Patreon if you can support: patreon.com/EmmaPRIME667 Amateur writer who can't seem to get her head out of the clouds. If you like dragons (my specialty) this is a pretty cool place to try. I'm on Wattpad and DeviantArt (emmaprime) and AO3 (HappinessIsBeyondMyLevel) Lot's of fantasy here! Dragons, centaurs and everything in between. 😊 Likes, reblogs and follows are wonderful! Thank you all so much! 💜
Chapter summary: Dewdrop has always been a mysterious dragon, and since meeting, Sunny has found herself drawn to her
Warnings: don't think anything apply
Fandom: Wings of Fire
Relationships: Sunny/Dewdrop (OC)
Characters: Sunny, Dewdrop Mentions of: Thorn and Stonemover, new ocs to be written soon
Tags: wlw, f/f romance, soft, fluff, sfw, spy x princess, sunshine x sunshine-lover, titled after a song
word count: 2700
Song: Sunlight - Hozier
Note: Takes place after book 5. So far, Dewdrop met the DoD when she was a spy in the Sky Kingdom. She didn’t really interfere with the DoD, just followed and helped where she could. Her main contribution was following Sunny after she’d been kidnapped and chose to fly to the Scorpion Den/followed her through the events of book 5. when they met Stonemover, Dewdrop said a few words to help convince to get off his depressed ass. while he and Thorn don’t get back together, they have an okay relationship and Stonie teaches/helps out at JMA. I headcanon Sunny as an ace lesbian that goes by she/they pronouns, so I’m experimenting here with it. I do apologise for how broken and janky these two pieces are, but these are more for myself. (also hozier is a mud-sky hybrid in this someone may hate me for that)
Sunny had never been to such a celebration.
The castle was alive with dragons and chatter and dozens, if not hundreds, of carved pumpkins. She looked around at all the faces. Compared to the battle of the Eye of Onyx, this was a relatively small meet up. But it was hardly small for what Sunny knew.
This was so incredibly different to how they’d spent most of their life; dreary grey walls, damp stone… Kestrel. It was the complete opposite. It was so warm and cheery, and her mother was right at the heart of it.
Sunny could see her in the centre of the foyer, chatting with a group of councillors, leaders of SandWing towns all throughout the desert. Each one was adorned with various trinkets and faces shaded with coloured veils. It looked so wonderful! It made her wings flutter with excitement.
In the air hung the warm and stinging scents of spices mixed with the fruitiness of the drinks and candles in the pumpkins. Sunny had never smelled so much, and it was wonderful.
It was all so overwhelming. The sights and smells took over the entire castle, even up on the balcony overlooking the full foyer. There was more breathing room up there, with some chatting dragons sipping dragonfruit punch. Unlike the ones below, they were scarred and sharp-eyed, watching the queen and her more mannered guests. Six-Claws had said they were Outclaws, welcomed with open wings to the castle and, of course, the party.
Sunny’s gaze was locked on the open dining room though, the most focused it had been all night. She was starving, and a few dragons seemed to be lingering in there now. She fiddled with the emerald dangling from her gold necklace. This might be their only chance to eat before the next phase of the party. Her mother had invited performers, a travelling circus that was known for recruiting in the Scorpion Den and moving from the most northern corner of the Sky Kingdom to the Kingdom of the Sea’s islands. Thorn was so excited about their visit, recalling so many memories from the tricks and flips the RainWings performed, the fire-play of the Firescales, and the swift ice-sculpting of the IceWings. And now they had a recruit, a singer gaining quite a bit of popularity.
Sunny has seen many things while flying over Pyrrhia, and this circus seemed to be highly anticipated by even the most senior of Outclaws. Whatever it was about these performers, they were beloved.
And the crowd would be big. The stage would be in the foyer, the centre of the party. Everyone would be watching, from the balcony and staircase to the windows overlooking from the library.
And of course, the dining room would be full to the brim, the nearest room to the performance.
“It’s quite the party, isn’t it?” It was a sweet voice, but careful with her wording. How long had it been since Sunny had heard it?
A smile possessed her before she could even think. “Dewdrop! What brings you here?” She found herself hugging her, and Dewdrop’s webbed talons gently patted her back.
“Oh, I’m here on business. Did Th—Queen Thorn not tell you?”
It was a quick hug, and Sunny took the opportunity to look her over. Dewdrop had dressed herself in deep purple scales with marigold SeaWing markings and wings, so different to what Sunny had seen her in before. Usually, she matched the dragons and environment around her. This was bold, like her quick comments and confidence.
Sunny took a moment to hear what she said. “No?” but they panicked. Had Mother mentioned anything about outside help?
Dewdrop gave her a reassuring look. “You’ve been busy with Jade Mountain, of course. Thorn asked me to come and help sort out any of Oasis’s messages and plots that were left around, and with the letter-room. trying to sort those letters out has been a pain!” she sighed but smiled. “It’s paying well, so I can pay my own help well.”
“Help?” Sunny questioned.
Dewdrop nodded and started to walk down the stairs. Sunny couldn’t leave the conversation now. “Some former Talons of Peace. Nautilus left them high and dry.” She slipped in between a group of chatting dragons, leading Sunny into the bustling foyer. “Most split and went home, either apologised to their queens, snuck back into society or just settled in places like Possibility. A few are so used to the spying and keeping tabs on the world that they want to keep it up.” They walked toward the dining hall, Sunny walking beside Dewdrop as she spread her wings to nudge dragons aside and guide a clear path through. Even when not knowing or seeing her, they obeyed. “And I know no different, so I figured we’d stick together. Got some MudWings, a SandWing, SeaWing, IceWing, oh, and one of those NightWing brothers we met.” As she talked, she gestured a wing to each: a gathering of MudWings by the entrance; a beige SandWing with a black zig-zag pattern, sail and neckerchief in the corner, shuffling a deck of cards; a near-white SeaWing lingered by the punchbowl, an octopus on her shoulder, and a lilac IceWing stood beside her. The NightWing Sunny couldn’t see, but Dewdrop gestured to the balcony.
“Some are part of the show tonight, and we might be gaining a couple of recruits in a few days. They’re on the branch about things.” She extended a talon to grab a fruit kabab and bit off the strawberry at the top. “You should try one.”
Sunny looked at the bowl. It was the most colourful spread she’d ever seen. Strawberry, three types of melon, kiwi and dragonfruit were held together on a skewer. It looked so fresh. They smiled and grabbed on.
Dewdrop offered them a plate, which Sunny gratefully took. “You sound like you’re doing well.”
Dewdrop swayed her head either side in a not really way. “There have been better operations. We’re happy, I suppose. The NightWing gets things done fast. Fennec has always been reliable.” She bit off some cantaloupe. “How’s Jade Mountain Academy coming along?”
Sunny hummed. “Steady. Father is helping with the caves and making the tunnels more homely. I think he’s enjoying it.”
Dewdrop led them over to a couple of spare seats in the corner. The burgundy velvet went well with the themes of orange and black throughout. “That’s good. I’m glad we got Stonie out of that cave. Make himself useful for a cause he believes in.” She wrapped her long, thin tail around herself. Finally getting a good looked at it, Sunny noticed it was shorter than the average RainWing, and thicker too. But she’d seen Dewdrop swing and glide between trees in the rainforest. The length clearly didn’t limit her.
“What about the students? Have the queens accepted the idea?” Dewdrop’s gaze scanned the room, cold blue eyes watching every dragon, every entrance, and every shadow. She’d done that since they’d met in Scarlet’s Palace and, Sunny presumed, since she had hatched.
Sunny nodded, turning the skewer in their talon. “So far, Mother, Queen Ruby, Queen Moorhen and Glory—of course—have accepted. Queen Coral is very on the dunes about it—” she really liked that phrase, “—and Queen Glacier hasn’t come back yet. I think there’s some hunting season right now.”
Dewdrop’s gaze was anchored on her again. Not in an uncomfortable way, just a listening way. “I take it Anemone wishes to go?”
Sunny nodded again. “Of course. The Princess is eager to get a look on the world now that the war is over, and she has Tsunami of course. And Princess Auklet is okay, and the statue taken care of.”
She had a cube of watermelon this time. “A hard choice to make for her, then. Her daughters are just safe. Is she willing to trust one in someone else’s care? Tsunami will have to put everything into convincing her.”
Sunny absentmindedly mimicked her. “You talk like you’ve heard all our meetings and read all the messages.”
A smirk rose to Dewdrops face. “Maybe I have.” She raised a wing in a shrug.
“You wouldn’t spy on a queen!” Sunny hushed her voice, but Dewdrop’s grin reminded her of who she was talking to.
“I always have. I gave Scarlet anxiety, I’m pretty sure. Even popped in to see Ruby last week. She’s doing very well for herself, despite not fixing the broken sky-door.”
Sunny tried not to pull a face. “You really do know everything.”
Dewdrop hummed. “Not really. Just about every dragon worth knowing. Can’t say I know everything, though. So many mysteries fill Pyrrhia.”
“Such as?”
Dewdrop swayed her head again. “Like if you’ll join me for a dance, Princess Sunny?” she offered a slim webbed talon to Sunny.
Sunny found themself frozen, face heating up. She knew if she was a RainWing she’d be completely pink, like Jambu. They looked away, flustered, heart picking up a pace. She put down the plate, talons feeling ready to fail. Did she just ask that? This cool, elite, expert spy just ask her for a dance?
Dewdrop slowly lowered her talon, but Sunny placed hers in Dewdrop’s before it got too far. “I’d love to.” They smiled, cheeks burning and scales tingling in excitement.
Yellow splashes rose to Dewdrop’s cheek, forehead and jaw. “Great.” As her talon wrapped around Sunny’s, the highly anticipated singer appeared on stage. A MudWing-SkyWing hybrid rose to the stage, brown scales shining in the warm light as the band behind him started a thumping, steady rhythm.
Dewdrop brought Sunny to an open spot by the stage as the crowd stilled and watched the stage come to life.
“I would shun the light…”
Sunny, despite their notability among the dragons of Pyrrhia, had never actually had such eyes on them before, even having held the Eye of Onyx and given it to their mother. She had never been in such an enclosed space, watched by so many.
She looked at Dewdrop, whose gaze was set on her with softness as she moved around the dance floor with her, the singer accompanying them as the performers danced beside them. It was all so mesmerizing. The lights, Dewdrop’s gaze and dance, the music, the faces watching them, the dancers on stage… Dewdrop.
Sunny’s heart thumped faster. They hadn’t even noticed that they were dancing with Dewdrop, faces close, talons dodging each other.
Dewdrop’s scales changed in waves of pink and yellow with the music. “You’re quite the dancer, Princess Sunny.” She smiled, blue eyes catching the pink light.
Sunny copied Dewdrop as she curved her body in a loose spiral, faces at the centre and bodies curved out. “Oh, stop with that!” they giggled softly in embarrassment. “You’ve known me since before I was a princess! Sunny is fine. Perfect actually.”
A smirk formed on Dewdrop’s face. “What about Sunlight?”
The word echoed behind her, the singer repeating it twice in a sweet harmony.
Sunny nodded after a moment. “Sure.”
“And Sunflower?”
“It’s pretty.”
“Sunshine?”
That one took Sunny by surprise. That clearly held more value than the song name and sunflower. Sunshine was vital to a RainWing’s life. “I-If you like?” they stammered.
Dewdrop's face was unreadable as a light came from behind her, hiding her expression. “I think it suits you,” she said after a moment.
*~*~*~*
The weather at Jade Mountain was always breezy. Rain, hail or shine, there was a wind to accompany it.
Sunny liked it, especially because of the bamboo wind chimes. Dewdrop had brought them as an “office-warming” gift a few weeks prior. The hollow thudding was comforting throughout the day, as she worked and planned and ate. Even Clay and Stonemover had complimented them when they came to talk to her.
She hoped Dewdrop knew how much they liked them.
Sunny would often spend her evening watching them, listing to their song as she put seeds out for the birds—another thing Dewdrop had given her. They weren’t a sloth or Scavenger, but they were nice. Maybe one day they’d be comfortable in her presence.
“Is the view nice, Sunshine?”
Sunny lifted their head, seeing Dewdrop by the entrance of her office, holding a steaming terracotta cup. She couldn’t help but smile. “Dewie!”
She had taken on a more permanent colour since they’d started talking at the party. Dewdrop had adopted a pink body and orange back and shoulder scales. The belly was a pale pink and her ruff and fins a pastel orange. Her SeaWing markings were never the same. Some days they were blue like her father’s, other days were white. This time, she was trying an orange to match her scales. When they’d first met, Dewdrop seemed to be a SkyWing, her frill and fins carefully hidden and pinned down, or she blended in with the forest, looking like a gathering of leaves.
Sunny liked it.
Dewdrop stepped closer using her wings as front talons, moving her gaze to the window. “You have some friends. The SkyWings will be jealous, you’re outdoing their bird care.”
Sunny laughed; eyes fixed on Dewdrop. “Oh hardly. I’m just an amateur.”
Dewdrop settled beside her and offered Sunny the warm terracotta cup. As soon as it was cradled in her talons, Sunny was wrapped in the scent of cinnamon. It reminded them of their mother. “How’d I do?”
Sunny smiled. “Excellent. You’ve perfected the recipe.” She took a first sip, the milk warming her soul and scales, the spice easing her thoughts. Her wings drooped and her neck eased.
She thought she saw yellow blotch on Dewdrop’s muzzle, but when she turned to face her, there was nothing. “How’s the academy coming along?”
Sunny sighed; their head leaned on Dewdrop’s neck. It was shorter than a typical RainWing’s but so strong. “Stressful. I’m worried about who we are inviting to the school. A last-minute request came in from a SandWing. No one knows anything about her, though.” She sipped her milk. “Tsunami is uninterested. She’s just delighted Anemone is coming. And Clay is fixed on everyone being comfortable.”
Dewdrop let them talk, and after a moment, she hummed. “Maybe I can find out about her. What has you so concerned?”
“She’s so…” Sunny tried to find the best—nicest word to explain, “old. She’s over twice my age. Close to Mother’s, actually. She’s really pushing too. I don’t want to refuse just because of age. Anemone is only two after all.” She lifted her head to look at Dewdrop, only now realising what she’d done. Heat rushed to her face. Where her head had rested was a yellow patch of scale that was now fading.
Dewdrop wavered her head. “I’ll look into it for you. Most of your students are younger than you. Why would she want to be here? I’ll find her. Tell me her name and anything you have on her.”
Sunny reached for their desk, giving their cup to Dewdrop and grabbing the list of names and a form from the drawer. “This is her. Her form even… lacks enthusiasm. Especially when compared to the others.” She gave the paper to Dewdrop, and she exchanged them for the cup.
Dewdrop read through everything. “Not a good actress,” she said after a few moments.
Sunny tilted their head, stepping closer. “You think she’s acting?”
She nodded, looking at Sunny. “Oh absolutely. She wants something. I’ll look in to her. No charge.”
Sunny sipped her milk, Dewdrop’s tail touching hers. “That’s good. I have nothing to offer.”
Dewdrop tilted her head. “Not even a date, Sunshine?”
Sunny faltered. “What kind?” Did she even have time for that? The school was nowhere near ready, and she was in charge of the papers!
She shrugged. “Picnic at the Winding Tail River? I’ll provide the food. Tomorrow at noon?”
Sunny barely considered it before nodding. “Only if you stay birdwatching with me.”
“We have a deal, Sunshine.” She wrapped a wing under Sunny’s to pull her close. Sunny leaned on her again, her own wing wrapping around Dewdrop, yellow spreading over her body with pink lingering on her chest.
“Are you certain about this?” I said as I helped Evangeline fix her outfit, dusting off the broad shoulders she’d given herself beneath the purple velvet suit. She was taller now, with shorter curly hair and more angled features. A fine-looking young man, I’m sure the other women would say.
She sighed. “Of course I’m certain,” she grumbled. Her voice was so much deeper.
I brushed off her coat. “Alright… remember, midday, (S/N) Estate. Money and—”
“—staff.”
I pursed my lips together and looked at her eyes. I fixed the family crest pinned on her jacket. It was a flat oval, with an outstanding gold dragon on a green backdrop, gold filigree decorating the edges. “Don’t skimp out—”
“—on accessories. And keep my—”
“—head high.” I stood back and crossed my arms, looking over her outfit. “You look like a smart gentleman, coming to preserve a long line of mage blood.”
She snorted, amused. “Your parents will be oh so disappointed.”
I shrugged. “There’s worse fate and worse truths for them to know.” I sighed. “You look ready though. Maybe wander Waterdeep to get a feel of the place before coming to meet my parents?”
Evangeline nodded. “Sure. Then Evan Dragonclaw will come along and woo them, and you.” She winked and bowed, forearm to her chest.
I covered my mouth to stifle my laugher but failed. “Who?!” I doubled over laughing.
She lifted her head and stared at me.
“Evan who?!” I repeated, howling.
Evangeline stood up straight and cleared her throat. “Dragonclaw?” she slowly questioned. “Is that not a good name?”
I picked myself up and sigh, wiping the tears from my eyes. I cleared my throat. “It’s a fine name. Just amusing. Hardly an unlikely name to have. You’ll need a story though; Where do you reign from? How did you hear about my family? And what can you offer?” I crossed my arms. “There may be a question about your name, so prepare to defend it.”
She nodded slowly, reaching for where her long hair would usually be, but met a tassel of her jacket. "Y-yeah. That makes sense.” Her hand fell to her shoulder, and she sighed softly, tooth digging into her lip.
I stepped closer, putting my hand on hers. “I’ll help you now,” I grabbed my handkerchief from my skirt and took the lead pencil from Evangeline’s pocket. “You reign from Neverwinter, and your family is pureblooded—like mine. At this point, you’re rooted in as many family trees as possible. The rest of the mage families will not unite with the Dragonclaws, as they have their own blood-related reasons. A grudge lasting a few generations or something.
“What can you offer? Pure mage blood, specialising in nature magic and wild-forms. A family fortune worth hundreds of platinum and gold, with some heirlooms and antiques. They’ll speak of my dowry, which you’ll have heard of; worth ten platinum to take my hand.” I scribbled it all down as I spoke and folded the handkerchief. I met Evangeline’s eyes. “Oh, and the function to give heirs through me and keep mage blood strong.” I put the handkerchief into her chest pocket and sighed. “How does that sound?”
Her face was flushed and after a stunned moment she nodded. “I think that’s pretty solid… I would’ve never thought people cared that much about uh, blood.”
I sighed and fixed my skirt, shaking the soil from the hem as the sun lit up its velvet shimmer. “They do unfortunately. And they care very much about it. How fun it is to be a cow to produce another mage, instead of a human who would like to follow her heart… not that they’d get a child that way either, I suppose.” I lifted my head.
Evangeline looked at me with those soft brown eyes, taking pity on me. “Hopefully, this will grant you some freedom.”
I smiled a little. “It should. Once I am wed, they won’t be watching me. I will be yours, or Evan’s, and then we’ll come to some arrangement ourselves.” For some reason, I wasn’t so bothered by the thought of it.
She shrugged and looked out at the cobblestoned road behind me, the main road between Waterdeep and Neverwinter. “Yes, we will come to an arrangement. If I am to make mother happy, that’d mean making you happy. She likes you a lot.”
I laughed softly. “I am aware. I quite like her too.” I stepped into the road. All was clear but the lunchtime gathering was about to arrive, the convoy not far in the distance. The sea lapped at the coast and glowed in the midday light. It felt hopeful.
I looked at Evangeline. “Let’s get going. The city will help you prepare your speech.”
*~*~*~*
They were the longest three hours of my life. I spent it fixing up myself, restyling my hair, donning a fresh green summer frock with a set of amethyst jewellery.
But even after that, she hadn’t arrived. I found myself burning through all the odd things I’d put off for who knows how long; reorganising my books, storing my paints, and sharpening my embroidery needles.
Mother was curious when she saw me.
“What’s gotten into you? You’ve been shoving this aside since last winter,” she said in disbelief, sitting across from me as I held the needle in my hand.
I bared my teeth as I pricked myself again. “Nothing. Just figured it was a good time.” She wouldn’t buy that.
“Oh? And why not last week when it was teeming? Or yesterday when your father had that boring bank meeting?” she crossed her arms.
I drew in a breath as a thought crossed my mind. I raised my head slowly.
“There’s a mage in town. From Neverwinter.”
Mother cocked a brow. “A mage?”
“A noble mage. In the finest suit I’ve seen, a crested badge on his chest. He’s in search of a maiden with a dowry.” I placed the needle on the desk beside me, urgency in my voice.
She seemed suspicious but let me continue.
“And he’s quite handsome. With a strong name, Dragonclaw! Have you ever heard such a name, Mother?” I jumped from my chair and turned my back to her, eyes fixated on the window overlooking the bazaar below.
“And you think he’s headed here?” I heard her skirts shift as she rose from the chair.
I nodded and spun around, the loose skirt of the frock adding to the excitement. “Oh yes! He asked at the gate! I was picking up the persimmons when he was asking.”
For a moment, her face was unreadable. It made me nervous. But then she beamed and hugged me close. “How wonderful! There might be luck for you yet.” The tapped my nose with her finger and stepped away. “I’ll let your father know to expect him. Dragonclaw was it?”
I nodded. “That’s him. Dressed in purple, green family crest.”
She tilted her head to me. “Very wise choice in dress then, (Y/N).” She grabbed the door handle. “Be ready. Stay fresh. I’ll send Alys when he’s here.” Mother rushed out the door and I was left thinking.
There might be luck for you yet.
*~*~*~*
It was the most awkward tea party of my life. But Evangeline—Evan, played his role perfectly.
And apparently, I didn’t do so bad either. Though it’s easy to be perceived as enthusiastic when you are enthusiastic. My interest let my parents release their hold on me quite a bit. Any excuse, they sent me to off to talk with him, even allowing him into the gardens of the estate; reserved for only the finest of family events.
“Are they still watching?” Evan whispered; arm linked in mine as we passed the buzzing rose garden.
Turned my head to look at him, smiling warmly. I turned my eyes as far as I could, seeing my parents watching from the balcony.
I sighed and returned my gaze forward. “Yep,” I said through a for-show smile. The smells of the garden were sweet and earthy. It was well taken care of by the servants. All the bushes were blooming, the flowerbeds were full, and the lawn lush.
“What do they think of me?” he took in the blossoming trees arching over the path, shadows falling upon us.
“You’re in the garden, left to saunter through as you wish. They love you.”
Evan nodded and plucked a purple blossom from the flowerbed below—violets. “Should I bring up the marriage soon?”
I nodded, watching her spin the flower in his hand. “Yes. Or someone else will ask.”
“Mother won’t let anyone—”
“—I know she won’t.” I cut him off, harsher than I intended. I sighed. “But we need to use their interest, praise and adoration of you soon or they will look for someone else. Ask for my father’s blessing. He’ll probably give it easily. Mother will give you a ring. It was my grandmother’s and her mother’s before that. They may request a way to be engaged, something they can attend and watch and celebrate. If you want to follow that, agree. If not, they’ll agree to you whisking me away for a night and we’ll pretend or… something.”
I released a slow breath. It wasn’t a façade anymore.
We stopped at the entryway to the gazebo, and I guided him in. We were well out of sight now.
“And what do you want?” Evan asked.
I lowered myself onto the blossom and leaf-covered bench. I looked up at him. “I want my parents to stop forcing men on me.”
He grumbled and sat beside me. “I know that. I mean, what kind of engagement do you want?”
I looked at my pastel pink dress and fixed the skirt. “Private. You and me. No illusion.” My heart thumped loudly. I could see her before me. “M-maybe for Claugiyliamatar to oversee it,” I continued, stumbling over my words. “If she likes. I don’t know if she’d have an interest, though.”
Evan turned to face me entirely. “I think she’d love to see it. Though she might have her servants set up a date for us or something.”
I thought. “Probably. I wouldn’t mind. You’ll need wedding guests, though. She’ll have to dress them up.” I met her gaze. Those eyes were still Evangeline’s; warm and big, the most caring gaze I’ve ever seen.
She noticed, looked around quickly, and deactivated the enchantment on the brooch. She brought her hands to my hair and carefully positioned the small flowers throughout my braid—she’d picked them up during my spiel probably. Evangeline smiled, a kind of smug grin but also deeply caring.
My heart fluttered.
Her dark hand came to my face, hand on my cheek as tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Can I admit something, (Y/N)?”
I swallowed thickly. I forced myself to nod. “Sure,” I croaked, my mouth dry.
“My mother isn’t the only one who admires you.” Her hand came forward, finger tracing my jaw. My skin tingled, heart raced at her touch again. “Turns out I like the women she aspires to be.”
I leaned forward, my face passing by her hand. This was my chance to make my choice. My lips touched hers. “I like you too.”
*~*~*~*
I the warmth of her kiss lingered as Evangeline pulled away, ring slipping onto my finger. The yellow and green lighting-orbs lit her up like the angel she was in this lush forest. I caught a glance down; it was my grandmother’s. A silver ring with a peridot set in it, very fitting.
Claugiyliamatar clapped and grinned, coming forward. “Congratulations!” She set herself down and put a claw on each of us. “It’s so delightful that it’s all working!”
Evangeline touched the claw on her shoulder. Masculine outfits suited her; the dark forest green of her dress shirt complimented her and matched Claugiyliamatar. “Me too, Mother. This way, we all get to have our happily ever after.” She looked at me with those deep, caring eyes she’d been watching me with.
I had to look away, getting flustered. This was my first time having anything close to this burst of feelings, to feel genuinely wanted and loved, and wanting to reciprocate those feelings.
Then Evangeline looked at Claugiyliamatar. “And I have something for you, Mother.” She looked at the servants.
“I’ll give you two some time.” I touched her shoulder and moved to step away.
“No. Stay. I can only give her this gift, thanks to you.” She smiled at me and then at her mother. “Please, send them away, Mother.”
Claugiyliamatar nodded and waved a claw at the musicians. Once they were gone, she looked at Evangeline.
She cleared her throat. “With thanks to, (Y/N), my love and lady, I made this for you.” She pulled out a gold necklace with the same dragon brooch as Evan had worn, with an emerald for the dragon’s backdrop. “It is for you to attend the wedding.” Evangeline raised her arms and Claugiyliamatar lowered her head. Evangeline wrapped the necklace carefully around Claugiyliamatar’s horn. It was quite a pretty accessory.
Claugiyliamatar’s eyes shone. “Oh, Eva!”
Evangeline wiped under her eyes. “Try imagine being shorter, Mother. That should trigger it.” with her practice of druid magic, Evangeline had tested wild forms before.
Claugiyliamatar closed her eyes and, after furrowing her brow for a moment, changed into a tall, thin and elegant woman with the necklace on her neck and long ash blonde hair. In the light, it seemed to be tinted green.
I looked away in shock, as she was naked, but I was smiling.
Characters: Acorn the Faerie Dragon (OC of requester)
Word count: 2,720
Notes: this features the homebrew DnD of the requester, so any locations and characters that are unfamiliar are theirs (Azureman136 on Wattpad)
If you enjoyed this pls reblog and like as my work doesnt meet many ppl and I’m not doing so good financially. It's okay if not tho. links to my AO3, DA, RiTF & Wattpad
(this format is pretty common among writers here so I'm testing it out)
Unkept was one way to put it. Exhausted and scared was another. Things had been tough for the past few days. Maybe I should’ve stayed at home, never bothered moving to a bigger town to make my way…
The dream was over now, though. Crushed and burned and devoured by senseless brutes.
There was nothing left now.
A cool breeze caught my hair, and I had a look around. The bleak road ahead was about to fork; a long, wide path would lead me to a few days' walk to the nearest settlement, Solidus. The other was a winding dirt path leading into a broad forest. The smell of pinecones and rain hit me, bringing my mind to a moment of ease.
Then tug from the west. The breeze had taken a turn for the worst, and the sky grew grey and cold. Best case a shower, worst a thunderstorm.
Behind me, there was nothing. No wagon, no mounted traveller, not even a mouse to scurry on the road. I was all alone, surrounded by dark clouds and green fields.
Any peace that had brought to me was gone, and the dreaded sense of isolation had returned. I pulled my cloak closer to me and sighed sadly.
Then something on my boot.
I looked down, a perfect wet splat on the toe. The heaven’s opened, and the road quickly glistened in a layer of rainwater. The shower wasn’t heavy thankfully, but one pair of clothes was all I had, and that one pair would be a nuisance if it got soaked.
Summoning every bit of willpower I could, I bolted down the dirt trail, puddle-water and mud splashing under my heels. The forest was getting closer, and the branches came into view. They were broad and overlapping with each other to create a perfect canopy. It was rather calming to be under them. The deep drumming of the rain and its smell brought me back to a nicer time and better situation.
I sighed and squeezed out my hair as I gathered myself. This was a nice place, but it was dark and cold. And as the dribble from my hair trickled down my sleeve, my shoulders tingled.
Something was watching me.
And in a forest, something is not what you want watching you.
I spun and glared into the tangle of branched and trunks. Of course I wouldn’t see anything, but I gripped the blade on my belt regardless. Something was there and I wouldn’t allow it to stay there.
There was nothing. No scampering, no scratching, no weird glowing eyes blinking back at me. After a hesitant moment I forced myself to turn away and walk on the path again.
The tingling lingered, hairs on my neck standing on end as I took a new step.
A shuffling came from behind me, from the undergrowth on either side. I tried to grab a glance over my shoulders and was met with the ferns and bushes shifting and trembling. More than a downpour would, if the water was getting to them, but rain had yet to touch the forest floor. I saw something long and green curl up a tree beside me, chilling me to the core.
There was nothing logical in my head, my legs just came alive, bounding down the slick mud path.
“Hey!” called a youthful voice. “Wait!”
My legs burned, but I kept going, rain pouring down my face. With a sting, a droplet wormed its way into my eye, and in a moment if blindness, something constricted around my ankle. I fell face first into the mud with a yelp.
I forced myself over and heaved, spitting mud from my mouth.
A blur of blue landed in front of me, hopping into a puddle, adding more to my wet mess. It had large, angled forms on either side of it.
I wiped the water from my eyes. The blue thing had wings, had four legs and was about the size of a cat. I could also see that their wings weren’t like that of a bird or a dragon, they were like giant butterfly wings, tinted purple. Its limbs had a pink gradient to them, too. It was quite beautiful.
It hopped onto my lap, pink eyes glaring into my soul. “Don’t run from me!” this was the voice that had spoken earlier. It sounded more childlike up front.
I stared at him in my lap, tiny claws digging into my cold skin. “Um… sorry?”
He nodded, planting himself down. “Accepted. I suppose,” he eyed me up and down, sniffing me and flicking out his tongue. “What’s the deal, half-elf? Why are you runnin’?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?!” I was taken aback. “I’m in the middle of the fucking woods and something is watching me and running after me and you expect me to not run?”
He opened his mouth, then closed it again slowly. “Fair enough… that was a bad introduction.” He sighed and got off my lap, shaking himself, water spraying from his pink and blue body. “My name is Acorn.”
I nodded slowly, the rain thumping on my body as my heart recovered. “I’m (Y/N).” I looked at him, then at the forest around. “I don’t mean to be rude but—”
“I’ll take you to the village. We’re not far.” He lifted his head and snorted. “Up ya get, (N/N). chop-chop. The rain ain’t stoppin’ soon.” Acorn hopped on the spot.
Putting my hand beneath me, I pushed myself up and wiped down my trousers and hand as best as possible. Mud still seeped through the fabric, though. I sighed, imagining the beauty of a nice, hot shower after this.
As I straightened up, a weight landed on my back. “Let’s get going!” Acorn called over my shoulder, wing extended to shelter my head.
I tucked my head down and trekked my way down the muddy path.
“So, where are you from? I know everyone in these woods, and I do not know you.” Acorn turned his head to look at me, blinking his pink eyes in suspicion.
“I came from a town uh… north-ish of here. I’m headed to Solidus to get back to my parents…” I trailed off. Admitting everything was hard.
“That’s a long trek. You miss them?”
I shrugged, tucking up the collar of my jacket. The answer was no. “I suppose.”
I felt his eyes bear down on me, and I slowly brought my gaze to meet him. “Don’t suppose you’re heading from that village the orcs buried?”
My jaw tensed, seeing the axe effortlessly cut through my door as the drums beat out, shaking my windows, baking trays and fine porcelain.
Acorn tuned his head back to the path ahead. “That was aimless destruction. I’m sorry about that.”
I sighed. “It’s fine. Probably wasn’t a life meant for me.”
Acorn looked at me. “What life?”
I looked at him. “I left the city to become a small tea shop and bakery owner.”
His face lit up, pupils dilating, grin spreading. “Tea?! Bakery?!” his shrieking voice caused me to wince.
I nodded, grimacing. “Yes?”
Acorn flapped his wings, hovering in front of me. “Come on!” he beat his wings excitedly through the rain, following the path.
I ran after him and, after a moment or two, smelled burning wood and heard soft chatter. With the turn of a bend, a village appeared. Clustered rustic buildings were alive in the wet day. Music came from inside inns and pubs, chatter came from sheltered beer gardens out front, and smoke curled up from pretty much every cottage and chimney.
I darted in under a canopy and looked around. The drinkers were far more diverse than I could have imagined. There was a gathering of pixies, faes and satyrs in this one beer garden.
“Sit down, doll. Let me fix ya up something sweet,” a pixie server fluttered over to me and pushed down my shoulder.
I nodded. “Yeah. Thanks.” I slumped down onto a seat behind me, water pitter-patting onto the gravel path.
Acorn hopped up on the table beside me, claws skidding on the sanded wood. “There you are!” He looked around. “Ah! Getting cozy in the inn? That’s a great idea. Then you can get baking again.” He bobbed his head assertively.
I put my bag down—it too was destroyed in mud. “I’m here to get out of the rain. And yes, I’ll get a night or two here in the inn. I need a shower and a nice bed. Baking can wait.”
Acorn launched himself at my chest and stared at me firmly. “It can’t wait! It is of utmost importance that you get baking immediately!” He stomped his paw on the wood as he settled back down. His wings fluttered irritably.
I looked around, confused. “Why are you so despera—hey!”
A blink dog appeared beside me and sniffed my bag. Before I could swat it away, it grabbed a muffin from it and teleported away, my hand missing its wet fur by a centimetre.
Acorn gasped and lunged for my bag. “You have some!” he opened my bag and grabbed my tin of treats. As he tossed it onto the table with a deafening clatter, the beings in the canopy and from inside the inn came to see. Within a moment, various fluttering beings surrounded me, lapping blink dogs and tail-wagging satyrs. I think a few elves appeared in the crowd. Each one of them seemed delighted to see my scones, loaf, muffins and a couple of iced cookies.
Acorn grinned. “Can we have some?”
I hesitated. This was the last of my—
“—We’ll pay! Name your price,” the nearest satyr reached into his purse, red ears twitching excitedly.
Anything would help at this point. “Yes please. Just a couple of coppers for each will be enough.” Steeper than my usual prices. I grabbed a knife and cut slices of the loaf of bread. Before I knew it, everything was gone, and I was left with a stack of copper and a few silvers.
Acorn nibbled at a cookie. “This is incredible!” he growled possessively as a hand dropped an extra copper as a tip, getting a smidge too close to Acorn, apparently.
I giggled and sipped the tea the pixie server had brought to me. I pulled a face as a bitter taste hit my tongue. “Thank you, Acorn.” Looking around, I saw the nearby tables were devouring my baked goods. I was surprised. “Why?”
Acorn looked up from his treat. “Why what?”
I looked at him, grabbing the last cookie. “Why are they all so excited?”
Acorn looked down. “Well, we don’t have a baker in the village. And the one baker that does come through here stays for an hour or two, overprices everything and it’s all bland. Blah!” he stuck out his tongue. “We’re a small artsy village. And what better art than that of baking to add to our town? We have knitters, embroiders, filigree specialists, sculptures who sing wood into what shape they like! But we lack the skills of tastiness! Even you have tasted how bad the tea is. And how can you mess up tea?!”
I tried not to laugh and nodded, forcing my smile to drop. “Sure. I’ll bake for you. But I’ll need a kitchen to myself. I have some tins to bake with. If you have a blacksmith, I might need them to make some more for me.”
Acorn grinned. “Excellent! Don’t worry about cost. And I’ll sort out the kitchen! We’ll handle everything. Do you have ingredients?” he finished his cookie, licking up any crumbs.
I glanced at my sopping back, seeing a layer of—what could only be—thick, wet flour oozing through. “No. Not really.”
“Make a list!” he nodded. He flew over to snatch the waitresses pen and paper and dropped it in front of me. “Tell us what to get and we’ll get it. We have farms. We can probably get it all.”
I nodded. “Okay. if you say so.” I grabbed the pen and made a list, the hot gaze of Acorn watching my hand as I scrawled it.
*~*~*~*
“Wake up, (Y/N)!” Acorn bounced on my chest as sun glared into my eyes.
I groaned and pulled my blanket up over my face. “No…”
Acorn huffed and grabbed the blanket in his mouth and tore it off, taking it with him onto the floor.
I culled up on my side, back to the sunshine.
He trotted around my bed, claws tapping on the wooden boards so I could track him without seeing him behind my hands. He paused by my head and started licking my face.
“Ah! No!” I yelped and backed away, falling out of the bed. I swore and forced myself to my feet.
Acorn hopped onto my bed. “Ha!”
I gave him a dirty look. “Yes. You’ve succeeded. Congratulations.” I sighed and looked at the room, fresh pyjamas on me and body clean. entwined vines and trees body surrounded me. In the corner of the room was a miniature, round bed, made if willow branches and solid birch. This was the upper floor of Acorn’s home, and that was his bed. The home had been carved out of a large-trunked, but short tree, with a thick mass of dark green leaves hanging around it.
It was quite pretty.
Acorn smiled up at me. “So, are you ready to start baking?” his smile spread into a grin.
I drew in a breath and nodded reluctantly. Then stopped. “After breakfast. Baking while hungry is a bad idea.”
He chuckled. “Alright.” He hopped off the bed and glided towards the narrow spiral staircase. “Let’s go! Let’s make munchies!”
I sighed slowly, walking after him as he floated through his home. Everything around me was one with the tree. This home had to have been enchanted or something. It was quite wonderful. His kitchen took up most of his lower floor, lined with cupboards, a working sink, oven, hob and fridge, with an arched door leading out towards the village and brightly lit by the late morning sunlight. On the dark, varnish table was a wide array of baking supplies; flour, eggs, brown and white sugar, butter, oil, milk—you get it.
I barely remembered my journey to Acorn’s house. It was after stopping at the inn, making my list and filling up on a splendid meal and shower. He’d been very insistent that I come with him.
And the same with watching me cook.
I turned, grabbing a pan, bowl, flour, oil, eggs, and milk. No sooner had I put them on the counter, Acorn landed on my back, and I jumped.
“The fuck?!”
He leaned his head over my shoulder, claws digging into my skin and wings spread for balance. He blinked at me. “Watcha makin’?”
“Pan—,” I winced and picked up one of his claws, then the other, “—cakes.”
Acorn’s eye grew wide. “Pancakes!” he beamed, claws sinking in again with excitement.
I nodded slowly. “Yes. So please relax your claws or sit on the counter to watch.” May gaze hardened.
He smiled nervously and repositioned himself, hind legs on my shoulders, front ones on my head and his long neck hovering above.
I looked up to him. “Comfy up there?”
Acorn nodded. “Yes! Now cook!”
I rolled my eyes and made the batter, heating and oiling up the pan. It was a quick recipe and within a few minutes I had two stacks ready to eat—little pancakes for Acorn and average pancakes for me. I served with some berries and carried the plates to the table and sat down.
Acorn hopped off my shoulder and sat beside me, snatching the first one from his pile, berries spilling off, and shoving it in his mouth. His face melted, frill drooping as savoured the light pancakes. As soon as he was done with his mini pancake, he devoured another one.
“I’m so glad you like my cooking.”
In a blink of an eye, his plate was clear. Acorn even went to the effort to lick the plate clean of berry juice. He held up his plate, big begging eyes looking at me.
(DnD) Dancing & Flying (Copper Dragon X Fem Reader)
Chapter summary: After years of being with your mate, he gets a message from an old djinn friend
If you enjoyed this pls reblog and like as my work doesnt meet many ppl and I'm not doing so good. links to my AO3, DA, RiTF & Wattpad
The sky was always bright in the desert. Day or night, it was always easy to navigate. I had no fear of getting lost.
I didn’t really fear the little creatures scampering around either. With my toes in the sand and the breeze in my hair, it made me feel untouchable. Or maybe he did.
Just like every trip, it was time to return home, and the best way was in the last dark hours of the morning, strumming my lyre and skipping along as geckos and scorpions twitched and ran beside me.
On my hip bounced my shoes, a small bag of jewels and a painted dragon charm. Its soft red metallic tint made it look like a real copper dragon.
It reminded me of him.
I hummed to myself softly, feeling the rays of the sun climb the exposed skin of my legs, back and shoulders. My body buzzed with warmth, and I spun around, the tassels from my clothes jingling.
“There’s my little dancer,” purred a voice from above.
He always loved my dancing.
I couldn’t help but smile. “Where else would I be?” I shrugged a shoulder and rocked on my feet; my fingers wrapped around my lyre behind me.
The rising sun made his copper scales sparkle, his elegant wings waving to keep himself afloat. He looked so weightless.
He chuckled, a smile warming his face and my own more than the sun. “I never know where I might find you.”
I giggled. “Don’t be silly, Nerhuthan. I’d never be far from you.” I held my hands up to him, hooking my lyre on my belt.
He lowered himself down gently in front of me, his head in my hands. Nerhuthan pushed his face against them and hummed. “I’ve missed you.”
My face softened and I pecked his snout. “Well, I’m home now, Tan.” I scratched under his jaw, just where he liked it. His rear leg tapped on the ground quickly. I giggled softly and removed my hand.
Nerhuthan hummed, deep and loud. “With plenty of time to give me affection and tell me all the tales from your travels.” He sat down and set out his forearms for me to sit in.
I took my spot in his hold, and he took off towards his lair, hidden behind an outcropping of stone in a cool canyon. He tightened his hold on me gently and landed in the cave, warm candlelight replaced the dull orange of the rising sun.
I jumped out of Nerhuthan’s arms and looked over the cave. Not much had changed; the hoard was its usual size of gold, gems, and burnished metals, catching the light in its most beautiful way, adding red, blue, green, and silver hues to the cave. Hung above the hoard, and opposite our nest, was the portrait he’d had made of us; me stood in front, Nerhuthan behind me, head over my shoulder and claws around my waist caringly. My purple outfit complimented his copper scales well; similar to the teal one I was wearing now. I’d gotten used to the portrait, even if I thought was a bit over-the-top originally.
Nerhuthan slithered up behind me and put his claws around my waist. “I really like when you wear these dancer outfits.”
Heat rose to my face and lifted my head to look at him. “And why’s that? Because there’s a lot of skin on show?” I teased.
He shook his head. “No. Though I do like that too. Dragons are all natural, after all.” He winked. “But I like it more because I met you in an outfit like this.” He licked my bare shoulder delicately.
“Well ain’t you a sweet sentimentalist?” I smiled and pecked his cheek. I slipped out of his hold and made my way over to my wardrobe and dressing screen.
Nerhuthan followed me over. “How could I not admire my greatest treasure of all? And the tale of how I found her.”
I spun to look at him when I was beside the wardrobe. “Well, you have a lovely portrait to admire, don’t you?” I smirked and reached to grab my nightwear.
“Do you not like it?” his voice was soft, wounded sounding.
I looked at him quickly, feeling bad that I’d upset him. “No, I do. I like it.” I shuffled over to him and reached to pet his face. He pushed his head into my hands. I sighed softly and kissed his forehead. “I was just teasing. I just meant that when I’m not here you can still admire me.”
Nerhuthan looked aside. “It’s not the same,” he said.
My face softened, and I lifted his head in my hands. “I know it’s not. I wouldn’t want to stare at a portrait of my handsome guy over you being here.”
His lips lifted into a curl, and he licked my face, chuckling. “Knew you cared.”
I gasped and crossed my arms. “How dare you?!” I turned my back to him.
Nerhuthan nudged me with his snout. “I’m sorry.”
I sighed and touched his face softly. “It’s alright.” I went behind my screen and grabbed my nightwear. “You’re sentenced to not seeing me ‘all natural’, though.” I stuck out my tongue and got changed.
“You wound me!” he said dramatically, but he didn’t come any closer to look over the screen.
I came out in a vest and shorts, stretching and striding towards the mass of blankets and pillows. I jumped into it, sinking right in.
Nerhuthan chuckled and joined me, the bed bowing and shifting under his weight. “So, tell me, little dancer, what news have you brought?”
I rolled over, curling up as I faced him. “Well, as you know, I went to the Arn Forest, not far from here really, but the rest of the performers were eager to stay. The audiences tipped well and were very uh, friendly towards us.” That was the best way to put it, but my skin crawled.
Nerhuthan narrowed his eyes at me. “What does that mean?” a growl rose in his voice.
I chewed my lip. “They uh, were very touchy-feely. I handled it though… no thanks to any of my co-workers,” I huffed.
He was silent for a moment, contemplating my words. “Well, maybe next time I should come with you. Those that touch a dragon’s treasure—"
“—lose a finger.” I finished. “I know. And usually, I’d disagree with you, but… I think that might be needed.”
He reached a gentle paw to my face and touched his nose to my hair. “I will protect you. You know that.”
I nodded and touched his face. “Anyways. Other than that, it was fine. Heard some folktale, sang some songs. Danced a lot.”
Nerhuthan tilted his head. “Oh? And would you like to share?”
I nodded. He always enjoyed hearing about all the cultures and stories I heard about. If he could’ve been there himself to learn, he would’ve. Talking about all I’d learned always brought me back to the night we’d met, all thanks to the party hosted in Zlinding, at the hand of the ruler of Alberaad—the state we lived in.
*~*~*~*
The night was young and lively; the moon lit the courtyard and music filled the air. I was dancing on the raise floor, hips swaying quickly. Our partnering band played behind me and the other dancers.
The crowd in front of me was joining in the beat and offering coins into the purses hanging on our belts or at the tips of our feet. They encouraged the music, and the music encouraged us. The rhythm possessed my mind and body. Nothing could break the connection.
Until I saw him.
An elegant slender body of copper scales, topaz eyes fixated on the stage. On us. on me.
My face heated up and my thoughts paused completely. Time seemed to drag on for the couple of seconds we locked eyes. His lips curled and before I could pull myself out of this trance and talk to him, he slipped a large gold coin into the purse on my lip.
I knew I was thankful, but no words came out of my mouth. It took the dancer beside me, Miley, nudging me to speak.
“Thank you!” I shouted over the music.
He bobbed his head and remained with the crowd, and even when we tidied up our stage, collecting the dropped coins, roses and gemstones, he lingered in the courtyard.
While the musicians and dancers packed up the wagons, he was sat patiently by the archway, talking with some of the passing musicians, my boss, Jarmid, included. I glided my way over to them, curious about the gathering.
Before I reached them, Jarmid came to me. “He quite likes you. He could be a good patron. Entertain him for a bit.”
I glanced at the dragon; he looked as warm as his scales did. I wiped my sweaty brow and fixed my hair. “I’ll try.”
“You will,” Jarmid pressured, and pushed me in the dragon’s direction.
I stumbled into the ring of people and bowed to the dragon. “You’ve been of great support tonight.” I smiled as bright as I could and lifted my head.
He acknowledged me with a nod and shifted his position to see me better. “You were quite the artist up there, my lady. I enjoyed your performance.” His voice was warm and soothing, like honey, aged but not too old. He seemed trustworthy, and the bag on his chest and the jewellery he wore on his horns, neck, legs, and tail all showed he could be quite a wealthy client.
“Why thank you. You tipped ever so generously up there,” I gestured my head towards the stage.
He chuckled. “I had to. Such a masterpiece such as yourself needs to be donned with gold!”
I smiled widely and played with my hair to ease my thumping heart. “Th-That’s very sweet of you, sir.”
He waved his bejewelled paw. “Please, call me Nerhuthan.”
I nodded. “And I am (Y/N).”
*~*~*~*
Nerhuthan nudged me with his snout. “It’s good that you got home safe, and that the trip wasn’t too awful, even with the local’s… interest.”
I nodded and massaged Nerhuthan’s claw. “Me too. Also! I found the art so interesting there. The wood sculptures were wonderful!”
He nodded and hummed. “Maybe I should commission one of you.”
I laughed. “Don’t go too extreme, Tan.” I kissed his claw. “What about you? What has my pretty mate gotten up to?”
Nerhuthan smiled widely and reached behind him. “An old friend got in contact with me!” He presented a scroll with a broken seal.
“Oh wow. Who?” I took it from him and opened it up to scan through.
“Haamafaat, my old Djinn friend.”
The name bounced around in my head. Nerhuthan had won his lamp in a wager before he’d returned to the Elemental Plane. They had been friends for a number of decades by now.
“And he wishes to meet up with you?” I looked up from the letter. So far, it had been full of briefings of events in Haamafaat’s life; the reuniting of him with the other Djinni, some summoning he’d had at the hands of a distant king, and the finishing of his palace.
He shook his head. “Not just me. Us. He invited me to bring my partner if I had one. And I’d like to bring you.” He beamed.
I looked at the letter. “I wouldn’t want to impose on your boys’ day. You’ve not seen him in so long!”
Nerhuthan shook his head. “Nonsense! He’s invited you. Us. Plus, he’d call me a liar if I raved about you and not bring you—” he rolled his eyes, “—how embarrassing would that be if I blabbered on about you only for him to laugh.”
I giggled. “Alright. Let’s sleep on it. Let him know later to expect me to be with you.”
He nodded and touched his snout to my forehead. “That sounds perfect, (Y/N).” He gently took the scroll from me, and I yawned. “Let’s rest.” With a clap of his paw, the cave went dark, and I snuggled in under his wing.
*~*~*~*
Haamafaat was an eccentric guy. No major details or detailed instructions followed. Just a note saying to be ready on the evening of the full moon and “someone would be sent for us”.
I sighed and put the letter aside as I made a small pack for us. I was nervous about this and confused. Haamafaat was so strange, but Nerhuthan trusted him, and I trusted Nerhuthan.
“Do not worry, little dancer,” Nerhuthan hummed and touched his snout to the back of my neck. “We will be safe. All is taken care of.”
Nodding, I turned to look at him. “I know. I just don’t understand any of this. We’re travelling to a whole new plane! This isn’t like travelling a bit south and popping in to see some gathering of nobles in a city. We’re going to be around a bunch of Djinni and-and pixies and stuff!”
He chuckled. “We’ll be just fine, (Y/N). You’ll be fine.” He looked out the cave mouth. The sky was a dark orange, and the air was cooling. “Let’s head out, shall we?” He recommended we stay in a large, open space.
I stood up and grabbed my shawl to slip on. “Let’s.” I nodded. Nerhuthan reached to pick me up and place me on his back.
Nerhuthan kept his pace slow so I wouldn’t be thrown about as he walked out of the canyon and out into the dunes. He stood still with me and counted down to the moment we were supposed to join our guide.
When the sun and moon shared the sky, seated on opposite sides of the horizon, a portal opened in front of us from thin air. A blast of air and a glaring blue light hit us, causing a whirlwind of sand to swarm around us. I hid behind Nerhuthan’s neck and shut my eyes; the shawl caught in the wind and slapping my body.
Nerhuthan straightened his neck and watched the portal. “Haamafaat?” he questioned. I peeked an eye open. A dark figure was stepping the portal. As she emerged, we could see her better. She appeared young, with a slim sky-blue face, cracked with pale lightning bolts, and white long curly locks framing her looks. She wore a short loose white blouse and beige pantaloons, but her legs weren’t very solid looking. They were like a thick whorl of smoke curling and dancing towards the ground. Looking over her, she wasn’t much taller than me.
Nerhuthan jerked. “You’re not Haamafaat.” He bared his teeth, wings stiffening.
She shook her head. “No, Haamafaat is my father. I am Celeste. He sent me to bring you, the finest of his children.” She bowed. “It’s an honour to meet you, Master Nerhuthan.”
Nerhuthan bobbed his head, hastily. “Yes well… none of this ‘Master’ business Celeste.”
Celeste nodded and raised her head. “As you wish.” She peered over Nerhuthan’s shoulder. “Father said you would have company,” she smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too.”
I nodded, squinting at the harsh light. I could feel a migraine forming. “Ye-Yes. Thank you. Great to meet you too.” I shifted on his back and rested my forehead to his neck. The pain was eyewatering. I hugged my shawl closer to me as the wind tugged on it.
Nerhuthan hummed with concern. “Can we travel, please? I’ve waited a long time to see Haamafaat again.” He reached to touch my body, and I put a hand on his paw. He knew.
Celeste agreed. “Of course. Father is eager to see you.” She turned around and floated towards the portal.
I kept my face hidden as I felt Nerhuthan step forward. Even with closed eyes, the bright portal light seeped through to hurt my eyes. A harsh chill hit me as I gripped Nerhuthan. And as soon as the shock passed, I felt warmer, and the area was calmer. A whoosh sounded behind me and all I heard was my breathing.
Nerhuthan twisted his neck to look at me. “You can open your eyes, little dancer,” he said, touching his snout to my head.
Gingerly, I opened my eyes, warm sunlight greeting me. The ground beneath us was green and lush, grass wavering in an easy breeze. A quick glance around was overwhelming. Countless islands were floating in a waterless blue sea of air. No two were the same. Some large some small. A few close ones had palaces and towers built on them. I saw a couple of shimmering blue dragons glide between the masses of dirt and green. I must have gawked because Celeste was giggling. Nerhuthan and I looked at her.
“Mortals always have the funniest reactions,” she grinned.
It was then that I saw that the portal she had opened and led us through was no longer there and had been replaced with a tall white and blue palace, clouds taking the place of hedges and steam bubbling out of a fountain, tumbling down as water would.
Feeling Nerhuthan breathing on my neck made me turn my head, slowly as my headache faded. He looked quite impressed, jaw hanging slack and eyes glistening in awe. He looked quite cute, like a stunned little dragonling.
I smiled softly at him and kissed his snout so get his attention.
Nerhuthan’s gold eyes darted down to me and cleared his throat. “This place is lovely, Celeste. May I ask, though, where does Haamafaat live?”
Celeste gestured her head towards the palace in front of us. “He’ll be in there waiting for you.” She placed something small and dark blue on her shoulder. It scampered across her chest and onto her opposite shoulder, white tipped sticky feet padding across. It was a tiny salamander. I thought it was cute.
Nerhuthan nodded. “Thank you, Celeste.” He turned his body around and made his way through the parted cloud-hedges.
“This place is wonderful,” I whispered to him, gaze moving constantly. A few swift Arrowhawks flew past Haamafaat’s island, and a large Crystal Dragon passed over us, shadowing us for at least a couple of seconds.
“It is, (Y/N),” Nerhuthan nodded, eyes following the Crystal Dragon long enough to pass through one hedge. With a jolt, he looked at his glistening legs, layered in condescension. “Oh no.” He tried to gather some of the neighbouring clouds to make a new hedge, but poor Nerhuthan just enlarged the gap.
“That’ll fix itself, Master Nerhuthan,” came a calm, respectful voice.
Nerhuthan spun around to see the owner of the voice. He was a dark blue djinn before is, dressed in a dark sapphire robe. He bore a tray in his hand and a silver torc on his neck. The tray suggested he was a servant.
Nerhuthan cleared his throat. “Thank you. I was looking for Haamafaat?”
The djinn bowed his head. “Yes, Master Haamafaat will be with you soon. He asked that I prepare tea for you while he deals with business.” He turned, dark blue mist-tail trailing behind him. “Come with me, please.” He started off down a path to the castle.
Nerhuthan felt tense beneath me as he walked, glancing back at the hedge. I pet his neck. “I’m sure Haamafaat will understand it was a mistake. You’re hardly the first to do it,” I assured.
He nodded nervously. “Yes. I hope so.”
The djinn servant led to a covered patio with a set of cream chaises set out with a table beside each. “Please, have a seat.” He went over to a nearby tea station.
Nerhuthan lay on one of the chaises and sighed softly. I slipped off and sat by his head. The servant gave use a couple cups of tea—a large cup for Nerhuthan, and a selection of tea scones, queen cakes and macarons. This place felt too fancy for me.
I slowly pulled off my shawl and looked at Nerhuthan. “I’ve never been in a palace like this.” I said, not willing to grab my tea yet, nervous to spill some on the seat.
Nerhuthan was about to respond when a voice cut him off; “It’s one of a kind!”
We quickly lifted out heads, Nerhuthan grinned. “Hello, old friend.”
Haamafaat stepped onto the patio, glass of wine in hand, contrasting with his dark blue skin and purple robes. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.” He settled down opposite us. “A last-minute meeting was arranged with the caliph.” He rolled his eyes. “So, I had to send Celeste. I hope she wasn’t too… much.” He tilted his head and smiled.
I found myself shaking my head before I could stop myself.
“No. She was a wonderful guide.” Nerhuthan smiled. “It’s good to see you.”
Haamafaat nodded. “It is! Please, tell me what’s happened.”
abstract and modern art haters are sooo snobby like klein literally Created an entirely new pigment and then painted a canvas in a way where the brush strokes wouldn't be visible. the insinuation that people with no skill could reproduce that is so annoying because unless you are skilled at color mixing and painting you definitely couldn’t lmao
Honestly, it's like picking up a book and saying "I know all these words, I can type, I could have written this" like there's no middle step between the technical ability and the finished work.
Summary: Now out of Gracklstugh, exploring the overworld for the first time is a whole new challenge, that requires the aid of a mysterious ranger...
Requested on wattpad
Please like and/or reblog as my account is small and I'm in some financial trouble and my work is made for a select few
pt.1
“You could’ve warned me about being needed!” I heaved and puffed as I attempted to open one of Themberchaud’s shackles. The hinge was clogged with dead scales and rust, practically fused shut.
He huffed, flopping his tail on the ground. “It was a very last-minute decision! I didn’t know what to do!”
I bit my cheek and shoved the toe of my boot in under the latch of the shackle and forcefully tried to turn the key. The key suddenly clicked into place and the joint separated, the iron falling off Themberchaud’s wrist with a hefty clunk that rang through the open-aired lair.
I slumped against Themberchaud. “There we go,” I sighed and thought about the endurance I’d need for the other three… and his collar. I groaned, face against his scales. “Well… I need a new cane now… and I have no money. All that’s at home.” I forced myself to stand and hobbled over to his rear leg.
Themberchaud watched me. “Oh… I didn’t think of that. I… I’m sorry,” he sniffled, and his voice strained, like a child getting in trouble for the first time, tragically mourning its parent’s pride.
I turned to look at him and reached for his face, big round black opals set in topaz shone back at me. His eyes were too pretty. “No, no. It’s okay… We’ll figure it out somehow.” Stroking my thumbs on his cheeks, I shushed softly to soothe him. “It’s okay.”
The corners of his mouth curled up a little. “Okay, (Y/N). If you say so,” he nodded, gaining his confidence again.
I smiled and dipped my head. “Then let’s work on this.” I turned back towards his shackles. It was a struggle, but my technique seemed to work; jamming my toe between the metal and his scales and forcing the key to turn. The hardest was the collar on Themberchaud’s neck. He kept laughing and flinching and shaking all over. I could never imagine someone being so ticklish, and his huge jiggly mass made it worse. I plopped down beside him, feeling my leg give out and burn.
“There. All done,” I huffed and rested against him, hand on his muzzle.
Themberchaud hummed. “Does your leg hurt?”
I nodded. “I’ll need to find a new cane soon. The floor here is… uneven.” I took it all in. It was a huge crater in a hollowed-out mountain, moonlight illuminating it all… not that there was much. The greatest decoration was the stars high above. All we had was whatever gems Themberchaud had brought with him. And I presumed it would all be needed, like the chain he’d brought to fly. We were curled up in a nook of the stone wall. Outside was a sea of trees. We were south of the Evermoors, that much I knew.
Themberchaud hummed. “We could try fly to a town? I think I saw a few close by.”
I shook my head. “I’ll go alone. You need to stay safe. I’ll… figure it out… somehow.” I sighed and stared up at the sky. I’d not seen the sky much ever. Jack had snuck me out a few times during the winter to come see the stars from the docks…
Now everything was so different. I was out in the overworld… alone.
Themberchaud sighed and rested his head down, getting ready to snooze. I suppose I wasn’t alone-alone, but he knew next to nothing about living. He had very few skills. None of which were useful. No could I imagine they’d be useful.
I put my head on my bent leg. I had no skills either. The most I’d ever done in life was feed Themberchaud. We both had so much to learn…
*~*~*~*
The following morning was a struggle. The nearest town was not as near as I’d had hoped. And with a weakened leg, the distance was longer. Thankfully the town wasn’t walled off, it seemed relatively unpoliced. More like a trading post that had evolved into a town. Travellers and rogues wandered the street, buying from stalls and passing charms and papyrus between each other. I felt some eyes land on me as I rested against a wall. Curious or judgemental eyes mainly.
I returned the favour, watching all the people in the cobbled street. Not a single one of them seemed to be a settler of the town. There weren’t many houses to live in either. What sort of village was this? I thought this would be a more permanent place like Gracklstugh. The River Surbrin bubbled close by and I passed a fairly unkempt cemetery on my way in. From asking around, it had no real name, it was just called the Travelling Post. Not a town nor village, just a place. Nowhere really seemed to be fitting to find a job. I found a few loose coins in my bag and bought some bread, spuds and a dull dagger. It’d have to do for now.
I spent most of the day sitting, ragged and exhausted. I must’ve looks like a beggar with my damaged leg outstretched. I suppose I was a beggar. I had no home, little food and an injury to take pity on. Can’t say I was surprised when some coppers were tossed at me through the morning.
But such an appearance had its advantages; I started to hear things. After only a few hours I’d heard of a new Lord of Neverwinter and the suspicions regarding the last one’s death. Something about the sorcerer the new lad had brought with him.
I was invisible to these people.
Another group that passed seemed hopeful, but ragged. A bit of eavesdropping revealed that they were headed to Mornbryn's Shield, hoping to meet a ranger. Xenk or something. Their hope was for him to help one of their companions, that he had a wide knowledge of all things magic. That seemed promising… hopefully his knowledge extended to dragons and where to hide them.
“We’re not far now,” said the older of the women as their wagon’s wheels creaked and clicked on the cobblestone road. She reminded me of my mother, short and plump with greying hair. “Mornbryn’s Shield is just west of here.”
A lump burned in my throat, and I turned away. Now was not the time to be upset and regretful, I had so much to figure out.
A cool wind from the lake grounded me. It was time to move. There was nothing here for me and if people were travelling for a ranger, he must be willing to help anyone. I pushed myself to my feet and looked at the as the matriarch pulled the pony to a stop. Would they be willing to help?
I drew in a breath and hobbled up to their wagon. There were a couple of children, presumedly their mother, and grandmother, all on the small wagon. Their mother was a few years older than I, with two wee lads about six years old. I wasn’t sure how willing they’d be to take on someone else for the last few leagues.
The taller of the boys, definitely twins, looked at me as their mother hopped off the cart to go to the baker’s stand. I gave the boy a smile and hobbled over slowly. “Excuse me?”
The grandmother looked over at me. “Oh, hello!” she smiled and looked me over. Her gaze was fixed on my lower leg as I moved. Maybe it would be an advantage this one time. “You’re having some trouble?”
I nodded and stopped a few feet away from the cart to avoid pressuring her—not that I seemed anything more than hapless. “Aye, I am.” I held the strap of my bag. “You wouldn’t happen to be headed to Mornbryn’s Shield I suppose? Or even close to it?” It seemed wiser to act like I’d not heard her conversation.
She nodded. “We are indeed. You too?”
Again, I nodded. “Aye. I walked from the forest just south of here.” I gestured my hand towards the wall of green in the distance.
Her face darkened. “The High Forest?”
I tried not to make a face. I’d fucked up. “Aye, well, just on the outskirts. My friend… he’s in no shape to move so I thought I’d find someone to help here and well… that’s not really possible.” I looked at the stalls and travellers around.
She glanced at her grandsons, then her daughter coming back to the wagon. “Just… give me a moment.” She shuffled to the other side of the bench to lift food onto the wagon and, not very subtly, talk with her daughter.
I looked away and thought while they talked. The Undercity’s education never really covered the geography and name places of the Surface. This was my first time seeing the trees and so much sunlight. I needed to know the land better.
“So, you need a lift to Mornbryn’s Shield?” the daughter asked, getting me out of my thoughts.
“Aye, I do. Just if you’re willing. I’ll figure something out somehow.” I shrugged.
She looked me over, just as her mother had done. She noticed my weaker leg bent, toes barely touching the ground through my boot. “Do you have a cane?” her mother tapped her head from her sea on the wagon. She snapped her head around to give her a look.
“I did. But it snapped on me yesterday and we needed to use it for firewood.”
She looked at me and thought for a moment, glancing at her sons. “I suppose it won’t be for long. Welcome aboard for the next hour or so.” She held out her hand to me.
I smiled and shook it. “Thank you very much. I have just a spare copper to offer I’m afraid.”
Ther grandmother shook her head. “Oh don’t be silly! Just hop up and sit with the boys and we’ll be fine!”
Her daughter seemed content with that, though I presumed she was still wary. She stepped aside to let me get on.
I nodded and gripped the handle to pull myself up. “Thank you, again.” She tried to reach to help me but I levered myself up quickly to avoid that. “I’m alright!” I moved to sit beside the end of the wagon and the boy that sat on that side moved to sit with his brother. I could hardly blame him. This close to him, I saw that the smaller boy had some sort of large scar, or birth mark, on his face.
It was spread over the left side of his face, and down his neck. It was a pale purple, like a healing bruise, brown spotting of the rest of skin peeked out in places. I felt bad for him. It looked like it hurt. I shifted my gaze away. The judgement from scars and weaknesses always felt so shameful.
The grandmother looked back at me. “I’m Shyla. This is my daughter Kait.” She smiled warmly.
“(Y/N).” I inclined my head. “Pleasure to meet you all.”
They made a nice travelling group. The boys murmured to themselves and Kait and Shyla yapped to each other. I pulled back the sleeve of my jacket to looked at the bracelet Themberchaud had given me. He’d want to know what I was at.
I touched the ruby and closed my eyes. An image of him slowly formed, lying down on the cool cavern he’d settling in.
“Heya Thember!” I called.
He perked up. “(Y/N)! Are you on your way back? Did you get a new stick for your leg?”
I shook my head. “No. not yet. I’m on the way to hopefully get help. There’s word of a ranger, maybe he’ll know something. And proper village that should have somewhere I can buy a cane. And food.”
Themberchaud pulled a face. “I don’t like that plan. We don’t need a human interfering.” He huffed.
“A human was what got you out of there. Two actually.”
He growled. “And hundreds have kept he enslaved! Who’s to say he won’t do the same?”
I was silent for a moment, trying to stay focused on him as my body grew cold. We were passing under a shadow.
“See?! You know how bad humans are!”
I chewed my cheek. “Oh stop it! People are coming from all weird corners of Faerun to get this lad’s help!” I calmed myself. “He’s obviously a good guy. But if I find him to not be trustworthy, I’ll scrap that plan. Deal?”
Themberchaud thought about it for a moment. “Alright. I understand. You made a good call with your brother so maybe that’s enough.” He nodded. “If he’s mean though I get to hurt him, right? And burn them all?”
I stared at him. “Absolutely not.”
The sun stunned me out our connection and I blinked to get the red hue from my vision. As my eyes righted themselves, the boys opposite me were staring at me.
“What?”
The taller of the two lifted his nose a little. “Where’d you get that?” he pointed at the bracelet.
I tugged my sleeve over it. “From my friend. The one I’m trying to help.” It was then I’d noticed that my weak leg had been outstretched to be more comfortable during the connection. I pulled it closer with my hand to lessen the pain of moving it.
“What happened to your leg?” the other, scarred, one said.
I glanced at it. How many stories had I made up about why it was this way? At least a dozen. “The story I tell everyone,” I leaned closer to them, “is that I was sleeping in my home, when a red dragon came along and lit our house on fire. And my leg got caught in the flames as I escaped!”
The boy covered his eyes and squeaked, drawing his mother’s attention. I looked at him softly.
“But that’s not true at all. I was born in the undercity, Gracklstugh. The lack of sunlight made my leg weak. It’s not uncommon.” I smiled softly. “I’m just born this way.”
The smaller boy looked at me. “Oh well… That’s better than fire I suppose.”
I chuckled a little. “Yeah. I suppose.” My smile dropped. It didn’t feel better. A burn would’ve healed. This issue went right to the bone.
*~*~*~*
I hopped off the wagon as the boys grabbed their bags. I offered a hand to them to hop down. Kait appeared opposite me and one after the other they jumped down from the cart.
“I’m sorry about your leg,” she said as the boys ran off.
I nodded, dismissive of these comments. “It’s fine. I gotta make do. Thanks again for the lift. You’ve saved me a bunch of time.” I rummaged for my spare copper.
She lifted her hand. “No. keep it. Hopefully you get the help you need here.”
I stopped my rummaging. “Thanks. And you too.” I faltered. “Or whatever you’re here for. I hope it goes well.” I gave Shyla a wave and quickly limped away, leaving them confused and probably concerned.
I walked into a crowd of people and hugged the corner of a cottage.
Leaning on the wall, I thought. I needed to find Xenk. Maybe the ranger could help. He was a kind man with some sort of power. Good to know. So, what did I need exactly?
Somewhere to hide Themberchaud… could the ranger be trusted with that?
“Hello. Hello!” My attention was drawn to a tall man opening the door to his—I presumed—home. He was of lean build with some sort of scar or tattoo on his forehead. He was talking with Shyla and Kait. He nodded as he heard their story and invited them into his home. I watched for a while. When they emerged while later, the smaller boy’s face was unmarked. He was grinning and bouncing with his brother. Shyla held the man’s hand in hers as she and Kait thanked him.
It was amazing… and terrifying. How could he do it?
I watched the family leave and run off to an inn close by. Would it be selfish to want the same for me? He’d hardly do it for a single copper would he?
“Impressive, ain’t he?” chimed a man from behind.
I nodded. “Absolutely.” I looked at the man. He was a few years old than me, strong and hairy, much like Jack. “Does he charge much?” I looked away.
“Nay. He wants nothin’ in return. Xenk’s a good man like that. Not too sure where he came from. Lotta rumours goin’ around.”
So that was Xenk. Impressive. Hopefully he could help me… and Themberchaud. I looked back at the man. “What does he do?”
He shrugged. “Protects the town. Just being here chased off any ill-will from comin’. And he’s a skilled man. Bow or sword, he’s there to protect and heal and help howeve’ he can.”
I nodded slowly. “Thanks.” I shuffled away and gave him a half-wave to be polite. I made my way towards his home. I felt more exhausted than ever just getting closer. I was about two steps away from the door when it swung open, Xenk appearing.
I flinched and he stared at me, his eyes peering at me for a long moment. He looked around at the people passing through the street.
“Come in,” was all he said and before I could do so myself, he grabbed my arm and tugged me.
I yelped and pulled my arm away with a huff as the door clicked shut. “What—?!”
His gaze was firm on me. “You’re in trouble.”
My face twisted into a sceptical frown. “No I’m not.”
“Yes, you are. Come.” He turned away and strode down a hallway.
I followed as quick as I could, entering a small room filled with shelves lined with various books.
“Tell me your name.” He stood in the middle of the room, spinning perfectly on the spot to face me. Behind him was a solid oak table with a map and papers laid out.
I watched him. “(Y/N). I’ve come from Gracklstugh.”
Xenk didn’t move at all to acknowledge what I said. “That explains it,” he said without missing a beat.
“Explains what?”
“Gracklstugh just lost its dragon did it not? Part of the city was damaged in its escape.”
My heart dropped and I leaned on the nearest bookshelf. Had I hurt anyone? What was destroyed? What did they th—?
“You didn’t know?”
I lifted my gaze to him slowly. “I did not,” I whispered.
His gaze softened a little and pulled out a chair by the table in the middle. He tapped it and I felt compelled to come forward. My leg was ready to give way in both exhaustion and shock.
I slumped down and my vision blurred. I had doomed them…
I don’t know how long I was zoned out; I was brought out by Xenk putting a small porcelain cup beside me, a soothing scent taking me out of my wordless sorrow. My gaze shifted to him sat across the table with his own cup.
“You came to me for a reason, correct?”
I bobbed my head and grazed by hand under my eye to wipe my tears.
“And it’s not to help Gracklstugh, because you did not know of their fate. So why are you here?” He leaned on the table, cradling his cup between his hands.
I drew in a shaky breath and took a sip of what he had offered. It gentle, warm and a little sweet. My throat cleared and my breathing calmed. “I helped the dragon escape… If I didn’t, I feared… I feared he’d do worse to the city. He’d burn it all, tear down every pillar, kill us all… I thought, maybe…” I looked at the cup, the white transparent liquid reflecting my face and shaken state.
“I see… you were noble in your act. There is no news of a loss of lives. Reports said that the people were evacuated far from where he would escape.” He watched me with an expectant yet knowing eyes.
I nodded and sighed. “Aye. With my brother, we stirred up some talk, got everyone out of the way… well tried to. I can’t be sure no one was hurt.”
Xenk was silent for a few moments. His face seemed blank but something about his eyes told me he was thinking. “So why are you here?”
“Well… I heard people come to you for help. And maybe you’d have knowledge of the land, enough to uh…” I dug a tooth into my lip, “Help me find somewhere to keep Themberchaud?”
That made him falter, and a pit opened in my stomach. I was about to plead when he stood up. “I may have somewhere for him.”
*~*~*~*
My mother always told me to beware of men who kept secrets and bore blades—even though she’d tried convincing me to court a guard for a summer. Themberchaud was starting to sound like her in his suspicion.
“Why are we trusting him again?” he grumbled as we walked out of the High Forest. I was looking at a luminescent map Xenk had given me from my seat on Themberchaud’s shoulders. Our target and path were mapped out from us in glowing blue and yellow ink.
I’d learned that the forest we’d been staying in was deemed the most magical place in all of Faerun, fabled for its history and even now its home to so many races… and for Inferno. Who we had thankfully avoided.
“Because I think we can. He gave me a new cane and everything, and he’s helped so many people that it has to be worth it.” I tapped his scales. “Please, Thember. We know next to nothing about this place and Xenk has basically handed us the key to get you a nice home.”
Themberchaud snorted. “I don’t want to be underground again.” He forced his way through the trees. They bent and snapped and splintered against his weight and force.
I nodded. “I know big guy, but I don’t know where else to put you. Until you can hunt and fight, a mountain would be off limits. This is the only place not held by a dragon that’s big enough to hold one.”
He was quiet for a bit, the moonlight catching his big puffs of breath. “Okay. But you better not plan on leaving me after.”
I hadn’t even thought of that. Where was I going to stay and live? What was I going to do?
“I will do my best to stay close to you, Thember.”
Xenk waited for us at the edge of the forest. Themberchaud looked at him and sniffed at his armour and blade.
“Well, aren’t you magnificent.” Xenk bowed his head in appreciation. “You, Themberchaud, are the only dragon I’ve ever seen this close up before.”
“Careful I don’t make it your last.” He snapped his jaw at him. Xenk didn’t move.
I swatted Themberchaud shoulder. “What did I just tell you?!” I hissed.
Xenk chuckled and waved his hand. “Don’t worry, (Y/N), I’m sure he was just being playful,” he said as he turned around. Themberchaud snorted, unamused. Xenk either didn’t hear him or ignored him. “Let’s make our way to the Underdark shall we?”
With only flying for short lengths of time, with a slow walking pace and only travelling at night, it took several days to reach the Sword Mountains.
“There’s a large entrance to the Underdark in the mountains. It should be big enough for you to get through, Themberchaud.” Xenk looked up at him, who was a panting mess yet again from flying over the Long Road and manoeuvring around the foothills.
I slowly slipped off his back and stroked his neck. I looked at Xenk “Thank you for your help.”
He bowed his head. “I’ll lead you into it, and help you get settled. Both of you.” He gave me a smile.
I wasn’t sure what that smile meant, other than he had a plan or an idea that involved me. I pulled out my cane to distract myself.
It was foldable, which would be good for storage and travelling. Made of some sort of dark wood with hinges at the folds and a handle cushioned by a spongy wrapping. The first length of it concealed a small blade. I liked it a lot.
When Themberchaud had caught himself, I nodded to Xenk. “Let’s head in.” The sun was lighting up the horizon and we had done so well to keep eyes off us so far, even when crossing the Long Road, which never seemed to get a break.
Xenk led us to a partially buried entrance, blocked off by loose boulders.
I frowned at the wall and looked at Xenk. “How’s this supposed to work?”
He winked and walked forward, walking through the stones. One second, he was before us, the next we saw were the bare stones.
Themberchaud bared his teeth. “Magic,” he growled.
I attempted to soothe him by petting his cheek. But he wouldn’t have it. He thumped his tail on the ground. “I won’t be surrounded by that stink again!” he roared.
I flinched and gripped by cane in fright at his intensity.
Xenk reemerged. “Do not worry, Themberchaud. This will keep anyone away from you and let you live in peace while having easy access to the Sword Mountains and the Kryptgarden Forest.”
Themberchaud glared at him. “I will not have magic around me!”
I looked up at him. Maybe I was tired and sore. Maybe I was homesick. Maybe I was just done with him. Maybe it was all that, but I couldn’t take it anymore. “This is the only way to hide you Thember!” I hissed. “This is the only way to protect and keep you from even worse powers. Do you want to go back to Gracklstugh? Do you want those magicians forcing you to be a puppet?” I glared at him, my heart thumping. He blinked at me with widening, wet eyes. “I sacrificed everything for you! My brother is hurt, Gracklstugh is broken. We hurt people by getting you out! This is the only home for you now until you’ve learned to fend for yourself. You’re not the only one stranded here! This is the only spell we’ve encountered. And it’s going to help us. So please! Stop complaining and trust Xenk! Trust me.”
I stood heaving for a while, leaning on my cane. Tears trickled down my cheeks and I wiped them furiously. Themberchaud lowered his head and whined softly. “I’ve not led you wrong. And Xenk hasn’t led us wrong… please. We’re almost safe. Let’s rest. I’m tired,” I sighed.
He was silent for a little while. “Alright… But if anything happens—.”
“—aye. I know. You can do whatever you wish. Crush and bite and devour. Just please, step inside.” I reached a trembling hand to his snout.
Themberchaud hummed and lifted his head. “I’ll go. But you’ll be the first to be devoured if something goes wrong.” He glared at Xenk.
Xenk, of course, was unmoving. None of Themberchaud’s threats ever made him move. Themberchaud could have his maw spread open to Xenk and he’d be motionless. At least, that’s what I’d imagine would happen…
*~*~*~*
Thankfully Themberchaud had taken to the Underdark.
Unfortunately, I was still left without a place to call home.
Xenk quickly left once Themberchaud was settled. He was still as mysterious as the day I’d met him, despite travelling for almost a week together.
“I must take my leave now. My job is done.” He bowed his head and rested his hand on the pommel of his sword.
I faltered, the peak of my exhaustion had finally hit, and the warmth of the midday sun was challenging me in my quest to remain awake. “Oh… well uh, travel safe?” The idea of him leaving opened a void in my stomach. I needed him.
“Do not doubt yourself, (Y/N).” Xenk put a hand on my shoulder. “Your determination and heart will guide you, just as it has now. Plus, you have a red dragon on your side—”
Themberchaud hummed from behind me. I looked over to see his head poking out from the fake stone wall and nothing else.
“—and he won’t let anything happen to you.”
Themberchaud nodded in agreement. “No, I won’t.”
My lips lifted a little in a smile, but it fell quickly. “What should I do though? I can’t hunt. Nor can Themberchaud.”
Xenk drew in a breath and pointed to the Long Road. “There’s a town called Triboar. You should be able to find some work there. Travellers pass through all the time. They’d need some permanent staff.”
I considered his proposal. “That sounds reasonable. Thank you, Xenk.” I looked away for a moment to fetch my last copper, but before I could fish it out, he was gone.
Themberchaud warbled. “He moves quick for an old guy.” I turned to him and frowned. “Don’t look at me like that! You’re grumpy because you are tired. Come sleep. You still have a bag of food that the ranger left.”
My brow creased deeper. “What food?”
Themberchaud was right. Xenk had subtly left a bag of food and supplies for me to get more comfortable in Themberchaud’s new lair. It was enough to help me temporarily; some meat and cooked vegetables, bits of wood to burn, a lantern and a bedroll and pillow. The pack itself made me look like a real traveller, which would help with the backstory I was about to make up.
And Xenk was right about Triboar. The constant stream of passersby made the prospect of a permanent worker very appealing. The issue was, of course, my leg. Most wouldn’t hire a crippled woman, much less one that had shown up as a refugee from Gracklstugh. But one took an interest in me.
“Don’ y’all have a dragon ‘n da city?” Bernard gnawed on the end of his pipe. He was heavy man with dirt across his forehead and sweat around his pits and chest. He seemed kind enough, if the swarm of animals around him were any indication.
“Aye, sir. We did.” I glanced at the dog licking my free hand while a kitten used my cane as a scratching post.
“Were ya e’er close to it?”
I found myself nodded before I could lie. “A-aye.” I cleared my throat. “Aye. I fed him regularly actually.” That probably sounded more like a lie than an actual one.
“So yer good wi’h big animals?”
I nodded. “Huge even!”
He thought again for a long moment. “Alrigh’ then. Let’s see wha’ yer like, seeing as Sandy and Pumpkin like ya so much.” I must’ve pulled a face because he gestured to the golden dog and the ginger tabby. “Sandy is my right-han’ dog in e’erythin’,” he started off across his bustling yard, “an’ Pumpkin is da newest kid on the block.”
I hobbled after him, Sandy and Pumpkin following me. “Well, I’m glad they like me then?”
Bernard laughed and walked me into the stables. “Sandy ‘as a good sense fer folks. I trust ‘im with helpin’ me find the righ’ stable hand fer years now. Anytime he wasn’t all ove’ them, I learnt quick enough why.” He leaned on a stable door, his huge palm on the heavy half-door. “So, if he says yer worth hiring, I’ll listen.”
I looked at Sandy, then at him. He seemed very serious about Sandy’s judgement of me. “So, where do I start?”
He liked that answer, grinning. “Tha’s the a’itude!” With that, the large head on a bay mare was lifted over the stable door to look at me. “Let’s get you started.”
Never in my life did I think that my experience in Gracklstugh would pay off, but there I was, taking care of travellers’ horses, day-in day-out. I liked it actually. I could sit most of the day and Sandy helped me carry, or drag, anything heavy. It wasn’t very taxing either. Just had to do what was asked of me; feed, water, groom and/or polish tack and armour that the mount had. The only hard part was saying when we couldn’t lodge horses in the stables. This was nothing compared to feeding Themberchaud.
And I got tips too, which when added to my pay and my lodging with Bernard—and his family—made getting comfy easy enough and getting Themberchaud new treasure. The hard part was getting to see him.
Mid-week was when there was slow filing of travellers through Triboar. So that was my weekly meeting with Themberchaud happened. Most of the time I brought large cuts of meat or trinkets with me. He was even starting to hunt himself, so he wasn’t shedding much weight, but his flight was getting stronger. He was liking the peace. We both were.
But about a year after we’d gotten settled, Xenk came to visit.
I sat on an upturned bucket, plaiting a filly’s tail, when I felt a shadow fall on me and cooling my skin from the late morning light. “I’ll be with you in a moment!”
“Please. Take your time.”
I snapped my head up and blindly finished the braid. “Hello!” I stood up quickly, grinning. The bucket fell over and the clatter startled the horse. I reached for her lead. “Eh… one sec!” I turned her out into the small paddock with the other horse’s she’d arrived with.
I rushed back to Xenk, hurting myself more than I’d intended. “It’s great to see you.”
He smiled. “And you too! It’s good to see you doing well for yourself.”
I nodded. “Thank you. What brings you to Triboar?”
Xenk looked at me warmly. “I need your help.”
I hesitated and stammered. “My help?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
I managed to be more confused by that. “Alright? Uh, let me ask my boss so we can talk.”
He nodded and stepped aside. “That would be appreciated. This is urgent.”
I grabbed my cane and walked to Bernard in his home. His children were helping him bake bread. “Um, Bernard? Do you have a minute?”
He lifted his head slowly and glanced at Xenk shadowing me. “Is thi’ da ‘friend’ you run off ta meet e’ery week?” He crossed his big arms.
I shook my head and tried not to pull a face. “No! No. Xenk is a friend of mine. And one I owe a huge favour too.”
I felt Xenk looked at Bernard over my shoulder. “I assure you, kind sera, this is a matter of urgency that only (Y/N) can help me with. It’ll take no more than two days. But we must leave immediately.” Looking at him, I saw his gaze was firm and sure.
Bernard was silent for a bit. Xenk has the effect of confusing, stressing and assuring people all at the same time. It must be a strange power to have, if he knew it was even a power. “Alrigh’. You can go.”
I nodded. “Thank you, Bernard.”
I followed Xenk out and he led me to a small group of people leaning on the paddock fence with a few horses. One was a bard, with his instrument on his back, a stubbled beard and bangs curtaining his face. He seemed to be impatiently thinking, it made me nervous. Then there was a barbarian woman, strong built and a heavy axe to her side as he munched on some fried potato bites from the stall down the road. Then there was a lanky-looking boy, maybe a sorcerer? There was no sign of a weapon or staff. The final member of the group was, I believe, a Tiefling, red locks, horns, and a tail. Her shades of green made me think of a druid and their ties to nature. A mixed batch of a party.
The bard turned to me and looked me over with those worn-out eyes. I had a feeling all of the people with him were some sort of recruits, additions to the party. He didn’t want anyone else to join. “You never mentioned you had an addition to the team?” his tone made it sound more like she’s not coming. Don’t fight me on it, Xenk.
I shifted uncomfortably and looked at Xenk. “(Y/N) is necessary for what we’re about to do.” He put his hand on my shoulder.
The maybe-sorcerer peered about the bard’s shoulder. “Why?”
“Because we are about to face something in there only (Y/N) can tame.”
I looked up at him. “What are you lot doing exactly? And why would I be useful?”
Xenk turned us around and took a few steps. “We need to enter the Underdark. We won’t go near Themberchaud. But even so, I need you there to keep him calm.”
I stood there blinking in confusion. “You’re joking right?”
“Why would this be a joke?”
I sighed and rubbed by face. “Why do you need to enter the Underdark and why—?”
“Please, (Y/N). I need you to help us. What they are doing is very important.”
I clenched my jaw and glanced back at the party. “But if I can just tell—”
“Is she in or not? We don’t have time!” the bard called. I had a feeling I was really going to dislike him.
With that, I sighed and Xenk said; “yes! (Y/N) will join us.” I hid the bracelet under my sleeve. I wasn’t going to get a chance to warn Themberchaud.
*~*~*~*
I learned their names quick enough: Edgin, Holga, Simon, and Doric. They were headed for Neverwinter. And after that I didn’t dare get nosy. With the help of a borrowed horse, I was able to ride with them to the Sword Mountains. They didn’t seem too interested in me for the most part—which was fine. It was better for them to not care than to care in the wrong way.
As we met the mountains, I nearly turned off, but Xenk grabbed the reins. He shook his head and I stayed with the group. With the travelling, I couldn’t let Themberchaud know what was about to happen. Nor did I want to get robbed, which was apparently what this lot did. I chewed my lip.
Next was the Kryptgarden forest. The ground was uneven and after only ever riding on the smooth ground of the Long Road, which made me a nervous rider with a bad leg. My mare didn’t like how much I pulled at her reigns and hugged her flanks.
As we dismounted, Edgin was conversing with Xenk. “Orifices?”
Xenk assured his rope was firmly around a wide trunk, giving it a strong tug, before walking in a straight line onto bare ground. “The Underdark has many entrances.” He stopped and slowly turned around, rope in hand. “This is one of the less conspicuous.” With nothing else, he leaned back, and the ground gave way beneath him as he fell.
I yelped covered my mouth in shock. Stepped closer, there was a jagged, black hole. “Great.” I grumbled.
“I’ll go last,” Simon volunteered.
I sighed and after Doric I made my way down. Xenk had left yet another secret remains hidden; it’d take a day to get to the helm they were after. I trailed after the rest; my role would probably not even come to pass.
I hoped not at least.
*~*~*~*
My mother always told me to beware of men who kept secrets and bore blades.
Maybe I should’ve listened to her.
Xenk was both mysterious and carried a blade—many blades it turned out, and while he protected others from danger, he was in the habit of drawing attention.
The murderous and stalking kind.
Like Thayan assassins.
Which were, apparently, undead. Another secret to the pile.
But their mistake was not to challenge, Xenk. Their real mistake was come to come to Dolblunde, so close to Themberchaud’s lair.
I’d stayed on the suspended city, close to where the helmet had been kept for who knows how long. I was of little use to a fight and much less able to run from assassins.
First, I heard a mighty huff, and taking a peek, saw the party was thrown back. Then came the glowing eyes, the roars, and growls, before Themberchaud made his entrance into the light.
Even undead assassins know to fear a dragon.
It was amusing seeing Themberchaud roll down his hill of bones as he gobbled up each Thayan assassin, one after the other. By the time the party and him had made it to me, they were all eaten.
I made my way to my feet, and Holga grabbed my arm.
“Come on kid!” she yanked me.
I fought against her. “Stop!” I held out my hand and Themberchaud slid to a stop before me. His pupiled widened rather cutely.
“Surprise?”
I pet his snout. I knew it was wrong to be mad at him, especially after he helped deal with the assassins. “Good job!” I scratched his muzzle and made my way to scratch his horns as best as I could.
Themberchaud smiled and tapped his tail on the ground in bliss. I stopped after a bit, feeling eyes on me. He stood up and looked at the party behind me. “I uh, can explain that. They didn’t mean to disturb you.”
He hummed and eyed them suspiciously. “And?”
“And they’re done now. They’ll be on their way soon enough.”
Xenk walked towards us first, and the party, more warily, followed him. “Well done, (Y/N). And thank you for aiding and sparing us, Themberchaud.” He bowed his head.
Themberchaud watched him for a moment. “Oh. You’re the guy that brought us here!”
I tried to stifle my laughter. “Yes. This is Xenk, Thember.”
“Wait so you,” Edgin, the bard, started, “led us into the lair of a dragon knowingly?!” he jabbed a finger into Xenk’s armour.
“I had no intention of stirring him. But that is why I brought, (Y/N). In case this—” he gestured to the entirety of the Dolblunde. “—happened.”
Themberchaud bared his teeth. “You’re not so pleasant yourself.”
Holga chuckled from behind Edgin. “I think he’s cute.”
“Themberchaud is quite the dragon.” I nodded and looked past him as best as I could. His lair was easily accessible from here, as would the hidden tunnel.
I looked at Xenk. “We should probably leave right?”
He nodded. “Yes. Best not disturb this place much longer.” He turned to leave the way we’d come.
I looked at Themberchaud and nudged him gently.
“There’s…” he huffed, “a shorter way out.” He gestured a wing towards his lair.
I petted his head. “That’s it,” I whispered.
Xenk turned around. “That is appreciated, Themberchaud.” He looked at Edgin.
He sighed and shrugged. “Sure. There’s weirder shit that’s happened today.”
Please like and/or reblog to help share my work if you like it. One shot requests are open (x Reader) as are commissions are my patreon (as well as wee bonuses if you can afford. Thank you
Do you think the elves will continue to stand in your way? Shruikan’s voice was gentle as he glided behind the three other dragons. The sky was a pretty blue against the wide reach of the green below, and his black scales attracted a lot of the sun’s heat.
Alys sighed, physically and mentally. Probably. But maybe with their queen by our side, they’ll let me in.
A hum came from him, vibrating Alys a little. I hope so. If there is no way to save him, even with your knowledge of healing, it’d be best to… he trailed off, knowing Alys would fill in the blanks.
She nodded. I have a feeling it’s the only way. I just… hope there’s enough in him to keep his Heart alive.
A melancholy feeling came from Shruikan. Ah, he still has his in him? You would be so kind.
We’ve learned from his actions. Her gaze drifted downward, the wind picking up her braids. We know better than to control dragons. I honestly didn’t expect you to be so eager to come with me. She smiled softly, her chest feeling warm as she remembered Shruikan’s threatening stance behind her in Ilirea. It’s nice having you on my side, especially by your own will. She knew sombre things were ahead.
Shruikan radiated a similarly warm mind. Alys found it comforting to experience all his feelings, or a fraction of them. She never knew if it was all his emotions. There was so little shared.
Arya shouted something to Alys. She looked at her and nodded, pretending like the wind didn’t mute what she’d said. Fírnen dove to the side and the other two dragons followed.
I guess we do that too. Alys mused and Shruikan followed them. She lurched forward in her saddle and Shruikan shifted his wings and tail to adjust his descent. He still struggled with this part of flying, learning the impact of his new size and mass.
Alys felt something tug at her heart and she looked at Shruikan as he evened out above the sea of leaves and branches. The smaller dragons flew below him.
“Is something wrong?” she asked him with mind and mouth. She touched the scales of his lower neck, smoother and healthy now.
You know I’ve been here before… His mind and body were quiet, even his huge wings had enough air to just glide for a while.
I know. You don’t have to go all the way in. I’ll ride with one of the others. She wanted to comfort him, feeling his anxiety shiver through her.
No. He beat his wings. I want to make sure you get to him unopposed. I might be enough to make that happen.
Without thinking, she asked; Is that what you want? She didn’t know if it was her staring or if he hesitated, but she felt like a league of flying was done before he answered.
Yes. I do. I may as well use my past for good. Pay you back a smidge.
Alys couldn’t help but giggle. His voice was too tired and rough sounding for “smidge” to be part of his vocabulary. She felt his satisfaction; he’d set out to make her laugh.
Her good humour was cut short when she lurched forward and grunted. “What?!” She looked over Shruikan’s shoulder at the sea of leaves below. The other Riders and dragons had disappeared. She grumbled softly to herself and Shruikan glided around to find a place to land. He found a clearing large enough for him to stumble to a halt in.
Alys stroked his neck and looked around. She extended her mind, meeting the other Riders’. “That way.” She pointed.
Shruikan edged his way through the trees, wings tucked in, head and body low. He grumbled softly, irritated by the closed space. He stumbled on a couple of upturned roots and did his best to dodge thick branches.
Alys touched his neck and blindingly bright scarlet assaulting her mind. “I could get off and look for somewhere better for you to move through?”
He shook his head harshly. No. This is probably the quickest way. I’ll be fine. Just some cramped muscles, I’m sure. He snorted and tensed his shoulder, tempted to swipe at the nearest tree to cut it down.
She smiled softly. “If you’re sure. You’re doing really well.” She stroked his shoulder and leaned her body down against him to aid him in his effort, even if it was minuscule from what he was doing.
Shruikan’s mind calmed a little, the loud redness fading with her praise. He sighed, soothing his temper, and crawled through the forest. The small, slender shapes of Thorn, Saphira and Fírnen came into view, gathered in a canopied clearing that couldn’t be seen from above. In the middle of the three dragons were their Riders, discussing in hushed whispers and gesturing far-from-subtly.
Alys grumbled under her breath and had Shruikan continue as he was, as none of them seemed to notice them approaching. Shruikan extended his neck between Thorn and Fírnen, causing both dragons flinched away.
Thorn hissed, spikes on his back flaring, and tried to swipe at Shruikan’s snout. The older dragon just lifted his head away and chuckled mightily. His shuddering body making Alys laugh. Thorn eased but glared at Shruikan even as Murtagh attempted to comfort him.
The clearing was warm, and the light was tinted green from the leaves above. Each leaf came from slender branches that all joined into three large trees, trunks thicker than Shruikan’s original neck. There was a fourth tree, though. It was ash-white, brittle and devoid of any luscious branches like the others.
It made Alys’ heart heavy, bleeding into Shruikan to make her sadness his. Whatever the others were discussing didn’t involve her, but she could help the tree. Healing was her business. It was ironic at a moment like this.
To soothe her sorrow, Shruikan walked to the tree, padding around the group silently. He sniffed at its crumbling bark, causing it to turn to dust by his faintest breath. Do you think it was as mighty as the others?
Probably, she sighed sadly and touched its trunk. A pale powder layered her palm. But the others grew quicker, taking its sunlight. She drew in a breath and whispered faintly. Her wrist shone green as the enchantment got to work. The bark grew strong first, then the trunk extended, and branches grew from it, lined with little green buds.
Shruikan stared as the tree was brought back to life, his heart buzzing and tail spiked like a giddy dragonling.
Alys watched for a moment after it was done, and some buds above the canopy bloomed. “Much better.” She felt the other’s gazes on her, and she turned to face them in unison with Shruikan.
“Let’s go to Ellesméra.” Arya stepped forward. “Let’s get you to Ugauc.”
Shruikan turned himself towards the group and loosened his wings.
Chapter summary: Confronted by the leaders and fellow Riders, Alys is forced to abandon her rationality and speak her mind.
Prologue, Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4
Alys looked among the lead faces and strode forwards with a false sense of confidence. Nasuada stepped towards her, giving Alys a trusting but questioning look. The Dragon Riders stared past her, and Shruikan gave them a good reason to be fearful. His tail lashed through the air, and he lifted his lip in a threatening snarl to ensure they gave him enough space.
Shruikan let out a growl, spotting familiar faces and dragons. Alys put her hand on his snout behind her. “Easy, Shruikan.” He fell silent, but she could still see his tail lashing.
Alys glanced at Nasuada. she called her over with a silent gesture of her hand. Alys begrudgingly stepped away from Shruikan and looked at Eragon. “Can you get them to stand down?” She gestured to the other Riders.
“Explain yourself first! Who is this dragon?” He gestured frantically to Shruikan. “And why did you bring it her?!”
She frowned. “You gave me a mission! You sent me to the Eldunarya, and they sent me to him.” She pointed at Shruikan. “And right now, he’s the only one willing to help me get to Ugauc in time!” She felt Nasuada touch her shoulder, and she gave her a soft look. She forced herself to draw in a breath and calm down. “I’m only here for my things. Then I’ll be gone. I bring no threat,” she said firmly.
“Gone where?” This time, it was Murtagh who spoke.
Alys looked at him. “Ellesméra.” The dragons erupted in a synchronised growl, and she snapped her head around to see what was wrong. Shruikan stepped closer to her, ignoring their sounds of protest. She gently extended an outstretched hand to tell him to ‘stay’.
“You can’t go alone,” Eragon interjected. Alys scowled and looked at him. She thought he glanced down as he came up with an excuse. “Not without a saddle. And we don’t have one big enough for… him.” He looked at Shruikan.
Alys wondered whether he knew that was Shruikan—or if any of them knew. He glanced at Saphira a lot, communicating with her—she presumed. Alys sighed softly. “Fine. Someone will just have to come along.” She felt Shruikan stare at Eragon from behind her.
The leaders looked at each other, and Alys waited impatiently. The three Dragon Riders glanced between themselves, and Alys tried to soften her posture for Nasuada. She needed her cousin on her side.
Her cousin got closer to her, leaving the Riders to their silent discussion. “You earned his trust.” She smiled and looked at Shruikan.
Alys nodded and followed her gaze. “There was effort on both parts.”
“I knew your compassion would guide you.” Nasuada took Alys’ hand. “But you need to think, properly think. Take some deep breaths.”
Alys tightened her jaw. “Have you not heard a single thing I said?” she hissed and pulled her hand away. “My dragon is dying. I can’t wait any longer. The time for thinking is gone. I have to be there for him. I thought you, of all people, would be on my side.” She looked away.
Nasuada looked hurt but forced it down. “All I’m asking is that you take a moment to think before running off with the dragon that had a huge role in the War and damaged a chunk of Du Weldenvarden. You’re allowed to be hurt and grieving, but you can’t act rash or the whole world may turn against you.”
Alys glanced at her. “It seems like the whole world already has. So what’s the harm of ensuring it?” She heard a soft, sad rumble from Shruikan, but her mind was too closed off to allow him to speak to her.
Her cousin stared at her for a moment. “What’s happened to you, Alys? This isn’t you.”
She scowled, a hole growing in her chest as rage and sorrow filled her. “You want to know what happened? My dragon has been suffering for weeks! The people taking care of him won’t let me near him! Every night I hear and feel him suffer and only now has anyone been willing to help me get to him!” It wasn’t until she fell silent she realised how loud it had come out, that everyone in the courtyard, and probably the castle, had heard her. All eyes were on her, dragon, elf, and human. It was also then that she felt the warm tears trickling down her cheeks, and she turned away from Nasuada, hiding it. “Part of me is dying.” Her voice was hoarse and quiet, but firm. “My literal soulmate is dying, and I won’t hide it and pretend anymore. He won’t suffer anymore; I just need to get to him. Or I’ll go insane.”
Alys felt some sympathetic tendrils graze her mind, and she locked herself away. “So, is anyone willing to help me?” Her words came out rather bitterly, but she wouldn’t apologise for it.
“Yes.” Eragon said in a low voice. “We’ll accompany you to Ellesméra.”
Alys nodded. She hadn’t depended on their support but figured getting an agreement was better and looked at Shruikan. “I’ll be back soon.” She strode past the leaders, dragons, Riders and soldiers, quickly passing through the large doors of the keep and up the helix stairs. She packed her bags, taking all her notebooks and some of Galbatorix’s, in case she’d missed something—or needed to distract herself and hide in her not-so-little project.
I think you handled it very well. Shruikan said when she returned to his side.
“Hmm. I don’t know,” she said softly, calmer but not hurting any less. Alys glanced around at the courtyard. Most of the Riders and their dragons remained, but lingered by the walls, while the rest glided above and around the castle. She noticed how Shruikan watched them, curious and in awe from what she could make.
It’s good to release your emotions. He hummed.
Alys shook her head. “Yes but, it was so… loud. I didn’t know I had that in me. I should’ve said it better. Handled it better. I don’t know what happened.” She gently caressed his face. “Maybe the pressure got to me. And the hurt and rage and frustration and it came out like… that.” She sighed, exasperated.
Shruikan pressed his head against her hand. It’s better to let it out. That’s what you told me. They needed to know. And if they weren’t going to help, I’d deal with them. He bared his fangs in false intimidation.
Dragons and Riders looked at them warily, lowering their stance and reaching for weapons.
Alys sighed. “Please try to tone down on the intimidation. I know you mean well, but they don’t yet. So please—” she held his muzzle in both hands, “—try to be as friendly as you can. You’re a good dragon, Shruikan, and I trust you. The others just don’t know you yet.”
Shruikan inclined his head and hummed again. I’ll try for you, Alys.
Summary: After a rough storm forces Alys to stay with him, Shruikan comes to the conclusion that "drastic times call for drastic measures" though they're not that drastic to him.
Prologue, Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4
Shruikan was so excited about going hunting for the first time. Though it took him a while to catch anything. Alys watched him for a little while from her room in the castle, with the aid of a spyglass, and eventually paid him a visit, finding him gnawing on a bone like an adolescent dragon and purring proudly to himself—the purring cleared any nearby wildlife away, shaking the trees and ground, and Alys’ bones.
“Good first hunt?” Alys asked, stepping closer.
Shruikan nodded, almost grinning. Very successful, if you ask me. He puffed out some smoke and continued to purr.
Alys coughed and smiled. “Good. You did very well. I was watching.” He scratched his jaw. She quickly learned that Shruikan responded well to positive reinforcement, though he found it very strange at first for the sole reason that he’d never had a positive thing said to him. Figuring that out made her think of Ugauc, who was always handing out compliments to others.
He purred at her touch, warm happiness passing from him to her, then a trickle of embarrassment. You better not have been judging! He turned his head away defensively.
She shook her head. “Of course, I wouldn’t, Shruikan. You did absolutely wonderful.”
That was a week ago when he could comfortably slip out of the cave. Alys had removed his sustainability spell, so he’d grow hungry and thirsty—for the first time. At first, Shruikan found it quite disorientating, but became accustomed to it soon enough. Alys thought he liked feeling it, that he enjoyed feeling normal. Removing the enchantments on him that hindered his natural being had altered his personality too, at least slightly.
He was calmer, better tempered, and all round, seemed happier. Though he was clingy and quite juvenile, having not had the chance to mentally, emotionally and psychologically mature.
Alys pitied him for it and did her best to be patient with his childlike behaviour. She’d taken care of so many hatchlings she hoped it’d get her through.
With Shruikan starting to hunt, he found it hard to do it with one eye, so next came healing that.
Alys moved her glowing wrist away from Shruikan. The flameless lanterns she’d brought to his lair lit up the cave and, most importantly, him.
He held his eye shut, his large eyelid twitching as the Alys’ spell took its course. She watched silently, desperate to make sure he wasn’t in much discomfort.
Alys looked at the rest of him. Compared to the cavern, he only took up a small amount of space—very different from his original cave-breaking size. He was about the same size as a dragon seven centuries old, about three times the size of Ugauc, and most of the new dragons were. His scales were still in an awful state, though; brittle and damaged. Though a little better with actual nutrients going into his body.
Shruikan opened his eye after a few moments and looked around. This is… different. He blinked several times and stood up slowly, getting used to his new vision. He looked over himself, then the cave.
Alys got to her feet, dusting off her leggings. “I’m hoping a good different.”
Of course. He huffed amusingly. Anything you do is impossible to be bad.
She blinked for a moment. “Thank you.” She looked away, getting bashful.
Shruikan watched her for a moment. I see why they trust you with hatchlings. You have the best intentions for everyone, don’t you?
Alys hesitated; her mind drawn to Ugauc. “Having good intentions isn’t all it takes… there’s perseverance and effort involved as well.”
He hummed. I suppose so. You have enough experience for that.
Alys smiled a little. “I guess so.” She stretched and then heard a wicked wind whistle past the cave and a fierce chill hit her. “Things have really gotten rough out there.” She looked out at the mouth of the cave.
Shruikan followed her gaze. Rain lashed outside and the wind was treacherous. The first storm of the autumn.
She shuddered. “That looks… messy.” As if to add to her statement, lightning sparked from the clouds and struck out in the sky. A deep rumble of thunder followed a few moments later.
Shruikan growled softly, agreeing with her. You better not be planning on going back in that.
Alys shook her head. “No. I’d be insane to do that. I’ll get in contact with someone in Ilirea, let them know I’m staying.” She went to her back and crouched beside it to find her scrying mirror.
He continued to watch the rain spill and stepped towards it. Extending his neck at the entrance, Shruikan felt raindrops slap against his muzzle. He snorted and shook his head, backing up.
Alys tried not to laugh and walked to him with her mirror in hand. “What do you think of it?”
Wet! He grumbled. And cold and sore! Is all rain like this? Why do you like it?
Alys shook her head. “No. not all rain is like this. It's just really heavy because of the warm summer weather. It’s usually lighter, calmer, and soothing to listen to.”
Shruikan hummed and dried his snout on his foreleg, water droplets and scales falling to the floor. I’ll take your word for it. He turned away to go back to his bed of animal hides that Alys had helped to skin and gather.
She smiled softly and used her mirror to contact Eragon, one of the handful of Riders still at Ilirea. At first, a blur of his figure formed, then the mirror came into focus.
“How goes your aiding?” he asked, taking a seat with his mirror.
Alys nodded. “Pretty well. I’ll be staying here until the storm passes.” Lightning lit up the woodland in front of her.
Eragon nodded. “Understood. Stay safe, Alys.”
She inclined her head. “I will.” She waved her hand over the glass to clear his image and turned back towards Shruikan.
He stared at one of the flameless lanterns with wide eyes, tapping it with one of his talons. Alys had to watch for a few moments before clearing her throat. “It’s very dangerous is an Erisdar breaks, Shruikan.”
He immediately straightened himself and stepped away. I understand. They’re quite fascinating, though.
Alys nodded in agreement. “They are. A very ancient form of light, made by an elf who taught the dwarves. Very useful underground.”
Shruikan hummed deep in his throat and looked at her. I take it your master is content with you staying here.
Alys nodded. “He’d be insane to not be.”
He curled up on his new bed of hides and nodded. Good. I’d personally deal with it for you.
She shook her head. “That’s not how things work, Shruikan. And that’d create more trouble for me than an angry headmaster.”
Shruikan huffed, smoke puffing out of his nostrils. He thumped his tail on the stone floor. I’m just saying he should appreciate you more. You do a lot for them. He has no reason to be upset with you. And if he was going to be, I’d make sure he knew how valuable you are.
Alys blinked, having heard something similar from Ugauc once. “O-oh. Well… thank you.” That was a similar response to what she’d said then, too. A trickle of sadness and pride flowed through her, and apparently on to Shruikan.
Is it hard? Knowing how he’s doing?
Alys shrugged. “Truth be told, I don’t know exactly how he’s doing.” She looked away. “I know a bit,” she paused. “That he’s in pain, but that’s it.” She glanced down, pausing again. “And that he’s dying.” Her gaze fell downward. She hated admitting that as much as she knew it.
Shruikan’s lip lifted in a snarl and twitched. And they’re still forcing you to stay away?
She looked at him and nodded. “They said they’d inform me when it was best to come.”
He growled, the terrifying sound echoing through the cave. That’s an excellent way to turn a Rider against the rest.
She looked down again. She wanted to agree, but part of her knew they thought her being there would cause the same. She hugged herself. “I don’t care if I don’t have a dragon. I just want Ugauc to be okay. To not be in pain anymore. I’d make sure of it myself.” She slid down, sitting with her face in her knees, sniffing softly. She didn’t want to cry again.
Shruikan stopped his display and came closer to her, sniffing her face. He’d never seen a human like this. He touched his snout to her head. I’ll help you, Alys.
Alys looked up and frowned. “H-how?” she couldn’t help but stammer.
I’ll bring you to him. He hummed and moved to curl around her. I’ll help you.
*~*~*~*
It wasn’t long after dawn when Shruikan nudged Alys awake. She blinked, her body sore all over from her connection with Ugauc. She looked at him, her vision blurry.
Are you okay? You sounded in pain? And you were talking, and your eyes were leaking.
Alys wiped her face, noticing it was wet. “Crying.” She corrected. “I connect with him at night, its pretty painful.” She thought she heard Shruikan whine.
That’s it. He stood up quickly and stretched his wings. I’m not waiting any longer.
Before she could say anything, he grabbed Alys in his talon and left the cave with a swift beating of his wings.
Alys struggled to breathe with the pace of the wind passing her. “Shru—Shruikan!” she protested, hitting his strong, scaled finger. “At least let me pick up my stuff!”
Shruikan didn’t respond verbally, but altered his course towards Ilirea.
She stared at him from between his fingers and tried to get into his mind. He was angry and fearful. Some images of Ugauc that she’d shared with him were on his mind. She stroked his scales, trying to calm him. His anger cooled a little, but he kept his pace, determined. It wasn’t long before he passed over Ilirea’s walls and slammed down into the courtyard of its castle.
Alys grunted when he landed roughly, and he let her go. She heard shouts and roars from within from Riders, dragons and soldiers.
Shruikan crouched down, opening his maw and flaring wings in threat. He hid Alys behind his leg, not willing to let her get hurt.
Out of the keep ran Eragon, Murtagh and Arya—with the rest of the handful of riders in Ilirea—with Nasuada trailing behind. All seemed equalling fierce, confused and scared, not that they’d admit the latter. Shruikan watched them, growling.
Alys drew in a breath and touched his leg. “It's okay. Ill handle this.” She summoned her strength and walked out from behind his leg, looking at the Riders and her cousin.
Exploring good traits gone bad in a novel can add depth and complexity to your characters. Here are a few examples of good traits that can take a negative turn:
1. Empathy turning into manipulation: A character with a strong sense of empathy may use it to manipulate others' emotions and gain an advantage.
2. Confidence becoming arrogance: Excessive confidence can lead to arrogance, where a character belittles others and dismisses their opinions.
3. Ambition turning into obsession: A character's ambition can transform into an unhealthy obsession, causing them to prioritize success at any cost, including sacrificing relationships and moral values.
4. Loyalty becoming blind devotion: Initially loyal, a character may become blindly devoted to a cause or person, disregarding their own well-being and critical thinking.
5. Courage turning into recklessness: A character's courage can morph into reckless behavior, endangering themselves and others due to an overestimation of their abilities.
6. Determination becoming stubbornness: Excessive determination can lead to stubbornness, where a character refuses to consider alternative perspectives or change their course of action, even when it's detrimental.
7. Optimism becoming naivety: Unwavering optimism can transform into naivety, causing a character to overlook dangers or be easily deceived.
8. Protectiveness turning into possessiveness: A character's protective nature can evolve into possessiveness, where they become overly controlling and jealous in relationships.
9. Altruism becoming self-neglect: A character's selflessness may lead to neglecting their own needs and well-being, to the point of self-sacrifice and burnout.
10. Honesty becoming brutal bluntness: A character's commitment to honesty can turn into brutal bluntness, hurting others with harsh and tactless remarks.
These examples demonstrate how even admirable traits can have negative consequences when taken to extremes or used improperly. By exploring the complexities of these traits, you can create compelling and multi-dimensional characters in your novel.
Chapter Summary: Alys searched for a way to help Shruikan and is surprised when she sees him again
Prologue, Ch. 1, Ch. 2
Alys stared at the heavy book before her, not even reading anymore, just staring. her mind was numb and eyes dry from her long day of research. Immediately after her encounter with Shruikan, she went to her cousin, Queen Nasuada.
She now sat in Ilrea's castle, Nasuada's castle, by a dying candle late at night. She'd searched through every spellbook, she could find for hints on how to help Shruikan, but there wasn't a sign of anything useful.
Alys leaned back, tilting her head back. The pain grew throughout her body, skin started to burn. As she grew tired, a weak connection with Ugauc formed and she would feel his discomfort as her own, the Seithr Oil slowly killing him.
She felt her eyes well. "Why am I here?" She sighed, putting her head in her hands as she leaned her elbows on the desk. "I should be with him, comforting him." Her bottom lip pouted, a lump in her throat forming.
"How goes your research?"
Alys sniffed and wiped her eyes, turning to the voice.
Nasuada drifted towards her, a purple velvet night robe wrapped around her. A candlestick burned in her hand, illuminating her face.
Alys considered her for a moment on how to acknowledge her, as queen or cousin. "Um, not great?" She stuck to casual.
The queen hummed and lowered herself down beside her. "How are you doing?" She whispered, touching her forearm.
Alys pulled her arm away, wincing at the tenderness. She gave her an apologetic look.
Nasuada glanced at her candlestick between them. "Ah, his pain affects you. Even at this distance?"
Alys nodded. "I think it's because he's dying." She admitted softly, something she'd not wanted to, but knew.
Nasuada sighed softly. "I'm so sorry, Al. I can't imagine everything going on, your pain, the emotions, and knowing that." She looked away. "It must be awful."
Alys nodded. "It is..." She stared at the flickering flame as her vision blurred again with tears. She didn't stop them when they fell. "And he's all alone while I'm wasting my time..." Her lips pouted again as she wept, hands covering her face.
Nasuada gave her a pitying looked and hugged her gently. "Oh, Alys."
Alys buried her face in Nasuada's shoulder, holding her in return. "What-What do I do?"
Nasuada thought for a moment. "I think you need to rest, focus on your heart. If you decide to leave this dragon hunt for a while, do so. Ugauc needs you."
Alys sniffed and looked at her. "B-but so does Shru--the other dragon. They're m-miserable."
Her cousin sighed softly. "Then you need to settle on what's most important then. I know you'll figure it out. Your compassion will guide you."
*~*~*~*
Alys took her advice and stayed in the castle for a few extra days. She sat in the guestroom she'd been given and looked through a very old notebook.
Its pages were stained gold and the edges crumbled easily. It contained countless of unfinished scrawlings of spells.
Specifically, Galbatorix's spells from when he first went rogue. There was everything from a spell to sustain a newly-hatched dragonling to his spell to make soldiers not feel pain.
Alys scribbled down his earliest versions of, what she could make out to be, the growth spell he used on Shruikan. He had notes of the effects of each one like; too sudden and painful. He was screaming and bawling. And, extremely slow. Both in pain for days. Need to make it gradual over short spaces of time, often.
And finally, she found the finished one. The one he not only used on Shruikan, but Thorn.
Alys sighed softly. She'd read so much for his journals and books recently. She was scared it had changed her, morphing her to be as disturbing and monstrous and cruel as he was.
She copied down the final spell and stared at its wording to try write its antithesis.
It took a few writings, and several cups of caffeine, before she final had a eureka moment.
Alys stood up quickly, almost tipping over her chair and stared at her work. She translated it in her head and read it again and again, triple checking.
She grinned and finally whispered, "I'm coming, Shruikan!"
*~*~*~*
It didn't take much convincing to get a ride to the cave. The few riders on the castle grounds seemed delighted that Alys was excited. So as soon as she rushed to Murtagh, it wasn't long before she was on Thorn's back again.
"I take it your problem is solved?" Murtagh called as they flew.
Alys nodded. "The cave-dragon one, yes. Ugauc is far more complicated."
"I'm sure he'll be okay." He tried to reassure her, but the words felt empty to Alys.
"Yeah," she replied softly.
Thorn soon landed on the ledge. Good luck, hatchling-carer.
Alys smiled and petted his muzzle. "Thanks, Thorn." She looked at both dragon and Rider. "You don't have to wait for me."
Murtagh nodded. "Alright. If you do, use your scrying mirror and I'm sure someone will be happy to help."
She smiled softly and nodded. "Thanks again, both of you."
Thorn dove off the ledge and swooped away.
Alys watched for a moment and fixed her satchel. She drew in a breath and created an orb to hover in her palm. "Alright, Shruikan. I'm here." She whispered.
She strode forward, feeling confident this time. She cleared her throat. “I am here, skulblaka Shruikan.”
A moment later a low hum vibrated through her. You’ve returned.
Alys kept moving. “And I know how to help you. How to free you from this cave.”
He considered her words and spoke softly again. Go on.
She smiled to herself and soon appeared in front of him. “I can probably heal your eye too with time.”
Shruikan hummed again. We’ll see if I can trust you with such a task.
Alys frowned. “You’ll trust me with the growth of your entire body, but not your eye?”
My size causes me great pain. My eye does not.
She nodded, understanding. “Shall I get started? And I’ll try get you some food before I go. I know you don’t need it but, may—”
How do you know I “don’t need it”? Shruikan moved his giant head to try look at her, to see her for the first time.
Alys moved to try make it easier for him. “I’ve been… reading since I left here. Learning all I could about what Ga—he did to you.”
He considered her for a moment, watching her with his working eye. Finally, he said, That’s a lot for someone to bear. He peered at her, thinking, watching.
Alys nodded in agreement. “I knew he was awful to you… I just never knew the exact details. I’m sorry.”
Shruikan blew some warm air on her, as gently as he could, which made her stumble a little. I suppose I should let you do what you can. And some food would be nice. I’ve not eaten much ever. Though I was never hungry.
Alys nodded. “I’ll remove that spell from you if you want.” She sat by his head. “Once you’re able to hunt for yourself.”
Shruikan radiated a warm, almost kind feeling with his mind. I think I’d like that.
She gently lay her hand on his face and whispered the words of her spell. Alys hoped she’d done all she could to make it as pain-free as possible. She reckoned if she visited him daily for the next few weeks, she could get him down to the size of a dragon of about seven centuries old. A size that’d be more manageable but not too disorienting.
Shruikan lay still for her, feeling the effects of her spell take hold. Not too bad so far.
Alys nodded and removed her hand. “Would you like me to leave?”
Do you want to go?
Alys hadn’t expected him to be so friendly and wondered what had changed. “No.”
Then stay, Shur’tugal.
She nodded. “Why are you acting like this?”
Shruikan glanced down. I was too harsh on you… I saw what you remembered of your dragon.
Alys blinked, tears blurring her vision again. “I see. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you with that.” She looked away.
Why are you so sad about him?
She wiped her eyes. “Because he’s dying… I was told to leave, almost forced out. I think the elves think I’m irresponsible. Or that if I see him suffer it’ll change me for the worse. I don’t know their logic, I just disagree with it. I’d rather be with him. Even if it means I end his suffering myself, I don’t want him in pain anymore. I want Ugauc back, my Ugauc. I hope he’ll have enough strength to disgorge his Eldunarí, if he wants to.”
Shruikan’s lip lifted in a snarl. That’s perfectly cruel of them. I’ll fly you up there myself to be there for him.
Alys smiled softly, lip quivering. “Y-You don’t have to do that, Shruikan.”
I will. For you, and for your dragon. Tell me about him while your spell alters me, if you can.
Alys sniffed softly and obliged. “He um, is confident in his looks and likes others to be confident with theirs. He likes to take things at his own pace and uh, doesn’t really like training, so I bribe him with baths and scale treatments and the fact that if he trains, he’ll stay pretty during battles.”
Shruikan chuckled. You two sound very different.
She nodded. “We are, but it’s not too bad. He knows that he has to be practical, and I let him dress up whenever he can. He likes perfecting his looks long before he gets the chance to wear them.”
A dragon that dresses up? That’s amusing. He snorted.
Alys frowned, insulted on Ugauc’s behalf. “It makes him happy! And that’s all that matters!” She felt more tears coming and her heart ache. “And he may never get to do it again.”
Chapter Summary: Alys discovers more about the dragon she's found and is forced to reflect the past
Alys froze, her face stiffening. "Y-you're…" She drew in a breath and gathered herself. "You're the Shruikan?"
The giant eye blinked and a slow Yes croaked in her mind.
Alys looked around, trying to see how big he was. She'd heard from Eragon how huge he was and could kind of envision it when she saw the remnants of the old throne room of her cousin's castle.
She looked back at the blinded eye. "Are you… Comfortable?" She realized how dumb it sounded as soon as she said it.
He hesitated, eye glancing downward. No. But when have I ever been?
Alys felt the soreness of his body creep into hers again. She sat down, figuring it'd help somehow.
She looked at his cheek, how each scale looked brittle, much like the ones she'd touched earlier. She'd never seen a dragon is such poor condition. Especially with how Ugauc took care of himself—
Alys forced that thought away and drew in a soft breath. "How long have you been like this?"
Shruikan sighed, continuing to share his discomfort with her. A while. Since I was stabbed.
Alys nodded slowly, trying to block out the fear and pain. "How did you survive?"
He bared his teeth a little. I don't know. Maybe he did something. He growled, making the stone encompassing them tremble.
Alys felt her bones tremble deep within her. "He?" She questioned, trying not to lose her focus and her mental walls shuttered out his discomfort while allowing them to talk.
Shruikan sighed again. My--… The former king.
She crooned. "I see." She thought of what to say. "My name is Alys. I want to help you. I believe that everyone deserves a good life. Especially someone like you, Shruikan, who never had the option."
Ha! The cave shook as he laughed. You are persistent. It's annoying. He growled again.
Alys tried not to be too wounded. "You don't have to come with me or do anything other than accept my help."
Shruikan rolled his eyes. And how would you do that?
Alys stood up. "Reverse some of your growth and help heal you. At least… Physically. I can't emotionally heal you all that well if you won't accept things."
She saw his eye widen a little in somewhat delight as she felt a trickle of joy in his words. You can make me smaller? So, I can leave here when I please?
Alys nodded slowly. "I think so… Yes. I'll find a way to reverse some of your growth, enough to get out of here without being too disorienting. You must be pressed up against the cave right now?"
Shruikan hummed. A soft, warm quiver rippled through her body. Yes.
Alys nodded slowly and switched to the Ancient language, adding weight to her words. "I promise to do all I can to help you. Just give me a few days to figure out—"
You mean to tell me you DON'T KNOW HOW TO HELP?!
The entire cave shook, and Alys lost her footing, yelping. She stumbled to her feet and dodged any crumbling bits of stalactites. She swore, bolting backwards. The shaking, nor Shruikan's rage, seemed willing to die down. In her fear, Alys sprinted out of the cave and gasped for breath when the evening sun hit her face.
She crouched down by the edge, wiping the sweat from her brow. Alys drew in a long breath, no longer feeling the stone tremble beneath her. She wondered how she got here, so desperate and scared and alone. And then she remembered how it all started.
*~*~*~*
The ride from Surda had taken its toll. A long, tiring toll. For both the riders and their mounts.
Alys glanced down at her icy fingers, the frosty air biting at her sepia digits. She rubbed her hands together, as her chestnut, skewbald, Galineers cob continued to move her hooves in a crunching rhythm.
The frost had come in early, about three weeks early, according to her mother, Emma. Alys looked to her, seated high on her shire horse, as if she were the one who had been called to the Academy. The visible, frosty breath coming from her horse wasn't helping Alys' doubts.
She looked away, focusing on Patch's braided white-and-red mane. Alys cupped her hands around her mouth and blew into them, trying to warm them even just a little.
"You know," Emma started, sparing her sixteen-year-old daughter a glance, "your father and I are so proud of you, even if a dragon doesn't choose you."
Alys looked at the bare trees that lined their crisp, frosty path. She knew that her mother's words wouldn't help her now.
"Even being considered by the Dragon Rider, to be tested, is great honour, and one that will do our family proud," she said, holding her head high and looking ahead at the glistening white path ahead. She looked completely unfazed by the cold, though her pale cheeks and the tip of her nose were a pale shade of red.
Alys felt her heart grow heavy. Not again with this. Being the Queen of Alagaësia's first cousin was enough pressure for her. And, of course, that added extra weight to the letter Eragon had sent to her—or his secretary, as Emma had presumed. The idea of having to hold up the family name because her cousin sat on a throne wasn't the greatest of feelings, especially when Alys had been close friends with Nasuada.
Alys shook her head. She couldn't let this bother her, not now. She focused her gaze on what was far ahead of them. The looming lone Mount Arngor, home to the Dragon Rider academy east of the enormous Beor Mountains. A strange sense of excitement bubbled in Alys’ stomach as Patch stepped ever closer, one hoof at a time. She sighed and looked back at the crunch path ahead as her mother droned on about the pride Alys was bringing to the family—or rather her parents—or so she presumed, she wasn’t listening. The idea of being close to a dragon egg so very soon brought such warmth to her chest. The image of seeing a baby dragon distracted her from her mother’s words of “comfort”.
The rest of the journey was a bit warmer as the sun slowly grappled higher in the sky. They reached the base of Mount Arngor late in the evening, when the sky was a mess of oranges and pale blues. Alys slid off Patch’s saddle, shaking out her stiff legs. Her mother graciously slid off her dapple bay mount, her coat and skirts barely even tossed by her fall.
Alys looked at Patch, stroking the chestnut patch of her neck and leading her forward. She brushed off her leggings and long coat, ensuring she looked presentable for any onlookers high above them in the low-lying clouds gathered half-way up the mountain.
“Such a magnificent view,” Emma breathed, stepping closer to the rocky face. She stared up at the mountain.
Alys looked to her, unsure what exactly was so “magnificent” about the mountain. And before she could figure it out, a roar and heavy wingbeats came from the heavens.
The horses whinnied in fear and tossed their heads. Alys snatched Patch’s reins and her mother took her mount’s, keeping them steady as the wings came closer. No sooner had they got control of their horses, a mighty blue dragon popped out of the cloud and swooped to a stop at the base of the mountain. A cloud of frost and dust surrounded the mighty beast. They furled their wings, looking over Alys and her mother as the cloud faded away.
Alys squinted at the dragon as the cloud fell around them. Perched between their shimmering blue wings was an elf with curly brown locks and human-like features.
"Good evening, Shur'tugal, Bjartskular," Alys greeted, inclining her head. She'd been practicing her greeting since she got the letter, per her mother's insistence. If her guess was correct, standing in front of her were Eragon Kingkiller and Saphira Brightscales.
Saphira inclined her head in what Alys presumed was an impressed acknowledgement, and Alys' heart fluttered a little.
Eragon's lips curled into a smile. "Welcome, Alys. We'll bring you and your mother to our guest's accommodation."
***
Something about this hunter-green egg was strange.
It didn't look strange. It looked rather beautiful, actually. A smooth, shining, foot-long, emerald rock with the most gorgeous shamrock and forest green whorls dancing around on the shell. It looked like it had been mined and polished by the finest of dwarven gemcutters. It just felt weird.
Alys had been staring at it for the past hour, seated on a plush cushion. According to Eragon, or rather the Eldunarya, this egg was the reason she was here. That this egg held her dragon. A dragon that would only hatch for her.
Alys thought it was ridiculous that this was what she was here for. She had expected some big, important, strenuous test. Instead, she was sitting cross-legged in the noon sun while looking at a giant emerald.
She leaned forward, taking up the egg from its beige pillow and placed it in her lap. She stroked its smooth shell, her fingertip skimming the egg. Its shell was smoother than anything she had ever felt before. The most sanded down wood could not compare to the satisfying texture of this dragon egg.
Alys tapped the shell, drumming eight fingers to create a pure, hollow sound. She sat like that for a while, wondering if it was irritating the hatchling inside, or whether they found it soothing.
Then a vibration came from between her legs.
Her eyes darted to look at the green egg sat in the hollow of her crossed legs. She took her hands off the hard shell, waiting to see if the vibration would come again. The egg trembled between her legs, sheltered in the strange makeshift nest of Alys' legs and cushion. It stilled a moment later, glistening in the sun as it always had.
She observed it for a few moments. Should she call someone? Was something wrong with it? Was the dragonling cold?
Before she could call out for help, it trembled a third time, for longer than before, convulsing. White cracks crawled over the shimmering green canvas, branching out until cracks joined cracks and some fragments dropped off.
Alys shifted to her knees and shuffled back. The egg ceased trembling for a few moments before spraying her in a shower of sharp, green egg fragments. She yelped, shielding her face with her hand.
A strange murmur came from the pillow, and Alys lowered her hand. Sprawled out on the cushion was an emerald-green dragonling, glistening with a thin layer of slime covering their scales. Draped over its wings was the white egg membrane, clinging to its slimy wings.
Alys wasn’t sure whether to be disgusted or enthralled with the hatchling. Most of their body was emerald green in colour, with shamrock-green belly plates and forest-green wings. Bone-white nubs protruded from their upper skull, lower jaw and along their neck down to the tip of their tail. They blinked at her with shining topaz eyes and sat up, shaking themself of slime. The white membrane continued to cling to their wings, and they swung their head back to glare at its stubbornness. A small growl left their lips and looked back at her dignified; head high, wings proud, shining yellow eyes staring at her expectantly.
Alys gingerly reached forward, pinching the white membrane, and peeling it off the dragonling. She grimaced and placed it with some of the smaller shards of eggshell. The hatching twitched their wings to be rid of any last amount of slime that might have still clung to their scales. They looked back up at her and tilted their head, staring at her in a way that made her nervous.
She nervously reached for one of her braids, twirling one of the silver beads in her hair. She noticed the dragonling was watching where her fingers moved to; they weren’t staring at her, but the shiny object in her hair. Alys frowned, unsure whether to be relieved or offended by their obsession.
Alys scooped up the dragon. They yowled in protest, slashing their tiny, curled claws in the air at her as she held them on their back to look at their underbelly. She frowned; she couldn't find any indication of their sex.
Then her wrist glowed, skin meeting scales. She hissed as the Gedwëy insignia burned onto her wrist. She dropped the dragonling in her shock and shook her hand. "Well, great," she grumbled. Shed hoped for the ideal "shining palm" to be on her palm.
The dragonling hissed at her, wings flared and tail lashing.
Alys drew in a breath to calm herself and crouched down. "It’s alright… I'm sorry for dropping you. I should've paid more attention." She held out her hands in peace.
They blinked at her, almost looking impressed that she would have the nerve to apologize, and rubbed their face against her hand.
She smiled and chuffed in impress. "Let's get you some food."
*~*~*~*
Alys sniffed softly and looked out at the forest in the dying light. "Oh Ugauc…" she whined softly. "Please be okay."
A hum entered her mind, deep and powerful. She looked back at the cave, wondering if he had seen that. She stood up and wiped her face. Before she could investigate again, she heard wingbeats, and a wine-red dragon appeared beside her.
"Good evening, Alys!" called a voice from his back.
"Hey, Murtagh," she sighed.
Murtagh grinned, and Thorn landed on the ledge beside her. "Find what you were looking for?"
Alys hesitated. "Kind of?" She spotted Thorn staring down the tunnel. She was worried they'd interfere with her plan. "Can I have a lift?" she blurted.
Chapter Summary: Alys begins her search outside Ilirea grappling her way through stony terrain and cliffs before finally finding a cave late that night, with the dragon she’s searching for.
Prologue, Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3
Alys gripped the cold stone, her fingers aching and her shoulders sore. Why hadn’t she taken Murtagh’s offer? Flying over this finger-tearing and boot-wearing landscape would have made her search so much easier.
But alas, she had said no, and no one was going to fly out and find her until sunset.
She looked down, holding onto the grey stone with one hand buried in a crevice just big enough to hold her. She was only a few feet off the ground, but this was her third hard climb this morning in this dark, overgrown, rocky forest—how so much vegetation grew here was a mystery. And from what she could see a league away in the small village she was staying in, these climbs went on for another few leagues, at least.
Alys sighed, looking at the beams of sunlight gracefully blessing the lush forest floor through the thick branches and leaves of the canopy above. Was that the universe trying to show her some sign of hope? Or was it telling her that there was a slim chance she’d actually find this dragon? And even then the chances of them siding with her were even slimmer—like the few flowers she’d seen among the ferns and dock leaves.
She hated to admit it but maybe it was right, maybe she should have been smarter and listened to Ugauc when he sensed something up, instead of being curious and—
Alys cut off that thought and turned around, the swelling growing in her throat again. Not now! She reached her other hand up and found a nook to use to lever herself upward.
She had thought about using magic to get to the top, to teleport herself or to fly herself up, but that felt lazy as though finding the dragon that way would decrease her chances even more or getting them to join her. She wanted to prove herself as a worthy rider to this dragon, to prove she was willing to go above and beyond to help them recover from their loss.
“But is that the best way to do it?” Alys thought aloud—after all the only things to hear her would be the squirrels and crows. “To force them to bind with someone else?”
“I’m not going to force them!” she hissed at herself. “I’m going to give them and option and prove that their addition to the Dragon Riders will be the most helpful.”
But then she realised what she said. She pulled herself onto the plateau and looked up at the next steep climb—it was four times her height. “I can’t just guilt-trip them either,” she said, bundling up her dreadlocks and tying them up with a hair-tie. “I have to prove that we can help them, whether they bond to me or not.”
“But what if they don’t like the thought of being tied to any one person or place?” She shook out her arms and walked on the squidgy moss and under the shadows of the tree to the next cliff to climb. “What if they’d just rather stay here?” Her cloud of uncertainty and despair grew darker.
Alys gripped the stone, finding crevices to lock her fingers into and pulled herself off the ground. “Then I guess I can respect that,” she said, staring at the pale grey stone as she grappled her way up.
She huffed, hoping the spell she cast earlier that morning would work and she wouldn’t have bloody fingers by this evening. “But I still want to help them,” she said. “Umaroth said they were suffering; so surely there’s more than a broken bond that’s hurting them, right? So maybe I can help them with that first? At least then I’d feel better knowing I helped them.”
She sighed and dragged herself up onto the next plateau, her fingers felt like they were nothing with nerves and bone. The tips of her fingers were swollen and in utter agony. “Barzûl,” she swore. She drew in a breath and without uttering a word, her fingertips tingled, and the pain faded; they looked as though she’d barely been climbing at all. Alys bobbed her head, satisfied and started towards the next cliff; this one was five times her height.
She paused and sighed. “For the dragon,” she said, her face hardening. She took a step forward. “For the dragon,” she echoed, reaching for the next crevice to dig her fingers into.
Alys’ climb was long and hard, and she argued with herself the whole way up about the morality of convincing a broken dragon to bond with her, to the point where when she finally stood in front of a cave—the cave the Eldunarí had showed her—she lingered, wondering whether going in was a good idea or not.
The mouth of the cave was huge; as big as the door to Shruikan’s old prison in Ilirea. She could see the walls of the city from where she stood a few leagues away.
Alys felt as though she would enter and never see the light again; that the dark cave would snap her up and swallow her whole like a giant snake and refuse to let her go.
She drew in a breath, trying not to focus on the darkness. “Here I come, mystery dragon,” she mumbled. She held up her hand, glancing at her gedwëy ignasia. “Garjzla,” light, she instructed. An emerald orb of glowing magic formed a close to her palm and she walked forward.
Alys’ hand itched to grab her sword, but she stayed strong, forcing herself to believe that violence and threats would not be needed, nor wanted, today.
The darkness enveloped her as she walked forward. She could feel painful, telepathic tendrils coming from deep inside the cave. She winced feeling her back and neck get sore and a stinging in her left eye. Alys paused, waiting to see if her entire body got sore, as it did during the night when she and Ugauc would randomly connect, and his pain would be hers.
But no other discomfort came.
Alys drew in a breath a straightened her posture—this was the mystery dragon’s pain. She continued forward, she footsteps echoing around her with the empty sound of dripping water. The pale green glowing light illuminated what she needed to see.
She brushed through an inch deep puddle of water, the pain in her back deepening. She pace slowed the farther she went in, as did the pain. Helping this dragon would be her number one priority once they met.
But when the agony was so intense her head began to grow light, a warm breeze washed over her, and a rasping sound surrounded her.
Alys spun around, holding her glowing orb high. The cave fell quiet, and she forced away the pain, blocking her mind. Minutes went by before the air around her was sucked to the side. And minutes later the rasping came again.
It was breathing. Long breaths with long pauses between each one to fill giant lungs.
Alys could almost hear Ugauc say, What were you saying about listening to me more? with a hint or sarcasm.
How big was this dragon?
As big as Shruikan?
As big as Belgabad?
“Hello?” she called. Her voiced echoed around her. “Skulblaka,” she said, walking towards where the warm breeze came from in the chamber. “I was hoping we could talk?”
A low grumble came from close in front of her. Alys inched closer, holding her orb as far out as she could until it reflected against somethings matte black. She reached out, thinking it was part of the cave wall, only to have one of the black somethings fall off at her touch and fall to the floor, shattering into dozens of pieces.
It was a worn dragon scale; she knew the feel of them too well.
And this dragon was very sick.
“I’m here to help you,” she said. “I just want to make sure you’re all right.”
The grumbling came again; this time it was louder, angrier. Pain shot through Alys again, rendering her to her knees. How did you find me?! growled the dragon, his agony hers.
Alys held her hand to her eye. “The… Eldunarí,” she forced out. “They said you needed my help.”
I need no one! he snapped. Leave! He left her mind.
Alys returned the barrier to her mind and pushed herself to her feet. How had he lasted so long in so much pain? “Please,” she pushed on, forging her way to his head. The light of her orb had grown dimmer, but it’s light was enough to spot the glimmer of his eye high above her.
The dragon’s lip lifted as he snarled, flashing stained teeth right in front of Alys’ face.
She peered up at his pale blue eye, ignoring the stench from his mouth. Its pupil had a silver sheen and was surrounded by blood coloured sclera. Something about this blinded eye and a giant dragon sounded familiar.
“Who are you, skulblaka?” Alys asked, standing back and brightening the light from the orb so she could see as much as she could of him.
I… am no one, Shur’tugal. So, leave, he replied dimly, this time not sharing his anguish with her.
Alys wanted to scoff but she bit her tongue, thinking. A dragon this large was unheard of; apart from one… who had been killed by being stabbed in the eye with a Dauthdaert.
“Are you Shruikan?” Alys asked.
The cave stayed silent, until he took another breath. Yes, he said. I… am Shruikan.
Shruikan's Rider (SR): Prologue: A Broken Bond {Inheritance Cycle fanfic}
Book description: Alys Emmasdaughter is going through the worst pain any Rider can ever go through--her dragon is dying and there is no way to save him.
While she mourns his inevitable death, the Eldunarí at the Dragon Riders' Academy inform her of a dragon who is suffering a similar fate
Alys led her silver steed up the path to the Dragon Rider Academy, high on Mount Arngor. Icy wind skimmed against her bare, almond arms as she focused on the dirt path beneath her. She felt and looked unkept; her frizzy, black hair was like a bird's nest; her clothes torn; and her skin filthy and dotted with scars.
The attack had been unprovoked; all she and her dragon, Ugauc, wanted to do was to visit the Stone of Broken Eggs near Ellesméra.
But that didn't happen.
Several hooded figures had struck them down, all baring spears that glistened with what Alys found out later was Seithr Oil; the product known to be used by the Ra'zac.
Every night, all she heard was Ugauc's cries as spiked nets doused in the erosive liquid dragged him down. The scene played over and over in her head; his cries, the pain, the figures emerging from the night's shadows, and them stabbing him to death as she killed them all with her blade. One by one, they had crumbled to the ground, leaving nothing but their scarlet cloaks behind.
From there, she ran to Ellesméra, seeking the aid of the elves, who insisted on her leaving as soon as Ugauc was stable, saying his recovery would be long and waiting there would render her useless.
But where she was wouldn't matter; without her beloved partner-of-heart-and-mind, she was useless.
Alys paused where she was and looked up, fighting off the tears forming in her eyes—again. It surprised her she had anymore tears to cry after her long journey back. She'd sob as she rode, keen while she ate, and cry as she slept—she was empty without him.
the ball of sadness in her heart was heavy, growing on its own accord throughout the day, causing her to crumble into tears unannounced.
And now was one of those moments.
Alys' throat grew sore and her lip quivered. Why had they done what they did? And why now, of all times, had the sadness grown stronger?
She placed her hands over her eyes, taking a deep, shaky breath. The last time she had walked along this path—or rather had to walk along this path—was when she was summoned, six years ago, by Eragon himself to be tested at the age of sixteen. According to the Eldunarí, her dragon Ugauc was the one for her. And they were right.
She wanted to reflect further, to remember his hatching and their training and his personality and how perfect he was, but she'd just end up wailing halfway up a mountain near people who she was supposed to tutor; now wasn't the time to bawl.
Alys continued her breathing, slowly gathering herself and drying off her eyes. "Kausta, Epona," Come, Epona, she said to her elf horse, putting on the bravest of faces she could muster and continuing up the path.
As she climbed, she thought of ways to distract herself; like what to put in the letter to her family for this month, or which eggs were ready to hatch next month; all the while fighting off any memory of a green dragon that emerged in her mind.
Finally, she stood in front of the large, open black-painted steel gates, looking in at the large sandstone courtyard. A few Riders stood about, talking to each other and preparing their dragons for slights.
Again, her sadness swelled.
Not now, she insisted. Don't think about him.
Alys pushed her head up high, pushing back any tears that were read to form and walked through the courtyard, focusing only on the large oak doors in front of her. On one door was a lifelike carving of a dragon, surrounded by fog at its feet with a tongue of fire escaping its maw. It looked down at the figure carving in the opposite door—its rider. The Rider seemed to be neither elf nor human, male nor female. Its features were pointed, like an elf's, yet its build was broader like a human's.
As soon as she reached the door, Alys turned to Epona and removed her belongings—a small pack of food and a book along with a rolled-up blanket. "Elrun ono, fricai," Thank you, friend, she said, stroking Epona's face.
The mare leaned into her touch and backed away before trotting out of the courtyard and out of sight.
Alys drew in a breath, shoving a new pulse of sadness aside and pushing open the varnished door. On the other side, she saw a few students bustling through the hall, with small dragons following them. She swiftly turned to the nearest set of stairs, jogging up to the dormitories.
From the outside, all the dorms looked like the inside of a beehive, openings in the rock connected by balconies and stairs. Each hole was big enough for most dragons to fit through, just like the corridors in the Academy. on the inside, it was nowhere near as intricate-looking, just three levels lined with average-sized doors and a large open balcony on each floor, so the dragons could fly up to the balconies if they couldn't fit through.
Alys loved the layout. It was so simple yet so thoughtful, allowing the dragons and riders to be individual yet have they stay in the stay quarters.
Alys continued her walk to her dorm, slowly opening the door with a quiet creak. She half expected to see Ugauc land on the balcony and make his way towards her, past his nest and her bed and her bookcase overflowing with books to nuzzle her. She closed the door with a quiet click and tossed her stuff onto her bed and looked out through the balcony, holding her arms akimbo and breathing deeply.
Alys shook her head, her sadness growing. A tear fell down her cheek, slowly, as she looked at the bright sun. She looked down at Uguac's nest, a large indent in the stone floor, lined with a thin cushion, littered with green scales and tufts of fur and feathers.
She smiled sadly at it and looked over at the green fragments of Ugauc's dragon egg on her ebony bookshelf. She drifted over to it, picking up the largest piece of the emerald shell, the intact base of the egg, where Ugauc had comfortably sat after he hatched, looking around at the hatchery and his Rider with his curious amber eyes.
Alys sighed sadly, wiping away her tears and swallowing hard, burying the lump in her throat as best as she could. She returned the fragment to its spot and stood back, tears returning to her cheeks again. "I miss you," she whispered.
The heavy flapping of dragon wings came close to her balcony, and a sapphire blue dragon landed on it. Alys looked at her, wiping away her tears. "Hello, Saphira. Eragon," she greeted.
Eragon slid off his saddle, brunette locks bouncing as he landed. His brown eyes softened. "Alys... I got word from the elves as soon as you came to them," he started, coming closer, Saphira following close behind him. "And may I say, I am so, so sorry. I should've sent someone with you." He drew in a breath, smoothing his hair with both hands. "It shouldn't have happened. I promise we'll find out who's responsible."
Alys looked down. "That's thoughtful, Eragon," she said. "But I... I don't think I want to find out; it's not going to change anything."
Eragon paused. "Alys, you can't say that. It's important that someone is held responsible."
She shook her head, fighting off more tears. "I'm sorry. I—I can't do this now," she turned around, holding herself. "Please, let me grieve."
Eragon went to reach for her, but retracted his hand. "I will investigate, to save others." He sighed and glanced at Saphira. "When you're up for it, I'm sure Eldunarí would like your company; they want to talk to you."
Alys nodded dismissively and listened carefully as they left before letting out a choked sob.
*-*-*-*
It took Alys weeks before she could force herself to leave her room to actually talk to people. A few would stop by throughout the day, giving their condolences and offering her the food they had brought. She excepted most of the food but ate little of it.
She plodded her way to the Hall of Colours, keeping her head low as she nibbled on her last apple slice. She ignored everyone that passed, focusing solely on her meeting with the Eldunarí. Finally, she began her climb towards the eyrie—Eragon's sleeping quarters—high in the hold, and at the last stop, he turning into a small side tunnel. She entered the large, disk-like chamber, looking ahead at the many tiered daises that held the array of gleaming Eldunarí. Multi-coloured flecks of light beamed around the room, brightening the cool room immensely.
Alys' mind grazed against the dragons' minds. She found it soothing, feeling their calmness when all she had felt was heartbreak for so long. Her eyes landed on Umaroth's white Eldunarí. He and Glaedr were one of the few she always remembered.
Welcome, Alys-vinr, Umaroth greeted.
Hello, Umaroth and everyone else, she responded, keeping her mind as pain-free as possible. I heard you wanted to talk to me.
Yes, we have some news, Umaroth said elusively.
Alys' heart skipped a beat; could they help Ugauc? Could they save him?
Her joy and thoughts of Ugauc flowed to the Eldunarí.
No, I'm sorry. We cannot help him.
Her heart sank, but she forced herself to push it aside. Pray tell.
We have found a dragon who needs your help, Shur'tugal, Glaedr explained.
Alys sighed, aware they couldn't hear her irritation; she was in the worst shape to help anyone. Though she could admit that she needed a distraction. I appreciate the thought, but I'm not ready to help anyone. I'd only make things worse for them.
You misunderstand, Umaroth stated. This dragon has been without a rider for some time and is lost without them. Please, only you can empathise with him and save him from himself.
