Inheritance Pre-Fall Snippet
AU NOTE: Yeah, I forgot this existed. It goes with my previous post about the First Human Riders. It is not edited.
The day Vrael became the head Rider “officially”, Skabne and Sherree were called back to Vroenguard.
They were two humans amongst about fifty or so elves, which was always a pleasant experience, but not one that was uncommon.
“It has come to my attention.” Vrael said, pointedly not making eye contact with either of them, “the humans are still dying at an unprecedented rate.”
Skabne didn’t laugh, but there was an edge of an ugly smile on his face. His large brown dragon, Miremel, was also showing her large teeth.
Sherree didn’t say anything, but her back was tense- and her knuckles were white where they gripped her dragon, Hirador’s, green tail.
Hirador was especially tired of being around elves. He wasn’t particularly fond of humans in general, dwarves even less, but he would like to lick some elves until their skin was as tender as his rider’s temper.
A little bit, a little late. Better than nothing. Miremel spoke to him, noticing his tension. Hirador didn’t hiss at Miremel, but it was a near thing. Miremel was very talkative, very easy going- it came down to a very quiet rider, Hirador was sure.
“Several generations of humans have passed-”
Four or five. Sherree’s thoughts were like angry wasps, flying all over Hirador’s head.
“We need to train several new riders, human and elven- three human, five elven.”
Hmm. Skabne’s thoughts turned into a variety of images- an eagle flying down to catch a rat, a crocodile waiting in the deep- it all flashed so quickly Hirador could not keep up. Skabne did place a hand on Sherree’s shoulder- as if to keep her still.
“Skabne and Sherree will be put on the council-”
Suddenly there was a cacophony of noise. The elven representatives, several older riders, several younger riders. The only one quiet was Oromis. He had already been on the council for a decade, and when he was recommended there was cheering.
Glaedr roared over the noise. The entire area went silent.
Which is why Glaedr was one of Hirador’s favorite dragons.
“The council has already voted.” Vrael’s voice was calm.
Hirador felt Glaedr touch his mind.
The outcome was close. Oromis was the deciding vote.
Hirador let loose a cloud of smoke from his nostrils, covering the gathering. He watched many of the dragons slide around their riders, as if bracing for an attack.
And in this you have shown why Skabne and Sherree are valuable. Umaroth projected at the riders. Both control their tempers and thoughts, while none of you think before you speak. Many of you have spent your time with the elves or in personal meditation, some have gone with our wild kin. Yet when Sherree went to the dwarves, no one else accompanied her. When Skabne was planting crops and negotiating treaties, none but Sharree stood beside him.
We have come close to breaking our oaths and treaties with the humans. We have neglected our duty. If any of you had shown the initiative Sharree and Skabne had, you would also have a place on the council.
“Umaroth, it is well known that Sharree can not control her temper.” It was one of Sharree’s former teachers who spoke. The rest of Sharree’s teachers joined in, nodding.
“And yet,” Vrael said dryly, “She has been able to keep her temper as her character is insulted by an elf who could not help but insult her family for many years.”
“You did. You do.” Vrael said. “We are meant to keep the peace between the races, yet none of my riders can interact humbly with humans. This isolation must end.” Vrael moved on to the multiple other aspects of integrating humans into the ranks- and the crowd grew more and more discontent.
How do you think this will go? Hirador’s rider asked Skabne.
We are absolutely fucked.