Cynder paced back and forth outside of the chamber where they were keeping the injured dragon, she wondered when he'd wake up. Spyro sat beside the doors, leaning against the wall slightly as he tried to think of an explanation. They'd found a dragon who looked like Cynder almost, of course with slight and major differences, one of them being he's male. Cynder sighed, as she paused momentarily to gaze at the doors, listening for anything. The healers had been in there to check up on him, make sure his injuries were well tended to.
She didn't have to wonder for long, a loud crash sounded from in the room, making Cynder and Spyro jump. One of the healers hurriedly ran out of the room, the doors swinging shut behind him. He was a mole, a small little creature with a mustache.
"Is everything alright? "Cynder and Spyro both asked in unison, their attentions were sparked with curiosity. The healer took in a deep breath, as if he was deprived of it.
"He…woke up…and didn't know who we were. So, he went crazy! "He gasped, running off down the hall to fetch either, supplies, or the Guardians. Cynder and Spyro both cautiously opened the doors, to see two healers with their arms waving in surrender. They were trying to talk down the male, he was at the top of a bookshelf, growling down at them dangerously. Bandages were falling off of him, and he had the look of pure panic in his eyes.
"It's alright! We're only trying to help! "One of the moles cautioned.
"Stay away from me! "He snarled, lashing his spiked tail behind him. His teal eyes blazing with rage and ferocity. Cynder was taken back by him, he was a handsome dragon, silver horns and spikes adorned him, he had spiked scales above his eyes, and dark red plates and wings. He had markings on his body, almost like Cynder's, only his were more jagged and unique.
He smacked a book towards the two healers, making them leap back in fear, dodging the book. Cynder stepped forward, taking in a breath. Spyro felt half tempted to tell her to not interfere, this dragon didn't seem very friendly. "I'm Cynder… "she introduced as she stepped in front of the moles, he stopped growling when he saw her, he studied her quite confused.
"And? "He asked, snidely. She blinked her eyes a few times in confusion and trying to hold her tongue from replying in a snarky manner. She gestured a wing to the moles behind her.
"Their healers, they've come here to help your wounds heal, and to prevent infection. "She explained, as she stared at his bloodied bandages that had already begun to fall to the floor. He stayed still, and quiet. "We aren't here to harm you, some guards found you unconscious in the forest…they brought you here. "She said, he thought for a moment, trying to study her expression to find if she was honest or not.
Hesitantly, he jumped down from the shelf, landing perfectly balanced on his paws. He was taller than Cynder and Spyro, and was more muscled. Obviously, he was a seasoned warrior, muscles like that come from training and fighting. She stepped aside as he followed the two moles, but he didn't miss casting a suspicious glance over his shoulder at she and Spyro before he sat down, allowing the two creatures to bandage him.
"If you're hungry, dinner will be starting soon in the dining hall. It's down the hall to the left. "Cynder said, as she and Spyro left, allowing him to be alone for a while longer.
Tassos was aching all over, the wounds those guards back at Blood Spire left on him would make there mark. He cringed as he moved the wrong way, causing a sharp pain to rocket through his body. Then, on top of it all, his stomach growled. Scowling he made his way broodingly towards the door, remembering the directions Cynder, had given him.
The walk to the dining hall would give him time to contemplate his next move. He'd escaped that horrendous Kingdom, but now he was in foreign lands, and had nowhere to go. And, Queen Nathaira wouldn't let him go so easily, she'll be sending spies to hunt him down and take him back. He felt a ball of ice form in his stomach at the thought, he had left there to get away from the cruelty and possessiveness of the Queen. Although, he was beginning to wonder whether it was the right call, at least if he had stayed he could've done something. If he had laid low, and stayed on her good side. He shook his head. No, it could never have happened.
The open doors of the dining hall grew before him, he cautiously entered, scanning the large room. He saw moles scurrying around carrying food trays out to tables, while three large dragons sat at one together. A large burly, green earth dragon. A yellow, electric dragon and an ice dragon with blue scales. He scoffed. What kind of place is this?
Dragons of different elements coexisting, it baffled him. As he looked towards another area of the room, he saw the purple dragon that was with Cynder, he was sitting there waiting patiently for his food. Tassos was about to turn around and escape while he still could, the last thing he wanted were dragons questioning him. But it was too late, a claw tapped his shoulder, turning he saw Cynder. Her green eyes met his teal ones and he felt for a moment, as if he'd seen her before, somewhere far away.
"Sit with us… "she beckoned, as she swished her tail lazily and began striding over to the purple male, he saw the two of them and his face lit up. "This is Spyro. "She said, he frowned, he knew very well who this dragon was. The purple dragon of legend, the one who defeated Malefor.
"Hello! What's your name? "He asked, as Tassos sat down, he was the silent type, they'd soon figure this out.
"Tassos. "He bluntly replied, Spyro smiled.
"So, can I ask you how you ended up in Warfang? "She asked. After years of peace it was strange that a battered dragon shows up out of nowhere in the forest, it made her suspect he wasn't on the up and up.
"How did you end up in Warfang? "He asked, almost accusingly. She was taken by surprise at this, obviously he knew something she didn't.
"What? "She asked, squinting her eyes venomously. Spyro could already tell, these two were either going to be really bad enemies, or really great friends. Both were short-tempered and sarcastic.
"Dragons like us don't live with…" he cast a glance at Spyro, "others… "he finished. Trying to keep it friendly as possible, but it was hard.
"And just what kind of dragons are we? "She asked, gesturing between herself and Tassos, who looked at her with a dumbfounded expression.
"Yeah… "Spyro but in, "what kind of dragon are you? "He asked, facing Tassos.
"Arete, or what you would call a dark dragon. "He replied flatly, as he glanced over at a mole carrying three trays piled with meat. Cynder blinked in recognition.
"Wait…I've heard that name before. "She said, Spyro looked at her tilting his head. "The apes, or Gaul, used to talk about them being threats. "She said.
Of course, she should've thought of it sooner. The reason she hadn't suspected Tassos of being an Arete, is because after the war, she assumed they'd all gone extinct. But now, here was one, alive and mostly well, sitting in front of her. He noticed her staring and became irritated.
"Enjoying the view? "He asked, as she bit back her hiss at his remark, Spyro chuckled as he took a bite of his food.
"Oh please, I am the view! "She retorted, making him narrow his eyes threateningly, she returned the sentiment.
"I think you two are going to get along swell. "Spyro murmured in between bites, Cynder caught that mischievous gleam in his eye, and shrugged off the thought. There was no way she could be friends with Tassos, so far, he's come off as rather cold, and aggressive. Two things she regrettably used to have; but now she was trying to make a new life for herself – and she felt he'd jeopardize that. "Well, after we eat if you feel up to it, Tassos, we can show you around the city. You could find a place of work and think about settling down perhaps! "Spyro's optimism never failed to intrigue her.
"Don't bother. I won't be here long… "Tassos remarked as he stared blankly at his tray. There was something plaguing the dark dragon's mind, she could see it. He had the same look of longing, that she used to have after she was defeated by Spyro.
Spyro noticed this change in character and also became concerned, Tassos had come off as the brutish type, not caring or probably feeling anything. But now, they saw a new side, he clearly was worried about something or someone.
"Are you alright? "Cynder asked, making her voice softer. Tassos stared at her for a moment, once again, the familiar sense came back, like he'd seen her before. He blinked away the thoughts and stared at Spyro for a moment, before looking around the room.
"I'm fine…"He spat, before standing up. "Thanks for the help, but I think I should get going. "He said, as he began walking out of the cafeteria. The two young dragons followed his form, before they looked at each other worriedly.
"I don't trust him! "Cynder quickly hissed, Spyro rolled his eyes lazily.
"Cynder, you say that about everybody. Let's at least give him a chance. "He ushered, she rolled her eyes now; pursing her lips. Something about Tassos seemed oddly, comforting, and threatening at the same time.
Tassos laid in the bed, his mind swarming with anxiety over his situation. He was now a runaway, a wanted fugitive in the eyes of his people; who once respected him, now they saw him as their enemy. Rolling over, off of his injured side, he stared at the wall in deep thought. Perhaps he only sealed his death by fleeing, and he felt like a coward for doing so, but he couldn't be a slave. He would not sit idly by while the Queen ruined the country that her brother built, if he were still alive he'd stop her, but unfortunately Nathaira made sure he'd never be able to rule again. Only he and Nathaira knew the truth about the former King, and he knew he'd be a fool to tell anyone about what she did.
There was a time when he would've bowed and willingly served her, but not anymore, that ship has sailed. He wanted to get away, and forget everything about his past; he didn't want her tormenting him any longer. A soft knock at his door, stirred him from his thoughts. Of course, it was probably the healers again, the pesky little rodents.
He begrudgingly walked to the door, opening it to see none other than Cynder, the last one he expected to see. "Yes? "He asked, rather politely.
"Wow, no sarcastic reply! "She chimed in a sing-song voice, making him roll his eyes.
"What do you want? "He asked, she smirked.
"I actually was just checking on you… "she sighed, staring him in the eyes, for a moment their eyes locked, and neither looked away.
"I'm fine. Like I said earlier, thanks for stopping by. "He smirked sarcastically, as he moved to shut the door, but she blocked it with her paw.
"Tell me about where you're from! "She demanded, making him stiffen, he glanced at her. She was serious, obviously she and him were the same kind, so it was only understandable she wanted to know more. "Please." She added, she was desperate to find out her roots, where she came from, what secrets it may hold for her.
He nodded his head and allowed her to come in, before closing the door. He knew this would take some time to explain, considering where they are from, and who was ruling them. The way their race worked was complicated, and it was even more difficult to understand if you've never been there.
"It's gonna be a long story… "He sighed.