Chapter 6: Reunion

With every step, Frema's home felt ever longer. It seemed to go on forever as the air filled only with her insidious humming. It sung for the better days of Veledar's youth, where he chased and scampered throughout this earth without a care in the world. Where tales of brave knights and heroic dragons set his imagination soaring with possibilities. The island of draconis that she spoke of? Only a legend whispered down to him by his wise mother, thought only to ease a spat between he and his sister.

Hanging lantern's metal winked as they slunk beneath them, reflecting images of the long lost time. He and his sister squabbled like they always did, something about their opinions of humans. How they'd despised them back then, their blood practically sworn for vengeance against them. With such confidence his sister had proclaimed her hatred for them, unbashful and with pride.

Their mother had swooped in like Bahamut's prophet, slinking around them with words to still their building ire. She brought them flying across their territory that day, engaged them in an active hunt of deer, and instructed them in their magical abilities. He'd been proud that day, not even scorching a scale on his mother's tail. Yet as the day stretched, talk soon was had back where she'd led it away. That of the wyrmling size hole in their family, brought about by a hunter's arrow.

“How I hate those stupid bipeds." His sister spat, her snout all wrinkled and close to snarling. Though he'd seen the hurt swirl about her eyes, no doubt mirroring his own.

Disappointment had never been more apparent in his adoptive mother's steely gaze. The cold aura about her even apparent to him. Her frills trembled in a way they'd not seen before as she pulled them close against her silvery scales. They were told not to hate them, but to forgive and not judge the actions of one family to their race. Yet as the young dragon had looked to his sister, seeing the loathing hidden within, he wasn't sure how right his mother was.

When pushed she'd only sighed. Starting a story like she did in such times, when she knew not how to get her message through. With a shaky voice she recited to them the story of the island of draconis. Where it was heralded as a place of peace, knowledge, and things dragons longed for. Where mortal beings and their kind lived together as one. No longer sharing battle or ire against one another. One solitary place where an order existed where dragon and mortal flew together not as two beings, but bound together what she described as a bond.

How silly it had seemed at the time to his younger paws. Why would they lower themselves to be ridden like a beast of burden? His reservations joined his sister, insisting that this place was all but a fairy tale. All to soothe the rightful hatred slowly building in their young hearts.

“Where are they now? His sister had demanded, stomping her paw. “I bet they're all gone. Killed by humans."

How patient and brave his mother had been. To look two hurting wrymlings in the eyes and tell them things were going to be ok. She hadn't yelled, hissed or snarled. She simply held them close, and let them vent.

 On that day, his future would have seemed so farfetched, equally a legend as this island. To have a human flying with him? Preposterous beyond reason. If only he'd known the joy in his heart he knew now back then. Perhaps she'd not look so tired.

Veledar snuck a peek to Arcturus, each step he took a dagger against his heart. Such words they'd shared and yet nothing had been resolved. What bile they'd tossed at one another, did things between Umraadi's always end up like this? It made his scales itch and twist in a way that drove him mad. Regardless, his words seemed to be etched painfully into Arcturus' face. The man was not looking at him, almost going out of his way to stay focused on the swaying tail of their female kidnapper.

How part of him longed to simply apologize right there and then, but pride snatched them right back, aided by the paladin's own words against him. With a long snort, what guilt he had vanished, replaced with the urge to grind his teeth. If Arcturus was truly sorry, then he'd apologize. Truly if he was to be his Umraadi, he'd not have said such things to begin with.

And if this were true, then neither would you.

“Stupid thoughts." He whispered to himself, trying to scowl at his paws. “You're supposed to be on my side."

“Why must we venture to this mythical isle?" Veledar called to Fremra, earning her inquisitive look that almost drew you closer. “Especially if it's merely a legend? An old wyrmling's tail to make them feel better. Look around at the state of this world. If there was a group of mortals that lived along side their dragons in harmony, we'd have heard of it by now."

The dragoness simply shrugged, disregarding his words with a knowing smile. “How certain you are in your beliefs. From the heart you speak with such passion. How can you do this I wonder? Here you walk carefree beside one you love dearly? Does this not mock your thoughts to no end? Do you think yourself so special that no one could replicate such a thing?"

Why must her words assault his frills to burn? He dashed away his snout, answering her with but a snort. Of course, that's exactly what he'd been thinking. That didn't mean she was to be privy to that bit of information. Arcturus and he had to be special. They just had to be.

“Exactly." She chuckled, holding her head high. “Special you may be, but not that special in the grand scheme of things."

How dare she say something like that! Especially when she was the one to be healing and building him up! Was this how she was going to inspire his confidence in her abilities? There was a growl building up in the depths of his throat, but a swish of her tail held it down. He could be cross at her later. Better he not ruin what she had planned, and ended up dead without any wings or magic.

“This place that you speak of..." Arcturus had to jog to keep up with their faster pace. “I presume you've found it. So, I must ask, what exactly do you hope to achieve there? A history lesson?"

The teal cast him a smirk, lavender pools winking in the torchlight with glee. “Put on that thinking helmet of yours paladin. We've had no luck with my magics or his attitude, his wounds run far deeper than I'd imagined. Often I speak of residual magic residing in the air. Places of power and prominence that can fuel or hinder magics we call upon. The island is one such of these places, some whispered it was blessed by the followers of Bahamut. It is there I think we will find what we're looking for, find long forgotten friends, and if we're lucky, be the answer we've been looking for."

“More maybes and possibly? Why didn't we start with this random chance?" Veledar's snout wrinkled, recalling every embarrassing training she'd had him do. “Before we started having me fend off boulders made of snow?"

“They're called snowballs, and we had to eliminate the other problems." Fremra chuckled, sticking out her tongue. “Need I remind you to be patient? You don't do smacking a fly with a sword. Nor do you fly before you're ready. We needed time to learn and assess what we were dealing with. It will be good to get away from the city and focus all my attentions on you for once."

She wasn't doing that before?

How his scales flared with an inner heat, he was surprised the ground beneath his paws didn't catch ablaze with the intensity. Yet, he held it all within, only lashing his tail. “How fortunate that I'll have your full attention. You spoil me beyond measure." He scowled back at Arcturus when he spied the human giving him a look that implied that he was the one being rude. She'd been the one to not put her best paw forward! “Best unwind your face Arcturus. I've been told they get stuck like that."

“Ah.There will be none of that.." Fremra spun around and snapped at them before they could start slinging words. “When we leave, everything will be left behind. Your friends, the troubles, this petty squabbling. If you truly hate each other, announce it now so we can go our separate ways."

Silence lingered as the pair exchanged worrying looks. Veledar's tail hovered as breath caught in his throat. Would the human say the words he dreaded to hear? With heart racing his frills pinned to either side. Those emerald eyes he'd found such comfort and warmth in were a storm of worry, billowing dread, unable to mouth a word.

It's a start at least. But he could be showing his sorrow better.

He hid his weakness with a grumble and low growl, curling his scaled neck upwards. “It would appear we don't hate each other that much." He growled, you may lead the way you domineering dragoness."

She merely shook her head with a laugh, “There we are. Find comfort in that for a change. Happiness doesn't last forever, but neither does anger or hatred. Everything changes if you give it time." She padded her way a series of steps, leaving the two with each other's company.

“I'm glad you didn't say anything." Arcturus murmured, rubbing his neck.

“As am I." He snorted, trying to not sound too relieved. He was a dragon after all. “We should probably follow after her before she has us leaping through hoops or something equally as crazy."

“Is that not your training?"

There was a hint of the man he knew. “But if you're paying attention, you're in the same flight as me paladin."

“Oh gods I think you're right."

He couldn't help but smile, slinking along with a happy swish about his tail.

They rounded the final bits of the dragon's home, emerging to the snow dotted courtyard they'd come to know. Fremra was already striding her way to storm with an interested tilt of her snout. The blue dragon was hunched over on his haunches, snarling and hissing as if in pain as he rubbed blood shot eyes. If Veledar knew correctly his scales looked marred and scuffled, like he'd just been in some sort of magical bout. He was going to ask, but Storm was glaring daggers at he and Arcturus when they came into view. Though he trusted the pair of dragons, he found himself sliding closer to Arcturus.

So he doesn't get hurt.

The pair of elder dragons were bickering like lovers. One would hiss and smack their tail, the other coo and press in closer with a look like they knew the outcome. Around the blue dragon Fremra slunk, massaging his pride and filling him in on their plan. Storm despite his grumpiness was rather accepting.

“And you're certain there is not another way?" Storm's blue snout rose, giving the teal a questioning look. She didn't budge in her convictions, merely sliding up to run her scales against him. With one rotation she curled her seductive tail around his, tapping his snout with hers until a heavy sigh tumbled out of him. “How is it that you know how to play me?"

“I had practice with the harp." She nuzzled her snout against his until the Blue's stern demeanor cracked and he nuzzled back. “Truth be told though. It was far harder to learn how to play."

He narrowed his eyes to appear to be hurt, but Fremra rolled her eyes and touched his nose to hers.

“Trust in me Umraadi. Just like all the other times." Her wing draped over him as the pair nestled up close. “Try to not miss me too much when I'm gone."

“I'll try not to. How empty the home is right now. With Achaaz departing and you as well…I'll be besides myself."

“You have Axton if you recall. I believe the boy could use a guiding hand."

He nodded, though his muzzle wrinkled. “Speaking of mages. You were right about the princess the entire time. She tired of her captivity. We should have listened to you."

“See?" Fremra chortled. “And you doubted me."

Veledar rolled his eyes, none in the least bit surprised. Of course the traitorous princess would go ally herself with a group of airship pirates. No doubt they'd be off to steal away a dragon, or deliver her back to her terrible excuse of a kingdom.

“She was kidnapped by pirates?" Arcturus blurted in concern, drawing both larger dragon's eyes. “Where did they end up taking her?"

“She hired them I believe. So, no need to rush to her aid paladin. I believe she was off to finish the quest you were on?" Storm rubbed at his eyes, “I believe that's what she shouted at me. It's quite hard to listen when you've been blasted by at least two dozen flares." The blue dragon winced and sighed, locking eyes with his lovely dragoness. “Perhaps I should not have been so cross."

Fremra sighed, nuzzling at him. “Always in your temperament. How even in these years you haven't learned. Even with the children."

“But they we're not loosing spells at me till I was near blind and deaf."

With a wiggle of her frills, the teal dragon's membranes radiated with a dull light. “Perhaps I'm remembering them wrong. I could have sworn Jandar's experiments did this on a normal occasion…"

Silenced passed between the pair as they both regarded the other in amusement. Whatever tension lingered was cast away as joyous cackles erupted in tandem with one another. In near tears they leaned up against one another, recounting times long since past.

Veledar and Arcturus were left stunned in silence, unwilling to interrupt the towering dragon's jubilant mood above. They scooched a tad closer, sharing a look of confusion. At least they both had that going for them.

“Just try to not take to long in whipping this whelp back into shape." Storm rumbled, pressing his cheek up against his mate. “You'll make the days seem longer than when Kendara the wise crossed the sands of Madash."

She bopped him on the nose with a smirk, “I doubt he'll take decades to do so. Though that really depends on him I suppose. Within his heart beats a dragon just as stubborn as you."

“Hey!" He pulled back, only to be drawn back in by an orange membraned wing.

“Yet we both know I was able to handle that weren't we."

“That you were my sea lily." He mused back, curling his neck around hers.

Could this go on forever? Envy slithered across Veledar's scales, burrowing deep into the marrow of his bones. It played him like a fiddle, winding his tail around Arcturus' boot. If not for the shake of his head he was going to be spilling his apology. Curse this female, she was going to be the death of his pride if he was not careful!

“Ahem." Veledar coughed, composing himself when Arcturus looked to him, “Before you two where locking tongues, this princess left without my Umraadi? I thought she needed our expertise in the matter? Shows how far the apple of rational thought fell from the proverbial tree of Lumara."

“Clearly she believed otherwise." Fremra uncoiled from her love, leaving him with a lick across his snout. “Perhaps if you'd have talked to her, things might not have escalated as they did. To heal both of you walk a different path. Perhaps in your next meeting you'll heal?"

“Make up with that…that…" He rolled his paw, trying to gather a couple of insults to lay bare before Fremra's paws. Though as she chuckled and waited, he was without an answer. With a huff he admitted defeat, lashing his tail across the snow. “I simply don't wish to. You know how traitorous she was."

“How of you paladin? Do you share the same conviction as your mate?" She shifted to a red faced Arcturus.

What bravery he displayed was summoned into a shake of his head, composing himself with a breath. “I'll hold my reservation. Stranger things have graced my life."

Still he defended her? How Veledar's ire burned as he rolled his eyes and paced through the snow. If he was going to be making up with anyone, Arcturus would be the first. With that done, then maybe he could get to work with that spell weaving traitor that sold him out. By the time he'd worked away his grievances, Fremra and Storm had exchanged their final goodbyes, just in time for Lyndis and Cordenth to come swooping in to give theirs.

When the news of their parting journey, the green dragon and his princess tried to protest most diligently. Fremra met their concerns with a hardened look and a lash of her tail. With a careful but stern voice she laid out her plans, insisting that if Cordenth was serious about his plans, then Veledar needed to walk this path.

“He may squirm, complain and moan. Yet deep within my soul I can feel this is what's needed. The powerful dragoness took a long drag of the chilly air, “I've never been one to ignore a calling. Nor will I be remembered as one that ignores it now."

“Just stay out of trouble." Cordenth was quick to jest, gesturing to Arcturus' pack. “I don't want to hear that you burned down the island during your stay."

“Forest?" Lyndis gave a chortle, “That's small potatoes for them. They'll have it leveled in but a week tops!"

Though he didn't join in their laughter, the red didn't lash out in protest. He was going to, it was after all a slight against his image. But when he was about to, she was there to lay her hand upon his snout. Since their journey began, she'd proved her friendship numerous times before. The nod she gave him spoke more than her words. Silence passed as she curled her fingers around his jaw, unsaid worry gleaming in her amber pools.

“Just come back in one piece you bloody oaf. You don't and I get kicking below your tail something fierce."

His reply was rather swift, accompanied by a smirk and swish of his tail. “You know I'm not a gryphon. You can't just disable me with but a kick."

“Give it some time and a big pair of boots. We'll figure it out together." She peered to Arcturus, giving him a friendly wink, “Don't go filling this one's head with nonsense while I'm gone. Nor get to slacking. What I said goes double for you. Make sure he comes back chipper as can be."

Now wouldn't that be amusing. He chuckled to himself, picturing the man rolling around clutching at his orbs. That would teach him a lesson for not apologizing first when he got the chance.

“We'll try our best as it were." Arcturus nodded, a solemn look about him. “See if this predicament can be bested."

With goodbyes and farewells exchanged, they made room as Fremra came surging past with excitement bubbling about her forepaws. With a snort down went her paw, tracing draconic runes upon the bark of their lone tree. One by one they flared to life with her magical words, connecting then flooding the space between. When she was done, the patch of tree looked like a shimmering pool of stagnant water. Steam rose gently above it's surface, inviting the dragons to approach.

Cordenth and Lyndis exchanged troubled glances and a brief kiss. No doubt their time in the deep fae lingering about their faces. With deep breaths they surged through the opaque barrier, disappearing with a soft pop upon the air. Just like that they were gone.

“Now it's our turn." Fremra stated calmly, already beginning to recast the spell the moment it faded into the ether.

Veledar caught Arcturus worried look. Those eyes asking thousands of questions about their coming safety. They fluttered draconic hearts, pulled at his frills, longing for ways to undo what was said. Without a word the knight's hand found his cheek, a moment of truth shining through the dread.

He could almost feel the warmth in the man's heart. He knew the bond had diminished, but he told himself it was still there.

“Ready?" Arcturus asked softly, gesturing with his head.

He nodded, striding side by side with his love into the magical realm of the unknown. Silently he just prayed this teleportation was leagues above what they'd experienced before. They passed through the barrier, letting a warm sensation splash and crawl up skin and scale alike. Gravity proved to have no mistress as their worlds began to spin, round so quickly they leaned against the other to not be swept away. The air smelled heavily of wax, practically sticking to the dragon's nostrils. There was something else lingering within, but they never got the chance to elaborate.

Just as quick the sensations all melted away, replaced with the bombarding rays of enchanting sunlight. Beneath their paws dwelled a welcoming field of vibrant grass, rolling upwards towards the peak of a lazy hill. Around this clearing were trees of the most brightest whites and pinks that the dragon had ever laid eyes upon. They seemed to weakly wave in the breeze, beckoning them onward.

In the distance dwelled the rocky peaks of several mountains, covered in thick batches of green and brown of trees of all sorts. Breaking apart these were twisting rivers or rock covered cliffs, leading to the waves of the ocean waves below. With every breath brought the hint of vanilla, intermixed with the salty spray of the sea. Veledar stood transfixed, unable to look away at how warm and honied that everything was, painted lovingly by the bright sun overhead, unhindered by the scattered clouds around them.

Mist sparkled around numerous rocks or scattered shells along the shore where orange billed birds fluttered along in flocks of lavender wings. Together they surged and darted, warbling their freedom through the sky. Life of every kind could be seen from atop the hill, each passing second revealing more beasts and animals lounging or feeding away. For lack of a better word, this place appeared to be a paradise.

“Its not often I stand corrected, but this place." Veledar paused, his words prior seeming to belong to someone else. If anywhere a legend like he'd heard existed, it would be here. Hidden away within such boundaries that no one would dare sully it's good intentions. He couldn't find the words and let himself sit in silence, content to bask in the view with Arcturus' hand upon his shoulder.

“I never imagine in my lifetime…." Arcturus dropped his pack, pointing out numerous stone statues that seemed to poke through the tree line, trying to get a better view of their new visitors. Each one was a dragon of a different species, their regal nature captured for all time. “It's a good thing I brought my sketching supplies."

Sketching? His brow wrinkled as he curled around, “Why in Bahamut's name did you-“

Fremra emerged in the air beside them, erupting from the very grass. The teal dragon bolted across the grass, fluffing her wings as sunlight seemed to catch upon her eyes and make them twinkle like the greatest of treasures.

“How I've always loved this place." She cooed, cantering with a bounce in her paws. “Much better than that dreadful cold Storm is always on about."

Veledar nodded, nearly warbling his joy of shoving off that particular burden. Months of icy daggers to his scales forgotten as the sun sinfully caressed his every inch. “Why could we not try this sooner?" He basked in the warming rays, even shutting his eyes gently. “We've been in cold misery for weeks. We could have been relishing the sun's warmth this entire time."

“If I popped back here…" Fremra trailed off, “I'd never have wanted to leave. I can't do that to Storm." She composed herself with a fluff of her wings. “No matter though, I'll go find the dragons of the isle, warn them of our coming. Oh my poor son, now is the time you pay for all the mischief you caused me."

Before he could protest or even fully register what she'd said, she was already leaping gracefully into the air with a flick of her frilled tail. What envy burned through his veins as Veledar watched her glide across the treetops, almost as if she were trying to mock him.

“Sometimes I don't know if she's aware she taunts me with her wings." He huffed, accidently tripping Arcturus with an angry swish of his tail.

“You're aware not everyone is trying get under your scales right?" Arcturus groaned, dusting himself off as he stood. “That's just your own insecurities rearing their ugly head."

How he glared back at the man he loved. Eyes ever narrowing until daggers were flung at his humany face. “No one asked you did they?" He countered, striding a few yards away to flop upon his belly. If he was going to be left here like a human, he at least was going to do some relaxing.

“You asked me just now!"

“I was being rhetorical." He stuck out his tongue, letting his tail thrash be the end of it. “You're supposed to know that by now."

With a relaxing breath he closed his eyes, curling inward to himself. The distant sounds of bird's calling to one another filled his mind, shut out the taunts or slights battered against his pride. The wind whispered nonsense to him, almost masking Arcturus' boots as he approached.

“Not even five minutes in and you're already snoozing away?"

“Did you not hear? She asked us to wait. What does it look like I'm doing?" He flicked his tail, “You should indulge your inner dragon. Relax and not let the world bother you."

“You don't see the irony that this comes from your wagging tongue?"

“Not in the slightest. If you'd cease your mewing, I'm trying to get a nap in."

“Somehow I doubt the true dragon way is filled with such a sharp tongue and snoozing the day away."

““Oh poor human. How you still fail to grasp our ways. This island will be good for you. Learn much, perhaps then you can heal me." For good measure he swished out his tail, catching his Umraadi by surprise and tripping him once again. “Perhaps you should train that watchful eye of yours?"

Rolling to his side, the human's pride was still yet tarnished. Through a peak of his eyelids he caught a patient look, one brimming with an inner desire for revenge. Though that's what Veledar told himself as Arcturus strolled back towards his pack, starting to rifle through his things without a word.

Good. He could relax in silence without the constant interruptions of his human like thoughts. The proud dragon's breaths grew soft as the minutes passed him un accounted for. Consciousness almost left him as sleep repeatedly tried to coax him away into that strange realm. Yet somehow it eluded him despite his best efforts. The dragon was left upon his back, tail demolishing the grass below him as he tried to will himself to unconsciousness.

Sleep. He growled to himself.

“That doesn't sound exactly like sleeping you know." Arcturus quipped, having taken a seat with a piece of parchment and charcoal in hand. To Veledar's ire the human had already begun sketching the countryside below, instead of the beautiful dragon before him.

No surprise though that he's not. Not with a beast as hideous as you missing your wings.

“Its this infernal grass." He rolled to his belly, kneading thick lines through the ground, scattering dirt and grass in copious amounts. “It's uncomfortable and it pricks at the scales something awful." He lied, not willing to admit how he glared at Arcturus' parchment. Without a word he shot up, cantering towards the treeline, determined to find at least some peaceful place to rest his eyes.

He'd just gotten to the edge of the clearing when Arcturus voice gave him pause.

“Where do you think you're going?

“To explore." He rolled his eyes. “What does it look like?"

“Did she not tell you to wait? I think you're letting your impatience get to you. You're going to upset our caretaker."

How that twisted his blood. “Then she shouldn't have left us." Up went his head in a huff, into the forest he strolled. “If she wants to find me, she can follow my scent. She is the one with wings after all."

“Suit yourself." Arcturus went back to his sketching. One of the many statues as Veledar found, stomping over and jutting his nose in.

“You were just going to let me go? To a forest with untold danger and creatures at every corner?"

The man shrugged, “What do you expect me to do? You're at best three times my size. With your determination I don't have a chance."

He had a fair point. Plus the armband of strength wasn't anywhere to be seen. Though not to reveal his slight in judgement, Veledar simply grumbled and insisted that Arcturus wasn't trying hard enough. “I'll remember this you know!" He called back, slinking into the forest with little regard for what was hollered back at him.

*

Through the pristine white and pink flowered trees he padded, careful to not catch his horns on their twisted and gnarled branches. How their white bark seemed to imply they were somehow untainted, unmarred by mortal hands. With every pawstep the annoyance building within was battered away, seemingly stolen away with the orange feathered birds that raced and darted around his horns.

He snapped at them for good measure, at least informing them of danger when he got their wings. He couldn't help but smile, already picturing himself giving chase to their panic stricken flock. His path was only halted with the appearance of a grand dragon statue that stood at least twice as tall as he. It looked down upon him with it's blank eyes, or possibly at the other one that sat opposite it, haunches down with a clear smile upon her snout. Hopefully these were simply stones, and not the terrible creations he'd witnessed in another forest.

Though his mind wandered, the dragon gave pause. Along their scales he found clarity, picturing Arcturus clear in his mind without anger.

You should apologize.

“But what about him?" He wanted to shout, but couldn't find the words. When he recalled the conversation it had been he that blew the first fire. No matter how he saw it, he was the one to share the blame. “But he should have been better. The shining knight that takes…-“ The stone dragon seemed to squash that thought, judging him as a watchful parent.

“Fine then." He snorted, casting away his snout. “But only because I am the most humble and forgiving dragon around. He should be so grateful." Perhaps his human would be so grateful that they'd be able to relieve some stress together. It'd been so long since the itch between his hinds had been tended to. With a lustful lick of his lips the dragon shifted his haunches, he was determined to make this dream a reality. Though just as he'd spun around, the soft trickling of a nearby stream caught his ear.

A small dip would not hurt. Perhaps a drink to share? That would really lay thick with the romantic atmosphere, bring life to his salacious thoughts. With a happy trot in his paws he sauntered through the underbrush without care, sliding his scales uncaring for their assault on the trees. Though as he traveled, he noticed the bark around here had already seen the mark of a dragon's scales and claws. It was rarer around this stream for the trees to not bear the signs of a dragon. Even as little as the claw marks were.

The stream he found slithered like a snake, winding every which way across the rocks that rose above it's surface. It rolled and splashed most delightfully, even being home to a series of white feathered ducks that padded lazily along it's surface. By his estimate It would have submerged a small dragon or human, but not him. He slipped in without care, knowing the river hardly came up to his belly. It would do for now, and perhaps be the perfect place for his date later.

He splashed and swam, ducking his head into the peaceful waters to cast away his thoughts. The rocks at the bottom he batted around like a child's toy, even lapped uncaringly away at the rippling water. It tasted alright if he had to say so, peaceful a label had to be made. It reminded him of his younger days, where Covrias and his sister used to play.

What would they think of my adventurers now?

He'd ventured far from his home, infiltrated an evil castle, rescued a dashing knight, found a legendary island, that was only to be the beginning.

It must be anyway.

 He searched the trees for movement, lingering on a snowy pedaled beauty. How Covrias would have loved this place. He was always obsessed with having his own garden when he'd grown. Though silly as the idea was, would he be proud of his accomplishments? Able to brag at the legendary dragon that his brother had grown to be?

He fought a terrible lich, though he lost the first battle, the second one was legendary beyond measure!

At least that's what he thought he'd say. The red softly crawled back to the shore, his paws trembling as if freezing. When he glanced back to that rippling water, he couldn't shake the memory of that night. Nor the sound of his brother's cry calling back to him, begging him to stay just a moment longer.

“Please stay!" Garbled the silver dragon, hardly able to say another word through his blood caked maw.

But you were too scared. You ran didn't you. You left me to die.

Veledar stood still, heart racing in his chest. “I wasn't scared. I went to get help." No reply came to him, leaving the dragon in the soft trickling of the river. “I went to get help!" He snarled, startling the ducks right out from their peaceful swim. With a panting breath he crawled from the shore, shaking off and heading back to the forest.

This was supposed to be relaxing, not remind him of his past. It hardly mattered anyway when he thought of it. Sure it was filled with darkness and terrible things, but it was going to be all worth it in the end. It was all to be the struggling story of a dragon beset by the world. Through it, he would rise stronger than all the rest. Be the legendary dragon that he and his brother swore to be.

“Besides. What kind of legendary dragon would be scared?" He asked to no one, but already knowing the answer. “No one that's who."

It'd only seemed natural as the years went by. His strength, his magic. How could they be anything else but a legend in the making? They had to be anyway, he had no choice. If he failed to make his dream a reality than it meant everything was for nothing. All that pain and suffering was just that, pain and suffering to no end. He'd just be a simple dragon forgotten to time, hurt like all the others in their life.

And that fate is ridiculous.

The fight with the lich? It was a mere setback that was bound to be forgotten in a years time. That troubling time in the story where the brave hero pushed through and became stronger by the end of it. He could almost smile as the thought brought light into his darkened thoughts. He could already picture that undead monster hissing away as his fire did away with him for good.

Now isn't that the thought of the day!

He was already bouncing on his paws, almost slipping on any rock that was caught underfoot. With spirits high he bet that Arcturus and he would be made up by the end of the day. They'd be pressed close, whispering soft nothings until the human practically begged to be guided between the dragon's legs. Now that was the best idea he'd had. Oh how it lustfully burned through his veins, shifted his haunches as he threatened to slip free of his casing.

Not that could wait. He told himself, steadying himself with a calming breath. He couldn't count his gryphons before they hatched, that would only lead to disappointment. But either way it quickened his pace, lifted his head, and almost caught his horns in a branch. He had to duck and eye it with ire, but only for a moment. He had Arcturus to reunite with after all! His good mood was only shattered the moment he caught the scent of a strange dragon in the wind. One that was heading the direction he was, not too long ago, and straight towards Arcturus.

Not again. How many times was he going to have to save this man from dragons? All at once he began to sprint along the forest floor, not stopping to think things through. The only thoughts scattered between his horns was the safety of the one he cared for, and no doubt the favors that he was to owe him for such a noble deed. He smirked, knowing that whatever fight they had would fall to pieces over a bit of heroics. It just had to.

*

Up the hill he dashed, crushing twig and bush beneath his heavy paws. How he cursed his useless stumps. With his wings this journey would be over and no time, yet here he was galloping like a crazed horse. Over fallen logs and numerous rocks he scrambled, never losing sight of his previous path. Though he stumbled and nearly crashed to the earth, he avoided it each and every time. The closer he drew the intensity of dragon scent increased, intertwined with the smell of damp earth and an ocean's mist. What kind of dragons could these be?

Paws slowed to a near crawl, leaving his heart to go careening outward at a breakneck pace. With his luck this new foe would hear him from miles away. With narrowed eyes he scanned his surroundings. He almost shouted to his love of the coming danger, but right as he was opening his maw, he spotted the tiny swaying tail of a bronze wyrmling on the prowl.

She hadn't noticed him, far too engrossed with her hunt. Her diminutive muscles clenched and tensed, ready to pounce at any given moment. She was hardly any bigger than a large dog, no doubt that she'd only come up to Arcturus' waist. She had a blunted muzzle all covered in bronze scales that seemed to wink in the light that filtered through the canopy above. She had frills alongside her snout, including one that ran the length of her head to her tail. It was tinted a yellowish color, softly flexing as she flared her nostrils. Her white horned head cocked, emerald eyes fixated from the treeline to the unaware form of his sketching knight.

When this is through Arcturus, we really needed to have a discussion about watching your surroundings.

 He slunk behind her without making a noise, eluding her focused ears. With a growl and flash of his teeth he'd tossed her to her back, pinning the tiny wyrmling to the ground with his forceful paw. “What exactly do you think you're doing?"

Emerald daggers were loosed back at him as the wyrmling didn't even flinch. She didn't even appear phased that a dragon three times her size at least was atop her. She mildly glanced along where his stumps where, tiny brow raising. “What sorry excuse of a dragon are you? Did you leave your wings somewhere?"

Right off the bat she'd hit a nerve. “You speak nonsense. You're the one getting ambushed during your hunt. You're not as clever as you think you are."

“I am clever." She announced proudly with a swish of her tail. “Just like I'll just wait here till my older brother comes along. Then you'll be sorry."

Older brother? Were these the dragons they were supposed to be meeting? Not even an hour and he was already making a mess of things. “That human over there is mine. Any harm comes to him and you'll be sorry."

The bronze wyrmling flopped her head back, gazing at the oblivious man. “He doesn't have your name on him. Course maybe he does, if you'd only have let me get closer.."

“He doesn't have a tag like a pet." He hissed, “But you should be able to smell my scent on him. He's mine."

“Ewww." She gagged, “is that what the smell was?" She pulled back to grin at him, mischievous glinting in her eyes. “I thought I'd stepped in something."

“Are you even listening? Will you hurt that human or not?"

“If I say no, will you let me go?"

He nodded.

“No way I'm letting him go. We saw him first. Go hunt elsewhere for other humans. He's ours."

“Wow. He scowled at the smug little dragon. “That's amazing. Everything you said was wrong."

“That so?"

“Yes." He growled. “I saw that human far before you. There will be no eating of him this day."

At that the bronze wyrmling wiggled, hacking in disgust at the thought. “Eat him? Eww what kind of garbage dragon do you take us for? Guess that's what I can expect from big ugly here. We were just going to relieve him of some of his things."

“Ugly?" He couldn't help but pull away grumbling, “Clearly you're blind. While I may be a shadow of what I am, beauty can still be found among my scales."

“Not that beautiful." She rolled her eyes.

He was getting sick of this. “What's your name anyway?"

“You're worst nightmare." She said proudly without skipping a beat and batting his forepaw uselessly. When it was clear she was doing nothing, she slumped down defeated.

“You done?" He chuckled.

“Yes." She groaned. “But the look on your face when my brother pounces on you. Oh boy, I'm going to laughing till I cry." She suddenly started to yell. “Against my brother you'd be creamed."

What was she getting on about? He didn't smell another dragon. He looked around against his better judgement. No sign of this phantom bronze dragon she spoke of. “Nice try." He snorted, “But you're not going anywhere. You'll not be robbing me or that human over there."

“Rob is such a strong word! We were just going to convince him to hand over some things. Especially the shiny ones. You know, it's hard to resist cute wrymlings as we."."

“That's your plan? Rest it all on this cuteness you think you-“ He made the mistake of looking down to her snout, getting caught by the biggest puppy dog eyes he'd ever seen. His paw almost raised on its own, so swayed by her hidden power. Shaking his head he returned to nose at her with an amused grin, reapplying his weight to keep her bound. “You failed little one."

“Awww." She flopped back, giving out a heavy snort. “I didn't want to do this, but you give me no choice. I'll just have to sting you with venomous tail."

Wait what? A sudden thwack of his lower chest sent rippling shivers through his frame. He winced, trembled and nearly let his captive go as his body struggled to stay upright. Had she stabbed him? Ice crawled across his scales. What kind of venom did she possess? Would it eat his hide away? He hesitantly checked, finding nothing of the sort. Each scale was as pristine as ever, and the wrymling's tail didn't appear any different. “Yet again. Your trickery filled ways prove fruitless." He growled, trying to inspire any kind of fear in this indomitable dragoness.

“Damnt." The wyrmling cursed. “You're supposed to go limp and let me go. It always works on him."

“You're an annoying little dragon did you know that?"

“Dragoness." She rolled her eyes, “And it just figures. Of course your body is as dumb as your head. It doesn't even know when to crumble!"

He held his pin on her, waiting for her to finally cease her struggles.

“Fine." She slumped in defeat. “Let me go. I won't bother your stupid human."

Now they were getting somewhere. Even if she were try something again, he was far stronger and quicker than she. He thanked her for her humility, but when he went to raise his paw a booming voice hissed through the treetops above.

“Unhand my little sister you red scaled…wingless…Uh…"

“He's a dragon dummy!" The bronze wyrmling shouted back. “I know, trust me. I was surprised too."

“Yes…Of course. A dragon…Shhhhh Shadowquacks, don't jump down."

There was a ruffling of leaves along a slender branch not far from Veledar's head. It drew his interest as this voice seemed to struggle with this unseen Shadowquacks.

“Ah yes. Now that that's settled…Leave her alone or I will do terrible, terrible totally adult things to you with my claws. Like slashing…Or biting…weave some terrible magic at you…Like seriously hurt you bad. Don't even try it."

Was this serious? That voice wasn't even sounding like a grown dragon. It was almost like…He nearly laughed aloud, spying another wyrmling hiding among the branches. This one had somehow made his scales perfectly match the sky and the branches he was clutching for his life. It was nearly perfect, but he'd forgotten a single thing. To camouflage his baby blue like eyes.

“You know. On the scale of older brothers trying to do away with me. This has to be the worst bit of threats I've heard. I'd have at least thought you'd get my tail quivering behind me."

The dragoness below him flopped to the ground, sighing. “Could you be any worse at this?"

“Well you try coming up with stuff!" The branch wyrmling countered, smacking his paw and shaking his branch. “I've never threatened anyone this big for real before!"

He made sure to bob his head in time with the branch, smirking as he did so. “Though I admit the thing that ruins it most is I can see you on the branch." He locked eyes with the little one, “You're eyes need to be shut next time."

“Damn't." The little one above cursed, quickly closing his eyes and pinning his wings. “Er…Mind not the wyrmling on the branch. He is merely watching while I converse with you! It is not me! I am a terrible beast at least three times your size!"

The wyrmling below him smacked her snout. “You're not fooling him Xervir. By Bahamut I can't believe believe you failed at camouflage. You're supposed to be good at it!"

“At least I didn't get caught while on watch!"

How they reminded him of his own siblings. Especially as the wyrmling above suddenly stood up, his scales shifting to an appearance like his sister. His body however was more muscular, the scales were more dull, and his frills had streaks of vibrant red.

“You know what Emmess?" Up went the red's snout as he left himself glide to the ground with a soft landing. His tiny black clawed paws kicking dirt over his sister's tail. “I quit. Best of luck trying to do this on your own." He puffed out his chest, strutting off as a white feathered duck on his back eyed Veledar with a glare so menacing the red dragon thought the avian would leap upon him right there and then.

Veledar rolled his eyes, letting the dragoness below squirm and thrash defiantly.

“Traitor!" Emmess hissed, “No wonder why I don't go with you and Briva's plans. They're always stupid!"

“Your plans aren't any better!"

“Yes they are! They always succeed!"

“Since when? I've seen them never work. Like ever."

“Are they your plans?"

“Oh I see, they're only my plans when the fail!"

“Yes!" Emmess flopped dramatically, “You finally understand."

Veledar was at his wit's end. “Enough." He silenced both with a savage snarl. He cherished this reprieve as fear now dwelled in their tiny eyes. But as he gazed upon them, Emmess' words suddenly occurred to him. “You have another brother?"

“Yea." Emmess said pridefully. “And he's already sneaking up on that human. It's too late. If he has any treasure at all it will soon be ours." She threw back her head and cackled with the malevolence of a villain.

He shoved off the wyrmling, not even paying her mind as she and her brother chased after him. He'd be more worried about this wyrmling setting of the instincts of a dragon hunter. Hopefully, Arcturus had better control.

“Hey, we're sorry!" Emmess called after him, hardly able to keep up with his stride. “How about we share the treasure? How about you get twenty five percent."

“That's not even a good amount!" He snarled back.

“Duh stupid, it's called bargaining. How about twenty percent!"

“You went the wrong way!"

“Don't. Hey, just don't hurt out brother!"

From the grass erupted a chorus of tiny screams. Bronze paws flailed uselessly from the long grass as a navy frilled tail thumped chaotically to an unseen tune. Arcturus was no where to be seen, but clearly his instincts had been fulfilled.

“Arcturus! What have you done?" Veledar raced to their side, but instantly having foolishness spread about him as what was really going on became apparent.

His love had not slain or stabbed the dragon, but had the wyrmling on the ground, screaming in delight as Arcturus' trained fingers tickled the membranes of his squirming prey.

“No more, no more! Your knowledge has stayed the same!" Paws tried to bat away Arcturus' limbs but the devilish men maintained his assault. “Pl-please! I'm sorry for pouncing on you! It was fun and games, honest!"

Red faced and laughing, Arcturus relinquished his assault with a parting tease upon the navy wyrmling's snout. They fell backwards, finally realizing with a fit of laughter that the others had caught their antics live.

Veledar simple stood in silence as Emmess and Xervir flanked him on either side with cocked heads. They were sniffing the air like crazy, curious rumbles coming from their throats.

“Briva how come you're not skewered upon his metal claw?" Xervir hissed, pointing to Arcturus scabbard.

“Its called a sword." Emmess rolled her eyes, smacking her brother with her wing.

“You don't understand!" Briva leaped upon Arcturus, tapping excitedly at the laughing human's chest. “I finally found Ordis!"

“Ordis?" There was a moment of shock, broken as the little ones released such a joyous warble that it shook the air. Each one of them shot to Arcturus like a crossbow bolt, joining their brother in tackling the knight to the earth. He was assaulted by rumbles, licks to his face and nuzzles accompanied with misty eyes. For countless minutes the air was simply filled with the honest reunion of dragon and human, that even Veledar while disappointed he couldn't save his human, didn't dare separate such a thing.

* * * * * * *

Thank you guys for keep reading along. Comments that you're following in this journey just uplifts the spirits in such trying times. I wish everyone the best and hope that you're staying safe!