Dragon's Roust(private)

[Perplexia]

To the right over the river is an abandoned island called Camil. We can camp there for the night and tomorrow the soldiers will have had time to make the announcements we require. Before that you might cause everyone to be in an uproar.

Besides this will give us time to get your backstory created and such. Our chambers will be adjoined. Your room has a mirror that is three person wide. I can have a smaller bed moved in there to allow you more space if you wish it. the patio doors face the rear and I'll have them extended so you can come and go as you wish. As you saw my kingdom is well walled with only the narrow bridge for access, The high cliffs and barrier walls and rocks beneath the ocean floor make sea attack quite unlikely, and any land attack well foreseen. The different levels are made up of different trades. There's a narrow canal that our fishermen use, the farmers for the most part are on the other end of the bridge. They trade in the market that's on mid level. "

They landed before daybreak on Camil in the deep forest. She went about gathering wood for their fire. Built it up rather nice and sat down across from him. Stirring the fire a bit she continued. My cousin feels that the entire chain of isle should be under one rule. But i disagree. I believe that each isle brings it's own culture and special gifts. Respecting the differences and maintaining a peaceful alliance saves time,money, and lives. "

She smiled lightly "That in no way reflects our motto for defense, our soldiers, though a bit over zealous at times, are trained well, there are barracks on each level. Several different skill sets exist. If the desire occurred I could easily wipe out several kingdoms and still have another army waiting for deployment. I never underestimate the greed of men." she advised.

"So Prince Gerat my betrothed from where do thee hail? Twenty seas south in a great kingdom blessed by Zeus which is ruled by your older brother whose son stands next in line as heir? Shall i have happened upon you in my adventures and you won my heart by saving me from the vile nadhigs?" She gripped her heart and pretended to swoon laughing for the first time in a long while. Perhaps together we captured this dragon side by side, and you had just left me when my soilders approached to send your men on their way. In which you would join up with me in two days and take your place by my side for our wedding?" She rolled her eyes and laid on her back looking up at the stars. "I hope Gerat that you are a true dragon in which i've entrusted."

 

[BiSmiley]

Gerat mused at all she mentioned and the story plucked from her thoughts so easily humans were always very 'creative' creatures. Somethings never changed and partially why Gerat was so interested in; for lack of a better word 'meddling' with their world.

"Quite the roost you've built I scarcely recall the island mount that once stood there." He was almost smiling at that moment such a lively place there was much he could entertain himself with in such a gathering of people "As per your story I shall follow your lead your culture eludes me as it stands, but there is a place that would suit the story you've crafted Lye-Lios 'land of lions' they were a warrior people ages ago 'barbarians' though the honorable sort." He'd been their god 'briefly' before leaving them to their own devices seeking out a fairer climate.

"And they are 'nid-hoggs' my princess, or corpse serpents for those with simpler tongues." He teased.

"Could you do me a favor," turning to spy her upon his back "seems I've a few splinters care to pry them free?" The crossbow bolts lodged in his plate like scales were beginning to itch fiercely though far from actually harming the beast they were simply irritating. Enjoying the fire and the company would be much better if not for that minor annoyance.

"Though I suggest I bring a dowry or...is the bearing of gifts from a new husband a forgotten custom?" Thinking of the collected riches of his lair as a possible boon to the new kingdom as opposed to interesting trinkets he amused himself with.

 

[Perplexia]

Rosalynn looked from the stars back to Gerat and got up. For a moment she felt bad for not realizing there were arrows sticking out of his scales. How did she miss them? Gently pushing up the scale she pried the arrows loose one by one and threw them into the fire.
"Nid-hoggs" she repeated finally getting the name of those vile creatures correct.

"You will have my council eating out of the palm of your hand if you bring a dowry." She exclaimed with a bit of laughter. Later today we shall cross the bridge, i'll walk you in, so the people will be less terrified. I will have something simple made that you can slip on and off so if you're flying our people will recognize that it's you with our colors. Yet light enough for you to fold up and conceal when you are my prince." mixing some mud and moss she made a healing ointment and applied it to the small scratches left from the arrows.

"The biggest opposition we're going to have is the farmers with livestock. They will fear you will eat them out of home. So i will need a list of your favorite foods so that we can be sure to quench their fears by feeding you with in the castle. Are there any special requirements i need to know to be sure you have them? I want to make this as least cumbersome as possible for you."

 

[BiSmiley]

He chuckled at the mention of 'eating out of his hand' the thought of them as pet seemed fitting in a way but these senators either way would be useful to appease and having enemies this early would prove difficult if he was to make this a lasting position for himself. "With the treasures I've collected I'd imagine I could get them to do much worse." he only half joked knowing the full wealth back in the mountain...though a farsight from the red dragons of old Belial being the greediest made his home in a gold mine.

"True, human eyes are quite dull you'll need something easily spied from a distance, though I am hardly the spitting image of my kin." Remarking how rare black dragons were "Ribbons or a coat of arms to wrap about my neck."

The mention of eating livestock had him sigh in exasperation at the thought "Far too boring to be...fed." He was hardly going to sit around and be fed like some common pet there was no challenge, no excitement, and no point in feeding on an animal that would run or fight back. "I'd prefer to hunt my own food if at all possible, and if you see war time...battle will suffice." He chuckled wickedly.

"Besides cattle is so bland and tasteless."

 

[Perplexia]

"I'm sure we'll think of something, perhaps a medallion so that it catches the light putting off a signal of your arrival and or presence in combination w/ a banner of some sort."

The dowry was a good idea, it would certainly cast away any doubts of her council. The mention of battles and war made her frown. "That is one thing I guess is inevitable, the battle that is. My cousin is counting on taking over my kingdom. It is why we need to marry as soon as possible. If he can find a way to disrupt it, he will. From what i've been told he's already started into negotiations as if he were certain to be King." she sighed.
"If we do go to battle with him, promise me he is one of the first you eat. Without their leader the armies will stop the attacks and lives can be saved."

"as for the hunting on your own, i suppose if you did it in the dead of night no one could suspect you."

The echoing of bells could be heard from her kingdom. "They will be forming a welcoming party we should go." she adjusted his make shift bridal and put out the fire, mounting his back. Hanging on tightly they took back off toward her Kingdom landing midway on the bridge. Sliding off she took the makeshift lead and began to walk with him toward the castle. Crowds gathered and threw flowers as they walked through the gates. Many oohed and ahhed at the enormous size of her dragon.

"No one is to handle this dragon but me" she advised firmly. "Although bound to me, he may not permit others to touch him. I will not have any deaths on my hands. He is to roam freely once i have his accessories created. To take fire against my dragon is treason."

"What of the Prince?" someone shouted. "My wonderful prince shall arrive in a day or two. I owe him my life and part glory for the capture and taming of this beast. He gave me the bounding as a betrothal gift, and when he arrives I will cross the alter with him on that very day. You will have your new King and Queen." She smiled and the crowd cheered Taking a tape of measure she sized the dragons neck and gave them to the blacksmith and taylor. It is to be light enough to not hinder him, yet wide enough to shine a beacon when the sun catches it so he shall not be harmed, and to be identified by our armies as a friendly. I want it loose enough that he may escape it if it were to become snagged. Make a few with our colors and such, so he may always be wearing one new."

In the square she mounted her dragon and took flight up to the top of the castle, she showed him where his room would be. Roust on top until dark then you may go I will think of something if anyone asks, in the mean time i'll have the adjustments made to your quarters as we spoke of. "Gerat" she said as she was set down on her balcony. "thank you." With that she watched as he flew to the top.

In haste she went about making the preparations of her husbands quarters. Although they adjoined to hers, it was still custom to have them separate if wished so. Since there would be no marriage bed shenanigans going on, and her dragon would need a place she had it done as she told him she would. The doors were added so he could have a wider view, a smaller bed because he liked openness. With that underway she got fitted for her dress and had the hall decorations started.

 

[BiSmiley]

Things had happened at such a pace it was hard to take it all in but regardless he'd catch up to the details of it all later one for the time being Gerat enjoyed watching things unfold. The iron will of this woman and the total disregard for the little people, as she hardly stopped to look at them when discussing her needs and requests perhaps she was simply in a hurry.

Either way didn't make her illsuited for her position just not the kind to notice the little things. But Gerat's eyes took careful stalk of the frightened and awestruck faces throughout the city the reluctance of the blacksmith but the sheer loyalty and duty to his princess in his affirmation.

They had crossed several cobblestone streets through what seemed to be the place of trade many a vendor plying their wares here and there. gaurds patrolling the crowd likely due to the armies commanders preparing for would be assassins from the princess' cousin or in league with them awaiting the perfect moment. An unlikely event considering the dragon at her side.

Ferrying her from the town to the castle was a trick no room to really fly but enough to leap to the stone cliff just below its base and climb high enough to kickoff the rock face and fly wide around the city and wind up toward the tip which was the castle. Guided by the princess he found the balcony he should land in and sett down as she quickly went about the preparations.

"Yourwelcome a deals a deal and once you're prepared we shall finalize the bargain." Pushing off the balcony and taking flight once more before finding his place atop the castle until called he could do for some rest. Closing his eyes in the fading light and resting in place.

 

[Perplexia]

Her mind was racing with a million things to do and prepare for. The hurry simply couldn't be avoided. It caused her to be short a time or two which was holy uncharacteristic of her.

The castle was at work and all the orders. It allowed her a moment to take a walk about the castle grounds. She stopped to talk to some of the villagers and thank the tradesmen that were so busy. They all knew her, and non seemed offended by what would appear to be shortness.

With the sun disappearing she looked up at the dragon and pondered what he meant by 'finalizing' the bargain.' Of course there was going to be some sacrifice. She should have known better. But to save her kingdom, she would have to forgo whatever it was. Damn her for rushing into things without thinking. But that's what happens, they prey on the wishes to obtain. She knew that, but when she thought of a way out of the predicament she was in, she just had to take the risk.


With night now upon the kingdom, she went back to work on the wedding plans and made and invitation list. She would have to invite her cousin, or at least make it appear that she did. There were traders in her castle, she just hadn't been able to isolate who it was. Gerat would probably have better luck with that. She sighed, no he was a prop, a place holder until the laws could be changed. 'let us not get romantic' she advised herself to her mind.

 

[BiSmiley]

In his slumber he heard the voices of his kin far and wide speaking through the ether. They could speak with any of the risen of their breed at any distance the magic of it tied through the planet itself, Gerat hid himself from it remaining silent but taking stock of the words spoken meant that they were busy with some grand plan.

In his cavern his sleep was silent and this was so loud by comparison but regardless it was familiar and welcome...it would take some time before he could grasp what was said his time away deafening his senses to magic. The dragon had slept for many hours into the night up until the rising sun awaiting the construction to cease, the humans were industrious the echoes of hammer and chisel cutting the opposite balcony door wider rang out all the while replaced the sounds of woodworkers tools scraping and sawing away until the light clicking of metal as the new doors were fastened. It must've taken an army of men to work this quickly but by the sounds of things it was over.

The dragon daring to crawl down the tower and onto the balcony his size shrinking away a little more to accomodate the entrance the green smokey glow was the magic at work as his hissed off of his scales the workers were cleaning up and making away not wanting to shoo the beast out instead leaving the room entirely the mirror and the bed already set up nice quality.

Everything was starting to take form and he liked the newness of it all.

 

[Perplexia]

In the morning her slumber was disturbed by the rush in of her maid. "Madam' I am so sorry to wake you but the workers for your betroths room have rushed out without their wages, all i heard was them say Dragon."

"Oh for goodness sake." she said rising from her bed and grabbing her robe. Opening up the adjoining doors she saw the fuss. Gerat had decided to occupy his room. " "This is perfectly fine Matilda, the bond makes him wish to be close. My betrothed is aware of this as well. He will be safe with the dragon in his chambers as well."

She walked over to the dragon and stroked him gently. Taking the package that arrived from the taylor and blacksmith she pulled out his medallion and placed it around his neck.


When Matilda had left the room Rosalyn smiled. "How do you like it?" she asked

 

[BiSmiley]

"It will work." He whispered nodding graciously at the gift keeping his voice down all the while didn't need the maids hearing him "Your servants really must develop a braver constitution." He chuckled.

laying on his chest tail swaying back and forth like a cat would "I mentioned the rest of our bargain, though cryptic in its meaning must've tormented that imagination you human's all have." Tapping his claws on the stone floor "To make things easier and to maintain the illusion suggest a 'pact' be made." It was a rarely gifted thing but the situation called for such a thing.

"Perhaps I should explain, call it a tethering of minds instead of speaking aloud you can hear the thoughts I wish to share and vice-versa along great distance or otherwise." Pausing to let her soak in the value of such a thing "That is one of many other 'perks' that come with it all I require is your willingness to do so, it'll make holding up either end of our bargains much easier though there are draw backs." Going over them in his mind one by one waiting for her to inquire about them.

 

[Perplexia]

"well that would certainly make things a lot simpler between the two of us. Especially with you in your natural form. So what are the drawbacks?And if this pact is made can it ever be undone? For example when the laws are changed an you go off to do your own thing." she lowered her voiced even a bit more to be sure there was no over hearing her talking to the dragon. "Shall we go to the isle we were at yesterday to discuss it?" she questioned sliding on his back.

Once they landed on the isle. "There are spies for my cousin, that is why i was trying to be cryptic. But yes that would be beneficial, but what are the drawbacks?"

 

[BiSmiley]

"Indeed quite useful no point in hushed voices in your own mind," The cryptic-ness of the princess seemed justified they were a devious lot when they were driven by desire and ambition kind of made them fun to play with.

"As for the drawbacks I will make this very clear we will share extremes like severe pain..." letting it sink into her thoughts "intense emotion, and death these things we will share until a time comes we part." The breaking of a pact was something that took time and distance or the heavy use of obsidian ore "Normally such a bond only fades at great distance the closer we are the stronger it is, the stronger you become, but I no of a place that I can go to sever such a bond more quickly it would take days but works well enough."

"Though I would add you'll forever hold part of my power it would likely see you live much longer than any other human even after we break this pact."

 

[Perplexia]

"Well i suppose that means we'll be more likely to keep each other alive if the need arises." She chuckled a little. "This is definitely a decision that can't be taken lightly. If i were to agree to this how would this pact be made? and you said it allows us to speak together by our minds, but does it allow for us to read each others minds? or is there a way to not do that. Its just sometimes we have thoughts in our head that are simply for self amusement."

She sat down next to him waiting for his reply.

 

[BiSmiley]

Folding his forelegs over one another as he deliberated the best way to explain such a thing "Well think of the connection we'd share as looking the surface of deep water," Pausing briefly "you can see everything on the surface plainly but how often can you see to the bottom." It was true reading another's thoughts was very difficult even among his own kind unless the other was willing to share such things 'bring' them to the surface; using his own analogy.

"So thoughts you wish to share 'are' shared those you bury and wish kept hidden tend to do just that lest part of you wants to bring them up. So no I can't read your mind only things you bring to my attention." hoping that was an adequate explanation.

"As per how it works its very simple 'stay still' and let me focus, it involve nothing more than that and a willing mind."

 

[Perplexia]

His explanation made things very clear, it eased a lot of her over emotional thinking that was taking place. She smiled and then replied
"well that's actually a lot less evasive then i thought it would be. So yes I think i can live w/ the drawbacks, and be happily situated with the benefits." she smiled closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm ready for this pact".

 

[BiSmiley]

Gerat nodded and had her close her eyes leaning in close, close enough for her to feel his breath against her. Closing his own eyes as he felt the magic within him shift and tumble like water.

His thoughts finding hers he poured this feeling onto her, the iced heat of it would fill her body and mind knowing it'd be overwhelming at first. He continued to bridged the gap between them. The agonizing moments felt as second yet the truth was hours had passed.

Huffing under his breath, the exertion having even him winded he wonders what effect it held on her. Testing the connection his cast his thoughts to her "'So how is that?'" Wondering how quickly she'd catch on.

 

[Perplexia]

At first when he spoke to her mind she grabbed her temples not use to way the vibrations corresponded with her brains thoughts and the ones he gave to her. It took her a moment . "Its different" she thought to him I think with a little practice i can adjust to it." She stood up and brushed herself off "we should probably get going my prince is to come tomorrow, there see, i'm getting the hang of it. Do you need to rest more first?" she questioned realizing that must have took a lot of energy.

 

[BiSmiley]

Her concern was touching the dragon bowing in response "It will be alright, so soon out of my imprisonment magic is difficult to use." Having been trapped away from it so long had drained him but it would be long before his old strength returned to him.

"We can return besides I ought to decide on a form to take and that mirror back at the tower would be most useful I would ask you to bar the servants access for a time." He thought leaving invitation for her to remain and watch the spectacle, dragons weren't the shy type after all.

Kept low to the ground he readied to ferry the princess back to the castle.

 

[Perplexia]

Climbing on his back the flew back to the castle balcony in which they'd left. Inside she locked his door to keep the servants out and went to her room to lock her own.
Privacy is insured for you, she said to his mind. She stifled a yawn from her lips and made some notes while he rested. Are you aware of the formalities of dining and such she questioned.

 

[BiSmiley]

The stone clicking under foot as he found a place near the mirror admiring his natural form for a moment in the many reflections before giving an answer 'I haven't a clue the formalities of barbarians are all I've grown accustomed to, though I imagine that this new way of speaking will allow us to learn on the 'fly'.'

Retaining his silence letting those thought echo in her head before taking a few breaths this wasn't as taxing as the link not by a long shot just mildly uncomfortable like being folded into a small box. His bones creaked and shunk scales shrunk and muscles shriveled wings dissappearing into tan flesh that grew over his frame, the black mane of hair flowing to his shoulders muscles taking new shape in this new skin.

Knelt before the mirror his sweaty form heaved with every breath, his thoughts finding hers 'I've forgotten how cramped your small bodies feel.' Standing tall well into six feet he moved each muscled limb in turn stretch fresh flesh and tendon bone cracking and setting into place. Taking a final deep breath and turning to his princess the bright green dragon's eyes melting away to crystal blues burning bright in the shadow of his brow. Standing unashamed 'So is this appropriate or have I missed something.' Smirking with a light chuckle trying not to show the subtle strain of it.

 

[Perplexia]

"Oh goodness" she declared to his mind covering her eyes. Yes i think that will be fine, though we will need to get you a satchel of clothes. arriving naked is not going to impress the council. I will, um, wrap the linen around your waist, and i will get your measurements and have some clothes made up so you can go to the town over and purchase some finer ones. " Keeping her eyes covered she went in the direction of the bed and grabbed the cover before taking it over and tossing it to him.

 

[BiSmiley]

His laughter was barely barely contained 'You needn't be so squeamish' he couldn't believe humans had become so accustomed to clothing that it seemed wrong to be undressed...but the change in time he supposed.

'I think I've an appropriate set of armour among my horde along with the dowry.' It was a galant charcoal colored iron, thick and heavy but held up rather well against the dragon's attack though the knight's bones did not fare so well within the metal confines.

Catching the cloth he smirked and wrapped it about the area she dared not look upon for her sake the embarrassment she felt leaking over into his thought making him blush.

 

[Perplexia]

'then we'll wait and have you measured when you come as my prince and get your wedding clothes made. any particular colors you like?' She still had to avoid his eyes, his chest was a sculpted masterpiece which made her flush. 'is there anything you need before your journey?' she questioned.

 

[BiSmiley]

Tilting his head to meet her eyes which seemed to avoid his 'Darker colors ofcourse but beyond that I'll leave the details to one experienced in those matters.' He thought.

'No,' he smiled 'I was born with everything I need.' He settled into this body for a few minuted memorizing it before he'd leave 'Expect my return when the sun is highest, I think I'll have a little fun before making my way back on foot.'

With that said he walked to the balcony and lept off his natural form bursting out seemlessly as he took flight back to his mountain.

 

[Perplexia]

She watched as he lept from the balcony and turned backed into his form. Luckily she was able to grasp the cover mid air in time to see his tight butt change.
Good lord he made for a handsome prince. She blushed again hoping that she didn't broadcast that. It took her a moment to regather her thoughts and placed the blanket back on his bed. She unlocked his door and shut the balcony ones. Closing the door between the rooms she unlocked her own and made her way down to work on the last of the wedding preparations.

Her mind wouldn't stop thinking about the bazillion things she had to prepare for. The distance between her and the dragon she could feel. It was almost as if it was making her tired.