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Chapter 1: The Dream

Muted colored lurked within the darkened countryside below. Discarded weapons were strewn about the blood-soaked fields, dried and ever thirsty. Their victims lay strewn about like daisies, flesh being torn from their bones by withing mockeries of life. Silence lingered about, only broken by the lone call of the wind, or the munching of rotten teeth. Above this field of sorrow and death lay the City of Struport, blackened smoke curling off every building.

Once impervious walls that stood for a generation lay breached, pulverized as if by a giant fist. Debris lay scattered across the once pristine cobblestone, buildings half collapsing into the streets. Those who shambled about were nothing more than ruined corpses. Elves, humans and even wolven all piled together, a frozen collage of gore and cruelty.

Far above the smoldering ruin, storm clouds billowed overhead. Lightning surged, bringing flickers of life to the hallowed-out corpse of a city below. In it's passing came bright lights of fire and magic, angrily racing out against one another. Dragon's roared and shook the land as twin creatures of legends fell out of the clouds, locked in a deadly duel.

One of blood red scales with eyes like a heated forge, tore chunks of decayed flesh from his stone like foe. He roared as their paws met, sparks of magic billowing off them to set the air aglow with yellow radiance. They crashed through buildings, shattered roofs, and smashed one another's skulls through what they could find. Houses exploded in fire; debris was turned to ash. Not a living soul dared get closer as these titanic beasts had their climactic confrontation. The sky cracked open as if to mourn, pelting what remained with its frigid tears.

All this Cordenth observed atop the mountaintops, relishing the crisp air intertwined with the faint salty spray of the sea. He sighed, his green scales shimmering with each meeting of the dragons. Whichever was victorious he knew the day was to be his. He pressed a paw to his golden scaled chest, delighting at the warmth swirling below. This was his moment, the day he would become king.

He cast a glowing, golden eye back towards that of his girlfriend, or at least that's what she used to be. Now she was his thrall and had the honor of being his toy. She was his greatest treasure; would be traded for nothing else. Any pleasure he wanted of her she was delighted to fulfill, and he was her loving master that she'd do anything for. Some whispered she was still the queen of Drenedar, while others knew he was the proper sovereign. Her people knew none the wiser, accepting his thrall's honied words without question.

He adjusted the iron collar around his neck, tugging the linked chain connecting it to his half elven thrall. Lyndis' half naked with a smile came padding over, her eyes wide in reverence. She bowed like she was supposed to, laying thick with her praises upon his paws. He couldn't help but rumble and lick his lips, seduced by her words. With a wing he pulled her closer, groped her butt with a paw. He told her to look upon the beaten city of her people, relish that he'd chosen her as his loving pet. When she called him her rightful king, he was beside himself with glee. With excitement bubbling about his veins he whispered in her ear something lewd. She giggled with blushed cheeks and wrapped her arms around him. Could this not get any better? He licked and curled in his tail, rumbling as she slipped under him and summoned his crimson lance.

*

He awoke with a gasp, heart racing within his onyx scaled chest. Cordenth's paw shot to his segmented scales, tracing over the scar left by a magical construct's harpoon. His frills were pulsating on their own accord, his other paws trembling. Around him still where the dark blue cushions of the cavern floor, with burned out lanterns hanging along the wall. He was still within the dragon Storm's guest quarters, and by the looks of it he didn't have a trace of gold about him.

“It was a dream." He sighed in relief, going limp and letting the comfort of the cushions embrace him. He knew they were not supposed to be for dragons. They were to have fur and other hides to use as their beds, but it was something Lyndis liked, and he'd put up with it for her. Besides, they were far more comfortable than anything else he'd experienced, even the sheets back in his home.

“Just back here…In the halls of our new home." Course he said home and he meant fancy prison. For after the incident with the metallic dragon they weren't exactly given a choice. It was to be under the blue dragon Storm's watchful eye or be imprisoned by the city guard. Thankfully they'd chosen the later and allowed the green drake to relax and heal over the last month in relative peace.

Peace though? Could he really call it that with the visions he was getting? Each night far more worse than the last. Cordenth shivered as the image of Lyndis' naked form bubbled up to him, shackled to his throat like a toy. Thank the gods we woke before forcing himself on the enthralled mortal. He pondered and rubbed his snout, trying to make sense of these visions. Were they his deep dark fantasies? To be Drenedar's king, and keep its queen as his loyal servant? It sounded far more like his mother, or the dreaded Emperor dragon from the tales of old.

Out went his paw as the sun's rays sneaked through the ceiling, seemingly trying to stab at his eyes with their brilliant daggers. He hissed and cursed, trying to use his wing as a protective shield. Whose idea was it to allow the sun in here was beyond him. Probably something that Storm's mate Fremra had insisted on. Another addition to the dragon's cave to bring life to their daughter's hidden alcove.

Blinking away the sun's rudeness he rolled to his belly, snapping his jaw at the air. With ever flutter of his frills his faculties sluggishly returned, the fuzziness of the room fading. His wings stretched outward, the lime green of his membranes lit ever so pleasingly by the sun, showing off the yellow zigzags that lined the base of them. His blackened wing talons almost knocked over one of the wooden carvings of a dragon's head and ripped an oil painting of the city proper. Curling around his neck he found himself alone. Why was he alone, and where was the half-elf he loved?

Or at least I think I do.

They'd only shared a few days in each other's company, and pawfuls of dream nights after. Yet still he knew his heart throbbed like crazy when she was near, enough to pull him around the room with flared nostrils. It wasn't like her to simply leave him like this. She'd practically been by his side the entire time during his recovery. She must have been hiding, some game to test his recovering senses.

How clever my little love.

“Oh, come out my sorta pointy eared beauty." Cordenth slinked his way through the many pieces of draconic art. Something Achaaz had made mention with a stuck-out tongue. “Unless you're hiding with your cloak of-“ He quickly nosed a section of air beside him, expecting to find a giggling half-elf and her hands snatching at his nose. Instead he was met with near silence, and the cold lingering of loneliness in his heart.

With a sigh he wrinkled his snout and strolled through the cave, trying to fight the drooping of his frills. He passed through the well wit caverns, his horns nearly bumping the lantern's that hung every few feet. In the distance he could hear the crashing of the waves and smell the distant salty aroma of the sea. With a snort he ignored them, pressing onward to the entrance and dragging his tail along the way. Like he'd go for a swim anyway, it would stab at his scales something awful.

Like a thorn in his side the scar on his chest ached, drawing a hiss from his emerald lips. He rubbed it again, cursing in draconic at the weakness. Large imposing beast as he was, he wasn't supposed to be like this. It was improper, even if he'd gotten it being heroic. When the ache had dulled he was left gasping, catching a reflective surface with his eye.

Golden slitted spheres greeted him from what he thought was his all too handsome face. Two onyx horns protruded from his emerald scaled head, matching the armored blackened sections atop his snout. Lime green frills fluttered excitedly on either side of his snout. Everything looked in place from his four digited paws to his rear hinds. He smiled and flicked his frilled and spined tail, knowing Lyndis would no doubt be waiting for him. He went to leave but caught sight of his eyes again, and nearly fainting out of shock.

“Gold?" His heart skipped a beat as he quickly rubbed his eyes with his paws. Surely that would have been a mistake, he had yellow eyes. Like that of a sunflower! Dreams of golden eyes and a chill laughter came bubbling to the surface, the parting gift of his imprisonment in the deep fae. Those creatures couldn't be here, not lurking his eyes, not hiding in his blood.

Not like the voice said.

He shook his head, finding his eyes the same normalness they'd always been. He sighed, laughing in relief at his foolishness. Of course, it'd been in his head. He'd escaped that pesky Emperor in the deep fae. Veledar had seen to that with his mighty wings, paired of course with the lovely Lyndis atop his back. With renewed energy he clambered upwards to the entrance a smile on his snout, only for it to be pulled away faster than a gryphon's wings.

His snout wrinkled as the frigid air of Storm's keep dragged talons across his scales and sensitive membranes. The dragon's home was cleverly hidden within the walls, away from prying eyes. Snow dotted across the courtyard, leaping up with the wind to curl around the dragon's paws. “This is why dragons should hibernate." He grumbled, frills pinning to his snout, staring daggers to the cloud dotted sky. “And why must you even be here? Can Fremra not control the weather?"

“Hate the cold do ya dragon?" One of two wolven guard smirked, leaning against the stone entrance beside him. The mahogany furred anthro banged his dark blue gambeson, “Why you should grow some bleedin fur."

He flicked his tail, fighting the chattering of his teeth. “And look like a silly halfbreed? That would look real regal. I think it best you keep to your real jobs."

“Aye, but would you really mind the look mate?" The other wolven with snow white fur barked, “Just look at yer shiverin. Imagine a whole ploom of fur just warming ya up. Can't tell me you don't want a bit of that."

He said nothing, trying to maintain his aura of pride. If these overgrown wolves could endure the cold, then so could he. Nature had other ideas as the wind roared like a lion, seizing control of his limbs to shiver and shake like a lost pup.

“See? Swallow the pride and get some pelts. We won't tell anyone you look like the humans doing it."

The other guard cackled at the mental imagery, his amber eyes bouncing.

“Yea, yea." Cordenth hissed, sweeping some snow with his tail. “Laugh it up dogs."

“Oh come now Radiant Star." The white wolf's ears twitched. “You know my name, it's Bowen."

“Ah yes." He narrowed a stare back. “But when you poke fun of dragons, you get called dogs." That put an end to their laughter quick, enough for him scan about the towering buildings around them. With a shrug he flared his wings, casting the wolfs a tilted head. “So where did my Lyndis get off to?"

“The half elven princess?" Bowen's head mirrored his own. “The one whose family left us to the undead."

“Oi." The mahogany wolf smacked Bowen. “Don't be waggin your tongue in front of the dragon. He's like her bloody pet."

“Sayin we shouldn't talk is mighty suspicious is it not? Do you want him to bite ya?"

Work for her like some sort of pet? That was utterly preposterous, and such a notion needed to be squashed. With a growl, down came his paw and putting an end to their preposterous notion. “Dragons are never someone's pet, or a lacky, or minion. I am the Radiant Star, dragon of the north. She is….what's the word you say." He rolled his paw. “Girlmate?"

“Girlfriend mate."

“That's the one."

Bowen sighed, “Right, so that's why you're following her around like a lost puppy. You wanna snog and shag."

He rolled his eyes, testing his wings and battering the poor dog's muzzles with gusts of wind. “What else am I to do? Ask you for a snog?"

“He's got you there." The auburn wolf chuckled, smacking Bowen upside the back. “The girlie mentioned going out to the temples. Aiding the refugees she was."

“Again?" He pulled back his head. “I thought that was a onetime thing. Is it not under control?"

“You don't get out much do ya?" The wolf's ears flicked back. “Been filtering in for a fortnight. Day in an out, whole caravans of weary and scared folks. Poor souls lost their homes, land and livelihood to those munchers. Lucky we have you dragons and our walls to see us through."

Was it truly getting that bad?

Cold curled around the dragon's heart as silence hung in the air. Paws filled with worry kneaded the snow. She hadn't woken him for some reason. True this work of hers wasn't exciting but he'd have liked to lend a helping paw. True they were not his people, but people none the less. Now he might not have had much experience dealing with the downtrodden, but he'd at least try. After all, if he was to build a bridge for dragons and mortals to have common ground, then he'd have to help them. He was about to take off, but stopped mid jump, landing back down in a shower of snow. Ignoring how his frills flushed he cast the wolves the most regal lookback he could manage.

“Where was the temples again? I seem to have misplaced the thought. “He chuckled, ignoring the wolf's grumbles as they wiped away the snow from their faces. “From above, your forest of stone hovels blend together. Even the wretched streetways offer little help, zigzagging back and forth. I could practically go crosseyed."

Bowen thrust a paw to the onyx wall surrounding the courtyard. “Fly on to the bleedin port, round the clocktower. You'll see a space by the market. Can't miss it."

“Unless he finds himself at the Frigate's lodge." The other guard chuckled. “Chats up a storm she does, the wiles of a practiced hunter."

“Right, crazy loon that one." Bowen slyly grinned, Avoid her, if you ever treasure your time and happiness with the mrs. If she catches you with her charms, you'll find yourself bound to a chair wondering why your dressed in frilly stockings."

“Excuse me?" His frills fluttered, pondering over the suspicious information. He grinned, fixing the man with a knowing stare. “Speaking from experience?"

“Possibly." Bowen coughed into his fist, ears splaying. “Now just get out of here before we get another showering of snow? Probably another foot tonight if we're unlucky."

He scowled and grumbled. The woman didn't sound too dangerous. But if she were playing around so could he. “Well fear not. If she tries to tie me up, I'll simply just eat her." He spread his wings with a throaty chuckle and pounced into the frigid air.

“Was he being serious? The mahogany guard shouted over the flutter of wings. “Please don't eat her dragon! It was in jest! Honest!"

He only adjusted his frills and set course towards the port, flashing that guard his teeth. Hopefully Bowen knocked some sense into him. That way he didn't have to return to dozens of spears and rifles aimed at him, not to mention an angry blue dragon twice his size.

Upwards his membranes carried him, into the morning air. It caressed his paws as he climbed among the more frigid currents. Too bad he had to only grace this place for a moment longer, he'd have loved to stay here and dance along the clouds. He pushed his wings through and set his sights to the sprawling collection buildings below.

From above the city looked like a stone and snow-covered farmland. Sections separated into organized pens like a patchwork quilt. Smoke curled up beneath his wings from numerous chimneys fighting back the cold, mortals no doubt huddling near with hands extended. He wished he'd seen it before the snow and ice. Maybe the greys and light blue roofs wouldn't have blended in so well with the weather. He supposed it might be pretty in a way, but there he was chilling away while his brother Lyyreth was probably enjoying the tender heat of a Rothdellian desert. How he envied him.

Course his brother would have been astounded by the well kept timber, rattling off about the architecture. Or perhaps he'd have been nosing around at the near pristine streets? Course he doubted he'd get much a chance, not with how packed he could see it was. Probably one of many that could even appreciate how packed it was. Thousands of different peoples all gathered into a treasured hive they all called home. Yellow eyes traced the markets, the port, the library, even the keep that lay separate from the rest. Every bit forged as one, every species leaving its unique mark. What would dragons leave in their number if included?

Probably a few more perches to watch below. He sighed as envy for that part of Entis nagged at him. With a breath he swerved across the rooftops, setting his sights for the proud watchtower. The morning bell had begun to ring, welcoming the dragon to the day.

The market easily caught his eye, the numerous banners a dead giveaway. Not to mention the lines of mortals, the overpowering smells, and the near constant cacophony of civilization. He circled around eyeing the thin strands of wire and decorations, making note to avoid such things. He'd not be the nightly story of how another dragon made a fool of himself among them. People glanced upwards then quickly back to their morning routine. It was if a dragon passing through them was hardly an odd occurrence. Course, they did happen to have the teal dragons to deal with. Perhaps even one with green scales was of no consequence?

The courtyard seemed large enough for him, he just had to clear the scattered humans to be sure.

“Watch out humans, elfs, dwarfs! Incoming dragon!" He belted, hoping that it would fight away any fear left in his wake. They scampered and shifted out of the way, some even being battered by his coming wake. Cries of surprise rounded the crowd, excited fingers pointing to his scales. He wasjust thankful for the lack of screams and pitchforks. He gave them a gentle smile, bowing his head in thanks as he pinned his wings. Perhaps this was to be easier than he thought.

“Watch where you're going dragon!" A grey furred wolven shouted, padding the flank of his direwolf beside him. It was pulling a cart packed with sacks of goods. “This look like a mountain range to you?"

“Why did ya even land in the first place?" Came a wrinkly woman shaking a gnarled cane. “You're not supposed to be this drunk in the morning!"

“But I'm..not.." His frills pinned as others started lobbing various problems at his scales. He snorted and paid them little heed. Let them spill their drivel without him, he had his love to find. “Good day." He simply snorted, adding a tail swish for good measure.

“Good day? Don't be tellin me how to feel dragon!"

“You tell him Sarah, don't let them walk over ya!" Called another man, poking out from the cart's barrels.

Now where are these temples? Sure enough the sprawled market was equally a maze from above. Just pathways of stone, mobs of people not yelling at him, and others still calling after him. Do they have nothing better to do? His blood flashed with fire, only quelled by the gentle nods and smiles he got glancing up at him. Perhaps not everyone was like those people. He hummed and started nosing around the shops, ask some directions. Someone had to know the way.

Thankfully the packed streets were made less so for his convenience. People were avoiding his paws, staring up and whispering things to others. Around the shops he questioned, catching sights of thick woolen garments, sparkling magical potions and even one named Alderan's Secrets He'd almost been tugged into that one by a clean faced wolven, insisting her charms could work magic on his scales and attract a fitting mate. While the idea intrigued him, he needed to leave. With a proud warble he told her about his girlfriend, just to get the wolf off his haunches.

“And she's a princess…So I don't think I'll be needing your paltry offerings." He smiled and sauntered off, ignoring the daggers she glared at his tail. Thankfully his next round of questions got him the answer he sought, the humans all too surprised a dragon was talking to them of all people. They smiled and pointed him in the right directions, telling him to watch for the lines of unwashed masses.

“You can't miss em, nor the smell!" One girl waved, practically scampering off a giggling mess with her entourage. “Can you believe that? A bloody dragon!"

What he sought ended up being a pair of cathedrals, rounded by a snow covered hedge and waist high wall of their own. It protruded from the others like gold and white pillar of tranquility, painted in lovely golds and reds, a symbol of a giant sun featured prominently on the dominating stained glass window at its center. Its twin was one of flowing blacks, blues and shades of indigo. They both crawled outwards with stained glass windows, featuring numerous poses of nude woman long fully watching for the other.

From these pillars of beauty came fields of squalor. Humans and elves as far as the dragon could see, packed together in tattered robes and blankets. The smell was all but overpowering, of unwashed people and living misery. They stood with blank faces covered in smudges of dirt; their arms tucked into pockets with chattering teeth. In each of their eyes was another story of loss or anguish, chilling the dragon to the bone. Some peered towards the oaken doors of either temple, eagerly awaiting their turn to head inside. How many people were possibly here? He began to stroll hesitantly towards the temples to Fuereen and Satren, trying to count each soul.

Empty bellies their young ones ailed about, or begged to find a way out of the cold. Some were weeping over the loss of long forgotten friends, while others watched the dragon with narrowed eyes of suspicion. His paw wavered under so many eyes. It was truly hard to take in. So many without homes, land, family. Hoping that this final stop would be their last.

Heads perked up as he approached the temple, some approaching and begging him to take their children if only to give them a place filled with food and warmth. Though he shooed them away his resolve began to crumble with every step. So many pleading eyes for him to end this_._ How could he? He was but one dragon, they were thousands! He shooed them away with an aching heart, hissing at how he'd slept in.

With every step darkened thoughts festered and slithered about his skull. If he were in charge of things, this would never have happened. The undead would have been vanquished before they'd been a threat, how dare Lyndis' family abandon their subjects like this. His mother wouldn't have done this, she'd have fought tooth and claw! Soon enough his blood was boiling and his tail was matching along with angry swishes. The only thing that put an end to his now stomps was the paw tapping sound of a most jovial tune.

It was one born of delight and seemed to waft through the dreary air like a bright and colorful sun. It smothered sadness, pummeled anger, and took depression out back and strangled it to nothing. People turned to look, from sullen faces grew wide smirks. Were doom had lurked now hope blossomed. Children began to laugh and shout with glee, tugging at parent's sleeves to get a good look.

Intrigued at what could make such an impact the dragon padded his way over, stretching his neck to see over the crowds. Surprisingly the music was coming from someone he knew, a kobold that been there to heal him back to life.

Feku was almost dead center in the street, her violin in one hand and the bow in the other. Like a clown she was adorned in numerous colors. Every inch of her leather and wool as if she was splattered with paints. She pranced about with a happy smile on her scaled snout, her scales one of the brightest greens he'd ever seen. Joyous warmth filled the air as she tipped her pirate hat seducing Cordenth's tail to tap along with her next verse.

Spinning and dancing, her claws hardly touching the ground as she played. She led two kobolds dressed as she, brandishing a lyre and a lute. While lacking the energy and spirit of the energetic bard , they still poured their soul into every note. Their music twisted and squirmed through the crowds, bringing laughter and joy where there'd be none. Every step of tiny feet brought rounds of tapping boots or claps. People grabbed their partners and danced to their heart's content.

Cordenth himself was rumbling through his throat, swaying his tail along with the crowd. Was it simply the magic of the song, or something the bard was enchanting her music with? He hadn't the time to think as next few paw falls matched the song. It was something from his youth, sung to him by his mother's minstrels. How did she know it was his favorite?

“Come on dance, be free! Humans listen to me play!" The dancing bard caught Cordenth's gaze, waving him to the crowds of smiling humans.

He'd been touched by her dedication before, when injured she'd never left his size like a watchful mother. He hadn't even known her. He just an injured soul that she couldn't see in pain. One deserving to be a treasured friend one day.

Or a dutiful servant. He cast the thought away with a snort. “Another time perhaps." He called over his shoulder, regaining some semblance of control. He gestured to the temple of fureern.

Her quickened scowl made him fear he'd insulted her, the green in her scales flashing a brief red. Yet with another note they had consumed it, and she twirled away with the others right behind. “Fucks on you den! We don't need dragon! Everyone dance without dragon!"

“Fucks on you then!" The crowd cheered to Cordenth's darker growing frills.

She said that? His scales brimmed with curiosity. Wasn't against a kobold code to insult a dragon? Why was part of him bubbling with anger, demanding throw herself to her knees and kiss his paws? Her people were made to worship the paws dragons walked on. It tickled the need to be admired that every dragon possessed. Perhaps the longer Feku hung around Lyndis, the more rebellious she was becoming.

“Course, the question would be where she learned such language." The familiar voice of Arcturus Lund reached the dragon's ear. The former dragon hunter was assisting the priests, handing out the last of his dark grey blankets he'd carried. Bags hung below his emerald eyes despite the grin his grizzled chin bore. He stood like a beacon among the others, his tunic of red a stark contrast of the sea of muted browns and blacks. The human brushed back his short brown hair, “Then again, thought you'd be sleeping with our benevolent overlord." At the mention of the red dragon the paladin's tone grew hard and cold, far harsher than Cordenth would've expected.

He played it off like nothing was the matter. “I'd have been here _fa_r sooner, but a certain group of humans and half humans decided it best if I got my rest in."

Arcturus shrugged as Cordenth scanned over the crowd. Even now there were dozen's gazing upon his scales. “It's hard to wake a dragon that doesn't want to be. Besides, aren't you the one needing it? After all that trouble with the deep fae and all?"

“Oh please." He snorted, waving his paw. “That was almost two months ago. I've been healed for weeks now. And don't tell me the red brute you've fallen for reinforces that stereotype? Honestly Arcturus you should stop letting the dragon win."

“Who says I am?"

Cordenth eyed the rip in the man's blackened gambeson, clues to the tireless days he'd been undertaking. “Why are you here? I'd have thought you'd be whacking that blunted stick around."

“After the helpless are tended to." The man grumbled, “This is noble work, the training can come after. These people need our blanket, food and our time. Just look at them." He gestured to all the folks still locked on Feku. “Well, when they're not being charmed by a bard."

“Oi Lumarian!" A pock marked man shouted, emerging from the others. His tired eyes spoke of death and hatred, fire brewing behind him. “Piss off with your blanket. Your people are the reason we're in this mess!"

“Yah!" Proclaimed his buddy, a burly man with eyebrows as large as his beard. “If not for you, none of this shite woulda happened. I bet this is some sort of gryphon fucker trick." They laughed crudely with raspy voices, slapping at each other as someone implied that the age of consent in Lumara is a crudely drawn picture of a wink.

Arcturus coughed and composed himself, letting his polite demeanor shine through. “Wonderful. We seem to have collected some fans." He steered away from the group's growing laughter.

Cordenth was nearly growling as the men made obscene gestures in their directions. Did they not know this human had tried to defend him? Led a caravan through undead infested lands? Taken a sword through the gut meant for his scales? Days of sympathy for these people started to flutter out the window, replaced with boiling blood and flaring frills. He was soon glaring in these two's direction, growling up a storm.

“And lookit here." One man hiccupped, smelling heavily of booze. “It's the princesses pet dwagon. Sure, knew how to train him huh? Wat she like in the sake boy?

“Is he a boy? Or is it a she?" Smirked the other, peering to get a good look between the dragon's legs.

“Listen here you-“

Arcturus' hand was pressed against his scaled chest. “Don't mind them."

“But look at them!" He hissed, “Don't they know we're…You're helping them? Why does it even matter whose doing it? This isn't a time for who belongs to what kingdom." He snapped and glared daggers at the rugged men. The ones he could no doubt pin and show his dominance no matter the time. “Undead care little for allegiance."

“Yea but it wont do you any good. They're scared and wanting people to blame. Makes things easier to cope with."

“Easy for you to say." Cordenth shook his flank, “You don't have blood that burns to replay that insult. How they dare to belittle my pride." He snorted harshly, starling some nearby humans. Frills pinned to his sides as he scrunched up, trying his best to appear smaller. Last thing they needed was a panic from the dangerous dragon to erupt.

“Think I don't" The paladin turned back with a sigh.

“Sure, doesn't look like it."

“Ah yes." He tapped his tunic. “Calm and collected on the outside, but internally seething and trying to remember my manners. Part of me hopes he trips today, Bahamut willing it will be in a most unflattering way."

The green rumbled at that. “Not very noble of you sir knight. Wishing people's faces contact the stone."

“Who said anything about that? I'd prefer he find a nice, soft bit of manure to land in."

The dragon's head flew back as he laughed ever harder. He had to rein it down as several more people had started to scamper away from his scales. “And here I thought part of your chivalric code demanded to return any slight against your honor."

“That actually differs wherever you go…If you go north to Whitedell-"

He snorted and cut off the history lesson with a paw. “You can enlighten someone else later about it. Maybe my brother would have loved it. I however do not."

“Shame that." The man gathered another handful of blankets, bowing his head to a family who thanked him as he handed them one. “Ran off with that dragoness Night Rising was it?"

“Not run off." He hissed, scales shivering as a cold breeze swept over him. “We got separated. They went their way, I went mine." He tried to not recall the amount of time he spent locked up within some plant creature's stomach. Pain had been his companion, yet he couldn't scream. Lucky for him it didn't kill its food slow. He'd been saved by a golden dragon like creature, more a shadow than anything else. He shook his head free of the vision, despising how it had called him master.

“And you havn't heard from them after that?"

“No." He lashed his tail. “And I bet he's having a swell time out in the sands. The warm sun, dragoness for company…" His words stalled as he took in the crowds of gathered people. “None of…this."

“How do you figure they're alright?" Arcturus' concern weighed heavily with a look. One that begged for the dragon to spill his heart.

“Do I look like that red of yours?" He snorted, placing a paw to his chest. “Your little looks won't make my scales crack. Yet if you must know it was mother that contacted me."

“She can do that?"

“Evidently. “He grumbled, swishing his tail angrily. He thought he'd gotten away from her watchful eye, yet no matter the distance she was following, watching, guiding his movements. Were all his recent ventures nothing more than an elaborate scheme to her devilish plans? To seal his place as Drenedar's king? Turn Lyndis into his pleasure slave and have her birth his spawn? He scratched lines in the stone at the thought. It did seem like one of her plans.

Greater future indeed. “Trust me. When she actually has a conversation, we will have words."

“No words?" Arcturus' puzzled stare found him. “How does that work? Images? Shapes? One lengthy session of sign language?"

“Hardly." He chuckled at the idea of her fumbling through the motions. “She talks too you. There was no chance to reply back."

Arcturus stopped, eyeing Cordenth with a sterner look. For a moment he looked like that minotaur Asterion. “You're certain she speaks the truth?"

Like that his frills pinned, a hidden fear given voice. “What choice do I have?" He kneaded his claws. “The other option is that my brother is dead. I resent that option. For now I'll let mother's words ring true."

The paladin shrugged, emptying his basket. “Looks like we need more." He patted softly along Cordenth's scales. “Come, lets go find something you can do. Maybe even find that girl you're here for."

“Please." He rumbled, nudging the man with his nose. He made sure he caught the pleased look in his eye, knowing he appreciated the effort to save him. “We both know she's not the only reason."

“Oh gods." He chuckled, “Don't tell me you've wanted a crack at me as well."

“Me? No!" He pulled up his head in alarm. “My brother, maybe? I honestly haven't thought of you groaning under me."

The paladin's cheeks went red. “God dragon it was merely a jest. I've enough problems with one ornery beast…"

“Ask me again when this isn't going on." The green chuckled, “Maybe I'll give it a consideration."

“It was a joke!"

He followed Arcturus into the crowded church. From wall to wall everyone was pressed together, awaiting to be healed or given supplies. Any silence or peace that could have been gained from it's golden and white walls was drowned by cries of those in need. Were pews of ivory wood had rested were now tables of weathered wood, filled to the brim with bread plates. Where piles of summoned biscuits resided, summoned up by the clergy to hand out. While not the tastiest of meals, it could tide one over. One such of these bowls was clearly empty, practically calling out for the dragon's paws.

The only glimmer to this field of ragged misery was the brief smile of people that caught sight of his scales. Children pulled at their parents' clothes to point or hide behind their legs.

“Look a dragon, a real one!" Was whispered numerous times, almost in unison with Cordenth's claws scratching lines in the once elegant carpets below them. Long since haven been smudged and caked in dirt from the constant use.

Padding over to an empty bowl he ignited the magic in his bones. He whispered the words of his people, twirling his tail in a circular fashion. In a flash of lavender light, the bowl was filled to the brim with good berries by the dozen. He did the same for any other empty basket he saw, fueling what he could into every repetition of the spell. When he was done, he was drained, used up what safe magic he could use. Anymore and it might eventually kill him. It wouldn't feel all the refugees outside, but it would certainly help. He bowed gently nudged the bowls to the white robed clergy.

“Here, it will sustain a person for a single day. One berry per person."

They thanked him with words of praise, smiles gracing their tired lips. The dragon grinned with a happy swish of his tail, making sure he didn't knock over some poor soul not paying attention. With a breath he composed himself, fought back the swelling of his pride. This was not the time to get a swollen head like the red dragon of their group. Course it didn't stop his frills from thrumming outward on their own. The priests didn't notice as he strolled away with a happy bounce in his paws and twist in his tail, but Arcturus did.

The man's-tired eyes searched the dragon's snout up and down.

“What?" He perked up, grinning innocently. “Just tried to offer what draconic help I could muster." He wiggled a paw. “I know its not much, but every bit that helps right?"

The paladin just smirked and collected another basket full of multicolored blankets. “Be careful now. Your scales might start to turn red."

“Please." Paw to chest he turned away. “I'm at least helping, not sleeping peacefully away like that dragon of yours."

“Still?" Arcturus groaned, his brow stitching together. “I bet he's still moping about right?" The words seemed so bitter and annoyed.

He only tilted his head. “Well." His snout wrinkled, “The dragon did lose his wings and magic. Can't honestly disregard his reaction. If it were me, I think I might die."

Still the paladin didn't seem convinced. He muttered and complained about the dragon's snappy behavior.

“Well think of it this way." The green curled in his head. “Did you not share that your life was crumbled to the point of drinking and sulking? How can you judge him any less than yourself?"

Arcturus' withering glance was telling enough about the topic. “That was different. He still has the rest of us."

Before he could utter another word, Lyndis came in with several others with covered wicker baskets. Her normal armor had been traded in for comfortable thick wools. He beamed at the green sash she still wore around her waist. The half elf grinned from pointed ear to ear, swinging her short brown hair. Her amber eyes brightened like amber suns as she made a bee line towards the tables, leading her gathered helpers like a commanding general. Even her grey cloak billowed in the coming wind.

“Move aside, move bloody aside!" Cordenth's love barked, “Got some more grub for ya!"

The tables shook as each basket was heavily plopped onto the hardened surface.

“Lucky for the lot of us that the nobles decided in their generosity to share some of their gathered wealth." With a showmanship of a magician the rogue undid the lids, consuming the room in whispery tendrils of steam.

Balls of rice were neatly bound, pressed in as tightly as the refugees around. Steamed mackerel was found in another, already sliced and sectioned into eatable chunks. He thought he even spied some grilled eel. Surrounding those were baskets of choy, peas, bright peppers, onions. The air was lit up with their delightful haze. All eyes were dragged to this treasure trove of food, mouths all but salivating for a taste.

“Now don't start your digging in!" Lyndis wielded her finger like a sword. “Ration rule applies. Don't let me see any of ya taking more than a helping."

Cordenth however was quick to Lyndis' side, sliding through humans and wolven like a slippery serpent. With a trill he composed himself best he could, nearly knocking over a wolf with his wings. Though before the autumn furred canine could hiss or bark, Lyndis was to him with a basket already hung around her arms.

“Top of the afternoon sleepyhead." She grinned, curling a hand below his scaled jaw. “Thought we might not be seeing you today. Lucky me you decided to have a stroll."

“If that was truly your concern." He snorted away, “Perhaps you should have tried to wake me better. I don't recall asking to sleep in."

“Last time I do something good for ya. To believe a dragon didn't want to sleep in." She sighed with a smirk, “Are you bloody tapped?"

“I just got done telling Arcturus here, I havn't felt better!"

“Good! Then lets apply some draconic sweat. We won't have idle hands while work needs doin."

He rose a paw, waggling it before he eyes. “Good thing none of those two things apply to me."

She rolled her eyes, “Oi, whats this then? You being cute all of a sudden?"

“You always seemed to like that." He stuck his tongue out at her.

“That I did." She leaned it, lips readying for a kiss.

He leaned in without skipping a beat, a wonderful rumble passing through his throat. For his trouble he got a basket handle shoved into his maw.

“Hold onto a few things would you?"

Who did she think she was? He gave the light in his life a hardened look and irritated swish of his tail. Grumbling into the wicker he followed her footfalls to set up shop. Yet even in his stewing she found a way to take that away. This time in the form of her soft fingers to his shoulder to ease his wounded pride when the onlookers made note of how cute he looked. Dragons were not supposed to be cute…Well not to this degree anyway, and not this public!

“Oh don't give me the growls and grumbles. You'll be free of it in three swishes of a gryphon's tail. Just so you know, proud of ya to even bloody come down. Certain others couldn't be bothered.

“Like the Lumarian princess?" He tried to say, but it came out a muffled jargon of slurred words.

“Hold on." She grabbed the basket and settled it down in one of the many corners, one where a marbled statue of a nude woman was clutching at her breasts, staring long fully out a stained glass window. He could appreciate the expression captured for one's distant love. Many nights with his brother and Infinity he spent wondering if he'd made the wrong decision. He could have been traveling with Lyndis the entire time, warming every bit of his soul.

“Come on green scales." Lyndis snapped him back to reality with a tap between his nostrils. “Stare at the pretty woman some other time.

“So that's how it is huh?" He eyed her up and down. “What if I want to look at beautiful woman now?" He gave her a mischievous eye, curling his tail around him. She tugged at his horns and he added a playful growl. Hurt his pride and he at least had to have fun with her. She gave up as her strength proved ill-suited to drag a dragon.

“May you please move?"

“Was that so hard? I know you royalty types aren't used to asking for things."

She smacked his snout once more. “Are you a dog or are ya a bleedin dragon?"

“Which one has the sore nose?" He rubbed at the scales, “And I neither look like a basket holder!" He rose his eyebrows in a sequence so rapidly that the half-elf's frown broke into a grin.

“I hate you sometimes."

“Oh? Do enlighten me on this sudden dragon hating." He sat beside her, opening the still steaming basket. “Did Veledar's company change your opinion of them?"

“About the time one of them started to get all cute."

He grinned back at her with a throaty warble. “Terrible shame of that."

Lines of people were directed to the tables of food. Hundreds of thankful souls nodded and wished them well in their days. Cordenth aided in handing their assorted foods, even some cheese the clergy had procured from a local tavern. Every sincere thanks he received was music to his ears. More than one he'd heard them bless his scales with the reverence of a saint. Several bowed their head, nearly making his tail wiggle right off. Perhaps this was the reason the others chose to help those in need? The delightful warmth that lurked within his stomach. Though after the third or fourth meal he began to question the niceness of these things. It was so fresh, well smelling, he almost had some for himself. They looked more belonging on the plate of a nobleman.

“Gave them the ole five fingered discount." Lyndis answered with a wiggle of her fingers. “Turns out few more of them are more charitable than they thought." She snickered as she handed out a series of rice balls. “Even if they know it or not."

“Did you-“ He put the pieces together, getting silenced with but a finger to his lips.

“Don't go telling mister knight over there." She gestured to Arcturus, “No need to get a lecture today on laws and regulations."

“Aren't they your laws an-“ Again the hand found his lips.

“Shush you. Now the next words out of that handsome snout is going to be what you've been dreaming of, and why you stare off when I'm talking to ya."

“Distracted is all." His mind wandered to the dreams before, picturing the collar wrapped around the rogue's slender throat. “Personal subject."

“It's the dreams again." Her hand wove its way to his cheek, pulling in his snout. “The one with the city destroyed. This has been what, a month now?"

“More like fifteen days." He snorted, unable to meet her in the eye. He could practically taste the death in the air, gander at the iron around her throat. Already his stomach churned as he thought about forcing her down and servicing him in the most carnal of ways.

“So, about a fortnight. Have you asked Fremra about it? She seems like the ness to know these things."

“No." His tail thumped loudly, making him apologize to all it startled.

“Why not?"

He didn't want to say he didn't need her help. They were just silly dreams! Nightmares. “Cause." He grumbled and avoided her, “Mother and she had a falling out years ago. It ended with paws batting, claws extended, and very much roaring."

“Like every other encounter we've had." She chuckled. “Knew I liked that crazy ness."

“But what if she wont?"

She rolled her eyes, “She helped pull your arse from the deep fae. Why the bloody hell wouldn't she help ya now?"

She had him there, but he couldn't think of a reply. So he nodded and preyed she didn't ask him about anything else. How could he explain her change into a pleasure thrall?

“look who it is. The lofty royalty bringing herself down to us commors to help." A tall gruff man sneered, rubbing the thick beard on his heavy-set chin. He smelled of booze and his cheeks burned red, “And looks like she brought the dear old pet to get things done. Should we start bowin to yer greatness? Perhaps shinin your boots?"

“Ya!" A second man shouted over his shoulder, thin as a twig and a gaunt face. “And you was helpin the bleedin Lumarian! Are you allied with them? That why your family wants nothin to do with you? Cause your traitorous cunt?"

Cordenth huffed, clawing into the floor. Any flickering cold from his dreams was thrust to the furthest reaches of his mind. Insulting the one he cared for? That was crossing the line! Ignoring what Arcturus told him, he released a low guttural growl.

“Mind the maw human!" Cordenth snarled, sliding between the pair

“Looks like the dragon came to brush off the truth. Get her to silence the ones that criticize ya." He turned to egg the others on, “We understand don't we!"

“Have a problem with me mum, take it up with her." Lyndis leaned on his shoulder, “And you're one to talk in choice of friends. Got all the looks of a horse's back end."

“Ooo…Girlies has a tongue on her. And just to be clear, do ya mean the dear ole queenie that left our lands to rot? Abandoned us to be gobbled up by a bunch of shamblin, half eaten crunchers?"

The crowd mimicked his sentiment, some cheering him on or chiming in with various insults to the royalty. Especially where Lyndis could go and shove certain things.

“That be the one." Lyndis scowled, shoving a ration into the man's hands. “Is what it is. Doin the best we bloody can. So take ya ration, shut your trap and focken get back with the masses. Keep this chinwagging and you'll be clutching your stones and wondering how they got kicked."

“Here what she said to me?" The man called out, pointing to Lyndis. “Threats from the royalty! Nothin but oppression and death!"

Louder cries resounded through the temple, drawing the barks and orders from the militia.

“Get back in line! Settle down or no one will be getting anything!" One wolven shouted, clad in the gambeson of the guard.

“Hear that!?" The drunken man turned to the crowd, “They want us lot to starve!" He shouted and waved, grabbing a rice ball from a small girl when no one was looking. Everyone save Cordenth that was.

That was the last straw. To hell with this bombastic buffoon. Like a loosed arrow Cordenth sprung from his spot, surging through the scores of dirty bodies like an eel. His scales brushed bodies, drew frightened gasps, and he knocked over the man with hardly any effort. Down went his snout, teeth barred so the human could take in each one. “Everyone gets one ration asshole." He sprayed his saliva onto his face. “I don't care how hungry you are."

“Here, take em. Take em dragon!" The man wept, thrusting the riceball to the dragon's paws. “Don't kill me! My wife and I was hungry is all. That doesn't deserve death surely! Please take mercy on me! I'll kiss your scales, shine them, please!"

Yellow eyes flicked up to a clearly pregnant woman resting in the corner of the temple, even the guards had pulled away. Silence hung in the air like a heavy fog, no one daring to even cough. That was all this was about? His blood all but froze the longer he stared.

“Leave my daddy alone!" A young child burst from the others, wielding nothing but rags and a scuffed stick. He broke it over Cordenth's snout. It hardly even hurt as he relinquished an inch.

He simple snorted, scanning he room. “You realize human, that everyone is hungry. You're not more special than everyone else. We're all in this together."

“Who even let the dragon in here when he was going to beat upon the poor?" Someone shouted, shaking their fist.

“No better than the undead! Someone get him out of here!" Another screamed, trying to catch the guard's attentions.

“What?" He was flabbergasted as numerous cries for his capture and beating surged through the crowd. Were they blind? “Listen people, that man was a thief! I stopped him! Hey, stop trying to get me killed!"

“Come on." Lyndis an Arcturus were to his side, drawing up his forepaw so that the color drained man could slip free.

But that was not to be the end of it. Not as people argued and shouted till the place was practically a debate hall. One side screaming about mistreatment to angry fists and to the other trying to maintain order.

“Enough!" Cordenth roared his frustration to end their squabble. Those that had called for his capture now looked on with frightened expressions, like they'd just remembered he was a dragon. He snapped to the still panting thief. “Apologize and return that ration."

“I'm sorry dragon. I'm sorry."

“Don't apologize Harper!" Shouted a man only for Arcturus to shout at him back to still his wagging tongue.

Cordenth nodded and carried the ration back to child who'd lost it. He took on a more relaxed tone, and tried to adopt a non-threatening posture. “There we are little one. I think you lost this."

Tentative hands reached out, offering her thanks.

“See?" Lyndis' arms crossed at the onlookers. “We lot can be civilized. Not jump to blood in conclusions about the dragon. Even if some blighters go stealin stuff."

Like a swarm others soon appeared on his scales, dozens upon dozens of grasping fingers to touch a real dragon in the flesh. Desperate for any sign of comfort. He tried to protest at first, shaking his tail. But soon he was forced to relent, it didn't truly bother him that much. Plus, Lyndis made mention something about them needing it anyway. Perhaps the first few steps to the bright future were a few strong words and pleased pets.

“See I knew this one!" One person laughed, brushing a palm across his shoulder. “He's the one that stood up to the metallic beast in the outskirts! Bloody hero this one!"

“Oh yes, that dragon. I thought he looked familiar!"

“I thought'd be bigger!"

“They can change their size!"

“Oh damn! Lucky!"

He'd have corrected them for simply accuracy but instead let them spin tales of his bravery and goodness. If only Veledar hear the honied words they spun right now. Out of all of them his spirits needed lifted. He thanked them, offered kind words and continued to let the humans brush their fingers along his scales. This carried on well after the food baskets ran dry. They had just enough to satisfy everyone that came looking. But even then, the green dragon wondered if they'd have enough if more refugees traveled in. How many would go hungry then? Starve and die? The accusing faces hung heavily on his mind as slipped away and pounced upon one of the many grey shingled roofs. He slumped to his belly, tail hanging off the edge. The cold wind chilled his scales but it was welcome.

Once or twice he caught a face that he swore we among the scores of dead from his dreams. If he closed his eyes, he could almost hear the sound of the two dragon's dueling for dominance overhead. Just who where they anyway? What did they want? And what caused his enslavement of Lyndis? His paws trembled against the roof, the silence giving him no answers.

“So once more you slink off to be alone." Lyndis rested a hand upon his forepaw. “Some might think you're being troubled. I have yet to master the look on your snouts, but I'm going to guess." Her finger found her chin. “Caught on about the dreams again."

He peered over the rooftop, wondering how she'd gotten here. Then a golden ring caught his eye around her finger. The one of magical jumping. He looked away as she pressed in at his side, her arms wrapping around his neck. How could he tell her? Shame burned deep in his heart. “I'm doing fine."

“Well if that isn't a steaming pile of horse shit." She sat between his paws, caring hands now pulling down his snout. Their eyes met, and he knew he couldn't leave them, the amber seas of concern pulling him in, entrapping him. Curse her delightful spirit. His defence cracked and he sighed with pinned frills.

“Do you think I'll ever turn into my mother? Treasure others like gifts and prizes to be won?" The question bubbled out as she touched his cheek tenderly. Her coming laugh broke the chilled thought.

“Like literally? Cause last time I checked you were male. All the bits and everything."

“You know what I mean." He hissed, prodding her face with his snout.

“Stupid question that is." She patted his cheek. “Nothin you could do would be like that. Fell pretty far from the tree on that one." She gave him a smirk. “Did you father give you a fine chuck?"

Caught in her kindness the truth stalled in his throat. He coughed and curled in his tail, trying to tell her what he saw several times, only stumbling through every attempt.

“Listen here." She silenced him with a kiss. “Best spill what ya holding onto. I'm going to have to employ skills of the trade." Her fingers scratched his chin sinfully so, “And ya don't want that."

His scales could only take so much buttery, his frills giving into sinful touches of her fingers. She'd gotten quite good at dragging things from him, and this seemed concluded before it truly began. With a heavy sigh he explained what he'd seen, his voice shaking with shame the entire time. The scattered ruins, the piles of dead spilled on the ground, to the twin dragons above. “It was like I was there. I could smell the death, feel the wind, hear the two fighting." He shivered and held her close to his scales. “Not to mention…you being my love slave."

“Sounds to me like a vision of the future." She bit her lip. “Which…what the fok was the last bit about me being a slave?"

“I know." He grumbled, frills pinning. “I must have been enchanted or something…"

“DO you ever think of me-“

“No!" He snarled back at her, yet catching her eyes he shied lower. With a flick his tongue found her cheek and he whined mournfully for the outburst. “Apologies…It's seeing me act that way was…Infuriating."

“That certainly explains the mother question then." She caressed his jaw in slow circles. “But this could be a good thing ya? Say it is the future, a possible future we could end up having if we don't stop it. Cause I'm not focking ending up as your bloody toy thing. Passionate mating? Yes, but pleasure slave? No."

She smiled reassuringly, till he was unable to stop himself from nuzzling at her cheek. To think she'd be anything but understanding and helpful. “So, you think we could stop whatever terrible thing this was?"

She nodded, “Yet I don't have the foggiest focken clue on the how. Best one who'd know is your cunt of a mother."

“Afraid you were going to say that." He flopped his head down into her lap, letting her hands brush across the blackened scales on his snout. He could picture his mother's expression already, that smug smirk upon her maw. The one that reveled in the fact he needed her.

“So, we need a away of talking to her. Sending her a message."

“Hold on." His eyes widened as he perked up. “Wouldn't she divined this? Been waiting for us? Reveled in her little victory?

Lyndis shrugged, “But when has she been forthcoming with her plans? For all we know you trying to reach out for her is her plan."

“But then you could claim anything we do is preordained by her."

Back and forth they started to bicker, and question who could get the message back to the green dragoness. Several local mages were inquired about Jackson the wise or William the thoughtful, even Thissa, an elderly woman who owned a shop of herbal enhancing potions.

“What about Nivra?" Lyndis finally sighed; the question was innocent but elicited a growl from Cordenth's maw.

“What about the human queen?" Word of her betrayal hung thick on his mind. How she'd offered to trade Veledar's life to the lich.

“You're going to have to forgive her one day."

He snorted, “And it is not this day. Until the day comes, I will endeavor to include her in less things. Nothing good ever comes out of Lumara."

“What about Arcturus." The rogue's crossed arms ruined his boiling blood.

“That doesn't count."

The rogue rolled her eyes. “Ever stubborn as all dragons. You know…I had this friend back home." The princess slumped, staring out to the distant sea.

“Do you miss it?"

“Miss what?"

“Home?"

“What's the point?" She snorted, her eyes following a cresting of the waves.

“Answer the question."

“Yessss." She groaned, flopping back against his scales. When his snout came to poke at her she shoved him off with a halfhearted snarl. “Aren't you a ball of annoyance and questions. What about you?"

He almost lied to her. Stared into the captivated eyes and spun her the most elaborate performance he could muster. Yet as his tail flicked, he couldn't find the energy. True his mother had annoyed him to no end, but there was just something about the thick trees and sounds of the forest he found comforting. “Same." His wings drooped defeated.

“Are ya done? Can I get back to my bleedin story? Or are ya going to be a prat about it?"

“I havn't decided yet." His tail flicked innocently behind him. “Just continue and we'll see what happens." He gave her a grin, loving the back and forth they shared.

Rolling her eyes, she sighed. “Old Bralvin. Was a bloke who set up shop as a mercenary of sorts round the northern territories. Good with a sword, quick with a joke and light on the feet."

“Sounds like a dashing rogue." He grumbled, setting his snout on the roof. He ignored how Lyndis glared at him. He rolled a paw so she could see. “Proceed."

She coughed, “He had a crew, someone betrayed them for a time. But only to help to keep the lot of them safe and sound. Now they kicked this person out, cursed his name. Never come running to help. Yet now years passed and this person had info that could help them, and no surprise. They turned him down."

“Well he betrayed them!" Cordenth snapped to her, flaring his frills. “What could they expect of him? He'd stab them in the back when they'd turned around!"

“All of em died." Lyndis pulled in her legs, holding them close. “Not even considering what he said was truth." The wind brushed her hair from her eyes, matching the somber way she stared out to the streets. “So maybe we might want to consider thinkin about Nivra before making a final decision ya?"

Why all this effort to defend her? Cordenth mulled the story over, wracking his brain for the why. When his skull itched, he snapped to her, eyes narrowed and tail poised to lash. “You're still talking to her aren't you."

Her eyes drifted up, amber seas of concern and worry.

He snorted, casting her hair back. “Veledar is going to be so cross when he finds out."

“And?" She tugged his snout to stare her in the eye. Fire drying up that sea. “Since when do I let that thick-headed scaled idiot make my decisions for me?"

Caught in such a powerful ire, the dragon's scales tingled in indecision. Perhaps this was not a time to hold onto a dragon's stubborn pride. He rose his head, flicking a paw across his chest. “I'll consider it now. Just she won't be the first choice is all. Does that suit your thoughts?"

To his relief she nodded. “Knew you had some sense you green blowhard."

“Oh, I blow the hardest you know." He descended with a nuzzle, getting a laugh from his love that belonged to a creature three sizes larger.

“Is that what you and Veledar get up to when we're not around?" She kissed his cheek.

“Why would I?" His frills deepened in green. “Not like that of course." He stumbled through all different excuses as Lyndis held him like a giggling vice.

His frills fluttered like crazy as she caught his snout and pulled it to nuzzle at her chest. Soft fingers traced under his jaw, shifting soothing tides up his soul. His eyes closed as the wintery wind washed over them, letting the dragon focus on her enchanting scent and the warmth of her body pressed to his nose. She soothed the troublesome mind about his mother's influence, simply proclaiming in a confident tone that all he had to do was keep a level head, and to ignore those “Emerald Lady" like thoughts. He chuckled at his foolishness, adoring each excited beat of her heart. How he wished to simply stay like this, hearts aglow, spirits rising, and non to bothered with hardship.

Arcturus brought it all crashing down, his coming question like claws dragged down a chalkboard. “Lyndis? Fancy a bout in the training field? Sword arm is getting itchy, not to mention we need to do a lap or five. All this lounging around isn't good for our physical health you know."

The rogue sighed. “Only the gods know why I keep letting you drag me there. People might start to think the princess has a thing for the Lumarian knight."

“Good thing there is no base for such rumor." He stated, meeting Cordenth's jealous eye. “I'd imagine you're afraid if danger catches us unaware again."

“You might be right. “She rolled her eyes, giving Cordenth a smooth. “Or I feel like knocking a few steel heads on their arse. Maybe you won't wind up in the dirt again?"

Cordenth's paws kneaded the roof. He was losing Lyndis to the knight? “Hey!" He grumbled, smacking his tail. “Can't you see how comfortable we are? Go take your playing somewhere else. Maybe the bull be your playmate.

“Shush that snout. You know it isn't playing." Lyndis giggled and silenced him with a kiss. “I'll be back later you know. Arcturus' heart isn't the one I pine for."

“Yea…But must you?" He whined, giving her the largest eyes, he could muster. “Wouldn't you rather stay here, pressed up close and enjoy the view? Perhaps we can go for a flight? Or enjoy a delightful fire!"

“Oh gawds divine yes." She moaned, kissing his scales. But with her next breath she'd slipped free of his careful paws. “But that can come later! In our line of work something is going to come knocking. I for one expect to be ready when it bloody does. Sides, while helping folks mends the soul, training builds the body." She gave him a wink and curl of her bicep. “Perhaps try it yourself? Instead of being well.-“

“A dragon?" He hissed, narrowing his eyes as she teased him by blowing a kiss. It was his time to fume and thwack his tail in annoyance. “Go have your fun." He flicked his frills. “Try not to fall madly in love over your obsessions of physical fitness."

“We can't all be dragons you know." She leaned in, kissing his lips. “Some of us have to work to be great."

Of course, she knew the way to his heart. Curse her womanly ways and the tender way she caressed his neck. Already the jealous scales had started to recede, and he was on the verge of softly purring. “You're great too you know, a delightful wonder to beho-“

“Besides." Her finger poked his snout. “You're going to question Fremra about all of this. See what she thinks."

“I am?" Up went his head. “Since when did I agree to that?"

“Little bit of nowish." Their noses almost touched as she cupped his chin. The look she gave him only grew his yearning for her to stay. “Do and try to keep up, we mortals are putting that clever brain of yours to shame."

“We'll see how the cleverness is rewarded." He sighed, defeated. “Like that thorn incident years ago, I'll get this over with." He flicked his forepaw. “Terrible thing."

“A thorn?" She chuckled in disbelief. “Must have been quite the shard!"

“Well…more like the fragment of an unfortunate violin I…Stepped on." He glared as she giggled as his frills burned. “Laughing at a dragon opening up? He nuzzled along her neck, “I thought you had more wit between them ears."

“I do when the dragon isn't predictable." She whispered, lovingly caressing the base of his frills. “Now don't let the dragoness keep you too long, I'll do the same for ole dashing here. When we're done, think we can do some private dragon riding?" She gave him a wink.

“That a royal decree?" He rumbled lewdly, already shifting his haunches at the idea of a night filled with pleasure.

She leaned back, returning his enthusiasm. “Consider it one." She leaped down from the roof, but with a recitation for the spell feather fall she gently touched the stone. Around her arm went around the patient knight, her grin from ear to ear. “Don't give me that look. You know the maintenance required with dragons. Now let's take them footwork you have and toss it in the bin."

He watched until the pair slipped around a corner and vanished from sight. Not wishing to feel guilt's hard weight he avoided gazing to the crowds, instead choosing to watch the sea. For a few minutes he simply watched the waves, the slow rolling of the darkened clouds above. How long had he helped those people? He hadn't even counted, the clocktower answered him with four thunderous chimes. He groaned and stood to all fours, shaking off any loose snow. Suppose while the humans were getting their chore like play done, he could do the same. Partially he hoped she had nothing on the subject. Where would they be anywhere? Fremra wasn't generally particular and where she dragged the sack of red scales that was Veledar.

Every day it was somewhere new. Someplace that contained a regent or natural enchantment she would use to heal his condition. Hundreds of spells she must have already tried, painted runes so many times on his scales that they left marks. Yet countless of times she'd already dragged the red dragon through the snow dunes. She claimed it was to help the red focus, but Cordenth didn't know how that was possible, especially as his scar ached from the cold, no doubt worse for the red dragon, his kind enjoyed far warmer weather.

Yet no matter the power or the effort, he remained a powerless and wingless creature. The port seemed like a good place to start, it was close to the sea and had numerous of the trees that lined the streets. Something the teal used to leap about when in a hurry, and wings weren't fast enough.

He swooped over the buildings, scattering snow in his wake, drawing eyefuls and pointing fingers to his underside. For a flicker of a moment, twin pegasai riders changed course to intercept him. His heart flickered with worry as he continued his search, sighing as they must have caught sight of his scales and returned to their perches.

With a bumby trott and numerous excited voices hollered, the dragon landed amidst the pier. Besides a passing glance eyes didn't seem to linger. The waves of mortals here were far too busy tending to the boats that called this harbor home. They sat in at least a dozen different ways, their sails bound and begging to be freed. The breeze smelled heavily of fish, mixed with the salt of the sea. He pinned his wings and began sniffing around, scanning all the water soaked wood. Yet no sign of the teal ness or her red student could be found. Not even a lingering aroma of a summer's fire! He prodded and inspected numerous of her trees, once more coming up empty pawed.

Abandoning his search with a low growl, he leaped with a flurry of his wings to the air. If she wanted to be around snow, then the most likely place would be in old town. The structures built right outside the city walls, acting as a temporary home to those coming in. The green's scales shivered at the sight of the new construction going on, long timbers being nailed into frameworks to be used. He caught sight of the blackened remains of the destruction months prior. When a metallic dragon had descended on Veledar, really his mother's soul trapped within a metal shell.

In a way it was a testament to the mortal spirt as he passed. Through all the ash and misery they were hiring laborers and carpenters. Truly a phoenix in spirit if he'd ever seen one. As he flicked his membranes his thoughts drifted to the past and what he wanted. Could he and his ideals possibly bring dragon kind out of the ashes they'd built?

He followed the river out of the town, curling around the covered bridge found there alongside the windmill. Emerald scales caught the sight of a half dozen guards, leaning on the old timber and joking as their pegasai mounts cantered around in the snow. The humans waved to him with leather bound hands, he returned it with a slight bow. They each bore the darkened tabard of the sapphire guardians, Storm's personal protection of the city. If they bore the dragon's respect then he would return it.

Beyond the playing horse birds was a stark contrast to the crunching snow around. Teal and bright red, standing out worse than a sore thumb. The dragoness was currently drawing a line with her tail around the sitting red, her orange frills glowing as her head bobbed up and down. She seemed to be humming to herself as Veledar closed his eyes, his own tail curling around his hinds.

“Why…isn't…this working?" Veledar growled, dramatically falling with his back to the snow. The wingless dragon batted at the air like he'd a bird, flailing around the snow that'd clung to his paws. He was left panting, staring daggers at the clouds. His orange-tan frills flared in and out with his breaths like. “Are you sure you're doing the spell right?" He rolled to all fours, white clawed paws battering the snow. “I didn't even feel a flicker that time. Are you sure you're putting your best paw forward?"

The towering ness rumbled without care, her jovial swish of her tail a fire Veledar's rain couldn't exstinguish. She proceeded to poke and prod with her curious claws. “You know." She chuckled with a singsong voice, making sure the dragon half her size was staring into her eyes. “It might not be wise to flare like an inferno to the sea's inky depths. But to answer your question little red. Yes. As I do with each individual thing I try. You came to me for help" She flared out her orange membraned wings. “So that's what you're getting. Whether you like it or not now. So, get back onto your haunches and focus. Or is that simply below one of your ability?" Her smile came mere inches from the red's armored snout. She knew she had him figured out and wrapped around her scales.

The red fumed for several moments before settling down his haunches in the snow. “Fine. But it's my choice to continue. I'd like to get my wings back this century."

“Oh heavens you expected that soon?" She laughed as Veledar's eyes filled with fear. “I jest of course. Now.." She grabbed Veledar's rump and pushed it into the snow. “Sit your tail down and get to meditating. It can be quite relaxing!"

“And what brings you to our little show?" Fremra swung around, leaving Veledar to grumble to no one. Her haunches swayed with interest, as she fixed Cordenth with an inquisitive stare. “ Last I heard you and your friends were helping the refugees?"

He nodded, glancing around at the fields of snow-covered plants. “Noticed that you weren't there. “

“But in spirit I was. I caught some fish and conjured up some of the supplies you provided." She padded around him, playfully swishing away some snow. “I have many duties to attend to now adays," She gestured to Veledar with a wing “Especially with this curiosity. Never seen magic be stopped this way".

Without pause he shared to her why and what he had come for. The dream, his worry, even how he didn't want to resort to using his mother's advice. Though he neglected to mention the parts with Lyndis, let that be their little secret for now. He didn't want to leave her embarrassed, or possibly give this powerful dragoness a reason to doubt helping him.

She didn't seem phased in the slightest. In fact, her tone hardly changed at all. “All dead were we? How peculiar."

“Presumable." He shifted from paw to paw as the larger dragoness glanced to the city wall with a longful look. Like one would look to a distant home you might never see again.

“I certainly don't like being dead."

“I don't think anyone does."

“Well of course they don't." She chuckled, “Then you have to fly around and be all celestial and stuff_._ Who has time for that_?_"

Veledar snarled in their direction, “Trying to calm my mind over here. How do you expect your greatest student to work with all your nonsensical blathering?"

Fremra just giggled, calling to him with a thwack of her tail. “You must learn to block out distractions! Consider this a bonus round of sorts!" She wrapped a wing round Cordenth, dragging the young dragon away. “On an unrelated note. Keep your meditating, I need to have a chat with your green friend!"

“Making big assumptions here."

“Really?" Cordenth's glare almost set the air ablaze. After all they'd been through, the adventure he went on to save him? Then to spit out a statement like that? He choked it up to irritation and vowed to chew out the dragon's later for this slight. Now he had a teal snout nearly pressed to his shoulder, and she was already sniffing. “Uh.." He pulled back a paw. “May I help you?"

“You smell like your mother did you know this? Very much like a pine tree."

“I'd hope so." His tail curled round his hinds. “I'm her son. Makes sense."

“Okay. So from what you told me." She led him a few dozen paces, far from Veledar's earshot and next to the beginnings of a farmer's field littered with snow. Lingering posts of wooden fences poked like gophers through the wintery blanket. “I think you're right in assuming it's the future." Her claws drummed across her snout as she sat, her tail accidently cracking a part of the fence. “Whoops." Her frills pinned. “We'll send the family a nice gift basket."

“And?" He searched around, making sure he didn't do the same mistake before sitting. “We already thought of this."

“And yet you came to me." She grinned, “So you probably want to listen to me speak yes?" She didn't wait for him to answer and covered his snout with a paw. “We need to talk to your mother to be sure. I know very little about predicting the future."

“What…no..how.."He mumbled his frustration into her paw.

“Oh right!" She chuckled, removing her paw. “Now does your mother still have that nasty sickness of pride?"

“Don't you?" He rubbed his snout, making note of her strong grip.

“Nope. Worked that bit out of my scales years ago." Again, her tail thumped, this time taking out a different portion entirely. “Two gift baskets!"

It was hard to tell if she was messing with him or truly trying to help. Especially as she waved a paw and a snowball the size of a cart rolled into his side.

The red snarled and cursed in her direction.

“I'm not playing games red! Should I go on about expecting the unexpected again? Seldom will things just allow you to focus your mind. Better start small. Like a snowball or a splash of water, you know, before we move it to rocks and statues."

“What?"

The ness chuckled as the concern in Veledar's voice traveled through the air.

“You're joking right?" Cordenth chuckled nervously. “You're not really going to hurl statues at him."

She just hummed, happily swishing her tail. “Guess we just have to find out huh? Very exciting if your name is Veledar."

He chuckled again right alongside her. How much was she like his mother? Unreadable in a bizarre way, yet totally in control of the scenario? The only thing setting him at ease was that she was mated to Storm. That had to count for something.

She tapped his snout with a gentle claw. “Before I forget, you need to know. Blood doesn't make you who you are. Terrible things can happen when you start doing that. Best to let your actions boil the blood."

Well that was random. “Thanks? But why now?" His head tilted, “In the time I've been here you've said seldom close to anything to me."

“And how about you?" She sighed, rolling a paw, “Have you come talk to me?"

He shut his snout.

“Exactly. So, you must think to yourself. Should she entertain every male that wanders into her home? What would Storm think? How would she get anything done? Why wasn't there enough tea?"

Veledar once more interrupted their chat. This time announcing that he was done. “I can hardly think with your chattering!:

The ness sighed, “If that's all you can do then fine. Go stretch your limbs, relax. But we go again in a few hours."

“And what makes you think this will work? The regenerate didn't work." He gestured to a pair of runes where his wings used to be. “The spirit healing didn't work, nor the potions. Do you even know what you're doing?"

“No!" She smacked her paw down, “But I'm trying. So you think on that while you mope. Don't think you can hide when I come searching for you." She shook her scales, snorting her fury to the chilly air.

The red slunk away, flashing Cordenth a narrowed look. “Enjoy watching me fail?"

A time ago he'd have agreed. “No, but keep hissing and snarling like that and my sympathies will wear thin."

With a powerful command Fremra bid Veledar a day, “Our guests here needs to talk to me. About his mother."

Cordenth's eyes nearly rolled out of his head. His blood hadn't even settled down yet and he'd be dealing with his mother?

“Roll your eyes all you want, but don't be surprised when I smack you. Achaaz went through that phase. Don't think I won't berate the Emerald Lady's son."

“Fine." His blood cooling after a few dozen breaths. “So, we contact her somehow. You have a magical mirror or something?"

“We could do that." The dragoness grinned, “But I have a better idea. One she won't be able to ignore with her tricks."

“And what would that be?" His head tilted, “And why would she ignore me?"

“Me." Fremra patted her chest. “Spell doesn't exactly tell her whose talking for whom. Nothing I say is going to get there."

“Then how? Surely you don't mean to travel across the undead infested lands. It would take months to get us there!"

“Oh, don't laugh." Her paw seized his maw once more, her eyes brimming with mischief. “I can take us there now."