Primogenitor
Chapter Six
His eyes wandered aimless over the buildings.
Everything just looked like it had been copied from his memory.
Only the grave damages within the stonewalls – caused by Vishap's fierce attack – reminded him, that it was no peaceful night of those times when dragons and men got along. Also, the snowflakes which fell soundless from the darkened sky emphasized the melancholic mood he felt deep down in his petrified heart. It was the same with the unfortunate mortals, as it seemed.
People without a royal title resided in the destitute part of the city – suffering under every influence; cold as well as signs of the war. It might not look at first like a regular slum, but still the Foundation wasn't blessed. Yet, not all of the citizens sought shelter despite this current clock-adjustment.
Although dusk was gone since a while, several ordinary humans walked through the streets as if their life depended on doing so. In their dull eyes lay disdain for the present knights who observed the city. But not only for them. Being aware of the royal guests, the poor eyeballed the strangers who stood now undecided in the city's entrance with great distrust. Probably it didn't even matter, that they were adventurers. Every person who enjoyed a higher rank than them would surely earn their anger. Not, that Midgardsormr cared for the ordinary population... Their fortune was the fault of their ancestors. The sin to disavow their lineages had been a momentous error.
Snorting, he leaned himself against the maiden's neck.
Her warmth helped him not to lose too much temperature in the icy atmosphere.
She turned her head into his direction – wanting to ask him something; he was convinced of that. However, Cecilia couldn't utter her thoughts, as a servant of the royal house Fortemps appeared just in front of her and her comrades. "Pardon my tardiness, ladies and gentlemen. I did surely not want to retard your arrival at my master's mansion." the Hyur stated conscience-stricken. "May I ask, why you look so pale? Did something happen?" Alphinaud wanted to know with a concerned mien. Shaking his head slightly, the servant replied sheepish: "The young employee who serves currently under my master's second son needed an advice of mine... I had not payed attention to the clock when I helped him, wherefore I was now in a hurry to meet you in time..."
Two citizens crossed the group in that moment – glancing at the adventurers and two scions with constricted lids plus furrowed brows. Leeriness lay in their faces while they passed in a noticeable accelerated manner; pride flowed through their motions in spite of their ordinary status as menials. It was clear, how less this pair thought about the strangers.
The eight men froze in their places under this sternly behavior. Erik's jaw was obviously clenched as he stared without blinking into space, while the rest of the Warriors of Light gazed with depressive expressions at the ground. Alphinaud and Tataru were no exception in this odd activity, albeit they resembled rather children than adults next to the hard-boiled fighters.
Tammy was the first one to raise her head again. The Bard-Miqo'te looked into the direction where the citizens had vanished out of sight and mumbled confused: "Why do these people here look at us as if we were criminals? Haven't they heard the news? It's because of us adventurers that Ishgard does still stand. How can they distrust us?" Nodding, the others looked up and let their eyes roam without a goal through the oppressive darkness.
Midgardsormr would have expected to hear words from the leader in order to scatter these worries, but it wasn't him who answered. "Do not take offense by their doubts." ,the Blackmage-Elezen uttered calmly, "When we entered Central Coerthas for the first time, it was just the same situation. Although we tried our best to convince them of our benevolence, many people couldn't trust us. They even assumed, that Cid's machine for distilled water would only be an attempt to poison them. But when we had proven our good intents, they welcomed us with open arms. So, I suggest we have once more patience with the Coerthan inhabitants and simply help them wherever we can."
"Carlos is right. When we make us once more useful, it's just a matter of time until these blockheads realize how wrong their idea of us adventurers is. Therefore, we shouldn't waste our time anymore with standing around in the cold. I don't want to let Count Fortemps wait forever for his guests... That would make a bad impression." the Warriors leader had the final say.
"Then, would you follow me please to my master's manor?" the Hyur-servant asked politely and bowed to the group; having recovered from the unplanned sprint before as his paleness disappeared. "Of c-course we will!" Tataru answered quickly, while her tiny body quivered as if it would soon fall apart in the stinging air. The escort kept unsuccessful a chuckle down, for which he apologized: "Pardon my amusement. Furthermore, please excuse the harsh opinion of Ishgard's nation. We will certainly get used to the admission of foreigners if you allow us to adjust to it." "I hope you will... Not interested into superfluous squabble..." Erik chuntered unmotivated.
~ C ~
The mortals started moving – all but one.
Cecilia stood impassive in the city's entrance. Closing her eyes only in order to open them again; without another motion of her lids following as she watched unresponsive the nightlife around her. She seemed to be lost in this cold city. Just like he was. Midgardsormr didn't know, why she acted almost apathetic, but he was drenched too much in his own agony, as if he could comprehend a girl who was so painful young compared to himself. He had suffered too much under the city's people, wherefore the maiden appeared to him like a mystery that didn't belong to this place.
Although Au Ra were naturally aliens in Eorzea, this exemplar here was that even more... He would rather picture Cecilia in a pretty forest or a meadow than the harsh Coerthas... Her body was fragile like a butterfly and her heart too soft for the war which loomed over this country...
She walked slowly to an edge where originally stairs had been. Boards replaced the missing steps that had turned into ashes, so that the Foundation seemed to be even poorer now. At the foot of aforesaid replacement, three children played in the snow. They didn't recognize the stranger, wherefore they enjoyed themselves unperturbed; throwing balls made of the icy mass at each other. Because of their age, they were allowed to ignore at least occasionally the war...
When he abruptly heard her whispering something so faint, that he couldn't understand it, Midgardsormr looked confused at the girl.
Her expression had changed. The odd-colored eyes were suddenly filled with determination. Probably caused by that protective-instinct of hers, because he had realized her weakness for young as well as helpless creatures... He wondered, why she felt to be called to such an arduous role. Miming somebody's guardian without equivalent didn't match a young woman at all.
She turned away from the innocent scene and looked up to the Pillars.
Every move she made while her friends went ahead looked so diverse in view of her usual conduct. The archmage was yet graceful, but in a manner which he could only describe with one word: Ancient. Like his own race was. She seemed to experience time in a completely different way, while an agony lay in her moves which the Methuselah could only recognize as the one of another dragon. The worst about it was, that he couldn't grasp the cause for that.
'You are not old. But simultaneous, you entirely are it. Who might you be in truth...?'
He wanted to tap cautious on her neck in order to get her attention, but he felt not like it would be his right to do. Her irises had become sad as she gazed at the Pillars. A trait, that he shared at once, because his memories caught him right now. How much peace and joy they had shared in the past... Mortals and dragons had truly been friends... At least Midgardsormr had thought so...
He wanted to watch this maiden here. Albeit he found it hard to call any mortal a friend, he was somehow honored how less she cared for his status as the first dragon to ever exist in this world. How honestly she treated him like one of her companions – as if he would be just a humane being. He might not believe into a peaceful outcome of the endless war, but he wanted to share her hopes and wishes for a new beginning without pain or loss. He wanted to believe into true amity, too. Whether his children would share this train of thoughts or not didn't play a part.
Finally, Cecilia made a confident step into the direction of the Pillars.
~ C ~
"Cec."
A male voice right behind her stopped the maiden's next movement in an instant.
While she turned around with a perplexed expression, Midgardsormr eyeballed already the stranger. It was an Elezen – a knight. Armored in deep-black metal which possessed golden details, the man wore also a helmet that denied a clear look at his face. But small as Cecilia still was compared to these long-eared personalities, the dragon on her shoulder had an excellent view at the mien under aforesaid protective-clothing. Although he wished to not have that, on second thought.
The face looked very humorless, whereas pale eyes in the color of bright steel with a blue hint studied both the archmage as well as the 'puppet' in her company. Not to mention, that the man owned a lance, it seemed like he wouldn't mind rupturing the girl with his bare hands. Definitely, this Elezen was a Dragoon – and there was no doubt about his duty to slay dragons, when he was already because of the sight of a single 'doll' in the condition of cold fury.
For a moment, Cecilia looked at the man without doing anything. Then, she raised her brows and asked parenthetically: "Why are you outside around that late daytime? Shouldn't you take a break from felling Ishgard's sworn enemies and rather go to sleep for recovering from the physical strain? I assumed that you can take care of yourself very well, Estinien."
Midgardsormr widened his eyes in shock when his ears noticed the last word.
Estinien...? The Azure Dragoon...? That was the man of the current mortal generation who was successfully killing more dragons than all the other inhabitants of Coerthas together...? The mortal, who was said to use Nidhogg's eye in order to increase his own force? Or rather: The one mortal whose good intentions considering Ishgard had led him to purloin it, so that the great wyrm might focus at him instead of the city for now? Midgardsormr couldn't deny, that his body was partly filled with blustering rage as well as sincere respect, likewise.
Frowning, the Elezen replied: "The correct question is: What are YOU doing here in the Holy City? Who was so brainless to permit a dragon-sympathizer like you entry? Do you plan to sabotage us with your refusal of slaying pangolins? We can't utilize softies like you in our war – are you sure that you don't want to hold hands with the heretics instead?"
The dragon looked irritated at the maiden, but she only grinned faithful.
Watching her reaction just like Midgardsormr, a candid smile flitted suddenly over these thin lips: "It's good to see you safe and sound here. When the rumors about the scion's denunciation came up in Central Coerthas, I was worried that the cutthroats, cheapskates and intriguers of Ul'dah might ruin my chance to ever taunt you again. I don't know, what I would have done if they had dared to kill the only mollycoddle who I will ever acknowledge of being a skilled warrior."
Cecilias eyes glistered, while she responded: "C'mon, you wouldn't move a single finger just for avenging a person who is not even from Ishgard's bloodline." Estinien mirrored her elfish grin and leaned a bit down to match her eye-height. "You could never tell that for sure." he susurrated lowly – emitting a vibe of danger which Midgardsormr found alarming. She seemed to recognize it, too, but her widened eyes made quickly room for a gentle smile. "What a prankster you are." she said and shook her head with closed eyes. "Who knows." the Azure Dragoon chuckled halfhearted, before he – in the moment she opened her lids again – bowed minimal to her in a mocking way.
The girl shrugged as she turned around; looking up to the Pillars as the snow fell stronger down. Estinien tilted his head to the left side and stated: "Let me escort you to the Fortemps mansion. Presupposed, that you don't want any muggers to attack you." "Hm, your company would be nice, therefore I wouldn't mind an overseer." she said pleased while her feet started moving.
The environment changed quickly as they entered the city's rich and royal part.
Rags or rather workwear became replaced by gowns as well as coats, while the gazes filled with bitterness of the poor made room for glances full of icy pride of the blue-bloods. Both mortals were obviously not comfortable with this society, as they quickened their steps whenever they passed well-dressed persons. And for an unknown reason, Estinien was despite his status as Azure Knight not popular in this social class, since he earned more unfriendly gazes than Cecilia.
"How is Erik doing these days? And is he aware, which kind of place Ishgard is? People like us don't belong with our sharp tongues into the upper part of the Holy City." the Elezen assessed. Humming smiling, the girl answered: "We don't plan to stay in isolated company with the Fortemps. After all, we are who we are. Not only adventurers, but people who have sworn to protect Eorzea. There's no need to spend only time with Ishgard's royals." "I would be confused if you had claimed anything else than that." ,a tiny smile flickered over Estiniens mouth while he looked at her, "Eventual, you Warriors of Light are a welcome company and diversion to Coerthas."
She gave him a soft grin, which the Azure Dragoon returned obviously reluctant.
~ C ~
They reached the manor after a few minutes.
Standing patient next to the building, the Warriors of Light as well as the two scions had waited for Cecilia to catch up with them. Since no wonderment or worry lay on their faces, it seemed like it was really common for her to fall behind. On the other hand, she was always quick with searching for personal quests – like the weaving-help which she had offered before to this little Elezen-girl in Camp Dragonhead. Or her unsolicited fishing for supporting the dinner.
When she and Estinien neared the group, Erik wrinkled his nose and said: "Look who accompanies my little sister. The Coerthan loudmouth in person. I wasn't expecting to see you today." The Elezen shrugged before he replied unimpressed: "Neither did I count on meeting the Hyur-churl in Ishgard. I guess the administration lost their heads when they judged your trustworthiness."
The rude men stared motionless at each other – it was as if the air would be under electricity. Staying at close range next to them, one could feel how deadly sparks emitted from both sides. Because of this, there was definitely no doubt, that these persons were two birds of a kind... Willful. Pigheaded, probably. If they started fighting now, it would surely be no surprise.
Suddenly, a peaceful grin spread simultaneously over both faces.
They moved without a warning, so that their right hands crashed loudly into each other. This action turned out to be nothing else but a harmless handshake, although they transformed it into some kind of arm-wrestling after a few seconds. It let them look like ambitious rivals.
Alphinaud and Tataru seemed to be irritated by this abrasive greeting – and so was Midgardsormr, who realized once more, that he had forgotten humane ways. The Warriors of Light, in contrary, beheld the scene either lackadaisical or slightly contented. While Cecilia, Tammy and particularly the Paladin-Roegadyn enjoyed the view, the Blackmage-Elezen and Whitemage-Lalafell seemed almost bored by the small play of power.
Ending their arm-wrestling as there was obviously no clear winner, Erik closed his lids for a second before he gave the Azure Knight a mischievous grin. "Tell... How come, that I haven't seen you for a longer while? I was missing you when we were protecting your beloved Holy City from that gigantic dragon-general. Thought you wouldn't ignore such a chance to slaughter your enemies. Seems I was wrong with that impression." the Hyur stated – the slight amusement vanishing slowly from his face with every single word.
Estinien cocked his head to the side and answered disinterested: "Looks like your concentration is a bad joke. I was present – right in front of the Steps of Faith. While you danced around with Vishap on the old bridge, I was busy with covering your backs in the meantime. Perhaps, I should better have taken a good seat in order to watch the scene – and grabbed some delicious snacks instead of supporting you people. That would have been less of a time-waste."
The Warrior's leader chuckled a little, while the other mortals showed regret on their faces through the unknown information. At least almost every human. The Blackmage-Elezen... Carlos narrowed his lids under the wide hat. Behind the high ruff, it was hard to tell his whole facial expression, but the eyes alone demonstrated deep frustration.
"You should not make fun of an earnest situation like this one. The combat could have ended in a true catastrophe, after all. It may be relieving to hear, that you helped us in the background, but there was no sign of your presence. If you prefer to sulk because of our nescience, then do that in another place. We have no time for this irrelevance." the magician stated.
Estinien's head twitched for a moment to the right side, before he responded gruffly: "Ah, Mr. Polite can't once again allow a chance to pass by when it comes to teaching me otherwise... Not growing tired of this trait, huh? If all Gridanian people are like you, it's a wonder you guys get along."
Carlos looked down his nose at the Azure Dragoon: "Pardon me, but I – on the other hand – can not understand why you even enjoy such a good position in Ishgard's hierarchy. The royals are not fond of that excuse which you call 'manners', while your combat-skills would suffice in any possible role. You would rather fit into the place of an ordinary Dragoon than the 'holy' Azure Knight."
Both Elezen glared at each other, as if they considered to start an attack.
It was the Warrior's leader, who interrupted them scoffing: "Stop that nonsense, you damned idiots. We all know, that you two could burn and jump every opponent you wish into the ground. But just because you are grand-cousins, there's no need for inciting until you really do that. … Honestly, STOP IT, bloody hell. The rest of us can knock you out in an instant, if you continue."
Midgardsormr stared without blinking at the two Elezen.
Grand-cousins...? Their blood was related... even thought it was not under a direct interlinkage...? How could they act so unfriendly, then...? Did humans not fancy relatives...? The dragon found it partly confusing, how complicated men handled their lives.
However, Erik's announcement had the right effect; the two men calmed down. Additional to this, the Azure Knight let a long yawn out, that emphasized the irenic mood despite a dismissive vibe within the action. While Carlos shook his head to this, Alphinaud asked courteous: "Did you have an exhausting day, Estinien?" Shrugging, aforesaid one mumbled: "Well, after Cec had noted that already before: I think I'll go to bed now. Don't see any reason to hold you folks up."
All but his grand-cousin saw him off, albeit Erik and Estinien ended in another arm-wrestling via their seemingly typical handshake. This rough habit was for both Midgardsormr as well as the boy still a bit disturbing, although Tataru had meanwhile adjusted to it. Moreover, Alphinaud seemed quite nervous, when it was his turn to say goodbye. He stuttered the polite words he had amassed in his naive young mind with such an obvious uptightness, that the Methuselah was sure even the boy realized his misstep all by himself.
"You guys should keep an eye on the kid." ,Estinien stated earnest after listening to the stutter, "With his happy-preppy attitude, he should really not walk alone to the Foundation. Don't want him to cause any trouble in Ishgard." Alphinaud turned red like a beet under this indirect rebuke. Certainly, he admired the Azure Dragoon, so cynical words from his role-model must be something very unsettling for the teenager. Midgardsormr sensed for a moment real compassion for the boy. Yet, this didn't last long, as Cecilia placed comforting her hand on Alphinaud's shoulder.
While Midgardsormr stared at her with a reproachful gaze, she was the last one who saw Estinien finally off: "Take care, dragon-slayer. I don't want to perceive any missing body-parts the next time I meet you again." Her words were selected like a mockery, but the way she pronounced them showed clear sympathy. Also, the smile Cecilia bestowed upon the Azure Dragoon had a similar sweet vibe like the one she had reserved for Alphinaud. The Elezen seemed to be aware of this fact, because he bit into his lip as if he had trouble to keep an impolite response down.
Probably their somehow-friendship was truly important to him... maugre his ultimate defeat against the sharp tongue he owned. "Teh, I rather hope you'll don't stumble into the next-best clever knight. With your dumb compassion, you end in the prison or even under the guillotine if you continue your usual behavior. Not to mention this silly doll you carry around."
Narrowing his glowing eyes, Midgardsormr stared at Estinien, while aforesaid one turned away from the group and walked unhurried down the street. He felt insulted by the Elezen's words... As if the father of dragon-kind wouldn't know, that it was risky for the girl to own a puppet in this place which resembled Ishgard's sworn enemies... Often enough he had the bad impression, that none of the Warriors of Light was aware of this. And howbeit Tataru as well as Alphinaud might now glance at him after Estinien's words, it was sure that both would not try to change Cecilias mind.
"Let's go into the stately home." Erik prompted – ignoring the Elezen's warning as well as all logic. He grabbed the hand of his 'sister', which Midgardsormr identified as a silent encouragement. Not, that the maiden looked worried in any way, but the Hyur knew her of course much longer, so that recognizing her mood was for him easier than for the old dragon. With the 'siblings' going ahead, the group entered the manor under complaisant gazes of a few servants.
~ C ~
It was enjoyable warm inside of the luxurious building.
Nevertheless, he leaned against the maiden's neck and listened skeptical to her benefactor.
Count Edmont Fortemps was on the first sight a polite nobleman, who was surrounded by a strict, almost severe atmosphere. He must be an old mortal, notwithstanding that his hair was not yet gray but black as soot. The way he welcomed the adventurers and the two scions was a dapper manner without the hidden nervousness Midgardsormr was used from Alphinaud. There was one blemish the dragon could find, but as he himself suffered partly under infirmity, he would not dare to impute inadequateness to the lord. For now, this man seemed to be an acceptable favorer.
When the Count summoned his two legitimate sons, the dragon couldn't help but knitting his brows in view of the young men. While the mortals got adequately introduced to each other, he could see, what probably none of his 'allies' could grasp... The older son, Artoirel, was behind the mannerly, charming facade a stuck-up man who looked down on adventurers. And the younger one, Emmanellain, was rather a carefree child than a reliable adult, who would easily pass tasks on to page-boys and servants instead of carrying them out by himself.
Considering the fact, that Haurchefant was an illegitimate progeny of the Count, Midgardsormr was negatively surprised, how well this 'mongrel' had grown up, while his half-brothers practically withered inwardly under the apparent affluence their family enjoyed. Looking from the corners of his eyes to the maiden, it seemed like she shared his antipathy, although it was not in the same intensive strength he felt. Her irises told him, that she found both men not delightful – something, which pleased him deeply, as her weakness for Elezen was driving him more than enough crazy. Whilst she fancied the cordial knight, however, it was of course unlikely to see her sympathizing with his reserved brethren.
Actually, Cecilia didn't seem to be impressed by all the richness which surrounded her in this place. Since Erik as in ignorant being was someone Midgardsormr didn't expect to be easily impressed, the Au Ra resembled her other companions more than enough to express lively amazement. Yet, composure was all he could detect in her mien. Even Alphinaud as the descendant of a wealthy, benefited family acted partly flattered by the environment.
When the Count kindly offered the group to move into his guestrooms, surprisingly the maiden was the first one to politely reject the recommendation. She explained, that she wanted to be housed in Ishgard's tavern like a normal adventurer, since she didn't see herself as a V.I.P. who would deserve any special treatment. Above all, she wanted to look for any possibilities to help the population – the children at the most – wherefore she couldn't spend much time in the manor. Erik agreed instantly on this undertaking, too, because he wanted to make himself useful in the Holy City. Furthermore, he assured the Count, that all Warriors shared this opinion.
Alphinaud and Tataru assented to the leader's words when the lord asked them for their opinion. Midgardsormr wasn't sure, how a democrat and a secretary should have any use in Ishgard, but when they wanted to cling together with the adventurers, it was surely no bad plan. Tammy, Carlos and the other two appeared meanwhile to be relieved about the scion's decision; a clear sign, that they had anticipated a possible separation from both long-eared youngsters.
As the group was now united, Alphinaud suavely asked the Count for borrowing a servant in order to go sightseeing, before they would reserve guestrooms in the tavern. Lord Edmont was amused by this plea, since he had already heard from Haurchefant how eager the scions and Warriors were. Therefore he assigned with joy one of his attendants to show them Ishgard.
Anyhow, he warned Erik as the leader to be careful while walking through the lower city-parts. Beneficiaries of royalty were no welcome visitors for many citizens – and the fact, that they were above all strangers, didn't make it better. Snorting with his mannerless attitude, the Hyur answered with a wave of his hand, that nobody would dare to harm them, if the enviers were smart enough to avoid his axe. With a nervous laughter, Count Edmont stated, that he found it still hard to believe, how the gourmet who was commanded by his son could be such a rough combatant.
Midgardsormr endorsed this appraisal, although he knew the brilliant cooking-skills of the leader. There was nothing else about Erik, which showed rudimental ANY dulcet streaks. At least not, when it came to the man himself. He was gruff; his behavior was it, too. If Cecilia wouldn't be here, the Hyur had probably nobody else who could replace the status she enjoyed in his eyes. His allies were not like siblings to him, although they had clearly some personally value. Erik might not act with the calculatio of a businessman, yet the dragon saw, that the warrior did barely anything which truthfully allowed other mortals to get emotionally close to him.
It was surprising in the dragon's opinion, though, how this man who came from another world still tended to treat his companions like friends. Or rather, how he aimed to maintain some friendships. After they greeted the servant who was chosen by Count Fortemps to show them around, Erik was quick-witted enough to ask the Elezen for including several locations into the tour; like a library or the marketplace. And as he had become used to this group of mortals, Midgardsormr knew instantly, that the leader thought about his friends when he requested these spots. While Alphinaud, Carlos and the Whitemage-Lalafell loved reading, for example, Tammy and Tataru had a true fondness in matters of shopping food plus useful materials such as yarn.
Above all, Erik encouraged Cecilia to switch classes – back to her usual Whitemage-outfit – so that the cold air outside of the building would not start to influence her health. Everybody might know, how resistant she was considering the temperature of her environs, yet they supported his request. She did them the favor, although it was clear she did it mostly for her dear 'brother'. Sighing, Midgardsormr recognized the differences between himself and the mortals once more. They listened to each other – much more, than to other creatures...
He reflected still on the group of mortals, while the men left the mansion now. Comparing them all, the dragon realized, that the maiden he surveiled was quite independent. She did not stand out from those close to her with the charismatic nature she had gotten, as they were a bunch of unique beings, but it happened practically never, that the girl needed any help.
She was a gatherer – she could mine, fish and lumber whatever she wanted; respectively needed. The young maiden was a crafter – creating basic-tools or clothes didn't look like a big deal for her. She might not carry cooking-utensils like Erik around, but if this would become necessary one day, surely she grabbed them before anybody had to suggest it.
Midgardsormr wondered, if the tour through Ishgard contained anything at all, which she could make use of; like all her other friends here obviously did. But in the moment the servant mentioned the Astrologian-guild and how a Sharlayan-master wanted to teach lessons, the dragon suspected, that this might be something the maiden would enjoy. She called herself an archmage, after all... Learning another type of magic sounded just like the right activity for her. He glanced at her face, which revealed a hint of excitement to him. Ah yes, he had guessed correctly.
With that, he left her shoulder and slipped under the seam of her robe. It was getting slowly colder, so he better clawed into a boot of hers and sought shelter under the pleasantly warm cloth she wore. Until the tour was over, he didn't plan to emerge soon again. His shivering corpus reminded him, that he was yet bound to a fragile baby-form...
~ C ~
The stench of alcohol reached him even under Cecilias robe.
He would have loved to hold his nose, but his tiny 'hands' were not sufficient to keep his sensitive, stinging nostrils shut. So, the father of dragon-kind was forced to endure the 'wonderful' odor, while the adventurers and scions talked to the owner of the tavern. He tried to convince himself of being patient enough to wait another few minutes, until he could finally lay down and sleep for a while, but somehow his subconsciousness was smart enough to not fall for this lie.
Several times, he held his breath, as the booze in the air slowly gave him a bit headache. This place was rather an ordinary bar than a guesthouse... To hear from the young owner's charismatic voice, that there were enough guestrooms for all members of the group, let him undergo at least a bit joy next to the frustration of being caught in this disgusting atmosphere.
When the maiden entered after a seemingly eternity finally her guestroom,
Midgardsormr jumped down from her boot in the second she closed the door behind her.
Gasping for breath, he crawled out from the seam. It didn't took many seconds for him to realize, however, that staying under her clothes would have been the better choice. Wrinkling his nostrils, his eyes roamed displeased the dark, messy room which was only lighted by a small chimney.
As if she could read his thoughts, Cecilia stated: "Don't worry, I'm just as discontent as you are. Tomorrow, the first thing I do is cleaning this chaos of empty bottles. The only positive thing about these things is the missing liquid..." Arms akimbo, the Au Ra eyeballed the glasses on the shabby, antique desk and under the bed with a sulking facial expression. "If the innkeeper wouldn't be a sympathetic man who's busy enough with caring for the emotionally condition of his clientele..." ,she mumbled partly ill-humored, "...I would complain now in an ill-favored way."
He shared her opinion, that at least the fetor of alcohol was no longer present.
But he found it alarming, how the last words left her throat. They sounded vicious...
Cecilia sighed low-spirited and walked over to the bed. "I miss the guestroom in Gridania." she said – hitting a nerve with these words, as he had thought exactly the same. Nodding slightly, Midgardsormr took a seat in front of the warming chimney; his back turned to the maiden. He didn't feel like talking now... Concretely, he was not in the good shape for doing so. This corpus was tired – the icy atmosphere of Ishgard had weakened it too much...
From the corners of his eyes, he watched wordless, how Cecilia sat down on the mattress and changed her clothes unhurried despite the depressive 'taste' this room had. For a moment, she was only wearing silky bright underwear; the blue terry-cloth-nightgown laying untouched next to her. Growing completely stiff because of that unexpected view, the dragon even stopped breathing until her rosy skin and shell-white scales vanished under the gown. Relieved, he let the air ran through his burning throat, while the maiden huddled unheeding under the blanket.
He just wanted to convolve into a perfect circle, when she asked muted: "You don't want to share your sleeping-berth with me, correct...?" His hilarious big ears twitched, as the sadness in her voice had its alluring effect on him. If she would be a monster instead of a humane being, he was sure, that she couldn't be anything else but a Succubus... Wiping off the allurement from his mind, reluctant he responded to her question: "Thou art aware of my decision, already..."
The maiden snorted a little, before she stated: "Yes, I am... I just hoped you would rethink it..." Shaking his head noticeable in order to emphasize his disfavor about her wish, the Methuselah closed his tired lids and lay down on the small carpet. "Isn't it cold there...? So alone..." she said – sounding way too cheerless in his opinion. Albeit he could hardly manage it thanks to his weakness, he forced himself to answer lowly: "I am fine. Do not worry."
Midgardsormr noticed her smile because of the suspicious sound mortals made sometimes while their faces demonstrate gladness, but he knew it wasn't the happiest one. Groaning inwardly, everything which was still awake inside of him resisted the urge to creep to the maiden.
