"Grougal, come down here."
A voice echoed over the farm fields which surrounded the town of Emelka, a small but prosperous village within the large region of Amakna. The voice came from an inn named The Crunchy Gobball which was located on the outskirts of the village. While the inn was known for its famed Gobball stew, it was the family which ran the establishment that gave it its fame. Alibert, mayor of Emelka, was the owner of The Crunchy Gobball, a retired Enutrof who was the sole foster parent of the most peculiar kind. It was almost fourteen years ago when he found an infant and it had been a new chapter in his life ever since. At first he had only Yugo, the orphan which was left in his care until his small family grew with four others, all by unforeseen circumstances.
The draconic disciples of Eliatrope, Goddess of creation and life. When she danced with the Great Dragon amongst the endless reaches of the Krosmoz thousands and thousands of years ago, they created a whole new species together; the Eliatropes, masters of portals and Wakfu, the very life force of the universe. First there were only six before many generations followed, all pioneers and explorers with inquisitive minds. The six Firstborn Eliatrope and several others were born from a Dofus, a dragon egg, along with a dragon sibling which shared their fate; their bond was strong and with it came immortality for they were gifted with the ability to reincarnate through their Dofus when death would take them. After tragedy struck the Eliatropes' homeworld, they were forced to travel from one world to another, wandering the Krosmoz until they settled upon the World of Twelve as its very first inhabitants. No matter legendary and prosperous, the draconic civilization of the Eliatropes eventually vanished from the World of Twelve, wiped from the face of the world eons ago by a hostile force and Goddess Eliatrope herself.
To think a mere Enutrof was chosen to father the first reincarnated Eliatrope since that tragic event… no one would ever have guessed it. Alibert's family grew when his Eliatrope son Yugo was reunited with his dragon brother Adamaï a few years ago, the infant Chibi, his brother Grougaloragran and the much older Alys joining the family soon after. They were the first of their kin to emerge from the ashes which had devastated their heritage but they were surely not the only ones out there. Within another dimension called Emrub waited thousands of Eliatrope children for a new home, safely hidden away in a place where time did not exist. It was Yugo's legacy to free them and give them the home they desired but that was many years away from now. Yugo was still young, only fourteen years of age and while he was to become the king of his people, his mind was not on ruling. No, it was on the simplest things only a child should worry about, like upcoming Boufbowl games, helping out his father in the inn and play with his brothers. He had gone through hardships and had acted like a king, but now he lived his life in peace with his father and siblings.
Yugo's responsibilities towards his people were shared with Alys, the female Eliatrope who was like a big sister and a mother-figure to the four brothers who lived in The Crunchy Gobball. She came into Alibert's care shortly after she was found in the kingdom of Sadida, stripped from her memories and lost in the world. She had been a victim and a prisoner, her powers and weak state of mind abused for ill purposes. Having grown during her experiences and owing her king a great debt for saving her and her people from a terrifying menace, she serves as Yugo's adviser and emissary. Keeping relations with the kingdoms of Sadida and Cra intact, Alys' vision for the future is to make the World of Twelve a suitable home for the waiting children in Emrub but she still has a long way to go.
"Goddess," Alys muttered to herself as she gazed up towards the roof, seeing the small black dragon stalking his prey along the wooden rafters and roof tiles. The piwi he had his eyes on kept inching away from him, very much aware of Grougaloragran's presence but truly not intimidated by him. For anyone looking on, it was as if the bird was taunting the dragon whelp and it had the female Eliatrope a little worried. A frustrated Grougaloragran was a dangerous Grougaloragran... "Grougal, you haven't finished your bottle," she tried again before sighing as the black dragon disappeared from her sight when he prowled to the other side of the roof. She felt responsible for keeping an eye on the young dragon with Adamaï being occupied in the kitchen, but it was never easy. She had given him his bottle of gobball milk earlier this day but while he was guzzling it down like a scaly greed, his attention was caught by the instinct to hunt the moment he saw the piwi.
She wasn't certain how Adamaï managed to look after Grougaloragran; he truly was a handful. The black dragon hadn't been the same ever since he was freed from his captivity in Mount Zinit, there where Qilby had locked him away for several days within but a small container inside his laboratory. While Alys was still able to bring the good side out of the ball of energy and draconic instincts, Grougal had grown bold and with a much shorter fuse. Actually, stubborn would be a better word for it because he often ignored demands and requests by choice. He hardly ever spat fire at her during their stay in Sadida but now… the last few weeks he had been ill tempered and even she had to be careful in his presence.
The female Eliatrope lowered her shoulders as she kept her eyes on the roof, hearing the piwi chirp while also hearing Grougaloragran's typical growling. She could go up there if she really wanted to, but she had told herself to not use her Wakfu for anything insignificant. It had only been but a few months since her confrontation against the traitor Qilby and the Shushu Anathar; she had recovered since then but she was still careful with her health.
"Not listening, hmm?" Alibert's voice sounded as he stepped out onto the wooden patio attached the side of the inn, cleaning his large hands with a towel while his smiling eyes turned upwards to the roof. He laughed a little when he saw Alys' face distort into a pout, a look she did not show very often. The man seemed to be in a good mood, not bothered about the dragon which was stalking across the rooftop of his inn. "Adamaï was complaining about him yesterday," he said as he threw the towel over his shoulder and set his hands upon his sides, seeing Grougal began to climb the ale tankard sign which hung from the front of the inn," at least he isn't stuck in a flour sack today."
"It took hours to wash the flour away between his scales," Alys said with a light groan in her voice, remembering the bath she, Adamaï and Yugo had tried to give to Grougaloragran after the dragon whelp had made his way into the windmill a few days ago and caused several sacks of flour to collapse on him. It was catastrophic, to say the least… Grougal gradually calmed down after Chibi joined the bath but he was a growling, snarling and fire spewing menace all the same. "Cleaning the sheets never had been such a pleasant task until after bathing Grougaloragran," Alys smirked while she adjusted the wooden tray she held under her arm, taking her eyes away from the rooftop to look towards an elderly couple which came walking down the path. Their eyes appeared to be on the inn's sign, watching the black dragon spit a small flame of annoyance at the piwi after it dodged his attempt to pounce it.
"It seems to be lunch time," Alibert said as he watched the couple approach the inn, two familiar faces which were faithful customers for nearly ten years already. He turned his attention to Alys, saying while patting her back encouragingly," give them their usual seat and take their order, though I can already guess what they'll have. I wonder if they'll surprise us today like they did last month." He chuckled, knowing fully well that the elderly Preucel couple was rooted to the core. "Don't mind Grougal all too much, Alys. He won't bother anyone as long as the piwi keeps him occupied. He'll return to his bottle when he gets hungry."
Alys nodded before she smiled to Alibert, watching him go back inside to attend to business within the inn before she set a step aside to greet Mr. and Mrs. Preucel when they climbed the few wooden steps of the patio. "Afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Preucel," she said while she held out a hand to offer her aid towards either of the short patrons, being stiffly ignored by Mr. Preucel while his wife took her hand to climb the last step.
"Always nice to see you, dearie. Me and Gil figured we would come by for lunch today."
Like every day, Alys thought to herself while she lead them towards their favorite table at the end of the patio. Many of the familiar patrons had grown on her but nobody was as charming as this couple. She was intrigued by the elders' chemistry; they were complete opposites and yet loved each other and had been married for… what was it? Over eighty years at least. She found it admirable. She waited for them to get seated, always together on a bench by the table rather than opposite of each other before she asked them," what can I get for you today?"
"The same," grumbled Mr. Preucel while he brushed with a hand over the tablecloth as if it wasn't clean enough, smacking his lips and squinting his eyes to examine everything carefully before looking up towards Alys," you won't talk me into buying anything else. Not even a glass of water. Now shoo, bring your smile elsewhere."
Alys blinked rapidly with her eyes while she gazed down upon the man, somewhat surprised by his attitude. He was a grumpy man by default but it wasn't often he was feeling this bad. She glanced over to his wife, seeing her quietly tut with the shaking of her head before hearing her say," come now, honey, no need to scare the kind girl off. I haven't even made my order yet…" Mrs. Preucel's smile never seemed to fade, not even when she looked up to Alys. "Don't mind him, dearie. He didn't receive the mail he's been waiting for today and it has him a little upset," the elderly lady smiled and patted her husband's shaking hand, having the old man mumble while chewing thoughtfully as he was reminded of the reason why he was in such a bad mood.
Alys slightly lowered the empty tray she held as she allowed herself a moment to look towards the fields in the distance, letting a thought cross her mind before she conjured a smile for Mr. Preucel. "If it is any consolation, Mr. Preucel… I am also waiting for a letter to arrive," she said after she bent her back to lean a little closer towards the older man, hearing him harrumph in response. He was always a tough one to cheer up; he had a complaint ready whenever he would come to the inn for lunch. Food was either too hot or too cold, the service was too slow or too fast or the patrons were too happy. At least his wife made his presence so much more tolerable, always excusing his behavior with a kind word of her own.
"I hope your letter arrives soon. All this waiting…" the elder sighed, a tired smile upon her wrinkly face," and look at me, now I am letting you wait as well. I wouldn't mind some of Alibert's stew today."
"With extra topping of bell pepper?"
"You know me so well," Mrs. Preucel laughed, sounding flattered by Alys remembering and nodded," indeed, dearie. Is Yugo in the kitchen today by any chance?"
Alys glanced back over a shoulder into the inn, seeing Yugo sit upon one of the stools by the small bar while talking with his father. "No, it is Adamaï's turn. Yugo has been working in the kitchen this morning to help with the breakfast servings."
"The young dragon?" Mrs. Preucel asked before she turned to her husband and laid a hand upon his arm to try and persuade him into enjoying his upcoming meal," you love how he prepares steak, don't you, Gil? We'll have a fine lunch today, I can tell." It was strange how quickly accustomed the village had become of the two dragons living in the inn. While Grougaloragran was one to cause trouble, not many of the villagers minded his presence and Adamaï was as helpful as Yugo was; people had taken a shine to them.
Alys straightened her back while she watched the couple, their order truly the same like it was every day. Life in this village really was slow and peaceful... Her soft smile changed when the wind began to pick up, a strange sensation creeping up on her spine which claimed all of her attention. The hold she had on the tray tightened when she began to realize what exactly she was sensing before she looked upwards to confirm her guess. Her blue eyes were on the sky after the wind settled and soon she could see it soaring in the distance, just trailing the outskirts of the fields.
"Excuse me," she abruptly but quietly said to the elderly couple when she took a few steps back before she skipped around, calling out into the inn while undoing her apron," they want the usual, Alibert. I'll be right back!" She rushed down the few steps after she hung the apron over the patio's balustrade, not waiting for a response from Alibert as her eyes were on the horizon while she left bewildered customers and a confused innkeeper behind.
Alys ran through the grain fields after she left the village in a hurry, making her way towards the sand road which slithered like a golden snake among the lush fields of green towards the edge of the forest. She could see him as she came closer, his cloak billowing in the breeze while he stood tall over the budding grain, his appearance dark against the forest backdrop.
"Phaeris!" she called out while she waved towards the figure which was slowly making his way down the road, seeing him come to a stop to look over to her and await her arrival. She smiled to him as she stepped onto the road and brushed her robes off, saying before walking towards him," I didn't think you would come by so soon. How are you?" She sounded a little out of breath but was happy to see him.
The dragon nodded in greeting, a small smile upon his dark blue lips while he gazed down upon the female Eliatrope. He had learned to not approach any settlement in his true form, not even the peaceful village of Emelka; he had landed in the outer edge of the forest to continue on foot from there. "It is good to see you, Alys. Phaeris is doing as well as he can. He did not expect anyone to come meet him, however. How did you know of his arrival?" He reached out to lay a hand upon Alys' shoulder to show he wished to walk while they would catch up with one and another, Emelka and the Crunchy Gobball his destination.
Alys walked alongside the shapeshifted dragon which concealed most of his form within a long sepia colored cloak, his dark turquoise hand remaining on her bare shoulder while she tried to explain her answer to him," I sensed something shortly before your arrival. I first thought it was just the wind but I could feel it coming from a certain direction. I think I was able to pick up on your Wakfu, or similar… and then I saw you in the distance, flying over the forest. I had a feeling it was you so I came running to meet you."
"You sensed?" Phaeris asked, sounding genuinely interested," it appears you are beginning to tap into your capabilities, Alys. Have your memories begun to come back to you?" When he saw her shake her head, he gruffly sighed through his nose before he gave her shoulder a strong but comforting squeeze. She had gotten past the grief for her lost memories, but it was still a bother that she had limitations to what she was capable of. "Memories or not, your instincts seem to become aware of themselves. You should train with the little king when you get the chance…. unless you both aren't ready yet."
"Not yet," Alys said and looked towards the inn at the end of the road, thinking about the boy. Yugo had been practicing on his own to steadily get back into the swing of using his zaaps, but even she knew he still had a little more recovering to do after he had saved the world from destruction. He was stronger than her, or so she believed and therefore she judged herself to not be as ready as he was. She wasn't confident enough to consider herself stronger.
Alys flinched when something was suddenly held before her face, blinking while staring at the held up piece of paper before she stopped in her stride and pondering thoughts. "What is this...?" she asked as she rose both her hands to carefully take the folded paper from Phaeris, not able to hide her curiosity from him.
Phaeris came to a stop after presenting Alys with the folded piece of paper, leaning towards her while his hand remained on her shoulder. "Phaeris was asked to give you this." He let go of the paper when Alys reluctantly took it from him, seeing her turn the folded paper over to see if there was anything written on it. It was blank on each presented side, the ink of the writings hidden within the folds hardly showing through the paper. The sound of familiar laughter had her quickly hide the paper behind her back with an abrupt and sudden motion, startled after her wonder and examining of the folded paper got interrupted. The dragon and Eliatrope looked towards the end of the road, seeing Yugo come running towards them.
"Phaeris! Papa Alibert and I already wondered where Alys had run off to." He ran till he reached the two on the road, saying with a chuckle," sure is a surprise. You staying tonight?" He pointed back towards the inn as he waited for an answer, not noticing the fluster upon Alys' face while she tucked the paper away within one of her sleeves behind her back," Adamaï is busy in the kitchen right now. You want anything, Phaeris?" Yugo beckoned for Phaeris and Alys to follow him back to the inn, excited to see the dragon again after several weeks of his absence. He would drop in unannounced whenever it pleased him, but it was always a pleasant surprise. He had much to tell and also a lot to teach Adamaï and Grougaloragran… if the black dragon was willing to listen.
"Phaeris was thinking of staying for a little while," the dragon nodded, leaving Alys to herself as she seemed preoccupied with the letter he had given her. The dragon laid his focus on Yugo while he followed the boy to the village, looking down upon him before he asked," how have you been, little king?"
Yugo turned himself around to walk backwards along the road, his face distorting into a grimace after hearing the title before he shrugged to not linger on the weight the title bore," can't complain, really. I have been able to circle around the village with zaaps alone. It is exhausting but every attempt makes it a little easier and quicker. I practice with Alys and Adamaï when they are up for it, otherwise I am helping papa Alibert and Chibi. Not much has changed since your last visit."
Phaeris hummed thoughtfully while he listened to Yugo, a soft grumbling noise which sounded from the back of his throat. The fight against Qilby and the Shushu invasion had left everyone with a long recovery but he had hoped the two Eliatropes would have a better time getting through it. Perhaps during his next visit he should focus more on them than the two young dragons. He inclined his head towards someone in the near distance, seeing Alibert wave with a thick arm from the patio towards the approaching trio. The smile underneath his mustache was wide from what Phaeris could see, knowing he was welcome in the Crunchy Gobball.
"Well, isn't this a surprise?" Alibert called out after he set down the Preucel's order upon their table and wished them an enjoyable meal, letting the elderly couple eat in peace while he would welcome the new arrival," it is good to see you, Phaeris." He reached out with a hand towards the cloaked dragon after he came up the patio, giving him a friendly clap upon the back of his shoulder while they shook hands in greeting. "You walked all the way?" he asked while motioning with a hand into the inn to gesture for Phaeris to sit if he wished for it, letting the dragon go first before he followed.
He slowed in his step and lingered a little when he felt two hands upon his shoulders and leaned a little backwards to look at Alys behind him, receiving a small peck upon his cheek before he heard her softly say," I'll be right with you." He managed to catch a glimpse of the apologetic smile she offered before she brushed past him towards the staircase, seeing her hurry up the steps. He rose a brow before he smirked, guessing she had something personal to attend to; he was never good with any girl stuff.
"Adamaï, Phaeris is here!" Yugo's voice sounded from downstairs when Alys crossed the hallway of the first floor, moving past the few empty rooms which were for any guests who wished to stay for the night. The private quarters of the innkeeper's family were at the end of the hallway along with a narrow staircase which lead up towards the attic of the inn; Alys' room. Alibert had made space for her in the attic to sleep, a small room with a sloped ceiling and wall which held a bed, a closet and a small desk. A round window was the only source of natural light, letting the sunlight shine upon the bed which stood directly underneath the window so the Eliatrope could gaze at the stars at night or be awoken by the sun. It was cozy and humble, her own little place in the busy household.
Alys closed the door behind her before she reached with her fingers into her sleeve to pull out the folded paper Phaeris had given her. While she was quick with hiding it, it was no secret. She didn't know who it was from but she had a hope and that hope made her embarrassed, to say the least. She rather not think of either Yugo or Adamaï snatching the letter from her and read something which wasn't meant for them.
She sat herself down upon the sun warmed sheets of the bed and pulled her legs up while her eyes remained on the paper, examining it closely. It was very plain but she recognized the handwriting the moment she unfolded the letter and presented herself with the contents, a smile forming. Her heart beat a little faster when a face was tied to the sender before she leaned back against the wall to stare upon the letter, becoming a little lost in thought.
This wasn't the first letter she had received since she moved to Emelka; upon her desk was a small box in which she kept letters from several people she had been writing to. Friends which she dearly missed, good friends which had stood by her during times of need, dear friends she wished to see again.
She sighed through her nose and gazed out of the window while holding the paper she had yet to read lightly in her grasp. She remembered the last time she saw him all too well and not a day had gone by without her being reminded of it. The goodbye they shared still weighed heavy on her mind but it was a choice they willingly made, their lives and duties leading them down different paths. Yet for Phaeris to deliver a letter from master Joris specifically... it was unexpected. What had he and the dragon been doing to have crossed paths? It made her curious.
She closed her eyes for a moment to push back the feeling of loneliness before she finally allowed herself to read what was written on the paper. "Lady Alys," Alys softly read to herself and shook her head, a weak chuckle escaping her. No matter the friendship between them, he remained formal like he always had been but then so did she; they were both guilty of using each other's titles during the most casual moments.
She slumped a little against the wall to be more comfortable while she continued to read, pulling her legs up to her chest to hug them with an arm," I hope you are faring well. I am writing you this letter from Cania. The last time I wrote to you, I informed you that there was an issue with one of Justice Knight's prisoners. We have yet to find a trace of the escapee but our search lead us into the Cania swamps where I stumbled upon master Phaeris." Alys paused for a moment, a brow raising before she nodded to herself; that explained why Phaeris had this letter for her. "Phaeris aided us in our search, but the prisoner managed to give us the slip; we believe he had help or may have had a recall potion at his disposal. I will be returning to Bonta shortly after writing this letter to inform the council of Bonta and the king of my findings in Cania while Justice Knight and his son continue their patrols. If any patrons of Alibert's establishment plan to travel towards Cania, Kara or Yurbut, please inform them to remain on the roads and not camp outdoors. I requested of Phaeris to bring you this letter personally so it would reach you swiftly and warnings can be given out on time. This prisoner is not one to be reckoned with..."
Alys turned her blue eyes back towards the outside world beyond the window after she stopped reading for a moment. Justice Knight and his son. Their base was located in the Cania plains, a structure build upon a mountain which held a multi-leveled prison in its depths. She hadn't been there before, but she heard of it. Qilby and Adamaï had journeyed there to save Yugo and Percedal from the Shukrute dimension after the chief commander of the demonic Shushus managed to escape from the prison and had dragged the boy and his friends into the sulfuric lands of the demons. The prison mostly held criminals which had an association with a Shushu and if she recalled correctly, Joris had spoken of Shushu involvement with the escaped prisoner in his previous letter. It wasn't her concern but she couldn't help but be worried about the news.
"No matter the hardships in the world, my offer still stands. Whenever you or Yugo are ready for an audience with the king, write to me and I will arrange it for you. Whatever you decide on, I hope we will meet soon. Best regards, Joris..." her voice trailed off to a whisper when she reached the end of the letter, holding back on a sigh.
An audience with the king of Bonta… it was strange how most of the world was unaware of Yugo's position. He was the future king of the Eliatrope and yet the boy had asked of her and Phaeris to not speak of it to anyone other than close family. The world was still uncertain about the Eliatrope people's intentions, the treachery Qilby put everyone through had cast a shadow over the draconic people. He had claimed to be the king and wore that title wrongfully until Alys brought the lie to light and shown the representatives of the Disciples of Twelve his true face. Yet so many still believed Qilby was the true king and with Yugo not stepping forth to reclaim his crown, that lie continued to be believed. One of her goals was to set this mistake straight, but even she was not fully trusted by others; it wouldn't be easy to have those blinded by Qilby's lies see the truth.
She sucked on her lower lip in thought as she let her eyes rest upon the paper. She wasn't certain what to write back to Joris. Nothing of great importance happened in the sleepy village of Emelka and while he was doing good in the world, she was busy serving people their drinks and food. She had been content with helping out in the inn while she recovered, but she was longing to become meaningful and to take that first step to assuring a future for all those waiting Eliatrope children. She was still struggling with things, things she couldn't explain to anyone for she didn't understand them herself. She wished to talk with Joris like she done before but hadn't had the courage to write down her problems upon a piece of paper anyone would be able to read. Her nightmares were her own problem; she didn't want to burden anyone with the dreadful feeling she would wake up with or the recurring dream which left her gasping for air whenever it shook her awake. While she was present during the day, she was mostly gone with her thoughts or tired from the lack of sleep. Perhaps she should bring it up to Phaeris now that he was here, just to see what he would say...
Alys climbed off the bed while she thought about it, quickly reading over the contents of the letter to see if she had missed anything before she left her room to make her way back downstairs. There was no point in moping about nightmares and yearnings. Joris had written her this letter to spread the warning about the roads in the east of Bonta not being safe and to not pass it on would make the urgency completely mute. "Alibert?" She looked around for the man after she took the last few steps down, seeing him gathered around a table in the back of the inn with Phaeris, Yugo, Chibi and Adamaï while the Preucels were enjoying their meal outside on the patio. For a moment she wondered where Grougaloragran was until she could hear him growling from the rafters above.
"Ahh, there you are. You're in a hurry today, sweet piwi," Alibert said when he saw Alys coming their way, seeing her take her gaze down from the wooden beams running along the ceiling to smile at him before she held out the letter. He rose his eyebrows in surprise before he took it from her, asking with amusal in his voice," what's this then?" He unfolded the paper, soon joined by a curious Yugo and Adamaï who leaned in to try and catch a glimpse of the writing.
"It is from master Joris."
"Ooh, master Joris," Adamaï cooed almost mockingly towards Alys and snickered when he saw her roll her eyes and shake her head at his teasing, a fake scowl showing upon her face. It was no secret that the female Eliatrope and the master of Bonta had grown close during their stay in Sadida, but many misinterpreted their friendship for something else and Adamaï was no exception. He was the only one who liked to rub it in and tease her about it though... Pursing his blue lips to smooch the air while hugging himself, he stopped with his teasing when he felt Alys' hand on top of his head between the horns, feeling her push down on him like a quiet sign for him to tone it down. He bent a little through his knees while he grinned, showing his large stumpy teeth towards the female Eliatrope who was smirking down at him. It was all playful banter and it was fun to tease her; he couldn't resist.
Yugo laughed at his brother and Alys before he hung himself in front of Alibert to read the letter himself as it felt like his father was taking far too long, asking impatiently while he held Chibi in his arms," is he finally coming by for a visit?"
"No Yugo," the innkeeper said as he rose the letter a little higher so he could read it from over the top of Yugo's hat, saying while his expression grew a little more serious," seems trouble is brewing in Cania." He saw Phaeris nod to verify his words before he sighed and handed the letter back to Alys, holding it high to avoid Yugo and Adamaï from snatching it away. "I'll let any visitor heading that way know to be cautious, not to worry," he assured Alys before he looked at Phaeris while asking," how bad do you think it is?"
"Phaeris isn't certain what the small master of Bonta has written in the letter he requested to be delivered, but Phaeris doesn't believe the threat remained in Cania, or even Bonta. There was no trace of the escaped prisoner when Phaeris helped the small master and Justice Knight with their search; the prisoner could be long gone and taken refuge elsewhere for all we know," the dragon said while he remained seated with crossed arms, his eyes on the rafters where a frustrated Grougal was hiding from him," it has been two days since Phaeris left the swamps of Cania. Anything could have happened since then."
"Justice Knight?" Yugo asked abruptly, interrupting his attempt to create a small zaap to steal the letter from Alys while his eyes shone with sudden admiration, the memories of the young knight's golden armor literally engraved into his memory," you and Joris helped Justice Knight with trying to capture a criminal?" His sudden excitement had the infant in his arms babble and giggle, causing the black dragon whelp in the rafters to move a little closer in interest.
"With his father, yes," Phaeris added.
"That is so cool," Yugo sighed before he pouted a little," wish I could have been there."
"You can go after criminals another day," Alibert said with a weak sounding chuckle, still not certain how to feel about Yugo's destiny being filled to the brim with danger and adventure. The boy had a few months of respite in Emelka and it was a time the Enutrof greatly enjoyed; he wished it could remain like it was but he knew all too well that there was no rest with the Eliatropes. He knew the first to leave the nest was Alys, no matter that her stay had been short. She had spoken of her ideas for the future and had received Yugo and Adamaï's blessing and support. It was bound to happen… the question was when.
"What is wrong with Grougal?" Alys asked after she looked up to the rafters to try and see the small dragon, unaware of Alibert's thoughts. She spotted the whelp peering down at the group, his large eyes the only thing visible in the shadows.
Adamaï shrugged a little in answer while he watched Yugo being enamored by the very thought of Justice Knight," he didn't agree with Phaeris coming close to Chibi and tried to give him a face full of fire. It didn't go as planned and now he is annoyed because he didn't get to show the big dragon who is boss… and also because I scolded him."
Alys closed her eyes and sighed in disappointment before she looked over at Phaeris, seeing the collar of his cloak was singed a little by Grougaloragran's attack. If it hadn't been Phaeris, it would have been more than bits of torched fabrics… She rather not imagine it. It bothered her she could no longer soothe the black dragon like she was able to, no matter that they still got along whenever Grougaloragran saw fit.
"Phaeris will discipline him tomorrow when he trains Adamaï," the dark turquoise dragon said, thoughtfully stroking a hand over the scars which had been inflicted on him during the assault on the Crimson Claw island while he ignored a disapproving snarl coming from the rafters," Phaeris still has a long way to go with you, Adamaï. Try not to be reluctant tomorrow; it hindered you the last time."
"Right, right," the white scaled dragon muttered while his eyebrows knitted together in a bothered expression, the playful touch he had gone for the time being. That he had trouble during the training Phaeris tried to put him through was no laughing matter. The demonic possession he went through had left internal scars which had trouble healing over. Phaeris had been trying to awaken his potential but any transformation, even the smaller one like the Scaraleaf, were a painful reminders of how his body had been abused by the Shushu Anathar. The only other form he felt comfortable with was his humanoid one; it was one he took on every day to fit in within the village. He disliked the mental wall which was build around his confidence and was eager to knock it down but it had been difficult. Tomorrow he had to go through it though; he was growing impatient with himself.
"How long are you staying for?" Yugo asked and brightened up when Alys handed him the letter so he could read it rather than plot on taking it from her somehow, taking a seat upon the bench next to Alibert. He was soon joined by Alys who took the infant Eliatrope from him so he had his hands free and rocked the child in her arms, smiling down upon him. Adamaï sat himself next to Phaeris, the small group all seated to listen to the dragon and catch up with him; he must have experienced a few things while wandering.
"One night, maybe two."
"Short," Adamaï commented, pulling his nose up a little. A short visit meant intense training. He hoped he would be excused from any chores so he could focus on whatever Phaeris would put him through; he would need it. He peered over towards his brother as he was reading the letter, seeing the boy's eyes shine with a matching gleeful grin. Adventure was calling him and even Adamaï had to admit he was longing to do something else than cook, clean, train and play. But as long as they weren't back to their full strength, they wouldn't even head out for a visit to old friends," so aside from Cania, where else have you been? Have you come across any other Dofus? Dragons perhaps?"
Phaeris rose an eyebrow at the questions before he shook his head and gave a simple answer," none." To find another lost Dofus would be the ultimate finding in his wanders. Some of his brothers and sisters' Dofus were still missing without a known location, like Nora and Efrim along with Alys' Dofus. Who knew how many more there were… Alys' presence proved that a second generation of Eliatropes was able to survive centuries of slumber, no matter that she was safe within another dimension for all those years. Her Dofus was still out there somewhere, waiting to be found. "Phaeris has been to the volcanic lands of Sidimote but found no traces of anything draconic or Eliatrope there. Neither in Cania," he said honest but solemn, seeing Yugo look up from the letter he was reading.
"Sidimote? Brakmar…? Why did you go to Brakmar?"
"Phaeris did not enter the city but merely explored the lands around it. He has no desire to enter that pit. However, the lands of Sidimote seemed a good place for anything related to dragons. If there was a chance, it would have been there. The World of Twelve is large, little Eliatrope… Phaeris still has a lot of exploring to do before he is certain he looked everywhere for our brethren."
Yugo nodded in agreement, relieved the dragon hadn't entered the capitol of Brakmar; he wouldn't have been welcome after the damage the Brotherhood of Tofu had caused during Kriss la Krass' trial match and from what he heard from Alys, the prince of Brakmar seemed to be holding a fierce grudge towards the Eliatropes.
"While his search in Sidimote was unfruitful, Phaeris can tell you more about his time in Cania with master Joris and Justice Knight, if you like," Phaeris said while he remained seated with his arms crossed over his chest, seeing both the youngsters sit up a little more in anticipation while Yugo nearly nodded his head free from his neck. He cleared his throat, pleased with the interest from everyone seated around the table before he went in depth about the contents of Joris' letter, speaking of his search for the criminal which had long before fled the swamps and the region of Bonta.