@sea-wolf-coast-to-coast
FFxivWrite2022 Day 3 Prompt Tempe
As she reached the top of the Aery Eirunn saw him, Nidhogg. The black dragon roaring at Estinien as he knelt overtly fatigued by the struggle with the eye. The dragon then turned toward her and the Hrothgar gasped as her mind was suddenly assailed with waves of tumultuous emotions.
Rage, anger, overwhelming grief and despair and underlying bouts of guilt and self loathing all swirling and surging through her mind and as they did the unmistakable feel of the onset of the Echo amidst it.
Her vision blurred and then she found herself standing in an amphitheater before her stood Nidhogg and another worm she did not know.
That one’s scales were gold, eyes bright blue and suddenly she spoke her voice lilting and warm, “Brood brother tis good to see thee, there is something I would ask of thee on behalf of the mortals…”
“Ask thou may not like mine answer Ratatoskr,”
Ratatoskr nodded then said, “What does thou think of them brother, these men whomst hath befriended our kindred. Tell me true brood brother thou knowest I will know if thou doth not.”
Nidhogg looked her square in the eye, his red ones full of disdain as he replied, “They are weak, foolishly inclined to give into their base desires. They have not the strength to defend this star as father bade us to do. They should leave it to us.”
Rataotskr shook her head, “Thou doth believe this even of those whomst hath been fighting at thy side?”
He gave a nod, “Even they hath not the strength of dragon kind. They fight well but they are still far weaker than our kin and father bid us defend this star since it is the last bastion.”
Ratatoskr nodded, “I will relay thy words to Thordain, twas he who bade me ask thy opinion of their kind.”
“Say what thou wilt to him I care not you asked mine opinion and thou hast it.” he responded, “Take care of thyself brood sister.”
With that he launched aloft and turned toward his home. Suddenly Eirunn’s vision blurred once more and once again she found herself in that sea of raw emotion. Dimly she heard Estinien shouting to not let the worm poison her mind and she laid her ears flat shouting, “I understand Nidhogg I do,”
The onslaught of emotion ceased and the wyrm spoke with disdain, “Canst thou truly mortal? The outrage, the violation. Thou dost use mine own eye against me yet thou claimest understanding. Tis an insult, a lie.”
“You feel betrayed and responsible, you did not hesitate to speak your mind to Ratatoskr and when she relayed your words Thordain took umbrage. So yes I understand Nidhogg even if you do not believe me.” she responded.
Nidhogg roared in rage and hisses, “Speak not her name mortal thou hath not the right!”
“Spare your breath Warrior of Light, the wym is beyond reason.” Estinien snarled, “Lets finish this as two Azure Dragoons should.”
“We came all this way to try Estinien and I will not just give up,” Eirunn snarled back turning back to the dragon she stated, “So Nidhogg hear me please, end this cycle of hatred and blood shed. Cease your vengeance, the descendants of Thordain know not the transgressions of the past man does not remember even if dragon does. Please, end this still your song and leave them in peace.”
A roar that shook the foundations of the wyrms lair rang out with a single word spoken within, “Never!” He then drew in a deep breath and his throat glowed red with the fires he called from within. As he spat it at her she jumped out of the way and just replied sadly, “Very well we shall end this song with blood.”
With that she and Estinien began engaging the dragon directly in combat, the Hrothgar’s heart heavy she had hoped that it didn’t have to end this way but the black wyrm gave them no choice.
