FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Sulvius relaxed in his room, listening to music, when there was a knock at the door. He sighed and walked over to answer to find Ryan looking up at him from the doorway. "Ryan, what a pleasant surprise," he said, smiling at the young dragon. "Do come in."

"Thank you, Sulvius," Ryan said as he walked past in his bipedal form, tail gently lashing the air as he walked. He sat down on the couch and Sulvius pulled up a chair.

"So what can I help you with, Ryan?"

The dragon cocked his head. "How do you know that this is not just a social visit?"

"Because your tail is twitching and you can't stop rustling your wings," Sulvius said, laughing softly. "I am a counselor, remember?"

Ryan grinned. "I suppose that you are right." He paused. "Do you think that I should continue to write on my story?"

"I think that would be a wonderful idea, Ryan. It was coming along nicely before we were so rudely interrupted."

"Thank you," Ryan said, ducking his head slightly. He sighed. "You are right; I did wish to talk to you."

"I'm always available for you Ryan, be it as your counselor, your friend, or one of your subjects so to speak. Whatever role you need me in, you merely need ask," he said gently.

Ryan looked a little unsettled for a moment and then smiled. "Cladden said that he wished to introduce me to a dragon named Irian."

"Irian," Sulvius mused. "That may not be a bad idea. He's forward thinking and holds no real prejudice against humans." Sulvius snorted. "I suppose he was going to try to invite him without me knowing."

"I was not supposed to speak of it?"

"Oh, I doubt that so much as Cladden enjoys trying to surprise me for some reason. Probably something obscure that only his breed would understand."

"Oh," Ryan said, looking a bit puzzled. "He is a good dragon then?"

"Oh yes, quite. He will support you with no questions asked."

"So I have nothing to fear."

Sulvius smiled. "No Ryan, not from Irian."

Ryan breathed a sigh of relief. "I am so very glad to hear you say that. I did not think that Cladden would put me before anyone who would not like me so very much. He did say that he does not think that Tanner should be there at the first meeting at least," Ryan added, looking at Sulvius for his reaction.

"That's probably for the best, Ryan."

Ryan rumbled in his chest. "I do not like it."

Sulvius shook his head. "I know, Ryan, but you need to understand that dragons can be sensitive to human interference or involvement in their politics and affairs. It is quite nearly an instinct. Perhaps after you are introduced and Irian gets to know you, you can introduce him to Tanner."

"If they do not wish to meet Tanner or have him or my parents around then they can find another prince," Ryan said flatly.

"It won't come to that my friend," Sulvius soothed, a little surprised a the steel in Ryan's voice.

"I hope that you are right," Ryan said and stood. "I must go talk to Pax; he is supposed to drill me on what I am to say and do and not do."

Sulvius laughed. "He would know, yes, and it will probably be every bit as bad as you are thinking."

Ryan snorted. "Are you not supposed to reassure me?"

"Why lie?"

Ryan groaned and shook his head and walked out the door to Sulvius' amusement.

"I am still not so very certain that I wish to meet this person," Ryan said, tail twitching in nervousness, wings rustling. Pax was perched on his shoulder and crooned softly, butting his head against Ryan's cheek. "You will be fine, my prince," he assured him.

"As you say," Ryan said and started to pace some more.

"Just relax, Ryan. Irian has no idea who you are, only that Cladden wanted him to meet you. Surprise is on our side as far as this goes. Otherwise, Irian should be very respectful, once he overcomes his shock that is."

"Lovely," Ryan said sarcastically. "I will get bowed and scraped to!"

"Hush," Pax said absently as he looked Ryan over again, making sure his hide was still oiled and presentable.

Ryan sighed an submitted to the inspection, the eight one that hour or so it seemed to him. Pax had drilled him on etiquette, how to move, how to speak and stand and so on. Ryan felt the whole thing was rather foolish but Pax was very stern about the whole thing and, despite Pax's size, Ryan didn't really want to cross the stately little dragon.

Even his parents and Tanner told him he needed to learn his manners. When, he wondered, did all these people switch sides? At least he didn't have to wear anything fancy!

He pointed that out to Pax and the tiny dragon cocked his head. "Only because we do not have the tabard and collar that the prince would normally wear."

"But dragons are supposed to be naked!"

Pax snorted. "No, we only do not wear clothing most of the time. Dragons are not in fact naked as I believe you have learned; it is a normal state for us, aside from the loincloth in bipedal form, mostly for the benefit of human sensibility."

Ryan mumbled something under his breath and Pax cocked his head. "Yes?"

"Nothing."

"I thought not," Pax said gravely and Ryan sighed, pacing once more.

The door to the room where they would meet Irian opened and a young dragon stepped out, not much older than Ryan. They met eyes for a moment and the "here the adults go again" look passed between them. Ryan suddenly felt much better about the whole thing.

"My prince, they are ready for you," he said formally.

Ryan nodded and managed to avoid rolling his eyes as he followed after the dragon down the hall to another room. The room was decorated in warm earth tones, fine wood panels gracing the walls with paintings of various nature scenes placed in aesthetically pleasing locations. The ceiling was covered with old fashioned tin tiles and a fireplace burned merrily in a stone fireplace that stood along one wall. A priceless Persian carpet lay on the floor.

All in all, Ryan felt like a fish out of water.

The young dragon led them over to an overstuffed couch that sat in front of an ornate parquet table. There were two chairs on the other side of it, Cladden sat in one and another dragon he presumed to be Irian sat in the other.

Irian was rd and gold colored and Ryan started, knowing that his fathers colors were also red and gold. This dragon was clearly not him, however, having more pronounced eye ridges and a more blunted nose. Small frills lay back on his cheeks and a small ridge ran down his back. His eyes looked nearly feral. He was extremely well muscled, nearly hawkish in appearance, looking fierce even though he was sitting easily in his chair. The alar claws on his wings were much larger and shaper looking than Ryan's.

Ryan paused for a moment. Thought not as large as Kheros, he was more than big and fierce looking enough to give Ryan pause.

"He will not harm you," Pax whispered in his ear. "Take your seat."

Ryan was very grateful to have Pax there. It had been agreed that Pax would stay with Ryan as sort of a protocol adviser. The prince was traditionally allowed advisors with him when meeting with other dragons so it would draw no undue attention. Ryan walked over to the presented chair and bowed slightly from the waist as he had been taught, and settled himself. Irian nodded to him, looking at him curiously. Ryan looked to Cladden, wondering if he should introduce himself first.

Cladden resolved the issue. "Irian, this is the dragon I wished for you to meet."

"I am most honored," Irian said in a surprisingly mellow voice that belied his appearance. "My name is Irian; I am on the council."

"My name is Ryan," Ryan said, glancing nervously over at Cladden.

Irian nodded again. "A pleasure to meet you. How may I be of service?"

"Well," Ryan said, looking to Cladden for help. Pax nudge him. "Just tell him that you are pleased to meet him as well and have various matters you would like to discuss. He will lead you on."

Ryan dutifully repeated the message and Irian nodded. "By all means, I am at your disposal. How as your day faired?"

Ryan expected the pleasantries. "I have been well."

"My mate and hatchlings have prospered and my interests are profitable. I hope that it is the same with you," Irian said and then paused with a smile. "Though you seem a little young, in my estimation, for a mate."

Ryan looked startled but quickly gained his composure under Pax's jabbing. "As you say. My interests are in a state of disarray at the moment and that is the reason I wished to discuss matters with you."

"Smooth business is a benefit to all," Irian said and watched Ryan for a moment. "If I am not too forward perhaps we can skip the formalities, Cladden? It is clear the boy is not fully comfortable with them and that Pax is coaching him on."

Cladden sighed. "He should get used to them, but yes, for now we can drop them."

Irian nodded and leaned forward, wings relaxing. "So, how may I help you, Ryan?"

Ryan, now utterly off the program, looked to Cladden for help. "Just tell him, Ryan."

Ryan took a deep breath. "Irian, my name is Ryan, as I said. What I did not say is that I am the lost prince."

Irian blinked and then looked at Cladden who nodded. He shook his head. "Forgive my skepticism, but I should like to see more proof of your claim."

Pax snorted. "Look at his colors and his breed."

"His colors are what was claimed for the prince, that is true. His breed, however, look similar to others. Again, forgive my suspicious mind, but I require more proof. This is not a light matter to be accepted so easily."

Pax rumbled. "And what proof would you have? There is no record of his hatching and he was raised by humans."

Irian sat back. "Humans. How very interesting. Cladden, I have always trusted you before and found you to be a trustworthy dragon, but I cannot help but wonder what you are on about. This is an interesting tail, doubtless, but has it ay basis in truth?"

Ryan grumbled. "Why would I lie? It is not as if I asked for all this attention."

"Forgive me, young one, that could be, but it could also be that you were coached to say that."

Ryan growled. "You are doubting me."

Irian snorted. "Yes, rather. Not that I wish to, it is just times being what they are one has to be very careful. I am sure you are a wonderful young dragon and a joy to your parents, but you must needs understand that this sort of plot has been rumored."

"And you doubt me?" Cladden grumbled.

Irian held up a hand. "Peace my friend. For all I know you have been duped as well."

"That is quite enough!" Ryan said, standing. "I do not have to put up with this."

Ryan started to stalk out of the room and Irian sighed. "Well, if you are indeed the prince the vaunted wisdom and patience of your breed seems to have skipped a generation."

Ryan spun on him, locking eyes with the older dragon. Irian held his gaze. "Do not do that unless you are willing to challenge me, which I do not think you are."

"You would be quite surprised."

Irian snorted. "This has gone far enough. You may go."

"You do not dismiss me!" Ryan nearly roared and Pax flitted down from his shoulder.

"My prince, you need to calm down!"

"Get out of my way, Pax."

"Ryan, enough!" Pax said urgently. "If he does not wish to believe you then so be it! There are other council members out there we can talk to!"

"He has insulted me!"

"Ryan, I know that you are so very upset, but you need to let this drop!"

Irian snorted again. "It would seem, Cladden, that your so called prince is lacking in a few manners as well as self control."

Ryan snarled. "Do not say that again!"

Irian stood up and stretched easily. "Come here, 'prince', and learn your manners."

Cladden started to step between them when he heard a dragon cough. He looked over see Kheros standing in the corner mouthing "Let them."

Pax stepped out of the way. "Ryan..."

"He will learn not to say such things to me!" Ryan fumed.

Irian looked down at him. "Back down, boy."

"Make me!"

Irian sighed and scooped Ryan up into his arms. "As you wish, prince," he said and started to turn him over his knee when Ryan let loose with a loud trill directly in his face. Irian yelped and dropped him, Ryan gliding smoothly to the ground. He trilled once more and Irian looked at him, eyes wide.

"Now do you believe me?" Ryan said a little coldly.

Irian stared. "You are the prince! Where? How?"

"We will explain everything as soon as Ryan is done explaining this little stunt!" Cladden said, glaring at Ryan.

Ryan ducked his head. "I thought he would ignore me because of my age and inexperience. I wanted to make sure that he understood that I would not be forced into anything and that I was the prince. I figured trilling was the best way as only I can trill."

Cladden sighed. "You..."

"A very good plan, Cladden, if a bit startling," Irian said. "Though I would hope you would not bully others this way."

Ryan shook his head. "No sir, I would never."

"Good," Irian said approvingly. "So tell me where you have been hiding and--" he broke off suddenly and looked at Ryan for a long moment. "My prince," he said very softly and knelt before him.

~~~~

Irian listened quietly to Ryan's tale, nodding at the end. "Your parents were very wise to have hidden you."

"Did you know them?" Ryan asked.

"No my prince, I did not, at least not directly. I knew of them of course, had seen them a time or two, but I did not know them personally."

"Oh," Ryan said, looking at Cladden, wondering what to do next.

"Do you think it wise to place him before the council?" Cladden asked Irian.

Irian shook his head. "No, not yet. No offense my prince, but you know very little about dragonkind and politics. It would be much better if you grew to learn more about them and more about yourself before we do anything."

"I agree, but do we have time?" Cladden asked cautiously.

"Time or not, putting him in front of the council would be worse for both us and him in the long run I think," he considered Ryan. "What do you think, my prince?"

"I will do whatever is asked of me. If you need me to stand before the dragons to hold the council together, then so be it."

"Very willing to serve," Irian said approvingly.

Ryan shrugged. "It will do no one any good, least of all me, to have the dragons falling apart right now. If the evil ones take over everyone will suffer both dragon and human."

"And wise too!" Irian said, thrumming. Ryan lowered his ears in embarrassment.

"So what do you recommend next?" Cladden asked.

"I would like to get to know Ryan and his family," Irian said. "Perhaps we can go on some outings, arrange a dinner and so on?"

Cladden looked at Ryan who nodded. "I think that I would like that--" he stopped. "But only if Tanner and my parents can come as well."

"Who is Tanner?"

"A friend of mine. He is human and has been a trusted dragon friend for a long time."

Cladden nodded. "I know of him and he knows some of my family back in England, as well as being sponsored by Norian."

"If you vouch for him then that is good enough for me so long as he does not try to inter fear."

"He's been around long enough to know better than to get involved with dragon only business."

Ryan sighed in relief. "When do we go?"

Irian looked at Cladden questioningly. "Dinner done here I think would be best?"

"Agreed. Does tonight work?"

"I will call my office and let them know I will be out. They won't like it but that's what I pay them for."

"Very good then. Tonight my prince?"

Ryan nodded. "Tonight."

"My prince, may I have a word with you?" Kheros said as Ryan walked out the door, the large dragon's tail swishing back and forth in nervousness.

Ryan tried not to look edgy. "Yes?"

"I...wish to apologize for overacting."

Ryan looked uncomfortable. "It is of no matter."

"It is. I should respect your family as I do you."

"You were only following your instincts."

"That is not an excuse. A dragon who has no control over his or her instincts is little better than an animal."

Ryan nodded uncomfortably, knowing all to well that he himself was not in control of his instincts nearly as often as he should be. "There is still no need to apologize. You only wished to protect me."

Kheros looked down. "I still do," he said softly. "If you would allow it, I would like to become your guardian."

Ryan looked startled. "But my parents are still alive!"

Kheros blinked. "Well, yes your human ones are at least. We hope that your dragon parents are as well. But what has that to do with me wishing to be your guardian?"

"A guardian acts as a parent for a child who has no parents or who's parents cannot take care of them."

"Oh! Nothing like that, my prince. A guardian in this case acts as a champion for the prince. I would defend you from all harm, arranged security, and so on. If someone challenged you I would stand in your stead. If you needed something done that was too dangerous or that you did not wish others to know about, I would do it for you."

Ryan looked troubled. "You would lay down your life for me?"

"Of course!" Kheros said, looking surprised at the question.

"Why? You barely know me!"

"You are the prince; what other reason would I need?" Kheros said, looking every bit as uncomfortable as Ryan did.

"I--," Ryan started and then shook his head, bewildered. Why did all these dragons that he barely knew wish to serve him or lay down their lives for him? Ryan's notion of self worth was hardly expansive enough to cover such a notion. And yet here Kheros was, eagerly wishing to defend him. In Ryan's estimation, having people serve him almost seemed degrading. To be served was to place himself above others and he hardly felt himself to be above anyone else, be they dragon or human.

Kheros sighed. "I seem to have upset you again."

Ryan shook his head. "No, no it is of no matter."

"It is. I have frightened you and now confused you. Perhaps I should fly away and keep my distance as I seem to only cause you grief."

"No!" Ryan said suddenly. "Please! Do not do this. I am only puzzled because..." He trailed off. "Because no one has ever acted this way towards me," he said quietly. "I am only trying to understand."

Kheros shrugged, a lift of his wings, looking uncomfortable. "You are the prince. What is there to understand?"

"He doesn't think like a dragon in this, Kheros," Sulvius said from behind Ryan, causing him to jump. "Sorry Ryan, didn't mean to startle you. Ryan was raised by humans and in the USA as well. The idea of serving or honoring royalty really doesn't occur to them; it's not a part of their mindset. If anything it's the opposite as the country was built on rebellion against such things," he said with a quiet laugh.

"Oh," Kheros said, still not quite understanding. "I just wish to protect him; it would be an honor to do so."

"I know that and I think Ryan is beginning to understand it as well."

"I think that I am," Ryan said slowly. "But why do you wish to do this? I understand that I am the prince, but would you offer this to another dragon?"

Kheros looked at Sulvius and Ryan caught the look that passed between them. "It would simply be an honor, Ryan. If more were to come of it, if we were to become friends, well, then I would be even more honored."

Ryan blinked. "I would think that you would have to be friends."

"No. Sometimes being a guardian requires you to do things that friends would not. Not all guardians become friends with their charges."

Ryan looked away, feeling a lump form in his throat. "I think that I would like that."

"Take your time my prince. It is not a choice that should be entered into lightly," Kheros said, smiling down at him. "Take your time."

"I will," Ryan promised and Kheros grinned hugely.

"Thank you so very much, my prince!" he said and walked off, head up, wings high, ears perked, looking happy with the world. Ryan watched him leave, still looking puzzled and Sulvius put a hand on his shoulder.

"You'll get used to it."

"I am not so very certain that I wish to."

Sulvius laughed. "You are so very wonderful. Did you know that?"

Ryan looked up at him apprehensively and Sulvius smiled. "You do not seek to be above yourself. You do not seek power and control. It's a wonderful trait, Ryan, if not taken too far."

Ryan shrugged, wishing they would get off the subject. "I guess. Perhaps we should see what my parents are doing?"

Sulvius nodded. "Of course," he said as they walked along. He rubbed Ryan's back a few times, reassuring the little dragon. They came to Ryan's room to find his parents laying on the couch, snoring softly. Ryan watched them both with a big grin on his face.

"Well, it would appear they are taking a nap," Sulvius said, grinning.

"It would appear so!" They both walked out of the room and Ryan looked up at Sulvius. "What shall we do?"

"Let sleeping humans lie," Sulvius said somberly and Ryan nearly burst out laughing.

"I would like to find Tanner and tell him about Irian and that he will be there."

"I didn't think they would get very far if they tired to leave him out."

Ryan shook his head. "No, I will not tolerate anyone trying to hurt him or keep him from me."

"I'm sure they will get used to the idea," Sulvius mused. "You really love him don't you?"

Ryan started at the word love. He look down. "Yes. Yes I do," he said quietly.

Sulvius considered him for a moment. "Very well; lets go find him then."

They located Tanner talking with Pax in one of the kitchens, the two of them seemingly arguing over some dish or another. "No, you cannot get the correct ingredients here in the colonies," Pax said.

"They've not been the colonies in quite some time, if you hadn't noticed, and I assure you that you can indeed get them."

Pax snorted. "Once a part of Britannia, always a part of Britannia," he said loftily.

"Don't tell them that!" Tanner said with a laugh.

"What are you two arguing over?" Ryan asked.

"Whether or not you can make a particular British dish here," Tanner said

"Why could you not?" Ryan wondered.

"Some ingredients can only be found in Britain, or so I maintain. Tanner here seems to think otherwise," Pax said, glaring at Tanner.

Tanner reached out and patted the tiny dragon on the head which earned him a sharp glare and a growl. "Despite a dragons all knowing reputation, I promise you that I can get the items here. I could have them tomorrow, if you like."

Pax's colors shifting slightly. "Very well, human, put your money where your mouth is and do it."

"Oh ho! The little dragon is in attack mode!" Tanner said with big eyes. "So what shall we wager, hmm?"

Pax grumbled. "When you loose, you will be required to fetch and carry for me for a full day while I rearrange my rooms."

"Hmm. Now that would be a huge task wouldn't it?" Tanner said, amused. "And what do I get when I win?"

Pax lashed his tail. "What do you want?"

"I think the same. You fetch and carry for me for a full day. That would be so cute wouldn't it? A tiny little dragon fetching--"

Tanner broke off, running out of the kitchen laughing, as Pax roared and launched himself after him. Ryan watched them go, eyes wide, and Sulvius shook his head, chuckling. Ryan looked at him worried. "They are not serious?"

"No, Ryan. Pax is just playing around and vice versa."

"You are certain?" he said as he heard Tanner yell.

Sulvius rubbed his shoulders. "Quite. They found out they knew several dragons in common and that Tanner knew members of Pax's family. Plus they are country men and dragons tend to have loyalties along those lines as well."

"Ungrateful little wretch!" They heard Tanner shout.

Ryan looked up at Sulvius who sighed. "Perhaps we should go break them up>'

"You said it," Ryan said as he hurried out the door.

Poundstone looked around the small apartment, puffing on his ever present cigarillo. The landlord stood beside him, looking disgruntled. "They just up and left, didn't say a damn thing, and left this mess behind. Now I have to have it cleared out and painted, loosing lord knows how much money in the mean time with no rent and legal fees and such."

"Hmm," Poundstone said. "Perhaps I can assist you there."

"How?" the man asked suspiciously.

"Well, I have access to moving vans and could, say, take all of this off your hands for what they owe in rent."

Greed flashed before the man's eyes. "Why?" he asked guardedly.

Poundstone shrugged. "Let's just say the family and certain things that would only be of value to me."

The man looked around as if wondering what those things could be and Poundstone laid a hand on his shoulder. "As I said, only of value to me," he said very quietly.

The landlord looked at him, suddenly frightened by Poundstone's bearing and tone. "Well, that would be more than fine. If you want to pay for all this junk then go for it. When will you have it gone?"

"By morning," Poundstone said as he lit another cigarillo.

"And the money?"

Poundstone gestured and a man following him pulled out a checkbook and wrote out a check for the full amount. The land lord took it, hands trembling. "How do I know this is good?"

Poundstone just looked at him and the man swallowed and nodded. "I'm sure it is, I'm sure it is. I'll just leave you to your work," he said hastily and quickly left.

"Very good," Poundstone said and gestured for the men to start packing up Ryan's apartment.

"Why didn't you just kill him?" Arlen asked.

"Unexplained bodies tend to upset people and complicate things needlessly."

"Yeah but what if he talks to the police?"

Poundstone shook his head. "He won't. No one like that is going to go to the police. He has more than a few skeletons in his own closet I assure you. He'll take the money and run. Besides, it's not legal what he just did."

"You usually know best."

"That's why I'm the boss," Poundstone said, puffing on his cigarillo. Smoke curled around his head as he watched the men box up the room.

He walked into Ryan's room and looked around. He specified that this room be done last and was off limits until he was done looking through it. He ran his finger along a bookshelf, following the spines of the books. Dragons. The boy certainly liked dragons. He snorted. That didn't make him one, despite what the looney old man thought.

Toys were piled up here and there, certainly not the neatest room Poundstone had ever seen. Robots, cars, dragons, fantasy figurines, everything you would expect from a fourteen year old. He looked over the walls; no posters of sports stars. So his Ryan was no athlete.

"Sir?" a man said, politely waiting outside the door to Ryan's room.

"Yes?"

"You said if we found any pictures of the family to bring them to you."

"Yes, very good," he said and took the photo album from the man and waved him away. He flipped through the pictures. There were several of Ryan's parents, which he filed away mentally, a few of Ryan together with his family. They seemed happy enough. As he went through the photos he noticed that there were no pictures of Ryan as a baby. He wondered at that. Perhaps there were other albums.

Or perhaps they took them with, not expecting to return. Interesting.

He looked through the rest of the album, noting that almost all the pictures were of Ryan and his family and most of those around the house. There were no pictures of anyone else Ryan's age, no friends, no outings, no vacations. A shut in perhaps?

He set the album aside and continued to explore the boy's room. He checked the dresser drawers, looking for any more clues about the boy (other than the utter impossibility that he was a dragon). Worn clothes, still serviceable, indicated that the family was not well to do. He was a slightly built lad if his clothes were any indication.

He lifted up the mattress to see if there were any magazines stashed away. Most fourteen year olds stashed away some sort of magazine, be they horror or porn. Nothing. Perhaps his Ryan was a little angel?

He resumed looking. As he did he got the feeling he was missing something, a feeling that had saved his life on more than one occasion. He rubbed the back of his neck, frowning. He doubted there were land mines or booby traps, but the feeling lingered. He decided to make another round of the bedroom. As he went through the drawers again eh pulled on for hem out. Taped to the back were more pictures and some newspaper clippings, a few cut outs from magazines. Poundstone smiled, puffing on his cigarillo. So they boy did have a few things stashed. Good lad.

The pictures were of his family and probably his grandparents, his father's side judging by the looks of them. He looked at the newspaper clips. Dragons, lizards, dinosaurs and the like. He snorted. If interest was any indication the boy certainly liked dragons, but Ryan a dragon? No. That was no possible. There were either magazine clippings of mountain scenes, dragons, and so on. One of them was a fairly nice painting of a dragon. He flipped it over and stared at the back. It said "Father?" written in the boys handwriting.

Poundstone stared at it for a long while and then put it away, wondering what it meant.

"Explain yourself," Norian said coldly.

The young dragon looked up at him, practically reeking of insolence. "Got nothin' to say to you gramps."

Norian's claw flashed out faster than the eye could follow, talons sheathed, knocking the young dragon across the room. He squawked in pain and rolled to his feet, hissing threateningly at Norian. "Do not bother, runt, you cannot take me now or ever. Now explain yourself."

"They offered big rocks to ask questions. They offer, we take, we ask. Hear?" the young dragon spat.

"If you do not stop using that horrid language I will shove your tail down your throat," Norian growled. The youngster puffed himself up and Norian lifted a claw, snarling, and the young dragon backed down.

"They asked us to ask the human some questions. They paid good money so we did it!"

"And you did not find out who they were?"

"No care! They offered big," he winced at the look on Norian's face. "They offered a lot of money. Besides it was just a few questions to some humans."

"So you sold your loyalty off for a few paltry pounds?"

He snorted. "Loyalty? To you?"

Norian growled and thrust his head down into the young dragon's face. "To dragonkind, runt! The human you were paid to ask questions of was Tanner Wilberforce; you may have heard of him. They were trying to get information about the missing prince and about the Conclave, hear?" Norian growled.

The young dragon took a few steps back. "What? We didn't know!"

"And you did not bother to find out!"

"Look Norian, we're just a stupid gang," the young dragon said in a rare moment of candor. "We just hang out and do stupid stuff, no major law breaking or anything like that." He looked down. "We didn't know."

"And your stupid little gang may have given up the prince to his enemies!" Norian shook his head in disgust. "Get to your rooms and stay there. I will come up with a suitable punishment later."

"Yes sir," the young dragon said dejectedly and walked out of the room head down, tail dragging.

Norian lowered his head to his forearms and sighed deeply. A dragoness of the same breed as him walked over and nuzzled him gently, and rubbed her cheek against his. Norian sighed again. "That young fool may have cost us more than we know. I almost regret fostering him."

"Oh hush, it is an honor to be thought of so highly. And besides, you know he did not mean any harm," she said.

"Result is the same."

She laughed. "And you never did anything foolish when you were a young male?"

He lifted his head and stared at her. "Hardly!"

"Buzzing German gun placements was not foolish?" she said, laughing, and rubbed her head against his again.

Norian growled. "I was angry that they were bombing London. It seemed the thing to do at the time," he grumbled. She lightly marked him and he thrummed. "At least I did not betray the Conclave and the Council."

She sighed. "I know, love. Still, he did not mean to."

Norian grunted. "Enough of this."

She smiled and rubbed her cheek against his again. "So what now?" He lifted his head and eyed her, grinning, and she laughed again. "Not until your wing is healed, lecher."

"That does not apply to other forms," he grunted.

She laughed. "Old lecher!", she accused.

"Yes! I will have you know that I was chased down by several young females the other day. It was all I could do to keep them away from me and my magnificence!"

"They were your grandchildren and nieces and they wanted their ball back."

He sighed. "Cannot even let me dream?" he said morosely.

"Only of me, dear one," she said and marked him again.

He shifted to his bipedal form and hugged her nose, then kissed her. "And what a dream; May I never awaken," he murmured.

She laughed softly and shifted to her bipedal form, kissing him soundly. He thrummed and started to rub her lower back suggestively. "You old fool. I have a better idea, how about lunch at the Kings Court?"

"Easy enough choice."

She smacked him on the arm. "And for that see if I let you touch me for a week!"

"You, my dear, cannot resist my charms."

"Old lecher!" she caused again, fondly.

"Come, let us go and eat, hear?"

"And you tell him not to use such language!"

"When I use a word it means just what I choose it to mean, neither more or less," he said pompously.

She laughed and leaned her head against his shoulder as they walked out of the door, arm in arm.

Ryan fidgeted nervously in his room, pulling at the unfamiliar tabard that crossed over his chest. His mother smacked his hand. "Don't pull at it."

"It feels so very odd!"

"Yes, but don't pull at it."

He sighed and started to pace. The dragons had made a tabard for him and indicated that he was the prince, along with a necklace with a large star sapphire in it, surround by diamonds. He looked at it again, watching it shine in the light with rapt fascination.

His mother and father also had new clothes, his father a smart looking gray and blue tuxedo and his mother an old fashioned evening dress, a deep blue with gray highlights. He had to admit that he really liked it when his parents wore his colors. They had also been given jewelry as well, his father a sapphire ring and his mother a small diamond ring and sapphire earrings.

"Are we ready?" Beth asked, fussing with Allen's tie again.

"Yeah, I guess," Allen muttered. "I feel like a peacock being put on display with all this junk on."

"You and me both!" Ryan said.

"Oh hush, you both look fine. Now don't muss your hair, Allen, and lets go. Ryan keep your tail up."

"Yes mother!"

They called for an escort to lead them to the dining room where the large formal dinner for Ryan was to be held. Irian had invited his mother, Isabelle, and several other guests to give Ryan a chance to learn how to interact with dragons. Other's from the safe house would be there as well, along with Ryan's friends and family.

All in all it made Ryan just a little nervous.

They arrived in the foyer to the formal dining room to find Sulvius standing there. He also had a tabard that he wore, along with a more formal looking loincloth that had jewels embroidered into it. Hanging from his ears were two earrings one made of turquoise and the other ruby. His hide was oiled to gleaming and he wore a necklace with various jewels as well as a ring with some sort of purplish gemstone. Silver bracelets adorned each of his arms.

"You look so very nice, Sulvius!" Ryan said.

"Why thank you, my prince."

Ryan cocked his head and grimaced. "Your ears are not pierced?" he asked, the thought of something being put through his ears making him queasy. It evidently had the same effect on Sulvius as he grimaced as well.

"Heavens no, my prince! A dragons ears are far to sensitive for something like that, at least most dragons are."

"The idea made me noxious."

"Me too! These ear rings are held on with magnets."

"It does seem so very right to wear jewels," Ryan remarked, looking himself over again.

"Exactly," Sulvius agreed, polishing one of his bracelets. He looked at Beth. "And you look very lovely, milady."

"Thank you," Beth said, blushing a little. "We've never had clothes so fine as these."

"And you won't find yourself lacking in the future," Sulvius assured her.

Allen looked a little surprised and then frowned. "I cannot be bought."

Sulvius sighed. "No one is trying to buy you, Allen. You are the parents of the prince, however, and that alone entitles you to support from the dragons, human or not. You'll find that the dragon will most likely wish to give you gifts and thanks out courtesy and gratitude, not out of any desire to buy your goodwill."

Allen shook his head. "This is just plain odd."

"Oh, I'm not going to complain!" Beth said, smiling.

"Finally going to life in a lifestyle to which you'd like to become accustomed?" Allen asked her, looking amused.

"Told you Ryan would make something of himself!"

Allen grinned at his son, who looked surprised. "You were right. Now he can support us in our old age."

"You are not so very old!" Ryan protested.

"Old enough, after having dealt with a rambunctious dragon for 14 years!"

Ryan snorted and his father patted him on the head. Sulvius laughed and Beth leaned down to Ryan and stage whispered. "Don't worry, I won't let him take all your money and it'll only cost you ten percent to protect it!"

"Mother!"

She laughed and ran her hand over his muzzle, causing him to sneeze mightily.

"If you're done abusing the prince's dignity, perhaps we should go inside?" Sulvius suggested.

"Please!" Ryan said, a little note of desperation creeping into his voice and they all laughed at him as Sulvius opened the doors.

The room was huge, as Ryan expected, even though there were going to be relatively few guests. Ryan briefly wondered if Kith was going to show up but wasn't sure of what he wanted the answer to be. He looked around the room, eyes bright with curiosity.

A huge oak table sat in the middle of the room with a large crystal chandler over it and several ornately carved, padded chairs sitting around it. Small plates were laid out, dragons decorating the edges, along with crystal classes leaded in Ryan's colors. The drapes in the room were grey and blue colored as well, along with the table cloth and other decorations. The floor was made of white marble, with a dark wood runner that went along the edges of the room.

"Well?" Sulvius asked the wide eyed little dragon with some amusement.

"It is so very wonderful!"

"We're glad you approve!"

"My colors because it is my dinner?"

Sulvius nodded. "Yes, and you're the prince. You'll find that your colors will be represented on any number of occasions."

Ryan sighed as they went to their seats, reminded of how the dragons would place him up on a pedestal whether they meant to or not. He wondered at what it would mean for his future. Ryan was seated at the head of the table with his parents on his left and Irian on his right with the other dragons. Tanner was to be seated some distance down and Ryan was not at all sure he liked the arrangement, but said nothing. Irian wanted to get to know him so it made sense that he would sit close to him, even if he would have preferred Tanner to be closer.

The chairs were clearly made for dragons in their bipedal forms: large spaces for their tails and divots for their wings to rest in. He noticed that one chair was much larger and strongly built and figured that it was for Kheros. It seems to Ryan that most of the bipedal dragons he had seen were around the same size, save for Kheros, Pax, and himself. He thought there would be more size differences between the breeds and asked Sulvius.

"True, to a point, though as you noted bipedal form is pretty average. If you'll look closely at the seats you'll notice they are set up to make everyone about the same height. Dragons have deeper seats than humans, and the smaller breeds have higher seats. We try not to be too obvious about it."

"Makes sense," Ryan said thoughtfully.

"Your princely wisdom is showing," Sulvius said admiringly and Ryan grumbled at him.

The doors opened and Tanner walked in, dressed in a blue and grey suit, wearing a sapphire ring, and sapphire cufflinks. His hair was combed back and he wore brightly polished wing tip shoes that nicely offset the grey color of his suit.

"Tanner!" Ryan chirped happily. Tanner walked over to him and sketched a short bow, thens at down. Ryan frowned. "I do not wish for you to bow to me, Tanner."

Tanner shrugged. "It's tradition, Ryan."

"Then I will change it!"

"Be careful with what you try to change, Ryan. Dragons can be very sensitive to having their traditions altered."

"I still do not wish for you of all people to bow!" Ryan said firmly.

"As you wish, Ryan," Tanner said, lifting a hand to forestall any further argument. Sulvius looked at Tanner curiously and at Ryan speculatively, then went back to his quiet conversation with one of the cooks.

Ryan looked around nervously as dinner drew closer and closer. He supposed it was somewhat gratifying to have everyone paying attention to him, but even still, he found it to be more nerve wracking than anything, despite Sulvius and his mothers assurances that he would get used to it. He sighed and figure that he had better; life as going to be very hard on him if he did not.

He glanced at his parents who were drinking water from their glasses and looking over the place settings, murmuring with appreciation at the design. Tanner was looking around with interest as well. He caught Ryan's eyes and smiled at the little dragon, who smiled back gratefully.

The doors opened and Pax walked in in his bipedal form as all the other dragons were. He walked along in a stately fashion, or as stately as a three foot high bipedal could walk at any rate. Like Sulvius, he wore various bits of jewelry. He wore wing caps with emeralds studded in them, as did his wrist cuffs. Hung around his neck was a black stone that Ryan thought to be onyx. He also wore a harness of sorts, decorated in elegant patterns, studded in semi precious stones. He carried a short cane of polished wood and spats adorned his feet. Ryan ducked his head, trying not to giggle. He wore spats! Pax was so cute.

The tiny dragon made hi ways to the table and bowed graceful, then climbed into his chair which had been made to put him at proper height. He smiled at everyone and Ryan grinned at him. "Pax!"

"Good evening, my prince," Pax said formally, his voice bearing the accent of the British gentry of the 1700's Ryan nodded to him and went back to looking around the room, wondering who else would be coming. He hoped not many.

Only a few more dragons that he didn't really know came in, each of them bowing to him before taking their seats. The doors opened once more and a very old dragoness of very regal bearing walked in. She was old nougat hat he colors had faded slightly and her neck has loose folds of skin. She moved along gracefully, even with a slight limp. Ryan stared at her, having never seen an old dragon before.

"Irian's mother," Sulvius told him quietly. "She is greatly respected, though not on the council. Her good opinion will mean a great deal."

Ryan nodded nervously and watched as she walked to he chair, plain wooden cane in hand, though she didn't seem to lean on it. She wore only a pearl around her neck that would have been the envy of every clam in the ocean. It complimented her pinkish coloring and Ryan thought she was probably a brighter red in her youth. She looked around, eyes still bright and undimmed by age, and Ryan fought the urge to duck when they fastened on him.

"My prince," she said, her voice a little raspy.

He nodded to her, uncertain of how to address her. "Milady," he said respectfully.

She laughed. "Oh, I do not know about that, young one. My name is Isabelle and you may call me as such."

"As you wish, Isabelle," he said politely.

"Usually," she agreed. Ryan looked over at Sulvius uncertainly and he just winked at him, a smile on his face.

Isabelle looked around the table, taking everyone in with one swoop of her gaze. Her eyes fixed on Tanner for a moment and he nodded politely to her. She cocked her head. "Another human, then?"

"Tanner Wilberforce, at your service," he said politely.

"And how is that rascal Norian?" she asked pleasantly.

"A rascal, as you say," Tanner said carefully. "He is doing well."

"Hmph. Tell him the next time you talk to him that I think he is a silly ass and wished that he would have done more than just bang his wing."

Tanner blinked in astonishment, wondering if she was serious, but she turned her attention to Ryan's parents, not giving him any other clues.

"And you would be the boy's parents," she said without preamble.

Allen nodded stiffly. "My name is Allen and this is my wife, Beth."

"Hmm," she sniffed. "Well, at least you got us to him safely."

"We tried our best," Beth said quietly.

"And we shall soon see just how good your best truly is."

Allen looked ready to snap and Tanner laid a hand on his shoulder. "Don't," he said very softly.

"She's rude!" Allen hissed.

"She's seeing what Ryan will do."

Allen looked over at his son who was looking at Isabelle with a flat, hostile stare. She looked at him, all grace and charm. "Is there a problem, my prince?"

"I would appreciate it if you would treat my parents with the exact same respect as you would me," Ryan said stiffly, trying to keep a grip on his temper. The urge to trill was incredible.

She cocker her head. "They are humans."

"And?" Ryan said, tail starting to lash.

A lift of her wings, a slight dip of her ears. "Humans. You do not seem to mind them?"

"They are my parents and Tanner is my friend. Humans such as they are fine in my eyes," Ryan said.

"And if they council thinks otherwise?"

"Then they can find a new prince!" Ryan snapped.

She held his gaze for a long while and his barely wavered in return. "Very good," she said softly. "You held your temper, mostly, and you did not trill. Your mother and father would have been very proud of you."

Ryan looked startled. "You did that on purpose!"

"Of course, young one. I am not so very foolish as to dislike all humans or even most of them for that matter. I simply wished to see how you would react."

Ryan tumbled for a moment. "You knew my parents?"

"Your mother in particular," Isabelle said, nodding. "We spent quite a bit of time together before they went into hiding. I miss her."

"So do I," Ryan said so softly they could barely hear, ears lowering, looking downwards.

"Easy, my prince. Your parents are very wise and very resourceful. I am sure they are alive somewhere just waiting for the right time to come home."

Ryan's ears lifted slowly. "Thank you."

"You are most welcome, young one."

Ryan looked to Tanner and his parents for approval and they both smiled and nodded to him. He felt relived, if a bit put out for her tricking him.

Finally Irian and Cladden arrived. Irian's wings and spars were dotted with rubies, topazes, and beryls, marking the lines of his colors. He practically glittered as he walked in. Around his neck was collar studded with the same stones and bearing a mark that Ryan did not recognize. His bearing was so regal that Ryan felt even smaller than he actually was. If this was what he was supposed to measure up to, he feared that he would never get close.

Cladden himself was more moderately arrayed, only wearing wing caps with some dark purple stones, probably amethysts Ryan figured. They both bowed to Ryan and took their seats and the chefs brought the first dish in straightaway. It was some sort of soup with heavy chunks of meat, smelling both fragrant and spicy. Ryan sniffed at it appreciatively and his parents looked at it uncertainly. Tanner leaned over to them. "It's not as spicy as it smells."

Allen gingerly sipped it and miles. "It's not. It's good, very good! Try it Beth!"

Beth took a bit and nodded, and they both started to eat. Ryan watched them for a moment and then took a sip of his. He instantly grabbed for the water, downing it with one gulp. "You said that it was not so very hot!" he gasped.

"Well, the human version isn't anyway!"

All of the dragons chuckled and Ryan glared at them. "We can bring you the human version if you wish, my prince," one of the chefs said.

"No!" Ryan said and dug in, determined to finish the soup.

To his credit, he did manage to get about half the bowl down before calling it quits. That singed his pride as well as his tongue. He wanted to prove that he was every bit as brave and strong as all the other dragons. It was, after all, a matter of draconic pride. The soup was taken and they brought out drinks, which if Ryan drank his down faster than the rest, no one commented. Ryan looked at his empty glass. "What was that?"

One of the chefs bowed. "Ginger Ale with a mix of fruit juice."

"It was so very good."

The next course was some sort of pasta dish, the smell of basil, oregano, rosemary, and garlic filling the air. Ryan looked at it coarsely as it was dolled out, not recognizing it. Multicolored noodles rested on a bed of meat sauce and cheese, garnished with large green flakes of some sort of spice. Ryan looked at Sulvius questioningly and the older dragon smiled. "Yes?"

"What sort of pasta is this?"

Sulvius looked at it for a moment then waved over one of the chefs. "The prince would like to know what this dish is called."

"Pasta and meat sauce," the chef said, nodding to Ryan.

Ryan blinked. "That is it?"

The chef smiled. "Sometimes, my prince, the best foods are the simple ones. We do make our own meat sauce, however."

The meat sauce was particularly good, being nicely seasoned, tangy but not overly so. Everyone finish and the plates were whisked away, but none were brought out to replace them. Ryan looked over at Sulvius, puzzled, and he nodded. "Usually there is a break here for conversation and use of the facilities. Speaking of which, I think I will avail myself to the little dragon's room."

Ryan snorted and noticed that several of the others were doing the same. Irian leaned over and addressed him for the first time that evening. "So, what do you think of the Diamondbacks, my prince?"

Ryan blinked. "Snakes are okay, I guess."

Irian laughed. "No, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the baseball team."

"Oh! I do not pay so very much attention to sports."

"Ah! No favorite team then?"

"I suppose I like the Dodgers and the Angels as I am from California. The Padres are okay as well; I root for them as they usually seem to be the underdogs."

"Good enough! What about football?"

Ryan shrugged. "It is more fun to watch than baseball I think; there is more going on on the field. I like the Rams, even if they moved, and the Chargers. I also like the Seahawks because no one else was rooting for them at school." Ryan snorted. "It annoyed everyone for some reason."

Irian laughed. "And the Raiders or 49ers?"

Ryan shook his head. "Eveyrone like the 49ers and I do not like the Raiders."

Ryan wondered if Irian liked them and he was some how insulting him. He had no idea how seriously dragons took sports. "Well, they tend to have this bad boy attitude, which I do not care for. It is as if they are happy to get fouls which seems so very foolish to me. If you cannot play the game right, why play?"

Irian nodded thoughtfully. "Very wise, my prince. What do you think of the food?"

"Oh, it is so very wonderful!"

Further conversation was stilled as the next course arrived. Huge baskets of bread, still literally steaming. Dark loves of rye, sourdough, french, pumpernickel, and other sorts of bread that Ryan didn't know the name for were bought out, along with bowls of oil and various sauces to dip them in.

Sulvius leaned over. "Dragons traditionally have bread at this point in the meal."

"Why?" Ryan asked interestedly.

"It is tradition."

"Yes, but where does it come from?"

Cladden laughed. "No one knows."

"Oh," Ryan said, one ear flicking in puzzlement. "So why follow it if no one knows why?"

"Tradition!"

Beth burst out laughing. "I feel like an extra in Fiddler on the Roof!"

Ryan eagerly took some of the small loves, trying out the various sauces and dips. The marinara was good, along with the olive oil and cracked pepper. A sweet and sour sauce surprised him; he did not associate bread with sweet and sour. He flipped his ears back and a dark, sweet sauce, uncertain if he liked the flavor.

"Molasses and rum," Sulvius told him.

"It is okay, I think," Ryan said, still not looking sure

Garlic butter, honey butter, onion butter (which he avoided next time, sage, rosemary, and countless other types of butter mixes graced Ryan's plate. He snorted in surprise and pleasure at the cinnamon and butter combination. "I do so like cinnamon," he said to his mother.

"I know Ryan. It is quite good isn't it?" she said and Ryan took another bite, thrumming in pleasure.

The baskets, finally empty, were taken away and glasses and bottles of wine were brought out. Beth smoothly intercepted Ryan's glass. "None for you!"

"Aw!" Ryan said, poking his mother, and grinning. "You are so not fun!"

"Tragic, isn't it?"

"I would not dream of interfering, but why is he not allowed wine?"

Allen looked at him as if he had lost his mind "He's only fourteen years old!"

"So?"

"You have to been twenty one to drink!"

"Oh! That is a human law. We do not usually follow it in the privacy of our own homes."

"Alcohol is not good for teens," Beth said disapprovingly.

Sulvius shook his head. "It has no ill effects on dragons, at least not in dragon form."

"Well I do not wish for him to become intoxicated," Beth said firmly, unconsciously mimicking draconic idiom.

Irian laughed. "No hope of that; dragons cannot get drunk."

Tanner looked startled. "What?"

"Dragons cannot become intoxicated in their dragon forms."

"But a friend of mine was quite drunk!" Tanner protested. "Slurred speech, flicking his tail around clumsily, nearly tripping over his own wings. He was a mess!"

Sulvius laughed. "My friend, were you in a drinking contest with him?"

"Yeah," Tanner said, blushing.

"You were had!" Kheros bellowed cheerfully, laughing. Everyone else joined him while Tanner blushed all the harder.

"Why that green skinned--" Tanner broke off. "I cannot believe that he did that to me!"

"Oh, I can," Irian said, smirking. "It is a common prank on dragon friends that know no better."

"Was it an Irish breed?"

"Yes. Perrin," Tanner said, looking disgusted and Cladden burst out laughing.

"Ah, Per! Chalk another one up for him!"

Tanner turned to Ryan. "And you're the prince of these con artists!"

Ryan straightened up. "As the prince, I cannot say that I approve or condone such behavior." All of the dragons looked an him questioningly and he smiled slyly. "However, as Ryan I find it to be horribly funny, so I will pretend that the prince side of me has no clue it is happening." Everyone rumbled their approval, startling the humans.

The next course was being brought out and Ryan wondered at just how many courses there was going to be. If many more, he had no idea how he would eat all of it as he was already beginning to feel a bit on the full side. Ryan chirped in delight as steaming platters of roast beef were brought out. He darted out his tongue, sniffing heavily. Irian lead over to him and nudged him. "It is considered impolite to use your tongue at the dinner table."

"Oh!" Ryan said, lowering his ears in embarrassment.

Irian patted him on the arm. "You did not know! Nothing to worry or be embarrassed about. That is one of the reasons we are doing this, so you can become familiar with draconic ways and etiquette."

"Thank you," Ryan said quietly.

The roast beef was carved and served to everyone as they looked on approvingly. Ryan took a bit and instantly decided that this was the best roast beef he had ever tasted. It tasted so good he almost didn't want to swallow. The rolls severe with it were wonderfully yeasty and had a faint garlic flavor. Green beans, corn, potatoes, and several other dishes rounded out the serving. There was no conversation only the sounds of forks and glasses clinking and appreciative murmurs.

They finally took the platters away leaving everyone to relax. "Another break," Sulvius said. "This time we adjourn to the other room for drinks, appetizers, and conversation."

"Appetizers? We just ate!"

"Such is the way of things," Sulvius said with a smile. "Consider it another tradition."

"Dragons are heavily influenced by their traditions," Beth remarked.

"Only when it suits us," Isabelle said as she walked over. "But never think that a dragon will not double back on tradition if it becomes too cumbersome or inconvenient. Several humans have found that out all too late."

"I won't," Beth said, looking at Allen nervously as they walked into the other room.

The room was decorated in much the same manner as the dining room, this time with only a small table against the back wall with wine, drinks, and appetizers. In one corner a group of musicians were playing quietly. A violin, cello, bass, viola, mandolin, and guitar were present, as well as a complicated looking set of bagpipes that Ryan did not recognize, the musician playing it softly and skillfully.

"Tanner, do you know what that instrument is?" Ryan asked, gesturing at the bagpipes.

"Uilleann pipes, or Irish bagpipes they are sometimes called."

"It sounds wonderful!"

"I rather like the sound of them myself, "Tanner said, carefully rubbing Ryan's wing joint. Ryan thrummed softly at the attention. "So are you enjoying yourself?"

"So far it has not been so very bad. The food is good and no one has really spoken to me much."

"You'll find that changes here."

"Oh?"

"Usually the head of the table is not spoke to until after the second intermission, or whatever the dragons want to call it."

"Wonderful," Ryan said sourly.

"You'll be just fine," Tanner told him, rubbing his wing joint again.

"You are not the one being grilled!"

They went to the table and Ryan picked up another glass of wine, deciding that he rather liked the taste. He looked over at his mother who smiled at him and he wondered if him drinking wine upset her. He walked over and hugged her carefully. He stretched and gently rubbed his muzzle on he shoulder.

"How are you doing my son?"

"So far, so good, mother."

"Good," she said, smiling at him.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked a little anxious.

"It's been fine, if a bit strange having so many dragons about. Watching a bunch of dragons eat is an interesting experience. If I hadn't been used to you, I would probably have tossed my proverbial cookies."

Ryan blushed a little. "Sorry, mother."

She rubbed his eye ridges fondly. "No need to be, Ryan. You are what you are; there is certainly no shame in that."

He hesitated. "Does it upset you that I am drinking wine?"

She shrugged. "A little, I guess. But that was based on the idea that it could hurt you or that you could get drunk. As it seems neither of those things can happen there really isn't any reason to disapprove of it."

"So it is more of a tradition?" Ryan said, grinning.

She laughed. "I suppose so! I guess when a dragon says that they drink wine or beer for the taste they are being serious."

He looked over at his father who was quietly talking to Cladden. "How is father?"

"He's doing fine, Ryan. It's stressful for him, but he's fine."

"I do not like it so very much when he becomes upset about dragon things."

She rubbed his eye ridges again. "It's going to take time for him to adjust, Ryan. Your father isn't foolish, just stubborn and set in his ways. Remember, we spent all this time worrying about other dragons coming to get you, keeping you way from dragons, and now we're suddenly surrounded by them. Not only that, but we find out that you're their prince! It's just a bit of a shock."

"Yes, are you are not even the one who is the prince," Ryan said ruefully.

"You'll be fine, my son."

"So they all say."

"So listen to them!"

"Yes mother!" he said, and cocked his head. "Did you ever run across any other dragons before now?"

"Only once, and we couldn't be totally sure that person was a dragon. Well, until our vacation when they suddenly seemed to be popping out of the wood work!"

He laughed. "It is a bit odd, is nit not? No dragons, then a lot of them!"

"There are probably more than we know about. Most dragons have the sense to keep hidden."

He looked around and sighed. "I suppose I had better circulate."

She laughed quietly. "Where did you get that notion?"

"Pax. He told me a little of what to expect."

"Good. He's rather cute isn't he?"

"Well, yes, but do not tell him that!"

"Credit me with some small sense!"

"Oh, if I must!" he said with a sigh.

"Oh you," she said, and kissed him on the forehead.

He made his way over to Pax show as currently getting a glass of wine. Pax looked up at him and bowed slightly, perking his ears. "My prince."

"You do not have to call me that, Pax."

"It is proper, at least for now and in public. When we are in public like this we should observe at least some formality."

Ryan sighed. "I do not suppose I can change that?"

"Probably not. It is at least partially instinctive."

"Ah well. I must get used to it then!" Ryan said with a stoic look of suffering on his face and the tiny dragon chuckled.

"So how are you faring?"

"So far I am doing well but the night is young! Tanner says that more will speak to me now that we are at this break."

Pax nodded. "Usually. The person at the head of the table is left to eat mostly in peace. This has the advantage of allowing you to listen in to other conversation and get a feel for the topics and things you may be asked about later. You will find that they still will not approach you but wait for you to come to them. Well, that is normally how it works. I this case we know that you are not so very familiar with protocol so they may come to you."

"I suppose that if I do not go to them I will seem cowardly."

"Wise. It will make you seem less timid."

Ryan looked down, ears drooping. "They think of me as such?"

Pax grasped his hand. "They would never say so, Ryan," he said gently. "And no one here would hold it against you. We know how you were raised and what happened to you."

Ryan rumbled warningly. "They had better not speak ill of my family."

"No one will, Ryan."

He looked down at Pax. "They had better not think ill of them either."

Pax shook his head. "You cannot control what someone else thinks, Ryan. You need to learn that. The sooner you do, the easier it will be on you. You have to allow people to think as they wish and if you wish to change the way they think, you need to demonstrate why they should and give them good reason to. You cannot just order it."

Ryan sighed. "You are right."

Pax actually crooned to him. "You will be fine, my prince."

"Thank you so very much, Pax."

"You are always most welcome, Ryan. Would you like me to accompany you?"

"Would that not be considered weakness?"

"Not at all. The prince is expected to have and advisor or two with him."

"I would be so very grateful," Ryan said, feeling relieved.

"You are welcome again, Ryan. I will not even consider it to be an official appointment, if you are even interested in such things."

"Appointment?" Ryan asked curiously.

'Yes. Some princes have a small staff or retinue that asset them in whatever it is they choose to do. Others do not. Some choose to do very little in the way of politics; it is very much up to you."

Ryan shook his head. "This is so very confusing."

"You will get used to it."

"I hope so!"

The two of them picked up their drinks (Pax said you looked more relaxed with a drink in your hand) and started to circulate the room. The first group they came across was his father and Cladden. Cladden bowed slightly and his father just nodded. "No bow for the prince?" Ryan asked him archly, tilting his head arrogantly.

"Only if it's to turn you over my knee to spank you for being presumptuous," Allen said, shaking his head and Ryan laughed.

Cladden laughed along with them and Ryan sighed. "No respect!"

"Consider it revenge for all those years of putting up with you."

Cladden chuckled. "So how fare you, my prince?"

"I am well," Ryan said.

"Glad to hear it. What news?"

Ryan looked confused and Pax spoke up. "Things are going well. Ryan is adjusting nicely and is enjoying his new company."

"Very good," Cladden said.

Ryan looked down at Pax and Pax smiled. "Just small talk, my prince. Usually you speak of current events, how you are doing, the office of the prince, and so on."

"Oh! Well, I know nothing of what is going on and I am well. As far as being the prince, I really have no clue as to what I am doing."

Cladden laughed. "And you are too modest or truthful to lie about it. You will have to overcome that to a degree. It is best to at least seem as if you know what is going on."

Ryan sighed. "I will never get used to this."

"Oh you will," Cladden assured him. "And if nothing else, Pax can help guide you. He has served me well on more than one occasion on how to act, gather information, or how to best deal with certain situations. He is quite good at it."

Pax bowed mockingly. "Why thank you, Cladden. And here I thought that I was little more than a humble clerk, unworthy of such pretensions."

Cladden snorted and turned back to Ryan. "So, all protocol and verbal fencing aside, Ryan, how are you doing?"

Ryan shrugged. "I am not so very comfortable with all of this, but I think that I am doing reasonably well. I just wish that things were more straight forward," he said and sighed. "Actually, I wish that I was just a normal dragon and not the prince at all, then maybe people would not be out to hurt me."

Cladden sighed. "Well, I cannot say that I do not wish that you were our prince, I can say that I do wish that no one wished to hurt you or your family. It is hard being born into such an honor to say nothing of you not being at all ready for it. I assure you that most dragons will respect you and your family; you have nothing to fear from most dragons."

"Fear is one thing. It is more that people expect me to do great and wonderful things and I truly have no idea how to act or what to do about them."

"They will adjust, my prince."

"I hope so," Ryan said a little sadly.

"If they don't, we'll figure outs something to do about it. I'm not going to have anyone badgering my son," Allen said. Ryan looked at him in gratitude and Allen smiled.

"As you say," Cladden said, but clearly did not like the idea.

"Come along, Ryan; we have others to meet," Pax said and led him away.

Pax approached Isabelle which made Ryan not just a little nervous. It was not just because she was old and female, but because she seemed to know more about himself than he did. She radiated such an aura of sheer dominance that it was very hard to not duck his head to her. She looked at him appeasingly and it took all he could not to shy away as if he had done something wrong.

"And there is the young prince and his little guardian," she said expansively.

"I am hardly his guardian," Pax said, bristling a little. "I am merely here to advise him on protocol."

She snorted. "And make sure that no one takes advantage of him, no doubt."

Pax rumbled. "No one would do that here."

She sighed. "Pax, you're a dear, but if you think that then perhaps you are a bit naive."

Pax shook his head. "Perhaps, but I do not think any in this company would do such a thing and Ryan is not as uncertain as you seem to think him."

"Perhaps not here and perhaps he is not, but either way," she said and looked at Ryan who was watching the who verbal byplay like someone watching a tennis match. She smiled. "So, Ryan, what should we speak about first? Politics? The weather?"

Ryan straightened. "Politics I know little of, save for some human ones. As for the weather, it is right outside and I am certain that you can go and find it for yourself."

She laughed. "Not tactful, but refreshingly bold. So, my prince, just what do you intend to do?"

"About what?"

"Stop trying to fence with me, boy. You are not in my class," she said sweetly. "I am not your enemy."

"I would scarcely think you would announce it if you were," Ryan said, "but as you wish."

Pax looked at Ryan with newfound respect. "Very nice," he murmured.

"So. So you have been pushed into this and do not know what to do," Isabelle mused. "I believe that about sums it up?"

Ryan snorted. "In a nutshell, yes."

"Good," she approved. "You are not claiming knowledge that you do not have. If you had said that you knew what you were doing, it would have meant that you were unable or unwilling to ask for help, neither being a good sign for anyone in power."

"I thought the prince was a figurehead?"

"You will find that sometimes figureheads have far more power than the people actually wielding it. "Public opinion can be swayed, though dragons are not so fickle as humans."

Ryan sighed. "It seems as if I am the figurehead even if I do not wish to be. I suppose that if I ran away from it all that they would simply come find me or see it as a sigh of weakness and the council would shift. If I do nothing, they will see that as a sign of some sort, looking to me even if I say nothing. No matter what my position truly is, I am effectively trapped."

"Astute," Isabelle said. "So what do you do about it?"

"Figure out the score and make the correct move," Ryan said, meeting her gaze.

Isabelle watched him for a moment. "Very good, my prince. It is too early in the game to be overly concerned with which side is which, but you are doing well in thinking that way. I believe that you have the potential to be a good leader and that of yourself, not just your breeding, which is considerable. I would be honored to help you decide your position and support you if I agree."

Ryan laughed. "So in short you are going to tell me what to say and agree with me when I say it."

She laughed in return. "Not quite. I will show you the options and give you my opinion, which of course any wise dragon would follow, and let you choose for yourself. Anyone who can manipulate their way into power will discover all to quickly that they can be manipulated right back out, it is far too temporal."

Ryan nodded. "Thank you, Isabelle."

She actually bowed to him, causing him to step back, startled. "You are welcome, my young prince."

As they walked away, Pax shifted to his small form and flitted up to Ryan's shoulder. "Very, very well done, my prince. You stood up to her and backed down when you should have and managed to secure her favor, or at least her cooperation. That will go a long way to making the council support you and it does not at all hurt with Irian, though I think him to be well disposed towards you to start with."

Ryan sighed in relief. "I am so very glad you thought it went well."

The pair walked up to Irian who was in causal conversation with Tanner. Tanner bowed deeply to Ryan who frowned slightly at the act. He really didn't like Tanner bowing to him no matter what the tradition was. Irian bowed as well. "Greetings, my prince."

"Irian," Ryan said respectfully.

Tanner nodded to Ryan. "I will leave you two to your conversation. Excuse me, three, sorry I did not see you there, Pax."

Pax grumbled at him and Ryan protested. "You do not need to go!"

Tanner shook his head. "When it comes down to dragon politics it is usually best that humans bow out. It is more respectful and sometimes safer."

"I would never, ever, allow any to hurt you," Ryan said flatly.

"And I thank you for that, Ryan, but for now just let me get something to drink and go talk to Sulvius or your parents."

"As you wish," Ryan said, suddenly feeling nervous that Tanner was leaving. Tanner smiled reassuringly and walked off to the drink table. Ryan turned back to Irian who had watched the the whole thing with a slight frown on his face. Ryan's ears dropped a notch. "Yes?"

"You care a great deal for that human," Irian said.

Ryan's ears nearly went flat and his tail thumped against the ground. "That human, as you call him, is my friend."

Irian held up his hands. "I mean no offense."

'Then why are you frowning as you bring it up?"

"It is not usual for the prince to be so friendly to humans."

"But it makes sense as he was raised by them," Pax interjected smoothly.

"You are correct, Pax," Irian agreed. He's smiled at Ryan. "But that is of no matter. What do you think of the dinner?"

"The food has been fine," Ryan said shortly, still annoyed, the tip of his tail lashing like an annoyed cat.

"Easy, my prince," Irian said soothingly.

"Do not patronize me!" Ryan snapped.

Irian stepped back and knelt down. "I am sorry my prince; I should have been more respectful. I ask for your pardon," he said, lowering his head. Ryan took a step back in dismay and looked at pax who nodded.

"It is of no matter."

Irian nodded. "Thank you, my prince," he said and stood up.

Ryan nodded again, uncertain of what to do next. "I just do not like it when people question or threaten Tanner."

"I understand," Irian said. "But I must suggest to you that you do not apologize so readily, especially after a dragon has bowed and begged pardon from you. I would also suggest that when we introduce you to the council or to other council members that you keep Tanner away, not because he is bad, but because they may use him as a way of getting to you, either by earning his favor or by threatening him."

"That would be the last mistake they ever made!" Ryan snarled.

"And that is exactly the reaction they would be hoping for," Irian said. "If they can upset you by going after Tanner, my prince, then they would have an advantage over you."

"That is so very cruel!"

"So are some of these dragons," Irian said sadly.

Ryan looked down. "So what should I do?" he asked quietly.

"Learn as much as you can about how the prince is viewed and what is currently going on in the council. Read up on draconic history and listen to those who are more knowledgeable and sympathetic towards you, such as myself, Pax, and Cladden."

"I am not so very certain that I will ever be ready to go in front of the council."

"I am afraid that you will have to be, Ryan. If you do not, they will see a chance at usurping you without having to do a thing."

"You are correct," Ryan said uncomfortably, rustling his wings.

"Enough of this; the boy has had enough," Pax interrupted. "Dessert should be served any time now."

Ryan wasn't sure if he wanted to be upset with Pax for calling him boy or grateful that he extracted him from the situation.

The party made it's way back into the dining room where great towering cakes sat on the table, decorated with spun sugar, fanciful designs in frosting, mounds of ice-cream and other pastries.

One of the cakes was a mountain scene with a dragon the size of Ryan in his small form perched on top, looking out over waves of cotton candy and frosting. The other cake was of another dragon, Ryan's size and colors, looking out of cave down a forested mountainside. It all looked so real that Ryan nearly expected to see birds jumping from tree to tree.

The first dragon statue of himself had a necklace around its neck with a large sapphire set in it. The other had two bracelets with moonstones that shimmered with grey and blue, nearly his colors again. Ryan looked at Pax in astonishment.

Pax smiled. "They are gifts from all of us, my prince."

Ryan looked to the others, startled, and they all smiled. He looked to his parents. "Mother? Father? You knew?"

They nodded. "We suggested the moonstones as I know you like the look of them," Beth said. "Kheros found ones of just nearly your colors."

Ryan looked at Kheros who smiled as gently as he could. "I hope that you like them, my prince."

"They are so very nice," Ryan said in a small voice.

One of the cooks went over to the cake and almost ceremonially removed the jewelry. He brought them over to Ryan and smiled. "My sister made those for you. She only hopes that you find it suitable on such short notice and wanted me to tell you that she would love to work on something more suitable for your rank and privilege when you have time."

Ryan took the jewelry from him with shaking hands. "Thank you so very much. They are so very wonderful!"

He beamed. "She will be happy to hear that you said so."

Ryan fumbled with the clasp, trying to attach the necklace and Pax said, "Here, let me," and carefully fastened it around his neck, the flitted down to the floor and shifted back to his bipedal form. Ryan placed the bracelets on and admired them, turning them so they glowed in the light. He heard everyone laugh softly and looked up, realizing that he had been staring into them. He flushed. "What are you waiting for? The ice-cream is going to melt!"

Everyone applauded as they picked out their desserts, going back for seconds as they dared.

Ryan was talking to his mother about he cinnamon flavored ice-cream when he herd Pax hiss softly from where he sat beside him. He started at the little dragon then looked in the direction Pax was staring.

Standing in the door was a female dragon in bipedal form. She was a brownish color that faded into an almost light bronze. She had heavy eye ridges, a ridge down her back, and rather long ears. She strode over to the table and Cladden stood up, looking annoyed while Kheros quickly moved over to where Ryan was sitting while Pax shifted to his small form and landed on his shoulder.

"What do you want, Alexis?" Cladden asked, annoyed.

"Why Cladden, how dare you hold a little get together and not invite me!" she said in a sweet voice that belied the rage in her eyes.

"You were not invited because no one wants you here," Kheros hissed.

She dismissed him with a brief glance. "So, Irian, making secret deals with the alleged prince already?"

"No deals, Alexis," he said coldly. "Just getting to know the lad."

She snorted. "And you will, of course, endorse him as the prince."

"I am satisfied that he is who he says he is."

"I am not," she said, quiet nearly hissing. "Nor will the council be so easily swayed."

"That remains to be seen."

She laughed. "You have little support, Irian."

"If that were so then you would not be standing around trying to threaten a young dragon now would you?" Pax said insultingly.

She glared at him. "Little dragons with little brains should keep their mouths shut while the big dragons discuss important matters."

Pax snorted. "Was that the best you could come up with?"

"Why no!" she said sweetly. "How is you mother?"

Pax let out a warning growl. "She is fine."

"Oh, I do hope so!" Alexis said, eyes wide, voice thick with false concern. "That horrible incident, loosing control of her shape change and colors, it must have been so very embarrassing! And they way she was coming on to that male!"

Ryan felt Pax tense from where he sat on his shoulder and reached up and grabbed him. "No!"

"Let me go, Ryan!" Pax said, struggling to get away.

"No! It is what she wants!"

"Oh and he protects the tiny little dragon! How cute!" Alexis laughed.

Cladden growled. "Unless you will answer my challenge I suggest you leave now, Cladden said, stepping out from behind the table.

She smiled. "Not until I talk to this pretender."

Cladden started to flare out his wings when Ryan literally handed a still struggling Pax to Kheros, who took him, looking startled. "Hold him and do not let him go," he said and walked over to stand in front of Alexis. "You wanted to talk to me, so talk," Ryan said, tail swishing behind him, wings held loose, ears in a care free expression with his arms folded across his chest.

She narrowed her eyes. "You look the part; I will give you that."

"Thank you. I credit my makeup department."

She looked a little confused then snorted. "How very droll. Do you expect to joke your way into the council?"

Ryan cocked his head. "No, I expect that the council of dragons is wise enough to know the truth when they hear it."

"Oh bravo!" she said and clapped slowly. "Did they coach you to say that?"

"To deal with the likes of you? No need," Ryan said dismissively. "Was there anything else? My ice-cream is melting."

She hissed and the dragons got to their feet, wings flaring out, a few of them growling. Ryan held up a hand, motioning for them all to sit back down. "I may not know much, but I am pretty sure that hissing at the prince is a pretty big no no as far as the rules go."

"That is an understatement," Kheros grumbled.

"And just what are you doing to do about it, hatchling?" she spat.

Ryan folded his ears back. "Leave. Now."

She laughed. "Or what? You will fight me?"

He shook his head. "You are not so very bright, are you? You know what breed I am and what I can do to you. Leave while I am still allowing you to."

"I do not believe it!"

"If you do not, then by all means, try me," Ryan said, stepping forward, opening his arms invitingly. She hesitated and Ryan started to draw in a breath when Cladden smoothly stepped in between them.

"Alexis, you may thank me for saving your life later. Now get out of my home."

She stared at him and then back at Ryan, then laughed unconvincingly. "Fine! I will report back what I have seen and heard, the deception and lies, and the little plans you have made to usurp the council."

Ryan snorted. "Make sure you spell our names right."

She growled softly and walked out the door with a flick of her tail. There was a long pause and Ryan finally said. "Well, that was a fine how to do, was it not?"

Everyone laughed a little nervously and Ryan went back to his ice cream as if nothing happened. "So what does everyone think of the ice cream?" Everyone looked at each other and back at Ryan in concern and he trilled softly. "I am fine, everyone is fine. We will not let them cause us fear, or worse, miss dessert. Now sit and eat!"

The dragons laughed and sat down, going back to their dessert and Ryan's parents smiled at him, nodding to him.

Save for Pax.

He fluttered out of Kheros' hands and stood before Ryan, eyes flashing in anger. Ryan winced. "I am so very sorry, Pax."

Pax glared at him for awhile and then sighed. "It is I who should apologize. I warn you not to loose your temper and what do I do? I loose mine."

"It is of no matter, Pax. She was saying some horrible things to you."

"She was," he agreed. "But, as you say, we should not allow this to interfere with our dessert." He paused and cocked his head. "And Ryan?"

"Yes?"

"If you ever hold me like that again, I will bite your finger off."