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Scales and Honor: Emerald Secrets

Chapter 3: The Lady's Hoard

Cordenth led the party of adventurers through the smoke that washed over the ground, and more importantly, away from the Emerald Lady. Veledar was certain the room shifted around them, because the trip out was considerably shorter than the way in. When they finally emerged from the lair, the sun shining high overhead, the golden rays sneaking their way through the sea of leaves.

"Do try to keep up." Cordenth said as he fluffed up his wings, curling his neck around with a smirk.

Oh, he better not fly! Veledar readied himself to pounce upon the green whelp and drag him down to the ground once again. To his disappointment however Cordenth met his gaze and adopted a submissive posture and folded his wings against his back. The green dragon waved a paw, causing yet another path to form.

"So, anyone wonderin' what a village run by three dragons is like?" Merlia asked.

"Only one dragon!" Veledar snapped, "The other two are her servants." He snickered as he heard Cordenth snarl in front of them.

"After meeting her, I imagine it's a horrible place, where the people are treated just like slaves." Lyndis's brow wrinkled as her voice took on a sterner demeanor. “Trust me, I am not bloody thrilled to be here."

Through the rain of words poured down by his friends, Veledar noted that Arcturus had stayed silent the entire time during the walk. Veledar smiled. There was no way he was going to let the paladin brood all the way to the village.

"So, what are the paladin's esteemed thoughts on the matter?" He cocked his head down at the human.

"Curious, actually, since this village has been here for a while by the looks of it." Arcturus glanced back up at him, his eyes shining bright with curiosity. "Am I right to assume as much, Cordenth?"

The green dragon turned his head back so that he could focus his eye on the human, "Indeed, although it should come as no surprise to you." With a harsh snort the green dragon returned his attention to leading them to the village.

"So how do you feel about the Emerald Lady?" The man gave him a smile. “You looked rather fierce when you stood up to her for us."

"Oh, that came natural, after all we've been through. Course, the rest of you looked rather intimidating for mortals as well. I find myself annoyed with her. I hate all the delays presented before us. I just want to get to your city, get my book back, give your king a piece of my mind, and be done with this quest so we could do something even more exciting!"

"She had good points though!" Lyndis chimed in from behind, causing Veledar to roll his eyes at being reminded of that.

"Yes, I know, dearest Lyndis, and that is what makes it so much more annoying than usual. Everything has to be so complicated." Veledar sighed. “Nothing like a heroic story at all."

The path they took lasted for about a quarter of an hour before Cordenth stopped suddenly inside a corridor clear of any sort of vines. "Well, we are here."

Veledar looked around. There were no buildings, no stalls, nothing that he would call a village. There was not even a hut or a meager tent for the mortals to sleep in! "What are you playing at?" He padded over to Cordenth, thrusting a talon on his scaled chest. "Is this some sort of game? Lead us to the middle of nowhere to waste our time?"

"Veledar." Arcturus suddenly said, but Veledar ignored him.

"Because I find this very rude considering the way your mother wrestled us from the sky for an audience none of us asked for. Perhaps I had been a little too lenient during our confrontation. I should expect from a little whelp such as..."

"Veledar!" Arcturus shouted, and this time he felt the human shove him with his shield.

"Hey, just because you know my name, you shouldn't just sh----" He turned to Arcturus to see the human pointing up. Veledar looked there.

Up in the treetops were numerous wooden structures, practically growing from the trees. If it was done with magic, Veledar could not see any signs on the structures. The buildings were connected by wooden walkways that were large enough for a dragon like Veledar to walk along and still have room at his sides.

"Satisfied?" Cordenth said with smugness dripping from his snout. Oh, how Veledar wanted to smack that look right off his muzzle. However, with one look to his friends, he held himself back. Be the bigger dragon as it were

Cordenth then brought them to a particularly large trunked tree that had a spiral walkway traveling up around the sides. When they had walked the length of the wood Veledar got a good look at the people walking around this tree top village. They seemed to be a collection of different races, clad in simple green tunics and brown pants. As expected, their activities seemed as simple as their clothing. They seemed to be in the middle of bringing supplies back and forth. With a sniff, Veledar determined it was cooking supplies, if the smell of fresh spices was any indication. He watched the collective of people shift their gaze to him, and noticed the wonder in their eyes as they stared at his crimson scales. He figured it was their first time seeing another dragon besides the green ones.

So Veledar naturally swelled up his chest, unfurled his wings, and held his snout high for all of them to see. He walked like this for a bit until snow white gryphon emerged from the collection of people. His black ears were erect and alert, stripes adorned his tiger like bottom half. Wings were pinned to his back as the proud looking beast padded his way to them with an aura of confidence in the swish of his tail. Across his ebony beak was a single scar, thick enough to have been done by a blade. The beast came to a stop, standing taller than Arcturus but smaller than the dragons. He had a green shall wrapped around the base of his neck, with a single golden dragon stitched into the cloth.

"I can take it from here Cordenth." The gryphon bowed his head to the green dragon with the upmost care befitting a lord.

"Be sure to show them around the place." The green dragon flicked his tail in their direction. “Despite my reservations they're the Emerald Lady's guests for the evening. Treat them with the utmost respect." Yellow eyes met the red's own, voice laced with a low growl. “The red's going to be staying with us."

"Separate from the others?" Veledar tilted his head to the side. He had always heard splitting the group like that was ridiculous. He cleared his throat and gave a firm, "No." He heard and tried to ignore the collected sighs from his friends coming from behind him.Veledar held up a paw and waved it dismissively at Cordenth, "So you run and go tell your mother we will not be splitting up. I shall be here. Staying with my friends." He gave the green dragon a large, tooth filled grin. The sounds from the girls for his choice of words also brought little glimmers of warmth to his heart.

Cordenth seemed taken aback, almost as if he could not believe that Veledar had refused that request. "Fine," the dragon growled, "See what I care." Cordenth then bounded off the walkway without another word. He spread his wings and glided to the forest floor below.

"Well, good riddance to that green whelp." He snorted once, fluffing up his wings and watching as the green dragon disappeared into the thick trees. With a satisfied hum his attention drifted to the gryphon who had been talking to Lyndis about the trees or something."So what is your name, kittybird? Or should I just call you little gryphon?"

"Veledar!" Scolded Lyndis, smacking him on the scales. He ignored her outburst for now, probably trip her with his tail later and pretend like it was an accident.

"How very rude of me." The furred kittybird chuckled, bowing to Veledar in the same way he had done the green, with all the respect befitting a lord. “My name is Croesus, favored servant of the Emerald Lady." His yellow eyes shone brightly as the dragon seemed unable to resist smirking from such a display. "Would you like a tour of our village as well, great one?"

Great one? Now this he could get use to. "See, Arcturus?" He tilted his head back to grin at the man. “If you all treated me like this, I might be more tolerable."

"You'd get a bigger head den an airship," laughed Merlia, "Den we would have ta carry you everywhere. Be quite the tales!"

Veledar rolled his eyes as he imagined smacking the dwarf off the walkway with his tail. However, he held himself back with a smile instead. "We would love to see your village Croesus, but where can my companions put their things? I imagine their limbs grow tired."

"They're not your servants?" Croesus' brow raised as his eyes drifted to his friends.

"Why does everyone seem to think so? They're minions. That's a big difference from servants." Veledar snickered as he looked back to the others.

"Don't even get any ideas," Lyndis tapped his chest with a finger. "Besides, if anyone should be waited on hand and foot it should be..."

"Your highness?" He countered, his frills fluttering on either side of his head. "Don't think I will let your trimmed pants live that one down." He laughed in his head as the half elf suddenly shut her mouth, and her ears turned a slight red.

"I can take you to our inn. Sometimes our Emerald Lady has need of it for her guests." Croesus waved to the others, motioning them to follow as she began to walk among the walkways.

"How often does she have guests?" He padded after the cheerful mortal, gazing out to the forest like town.

"Oh, every month or so."

Veledar made sure to hold his head out, or beam his teeth in a smile. They passed numerous houses as Croesus talked about history and such. Veledar however paid him no mind as he was too busy showing off to pay attention. He was surprised when they suddenly stopped in front of a building built into the side of a large hollowed-out tree. The doors were large enough that it appeared he did not need to squeeze through them. They had several stories of windows that seemed to have glass in them to look out. On the front door was a picture depicting green dragon holding out its arms to a collection of humans kneeling over in prayer. Veledar was reminded of Trost, and he missed the gryphons he had sung along with over a gulp of drink and mouthfuls of food.

"Do they have any good drinks? Also food."

“Looking to sing with more gryphons?" Arcturus chuckled.

“Possibly." He muttered, gently shoving the man with his side. “Missed my serenade, did you?"

"Can you possibly care about something else other than what to put in your belly?" Lyndis snapped her head up, her hands folding across her chest.

Croesus threw her a quick look before she decided to reply to Veledar instead. "Well, we don't partake in it often, but the two masters Cordenth and Lyyreth like the taste of our wines from time to time."

"Wait, they come down to visit you from time to time?" Lyndis pulled her head back, "I got the impression they were simply too sated on their own superiority to come and visit you."

"That is not true!" Croesus' eyes widened like those of a deer about to be struck down by a predator's claws. “Lyyreth likes to come down and play with the children. I've heard he is quite good at dodgeball, a game they play. Cordenth on the other hand likes to come down as a human and engage in our dances. He puts up a tough better-than-you-attitude, but we have seen him caring and yearning to leave this place. I think his mother keeps him around for her own devices, and he resents her for it."

Veledar had wondered why the two dragons were still here in the forest. If they were not that much younger than he was, they should have left the nest quite a while ago. Perhaps while they were here, he would have to push them out from his mother's clutches. Teach them to be less whelp-like.

“I would like to see the beds."

"And beds, can't forget about those." Lyndis muttered under her breath.

"We have some of the best beds, o' great dragon." Croesus bowed his head ears twitching, “The rooms are large and have beds that are befitting of kings. However, despite that, I do not think they were made with one such as yourself in mind."

“We'll make it work."

Croesus led them into the mostly empty tavern, which had plenty of spaces between the tables for Veledar to walk around. It would appear as though the Emerald Lady had them construct it so dragons could visit here if they wanted. Veledar wished all mortal towns were like this. They passed by the barkeep, as Veledar started towards him. He was about to ask the man for some drinks when Arcturus grabbed him by his right horn. The human held it firm and started to drag him away. He gave a halfhearted tug and allowed the human to pull him away, "Awwwww" he whined.

They climbed a set of wooden stairs, hard and sturdy. They did not even creak when Veledar's clawed paws stepped on them. They stopped outside a well-lit hallway illuminated by lanterns that seemed to be giving off the same light as Arcturus' light crystal. There were six rooms with signs by each of the doors. Each sign was marked by a number, and a green dragon in a different pose. One curled up, one flying, or blowing poison gas, one roaring, one sleeping, and the last one meditating with its claws up. Veledar bolted towards the closest one, and opened the door in a flash. He heard Arcturus speak to a no doubt surprised Croesus, "Yea, he does that."

The room was rather spacious compared to the usual inn. There was a large bed covered in emerald and gold sheets that dominated the room. Veledar got close to inspect it. It was not big enough to hold him if he spread his wings up, but if he folded them close against himself, he could make it work.

The dragon plopped down on the bed, which sagged under his weight. “This feels so much better than a forest's floor." Veledar murmured as he rolled around, and came to a stop as he looked at the wooden ceiling. It seemed to be covered in thick, green moss. Veledar stuck his tongue out in disgust at this, everything else had been great. He shifted a bit and closed his eyes and drifted off into a relaxing haze of content. After a few wiggles of his tail and snaps of his jaw he'd had enough. No time to drift off to sleep, he had others to check up on! With a nosing snout he surged forth into the hall to find Arcturus' room.

It was not that hard to find. The human had obviously picked the room next to him. Well wasn't that considerate of him, Veledar opened the door with one of his paws. The paladin had already stripped himself of his armor and had on just his onyx tunic, dirt colored pants, leather belt, sword stashed in his scabbard and the rod the dragon had gifted him tied around the leather.

"Got bored already?" Arcturus grinned, as he was currently looking at himself in a human sized mirror hanging on the wall.

"Well, I can't go sleeping the day away." Veledar raised his head so that he was still looking at the human that now stood at the side of his field of view. “Besides, someone had to keep one eye on you guys. Have to be sure my investments are not running off."

"Oh, I don't think you have to worry about us running off. I think you might have us enthralled." Arcturus smiled, brushing a hand against Veledar's side as they walked back to the hallway. "So Croesus, how do they treat you around here? The dragons, I mean." Arcturus asked before Veledar could ask Croesus about the food.

"Honestly, they are quite fair, and don't treat us badly. Although the Emerald Lady has us perform tasks for her from time to time. I also already told you about master Cordenth, and Lyyreth."

"That sounds fair, but the burning question still remains. Are you free to leave?" Lyndis, rubbed her hands together as she exited her room. She was wearing simple brown pants, with a dark blue short shirt.

"Hmm…not exactly." Croesus stuttered, then apologizing before answering the half elf. "That is not our decision to make."

"That sounds like slavery to me." Lyndis frowned as she moved to Veledar's side.

“It's a tad more complicated than that..." The gryphon's ears splayed, one claw rolling in a circular fashion as he tried to find the words.

"Doesn't really sound that way to me," The half-elf glared at the bird, arms crossing against her chest.

"They are part of the Emerald Lady's treasure." Veledar stated, "It is what Arcturus said earlier."

"How can a person be treasure?" A heavy frown weighted Lyndis' fair feature.

"Green dragons like to hoard people, connections, favors, anything they can use to their own gain." chimed in Arcturus, sounding like he was reading from a textbook.

"She's blackmailing them into service then? Because that's the only thing that makes sense given the situation."

"Dearest Croesus, do tell my companion how the Emerald Lady went about acquiring you as part of her treasure." He turned his snout to Croesus, who was clearly growing more nervous with each passing moment. “Put my friend's fears to rest that you're mere slaves."

"I've seen her save a traveling troupe from some bandits." Croesus's eyes lit up. "Like an emerald guardian sent from above, she saved them, and killed every bandit that held a weapon. In return for her selflessness, they now live here and take care of her guests. This has been played out in many ways over the years. She doesn't force them unless they trespass on her lands."

"See? It's no different than people's in your kingdoms." Veledar said, smiling, "It's not as bad as you think."

"What it you wanted to leave?" Lyndis asked, ignoring Veledar. He wrinkled his muzzle and narrowed his eyes at his friend.

“Well, you would have to get her permission, which she usually grants. The only requirement is that you carry an amulet she gives you. It is so she can keep an eye on you, and request you return if she needs you."

"And if you do not wish to return when she makes that request?"

"Why would you not to return? She treats us well and gives us a haven to live in. We don't have to worry about bandits or disorder. Here, life has a charming simplicity to it. But to answer your question, I suppose she would go about retrieving you." Croesus than looked to the stairway, like he wanted to escape from this conversation and fly away, "I am not sure what else to tell you. Perhaps you would want to see the rest of the village instead of questioning me." Croesus turned around and headed back the way they came, and down the stairs. Veledar caught Lyndis shooting daggers at him with her eyes.

"I did not keep people as treasure!" He held up a paw and placed it on his chest. "Besides, they seem perfectly happy with their monotonous lives."

“Even a beaten slave can form a smile if the master requests it."

“Graaah, that word is starting to become mildly annoying. How can't you not see the positive side of it? If she did not help them, all of these lovely people would be dead!"

"Arcturus, help me out here. Clearly you can see how wrong this is!" Lyndis said, turning to plead to the paladin.

Arcturus stroke his chin. "Well, to be honest, they seem taken care of, not hurt, and they can usually leave when they want to." The human sighed as he looked to an angered Lyndis, "It is like our kingdom in a way, and she is their queen. I don't think anything needs to be done, unless of course, she is abusing their trust."

"Unbelievable!" Lyndis shouted, throwing her hands up as she began to follow Croesus.

"Lass," Merlia said, putting a hand on Lyndis' shoulder, "Perhaps go talk to a few more before ya start gettin all angry an roarin like a dragon."

"Fine," Lyndis put her arms down in defeat. “Although I doubt the good that will do."

Veledar followed the half-elf, with Arcturus right at his side. He breathed in deep and got a whiff of what the kitchens were cooking, and he nearly swooned from the menagerie of scents wafting along his nose. He smelled roasted chicken, boar and the last one that scent shivers down his tail. He smelled deer. He had to fight the urge to drool from his snout as he kept his eyes on the wood below him. He liked the food at his mother's cave, but real cooked food always carried better flavor. They passed through the tavern floor, only for Arcturus to palm his horn and drag him away when his paws had started to drift him towards the kitchens.

"I would not make a habit of this, Arcturus." He growled playfully at the human, "Or I might have to get physical."

"Maybe you should stop getting distracted by your stomach." Arcturus replied, pointing his finger into the dragon's tan chest.

"It's easy for you to say when your stomach is so small in comparison." He groaned as the annoying organ gave a gurgle, demanding to be fed. “See? Imagine how I feel when it makes it's demand!"

"Don't worry, I'm certain the food will be wonderful. Afterall, We've never had a dragon eat with us." said Croesus with a big smile. "The others will be thrilled and honored by your presence."

From the kitchens, they were brought around the village. Croesus was talking about rather boring things to his companions, as they kept asking the kittybird questions about the village. Menial things, like how many people there were, how long they had been here, and other mundane things like that. Veledar rolled his eyes at each one as the human's attention was off himself. They stopped for a moment as Croesus went on about living here, to observe children playing. Veledar noticed that Lyndis was watching in silence with a hand on her chin. Veledar could not resist and slunk over to the half-elf in thought.

"Still conflicted, your highness?" His snout followed a child throwing a red ball at another child. The ball flew through the ai, striking another child with a dull smack. Then despite this face attack they all laughed.

"Yes," Lyndis sighed after a long pause. "Perhaps this isn't so bad after all. Gods listen to me, focking making excuses! What does that make me of all things?"

"A good person." He rumbled as the children began running around again. He crooned his neck closer to the rogue, giving her a smile as his tail wagged softly behind him. “You care about them. Though my blood boils about their mistress, she seems to treat them well enough. Maybe even cares for them. I have read tales of lords and others of your kind treating people in…different ways."

"Yeah, I know" Lyndis kicked a wooden beam in frustration. Her shoulders rising and falling as she released a heavy sigh. She turned back to him, resting a hand right on his nose and rubbed around his nostrils. "Thanks for talking to me about this."

"Think nothing of it, princess." Veledar rumbled, although Lyndis' eyes narrowed at the slip of the tongue, "I mean dearest Lyndis." He fluffed out his wings, causing some of the children to take notice of him. They stopped their game to point at the dragon and smile. He, of course, held his snout high and puffed his chest out for them.

"You two coming?" Arcturus shouted, "Croesus is continuing with the tour! Going to leave you behind if you stay there!"

"Of course!" Veledar rolled his eyes with a snort. “Where would you be without you're wonderful dragon?" He turned to the amazed children one last time and let out a small jet of fire from his maw. He grinned when little cheers flowed through them. He bounded after the group when Arcturus called for him one more time, his tail smacking against a railing and nearly knocking over some villagers as he went. He called out his apology and padded his way back to the group.

Croesus next showed them the blacksmith, who seemed quite taken with his work. Arcturus started talking about the fine details in the man's craftsmanship, and Veledar figured the human knew of such things. After all, the paladin was clad in such a fine piece of armor. When they were done ogling the blacksmith's wares, they headed to the outskirts of the village, and back to the forest floor. Veledar kept his eyes on several guards as they passed by them on the way down. They were clad in chain mail with green tabards. They stood there vigilant and watchful, showing no sign of the glowing attention the rest of the town offered whenever Veledar walked by.

"So how many guards do you have in your employ?" He asked, "Didn't think you would need them, with the three dragons around here."

"Not too many, but when we have guests, we can't be too careful." Croesus said, holding his claw up. “Can't have the dragons here all the time can we?"

“Suppose not." He grumbled, glancing up at an older looking man carrying himself across the walkways with a cane. “Better things to do."

They finally made it to the outskirt of the village, to a large stone square made of smaller mismatched rocks. Right outside this landmark was a small hut made of sticks, and a brownish thatch roof. It looked like it was barely standing on its own, covered in years' worth of mud and grime. The roof had holes in it, windows were nonexistent, and looked to have been slashed at by a sharp object. Outside this hut sat cross legged a brown fur covered minotaur. His horns were curved and were a shade of off-white. He wore simple brown rags with a green sash around his waist. Lastly, what drew his attention about the minotaur was that he possessed a black spiked collar around his neck. The minotaur did not even open his eyes as they walked closer towards him.

"Now, if you go further along this path, you will come to a grand temple that we are forbidden from going into. It is rumored that the Emerald Lady built it ages ago. She has told us it contains many dangers and does not wish to see us hurt."

"So, who is the minotaur?" Arcturus asked.

"He is another of the lady's possessions, although he's kept here out of punishment. He did not choose willingly to be here."

"For what?"

"He has never spoken to us about it. He is forced to live out here in that hut, and to heal us when we are injured."

"So, a cleric, eh?" Merlia asked, "Ta what god does he pray to?"

"Once again I do not have an answer for you. He has not mentioned it to us, and hardly speaks a word." Croesus answered, turning back towards the village in a twirl, stretching his wings one after the other. "Well, that will conclude our tour, we best get back to the village. They are preparing a feast, after all."

Ignoring him, Arcturus and Veledar walked over towards the minotaur. Veledar picked up his pace so that he would arrive at the minotaur first. Which was fitting of a dragon anyway. He chuckled to himself as Arcturus' protest reached his ears.

"Minotaur." He swelled his chest, coming to a stop and curling his tail around him. “My friends have questions." He gestured to Arcturus when the man leapt over his tail. “For instance, what god do you follow?"

“That is information that you are not privy to, dragon." The minotaur replied sternly, casually opening one eye to drift his gaze between the two.

"I apologize for Crimson Sky's forwardness." Arcturus bowed his head. "I, however, would like to know how you were acquired by the Emerald Lady."

"You mean enslaved?" The minotaur's other eye opened as his eyes hardened on the man. "You lessen what she does by using that word. Though she was right to do so. I belong here."

"And how is that?"

The bull's gaze drifted out to the trees as a shiver ran through his fur. It seemed as though he was lost within a memory for a moment and nothing else mattered. His tail flicked across an exposed root before he returned his gaze and aloft a hand. "Come speak with me tomorrow and I will tell you my tale. For now, I grow weary and wish to not dwell upon my past."

"Come on, Arcturus, obviously this bull has nothing to say." He rolled his eyes, kneading the ground with his claws. “Besides, those spice-wrangling cooks are preparing a feast for us!" His mouth started to pool saliva as he pictured the dishes that he would get to sample. Happily snapping away as he enjoyed the company of friends. At least that would alleviate the frustrations of the day.

"I suppose." Arcturus shrugged, “Thank you for answering me, minotaur. I will gladly come back tomorrow to hear your tale. Possibly your name as well."

“As you say human." The minotaur nodded, giving a harsh snort and closing his eyes. Veledar slipped his tail around Arcturus, and it was his turn this time to drag the human back to the tour group. Croesus had been talking to Lyndis and Merlia it seemed to keep them busy. They swiftly resumed their walk to the village.

What had that bull done that he was kept here as punishment? thought Veledar. If it was something bad, why was he not frozen outside her lair like all the others that had gone against her? He shook his head and focused on the promise of the festivities. He took note of all the villagers that passed running by with green ribbons, and lighting torches for the coming night at hand.

He heard drum beats in the distance, although he did not find them annoying. Quite the contrary. Veledar surprisingly found his tail tapping slightly to their beat as they walked.

"They are goin' to have music?" Merlia gasped, "We can have a proper celebration! I havn't had one in years!" the dwarf than broke from the group, to no doubt go find drink and make a fool of herself. Veledar chuckled as the dwarf vanished into the various crowds of people.

Croesus brought them to an open area with numerous large tables where a group of brightly clad minstrels played on various wood instruments and drums. There was a particularly large table that had been formed by putting two tables together, obviously were they were supposed to sit. So Veledar strutted over to his spot as his companions took their seats at the makeshift table. It did not take long for the numerous villagers to file into the place as the sun began to set. Chefs clad in brown clothes brought out trays of various foods. A lot of the cuisine he could not name, figuring they were from Drenedar or Rothdell. However, he did spot some roasted animals among the silver trays.

Veledar smirked at the display of food before him. He could certainly get used to be catered to like this. He would lament of course, about having to catch himself a meal, perhaps if this was the norm, he would do it from time to time. Lyndis quickly grabbed some sort of blue pudding and started practically shoving it into her face with a spoon. She mumbled something, but with mouth full of food, even Veledar could not make out her grumbled words. Merlia had managed to file in with the others and had taken a seat alongside them, grabbing piles of the assorted meats. She also was sporting a large tankard of ale in her other hand. She gave a great big dwarven smile as she clinked tankards with Arcturus, who was sitting to the dragon's right.

The hosts then dug into their food as the minstrels kept on playing. There was laughter as the group told their tale to the people that kept listening with bated breath. Veledar could not help himself as he played up their fights and daring deeds. He even let out little streams of smoke or flame during the tale to really add to it. When the tale ended, the eating had as well. The villagers had gathered in the middle of the area to start some moving around with each other.

"Oh, they have dancing here!" Lyndis cried out, clapping her hands together.

"So, this is what you call dancing?" Veledar asked Arcturus, tilting his head to the side.

"Come on, Arcturus!, I have been yearning to move my feet for ages!!" Lyndis laughed as she dragged a red-faced Arcturus to the dance floor. If they were any good, Veledar did not know, but it was certainly entertaining to watch. They were at it for about fifteen minutes, then Veledar found that his tail had started tapping on its own to the music. He was done waiting on the sidelines. He wanted to try this dancing thing now! The quick-witted dragon did the quick spell to change his size and shrunk himself down and made his way over to the two dancing and butted himself in, pushing Arcturus out of the way.

"I wish to try this foot tapping for myself." announced Veledar as Lyndis and Arcturus just laughed.

"Hey!" the human protested, then crossed his arms. "Well, this of course is something I need to see."

Lyndis just held up her hands for Veledar to hold as she laughed in good cheer. Veledar reared up on his hind legs and held her hands. She quickly went over some of the basic movements found in the dance they were preforming. Although he tried to match her obvious skill, Veledar found his hind legs were not exactly suited for the suave movements of this thing. He stumbled more than once, taking the rogue with him tumbling to the dance floor. They both hit the ground laughing, only to get back up and try yet again. After the fourth time that he tumbled to the ground he thanked Lyndis and grumbled as he returned to his seat.

"Didn't do so well there, hmmh?" Arcturus asked the grumbling dragon. "Don't worry, you will get the hang of it eventually."

"Don't you think I won't." Veledar pouted after he removed the shrinking spell with a flick of his paw, "Besides, this wibbly-wobbly foot tapping pales in comparison to OUR dancing anyway." he continued, then stuck his tongue out.

"I know, you have told me before." Arcturus sat down with him to watch the others continue to dance. "Never knew a place like this could exist." Arcturus took a swig from his tankard. "Didn't know we had a dragon this close to Entis either."

"Well, she does seem like the secretive type." Veledar tapped the table lightly with his left paw, then curled his tail around the sitting paladin. He looked up into the sky, making out the stars which were bright as always. How he longed to be back into the sky. To feel the wind against his snout and wings, following the currents. And how he hated being forced to walk around like a common animal.

"Don't worry, we'll get you back up there. We just have to take care of this side quest for a little bit." Arcturus smiled, which made Veledar grin at his friend's reassuring words.

"You mean WE will be back in the sky."

"But of course."

They sat and watched the night rile down. Merlia found some dwarves to share her drink with, and listen to her crazy adventures before she had met the group. Veledar's favorite was about how she had hunted down a pack of displacer beasts to get the meat for another crazy dwarf's stew. Lyndis had danced the night away with the others, seeming to have gotten lost in the music the entire time. When everything had quieted down Veledar gave a big yawn and got up to head to his bed. He used his tail to drag Arcturus with him. He led the human to his bed and both plopped down onto it. Veledar closed his eyes and fell asleep almost instantly. Hopefully he would dream of flying, with Arcturus right with him, both of them cheering and roaring in joy the entire time.