Like ants, the humans scurried around, busying themselves below me. I was easily recognized, and many of them stopped to gaze upward at the sky. Radi took the less-busy streets, avoiding conversation. I lowered closer to the city, yet maintaining a safe flying distance.
When I said you need to be around them more, this wasn't what I had in mind. I thought disapprovingly. I received a pang of humor in return. Behind it was discomfort.
Why don't you spend more time with more skulblaka, then? Radi retorted. I replied quicker than the elf wanted.
I don't need to. You already act like one. My reply was met with a sigh, and I continued my lazy flying; basking in the sun's rays. A quick flash caught my eye suddenly, causing me to look down. It was a moment before another hit my eyes. I blinked and angled towards the ground to find the odd sight. Another crossed my vision, just outside of the city. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the metal of a carriage wheel spinning, its passengers panicking. Four horses, still in their reins, were running off and away from the city. One young boy chased after them while another man stood on the overturned carriage, helping out one of its remaining occupants.
Curious, I made to land nearby the scene. The man nearly dropped the woman once he heard me approach. The two adult two-legs forgot their situation for a moment to look to me. With my feet securely on the ground, I walked to the group slowly. The carriage man helped out a young female with his eyes still on me. The boy's desperate cries after the horses, however, could still be heard down the road. It was a moment before they felt the need to speak.
"Which one is that?" The adult female asked the adult male. I followed her question to the man in noble attire. Their mannerisms and clothing spoke of nobility, but his face and voice were filled with humility and a deep respect. He cleaned his clothes for a moment, attempting to look presentable to me. I watched with a distant and wary fascination from across the road. He replied to his mate under his breath, smiling to me.
"I'm not certain." His eyes remained locked onto mine as he attempted to identify me. I looked down to the carriage, and to my left where the horses ran off. The man must have followed my gaze, as his voice rose to speak to me. "They saw you and flipped the cart. Is there any way you could help us out?" He asked, his voice becoming shy near the end of his explanation. It would be rude to decline his plea, so I turned back to him. The man bowed low in the human's way of respect, and a shiver ran down my back in response. Ignoring my instinct to move away from him, I bowed my head in mutual respect.
My neck stretched to the carriage, and I looked for a stable place to fix it. Once one was found I looked back to the humans in silent warning. They quickly backed up, seeing my motion. The carriage was slightly smaller than my head, but would be much more delicate than any dragonscale. Dragons were not meant to be tender with the world. I thought to myself as my eyes scanned the more well-structured spots.
All was silent except for the creaking of the wood under my chin. The small spikes under my jaw bit into the wood lightly, but didn't puncture the sturdy invention. With just enough force, it wobbled back to its intended position. Items on the inside loudly banged about as it returned upright. The humans smiled widely at me, the young female clapping happily. I glanced around, no longer hearing the boy's frantic cries.
It didn't take me long to catch him returning without the horses. His eyes were trained on the ground as he kicked rocks on his way back; likely thinking of an apology. Behind me, the man spoke again.
"Amazing! Thank you very much. We'll have a story to tell at the table this evening…" He walked around, asking for my attention. I watched the boy in his distraction for a moment longer before looking down to him. "...Will your rider be there? At the table, I mean. I'd love to meet them." He said. I chuckled softly in accomplishment, knowing I had done well to make good conversation with the humans, despite my oath to never speak to them. I chose to not reply verbally, instead bowing my head once in farewell.
He motioned his own respect, bowing at the waist and thanking me in the ancient language. I felt my head recoil minutely in surprise at the words. The female took his attention from me and I wondered after the boy again.
On their own accord, my eyes shifted back to the boy as I walked away from the group towards him. He eventually heard me before seeing me, flinching momentarily. Once he realized what I was, his mouth opened wide. I leaned down to him and softly touched my snout to his shoulder. It was somewhat difficult, as my chin threatened to also drag along the ground. He stood there frozen as I continued walking away.
I took to the sky again, flying back towards the city, this time at a higher distance above the city. I checked in on Radi while I slithered back and forth in the air. It was a moment before I felt the odd sensation of comfort from my rider. I silently asked what was the cause and Radi offered to show me. I saw immediately that my rider had been speaking to an elf.
"And Maelorum? How is he faring?" Taylyn inquired excitedly. I gave a small smile.
"He's doing well, albeit stubborn with his nesting. I may need to ask you to attempt an intervention. He has always valued your opinion." A small part of me always saddened at that thought. She grinned and shifted her stance in joy.
"I may, though some other time, perhaps. With the news of your arrival, I'm pleased to announce that there are new riders here. The hatchlings are adorable, and could benefit from socializing with their kind."
I lifted my eyebrow in surprise, "I will admit I saw no other dragons nearby, is there trouble in the borders of Alagaesia again, friend?" Her smile faltered.
"Indeed, never ending, it seems. Most of the Shur'tugal have left for various cities to quell the growing unrest. Those that stayed behind are introducing our new riders as we speak." Voices ended her sentence as the familiar chirping of a hatchling's claws resounded in the hall. We both looked to the sound and I couldn't help the smile that crossed my face at the sight. We greeted the aquamarine dragon in our custom, its gleeful bounds jumping from one colored stone to the next towards us. Its bonded rider turned the corner after it, not seeing us. It was a young boy, no older than 10. Behind him spoke his guide, teaching him the importance of respect towards elves.
The boy caught sight of us watching, doubling his efforts to restrain his dragon, to no avail. Taylyn stepped forward and the guide saw her, stopping his instruction to greet her. She reciprocated, and I observed from afar. The guide made no move to greet me, attempting to excuse the hatchling's behavior. Taylyn only dropped to a knee and welcomed the young dragon. The gesture reminded me of her companionship with Maelorum when he was that age. I spoke louder to the guide.
"When did he arrive?" I asked him, stepping forward. He bowed in respect and hastily replied.
"This morning, Argetlam." He said, looking embarrassed for the young boy's attempts at controlling his dragon. Taylyn made a sound akin to a squeal and brushed the dragon's scales lovingly. I asked the boy a question.
"What is your name, young man?" My formality was lost to the boy's ears.
He pointedly looked to the ground before speaking up, "Brom." He immediately looked back to the dragon. Taylyn spoke to it, asking it to calm down. It did, and Brom thanked her quietly. The guide cleared his throat, wanting to continue the tour. Brom jogged back to him as he started down the hall again. Taylyn sent the young dragon to follow, standing. After a moment, she spoke longingly.
"They're so innocent at that age." She sighed. I could almost hear the smile.
"The dragon, or the boy?" I asked.
"Hmm, both, I'd say." She turned back toward me and motioned towards the great hall. I followed as she returned to our mother tongue. "I must say I'm surprised you returned. I did not expect to see you so soon after... well..." I nodded in reply, expecting the topic.
"We needed to take some time to think about our actions. Maelorum in particular feels deep regret for what happened, no matter how faultless he was. From what I've been hearing, however, is some tales of new beings in our lands. You wouldn't happen to know anything about them, would you?" I asked. She hesitated, but continued.
"From what I'm told, the riders haven't found anything. Like I said, most of the riders are out gathering that information." She danced around something important, but I decided to not press her on it. Maelorum nudged at me, curious about an occasion with food. I changed the subject.
"Maelorum tells me of a gathering soon? I'm sure you're very much in that circle of information." I smiled knowingly at her. She nodded and returned the smile with glee. Her unrelenting joy and understanding of the events of our youth earned a large place in my heart of hearts for her, even if she enjoyed overwhelming me with her delightful presence.
"Yes, this evening is about the new riders. Many nearby lords are attending, as well as yours truly and several other of your respected kin." I shook my head in disagreement.
"Taylyn, they are your kin as well. Just because you are not a Shur'tugal does not mean you do not belong at the riders' table. It is their loss to not have your mind and heart behind their deliberations." She seemed comforted by my statement.
"Nevertheless, I will need to properly prepare for it. I suggest you do the same. The council will be ready when you are tomorrow." Her mention ended with her farewell, and I matched it. It took me no time to find my old room. I avoided all other forms of conversation as I expertly navigated through the halls.
The pristine stone and detailed artistry of the decor did little to hold my attention, however, the details of an obvious display of wealth did not leave my mind as I looked around. Echoes of friendly conversation kept the peaceful footfalls below me to a dull beat on my way to Maelorum. With every step, his excitement grew while he waited for me patiently. As I opened the door to the enormous room my heart of hearts lay in, a contented yawn rumbled across the spacious quarters. Behind him, the heavy fabrics separated the balcony he would need to use to leave.
I greeted him silently, deciding to clean myself of the day's problems and get dressed. We simply enjoyed each other's company in unison, centuries of companionship no longer requiring a mental link to know each other's feelings. He spoke first.
I scared off a carriage of horses earlier. They managed to overturn the cart and break free of their bonds. The subtle shame he felt was tinged with remembrance. I fixed the collar of my outfit, looking in the mirror at him with a studious eye.
And its passengers were fine, I take it? I asked. He would have been much more upset had anyone been injured. He only snaked his head around his wing in response.
Maelorum, you are a dragon. The horses will be fine, I'm sure they've made their way back to their owners. He made a grumble with his head facing away from my gaze.
It was a lord's carriage. We've already made a noble angry with us since returning. The humans will not forgive as easily. He didn't even know my name. I stopped my fussing, turning to face him with a half smile. Being away from Alagaesia for more than 30 years would understandably warrant ignorance from the humans. It would be up to us to mold our reputation to our benefit.
All the more reason for me to make a great impression. I thought. He dragged his chin on the ground, his scales grinding against the stone. I glanced at the unfazed flooring before catching the suspiciousness of his eyes. His eyes jerked up and down my form, searching for something that would not be found there.
You're in an unusually good mood. Was your conversation with Taylyn fruitful? He blinked, giving up.
Yes and no. She confirmed some questions, raised others. I'm intrigued by the amount of 'unknowingness' about these creatures. I have never heard of them before, and the thought of them draws me to learn about them. Also, the young riders have arrived and you may be one of the first dragons they set eyes upon. So yes, I am in a better-than-usual mood. He tilted his head to the side, the spikes of his jaw holding his head in the sideways position. I looked down at my attire, silently requesting an opinion.
His approval overwhelmed me, forcing me to smile. And may you enjoy the company of the two-legs. He knew better than anyone my reasons for disliking the humans, and that knowledge kept him from changing my attitude toward them. I walked up to him, hugging his snout before hesitantly leaving him to get my answers.
I heard the laughter much earlier than I saw them. Taylyn was among the gathering elves, with a few other members of the council. The council members stood out easily, their embroidered clothes screamed of attention. Among the council, stood Foriendral as he likely boasted about himself. He was not a council member for his skill at diplomacy, however, the elf was unmatched in the subtle arts of spying and the occasional blackmail. He and I once spent many nights arguing over his lack of morals only for him to bring up the activities I engaged in prior to my exile.
It seemed to give him a perverse pleasure to hold my traitorous actions against me, and he took every opportunity to threaten me with releasing the information to the council unless I supported him on his quest to sit on the council. The twisted plan worked, and I stepped down from my seat, unable to stomach a system where he could control my every opinion. The council had found my request odd, but bid me a hopeful future as a former member of the council. It was shortly after that I committed the acts against the humans that would all but force me into leaving.
Despite the taste of disgust on my tongue at the sight of him, I announced my presence to the room with a smile. I sang my greeting, causing them all to turn to me. Taylyn smiled widely, forgetting her conversation to face me. Foriendral's eyes followed me with mischief from his side of the room. I ignored the disgraceful elf and looked to one of my oldest teachers. The other elves held pleasantly surprised looks, with one exception; his angled face hiding a slight frown.
Oromis stepped forward and requested to speak with me privately as his frown softened. The group unanimously agreed and went back to their conversations. Taylyn lingered on me before turning back to them.
"Ebrithil Oromis, I didn't expect to see you here, I was told the riders were 'out and about'." I spoke in the human tongue, my accent hidden. He ignored my purposeful language choice, responding in kind.
"My presence is required here to train Brom and Morzan. The hatchlings are too young to fly to Doru Araeba at the moment." We walked down the hall away from curious ears and continued the pleasantries.
"I briefly met with Brom this afternoon. He refused to look me in the eye." I said, my own curiosity bleeding through the statement. Oromis nodded with a smile.
"He is from Kuasta. I'm sure he will adjust with time. What brings you out of your self-imposed exile, Radi?" He asked bluntly. We were far enough away from the group to speak freely, and he did little to hide his curiousity.
"Maelorum and I met with Laudra and Ignant in Ceunon a couple of days ago. The high lord, Ausric, was very... unwelcoming after the attempt on my life."
Oromis thought for a moment, speaking, "Please continue." I changed to the Ancient Language.
"A Ceunon traveler from Surda spoke of tales about a half-man, half-wolf creature. At Lord Ausric's feast, the traveler attempted to assassinate a member at that table. He only spoke madness before his death. I was forced to kill him in self-defense." Oromis stopped and gave a soft smile.
"Thank you for returning. The council would ask about your return, as well as your perspective of the situation tomorrow. Lord Ausric has brought several worrisome statements about what occured on your first night in Ceunon. I would, however, ask the council to not merely take his word for it. I trust you to remain truthful on what happened, and give a potentially more fair account of the events." I began walking back the way we came, unsatisfied by his response. Of course they should trust my word more than the human's. It would be foolish to take the word of a slimy Lord over a rider's sworn duty to honesty.
"What can I offer in service, Oromis?" I asked, feeling as though I needed to prove myself, despite the internal growling of my unshakable lack of choice in the matter.
"For the time being, patience. We will understand soon enough, but tonight, we have much to celebrate. I would, however, ask that you familiarize yourself with the city. You've been gone for many years, and I'm sure many of the men here will not remember you. Tonight is particularly important for socializing among them. There will be many new faces at the table." He smiled, looking forward.
I bowed my head, and he excused himself to prepare for the gathering. I thought back to Maelorum. He seemed to be relaxing in the quiet of his perch. I put on a fake smile and walked forward to join the group. Men, women, and elves conversed, many of whom I had never met. The few faces I did know held the same welcoming smile as though I never left with threats upon my lips. My head spun with the amount of chatter around me while I sat, watching the humans. A deep voice interrupted my musings.
"You must be Radi." I blinked out of my reverie and looked up. The man's beard threatened to hide his lips. I smoothly stood, offering a smile and nod. He returned with his own bow in respect. "I've been looking for you." He smiled, looking grateful at my openness to converse. I watched him in slight amusement, almost happy to cause him discomfort.
"And you must be the Lord who Maelorum helped earlier." I announced. Surprise flashed across his eyes before confusion took over. I couldn't help a sick smirk from gracing my otherwise stoic appearance.
"Maelorum, that's the dragon's name? Then you..." My status clicked for him, and he immediately kneeled. A couple of people paused their conversations at the sight, but quickly returned to them. I motioned for him to rise, my pride growling in response.
"I have yet to know your name, sir." I smiled forcefully. He nodded, seemingly more nervous in my presence than before.
"Lord Kern Dorgon, at your service. My apologies for not realizing your position." I gestured to the empty seat next to me. He accepted it without question, and I sat down with him. My hand unconsciously reached for the previously untouched wine I had brought over in anticipation for a situation such as this. I only hoped it would help me remain a friendly face at the cost of my senses.
"It's a pleasure, Lord Dorgon. I hold no grudge for the lack of knowledge about me. I have been absent for many years." I stated stiffly. His curiosity was evident, but his politeness held his questions at bay. I noticed Oromis move to the head of the table and pointedly stood, while Lord Dorgon followed.
I listened absentmindedly to Oromis give a welcoming speech to all of the attendees. It was when he mentioned my presence did I become aware of the lingering eyes on me.
"...Tonight, we are happy to see Radi among the friendly faces. It has been far too long, my friend." He raised his drink in toast, and I raised mine. The rest of the room mirrored our motions, drinking before us. The meal service continued, and the night quickly tired me. I found myself standing on the balcony, gazing out at the city below; enjoying the cool breeze and quiet. My enjoyment wasn't to last; as a man's gait made its way to my ears.
"A peaceful night, with a full belly, and all of the comforts of home." He mused. I merely watched below me as he neared. I remembered he requested to speak with me about something, but was distracted by me and the feast.
"And the commonry segregated whilst the the noblemen do smile." I replied, the venom in my voice leaking. He slowly made his way next to me, leaning on the balcony. I glanced at his empty hands and took a sip of the wine glass I realized I held.
"I meant no offense." He apologised. I shook my head softly, forcing a smile. I need him to like me… It does me no good to burn bridges before they can be built.
"I took none, merely observing the differences of class." I responded. His hesitation was evident and I remained in my overlooking position. The city below hummed with activity, even though the cold stare of the moon watched above us.
"I don't know where to begin. I had heard tales of a rider who fought bravely against Urgals and Kull, only to-" I interrupted him sharply before he could say something I would not allow.
"That is not your place." I spat. He stopped and nodded as though he were a child being chastised.
"It is not, forgive me." I only turned toward the man, studying him. This man in particular took every avenue to appeal to me, his movements purposely showing an almost primal instinct of submission. The actions confused me and I furrowed my brows, a new level of harshness making its way out of my throat. Instead of the general hatred of humans guiding my words, the frustration of not understanding him overtook my inquiry.
"Why have you really come out here to speak with me?" I asked bluntly. He straightened up, preparing to say his peace.
"I have information about the creatures causing trouble in Surda." He turned serious, looking at me in worry. I watched him, unblinking, listening attentively.
"Though curious as it is, why are you telling me?" I asked. He let out a soft scoff and continued.
"Your reputation precedes you. I know of your desire to get to the truth and solve the issues that plague the world. I may not know you, and I may not have realized who you were until this evening, but anyone could see how troubled the riders have been growing the past few weeks," He paused to look down before looking back at the party, "even I can sense the growing unrest with my constituents. I've spoken to the council, and they will not hear me. I need someone from the outside to look in. Someone unclouded by the adjustment to the issues." His voice had become low, his eyes flashed between me and the group away from us.
I placed my drink on the balcony, standing to my full height. His eyes seemed almost desperate with worry at my silence. Despite his age, he spoke with wisdom, immediately earning my full attention.
"By all means, continue."
For several minutes he described all that he had learned about them. When they were possibly sighted, where, and how much damage they left in their wake. The amount of failed attempts to lure and capture them, and his worries for why the riders had done so little.
"I fear for the riders, not just my own people. These beings are elusive, and smart. From what I've heard, they vanish when they sense the riders closing the gap between them and capture. They obviously do not wish to be caught, but are shortening many lives. I have at least two people under arrest for their safety." I finally spoke.
"Whose safety?" I asked. If they needed to be arrested, it would be to spare the innocents, however Lord Dorgon's voice hinted at another underlying issue he had yet to voice.
"They were bitten, and since then, they've only gotten worse. Nightmares, aggressiveness, they aren't the same people they once were. I came to the table tonight to convince Oromis and the council to help." He pressed quietly. I thought for a moment. Almost all of the riders were away, seeming to be keeping the people calm; however, the lack of riders remaining in Ilirea felt odd. Surely this situation did not require the full attention of all of the riders. Even Oromis in all of his wisdom was hiding something from me. Getting the answers Lord Dorgon seeked, the answers I now seeked would be difficult if the riders were somehow covering up the truth.
As my recent return had proved, my influence here would be much less than most of the other riders. Especially with those who witnessed me on the night of Maelorum's and my exile. My eyes blinked back to the present.
"I will do what I can to help. You have my word." I spoke in his language. He seemed to relax, smiling with a bow.
"Thank you, Master Radi." I had already turned back to face the city when he continued, "Before I forget, I am curious. There seems to be many hushed voices surrounding your name. I have only been leading my city for a few months, but surely you could provide me with a proper answer. I do not particularly enjoy gossip. It can distract from the truth."
He stood still, phrasing the coming question with care, "Why did you leave Alagaesia?" He asked. I sipped the last of my wine slowly. It was moments like this when I hated being a rider. When I hated humans. So blunt, with little regard for how incredibly complex and dangerous the answer was.
"Have a good evening, Lord Dorgon." I replied sharply. He at least had the mind to not bother me further and left. I was finally left to ponder my thoughts. The council would not take kindly to me disobeying their request, if they asked me to ignore the obvious problem I encountered. As much as I had missed the curiosities of their politics, the fickle nature of reputation annoyed me. At the very least, my kind could genuinely make me trust them. An act no human would ever again earn from me.
I breathed the fresh air once more, and left my emotions on the balcony to return to my room for the night. I managed two polite farewells before I was stopped by Taylyn. As much as I normally enjoyed her company, she showed an unusual desire to annoy me.
"The council will be meeting tomorrow, I am sure it will not be necessary to tell you that your presence is required; as per your 'situation' and status as an elder." The last part of her sentence sounded odd leaving her mouth, but she continued, "I would also like to personally request Maelorum to meet with me and the three young students he has not yet met." I spoke before she could continue.
"Earlier you spoke of only two new riders." I stated, knowing that I was missing something. She only nodded and finished.
"Yes, but while you were enjoying the festivities outside," A knowing smile crossed her face, "I was informed of another promising student coming to Ilirea." She smiled again and continued excitedly now that the unsavory message she had was delivered, "So many young dragons, it's exciting." She gushed. I gave her a half-smile, sensing her hesitation for something more. I quickly offered Maelorum's time to her in order to make her feel more at ease.
"I'll make sure Maelorum is awake early to greet them, and I will see you at the council's gathering." I almost stopped my sentence as her face confirmed my suspicion, "Or perhaps not." I corrected myself. She made an apologetic smile.
"They have requested a private audience when they speak with you. Despite my attempts to convince them otherwise, I will not be allowed entry." Her mood damped, and I immediately felt a sense of worry. If she would not attend, it was a serious matter. My return, it seemed, was not as welcomed as I had hoped.
AN: Okay, I know I don't write authors notes in my chapters, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you guys for viewing FE. I have several future chapters already written, my obstacle is just sewing them together to make the story flow. I'm not exactly sure how I want to do some of them, as far as time skips go. This story takes place over the course of about 5-8 years. That's 5-8 years of character growth I need to introduce for some characters (both mentally and physically), and a very long time to get some things hashed out for other stuff. Therefore, I may need to do some flashbacks, and filler chapters that- while they are necessary to the overall story- would be several months/years between events.
In other words, CP is giving me a run for my money in how The Fall's timeline is set up. With that being said, I hope you guys continue to read and bear with the time jumps I will need to eventually do. Also, please review if you can! I'm not opposed to reading your opinions so far, thoughts and theories about characters or story stuff! I love em! I plan on posting another chapter as soon as I can. May your swords stay sharp! -Nik