent trauma of whatever place he had been faded quickly, although he did not talk about it and occasionally had nightmares and other lingering effects, though they were quickly becoming rarer.

As it turned out it was a good thing he did take over. Kalversaid and Zeriana had both helped immensely, but they had their own flights to manage, and they had to return to them. Things only got back to normal in time for the preparations for Bashram's audit. William was vital to the beginning stages of the proceedings since he was the one who had put together the information in the first place, and was all but obligated to show up for the beginning of it. We rehearsed what needed to be done vigorously, which helped him with the anxiety he had been plagued with since the transformation. On the day the audit was slated to begin (it had been unanimously agreed that it would take precedence over the other items on the agenda of the Council) we both walked into the Council chamber together; needless to say, there was a bit of a stir.

"Alright, I am calling this meeting to order. Before we begin, however, I would like to thank Zeriana and Kalversaid" I nodded to each of them. "For their aid lately." William nodded to each of them silently.

"With that said, I believe we are to begin the audit of Bashram's finances and actions as Patriarch. Will the accused please step forth?" Bashram was under heavy guard. Lesana was nowhere in sight, having been questioned and found to be uninvolved. Bashram was stoic, though I could see rage in his eyes as he looked at us. Once he was situated I began the process of the audit/inquiry. The opening statements were fancy way of calling for a vote of no confidence based on incompetence. Once the opening statement was finished William had to take over the presentation, I had been concerned about this for some time. I should have saved myself the effort.

William took over seamlessly, delivering a summary his arguments from the last meeting he had attended, only this time including actual numbers and statistics. He spoke clearly and with great eloquence, breaking down complicated financial concepts into something easy for anyone to understand, and doing it without sounding patronizing. He also avoided any indication of anger towards Bashram, he sounded like he was giving me a routine report on our own finances. Once he was done he bowed out and Zeriana took over. Our part in the proceedings was effectively over now, William might be called upon again to clarify some of his information, but given the thorough packet of notes he had compiled and had copied out for each of the appointed judges, I seriously doubted that. We spent the remainder of the (thankfully shortened) meeting in silence.

Once it was over, we headed back to our cave together. We kept up the façade of propriety, stopping briefly to converse with a few Matriarchs and Patriarchs who wished to speak with us, most of them actually speaking to William, who was impeccably polite, if obviously tired. He had (without telling me) Spent much of the night finalizing his report for the Council. I was not happy about it, but he insisted it needed to be done. Thankfully the conversations were all short, usually congratulating him on his quick recovery and his report. We made it back to our cave only a little later than we normally would have. The instant the doors were sealed and our privacy assured I pounced on him.

"You did a smashing job! Did you see the looks on the judges' faces when they saw those packets you made up? They were thicker than most books!" I twined my neck with his and wrapped him in my wings as best I could, a little exuberant perhaps, but I was ecstatic. He laughed and nuzzled me. He had definitely begun to appreciate this kind of affection more, and when we were in private he often sought it out. It was nice, though I did not make a habit of soliciting physical affection from him before, I had always liked it when he stroked my muzzle or given me a massage with his magic, and after nearly losing him I realized how much those little gestures meant to me; so I was glad he was becoming the cuddly sibling I had always secretly wanted.

"Yes, I saw their faces. And the reports are not that thick." He said modestly.

"Oh, close enough. My point is," I said seriously, locking eyes with him. "I could not be more proud of you." He smiled, swelling with happiness. We remained embraced for a time, but broke apart when our evening meal was delivered. William was still getting used to eating whole cows, but he had gotten over the nausea that had accompanied meal times early on. We were both hungry, and our dinner was not burdened by extraneous conversation, but after we were finished there was an important topic we had to talk about.

"William, we need to speak seriously about something." I said after I swallowed my last bite, I always saved the head for last, the brain and eyes are the best parts. William seemed partial to the hind legs for some strange reason.

"What is it?" He asked, he did not eat as quickly as I did, and he still had a quarter of his cow left.

"Since I have been freed from my contract I am going to be picking new consorts soon." In truth, I had already picked one out; the other two would have to wait. As desperate as I may be to mate, I have...plans.

"And once you have picked your consorts and they move in with you, I will have to move out." He finished for me. "I am aware. I have been wondering how long it would be before you picked them."

"I am sorry William, I truly am." He looked at me, confused.

"Sorry? Whatever for? It makes perfect sense. I am not offended at all, although I am claiming my brotherly prerogative to investigate your potential consorts." He said with a smile. "You need not worry though, I will not bite...too hard." I laughed despite myself and slapped him with a wing.

"You will do no such thing; I have waited too long for this. I will not have you interfering." He actually made a face at me and stuck out his tongue, I could not believe it, normally he accused me of being juvenile.

"I am your younger brother; it is my duty to be a pest." I can play that game too, brother. I waited until he had his mouth full and was about to swallow before responding.

"Oh, that reminds me, I have already picked out your consorts for you. They will be waiting for you in your new cave." His eyes got wider than I thought possible and he almost choked on his food, coughing a jet of smoke and sparks. I struggled to keep a straight face and continue. "The contract is not very strict, although they all have eggs in them, and the contract stipulates that you fertilize each of them tonight...hmm, perhaps I should have ordered an extra cow for you, you will need the energy." He glared at me and I could not help but laugh.

"You are a horrible liar." He said, still coughing. That only made me laugh harder. "Are you quite finished yet?" He muttered indignantly.

"Oh no, I am going to be giggling about that for months. In all seriousness though, your position does entitle you to consorts, and they will have to be picked soon. I will be more than willing to help you, no, do not take it that way. I am offering to help because I know you still struggle with the concept. If you cannot pick for whatever reason I can help find someone who will match your personality." I said seriously.

"I...I do not think I am ready to be a parent." He said slowly.

"That is understandable. All you need to do is tell your consorts that, they will understand. Just ask them not to allow their eggs to be fertilized when you mate." He was still uncomfortable, due to the way he was treated by the humans no doubt. "If it makes it easier for you, I was going to pick a consort from Zeriana's flight and Kalversaid's flight to show my appreciation for their help. You could do the same thing if you wish."

"That...would take a lot of pressure off me." He admitted.

"You need not do that if you do not want to, I am only suggesting it as an option. However, if you do decide to do that, I was going to meet with Zeriana after we finished eating. You could come with if you wish. She is very understanding of such things, and very discreet. She has helped find mates for many of the humans in her flight that had trouble for one reason or another." I added the last bit to reassure him. I really did think it would be good for him to finally be mated. As it stands, I am the only one whom he is close enough to gain complete acceptance from, mateship would not provide that kind of bond instantly, but it would eventually happen.

"Before I agree...can I ask you something?" He asked, looking away.

"Anything." I said gently, I know how emotionally charged this subject is for him. Constant rejection from almost all the humans in the flight affected him deeply.

"Do...do you think that they would be pleased? My consorts I mean."

"Pleased with what?"

"Being assigned to me." I leaned over and nuzzled him gently.

"There is no reason for them not to be. You are widely known to be very competent, you are the second in command of the flight, and you are very handsome. I know you are unsure of yourself in this regard, but trust me, they will be pleased." He perked up a bit.

"Really?" I smiled, after all the time I spent wringing compliments and reassurances out of him, I owe him this one, and many more.

"I have not shown them to you, but I have received several mateship requests for you. Both from within our own flight and from other flights." He looked at me, shocked.

"You must be joking."

"No, I am not. Five of our own flight have sent in written requests to be considered for your consorts, a few more have asked me in person, and three other flights have asked if I would be willing to part with you. You should consider asking for a stud fee." I added the last part just to make him squirm, I had reassured him of his worth, as I always would, but I could not help myself.

"I...am shocked." I laughed, the look on his muzzle was brilliant.

"As I said, you are a very appealing prospect. Now, what do you say? Will you come with me to see Zeriana?"

"I...alright. I will go with you."

"Excellent, now come, It is a little later than I had planned to leave."

We made our way to Zeriana's guest quarters and asked after her, her guard informed us that she was finished with her meal and willing to see us.

"Ah, it is nice to see you both well. Congratulations on your performance Vardeck, it was wonderful." My brother was a functionary, even though he acted as my second in command and issued orders frequently he was not used to receiving direct compliments like that. He traced a small circle in the ground with a claw, embarrassed. It was absolutely adorable.

"Thank you." I resisted the urge to laugh and instead turned to Zeriana.

"We came here to thank you for all your help these past few weeks." I said.

"You have been more help than you know." Said William honestly, having known him as long as I have I can see how touched he is by the help he received.

"I am glad to have helped."

"I am also here on business." I stated, moving onto the more enjoyable reason for our visit.

"Oh, and what would that be?" I smiled at her.

"It seems that my contract to Bashram is null and void, and I am looking for consorts. If you are willing, I would like to have one of your flight." This was a big political thank you. It was a way to strengthen the ties between our flights significantly, and it was quite pleasurable for me as well. We all won. Zeriana grinned even wider.

"Ah, you do my flight great honor Selnala. Are there any qualities in particular you are looking for in your mate?" William looked distinctly uncomfortable, and I swear he was blushing. Any time you are having this much fun I think you must be breaking a law of some kind.

"None of my eggs have been fertilized. Not one. I want someone...vigorous, shall we say." She looked at me knowingly.

"Desperate for relief?" She asked rhetorically.

"Unbelievably so." She just laughed.

"Oh, I have been in your position. It passes quickly once you have your mates, let me assure you. Anything else?"

"Yes, someone young. Young enough to have just reached the full force of their urges, but not old enough to learn how to properly restrain them." William looked properly scandalized now; I could barely restrain a giggle.

"So, you want an overly...enthusiastic, adolescent." William said, deadpan. "That would narrow it down to, oh, every young male in existence." I turned and looked at him.

"Brother, I am an overly 'enthusiastic' adolescent. So are you, neither of us have even reached full fecundity yet. There is no shame in taking advantage of it." William rolled his eyes.

"I have a few males in mind already." Said Zeriana, clearly amused.

"I was thinking of picking a consort from your flight as well, if that is permissible." I was proud of him for coming out and saying that, though I probably should not tell him that. Zeriana nodded again.

"It is more than permissible. Do you have any particular qualities in mind?"

"Well, I would like someone whom I can spend time with when we are not...mating. I suppose another functionary or something, someone who could identify with me and vice versa."

"Good qualities to look for in a mate, and I think I know the perfect match. One of my record keepers has been sadly lonely lately, you two are very similar. I will take further thought upon whom I think would be good matches and send word to my flight tomorrow morning."

"Thank you Zeriana, you do me a great honor." I said, bowing my head to her, William mirrored me.

"Before you go though, I have a proposition for you, Vardeck."

*Normal PoV*

A proposition?

"What do you need?" I asked, I was not sure what I could do for her, but after the help she had given us I was more than willing to try.

"It is not so much what I need as what I want. My proposition is this, from now until the time your consorts are finalized you are free. Would you like to spend your nights here with me?" Was she offering what I think she was?

"Oh, that is a good idea. You should take her up on that." Sister, you are not helping.

"I will not pressure you, and I will not be offended if you refuse. I offer because the selection process for your consorts can take some time, and anyone would get a little frustrated. That and I brought a human functionary and I have not mated since the Council started, I foolishly thought it would be over by now." She said wryly. "It looks like it will continue for some time, and a regular mate would make it much more bearable."

"I...I am honored Zeriana, I am. But I think it best if I waited for my consorts." I said uncomfortably. True to her word, she was not offended.

"Very well, I will respect your decision. If you change your mind I will be here, now, it is fairly late and I for one wish to get at least some sleep tonight." She said, stifling a yawn.

"You are right. Thank you again, for the consorts and your offer." Said Selnala.

"You are welcome. I will see you tomorrow."

We left Zeriana's quarters and made for our own, I was looking forward to bed, er, roost, myself. I would never have thought mere heated stones to be so comfortable. We almost made it scot free, but the guard approached us as we neared the entrance.

"Vardeck, Lesana asked after you while you were gone. I informed her that you were at a meeting, but she said it was important. She is waiting inside." I sighed.

"Thank you. I will go meet with her." I said tiredly, I only wanted to sleep. I expected to see her in the main living area of the cave, but she was not.

"Hmm, she must be in your room. Whatever it is she is here for it must be important, but not important enough to wake me over. Good night." Selnala made for her room, and I grumbled a good night. I was more than a little jealous of her. I forced myself to be civil as I walked into my room, Lesana was here for something important, I was not going to take my frustration out on her. She was sitting when I arrived, but she got up and moved to greet me. She had removed her satchel harness and set it in an out of the way corner.

"Hello Vardeck, it is good to see you." She said as I came in.

"Thank you Lesana, I do not mean to be at all rude, but I am rather tired, what is the matter?" She looked a little dismayed, and I felt a quick flash of guilt.

"Oh, it is a legal thing. Paperwork that you must receive, it is in my satchel." She said, indicating said item.

"Ah, forgive me if I sound crass, but why did you deliver that yourself? That is something that you could have left here for me to take care of."

"That is a reasonable question. I brought it because I thought we could go over it together, it would go faster." That did not make any sense, all I had to do was read it and at most sign it and send it off to someone else. She was acting strangely, I noted as she walked over and retrieved the satchel, picking it up in her jaws and depositing it by my old desk.

"I am afraid I still do not understand." I said, confused and wary.

"I simply wanted to spend some time together." She said, approaching closer still. Nearly close enough to touch. I backed up slightly; she was not acting like herself at all.

"Spend time together?" I wanted to make sure of her intentions before I leapt to any conclusion.

"Yes, those documents can be so boring when you examine them alone. I thought that some...enjoyable company, might speed the process." She walked around me, brushing the length of her body against mine. "To tell the truth, I have wanted to be alone with you since you transformed, you are very handsome, and I know how hard you work, I value that. Come; let us mix our business with pleasure." She stood in front of me, looking back over her shoulder and lowered her front, assuming a submissive posture. I was stunned. Literally. Lesana was shy and quiet, nothing like...like...this!

"I..."

"Do not worry, I have no duties tomorrow, and I have arranged for a break for a hunting trip." She said, lifting her tail slowly, revealing herself to me fully. "We can start now, and have a whole day to ourselves tomorrow if you wish. You can take me as many times as you wish, I will never say no. If you want," Her voice lowered, excited. "I will let you fertilize my egg." I could not believe my eyes or my ears. I found myself incapable of movement, and I stood, rooted to the spot, with my jaw hanging loose, for some time. There was no way she would act like this unless...unless...oh, I understand. I did not need to ask her to confirm my thoughts, when she saw the understanding in my eyes I saw resignation in hers, her tail drooped and she stood normally.

"He threatened you." I said quietly, it did not need to be a question. She did not reply, she only looked down.

"He wanted you to come and...be with me, in order to get something. What does he want?" She winced.

"I...I was sent to...seduce you. He told me to get information, blackmail, anything that he could use against you and Selnala. Anything he could use to interfere with the audit." She said, just as quietly. An act of desperation, sending his own functionary to do this was too obvious, not something one would do unless there is no other option.

"And if you failed?" She did not answer. I looked down as well, unable to comprehend sending one of your own flight on a mission like this.

"I will go to him and report my failure, I am sorry to have bothered you Vardeck. I am so sorry." No, no. I will not let this happen.

"Wait." She did not stop. I moved in front of her, I am big enough to block the doorway. She looked at me, resigned to her fate. I, however, was not.

"Lesana, you do not need to go back to him."

"Yes, I do Vardeck. I appreciate your attempt but-"

"No, I am serious. You know the laws just as well as I do. If you fear for your own life you do not need to go." She did not reply, and for a moment I was afraid, truly terrified, that she would try to go anyway. "I am sure he has told you things, threatened you, attacked you, and used fear to make you loyal to him. All you have to say is 'I am afraid for my life' and he will have absolutely no hold over you. All you have to do is say it, and he cannot touch you ever again." I could see the war raging inside of her, probably her entire life was spent with Bashram abusing her, breaking her to his will, breaking the rules he had set would be terrifying to her; but I was offering her an out, a way to escape it. The horrible fact was that it was hard to choose, it took immense courage to take that first, small step. I pleaded with her silently to say those six simple words, to let me help her, but I could not persuade her further, not legally.

"I...I...I am..." She stuttered, tears beginning to fall. Damn the laws to hell.

"You will be protected, the full might of our flight will shield you, you will be safe." Please say it, please!

"I...I am afraid...for my life." She nearly collapsed, her tears fell more heavily now. I moved forwards and brought my wings forward cupping them around her, she was so small I could almost completely cover her body. She pressed herself against me and sobbed.

"You are safe, Lesana. He cannot hurt you anymore." I murmured reassurances to her quietly. She calmed down shockingly fast, sniffling a little, but regaining control with what sickened me to think must have been practice. "Come, we must tell Selnala." She nodded and followed me as we walked to Selnala's chamber. Lesana stayed calm, though she did keep one wing in contact with me. Selnala groaned when we came in.

"What is it?" She asked sleepily.

"Les-"

"I...I am here because I wish to claim sanctuary." Any hint of sleep in Selnala's demeanor vanished instantly.

"From Bashram?" Lesana nodded shakily.

"Yes...he sent me here to...to...seduce Vardeck. I was to...mate him...and use that to get any kind of information Bashram could use to...help him survive the audit." It sounded like she had to push each word out forcefully, like it hurt to say them. I brushed her slightly with a wing, for comfort. Selnala likes to joke about my protective instincts, they have always been strong, when a child or an animal is hurt I have always been the first one to help. In this case, I wanted to do nothing more than cuddle her close, cover her with my wings and tell her everything was alright until things actually were alright. "My specific orders were to...lift my tail as many times as I had to, and give him my egg."

"You have said enough Lesana." Said Selnala gently. "This is hard for you to talk about, and I am grateful to you for telling me this."

She got up and approached Lesana directly, lowering herself to match Lesana's smaller height.

"Telling us that proves that you are as brave as any warrior, you should be proud of yourself." Lesana actually started crying again at the compliment, something that made me sick inside, if she reacted so strongly to that, what must she normally experience?

"She is right Lesana." I said quietly.

"You have the full support of my flight and the law, you are beyond his reach." Lesana trembled and nearly collapsed to the floor, I supported her and carefully lowered her down. "I am honored to welcome you to my flight Lesana." Lesana was crying from sheer relief now, and neither Selnala nor I would deprive her of the emotional release. It took her some time to calm down, and when she did she looked exhausted.

"Thank you...thank you so much." She whispered.

"Think nothing of it." I said. "I am happy to see you safe." She looked at me tiredly, and smiled. A small smile, but it was real. I count that as a victory.

"You are exhausted; I think you will have to sleep here tonight. You may have my room." I said.

"I could not take your room from you." Lesana replied.

"Perhaps we should share a room." Said Selnala. "I think that is the best solution."

"Are you sure?"

"Completely. It is no trouble at all, come now, it is very late. We should all be asleep." Well that was certainly true.

"Good night Lesana. I am happy to see you safe, I will always be close by, if Bashram tries anything just find me and I will make sure nothing happens to you." I said. I also nuzzled her good night. She smiled a little.

*Selnala's PoV*

Once William left Lesana moved to the far side of the room and laid down. I walked over to her and nuzzled her gently.

"Good night, if anything happens I will be close by, you can come to me at any time."

"Thank you Matriarch."

"You need not call me that Lesana. My name is fine, sleep well." She yawned and curled up, tucking her head under her wing. I laid down not far from her, waiting for her to fall asleep before I closed my eyes.

In the morning the first thing William and I did was ensure Lesana's protected status. Her statement was taken, our statements were taken (although we carefully avoided certain parts of the night to preserve Lesana's dignity), then came a large amount of documentation. All in all the process lasted a couple of hours, but seeing as the Council was not meeting and had been replaced by a court (which I was not required to attend until my account as a witness was called for, which would take time) I was free to resume my normal routine. It was decided that Lesana would stay with William and I at least until the court and Council ended. She was still nervous about being targeted by Bashram, but she eventually relaxed over the course of a few days.

When word of what happened spread to the court she was summoned to give testimony. She was reluctant in the extreme, but when called by the court it was impossible to say no. I did make a request to have Bashram removed from the room when she gave her testimony, although it was denied on the basis of the laws regarding the accused having the right to face the accusers. I was worried that Bashram might intimidate her into silence, but William solved the problem by arranging for a heavy guard around him and by dint of keeping himself between the two of them at all times. The process of taking her testimony was quick, but not as quick as I would have liked. Bashram attempted to interrupt her at one point, but was stopped short by William coughing a perfect sphere of white hot flame at him that nearly took his head off, when he had practiced that I have no idea, but it was certainly impressive. The way Lesana jumped when he moved towards her should have been all the evidence the court needed, but the proper forms had to be followed.

The night after Lesana's testimony William and I paid a visit to Kalversaid, for the same reason as our visit to Zeriana. He knew why we were there, and in keeping with his personality greeted us with: "Oh, yes, I know what you are here for. I have narrowed down the choice for your consorts. There is a very active young male, the son of one of my counselors, that will suit you well Selnala. I also found a nice female for you Vardeck. She is an accountant. She is very, energetic, let us say. I have already summoned them, they will be here tomorrow." Straightforward, no pretenses. Both of us had been surprised, to say the least. He also thanked William for allowing him to gather information about the transformation. Such accounts being so rare, the information he had gained was invaluable to his own research, he was already preparing a treatise on the event, which he had been eager to show us, although most of it was incomprehensible to me and William was still a little uncomfortable with the subject. When all was said and done it was a productive visit that definitely strengthened the alliance between our flights and left me in a thoroughly good mood.

"I received word this morning that the members of Zeriana's flight arrived this afternoon, with Kalversaid's additions tomorrow we need only pick one more consort each!" I said cheerfully as we traversed the mostly empty scenic route to our cave, wanting some privacy to speak along the way.

"I...have someone in mind actually." Said William slowly.

"Oh, who is it?" I must admit, I did not expect him to be so...proactive about this, but it is definitely a pleasant surprise, he was still very much chained by the absurdly dim view of mating that humans seem to take, but he was beginning to take the steps out of it.

"I am not sure I should approach her actually."

"Why not? I highly doubt you will be turned down."

"It is not so much that I fear I will be turned down as much as I fear she will say yes regardless of how she truly feels." Ah, I understand.

"Lesana?" He nodded his head miserably.

"I know what it would look like from a political standpoint, and I know she is still recovering from Bashram's ill-treatment. It is ludicrous, but..." He flipped a wing, trailing off.

"She has always liked you, though, so I doubt she would find the idea unpleasant."

"Yes, but I do not think she is ready for...for something like this." He retorted.

"I have news for you brother, there are a lot of males who are seeking her as a partner. Females from Bashram's flight are highly sought after as consorts. They have a reputation for being very skillful mates." William had known this in an academic sense, but it was something that bore repeating. "She has already had some requests. She turned them down of course, but she will accept someone eventually. In all honesty you are likely to be the most understanding of her."

"Alright, I will ask her...sister?"

"Yes?"

"How am I supposed to ask her?" I laughed at him, I could not help myself.

"I am serious!" He said indignantly. "Walking up to her and saying 'will you be my consort?' sounds crude and repulsive. Is there a formal way to ask?" I shook my head, stifling giggles. Of course he did not know, a scholar of law he may be, but this was courtship. Something he had never seriously engaged in.

"No, just broach the subject with a degree of decorum. You worry too much. Even if she turns you down, which I highly doubt, she will be kind about it. Now go, ask her." I said, pushing him forward. "If we act quickly we can have all our consorts together tomorrow and finish the notarization process early in the day, then we can take the day off to enjoy ourselves." I dearly hoped we could do that. I may have had to lay my egg unfertilized, but the next one is well on its way and I want to enjoy my consorts thoroughly before I choose which one will fertilize me first.

"Alright. Go approach your other male, I want privacy for this."

"You will do fine brother, farewell." I turned aside to find the lucky male, I grinned as I walked. I had once happened upon him mating another female by accident, and I like what I saw.

*Normal PoV*

I walked quickly, but not too quickly, back to the cave I had lived in my entire life. It was strange knowing that I would soon leave it. That is not to say my new cave is in any way bad, far from it. The cave Selnala and I had picked was one of the newest additions to the Den. It was carved into the outside walls of our mountain, with a large window (really just an artistically carved hole in the wall) Large enough for easy exits and entrances, and it had a spectacular view of the sea. I put the thoughts of my new cave aside as I entered my current one. I found Lesana just finishing an early dinner while reading some legal documents pertaining to her new status as a member of our flight. She smiled at me when she saw me approach.

"Greetings Vardeck, how was your visit to Kalversaid?" Selnala had told Lesana the nature of our visit to Kalversaid, the topic having come up in casual conversation some days ago.

"It went well." I stalled for time as I tried to figure out exactly how to ask.

"Did you arrange for a consort then?" She asked, as cheerful as ever.

"He spoke with Zeriana apparently. Our consorts will be here tomorrow."

"That was quick, though Kalversaid has always been very fast and efficient. Have you decided upon your last consort?" Well, I might as well use the opening she provided for me.

"I was hoping that-" My throat was suddenly dry, I coughed reflexively. "I was hoping that you would do me the honor." I hoped that did not sound as terrible to her as it did to me. Her look of shock did not comfort me, but it passed quickly.

"I..."

"If you have any reservations, do not hesitate to refuse. I do not want to entrap you in an arrangement like this."

"I am surprised...but pleasantly so." She said, approaching me, she had gotten bolder than one might expect in the short time she had been free from Bashram, she was stronger than many gave her credit for. That facet of her was one of the reasons I wanted her so. "I will."

"I cannot tell you how happy that makes me." I said, nuzzling her happily, she laughed and returned the gesture. When we broke apart I laid down next to her and she curled up against me, I spread a wing over her affectionately as she continued speaking.

"Will you notarize the contract tomorrow?" I nodded.

"Unless something drastic happens, yes. We should probably get to sleep early tonight." She yawned.

"That sounds good, I am sleepy after eating such a big meal, and we will both need the energy for our consummation tomorrow, but we need not go to bed just yet. Let us talk a while longer." I smiled.

"I would love to."

And talk we did, though it was frequently interrupted by spontaneous bouts of affection. When Selnala came in an hour later she found us in the same position.

"Ah, I take it things went well brother?" She asked rhetorically.

"Greetings sister, I do appreciate your tact by the way." I said poignantly, Lesana laughed.

"You should respect your elders." She said, amused. "By the way, I have good news. Our consorts arrived early. I sent word to the Geneticists and they will have the official documents here tomorrow morning!"

"That is excellent news." Chirped Lesana. "How many eggs does the contract stipulate?" In retrospect, I found myself shocked that Lesana had agreed to the deal without getting that information first, and I felt guilty about not giving it to her; though I did not know myself...

"Three each." I choked.

"Nine?!" Both Selnala and Lesana blinked in surprise.

"Yes, nine. That is a perfectly reasonable number, though a little low. I am sure you will end up fertilizing more." Said Selnala pragmatically.

"I...I do not know if I can raise nine children. I find myself terrified about raising even one." Lesana smiled at me reassuringly.

"You will be a good Father, and as long as the contract does not specify a time limit on the offspring-" She looked to Selnala, who shook her head. "You do not have to have them all at once. We have decades to raise them; do not forget that you will not be alone in this."

"True, but I still do not think I am ready." I said.

"Then wait. You need not sire the first eggs. As long as you satisfy the urges that come along with them I am sure your consorts will understand." Selnala stated.

"Yes, that is perfectly acceptable." Lesana said, patting me reassuringly with a wing.

"Alright, alright." I sighed. "I surrender...thank you." I nuzzled Lesana, who made a pleased hum and nuzzled me back.

"You two are perfect for each other." Selnala said dryly. "I am for bed, good night." She got up and walked to her room, leaving us alone.

"We should go to bed also." Said Lesana, standing. I mirrored her.

"Would you...would you like to sleep with me? As in actually sleeping, not mating." Oh, that came out wrong. What happened? Normally I did not misspeak myself so. Thankfully she did not misinterpret.

"I would." She said, the smile that had graced her muzzle since I asked her to be mine growing wider. We walked into my room and curled up together, she was already noticeably bigger than she had been. Dragons never truly stop growing, and even if they are shorted in food during their childhood, as Lesana was, they will still grow to their full adult size. They simply grow more as they are better fed. At her present rate of growth she should be up to full size (and be a truly astounding specimen, her figure is already gorgeous. Her body long and sleek, her tail beautifully tapered, her wings...oh my, I must stop thinking of this, quickly). "Are you thinking of the consummation tomorrow?"

"I...yes. How could you tell?" I asked, embarrassed.

"You are beginning to smell musky, it is nice. I am looking forward to it as well."

"Ah. I will try to keep...calm, until then."

"Actually...can we talk about it? Seriously?" I did not need to see her face to tell that her smile had dimmed and disappeared.

"Of course."

"I...I visited the healers at your sister's request and spoke to them about mating. They say I have...scars, scars that will take time to heal. I, I know it seems foolish to have accepted a mateship invitation when you have scars but..." She trailed off.

"I was actually worried about that myself." I said quietly. "I was afraid that you would not be ready to go through with this. If you want to back out I will not hold it against you in the slightest."

"No, no. I would not have agreed if I did not want to...it is just...it may be hard to fertilize my eggs until the scars heal." I drew her close and nuzzled her.

"Your worth is not measured by your capacity to lay eggs. I consider myself lucky to have you, and besides, I just mentioned that I do not feel ready to have children yet." I said, continuing to nuzzle her. "I will never pressure you into anything, if you do not feel that you can...consummate...tomorrow that is perfectly fine. I do not want to cause you any pain."

"T-thank you." She said, her voice a little thick. "I...was not one of Bashram's consorts, but I was a...favorite, of his. He insisted that we mate often, regardless of...of how I felt."

"And he was much bigger than you." I murmured. "I will not say 'I can imagine what that was like' because I cannot, but I will say this: I know that you are still healing, and not just your body. I knew that when I asked you. I asked you because you are a brilliant, stunningly beautiful, and strong female. Being with you is worth the wait, no matter how long it takes." She was silent for a while, except for a few halting breaths.

"That...that means more to me than you know." She whispered, her voice thick.

"And I meant every word...please, if there is anything I can do to help you..."

"You already are." She whispered. She rested her head against mine. I closed my eyes and draped a wing over us. "Just tonight you have shown me more kindness than Bashram ever did."

"Which is hideous." I rumbled, but I forced the anger that threatened to seep into my mind away. "I do not know if talking about it would help, but I will listen."

"Not now...but later. Now I am just happy to be rid of him." She said almost angrily. Good, anger is good. It means she is healing.

"I will see to it that he never comes anywhere near you ever again."

"I do not think you will have to, after the audit he will be in enough trouble that he will not have the opportunity." The satisfaction in her voice was very evident. I was about to reply, but a yawn burst out of me before I could help it.

"I agree with you, but perhaps we should not give him the honor of speaking of him. Instead we should sleep."

"Yes, perhaps we should. Sleep well."

"Sleep well...my mate." I whispered. With that we curled tighter together and dropped quickly off to sleep.

The next morning both Lesana and I awoke early. I found myself very anxious, but at the same time excited and eager. Selnala was waiting for us when we walked out of my room. If I was eager, she was manic, pacing across the room quickly, practically buzzing.

"Our consorts are waiting in the forty second guest hall in the west partition. If you would be so kind as to go fetch them I will prepare the documents and have everything ready for the signatures." She said quickly.

"I will do so. Lesana, do you wish to come?" She was not as eager as I was, she was not dreading the consummation, but the fact that she might not be able to fully participate dampened her enthusiasm. I had a plan though, I would make sure she enjoyed herself come hell or high water.

"I will stay here and help Selnala with the documents." I did not fault her for her decision.

"Alright, I will return soon."

The walk to the guest quarters was not far, given that our...that Selnala's cave was in the west partition of the Den as well. When I got to the designated room I found four dragons inside, talking excitedly. They noticed me immediately once I walked in.

"Are you here to take us to our consorts?" Asked an obviously young male. Somehow I think he and Selnala will get along just fine.

"I am indeed. If you would follow me I will take you to them." I figured I need not mention I am one of the consorts he was referring to, at least not yet. The others silently (if eagerly) followed me; he on the other hand could not keep silent.

"I have heard that she is a beauty, crimson all over with jewel like scales and long wings." Oh yes, he was exactly what Selnala had asked for. "Hey, you, have you met her? Do you know if she is really as...passionate, as the tales make her out to be?" I could not help but smile. I do not care what Selnala says, I am her brother and it is my duty to deal with males like this.

"I have met her. If anything the tales do not do her justice. She is brave, intelligent, beautiful, and a natural leader. She is also fiery, quick tempered, tends towards outrageous vanity at times, can be extremely arrogant, bullheaded, brash, crude, tactless, and just as brazen as a young male just entering his fecundity." They were all openly staring at me now, it could be quite dangerous for a dragon to say such things of his Matriarch. I gave the male, of similar coloring to Selnala, but darker, a very serious look.

"She is also my only sister; whom I love beyond reason, adore without reservation, and respect more than any other being on earth. So let us get something out of the way. If you harm my sister in any way, shape or form; if she gets a scratched scale and I even think you had a part in it, you and I will have words. Short words with many hard consonants, and at the end of it you will have many new orifices and lacking several limbs, including a very very important one. Are we clear?" The look on his face almost made me smile, which would have ruined the effect, but I reined it back.

"Y-yes sir." Hmm, sir, I could get used to that.

"Good. Keep up your compliant attitude and you might actually live long enough to fulfill your contract." I swear his eyes grew to be the size of wagon wheels, I hope I did not frighten him too badly; if I did I might have to explain to Selnala, which I did not anticipate happily.

"If you are done frightening the poor lad, I take it that means you are Vardeck?" Said one of the females, topaz yellow and fairly bulky for her sex.

"I am. I apologize for not announcing myself in the first place, but as Selnala's brother I have certain duties I must fulfill." I said, smiling.

"You are forgiven." She said, laughter in her voice. "My name is Nivara. It is nice to finally meet you."

"The pleasure is mutual." At this the other female, this one a blue so dark she was almost black, spoke up.

"And I am Rulvessa. Pleased to meet you!" She trotted up to me and nuzzled me. My, she was...forward.

"Greetings Rulvessa. Are you from Kalversaid's flight?"

"Yes! How did you know?" I grinned.

"He said you were energetic." She laughed melodically.

"Well, he was right!"

"We can see that." Said Nivara, more amused than scornful or reprimanding. They began talking amicably; I took the opportunity to address the as yet silent member of our little company. Selnala's other consort was stone grey, a rare color for a dragon, and judging by his silence his demeanor matched his coloration.

"I do not mean to be forward, but I would like to know your names." I said, including the chastised younger male at the last minute.

"I-I am Bergavain." Said the nervous youth.

"I am Hulmvern. I apologize if I seem distant, I am only tired. I had some trouble getting to sleep last night and it has given me a headache." He had the deepest voice I have ever heard from a dragon, which is saying something.

"It is alright, I only wanted to get to know the males my sister will be...spending her time...with." Hulmvern nodded. I would have engaged him further, but we had arrived.

"Selnala is inside with all the necessary documentation, all we have to do is sign it and send it off for notarization and everything will be set." I led our guests in and found Selnala sitting in front of unrolled scroll. Our contracts (though there were technically two of them) were combined into one large one; it was actually less irritating and convoluted to have one big contract as opposed to two smaller ones. Selnala's last consort was also here. I recognized him, Kolner. He was the manager of the baths, and a good fellow by all accounts. I approached Lesana and greeted her quietly; Nivara and Rulvessa also greeted her. She seemed nervous for a moment, but quickly regained her cheer; boosted by apparently knowing Nivara already and Rulvessa's blatantly affectionate greeting. Selnala's consorts also greeted each other. She let the conversation continue for a little while before ending it.

"Everyone, may I please have your attention?" Everyone quieted obediently. "While I am glad to see everyone getting along so well, we must finish the documentation before our deal can be made official, and personally-" She let her official air drop for a moment to give her soon-to-be consorts a predatory look that made each of them lean backwards, I grinned. They had no idea what force of nature was about to be unleashed upon them, poor fools. "I would very much like for this to be official. So let us get this over with."

We all approached and began the laborious process of signing the document. It was not the length of the scroll that made the process laborious (though it was long); it is the fact that writing as a dragon is difficult. Dipping the tip of a claw in ink and attempting to write on something as thin as parchment takes a truly amazing degree of control. I had only recently acquired anywhere near the skill to do so, and even so my signature was sloppy compared to the others. Eventually though, it was finished. After leaving it be for a few moments to let the ink dry Selnala deftly rolled the scroll with practiced motions of her claws and summoned the runner who had been waiting silently in the corner of the room. He took it and was off.

"Excellent." Said Selnala. "Now that he is gone I can, and will, speak frankly. I want to mate. I mean no offense to any of you-" She said, looking at my consorts and I. "But I have had to lay two eggs unfertilized and the only thing my mind right now is mating. William, I am sure you feel the same. Have fun, all of you, and I will see you tomorrow. But if you do not mind..." I laughed, as much at the looks on the faces of everyone who did not know her as well as I did as her rather obvious state of distress.

"But of course dear sister, do try to keep your males intact, or somewhat so. It would be a shame if you wore them out all at once, after all you have many long years of happy-"

"Out!" I turned and left, followed by my consorts, my laughter echoing through the halls.

As I led the way to my cave I found myself fixating on the upcoming...event. Surprisingly I was not growing hard, not that I minded. I did not particularly want to be seen walking the halls in that condition. I turned and addressed the three dragons following me.

"My cave is just up ahead. It will not take a minute to get there."

"May I ask you something delicate?" Chirped Rulvessa.

"I suppose." I said, a little nervous.

"When is the last time you mated?" Oh, I had been hoping no one would ask that. I did some quick mental calculations and came to a truly depressing conclusion.

"It has been three years and twelve days." I said, the looks of shock on all my consorts' faces did not make me feel any better.

"Three years?" Asked Nivara incredulously. "You must be desperate." I laughed at that.

"I was desperate after two months." I said, turning and entering my cave. "After three years, well, I am not sure it even works anymore."

"Oh, it will work. You need not fear that." Said Rulvessa, I detected a very interesting smell wafting from her. Nivara was beginning to become aroused as well. If Lesana was, her scent was covered by the others'

"We will have a little more privacy in here." I said, indicating the entrance to my roost. We all entered the heated room and turned to face each other. Nivara and Rulvessa looked eager and ready, Lesana looked a little nervous. Now came a problem, the others needed to know about Lesana, but I could not tell them in such a way as to demean her.

"Um, before we start...Rulvessa, Nivara. I have to say something." They both looked surprised, but not annoyed or angry. "I have already told Vardeck this but...I will not be able to mate. I have, um, I have a...problem, that..."

"You mean to say Bashram hurt you." Nivara finished.

"Yes." Lesana was uncomfortable, and almost ashamed. I walked over and nuzzled her.

"It is not your fault."

"Everyone knows how Bashram treated his flight Lesana." Said Rulvessa in a heretofore unseen moment of seriousness. "You do not have to be ashamed of it, like Vardeck said; it is not your fault. If you are too injured to participate do you wish to wait elsewhere?"

"Actually, I have an idea." I said, drawing everyone's attention. "Like I have said Lesana, I will never push you into anything, but if you want...well, I am aware of...alternate ways to...get the job done." I said, fumbling awfully at the end.

"What do you mean?" She asked, confused. I could not blame her.

"I was thinking that I could use my tongue?" I asked a little timidly.

"Ooh, that is a good idea Lesana." Said Rulvessa.

"Are...are you sure?"

"If that will not hurt you in any way."

"It should not." Nivara said, sitting down. "You should do it, it will be a good way to include Lesana and make sure she gets equal attention, and it will be quite pleasurable to watch." The room was beginning to smell very strongly of arousal now.

"Yes, by the time he is done Vardeck will be more than ready to breed with us!" Rulvessa said eagerly.

"Al-alright. It would be nice I suppose." Said Lesana, moving in front of me. I laid down and got comfortable. Lesana situated herself and slowly lifted her tail, granting me access much as she had done before; though this time she was not trying to be a brazen seductress. She was a bit nervous, but still looking forward to what was to come, and the trust she showed me aroused me more than any wanton act ever could have. "Just be very gentle, especially at first."

"I will be." Now that I was not suspicious and wary I found the sight of her entrance to be absolutely enthralling. I moved my snout in and took a few breaths in through my nose; she was not very aroused yet, so I only caught tiny wafts of her scent over Rulvessa and Nivara's more obvious arousal. It was faint, but extremely alluring.

Not having any experience with this at all I decided to improvise. I extended my tongue and gently touched it to her outer lips; she jumped just a little, but relaxed quickly.

I made sure my licks were slow and gentle, barely touching the soft, yielding flesh with my tongue and tracing it around her entrance each time. As I continued I could see and feel her relaxing, pushing back slightly to further enjoy my ministrations. I also began to smell and taste her more. I paused and took a few deep breaths through my nose, the scent was impossible to describe, but more intoxicating than brandy. The taste was slightly tart, slightly salty, and ever so slightly bitter. Delicious. I unintentionally sped up the motions of my tongue and applied more force. Lesana sighed softly in pleasure as I parted her folds for the first time, I did not push my tongue in, I only just split them open. The feel of the soft flesh against my tongue and the thought of having it wrapped around my penis made me shiver with anticipation and delight.

"That is wonderful..." She moaned. I smiled and redoubled my efforts, still careful not to be rough. As I continued I found myself increasingly damp as fluid started leaking from her entrance faster and faster. My tongue was now well lubricated and I started slowly penetrating her entrance further, each inch of my tongue exposed to her soft entrance tingled as her fluids coated it. She started moaning louder as my tongue pushed in deeper and deeper. "Yes, oh yes, you are going at a perfect pace...ah, h-hit the top, lick the top!"

I did not know exactly what she meant, but the next time I pulled my tongue out I made sure to brush it over the small nubbin of protruding flesh at the top of her entrance. The pleased groan she exuded and the shiver that passed through her whole body told me I had been right. I made sure to hit that spot each time I pulled my tongue out. We were both very much engaged now, and I decided to start being a little more assertive. I pushed my tongue in as far as it would go, moaning as it was assaulted by the mouth watering taste of her fluids. I pushed my tongue in so far I found her egg chamber, I could feel rough spots throughout her canal, I would have been angry if I wasn't so aroused.The circle of flesh that sealed the entrance to the chamber was wide open, but I could not feel any egg, so I pushed in further; bringing my snout into contact with her exterior lips. The tip of my snout was actually touching the sensitive nub, and her reaction showed it. She let out a long, protracted moaning cry and I felt her body clench my tongue rhythmically. Suddenly I found myself deluged in wonderfully fragrant fluids.

"Oh...oh that was exquisite..." She said, panting. I removed my tongue and vigorously began cleaning myself, and was suddenly aware of how hard I was. Lesana walked a few paces away and laid down contentedly, turning to watch the rest of the consummation from her place. I turned to Nivara and Rulvessa, who were both standing and staring at me with lust clouded eyes.

I approached Nivara first, as she was closest. She quickly spun around and lifted her tail, presenting herself to me just like Lesana had. I walked over and mounted her, following instincts I did not know I had. I began thrusting immediately, trying to find her entrance, within a few moments I found it and after a quick shift of position I locked my claws into place and began mating her quickly. She was thoroughly lubricated, and her entrance felt like heaven to my long neglected penis. She turned her head and locked eyes with me, breathing hard and smiling. I smiled back and turned to watch myself for a moment. The sight of my body, seemingly independent of my mind, was arousing in the extreme. I turned back to her and we locked eyes, her tongue was lolling out of her mouth and she was panting hard, I was vaguely aware that I was salivating copiously. I leaned my head down and extended my tongue, wrapping it around hers. She looked surprised for a moment, but quickly began reciprocating the squeezing and rubbing I initiated, we may not be able to kiss as a pair of humans, but we can improvise. After feeling the difference between a regular human kiss and doing so with a dragons exponentially more sensitive tongue I believe I will make a habit of doing it as often as I can. I moaned as our tongues mingled and tangled, almost tying in knots, Nivara may have been new to this, but she learned extremely fast.

I suddenly felt warmth welling up in my loins and let out a long moan, almost a wail or a howl, as I finished. I hilted myself in her and ejaculated tremendously. It felt like relieving myself given the amount of fluid I pumped into her. My whole body shivered as I filled her body with my seed. We stayed locked together for a few moments before I pulled myself out, spilling copious amounts of fluid as I did. She wordlessly grinned at me and went to join Lesana. I felt a little guilty for having finished so quickly, but she did not seem upset. On the contrary, she seemed perfectly fine. As she laid down next to Lesana she curled her tail into her entrance and began stimulating herself. I stared for a moment, enthralled, then Rulvessa shifted impatiently, getting my attention.

I turned to her, my penis was softening and dripping sperm and female fluid, but just the sight of her raising her tail to show me her entrance began reversing the process. I leaned in and sniffed her entrance, giving myself a further boost, before pushing my tongue in. Her moans made the fluids she rewarded me with all the sweeter as I pleased her orally. When my erection was back full force I pulled my tongue out and mounted her.

This time I found my mark faster, but the mating was slower, my first desperate urges having been satisfied I was not so desperate to inseminate a female. I listened to the sounds of pleasure she made, and she made no secret of her enjoyment, and drew encouragement from them. She was smaller than Nivara and just barely tighter feeling, then she began squeezing me with her tunnel. I let out a moaning shout.

"That is amazing! Do not stop!" I moaned as I increased my tempo.

"Faster! Mate me faster!" She replied, before breaking off into a series of very arousing groans and roars. I heeded her command and began breeding her with animal passion, she also began shifting her body upward in time with my thrusts, meeting me halfway, in conjunction with the rhythmic squeezing of her tunnel I would not last long, something she seemed to be aware of. Sure enough I soon felt my peak approaching, but I finished before I could tell her. I released a protracted moan as my ejaculate pulsed into her, not as much as when I mated Nivara, but very close. I pulled out and we went to join Nivara and Lesana, who was nestled against Nivara and resting her head on the larger dragon's flank, Nivara welcomed the gesture gladly, nuzzling Lesana gently. Rulvessa and I somehow worked our way into the tangle of limbs and made ourselves comfortable. We did not speak, we just basked in each other's presence and drifted happily and contentedly to sleep.

*Selnala's PoV*

I glared at William as he left, laughing. The nerve! Shaking myself I resolutely put him out of my thoughts and turned to my three new consorts. They each looked excited. None more so than the young one, Bergavain, he was so obviously erect I had to wonder if it did not hurt...good.

"Well," I started. "Ignoring him, what do you say we start the enjoyable part of this process? Follow me please." I turned and led them to my roost, being sure to hold my tail higher than was strictly acceptable, tantalizing them with what was to come, relishing the knowledge that I could finally get some relief, and the effect I was having on my new males. When we got into the privacy of the roost I spoke again.

"Well now, now we come to a little conundrum. Which one of you will I mate first?" I paced in front of them, brazenly holding my tail high and wafting my scent towards them. Bergavain stepped forward instantly.

"I would like to...if, if it is permissible of course." I smiled, he was aroused enough to try and mate one of the other males if he was not relieved. Since I was aroused enough to mate a female if it would satisfy me, I did not hold it against him.

"Indeed, you look so big you might pop if you do not mate soon...welcome to my world. Do either of you two mind if I satisfy the young one first?" I asked Kolner and Hulmvern. "I would love an audience, and I will be sure to reward you equally."

"You are the Matriarch."

"Do as you please." I had them eating out of my claws, to borrow the human phrase.

"Excellent. Shall we begin, lover?" I said, dropping my front and lifting my tail as far up as it would go, inviting a mating. Bergavain responded brilliantly.

I felt a sudden weight on my frame and turned to see him on top of me and already thrusting with abandon. Good, good. I do not want reason anymore, I want to be bred. I felt something probe my entrance and I let out a happy sigh. Having found his mark he quickly pushed in further and before long he was mating me fully. I had already decided that I would not restrain myself, I know how vocal I become, and I do not care.

"Ah! Oh! More! Come on! I want more! Oh, mate me harder!" He obliged me happily, thrusting as fast as he could. The feel of a warm male inside of me after all this time was beyond imagining, my blood sang with joy at our union and I felt body begin heating up quickly, encouraging him to impregnate me, oh how I wish I had an egg to be fertilized! My whole body began quivering as he repeatedly slammed himself into me, it was glorious. Suddenly he roared and I felt his shaft twitch and warmth fill me. I squeezed him with my body as he finished. He made some truly wonderful moans and grunts as he filled my egg chamber with seed. Such a shame it was empty. I let him remain inside me for a moment to rest, but shifted after a few moments. He understood and dismounted, falling to the floor where he stood and curling up, he was young and inexperienced, so I did not fault him for finishing so quickly, he would learn control as he aged, and honestly I was not much better. I turned to my other consorts, who were both in a very similar condition to Bergavain just a few minutes ago, and walked over to them.

I picked Hulmvern on a whim and turned to present myself to him. He growled and mounted me in a flash. I moved my head to get a good vantage point to watch him mate me, and was rewarded with the sight of his large erection nearing my entrance. I smiled as he started thrusting, just the sight of his heaving hips made me quiver excitedly. He found his mark quickly and had no mercy as he pounded into my flesh, I was in heaven. He growled the whole time he mated me, deeply and harshly, his eyes were screwed shut as he moved his hips with savage intensity. He had more experience than Bergavain did and I felt him shift position subtly as he rocked his hips against mine, hitting sensitive places I didn't know I had, I promised myself I would take some time alone with him and have him explain what he was doing, hopefully I would get an egg out of it. I heard the tenor of his growls change slightly, the became slightly higher pitched, almost whimpers, he was close. He must have been a little starved for mating as well if he was this close this fast, I would change that in the future. I moved my head next to his and spoke to him sensually, encouraging him to finish.

"Ooh, you are wonderful, give me more! Do not hold back, I want all of it! Give me your seed, my egg chamber is not yet full, I want you!" This was too much for him, apparently. He hilted himself with a snarl and I felt more warm fluid fill my body. I whimpered ecstatically as I felt my egg chamber fill completely with seed. He pulled out and walked over to a spot near Bergavain, laying down and closing his eyes, still panting with exertion. I know males finish quickly the first time, but I do hope they will last longer during our future matings.

I turned and presented myself to my last consort, my body flooded with lust, honestly, at this point I think I would mate any male that happened to be near me. After breathing the my scent for this long and watching two matings Kolner would not last long, fortunately neither would I. He all but pounced on me, quickly locking his claws around my middle and thrusting almost before my tail was out of the way. He was larger than the other two, and he felt wonderful. My body was filled almost to the brim with fluids, both mine and theirs, and I knew that his completion would actually overfill me. I could barely wait.

I heard a slight squelching sound as he penetrated me at first, and each thrust after that produced a lovely squishing noise.There were no words between us as he mated me, our bodies answering a call as old as the earth itself, I squeezed him with my body as he pounded into me brutally, the heat that normally radiated from my girdle, urging me to mate, was a raging inferno now. Each time I exhaled the air wavered with heat, sparks came from my nostrils as I moaned and roared as the tide of my pleasure grew ever higher. I suddenly felt a warmth growing in my girdle and I cried out in joy. My own completion was nigh! My cry became higher in pitch and much much louder as the heat spread from my tunnel until it hit the base of my tail; then it exploded from there, shooting up and down my spine and from there to every inch of my body. The whole of my being tingled with bliss as I finally found the relief I had waited for all these years.

I felt Kolner finish only peripherally, caught up in my own ecstasy. When I finally came down from the peak of my pleasure I felt the mixed seed of my three males overflow my entrance and flow down my hind legs, dripping from my body onto the floor. Kolner pulled himself out and stumbled over to the others, curling up to sleep. I stood still long enough to catch my breath, reveling in the feeling of my peak and already craving another.

"What are you doing? We are not yet finished." I said, all three males looked up at me in shock.

"But...we all mated you." Said Bergavain incredulously.

"Yes, you did, quite messily in fact." I said, lifting my tail once more to inspect myself. "Quite a thorough mess, we will all need baths tomorrow, me not the least. But we are not done, not by a long way. I have a lot of time to make up for." I said, feeling my arousal already returning. Feeling utterly wanton I sniffed the fluid sluggishly leaking from my body, and relishing its lovely aroma: masculine, and salty, like seawater. I loved it, and I wanted more. "I spent years resorting to my own tongue to get a measure of relief from my urges, now that I have not one, but three males, I do not intend to let this time go to waste."

"You, you used your tongue?!" Asked my youngest consort, his eyes widening. His eyes were not the only thing to get bigger, I noted.

"Indeed I have, and I may let you watch me do it one day." I smiled and slowly extended my tongue, dragging it through the thick coating of mixed fluid covering my hindquarters. It was good to finally taste something besides my own fluids back there. I was sure to be slow as I tasted the fluids, dramatically closing my eyes happily and then retracting my tongue and moaning. "But that is for a time when I do not feel like a mare in heat. Come, I will make a wager with you all, if you three can outlast me and make me beg for mercy by tonight, I will lick myself to completion for you and let you each mate me again afterwards. If I outlast you, you will all have to do the same." Bergavain jumped to his feet, more than ready to take me on.

"I accept! I hope you are ready!" I only laughed as I felt his weight settle on my frame again.

As it turns out, watching three males use their tongues to mate themselves after mating for nearly a full day is very amusing, if rather pitiful. I must remember to make that bet again sometime, though perhaps I will lose on purpose, it would only be fair.

*Normal PoV*

I was woken up the day after my consummation by Rulvessa who, along with Nivara, wanted some more...attention. I was more than happy to oblige, having been woken up quite early and knowing Selnala would not be up for some time past her usual schedule would have had her. After I bonded with Nivara and Rulvessa, I pleased Lesana, who had looked left out. After she reached completion she surprised me by returning the favor I had given her, I had known that a dragon's tongue was prehensile, but I swear she did some things that are simply not possible. I was a little guilty about the mess I made of her muzzle when I finished, and apologized for it, but she assured me it wasn't a problem and promptly began licking herself clean, not bothered by the audience or the taste.

As much as I would have loved to stay and explore this further, duty, unfortunately, called. We all agreed that we would need to take a trip to the baths before we could be in anything nearing respectable, so we all headed down together; talking happily and staying in close contact, brushing against each other often. As a human I had always been a little puzzled by the oddly frequent nudges and touches dragons seemed to trade even with platonic friends, now I understood. Humans have the advantage of having their entire body be quite sensitive to gentle touch, dragons on the other hand are only truly sensitive on the underside of the wings, the base of their tail, and their muzzles. Their underbellies are softer than the rest of them, true, but not by much. The frequent nudges are a way of expressing affection that they can feel through their scales.

Bathing as a dragon is much easier with friends, our bodies are simply not built for scrubbing ourselves, but with three extra helpers the task becomes quite pleasant. It is a wonderful experience, one can simply close one's eyes and drift on a sea of warmth and sensation as grime and filth are expunged from the scales and the body is refreshed, the gentle rubbing of your lovers' scales against your own is soothing beyond words, I had been a little nervous about getting into boiling water at first, but I was not about to waste the opportunity to bond.

I didn't ask to be first, and honestly I would rather not have been, but the decision was taken out of my claws, and once they started I could not have mustered the will to stop them. I think I almost fell asleep as they gently rubbed against me, cleaning places I did not even know were dirty, it was almost like getting a good massage as a human, but infinitely better. I could see how this could become exceptionally good foreplay and I made a mental note to myself to explore that further, perhaps abducting one of my consorts, bathing them sensually and then satisfying her until we both could not walk. I was a little surprised that the thought popped into my head, but it was definitely worth pursuing.

It is also equally pleasant to clean a partner as well. There really is no better way to bond, Lesana actually wept a little when it was her turn, her voice becoming hitched and labored, I was afraid that she was uncomfortable or hurt, but when I moved up to her head to ask she nuzzled me so affectionately I had no doubt she was happy. It did not surprise me in the least that she is the type to weep when she is happy, and I have nothing against that. We kept cleaning her until she was completely spotless, then Rulvessa had her turn, then Nivara. I took a strange pleasure from slowly rubbing my scales against them, scrubbing grime and filth off their bodies and then using my muzzle to polish the cleaned scales to a mirror finish, something I had seen them all doing and figured I should copy. After we were all clean we took time to just be together. We curled up, with Lesana in the middle, and cuddled. It would have been uncomfortable as a human, well, actually, the boiling water would have killed me, but now it was blissful. I found myself in a very tender and affectionate mood, and I began licking Nivara's muzzle, cleaning it for no other reason than to please her. She smiled and rested her head on her back, in easy reach, and enjoyed herself. After I had unintentionally lulled Nivara to sleep I did the same with Rulvessa and Lesana, Rulvessa fell into a stupor almost instantly, but Lesana stayed awake; jokingly commenting that I was very good with my tongue. I know she didn't mean it sexually, but I could not help but think back to what I had done with her the night before. She loved having her muzzle cleaned, and began reciprocating my affections quickly.

All in all, we spent much more time in the baths than we had intended, but none of us cared, it was worth being late. Just as we were finishing and contemplating leaving, however, we heard footsteps, and who should enter but Selnala and her consorts. To this day I have not seen a more pathetic looking group of dragons. My consorts and I watched in silence as the males lowered themselves gingerly into the heated water, wincing when their genital regions first touched. Selnala was not much better, she slowly and painstakingly waddled her way into the baths using the ramp meant for elder dragons and injured warriors. She set her head on the edge of the pool and sunk the rest of her body in as soon as she was in deep enough to do so and laid there like a dead thing. No one said a word, the other males and Selnala because they were too fatigued, the rest of us because of shock, and growing amusement.

I approached my sister slowly and nudged her; she groaned quietly and weakly pushed at me with a wing. I nudged her again, my muzzle breaking into a smile.

"What?" She mumbled, cracking an eye.

"How are we feeling this morning?" I asked impishly, smiling so widely it hurt.

"Go away." She groaned pathetically, I had to strain to hold back the laughter bubbling up within my throat.

"Had a wild night did we?" By now Rulvessa was giggling madly and Nivara and Lesana were trying very hard not to join her.

"Leave me alone you pest, I am not in the mood." Sorry sister, but as your younger brother, I have certain duties that I am loath to abdicate.

"Aww, is my older sister Sore?" She picked her head up and looked from me, to her sleeping consorts, and back. Then she grinned tiredly.

"As I have never been before...I am going to mate them all again once they wake up, it feels wonderful." I do not think I have ever laughed so hard in my life, she only looked annoyed. Life is good.