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Chapter 10: Dragon's Trust

Horses smelled horrible to Veledar. That earthy smell of fur, manure, and whatever else stuck to their mangy coats made him sick to his stomach to the point where he started hacking when Lyndis brought a bay horse within close distance of his sensitive nose.

"Oy, what's the matter with you? You've no problem slashing your way through bandits, dropping in the middle of a village unannounced, or heading to Entis to recover a silly book, but a horse unmans you?" Lyndis laughed as she pulled the horses reins to lead the animal away from him.

"Grahhhr," Veledar rubbed his nose with his paw. "I know why you must get these beasts, but why something so ugly and stinky like horses? Surely you'd be better off traveling upon the back of two gryphons?" He said, thankful the half elf was taking the horse away.

"Because then, my dear, valiant dragon, we would not see the pretty look you've got on your face right now." Lyndis continued to laugh, clutching her sides as she tried to stay in her saddle.

He squinted his eyes at her, "I should knock you off your saddle for that." he hissed, "now that would be a funny sight to see." He moved his tail getting ready to strike the half elf off but stopped as Arcturus moved along his other side with his own bay horse.

"You'd better behave properly around a lady, or you will answer to me." the human said with a smirk.

Oh, so he thought himself funny as well? Veledar walked right next to Arcturus. "Don't think I won't knock your armored ass into the dirt, paladin. Why, the combination of metal and horse smells even worse than our half breed over there does." Veledar moved his tail gesturing to Arcturus now. The human watched it carefully as he brought his horse past him.

"Best we avoid taking to the skies, least we attract unnecessary attention to ourselves."

"And why is that, elf lady?" The dragon's throat rumbled with irritation.

"Just trust me." Lyndis waved him to keep up.

Veledar groaned loudly. He HATED the walking part as he had enough of it during their month-long journey in the fairy realm. He still couldn't believe it had been that long, he certainly hadn't believed it when Arcturus told him at breakfast. He guessed they lost track of time when the realm itself did not follow the same rules. He was thankful when Lyndis suggest casting a spell to disguise him from the surface. Travel without trace she had called it. Said it would make him blend in the clouds overhead if he stayed close to them.

"Tell me again why this fancy spell doesn't work on all of us."

"Two words. Gryphon Riders."

Veledar cocked his head, which in turn coaxed a sigh out of the half-elf. "And here I thought dragons were all-knowledgeable. Fine. Let me put this in bare terms. Between Entis and us stand hundreds of lookouts. Mages who are just as proficient as I in the use of spells, and most important, their detection. Believe me. We wouldn't be the only ones who'd try to sneak in the capital with a simple camouflage trick, so instead of getting caught on account of your pride, I'd rather take the safe option. Wouldn't you agree?"

"No. I do not agree." Veledar growled.

It was Arcturus' turn to sigh. "What she's saying is that a lone camouflaged dragon can wriggle himself out of a bind. A dragon with a human deserter and a half-elf on his back?" the human shook his head. "No way of getting out of that one."

Veledar preferred to win in any kind of contest, be it an argument, flying, or fighting, but this time his companions had the upper hand. He straightened up as Lyndis placed a hand on his right side, slowly speaking the words "Travel without trace" in elven. The magic felt like cool drops of water roll over his spine as the spell slowly took effect. Veledar looked down to find his scales blend in almost perfectly with the grass beneath his feet. He disliked the idea that his scales were no longer red like how he liked them, but sighed in understanding. He would be able to fly in the sky at least. Unfurling his wings, the dragon gave one last big grin before he launched himself into the skies, away from the two puny, wingless humans and their stinky horses.

"I wonder what ill-names he's cooking for us." Arcturus looked over to Lyndis, who smiled back at him. "What? You too?"

"I'm not about to get beaten by a dragon."

Veledar flew higher and higher, leaving his two traveling two companions far behind on the ground. He turned, did some barrel rolls, and dove a few times before once again finding his companions. He spread his wings wide and started to glide carefully behind them, gazing out onto the path ahead that led them to the capital city of Entis. He thought to another town that he had seen on the map shown to him before they had left. It lay between here and the capital, a settlement going by the name of Drakenburg. Veledar remembered the name from his youth, particularly by how much he despised it. His mother had made frequent trips to that place after his brother perished, probably to distract herself from the same pain that kept Veledar crippled for years. He glided for a moment as he shook his head, clearing the dark thoughts of his brother's demise. There was no sense in ruining a perfectly good day by remembering such a sad moment.

They traveled for the course of seven days, stopping for rest and food along the way. They slept by firelight as Lyndis had cast an illusion every night to hide their campfire. Veledar found himself talking to Arcturus more and more each night. Each time they spoke it usually was about the stories of old, especially of dragons.

"I think this will make a great story to tell your fellow humans about." Veledar smirked. "Filled with adventure, and excitement as our brave dragon leads a team of adventurers to retrieve a precious heirloom taken unjustly from him." He said, very much liking the idea of people cheering for him and offering him numerous praises.

Arcturus just reclined on a rock and laughed quietly for a bit. "Should I leave in the parts about how you wobbled around like a slithering snake? Or perhaps tell the tale about how you bravely vanquished the tavern table? Now that is a feat to remember!"

Veledar held up his snout, but not so much that he could not still keep his eye on the amused human. "You know how to wound me, paladin Arcturus." The dragon let his head fall to the ground softly and closing his eyes. "You have killed me with your words...you murderer." he said with a grin of teeth.

Noticing the half-elf was being silent Veledar decided to turn his attention to her. "So Lyndis, I find myself curious on to what winds or circumstances brought you further south to Drenedar." he said, placing his head between his paws on the ground. "Still running from those folks you mentioned last time?"

"Oh, gods no." The woman flicked her hand dismissively. "I thought I would be heading home till I ran into you lot. My dad used to say..." she held up a hand and dropped her voice so that is was deeper, "Never turn down a chance at adventure, daughter of mine. You only have one life to accomplish everything you wish." she said, growing quiet for a moment after spouting that.

Veledar watched how she just stared into the fire intently, letting the light dance across her face before she started up again. "Besides how could I say no to you blundering fools? I bet you couldn't stay secretive if you lives depended on it."

"How rude! I certainly have means to conceal myself!" He growled, how could she think he couldn't? "I proved myself a great hunter to my sister over a hundred times!"

"That may be true, but I heard how you two got drunk and started singing along with some gryphons back there in Trost. That sort of thing can't happen in Entis. There are too many prying eyes, hidden agendas, and ears just desperate for any information worth selling." She said, pulling a stick to stoke the fire. "Imagine the challenge! If I can get you two into the city to pull this off I will become one of the legendary travelers you hear about in taverns! I'll be a fockin' hero!" she held out two hands as if holding a sign in between them. "And I will be known as Lyndis, the best illusionist in the land."

Veledar admired the fire she spoke with, determined and fierce like a dragoness.

"Besides, any chance to get back at this evil bloated kingdom is worth taking." she spat out, voice teeming with hatred.

"Hey!" suddenly Arcturus chimed in. "Since when is our kingdom here so vile?"

"Hah. Almost itching my tongue to speak. Since when does a good and just kingdom want an innocent dragon killed, hmm?"

"Yeah!" Veledar said, picturing the image of a bald and fat man in brown robes, possibly cowering at the mere sight of him.

"You have already turned against your king by letting Crimson Sky here loose. How far will you go to prove your point then?" Lyndis asked, her eyes never leaving Arcturus.

"Now hold on a moment! I just decided to help the dragon get his book back, which is no good reason to squabble over!" the paladin snapped back.

So he said, although in the human's eyes Veledar saw fury, and in his voice, heard confusion. It might just have been possible that the human was hanging onto the idea that this was some sort of mistake.

"Well you best not waver in your conviction to help Crimson Sky there. However, if the focken dragon trusts your resolve, I see no reason why I shouldn't."

There was a pregnant pause between them as they just stared into the fire. Of course, Veledar couldn't have that, he had to break the silence. "Why do you hate the people of this land, Lyndis? I have plenty of reasons to dislike dragon murderers and thieves, present company excluded of course, but what manner of grievance brings such passion in your voice? Lumara must've done something terrible to get under your skin like that."

Lyndis took a long hard swig from her water skin as her eyes full of ice locked on Arcturus. Although the smell on her breath suggested it was being used to hold wine, she began to talk with her voice full of hatred.

"His people came to our towns, our villages." She spat out, then took another swig, "They dropped from their flying machines armed to the teeth with magic crossbows and washed over us like a plague of locusts until they forced our people to surrender. Sure. They had just reasons and all. Every person spouted nonsense about spreading their prosperity, but all they gave our people is slavery and death!" she shouted out before capping her water skin and putting it away. "Every time I close my eyes I can still see the light your people bring."

"Not true!" Arcturus shot back, his voice raised ever so slightly. "Those are lies spread by impostors! I personally helped set up academies, barracks, places for your people to train! I brought in food and supplies so that the transition to your new lives is as easy as possible. I don't know what you heard or believe, but I...I've made people's lives better, Lyndis!"

If this moved Lyndis she did now show it on her face. She continued her stare down of the human in her cold, emotionless way. Veledar was reminded of how his sister looked when hunting down some prey. She would focus just as intently as the half elf was doing now.

"Yeah. I suppose that's to be expected for a paladin who's leash is yanked by his king. Have you ever gone back to those villages after you have left? Do you have the faintest idea of how they are like now?"

Veledar watched the color drain from Arcturus' face. He could see the realization dawn on his face, the human had never considered it.

"I will show you some of the villages close to Rothdell and Drenedar and together we'll inspect this light your people have brought." Lyndis crossed her arms, "What say you, Paladin? Care to accompany me?"

"I...I'm...I have..." Arcturus stammered, words having failed him. His face grew incredibly red as he quickly walked away from the campfire.

"Good. At least some of my words got through his tick skull, otherwise I would be concerned." Lyndis yawned as she dove into her bedroll. "Have an enjoyable night Crimson Sky. Don't let the paladin stab you in the back while you're sleeping. I heard he has the tendency to ambush dragons while they sleep."

"Sleep well" he replied shortly before he rose on all fours. The dragon looked longingly at Lyndis, wishing he had his soft things to sleep on once more just like the woman. Snuggle back into them and just sleep. Veledar closed his eyes and imagined the toasty comfort of his furs for a moment before reopening them. He looked to Arcturus who had taken a seat on the grass about fifty feet away on top of the hill. Although it felt mightily uncomfortable, Veledar decided to stride over to the human, with his tail swaying lazily behind him.

Veledar took a seat beside the human, who was staring down at the lake overlooked by the hill, its calm waters seeming to twinkle in the moon lit sky. Veledar sat for a moment to take in its beauty. Not as beautiful as him of course, but this land had a beauty of its own. After the brief moment of silence, he turned his attention to the human called Arcturus. The paladin's face, usually full of purpose, was now filled with worry, doubt, and confusion. Arcturus' eyes were out to the lake, staring into the forest beyond. He was slouched over instead of standing up straight like he usually did. The human picked up a stone and threw it hard over the hill.

"Did the half-elf's words wound you so deep?" the dragon asked, moving a bit closer to so that he could sit a few feet away from the human.

"No, but the implications make my stomach tighten with the same pain I felt when my family..." Arcturus sighed. "I have striven to do what was right for my family, my nation, for my life. If what Lyndis says is true, then I have went against my oath. I've been helping evil flourish instead of plucking it from its roots. To go against the codes I stand for...that's..." He turned to Veledar with eyes of a man defeated, "I am not worthy to even bear the title of Paladin. Selina would be ashamed if she saw me right now, and my son...how would I have ever explained this to him? That his father, the great hero, brought so much suffering?"

"You are being too harsh on yourself, human. Everyone makes mistakes. You are not a bad person. You say you have gone against your oaths, but need I remind you that when faced with my demise you chose to free me instead of carrying out the king's orders?" Veledar yawned and stretched out his wings so that his membrane dwarfed the human. "I figure the decision you made that day, on that ship, took a whole lot of courage. It would have been easier to continue blissfully doing what you were told, easier to lie to yourself than to your king, your squad, your country." The dragon snorted. "I am glad you decided to put your faith in me. For better or worse we are together in this. If what Lyndis says is true, what will you do?"

Arcturus sat in silence for a moment as he mulled the question over. He then sighed, "then I will do the right thing as I have always done."

"Even if that means taking arms against the king you serve?"

"I see no other way." Arcturus said, a spark of the man Veledar came to know returning to those green eyes of his.

Veledar did not know how to go about comforting the human. He rarely mingled in the affairs of other races, and now here he was, close to a human he started to take a liking to. In his mind he practiced it several times, not really deciding on how to do it. Should he get close? Look into the human's eyes and say it? Should he spread his wings, swell his chest and loudly proclaim it? Both seemed fitting in different ways of a dragon. He was in the middle of thinking of another great choice when Arcturus interrupted his thoughts. He guessed he had been quiet too long for his own good.

"What are you thinking about, Crimson Sky? You seem ready to tell me something interesting, if not important," the human said with a smile.

Veledar's wings twitched for a moment. The human got the better of him. He, a dragon, figured out so easily? Preposterous! Veledar did not think he was wearing his emotions and state of mind on his snout. Next time he would try harder to seem impassive, but for now, he figured though he would allow Arcturus the benefit of being right.

"You are starting to know me well Arcturus, faster than I care to admit," the dragon's claws sunk into the earth for a little bit. This feeling of vulnerability did not crawl very often along his scales. Still, it was too late to back down now, so with a silent growl of affection rumbling in his throat, the dragon crawled closer to the human until he settled down on his belly, eyes looking up at the surprised paladin.

"Making yourself comfortable, are you?"

Veledar used his tail to drag the pile of armor against his belly. "Whoa, hold on a moment!"

"Grrrrrr..."

"I don't like the sound of that," Arcturus said even as his hands stroke along the dragon's snout. "What is it that got you so worked up?"

Veledar closed his eyes. The human's touch felt so...calming. If only he could enjoy it in silence for a bit longer...

"It's that thing, right? The important one."

"I..." the dragon sighed, then the human pressed his face closer.

"You know, it is a bit odd to see the mighty dragon so confused," Arcturus said on a calm."

"I'm not!" Veledar hissed. "It's just...awwr, this is harder than I imagined."

Arcturus crossed his arms when the dragon pulled his snout away. "I haven't known a single thing that brought you down so far, Crimson Sky. We've escaped from the bowels of the Indomitous together. We've traveled through a fairy's world, almost got captured by gryphons, I heard you sing more beautifully than most minstrels in my city, and gods...we even slept together, so straighten your tongue and say what you have to say, because you can't honestly tell me that a few words are harder than what we've already lived through!"

The dragon smiled, closed his eyes, then opened his maw. "Veledar. That is my name. You can still call me dragon or whatever, but since we're alone, I figured you should know," he said slowly and carefully, although he said his name louder than the rest. No sense in the human having to ask him to repeat it again.

Arcturus went to speak, although he did not get two words in before he did a double take. "Whoa...that's...you've held on to such simple thing for so long. Your name. You told me your name!" he said loudly, his voice full of excitement.

"Correct, but I advise against blabbering it in the wrong ears." hissed Veledar as he picked his head up, but made sure to keep his eyes on the human's reaction. He had at least shown joy at learning his name, and that made Veledar feel warmer inside than he usually did.

"Well Vel-Velar-Veledar" Arcturus said, struggling but managing to say the name correctly, "I thank you sharing this gift with me. I will cherish it well." he stood up and then hugged Veledar's left fore-paw. "I'm also grateful for keeping me distracted. You're a good friend to have around."

Veledar playfully rolled his eyes, "Don't get all sappy on me, or Lyndis will think we are betrothed." he then pushed the human away with a smirk, "although you are welcome to sleep with me any time you wish."

Veledar gestured back towards the campfire with the half-elf neatly wrapped in her sleeping bag.

"We best get back before she notices our absence, although I suspect she may be a tad passed out to notice that." He turned tail and started walking back towards the camp. He coiled around himself, as usual, then draped a wing over the human that snuggled against his belly.

"This feels almost like a proper bed," he mumbled as he stroke along the warm membrane. "Good night...Veledar."

"I'm sure it will be." The dragon smiled.

Veledar awoke the next morning refreshed and rested. He stretched his spine and limbs as he usually did after a good night's sleep, yawned, then flew into the sky for a few minutes to breathe life into his wings, before diving back for the first meal of the day. He did this over the course of an hour, his typical time when there was no plan to attend. He returned with a flap of his wings, and his paws touched softly as a grown dragon could to the grassy field. He looked around to see Lyndis sitting on a blue cloth meditating in front of a crumpled piece of parchment with scratchings of elven runes upon them. He could hear her muttering under-breath incantations in elvish, no doubt she was preparing her spells for later use in the day like she typically did each morning. He was thankful that dragons did not have to waste time on such archaic methods of focusing magic, naturally being magical creatures themselves they could simply will up magic whenever it suit them. He felt pity for her thinking it sad that not everyone could hold the grasp of magic that dragons did. Although he had heard of sorcerers, bards, and warlocks being able to cast spells like he did.

Veledar strode around the camp twice, noting the absence of a certain human. Since Lyndis was busy preparing her spells he decided to follow the human's scent instead. He chuckled at the idea that he was now hunting the hunter. The scent was easy to follow down the verdant hill. Arcturus had his sword out, performing what looked like strikes against the air. His sword would occasionally look as though a strand of the sun would pass by, each strike swung with purpose.

"You know, the air makes a very poor opponent," Veledar chuckled as he strode over to the human.

"Well it certainly doesn't talk back the way you do." Arcturus replied with a grin, "it's a practice technique, figured I would keep my body in shape while Lyndis was preparing spells and you were off doing whatever dragons do."

Veledar noticed that as Arcturus was striking the air he would follow a pattern that would repeat every ten strikes. Each one would be a different side or height in relation to his body.

Arcturus must have sensed his growing curiosity since he began to explain it. Had he become able to predict all his thoughts now? He thought last night had been an isolated incident, perhaps it was his eyes, or his snout, or possibly the way he was currently holding his head to the side with an eyebrow raised.

"You see," Arcturus slowed down his swings. "Each movement represents the flow of energy from my mind to my hand, which then follows up along my blade. Each step is to help focus my body and mind so that they act as one for the day ahead. Usually while doing this I would recite my oaths, to remind myself of what is expected of me, and where my loyalties truly lie."

This form of combat meditation had intrigued Veledar. It was at least a tad more interesting than watching the elf ponder in silence, and he was always up for learning something new.

"May I join you?"

The human nodded his head.

Veledar took a spot next to Arcturus, still watching the human. He knew Arcturus to be redeemable over his other dragon slayer kin, but this reminded him of his mother's self reflection each day, and the scale she held as to remind herself of who she was.

"Sure, although I don't know how this will relate to you Veledar, since you have no sword to swing around."

"Who needs such pitiful craft? I have teeth, a tail, and claws!" he held them each up as he mentioned them to Arcturus, "Far greater than one mere sword." Arcturus took a moment before replying with a, "So you do" he chuckled. "Very well start here with your head held high."

Veledar followed his directions, and held his head high so he could still see Arcturus' movements.

"I suppose then shift to the right and lash out with your left claw." Arcturus mimed the action with his sword instead of claws. Veledar mimicked him with a savage slash in the air.

"Very good! Now shift to the left and use your right claw!"

Once again Veledar followed the paladin's instructions. He felt sort of silly as he slashed the air again, but he felt a cool sensation go down his spine.

"Now close your eyes and breathe deeply through your snout, than exhale through your mouth. Do it slowly."

Veledar did as he was told, closing his eyes carefully and letting a big breath of air fill his lungs. He let it hang in there for a moment feeling his chest grow warm. He exhaled, letting a thin stream of fire escape his scaled lips. He opened his eyes shocked, he did not mean to do that.

"Sorry, force of habit." He looked to Arcturus imagining the paladin would be wearing a face of irritation. Instead however he was amused. Satisfied, Veledar repeated his actions and closed his eyes. He went to breath in but felt the ground rumble beneath him. It started out as small tremor, something Veledar was sure only he could feel beneath his paws. He looked around through a cracked eye for the source of the tremor, but he did not say anything. He didn't want Arcturus to panic if it was simply nothing. Although he did admit it might be amusing to see the human run around.

There! He spotted among the grass what looked like a shark fin. Veledar had never been to the ocean to see such creatures but he had read about them before, although it would be a bit strange for a shark to swim through the dirt. He pounced on Arcturus and rolled with him, tightly pressing the human's body against his as he saw the form of a large beast leap from the earth as if it were water. It stood on four legs and was roughly the size of a horse. It had large sharp claws and a fat head very much like a whale. Where its mouth parted there were rows upon rows of very sharp teeth. It was of course earth-brown and eyed them with large black reptilian eyes filled with murderous intent.

"What did you do that for?" Arcturus asked, raising an eyebrow. He stopped and dropped into a combat stance as pulled his sword and shield out as he spotted the creature. "Wh-what is that thing?" he stuttered as Veledar spread his wings and hissed. If the creature cared it did not show any concern in the slightest, advancing slowly towards them.

"That's a bulette," Veledar replied, watching the creature. "Some call it the land shark, often travels in packs to hunt their prey." Veledar stopped as his eyes widened. That's why it was being patient! It was hunting them as a second one that was moving into position! Veledar went to turn and take off with Arcturus but it was too late. From the ground burst two more of the creatures. Veledar easily spun out of the way and sliced into the creature's leathery hide with a claw. Arcturus though had not been so lucky as the one of the creatures barreled into him, holding him pinned to the ground underneath its bulk. The paladin currently struggled against the creature's weight, and despite his sword cutting into it's leg the beast did not release him.

Veleder gave out a loud roar, causing the buelette on Arcturus to raise its head and take notice of him.

Distracted, the beast became easy prey for Veledar, who crashed into the bulette and ripped it from Arcturus as he sunk his teeth deep into its hide. It tasted like dirt and he gagged slightly, but nevertheless sliced into the bulette's soft underbelly as he wrestled with the creature. It squirmed, kicked, and clawed against his crimson scales to no avail. Veledar continued his attack with pride that his beautiful scales were holding the bulette at bay.

He heard Arcturus shout out his own battle cry. The human had stabbed his sword through a buelette's head, causing the creature to collapse dead on the ground. However even in death it managed to pull the sword from Arcturus' hands to stick out of the body.

Veledar's attention was pulled back to the one he was fighting as its jaws found home around his neck. The dragon grabbed onto it with both forepaws, and with a rippling crack it ripped it open. The beast let go of the him with a roar of pain. Veledar managed to throw the creature ten feet away and stood back up to all fours. He watched the buelette eye him, as dirt was fell off both of their bodies. Veledar could feel the bite the creature had left on him, it wasn't deep by dragon standards but it still hurt slightly. Veledar smirked as the creature breathed in deep, obviously exhausted. Veledar admired its determination as it went to dive underground for an attack, but Veledar was faster. In a flash the bulette was cut, bit, then roasted alive in a bath of blazing flames. He let the creature's charred remains fall from his grasp.

He felt a tad bit of regret for eating early, even though its hide did not taste well, its meat certainly did. Maybe he could convince the paladin to slice off a piece and preserve it.

The Paladin!

He turned quickly to find Arcturus beneath another one of the beasts with its jaws practically over his head. Arcturus was shoving the creature with his hands, trying to lift the bulk of the beast off of him. However, as Veledar neared the two it was clear the creature was dead from two rapiers sticking out of its back. Lyndis popped up from the other side, her face all red.

"So heavy! What did these things focking things EAT?" Lyndis shouted through grunts.

"Probably a ton of rocks!" gasped Arcturus before sighing in defeat "Vele-Crimson Sky, could you perhaps lend me your strength?"

Veledar was pleased to see that the human had remembered to not give his name away to Lyndis. He smirked as he placed two paws on the corpse. With a great shove, a grunt, and thanks from his companions Veledar pushed the creature off of Arcturus. He was actually surprised they had held their own without him.

"So now that you two are done nearly getting killed by what is clearly bulette territory." Lyndis said, pointing towards a patch of dirt out in the field that looked upturned, most likely from the previous beasts. "We should be off to Entis."

Veledar agreed. He decided to watch as his two companions picked up their things. When they were ready, they mounted their horses and Veledar shot into the air like an arrow. "I feel sorry for you two, having to tolerate such smelly creatures!" he shouted down at them.

"Well it is a nice change of pace from you're your scaly arse!" Lyndis shouted back, making Veledar pout. That had been an excellent comeback, although he would NEVER tell her that.

"I shall name Arcturus' beast Smelly, and yours bears the fit name of Stinky!" he replied loudly, watching the two laugh on their newly named horses. The two seemed to be petting the horses, as if to comfort them on their new names.

Veledar flew higher with each wing beat until his companions looked like tiny ants below him. He flew into a cloud letting the vapors condense on his snout before passing through with his next flap of wings. He looked down far to the edge of his vision past the rolling hills and small mountains, past the small forests that were sprinkled around the land. He saw a village, for that is all what those tiny specks could be. He thought about flying ahead, greeting his mother far before his companions could get there. He imagined his mother nuzzling him as she always did, grateful that he had stopped by. He decided against it as he swooped down around to circle the two horse riders. No. It was better to stick together. Especially if he had to protect them from more monsters. He soared over their heads as they gave a quick wave to the cheerful dragon.

Veledar kept himself busy as they two below made their way, as fast as Stink and Smelly could carry them. Across the winding paths it took them days compared to what Veledar could fly in a fraction of the time. However even though the complaints he spat during every break he had to concede his points, although he would never tell them that of course. He would offer a snarky response and fly off once more into his domain. Every night he would watch them as if he were a mother watching over her hatchlings. He would keep the fire going and position himself to block the cold night wind. He made a mental note to remind them how much he sacrificed for them. That would surely have to add up a suitable reward to bill them. He chuckled every night as the bill kept rising and rising in his head.

When he was not doing any of those previous things he would watch the stars with only the sound of the crackling fire to keep him company. On the tenth night of their journey Veledar was once again stargazing, watching what dragons called Bahamut's tears. It would streak across the night sky in a brief blaze of light.

"I've watched you the past few nights. What are you searching for up there?" came the voice of Arcturus as the human walked over to him. It did not startle Veledar, but it did surprise him. He pointed a claw towards another Bahamut's tear.

"I always loved looking into the stars and seeing the souls of dragons shine down on us. I especially like the Bahamut's tears that go across the sky." he said slowly.

"You mean a shooting star. Some of the wizards say the stars up there are really small portals to the realm of fire." the human said, sitting down beside him.

Veledar simply snorted at that idea. "That is a really mundane theory, I like mine better."

"I suppose yours is perfectly crafted for your views." Arcturus said before pausing for several seconds. "Why do you call them Bahamut's tears? Must be an important figure to name stars after."

Veledar nearly smiled so large that it dominated his snout. He LOVED telling that story. However he did manage to control his excitement so he only showed a small smile. He got closer to Arcturus and curled his tail around him. The human looked to him with big eyes. They were so inviting, curious, he could not resist.

"Long ago there was a great dragon called Bahamat. She would travel across the realms, bringing life to the dragons of old. She was one of the first dragons, who taught those to come after her that life was important, specifically, how much it should be cherished. It is said she left this plane when her children took to enslaving other races and destroying the life she held dear." said Veledar as he hung his head for dramatic effect. He rose his head slowly and spoke with a quiet voice, "It was in those days of strife when she changed from a life giver, teacher, to a creature of justice, good, and protection. Those tears in the sky represent her sorrow of having to help slay the lives of her misguided children and the state of dragons today."

He watched the human sit in silence, contemplating the story. "I've never heard of her before today, I guess we humans know next to nothing of ancient dragons," he said with a shrug. Then his eyes lit up at having realized something, "Veledar, what was the color of her scales?"

That was a good question, not surprising of course. It was good to have the right image in his mind after all. "Her scales were a great silver in color, and her eyes were like liquid mercury. It is said she waits in the great beyond to help dragons reach their place in the heavens."

"My son mentioned a silver dragon before he died, despite of us never having heard of her." Arcturus said again after a moment of silence. His voice was once again filled with the pain of that memory.

"That is most strange that she would appear to him." Veledar replied, cocking his head to the side as he usually did. He had never known the goddess to appear to anyone. If he had to guess if she did, it would be a dragon not a human. They sat watching the stars for quite some time before Veledar interrupted the silence. "There is a town called Drakenburg close to here that I have heard of. I am going to visit there." He turned to Arcturus, "I am not asking."

"I could tell." Arcturus coughed, "You could have asked you know, it's not like we would have said no to you. Why do you want to visit there anyway? You typically know next to nothing of my nation or its people."

Veledar thought back to the day his mother left, never to return. She had simply asked them to be strong and she was going to fulfill a promise she had made to that Drakenburg. Veledar frowned remembering the reason for that promise...his brother.

"My mother resides there. She made a deal with the people of that town."

"Veledar, I have been across all of our villages and towns in Lumara. That town may have the symbol of a dragon stitched onto every building but we have never seen a dragon around those parts." Arcturus said, his eyes filled with pity.

"Well she was always good with magic, perhaps she simply did not want to be found by your people." Veleder shot back with a grin.

"Perhaps...." Arcturus replied, putting a hand to his chin. "I will tell Lyndis of your plan in the morning then. You're going to soon have a touching reunion with your mother."

"Indeed," Veledar said, scratching his head with a wingtip talon. "You should get some rest before the sun rises. We need you in fresh shape to ride Smelly."

Arcturus nodded and returned to his bedroll, leaving Veledar alone once more. Veledar sighed, Arcturus and Lyndis were better company than he gave them credit for. Maybe when this was all said and done he could convince them to visit him every once and awhile.

As the dragon settled to sleep, he closed his eyes for a second, imagining the tales they would tell him on such exciting occasions.