One Month Later
Taelas tucked in his wings and landed, falling easily into a trot along the cobblestones. Before him were two adult dragons, clad in armor and standing to either side of an entrance. The building they guarded was an oddity in the surrounding mess. Signs of destruction and construction still consumed the city the Warfang despite the mole's feverish efforts.
The structure before him was standing, which alone made it something of a rarity. The fact that it was also constructed with some amount of artistry made it stand out further. Most residents of Warfang still resided among the temporary blocky structures that earth dragons had raised for temporary shelter. However, any building the moles constructed was hard not to notice. Their delicate claws and use of tools allowed them to etch enormous detail into any edifice.
It wasn't the purple dragon's first visit to the temporary residence of the guardians. As such, his interest in the architecture was stifled. His eyes did shift to the remains of the old guardian tower only a short distance away. Already, moles were building up the foundations once more. Taelas couldn't help but see a much more dire scene when he gazed at it, one bathed in violet light and death.
"Are you here to see the guardians master Taelas?" One of the guards spoke, jarring the youth from his thoughts.
Turning to the two before him, Taelas realized that he'd landed and awkwardly stood in silence forcing them to wonder about his intent. "Yes, sorry, just a message for them."
"No need for explanations master Taelas." The other guard spoke, sidling slightly to give the young dragon more space to enter. "Go right in."
The young drake nodded, still not used to being addressed with a title. He'd always been given some amount of respect due to his scales and family, still nothing to the extent he'd received since the battle. It was a strange feeling to finally be given what he'd thought he always wanted. Somehow though, the reverence simply didn't sit well with him.
Burying his opinions on the matter, Taelas stepped through the entrance to the interior. The sun was already in decline and summer was beginning to wane, but only just. The cool inside air was a relief to him and he felt himself relax somewhat. The room he'd stepped into took most of the interior space. It was a large open area, meant for meetings. Despite the moles crafting exquisite designs and details into the walls and floors the guardians had done little to further decorate the space leaving it oddly barren.
Taelas ignored it as he approached the four who were gathered around a table, a map of Warfang spread across it. Even from a distance he could see the details of the reconstruction efforts. While the guardians spoke, mole attendants waddled about gathering requested scrolls, or delivering correspondence. Just watching the bustle made Taelas tired.
"Have a minute?" He asked raising his voice just slightly enough to get the attention of the older dragons.
All four heads turned to him. Tera smiled while Blaze and Icryious nodded their greetings. Srix only stared at him, looked mildly annoyed as usual. Over the last few weeks Taelas had been assured that this was normal for the lightning guardian.
"You bring news I hope?" Icryious asked, his eyes running over the purple dragon for any sign of a letter.
Taelas nodded. "I delivered your message to Corin, he said he'll look to the waterways by tonight."
"That's good to hear, thank you for delivering-
"There's more." Taelas interrupted hesitantly, making the fire guardian close his lips. His words were met with curiosity and silent questioning stares. "Corin mentioned being held up because of a collapsed tunnel to one of their underground storerooms."
"We'll send an earth dragon to clear it then." Tera said already turning to a nearby mole to have the message relayed.
"There's no need." Taelas answered making her stop short. "He mentioned the entrance was in The Maw. I didn't like the idea of sending a solitary worker there so I took care of it."
"That was unwise young dragon." Srix said flatly. "You know that place is dangerous right now."
"All the more reason for me to go instead of someone else." Taelas shrugged simply. He knew Srix wasn't wrong. The Maw had been, and still was, the primary entrance into the underground. The cavernous hole in Warfang was the only true entrance to the mole cities below. Shortly after Malefor's defeat it had been co-opted by less savory dragons leaving it as a somewhat treacherous realm. Taelas couldn't help but think on his first venture into the darkness that had very nearly been the end of him. In some ways it was where everything had begun.
"You cleared the way then?" Tera asked.
"Of course." Taelas nodded proudly. "Nothing to worry about."
Icryious was the first to sigh. "While we appreciate the help, you may want to tread more carefully Taelas."
The purple dragon smirked. "I think I can handle myself; I mean…" The lilac dragon trailed off and gestured behind himself to the city as a whole, referencing the wanton destruction he'd already overcome.
"Past victories don't assure future ones young dragon." Blaze said reaching out a talon and poking Taelas' forehead. "Just try to be more careful." The fire guardian finished with a smirk.
Taelas nodded returning the look. Tera rolled her eyes at the egregious lack of repercussions. However, despite herself, even she couldn't seem to muster any firm words for Taelas.
"Got anything else for me to relay?" Taelas asked, choosing to switch topics before Tera found her nerve.
Blaze shook his head. "You've done enough for now. Check in tomorrow?"
"I'll be here." Taelas replied casually as he turned to leave.
"Taelas." Icryious said, stopping him and making him turn around. The violet drake turned only his head, his brow raising inquisitively. "We wanted to apologize for holding the ceremony while you were away."
Taelas' face scrunched slightly, wondering why an apology was necessary. "I don't need a ceremony to pay my respects." He answered simply.
"Still, given the part you played, it seemed odd to have you missing." Tera added. "It simply couldn't be put off however. Everyone needed to mourn their loses."
Taelas shrugged. "We needed a representative to go with Ryn to his village. We weren't the only ones who lost dragons after all."
With Kalim's sudden death a hole had been left in the village's leadership. While the remaining dragons who had accompanied the elder were willing to bring the news, Ryn had decided that he should be the one to do it. Being the most logical representative of note in Warfang, Taelas had gone with him, along with Syra of course.
"You should take some time to address the dead as well." Blaze said quietly. His words were somber. Despite that, Taelas forced some degree of stoicism across his appearance.
"I'll be sure to see them." He said before turning to leave once more. This time no one stopped him. He didn't hear the voices of the guards outside wish him well. The thoughts of the dead clawed at his mind. A little less than half the population of Warfang had been culled through the fighting. For all his youthful fantasies of being a hero, he'd never once considered what he might feel in the aftermath of such a battle.
Taelas picked his way through the streets of Warfang. Several different trains of thought poured through his mind. All around him were reminders of the damage that had been done to the city and its residents. He hardly noticed those in his vicinity, although he did manage to nod to any that gave him a grateful glance. Despite the weeks passing, many still straightened up upon his approach, gratitude often on their lips.
"Hello Tae-Tae." A voice chirped, drawing the violet dragon from his thoughts. He didn't have to think hard to know who it was. Aria stood beside a snickering Ivarik. Without realizing it, Taelas had made his way home. He'd nearly bumped into the two dragons and not even batted an eye.
"I told you not to call me that." Taelas replied, frowning at his sister.
The ice dragoness only giggled at the comment. He knew she wouldn't stop any time soon. The nickname had stuck for her, and he'd likely be hearing it for a long time to come. Feeling the need to regain some face, Taelas leveled a bored gaze upon Ivarik. "What are you laughing at Ivie?"
The lightning dragon immediately sobered at the use of Aria's pet name, sighing in defeat. "Unfair." He replied simply.
"Nothing unfair about it." Taelas chuckled.
Ivarik was about to argue, but the sound of Aria clearing her throat next to him made him take pause. The lightning dragon tensed as he turned to look at the dragoness. She wore a questioning glance, silently asking him to comment on, what she considered to be, an adorable designation. Ivarik hung his head, stuck with no proper answer available to him. Aria shot Taelas a subtle grin. The purple dragon silently returned it, she had Ivarik wrapped around her talon and she knew it.
"Where are you two headed?" Taelas asked, deciding to spare his friend.
"Out and about." Aria replied lightly, bouncing back and forth on her paws, clearly eager to go.
Finding the answer unsatisfying, Taelas turned to Ivarik who thrust his horns towards the edge of the city. "Just a trip to the forests beyond the walls. Thought it might be nice change of scenery."
"Anything is probably better than staring at this mess." Taelas answered, looking around.
Aria watched as her brother's eyes seemed to focus far into the distance. A small pang of guilt overcame her. She too looked around quietly at the war-torn city. "You're welcome to come with us." She said after a moment. She could feel Ivarik's eyes quickly shift between her and her brother. Thankfully, that was the only reaction the lightning dragon had to offer.
Taelas, lost in his thoughts, didn't seem to notice. He eventually looked back to them and shook his head. "I've got something to take care of, you two go ahead."
"Something to take care of?" Ivarik asked raising a brow.
"I missed the mourning ceremony when I was with Ryn and Syra." Taelas explained. "I should pay my respects."
Ivarik didn't answer in words. He stiffened slightly, his movements becoming jerky. The golden dragon nodded awkwardly; his lips pursed.
"Have you seen mom and dad around?" Taelas asked turning back to Aria.
"They actually went off to the memorial site themselves." Aria explained. She perked up slightly after she'd spoken and Taelas looked at her inquisitively. "There's actually a surprise for you, just make sure you find them."
"Surprise?" Taelas asked.
"Well, I'm not going to spoil it." Aria chided. "Now go on, before you miss them."
Taelas nodded. The purple drake rolled his neck as he stretched his crimson wings wide. Bidding them goodbye, he took off into the air, leaving the couple to watch him shrink into the distance.
"You didn't have to be so obvious about not wanting him to join us." Aria said after a moment making Ivarik frown.
"Sorry, I should have caught myself quicker." The male replied. "I was just looking forward to spending some time with just each other. It feels like we've hardly had a moment to ourselves after all."
Aria smiled bashfully. "That's so sweet." She said bumping her hips lightly against his. "I don't think he noticed at least."
"Seems like he has a lot on his mind." Ivarik added. "You think he'll be alright?"
Aria nodded confidently. "He's always been a little grumbly you know that. I think all that's happened is starting to set in, but he'll sort things out in time."
"I hope you're right." Ivarik sighed.
"I know I'm right." Aria answered firmly. "Now, enough about Taelas, you were supposed to be courting me, so how about it Ivie?"
Ivarik smiled at the name. He'd never admit it publicly, but he couldn't help but like her use of it. "How could I forget." He said extending his wings. "Ready to go?"
Aria looked at his outstretched appendages and then to him in a silent plea. Ivarik tilted his head, but quickly understood and moved to the dragoness' side wrapping a wing around her. Aria brushed her forehead into the crook of his neck humming happily. Together, the two dragons strolled down the streets of Warfang, their only thoughts being of each other.
Taelas touched down near to the memorial site. With so many casualties it warranted some form of monument to remember the fallen. The architectural decisions had been left to the moles as usual. They'd settled on a large building with a domed ceiling. The basic structure was already in place thanks to the work of several earth dragons. The details however were yet to be completed. Only a few moles were actively at work on the structure. Taelas had no doubt that once more pressing matters were taken care of a legion of the small creatures would join the workforce. While detailed plans for the structure escaped him, Taelas had heard that they planned to engrave the names of the fallen into the ceiling to ensure they weren't forgotten.
While the building itself was a sight, the violet drake couldn't help but stop before he reached the entrance. He stood in a smaller plaza, the center of which held a large chunk of marble. He couldn't imagine how much it weighed, or how many earth dragons it had taken to bring it here. It was being sculpted. He wasn't sure when the moles had begun the work of art, but already it was taking shape.
He'd heard what it would ultimately be. The thought still struck him oddly. Spyro and Cynder would be depicted in the stone along with himself and Lyara. The thought of being sculpted was strange to say the least. Already, Taelas could see his likeness appearing in the hewn rock. He tilted his head as if to view it from a different angle and alienate the strange sensation but to no avail.
Eventually, his eyes went to the image of the dragoness who stood next to him. Lither in form, her head was close to his, her eyes gazing out fearlessly. Her presence, even in the form of a statue, made Taelas feel a bit stronger.
"Come here to admire yourself?" Ryn asked from nearby. Taelas didn't move, although his inner thoughts were quickly brushed aside.
"He isn't that narcissistic." Syra commented from beside him, as the couple approached.
"He could be, savior of the world and all." Ryn argued sarcastically.
"It was a group effort, you know that." Taelas said, smirking at the earth dragon.
"Modest too." Ryn added, only to feel Syra's tail poke his hide.
"What are you both doing here?" Taelas asked casually, ignoring the sight of the earth dragon playfully batting a paw at Syra in retaliation.
"We just came from inside." Syra said nodding to the memorial beyond the statue. "Your parents asked mine to join them. They wanted to pay respects to Solris. We thought we should join them; she did help us out of the underground after all."
"I see." Taelas said, his thoughts drifting to the black dragoness. Both Syra and Ryn couldn't help but see his mind wander. It was clear what he was thinking about.
"I heard she fought to the end for this place." Syra said quietly. "She would have been proud to know you succeeded in stopping the gods."
Taelas nodded. "I just wish we could have saved her too."
Syra opened her mouth to speak but Ryn took a step forwards, silencing her. "Don't go down that path Taelas." He said sternly.
"I won't." The purple dragon said surprisingly. Ryn raised a brow, not having expected such an answer. His friend had looked pitiful, but as Taelas met his gaze he saw slightly more determination. "Wishing won't bring back the dead after all. We just have to move forward."
Syra smiled and Ryn mimicked his stoicism. "I'm glad to hear you say that." The earth drake said backing up again.
"We never asked, but why are you here Taelas?" Syra questioned, deciding it would be a good time to change topics. "You weren't really admiring your likeness, right?" She asked nodding her horns to the marble statue.
"Of course not." Taelas answered rolling his eyes. "I came to pay respects. The three of us did miss the ceremony after all."
"I'm surprised you haven't already visited." Syra mentioned. She flinched at her own comment however, realizing that it may have been ill-mannered.
"You're right, I should have already done this." Taelas said, not seeming to mind her statement. "Better late than never I guess."
"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You had a lot going on." Ryn offered. "You even joined us as Warfang's emissary."
"I didn't do much, just a formal greeting in the name of the guardians. You sat in on the meeting, how are the elders of your little hamlet doing?" Taelas asked.
"Probably still squabbling over who will lead." Ryn scoffed.
"You're sure you don't want it for yourself?" Taelas questioned curiously. "Your bloodline would allow you to challenge for it after all."
Ryn shook his head without hesitation. "Perhaps in the future, but I'm no leader at the moment. Besides, each of the elders wouldn't hesitate to scorn me just for my age. I'd be trying to lead while having to watch my back. I'll pass for now."
"I think you'd make a good leader." Syra chirped from beside him. "But only if I'm there too. Someone has to keep you in line."
"She's got it all planned out." Ryn said, eyeing Taelas with a sarcastic grin.
"You don't understand Ryn." Syra pleaded as she shook her head. "We would be the top dragons. We could do whatever we wanted."
Ryn rolled her eyes at the dragoness' small, but sinister, smile. "Something tells me you shouldn't be in power."
"You're no fun." Syra pouted, stamping her paw and feigning anger. "If that isn't enticing just think of the benefits. You saw that mansion-
"I lived in that mansion." Ryn interrupted. "I am Kalim's grandson remember. Besides it isn't all it's cracked up to be."
"Did you ever consider what it might be like to live there just the two of us?" Syra commented looking at him slyly.
Ryn perked up slightly and blinked as he considered the dragoness' words. His eyes shifted to Taelas who just shrugged his shoulders, helpless to say anything.
"I mean, we really shouldn't let it just go to waste." Ryn said scratching his talon on the ground. "One big house, the two of us alone…"
"Are you planning a trip?" A deadpan voice asked from beside them.
The younger dragons turned to find Azshea and Aegis approaching. Azshea smiled happily while Aegis had his eyes focused on Ryn. The earth drake went still as a statue while Azshea smiled back at her father.
"Are you ready to go father?" She asked innocently.
Aegis turned to her, his visage melting into a smile. "I hope we didn't make you wait long." He said leaning down and nuzzling her gently. As he did his eyes snapped to Ryn who nearly jumped in place.
"Well let's not stand around all afternoon." Aegis said moving past his daughter to Ryn and lowering a wing to usher him forward. "I believe you mentioned a large empty house?" He asked.
Taelas watched as the earth dragon peeked to him with a pleading gaze. Taelas only waved a paw and grinned at him as Aegis bumped the young dragon with his wing to grab his attention once more.
"He'll never give Ryn a break will he." Syra mumbled, kicking a paw across the cobbles.
"There's no need to worry Syra." Azshea said from beside her. The fire dragoness watched the two moving further away. "He won't admit it, but he's fond of Ryn."
"Why wouldn't he admit it?" Syra asked, turning to her mother. Azshea met her daughter with a knowing gaze.
"Boys." They said together, making Taelas frown.
The two fire dragonesses seemed to remember that the purple dragon was still standing there at the same time. They both smiled at him, ignoring their slight against his gender.
"Even so, we shouldn't leave Ryn alone with him for too long." Syra said quickly. She fixed Taelas with a small grin. "Come see us some time?"
"Sometime soon." Taelas answered with a nod.
"We'll see you around Taelas." Azshea added as she turned to leave, her body and tail swaying gracefully as she left, Syra in tow at her heels.
Just like that, Taelas was alone once more. The dragon exhaled idly as he turned towards his destination once more. His eyes flitted to the statue, taking in the sight of all four figures once more. Silently, he made his way to the entrance of the memorial building.
"She was stronger than us in a lot of ways." Cynder said quietly.
She relaxed her neck. She'd been craning her head to see a name far above in the domed ceiling, one of the few that had been carved already. Her keen eyes could make it out 'Solris', Spyro however had no such luck.
"Stronger than me perhaps." Spyro said. "You've dealt with the same trials she did though."
"I always had you." Cynder replied, smiling at her mate. "Solris spent so much of her life alone. She never had a chance to redeem herself in the eyes of our race either."
"You might be right." Spyro shrugged. "But now she'll be remembered here. No one can deny her heroics in this battle."
Cynder nodded and leaned against the her mate. The two stood in silence for some time. Memories flooded each of their minds of times long past. For the first time in a long time, they could feel their age. The weight of their adventures, victories, failures, and everything in between from their tumultuous lives was laid bare.
"But why are they putting the names so high up?" Sparx asked, buzzing up in front of the two dragons. "I mean, no one is going to be able to read them up there."
Cynder glowered at him, but didn't move as she pursed her lips and blew the little dragonfly away. Spyro didn't seem to mind as the dragoness nestled against him further. He heard his brother tumble through the air before regaining himself.
"Spyro, you said she would play nice." Sparx said upon overcoming the gust that had upended him. The purple dragon's eyes were closed, but he could tell that Sparx was right in front of him, his glow penetrating his scaly lids. Spyro cracked his eyes open only to find Sparx with arms crossed, annoyance plastered on his face. "I have kids now you know, what will they do if I just get blown away."
"Grow up in peace." Cynder snickered, prompting, the dragonfly to shake his head.
"Don't tease him Cynder." Spyro said.
"Thank you Spyro." Sparx nodded happily.
"You know it will only make him louder." The purple dragon added.
Sparx frowned as he looked between them. The two dragons smiled innocently at him. "You two are lucky you're family." He said after a moment, throwing his arms up in futility.
"We love you too." Cynder replied.
"Am I interrupting?" Taelas asked as he approached the three from behind. Cynder perked up at the sound of her son's voice and turned to find him blankly staring at them. Near his onyx horns were Sparx's children Jet and Glimmer, tugging playfully at the dragon, but hardly moving him. Lily flew forward a moment later, scolding the two and pulling them off the dragon who was silently gratefully.
"Almost didn't think I'd get to see you kiddo." Sparx said buzzing forward to replace his family.
"I didn't know you'd be here uncle." Taelas commented simply. "It's good to see you again."
"Try not to get too excited." Sparx answered sarcastically. "I hope you still have time for your uncle. After all, you shouldn't let all those world saving affairs go to your head." He leaned in then, putting a hand to his mouth in a poor attempt to cover his voice. "Spyro had a bad habit of that."
"Sparx don't lie to him." Spyro groaned shaking his head. The golden dragonfly turned to defend himself, but a call from Lily drew his attention instead.
"Coming dear!" Sparx called back, seeing that she was quickly becoming overwhelmed with their energetic children. "Kids." Sparx said shrugging before he flitted away. Taelas' eyes followed him for a moment, snorting at the scene before looking back to his parents.
"I did not get a big head." Spyro clarified quickly. Taelas tilted his horns before looking to Cynder. Subtly, the dragoness raised a paw slightly, pincering two talons closely together.
Taelas grinned, but didn't let on any more than that. "I heard you two were here for Solris."
"Yes, much as we hate to acknowledge it." Cynder mentioned.
"How well did you know her?" Taelas asked. "She always seemed so elusive."
"That was just how she was." Spyro explained. "She led a hard life. In a way, I think she thought if she stayed relatively hidden, she could avoid any more turmoil."
"It just made Aria and I more curious when we were young." Taelas replied.
Cynder smiled at him and nodded her understanding. "I can still remember the time you and Aria tried to listen in on one of our late-night conversations only to give yourselves away."
"We ended up tumbling down the stairs." Taelas smirked, remembering the incident. "Aria was nervous about eavesdropping. She clutched at my leg so tightly that she ended up sending us both over the top step."
"Solris found it amusing." Spyro answered. "Giggled about it for the rest of the night."
"At least someone got some joy from it." Taelas scoffed. "What were you doing that night anyway? Something tells me I'm old enough to hear it now."
Spyro tilted his head before turning to Cynder who clacked her talons thoughtfully. "You remember?" He asked quietly after a moment.
"The details escape me." Cynder sighed. "She'd found a group operating out of the underground that meant harm to Warfang. Something about earth dragons collapsing part of the city."
"She was always looking out for us." Spyro added. "This time it just caught up with her."
"She died a hero." Taelas commented. "I'm sure she's existing happily with the ancestors now."
"I'm sure you're right." Cynder said, smiling at his kind words.
Taelas paused for a moment looking at his parents. An odd realization came to him. He wasn't quite sure what had sparked it. It was as if he'd had a sudden epiphany. The violet drake shook his head, prompting the two adults to raise their brows questioningly.
"You know, I don't think I ever said thank you." Taelas said finally.
"Thank you?" Spyro asked, at a loss.
"For what you've both done." Taelas explained. When the two remained silent he continued. "I've always had a skewed way of looking at all this. A purple dragon's role, my life, your heroics, I don't think I ever really understood until recently. I played hero in my mind, thought about adventure and glory. I never considered the actual danger, the consequences. I just wanted to be someone important, I never understood what that might actually entail."
"Taelas…" Cynder whispered somberly.
"But you both have been fighting for this world since you were born. I guess I never really understood what that meant, the weight of it, how it shapes your life." Taelas added. The purple dragon fidgeted for a moment, a slight nervousness that he couldn't explain overcoming him. "So, I just wanted to say thank you, for everything."
Cynder was the first to lean down and embrace her son. She squeezed him so tightly that Taelas had trouble drawing breath. The black dragoness didn't speak but she didn't need to, Taelas was more than capable of understanding her feelings.
As his mother hugged him, Taelas looked to Spyro who grinned at him. In that moment, his father seemed almost like a child. It wasn't hard for Taelas to imagine a much younger version of the dragon grinning at Cynder in such a way.
"You don't need to thank us Taelas." Spyro said after a moment. "We'd do it all again and more if we had to." The purple dragon leaned in a little closer then, fixing his son with his stare. Taelas didn't look away as Spyro smiled all the wider. "We should thank you Taelas. Even if we would rather you lived a peaceful life, you played the part of hero admirably."
Taelas stiffened at the praise, unsure how to take it. At the same time, Cynder pulled back to look him in the eye. "We couldn't be prouder of you." She said happily, blinking away a few joyful tears.
Taelas smiled widely at the words. He felt his own eyes growing misty although he fought the liquid back before it could form. Spyro and Cynder couldn't help but take notice of his fragility. They exchanged a brief knowing glance.
"Why don't you take a minute to yourself." Spyro said simply. Taelas could only nod.
"We'll be waiting for you at home." Cynder added. "Don't be too late, okay?"
Taelas nodded once more as the two walked past him. Behind him, he heard the sounds of his parents recede into the distance, taking Sparx and his family with them. Taelas stood alone in the domed building. Silently, he collected himself after some time. He didn't know how long he stood there considering those who'd been lost. When he left the sun was low in the sky.
Taelas glided to the great walls of Warfang. He landed easily on the massive barrier. Some distance away, a dragon guard turned to look at him. While they weren't in speaking range, they made eye contact. The guard looked as though he was going to drive the young dragon away. The armored drake hesitated for a moment when he saw the color of Taelas' scales. He nodded his consent half a second later and Taelas nodded back appreciatively.
The purple dragon turned his attention back to the world that stretched out past the great wall he stood upon. Forest and plains were all he could see along with mountain peaks far in the distance. The last vestiges of the sun were slipping behind the horizon bathing the world in a warm orange hue. Taelas could help but sigh. He was so distracted he didn't hear another dragon land behind him.
"Tae-Tae." A voice said, casually addressing him.
The violet dragon groaned and hung his head. "Aria has really latched onto that you know." He mumbled.
"And you want to blame me?" Lyara asked, grinning as she walked up and leaned against his side. Her eyes focused on the sunset.
"Well, to be fair…" The purple dragon trailed off casually.
"You're terrible." Lyara chided, nuzzling his neck. "Just because I kept trying to say your name. Unconsciously, I might add."
"Still…" Taelas pressed.
"I nearly died!" Lyara pleaded helplessly.
"Alright, I suppose I can cut you some slack." Taelas said finally pecking her snout lightly.
"Thank you, Tae-Tae." Lyara giggled.
"Where have you been all day?" Taelas asked in the following silence.
"Perusing, meditating-
"Resting?" Taelas asked a slight edge to his voice.
"And resting." Lyara answered trying not to roll her eyes. "You're such a worrywart."
The dragoness shivered as a chilly evening wind blew past them. She pressed against Taelas, trying to absorb more body heat. The purple dragon lowered a wing around her and she cooed thankfully.
"Someone has to take care of you." Taelas replied, making the dragoness stick out her tongue at him. He didn't mind as she huddled against him and they watched the setting sun in the distance. The moment lasted for some time, neither wanted to interrupt it, but a question was tugging at Taelas' mind. "You said you were meditating today?"
"Mhmm." The silver dragoness replied quietly, a petite yawn escaping her.
"Watching the weave?" Taelas asked only to get a nod in response. "No change I assume?"
"None." Lyara answered. "It's like it was never touched to begin with."
"That's good." Taelas replied looking back to the setting sun. In the quiet that followed he could feel the dragoness' hesitation. She didn't have to speak or act for him to understand the discord in her mind. She'd awoken a little more than a week ago, her body having miraculously filtered out the excess convexity after several anxiety inducing weeks. In the time she'd been awake, Lyara had been remiss to speak of the battle in Warfang. The others had of course not pressed her.
Taelas had chosen to give her time as well. He couldn't help but hear her fidget in the night, and it was clear that her mind wandered during the day. Despite wanting to give her time, there was a limit to what he would let the dragoness tackle alone before saying something.
"Do you want to talk about it?" He whispered gently.
Lyara pressed her head harder into his chest and sniffled lightly. "I don't even know what to say." She began.
"That's perfectly alright." Taelas replied lightly.
"I've been thinking about it all, you know?" Lyara said. "Since I woke up. My home, my tribe, my brothers. All gone, extinguished. I'm all that's left from that time."
"But you aren't alone." Taelas said nudging her. "You have all of us. You have me."
"I know." The silver dragoness smiled. "My family wouldn't want me to dwell on the past, but…"
"There's a difference between dwelling and mourning." Taelas explained. "You're stronger than anyone I know Lyara. In time, you'll find your way."
"Thank you Taelas." She said leaning up to kiss the side of his muzzle. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come with me to find the focal points."
"That was never going to happen." Taelas laughed.
"I think you just wanted an adventure." Lyara joked, a wry smile cracking through her previously dim mood.
"I can't believe you'd insinuate such a thing." Taelas sneered, feigning offense. "I saw a pretty dragoness in need and knew what I had to do."
"You're so full of it!" Lyara laughed shoving him playfully.
"Believe what you want." Taelas shrugged helplessly, making the dragoness blush despite herself.
"So, what do we do now?" She asked as they settled back down.
"Now?" Taelas asked watching the dragoness yawn sleepily once more. "Something tells me you should be asleep.
"Not what I meant." Lyara said rolling her eyes.
Taelas looked out to the sun as it dipped further below the horizon throwing the world into hues of violet and orange. "It's a big world, and from what I understand purple dragons don't usually fade into the background during their lives."
"More adventures then?" Lyara asked nonchalantly. "What is it with males and getting into trouble."
"It's in my nature." Taelas grinned. "But I think it might be lonely playing hero by myself. What do you say?" He asked turning to look the dragoness in the eyes.
Her crimson orbs met his and she couldn't help but let her visage soften into a little smile. "That doesn't sound so bad." She answered, leaning forward and planting her muzzle against his.
A/N: Well that's it, all done. I was looking at the publish date on this story and I realized I came in just under a year to write the whole thing. Although Gods of Convexity was basically just the first part of the story so technically the whole thing took about a year and a third to write.
Anyway, I never expected this to go on for so long. I think I said it when I started Gods of Convexity, but this was meant to be a practice story as I hadn't written in a few years and just wanted to get my feet wet before writing something that wasn't fanfiction. Fun fact, if you noticed inconsistencies in the story that is actually why. This whole thing, GoC and TCP were both meant to be like one 27 chapter story when I planned it out. If I recall, everything that happened with Spyro and Cynder in Warfang, and most of the stuff with the villains wasn't planned in the outline. If I remember correctly most of the events regarding the focal points were also altered in some way (for instance Dante and everything regarding him, made all that up on the spot, hopefully it doesn't show too heavily) and Ryn wasn't going to be a long term character. Needless to say, planning is important, a lesson I seem to relearn constantly.
Regardless of my poor planning skills, I hope you all enjoyed this. I know this fandom is old, but it does make me happy to see that there are still stories being written for it here and there. When I wrote Seven Dragons of Darkness a decade ago this place was a big part of my life, it really started me off writing so I'm glad to see people still writing.
But I don't want to blab on forever, this AN already seems pretty long as it is. In general, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed. I don't think this was a super popular story, probably because one, the fandom is a lot smaller than it used to be, and two this was obviously not very heavily focused on Spyro which, and maybe I'm crazy here, is probably a major reason people read these stories. If you'd like to leave a comment, criticism, critique, whatever I'd of course be happy to hear it as, like I said, this was a very extended practice session. I had a great time writing this, and I hope you all found some entertainment in it as well, and with that I bid you all farewell.