Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies

Chapter 20: Dragon at the gate

Finesse kept being hammered into Veledar's horned head the longer he stayed with his mortal companions. They succeeded and thrived in situations that any of their lesser kin would have struggled and perished. Like a man caught within a maelstrom at sea his companions found a way to weather through it. That's why he was now padding along and offering his own experience in the matter to Nivra. They had been going on in length about her little expertise in the magical arts and how she considered her skills above par to others of her age. He had countered with a growly chuckle and daring her to test those so-called abilities that she claimed, “Put others to shame."

“You also need to lie better. If not for that little hiccup, we would have flown through those metal wearing guards like nothing." He lowered his snout, slowly curling his neck to watch as the Nivra's blue eyes lingered on his, contemplating his words.

“You know we're bloody right, here right?" Came the soft yet stern voice of a female wolven clad in bulky leathers laced with grey and maroon furs. She had turned her head around to cast him an irritated glance as she tapped her chestnut colored direwolf mount below her legs. “We can hear you goin on about how to lie to us!"

“Of course I knew you where there." He thrust a wing talon to his friends and the two other human guards with them, whom looked on in interest as he did so. “If I'm forced to walk to this Struport at a snail's pace because your commander failed to provide us mounts, and forced us to walk like some mule led by a string I shall complain and talk about whatever it is that I wish." He rose his head up, ending his proclamation with a harsh snort, curling his tail behind him. He watched her roll her eyes as if she knew competing with a dragon was useless. Good, let this woman think that. It brought a sliver of delight to see her grumbling away.

“You know. You could do well to not piss off everyone we meet you know." Arcturus laughed, patting his neck like some horse creature as the man strolled beside him. “It's not their fault their commander was some sort of unyielding son of a goblin." Veledar curled his neck round to glance into those emerald eyes filled with laugher, a smile springing to his snout.

“I suppose mate." The dragon rumbled, nuzzling the man across the face as the human's cloak fluttered behind him.

“Hey! Mind on the road!" The paladin half-heartily pushed the teasing snout from him, gloved hands resting right above Veledar's nostrils. “We don't need you tripping on some large stone or something!"

“If I wish to nuzzle you I shall human." He growled playfully, licking the reddening man across the face and pulling his head away with a smirk. “So take your dragon's affections like a true knight. Let them be jealous."

“Or dey be glad da dragon aint given dem kisses with dere smelly breath!" Merlia called back with a grin, instantly souring Veledar's next stride over the cobblestone road that wound out before them like a stone snake.

“True that may be dwarf. But you missed out on watching my tail sway too and fro. I know how much you'd like to get under that gryphon of yours."

“Oh please!" Lyndis laughed, heartily stepping over a loose rock that had been left scattered on the near pristine road. “No one but your knight wishes to gander at your swaying tail and what lays underneath it!"

“Not true!" Feku piped in, her scales shifting to a dark purple as she gazed upon the dragon's magnificence with ever widening eyes.

Veledar rumbled, his cerulean spheres locking hungrily onto hers. The idea intrigued him, sent a little wiggle all the way down to his tail at the prospect. He'd just have to see if Arcturus would want an additional set of hands. He rumbled lustfully and snapped his jaws at the air as the kobold scampered away with a soft little giggle. So, it was they followed the winding road of well placed stone blocks. It traced the land like a lover, raising and dipping as it fell. On either side of the path he could make out for miles of fertile farmlands of vibrant greens. None of the usual signs of autumn were present here. No muted colors or brilliant reds and yellows of which he had been accustomed to over the past few weeks. Instead he bore witness to fields of thriving green grass swaying ever pleasingly in the afternoon breeze. Flowers sprouted from the earth of bright oranges and captivating yellows that only blossomed during the summer months. From the fields rose mortal houses, behind them forest of thick oaks and birch. Beyond even that he could see the speck of the city on the horizon. Struport. The prized jewel of the east. The city that Lyndis claimed was a fortress one. Course it didn't look like a jewel to him in this light but he was certain some trader or passing commoner had spun him the tale in their venture across Drenedar.

Walls around the port city stretched wider than Entis had been, a dark charcoal like stone that was topped with squares for archers or rifleman to hid behind. Towers with blueish grey shingles separated each section of wall with larger platforms for battlements. No doubt for trebuchet's or cannons that awaited any attackers with thunderous roars of greeting. The road before them was ever so diligently winding towards a section of the wall dominated by a large gate made of what no doubt was wood thicker than he was. He grumbled in the back of his throat, swishing his tail behind him like some crimson snake as he could not make out the fine features of the dark and brown blur. From that he could see the keep, no doubt from where the rulers of said city would see for miles and witness to any approaching foe. It was when they passed around a small white fence around a little field of growing plants did he see that Nivra was being a tad quiet. He slunk over towards her as curiosity lingered on his scales and whispered him to investigate.

“Oh, little human, what has you so quiet?" He lowered his snout, peaking into her ice blue eyes that stared out into the blue vast expanse and getting lost within the sea of clouds and sky. She blinked once or twice before even registering that he had even said anything.

“What did you say?" She said softly, sounding even more lost than her eyes.

“I was asking about you." He rolled his eyes, gesturing Arcturus who had started conversing with Voidwing over how his training had gone. “That one has had an effect on my thoughts it seems." He rumbled, pulling his slightly back as his chest swelled with pride. "Now to my excellent eyes I can see that something dwells within you, poisoning your thoughts as you walk." We can't have that." His snout wrinkled. “Not within my adventuring party."

Nivra's eyes found his before traveling back to the rolling hills. Her hand's ran along the saddle on Voidwing's back as a sigh escaped her lips. “It's Lyndis…I was just thinking about what she went on about the other evening. Do you think she hates me? What kind of future does that entail for my people if she is bound to be their ruler one day?"

“Now isn't that the question." Veledar's gaze went to the rogue, who was chatting away with Asterion with a smile from ear to ear. Each stride along the path was filled with confidence, exuding a warmth that seemed to fight off any lingering doubt she might have had. The half-elf wiped her head, moving the hair from her brow as she pointed to the city in the distance, her eyes sparkling with excitement. For a moment he was reminded of Entis, and how despite that being her mortal enemy she had been excited even then. “Lyndis can be one of the strangest creatures I have met." He chuckled in the back of his throat. “Course, that could be said for the whole mess of mortals that now scurry about my paws." He swerved his neck back to the troubled wizard, giving her a snort. “Excitable for a mortal that can be sure, just ask Arcturus there about their first couple of meetings." He nosed at the human with his snout. “She didn't exactly like him for the first few weeks either."

“That's true princess." Arcturus set a hand on Veledar's neck. “Just give her time and put on the best you can offer. She'll come around once she sees the goodness in your heart. There are years of resentment built within her people and this land. Takes a fair share to get around that, even the people we were helping took being saved from the literal grasp of death before they were speaking favorably about me."

“And a dragon to help smooth it along." Veledar grumbled, remembering how they had treated his mate like a pariah. He flicked his tail over the stone, fighting down the vile memory with how that tune had changed. “But princess." The dragon swiveled his head to the wide-eyed princess, who seemed eager for any words that passed through his maw. He nearly warbled in delight as she gazed into his eyes like a lover. “You'll grow on us as you remain my minion." That sounded reassuring, or at least he hoped it did. She didn't look to him as if injured or sad in anyway, she graced him with a smile and he tried to not act too proud about it. He just gave her a smirk when she thanked him, lifting his head back to its proper place and striding with a sway of his tail. “You'll be thanking me many more times with our adventure together." He swelled out his chest, flaring his wings in and out ever so slightly before folding them against his back. “That is a promise on my very scales."

He cast his gaze to the ever-azure sky lined with slivers of white curled around higher than he could fly. Of course, it would be a perfect time for flying. It always seemed to be whenever the ability was grabbed from him. He grit his teeth as a flame sprung to life in his chest and spread down to his paws. He took a calming breath at such an irritation before setting his sights for the road to clear his mind. It was just in time as he managed to step over several large rocks that had found their way into the road. He beat them away with his mighty tail, their rustling crash music to his ears. Sure, he was a dragon but jagged things like that still jabbed into his paw pads painfully. He recalled a time with his sister using magic to batter them as he walked. “If only you'd let us fly. Then this whole ordeal could have been over much sooner. “His eyes squinted at the guards around him, wanting them to be sure that this was a supreme inconvenience they were forcing onto him. If he was going to suffer, then they should have at least a tad of that misery reflected back onto them.

“Aye, but den we'd never get da chance ta hear da mewing of a hatchling!" Merlia's belly bounced as she laughed, coking her head and casting him a challenging look. He couldn't let that go unchallenged. He was a dragon after all.

“Better than staring at that twisted thing you call hair." He gestured to her pony tail with a wing talon. “Looks utterly ridiculous." He held up his snout and looking away as if he was injured. “And you know very well that I am not a hatchling." To his irritation the guards didn't reply, and the wolf closest to him only let out a heavy sigh.

“We explained that.."

“I know, I know.' He hissed at the shorter girl. “Because you're afraid we'll fly off and assault this city of yours. Like we'd be that stupid to do such a thing." Course while he poked fun at the guards and prattled on about their decision, he equally didn't like the idea of a city looking to see him harmed. He already got that with Entis and look where that had gotten him. “Just feel lucky that I was in a listening mood today."

“It wasn't just that you know." Nivra's voice pulled him from his thoughts. Something about the funny clouds drifting overhead. “The commander probably didn't want to part with any pegasai, especially with the undead lurking around like they do. Better that they loan us a few guards they could do without.

“Did you just call us disposable?" One of the guards asked with a taught voice.

Veledar's heart skipped a beat, nearly causing him to stumble forward in a most undignified fashion. Did he just hear what he thought he did? He cocked his head slightly around, peaking at the talking pair out of the corner of his eye. Even he wouldn't have made that kind of blunder when speaking about these people. Although if he asked Lyndis, she'd probably accuse him of doing much worse. He fought off the urge to chuckle as the breeze kicked up, kissing at his scales and fluttering his frills and wings.

“Oh I'm terribly sorry." She blushed, a palm snapping to cover her mouth. Desperately soon after she tried correcting her words to the guards who were staring daggers at her. Veledar didn't blame them of course, it wasn't every day that you were called disposable. Apologies flowed from her mouth like water until she was left with her mouth stitched shut and doing her best to slink away from their eyes. She had found the way to do this was to stride to the side of the path with Voidwing to point to various buildings and plants to ease his princesses' troubled mind. Fields for rice, tall wheat flowing in the wind, fruit, vegetables, anything to sustain the population of roughly fifteen thousand that he heard Lyndis mention with a smile.

The guards seemed rather proud of that, even holding their heads high as chests filled with pride. To Veledar that was simply too many people crammed into too small of a space. Even if it was less than Entis it still felt wrong. His snout wrinkled at the prospect at so many mortals looking at him, staring at him, trying to figure out just what this benevolent handsome dragon was up to. He imagined their shouts and hollers. Course that was before they began to speak of his deeds leading up to here. Then those faces would be filled with wonder, compliments lacing every sentence.

That is more like it. He smiled, giving the guards polite nods as Arcturus began to chit chat away with them about training techniques of their militia and knights that they kept in ample supply and well-armed despite the separation from Drenedar's capital of Tregaron. From this the dragon listened in on an exchange between Krotos and Voidwing, one that involved some embarrassing deeds on the blue gryphon's behalf, generally on misunderstanding human culture and sometimes overstepping his lewd behavior and suggestive glances. The black gryphon snickered at each one, leaving the blue bird with splayed ears and ruffled feathers. Voidwing replied back with his own stories to at least bring ease to make the exchange more balanced. This only occupied the red's mind for minutes before he was gazing deeply once more to the horizon, pondering other questions that had been hidden within his mind, flowing to the forefront with each stride.

Why had the queen and king surrendered? To him they had seem rather organized, very much like how Entis had handled their own forces. The Drenedarians had castles, forts, soldiers, and dragons to even the score. He peaked back to the soldier's following them, who had at least forgotten about Nivra and were strolling along at a casual pace.

. What could have happened? The implications made his head feel as if someone had started to enlarge his brain and it was threatening to crack his skull. He shook his horned head at the idea, trying to clear himself from the mental image of his grey material oozing from his scales like some sort of thick pudding. Finally, with a thrash of his tail he did so, eyeing the keep as he composed himself with a long drag of the crisp air. Whoever oversaw this city would find themselves having words with him and his companions. If anyone should have an inkling of what had transpired, it would be them. Besides, it would not just aid them in their quest, but also help that of his roguish companion, and despite their little spats and tongue jousts she deserved to find out. Better she have a dragon to help smooth along negotiations anyway. He curled his neck to see that Lyndis' face seemed contorted into a permanent look of pondering. He padded over, earning himself a chuckle from Arcturus on what had just pulled his interest.

He lowered his snout, nosing at the rogue's back to catch her attention with a low rumble in his throat. “Someone certainly seems to be thousands of miles away by the looks of it. Perchance have you been replaced by an illusion? If so, I relish the idea that I get your share of any treasure we find." He cocked his head to the side, giving the half-elf a little smirk.

It was as if she tried to resist his charm at first, as she rolled her eyes away from him. “If we find any treasure." She chuckled, setting her foot on the ground with heavy steps. Her lips tugged into a half smile, one that warmed the dragon's heart. “And who says that you get it?"

“Is there someone more deserving? If not for me, this little venture of ours would have fallen harder than that blue gryphon tries to be relevant."

“I heard that dragon!" Came the squawk of his feathery friend.

“Good!" He called back, curling his neck around and sticking out his tongue. “I intended for you to hear it! Perhaps then you will have a drive to actually try and impress me like that of my other companions!"

“I try harder than you scales for brains!"

He chuckled at the gryphon's come back, rolling his eyes and returning to the now smiling face of his friend.

“Be nice to him." Lyndis smacked his snout in a very undignified fashion. She dared to smack him away as if he were a dog? He narrowed his eyes as she gave him an amused look and tried to nose at her just like he did to Arcturus to knock her over, but she was too quick. Like a snapping cobra her fingers found his scales before he could nose at her. She shifted to the left, sliding an arm around his neck with a triumphant laugh.

“Got you dragon. Think you're so brilliant?" She smacked his scales once more with an infectious chuckle. One that he returned as she hugged him ever tighter.

“I think your little plan has one glaring problem." He rumbled as the others passed around them with laughter. He swished his tail around in amusement when the rogue's brow lifted and tugged harder around his neck.

“How so? I have you right where I-“

He lifted his head, quickly enough to surprise her and with it the very rogue herself as she clung to him. She pulled herself up out of instinct and wrapped her body around his neck as if climbing a scaly tree. Her fingers dug into his neck armor plates as her cheeks burned red. He only rumbled as she held onto him tighter than before.

“Oh, you can just shove it."

Before he could offer her another rebuttal, she had already pushed off his scales and flipped her way back to the ground. Her boots hit with a soft clack before she stood up straight, dusting herself off and brushed her brown hair from her eyes and flashed him a coy smile. “I will have to remember you're bloody cheeky like that."

“Honestly, why didn't you think of about it before?" He rose his snout up, turning his head to the side. “You're starting to worry me princess. Makes me doubt your effectiveness on the team." He brushed up besides her as he passed, tail nearly curling around her boot before she scampered after him and punched at his scales.

“Twas just thinking bout my parents if you must know red scales. This whole mess think we got ourselves into." She crossed her arms as a look of sternness finished across her face and for a moment Veledar was certain he was looking at Shandalar instead. “I'm going to get an answer from that city, one way or another."

“You think you can? Everyone up until this point hasn't known in the slightest." He grumbled, resting his eyes on the growing city. “I was thinking this lord William might know."

“Yea I think we can. If anyone knows in this world it will be within that city. If not this lord then you can bed that Storm will know what went down."

“You think he's still there?" Veledar gasped, pulling his head back into an S. He knew the blue dragon survived, but still there? The dragon's step brought a brief moment of doubt that grabbed at him. He had always heard the story from his mother of how the great Ramakox was saved by the mortal he held dear. Then when Lyndis told him the additional part his hopes had brightened. The idea the blue had just remained within the city until this day hadn't truthfully occurred to him. He tried to hide his worry with a throaty chuckle and tossing his head back and forth.

“Cities not his. Still belongs to my people. Hell, the normal people weren't even supposed to know he was there." She sighed, making the dragon's heart sting for a sliver of a moment to see his friends face be filled with such worry. She was supposed to be the sure of herself one, not have a wrinkled face full of distraught and uncertainty. “Guess with the bleedin undead around people need things to cling to eh? What better symbol than the original dragon that helped defeat the elven vampire Sariel and her hoard of undead.

“Perhaps the crimson dragon with tan frills and brightest blue eyes." Veledar held his head high, already hearing the mortals cheering his name as he visited hovel after hovel that praised their mighty and beautiful savior. Hell, they'd throw gifts, treasure, meals, perhaps even other offerings.

“Your ego is showing again. Perhaps lay down the bloody thickness there dragon."

“Hmm." He chuckled, “The only thick thing I'm laying down is."

“Let me stop you right there." She spoke loudly, “Before ya imply ya bloody cock!"

He rolled his head, curling his tail. “I wasn't going to imply anything!" He lifted his lips into a tooth filled grin, thrashing his tail back and forth. “I was going to say it!"

The rogue held her composure for only a second before laughter burst free from her like a dam. “Oh, the fucken hell dragon! Why do I ever think you'll be serious. Are you trying to kill me?"

“Perhaps." He smiled down at his red-faced friend. “Would be a useful skill for me to kill by laughter alone."

“I'd say so! I nearly die every time you trip on something! Or get your head stuck in rafters."

“Or have his horns trapped in banners!" Chimed in Arcturus.

“He really trips on things?" Asked one of the guards, a smile coming to their muzzle as they tried to avoid the dragon's ever narrowing eyes.

“Aye, all da time!" Merlia laughed. “It's amazing dat snout of his isn't planted onda ground as we speak! Course dats probably cause he doesn't want ta flash ya his tail!"

“Why would I do that?' He snorted, trying to hold onto any sense of dignity that he had. “Do I look like that blue gryphon of ours?"

“Actually." Lyndis' hand went to her chin as the others giggled away. “With your head the way it is you slightly do."

“What?" He snaked his head around as his own scales shook at his friend's joyous sounds which soon brought life to his own. He rolled his eyes before pushing the rogue over with his snout, making the laughs soon spread to her instead. So, they continued along the path, the air filled with joyous laughter or well-meaning conversation filled with little jabs at one another. It might have seemed strange to anyone else, but it only came naturally to each other. How Asterion knew not how to smile, how Krotos was always clean but dirty minded, and how forgetful his mate could be at times. By the time the city was practically at their paws, the dragon's ribs were aching from any little chuckle as they crested over the last hill, the city coming into proper grand view before them.

The blackened smooth rock walls were lined with massive runes that dwarfed the dragon in size. They appeared to have been chiseled into the rock with steady hands and were of some of the brightest whites that the dragon had ever seen. Not even a single speck of Its surface was marred with any imperfection. The cities mighty barrier sprouted from the ground as if grown like grand tree and lacked any sign of magical tampering. Cannons rested on the sturdy battlements winking in the afternoon's light. Flags lined the top of the walls, all varying colors of blue, teal, and even grey that flapped away with the symbols of rampart dragons stitched into their surfaces. Diligent elven, wolven, and human guards marched along the top of the walls in almond colored leathers with blue and teal colored sashes wrapped firmly around their chests. Weapons rested upon their person consisting of swords, spears, axes, hammers and some even carrying dragonfire rifles slung around their backs by worn in leather belts. Their fur lined cloaks were wrapped around them, some fluttering in the breeze.

 His eyes were drawn to the humongous wooden gate separating the blackened stone from one another like two continents separated by a sea of bark. The sturdy wood appeared as naturally grown as the wall as if it had been plucked from a very tree and placed here. He noted how that it was covered in thick layers of jagged bark laced with shimmering golden elvish symbols that curved like the many roots of a tree. Atop the gate's towers were two large stone dragons that gazed out to the countryside like silent guardians. How fitting they had something grand like that, better stone dragons than simple gargoyles. He took a breath, getting the salty scent of the sea drifting along the wind's soft caress. His eyes closed with a calming breath to sooth his rapidly beating heart. For even from this distance the dull roar of thousands of mortal mouths filled his ears and sent trembling waves down his spine and lingering along his tail. This was it, they were here. The great city of Struport that held within it the next leg of their journey. They just had to do some searching around, course that would have to come after their inspection. Which as he recalled it, he was drawn to a band of mortals striding out from the gate.

There were at least a dozen humanoids clad in aging leathers and dull chainmail standing at attention with rifles slung around backs. More stood on the city walls to gaze down at them with crossed arms. Within their eyes he imagined curious stares filled to the brim with wonderment at the adventurers and their resplendent dragon leader. His eyes narrowed. His mind whispered to him that this wasn't a simply party meant to welcome and greet them. This was another interrogation squad. The one promised to them by the troublesome elven commander from the fort. It would appear even if she had been mighty cross, she had kept her word.

His snout scanned the heavens, searching over the many clouds that covered the orange and golden sky. He made out several birds fluttering in the distance and that of some pegasai seemingly chasing each other through the air. His eyes squinted, not seeing a trace of any scales, tails, or in fact anything to hint at a dragon. His snout wrinkled at the idea. How could he walk up to the city and be ignored? Surely the arrival of a dragon such as he would warrant the attention of the mighty blue dragon Ramakox? He had to arrive. Surely this was some sort of test that he was sending the red under. That had to be it. Though with each stride of his paws along the cobblestone it was starting to look less and less certain.

He is simply too busy running things. That has to be it. Veledar snorted, shaking his neck back and forth to work out the kink that had been winding up through his scales. He glared up to the towering stone dragons, whose dull eyes seemed to be looking to him, judging him, silently whispering he wasn't the best dragon. Only a minor footnote within this land's history. Veledar grumbled to himself as the cheerful mood he had been in died like the waves crashing before a rocky shore. If he ever did meet this dragon, he'd have plenty of choice words to lay down upon the blue's ears. Such chastising things for not treating him with the due respect of any dragon. He would have treated the blue with a grand gesture, why was he being treated any different?

“Certainly looks like they rolled out the welcome wagon." Arcturus stepped beside him with a relaxed stride. Even as the man's emerald eyes trained on the guards and their weapons, he remained comfortingly calm. “I can see that irritation on your snout and feel it grinding beneath your hide The man's hands rested on his shoulder as the dragon did his best to not look at him. “Storm's probably busy with something. You can't expect everyone to drop what they are doing to see you. Not everyone thinks you're as important and wonderful as I do."

Oh sweet words. Veledar tried to maintain his sour mood with a curled tail but it was no use. The paladin simply knew him too well and his pleasing tone and smirk only help cast away the darkened shadow of disappointment that had been lurking over his mind like heavy cloud. The dragon smiled in return, frills warming and flaring to life as the other guards ahead murmured among themselves about the arrival. Unlike the previous guards, these humans seemed more interested than afraid. Not a single weapon was being held with shaky hands. Neither were nervous glances being tossed casually in their direction. True it wasn't a banquet being thrown in their honor, but it was a genuine improvement to say the least. He thanked his knight with a quick nuzzle as the guards leading them brought the company to a halt.

“Well by Thor's thunder, blow me down. You're a wee thing!" Came the hearty laugh as a dwarf pushed his way to the front, his gleaming silver full plate armor sparkled in the sun. Hammers of all sorts were painted onto its edges, beautifully mixed with pictures of greyed thunderclouds, lightning dancing across the metallic surface. What color remained of his beard was a dull orange swallowed by a sea of grey hairs, it curled near the end like some tail of a beast and reached the way down to his worn leather belt clad with pouches. Beads of blues and greys were intertwined with practically every strand. “By da way da wizard went on about ya I taught ye'd be at least a few feet taller!" The man's red nose wiggled back and forth as his laughter filled the air like a sword. The dwarf shrugged, “Well what can ya do." With a pat to his breastplate he strolled out, his beard wagging back and forth with each step, the grey and blue cloak wrapped around his shoulders fluttering him in the wind. “And red ta boot! We dun get many of ya visiting at tall! Da only colors to grace me eyes seems ta be blue, teal, and bronze!"

Veledar's head cocked side to watch as the curious looking dwarf strode confidently out from his gathering of men. “Little?" His words were laced with a tad more irritation then he would have liked, almost a growl coming from his snout. “I can tell you that I am a decent size dwarf." He flared out his wings, wiggling them as he puffed out his chest with a clink of his scales.

“Sure, ya are. The dwarf smiled, giving him a coy wink. “Is dat what ya tell da lady dragons?" The man eyed the rest of the group, fingers stroking through his beaded beard. “Names Stonebeard, and I be da head cleric of Thor of dese parts." He pulled out a tiny hammer amulet that was dangling around his neck. “And lets see if ya say who you say you are!".He thanked the guards for bringing the adventurers with a courteous nod. The dwarf waved to the other humans as he sauntered over with several robed humans, elves, and wolven following behind him.

The humans all wore off white robes with lining of yellow on the trimmings. Rope belts were tied loosely around their waist as amulets of the sun dangled from their necks. Veledar recognized them as followers of the sun goddess Fureen who graced the land with sunlight and bountiful harvests. The wolven that followed in their wake were adorned in robes as well but were darkened navy with silver dots to represent the night sky. On their foreheads were thick yellow symbols in the shape of crescent moons, these were the followers of the moon goddess Sartren. Lastly the elves who stood were more dignified then the rest, carrying themselves with straightened backs. Their robes were of a darkened green, intermixed with browns that curled around the cloth like masses of wiggling worms. They each had headbands of darkened almond with a pair of viridian antlers stitched in the leather, the symbol of the nature god Nutambar. Their eyes were like a calm sea, lingering and tracing every scale as if looking for any hidden spot to exploit. Veledar rubbed his chest as flickers of unease teased beneath his scales. His talons rapt against the cobblestone as he noticed that not a single spec of dirt or sullied cloth adorned their lithe frames. It was if these elves had suspended themselves from the rest and simply waited for his arrival.

Probably without words or anything. The pointy eared clerics maintained an aura of coolness as they came to a stop right behind the proud looking dwarf leading them.

“Don't mind me friends here. Dey be all from different Gods! Now ya wondering why we all doin dis collaboration. Well, least I figure git two tings outta da way. Show me brother clerics how to cast da spell, and git dem out o dere churches and temples an inta da fresh air!" The lead dwarf held out his hands, gesturing to the countryside. He thrust a thumb back towards the leader of the elven group. One that had raven hair reaching all the way to his rear. “Especially dese dress wearin elves. Not enough time enjoying life if ya ask me. Too busy being shut ins with their trees and bushes!"

“We ensure that the storms of the sea are maintained brother Stonebeard. Just like you handle the more…" The elf man smiled, his eyes gleaming at hidden knowledge. “Just like your brothers engage in the more physical duties of this city." The elf's alluring smile caught the dragon's eyes, his sweet words trying to pull him over and listen to whatever poured from this cleric's lips. The elf brushed his hair to the side, showing off the numerous strands and beads that adorned it.

“So ya keep sayin brother Starflower." Stonebeard rose a hand before turning back towards the others. “Names Stonebeard o course. Cleric of da all mighty Thor."

“I am Crimson Sky." Veledar rumbled, stretching his wings. His head rose up slightly to the side. “Easy to say and pleasing to the eye." He grinned when the other cleric's eyes widened and took a more interested in his scales. Much better than the elves as these ones were filled with interest, and wonder. His allies introduced themselves in turn, although not as magnificently as he did. Arcturus was the only one to get a questioning look, especially when his last name was said. Stonebeard's demeanor suddenly hardened, and the one cheery aura that had been floating around the dwarf faded into oblivion.

“What did ya happen ta say yer last name was again?" Stonebeard's eyes narrowed into a warry stare as he looked Arcturus up and down. “We dun need no Lunds around dese parts." The dwarves arms crossed against his chest. “Last one I met happened ta nearly kill me friends."

“No! No!" Arcturus pulled up his hands as his cheeks burst into various shades of red. “I'm with this dragon here!" Arcturus' patted Veledar's shoulder. “He's my flying partner!"

“Oh is dat right?" Stonebeard stroked his beard, glimmers of warmth returning to his cheeks. His eyes drifted to Veledar's scales, a chuckle passing through his lips. “Don't tell me. It's like dat bonding wit da gryphons aint it?" He gestured to Krotos with nod of his head.

“Not exactly" Arcturus laughed as Veledar grinned, snaking his snout to tease at the man's shoulder with a growly chuckle. The dragon's tail flicked delightfully behind him as the human's hands ran along the side of the red's scaled neck.

“Stonebeard! Now I recognize ya!" Merlia pushed Arcturus aside with a hearty laugh. “As in Stonebeard of the Thulhammer clan? I thought I'd never see ya again ya long haired buffoon! Dis is where ya been all da years? We thought ya went up and got yerself ate by troll!"

Stonebeard looked shocked, his eyes widening as Merlia strode over with a grin. “Well by Thor's beard.." He gasped in surprise before his face was consumed by a genuine smile“The gods smile on us dis day it seems. Merlia Gallogalar is dat you?" His eyes gleamed with delight as the two dwarves shook stocky hands and laughed. “Last I heard of ya you were wee ting and wet behind da ears ta boot. Course ya were chasin spiders back home with a crossbow back den!" He pulled his arms back, gesturing to her like a long lost relative. “Now look at ya! Ya sprouted like a creepin crystal!"

“Aye!" Merlia grinned. “I've broken a few bones since den Stonebeard. Too many scraps ta count." She gestured to the towering walls with a chuckle. “What about yerself? What in da living hells are ya doing here?"

Stonebeard gave a chuckle,pulling out a thin bar of dull iron from his waist pouches. “Short story, me friend offered me a job." He tapped the smooth surface of the metal, instructing the other clerics to pay attention before snapping back to the ranger. “We can catch up more over a pint after we get dis weee bit outta da way. Heard about ole Solaris up dere. I approve o course. Bout time someone gave her a good tongue lashin, course not in day way." He gave Merlia a wink before setting the bar on the ground and running a finger along its smooth surface and mumbling a few words.

“You need a better greeter for you lands." Veledar snorted, letting his words sink into the man's ears before wobbling his head, “ How you can even employ such a woman such is beyond me." Veledar shifting his weight from paw to paw with a roll of his eyes. “She was insulting, had a shrill voice, and nearly had us attacked." He placed a claw to his chest, “Makes me almost not want to set claw or paw in your little collection of hovels. Honestly dwarf, how can you even stand that woman?"

“Why do ya think she's out dere and not in here?" Stonebeard tossed back his head with a mighty laugh. He patted his breastplate until he was only snickering. “Course, her hearts in da right place. She just rubs people da wrong way." He extended a stubby finger, wagging it between the dragon and his companions. “Now just keep still all of ya. Got a zone of truth spell coming up so we can start questionin ya. Now I heard word dat ya had two princesses? O lord Threllfall couldn't believe his ears. Course if dat proves ta be true lots of scrambling he's gonna haf ta do."

More people that thought he was lying? Veledar flicked his tail, thoughts brimming with the upmost glee he was sure to feel when he saw their stunned faces. “Scrambling to do what?" His grumbled. “I don't rather like the idea of unknown persons scrambling to do anything involving me." He turned his snout away, letting out a harsh snort. “It usually ends up going poorly for me."

“Nobles tings ya can be sure. Notin to be worrying yer scales about." Stonebeard's finger circled the bar, flowing up like a wave and making a circle in the air. “Driken doe vahzened" He shouted, standing up with his hands upheld. The iron bar began to shake and stir as white, shimmering runes burst from its surface like a geyser, that glowed as if metal fresh from the forge. The lights wavered in the air, expanding outwards until they were all enveloped by the magical circle. The dragon blinked as a familiar tingle traveled through his hide. His wing membranes prickled as if they had fallen asleep, he even wiggled them to be sure. He knew he could have willed himself to resist the spell, but he knew the cleric would detect such a thing and besides, it would go against their compromise they had made in the first place. So with a comforting breath he wiggled his claws, letting the sensation wrap around him.

Krotos went to speak with a cheery chirp but Lyndis was quick to shut his beak with her hands. “None of the deep personal questions or there will be hell to pay blue bird." She tapped his beak with a knowing look.

“Never dreamed of it." The gryphon returned with a dignified chirp, tilting his head to the side. “To think that you'd expect me of ill play." He gave her a mischievous smirk, one that she repaid by raising her finger and pointing right between his eyes.

“Now let's get dis over with!" Stonebeard clasped his hands together. “If ya be tellin da truth den da lord has lots of preparations ta order in! Dat lad be a fine one ifn he heard that not one but two princesses are here ta see him! He's going ta be pullin his hair out he will! Course I be hopin he has a banquet, seems like forever since we had ourselves a good celebration in months!"

“What about the ceremony we held the previous night?" Brother Starflower asked with an inflected voice, his bushy brow raising before casting the dwarf devilishly innocent eyes.

“Oh dat?" Stonebeard laughed, tossing back his head. “Dat don't count none! Dat was a celebration for me Lord Thor! I was speakin o course about lesser tings!"

“Of course." The elf bowed his head. “I shall remember such things in the future."

“Oh, forget your little Thor." Veledar rumbled as Stonebeard and the clerics approached and images of banquets of food filled the dragon's mind like a pot. “How about a feast fit for a dragon?" he asked as his stomach groaned like an animal begging for food. The questions soon came after to each of them from assorted humans, elves, and wolven priests. Who they were, what they were doing and why they had come. He rumbled with a playfully swish of his tail as Stonebeard asked many personal questions to Merlia about her and the blue and teal colored feather that was sticking out from her hair. The grey lined beard toting cleric was then forced to listen to the many a tale of gryphon cuteness, sweetness, and stories of lewd activities that left the dwarves already red cheeks a bright crimson. With a hearty laugh Stonebeard moved on with his questioning to Nivra instead.

The elven girl that had been given the honor of questioning Veledar himself had been rather polite, something that he had said to her with a tooth filled grin. She had been nervous at first, the trembling hands breaking through the stern demeanor but soon steadied the longer she stood before him and his flaring frills. He would respond with a raised head, a regal tone and curling of his tail while she would occasionally brush her almond hair across her fair chocolate skin with nervous laughter. Amusement flickered in his chest as he found the spell working a tad too well and by the time he noticed he was going on about his favorite way to snuggle his mate and how his heart belonged to the metal skirt wearing male. He growly chuckled in the back of his throat as Arcturus flashed him an irritated glare, one with narrowed eyes as the sun glinted in his emerald eyes. He made a soft kissing sound like a click before giving Arcturus a maw parted smile. Of course, that was not the end of such a thing. That glare earned his little mate a reprisal to be had, so he bowed his head and told the elf questioning him so. She replied with a stuttered acceptance as he surged past her and nosed the human he held dear when he wasn't looking, going to knock his love right on his dragon glaring ass.

“Hey!" Arcturus yelled in surprise, fingers lashing out to grab at the dragon's snout and finding purchase in his scales.

“That is what you get for glaring at dragons." Veledar growled in the back of his throat, licking the human across the face and relishing in his eyes closed smile yet not really pulling away. “How dare you think yourself safe from my reprisals human. It is rather insulting to my honor." He flicked his tail behind him, almost tripping over the poor elven girl trying to get his attention with a raised finger.

“Behave you giant scaly thing." The man's fingers found the dragon's chin, drawing little circles that spread tendrils of pleasure through Veledar's hide. “You want to make a good impression do you not? What are they going to say about the dragon that ignores them in favor of knocking over paladins and licking them?"

“They will be ever more the jealous mate." Veledar closed his eyes, tail tapping of its own accord as he pressed forward into the man's metal chest. “Remind me to do this again when you're not wearing that armor of yours." He rumbled softly as those tender and diligent fingers began to trace along his cheeks.

“Noted."

“Mmmmm…Curse your ability to sooth me." He was soon drifted to more pleasing times of warm suns and gentle breezes when he had lain out on his mountain without a care in the world. Although what made this different was in his mind Arcturus was there instead. Held against his scaled chest by one loving forepaw and chuckling away at the rise and fall of his powerful chest. He imagined himself wiggling, curling a head around as his old dragoness friend Zaedel came back from her last journey to meet the little human that had enchanted his heart like a powerful mage. She would probably scoff, roll her eyes and think of ways to test the little mortal to prove his worth. Thoughts became sluggish as the imagery started to fade with the firm strokes of Arcturus' fingers that delivered such delight through devilish fingers. Especially when those fingers began to trace and caress the scales right below his eyes. He felt his tail curl and brush up against one of his friends' legs, earning himself a dwarven chuckle.

“See?" Arcturus laughed, “You just have to know how to touch a dragon and they practically are pudding in your hands."

“You certainly do know how to touch me." Veledar purred, ignoring Krotos sudden squawking laughter.

“Did you just hear what the dragon said?!" The bird chirped, getting a dwarven cackling in return

“Aye lad! I say ya got a bit more den a wee experience in touching him!" Merlia cracked, nudging Feku who had already shifted to purple scales.

If not for his mate's caress Veledar might have cared a tad more, perhaps even pluck a blue feather or two from the lewd gryphon. He rumbled to fill the air and try to squash down the squawking laughter as his friend went on about other things and mentioned his tender eggs. By the sound of things, it sounded as though the blue gryphon was suggesting that his mate massage and stroke those grey furred peaches resting just underneath the blue bird's long tail. The dragon snorted at the idea and was only pulled back from those sinful fingers when Stonebeard was left laughing..

“So yee are a princess! By Thor's beard blow me down!" The dwarf's fingers started to brush along his metal armor, making sure that dirt was not clinging to it. “I be such a mess!"

“Tis fine Stonebeard." Nivra replied warmly, giving the flustered looking dwarf a tiny bowed head. “I don't tell many people as it is. Gets rather cumbersome to be watched wherever your feet tread.

The dragon's tail shifted back and forth as his head returned to its full height. He didn't understand how anyone couldn't guess that this regal speaking human was anything other than royalty. She even spoke with such carefulness that revealed volumes to the dragon, at least sounding like a lord or baroness without even trying.

“Now, if you are bein da first princess? Who be the second one?" The dwarf's eyes drifted from person to person with an almost un-natural quickness.

“That would be bloody me." Lyndis thrust a thumb to her leather clad chest. “Might not be as regal as the Lumarian there, but I'm the bleedin princess of Drenedar."

“Prove it den miss!"

“Besides the truth spell you have going?" Veledar's head cocked to the side as his half-elven friend voiced the same concern with a brow raised and arms crossed.

“Aye!" Stone bead strolled over with a laugh. “Last I heard da princess ran away many a year ago. No one knew where she went! Some say she died out in da world. I give ya some leeway, ya look a wee bit o like dat lass. So, tell me what is yer name? Cause we didn't have a princess Lyndis by my rememberin."

Lyndis sighed as the wind fluttered her grey cloak behind her as she regarded the dwarf with some amusement. She clenched one hand into a fist before placing it lightly on her chest. “My name is Lynalla Destraven, the rightful princess of Drenedar. If you don't believe that, I know what your city hides as well." She gestured to the towering walls with a casual wave of her hand. “Within your walls is the grant dragon Ramakox, the swirling storm, although he goes by the name of Storm lately. He took on such a name after his failing and losing of his son Jandar the traveling mage.

Stonebeard's eyes widened like saucer plates, his mouth clamming shut as his hands fell to his sides. “Well…Dat…Dat wasn't sometin I expected ta hear taday. By thor's hammer yer all tellin da truth! I didn't tink I could be in a stupor three times a day but by Thor here we are!"

“Lynalla?" Veledar lowered his snout, scaled neck closing the distance between he and the rogue as he took several padding steps. “So…you've been lying to us the entire time again?" He cocked his head to the side as a chuckle wound its way down his throat. If not for his friendship with her he might have felt a tad more irritation lurking beneath his scales. “What else aren't you telling us my princess? Just when I was starting to think I could trust the thief in our party and you go and do something dishonest like this? How am I not surprised?" He gave her a friendly smirk, one that drew out a small smack to his leathery nose.

“Oh, don't you focken start. Your brightness. “ She placed a finger firmly onto his nose, “Don't think for one sodding second in that horned head of yours that this changes anything. My name is Lyndis Kuxion. I changed it when of course. You think I was going to focken keep the same name while pretending to be someone else? How daft do you think I am?"

He licked her fingers in protest, making her retreat and shake her hands free of the sticky assault. She sort of had a point didn't she? Why had it not occurred to him at this point? He rolled his eyes at least trying to not make it clear that she had him by the tail. He retreated his head with a low growl, like this inconvenience was the worst she could have done to him. “I'm never going to call you that you know." He looked away with twitching frills as the others around murmured among themselves at such the revolution.

“Yea! I expect that! You better keep calling me Lyndis red scales. I much prefer that one. Has a better ring to it than Lynalla." She stuck out her tongue, face wrinkling in disgust.

“Suit yourself Lynalla." He snickered, curling his neck back with a grin and enjoying the slow breaths she had taken followed by the gesture that Arcturus had said was “Giving someone the gryphon." She then pointed to her eyes, flicking them at his scales and implying that she was watching him.

“Go on and watch me Lyndis. Take all of me in." He flared out his wings, stretching out his form to give her a good look. “ I ever so love it when the eyes of your kin gaze at my glorious scales. I revel in the jealousy lurking within them, or the pure awe of being in such a being as I." He grinned, raising his head and glancing to the sun far in the distance. The rogue rolled her eye and dismissed him with a laugh.

Stonebeard apologized for the state of himself and his clerics once more and ensured them this was a very welcome change of events. The red dragon clacked his talons on the stone as all eyes locked onto the princesses and promises started flowing like water.

Sure, they start fawning over the princesses but not him? How utterly annoying. Like little bugs crawling underneath his scales. He shook his neck as the need for a warm bath teased at his senses. To feel the tender strokes of his lover's hands as they washed away every moment of tension. He snorted as the wind breeze pulled his thoughts and reminding him of long crisp days spent watching the sky from his cave. The one before all this adventure nonsense began. He snorted in amusement at the idea of his younger self's heart fluttering in his chest at his current adventure. No doubt he would have been prancing around with a swaying tail and unable to hide his pleased warbles at the prospect of being such a hero in far off lands. The Crimson Sky that saved numerous peasants from ravenous undead, the savior of princesses, and even winning the heart of a knight. That would surely have been a story he would have loved. He glanced to the distance towards the sun that ever neared the mountain tops.

The sun's rays flowed out in glorious strokes of brilliant orange, gold, and crimson that painted across the landscape. The mountains they had come from this morning looked spectacular with the sun just behind them and lining their jagged peaks with what looked like a crown of mystical light gifted by the gods themselves. He took a deep breath of the crisp air that chilled and tingled his mighty lungs until he exhaled with a curl of his tail. He heard chat start to drift towards the local lord, a kind human by the name of William Threllfall. Descendent of some paladin from Lumara roughly eighty years ago granted noble ship by the then queen of Drenedar. Stonebeard's words were laced with concern as the astute dwarf pointed out that gryphons and dragons would not be able to fit within the more cramped walls of the lord's keep. Only made more problematic as he would no doubted request them to stay.

Good. He thought, refolding his great wings against his back. He could get some flying in again. How he despised that freedom ever being denied him. He stared at his claws, grumbling at having been forced to walk like some common mule. At least he had the company of his friends and that of his mate. Otherwise he he might have been reduced to a snarling and anger filled mess. “So, am I free to fly around the city then?" He tilted his head, curling his tail around his hinds. “I thin you and your friends here have stolen enough my flight time today."

“Ya dun wanna meet da lord?" Stonebeard regarded him like he had seven heads.

He rolled his eyes. “Honestly? I have no interest in meeting some well fed mortal who rules over this city. This whole business is better left to my minions of all things." He waved to the others with a paw, getting several laughs and crossed arms in response. “See? They understand." It was better this way anyway. Let them do all the busy work while he could lounge around and relax until they needed him. Then he could spring into action and show them that having a dragon was really the safest option when you had an adventuring party.

“So, you're telling us that you don't want to display your beautiful scales to his lordship?" Arcturus approached with a raised brow and voice laced with interest as the others started discussing where the lord's keep was and what to expect.

Veledar eyed the slightly smiling man who for all intensive purposes seemed to think he knew something he didn't. He turned away with a snort, flicking his tail in the human's direction. His eyes set on the jagged peaks in the distance that looked strong and sturdy, like that of rocky dragon's teeth. “Honesty?" He rumbled. “It sounds rather dull. This is your job." He closed his eyes, placing a claw to his chest and giving Arcturus the regalest snort he could muster. “My place is to be charismatic, strong, and keep you from all falling apart. Your job is to get all the little work done. Talking to the people in charge, get the jobs, and do all the running around."

“And, here I would have thought the idea of making the lord jealous about your scales and your affections towards me would have spurred you into swift action. Can you not imagine such a high standing human besides himself with jealousy at such a beautiful dragon such as yourself? I for one would enjoy watching his eyes widen as he regarded you like  a grand treasure that all would love to have."

Veledar tilted his head, peaking at the man with a slitted cerulean eye. So that is what he was doing. The man's words curled around his head, seductively whispering into the dragon's ears. Heck they even slipped past his scales and straight into his heart. Curse this smirking human that knew him so well. Curse that he could say such things that made the dragon only yearn for him more. How dare Arcturus think he could play the dragon like a violin. He stepped away with a huff, turning away as if only to add to this little game of theirs. Possibly it would throw the human off. He was Veledar. The mighty Crimson Sky and would not be swayed by mere words. Even If they came spilling from such a handsome, wonderful human that made the dragon's heart flutter ever faster within his chest.

Manticore's bottom

He could already feel his defenses beginning to crumble away the longer his thoughts dwelled on his knight.

“Well leave it to us then. I guess they won't get a chance to dazzle at such greatness." Arcturus sighed. “Course, if you don't show they might consider you less important. That instead of your minions that you instead are some sort of lackey or pet instead of a proper member or leader of the part."

Oh double damn him. Veledar's jaw snapped at the air with little rumbles, trying to avoid his human's smile that oozed with confidence at his victory close at hand. Veledar playfully growled as Arcturus' fingers rose to caress his horns when his neck without his knowledge brought his snout right into his love's tender caress.

“I take it your changing your mind then?"

“Yes." He grumbled, flicking his tail with a roll of his eyes. “But don't think  that you won this round. I merely deemed it better that I get to see their lord. Afterall, I don't need anyone else freaking out that a dragon like me is flying over their rooftops with such grace that it puts all others to shame. Better that these clerics and guards chat away about me and spread the word through out the city of the resplendent Crimson Sky. Whilst that is going on I can accompany you to this estate and no doubt feast upon this lord whatever his name  is, offering.  The dragon pulled his snout back with a  rumble, knowing that there was later time for pleasing touches, possibly even more if he got his way. He whispered as such into his mate's ear, earning himself a growling chuckle as the human's face reddened at red's lewd tongue.

“You know you could have just said yes." Arcturus laughed as they began to stride over to the others.

“Yes I could have." He rumbled with a happy sway of his tail. “But where would the fun be in that? I'd rather watch you squirm and try to convince me to come along." He ruffled the human's hair with his teasing nose. “Besides, you say such pleasing things it's hard to not try and do this every time." He surged forward with a shake of his scaled neck and warble that traveled through his frame. He nosed the man forward towards Stonebeard who was busy waving the others towards the gates.

The dragon walked casually along, head held up and leaving his human's touch so that he might get a better look of the towering wooden gates reinforced by thick metal slabs to prevent invaders from bashing it down. He supposed it was from an older time and they simply hadn't changed it due to history. He respected that, he could understand such things after all, how many ancient things resided in his lair that probably out lived their uses? If Storm and Fremra were the dragons he thought they were then keeping an old rune lined gate only made sense.

Human's called out to the guards manning the wheels, pushing with grunts to summon forth a thunderous crack. Before their eyes the great gates started to part and the cacophony of sounds bursting free and left Veledar's frills fluttering.

“Now I get ta welcome ya ta Struport. Course, dere not be a long walk ta da keep. Lords of ole wanted visitors ta not be leggin it cross da town ta see um."  Stonebeard chuckled as the clunking sounds of the metal gears thundered around them.

“Most efficient." Veledar murmured softly, words drowned out by the gates opening. His gaze traveled from the slow moving gate to the stone towers above. Something wasn't right. He could feel it in the pit of his stomach, as the sensation pooled around, wiggling beneath his scales. He glared at the stone. Could it be the texture? The temperature in the air? Or perhaps cause the elven woman soldiers had been such bothers that he simply couldn't fathom someone being nice? When his eyes rested towards the stone dragon he paused. His eyes widened as everything slowed down to a crawl. The air seemed heavy, breaths became harder as cerulean eyes became widened slits.

One? He curled his serpentine neck around, looking for any sign of the second dragon that he was certain was there when they arrived. There were two right? Rocks don't just get up and move without spells, and if it did, he had missed it.

Or perhaps there really was only one. I have been tired from the day.

His snout wrinkled at the thought before shaking his head to clear such ideas with a low growl. No, he had been tired and not hallucinated before. There had been two dragons. Which would mean a spell or something was used to hide a living dragon. That had to be the reason.

So, if it were a dragon watching us…Why didn't they come greet us?

He suddenly didn't feel so confident about entering the city now. Doubt touched him like the whisper of wind against his scales. A sense of questioning hung in his mind and coiled around his heart as memories of the Emerald Lady sprang to mind. He padded after his friends, glad he at least had them to rely on now. He rumbled softly as Arcturus' hand found its way to his neck and they passed through the just parted archway.

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Thank you for following along with our adventures! If you read the story be sure to fav the story, if you enjoyed it leave a vote, and if you feel like being awesome leave a comment down below. I like discussing things about the story, and it really makes my day. XD Until next time!