Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies

Chapter 36: Darkened Sky

The next day passed in an aching collage of colors and sounds. Veledar had been too exhausted to move at first but then proceeded to not leave Arcturus' side. The dragon had curled around him, whimpering whenever he caught sight of his blackened stumps that once were his glorious wings. He'd tried to shift his form to hide such an ugly thing but that also had been denied him. Whenever he tried to cast any magic he was left with the energy building up in his tail, paws, even his neck. Then when it failed to get released, he found himself in agony. The kind that would leave him in near tears. To add insult to injury he'd been told about how his horns were no longer the same. One had been cracked right down the middle, like a symbol for the broken being he truly was. He'd collapsed into a heap, hugging close his mate's cage and trying to lose himself to comforting hands meant to soothe his heart.

But even those things had not done to remove the cold lurking at the bottom of his being. The icy teeth that had sunk into the marrow of his bones, never releasing him from its vice like grip. He would be better off trying to roar away a storm. The worst part about this were all the people's faces that came to offer him praises. Though they might have been filled with tears or had red eyes they came all the same. They offered him thanks, tiny trinkets, promising to tell tales of the heroic red that tried to take a stand against that metal monster. The dragon's heart had sunk lower with every sentence of his glory, his heroics. Never once letting slip that the creature that they so hated was in fact once his mother. How could he? With each passing praise it felt as though a sword was getting run across his soul. How much could he take before he would be reduced to nothing but a crying pile of scales before his adoring fans?

Even the sapphire guardian's realized this and offered to move him, but the dragon had snapped at them. Demanding that he would not leave Arcturus' side. Even if it meant listening to the gut-wrenching stories about how he'd slain his mother. The man's mere presence was helping fight back the imposing force that would crush the dragon to the ground, tears springing from his eyes like a burst dam. His mother, Shandalar, and now even Krotos. Each one a weight tied around his soul.

To add to the terrible news was the realization that the guard had been unable to find any whereabout of the mercenary that struck at his mate. The one whose deeds had lit a flame in his belly, whispering awful deeds to inflict upon such a man. Even as he lay wounded and marred he imagined bathing the warrior in flames. Though more troubling was what possessed him. The spirit of the dragon that had slain his mate's family. He could see the trouble swirling like waves in an emerald sea as Arcturus' stroked his scales. Hints of revenge gleaming in the sunlight, a sentiment the dragon shared. But as there was no sign of the mercenary there was none of the gryphon hunter that had stolen Krotos from them that night. They'd found her accomplice dead in the street, Merlia spitting on his corpse.

Word came when the sun was setting, and the shadows were long that witnesses had seen the mercenaries heading onto a boat. One that had a red eye painted on the hull and set sail for the north. There had been no question from the ranger. Even as a bandage had been wrapped around her head and cleric's magic healing her wounds. She'd thrown up a fist, ready to leap into action and pursue that blue feathered gryphon. So when Nivra got Arcturus and the gryphon out of their cages with a shrinking spell the dwarf was all ready to head out.

“Ya got ta help him. He's all alone and trapped with that dirt chewin female." She begged, pleading to have the gryphon give chase.

The bodyguard had protested at first, reminding Veledar's friend that his place was at his princess' side. Though Nivra had cut him off with a raised hand and worried look. An order to give chase being issued forth like the queen she was going to be. Though he clacked his beak in protest she insisted that she would be fine. The gryphon's concerns being put to rest when Asterion banged his chest and swore to protect the future queen's life.

“You need not worry your feathers little bird. I will be more than enough until your return."

So, he had agreed with narrowed eyes and an agitated chirp. But first they were to have some words. Their respect for the wizard that had made this pyric victory possible. While preparations had been made, Merlia filled the gryphon's harness with assorted goods, getting him ready for the journey ahead of them. Even thanking him with a warm smile, and tender pat of his neck.

“Ya be a good gryphon."

“So what's the plan?"

“There only be small as piss ports north." She'd patted his neck. “And we going ta check all of dem."

* * * * * * * * * *

So there Veledar stood on an overlooking hill. One of many by the rocky coast outside the city. The wind brushed about his crimson scales, biting and clawing at him until his phantom wings ached in pain. Dusk had settled about the sky, wrapping the lingering clouds in a darkened purple and grey that seemed to stretch about forever. Like little rivers of lavender had cascaded across the sky, the heavens themselves paying respect for a tiny mage who had saved a larger dragon. He took a drag of the air that hung heavy with the smell of freshly fallen snow mixed with the burning wood from the ceremony being preformed at a small altar surrounded by four human sized stones. Each one carved into the representation of the moon and sun goddess. His friends including Cordenth lay huddled down there with thick layers of wools and furs, listening to the priests they'd gotten to say some words about their fallen comrade. They hadn't known what Shandalar would have wanted, being from Rothdell and not seeming like the religious type. Thankfully they'd done this altar than the one in the city, the dragon wouldn't have been able to follow.

Yet despite their accommodation of him he still stood at a distance, weathering the cold wind like a diligent knight. For why should he count himself as one of them? Stand side by side with those that fought to save each other yet he'd never given her his name. She'd even been willing to protect him to the death. His muscles twitched as he recalled those burning eyes of cerulean. How determined she'd been as spells flew from her fingers like ghostly eels on the night air. All for him, to keep him from those boney, ill-intentioned clutches. It cut him deep as he realized he wasn't ready to do the same for any of them save Arcturus and Lyndis. What kind of friend was he really?

Half the collected priests were wrapped in white robes, traced with thin lines of gold and red. Golden symbols of the sun dangled from their necks, winking in the dwindling light. One at the lead bore an onyx urn filled with ashes, a place holder as they couldn't find what had been of Shandalar. The lich had taken care of that with an ill-timed wind. One final disrespect tossed on her grave. The others carried sticks that glowed like little stars in their gloved hands.

The other priests were adorned in the same style robes, but more blue and lavender hues. Instead of suns around their necks they had moons, their leader even having a cloak of black with stars stitched into the fabric. Each of them had glowing orbs of turquoise, joining their voices with the chant of their more sun clad brethren. It was loud, droning, and seemed to carry into the mountains beyond. Veledar could not catch the words but he knew they were meant to honor his companion, guide her to the next life. One he hadn't given his name to.

Phantoms sprouted from the snow of their meeting and journey. Images playing before him like a theater play. There she was in the tavern, giving him such a disapproving look over some uncouth burp. Next, she was chastising him from her carpet for belittling her well thought plan. Her stern tone whispered on the wind of practicing as he joked back with her, poking fun at her adherence to not have emotions. But that was wrong, he knew they existed. He chuckled weakly as he remembered her smile and opening up to him at the snow-covered bridge. How many days had they been playing this little game? Pretending like they hated each other. Or at least he thought she knew that. She deserved to know that. He pawed at his eyes as they seemed to swell, cold creeping up from his paws. He hoped she knew that.

If only he'd considered her words of practice. Would she still be here with him? Would that creature have bested him so easily when all others hadn't? He rubbed his throbbing chest, as the cold welled up, running down his spine. He knew the answer, and he hated himself even more. For it went against everything he thought of. He was a dragon. Supposed to be greater than most other. But here came this undead wizard and undid that whole reasoning with a twirl of his wicked fingers.

The priests then stopped their chanting, spreading out into a half moon with the one holding the urn setting it down onto a pedestal of marble that sprouted from the snow like a tree. He saw Feku take rise before the others, her scales a darker azure than he'd seen them since Azzik's passing. Her head was held low as she began to sing something for the others. Fresh tears running down her scales with each quivering note. When she was finished the bard dropped a single stone beside the urn, letting Asterion take her place.

You should be down there. He growled at himself, smacking a paw into the snow. You're being a wyrmling. Your friends are down there giving their respects to the dead. It may not be our way, but she died protecting you!

He would have protested further but he glanced to the sunlight dwindling on the horizon. For a fraction of a moment he thought he saw a hint of silver. The sun catching dragon scales in a flash of grey wings. It may have been a bird, a pegasus, or maybe even a stray gryphon flying high. But deep down he could feel the fiery gaze of his mother upon his scales. He could feel it in his paws. So, the dragon carried himself through the cold snow, dragging his paws past dusted trees and buried fences and took his place among his friends. They looked up with saddened smiles, giving him a series of nods. No chastising words were said, nor any jabs at his recent arrival. Only Arcturus' caring hand brushing up against his cheek.

“Tis going to be okay."

“Cause I have you."

Lyndis placed a stone beside the blackened urn, sighing softly before turning to the others. “She was of many things. Intelligent, stubborn, strong willed, unyielding, and aggravating at time. She was more than just an ally, a companion leading us on an adventure." The rogue sighed, “She was my friend, even if we didn't see eye to eye all the time. She was always patient with her words and a great listener." She turned slightly, regarding the urn like a treasured friend. A weakened smile tugging at her lips. “She guided me through our time across my future kingdom, never letting me lose sight of what I could be. Even when I didn't think much of it myself." She laughed, the smile shifting into a slight frown. “And I hope that where she ended up, she's having a good bleedin time. Cause she certainly deserved it." With a final nod the rogue slid over, resting a hand on the dragon's shoulder as the priests started their chanting once more, lifting the urn's lid.

“Surprised you decided to join us." The princess whispered, seemingly trying to work out the ache in his joints.

“Are you really?" He whispered back, frills twitching as a breeze stung at them.

“Well..You and her didn't really get along did you? Always fighting with one another."

“That we did." His head drooped, “I really enjoyed getting her riled up and angry. Seeing those emotionless eyes fill with such distain and fury was truly a pleasure." He smacked aside some trampled down snow, giving a soft whine. “And yet, what I would not give to feel their fire upon me now."

His friend's hands were at his neck faster than he'd snatch a deer with his teeth. Arcturus' and Lyndis' arms almost coming in unison to hug around his scales. He wished he had his wings. He would have wrapped them both in a tight embrace.

“She adored you ya know. Told me that the quest was doomed without you. Just didn't want you to know. Swollen head and all that."

“She said the same to me." Arcturus sighed. “Must be true."

The dragon shook his neck and swished his tail. “That certainly sounds like her."

“Course that sounds like anyone that knows you for more than five minutes."

He pulled back his head, licking those two across the face. “Yea, but I'm not always like that."

“Of course not." The paladin's hand found his jaw. Their eyes locked onto one another, and for the first time since the incident he felt the cold start to melt. “But she helped me find you. That I will be eternally grateful."

“I considered her a friend." His eyes misted. “Yet what kind of friend am I?" His heart trembled like a weakened wyrmling as tears threatened to spring forth.

Lyndis sighed and hugged his neck tighter. “Did you give her your name?"

“No." The words tasted bitter, almost like a vile poison coating his tongue.

“Well friend or no. I think she valued you as one the bleedin same. Otherwise. I don't think she'd have done what she did. If not for her…"

“I'd be captured by that monster." He grumbled, flicking his tail.

Arcturus pulled his snout. “She persisted until Storm arrived. If not for her actions the Lich would be free. But nay. He lays bound, awaiting his final destruction. Sometimes victory requires sacrifices to be made. She was willing to make that one."

He squeezed his eyes shut, pushing into his mate's embrace. “Still doesn't make it any easier."

“Never said it did."

The priests chanting soon came to an end, scooping up the ashes with their hands. One by one they all tossed it into the air, a brief cloud of darkened miasma. But then it exploded into lights. Thousands of white stars that winked and raced into the sky. They swirled around the dragon and his friends like little dragon flies, fighting the cold inundating the air. He stood awestruck, tears on the verge of falling, and almost hearing Shandalar's words whispered on the wind.

“Veledar." He whispered ever wishing she could hear him. “I gift you my name."

Talks of feasting and drinks spread about them like a warm fire's aura . All in the honor of the fallen. One that would of course be filled with whine and good stories of the elf's adventures. One that Veledar was sure was to mask the pain everyone still had. Their chat soon turned to that of the sapphire guardians and how they were being forced to stay with the dragons of the city. Though being forced to do anything flicked the dragon's scales he wasn't going to voice his displeasure. It would be nice to have somewhere safe. Somewhere there were no risks of metal dragons nor undead wizards to suddenly leap them. But there was no time for that for Voidwing nor Merlia. She had already deked him out in so much adventuring gear that the dragon thought he might have seven backpacks strapped to his haunches. Possibly even be dragged down by all the rope, pans and other assorted goods sticking out from the numerous pouches.

“Don't worry ya trousers off." Merlia smacked the gryphon's side, giving Nivra a smirk. “I'll be bringing this boy back faster than three shakes of a gryphon's tail." When Voidwing shook his tail three times she gave him a scowl. “Now not be the time for jokes boyo. Yer makin me look bad."

“See that he maintains his nourishment." Nivra fished out a list, handing it to the dwarf with a nod of her head. “Taking care of him can be quite the stint." She wagged a finger in the dwarf's face. “ And be warned if you don't return my royal guard there shall not be a single obstacle that will stop me."

“Great way ta send me off. Threats and demands." She pocked the list. “Got any more ta make me boots quake?"

“As always she means well." Voidwing fluffed up his feathers. “But it's not like I'm some sort of fledgling. I can quite well handle myself."

The princess' cheeks ran as red as Veledar's scales. “As you keep reminding me." Nivra wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Soon his wings returned the gesture, in addition of adding a forelimb. Once more the dragon was reminded of his recent injury.

Veledar padded over, snaking his head to the little gryph that tried to protect him. He was not going to make the same mistake with Shandalar with this one. So, when the pair had separated, he looked the bird in the eye and told him his name. “But don't go giving it out anywhere." When he turned to Feku he did the same, relishing how green the kobold's scales turned. Like little islands sprouting from a sea of blue. Asterion just gave a shrug, as if the thing hardly meant a thing to him.

“You have my thanks noble dragon." Voidwing bowed his head.

“Do I!" The kobold bowed, almost touching the snow with her snout. “I never forget! Sing songs all time!"

“I said to not to give it everyone." He chuckled with a smile, paws kneading the snow. Though he appreciated the sentiment. “But thank you. I cherish all of you in my heart. I just would like you to know…"

“We understand." The gryphon rose his head, his crowns extending as he gave a pleased chirp.

“But she doesn't have it." He snarled, gesturing to Nivra with his neck. He didn't care if she looked hurt, or shocked. He hardly cared what she thought on the matter. The fact she was so ready to betray him didn't sit well in his gut. When was she next going to try and stab him in the back? If not for the departure he wouldn't even be standing this close to her.

“I know you're the one I can trust. She on the otherclaw…" He made sure to growl the last bit, flashing the princess another fiery glare. One that saw her shy away.

Worried apricot eyes wandered to his princess but then back to the dragon, nodding in agreement even as his ears splayed on either side. It seemed he knew better than to argue and just took the compliment. “Then I shall keep it safe with me." With a crouch of his form Merlia clambered onto his back, settling into the harness like a proper gryphon knight. She pulled out a pair of goggles purchased from the market, slipping them over her eyes with a throaty chuckle. Even she could not deny the anticipation of flight.

“Then let's go get this hunt over with. I have a few words ta be had with that brown feathered female. And I suppose bring the blue one back before he starts to miss us. Can't have him mewing like a babe."

“Then hold on!" Voidwing leaped into the air, powerful wings catching the wind and bringing him ever higher. The gryphon cried out his goodbyes, waving his talons in a near blur before swooping overhead, the darkened skies embracing him like a long-lost brother. Together Veledar and the others watched on in silence, beat after beat of the gryphon's wings until the bodyguard was just a small speck within a sea of black and lavender light.

As the sun began to finally sink below the western mountains the others turned to head back. Either the cold bit at their skin or scales too much, or their bellies growled tirelessly. As the wind whipped bitterly through his scales he was left with only Arcturus, Lyndis, and Cordenth to gaze away at the ever-darkening sky. He could even make out the stars as they emerged through the breaks in the clouds.

They sat in relative silence; the two mortals pressed close against their respective dragons. They listened to the waves crash against the shore below, setting a more peaceful atmosphere compared to the guilt still pooling in Veledar's gut. Like most things it was Lyndis to break apart the silence, slicing it like a blade. As she and Cordenth turned to leave she placed a caring hand on his side, regarding him like a brother. Her amber eyes were filled with such warmth and concern that it truly touched his scaly heart.

“You know Vel. My father once had a saying. Life can be like a dark tunnel. It's going to be dark, dank, terrible; you never know when you're going to trip and fall." She chuckled at the last bit when he gave her a queer look. “Yea I know elves can see in the dark. It's a human saying, and it isn't the point. The point is that you must keep on pressing through. You see, eventually you're going to come to a better place. A light at the end of such a tunnel." She hugged his neck when he offered, even getting a surprised nuzzle from the green dragon at her side.

Cerulean eyes met sunflower ones, and their was a brief connection between them. An understanding of each other that ran deep in their draconic bones. “Thank you for getting us to safety." The green dragon bowed his head. “I swear we will find a way to return your wings. Even if we have to go talk some sense into my mother about it. Of everyone we know, you can bet she has a convoluted scheme to get your wings."

He rolled his eyes with a growl. He'd rather dunk his head in a lake. Sure, the idea certainly had merit, but he hated being more in that green ness's debt. Though what was one debt when he could get his wings? “Thank you, my friend." He returned the bow, green scales met red ones as he returned the nuzzle. “But I wish to exhaust every option before I am forced to endure one of her schemes."

“Understandable." Cordenth laughed weakly, giving him a warm smile. “Do try to keep the spirits up."

He nodded with a swish of his tail, the green soon escorting the rogue back to the more comforting prospects of the city. Warm beds, crackling fires, roasted meat and the sounds of loved ones enough to rouse the dead from their icy tombs. When his friends disappeared part of him rejoiced at just being, he and his paladin, listening to the waves. He pulled the man close, knowing that he soon wouldn't be able to see. Nothing was said between the two, but he didn't think they needed it. The tender hands placed against his chest and sigh were enough to comfort his aching heart. Despite his scales being tough they never felt so brittle as they did now. Like they were made from glass, ready to be smashed apart by a hammer. He contemplated Lyndis' words, running a paw along Arcturus' chest and enjoying the closeness that it brought.

Just walk down a metaphorical tunnel? He wrinkled his snout at the notion, and not just because he hated walking everywhere. It was easy for her to say. It was not like she had lost her wings, her legs, anything that helped her get around. Nor did she have her magic torn away, making her a shadow of what she was. His displeasure must have been painted on his snout or being relayed through the bond because Arcturus was swift to respond with a caring voice.

“Troubles?"

“You state the obvious." He snapped, flicking his neck to his wings. “How observant you are." When he caught the narrowed eyes of the paladin he sighed, nuzzling at his face. “Sorry. It's just…."

The paladin's hands found his head and he whimpered pitifully. Like he was but a wyrmling who'd had his first fall. “It's alright. I've snapped at people before."

“I'd pay to see that." He scoffed into the man's hair.

“Tis true! You should have seen this inn back in Entis. I yelled the man out for at least ten minutes."

“How scathing." He sighed, thumping his tail. “I bet you really made that man's face turn red."

His snout was grabbed yet again as Arcturus slipped free of his grip and lowered him, so they were nose to nose. “It's just people go through a lot. I understand you silly thing."

“Not too silly." He mused, licking his own nose. “But how am I supposed to walk through this tunnel of hers when I don't have a light?"

“It was metaphorical you know. There isn't an actual light."

“I know that. Do you take me for an idiot?"

“Well…sometimes you don-“ Arcturus was silenced by a dragon lick to the face.

“I'll stop you there. But what I meant mate was.." His eyes fell lower, his frills drooping. “I have no wings, no magic to call my own. My horn is chipped. I am but a hideous and nonworking thing. What light can there possibly be like this? That lich was able to best me like none has ever done before. I am a dragon. Supposed to the greatest there is…Yet in that moment I was as helpless as everyone else was. I was…" He shivered as he recalled those onyx eyes, that boney hand reaching out as he cowered to the summoned wall. “Terrified."

“And yet you prove yet again you're no different then us." Arcturus smiled, scratching at his chin. “Perhaps you'll learn a lesson from it." He tapped his cheek. “I used to tell Geoffery. When life tosses you down. Knocked you over. What have you. You're supposed to pick yourself up and become stronger."

He rose a brow, remembering the tales of Arcturus' two years before meeting him. How it was filled with booze, irritability, and a sense of having no purpose to call his own. Truly wallowing in his own misery. “And what would you call your own past? Not following such enlightened advice?"

“And look what happened." The man's eyes lit like emerald candles. “Some blasted dragon came along, kicked my butt with his tail. And I am ever stronger for it."

“Did more to that butt then simply kick it." He licked the man's face, laughing. “I smacked it, groped it and mat-“

“Don't you get started on that." The ever-blushing man hugged his nose, trapping it between two strong arms. “And to the nine hells with your light. I'll walk with you the entire bloody time if I must. Deal?"

He could nearly weep at such a promise. Course why would he doubt the man he declared his mate? “Deal. How is it you speak such wonderful things at just the right moments?"

“Perhaps a handsome dragon rubbed a bit of his greatness on me?"

He closed his eyes, enjoying the ever-comforting beating of Arcturus' heart against his forehead. “Even when his wings were turned to ash?"

“Your wings are not why I find you handsome nor great." The man chuckled, playfully smacking his eye scales. “Whatever happens. We shall boldly carry on together."

He rose a forepaw, pulling the man ever tighter as his draconic demeanor crumbled away. All the misery over the last day came tumbling free. He wept for his wings, cried for his magic, and trembled for the friend died protecting him. Each sob and scale quivering cry was met by a pair of tender hands stroking his cheek, catching every tear that dripped down his scales.

“I doubt it's going to be easy."

“Probably not." He sobbed, pushing harder into Arcturus' chest.

“But you must have hope. Faith in yourself. Just like the faith I endeavor to have in you. The question that you should be asking is do you have the strength to press on?"

“I certainly hope so. Otherwise I don't know what I'll do." With one final hug they wiped away the tears, following the snow trampled down by their friends. Though his wings might be gone, his magic stripped from him, their group wounded. He would have to carry on. Find that light waiting for him through the clouds, buried deep within that darkened sky. He was just glad he had companions to walk the journey with him, or at least one paladin to cast out the cold.

* * * * * * * * *

And so ends, Darkened Skies.

Thank you for those that stuck out this last bit of the story. Never missing a chapter and posting your comments. It ever lightens my day to see that people are reading, caring, cherishing these characters to heart. Trust me, these last few chapters have probably hurt me just as much as you!

The next chapter is going to be the epilogue, but not be about these characters here. So once more, thank you all for reading! Don't forget to fav, vote, and leave a comment. ;3 Things are surely going to get interesting from here.