FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

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CHAPTER 22

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As I awoke I tried to fight against it, the prospect of waking up and having to move from my warm, comfy spot right here seemed like an unnecessary effort. Nice and warm, comfy, the comforting scent of my favourite fox companion Who would want to get up?

My body felt heavy, my muscles completely relaxed, but my mind was quickly rousing. I kept my eyes clenched shut in a futile attempt to make this moment last just a bit longer. In the end I couldn't force it and ended up laying in bed staring into the darkness of my room. It was pitch black and it took several moments before I could make out any distinguishable shapes as I looked across the room. I knew I had to get up soon but my body still had a few aches and pains from my fight yesterday.

My stomach gurgled hungrily, I hadn't eaten any dinner and my hunger was slowly over coming my want to remain in bed. I rolled over to see Cody, sprawled across the bed, the blanket not covering him at all.

Cody could be quite a restless sleeper, unless he had had a good hard fuck the night before. After a good fuck Cody would sleep the sleep of the dead. I remember Jason telling me this little fact and I didn't believe him, but right now is one of the few times I'd slept with Cody without fucking him, and each time he would be tossing and turning all night long.

I leaned over and began to nibble on his ear, enticing a cute groan from the fox. I smiled to myself and continues to nibble on his ear. I loved Cody's ears, so big and most importantly sensitive. He loved having his ears rubbed, and I loved how the felt. I kind of wished I had ears like his so I could play with them all day.

"Mmmph..." Cody's eyes began to open.

"Morning!"

"Morning..." He yawned, his eyes still half closed.

"I'm going to go get some breakfast. Do you want to come?"

"Uh-huh." He nodded. Yawning again.

"You sure? You can go back to sleep if you want."

"Okay."

He closed his eyes and almost immediately was fast asleep again. I guess I was having breakfast by myself. I grudgingly slipped out from under the covers, shivering slightly as the cold air greeted me. The thin rug at the side of the bed saving my foot-paws from the stone floor, for the moment at least.

I went over to the trunk with my clothes in it and began to rummage about in the dark for a pair of underwear and a fresh loincloth. I remembered that it had gotten dirty during my fight with Tal'nar, and since I was going to be heading for second tournament today I didn't want to show up my father in public. Jovani made the fact that I was presentable seem important, somehow it would affect my father. Not sure how or why, but if it kept the peace there was little effort in putting a fresh one on today.

I got dressed, stepping into the underwear was a little tricky at first with a few aches still remaining in my body. Nothing painful, they just made themselves known if I tried to move in a certain way. But soon I was on my way to the kitchen, closing the door carefully behind so as not to disturb Cody.

As usual Harold was busy cooking when I stepped into the kitchen, the smells making stomach gurgle in a reminder that I hadn't eaten last night. Harold smiled and waved when he saw me.

"Morning Harold." He cocked his head and looked at me expectantly. That look I had come to learn was him asking if I wanted anything. "I'll have what ever you've got ready. I'm starving." My stomach gurgled loud enough for Harold to hear as if reinforcing my statement.

In a moment Harold set off and began preparing my breakfast. He brought me a bowl of freshly baked rolls, still piping hot, while he finished preparing my food. I bit into the roll, grunting in pleasure as it seemed to melt in my maw. It was so much better warm! I was going to have to get up early every once in while just to eat these things fresh out of the oven.

I had devoured five of the rolls by the time Harold came over with a bowl of broth and a fresh bowl of rolls. The broth smelt amazing, a few bits of meat and vegetables floating in it. I dunked a roll in it and as I bit into the roll I felt I had found bliss. The combination of the roll combined with the meaty flavour of the broth was incredible. The only way that this moment could have been better was if someone was giving me a blow job at the the same time!

"This is delicious!" I blurted out before continuing to devour the meal.

Harold smiled and then returned to what ever he had been doing with a noticeable skip in his step. Once I had finished my rolls I simply picked up the bowl and began to drink it. The broth was very tasty, but the combination of the broth and rolls... I would have had more if I could have eaten any more, I almost regretted having eaten the rolls while I was waiting for the broth. I wouldn't be making that mistake next time.

As I finished Kaldor appeared, Harold immediately moving to get him some rolls and broth without waiting for him to ask.

"Morning son of mine!" He chuckled taking a seat across from me. "How are you feeling today?"

"A little stiff in places but I'll live."

"I'm sure Cody would help you out there." He laughed.

I looked at him in confusion as I tried to work out what was so funny until I realised. I shook my head at the blatantly bad sex joke.

"You did well in the fight yesterday."

"I got my ass handed to me." I countered.

"By a seasoned and well respected warrior. I knew how good you were but you surprised everyone with that display of nen you did. Even Callidus was impressed."

"I still lost."

"There's losing and then there's 'losing'. There is a big difference." He said earning himself yet another look of confusion from myself. "Look, you may have lost the fight but you came out of it better than you went into it."

"Oh yeah, how is that?"

"Well for starters you worked off half of your debt to Callidus." He reminded me. "Secondly you earned the respect of Tal'nar and a lot of the other warriors who watched your fight. And their respect is worth a beating or two."

"If you say so. I still would have preferred to win."

"Wouldn't we all?" He smiled, dunking a roll into his broth that Harold had put in front of him and then devouring it in one bite. "Mmmmm... so good!" He said with a maw full of food.

"I know." I smiled, gently rubbing my stomach.

************

The tournament went about pretty much how the previous one did, only much more impressive. For the first time I could actually see why benders were held in such high regard. While I had been busy just trying to control the elements I had an affinity for, the competitors in the tournament were incredible.

Water, earth and fire, all of them bending to their masters wills. Even if the spectacle of the elements weren't impressive enough, watching the competitors use the elements to combat each other was even more so. The different techniques as well... the variety were mind boggling. I finally realised what benders were truly capable of! At least I thought I had until I remembered that there were no master or grand-master ranked benders in the tournament. What was a master bender capable of? Or a grand-master for that matter?

I found myself staring at Kaldor and Callidus, realising for the first time that they were the pinnacle of what benders were truly capable of. If I had that strength could I finally be strong enough to protect everyone?

It was much later that the previous day when the final fight had finished. With an amazing display of skill and fire, a warrior by the name of Drassius won. Mantou, Tal'nar and Tau'ruc did well in the standings, but I think their injuries from yesterdays fights got the better of them in the end, allowing those who were fully rested to pull out a win over them.

I felt a little guilt about Tal'nar, his injuries were caused by fighting me, but I had to remember that he had agreed to fight me. Callidus may have asked him but he had not been forced to fight me. I clung to that thought to try and lessen the guilt, it helped... a little.

"Drassius has certainly improved since last year." Kaldor said as Drassius began to leave the arena.

"I've had high expectations from him since Kassius was appointed as a master." Callidus added. "They are brothers after all."

"He was Kassius's brother?" I asked, a little surprised by the revelation.

"Younger brother by five winters."

"Not as talented as Kassius but he has skill that should be respected. But it does run in their family. They are a long line of powerful fire benders." Callidus added.

"In any case I would say it's time we do the usual meet and greets before retiring for dinner." Kaldor said as he got out of his seat.

"Always thinking with your stomach." Callidus said with a shake of his head and a grin before getting up himself.

"I assume you are still coming to the party?"

"As is the custom, but it is generally called a ball Kaldor, not a party as I remind you every year." Callidus replied.

"What party?" I asked.

"Did I not say?" I shook my head. "Sorry, I thought I had mentioned it. It is custom that the current leader hold a party at the end of the festival."

"For those of notable rank and status." Callidus added. "Any master or above ranked warriors, dragons of political importance and their families are invited."

"I don't really like these 'balls' but unfortunately I am obliged as Callidus likes to remind me. Too many self important asses."

"You really need to stop talking about them like that." Callidus scolded my father.

"Not all of them! Just some of them! They really piss me off, I can't help it!"

"Regardless, they are important in regards to the running of this village. That incident ten years ago has all but been forgotten about! I would prefer not having to deal with another incident like that!"

I looked at my father in blatant curiosity. He rolled his eyes at Callidus and smiled at me.

"I may called..."

"Ahem!" Callidus interrupted.

"I'll tell you later." Kaldor assured me.

"I hope you have a little more social decorum than your father."

I didn't respond, mainly since I had no idea, but since I was obviously going to be making an appearance and no doubt Jovani would nag me into sprucing myself up for dinner.

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It had taken us about an hour to make it through the crowds, many wanting to talk to Kaldor and Callidus, and to my surprise some wanting to speak to me. I tried to be courteous, but I wasn't in my comfort zone being the center of attention like that. Most wanted to talk about my fight, or at least comment on it. Several others made comments about how they had a daughter that I may be interested in.

I was relieved to escape, once safely home I headed straight for my room to begin getting ready. I really didn't need Jovani on my case. I wondered what Cody and everyone were getting up to? When I got to my room it was illuminated by a roaring fire. I stripped down and moved to the trunk to find something decent to wear.

I found the several bottles of scented oils that Jovani had given me before, I suppose I would put some of them on as well. I put them to one side as I looked for something to wear. I found the outfit I would wear tonight. It was a tight fitting jacket and pants. It was still so alien to wear so much fabric, restricting as well. It was made with gold and red materials, which I had been told went well with my head fur; according to Jovani when he helped me pick it out.

After finishing getting dressed I headed towards the main hall where I found Jovani giving orders to several servants. He turned to me as they scurried off to finish off the final preparations for the evenings event. Even Jovani was wearing a much more formal attire than his usual outfit. It was still black and gold, matching the colours of the Anaris house and had the symbol of the house sewn into it.

"Very smart Young Master." He smiled, obviously approving of my attire.

"Thank you Jovani."

"The guests will be arriving shortly, I must attend to my duties. If you pardon me." He said with a curt bow of his head before zipping off in the direction of the hall.

I followed him at a slower pace. The main hall was across from the dining room, and was rather large. At one end there were several tables filled with a wide variety of food, obviously Harold had had a busy day. There were two large metal chandeliers hanging from the ceilings with dozens of candles, lighting the room as well as the torches around the walls.

In the far corner there were several dragons with a variety of instruments setting themselves up. Apparently this was enough of an occasion to warrant a band. I was getting nervous. This was so far out of my comfort zone.

"Excuse me Master."

I turned to see a dragon carrying a large silver platter of sliced meats. I moved to the side to let him pass. He nodded his thanks and went about his duties. It was strange someone other than Jovani calling me 'master'. This was going to be long night of strangeness.

************

In a short period of time the guests started to arrive. I was asked to stand by the main entrance with my father to greet our guests as Jovani announced them. I was thankful to see a few familiar faces, Kassius, Malnark and Xavier all made an appearance with their respect spouses and children. But my biggest surprise was when Eric, Aceh, Cody, Jason and Michael made an appearance dressed in new and rather fancy looking clothes.

"I wasn't expecting to see you guys tonight!"

"You're father invited us, thankfully he gave us enough notice to order some new clothes for the event." Eric explained.

"I'll catch up with you guys later, but I've kinda got to..."

"I understand." Eric assured me. "We shall see you later."

Once they were gone and there was a moment without having to greet anyone I nudged Kaldor to get his attention.

"Thanks."

"I know how boring these events can be, especially when you don't know anyone." He smiled, turning to greet the next guest.

By the time we were done I was sure most of the village was here. Kaldor let me escape from greeting duty a little early, assuring me that nearly everyone was here now. I made my way through the crowds, having to stop and engage in a small amount of small talk with various dragons who I couldn't remember the names of. Most of them were from clans or were warriors of certain ranks, but there was also a couple of black smiths and merchants.

The first person I found that I knew was Xavier. He was dressed in white furs, looking a little like Callidus, but it was obviously just an outfit for occasions such as this. Next to him was a female holding a baby dragon wrapped in a blanket.

"Ah Malakye!" Xavier waved me over when he spotted me. "Please let me introduce you to my wife, Juliet."

"Nice to meet you." I said.

"A pleasure." She smiled. "Xavier has told me a lot about you."

"All good I hope." I laughed.

"Oh, yes... very good." She almost purred. Her tone was suggestive and I felt myself blush as I wondered if she knew about that incident at the hot spring with her husband. A knowing smile from Xavier confirmed it and I found myself feeling a little awkward.

"When are we going to start training again?" I asked, hoping to change the topic of conversation.

"Tomorrow, with the tournament over now we can back into our usual routines." Xavier replied. "So what did you think of the tournament?"

"I was impressed by the benders, I hadn't really imagined how impressive the fights would be."

"I'm sure one day you will be impressing everyone yourself."

"I don't know about that, but I would probably admit to having a little extra motivation after seeing them."

"Good. Now as much as I enjoy talking to you, you should make your way round the guests." Xavier explained. "You are definitely someone of interest."

"Don't remind me." I groaned. Earning a laugh from both Xavier and his wife. "I'll see you later."

"Have a good night." Xavier nodded.

I began making my way through the crowds again, spotting Jason over by the food tables. I made my way over, happy to see that everyone else was with him.

"Hey guys."

"Hey there!" Cody chirped.

"Great party! The food is great!" Jason mumbled with a mawful of food.

"I'll try and keep him in line." Michael assured me with an apologetic look.

"I'm just glad to see some friendly faces. Everyone here acts like their my best friend while I don't even know who they are!"

"Of course they do!" Eric grinned. "Your father is someone of great importance, so they are trying to get in good with you. First impressions and all."

"I guess. I'm just glad you guys are here."

"Hello there Malakye." Came a feminine voice from behind me.

I turned round to see Luna Ortavia. She was wearing a red ball gown. The skirt a mass of frills and she held a fan of equal redness and frills in her left paw. I felt my nervousness return, knowing that she was looking to snare me as her mate was something that made me incredibly nervous.

"Oh... hi Luna." I said, forcing a smile and hoping I didn't sound nervous. "You're looking... pretty tonight." I said, hoping to compliment her but not suggest anything that might lead her to think that I was overly interested in her.

"Why thank you." She said with a girlish laugh. "You are looking quite dashing yourself., and smell delightful as well"

"Thanks..." Now I was feeling awkward.

"Who are your friends?" She asked, obviously feigning interest but I was happy for the direction change in the conversation.

"Uh... this is Eric, Cody, Jason, Michael and my master Aceh. Everyone this is Luna... Ortavia." I said, nearly forgetting her family name.

"A pleasure to meet you all."

"A pleasure young miss." Eric smiled. "If I am right, would you be the daughter of General Ortavia?"

"Why yes, I am." Luna said with a bit of genuine surprise and sounded almost impressed that he would know that. "You seem well informed... Eric was it?"

"Yes ma'am. I may bot be the social butterfly I used to be when I was young, but I like to keep myself informed of the various families of importance where ever I go." His comment about her families importance seemed to please her.

"Well it has been a pleasure gentlemen, but I must make the rounds." She said turning to leave. "Oh, and Malakye?"

"Yes?"

"I do hope to dance with you later." She said with a smile before sauntering off.

"Great..."

"She's hot!" Jason said bluntly, earning himself an elbow in the ribs from Michael. "Well she is!"

"Quiet thoughts tonight, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah. Sorry." Jason apologised. "But she certainly showed some interest in you."

"Tell me about it." I groaned, looking over my shoulder in the direction she had disappeared in. "Apparently she is looking for a mate and I just 'happen' to fit the bill."

"So the general's daughter is interested in you, I suppose politically speaking it is an ideal partnership." Eric commented.

"What do you mean?"

"Well I'm sure that the general would want his daughter to marry someone of a certain social standing. As one of the Anaris family, you definitely qualify."Eric assured me, not that it filled me with assurance.

"And if I don't want to marry her?"

"No one said you did." Eric countered. "I simply said it made sense."

"Sorry... it's just I've had a lot of... well suggested partners from a lot of dragons lately, and Luna herself seems quite fond on the idea. Quite forward about it as well, like it's her right to have me..."

"Welcome to the world of politics and social standing." Eric chuckled. Aceh grunted, his grunt giving his opinion on the matter. He had come from this sort of background, having left for one reason or another.

"Well it's not like she can force you to marry her." Cody chipped in, ever the optimist.

"Not unless he goes and gets her pregnant anyway." Jason mumbled, his maw stuffed with food.

"Remind me again why I love you?" Michael asked Jason. "It's definitely not because of your way with words."

"Because I've got an awesome ass!" Jason grinned.

"I can't argue with that." Michael laughed.

I noticed several dragons in ear shot giving us looks. I guess Jason's comments didn't go unnoticed. I was slightly embarrassed but found the whole thing amusing at the same time.

"You should go mingle Malakye." Eric suggested. "We will be here if you need a break but it will be good for you to find out what this life would be like should you want to stay."

He was right. I had forgotten that I hadn't agreed to stay yet, but eventually I would need to make a choice. When the time came would I leave with Eric and the others or would I stay here and live out the rest of my life as heir to the Anaris house?

"I guess I'll go mingle." I sighed.

"We'll be here if you need us." Eric assured me.

I took a deep breath to brace myself for the oncoming challenge, turned and began to walk through the crowds. A few dragons greeted me, I greeted them back, but there was obviously no want for conversation. I spotted Callidus chatting to several other dragons. As I looked on someone bumped into me.

"Oh I'm so sorry!" The dragoness in a green dress apologised. "Oh! You're Lord Anaris's son!"

"Malakye." I said, tired of being referred to as that.

"I am Beatrix." She said. "Beatrix Ortavia."

"Luna's Mother?" I asked.

"Oh, well in the sense that I am married to her father. He has thr... four wives, so I am one of her mothers." She giggled, taking a drink from a goblet she grabbed off a passing servants tray. "She likes you you know?"

"She has a strange way of showing it." I said.

"Oh she's like that. Spoiled by her daddy I'm afraid. But the affection is there, she just expects that affection to be returned without question."

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.

"So that you understand her, if but a little. Her father has thoughts to offer her to you in marriage, as first wife of course."

"No offence but I really hate everyone trying to decide my future!"

"I understand, I was married off in an arranged marriage as well." She smiled but I saw the sadness in her eyes. "I came to love my husband of course, but it took time... I'm so sorry... I am taking up all of your time, and talking about things that I probably shouldn't."

"It's fine really."

"I should be getting back to my husband."

I watched her walk away and then steeled myself. I began walking around again, looking for someone I knew or I felt I could befriend. That's when I spotted a young dragon around my age. He was standing in the corner, sipping from a goblet looking a little bored and lonely. He was wearing an outfit similar to my own, but it was a variety of blues.

'I guess he's as good a place to start socialising as any.' I thought to myself.

"Hi." I said, giving him a little wave.

He looked up from staring at the content of the goblet and then looked around. He thought I was talking to someone else but I just stood there looking at him with a smile until it finally dawned on him.

"Me?" He squeaked.

"Yeah." I chuckled. "Who else would I be talking to?"

"Sorry... I'm just used to being ignored at these things. I only come because well..."

"Family?" I smiled, earning a laugh from him.

"Something like that."

"So what's your name? I'm Malakye."

"Oh sorry... I know who you are... uh... I'm Flinn."

"Flinn? Nice name."

"Thanks... I guess."

"Why are you standing here in the corner?" I asked curiously.

"I don't much like talking to others... it makes me nervous."

"Oh sorry... I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"Oh... no you're fine. You're nice. Everyone else makes fun of me." He said with a sigh, looking down at his goblet again.

"So then Flinn,.." I stopped, having no idea what to say, but I wanted to stop an awkward silence from starting. "Who are you here with?"

"Oh.. he's... over there." He said pointing him out in the crowd. He wore a rather fancy looking set of armour and a red cape.

"General Ortavia? You're General Ortavia's son?"

"Uh...no." He said glumly, almost embarrassed. "Sorry, I thought you'd have known. It's the reason why no one really talks to me."

"What is it?" I asked, my curiosity peaked.

"Well... it's complicated. But basically I serve General Ortavia's house hold." He said, the way he phrased it made it sound like he was like Jovani.

"That doesn't sound so bad." I said, trying to reassure him.

"Well it is and it isn't."

"What do you mean?"

"Well..." He looked around to make sure no one was listening before leaning in a little closer. "The General isn't as young as he once was, and he has four wives."

"Yeah... and?"

"Well I'm to tend to their... needs." He blushed.

"Their needs? OH! Oh...." Finally realising what he meant.

"Yeah... look... I understand if you don't want to be seen talking to me any more."

"And why would I do that?"

"Really? It probably isn't very seemly for the son of Lord Anaris to be seen talking to... well me."

"Fuck seemly!" I cursed.

"Malakye!" He exclaimed at my outburst, looking round nervously.

"What? I'm not allowed to pick my own friends now? Well fuck that! I spent my whole life alone, hated and scorned, not a single friend." I explained. Angry at how Flinn was so similarly treated to how I was when I lived in Rovarian Village*. "So I know how you feel Flinn. They might not want to be your friends, but I will be. If you'll let me."

"You really sure about this?" Flinn asked.

"Sure I'm sure." I smiled, holding out my paw to him. "Friends?"

"If you're sure..." He hesitated, looking around the room and then from my eyes to my extended paw. "Friends." He smiled, grasping my paw with his own.

"Well then, with that settled how about you help me out a little?" I asked.

"Sure. How can I help?" He asked, slightly nervous but obviously happy.

"Well I don't know anyone here, but I expect you know who everyone is."

"I suppose." He thought.

"How about you tell me who everyone is while we walk around?"

"I guess I can do that." He said a little nervously.

Finn walked with me through the hall, pointing out various guests and filling me in on their back stories. More than half of the guests were warriors and their families. There were a few young well dressed dragons running around playing. The rest were a members of important clans and families with a long linage of strong benders and warriors. There were also a couple of diplomats who had arrived earlier today from New Zangar. Their arrival had been a surprise to everyone apparently, they had arrived as the party began.

As we walked I was stopped a few times for small talk by various guests, but I think Flinn's presence put them off, once they realised he wasn't leaving they curtly took their leave. It made me a mad that they treated him as such an outcast, he wasn't any different from them! But I kept quiet, silently grateful for Flinn's presence cutting the small talk short. In my mind if they didn't want to talk to Flinn then they were definitely not someone I wanted to spend my time talking to.

I saw Kaldor talking to the two diplomats with Callidus and General Ortavia. At first I was going to avoid them, but something inside me told me to go introduce myself. I walked over, despite an objection or two by Flinn. As I approached I saw the two diplomats eye me curiously, obviously my nature as a hybrid catching their attention.

"Oh, may I introduce my son Malakye." Kaldor said to the two diplomats. I bowed my head slightly as a polite form of greeting and they returned the gesture.

"I was not aware that you had a son Lord Anaris, or for that matter one as old as he is." The younger of the diplomats said.

Both of them were dressed smartly, but not as formally as most of the other guests. I assume they were unaware of to nights event while they travelled. But from the various pieces of jewellery they wore it was obvious that they held a certain status back in New Zangar.

"A pleasant surprise for myself as well." Kaldor chuckled. "But he found his way back home, a fact I thank the deities for every day."

I was a little taken aback by my fathers tone. He sounded genuine but it didn't sound like him at all. I guess he was just being political. A fake smile curled his muzzle. Truthfully he played it well, but even after spending as little time as I had with him I knew that this was all just an act.

"It is good to know that the Anaris line will continue..." The other diplomat said, he was visibly older from the sagging around his eyes. He coughed as he finished his sentence and gave me a look that I didn't appreciate.

The look lasted for just a moment but I know what I had seen. Whether it was because of my obviously less than perfect draconian heritage or not made me mad. But I took my cue from my father and smiled at him, all the while imagining bloodying his snout

"A pleasure to meet you both." I said, trying had not to let my annoyance slip into my tone. "So you are from Zangar? I was there just the other month." I impressed myself, I guess listening to all polite conversations were playing to my benefit.

"Ah were you now? So what did you think of our city?" The younger diplomat asked.

"Well it was impressive, but I had very little to compare it to." I cast a glance to my left at Callidus who had a rather impressed and amused look. I guess I was saying the right things. "There were a lot of guards." I threw in that random comment as a sort of compliment.

"A precaution, the merchants are the life blood of the city, and a number of less than tasteful individuals were stealing their merchandise. It's not such an issue now." The younger one said. "Not since that incident a while back."

"What incident was that?" Ortavia asked.

"A number of murders, over a dozen I heard. Not sure who did it but they were definitely a fire bender. Killed a dragon by the name of Vireon, a particularly nasty individual who was suspected as being part of a crime ring." The diplomat explained.

I felt my blood run cold as I heard his name, my stomach churned as I remembered Vireon killing Rose and the smell of blood and cooking flesh after what I had done to them.

"Crime has dropped off considerably since then, so I guess who ever killed him did us a favour."

"Who ever did it is a murderer, there was at least one innocent caught up in that incident." The older dragon countered. "As for the rest they were so badly burned most were impossible to identify! If I ever find out who did it I will make sure they pay for their crime."

I felt light headed and like I was going to be sick.

"But surely they did you a favour?" Ortavia countered.

"One good deed does not forgive such a heinous crime!"

"I would disagree." His fellow diplomat countered.

"I don't think this is the time or place for this kind of talk." Callidus cut in.

"Quite right." The older diplomat agreed.

"Malakye are you all right?" Kaldor asked.

"I'm not feeling so well." Was all I managed to say before I quickly took my leave.

Trying not to run but walking quickly through the crowd, bumping into a few of them as I went. I felt cold and hot at the same time, struggling to breath. I left the hall and entered the dining room across the hall, closing the doors behind me. I fell on my knees in the far corner of the room, my head pressed against the cold stone wall as I tried to calm my breathing.

A few moments later I heard the door open and close gently and the familiar heavy paw steps of my father approaching. He knelt next to me and rubbed my back soothingly. He didn't say any thing, he gave me a few moments to collect myself. I rubbed away the tears on my sleeve and sat with my back against the wall.

"Are you all right now?" He asked, obviously concerned.

"Yeah... sorry..."

"What happened?"

I didn't answer, I looked him in the eye, the golden hue of his eyes almost glowing from his silhouette caused by the fire behind him. His eyes were gentle and fierce at the same time. I hadn't told him about what had happened to me when I had discovered I was a bender, I had hinted that something had happened.

"Remember my first night here?" I asked. "When you told me that my power was not something to be afraid of?"

"I remember."

"Well, I found out I was a bender in Zangar." I watched as the realisation dawned in his eyes.

"So the one that they were on about was..."

"Me."

"Vireon attacked us, I tried to fight but there was too many of them."

"Us?"

"Me and Rose." I sniffed. "I loved her, when we were together it just felt..."

"Right?" Kaldor finished. I remembered the way he had spoken about my mother and knew that he understood what I had felt. I nodded.

"He killed her, in front of me!" I exclaimed. "After that I don't remember much... but before I realised it they were all dead! Burned to a crisp!"

"It's not your fault."

"She died because of me." I whimpered, fresh hot tears rolling down my muzzle.

Kaldor wiped away my tears and the pulled me into a tight embrace. His scent relaxed me, made me feel safe. I buried my muzzle in his shoulder and just let the tears flow. I thought I had moved on from this, but it felt like someone had reopened the wound in my heart.

"You are not to blame for any of that. Ignore what that pompous ass said." Kaldor said with such confidence that I felt obliged to believe him. "You were trying to protect the female that you loved, there is no crime in that."

"But if I hadn't..."

"Shush, you followed your heart! It may have ended badly but the world is not a kind place. The world does not care about love, but that is what makes us different from the feral animals." Kaldor explained. "My grandfather used to have a saying that he liked to say, I had always thought it was stupid, at least until I had met your mother."

"What was it?" I asked.

"It is better to have loved and lost, that to have never loved at all. For those who have never known love have never lived."

"That kind of makes sense." I smiled.

"I just hated that that old coot was right! He was a bit of a know it all... and liked to remind everyone of it as well." We both laughed. "Now, if you're okay I'm going to head back. Knowing Callidus he has probably got a lecture ready for me."

"Go, I'll be out in a minute." I assured him. He stood up, straightened out his clothes and left, pausing at the door to give me a smile before stepping out.