In all of his wandering he had yet to go to the Sunbeam Ruins, but that strange creature had directed him there to find his pack. His clan had been less than impressed and Rogue’s chastising words still flittered through Wanderer’s mind: This is stupid! We can get you a new bag!
The imperial puffed out a sigh as he stepped over the broken remains of a wall, picking his way through the ruins carefully. The ruins were fascinating in a way, littered about and covered by many centuries of dirt and dust, but he hardly spared them a glance. He only cared about them in knowing where to step; cutting his paw open on a jagged rock was the last thing he had to do when he was supposed to find his opponent.
Yet this was a strange land, untainted and light filled, and Wanderer found himself starting to move aimlessly. He searched the ruins that were so very different than his own home, searching for the dragon he was supposed to find, but his feet took him around of their own free will and they carried him over the land until the light grew dim and shadows lengthened.
Wanderer shook out the fur down his spine and he settled down among the darkened structures, lowering his head as he rested for that evening. He was more comfortable here and there was some hope that he would find the other dragon here.
Rock skittered across the ruin strewn earth, pricking his ears and opening his eyes into the night that had fallen about. The sound of claws was quick to follow and a smile flickered over Wanderer’s face as he put his paws beneath him to push forward should the other dragon come closer. It took all of his effort and remembered trainings to stay still before the large form appeared before him and he pushed himself forward to drive himself into the heavier guardian.
A grunt escaped the imperial as he met the massive mass, but he twisted himself about in what would have been a graceful move had it not ended with him sliding out across the rubble. He wasn’t a warrior, never had been.
The guardian growled and whirled about, easily shoving over the imperial who was quickly realizing his mistake at even thinking about taking on such a beast. She was heavier than him and far more formidable. Her eyes were tired, so very tired, but held that searching look.
Both of them were looking for something they had lost.
“Wait, wait,” Wanderer panted out as he stepped backwards quickly, tail swishing as he stared down at her. She was exhausted, just as he was though he held less of a bone-crushing exhaustion in his limbs, and he had no desire to fight a dragon that was exhausted though he would rather not fight at all though this move he had made seemed to show otherwise. Always make a show. That was what One said.
“I’m sorry…really sorry…I don’t know what I was thinking. I don’t want a fight,” the imperial was quick to apologize, lowering his head to make himself less threatening.
“My bag.” It was the only thing he wanted. If he could have it back if he won. He could take it home and show Rogue he wasn’t a fool for this mission over a bag.
The guardian scoffed. “What do I get in return?”
Wanderer’s tail flicked before he smiled. “Anything you want.”
The conversation drug on until the sun peaked over the horizon, but an agreement had been made. He would be considered a victor of this fight to retrieve his stolen bag, but Altschmerz would have access to his clan’s lands and she would be given the chance to meet with his clan’s leader in the hopes of finding what she had lost as well. Manus was a cruel beast to take her charge and it tugged at Wanderer’s heart, but there was more hope in finding a charge than in a side pack that could be mistaken for anything else.
“Your charge, what do you think would be best to find them?” Wanderer asked as he rose up and shook off the dirt that clung to his body. “I can send word ahead to Rogue and we can retrieve your charge once my pack is mind again.” He was more excited than he could imagine at the prospect of having it slung around him once more. Being indebted to Alt was a small price to pay for this victory.
