Sionnach (closed)

[KieranSoares]

After a couple more days, the family headed off to join the Voya. Rikke had gone ahead to the sanctuary to learn from Rory and the defenders, so Schaller went on ahead to check in on her after helping to drop everyone off. Idunn went with him, welcomed to meet the others.

As the family entered the small but sprawling village, they were all greeted by name. But the first new thing they would notice within was Dzana out and about among the villagers with a toddling little Sveri who was starting to get her legs properly beneath her. Glaynviahr was about as well, seemingly helping to look after Sveri.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona greeted everyone back by name as they shouted well wishes to her. Walking hand in hand with Sam, she was at ease with the Voya in a way that she wasn't anywhere else. She smiled to see Dzana out with Sveri among the tribe.

"So much for the dragon that hated people." She said to her husband as they stopped next to Glaynviahr. "Thank you for taking care of your new wards, Glaynviahr. I know it's hard to share the hospitality of the Voya sometimes."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I've enjoyed having them here," Glaynviahr said with a gruff smile. While gentle, he was a rugged older dragon who often preferred to keep to himself and the village. But the addition of a fellow mature dragon and the energy of a fledgling seemed to have given him a spring in his step. Leaning down, he greeted Fiona with a light touch to her arm. "Dzana has decided she needs to earn her keep here, so it's been good to have someone also looking after the village."

Dzana approached after Glaynviahr stepped away, Sveri stumbling after her on stubby little legs. The great purple dragon and her fledgling both seemed much healthier and filled out again, and Dzana's scales gleamed from the dark purple across most of her body to the mirror-like reflection on her black-scaled chest. "Blackstone," she greeted as she came to a halt before Fiona, the tip of her tail curling slightly. "So you are alive. There was some debate as to whether we'd all see you again."

 

[heartofcourage]

“It’s nice to know I was the topic of conversation. I had some tense moments, but I made it through just fine.” Fiona said with a small smile as she caught site of Sveri toddling and looking curiously at the two that her mother had stopped to talk to. “Hello there, sweet girl.”

Fiona stepped forward with her palm extended to let Sveri scent it, wondering if she remembered her after that long of a time apart.

 

[KieranSoares]

Dzana glanced down as Sveri fearlessly lumbered up to Fiona, sniffing around her hand and arm. It didn't take long for her to recognize it, and she let out a chuffing sort of purr and tried to nuzzle into Fiona. Dzana caught her by the tail, knowing she was a bit too clumsy and far too big and she might knock Fiona over and crush her. Already the size of a horse, Sveri would have to learn how to be gentle quickly.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You're a beautiful little dragon." Fiona said as she admired Sveri while Dzana pulled the fledgling back so that she wouldn't knock her down.

Sveri rolled and growled, turning on her back and clawing at her mother's hand in a playful manner. "And feisty, it seems. Of course, she wouldn't be your child without a bit of a feisty streak in her."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You mistake moodiness for spirit," Dzana murmured through the slightest chuckle. "And speaking of moody... Where is your grump of a partner?"

 

[heartofcourage]

“He couldn’t wait to fly off to the haven. He wanted to see Rikke after their fight.” Fiona said as she glanced at Sam. “Speaking of which, go find Tati. I want to hug my girl until she can’t breathe.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"You'll have t'get her away from me." Sam smiled lightly as he walked off toward Rhett's home. Dzana watched him go as she idly looped her tail around Sveri to keep her from wandering too far.

"Come and see me when you have a moment to talk business, no rush," Dzana murmured to Fiona before scooping up Sveri and slipping away to greet the other dragons.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona gave a nod as she watched the dragon go with Sveri nestled in one hand like she weighed nothing at all. There was a contentment there that hadn’t been before. She hoped that it would last through a war and separation.

By the time Fiona had arrived at Rhett’s, some of her family was already there. Tati was in Sam’s arms, holding him tightly like he might disappear at any moment.

 

[KieranSoares]

Rhett was the first to greet Fiona with a tight embrace, but stepped aside as Sam made his way over with Tati so Fiona could greet her.

"That little kit of yours is becoming quite the adventurer," Orla commented as she stepped out with a grin. "And Glaynviahr's been awfully soft, letting her learn a little more about riding with him and some of the local Riders."

 

[heartofcourage]

"No one can say no to her." Fiona said as Sam came close and she hugged Tati for herself. "Oh, little kit, I've missed you."

She nuzzled against Tati's sweet smelling fur, grinning widely as the little fox hugged her tightly too. "I didn't...think I'd see...you again."

"I know, little one. I know." Fiona said softly, knowing that her youngest child was probably terrified with the news that she had been injured.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam held them both as Tati spoke, murmuring, "I was scared too, love... but we promised we'd always come back." He brushed her fur back before stepping back, letting Fiona have a moment alone with her while he greeted the others.

 

[heartofcourage]

When Fiona set Tati down on her feet, she grinned and gently ran her fingers through her fur. "I think you grew a foot since I last saw you." She murmured, holding her little girl against her sigh as they walked to greet the rest of the family.

"What have you all been feeding her? I left behind a child and came back to a young lady." Fiona said as Tati cracked a small grin.

 

[KieranSoares]

Orla stepped forward and ruffled Tati's fur fondly as well. "I think it's more the riding and running about with Jun and I. But we all know everyone who eats Rhett's cooking grows like a weed. Come in and sit down and relax. We're going to make sure you lot take a proper rest."

 

[heartofcourage]

“A proper rest seems nice and well deserved. Riley and Soma have been at odds with one another so we finally put them off on their own until they made up.” Fiona said as she sat down with a long sigh, Tati held close to her side as she stiffly stretched her bad leg.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Then it sounds like you're overdue some pampering." Orla nodded to Rhett, who immediately set off to the kitchen while Orla went off to let the rest of the family know they were there, and to bring more firewood on the way back. Sam soon joined Fiona's side, Tati between them as he sat back and closed his eyes for a long moment.

Andre and Riley trekked up toward Owen's cabin, finding their old spot to set up their own camp where they could be nearby but also have some space to themselves. Brogan and Shani were already in the valley in another spot just within sight, having left Trondheim a couple days before their cousins. All was quiet as Gia and Marth set down the gear and their saddles before heading off to wander and rest as well.

As Andre finished setting up the ger, he glanced back to Riley and said, "I'll finish getting everything else set if you want to see Owen. I'm sure Rhett and Orla will gather everyone for a family dinner before long anyway."

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley had been distracted since they left Norway. Her Ma had lined her out about how she was treating Soma and when she tried to apologize, Soma hadn’t wanted anything to do with her. He had always accepted an apology in the past but this time, it shook her to the core.

She glanced up as Andre suggested she go see Owen. With a nod, she quietly stood and started the short walk to her grandfather’s property.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Hey," Andre spoke up softly, catching her hand as she passed by. "Before you go... What's up? You've been quiet."

 

[heartofcourage]

“Nothing’s up.” Riley said as Andre caught her hand. “I promise. I’ll be alright. I just need some time to think.”

 

[KieranSoares]

Andre's brows furrowed and he let go, giving her a small nod. "Okay... Just let me know if you need to talk about it." He pressed a kiss to her cheek and let her go. He rarely pushed when she needed space. Instead, he continued about setting up camp.

The trek up to Owen's cabin was quiet and at first, it seemed no one was there til Kesh came trotting out to see Riley, giving a bark of greeting and lumbering over to snuffle around her and nuzzle.

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley gave a small smile to Kesh as he came to her side, barking and sniffing at her. The old drake still had a certain spring in his step and it was clear that Owen kept him in the best of health.

"Where's Uka?" She asked Kesh, scratching under his chin as he purred with delight.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kesh turned his head further up the foothills above the treeline, toward the cavern Orion usually stayed in, and barked loudly til the familiar figure of Owen emerged from the cavern mouth and glanced down. He called out but it was too far to make our what he was saying. Kesh knelt instinctively for Riley to climb on.

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley climbed on instantly as Kesh leaned down and held on to the loose hair on his crest as he started off for the tunnels. It was a bit of a climb but soon she was stepping off the drake and wrapping her grandfather tightly in a hug.

"What are you doing way over here?" Riley asked him as her cheek pressed against his chest.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kesh was slightly out of breath from climbing as they arrived, and laid on the ledge panting once Riley was off. Owen smiled gladly and serenely at seeing her, and wrapped her up in an embrace immediately.

"Hello, little kit," he greeted softly, motioning for her to keep her voice down. He then directed her gaze toward the sleeping hulk of Orion. Inside the cave, there was also a small structure where Owen stored his riding gear, a simple space kept dry from the damp of the cave and protected from weather. And there was a small bonfire near the cavern entrance. Owen would sometimes spend whole days there with Orion, so there was a little permanent pit and some seats made from petrified wood. Owen brought Riley over to this small setup as Orion rumbled quietly in his sleep.

"Spending some time with one of the few folks older than me in this tribe," Owen explained to Riley with a smile. "Don't tell your mother, but we just returned from the Rus. This old Fox hasn't lost his Caller touch just yet. Orion barely slept the whole journey so he's taking a well-deserved rest. He sleeps better if someone's there watching out for him."