Fantasy Broken Balance

[Klader]

Gathrea shook his head at Starfall. "Unsure. Until recently, dragons have not come to my home. A question we drakes are trying to understand."
He then decided to add some humour. A bit of light in this dark time could be of use. "Perhaps our undying zealous loyalty to the Great Ones got to them. Some of us tend to get a little too comfortable around dragons."
I like this one. He's like a younger Fenris.

---

Sabato eyed Starfall with a stone-cold face. Letting him know he isn't one to be toyed with. The last thing the kitsune needs is to be annoyed by a dragon with constant jokes.

"From what Elijah has taught me. The Dragon spirit can quickly form attachments to its host. Even if it is absent. It has a way of leaving a strong influence. Valadir may be drawn to it. We must be vigilant when speaking with him. I believe Elijah called it dragon sickness." Sabato spoke further with Blade on how to proceed with Valadir. They have a very delicate case in their hands.

On the way to the sleeping gold dragoness, Sabato's worst fears came to light. Starfall is indeed filled with jokes. The dark kitsune's ears flattened, expressing his distaste.
"I'll take that as a compliment." A serious voice from him. Clearly not amused by his joke.
He didn't give the dragon anything else. Perhaps he will drop the jokes if he ignores the lizard long enough. Hopefully.

Sabato stood several paces away from Starfall in case he needed to get physical. He'd rather not be in the way.

---

"Grab her chains!" A booming voice interrupted her sleep. The white dragon's eyes snapped open. She focused on the entrance of her cell, from behind the black iron bars. A fat human with a menacing grin stared right at her. The torturer. Every time she hears his voice. Something bad happens. Six guards in black armour around him. One of them started to open the door.

The white dragon roared as best she could with the muzzle guard, restraining her from even opening her jaws. She got to her feet. Her wings are strapped against her back. A rough metal collar with a chain around her neck. Metal bracelets around each of her feet also connect to a chain, locked against the stone walls. This prevents her from taking a couple of steps in each direction. Years of wearing them have caused constant bleeding and bruising.

As soon as the door opened, she took a few steps. Everything in her body is telling her to run. There is nowhere to go under the city of Diabmoure. No one knows where she is. No one has come to save her. The guards rushed in with swords and whips, shouting at the top of their lungs. She heard the frightening crack of the whip, then pain across her neck. She whimpered and curled up to protect herself. Another crack. Instant pain in her thigh. They started unlocking the chains from the walls. With the combined might, they dragged her out of the cell.

---

The gold and white dragon flinched as soon as Blade made contact.
"No! Please, not another one! Leave me alone." She pleaded with Blade.

The dragoness snapped her eyes open, hyperventilating. She jumped to her feet. Swivilled her head left and right. Big dragons are around her, and a small fluffy creature looks like Ganjiro. Her eyes widened as soon as she saw the kitsune.
"No. I don't want to go back!" Her voice was in distress.

She took a few steps back before crouching and covering herself with her gold feathered wings. Not wanting to look into the eyes of her persecutors.
"Please... leave me alone."

Sabato felt pity for the dragoness. This one has been through some shit.
"I will leave this one to you, gentleman. I suspect she does not like me."
The kitsune walked away.

---

"You're always thinking about something. Maybe she's telling you to stop." Jura sarcastically said back to Ashe. However, there is some truth. Ashe does tend to overthink. To be fair, she has a lot on her mind.

She nodded at Ashe, giving her approval to go with Valadir. She will be here if anything happens.

"Hello Cel. Good to see you." She opened with a greeting. First time seeing her in months.
"With Starfall with you, I'm sure your bags only contain food. Can you do me a favour and keep an eye on Valadir. I don't particularly trust him."

 

[CreareunderCreare]

Ashe raised an eyebrow at Valadir’s hesitation. He dodged my question, are we? she mused, finishing with the clean bandages on her thighs. “So, you’re a mage then?” she pressed, her tone casual but with a hint of challenge. “Having an affinity with mana and wielding it is nothing to be ashamed of.”

She glanced up, catching Valadir’s gaze. When we first met, all I saw was nothing but hostility, she recalled. Now, I see something more: a familial loyalty, grief... and perhaps, she speculated, an anger, it is buried but potent.

A snide comment from the dragon drew her gaze to Sabato, who stood nearby, solemnly engaged in conversation, the white fox perched on his shoulder. The kitsune remains an enigma, even to me, she considered, before returning her attention to Valadir. But one thing is clear – there is tension simmering within our group. It seems there is animosity amongst the group.

She replied with a slight smile at his remark, “Yes, I did appreciate the jewellery. So, how did you find Rhinehart’s lands?” Ashe’s eyes softened, recalling the bustling marketplaces of the West. The territory, though without a coast, was renowned across Eraylia. One day, I’ll see those vibrant days return, she vowed quietly.

She sobered, letting the memories fade. “But tell me, how does an experienced merchant like you end up caught in a continental war, and allied with its most powerful leaders, no less?”

 

[Friendly_Dragon]

"Damn it..." Starfall uttered. No way of knowing why his and Cellie's parents didn't say a word. He relayed everything to his dear sister. She didn't utter a word. She's processing it.

Oh. These people and his race do that thing together?
"Didn't see that coming. You all better leave my dear sister alone in that field. Or else" He firmly said.

"But well, dad had some really good hearing. I've inherited it"

Starfall smiled at Sabato's reactions of his jokes. Tough public. For that, he already likes him. In him, he sees a challenge. The little hairy guy will laugh. That's one of his objectives in this trip. No one can resist a good joke. Besides, he looks grumpy and in use of something to laugh at.

Starfall sat when the dragoness he recently beat came to her senses, just so he puts himself in a more vulnerable position and thus looks less intimidatie feels bad for her. Blade is slightly behind him. He's seen her... dream. Or rather, her memory. He feels bad for her. She's suffered. To an extent they share some of it. Both at Diabmoure but with a different trait. They have been slaves, but both have been submitted to a different kind of slavery.

"Young one, we mean to provide you with aid" The white dragon told the dragoness as she pleaded him to go away.

"I have gone through her mind in order to awaken her. She has been enslaved. She is in need of freedom and safety" He told Starfall.

"Lines up with what he said before passing out. Good thing we crossed paths. I love taking down slavery rings and overall criminals" Starfall sound half serious and half jokeful.

"I sense your social skills are greater than mine. This and your profession grant you greater capabilities for dealing with this matter. Hence, we'll obtain greater results if you communicate with her compared to me"

"Me having to make contact with an unknown person? Where have I seen that before?" He briefly joked. Then he went serious. "I hope you have my back if things get ugly"

"Take it for granted"

"We want to take you to safety. We can't do that if we leave you alone" Starfall said with an easy gentle voice. "Somewhere the little fox can't reach"

He briefly debated getting a bit closer to her but decided not to given she's on the defensive.

"I'm Starfall. What's your name?" He asked in the same gentle tonem

---

"Good to see you too. You been missed" Celestina matched Jura's greet. "As for our packs, not really..." She casually said after Jura's implications on the contents of their bags. "Meds and survival basics too. Tools. Surely you can see the sleeping pelt. It's just the usual mission kit. Oh and by the way, i'm keeping watch and he's sleeping after we reach a safe spot"

"You don't trust him, do you? But he's such a hotty..." Celestina told her former boss.

---

"I don't know what you are trying to imply" Valadir chose to dodge the question thrown at him. Evident he isn't comfortable talking about it. He briefly stared at where Ashley was when she turned her head, reminding himself that he has to ask about what happened to Crystal and see if the plan of burying dad is still going.

"It was a nice place. I could tell the effort put into it" He voiced his opinion about Rhineharts' place. "After all of this is over I'd love to return and see how much has changed. Bet it looks better than last time"

Crap. What's with this girl and her questions? For some reason she loves doing the kind of questions he doesn't want to openly talk about. Specially since he doesn't know where she stands in this yet.

"Survival needs. It was that or dying. Surely you know the benefits of having friends in the right places" Hopelly he doesn't ask too much.

 

[Klader]

Gathrea snorted and backed away from Starfall, surprised by Starfall's sudden lash. He gave him a confused look for a few seconds until he pieced together what he meant.
"My apologies. I did not mean to offend you, Great One. I should have worded that better. I suggested that we get attached to your kind. None of us would dare to impose such a relationship. Lest not by our own cause."

---

The white and gold dragon didn't respond to Blade or Starfall. She's heard enough lies. Every time they say that, she is beaten and whipped. No matter what race they are.

A couple of tense minutes passed by, and nothing happened. This isn't a part of the routine. Something is wrong. She lifted a wing to peek underneath. Daring to look at the two dragons.

They don't look like my torturers.

She peered at the dark dragon. He's the one who released her of the spell. It could be a trick to expose herself. The one behind him. The white one with purple wings. She recognised him as one of the fighters in the arena. She has seen him win his fights with magic. Blade is his name.

Why aren't they hurting me? Are they really friends?

She further furled her wings to expose her head completely. Evidently scared by her twitching movements.


Her gold eyes snapped back at Starfall.
"M-my name is Tala. A-are you really not going to hurt me?"

---

Jura nodded at Celestina as she described what they had brought with them. Sounded like they were well-prepared up until she said something despicable. Jura gave Celestina a disgusted look. Did she really just say that?
"Cellie... I hope you are joking. I have a bad feeling about him. Don't you dare do anything stupid. I'd rather avoid any sort of conflict."

The blue dragoness got to her feet with a wince and a grown. She quickly looked at Valadir and Ashe before turning back to Celetina.

With a more relaxed tone, Jura thanked her. "Thanks for saving our tails. I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. I was captured in Diabmoure. I have failed to keep you both safe."

---

Sabato took a step back away from the others, Crystal trailing him. He needed some time to think before they were on the move again. He walked along the shoreline, close to the water. Behind him are the drakes, who seem to have a small funeral for their two fallen brothers. It's a shame, but they did their job. Protect the dragons until their dying breath. One of the highest honours in their culture.

The others are recovering well and getting to know each other. He spectated the group for a few minutes in silence. It reminds him of a story Elijah recounted once, towards the end of the Dragon Age. A group of heroes lead a rebellion against the tyranny of the Great Dragon Diath. Defeating the dragon and thus starting a new Age. This group, while they are like a bunch of loose ends who happen to cross paths. They could turn out to be the New Heralds.

"What do you think, Crystal? You think they got what it takes?"

The white fox just stared at Sabato.

 

[CreareunderCreare]

Valadir's low voice rumbled like distant thunder as Ashe smiled faintly, her expression a careful mask. "Your words honour me, but I must advise you against visiting Eraylia anytime soon. You know well the enmity my people hold for yours, especially after the fall of the opposition." Her voice held the weight of a warning, though her tone remained measured.

He is cautious, she thought, noting his restraint in his every word. That is understandable. Shifting slightly, Ashe leaned back, settling into a position that her long-departed governess would have scolded her for. Decorum was a fleeting concern when weariness seeped into her bones.

“I mean no slight,” Ashe reassured, her voice calm as her sharp gaze fixed on the dark-scaled dragon. “Merely an observation.” She studied Valadir's face for a moment, weighing his guarded demeanour, before pressing forward. “You seem… ill at ease. It stirs my curiosity. Why does one such as yourself, gifted as you must be, falter in wielding mana with ease? Some might blame their circumstances—lack of tutors, poor guidance—but those are excuses for inexperience, not for discomfort. Avoidance, Valadir, speaks of something deeper.”

Ashe lifted her hand, her pale fingers catching the flicker of torchlight as she studied it absently. “I recognize the unease. It mirrors my own experience. Sometimes, what others call a gift feels more like a curse.” She lowered her hand, her voice softening with a note of bittersweet reflection.

“I do not wield mana,” she confessed. “But as you saw today, I can neutralize it. A useful skill, yes, but also a terrifying one. When it first awakened in me as a child, I nearly drained my mother and others around me dry of all their mana. Had fortune not intervened, I would have killed them all.”

Her gaze was calm yet met with Valadir’s eyes. There was no trace of self-pity in her expression, only the tragic certainty of someone who had survived. “There was no one to help me. The Herald Order had crumbled, and its wisdom scattered to ruin. No scholar, mage, or ancient tome knew my strange ability. Only whispers of the Rhinehart bloodline, of ancestors with peculiar powers, but the records were fragmented nonsense, really. Until an unknown mage named Elijah found me. He could make sense of the fragments and mentored me. It was like learning to breathe again, but with every breath, the risk of suffocation loomed.”

She paused, her voice firm. “I tell you this not for pity but as a warning. Strange abilities like yours—and mine— are deviations from the natural flow of mana. They demand unyielding discipline. Without it, the damage we can wreak may fall not on enemies, but on those we hold dearest. That guilt, Valadir, is a weight no mortal or dragon should bear.”

Her attention shifted to Starfire, the gleaming gold-and-white dragon standing alongside Blade and the other gathered allies. With a subtle motion, she directed Valadir’s gaze to them—the kitsune, the drakes, the dragons. “Fate has placed you among companions strong in the arts of mana. Though I see your mistrust of the kitsune, Blade has his confidence earned. You need their knowledge and strength to help you build the mental, emotional, and physical defences necessary to harness your power—or to suppress it, should the need arise. I caution you in its use.”

She let her words hang in the air for a moment, giving him time to absorb them, before reaching into her pocket. From its depths, she withdrew two small, intricately carved emblems, their surfaces gleaming with the insignia of the Castpoint Guild. She held them out, her expression solemn.

“These emblems grant sanctuary under the Castpoint Guild's protection. I cannot entrust one to you; you are a risk I cannot invite into our halls. But for your mother and the hatchling, should you wish to see them safe, these will provide refuge. Our territory is hidden and far from the reach of war. Should they ever find themselves in a guild-active territory, they need only present these, and Castpoint will offer them shelter and aid.”

Ashe’s hand closed over the emblems, holding them for a moment longer before lowering them. Her gaze returned to Valadir’s, steady and unyielding. “It is a sign of transparency, of reassurance. They may never need this offer, but know that it stands should they ever choose to accept it.”

Ashe allowed a faint smirk to touch her lips, her tone adopting a rare lightness when she quipped, “Perhaps Rega will see fit to whip the cooks into shape. It would certainly be a spectacle worth witnessing.” Her expression softened as she inclined her head slightly, her voice shifting to a tone of measured curiosity. “Was there anything else you wished to discuss with me?”

 

[Friendly_Dragon]

"I'll break your nose if any of you even try" Starfall's words on these guys trying to get into a relationship with his sister. She's his little angel.

Both dragons didn't act as they saw their new companion he scared shitless. Getting near is a stupid desicion.

"I'm starting to feel bad for her..."

"Your feeling are not unfounded"

"We will not" Starfall told the scared dragoness. "I swore an oath when I finished boot camp that makes me want to help you. Nice yo meet you by the way"

"A similar situation is upon me as well. I have also sworn during my mage training. It forbids me from considering such evil options. I am to use my knowledge to help. I am Blade."

---

Celestina smiled innocently when Jura looked all disgusted due to what she just said.

"I'm not" Its funny to see her like that. It was then when she realized Star is influencing her after being glued to him for the better part of a year. Ew.

Her smiled dropped when she was told about the reasons about her former boss' sudden dissapearance.

"You are serious don't you... Is it as bad as they say it is? Looking at the good side, at least you got some intel about their operations now"

Then she continued with a more reassuring tone.

"Don't feel bad for not defending us. While we like you doing it, we are grown adults with the same training as you. Don't let Star hear it but he actually does a good job as head of security"

Her runes started to glow and she banished from sight. She did so right in front of Jura to see if she freaks out. Silently, she trotted towards the forest until spotting her targets. She laid down and stared at them. She's biased enough to not expect anything too important to happen.

---

"Obviously..." Valadir spoke on Ashley's warning on not visiting her domains anytime soon. "Wasn't planning to before this is resolved. Otherwise it's me asking to get killed"


Huh. So the girl sort-of knows how his current situation feels, yet he finds her words to be oddly... offensive. Intrusive. It could be seen reflected in his body language. He stayed quiet in case he said something he could regret.

"Never said I distrust them" He said regarding his level of trust towards kitsunes. He's clearly still threading carefully about his 'power' matter. Not wishing to let out yet what he's done. Or at least not with her. Point to be taken about Blade though.

He looked interested in the talk about mom's safety. He feels slightly offended at being called a menace yet he's listening intently.

"That's a really nice offer... what's the catch?"

His expression and body language changed to a more casual and happy one when the talk about mom and the kitchen came.

"And a tasty one too... I really can't wait"

"No... I just wanted to make sure we don't have a bad standing"

 

[Klader]

Gathrea is quite stunned to speak. He just nodded. Starfall seems to be highly defensive. He meant no disrespect against the dragon and will take the warning with caution.
That was wired.

---

It could be another mind trick. Perhaps she's sleeping right now and will be awakened in a torture chamber. One of the most wicked forms of punishment she has ever experienced is giving herself hope and then being completely crushed by the burning pain of one of their experiments. Once again, she is left with a choice. She can fly away and wake up to the expecting doom or give in to her torturer's tricks. She has no idea if this is real or not.

Tala slowly folded her feathered wings; metal scraping could be heard as her wings moved. They shimmered like a gold river beneath the moonlight, leaving warm reflections on the ground. She sat while keeping her eyes on the dragons in front of her.

Her focus switched to Blade. "I-I saw you many times." She spoke with a timid voice. "Fighting in the arena. T-The Warlord forced me to watch you. I sat next to him on the podium."

She then looked at Starfall, curious about him. "Y-you're the one w-who freed me..."

Everything in her body tells her to fly away, but her mind wants sanctuary. Perhaps she can find it from these two. They said they can protect her. She took a step forward, growing confident.
"I-I need a place to stay safe."

---

Jura looked disappointed in Celestina as she confirmed that she is serious. What is it with her? She is always going for the bad ones.
*Oh well, Cellie isn't stupid. She knows to be careful.*

"It's terrible. I was fighting in that arena at least once a week. Any longer, I would have died. Didn't have the strength anymore. Ashe, with some miracle of sorts, managed to get me out. We rescued Blade along with us."
Then she gave Celestina a particular smile. "Now that's a dragon who you call a hottie." She quickly dropped the act.
"Sadly, I wasn't able to gain much intel. Only the layout of the cages. Ashe probably has all the information we need. After we are finished here. We can crush them."

"I can't help it. You two have always been my responsibility. It's hard not to think like that. But I guess out here, it's a little different. Think I will be relying on you two a little more. I'm not in fighting condition for the moment." She sounded sad as she explained how she felt.

Jura snorted and reared at Celestina disappearing. Completely taken off guard. "The fuck just happened!?"

 

[CreareunderCreare]

Ashe’s frown deepened as Val brushed off the suggestion of distrusting Sabato. He’s wary of him, no question. But why pretend otherwise? She studied him carefully, noting the subtle tension coiled in his frame—the kind that came from affront.

Her expression remained composed as she watched him gradually ease, the rigid lines of his body softening as their conversation unfolded.

“There is no ‘catch’,” Ashe pointedly answered. “Merely an offer available but one never used,” she commented. This one has a hard time with trust, she glanced at Jura, like someone I know.

Shifting the topic, Ashe allowed herself a nod of agreement when Rega’s cooking was praised. If she can make cave game smell that divine, I’d gladly part with coin to taste her work with a fully stocked pantry—herbs, spices, and all.

The halfling’s attention lingered on the dragon, watching his formidable stance eased into something less guarded. “It seems,” Ashe remarked smoothly, “that our standing has improved since our initial encounter.”

 

[Friendly_Dragon]

Blade's attention was caught when the young dragoness said she recognized him, for he doesn't remember seeing her before.

"A cruel action forced upon yourself. I hope you understand I was forced into that place of evil against my will. I was to perform those actions if I was to live. I shall use my knowledge to protect you now. Were you also forced to fight? If you are comfortable, how were you taken to that prison?" He told her. They have things in common and he'd love to know more.

Starfall smiled innocently when he was adressed. He thinks the other guy is asking too much. Those questions of his would be better suited after she trusts them more.

"And I'd do it again"

"That where we goin'" He told her in a resuring tone. "We'll do everything to get everyone there. You included"

Blade nodded in agreement to those words, signaling he's on board. Good statement.

"We are going to those mountains down south. They say they are cursed but it's a lie. The people there will serve you"

---

Celestina didn't react to Jura's dissapointment. She's indifferent to her opinion. She doesn't need her permission to find someone so good looking.

"Good moves from both of you" She recognized when she was told about her and Blade's escape thanks to Ashley. She looked at the group for a bit trying to figure out who Blade is. Maybe the whitey.

She turned her head right back to Jura when she gave her opinion on who she likes.

"The whitey?" She stared at him for a second. "Yeah... he's not too bad. He's got nice colors, nice horns and a nice face..."

She then smiled.

"I bet you only like him because of the weird ass way he talks" Who'd think Jura would find someone nice this way.

"Agreed. We have more backup now. Although not much time..." About the upcoming fight.

"No way... you actually accepting us like your older siblings and acting accordingly!" While Celestina's tone is jokeful she actually means it. Ever since what happened to everyone's parents they've been trying to be Jura's older siblings and role models. She's finally not trying to be a hero.

The feathered dragoness smiled after she turned invisible and Jura freaked out. Intended results. She quietly moved to her side.

"I'm in your head... I'm not real... I died..." She whispered to her ear in an attempt to sound scary. She then moved away and changed position in order to avoid location.

---

"There's always a catch on an offer so beneficial" Valadir told Ashley after she denied any catches. He's met a fair share of cheaters during his trade. That and every time he tried to be used for another person or spirt's benefit during these last two weeks make him doubt her offer.

"That's what I hope. Given we'll be together for the foreseeable future I think the least we can do is get along. Besides, I think that if you were to kill us you'd have done so already..."

He then looked at the blue dragoness.

"Your friend's another deal altogether. I hate how she's talked to me and I hope she tries to earn an apology. What she said was really hurtful and uncalled for"

 

[Klader]

The two dragons have given her no reason not to distrust them. Their actions have proven that. Perhaps Tala is free after all. A small thought still lingered in the corner of her mind. What if it's a trap? A risk she must take. She has nothing to lose but her life.

"Everyone is forced besides the masters... I-I was not a fighter. Only a pet... I- I can't remember how I got there. My whole life, maybe. I know you were there for six months." She cannot think of a reason not to share some information. Besides, they might know something useful.

Tala gave a small smile to Starfall. Liking what he said.

Then she stared at Blade, unsure of where that was or what he was talking about. "Mountains South? Curse?"

---

Jura blankly stared at Celestina. Unsure if this is the same Celestina she used to know.
"Well, at least he has more manners than both of you. And when did you start having a little too much fun? Is Star controlling you?"

"Ok, now I regret saying anything." Jura didn't like how Celestina is teasing her for opening up and seeing the twins in a different light. "And we're not siblings. How many times do I need to say that..."

"Ah!" Jura flinched and stepped away from the invisible voice. "Cellie. This isn't funny." She sounded pissed. "You know how I feel about magic. Stop it."

After a few more tense seconds, she flicked her tongue out. At least she can still smell her. That may give her a warning the next time she does that. No doubt there will be a next time.

---

"We lost two brothers. That's enough." Gathrea gravely spoke whilst staring at the cold bodies.

The other four drakes stood in silence while they watched Gathrea.

He unveiled a knife from his armour and knelt to his knee. "He peeled the scales away that protect the chest. Revealing the bleeding, soft, coloured skin. He drove his knife into the chest, cutting them open until he found a small, hard object no bigger than his thumb. It resembled an opaque gemstone with a slight glow. Heart stones. Each drake has one that is the colour of their scales. Gathrea pocketed the two heart stones. He washed his knife and hands in the salty water before standing up to see the snouts of the remaining drakes.

"The Chief will have our horns if we lose a dragon. I will assign each of you a dragon. That way, we will be watching them no matter where they go. Dathka, you take Soul-Eater and the little one. Drekk, Stay with Starfall. Thresh, you will be with Unbroken. Virve, you have Jura, and I will take Celestina. Radiant One will have to rely on his mana, which I'm sure he is capable of. Understood?"

With a unison grunt, the drakes picked up their helmets and their weapons. They started walking to their respective dragons.

---

As soon as Sabato saw the drakes move, he also did so, Crystal tailing him. Going to the forest where everyone else is. Once there, he picked a spot on the outskirts of all the commotion and waited until everyone was ready. His interest is mainly on Valadir.

 

[CreareunderCreare]

“There is no catch for Rega or the dragonling,” Ashe repeated firmly. “Do not take my word for that of flaccid grandeur or pretence. If I say someone has a place amongst my own, then so it shall be.” The half-human spoke more assertively than reassuringly as she wanted. However, she did not attempt to soften her statement, leaving it as it was.
“It is preferable to be on one another’s good side despite our differences. Well, thank you for vouching for my character if only thought by not of murdering you.” Ashe followed Valadir’s gaze to where Jura was. She frowned and leaned her head further to the side to see around Valadir. I thought Celestina was… With a quiet sigh, Ashe scanned the faces around her. All were accounted for—except Celestina. The realization hung in her mind, though she did not let it show.
Before Valadir looked back at her, Ashe returned to leaning back. Val’s words brought a small knowing smile to her lips. “Even I seldom receive an apology from Jura. And dare I say it, I am one of her closest friends.” She spoke fondly, “Let her come to you, Valadir. Do not push her. A herald would sooner move a mountain than make Jura yield her pride. If her actions are wrong, she will amend it.”
Ashe noted the gold and white dragon had regained consciousness for the first time beside Starfall and Blade. That new one she thought, observing with narrowed eyes, it resembles the Stalking Statue from Diabmoure. That confirms the rumours. I remember spotting the golden statue always in different places, always frozen. No one ever recalled seeing it move though. I wondered it lifeless…
A faint click of her tongue escaped her as she shook her head, her thoughts fleeting. She pushed herself to her feet, feeling the protest of her aching muscles, and straightened her back despite her body’s demands for rest.
“If you have no further need of me, Valadir, I will take my leave. I have not had a proper night’s sleep in a cycle. You, too, should rest while you can—Heralds know we will need every bit of our strength and wits come the morrow.”
She walked a few steps toward him, her expression softening. “You are welcome to join Jura and me,” she said, nodding toward the sapphire dragon. “Though something tells me you would prefer to spend the time with your family. The offer stands, though, as does my invitation for conversation on the journey south.”
Turning away, she made her way toward Jura, whose form was a calming presence. “How are you feeling?” she asked gently, though her eyes had already scanned the camp, seeking out Celestina’s whereabouts. “Where did Cel go off to?”
A quiet groan escaped her lips as she unstrapped her quiver and pack, setting them beside the twins' equipment. She settled herself beside Jura, using her pack as a makeshift pillow, her tired limbs aching in protest as she lay down.
“Suppose we have stumbled into something far more dangerous, have we not?” she mused aloud, her weariness. “Also, we need to figure out a new saddle situation. Another ride and I will be too crippled to walk. rather fond of having my legs functional.”
With a soft, almost playful sigh, Ashe drew her hood over her eyes, wrapping her fur-lined cloak tightly around her shoulders.
“Would you mind if I slept?” she murmured. “Please wake me if anything changes.” She trusted Jura – one of the few above anyone else.

 

[Friendly_Dragon]

"Next time we need to be social, let me do the talking. Those questions could have gone wrong quick. You lack tact" Starfall relayed to Blade after the dragoness in need talked.

"Ill admit my social shortcomings"

"It's in our interests to bring your torturers to justice" The white dragon told her.

"I shall answer" The mage chose to inform the dragoness about the nature of the destination they are heading to. "I have been in a number of occasions"

"Just be careful in what you say to her..." Starfall warned him before he continued further. The only reason he isn't stopping him is because this guy looks really old and himself has never set foot on the place they are heading to.

"Observe these creatures that accompany us. They are called drakes and we are heading to their homeland at the southern end of the continent. It's confirmed entirely by a mountain range and they have made them their home. They are well protected. Our races have fought against a common foe in the past, thus they percieve themselves as indebted to us, and as such they shall put down their lives with the objective of protecting us if the situation requires it. However, they have organized themselves into an authoritarian society. You mustn't let yourself be affected by it. The other races consider said mountain range to be cursed, which is not entirely true and a mere defense mechanism"

---

"I love you too" Celestina said regarding Jura's words with Starfall's innocent smile. After saying that she stopped smiling. "You know how it is to be stuck with him for a year straight. He gets all influential eventually with how annoying he is..."

"Come on, we have practically adopted you. Are we really that bad...?" She asked in a concerned fashion after she was told her former boss doesn't consider her family.

The now invisible dragoness is thoroughly entertained by Jura's reaction to her disaapearance. Exactly the reaction she was looking for and she loves it. This will never be not funny.

"Katsumi's not an elf by the way" She revealed, still invisible but evidently dropping the prank. Definitely not the last time she'll do such thing. Will ask Starfall about further pranking ideas.

She retreated silently to do her job. Watching her boss was boring. Nothing of note. He did state at the black guy for a bit too. She wonders what happened between him and Jura. Evident beef between them.

She silently went to Jura and Ashley.

"Boo!" She yelled behind them before revealing herself, ending her spell. "In all seriousness, we can't stay here. It's a matter of time before more come this way. We need to move"

---

Valadir remained doubtful about the offer of putting mom and the kid somewhere safe. No one makes that kind of offer nowadays without a catch. Plus, they are the most important people to him. All the more reason to doubt.

He did a little smile when she mentioned their now more favorable standing.

"Here's hoping..." Aw crap. He isn't hopeful of recieving an apology from the blue dragoness. If she doesn't then avoiding her is probably the best bet.

He stared to where Ashley is when she looked at Starfall and Blade. Huh. Someone new there. That girl. He wonders if she's tagging along. Someone worth talking to if so.

"While I haven't slept either for a good while... I don't think it's a good idea to rest here. I think we should move first. More are bound to come our way"

Valadir then walked back to the rest when Ashley returned to her friend. He went towards the two kitsunes.

"Can we go bury dad now?" He asked Crystal. "Are you feeling okay?"

 

[Klader]

Tala dipped her head down. "I-I'm not seeking justice. I don't want more violence."

The timid dragoness kept her beedy gold eyes on Blade, hearing what he had to say about their destination, undecided if she would go with them; however, if she didn't, the chance of getting captured or worse is high as she cannot defend herself well.

"I know what a drake is. I've seen them fight. They're loud and ferocious like animals. I don't like them." She took a quick glance at them by the water. They look intimidating. Now that she has learnt, there is a whole civilisation of them. She doesn't know if she wants to meet them. She could slip away at night when they get close to these mountains. As long as she is far away from Diabmoure, that is good enough.

"I-I have no other choice but to trust you." She took a couple more steps towards Starfall, still cautious. "I will come. If I catch any of you going back on your word, I will fly away."

---

"Don't I know it..." Jura said with sarcasm. Agreeing with Celestina about her brother's influential tendencies.

"What? No, it's not you. I didn't mean it like that. The both of you are fine. Well, Star gets a little annoying." Expressing that she doesn't intend to offend Celestina. "It's... Don't worry about it. It has nothing to do with you." She said dismissively. Not willing to open up about anything.

She tilted her head and gave a confused expression to the invisible Celestina. Unaware that she isn't looking at her. "Not an elf? Of course, he is. What else is he? Half tree as well?" A blatant gag.

Jura waited patiently while everyone else is busy interacting or otherwise making friends. Amusing herself with a couple of stretches as she spends her time relaxing. Enjoying it. Besides, she has never been much of a social type. It is much harder to make friends than Ashe, Starfall and even Celestina. With the twins, it was Starfall who essentially dragged her by the tail and forced a friendship. A small smile touched her lips as she recalled the memories, now finding their first few interactions humourous.

Blade on the other hand... She turned her snout to see him in the distance on the beach. That is someone who she wants to make an effort to know.

Amongst her thoughts, Ashe interrupted her. "Much better now that I have something to digest. Thank you for asking. Yourself?" Jura retook a seat.

"She's around doing Cellie things. You know what she's like." Jura decided not to tell Ashe about Celestina's trickery yet. She is well aware that she would also want to scare Ashe. At least Jura will find some amusement from it.

"Yes, we have. Far more than what we are capable of. It's still not to late to turn back." Jura teased Ashe.

She had to think about their saddle situation. "Many doubts about the drakes having any. From what I've learnt about them, they will despise the idea. We may pass some sought of settlement, steal a horse saddle, replace the straps and use that for now. It will be small and uncomfortable for me, but it will work."

"Don't expect to have a long royal snooze. We will be moving shortly."

As if on cue, Celestina decided it would be funny to jumpscare them. Even if Jura was expecting it, she still flinched.

"There she is."

---

Crystal stared at Valadir with unintelligent eyes. She has no clue what Valadir just said. After a few seconds of competing in a staring competition, the white fox felt uncomfortable and scurried behind Sabato. Looking around him to keep an eye on the large, scary dragon.

With a sombre yet firm voice, Sabato craned his neck up to meet Valadir's eyes. "There is no easy way to say it. Crystal has suffered a significant injury. Ganjiro has cut all but one tail, reducing her to an indifferent, apathetic fox. One more and she might as well as be invisible."

He looked down at Crystal and put a hand on her head why, telepathically communicating to prompt her that Valadir was a friend. Crystal courageously stepped towards the black and brown dragon in response, studying his features.

"Whether it was mercy or a mocking scheme, we must be thankful she still has one. I can at least still communicate with her effectively. However, keeping her out of trouble will be an issue."

Before he asked, Sabato gave a quick explanation about her form. "We are fundamentally foxes Valadir. Born as one, and if we are killed, we die as one. Not humans, not elves or anything else. Our nature is that of a fox. Our mana, sentience and being come from our tails. We are taught to guard and groom them well for this reason. Crystal is no more than a wild animal now."

---

Each dragon reached their assigned dragons, staying a few paces away. Dathka guarded Raga and Cassiopeia, Drekk stood beside Starfall, Thresh lurked around Valadir, Virve walked beside Jura, and Gathrea took on Celestina.

Jura watched the white drake approach, and her interest spiked. This one seems different to the others. It has a sense of coldness to it.

 

[CreareunderCreare]

"I will take that into consideration," Ashe murmured, her tone far less enthusiastic than the words suggested. Even a minute’s rest with my eyes closed would be a reprieve, she thought, the exhaustion pulling at her with each passing moment. Her gaze followed Valadir as he made his way toward the kitsune, and the white fox said to be Crystal.

After settling onto the cold, unforgiving ground, Ashe responded to Jura’s question with a touch of sarcasm, "As everyone else, I suspect. Tired, drenched in sweat and blood, longing for a rose-scented bath, and wishing I were back in my bed at Castrock." Her eyes continued to scan the area, seeking Celestina, but she was met with Jura's words instead. "She has adapted to those antics of hers far too well," Ashe continued, admitting to Jura’s teasing. "And no, we are not abandoning the opportunities this journey offers."

Lying down next to Jura, she allowed herself to relax, agreeing with her companion’s assessment of the drakes. "Yes, acquiring a saddle will be more complicated than we thought. But perhaps we can make do with another animal's saddle—though I’ll find a thick blanket to cushion you from it and my royal behind."

The idea of moving on so swiftly made sense, but it was no more welcome to Ashe’s ears than the sound of a distant storm. "So I heard from Valadir," she muttered, more to herself than anyone else. You think I would be used to this by now… I don't think I am suited to this lifestyle, but it seems this lifestyle is well acquainted with me, she grumbled inwardly, gnawing on the frustrations of the choices she had made.

Just as she was about to slip into the merciful embrace of rest, a sudden, booming voice shattered the quiet, followed by an immense form appearing from thin air. Ashe’s eyes snapped open, and in an instant, she was on her feet, though not with the grace she might have hoped. Her makeshift pillow betrayed her, sending her tumbling to the ground, landing with an undignified thud before Jura. She looked up, eyes wide, and met the source of her disturbance—"Celestina!"

She slowly rose, brushing dirt from her attire, feeling the need to scold the Ranger for such a jarring entrance. "You, a member of the Ranger Corps, ought not to..." She faltered, realizing with a twinge of discomfort that her noble title had long since faded. Now, she stood only as Guildmaster, the leader of her companions. Yet the guild is far less formal than a palace, she reflected, and I’ve grown closer to the twins through it all.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she cleared her throat, stifling the urge to turn a trivial matter into something grand. Celestina’s reminder that they needed to move on brought her focus back. "Please, refrain from startling me like that in the future, especially around other guild members," Ashe said, her voice firm. "And yes,” she softened, “So I keep being told."

Strapping her equipment back in place, she straightened with determination. "Well then, we should all regroup and decide how she will travel."

 

[Friendly_Dragon]

"At times, we don't seek violence... yet violence seeks us" Blade told his metaphor to their new female companion.

"While that's a most reasonable first impression to have" The dragon mage started going in the drakes' defense in order to reassure the dragoness. "Given further exposure, your opinion might change, for you shall witness their hidden, placid behavior"

Seeing her approach, Starfall acquired his signature innocent smile.
"We don't have a reason to go back on what we said" He told her in a calm voice. Still not making a physical move towards her due to her distrust.

---

"But i am worrying about it..." Celestina continued her talk with Jura as she made it evident there's something on her mind about calling her a sister. "You sure? We might not get the chance to get it out of your system later"

"He's one of those fox like things" Celestina told his former boss about Katsumi in order to try and fuck her mind further. She finds it funny how she's not looking at her to talk to her. It's like she's talking with her imaginary friend. Funny to see.

She laughed when she successfully startled her targets. They were clear targets, practically asking for it. She dropped it when she started to get reprimanded for it. So worth it though.

"Aye aye, cap'tn" She did her best effort to be serious. Partially because she's still amused and because she fully plans to do similar things in the future. Even if sparing her boss.

"Then lets get. I'll go get my gear"

"Yo, where you put my stuff? We moving out" She relayed to his brother.

"One minute, I'll show ya"

"I'm told we are moving out. Hopefully we'll find a place to rest. Thus gather yourselves" Starfall told his two companions before absenting himself in order to go with Cellie.

"We shall" Blade told him. "This is the last occasion to dismiss any doubts you shall have" Blade told Tala.

Starfall went with Celesina and then to where he hid her backpack.

"Ashley just chewed me out"

"What for?"

"Did nothing you wouldn't do. Went invisible and behind her and Jura and startled both" Celestina said with a smile.

Starfall also smiled.
"Ya make me proud"

Arriving to the bush where he hid the backpack, he pulled it out and handed it to her. He stayed as she put it back on.

Then they went back with the others.

---

Valadir stared at Crystal as he was told what's up with her. His mind skipped all steps and went straight into denial.

"It's not funny!" He told Sabato, evidently annoyed. "It's so rude of you and astounding how you are willing to make shit up to break a promise..."