When Dragon's Call: Closed Thread

[Apollo Wilde]

She was careful as she approached the bronze; after all, this was an unfamiliar dragon to her. However, she could tell that he was much younger than Filia and herself; if anything, he looked that he still wasn’t too far away from having been a hatchling. But, as he lowered his head down to the grass as she walked around to his front, she smiled.

Kneeling down beside him, she rubbed the fluted scales of his eye-ridges, watching his reaction, and ducking out of the way, only ever so slightly, when he huffed on her. Laughing, she backed up a little, giving his eye ridge one last pat. Putting some distance between herself and Galath, she looked up at Tahlir. “Is there anything I can do to help you out?” Without Filia around, she was feeling particularly vulnerable. Almost as if reality was truly sinking in - and she realized that she was miles away from home without her closest companion. She sat down on the grass, heavily, her legs folded under her.

Okay, she had to think. So, apparently, outside of the woven branch “walls” of her village, there was some major war going on. Okay, that didn’t seem entirely uncommon; it was rare, but her tribe fought from time to time. Nothing on this scale, though. And there was a bright spot even in that - no one had come scouting to her tribe looking for them to join one side or the other. And she didn’t know enough about why they were fighting for her to really pick one side or the other. The assumption, now, was that she had made the right choice in helping out Tahlir. He seemed friendly enough (if not stilted), and hadn’t tried to kill her or Filia - and they had ample time to do so. Or at least attempt it. Well, now she was just putting the cart before the horse; assuming that he’d ask for her help. Might as well take it for face-value - she was just going to take him home, and then she’d go back to her village.

She looked up towards the sky. The sun was lazily sinking towards the horizon, and the shadows were growing longer. There were scant few hours left to the day, and surely Tahlir knew that as well. “We should probably get moving here where we need to camp. Filia should be able to pick up on Galath’s signature, so I’m not too worried about her trying to find us. Is Galath well enough to move?”

 

[The_gladiator]

Tahlir continued to inspect the bronze’s injuries as Chu’si seemed to be acquainting herself with his dragon. “Her touch is so nice. She is gentler than you are. I think you would like her touch.” Galath’s tone in his head was interested as he enjoyed her rubbing touches. Tahlir tried to hide the fact that he had already enjoyed her touch quite a bit.



“Stop that,” he scolded his companion telepathically. “Galath is quite fond of your touch,” Tahlir finally said aloud to Chu’si. “He seems to think it is softer than mine own,” again was that almost smile, “I think he might be wise to be nice to me, as I will be the one tending his wounds before I even allow myself dinner.” He playfully patted the bronze dragon’s shoulder.



Sliding back down to the ground he answered one of her questions. She seemed to enjoy asking multiple questions before he could even answer the first. “I will not need assistance here, but it will be nice to have help when I bathe him later and find something to pass for oil or salve.” He looked contemplative at that, “I will consider it.”



He steadfastly did not think about bathing his dragon, something they very well might do nude if they did not wish to get their clothing too wet to wear. Schooling his thoughts he walked closer to her, squatting down so he was no longer standing tall above her. “Yes, I think we should go down the river some, I recognize that we should not advertise ourselves so obviously by following such a predictable pattern by heading so obviously downstream, but water will do Galath some good. Not as good as the sea might, but still. You would have to fly with Galath and I, are you up for that?” he asked, again showing a degree of deference for her, that could cross the line into doubting her courage or abilities, though by now it was potentially obvious that he did not intend his comments to be taken that way.



He came again to his feet, speaking aloud so Chu’si knew what he intended to say to his dragon. “Are you ready to fly Galath?” The dragon snorted, a flicker of flame escaping between his bared fangs. “Behave yourself Galath, she is prettier as she is, I find she might be less so barbecued.



“She is a slip of a thing; she would not provide much nourishment.”



“He says you would not be worth eating,” Tahlir said to Chu’si, relaying a version of the dragon’s words.



“That is not what I said. I said she would not provide much nourishment, not that she would not be tasty.” This earned the dragon a mental equivalent of an elbow to the ribs.



“He must like you; he threatens to eat me once a week or so. I seem to vex his patience.” Tahlir gave a slight shrug, “He wouldn’t be the only one.” Seeming to shrug again he stepped to his dragon and again offered Chu’si a hand up, the action ingrained in him from years of etiquette training.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

“Oh, uh, well, you’re welcome?” It was fumbling, and for once, Chu’si felt a bit self conscious. It wasn’t every day that a dragon complimented her touch - or that she’d even thought about it. “I pet on the dragons like this at home all the time,” more confidence slipped into her voice. She couldn’t have him (which ‘him’ was up for debate) thinking that he was getting special treatment from her. “ ‘Oil or salve’? Dunno if there’s gonna be much of either around here,” a wide wave of her hand to the woods. “I mean, we’re far from my village and I don’t know this area at all.”

Glancing around at the trees, she wrinkled her nose a bit. “It might be that there’s stuff here that’s close to what we have at home that I could maybe scrounge up some sort of remedy. Though water’ll probably be best. Maybe there’s some gel grass around here. You might call it something else, but it’s great for burns. And instead of downstream, why not up? Where are you even trying to go? After Galath feels better - is better able to move, anyway?”

Her mind was racing - not only to mask the fear and loneliness of being without Filia, but as she struggled to comprehend what was actually the situation she was in. The closer she got to her village, the better she would feel. But wait; the closer she got to her village, the more that meant that she could potentially be bringing immense danger to her home.

“No - I guess downstream is best,” she finally offered, not wanting to elaborate on the point. The last thing she wanted was to bring evil on the doorstep of her peaceful village. Sure it was boring sometimes (and those times never lasted long when her and Filia were together), but war was something that was only mentioned in a great before time, a past she could hardly think of. “Filia and I, when she gets back, we’ll accompany you two to where you need to go, make sure you’re safe, then we’re going to go back home, okay?”

She took his hand as she spoke the last, her bright eyes locking onto his. Fear was there, and hesitation. “I…I don’t know what’s going on beyond our village, and I don’t think I really want to know. But we got involved, so the least we can do is make sure you get to where you’re going. And maybe along the way find out more about what in the Five Nations is happening!”

 

[The_gladiator]

He had only nodded to her responses about perhaps water was best. He considered her questions and comments, almost bristling at her offer of help. It was obvious that the rider like his bronze were proud. However, he quickly set that aside and nodded, his green eyes meeting hers. “We thank you for your assistance,”



“I did not need their help.”



“Galy, you did and you know it,” Tahlir snapped in his mind.



Her hand was soft in his as he stepped up on Galath’s leg. As he assisted her to sit in front of him on the saddle he answered her other question. “Downstream will take us closer to the ocean. I believe it is a one to two day’s flight; the sea water would be good for Galath’s burns and until that gash closes, I dare not take him between.” He didn’t explain how he planned for them to rest and heal and then simply go in between home, which seemed to differ from her idea of flying home. She had already made it clear that she was used to just flying where she wished to go.



“I can teach Filia how to go between,”



“I know you could,” Tahlir soothed his dragon. “I am still not sure they wish to learn what we could teach.”



“It would be good to teach her something, since she sees me as a hatchling.” Tahlir didn’t even respond to his dragon, who suspiciously sounded as petulant as his words suggested Filia already thought him. For Tahlir’s part, he was highly aware of the feel of her settling in in front of him, her dark hair brushing his face, though not bothering him overly much, there was something about it he found pleasant, not that he likely would admit that, even to himself.





He didn’t respond to her comments about the greater war, he could only respond to so much at a time, and hoped to discuss that when they had time later.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

“D’you think flying would be the best idea?” Once astride Galath, instinct took over, and it wasn’t long before she’d made herself comfortable. Or as comfortable as she could be on a strange mount with an even stranger saddle. “Because whatever, or whoever, was after you guys might still be in the area. Wouldn’t make sense to leave the scene of a battle unless you were sure your enemy was dead.” Through a loop of her hair, she turned a violet eye back at the man behind her.

Compared to his mount, he was small, almost slight - and for a man, he seemed to be on the small side. Not in height, but in width - she felt if she leaned too hard against him, she’d send him tumbling. Like many of the women in her village, Chu’si was solidly built - a figure that might run to “stocky” in advanced age and after a few children. ‘Heathy’ was how she was referred to in village parlance - a compliment - a solid girl who knew her way around the fields (when she could be bothered to help) and no stranger to hard work.

“I think Filia could track me - but I don’t want to leave a trail that’s easy for anyone to follow.” She’d twist a bit in the saddle, turning her torso to the man behind her. This close, she was almost struck to silence at the sheer depth of his green eyes. Under the patterned light of the forest canopy, they seemed to circle through: new leaf, ocean depth, dense forest. ‘Green’ didn’t seem wide enough to describe it. What a strange man - delicate like an egg shell. “Shouldn’t I be behind you?” It made sense to her; she was the more solid out of the two, and now with this proximity, she wanted to bundle him up in layers of blankets to ensure that he wouldn’t crack.

 

[The_gladiator]

Tahlir almost snorted at her words. Clearly she underestimated his strength based on his size. “Don’t worry my lady, I can certainly hold you tight to the saddle, no need to fear,” and uncharacteristically slid his arms around her as if to demonstrate. “The reason is quite simple in actuality,” he explained removing his arms gingerly from her middle, his tone much more sober in just a breath of time. “I’m the one wearing the belt the fighting straps secure to. With that he began securing said straps over his thighs and securing them to his belt. “You being in front like that allows me to hold on to you and allows you to lean forward and place your hands through the forearm straps. Here he pointed down to twin loops on either end of the front of the long and flat saddle. It was clearly designed for a rider to duck low against the great dragon’s neck and secure themselves with the forward straps. “My apologies for not having proper riding straps to accomidate a passenger, all I have is the fighting straps and they’ll have to do.”



His explanation suitably elaborated on for his taste Tahlir gave a downward sweep of his arm as he mentally gave the command to rise. The arm movement was probably unnecessary afterall it wasn’t like he had a wing of other dragon riders behind him to see it.



With a snap Galath spread his wide wings, and with a powerful downstroke combined with a leap from his powerful hindquarters they rose into the air. “Galath will fly low. He will certainly leave less of a trail flying than tromping through the underbrush, leaving a 2 meter wide path through these trees would sure be easy for our enemies to follow.” His words seemed to be addressing her earlier question regarding was his idea a good one.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

“No one said anything about ‘fear,’” she snorted, indignantly. “I was…you know what? Nevermind.” She wasn’t blushing, but she was annoyed at herself for about to voice her interest in protecting this strange man. Maybe whatever Filia went through was rubbing off on her.

Thankfully, she didn’t have much time to think about it, as once she leaned forward to secure herself, Galath was lifting into the air. There was always a visceral thrill to be astride a dragon as it took to the air; truly, there was nothing else in the world like it. But on Galath’s broad back, she couldn’t help but to feel that it was a little…wrong. Not that she disliked Galath - he seemed nice enough, if not a bit too fancy - but he wasn’t Filia, and there wasn’t that bond. She’d have to trust him, and his strange eared rider.

In the air, she would loosen a hand only enough to soothingly stroke the side of Galath’s neck. The motion was more for her than for the dragon’s sake, a way of grounding herself and wanting to continue to curry favor with this new steed. At least temporarily - until Filia got back - which she hoped would be sooner than later.

The ride was an uncharacteristically quiet one; Chu’si lost in her thoughts and feelings. Trying her best to tamp down worry, to keep her mind clear so should Filia need to check in, she would. A sideways glance at the sky; it seemed that the sun was starting to set. How had time passed so slowly and so swiftly at the same time? Hopefully they’d reach the ocean quickly, and Filia would be able to meet them there.

 

[The_gladiator]

“She is touching me again,” Talath sounded interested, almost surprised at his own interest.



“I’m sure she is, she’s riding you.”



“You would like her touch, perhaps you should let her ride you.”



This almost caused Tahlir to respond aloud so caught off guard was he. He was glad Chu’si couldn’t see his expression being behind her. “I don’t think that phrase means what you think it does when humans or elves are involved with one another.”



“Perhaps that’s why I said it.”



This response had Tahlir wondering just what sort of education his bronze was getting from other dragons or riders. He knew that the majority at a dragon hold were somewhat promiscuous, with dragon lust inciting free sharing of love often. Yet, his control had kept him firmly from taking part. Yet, his dragon had also respected his rider’s unspoken dislike of the idea, for he hadn’t really tried. However, he knew as soon as Galath was certain of his strength, size, and speed, it would happen and Tahlir would go along for the ride, whether he was ready or not.



Galath continued to fly as Tahlir was lost in his thoughts, and soon the sun was going down and the shoreline came into view. “I did not realize the beach was that close.” It was the first time the half-elf had spoken in some time, even as Galath began to lower himself toward the water in long Lazy circles. “Galath, put us on the beach.”



“There are giant fishes.”



“Galath, you know they’re called Dolphins.”



“I think giant fishes is more fun to say.”



“He wants to swim with the dolphins,” Tahlir said aloud, “He’s going to land in the.” He was interrupted as the warm sea water closed over the bronze hide, rising high enough to reach their legs. With a slightly resigned sigh Tahlir began to unfasten his straps, knowing he would want off before the dragon fully submerged himself. “Incorrigible,” he muttered, “What about my boots,” he muttered to himself even as he removed his arms from Chu’si’s waist to finish unstrapping himself. “Ready to go for a swim?” he asked again sounding resigned with that slight hint of indulgence for his mount.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

“He’s about to what-!”

Well - all things considered - it could’ve been a much worse landing. As it was, at least the ocean was warm. Being shorter than Tahlir, the water had gone up to her hips. She was already loosening the straps from her arms, preparing herself to get off. Why was it when she did this with Filia it was fun, but now it seemed a great annoyance?

“Not going to be fun when night falls and we’re in wet clothes,” she sighed, and with surprising grace, turned and dove beneath the water as supple as an otter.






Thankfully, it wasn’t too terribly far from the shore - but enough to give them both a workout that neither one of them expected, made all the more difficult by sodden clothing. By the time she staggered to the sand, she felt every muscle in her arms and legs screaming at her. Her tunic, though deceptively light at first appearance, was woven with fine wool - meaning that it absorbed water like a sponge. Hardly the appropriate gear to swim in. Her leather leggings and boots weren't too much better off, and she seemed to fall to the sand with an audible ‘thud.’


“Gimmie a minute,” wheezing, she rolled to her stomach, then to her hands and knees. A little exaggerated, but after the time she’d had, she figured she was owed a little drama. “And I can start a fire. We’re gonna need one.” She crawled a few paces forward, taking a look at the beach. Outside of her people’s territory she could already tell, but what she couldn’t was if she was still in the territory of the Five Nations or not. This section of the beach appeared to be deserted; rocky outcroppings bursting from the sand, sad small tangles of driftwood and seaweed.


Pushing herself up to stand, she put her hands on her hips to better survey the area. “You’d said the ocean was one to two day’s ride from where we are, but it didn’t take that long.” She licked her lips; the water there was salty. She turned to face the ocean, squinting against the fading light. Maybe it was her eyes playing tricks, but… “We might actually be in the strait, if that’s land over there,” pointing to the misty distance. Closing her eyes, she ticked through her memories. As much as her and Filia flew where they wanted to, they rarely left the confines of her nation’s land, though there was peace between the Five Nations - one hard-won and still tenuous, based on land allotments. Each seemed to be connected to a body of water (as most human settlements), and she could only think of one that was on the border of any ocean.


“We might be in Nuna territory - and if so, we’re on the outskirts of it. They’re the only peoples I know that have land near the ocean, but if this is round about where you two came from, then I don’t know where we are.” In the intertribal communications, she’d never heard anything about an ongoing war, giving her the distinct impression that they were on a literal island, far away from the reaches of the outside world, whatever and whoever that might encompass. “But Filia and I flew aways to reach you, so it’s entirely possible that we’re at the edge, if not the end, of the Five Nations territory.” Said with a bit of reverence, before she laughed sheepishly. “And if that’s the case, I’ve no idea where we are! But besides all that, do you have flints, anything, to start a fire? I can see if this driftwood’s dry enough, but without - oh, yeah. Dragon.” A low chuckle, then. “Dig a pit in the drier part of the sand - I’ll go get some wood. Probably want to line it with wet sand to make sure it stays in a bowl - the pit, I mean. Don’t want sand getting into the fire and potentially putting it out before we get warm.”

 

[The_gladiator]

Tahlir’s patience and amusement with his mount was a lot less when he stumbled out onto the beach. The wet leather of his riding clothing clinging to his skin. “Really Gali, really,” he growled aloud, forgetting to say that inside his head.



He was drawn out of his irritation with his dragon companion at Chu’si’s commands which made him pause to take stock of what they were surrounded by. This certainly wasn’t the beach he was expecting. The warm gentle dunes of sand just outside the forest. “Galath, you found the wrong ocean.”



“I just followed the river,” his dragon responded, sounding distracted. “The fishes tickle my sides.”



This place didn’t look very welcoming to Tahlir. “How had he missed that they were no longer flying over the forest and had this rocky beach. “We should go back up the river to the trees,” he said aloud, though Chu’si probably couldn’t hear him as she’d gone off to gather wood. Tahlir sighed, he couldn’t wait much longer to scrub Galath’s wounds. She was right that this exposed it would get cold. He took the time to dig the pit as the asked, though he felt a shovel ould have made it easier. He then turned his attention to his dragon.



Without hesitation or much fanfare he began to disrobe, until he was down to just the shorts he wore beneath his riding pants. He stretched for a minute and then summoned his dragon as he waded back into the water. He met Galath as he reluctantly came into the shallows leaving the dolphin pod to leap and dive further out.



“They say the beach you like is not far from here, I could take you thee tomorrow. Right now if you’d let me go between.”



“No between, but wait, you can talk to them?”



“Yes,” and did his dragon sound smug.



“How?” Tahlir received only the mental equivalent of a shrug. His dragon didn’t know, or wouldn’t say.



Pondering that Tahlir climbed up to the saddle and the small emergency pack that was tied there. It was not the full or cargo bags, but even the war saddles had some supplies, including the long handled brush that Tahlir produced that he would use to clean the wounds to prevent dirt or other things when flying from healing into the dragon’s hide, any inperfection in the skin could crack in the bitter cold of teleportation.



Tahlir began to work, splashing around the dragon, making use of the sea water to help him scrub his dragon.



“There is a dry spot on my rear leg,” The bronze offfered helpfully as Tahlr worked.



“You’re not supposed to be enjoying this this much.”



“Don’t you like to have your back scratched?”



“I guess so,”



“I bet Chu’si would scratch it, maybe even without planning to.” Tahlir suspected his dragon meant during sex so thumped him with the handle of the brush.



“Stop that,” but his face was hot and he redoubled his eforts to scrub the large Bronze.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Where did they go to?

It couldn’t have been too far, Filia reasoned. She easily remembered where she left them - and that’s where she landed, folding her great wings against her back. Raising her head, she gave the wind a careful sniff. There was nothing that indicated a fight - good - or where they may have gone to - not so good.

Where would I go?

That was another mystery. Filia went wherever she wanted, where the wind took her, but part of that freedom was being with Chu’si, and responding to whatever desired rose in her subconscious. “Aimless” was certainly one way to put it. There was always caution there - the desire not to leave the lands of the Five Nations, and to tread carefully when entering territories of other tribes. Those tribes were viewed always from a distance, though the communication between her and the other dragons was always cordial, if not flat out friendly. They were of different mothers, different broods, but they treated each other like extended family.

“Hello!”

It was a small voice, hardly more than a squeak, and came from far below her. Craning her head down, Filia saw a family of field mice. One was standing on their hind legs, little paws outstretched.

“Why hello, little one,” Filia lowered her head to be more on level with the creature. The fear that came with encountering dragons was foreign here among the wild animals. Dragons, though natural hunters, were well provided for in their villages, and took to hunting in the wild much like wolves: culling the old and infirm, and keeping populations down. Something as small as a mouse would hardly be on a dragon’s radar for food.

The other mice - children - huddled behind their mother, their eyes bright with curiosity and unbidden glee. “Are you lost?” said the bravest of the children, before rapidly being hushed by his mother and his brothers and sisters.

“Something like that,” chuckled Filia, “I’m looking for someone - or ones. A girl, and another big bulky bronze dragon, and a small man with pointed ears. When I last left, they were here.”

“Oh, my, yes, we saw them,” Mother Mouse chimed in, shooing the inquisitive boy behind her. “They went that way,” she pointed downriver, “Said something about going to the ocean. I know it’s dreadfully rude to eavesdrop, but it’s so rare to have dragons and riders in this part of the wood! I thought we were far enough from most encampments-”

“You are,” reassured Filia. “This is strange territory, even to me. Somewhere I wouldn’t have thought to go, let alone my rider.” With a slow blink of luminescent sapphire eyes, Filia thought about her next question. “Did you say ‘ocean’?”

“I’m quite sure that’s what I heard,” Mother Mouse replied, “Though I’m not sure how far the ocean is from here.” Almost apologetically, she wrung her front paws. “I do apologize.”

“No need; you’ve been quite the help. Thank you, and good fortune to you and your kin,” Filia winked at the brave boy mouse before lifting her head again, and preparing to take to the air.

“See, mom! I told you-”

“Hush, now! Let’s get home for some lovely clover flower.”







What did I miss?

The thought came through before Chu’si could fully register that Filia was above them, close to silent on her wings.

“Filia!” Out loud, Chu’si ran over to the golden dragon and hugged her neck. Filia returned the gesture by resting her great head on the girl’s shoulder, dwarfing her further.

It’s good to see you too - I brought supplies. No one seemed to be too worried when I said we were going to be gone a few days. In fact, I’m quite sure that Ma Bird breathed a sigh of relief.

I wouldn’t be surprised if she did, Chu’si thought back. Letting go of the golden dragon’s neck, she paced over to take a look at the saddle. It was still the decorative one from before (it was, after all, Filia’s unique piece), but atop it was lashed a large sack. Working it free, Chu’si let out a small sigh of relief. Rations, clothing, blanket, poles, and a large hide. Perfect for setting up a small tent to shelter her from the elements. This is great; there’s so much in here.

But not enough for two, Filia gestured towards Tahlir and Galath in the surf. I didn’t tell them why we weren’t back. Thought it would be best not to panic everyone.

Makes sense - could you go light that pile of brush over there in the pit?

With a nod of affirmation, Filia blew the smallest stream of fire onto the wood. It caught quickly, filling the air with clear smoke. Finding a spot reasonably close enough to keep the bulk of her warm, Filia settled in, folding her legs under her as content as a house cat. Leaning against the broad side of the dragon, Chu’si snuggled close.

Do you know where we are? I thought we might be at the strait, but I’ve only heard stories about this far.

Well…A pause as Filia gathered her thoughts. Then, pulling out a great foreleg, she began to doodle in the sand. Drawing a broad circle, she then carved it neatly into five sections. This is the Five Nations. Around that circle, she drew a large one. This is the Outer Forest - in theory so thick that no one could get through it. She drew yet a larger circle. And this is the beginning of the Outer Territory, not claimed by any of the Five Nations. The Outer Forest is considered neutral ground. You’ve come here a few times when you were young - remember any of the Gatherings?

Chu’si blinked, tapping her chin as she skimmed through memories. A bunch of people and dragons, and hunting and fishing and lots of laughter and marriages, right?

Right, and Filia nodded. The Outer Territory is unknown for the most part, because of treaties for the Five Nations not to go past that point. These new strangers are either from there or farther. From what I could see above and from talking to others, this is indeed a strait - it’s between this land and across it is the Open Lands. In stories there’s other tribes out there, but they’ve long since lost contact with us. This strait, if you go north, leads towards the Nuna territory, but it will take days, even by flight, to get there. If we follow the strait south, it will open to the Leviathan sea - and out past that, the only thing I know are myths. Hatchling stories.

So you knew that there were others out there? Chu’si was unsure if she wanted to be upset or not surprised. She’d grown up hearing stories about what supposedly lay beyond their lands, but hadn’t been adventurous enough to see for herself. She loved her home; why would she need to leave it? The earth was bountiful, things worked on a steady pulse that connected them to the land and all of its seasons.

Yes and no, Filia thought back, after a moment. I’d heard enough from other dragons and from what they’d seen, but I don’t like to believe things just because someone told me. Like you…I didn’t really see the need in leaving.

Until you sensed this, the human gestured to the dragon and half-elf in the surf. And I still don’t know why.

I don’t either. Filia’s thought back was uncharacteristically sharp, exasperated and uncertain. I know you don’t believe me but I just felt like someone had grabbed my stomach and pulled. Like I needed to be there right that minute and save this dragon. Like I’m bonded to him, and this is the first time I’ve realized it.

The dragon gracefully folded her foreleg back under her, letting silence settle between the two of them. She could sense that Chu’si was still unbelieving, but was coming around to understanding. The trust between the two of them was absolute.

You know, Chu’si closed her eyes, I’m surprised only because I thought you knew absolutely everything in the world. I thought all dragons did.

Filia snorted at that, her belly trembling and a small flicker of flame issued from her nostrils, the corners of her mouth. Well, I don’t. No one does.

So you’re telling me that dragons aren’t wise?

Filia’s response was to lightly nudge Chu’si, knocking the girl off balance.

 

[The_gladiator]

“Do you know where we are?” Tahlir asked Galath as he continued to scrub his companion.



“In the ocean,”



“No, where these lands are.” this earned him a slow blink from the great swirling green eye of his bronze. Who then looked up and then back down. “The stars aren’t quite where they are at home, they seem shifted to the left in the sky. Tahlir pondered this could suggest they were east, so the stars and moons seeming more to the west than they usually saw them. “As you know I got coordinates from a Red, it was a risk for us to even travel between to here.” Tahlir knew the truth of that for sure, he had put his entire wing at risk. “I was not criticising I was just saying.” Galath sounded contrite in the half-elf’s mind.



“So, presuming we are east and the beach I remember is not far is it across this, what did she call it,”



“A strait,” Galath offered, “That is my guess. The fishes say that the forest ends above the river but picks up after a similar baron land across the strait.”



“And you think those forests are familiar,”



“I could not say, but it seems logical,”



“Could you find home without going between?”



“Maybe with Filia’s knowledge. She has rejoined Chu’si and is providing me very clear images of this land we are in.”

Tahlir looked up surprised, how had he missed the gold dragon’s return. “You’re talking to her?”



“Sharing images, it is faster than mere words. She asked for maps of our home. I sent her the image of the diamond of the 4 dragon holds and how they surround central hold, and how the elven forest surrounds the south from east to west holds circling around our south hold. It appears that their lands also value 5 nations, but are not military camps like ours. They do not seem to be plagued from north and west from the dark dragons.” Galath seemed to ponder for a moment, “I think that our lands ere partially set up as ways to defend these nations from what we war against.”



“What are you tlking about.”



“What if our 5 fortresses were set up by her 5 tribes, it makes sense.”



“No it doesn’t you’re nuts.”



“Why do you not believe me.”



“Because how could you have come up with that, coincidence means nothing. there are also 4 cardinal directions with a center point, there are 5 eliments, earth, fire, water air and spirit, there are 5 moons in the sky, all those don’t mean that our peoples are connected, it just means that the number 5 is common, I mean both humans and dragons have 5 fingers or claws in your case.”



“Doesn’t master drath say that if one argues too much they have lost?”



Tahlir sighed, his dragon is right, could his companions theory be right? It seemed so far fetched.He decided to give it some thought but oculdn’t see himself discussing it with Chu’si. He didn’t know that Galath had already instantly shared his theory with Filia.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Possibly, was Filia’s response to Galath’s theory. Without directly seeing them - or rather, getting a better idea of their people, she was reluctant to say for sure one way or the other. But, if the shared commonality between them all were dragons, it was entirely possible.

If Galath knew that Filia was being guarded, he’d wisely chosen not to comment on it. She’d given him an idea of where they were, thinking it to him, but had deliberately remained hazy on key details. In a sense, what she sent to him was about as broad as the map she’d drawn before Chu’si.

You need to get out of those wet clothes, the golden dragon nudged Chu’si. Before the night falls and it gets colder. Keep in mind we’re next to the ocean so it’s going to get really cold really quick. We’ll be lucky if the wind remains low. She glanced up to the darkening sky. It looked clear enough - though on the ocean, weather could change rapidly.

You want me to get naked in front of a stranger?

I meant out of wet clothes and into dry ones, or under a blanket. Why, would you want to be in front of the long eared stranger naked? Some mirth glittered in her eyes before Chu’si elbowed her lightly.

I’d really rather not. Though he’s pretty, it doesn’t seem…normal. He’s not handsome like the boys back at home, you know? He’s very delicate looking. Like those flowers that bloom in the snow. You don’t want to touch him; he’s so delicate.

You touched him earlier. Filia opened her wings, giving Chu’si cover as the girl started the long process of tugging off wet leather.

Yeah, but I was more surprised than anything. He doesn’t seem real.

But he is.

Yes, and? The raised eyebrows were implied as Chu’si shuffled out of her tunic. Her skin pebbled under the cool air, and Filia drew her wings in closer to offer further protection.

Fair enough, followed by a slight sigh from the gold. I’m not going to tease you over this strange man. If anything, I’m pleased that his beauty hasn’t been too much of a distraction.

I’ve never been much for fawning over boys, ‘Lia. Chu’si pulled the blanket out of the pack, and wrapped it around her body, banding it closed with a new belt - then undid the belt.

So you are going to approach him naked?

Chu’si just clicked her tongue.






When she emerged from the gold’s wings, she was dressed in the spare set of clothes - another tunic, this one, a soft green, and matching deerskin leggings. She was barefoot for now, and her hair was pulled back from her face with a blue beaded headband.

Since he doesn’t have a spare set of clothes, he should get the blanket, she busied herself with setting up the tent, spiking holes into the sand deep enough so that they stood unassisted. At least until his clothes dry. He can hide out in the tent as well - will you be warm enough out here?

It’s not pleasant, but I’ve been in worse and so have you. I’ll heat the sand a bit and we can get close; I’ll cover you with my wings.

Sounds good, the thought came through a bit strained as she tightly strung treated cowhide over the poles. The oil that had been soaked into the hide rendered it waterproof, and the woolen blankets sewn into the interior of the hide meant a protected inside from most elements. Not the same as a home, of course, but certainly not shabby when it came to traveling.