Primogenitor

Chapter Two

Midgardsormr gazed at the odd mount Cecilia had just summoned.

Eyes glowing while their expression became skeptical, he examined every centimeter of it.

'And you are sure, that this creature is trustworthy?' he thought informal like he had done before.

When she climbed at the white horse, he studied still for a few seconds the greenish mane and tail; the blank eye-sockets in the same color, before he landed on it's head. The creature felt unnatural, but when the girl directed the quadruped to the left, she unknowingly answered to his skepticism: "Xanthos was created by Garuda, according to a legend. The Ixal sacrificed her a black unicorn – called Nightmare – so she might have a servant as fast as the wind. But after we defeated that lady for the third time, we Warriors of Light are allowed to call him whenever we please. He is free, since the magical ankle she placed on him doesn't last any longer."

She didn't say anything else, so he focused on the environment. In the distance, he could see a tower so large and bright like the purest crystal; it lay in the opposite direction of their ride. He knew still, that this building had once been there, but he couldn't tell, when he had seen it for the last time. Centuries didn't mean anything to him, so he was unaware of the period it had been missing.

The mortal recognized his line of vision, because she murmured: "A friend of mine is there... Someone, who's related to those who build the tower. He was granted – temporarily – with powers from his ancestors, so that he can fulfill their wish. But sadly, this gift meant to stop the towers time as well as his own, since he must make sure the technology within this building will not fall into uninformed or violent hands. … I miss him."

They rode to a settlement he remembered to be nothing more but ruins.

Nowadays, mortals called it 'Revenant's Toll', and had established here a society which was outside of any city-state's jurisdiction. The 'Adventurer's Guild', so Cecilia told him, managed this town. She, personally, wouldn't stay here often as a slave-driver called Rowena made market-economical advantage of the sole monopoly she owned, but as the toll was the home of several good friends, Cecilia wasn't able to stay away for a longer while.

The girl dismounted, when the horse reached the Aetheryte-crystal, so Midgardsormr followed suit. He watched it prance down the street with the grace of an unicorn, before he looked at his attender. "We'll go now to the 'Rising Stones', where I have to report back. It's the base of a group called 'Scions of the Seventh Dawn' – their leader, Minfilia, is one of my best friends. She's also touched by the Echo and follows Hydaelyns path with a faith even you'll find noteworthy."

When she walked into a crowded building, he slipped instantly under the hemline of her robe. Perhaps, this action irritated her, but the thought of being seen by so many strangers displeased him. Thanks to that, he clawed like a true baby-dragon into her right leg – alias knee-length, red boot – and let her carry his tiny body to the place she had talked about.

He heard several people greeting her, so he wondered how popular this girl might be.

As an ancient dragon, he didn't understand the mortals idea of stardom, but he grasped sociality. Furthermore, he knew, that all creatures – mortal and immortal together – preferred a bonnily shape. And when he thought of Cecilia being pretty, these foreign people did maybe the same.

The girl opened a door after several steps. More voices welcomed her; this time very familiar, which let him come to the conclusion, that this here must be her destination. The Rising Stones. Cecilia yet didn't stop the walk, so he clung still to her leg; waiting for her to go wherever she must. Another door opened and closed behind her – only one voice reacted to her this time.

Quickly he grasped, that this one was her friend Minfilia, so he listened curious to the young leader. Midgardsormr agreed very fast with Cecilias opinion: That woman was very faithful to Hydaelyn. She was intelligent – without question – since she suggested to keep it a secret, that he had 'taken' Cecilias Echo, but Minfilias blind trust didn't appeal to him.

He, too, might never question the Mothercrystals plans, but as a dragon his demands considering freedom of will as well as action were conspicuously high. Seeing somebody walking blindly a path he or she did not even scrutinize made him a little sick.

Anyway, there seemed to be another person who Cecilia had to give an account of the happening within the Agrius. But it wasn't the owner of a soft, male voice, who entered the room abruptly. Midgardsormr heard Cecilia call him Alphinaud – and he recognized a specific joy in her voice when she spoke to the boy. Snorting, he realized, that he didn't like this blitheness...

The young leader distracted him from his displeasure. She suggested, that Alphinaud could explain the delicate details without diving to much into the subject, which the boy immediately accepted. So, Minfilia and the audible youngest member of the Scions went ahead.

~C~

Before Cecilia could follow them, he let go of her leg and slipped out of the robe.

"Oh, so you decide to appear finally again?" the girl noted partly cynical; partly amused.

His eyes glowed for a moment in severe contempt, but then he mildened under her friendly gaze. With a sigh, he replied: "Thy friend worries unnecessarily. The Echo is only sealed within thee. Never would I take it away. I am not presumptuous like mortals." She gave him a gentle smile, which drew him a little closer to her face. "Do you want to know a secret?" the maiden asked. Confused, the dragon furrowed his brows while he stared perplexed at her. Giggling, Cecilia said: "Hydaelyn doesn't speak to me since we have defeated a Garlean general called Gaius Van Baelsar. The last time she said something, she helped me to free a dear Scion-friend who was possessed by an Ascian with the trait to support Gaius. But after that, I haven't heard from her again."

Unwillingly, his snout swung open without letting any sound escape.

She closed smiling her eyes: "Really? You find that surprising? Then, you would be overwhelmed, if you had seen what I saw when the fight against Gaius was over..." "What hast thou seen...?" "Something like a dark crystal." ,she began, "A dark crystal as large as the Mothercrystal herself. Probably even the same form like she owns. … I haven't told anybody about it before."

Midgardsormr folded his front-legs alias arms and stared with narrowed lids at the ground.

"Her grace DOES have a counterpart... Thou art perhaps able to see him..." he mumbled lowly. Cecilia breathed audible in and whispered: "Tell me, Midgard... Can Hydaelyn become corrupted?" Surprised, he stared at her worried face. "No. At least I am sure of this."

A little relief spread over the girls sparkling eyes, although her smile wasn't honest.

Cocking his still hilarious tiny head with the big eyes and ears, the dragon unfolded his arms. "Dread hast beset thee since that day...? Well, I shall be the one to assure thee: Thou art mistaken. Hydaelyn watches still over thee. Her grace is not corrupted." he said and landed on the girls staff. Looking down to her, she had a certain spark in her odd-colored irises while she answered his gaze, which luckily confirmed – together with her tender grin – that she believed him.

In the moment he realized her easement made him delighted, he hissed muted.

Before she could say anything, the dragon vanished again under her robe.

Cecilia just chuckled about his action and started moving.

A knight from Ishgard already awaited the girl, when she stepped out of the room.

Midgardsormr knew the smell of the city's inhabitants – he didn't have to see this kind of men, actually, in order to identify their origin. Albeit it was surprising, that the knight was a woman... 'Old-fashioned I have become.' he wondered silently.

However, this mortal was a commander, as it seemed. Named Lucia Goe Junius – for short, Lucia – she sounded more than happy about the outcome of Cecilias visitation of the wreckage in his lake. Grounding his tiny fangs in disgust, the dragon decided to take a nap while the mortals began to talk with each other about the next steps how to protect Ishgard from heretics. His new, baby-like body was unfortunately as persistent as it looked like, so he simply clung to the boot of his mortal 'escort' and let his consciousness drift away.

~C~

When he woke up again under shining light, he smelled fresh air. A forest.

His eyes opened with a mixture of pleasure and confusion, while he realized where he lay.

"I'm really sorry." ,Cecilia apologized with an embarrassed grin, "But I didn't want to crimp you. Therefore, I placed you on Xanthos' back instead of letting you to sleep on my boot. So, please, don't be angry with me, Midgard." A little drowsy, still, he lifted his head and gazed at her face. "Thou art strange, maiden... But I do not mind." To be honest, he found it delectable, how she cared for his well-being despite the fact that he had sealed her talent.

Looking around, he asked: "Where hast thou taken me?" His eyes marveled the big trees, which had golden-brown leafs and smelled like autumn would be in fool bloom. "This here is the northern part of the Black Shroud. I want to visit a... let's call him 'a friend' of mine. He is Eorzeas most eccentric, but legendary blacksmith. Gerolt is the one who restored my Thyrus. Together with an alchemist from Radz-at-Han, Jalzahn, he will try to recreate a 'Zodiac Weapon'."

"I know about the Zodiac Braves." ,Midgardsormr stated and put his head on her left thigh, "Uttermost, thou art notable for trying this task... Thy weapon has a light I could not label before, but with this knowledge, I do understand." A smile flited over her mien, while she let Xanthos accelerate its movements: "Until now, it took me lots of time – and meanwhile even lots of money – to reach the current state of the Thyrus. But today, I hope all the effort will pay."

They rode to a small village – Hyrstmill. It looked like a plain, unremarkable settlement.

"What is it? Did you expect something fancy?" the girl wondered. Shaking his head in confusion; incomprehension, he sat unhasty up – gazing at the villagers. "I thought mortals were... superficial. Why should such a blacksmith thou hast describe live here...?" he questioned. "Oh, in Gerolts case, that's simple to answer. He has many impositions. He's up to his ears in dept, to be precisely. Primary, he owes Rowena lots of money. Which is why Gerolt lives nowadays here and creates only articles of daily use instead of masterpieces." his companion explained.

When his eyes discovered a forge in the open, he wrinkled his nostrils in abhorrence. But not because of the typical smell of working with hot metal. The 'aroma', which disgruntled the dragon, was the fetidness of alcohol. Disbelieving, he stared at Cecilia, while she dismounted.

"Thou art serious...?" he hissed. She sighed and nodded: "Yeah, he's an admiral of the red. Unintelligible, how he can be nevertheless such a genius, but he truly is one." Entirely perplexed, Midgardsormr alighted on her shoulder; forgotten was the disapproval of being seen by strangers. "Beyond comprehension..." he mumbled and shook his head.

~C~

The smith was a huge Hyur with a bald skull.

Also, his job seemed to fit his personality, as he sounded rough or rather rude while talking.

Only one thing was enjoyable about him: He showed no interest for the being on Cecilias shoulder. Somehow this hurt Midgardsormrs pride, but on the other hand, it appeased him. Because of that, meeting this other supporter of her project – Jalzahn – turned also out to be uncomplicated. Especially, because that old man – considering the short lifespan of mortals – was polite and adroit. Nothing compared to the splenetic alcoholic.

"Is Whitemage already here, yes?" a squeaking voice asked suddenly.

Cecilia smiled and turned around: "It's 'Archmage', Mutamix. However, I'm glad you could come." Midgardsormr stared from her shoulder irritated down at a creature that could only be a goblin. "Turning staff into materia is risky, still." the little guy said and looked to Gerolt and Jalzahn; obliviously seeking for their opinion, "Chance is 1,54 percent. If I fail, Thyrus is gone forever." Appalled, she frowned: "Really THAT minimal...? Uhm... I'm not sure if we should try it..."

Her weapon was dear to her. He had recognized that, while they were fighting against each other. And obviously, he wasn't the only one knowing this. The alchemist stated: "Well, even if we could reconstruct a true Zodiac Weapon, I do not seek for losing or rather destroying your Thyrus. Nothing is worth it to give up the staff for which you have invested so much time and dedication. We can't take this risk when all your effort is on a Knife-edge balance."

"Ye are fooling me, right?!" ,Gerolt snarled, "Ye guys can't give up now! Not after all the work! Let's do it, Mutamix! Show us yer master-skills!" And with these confident words, the blacksmith grabbed the weapon and gave it into the hands of the goblin. Midgardsormrs eyes ripped themselves in the same way open like Cecilias as well as Jalzahns did. That Hyur was mad...!

If mortality was a magnet for madness, than Gerolt must be the biggest he had ever seen. But still, nobody could disavow the brilliant intuition he must have, because Mutamix was indeed successful. Staring through his mask with perceptible incredulity as well as relief, the goblin panted: "Look... Materia is succeeded. Now, blacksmith must finish work."

Although he was a creature without any greater interest for men, he couldn't claim, that he wouldn't be fascinated by this odd scene. Astonishment had taken him in the second the goblin had appeared, but now he found himself in the same situation like Cecilia was probably in since weeks or months: Curiosity and impatience were drastic present in the moment in which Gerolt swung his hammer. And when the blunt man was finally finished, Midgardsormr felt eased.

Tired and obviously only thinking about a drink as some kind of personal reward, Gerolt handed Cecilia an object out which Jalzahn called 'Nirvana'. While the old alchemist reflected on boring, historical facts, the dragon was busy with studying the staff. A weapon seemingly spun of gold; adorned with several small jewels and one big exemplar in the middle of the weapons 'head'. Somehow, the design reminded of leafs, but there was also the similarity to a dragon's face...

The weapon was in any case beautiful. But something was still missing...

~C~

Jalzahn was the first one who actually said it: There was no soulful light.

While the old man and Gerolt discussed the absent phenomenon, Midgardsormr watched silently how Mutamix said goodbye to Cecilia and left the event for whatever place the goblin called home. Snorting, he wished in secret to follow him, as the presence of men was quite arduous. Yet, it was not suitable to do what his impulse told him, since he had decided to watch over this maiden...

Hoping, that the two Hyur would soon come to a conclusion, he persevered.

It was the blunt blacksmith who came up with an idea.

Being an alcoholic, he tended naturally to ruin friendships – and one of these fails could be the key for turning the Nirvana into a true Zeta-Zodiac-Weapon. Gerolt suggested, that Rowena might know where his former friend could live nowadays – and that this man was perhaps good-natured enough in order to help an adventurer out despite an acquaintance with him; the drunkard.

Midgardsormr wasn't convinced of this logic – neither were Cecilia nor Jalzahn.

The alchemist was sure, that a customer of 'Mr. Sourpuss' wouldn't get a chance to even say a word, so he requested Gerolt to abandon his (well-deserved) reward-wine and let the girl deliver the bottle instead to his former friend. She agreed instantly to this expedient plan with a wide smile, which allowed the blacksmith no drawback. Mourning the loss pf booze, he gave in.

'Finally!' the dragon thought when Cecilia took the wine and called Xanthos subsequent.

He hopped on the horse's head when it arrived; impatiently waiting for the maiden to climb up, too. When she let the creature leave the village in a satisfying gallop, he spoke without reserve: "Honestly, thou hast shaken my world-view with this example of human queerness! Never did I met a creature with such a given talent and inborn imbecility like this Gerolt possesses! I envy thee for enduring this man since the second thou hast decided to restore the relic. Because I could not do it." Cecilia laughed lightly – a tune so pleasant to his hilarious big ears like the whisper of a fairy. "Probably he is way too eccentric, yes, but all the trials for this weapon were worse than he can be. Even when he has a headache-day after drinking a lot in the evening before."

Midgardsormr didn't add a matching, cynical slogan – for her sake.

"We will reach Mor Dhona in five minutes, but we have to cross Coerthas Central Highlands." ,Cecilia changed the topic, "I recommend you to not sit directly on Xanthos' head." "Why art thou persuaded of this suggestion?" he asked and gazed at her over his left shoulder. "You'll see... Probably, it's better when you experience it by yourself – and awake, this time. After all, we already went together through Coerthas before, you know." she explained casually.

He didn't know, what to think about this phrase, but when Xanthos left the Northern Shroud behind, an ice-cold wind streamed directly onto his face. It felt so stinging sharp, that the dragon was forced to close his big eyes. Midgardsormr hid his body in the horse's neck alias mane; warming himself for several seconds within the greenish hair. While he rubbed the eyes with these tiny 'arms' he had, he grumbled audible: "This does not feel like the Coerthas I am used to..."

He jerked, when he suddenly felt Cecilias soft hand on his back. "I apologize for not informing you, but this place became after the catastrophe five years ago a wasteland of snow and ice. When you're not expecting the harsh wind of this region, the air can be worse than fire." The dragon nodded, before he unwillingly shivered thanks to another sharp gust which ran from the left side over him. Folding his wings, he tried to shield his flesh, but it was useless...

Her hand was finally the wall which stood between him and the cold. The maiden pressed it stronger against the freezing cells based on his reaction to the wind. "Are you alright...?" she asked; rubbing gently up and down his spine. He wasn't used to be touched by mortals, so he tensed reflexively under the foreign contact. Still, he forced himself to answer her: "It is this body... Draconian, yet new... Before it stands the cold, there must be a mild change of temperature. Otherwise, this shape suffers easily under the climate."

She began to massage his small back. Warm, skilled fingers glided sensual over his trembling skin. But Midgardsormr didn't like her touch a fortiori it lasted. Cecilia made him uncomfortable, although he could tell that she really wanted the opposite to occur. He ground his fangs while he tried to endure it; squinted the eyes in desperation. No mortal could be fully trusted – not even one in such a pretty shape... He felt vulnerable in this baby-like form.

"Stop touching me...!" he finally snapped and prevented himself by a hair's breadth from biting Cecilias hand. He felt the glare his glowing eyes gave the surprised woman, who scratched resulting her left cheek in nervousness under their stinging red. "I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean to annoy you..." she apologized with a sad expression. When he looked away with constricted lids, the maiden added with a lack of courage: "I just wanted to warm you, Midgard..."

Staring at the winter-landscape which passed by, Midgardsormr sighed muted.

"How can thou act kindly to a dragon...?" he wanted to know – the sin mortals had committed floated over him like a dark cloud. Cecilia chuckled halfhearted: "Probably I'm not related by blood to your kind... At least that's what scientists tell us Au Ra. But... There's no reason to hate you guys on a personal level. I'm even happy that I got the chance to meet you."

He gulped hardly. There it was again. This specific 'you'...

The word which let him regret, that she was no dragon. Undeserving to be protected by him.

While he recognized how the air became warmer and the snow vanished from the grass, it seemed, as if the same did happen to his core. This fragment inside of him, which wanted to disengage from the reservation he demonstrated whenever he felt like getting attached of the young chosen one. Noticing this erased the burning expression in his eyes; dimmed them until they were no longer glowing and piercing. Instead, they became neutral, so he looked again into her irises.

'The crystal and the jewel.' he thought while he studied them peacefully. She could obviously see the calmness he had regained, although he was sure she didn't know, that he was amazed by the fact how she brought him to the point of wishing to trust her truly. The girl strengthened his sentiment even more, when she gave him with these petal-lips a smile as beautiful as the sunrise over his lake. His expression became gentle; almost longing, since he had missed this kind of mortal beauty – sympathy – since eternities. To have for the first time a friend who belonged to the species man after such a long period made him almost sentimental.

~C~

Snorting, Midgardsormr sat on Cecilias shoulder and eyeballed the announced slave-driver.

He recognized instantly this unpleasant charisma which Rowena possessed. The businesswoman might wear a pretty black dress which masked her tough attitude, but he nevertheless condemned her hauteur since a dragon could never be easily fooled by a nice appearance.

Albeit this mortal was money-grubbing, she didn't want a payment when his companion asked her about the domicile of Gerolts former friend. Rowena had heard of the final Zodiac-project, wherefore she wanted to help Cecilia in order to see a Legend come to life. The female Hyur added, that she wasn't sure, if her workmate would cooperate, since it had been a very private skirmish... But this weapon was still worth a visit at his place; Swiftperch.

"Buh, why does it have to be La Noscea..." the maiden complained while she left the building alias Rowena's residence of economical monopole. Midgardsormr stared irritated at her gloomy face. "Why art thou crestfallen?" Grinning embarrassed, she replied: "You know, I'm a real nitpicker when it comes to money. At least that's how I would describe myself... And my friends do that, too. After all, I don't like to waste Gil for teleport. That's the reason why I use the Aetheryte crystal in Manderville Gold Saucer. This funfair is the perfect free launching pad for using airships, because they are a lot cheaper than instant-traveling. Additional, flying to Ul'dah is gratuitous."

He furrowed his brows: "I do not understand." "We're teleporting there, now. Because we'll have to. Otherwise, it would take too much time in order to reach our first destination, Limsa Lominsa. Although I'm not sure, if you will like Gold Saucer..." While she started the free teleport-magic, Midgardsormr thought grumpily: 'Not, when it is a popular spot...'

Reaching aforesaid place, the dragon wrinkled his nostrils and looked around.

"Tacky. Garish." ,he hissed, "This is no funfair in conventional sense. It is rather hell."

She didn't react to his words, albeit he could swear, that there was a grin lurking on her lips.

Cecilia started walking, so he decided to do the same. Flying next to her, they passed many people; soon reaching a crowd in the centre of the 'amusement-park'. There, he recognized several other members of her kind – other Au Ra, as she had entitled the race. Some had white scales like her; some owned black ones. When it came to the male beings, women were very small in comparison. But when he only looked at the females, then his companion was quite tall.

"Hast thou a remarkable height...?" he wondered aloud without thinking about it.

"Yes, I have." ,she confirmed smiling, "Seemingly, I'm one of the tallest girls of the Au-Ra-species who have ever placed a food into Eorzea. Although my height isn't special when you look at others. Already Miqo'te are often larger than we Raen as well as the Xaela are."

'Raen...' he tried to memorize the name of her kind.

When they reached the airport, he eyeballed the machine which landed just in this moment. Luckily, it was a lot tinier than the Agrius, because he did not take the reminder of his physical death well. The sensation of the airships' explosion – the way how it burned his skin – went over his awareness like it would happen in this very minute. Shaking his head slightly, he took a seat on the Nirvana and let the Whitemage carry him to this metallic object.

~C~

The flight didn't last long.

Much faster than expected, they reached the isle-state La Noscea.

Relieved, as he felt clearly awkward on the construction, the dragon left the ship before Cecila. Hovering in the middle of the airport, he waited for the mortal to follow him. She wasn't in a hurry, wherefore he presumed, that she must be glad to have finally reached the basis of a Zodiac weapon.

Surely the maiden was tired after investing so much effort into the staff...

Midgardsormr returned once more to her shoulder when she asked a man, a Roegadyn-Marauder in a yellow shirt, to let her use the lift. While she stood within the small machine, she told to him: "We'll go now to the Lower Decks. Be warned: There are many people around the Aetheryte, which allows us to go directly to the Fisherman's Bottom. I hope you will not feel stressed until we reach the peaceful port, after Gold Saucer seemed to be already vexatious... However, we will use a ferry that takes us to Western La Noscea – the area were Swiftperch is located."

He wondered silently, why she always explained these things to him. In this shape, he mustn't be more than a puppet, minion or accessory in the eyes of mankind. It was doubtful, if people even tried to talk with their decorative companions. Did they even speak to their pets...?

The salty smell of the sea streamed through his nostrils when Cecilia stepped out of the lift.

Albeit there were indeed way too many men around, he was too busy with studying Limsa Lominsa as if he could pay that much attention to the crowd. Outside of the hall in which they stood for now, he was able to locate white stone wherever no blue water framed the horizon. It scented like chalk, so he presumed, that the city was build with materials from the island as well as ocean. The maiden began to walk into the direction of the city itself – probably used to the bright sunshine at this place, as she didn't blink like he had to. The salt in the air stung a little as they left the hall, but he liked it since the breeze covered the penetrative fetidness of the population.

Midgardsormr was grateful, that the Aetheryte-crystal was directly in front of them.

At Fisherman's Bottom, the sea ranged almost over the entire environment. The port was quiet; exactly like Cecilia had promised. Here, he smelled lots of seafood in the air – the fishermen were surely very industrious. Because their guild was just behind them, he peered into the building. Curiosity considering men wasn't usual for the dragon, but he could not deny, that he had always possessed a weakness in matters of fishing.

"Look, there's our boat." ,the girl caught his attention with her calm voice, "When we reach Aleport – the haven of Western La Noscea – it's just a short ride until we can look for the wanted man." Melancholy, he took another look at the fisher-guild, since he would really like to have a few bites, but as Cecilia was already moving, the dragon didn't tell her about his wish.

It was a short, enjoyable drive over the sea. If he had still possessed his original, large dragon-body, then he would love nothing more but swimming in the salty blue. A little nostalgic, his eyes focused at the shining tides and white foam until they left the ferry in Aleport.

Cecilia wanted to call Xanthos, but a sudden noise interrupted her whistling.

"Uhm, Midgard?" she said and studied him with raised brows. Avoiding her gaze in embarrassment, he floated into the air; not letting the girl see his face. "I am... hungry." he admitted quietly. Actually, he was urgently hungry... Starving. But it would hurt his pride or rather dignity to tell her, that he needed already food. For him, it wasn't usual to eat directly after ending his slumber. Normally, a few days with an empty stomach wouldn't matter.

"Why didn't you say anything in Limsa Lominsa?" the maiden asked irritated. He didn't respond, since it had been shameful enough to utter his weakness aloud. Midgardsormr couldn't explain her additional the reason for his disability to take care of his hunger by himself – as the helplessness of this body frustrated him more than tolerable... Hence, he kept his muzzle shut.

"Hey, do you like fish?" she wanted to know all of a sudden. With widened eyes, he turned around and watched Cecilia with astonishment. "Yes or no...? After all, you seemed to be very interested into the fisher-guild." ,the maiden added with arms akimbo, "You must communicate with me, whenever there's something you want to have or need. I can't read your mind, after all."

Shyly, he affirmed her question: "Yes... I would like to have two or three bites..." Grinning widely, Cecilia nodded and flicked her fingers. Without warning, she switched her class – from Whitemage to a gathering class; to Fisher! He was surprised, that this pretty being was someone who enjoyed something as 'boring' as fishing. It was no hobby for mortal woman, as much as he knew...

Holding an ordinary-looking fishing-rod over her right shoulder, she walked to the edge of the pier – wearing cheap clothes in red, rose and beige colors. While the girl cast the rod, he was stunned, how good the clothing looked despite its simplicity. It must be her... She made it look handsome. Above all, the vest allowed him to see her bare arms; lively skin with decent white scales.

He couldn't help but licking his lips because of the delightful view.

The species 'Au Ra' resembled dragons truly a lot...

Cecilia stood patiently like a statue on the pier for an half minute. Then, she abruptly raised the rode lickety-split with a determined motion – surprising him as he hadn't foreseen her action. However, she really had caught a fish; a big mackerel. The wriggly animal didn't stay alive for a long while outside of the water, although she treated it careful as she walked back to him.

"We should perhaps borrow a pan from the restaurant." ,the maiden suggested, "Sadly, I'm no cook with own utensils, so I can only offer a campfire." "This is not necessary. The raw fish is just fine. Eating unboiled flesh is natural for dragons." he responded calmly. Cecilia nodded slightly and placed the fish for him at the ground. Midgardsormr landed immediately next to the dead animal, where he buried his fangs with pleasure in the fresh meal.

He felt her gazes all the time while he ate. The mackerel tasted so wonderful, that he consumed even the fish-bones – which seemed to disgust the young woman a little bit. Ah, that was right... Men were not glad about the way how the tiny bones poked into the throat. They favored removing everything from the flesh which wasn't soft and 'acceptable clean'.

Yet, she didn't demonstrate her disrelish when she knelt down in front of him. "Would you like another fish? Or do you wish for something else? Fresh fruits, maybe? I could gather you Oranges, for example, since I'm a Botanist. Clear water is also no problem. I'm a Miner, too." she suggested with a gentle smile. The dragon wasn't sure, if he enjoyed her direct friendliness, so he gave her – while his eyes glowed brightly – perhaps a very gruff response: "No. I need neither lots of food nor often repasts, fool. I am no being of mankind like thou art, so I can exist with very little nutriment. When my stomach is not empty, it would be a waste to fill it even more."

"Oh, okay... I didn't mean to bother you with my offering... Sorry for that..." she mumbled with lowered eyelids and stood up as a sad expression spread over her face. She switched back to her original class as a Whitemage plus turned away from him, which let him somehow experience guilt. Confused by himself, he flew to her shoulder, where he murmured: "I enjoyed the mackerel a lot. The fish was delicious... So, I hope thou art not crestfallen about my refuse. I really am sated." Worry glided over his mien as she didn't react, which made his eyes more dim than her own were. Unsettled, he placed his left 'hand' on her neck, although he didn't recognize his doing.

Following, Cecilia looked at him with widened, perplexed irises.

Midgardsormr jerked unnoticeable when realization hit him, but the sensation of her scales prevented him from retiring. They were so fragile and soft... Flexible. Similar to his baby-like body. But in opposite to himself so comfortable warm... The scales reminded his instincts of the need which all babies in the world had: Being close to a mother.

Granting him a wide smile, the maiden said abruptly: "Hehe, that's a relief. Thank you." Nodding, he looked away as his 'hand' slipped slowly – reluctantly from her neck. She couldn't be a mother; someone who replaced this role for him. He was too old as if he could behave like a child. However, he didn't fear THAT idea... Mortals who cared for dragon-babies as well as -children had been once a serene, delightful sight in his opinion. He would have never rejected a similar care.

But there was another thought... Another impulse which scared him.

Because of her scales... he could forget, that she was humanely.

~C~

Swiftperch was an excuse of a settlement.

There were not many people – and considering the environment, the reason for the small population was the lack of fertility. Sparse soil and lots of rocks didn't allow a rich cultivation of vegetables, fruits or corn. He wondered, how anybody could seek to repeople this area.

While Midgardsormr observed the little crowd from Cecilias shoulder, she found the wanted man with the precision of a skilled detective. If the tiny dragon had measured the time since their arrival, he bet it would have been only 20 seconds. Obviously, she as an adventurer was used to look for other persons (or objects, respectively).

The maiden discussed just for a short moment with Gerolts Ex-friend, as he was – for a wonder – interested into the Zodiac-project, too. He gave her voluntary the catalysts she needed in order to bestow the Nirvana with light, but he warned her, that the 12 so-called Mahatmas would consume several hours until they would contain enough energy. She shrugged grinning and explained calm, that she hadn't slept in the whole last night, wherefore it wouldn't matter if she had to stay awake until the beginning of the next day or could get today a few hours rest.

The dragons ears twitched impulsively as he listened to these words.

'I have forgotten... Mortals need a lot of sleep... How could I lose sight of this...?' he thought.

While Cecilia prepared for – like she named it – 'routinely gathering of light via clobbering beasts', he sat on the ground and wanted to know: "If I am allowed to ask, what hast thou done at night? Were there more conferences thou did not tell me about?" She shook giggling her head and replied: "No, I was only doing several things for the Adventurer's Guild. As I told you: I'm a Botanist. Therefore, I delayed my personal weapon-project a little and helped instead out with preventing all the crystal from spreading furthermore over the plants in Mor Dhona."

Midgardsormr dug quietly deeper: "Well, when thou art finished with completing the Nirvana... What exactly is thy next plan? I presume, thou hast orders from Ishgard...?" "As if I was employed at any place of Eorzea." ,she stated sarcastic, "You should have heard of the city's handling of us. Coerthas, in general, treats adventurers like strangers who should better stay out of their business. We fool too much around, in other words. So, I get no 'orders'."

The dragon was entirely confused. Did he hit a nerve with his assumption?

Cecilia giggled – presumably because of his hilarious face... Then, she added: "Tomorrow, I'll meet the other Warriors of Light in Coerthas. In Camp Dragonhead. For today, there had been nothing which adventurers could do for Ishgard, since the temple knights had to organize themselves at first. That's seemingly the main priority of the city-state: Their own system... Well, therefore, we'll hear only tomorrow of the plans which Sir Aymeric might have developed meanwhile in order to protect the city from heretics as well as dragons. As he's an authoritarian, intelligent head of the knights, there will be presumably a grave undertaking."

With narrowed eyelids and knitted brows, Midgardsormr harrumphed: "Thou would do much better, when thou would simply stick to thy own, weird ideas of forging weapons, catching fish and chopping some wood... Supporting Ishgard is an incorrect decision." "Then, can you enlighten me, please, why you disdain my wish to assist people in need of help? … … Tell me!" she demanded, but he didn't answer her at all. Instead, he curled up to a perfect circle and pretended to sleep.

He grinned diabolical, when he heard her grumbling about his behavior.

~C~

Although sleep was tempting, the dragon stayed awake.

He watched her endlessly battle against hundreds of monsters. As a healer, her attacks were weaker than those of other adventurers he saw, but her defense possessed greater limits than the dragon had originally assumed. Cecilia didn't cure herself in the same intervals he had seen when she fought against him. Also, she was quite cooperative, since she supported both amateurs and experts. Probably, she was a team player – and not a solitary person like her first traits hinted.

It was already- just afternoon, when she had to fill the last Mahatma with light. As these items were attributive to the zodiac signs, she had completed all of them but Pisces. The constellation with two fishes as its symbol was her own zodiac – she told him that after obtaining the object.

He raised his brows while this personal information settled in his head.

Since Midgardsormr had learned a few things about astrology, he knew, that people who were born in this zodiac sign possessed characteristics like empathy, sensitivity and naivety. To be more clear: The constellation was indeed perfect for the soft maiden with all these quirks. Yet, he couldn't claim to be not glad to know – thanks to this accident – the month of her birth. After all, he didn't refuse sensitive creatures just because they were 'weak'.

In the moment Cecilia filled the Mahatma with the last drops of light, he watched contended how the young woman began to rejoice. Jumping around like a small child that had been granted with uncountable birthday-presents, she reminded him of in fact of fishes splashing lively in his lake. These sea-dragon-ears of her strengthened that impression. He imagined her joining the creatures who populated his home; with a body similar to a water-snake or mermaid.

Chuckling, he flew to her and took a seat on the Nirvana. She didn't recognize him – so great was the happiness she experienced. For a moment, he let her continue; enjoying her jumps and the way how her movements caused an impact on his body akin to small earthquakes. After one minute, Midgardsormr cleared finally his throat: "Thou hast to return to the shroud, I think?" She gazed with wonderment up to him; slowing down her movements. "That's correct. Ehm, you must find it stupid to celebrate something like that before the goal itself is even reached, hm...?"

A soft smile glided over his face; reaching his eyes so they sparkled like stars in the evening-sky. "No, I do not. For mortals, weeks and months mean a greater amount of time than for us dragons. This is something I grasp about thee. Therefore, thy joy makes sense to me. Thou art glad to reach the end of a long way." the dragon uttered while clear sympathy flowed through his body.

Cecilia answered his smile when the last word had left him. His own, on the other hand, vanished. Widening his eyes, he stared down at petal-lips which reflected the light and cheeks that blushed intensely in pink color – both things delicate and appealing to him. Not to forget these pretty irises... Tenderness and passion 'served up on a plate'... He was shocked how she made him feel.

Looking away from her with an aimless gaze, he swallowed and asked casually: "Thou hast nothing against a direct teleport to thy destination...? I would be glad to avoid the crowd in Gold Saucer." His hilarious big ears noticed her low laughing before she responded: "That would be too expensive in my opinion. But when it comes to Gridania, I have a cheap option for teleporting, so you'll see definitely no large population. We use the transport to the building of the Free Company I joined when I was a newbie. It's very quiet there, since there are rarely many people around. Also, there is beautiful flora everywhere as well as a pretty lake."

She let him no chance to protest. The teleport happened instantly.

When he wanted to open his muzzle in order to spit a little fire at her as some kind of punishment, Midgardsormr froze as his body got distracted. Clear air with the smell of lavender surrounded him and soothing light shined at healthy plants, so that their green leafs as well as purple-blue petals drew his attention to them. There was also a garden with a small house directly in front of him, where lupines and sunflowers grew. The scent of animals was also there.

"That's the private ground of our Free Company." the maiden explained proudly. His eyes recognized the sign next to the garden-entrance – 'Heavenly Strike' was written on the brown wood. Before there was a possibility to ask her, what a Free Company was, she stated: "Ah, just look! There's my darling, Edgar." Confused, Midgardsormr looked around, until his gaze found the only other creature that walked around: A snow-white Chocobo.

Surprisingly graceful, the big bird went with unhurried steps to Cecilia. He gave a tender 'Kweh.', when he reached the girl. She placed her hands at the Chocobos neck and left cheek, which created a loving expression in the chocolate-brown bird-eyes. Midgardsormr stared disbelieving at them, because he felt illogical jealously. Hissing, he shook his head with squinted eyes.

What was wrong with him? Jealous...? Of a bird...? Ridiculous...

"I love Xanthos and so on, but Edgar here is my beloved companion. I know that some people don't like the smell Chocobos have, but I think it's a good one." the girl said laughing as the bird tipped with his beak against her neck so that it must tickle her. "Hehe, I think he's a little angry with me since I kept him here for a few days without visiting." ,she added and patted the animals head, "Sometimes, there's just nothing to do for him, wherefore my friends take care of him until I have again duties for him as a combatant. Otherwise, he would just find it boring to accompany me. Although 'vacation' seems to be a word he hates." That keyword was indeed something the bird seemed to disapprove, because he pecked Cecilias head slightly.

She didn't mind this but giggled. While the dragon watched that in incomprehension, she went to the Chocobos left flank and checked its saddle. Just when she suddenly climbed on Edgars back, Midgardsormr jumped down from the Nirvana because something hard had hit him. Lightheaded, he stared – cumbrous flying in the air – to the maiden. As she looked taken aback at her Chocobo, he followed her gaze. Just in order to see unfriendly brown eyes poseing him with their stare.

"Edgar! Why did you peck him?! He's just a baby-dragon!" she scolded. Shaking his head minimal because the feeling of dizziness didn't go away, he mumbled: "No need to lie about me... Thy bird is surprisingly intelligent... He senses, that I am not what my appearance claims to be..."

Cecilia reached out for the dragon while she eyeballed her companion: "Well, you'll allow Midgard to ride on you. Otherwise, buddy, the two of us will have an unpleasant argument about your food. And I bet you are not interested into going on a diet." The bird gave a downfallen 'Kwe-heh...' plus focused his gaze on Midgardsormr with discontent, albeit he didn't try to attack the dragon again. Distrustful, both of them studied each other without moving a single nerve, until the maiden sighed. When they looked resulting irritated at her, she gripped fast as lightning the smaller creature and placed him at her shoulder. "Let's hurry. It's almost evening." she muttered.

~C~

While their journey to Hyrstmill lasted, Midgardsormr let her explain, what 'FCs' were.

Similar to the state-run 'Grand Companies of Eorzea', 'Free Companies' were designed to comply errands as well as deliveries. But they were not bound to the city states, because adventurers organized the whole system themselves, wherefore there existed groups for simply every purpose. Additional, their members often supported each other or became even good friends, which was why it applied to be common for beginners to join a FC before even considering a GC.

"I joined The Order of the Twin Adder, by the way. I may love pirates a lot, but the people of Limsa aren't directly what I would call true corsairs. They pretend to think about others, but whenever there's something they 'need', it's clear that they don't stick to their words from before. A real pirate doesn't have to lie, because that's the trait of a mere thief. And let's be honest... Limsa Lominsas Admiral of The Maelstrom, Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn, is not even half as personable as the General of Ul'dahs Immortal Flames, Raubahn Aldynn. She denies, that she acts way too often like a pirate, while he looks into the future instead of constantly clinging to the loss of Ala Mhigo. If I wouldn't love Gridania plus the Black Shroud like I just do, then Ul'dah would catch me long before Limsa could even try to invite me." the Raen told him while they reached the settlement.

In front of Gerolts forge, they dismounted – an action clearly welcome to Edgar, because he tried instantly to peck Midgardsormr once more. But this time, the dragon had reckoned with an attack, for which reason he spat immediately a small salvo of blue fire. This warning was enough in order to prevent the Chocobo from the notional assault. Grumbling – something like 'Kweh, Kwe-e, heh.' – the bird retired unwillingly. Assured of success, the dragon chuckled spiteful.

"Was that really necessary...?" Cecilia asked lowly, while she walked into the direction of Gerolt. Nodding, Midgardsormr answered: "Thy bird does not fear me. He is a brave one. Therefrom, reprehension in a more aggressive manner is the only way to upbraid him."

Eyes-rolling, the girl shook her head, before she greeted the blacksmith with a smile.

It didn't even take an half minute, until Jalzahn appeared, who grinned now like a young wag because of the upcoming event. The alchemist had once arrived in Eorzea with the hopes of recreating a Zodiac-Weapon, but surely he had never expected to truly fulfill his goal... Somehow, Midgardsormr envied the old man for this completion of a dream. Mortals could spend their whole, short life with something as stupid as well as inspiring like a wish... They wasted it surely, yet it was so much more meaningful in comparison to the almost eternal existence of a dragon...

~C~

With amazement, they all stared at the finished weapon – the Nirvana Zeta.

As the two Hyur encouraged her to do so, Cecilia grasped hesitant the new-forged legend. The light, which the object emitted abruptly under the maidens touch, looked just like golden wings coming from the 'head' with this leafy design. Now, it had finally become a true Zodiac-Weapon – an object with a very own, fully awake soul. A soul, that was loyal to nobody but a one person on Hydaelyn. Midgardsormr wondered silently, if the men realized this...

While Gerolt and Jalzahn started to discuss a bagatelle considering the alchemists ancestor – plus battled for some inconsequential title which they both didn't want to share with another man, Cecilia scratched embarrassed her left cheek as she watched the two Hyur. "I hope they will not expect from me to chose one of them to be the rightful 'Z' alias 'Smith of Stars'..." she whispered. Folding his front-legs alias arms, the dragon responded muted: "Such a trifle... Why is it necessary to argue with each other...? Both men were helping thee to obtain a full-fledged Zodiac-Weapon. Therefore, the title belongs to every person who worked actively in order to reach thy goal." "Which would make Mutamix a legendary smith, too." "The goblin? Thou would share the title voluntary with a member of a Wild Tribe?" he asked perplex. "Sure. He's a friend, after all. Additionally, he's a real genius and somehow very cute." the maiden answered smiling.

Shaking his head, he fell silent again. Their world-views couldn't be more different...

Luckily, Gerolt returned soon to his work – a pot made of iron – so that the stupid bagatelle ended. At least for now, because Midgardsormr recognized more than clearly enough within the following conversation between Cecilia and Jalzahn, that the old guy would still insist on his right to inherit the title of his ancestor. Pah, men were such egregious fools...

His gloomy mood became brighter, when he looked random up to the sky.

'Beautiful.' he thought as his eyes wandered over the slowly-spreading purple and appearing stars. Just as if she had heard the dragons mind, Cecilia raised her gaze and stated: "And here comes another pretty evening in the Black Shroud. I think I'll stay tonight in Gridania." Jalzahn chuckled: "Sounds like a good plan to me. Although I wouldn't mind your company in Hyrstmill. Closing time can be very exhausting for me alone, when Gerolt has again one over the eight. The residents here may have adjusted to this admiral of the red, but I find it still troublesome to watch him."

Thanks goodness the Au Ra didn't change her mind easily.

Eventually, the admiral-keyword alone was enough to disgust Midgardsormr.

He was glad when the maiden walked away from the forge, albeit the sparkling chocolate-eyes of the feathered devil displeased him in the second he saw them again. Edgar came threatening close to them, but the white bird had fortunately no interest into trying another pecking-assault. Docile, the bird nestled to her face with a soft 'Kweh-kweh.' – just as if he wanted to congratulate Cecilia on reaching finally her goal. Either he ignored Midgardsormr for now, or he really didn't care for him. The former would appeal to the dragon, while the later would be an insult to his pride.

"I'm not in a hurry now. So.. How about we go for a stroll? The Northern Shroud is a beautiful place – I have to know it, since I trained here several days; long before I received Edgar from the Adder. This place is an autumn-paradise, wherefore I think you'll like it, Midgard." the young woman said. Suspicious, the dragon peeped at the white Chocobo, but Edgar had only eyes for his proprietress. Relief and frustration flowed through him in an upsetting mixture, while he answered: "Why, yes... When thou art convinced of this activity... I shall of course accompany thee."

Flying next to Cecilias face – in a duly distance to Edgar, he participated in the walk.

Although it didn't sound at first like an interesting exploit, the girl nevertheless surprised him a lot, when she suddenly turned into a residence of the Ixal. Midgardsormr thought, she wanted to fight – even if she didn't seem to be someone who challenged the Wild Tribes for fun – but the very weird opposite occurred. He felt as if he had entered a parallel-world, when Cecilia greeted with a smile the green population of the settlement, which answered her instantly with enthusiasm.

It took him a few minutes to grasp, that these Ixal were friendly creatures who didn't seek to battle other races just because Garuda ordered them to do so. Actually, this sort of 'poultry' didn't follow the false goddess in any way. They dreamed of returning to their former home by themselves instead of hoping for regaining their wings by the mercy of a Primal. All Ixal here were engineers – skilled and experienced despite their strange way of talking.

With huge interest, Midgardsormr eyeballed the airship they had build. With Cecilias help as well as the support of a Lalafell called Tataramu Highwind, these Ixal were very close to creating a ship which would allow them to reach the needed height. He didn't understand their technical chitchat, but as the maiden 'translated' everything for him, it wasn't hard to follow their intention. Grinning, the dragon had to admit in secret, that a dream connecting generations must be a wonderful thing. Perhaps mortals were just because of their short lifespan able to act so absurdly brilliant.

~C~

At night, Cecilia brought him to Gridania.

The city was no comparison to the lively Limsa Lominsa, but this just suited Midgardsormr.

Edgar, who stayed at the entrance together with other adventurer-Chocobos, seemed to enjoy it here in the same indisputable extent. The air was so clean; it tasted like purity. There was also the smack of different flowers in every breeze caressing his nostrils. A small river run through the whole city, that added a relaxing ripple to the swoosh of the trees. It was modest paradise of mortals.

He wished, that the people of Ishgard had been like that... Humbly.

How different history could be today, if the Elezen of Coerthas were not so proud...

Cecilia guided him whereas his silent reflecting to Gridanias market. There was no large crowd; intrinsically the presence of people here didn't annoy him at all. There were a few merchants, several adventurers and some inhabitants of the city. He saw no difference between these mortals, because all of them were doomed to die soon. But of course he noticed still, who was resident and who didn't belong to this place. Adventurers had this very own, confident charisma.

"Do you need dinner, too?" ,his companion asked suddenly, "I don't sleep with an empty stomach, so it would surprise me, if you feel different about that topic. Means: I hope you tell me this time, when you are hungry." Sighing, the dragon cocked his head while he gazed at her expectant irises: "Thou art meanwhile aware, that I do not need much nutriment. Spare me thy worry." Glowing red, his eyes emphasized the sharp sound which his voice had intoned.

The girl grumbled something, while her mien switched to an annoyed mask, but she didn't respond anything directly in consideration of his unfriendliness. She ordered herself one plate with hot stew plus a glass filled with orange juice at the next market-stand – studying him several times with these skeptical eyes before she finally left resigned the small 'store'.

Cecilia sat down on a round bench in the middle of the marketplace, which displeased him clearly. Crestfallen about her decision to eat just within the (minimal) crowd, Midgardsormr withdrew instantly from her. Regardless of the anticlimax he must cause for her, the dragon flew nonchalant to one of the large boards which the mortals used for running their trading. There, he took a seat – staring down at the maiden who payed for a moment attention to him with an upset expression, before she cared abruptly for nothing else but her meal.

He was offended at the way, how slowly the maiden consumed her food.

Weren't mortals in a hurry, always? Had they even time for relishing that unhasty a principal meal? Although he tried to figure the reason for her sedateness out, it seemed to be an insoluble mystery. When it came to the clock time adjustment, she had wasted meanwhile 10 minutes- was that really her idea of savoring this frightening short lifespan...?

"Hey." ,she called suddenly up to him, "Will you drink at least something? Please?"

The dragon was wavering for a moment, but the appeasing gaze she bestowed now upon him changed his original plan to tell her off. Giving in, his hilarious big ears dropped a little, while he came down from the market-board and landed next to her on the bench. The seat-cushion felt surprisingly comfortable under his lower part of the body, so he sat almost like a mortal there. Careful, he took the glass she offered him – she hadn't consumed yet lots of juice. Politely, he said: "I thank thee... How much can I have?" "As much as you want, of course." she replied smiling. Oppressing a groan, he looked away from her and sipped for test purposes at the liquid.

While he began to drink with more confidence, as the orange juice tasted good, his lids narrowed because his thoughts flipped over. He didn't know, which one he should find more frustrative – Cecilias exhausting care that just matched human standard or the disturbing effect she had on him... Both things ruined his mood. In fact, they were equal. But from a second to the other, one of them obtained higher priorities than its rival – just before they exchanged places. Over and over.

His staring eyes ignited with a piercing red for several moments.

Only when he looked again at her face, the burning stopped.

He couldn't despise her smile.

~C~

After they had finished her meal just like that, the maiden declared it was bedtime now.

Midgardsormr felt relief because of this statement, since his baby-like body demanded meanwhile with growing pressure some rest. Flying by Cecilias side, the dragons eyes admired nonstop Gridanias beautiful structure during the whole escort to a doss. He became embarrassingly thrilled, when his gazes located a great water-wheel and an even larger river.

"The building there is our roadhouse for tonight." the girl told him grinning.

While she led him into the big house – rather a small hall, she explained like all the times before, what he had to know about this place. It was a tavern, airport as well as an Adventurer's Guild – called 'Carline Canopy'. An Elezen-woman who everybody called Mother Miounne ran the deal, although some inhabitants of the city had given her the nickname 'Witch' and relabeled the guild 'Miounne's witch-parlor' whenever they wanted. The female chef wasn't miffed, paradoxically, wherefore rumors spread now and then about her being truly a witch.

Irritated by this tale, Midgardsormr tried to get a glimpse of aforesaid Elezen.

While Cecilia asked for a guestroom at the reception, he was actually able to spot Miounne. Notwithstanding the story about her being a witch, he didn't find anything magical in her presence. Albeit there was indeed this motherly charisma that his companion had mentioned. The dragon hadn't seen until now many Elezen from Gridania, but this exemplar seemed to be a good example for their kind. She seemed to be calm; serious; benevolent. That was pleasant.

The Au Ra called him gentle: "I got a room for us. 'Pets' and 'Minions' are allowed there, so you can just follow me. The only thing they don't allow is crafting, by the way." Floating over her shoulder, he mumbled: "I presume, it is too noisy for other guests?" "Yepp. Adventurers may not mind that, but we aren't the only ones who use this tavern. So, the interdiction is comprehensible."

Opening a door an half minute later, Cecilia showed him their room. It was an ordinary chamber made of wood and decorated with not many pieces of furniture, but there was a portable fountain which added a relaxing background-noise to the environment. Also, a few potted plants contributed a welcome variety to the simple design. The room smelled clean; properly aired.

"I leave you alone here for a moment. Just want to use the bathroom." she excused herself.

Yawning, Midgardsormr nodded and sat next to the fountain unperturbed down when she was gone. He didn't understand, why she did not simply use the water she could get here, but only because Cecilia refused to wash herself with it, there was no reason to follow her example. So, he hopped instantly into the plashy liquid – enjoying the way the wetness felt on his body.

Just for a moment, he indulged in the memory of his dear lake, before he climbed out of the water. Using his flames, he dried himself and the wood underneath his corpus carefully, which would hopefully spare him another try of her to reprimand him.

His timing was perfect, because she returned one minute after he was done with his drying.

However, Midgardsormr looked confused at Cecilia, because she had changed her outfit drastically. Furrowing his brows, he studied the blue nightgown she wore now with disdain plus bewilderment. His gazes must explain everything for her, because she said laughing: "What is it? I love terry-cloth for sleeping. It's so warm and soft. And I have already seen it several times at the market-board. That's why I weaved the gown here just in the moment when I was finally able to do so. Since then, I'm always sleeping in it when I visit a tavern."

He widened his eyes minimal: "Thou art a weaver?" "Yes. I'm in general a skilled craftsman considering weaving, alchemy and forging of materials like silver and gold. Although weaving is my personal area of expertise." she confirmed blithesome. It surprised him to hear that. Certainly, there were not many things which the girl hadn't tried out, because she seemed to be interested into various things that had not always directly to do with each other.

As she turned the lamp off, the light of stars kept the room bright enough to see.

Cecilia laid down; looking like a mere child in his eyes when she huddled against the cushions. Believing, that she was a warrior chosen by Hydaelyn, was in this moment truthfully hard for him. While she placed the blanket over herself, his eyelids sank a little down – he felt awkward to think, that someone like her should fight the evil of the world. She was nothing but fragile and good... Naive; way too naive. A pure fool, if he would just bring himself to accept the correct perception she must have on him. But instead... He had trouble to have negative thoughts about her.

"Would you like to sleep in the bed, too? I wouldn't mind it, you know." she invited him suddenly – giving him simultaneous that pretty smile with her petal-lips he found difficult to handle. Snorting, Midgardsormr shook his head in refusal: "I am no stuffed animal. Therefore, thou must manage it alone to gain thy sleep. Pardon me." It was too polite... He should reprehend her for that idea. Believing, that he would sleep next to her... What a stupid thought!

"I'm sorry... That wasn't appropriate, I guess." ,the maiden apologized, "But still I would like it a lot to share the mattress with you. Even if it's selfish, I'm feeling soothed to have you by my side." Gulping, he waited helpless for the effect of that specific 'you' to subside. Why it worked so good, Midgardsormr really couldn't grasp. But he knew, that he wasn't allowed to trust the mortals easily. There had been too many good reasons in the past for distrust... And they were still existent.

Instead of accepting her invention, he laid down on the desk; curling up to a circle.

For a moment, anyhow, he stared into her eyes – they called him silently.

As long as the crystal and the jewel held contact with his irises, his body seemed to be petrified. Breathing minimal, he endured the way she had caught his attention or rather his whole awareness, because he didn't feel like breaking free from this 'spell'. Nonetheless he was more than relieved, when Cecilia closed finally her lids. She was just a mortal creature – therefore, she shouldn't be able to intoxicate his mind in the way she did. He didn't like this kind of losing self-control...

Bearing down the idiotic wish of his softer side, Midgardsormr squinted his eyes.

As if he would ever wholeheartedly trust a mortal being again...

Or share his sleeping berth with one...