Fantasy The Nature of Ice

[Dragonborn1]

Origin felt a wave of sorrow, unsure of what to say regarding Glacier's possibly being relocated. In such a case, she can always recompose a home and move elsewhere to be close by, but that would take multiple trips to get her plant shop set up elsewhere. Perhaps she should try to go off and see the world by herself? But that would mean leaving Glacier behind when they were planning to journey together. That would not work out.

"My business wasn't booming, that is true. It was select people that wanted select plants. If--"

The raindrop that struck her muzzle caught Origin by surprise, even though the plants seemed ready and willing. A soft exhale of relief seemed to escape them that only she could hear because of their connection when the downpour started. She was caught again in surprise when Glacier offered a wing overhead to shelter her from the rain, and looked up toward her friend with a smile as she offered the same gesture, unfolding one of her otherwise unused wings to protect her from the elements as a makeshift umbrella.

The others in the area seemed to gather underneath one of the trees. The rebels huddled together and sometimes playfully shoved each other out from the shelter of the branches, causing a number of laughs. The fellow guards found another tree, Astrid lying with her back against the tree looking up at the storm while Chiron looked stony-faced. Chiron's eyes were seemingly on the two still out in the rain, Glacier and Origin. Origin did not seem to notice through the heavy rain.

"If . . . if you do decide to leave," Origin spoke, her voice elevated against the roar of the rain falling around them, "I'll move too. For some reason I feel like my place in the world is uprooted. The storm, the attack, whatever all of this is -- they all intimate change is upon us. For that reason, I'll go where you go."

“You have to understand. My life is dangerous! Having to kill other dragons that pose a threat to the island. What would happen if another attack happened? How would you defend yourself?”

Glacier asked,she bit her lip.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to hurt you. But, I don’t know what I’ll do if my first real friend got hurt, or killed.”

She glanced back to the grave sites, not wanting to think about having to bury Origin. However, Sanctus was still by Merry’s grave dispite the rain.
His jerkin was soaked and possibly making him cold. His friends death made her think about Origin’s possible demise.
“I know how others think about nature dragons. And I also know how this world is. It’s not happy, people hurt other people for many reasons, and death happens a lot even with this war. I’m not sure if you could handle following me..”

 

[Thanny]

Origin withered back as Glacier voiced her concerns, an expression of shock on her face before she looked away into the rain. Her wing was still outstretched, but from her receding she was unintentionally capturing only part of the rain, the rest plinking against Glacier's back shoulder plates.

"I . . ." she started before dropping into a perturbed and downcast sigh.

Glacier was right, of course. If Glacier was to head close to the fighting and she followed, they both would be at risk, Origin especially. She did not know how to handle a weapon. Doing such was a longstanding taboo among nature dragons. Then again, did she make her fists and legs weapons, by trying to defend her fellow dragons against automatons? She wondered if this were so, even if it had the intention of saving lives.

"People do hate for silly reasons, don't they? They hate my kind. They hurt others. But I can heal. I can provide shelter. I am getting used to the sting of being hurt. Not physically, b-but . . ."

Origin gulped down her emotion that attempted to seep into her throat and stay there. Tears started to burn in her eyes, which she attempted to shake free. Her grip tightened into a clamp on one of Glacier's hands.

"I want to be there," she continued, choking back a sob. "I, Vitalia, want to see you as my friend. I, Vitalia, want to preserve life! But I also wish to preserve feelings, so . . . so I guess I'll stay and tend to people here before I try to figure things out."

 

[Dragonborn1]

Origin withered back as Glacier voiced her concerns, an expression of shock on her face before she looked away into the rain. Her wing was still outstretched, but from her receding she was unintentionally capturing only part of the rain, the rest plinking against Glacier's back shoulder plates.

"I . . ." she started before dropping into a perturbed and downcast sigh.

Glacier was right, of course. If Glacier was to head close to the fighting and she followed, they both would be at risk, Origin especially. She did not know how to handle a weapon. Doing such was a longstanding taboo among nature dragons. Then again, did she make her fists and legs weapons, by trying to defend her fellow dragons against automatons? She wondered if this were so, even if it had the intention of saving lives.

"People do hate for silly reasons, don't they? They hate my kind. They hurt others. But I can heal. I can provide shelter. I am getting used to the sting of being hurt. Not physically, b-but . . ."

Origin gulped down her emotion that attempted to seep into her throat and stay there. Tears started to burn in her eyes, which she attempted to shake free. Her grip tightened into a clamp on one of Glacier's hands.

"I want to be there," she continued, choking back a sob. "I, Vitalia, want to see you as my friend. I, Vitalia, want to preserve life! But I also wish to preserve feelings, so . . . so I guess I'll stay and tend to people here before I try to figure things out."

Seeing Origin hurt made her hurt aswell. Glacier slowly shook her head in agreement.
“I think it’s for the best. For now, but hey, the war might be over before you know it.”
She nudged Origin in a playful manner. But seeing how badly Orgin was hurting she stopped. Instead she breathed a sigh and wrapped her hands around her in a hug. “I-I love you Origin. I-I mean, as a friend n-not like that, I mean, unless…”

She stammered not knowing why she said that to her friend. But it’d be interesting to know if she actually did love her. Glaciers face was flushed a reddish color mixed with her purple scales.

 

[Thanny]

Origin accepted her friend's embrace quietly, not entirely sure what to say or do except to hug back, trying to adjust her wing awkwardly above both of their heads but failing, as she could not see it. She gave up on trying to shelter the both of them, her limb folding as best as it was able, but something baffled her: Glacier said that she loved her, and not like that but something else. An "unless" was thrown in there too. Origin froze for a second before trying to steal a peek at Glacier's face. What she saw brought a building smile to her face, and a laugh that tore through her negative emotions.

"Oh, no worries, and sorry for laughing at such a moment. I, uh--"

She paused for a moment, unsure of what to say and what was implied. What was that remark about "unless"? Then she figured it out, or at least she thought it did: Glacier considered her a sister.

"I . . . think I see. I guess I mean to say that I love you too, Glacier. I never had siblings growing up except the friends I made along the way but after tonight I can say you are the closest to a sister I've ever had. Crazy that we think of each other that way, considering we just met, um . . . was it two or three days ago? It felt like longer."

She offered a happy smile as the negativity washed away. She was entirely clueless with the exception of something that made her wonder whether or not this was correct. It was something subtle. Maybe it was the "unless."

 

[Dragonborn1]

Origin accepted her friend's embrace quietly, not entirely sure what to say or do except to hug back, trying to adjust her wing awkwardly above both of their heads but failing, as she could not see it. She gave up on trying to shelter the both of them, her limb folding as best as it was able, but something baffled her: Glacier said that she loved her, and not like that but something else. An "unless" was thrown in there too. Origin froze for a second before trying to steal a peek at Glacier's face. What she saw brought a building smile to her face, and a laugh that tore through her negative emotions.

"Oh, no worries, and sorry for laughing at such a moment. I, uh--"

She paused for a moment, unsure of what to say and what was implied. What was that remark about "unless"? Then she figured it out, or at least she thought it did: Glacier considered her a sister.

"I . . . think I see. I guess I mean to say that I love you too, Glacier. I never had siblings growing up except the friends I made along the way but after tonight I can say you are the closest to a sister I've ever had. Crazy that we think of each other that way, considering we just met, um . . . was it two or three days ago? It felt like longer."

She offered a happy smile as the negativity washed away. She was entirely clueless with the exception of something that made her wonder whether or not this was correct. It was something subtle. Maybe it was the "unless."

Oh, does she not know what she meant? She didn’t want to push further and nodded happily. The two of them were now soaked,Glacier’s fur now matted from the rain. Glacier’s red face didn’t change appearance now somewhat embarrassed for what she said. She did always vow to not show weakness. But, maybe she can trust Origin more.

Glacier took one last glance to Snapjaw’s grave. Rubbing the dirt with her claw. “Goodbye sir…thank you for everything..”

 

[Thanny]

Sanctus kept still, as still as he could, as he listened intently to what he assumed was good eavesdropping potential. The tragedy of his friend's death was not lost to him, but he had no reason to leave the rain, and he had enough of his own thoughts as it stood. With the pelting of raindrops, he could glean only very little even with their heightened voices, but he caught a big of what Origin had said, as she said certain things just barely loud enough to be overheard. He cracked a grin. Would he say anything regarding it? Probably, probably not, but for now he would keep his cards close to his chest.

Origin was equally as soaked as Glacier, but she seemed fine. In the cool of the rain, her plants seemed quite pleased with how things were, as did she with a contented smile on her face. There was one last thing for her to do, however. The rain was probably wreaking havoc upon the freshly dug soils, and she had a plan to give them all a good, firm ground so that the bodies would be protected.

"I have need of you, my friends," she said, taking patches of grass from her shell and transplanting them onto the centres of the gravesites.

When she was done, she took out some magic chalk and underwent a ritual. Sanctus, as if feeling something was happening, quickly got up to his feet and vacated the area before the circular area around the sites glew a luminous green. The patches of grass she planted, and the remainder besides in the circle, stretched out in green blankets and grew, absorbing the rain and nutrients in the soil. Without markers and the mounds of earth, it would possibly have been difficult to note what was old growth and what was new growth.

When she was finished, Origin looked down at each of the graves one last time somberly, then migrated to the tree. With any luck the rain will let up, and everyone can journey to their homes soon, and she can internally celebrate her newly established sisterhood.

 

[Dragonborn1]

Sanctus kept still, as still as he could, as he listened intently to what he assumed was good eavesdropping potential. The tragedy of his friend's death was not lost to him, but he had no reason to leave the rain, and he had enough of his own thoughts as it stood. With the pelting of raindrops, he could glean only very little even with their heightened voices, but he caught a big of what Origin had said, as she said certain things just barely loud enough to be overheard. He cracked a grin. Would he say anything regarding it? Probably, probably not, but for now he would keep his cards close to his chest.

Origin was equally as soaked as Glacier, but she seemed fine. In the cool of the rain, her plants seemed quite pleased with how things were, as did she with a contented smile on her face. There was one last thing for her to do, however. The rain was probably wreaking havoc upon the freshly dug soils, and she had a plan to give them all a good, firm ground so that the bodies would be protected.

"I have need of you, my friends," she said, taking patches of grass from her shell and transplanting them onto the centres of the gravesites.

When she was done, she took out some magic chalk and underwent a ritual. Sanctus, as if feeling something was happening, quickly got up to his feet and vacated the area before the circular area around the sites glew a luminous green. The patches of grass she planted, and the remainder besides in the circle, stretched out in green blankets and grew, absorbing the rain and nutrients in the soil. Without markers and the mounds of earth, it would possibly have been difficult to note what was old growth and what was new growth.

When she was finished, Origin looked down at each of the graves one last time somberly, then migrated to the tree. With any luck the rain will let up, and everyone can journey to their homes soon, and she can internally celebrate her newly established sisterhood.

Glacier watched instinctively as the ground glowed from Origin’s magic. She never really understood magic though Origin knew what she was doing. Her eyes caught Sanctus leaving Merry’s grave. Allowing Origin to work she approached Sanctus.

“I’m so sorry about Merrimac, Sanctus. We lost some good dragons today. Even if some of them were rebels.”

She followed Sanctus to the underside of the tree the others were under.
Sitting down while still dripping wet. “So, what’s your plan now?”

 

[Thanny]

Sanctus looked up from his feet, surprised that Glacier had come over to talk with him of all people. His dark eyes seemed to gaze up at her face, weighing the reason as to why, but perhaps it was to take her mind off of things. That flushed face from previously still showed some hint of red, and he allowed a dry smile to grace his lips even if the topic shifted to the unpleasantry of that grim topic.

"Yeah," he brought to voice, wiping the water from his face as it intervened with his forming words on his lips. "We lost some good dragons today, even if some were guards." He emitted a quick glare as if to say something about minding setting the tone before he let go of the topic. "Plans're difficult to nail down. I've half a mind to spread the word about what we saw -- you and me -- but I don't know who to trust 'sides the doctor here. Your senior came after me 'cause of it. Who knows how many're out there, willing to cut us down for sowing the truth. I feel that this is big, and that someone high and mighty's letting us live without the knowledge we should know, lest you think he's been driven mad, that Snapjaw."

He eyed Glacier, figuring that she would never have considered Snapjaw mad. He wondered further if anyone would believe what he saw without delving into the ruins filled with slaying machines and seeing for themselves the horrible truth.

"What's yours? Are you going to tell Origin about . . . you know? And furthermore, heh . . . you and Origin, eh?"

That last part was said with a smirk.

 

[Dragonborn1]

Sanctus looked up from his feet, surprised that Glacier had come over to talk with him of all people. His dark eyes seemed to gaze up at her face, weighing the reason as to why, but perhaps it was to take her mind off of things. That flushed face from previously still showed some hint of red, and he allowed a dry smile to grace his lips even if the topic shifted to the unpleasantry of that grim topic.

"Yeah," he brought to voice, wiping the water from his face as it intervened with his forming words on his lips. "We lost some good dragons today, even if some were guards." He emitted a quick glare as if to say something about minding setting the tone before he let go of the topic. "Plans're difficult to nail down. I've half a mind to spread the word about what we saw -- you and me -- but I don't know who to trust 'sides the doctor here. Your senior came after me 'cause of it. Who knows how many're out there, willing to cut us down for sowing the truth. I feel that this is big, and that someone high and mighty's letting us live without the knowledge we should know, lest you think he's been driven mad, that Snapjaw."

He eyed Glacier, figuring that she would never have considered Snapjaw mad. He wondered further if anyone would believe what he saw without delving into the ruins filled with slaying machines and seeing for themselves the horrible truth.

"What's yours? Are you going to tell Origin about . . . you know? And furthermore, heh . . . you and Origin, eh?"

That last part was said with a smirk.

“Mmmhmmm…well I don’t see that as a good plan. You’re gonna be caught eventually and killed. I think Origin wouldn’t like that as your fate.”
She stated, once Sanctus brought up her and Origin she scowled.

“If you tell anyone else about what was said I’ll personally hunt.you.down..”

She said for the ‘hunt you down part’ she poked Sanctus as each word was spoken.
“Besides, me and a nature dragon? You know how much hate I would get? I’d be exiled!”

 

[Thanny]

Sanctus parried the comment offhandedly about his plan. He knew it was a silly notion, and perhaps it was better that the people did not know, much like he had not known until now. Instead, he concentrated on the moment where he made a guard threaten him with a good time. He spat out a laugh beneath the branches of the trees that earned him a few brief looks from the rebels nearby, but their attention was swiftly reengaged with each other and they continued their conversations.

"Well, secret or no, truth or not," he voiced lowly, so as not to be overheard, "you're a riot to tease, Glacier. 'Sides, if it were me, I'd not get worried about that. There are many secret places in this land and elsewhere should you choose exile, but then you'd be fightin' that lawful side of you. I'll leave you to that."

The land dragon winked and cracked a smirk for a moment before returning to seriousness.

"This is where we'll part ways, I think. Whether the plan works or is decided against, once the storm lets up, I have no intention of sticking around. Take care of Origin for me while I'm gone, or leave her in a way better than me."

Origin's magic lost its light, and she approached everyone's favoured tree with a smiling expression. The water seemed to make the plants more lively, but she moved a little slower. The extra weight of the rain made her movements sluggish, as the rock and soil armour absorbed the water slowly and steadily. Sanctus tossed her the quickest of jovial faces before mingling with the others, allowing the two to be temporarily alone.

"That should fix things up for the moment," she said, unsure of how to set her face. It seemed to share a frown and a smile, as if recalling something, then spilled the beans. "I've heard stories of graves opening up from flash floods and removing their contents. I didn't want that happening here."

 

[Dragonborn1]

Sanctus parried the comment offhandedly about his plan. He knew it was a silly notion, and perhaps it was better that the people did not know, much like he had not known until now. Instead, he concentrated on the moment where he made a guard threaten him with a good time. He spat out a laugh beneath the branches of the trees that earned him a few brief looks from the rebels nearby, but their attention was swiftly reengaged with each other and they continued their conversations.

"Well, secret or no, truth or not," he voiced lowly, so as not to be overheard, "you're a riot to tease, Glacier. 'Sides, if it were me, I'd not get worried about that. There are many secret places in this land and elsewhere should you choose exile, but then you'd be fightin' that lawful side of you. I'll leave you to that."

The land dragon winked and cracked a smirk for a moment before returning to seriousness.

"This is where we'll part ways, I think. Whether the plan works or is decided against, once the storm lets up, I have no intention of sticking around. Take care of Origin for me while I'm gone, or leave her in a way better than me."

Origin's magic lost its light, and she approached everyone's favoured tree with a smiling expression. The water seemed to make the plants more lively, but she moved a little slower. The extra weight of the rain made her movements sluggish, as the rock and soil armour absorbed the water slowly and steadily. Sanctus tossed her the quickest of jovial faces before mingling with the others, allowing the two to be temporarily alone.

"That should fix things up for the moment," she said, unsure of how to set her face. It seemed to share a frown and a smile, as if recalling something, then spilled the beans. "I've heard stories of graves opening up from flash floods and removing their contents. I didn't want that happening here."

Glacier glared at Sanctus as he laughed. How dare he laugh at her! But, it was easy to tease her with her being a serious dragon. For once, infront of a once bandit, he gave a smile back punching his shoulder in a joking way.
A wave of silence washed over Glacier. Wow, it’s been a long ride with this bandit she couldn’t believe he wouldn’t stick around. Especially with Origin, his friend.
“I’ll take care of her, I won’t leave her.”

She followed Sanctus’s gaze to find Origin approaching. Looking back she saw Sanctus already leaving.
“I’m glad you care about them Origin. I don’t want any grave robbers.”



As everyone talked amongst themselves the sound of wing beats came from overhead. Kicking up dirt and blowing wind everywhere from their wingspan. The dragon in question was wearing a satchel over his right shoulder. He hurried underneath the cover right beside Glacier, and invading her space.

“Telegram for Glacier!”
He shouted over the rain. Handing it over with haste and before Glacier could ask questions, they left in a hail of more wind.
Glacier stared at the letter and with anxiousness opened it..

 

[Thanny]

Origin smiled, grateful for Glacier's respect for the dead. No matter the dragon, she had little love for those that rob the entombed.

The scuffing winds surprised her and seemingly a number of individuals as a telegram arrived for Glacier. A deliveryman this far out was not unheard of, but it surprised her that they travelled in the rain and spotted the mountain dragon. Whatever it was, it must have been urgent, or perhaps they were that fantastic at doing their job!

Origin, not realising the boldness of her actions, peeped curiously from Glacier's side at the letter as she opened it. Mainly she was interested in who it could have been from.

 

[Dragonborn1]

Origin smiled, grateful for Glacier's respect for the dead. No matter the dragon, she had little love for those that rob the entombed.

The scuffing winds surprised her and seemingly a number of individuals as a telegram arrived for Glacier. A deliveryman this far out was not unheard of, but it surprised her that they travelled in the rain and spotted the mountain dragon. Whatever it was, it must have been urgent, or perhaps they were that fantastic at doing their job!

Origin, not realising the boldness of her actions, peeped curiously from Glacier's side at the letter as she opened it. Mainly she was interested in who it could have been from.

“Dear to whom it may concern,

You and another guest are formerly invited to join us in MountainSide. Here at the capital we’re throwing a banquet in honor of our emperor.
The only safe way through to the city is Raven Pass. Due to many bandits and hostile wildlife.

Hope you see you there.”

Sincerely,
The Emperor.


Glacier stared at the letter after finishing. She stared off into space the letter before her, in her claws made no sense. Why did the emperor wanted to see them? Why were they invited in the first place?
“I don’t know about this…”
She finally stated.

 

[Thanny]

Origin peered at the paper in a sense of disbelief. There was no doubt that the letter was for Glacier, as the courier seemed very assured that it was to be given to her, but the emperor of the land wanting her? That was quite impressive! She speculated the nature of the letter and whether it was written by dubious hands, but if it was true it was a good thing for Glacier, right? Being under the eye of Emperor Gaul was a rare and enviable position.

"I think it's lovely!" Originmaw brought to voice, smiling at her friend and not at all understanding the potential of danger, as she did not have any great reason to doubt. She raised an earthen-clad hand to the closing statement and the signature. "The letter seems written by someone else, but that seems like the emperor's signature at the end. I've seen a few writs from him, and it is close. Does it say when? We can pick you out a nice dress, or a suit if that's your fancy."

 

[Dragonborn1]

Origin peered at the paper in a sense of disbelief. There was no doubt that the letter was for Glacier, as the courier seemed very assured that it was to be given to her, but the emperor of the land wanting her? That was quite impressive! She speculated the nature of the letter and whether it was written by dubious hands, but if it was true it was a good thing for Glacier, right? Being under the eye of Emperor Gaul was a rare and enviable position.

"I think it's lovely!" Originmaw brought to voice, smiling at her friend and not at all understanding the potential of danger, as she did not have any great reason to doubt. She raised an earthen-clad hand to the closing statement and the signature. "The letter seems written by someone else, but that seems like the emperor's signature at the end. I've seen a few writs from him, and it is close. Does it say when? We can pick you out a nice dress, or a suit if that's your fancy."

Glacier squinted at the letter. “A couple of days it’ll be starting. I don’t know about this Origin. Right after we leave a highly secretive, highly dangerous lab they want to speak to us? Seems like a trap.”

She looked over and noticed the many eyes of the rebels. They were glaring at her, even Sanctus was. Everyone knew how suspicious this letter was.

“I’m sorry Origin, I think we shouldn’t go.”

 

[Thanny]

"So you think that the emperor is . . . ?"

Origin trailed off, furrowing her brow.
She was feeling uncertain as she stared off at the letter, then into the rain. She had guessed like others that maybe Snapjaw was part of a larger group, but a group that answered to or included the emperor? That was startling, to say the least, and it appeared that the rest had their own suspicions as well. Why a letter right now, after all of the carnage of the attack on Ocean Side? It was slowly starting to sink in, this sensation of worry.

"So what will you do now?" she queried hesitantly. "What will we both do? If the emperor is part of all of this, will we ever really be safe? Will we have to leave everything?"

Doctor Rheyn, overhearing, kept his face grimly set as he approached the two. The downpour was letting up and becoming a spackling rain, allowing easy communication.

"It is not much, but we are no friend to the emperor. We had suspicions for some time, and this does not help sway against him either. If you wish, young one, you could join us. You have a better heart than most of us, and I for one trust you to be honorable."

He spoke such to Glacier, looking at Originmaw a little as well, but mostly it was tendered toward Glacier. A guard and a nature dragon would be unorthodox allies for the Rebels, but all of these events have been anything but ordinary, and their skills had been invaluable.

Chiron and Astrid looked on at the gathering crowd, but were out of hearing distance. The black dragon they had lost track of.

 

[Dragonborn1]

"So you think that the emperor is . . . ?"

Origin trailed off, furrowing her brow.
She was feeling uncertain as she stared off at the letter, then into the rain. She had guessed like others that maybe Snapjaw was part of a larger group, but a group that answered to or included the emperor? That was startling, to say the least, and it appeared that the rest had their own suspicions as well. Why a letter right now, after all of the carnage of the attack on Ocean Side? It was slowly starting to sink in, this sensation of worry.

"So what will you do now?" she queried hesitantly. "What will we both do? If the emperor is part of all of this, will we ever really be safe? Will we have to leave everything?"

Doctor Rheyn, overhearing, kept his face grimly set as he approached the two. The downpour was letting up and becoming a spackling rain, allowing easy communication.

"It is not much, but we are no friend to the emperor. We had suspicions for some time, and this does not help sway against him either. If you wish, young one, you could join us. You have a better heart than most of us, and I for one trust you to be honorable."

He spoke such to Glacier, looking at Originmaw a little as well, but mostly it was tendered toward Glacier. A guard and a nature dragon would be unorthodox allies for the Rebels, but all of these events have been anything but ordinary, and their skills had been invaluable.

Chiron and Astrid looked on at the gathering crowd, but were out of hearing distance. The black dragon they had lost track of.

“Trying to kill us.”
She said finishing her sentence. The question about whether they had to leave everything behind got her worried too. She was prepared to speak her mouth hung open.
“I honestly do not know, I really have nothing to go back to. The rest of the guards will consider me a traitor..”

Hearing the doctor’s voice gave a glare to him as he mentioned going against everything she knows. Even if she’s deemed a traitor she would never join someone like the resistance.
“No, I cannot accept. Whatever the emperor wants I’ll figure it out. Even if he kills me, at least I still have my dignity..”
She stated coldly, her glare not letting up.
“I’ll go, see what he wants. If I’m lucky I’ll just be sent to the Coliseum, where I’ll fight until I die.”

 

[Thanny]

If there was anything to be given away, Rheyn seemed to successfully keep it under wraps. He did not show any sign of disapproval, but gazed back for a few seconds after Glacier's reply before turning his head away. Originmaw looked shocked by what her friend had said, disliking any idea of having her die for the sake of something as silly as honour or dignity. That would be only another needless death of another friend in her eyes, and she had enough of that with Merrimac, the townsfolk, and the rebels helpless to defend themselves against Snapjaw.

She paused in her thoughts Even still, Origin somewhat knew the feeling. If she had honour, perhaps she could fully relate. Dignity she felt she had in spades, but would joining the resistance sully her dignity? She did not know.

"I see," expressed Rheyn, his voice bridled and free of emotion, and yet he smiled and put his outstretched hand on Glacier's shoulder pad with a pat-pat. "Whatever path you choose, I am sure it will be the right one. Good luck, be careful and wary, and safe travels. Perhaps we will meet again, and I hope it will be as allies, not enemies."

The doctor looked over to Origin, seemingly offering the same suggestion to join the resistance, but the answer the nature dragon was going to provide was already on her face and showing brilliantly. She would not do so without Glacier. He again smiled before turning away and grouping with the others.

When he had left, Originmaw could not hold it in any further, her voice low and scolding. She felt the need to bring to voice what was on her mind.

"Don't go," she stated, biting her lower lip as she started to shake her head. "You mustn't. Getting imprisoned or thrown into matches for sport for all this isn't . . . it . . . well, it is wrong! Is it that bad to back away from a bad situation when it comes by? Will you knowingly walk into a trap if the emperor is indeed looking for you, trying to capture you?"

She spoke such heatedly, intensely worried, perhaps more so than when she saw the smoke plumes from the town. Over the course of three or so days, Glacier had become close to her. There was something more, like she was testing Glacier's reaction. Perhaps even here she wanted to follow her friend.

 

[Dragonborn1]

If there was anything to be given away, Rheyn seemed to successfully keep it under wraps. He did not show any sign of disapproval, but gazed back for a few seconds after Glacier's reply before turning his head away. Originmaw looked shocked by what her friend had said, disliking any idea of having her die for the sake of something as silly as honour or dignity. That would be only another needless death of another friend in her eyes, and she had enough of that with Merrimac, the townsfolk, and the rebels helpless to defend themselves against Snapjaw.

She paused in her thoughts Even still, Origin somewhat knew the feeling. If she had honour, perhaps she could fully relate. Dignity she felt she had in spades, but would joining the resistance sully her dignity? She did not know.

"I see," expressed Rheyn, his voice bridled and free of emotion, and yet he smiled and put his outstretched hand on Glacier's shoulder pad with a pat-pat. "Whatever path you choose, I am sure it will be the right one. Good luck, be careful and wary, and safe travels. Perhaps we will meet again, and I hope it will be as allies, not enemies."

The doctor looked over to Origin, seemingly offering the same suggestion to join the resistance, but the answer the nature dragon was going to provide was already on her face and showing brilliantly. She would not do so without Glacier. He again smiled before turning away and grouping with the others.

When he had left, Originmaw could not hold it in any further, her voice low and scolding. She felt the need to bring to voice what was on her mind.

"Don't go," she stated, biting her lower lip as she started to shake her head. "You mustn't. Getting imprisoned or thrown into matches for sport for all this isn't . . . it . . . well, it is wrong! Is it that bad to back away from a bad situation when it comes by? Will you knowingly walk into a trap if the emperor is indeed looking for you, trying to capture you?"

She spoke such heatedly, intensely worried, perhaps more so than when she saw the smoke plumes from the town. Over the course of three or so days, Glacier had become close to her. There was something more, like she was testing Glacier's reaction. Perhaps even here she wanted to follow her friend.

Glacier’s expression stayed stone cold even as Rheyn left. The doctor’s words sank into her, was this the right choice? Of course! She’s a guard under the empire! Raised to protect. But why did she feel…empty?
The course of the last few days has been a rollercoaster that she wanted to get off. Most of all, her new friend Origin. She didn’t want to lose her.
Once Origin lashed out it spooked her, jumping back startled at such an outburst.

“I’m not backing out! I’ll walk into a trap if it means keeping.you.safe.”
She grabbed Origin by each shoulder giving her a violent shake while saying;
“I can’t lose anyone again! My father, friends, I can’t lose you too. You actually cared, guards I’ve met haven’t been as thoughtful as you have been….”

She bowed her head, and for once in her life…she cried, openly. Tears blossomed around her eyes water falling down her steep inclined muzzle.
“Following my footsteps you.will.die Origin. How can you just run into danger with me with you possibly dying? What about your parents? Or friends, and the people who care?”

In her claw was the necklace Origin gave her. Staring at it then up at Origin. Waiting….

 

[Thanny]

Origin looked on, equally shocked as she was grappled by the shoulders and shifted where she stood. Her eyes, bright green in hue, slowly started to soften as she figured out that what Glacier was saying was less angry and more sorrow and panic. They were the same emotions that flowed through her.

She did not consider the rest of the world around her. People faded into obscurity as her entire focus was brought towards Glacier alone. Glacier looked so despondent that it made Origin want to cry as well just looking at her. She needed comfort. Perhaps she had pushed Glacier too far. Guilt ate its way towards her heart even as she listened on, mulling over every word.

"We aren't meant to be on this earth alone," she spoke after a moment of silence, voice so quiet the others found it hard to hear. She took Glacier's hands gently into her own and looked into the pool of her eyes. The amulet only caught her attention later, but it helped put a smile on her dour expression. "That, and I do care, very much. You have done more for me than most people, saving my life, giving me closure, providing comfort. My friends, my parents . . . they will understand if I follow my heart wherever that leads me. To follow someone so dear into danger, no matter the result, no matter the brevity of our friendship -- I think they'll forgive me that much, if you'll have me."

 

[Dragonborn1]

Origin looked on, equally shocked as she was grappled by the shoulders and shifted where she stood. Her eyes, bright green in hue, slowly started to soften as she figured out that what Glacier was saying was less angry and more sorrow and panic. They were the same emotions that flowed through her.

She did not consider the rest of the world around her. People faded into obscurity as her entire focus was brought towards Glacier alone. Glacier looked so despondent that it made Origin want to cry as well just looking at her. She needed comfort. Perhaps she had pushed Glacier too far. Guilt ate its way towards her heart even as she listened on, mulling over every word.

"We aren't meant to be on this earth alone," she spoke after a moment of silence, voice so quiet the others found it hard to hear. She took Glacier's hands gently into her own and looked into the pool of her eyes. The amulet only caught her attention later, but it helped put a smile on her dour expression. "That, and I do care, very much. You have done more for me than most people, saving my life, giving me closure, providing comfort. My friends, my parents . . . they will understand if I follow my heart wherever that leads me. To follow someone so dear into danger, no matter the result, no matter the brevity of our friendship -- I think they'll forgive me that much, if you'll have me."

Glacier took a moment wheezing from crying, taking a quick moment to rub her eyes with her elbow. Sniffling slightly that reddish tint came back on her scales embarrassed for crying infront of everyone. All the dragons there will think differently of her now..
“Thanks, Origin, you can come. It’s gonna be a long trip to the capital on foot. Since, you know…”
She paused, deciding not to say any more about that subject.
“We’ll need to prepare. Gather everything essential for the trip, only the essentials. I’ll go get my armor then we can head out. How does that sound?”


Her once sad croaking voice was replaced with a second wind. Puffing out her chest and having that look of authority. The rain above them as finally let up allowing all the dragons out of cover.

 

[Thanny]

Origin could not help but laugh and smile at Glacier, thinking that she seemed childish and quite sweet and innocent at that point in time, and not in a bad way. It was nice to see her in this light. It made her feel that Glacier was more like a dragon than a machine, more flesh and scale and blood.

The others seemed disquieted by seeing a guard cry, even Chiron and Astrid who had not seen this side of Glacier before, but none could blame her. A lot had happened for her. If anyone had looked around for him, there would be no sign of Sanctus. He had slipped off before the rain had started to clear, venturing to an unknown location.

"That sounds good," she said in the end. "I'll do just that and pack a bag. Or perhaps we can get a carriage to save ourselves from being exhausted?"

Others too had decided to embark elsewhere, some by flight and some by walking. The other mountain dragon, Ylem, dared a wink at Glacier and wordlessly took off. The gathering of dragons drastically reduced in number as the wingbeats rose and fell with more takeoffs and the dragon's gaining distance.

 

[Dragonborn1]

Origin could not help but laugh and smile at Glacier, thinking that she seemed childish and quite sweet and innocent at that point in time, and not in a bad way. It was nice to see her in this light. It made her feel that Glacier was more like a dragon than a machine, more flesh and scale and blood.

The others seemed disquieted by seeing a guard cry, even Chiron and Astrid who had not seen this side of Glacier before, but none could blame her. A lot had happened for her. If anyone had looked around for him, there would be no sign of Sanctus. He had slipped off before the rain had started to clear, venturing to an unknown location.

"That sounds good," she said in the end. "I'll do just that and pack a bag. Or perhaps we can get a carriage to save ourselves from being exhausted?"

Others too had decided to embark elsewhere, some by flight and some by walking. The other mountain dragon, Ylem, dared a wink at Glacier and wordlessly took off. The gathering of dragons drastically reduced in number as the wingbeats rose and fell with more takeoffs and the dragon's gaining distance.

Glacier witnessed the dragons leave as Ylem winked at her, she waved as they left. Lowering her claw once everyone disappeare she turned to Origin.
”I’ll meet you back at your house, after I get everything ready. As for a carriage I’ll pay for one. Come on, we have a long journey ahead of us..”

Glacier began her traveling back to the town of OceanSide. Just like how they arrived she left by walking, only because Origin couldn’t fly…

 

[Thanny]

Origin was happy to follow. The rain letting up and the grass sighing contentedly -- at least, to her ears -- made the somber time seem less depressing. She took one last glance at the grave sites, wishing them a low prayer of peace, before continuing on with a bounce. She looked over to the others among the guards, Chiron and Astrid, who took the hint and followed.

Quiet Chiron placed a hesitant hand on Glacier's shoulder, wordlessly looking at her with a glance of worry and well-wishing. Just as quickly as he did so, he dropped his hand back to his side. His eyes fell onto the path they took to get there and remained focused on it.

The strong Astrid, on the other hand, did not hesitate to speak her mind, and spoke to Glacier's back, "I don't know what went on because Chiron is a tight-lipped eggtoothed brat, but after seeing what went on with Snapjaw I can't say much. You got a courier in the dead center of a rainstorm, so whatever you do do it carefully. Also? I am going to take the day off, come what may. The night was long, so please pass along the message to Captain Silvio. He may yell at me after I get some rest."

Chiron did not turn around at all upon being berated, but the smirk on his face expressed much. Origin could not help but laugh under her breath.

"I'm serious," Astrid huffed, easy to ruffle, and with her blue cheeks puffed out angrily.

 

[Dragonborn1]

Origin was happy to follow. The rain letting up and the grass sighing contentedly -- at least, to her ears -- made the somber time seem less depressing. She took one last glance at the grave sites, wishing them a low prayer of peace, before continuing on with a bounce. She looked over to the others among the guards, Chiron and Astrid, who took the hint and followed.

Quiet Chiron placed a hesitant hand on Glacier's shoulder, wordlessly looking at her with a glance of worry and well-wishing. Just as quickly as he did so, he dropped his hand back to his side. His eyes fell onto the path they took to get there and remained focused on it.

The strong Astrid, on the other hand, did not hesitate to speak her mind, and spoke to Glacier's back, "I don't know what went on because Chiron is a tight-lipped eggtoothed brat, but after seeing what went on with Snapjaw I can't say much. You got a courier in the dead center of a rainstorm, so whatever you do do it carefully. Also? I am going to take the day off, come what may. The night was long, so please pass along the message to Captain Silvio. He may yell at me after I get some rest."

Chiron did not turn around at all upon being berated, but the smirk on his face expressed much. Origin could not help but laugh under her breath.

"I'm serious," Astrid huffed, easy to ruffle, and with her blue cheeks puffed out angrily.

The walk back to OceanSide was undisputed by noise. She glanced back to Chiron. All she did was give a determined smile.
”Don’t worry, I’m fine. Even after everything that has happened and what’s gonna happen once we get back, I’m fine.”

Hearing Astrid speak so ill of Chiron made her glare at her fellow guard.
”we don’t speak down to any of our fellow soldiers. Our journey to the emperor castle will be long, possibly filled with danger. Though both Of us will try our best to get there alive.”

Glacier chuckled at the mention of the captain.
”I’ll tell him about what happened dont worry.”

Back in OceanSide the sounds of construction filled the landscape. little dragon kids helped the adults finish repairs to their beloved town. Kids carried lumber, with the adult doing most of the heavy lifting, though the stench of bodies could still be smelled in the air.