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I stare into a cloudy, featureless void, glimpses of memories and moments flashing through my vision. I relive strange, warped versions of my past, the dreamstate twisting my thoughts into a caricature of emotions. The moment is fleeting however, as I am soon staring at a strange reflection of myself, as though gazing into an unseen mirror.

The reflection peers at me with pure-white eyes, bearing a severe but not hostile expression. His features seem more... pronounced. Exaggerated, even. A sharper, ridged muzzle, the line of silver hair growing back from the forehead now bordered by two short, pointed horns. The most striking change is a pair of large, radiant wings sprouting from it's back and spreading several feet out, the wing bones and membranes seemingly made of rays of pure light.

I recall my dream of the divine dragon, struck by the eerie similarity between the two. At that same moment, I come upon the realization that I am fully lucid, my consciousness piercing the veil of the dream. As my brain wrestles with reality, the dreamworld loses focus around me. Yet, the reflection remains.

"Zuro'ki." The voice of the image booms in my head. "I will offer you this. Become my mortal vessel. Unimaginable power will be yours. You will rule your people. I will not destroy them, instead taking my place as their god. Together, you and I will be one, as the true divine emperor."

"I have no desire to rule over my fellow kin." No sound comes from my mouth, yet my voice echoes through the dreamworld. "Even if I believed you, your words are wasted on my ears."

The reflection steps towards me, maintaining it's stoic expression. "I will only offer this once. Are you certain?"

"Yes." The word reverberates through the murky surroundings. It is odd that he approached me so diplomatically, so I take a stab in the dark in an attempt to appeal to him. "The world has moved on without you, Long Ren. Your malice should have long evaporated. Why do you harbor such hatred for your creations, even now?"

The reflection bears it's teeth in a grimace. "I am eternal. Such an insult to my power is not easily forgotten. The time I spent dwelling in that statue gave me much time to reflect on my mistakes."

"Your creations are more powerful than you reckon. This conflict will only lead to our mutual destruction. You are ancient, and wise. Can you not see that your pride will be your downfall?"

The reflected grimace becomes more intense, razor sharp teeth bared threateningly. But, after a moment, it returns to its previous expression, its rage seemingly abating.

"You are perhaps more wise and serene than you know, Zuro'ki. Though you share the same power, Shen'zuka is nothing like you. Even now, I can sense him; distantly, he rages against the mental prison that my essence has enveloped him within. The shard of myself uses him to commit atrocities within his empire. Your people grow rebellious as we speak, though he commands much loyalty still."

It is strange. I remember the presence before, in the shrine. It was much more abrasive, more hostile. But, speaking to it now, after this period of silence... it's almost an entirely different being. I stare at the image of myself, pondering the meaning behind it. Perhaps... because Long Ren lacks a mortal shell, his power grows into a reflection of its host?

"You would do well to use caution around Erun'razel. He shrouds his intentions too well to have nothing to hide."

"Have you been watching me the whole time?" Images of last night with Rel come to mind.

"What you do with Rel'zeo does not concern me. Do not waste your energy on needless shame." At times I wonder if he simply reads my thoughts, replying to my actual responses out of a sense of courtesy.

"You are correct." His voice booms unexpectedly in my head, answering my unspoken question. The reflection grins at me. It seems I can keep nothing hidden from him, yet he did not react as I pondered the meaning behind the reflection of myself. Perhaps I was more astute than I thought.

"Do not fear, Zuro'ki. Your mind is not an open book to me. Many of your thoughts are shrouded, obscured from my vigil. Idle thoughts are clear as day, but your darker secrets and deepest desires are wrapped in shadow."

The dream begins to fade around me as my awareness of the waking world bleeds into the surroundings. I feel myself stirring in my bed as reality closes in on me, extinguishing the dream.

"I need you, and you will need me, in the time to come."

---

I open my eyes, Long Ren's fading words ringing in my head. Rel stands at the side of the bed, pulling on his freshly laundered western robes. He glances back at me, noting with a chuckle that I am still bare naked, wrapped in the silken white bedsheets as if they were some kind of extravagant dress.

"Good morning, my fasra." He smiles at me, his features seeming more radiant than before. A good night sleep in an actual bed must have done wonders. "I think your robes are in your room. I don't think they expected us to... ah, share a room like this?"

An impish smile overtakes my features. "Probably not. I don't suppose they cleaned up after us?"

"Hah, I think they did." Rel replies, glancing at the spot where most of the 'action' happened. "I hope we didn't traumatize that servant. He didn't even wake us up. Sneaky."

I navigate the folds of the bedsheets, extracting myself from their tangled embrace. Throwing myself from the bed, I wrap my arms around Rel's waist and peck him on the cheek.

"I'll go get my robes. Wait for me outside."

Rel nods as I scoop up my discarded sleeping robe and throw it over my shoulders, holding the loose fabric over my more sensitive regions, I peek outside the door before stepping out and rushing to my own quarters. Entering the room, I spy my own robes lying neatly folded on the freshly straightened bed, and I waste no time putting them on. The feeling of clean clothes on my scales is sublime, the fabric holding a faint scent of lavender. A nice touch. The small plates of leather that accompany the robe also appear touched up, the straps looking practically new and the brown leather shining with polish. I decide to leave my sword on the table, stepping outside to see Rel waiting for me with a grin.

"You're looking handsome." He says, a faint glimmer of white visible past his smiling lips. I blush, brushing off the compliment with a shy giggle.

Striding down the hall and approaching us, a bronze dragonkin dressed in official northern attire bows stiffly in our direction.

"Masters Rel'zeo and Zuro'ki, the Lord Prefect has announced a feast in honor of your visit, to be held at sunset. If you desire anything beforehand, inform the servant staff. The Lord Prefect will summon you before supper. Refrain from disturbing him until then." Bowing again, he nods at us and quickly leaves. Rel and I exchange glances, struck by the odd terseness of the servant. We decide to ignore it and go for a walk around the palace grounds.

---

The sun shines down onto the land, the storm having been banished over the night. The clear view from the ramparts is breathtaking, the entire world covered in a glaze of sparkling white. The snowy fields stretch on for miles, broken only by the occasional outcropping of rock or patch of pine trees. A soft, chilly breeze sweeps across the fortress town, sending wisps of loose snow into the air.

We stroll atop the stony walls, the pair of us quietly taking in the scenery.

"Despite the cold, it almost feels like we're back at the palace, doesn't it, Rel?"

"It does." Rel replies, before looking at the ground with apprehension. "I worry what Shen is doing there now. He is in the perfect position to bring ruin to his own empire from the inside."

"Shen would not do that. Long Ren is our foe. Shen is just a... vessel for his will, now."

Rel looks at me with a critical eye. "And you? You partook in the same power he did. Are you 'just a vessel' as well?"

I pause, almost expecting a response from the Long Ren in my mind. Nothing, though I sense a faint, foreign feeling of amusement on the edge of my mental perception.

"I do not fully understand it, Rel." I hesitate, trying to find a way to explain what I know so far. "I am a vessel, yes, but not in the same way that Shen is. I believe I may have formed a sort of... link, with Long Ren. He still resides inside me, but is no longer hostile, as he was in the shrine."

"So you're in command of it, then?" Rel looks at me with worry, a glimmer of hope present in his eyes.

"I think so?" My uncertain answer does not please Rel. He grips me by the shoulders, staring into my eyes with concern.

"Zu. I don't want you to lose control. I could never bring myself to harm you, and I know that if I died by your hand, you would never forgive yourself. You would tear yourself apart. I can't let us face the choice that leads to either outcome." His fear is strong in his voice, poorly hidden by his determined words.

"Rel..." His anxiety sparks a fear of my own. The memory of the shrine comes back in force. The loss of control I felt, and the exhausting mental standoff with Long Ren rises to the forefront of my mind.

"Please, Zu. If you think you cannot control the power, we can leave. You will never have to bring it to bear. We need not tell anyone, we can leave Hearth and make a new life on our own."

His words surprise me. He is contradicting his earlier reasoning. "Rel, you don't mean that. You were the one who told me that I had the power to stop Shen. That it would be 'irresponsible' to leave things as they are."

He gazes into my eyes with intensity, his grip on my shoulders tightening. "I'm scared, Zu. I don't care if we are the only ones with the knowledge and power to stop Shen, or Long Ren, or whoever. It's not worth it if I risk losing you. Without you, my world would be empty. The grim possibility of that did not dawn on me until now..." How long has he harbored these doubts?

I squirm in his grasp, his tight, trembling grip beginning to cause me pain.

"I'm scared, Zu." He repeats, more desperately.

I shake my head, my vision blurring as my eyes well up with tears. My voice quivers. "I'm sorry, Rel. Running away is not the answer. Your father, what would he think?"

"He told me to be loyal to you. I am being loyal to you."

I raise my voice, my despair and anger blurting out. "No! You're being selfish! Instead of standing at my side, you're making me choose between our own happiness and our entire race! Please, Rel! Don't make me choose!" I push away from his grasp and step back.

Rel stares at me, his mouth agape. I turn away, wiping away my tears and taking a deep, shaky breath. Moments pass as I collect myself, Rel standing silently behind me.

I sniff, my back still turned to Rel. "I'm scared too, Rel. I am terrified. Of what this power will do to me. Of what will happen if I fail, or run away." My voice sounds so small in the open air, the words cracking with sadness and worry. "But I would rather face the challenge set before me than live a life of regret and dread, waiting for the day when my cowardice catches up with me. I cannot live in a false peace, wondering if I should have chosen the other path."

I sigh as my words fade into the breeze. Closing my eyes, I search for solace and comfort within myself, but find little more than empty thoughts and an aching heart. A warm hand lands on my shoulder, my body tensing in response.

"I am such a fool, Zu." Another hand falls onto my shoulders, followed by a muzzle brushing against the side of my head. "I have been so consumed with my own fear of losing you... I never stopped to think how you felt."

His warmth is so pleasant, so soothing. His distressed attitude had frightened me, but his soft-spoken realization has helped put me at ease. I place my hand over his own, turning my head to softly nuzzle him.

"It's alright, Rel." I whisper. "I need your support now, more than I ever have before. My fears seem so much smaller when you are at my side. My worries melt away when I am in your arms. Your father said that together, the two of us could conquer anything. I want to believe he was right."

I turn, wrapping my arms around Rel. Softly, he returns my embrace, and we spend a few long moments bathing in each others warmth, our hearts beating as one.

---

We walk through the lower village, the hardy villagers greeting us with courteous but awkward bows. They look rugged but athletic, more so than the people in Breeze and the lowborn servants in the palace. I wonder about this for a brief moment before I find the answer, passing by a large training field spanning the distance between the village houses and the southern wall. Dragonkin of all ages practice in it, hitting wooden dummies or each other with fists and weapons, but few with sorcery. It never occurred to me that sorcery training may only be offered in the imperial palace. We all hold the latent power within ourselves, but without training, we cannot wield it effectively. Unskilled harnessing of magic can be very dangerous. Without knowledge and instruction, the only way to call upon it is to channel our emotions. Magic resulting from a strong emotion is wild and fickle, as likely to strike a single foe as it is to incinerate everyone around you. Powerful, but uncontrolled.

"Do you remember, Rel? That day I convinced you to give me a lesson in sorcery?"

A grin forms across his face as he relives the memory. "We were both so young, back then. Little more than whelps."

I smile, sharing the memory with him and recounting the events in my head. "You seemed to know everything about it, so I asked for some instruction outside of classes. We went out to the palace gardens and hid behind the thornbushes."

Rel laughs. "Playing with fire near those was a bad idea. You burned your hand, didn't you?"

I chuckle, slightly embarrassed. "Yes, and I threw the fire aside. Into the bushes."

Rel bursts out into laughter, pausing to speak in between breaths. "I just panicked, grabbed you, and ran. I don't remember much else. I don't think anyone knew it was us. It took them months to regrow the grass, those bushes... and that tree."

I smile. Even back then, he looked out for me. "I was scared they'd find out and kick us out of the palace, or worse."

Our mirth winds down as we stare across the training field. The relative peace is interrupted by an angry shout, coming from a short distance away from the direction of the village. A second later, another shout echoes, this one familiar.

Rel looks on with worry. "That almost sounded like Zerius."

We rush into the concentration of houses to find the source of the sound. Turning down into a secluded alleyway between two houses, we see Zerius, surrounded by no less than five dragonkin of a spectrum of bright colors. Zerius looks very agitated, his fists clenched and teeth bared, tail twitching wildly.

"What is he doing?" I whisper to Rel.

One of the dragons around Zerius speaks, his voice mocking. "Dirtscale, who gave you permission to wander around? Get back to your cage, and give your fancy clothes back to whoever you stole them from."

Zerius growls in response, threatening through gritted teeth. "Do not call me a dirtscale. You have no idea who you are dealing with, you insignificant peasants." He spits out the last word.

Another dragonkin speaks. "This one's got some attitude. I think he needs a lesson in manners." Some of them bear makeshift weapons, little more than clubs and sticks.

"Touch me, and I will send you to meet death."

Everything happened so fast. One of the more eager villagers rushes at Zerius from behind, swinging a gnarled piece of wood with a heavy tip. Zerius reacts quickly, spinning around at the sound of rushing footsteps. Weaving easily out of the way of the clumsy weapon, Zerius launches a vicious punch at the aggressor's torso, the strike landing with a faint crack. Following up with a rising kick, his talons find purchase on his opponent's head, raking across his face and sending him spinning into the nearby wall. Hitting the solid stone with a thud, the villager slumps to the ground, blood dripping from the lacerations.

A second and third villager rush at Zerius, faces wrought with rage and indignation. A gout of flame erupts from Zerius's outstretched hand, striking one of the approaching villagers and lighting his clothes ablaze, causing him to drop to the ground and roll frantically to douse the fire. Zerius leans away from an arcing swing of the second villager's crude wooden weapon, countering with a jab to his chin. The villager staggers back for a moment, but continues the assault as two more assailants rush at Zerius.

My heart leaps into my throat as I watch the spectacle. "Stop! Get away from him!" I shout.

One of the few observing dragonkin turns to face Rel and I, stepping to obscure our view. "Nothing to see here, you'd better hurry on your way."

"You..." I begin, but I'm interrupted as a Rel-shaped blur whooshes past me. Throwing himself at the villager, he tackles him to the ground. I waste no time, rushing past the wrestling duo as I witness Zerius falter under the numerous, raining blows of his attackers, his cries of pain echoing off the stone walls around us.

Focusing, I pull my hands back as I close the short distance, leaning forward into my stride to maintain balance. Thrusting my hands forward, a searing shockwave radiates outward from my palms. The concussive wave of heat throws the villagers from the now-prone Zerius, their flailing bodies rolling along the ground briefly before coming to a rest. The victims are dazed but still aggressive, attempting to scramble to their feet. I reach Zerius, leaning down and grabbing him by the arm, the urgency of the situation pressing in. Wiping the blood from his mouth, he staggers to his feet, and I pull him away from the momentarily stunned villagers. Bruises dot his exposed scales, a spattering of blood and dirt present on his once-clean clothes. His battered face is ablaze with bitter fury, but he silently follows me as I lead him away from the conflict. Rel remains on top of the helpless villager he had pounced on, waiting for us to get out of sight before releasing him and following us.

Zerius does not say a word, his faint grunts of pain the only sound he utters as we weave in between houses, avoiding the main thoroughfares in case there are others about. Our meandering takes us towards the mountain citadel, but Zerius protests.

"Don't..." Zerius mutters. "Don't take me to the palace. I just need a few moments to recover."

Rel nods at me, looking at Zerius with concern and unconcealed pity. We ascend the mountain part-way, walking around to the western side. The path here is more rugged, much less worn from traffic. There are a few empty caves on this side of the mountain, entryway doors hanging open or missing entirely. No garbage or debris litter the area, and the place looks like it has been left alone for some time, aside from the occasional wanderer. A stone-carved bench lies facing away from the mountain, giving a pleasant view of the countryside. Setting Zerius down on the bench, he clutches his ribs and winces in pain.

This kind of treatment towards ebon dragonkin is hardly new, but Rel has gone through great pains to prevent abuse from occurring in the west. He is not naive enough to try and raise them to equal levels with the other dragonkin, but he can at least prevent a majority of the torture and enslavement that has been common in the past. It's jarring to see it happen first-hand, and astounding that it happened to someone like Zerius; someone with rank in the empire. Anywhere else, except perhaps the east, this would not happen. Zerius holds clout in the south due to his position as prefect, and he had sanctuary in the palace due to Shen's favor. I cannot help but feel sorry for him.

"I see how you two look at me." Zerius growls. "I don't need your damn pity." He groans, clutching his bruised body. "Every bruise is a reminder of my birth. I can never escape it. Never rise above it. It defines my life; it is who I am... no matter how much I FIGHT it!"

Lashing out with an arm, Zerius tosses a lance of flame into the distance, the fire dissipating as it arcs through the chilly air. "The ABUSE, the HATRED, and the PAIN!" Every word is punctuated by another blast of fire, the flames scattering towards the horizon.

"It never ENDS!" Rising to his feet, he lurches forward, casting a rolling wave of flame across the air, bathing the area in heat from the chaotic, twisting flames. A moment of panic flashes through me as I back away from the fires. Collapsing onto all fours, Zerius pants with exertion and pain as I step back towards him.

"Zerius..."

"No! Don't talk. Words are meaningless. You are one of them." I back away, narrowing my eyes at his remark.

"Stop this, Zerius." Rel says firmly.

"Shut up. You know nothing. You were born into your success. And you, Zuro'ki. Blessed with the pearly scales of our malevolent god. What would you two know? I am without a true friend in this entire world. I have risen up from my forsaken roots, and I am still victim to the prejudice." He stands, collapsing wearily onto the stone bench. "Leave me. I wish to be alone with my ire."

My mind races with a multitude of things I want to say, but instead, I say nothing. Sighing, I walk over to Rel, who glances at me with an annoyed expression.

"Zerius, you-" Rel begins.

"Come on, Rel. Let's go." I interrupt, raising my voice. Rel looks at me with incredulity. I tug at his arm, leading us back around the mountain bend. There is no reasoning with Zerius while he's still in the midst of his anger. I don't think less of him for it, though his venomous remarks on Rel and I were uncalled for. I only hope leaving him alone again will not cause a repeat of the incident, but I think this place is secluded enough, and Zerius will be more wary.

"He says I know nothing." Rel says with indignation. "I have spent my entire time as prefect attempting to remedy the poor treatment of the ebon dragonkin."

"Religious hatreds die hard, though." I say, trying to assuage Rel's wounded pride. "Most people have probably forgotten that's where it originated. And if what he spoke of in the shrine was true, it's tragic, misguided hatred. Don't worry about it, Rel. He said those things in frustration."

"Did he, though? Perhaps his guard was let down in his rage, and he said what he truly thinks."

"Rel, don't think like that." I say, but my words are hollow, fearing it might hold a grain of truth.

Rel sighs with exasperation as we ascend towards the palace, the first flakes of a coming snowfall floating down from the heavens.

---

Rel and I wile away the hours, exploring the palace in depth. It's not very large, clearly meant only to house the garrison and a small compliment of soldiers alongside the lord and his entourage. There are no training rooms inside the palace proper, leading me to believe the garrison trains alongside the villagers in the fields below. I guess it helps offset the segregation that having an inner citadel would cause. Servants rush about, carrying plates and carcasses and everything in between, preparing for tonights feast. The smell of of cooked meat and vegetables wafts through the halls. In a rush of the crowd, I could swear I saw a figure with a black silhouette of imperial armor, but in the next moment there is nothing. The relative peace of the citadel seems unbreakable, the troublesome thoughts of Shen feeling like a distant concern, so I dismiss the vision as paranoia.

We wander the passages, the palace lacking a suitable place, like a garden, to relax. Any areas of seating are located in the garrison common room, or the main hall, which is abuzz with activity. We are just about to head back to our rooms when we are approached by another servant.

"Masters Rel'zeo and Zuro'ki. The Lord Prefect would like to speak with you now. If you'll follow me..."

We are ushered past the bustling great hall and through the opened twin doors into the meeting room where we had met Erun'razel before. He stands inside, anticipating our arrival. The heavy doors are closed behind us, leaving the three of us alone in the room.

Zerius was not summoned, it seems. I voice my concern. "Have you not called Lord Zerius as well?"

Erun'razel replies with a friendly but serious tone. "I am aware of his temperament, and I feel it would be more productive for the three of us to converse first. Pray, indulge me, Lord Zerius will not be left out of the loop."

I remain somewhat skeptical, but his silver tongue temporarily diffuses my reservations.

"So..." Erun'razel begins slowly pacing back and forth in front of us. "You told me of something happening in the capital. Please, elaborate."

The two of us launch into a careful explanation of the events in the shrine, while explaining what we know of the essence that was locked away in the statue. We hesitate to describe Zerius's version of the tale of the Divine Dragon, worried that he will dismiss it as nonsense, but his receptive, soft-spoken attitude eventually coaxes it out of us.

After retelling the story, Rel quickly adds: "We have no evidence of that tale being true. However... both with Shen'zuka, and with Zuro'ki, the divine essence had initially manifested as a hostile, malevolent presence." Rel and I watch Erun'razel's reaction.

Erun'razel nods slowly, thoughtfully. "Fascinating. So, Zuro'ki, you house this same power that you claim Shen'zuka has absorbed?"

"Yes." I answer. "As Shen'zuka battled Zerius, I took what little power remained in the statue. It was faint enough that I was not overwhelmed by it, as Shen'zuka was. I have a measure of control over it, and I remain myself. With it, I was able to fend off Shen'zuka, and he retreated out of the shrine and returned to the imperial palace."

Erun'razel nods in response. "Mmm. Sounds serious. And what do you two suggest as a course of action?"

We both pause, knowing that the answer would be treasonous. I speak up first. "Well... as long as Shen'zuka is in his position, he will destroy the empire from the inside."

Erun'razel stares at us, waiting for a definitive answer to his question.

After a few moments of silence, Rel works up the courage to say it aloud. "We must remove Shen'zuka from power."

Erun'razel nods slowly. He expected that answer, no doubt. His tone is somber. "This is a dangerous topic, my friends. Allow me to converse with Juro'zet, my advisor. I will call upon you when I am ready to discuss this further. Until then, the feast should be nearly prepared. Let us eat and drink, and put these troublesome thoughts aside for a while."

He smiles at us, leading us out of the room and into the great hall. We had only passed by it on our way to the meeting hall, so we had not witnessed the sweeping changes that had occurred. A very long, dark wooden table had been brought in, perhaps constructed from several smaller pieces. It stretches lengthwise across the majority of the room, lined with dozens of ornate chairs. An ivory-colored tablecloth drapes over the extensive surface of the table, holding full plates and dishes of all sorts along its length, glistening meat and steaming vegetables enticing the senses. It's strange, however. I have not been hungry for some time. Our species is not known for our voracious appetites, able to go days without a meal with no adverse effects or discomfort. Still, I cannot remember the last time I've eaten, yet I feel no gnawing hunger. In contrast, Rel stares at the food with anticipation, nearly salivating at the delicious smorgasbord.

Meats of all kinds sit on simple silvery plates, some of which I am familiar with, others I am not. I see a generous helping of stringy tuko meat slathered in thick sauces, and a slab of oriu flesh, the oriu being a large grassland beast native to the west. My culinary knowledge is quite limited, so the other dishes are a mystery to me. I spot Zerius across the room, looking over the buffet with disinterest, his wounds having been tended to. After a moment of bustle as the servants finish setting the table, the three of us are seated near the head of the table, with Erun'razel taking the end seat for himself, and Juro'zet sitting across from us. Guests filter in, none of which I am familiar with. I assume they are just officials of various rank, and notable people invited from the village.

After everyone takes their seats and settles in, Erun'razel stands, commanding attention from the entire table.

"My beloved people. We hold this feast tonight in honor of our surprise guests. Lord Rel'zeo, reigning prefect of the west. Lord Zuro'ki, his stalwart advisor. Lord Zerius, prefect of the south. Dragon bless them, as He blesses us all."

A murmur of approval rises from the congregation as everyone begins to eat. The food looks good, but I have no desire to eat. Rel digs in immediately, taking a helping of everything he can get his claws on. Zerius takes small servings of a few select dishes, munching on them with a distant look on his face. Not wanting to seem rude, I take a few forkfuls of some dark, seasoned meat nearby, poking at them with my utensils before chomping on a strip of it. It's sweet and a little spicy as it melts in my mouth. The taste is pleasant, more so than I expected, but it feels odd to force myself to eat when I am obviously not hungry. I chew on the soft strips of meat slowly, watching the others as they devour their meals with gusto.

A simple silver goblet is placed in front of me, sloshing with a dark purple liquid. Another is placed near Rel, and Zerius, continuing along the table until there is a goblet for every guest. Erun'razel raises his goblet towards me, eying me as I grab my own in turn.

"To the empire." He toasts.

I comply, our cups tapping together before we down our drinks. The sweet, slightly acrid liquid sloshes down my throat, a comfortable warmth spreading through me.

Erun'razel looks at me expectantly. "Good?"

I nod quickly. "Berry wine, I recognize it."

Erun'razel smiles and nods. "Excellent. Try this." He gestures at a servant, who brings a fresh goblet over, replacing my empty one. "Imported from the serpentfolk in the east. Give it a taste."

I look over the goblet. A clear, faintly yellow liquid bubbles softly inside. It has a flowery, almost apple-like scent, but it poorly masks the strong smell of alcohol. With Erun'razel watching me, I sip a mouthful of the liquid. My taste buds are bombarded by the cascading bubbles, my mouth filled with a fizzy, burning sensation. I swallow hastily, the tiny bubbles rolling down my throat and leaving a strong, lingering flavor on my tongue.

I cough, Erun'razel grinning at me. "Different, isn't it?"

I nod, wincing. "It's good though."

In the absence of a desire to eat, I spend my time sampling any drinks that Erun'razel brings to me. He has quite a collection, and I find myself enjoying the experience more than I thought I would. I know little of the drinks themselves, but the flavors are varied and interesting. Strong, heady drinks; light, fruity ones; sour, acidic ones. And everything in between. I notice both Zerius and Rel are partaking as well, the atmosphere becoming more light and jovial as the alcohol loosens us up. Even Zerius begins to relax, his demure expression evaporating, replaced with a perpetual half-grin, swaying slightly with drink. A haze has settled over my eyes as I suddenly realize the drinks have taken hold of me as well. The world shimmers and blurs slightly in my vision, a creeping mirth overpowering my sensibilities.

I battle to remain aware of myself, partially conscious of my clouded judgement and intoxicated demeanor. The evening starts to wind down. Guests begin leaving the table, bowing respectfully to Erun'razel and slowly filtering out of the room. The movement and bustle of the crowd aggravates my senses as I place my palm on my head, massaging my temples in a vain attempt to disperse the inebriation. Not wanting to be left at the table alone, I attempt to rise to my feet. The world tilts around me and I stumble, inadvertently slamming my hands on the table to steady myself. I feel someone softly tug at my arm. I turn, expecting to see Rel. But it is Zerius.

"Come on." He says, his dour expression a mask for the glimmer of concern in his eyes. "You need to go lie down."

"Where... where's Rel?" My voice sounds so strange underneath the drunken haze.

"Talking to Erun'razel. Let's go." He pulls me and I hesitantly comply, following his lead as we exit the grand hall and head towards our private rooms. I sway with each step, Zerius holding my shoulder firmly as he guides me.

"You can't hold your liquor, can you?" He says, laughing softly. I had lost track of how many cups I drank.

"I shouldn't... shhhouldn't have had so mussh..." I slur, flushing with embarrassment. "But it was all ssso... good!"

Zerius chuckles as we approach the door to my room. Opening it, he leads me inside. Igniting the fireplace, he watches me carefully as I stumble about. My senses are clouded, a feeling of dreamlike detachment overcoming me, emboldening me. I think of the scene between Zerius and the villagers, and I am stricken with a regret that I cannot comprehend in my current state.

"Thank you... Zzzerius. You're not really a bad guy. You make me feel so sssad... sometimes... when I think about you." My inner thoughts and feelings seem to flow out, my discretion destroyed by the intoxication.

"I don't need-" He begins, but stops, his face forming into a reluctant smile. "I... thank you, Zuro'ki."

Wavering, I approach him, placing my hands on his shoulders. "You're always ssso... mad, or ssad. I wissh I could make it go away. I want to... make you feel better... you know? To be happy... like me and Rel."

Zerius stares at me, his smile betraying the sadness and frustration behind his eyes. I slide closer, wrapping my arms around him and resting my head on his shoulder. He does not return my embrace, visibly uncomfortable from the attention. He tries to edge away, but I seize him with renewed vigor.

"No!" I say, my voice sounding more alarmed than I expected. "Don't pull away. You always... pull away. Please... just this once... let me get close."

A sliver of my consciousness is wary that Zerius will shove me away, say something negative, and storm out of the room. Yet, he does not. Instead, he returns my embrace, holding me tightly. Perhaps he sees the truth behind my words, unfettered by my inhibitions, my feelings laid bare from the inebriation.

"Zuro'ki... I am sorry. About what I said earlier. You pulled me out of danger, and I spat on your charity."

"It's okay..." I whisper. "I did not want to see you get hurt..."

In my drunken, dreamlike haze, I realize I have strong feelings for Zerius. I think of him battling Shen alone, and I become afraid. I imagine the trials he has endured to get where he is, and I am filled with pity, yet also inspired by his strength. I see the wounded, damaged creature inside of him, the abuse and indignity he has suffered, echoing through his entire life. And I realize... I care for him. Maybe I always have. Maybe I touched the statue in the shrine because I was afraid he would lose his life to Shen... I cannot say.

I hold my head up, looking him directly in the eyes. A small voice in the back of my mind cries out, telling me to resist this temptation. The tiny point of my consciousness attempts to enthuse the logic of escaping this oncoming, impromptu tryst, but it falls on deaf ears.

My snout drifts towards his, our lips meeting in a gentle, heartfelt kiss. He looks surprised at first, but closes his eyes and loses himself in the moment, perhaps more loosened up by his drinks than he let on.

My mind swims as our tongues slither around one another, his breath hot on my flushing face. My hands clumsily explore his body, gingerly caressing his tender, bruised scales. He holds me tight, arms firm and unmoving around my body. Our gentle intimacy seems to last for an eternity, nipping at each other playfully in between kisses. My hands drift from his shoulders down to his navel as I wordlessly kneel down before him.

Feeling his warm, growing erection underneath his robes, I fiddle with the folds of cloth, creating a gap between the fabric. Reaching inside, I seize his eager dragon-hood, snaking it through the hole and into the open air, holding it aloft. The crimson flesh gleams in the firelight as my muzzle inches closer to it, feeling its heat on my lips. With a flick of my tongue, I tease the pointed tip, grazing it and leaving a patch of moisture. Grinning, I look up at Zerius, who is gazing down on me with calm anticipation. Placing the tip in my mouth, I nibble it carefully, barraging it with a series of licks, my tongue swirling around and pressing against it. Zerius lets out a tense exhale, his hands undoubtedly trembling with the growing urge to thrust my head down onto his meat, to end my teasing.

I slowly take more of his length in, my tongue coiling around the shaft as it enters my warm, encompassing maw. Zerius grunts with pleasure, leaning his head back as I service him, my titillation mostly unaffected by my tipsiness. I work my mouth and tongue, stroking up and down the shaft in wet, unsteady motions. My fingers play with his vent flaps, poking the base of his cock and sliding underneath to touch the tender pink flesh of his insides. Zerius places a hand on my head, stroking my scales softly, his fingers running along my strip of silver hair.

I increase my speed, my suckling becoming more vigorous, my snout bumping against his shrouded nethers. The world blurs from the rapid motion, and dizziness begins to assail my senses. Shutting my eyes tight, I ignore the tilting, spinning environment, focusing on bringing Zerius to climax.

Zerius's breathing becomes heavier, more laboured, as he is pushed inexorably towards his orgasm. My slurping and sucking punctuates the sound of his breathing in the otherwise quiet room, the fire crackling softly in the background. I feel droplets of precum leak out of his cock, the salty taste lingering on my tongue. My own raging erection presses against my robes, my hands otherwise occupied with my activities, unable to release it from its constraints.

A soft, constant growl issues from Zerius, his legs shifting position, bracing himself for the finish. Unable to restrain himself, he grabs my head with both hands, ramming his cock down my throat with deep, forceful thrusts. I choke, the pulsating meat cutting off my airway, and Zerius pulls back quickly, apologizing with a stroke of my head before renewing his thrusts, this time more shallow. It takes quite an effort to suppress his urges when so close to his climax, and his hands tremble anxiously on my head.

The growl turns into a roar as he grips my head, claws scraping my headscales. With a throb of his penis, he shoots a rope of semen into my mouth, and his firm grip on my head threatens to force the spear of meat down my throat once again. I pump his member once more, another pulse of semen filling my maw, before pulling it out of my mouth and swallowing the fluid. The sticky cum flows down my throat, the residue leaving a unique, indescribable flavor. In the throes of orgasm, Zerius presses my face up against his shaft as I stroke him to completion with both hands, his breath caught in his throat. My tongue snakes up the throbbing cock as warm cum fountains out, splashing on my face and filling my nostrils with the musky scent. Copious amounts of his seed land on my snout, the excess flowing past my lips and spattering on the stone floor.

Zerius pants, rubbing his shaft against my muzzle, his last dollops of cum flowing out and onto my face. The heady aroma of his semen only adds to my dizziness, and I lean back, the collection of it on my muzzle slowly dripping down my chin.

Stepping back, Zerius stares at me, his member slowly retracting back inside him. His expression is one of regret and guilt.

"Ugh... what have I done?"

I gaze at him, still on my knees for fear of losing my balance should I attempt to stand. He shakes his head, looking at me with sadness.

"You... you were drunk, and I just... took advantage of you. Of your compassion."

I shake my head, causing the world to spin faster around me. I wince, rubbing my eyes in an attempt to dispel the disorientation. "No, Zerius... that's not true."

"Yes it is, Zuro'ki. Look at you, you can't even stand. Gods, Rel'zeo is going to kill me."

"I do care for you, Zerius, I wanted this to happen." Did I though...? Is this the drink talking?

"Would we have done that if we were both sober? I think not." He walks to a corner of the room, snatching up a folded linen towel. Approaching me, he gingerly wipes my face, cleaning off the stubborn, mucous-y mess.

"You said you didn't have a friend in this world. I wanted to show you... I think of you as a friend."

Zerius steps back, tossing the soiled towel aside. "You're too soft, Zuro'ki. You're just going to get hurt, one day."

"Zerius, why? You're pulling away, again..."

"You have something special with Rel'zeo. I almost came between that once already. I refuse to do so again. Out of respect for your... gentle spirit, I suppose."

I remember that night, when I caught him and Rel together near the campfire. I was hurt, but I never considered we may not be an exclusive couple. Male-male relationships tend to be open and fleeting, similar to how we mate with females, except we do it exclusively for pleasure and relief rather than reproduction. Female matings are short-lived; we breed, and we leave, restricted from seeing each other out of tradition and necessity. If the seed doesn't take, we can attempt again, the entire interaction formal and businesslike. There are usually only a few breeding females ready at one time, and we can't let emotions and attachment get in the way of things.

Yet, I just naturally assumed. Does Rel share my feelings on this topic? Zerius spoke to me, that night. Whispered to me, in an attempt to ease my worries. I still remember his words. "Don't let this poison you. Your love is truer than any lust that either of you may give in to. Talk to him." It still hurt, but I listened, and found that Rel's heartfelt words eased my aching heart. I look back on it now and wonder if I overreacted. These thoughts are somewhat sobering, though I am still overcome with disorientation.

Suddenly, there is a brief knock at the door before it swings open abruptly. Two armored guards walk into the room, a third standing in the doorway. Their weapons are drawn. I feel the beginnings of a horrible realization dawning on me.

"Lord Zerius, for bearing arms against our divine emperor, and shunning his gracious treatment and hospitality despite your status as an ebon dragonkin, you have been sentenced to death. Lord Zuro'ki, you are hereby under arrest for treason. You will come along quietly."