Primogenitor
Chapter Fifteen
Nostalgia was a strange thing to experience... After all...
In Hydaelyn's mortal vessel, he technically didn't have the right to be emotionally touched.
But nevertheless, Midgardsormr felt a little bit like coming home when Ysayle led the group to Hraesvelgr's brood in the Dravanian Forelands. He just couldn't tie the sentiment to the majority of present descendants... Well, not that the Primogenitor would have expected anything else.
Of course he wasn't familiar with the younger exemplars and their offspring. They had never seen the days of peace between their kind and humanity, thus his eyes were never beholding these grandchildren prior to today. Though... He felt vaguely bound to them. Even without a personal connection. Other than Nidhogg's offspring, these children existed because of sympathy and affection; not born as tools with the purpose to destroy another race. Probably their ignorance was slightly alarming, yet much better than the brute life their cousins had to endure.
Also... The wonderment each dragon demonstrated about that sudden, humane 'invasion' in their territory was deeply amusing him. He would have teased his grandchildren a little bit, if his corpus just wouldn't be branded as an ordinary, non-draconic mortal. These youngsters wouldn't understand his friendly banter – coming from a foreign Hyur, it might be rather insulting. And the few older exemplars, who could perhaps discover his true identity even without knowing him personally... shouldn't be all too happy to be confronted with a traitor. So, 'Midge' kept his mouth shut in spite of the wish to reach out for them. Reach out for relatives completely unknown to him, but blessed with an innocence that took a boulder from his shoulders.
However... One of these descendants he actually did recognize. A single one. Hraesvelgr's daughter, Vidofnir. The Methuselah didn't need Ysayle to introduce her, because he would always notice these ruby-red eyes and snow-white scales. Men might not think of this 'pangolin' to be something pretty, but for draconic measure she was a beautiful creature.
His granddaughter wasn't too distrustful towards the group. Though she didn't gave them the same openness which Lady Iceheart enjoyed due to being a friend of Hraesvelgr's brood, she allowed them to roam the area freely. Yet, the white descendant wasn't willing to let Erik and the others travel to Sohm Al. If they wanted to obtain the same rights that Ysayle enjoyed, the foreigners must at first help the dragons with a specific problem.
Alphinaud reacted skeptical about this kind of test, but once Vidofnir explained it, the teenager became highly enthusiastic. Not, that 'Midge' could share this confidence entirely... Nobody should underestimate the fight against a Primal; no matter how strong or skilled oneself or allies might be. However, the Primogenitor was sure, that the Warriors of Light were still the best choice to defend his grandchildren against that pseudo-god Ravana – summoned by a Beast-tribe called Gnath. Therefore, he was able to relate to the teenager's optimism, partly. Albeit there was something else what truly brightened his mood once they began to study their foes...
Some of the bug-like enemies weren't any longer chained to the collectively mind, which was controlling the tribe under regular circumstances. Mentioned creatures had developed an own will; had become individuals. They used for themselves another appellation than the original description – going now by the word Vath – and tried to befriend foreign races. Thanks to their peaceful nature, summoning a Primal was for them a mistake, too, whereby they gladly shared all knowledge about the false deity Ravana. Hopeful, that new allies might be able to stop the terror their former fellows were causing, they even helped the group to sneak into the Gnath's lair.
Midgardsormr wouldn't have expected to meet such helpful creatures right in the midst of Dravania. That was a welcome surprise for his ancient worldview. But on the other hand... He would also not have been able to foretell the following event which occurred within the battle.
Ysayle tried to carry a part of the burden on her own.
While Alphinaud and Estinien couldn't face the Primal, Lady Iceheart as a chosen child could accompany the Warriors. Even more than that – she turned herself once more into the Eikon Shiva in order to challenge the giant bug on her own. The result was unfortunately a harsh punishment. Even though the 'goddess' possessed lots of potential, her ice was easily melted by Ravana's fire. She got several, severe injuries. Maybe even broke a few small bones... Thus, Cecilia – once more as an Astrologian with this robe designed like a snowy owl – and Annika as a Whitemage had to take care of the wounds in order to prevent lethal aftereffects. Probably, the only thing worse than the defeat must be this new slap for Ysayle's pride...
Midgardsormr couldn't really pity her.
While he supported Erik, Bertram, Tammy and Carlos for beating their enemy, the disguised dragon was partly crestfallen about the woman's decision to summon once more this false image of Hraesvelgr's true love. If she respected Shiva's history as well as Hydaelyn's limits, the Elezen wouldn't dare to call upon the powers which were made of dust and dreams. But at least she had weakened Ravana noticeable, so that the adventurers could destroy the illusion faster than expected. And looking at her remorseful expression, at least Ysayle knew how wrong this ambitious action had been. Knew, that it consumed lots of aether to summon something as powerful as a deity.
When the group returned to Vidofnir, Midgardsormr's granddaughter had already heard of the news, yet was astonished by the mortals' success. She thanked the Warriors and cheered her friend up – not being angry for Ysayle becoming an Eikon once more. If 'Midge' wouldn't be just a human in her eyes, he might have argued with the dragon about how wrong it was to spoil Lady Iceheart, but in the end it was better to avoid everything which might reveal his identity. The Primogenitor would only become a traitor in the eyes of his descendants, hence he swallowed all protest down.
Not to mention... the disadvantage of taking a heretic's illusion away. With the little knowledge mentioned Elezen had about her personal goddess, an ordinary 'Hyur' should better avoid telling her the truth. Since she had probably never considered what was so clear to him, he might only endanger the support Lady Iceheart gave the troop at the moment. Thanks to that, he couldn't accuse her of becoming just another Primal and nothing more.
Vidofnir declared to trust Ysayle's companions enough for letting them wander up Sohm Al. However, she warned them to prepare for obstacles because of Nidhogg's brood. These dragons would never accept peaceful debates, so if the group happened to stumble not only over some regular monsters, they must count on the worst. Furthermore, she suggested to refill every provisions plus potions, since it was impossible to tell, what might happen next once they reached the Churning Mists. Unimpressed by the danger, Erik and the others were nevertheless grateful for Vidofnir's care. With that, they decided to follow her advice just in case.
~C~
'Midge' felt a little bit... useless.
Not in aspects of fighting beasts to train his skills, but rather in consideration of helping the mortals to prepare for the next step of their trip. He had not much knowledge of ingredients for medicine and couldn't tell which creatures delivered meat that wasn't troublesome for humane stomachs. Although he had technically spent so much time in a humane vessel now, there were still many different things he could learn from true adventurers.
Cecilia tapped against his left shoulder.
"What's occupying your head at the moment? Worry about being not the greatest help?" she asked; gently smiling at him while her hands took automatically care of some roots in her Alchemist-pot. Lowering his head, the Methuselah nodded with an embarrassed smirk. All the others – even Alphinaud – were busy with simply ANYTHING, while he could do nothing else but keeping the maiden company. Sitting next to her on the ground without any purpose. And other, than the three curious dragon-children to her left, this 'Midlander' here SHOULDN'T waste time with just staring at Cecilia's actions. Yet...
When he glanced up, Midgardsormr saw something so touching that leaving the Raen alone would be a hard thing to accomplish...
She was fond of these young ones. A feeling the children returned.
Though the maiden was generally attached to his species, this was the first time the Primogenitor could actually witness how intense this preference could be like. She treated their three companions not any differently than humane offspring – hugging and caressing them with a beautiful smile on the petal-lips. Her words were selected with the same pure tenderness her own race experienced, too. Not to forget... how in return the little, cheeky creatures who never used 'thou' were clinging to his maiden. It was identical to the way the children in Ishgard. Even, when the draconic parents called their descendants, the small ones sulked not any less than the little humans before.
"Aren't they cute? I wish they could stay a bit longer." the Au Ra stated while she watched the three children vanishing in the huge building right behind them; Anyx Trine. Studying her beautiful mien for a moment, 'Midge' chuckled belated: "They may appear too impolite... Too innocent... But you marvel here creatures who are around thirty years old."
Her brows rose noticeably once he fell silent. "Seriously? Thirty years? That's hard to believe... How can they act like this when I'm with twenty years a recognized adult? In terms of personality, to be more specific. Why are their cores still so pure and unperturbed?" Shaking clearly his head, the Methuselah himself didn't know an answer for Cecilia's question.
Children of his kind reached with one-hundred years the phase which Alphinaud as a teenager was currently experiencing; living until then with a mind so naive that manipulating them was easy to accomplish. And once they were partly grown up, his descendants acted rebellious towards everything that went against their believes. In other words... Nidhogg's hatred influenced his brood because of that draconic trait a lot; making it impossible for others to alter their train of thoughts. For dragons, one century was of course just a blink of the eyes, but if compared to mortal ideals... The seed of distrust was inherited in the very first moment a new life was born. No matter how long that life might last.
His girl pulled him out of the gloom: "You need to talk more. Instead of getting lost in thoughts." Wrinkling the nose a bit, the disguised antiquity replied embarrassed: "Apologies... I was only reflecting on the disadvantages my race possesses... Sometimes, I wish we were able to act more independent in our way of developing a general worldview. We're..." When words failed him, Cecilia reached out and caressed his left shoulder with soft touches. "It's okay to be narrow-minded. To be impressionable. I'm not any different." "I truly dare to doubt that..." ,'Midge' smiled weakly, "You are perhaps an odd creature, but your strong mind is equal to your compassion. Just look at your decision to not slay us... No other human would do that."
She gave him a charming look once his right hand touched hers; fingers willingly making room for his own so that they were entwined. Midgardsormr felt a warm wave running over his spine when the maiden's thumb wandered tenderly over his skin. That feeling was so-
"U-Uhm, excuse me... Can I ask a favor of you? I-It's important..."
Another grandchild approached them – looking even more innocent than the other dragonets before. Inwardly, Midgardsormr groaned frustrated when Cecilia's hand slipped from his shoulder, whereby even her fingers left him, but he kept the emotion chained within himself. It wasn't the child's fault, that its Primogenitor was addicted to a mortal maiden...
"What's the matter, little guy?" Cecilia asked friendly and leaned slightly forward. "T-The young Elezen and Ysayle were telling me, that one of their friends would be not only a powerful magician, but also a skilled Alchemist... Their description suits solely you, so... C-Can you try to help my injured brother?" Shrugging, the Au Ra stood up; changing to her Astrologian-attire within seconds. "Depends on his wounds, but I can at first take a look on him and then decide whether or not I'm able to cure him." The little dragon smiled relieved while she put her Alchemist-equipment away; visibly ready to accompany the child. "Hey... Do you come with us, Midge?" she asked and eyeballed the 'Hyur' curiously, who wasn't sure if that would be a good idea.
"He's a Dragoon, isn't he...?" ,the dragonet wondered, "Will he kill my brother if you can't help us?" Midgardsormr hardly bore his ill humor down. What an amusing boy... Even though he was naive, his insightfulness felt still refreshing. He was aware of the danger to approach mortals. Dragoons. And while this descendant wouldn't fall for the next-best friendliness without strongly doubting it, maybe he was nevertheless open-minded enough to give at least some humans a chance.
Why else should he have come to them, now?
A smirk lay on 'Midge' lips when he replied: "Just as Cecilia, I have so far never killed a dragon... This is something we do not intend to change. Therefore, thou could show us thy good manners and introduce thyself at least after begging for a favor, little one." "Ah, pardon me! Normally, I don't forget my good upbringing... My name is Kal Myhk. A-And my brother is called Ohl Ahs. You can find him in the tunnel right behind Anyx Trine. He's laying on the ground. I, uhm... I really hope there's a way to help him. I don't want my brother to suffer..."
"Let's see, what we can actually do for him." ,the archmage stated enthusiastic while 'Midge' got onto his feet, "I can't promise anything until I have seen the problem, but I'll definitely try my best." "T-That's all I ask for. Thank you, Cecilia!" the little dragon trilled happily.
~C~
The air was warm and heavy; a little bit moldy because of steam or rather gas.
Midgardsormr remembered only vaguely the last time he had been allowed to neglect his duty in favor of visiting this place called Mourn... Back then, the Primogenitor wanted to see how Hraesvelgr's brood was prospering – while humankind was freshly inspired by Shiva's eternal love for the white dragon. It had been the beginning of a peaceful period for both races; a bright promise so tempting, that its later failure was similar painful to endure like Ratatoskr's death.
Looking at Cecilia who was eager to see Kal Myhk's brother, 'Midge' reflected on the cruel timing her existence possessed. If she had been born one-thousand years earlier... Maybe even a bit more than that... This maiden could have changed the course of their fate. Any interference by her hands might have been enough to prevent the path which the past had taken.
It might be a naive thought, yet the Methuselah found solace within this small illusion.
Ohl Ahs slept right in the midst of the tunnel. Beholding this wyvern, a feeling close to pity crawled through Midgardsormr's consciousness. Albeit he had sworn himself to care only for his remaining children in a deeper way, the Primogenitor wasn't able to ignore the grandchild's obvious agony. When a corpus was hurt like this – perforated by bullets – one must have a heart made of stone to not experience any kind of empathy.
Kal Myhk woke his brother up in order to allow Cecilia a look at the later's stomach. Unfortunately, the wyvern wasn't amused by that unwanted alarm-call-service. His bad mood became worse, when he noticed the two mortals standing next to his little sibling. And once the dragonet had explained the situation, Ohl Ahs was ultimately angry.
"I will neither make my body nor my pride dirty with letting these... scurrilous hands touch me! After all, it were mortals who shot me from the skies – just as they did to many others of our kind. While we hunt prey to survive, they are just thirsty for blood. They enjoy pointless slaughtering. The mortals were excited when I crashed with damaged wings into Coerthas' snow. They left me for dying alone and continued their hunt. We can't trust humane children. NONE of them. These two you brought aren't any different. It is just a matter of time until they hurt you."
Keh, what an accusation... Bad joke... As if Cecilia could even harm them...
Part of 'Midge' wanted laugh in bitterness; part of him wanted to bite the arrogant wyvern.
The little dragon said baffled: "But why...? Cecilia and Midge have never killed any dragons before. And they were friendly to me. I do not understand..." The serious expression of Ohl Ahs' eyes made Kal Myhk falter. Looking nervous at the Raen and the 'Midlander', the child mumbled: "My brother wouldn't lie to me. You were very nice to me, so far, but... But now, I do really not know anymore, what I should believe. I need time to reflect on my brother's words."
The dragonet flew away; leaving them alone with his brother.
Mentioned wyvern let out a warningly growl as Cecilia was about to open her mouth – not letting the maiden call for his brother. She immediately beheld Ohl Ahs with frustration, but he clearly didn't want to interact with her since he simply curled up again. This stubborn behavior earned him an icy glare from her irises. And according to the slight twitching of his shoulders, the wyvern didn't feel comfortable with her harsh gaze. However, the girl wasn't interested into arguing with Ohl Ahs. She made 'Midge' silently understand, that looking after the child had higher priority. Thus, the two of them left the teenager in favor of following his little sibling.
As Kal Myhk was nowhere to find within the tunnel, Cecilia used the chance to vent her anger a bit while they walked to Mourn's exit: "Unbelievable... What an awful big brother... He's not any better than the usual humane scumbags in Ishgard... I already know why I'm not worshiping dragons as if they were some higher beings or deities... Sorry, if you find that impolite, but I won't sugarcoat it. Some of your grandchildren are idiots."
Midgardsormr's bad sense of humor had kept quiet all the time. Unimportant, how hilarious some situations had been. That now – of all things – his maiden was what made him fall over the edge... felt rather embarrassing than surprising.
Anyways, Cecilia caused within his lungs a gale of laughter; one she witnessed with skeptical, severe eyes, while the disguised dragon even needed to hold his clenched stomach with both palms due to the physically-shaking sentiment. As his head turned red through both a lack of oxygen plus the strengthened dilemma, he tried to say: "N-No, it's me who has to... apologize... My descendants are... just a reflection of... my own spiteful nature... I am sorry..."
Finally, the wave of dark amusement ebbed away.
His left hand rubbed through his eyes; the right one gripped still the hurting flesh.
Cecilia's humorless crystal and jewel scrutinized him with narrowed lids, whereby the Methuselah forced his nervous smile to disappear. "We stay sadly no innocent creatures once we grow up... That's not part of our mentality..." ,'Midge' explained shyly, "Humans tend to keep their simpleness, but for us changes maturity a lot about our thoughts and feelings... We're more radical and reckless; even more since the Dragonsong War started. Our hatred knows no end..."
Midgardsormr froze when her arms suddenly entangled his neck.
She was serious, yet sad when her forehead leaned against his own.
"I understand that you guys are caught in your helplessness and anger. But I still wish you would channel that in another way. Not all humans deserve your wrath – some are like Ysayle and me. Some of us wish for peace instead of cruelty." While she spoke, Cecilia touched his nape with tender fingers. Afterwards – probably because of his worried expression – the Raen sighed gloomy and withdrew slow-going. Unwillingness lay in every single motion...
Controlled by mere instinct, the Methuselah couldn't allow her to let completely go like this. Not, when she wanted so visibly the opposite. When he himself also yearned for nearness... Hence, 'Midge' prevented her from retiring – his arms rushed behind Cecilia's back and kept the maiden where she was. Her brows rose noticeably: "What?" The tune hurt with its sadness...
"I..." the dragon-father tried, but failed to recollect his thoughts. "If you want to cheer me up, Midgard... I think it's unnecessary. We should better continue to search for Kal Myhk." she stated with resolution. But despite this apparently determination, a glimmer of wetness within the crystal provoked his attention. The Primogenitor couldn't ignore the damage which his outburst of gruesome humor had created.
"I'm sorry..." ,he whispered and embraced her tightly, "I really am... horrible..." Cecilia gave – pressed against his chest – a weak, empty chuckle: "Well, you're definitely not good in caring for your dignity since you got this Hyur-vessel. That makes you indeed horrible." His mouth caressed some scales on her neck before he murmured gently: "That's just because I can't keep up with you... You are truly strong. Ohl Ahs can consider himself lucky for not experiencing your anger. And I... must thank the Twelve for your decision to not punish me for my missteps."
He blushed when her hands pulled him up to her smiling face.
"Stupid old dragon. I'm bad in punishing someone who I hold dearly in my heart." the maiden explained for him with such a sweet mien, that the hue on his cheeks became even worse; burning. Her right hand wandered to his forehead while she noticed: "Hm, obviously you're a bit feverish. Do you want to rest in the meantime?"
Shaking his head slightly, the Methuselah looked at the ground; trying to not focus any longer on her lovely words plus corpus that was so tempting close. His originally purposeful words left only stammering the vessel's mouth: "N-No-o... I-I am fine... Let us find the child..."
He felt like dying when she gave his left cheek a soft kiss.
~C~
They followed the little dragon back to Anyx Trine.
Kal Myhk sat outside of the building – on the ancient steps – and looked at them with guilty eyes once he noticed their presence. "Oh, you guys... I'll let my brother continue his sleep to make sure he won't become angrier. Considering his words... I would love it to trust you, but I fear my brother is right about mortals. I'm really sorry..."
Enough. More than enough.
If Cecilia had been alone with this kind of sadness, the antiquity wouldn't think about interfering. He would accept the situation just as she eventually had to. But this boy here was also suffering. One of his own kind, even. Furthermore... That sheer distrust between their races tore at another innocent heart, which could lose its hope should time continue to flow into the current direction... Another dragon who condemned mankind. Therefore, the whole case became ultimately too absurd as if Midgardsormr could willingly watch it any longer.
'Midge' knelt down to the dragonet and asserted: "Thou told thy brother with thy very own words, that Cecilia killed no dragon before. Now look into her eyes and tell me, what thou can see there." Kal Myhk stared puzzled at the foreign 'Hyur', before he abruptly followed the advice. Standing up and flying close to her face, the child commented: "Her right eye looks a little bit like my own do. She has just this funny gold-frame and of course no glow, so that she can't be mistaken for a dragon. And her left eye is like ice or a crystal. But I do not find it cold. It's... warm."
Smiling minimal, the Methuselah got also up.
He tapped gently against the child's back of the head; asking: "And thou still thinkest she could change her mind and kill thee?" Looking at him, the little one shook his head. "No, I don't. If I was injured in lieu of my brother and would lie now in the halls of Mourn, surely I'd think like he does, but that isn't the case. I do not doubt his words – mortals can be heartless and cruel – yet not all people are identical. Cecilia really isn't like those who attacked him. … And for an unknown reason, I feel that I can trust you as well. You are more like us than men."
'Midge' grinned cynical.
So, he was suddenly close to the edge... Being almost uncovered as a dragon in another vessel... This young one must be very wise when he could sense how different the 'Hyur' here was. However, in front of a grandchild, the Primogenitor wouldn't lose face and reveal headfirst his true identity. Only those of the First Brood deserved to know what kind of spirit was caged in this mortal shell.
"Let us settle on this truth... I used to despise humankind with the same passion that drives still several creatures in this world mad." he told the little dragon with unmistakable malice in the voice. Kal Myhk nodded unaware of the words' true meaning and stated: "You had surely a good reason for this. People can be cruel to each other, right? So... Uhm, if I haven't insulted you two too much with my confusion... Please, we must help my brother. Will you do this for me?"
"Keh, of course. What else than helping is in your opinion our job?" ,Cecilia answered cheeky and put her hands onto the hips, "I am a healer, in the first place. It's my duty to cure your brother. Whether he likes it or not. And Midge doesn't let others down, too." When the child gaped at him, the disguised Methuselah smiled fondly. Afterwards, the dragonet happily beamed: "Hehe, okay! Then, we should speak to mother. Surely she has an idea how to heal the injuries."
Mentioned parent – named Gullinkambi – sat in the large main-tower of Anyx Trine; taking care of her newest eggs. She was quite surprised when Kal Myhk appeared with two humans in tow and told her about Ohl Ahs' state of health. However, the female dragon was one of Ysayle's friends, whereby she was fond of peaceful mortals. Her unhappiness was directed towards something else: "I have warned him to stay away from Ishgard. He's paying now with blood for his disobedience... But his wounds will heal over time. We let nature its way; we sleep until our injuries are healed or perish in Mourn's halls. This is our philosophy, ever since."
Cecilia pouted and folded her arms. "Really? That's stupid. Even as ancient beings who can easily outlast several millennia, you waste willingly your time for nothing. If you ask me, it's definitely necessary to care more for your health." she criticized.
Gullinkambi took a close look at the young Au Ra with wide, curious eyes: "Hm... Thou remind me of somebody. A long time ago, he, too, wanted to help us. It was amongst the period of peace – when mortals and dragons were friends. Albeit a human life lasts only for the blink of a dragon-eye, he wanted to extend our lives instead of his own. A fascinating, good man... Possibly, the results of his work are still existent. If thou want to take a look at them, thou should go to the place he used to call 'home'. A hut made of stone, aloft the mountain."
The maiden raised her brows before she studied 'Midge' undecided: "Are you fine with climbing Mourn up? I'd understand if you don't like the idea." If he was honest, the Methuselah wasn't eager to conquer a stony massive, but since there was nothing else for him to do, Midgardsormr wouldn't flee like this from his responsibility. "I still want to accompany you. It's my personal task, above all. You can always count on me." the disguised dragon told her; smiling self-confident.
Cecilia responded with a playful grin, which strengthened his resolution to support her. Afterwards, the girl said: "Then let's find that hut. Kal, lead the way! We humans give our best to follow you."
After an inconvenient ascent which made the antiquity miss his wings, they reached a small house. Both Raen and 'Midlander' rifled through several objects left within the building until the later found an interesting-looking stone-tablet. Albeit Cecilia was certain, that this old thing must be what Kal Myhk's mother had described before, she suggested to bring the item as a precaution to the grown-up dragon in order to confirm the suspicion.
Back at Anyx Trine, Gullinkambi took instantly a look at the stone-tablet.
It was indeed the recipe for a dragon-remedy. Although using medicine went against the natural course of life, she wouldn't refuse help for her teenage-son and expressed honest gratefulness towards both mortals. That being done, Cecilia instantly wanted to gather the different ingredients. 'Midge' and Kal Myhk knew, that they wouldn't be much of a help later – when it came to creating the remedy, hence they decided to assist the maiden in at least this one task.
Therefore, the small group split up.
Because his fatherly instincts didn't allow him to let such a little one alone, the 'Dragoon' settled for staying with the child; nonstop guarding him in order to keep hungry carnivores if necessary at bay. Midgardsormr had almost forgotten how it felt like to take care of a 'toddler', but the familiarity in this undertaking soothed at least partly the bitterness of letting Cecilia go alone. Surely he could have accompanied her... However, acting inefficient would waste the little time they had left before the other Warriors as well as their comrades would be ready to climb up Sohm Al. Thanks to that, the decision had been automatically made for him.
Together with the little dragon, the 'Hyur' obtained plants, roots and berries; even horns plus fangs from a handful of animals. Once they had completed their part of the list, Kal Myhk and 'Midge' returned to Anyx Trine. Cecilia arrived just a minute later; switching back to her Alchemist-job once she appeared in their field of vision. The Au Ra immediately placed the stone-tablet on the ground and began the medicine's creation with so skilled motions, that both dragons – sitting next to her – were astonished by her precision. Considering the fact, that the recipe was foreign to the Alchemist, it didn't look like she would manufacture something unusual.
Skilled mortals like her were really unique creatures... Creatures, who had once been friends with the immortal kind... Such shame to reflect here – in this place – on the second loss his species had to endure thanks to mortals' betrayal. Dragons had not only lost one of them... They had also lost their dear companions.
~C~
The remedy was actually an ointment.
While 'Midge' got irritated because of that, his maiden looked satisfied by the result, so probably everything was alright. She knew what she did, after all. Healing as well as caring for others was her personal duty. Following, the three of them stood up – once the maiden put her equipment away – and went back to Ohl Ahs. Amongst the short trip, she changed back to her Astrologian-job, whereupon the archmage approached her patient with that that typical snowy-owl-robe. The pride in Cecilia's presence bewitched Midgardsormr entirely just by looking at his favorite mortal...
She didn't bother herself with waking the wyvern up. Instead of that, her hands began immediately to rub the medicine into Ohl Ahs' wounds. When she abruptly stopped the treatment, both Kal Myhk and the disguised antiquity were irritated, but their wonderment vanished when her skilled fingers pulled something out of the dragon's injury without increasing the damage. It was small, black and definitely metallic... Another one followed; being a bit larger and less deformed... Many more, similar exemplars landed on the ground while Cecilia continued her work.
To realize, what she had unexpectedly discovered, made the Primogenitor's stomach stir in unpleasant manner... Remnants of bullets. Willful distorted bullets. Humans alias Machinists had shot his grandchild with the malicious intention, that their enemy would suffer for a long while under the assault before his body should most likely succumb to its wounds.
Tsk. So much for the big speech, that Ohl Ahs didn't need help... Without Cecilia's condolence and precision, the arrogant boy would soon have payed with his life for that stubbornness.
Her gentle hands began to send healing energy into the injuries.
Kal Myhk watched the Au Ra the whole time; being at least as impressed by this capable human as his grandfather was. Before she finished this last step of the treatment, Cecilia mumbled unhurried: "You should better let him continue his sleep, Kal... I presume he will still not understand our wish to help. Not even now." The child shook wildly his head – her request was something a pure mind like his own couldn't accept. "But Ohl Ahs deserves to know what you did for him! He MUST! Please, let me try one more time to convince him of your goodwill. I promise he won't snap at you." "Uh, fine by me..." ,the maiden sighed with a clear lack of enthusiasm, "Feel free to wake him when I completed this little detail-healing here. In other words... When I'm not next to his fangs."
Once she stepped a little away, Kal Myhk did what his conscience demanded.
But of course the second forceful cancellation of necessary slumber wasn't amusing the teenager: "Hm...?! Why do you disturb my rest again?! And you dare to offend me by taking these skimmings once again with you! Can't you see I'm suffering- … The pain... It's gone."
Taken aback, the wyvern eyeballed his wounds – too over-whelmed by the unexpected change as if he could hide his confusion. While Ohl Ahs tapped tentatively against one of these treated injuries, his sibling used the opportunity to explain the situation: "Listen, brother. Cecilia has medicated you with a remedy plus removed the strange objects from your body. Also, Midge here helped to find the ingredients for the cure; protecting me all the time. In other words... In pretty altruistic manner, they accelerated your recovery." "Hmpf! What a useless effort. A dragon needs only sleep to heal his wounds. No silly tricks of mortals." the teenager responded impolite.
The child hissed unimpressed. He was this time obviously not caving to the harsh logic: "Brother, please reconsider. It is true, that we dragons recover while sleeping, but for doing so we require time that we don't have. Would you prefer to spend countless moons filled with pain in the darkness of Mourn? With my claws and fangs I couldn't do more than watching your suffering. But Cecilia and Midge were able to help you like none of us can. I can't deny, that many mortals in this world want to harm us. But you have to agree, that there are also those who want to help us. Don't you see, that these two are our friends?"
Ohl Ahs reacted grumpy: "You shouldn't believe into illusions, brother. Their kindness does not annul my agony – and also not the pain of those who died because of Ishgard's men." Afterwards, the teenager stared angered at Cecilia who still happened to be closer to him than the 'Hyur' was. The draconic eyes glowed just as if their owner was solely blaming her for all misdeeds his species had to endure. However, his gaze found only the severe determination her odd-colored irises were capable of; making him surrender once her authority settled down in his head.
"Yet..." ,the teenager started to deliberate the coin's second side, "Mortals did not only injure me, but also heal me. … Your benevolence won't be forgotten, Cecilia and Midge... I thank you." Subsequently, Ohl Ahs stood carefully up. He tested how much movement his corpus tolerated – and if his wings would carry him again. Cecilia watched him with exhilarated eyes; a healer's joy spreading quickly over her lips. When the wyvern was just like her clearly certain, that everything functioned properly, he added: "Times are changing. That is for sure. It's not easy for me to trust, but I will reflect on humans."
Ohl Ahs sounded serious – without delight, yet he nevertheless looked gently at his relieved sibling. The tender eye-contact they shared now was an explicit proof for the happiness both young dragons must experience in this very moment.
"I don't expect more from you, brother. … I'll tell mother about the successful treatment. She'd surely be happy to hear, that the old remedy works." the dragonet declared and turned around. "Wait, I come with you." ,the maiden stated before Kal Myhk could leave, "Gullinkambi could surely make usage of a few tips considering the remedy in case it'll be again a necessity to create it. Maybe I should write that down for her..."
As the two waltzed away from wyvern and 'Hyur', the later could not help but smirk to eavesdrop Kal Myhk's confusion about the mortal idea of preserving words in written form. Of course it was for dragons a needless ritual, since their kind remembered almost everything and passed knowledge to one another via singing their songs... But Midgardsormr had learned to cherish the humane way of saving wisdom. And this grandchild would sooner or later have the same realization, most likely. He had seen today, how valuable this trait could be, after all.
"You do not accompany your friend?" the wyvern asked with pretended disinterest. A slight grin glided over the vessel's lips. "It appears obvious to me, that thou hast a question but no idea how to utter thy wonderment." the disguised dragon replied before his eyes wandered to the teenager.
Letting a puff of smoke emerge from his nostrils, Ohl Ahs hardly stomached 'Midge's' attentiveness. But once the irritation let go of him, the grandchild grumpily asked: "How come the two of you believe into a peaceful world? A world where dragons and mortals can simply live side by side? That's an interesting ideal for humans such as you are. Especially for... a Dragoon like you. Therefore, I... I would like to know your reasons for doing so. Can you explain them to me?"
Albeit Midgardsormr wanted to give a neutral response, a tender smile conquered his mouth while he spoke about his maiden: "Cecilia never wanted to harm dragons. I do not know her since the day she was born, but I can nevertheless feel her seriousness whenever this topic emerges. She doesn't kill dragons. There's no draconic blood on her hands. Rather, it seems like a drop of the red liquid flows through her veins. Not because she's an Au Ra... but because of her heart. Her soul."
"And what about you?" the wyvern asked puzzled.
Undecided, whether or not telling him the truth would be a good idea, the disguised antiquity studied his grandson's face. In the end, it was better to keep his identity a secret... The truth was even for himself difficult to handle. Yet... Ohl Ahs was no child anymore. With that, the Methuselah was willing to give him a slight hint – just as he had given Kal Myhk prior to this.
"Peace is something all of us should seek. Not out of selfishness, though... We are blinded enough by intolerance and hatred... Personally, I prefer to only harm another creature if I truly must. Wearing this lance was a necessity; no free choice. Hence thou hast truthfully no reason to fear me. I won't hurt thee as long as there exists no reason for doing so. Perhaps I used to be cruel once, but... This time is over. And thou art not of a kind which I would want to destroy."
Perplexed, the teenager stared at him as if something very abrupt would have reached his thoughts. "You speak a lot like mother and the other old dragons. Is that common for some mortal classes or do you just mimic us?" "It is my natural dialect, if thou prefer to call it like that." 'Midge' answered and turned around; ready to leave. "O-One last second, please! Are you... Are you maybe not really a human?" the grandson questioned agitated as if he was close to making a great discovery.
Midgardsormr simply grinned devilish: "Time will tell."
~C~
When he approached Gullinkambi, he was confused to see his precious maiden nowhere.
Even Kal Myhk wasn't present... After a short conversation with the dragon-mother, however, Midgardsormr learned that Cecilia's personal brother just had called her per linkshell in order to direct the Raen to Anyx Trine's inner courtyard. Out of curiosity as well as the wish to share at least one more moment together, the dragonet was accompanying her before she would leave Dravania. 'Midge' could immediately relate to that desire... After biding farewell to Gulllinkambi, he hurried to catch up with his maiden and everybody else.
The Methuselah was abashed to find under the sun's rays a very familiar, yet inadequate scene.
Erik was cooking. Together with his personal sister, the gruff Hyur peacefully sliced vegetables and threw them into a large pot that smelled like meat would already be boiling on the inside. Underneath the metallic object shone a bonfire which Tammy and Carlos kept alive, while Bertram as well as Annika brought right now some dishes. Alphinaud and Ysayle watched the Warriors with slight embarrassment caused by their oddness – Estinien, on the other hand, wasn't at all irritated by his companions' doing. He sat simply nearby on the floor; waiting for the stew to be finished.
"Hey Midge, would you mind some babysitting meanwhile? Don't want the cheeky kids to fall into the pot." the Marauder called without looking up from his current task. Smirking partly amused, partly bugged, the antiquity came closer and gently pulled Kal Myhk away from the hot steam. Another dragonet had also tried to look a the aboil food, but the 'Midlander' prevented the little one just in time from leaning her nose too deep into the liquid.
While the children perched unperturbed on his lance, the Methuselah asked: "How come thou art preparing a meal? I thought we are in a hurry." The question wasn't meant to be cynical. Actually, Midgardsormr was truly confused by the sudden change of mind. But seemingly, the action wasn't as rushed as he thought: "An empty stomach is always a bad occurrence. We can't climb up plus fight beasts when we're distracted like that. So, I had anyways planned to cook together with Ceci some snacks for the next part of journey. Just mere coincidence, that our Elezen were the first ones to be hungrier than expected."
"At least the half of us." the Azure Knight commented and nodded into the direction of Alphinaud and Lady Iceheart. This made both of them look abashed at the ground. "Big speech for someone who becomes noticeable silent once he needs a portion food." ,Carlos stated with a side-glance at his grand-cousin, "I didn't know your big mouth can be so easily quiet by simply not feeding it." Estinien frowned – despite the helmet quite visible – while his fingers were impatiently twitching. "Are you eager to get your own mouth filled with some metal? Because I got one right here that I'd love to make you eat."
Erik grumbled loudly right before the Blackmage could respond: "Ladies, food is almost ready. Make yourself useful instead of arguing about moronism." That being said, the cousins kept silent and waited patiently for the Marauder's sign to fill the bowls with stew. "It's enough for everybody, so give the kids a bowl as well, Mister Knight." he ordered soon; knowing for sure that Estinien wouldn't enjoy doing so, because an evil smirk lay on Erik's lips once the Azure Dragoon unwillingly squeezed the dipper in his hands way too tight.
Kal Myhk and his friends sat next to Cecilia down once the frustrated elf had given them their meal. The children were absolutely amazed by Erik's cooking skills; praised the stew as the best thing they had ever tasted. While the Marauder pretended – as usual – to have completed better creations in the past, Midgardsormr was inwardly agreeing to the dragonets. However, this was not directly for the Hyur's responsibility...
What truly made the antiquity adore this meal must be the passion he could taste within. The love... It was exactly, what Estinien had once told him as a puppet: Whatever Cecilia created was filled with the positive sentiments of her heart. Of course she had only assisted her personal brother, yet the difference appeared crystal-clear to him.
Gaping at his maiden, the old spirit caged into a mortal vessel noticed relaxation spreading through all fibers when Kal Myhk – done with eating – climbed onto her legs for taking a short nap there. Had it been for any other creature, jealousy might have consumed him, but... This grandchild did in its innocence only, what 'Midge' would have aimed for in case he had still possessed a tiny shape.
Through that, the Primogenitor felt peace to watch such nostalgic moment that reminded him of those times before mankind had betrayed them all... Even more waves of happiness emerged when the other dragonets curled up on Ysayle's and – who would have thought that – Erik's laps.
Viewing his confiding grandchildren gave him a portion of hope... One, that felt more real than anything else he had witnessed so far between men and dragons in the last one-thousands years.
Manipulated by the pleasure in his warmed chest, he leaned his head onto Cecilia's right shoulder. She was still busy with her dish, thus both crystal and jewel gave him a skeptical expression. 'Midge' couldn't help but chuckle muted about it. "Are you going to tease me for eating too slow?" the Raen asked with quiet words. Softly shaking his head next to that inviting neck, the Methuselah inhaled satisfied her sweetish scent before he finally explained himself: "Forgive me my manners... I am right now a little bit sentimental... I had almost forgotten how nice it could be..."
He noticed her stiffening when his mouth touched afterwards the pearlescent scales, but the feeling in his heart consumed him currently too much as if he could withdraw from his girl. It was almost... as if the dragon was drunken because of joy... Fortunately, her muscles relaxed once the touch seemed to be no longer a threat in her opinion. "What exactly do you mean?" ,she calmly questioned while Midgardsormr sipped minimal at the flesh right over her scales, "Do you refer to spending time with your relatives?"
A faint smile flitted over his lips. "Indirectly, yes... Having a family is what I meant." he added; hardly containing the instincts which wanted to pull Cecilia into his embrace. Not, that he hesitated because of the others... 'Midge' knew their allies were distracted; conversing about a good strategy for climbing up Sohm Al kept them busy. With that, they weren't the reason why he tried to keep himself in check... Rather, the old dragon was thanks to his young vessel once more confronted with a longing so inexcusable, that he feared to break a frontier should his heart cave to it.
"You are in truth more drawn to your kind than you usually allow yourself, correct?" the maiden wanted to know; compassion swinging in every word. "Indeed..." ,Midgardsormr murmured while his right hand sought against his will for her left hip, "Spending time with my silly descendants – just as you might describe it – is something I miss... deep in the core of my existence... very much... As Hydaelyn's servant, I possessed only limited options to stay with my brood, even though I had become a grandfather. Being nonstop a father before – as long as my little children had needed me – was already the uppermost I could enjoy... Cecilia, you have no idea, how valuable this one moment is for me... I... I thank you for letting me see it..."
He couldn't suppress the tear which glided directly onto her skin.
In response to that, Cecilia put the bowl down and placed her right hand onto his head. "Actually, you're quite emotional once your brain fails to stay logical, hm? You only push all the time away what's truly dear to you... and suffer alone under the surface of your stupidity." the tender voice made the rough words sound like an angel's prayer. Simultaneously, her fingers massaged the skin underneath his dark-green hair in an affectionate manner like a mother would probably do.
Shyness took hold of him, yet the dragon pressed nevertheless a kiss onto the skin under her ear. Sometimes it bothered him, how similar these horns were compared to odd auricles of seadragons... In a positive sense odd... They strengthened the familiarity she let him experience, after all...
His nose glided hesitantly over her cheek. "I am ineffably glad... that you show me many different facets of humankind. Thanks to all these new impressions, I can have this precious glimpse of hope. I feel hope again; just because of you..." he whispered mesmerized. But then... his thoughts made another step. A step which choked all words that were meant to follow completely. 'We are going to risk it. Risk everything... Destiny can take all my joy away with just one blink of an eye...'
His right arm wandered up to her shoulders; pressing the young woman so tightly against his head, that her hand slipped from his hair. Cecilia's voice was almost not audible when she asked: "Midgard...? Are you alright...?"
Wet eyes closed, the dragon shook his head.
It was useless... Fighting the longing was impossible...
Abruptly, he sat up. Pulled her back wordless against his chest; hardly able to consider the sleeping child on her legs. He simply needed to hold the Raen. Needed to feel her on his lap in order to know she wouldn't immediately leave him... When his face rested on her head – buried in her silky hair, he quivered while both lids and jaws clenched painfully under an immense fear that threatened to swallow him entirely down. Therefore, his arms entwined Cecilia too tightly, but she didn't struggle against the harsh contact. Remarkable...
"Midgardsormr..." the maiden addressed him with his full name; worry and gentleness mixed into such heavenly, beautiful melody, that she made the Primogenitor fall irremediable over the edge of his remaining self-control.
"I can't lose it... Please, do not let me lose it again..." ,he begged; voice broken while tears streamed over the vessel's cheeks, "Should your journey have another outcome than you all wish for... PLEASE, do not face my raging son... Stay away from Nidhogg... I cannot lose hope once more... Couldn't take it... I couldn't take it... to lose you..."
Her left hand brushed the saltwater from his lids. Even though the position must be uncomfortable, her arm stayed outstretched for gently caressing him. She was undeniable sweet, but... "Cecilia... This won't... cheer me up... I know you will follow your duty... even if it should only be out of responsibility for your Dragoon-friend... There's nothing which could change your course... I know my begging is futile..." the Methuselah tried to save the last bit of his dignity while he hammered forceful the knowledge of her fate into his consciousness.
He petrified when her head turned around; just enough in order to softly bite his neck.
"We will see what happens next. Don't you dare to give already up like this. It's not my plan to leave my dragon alone." she told him muted with a steady voice, before her mouth returned to punishing him for his outspoken anxiety. Midgardsormr couldn't move or breath when she sucked his skin. The Methuselah only felt his face heating so much, that he needed to lift it into the air for cooling the temperature somehow off. Oh Her grace, please help...
"And that's for teasing me before." the Raen whispered and licked along his carotid-artery.
The vessel's heart threatened to shatter his ribcage into pieces. 'Midge' didn't know whereabouts with himself; couldn't control the impulses deep down. Had they been alone, he might have grabbed her and released whatever burning sentiment in his heart needed to be released, but the way it was, the disguised antiquity only shivered unstoppable and gave a quiet moan.
"I... understand... No extra worries... And no more confusing actions..." he barely made it to not ask for mercy. Her demonic grin on his neck went not unnoticed, but 'Midge' couldn't punish the maiden since he himself had in the very end started these strange gestures between them.
"Okay then. Now let me eat the rest of my food." she stated innocently and grabbed her bowl again. When true relief confronted an odd kind of frustration within the over-strained Primogenitor, Cecilia quickly ended the clinch via leaning the back of her head in trustful manner against his left shoulder. She soothed his ambitious drum to the point where it worked peaceful in his humane shell, so Midgardsormr calmed entirely down.
Once she had consumed the last drop of stew, however, the dragon couldn't help but admit: "These... strange, physical hoaxes... I fear I am addicted to them..." Nervously, his arms around her twitched once he had voiced his concern, but she just snuggled her back more into his embrace. Cecilia chuckled: "Unfortunately, it looks like the others are almost ready to continue our journey. Though... Dear old dragon, don't think you would be alone with enjoying these touches."
While she was busy with waking Kal Myhk up, Midgardsormr blushed as the meaning of her words settled down in his brain. "Are... Are you serious...?" he asked shyly when they stood together with the dragonet up. Her initial-response to his question was a lovely smile that bewitched him entirely. Strengthened the magnetism... But what truly moved him was the following answer.
"Yes, Midgard." she whispered; making his heart drown in a flood of affection.
~C~
The horde didn't really take care of their holy mountain.
Realizing this left a bitter taste on Midgardsormr's tongue, albeit he understood that minor creatures such as slimes and elemental sprites weren't something his kind would normally concern itself with. Even several plant-monsters had normally no significance to dragons, yet the Primogenitor couldn't help but despise how little his grandchildren from Nidhogg's side were willing to protect Sohm Al. If it wasn't for fighting humans, their life seemed to possess neither ambition nor elation.
'Tools. Unlike Hraesvelgr's brood. If they survive or not has no meaning to their sire.' he thought crestfallen when the Warriors made an orange dragon escape instead of facing their foe until death. Had he owned a dragon-shape, the Primogenitor might have tried to reason with every drake and wyvern who crossed paths with the group, but their empty eyes and irate voices told him how much Nidhogg had raised these descendants to be not more than mere pawns in this war. He had known his son's strategy before, yet the agony which emerged anew in his chest didn't become any lighter by clinging to logic.
Passing both a heated and an icy area within the mountain, Midgardsormr began to worry how long the adventurers might be able to avoid any unnecessary deaths. For now, Estinien was behaving well enough to at least not slay his sworn enemies, but who knew when this generosity would make room for his true sentiments... Lady Iceheart would be unable to stop the Dragoon; that was certain. She wouldn't be more of a challenge than Alphinaud at the moment, even though the teenager might one day have the power to make miracles happen. And despite the Job they shared, 'Midge' doubted he could ever keep up with his senior to prevent the Azure Dragoon from slaying 'pangolins'.
Erik seemed to share the Methuselah's concern.
Although the Hyur's knowledge of the time-flow made him less skeptical. Keeping Estinien partly in his field of vision was rather a precaution than a true necessity, thus there shouldn't be any reason to worry about the Elezen's actions as long as the Warrior's leader stayed calm. Midgardsormr tried seriously to relay on this fact, yet found doing so clearly difficult under the current circumstances. He couldn't claim to trust a sworn enemy of his kind... Of course he bore respect for Azure Knights; no matter how stoic and arrogant this specific mortal might be. After all, the elf had trusted 'Midge' as a comrade even though he hadn't known him personally. But...
If Estinien wouldn't see another way, then the deaths of even more grandchildren were guaranteed. This possibility couldn't be ignored. Even Cecilia with that never-ending determination to spare draconic lives seemed to have succumbed to disillusion.
As the group was close to reaching the mountain's peak, four young dragons attacked them without a warning. One of these exemplars darted directly for Cecilia, whereupon Midgardsormr reflexively countered without reflecting on his undertaking. All he had in mind was shielding his precious girl... However, when the vessel's lance didn't just keep the dragon at bay... When it pierced forthright into that right wing, the disguised antiquity petrified due to realizing the result of his protective instincts. Realized, how much of a traitor he had become.
'What... What have I done...?' he thought; frightened by the very first time his own hands had injured one of his own kind. This self-abhorrence made him stay where he was while the grandchild recovered from the blow, so his descendant used the next moment to breathe a salvo of fire at him. The pain which rushed now over 'Midge's' skin was immense, yet the sentiment couldn't settle profound into his shell because the maiden immediately healed him. As he begrudgingly relished the soothing energy, the Methuselah watched only marginally when the mortals took care of all four opponents. His thoughts were too distracted for paying completely attention to the battle's outcome, though the escape of the hurt 'pangolins' should somewhat calm him...
Cecilia's Astrology-treatment ended, yet the vanished agony of his corpus made only more space for his nervousness. "What happened to me...? How could I...?" Midgardsormr whispered confused and slightly shook his head in emerging panic. The pure sentiment began to overwhelm him; he grabbed his lance tightly with the right hand and pulled at his hair with the left. Stiffened in pain... Oooh, this moment was just pathetic... The sad gaze his maiden gave him made the guilt even worse, since he didn't want her to feel responsible for his impulsive action plus sorrow... If the Raen would now reach out for him, her touch might be too much for him to endure...
"Loverboy, get a grip! We're not finished yet!"
The alerting pitch in Estinien's voice made the Methuselah snap out of his inner terror.
As soon as he glanced up, 'Midge's' muscles tensed once he saw another dragon approaching them. Someone, whose pitch-black body in the sky he knew enough in order to recognize its owner...
~C~
"Tioman." the Azure Knight stated correctly.
Cecilia came closer to 'Midge'; unsettledness in her very presence. "So we indeed have to face Nidhogg's mate..." the maiden murmured discontented and stepped before the 'Hyur' as if she feared he would be the foe's main-target. Part of Midgardsormr couldn't believe how little she trusted his mental powers; part of him was fond of her wish to guard him. "I had warned you once in the past, that she guards the entry to the Churning Mists..." ,Estinien grumbled muted as the female dragon landed gracile on the floor, "She will be a dangerous enemy to combat. Hopefully you two pacifists can at least dodge her attacks. I don't want to see you dying here, Cec."
"Not going to happen." the Raen said coldly and drew an Astrologian-card.
Erik grinned once the green color of mentioned object became visible: "Bertram, I entrust you with tanking the lady here. We others will give our best to take her down. You're ready?" "Hah, yes! Sounds like a funny battle." the Roegadyn nodded smiling just before Tioman opened her maw in order to spit black flames at the group. The fire touched all of them, but the Astrology-skill combined with Annika's white-magic negated the whole harm.
Smoke-plumes weren't entirely gone when the Paladin approached their foe with surprising speed; hitting her right foreleg with his sword. Tioman immediately focused her attacks on him, whereby Erik and the damage-dealers used their chance to join the fight. Only 'Midge' stayed behind – unable to attack once more a grandchild – so that he could do nothing else but supporting his allies with a Dragoon's Battle Litany.
It became a harsh confrontation. Even more once the dragoness decided to make use of her trumps. She summoned small asteroids that had nevertheless an impact-power high enough to tear everything in their near apart. Her wings turned the color of cold-glowing violet while their hard- and sharpness would cut mortal flesh into pieces. And her fire enhanced with a foul substance similar to acid; allowing it to corrode even stone.
Midgardsormr couldn't accept his own helplessness once he saw the life-threatening moves that Tioman used nonstop against the mortals. Since even Estinien had until now spared the lives of all drakes they were encountering, he wasn't able to bear the guilt of a double-betrayer anymore. Putting all physical power he had into his legs, the disguised dragon pulled Cecilia as well as Annika out of the danger-zone when another asteroid-rain threatened to fall down. Then, he hauled Tammy and Carlos away from the impact-area.
"What's your plan?" the Azure Knight appeared next to 'Midge'; having a protesting Alphinaud plus Ysayle under his arms, while Erik reached the group per feet. Estinien's trustful expression underneath the helmet was – though the Methuselah hated himself for feeling that way – flattering. Who would have expected so much readiness for teamwork coming from the Elezen...
"Get Bertram out of this. I take care of Tioman." the 'Hyur' advised and jumped into the air.
Part of him didn't have expected to see instant-obedience... The surprise was welcome yet irritating. He didn't know, why his senior listened to him... But this didn't matter for now. In the moment he had reached the highest point of his leap, Estinien grabbed the Paladin-Roegadyn. While the Elezen pulled both of them away, the disguised antiquity began to call upon that force which mortals had foolishly named 'Limit Break'. Shaped like strong electricity-impulses, the accumulated power of battle-companions gave his corpus an enormous boost. A power he unleashed right in the moment his shape crashed down onto Tioman's back.
The Primogenitor wasn't aiming for killing his granddaughter. He couldn't bring himself to punish her murderous intentions with something equal. Midgardsormr couldn't... Yet, he willingly broke the bones of the dragoness' wings and shattered temporarily her ability to create asteroids.
"I am sorry..." his choked voice left a burning throat when he pulled the lance out of her ribcage. Tioman stared wrathful at him and hissed scornful once she saw his tears. "Be damned for eternity, foolish mortal. Thou should have killed me instead of showing mercy."
Wordless, 'Midge' hopped from her back and brushed the drops with a swift motion of his right arm from the eyelids. He couldn't allow his companions to see the deep-rooted agony which his action had brought to him... They would either not understand his balefulness or be even more worried about the rightness of his decision to join this trip...
"That was a fantastic blow. You're really an impeccable Dragoon." the Azure Knight praised him as the group went to the growling enemy. "She's pretty beaten." ,Erik noticed with furrowed brows, "We should take her life as long as we can." While Midgardsormr and Cecilia twitched in shock – unable to grasp the reason for this sudden change of mind – Ysayle objected: "Wait a moment! Tioman cannot even move with all these injuries! There's no longer any reason left to consider such a cruel step! I know she's our enemy, but the danger she meant is for now averted. It wouldn't be right to harm her any further."
The other humans seemed undecided whether or not killing the dragoness would be a good choice. Estinien was of course fond of this possibility, yet didn't voice that obvious thought. Instead of that, he just orbited around the powerless foe with calm steps; always ready to counter should she decide to attack him. Watching the Azure Knight's unperturbed motion had a hypnotic effect...
Then, somebody else moved as well. Cecilia abruptly put her hands around Erik's right arm; gripping tightly the fabric on his skin. The Marauder gazed at his 'sister' with furrowed brows plus strong hesitation. "Brother, please... Let Tioman alive. No more sacrifices..." the maiden begged; her heartbreaking expression even able to convince that insensitive, personal sibling she had gotten. Albeit it was completely against his will, the axe-bearer sighed resigned: "Okay, okay... I am sure this shouldn't happen, but it's indeed not like she could do anymore dangerous stuff..."
Widening his eyes, Midgardsormr realized finally why the Hyur wanted to kill Nidhogg's partner... On Erik's parallel Hydaelyn, Tioman had been slayed. So in other words... Her death was inevitable a part of the original time-flow.
An ugly laughter emerged from the dragoness' maw.
"Thou little insects and thy pitiful compassion. It'll be the grave of all of thee." Clicking his tongue, Estinien remarked without caring for the weakened enemy: "We came here to converse with Hraesvelgr, not Tioman. My main-priority is Ishgard's protection. Whoever stands in this goal's way will be eliminated. And if I can jab with that the black heart of my archenemy, it's even better. … Should you need some motivation, just reflect on this: She attacked us even after we haven't killed any of her relatives here. Do you really think she deserves absolute mercy? Was her interim attempt to devour Annika and the boy suddenly correct?"
Mentioned Lalafell and Alphinaud looked guiltily at the ground. It was true, that the dragoness saw easy pray within both of them, yet the two could obviously not bring themselves to feel contempt for their foe. Midgardsormr was touched by these innocent souls, albeit he knew that no member of the horde deserved this humane sympathy.
He himself was a fool to have spared the granddaughter's life...
As if she wanted to approve of the Azure Knight's words, Tioman suddenly twitched and snatched Cecilia's left arm. Her motion was too quick to comprehend for mortal eyes, but the disguised father of dragon-kind watched in slow-motion how the dragoness' fangs dug deeply into the Raen's flesh. The red drops which splattered around threw him into his personal abyss of guilt and wrath, yet Midgardsormr wasn't the one who repaid the harm brought to the sweet maiden...
It took Estinien just the blink of an eye to act on the attack. His Gae Bolg pierced Tioman right into the skull; breaking the brain-pan with that single, swift jab. In the back of his head, the Methuselah heard his son's hate-filled roar – without the tiniest whiff of heartache.
"Nobody dares to hurt my allies unpunished. At the most not HER." the elf said with a cold voice and ultimately ended the life of Nidhogg's mate with one smooth motion. The mental scream coming from the Eye faded into deep, vengeful growl...
Meanwhile, Midgardsormr's heart stopped beating for a moment, because he was yet over-strained by the whole situation... His instincts were strongly rebelling against the loss of another grandchild; his draconic pride close to compelling him to punish the enemy of his species... He couldn't allow even more violence against his own descendants...
"You're such an idiot!"
The voice of his precious maiden brought him back to senses.
While the others stared paralyzed at a cluster of dark particles – emitted from Tioman's corpse until nothing of her physical remnants was left anymore – the archmage irately affronted her savior for another time: "You are the most stubborn, FUCKED UP ASSHOLE I have EVER met in Eorzea!" The bleeding of her left arm seemed to increase completely unnoticed by her, because all she cared for was hitting Estinien's cheek with her right hand.
"And she was just a monster. A shallow being whose love was not even strong enough to let her die like those dragons you call your friends. She left this world like a beast; nothing left to mourn. Consider this before you insult me again." the Azure Knight said calmly plus took Cecilia's arm despite her clear struggle.
With surprisingly soft touches, the armored hands swiftly pulled her snowy-owl-sleeve up and dabbed the bleeding flesh with a white cloth until it was more or less dried.
"Just to make sure, that you won't become infected..." Estinien murmured before opening the right arm-protector. Then, his bared fingers carefully rubbed ointment into her bite-wound. Once his skin made like that contact with hers, the maiden stopped all resistance despite obvious displeasure. Slowly, she caved to the treatment's relief. Caved to the connection to her companion...
The dragon-father beheld this intimacy between both Au Ra and Elezen with frightened eyes.
He always felt how these two were choking their friendship, yet this entire moment showed intense, how much pain Cecilia's decision brought to them. Surely nobody could blame her for being afraid of the Eye's influence that could be triggered by the simplest argument... But was that really worth all the distress they had to endure?
Erik next to him was also witnessing Estinien's first aid.
'We Warriors had originally killed Tioman in my world because she gave us no other choice. I knew she wouldn't accept our mercy this time, since death was her forgone fate, but somehow I had hoped to be wrong... Well, at least Ceci wasn't paying too much for my mistake... I just need to make sure, that this won't repeat whenever she tries to change my mind. After all, I know the future, so sticking to the most important occurrences is the only way to come close enough the imminent catastrophe in order to stop it.' the Hyur told him via telepathy.
Nodding, Midgardsormr watched how Annika joined the archmage's treatment, while the others tried to lighten the mood a little. If there would just be something he could do in order to make Cecilia feel better... Although the dragon was bound to the maiden, he had allowed his descendant to injure her arm; had done nothing to avenge this unnecessary act of violence.
He didn't know, how to apologize for the missing reaction, but felt like the burden on his shoulders grew larger thanks to his own helplessness...
~C~
As the group traveled in the next ours through the Churning Mists, the ancient dragon felt no solace to watch the shenanigans of the Moogle-tribe once his companions had initiated contact to them with the help of Kan-E-Senna.
The heart in his chest hurt each beat it made – and this wasn't for the unaccustomed high.
Although his maiden seemed not to blame him for Tioman's last assault, Midgardsormr couldn't stop placing the whole responsibility onto himself. With that, both Dragoons of the troop weren't enjoying the winged fluff-balls' tricks – a shame if one remembered 'Midge's' original amusement considering this race...
After completing several tasks, the mortals proved themselves worthy in the eyes of the beast-tribe's leader Moglin, who acted as some kind of assistant for peaceful Great Wyrm. From him, the group obtained a summoning-horn meant to be used for calling Hraesvelgr at an old temple called Zenith. Erik encouraged his comrades to set immediately out with a tourist-guide-Moogle by their side, but dusk had already run past them. When they came slowly closer to the giant building, night spread already over the sky; disabling their plan to meet the dragon today. As if this wouldn't be demoralizing enough, the long march finally took its tribute – making the majority of them sleepy. Thanks to this, they decided resigned to pitch camp in the next-best area.
Lightened by the warm shine of a small bonfire, the gruff Marauder cooked quickly a simple meal in his large iron-pot. The vegetables Erik used were a little bit poor in consideration of their size, but at least the taste was admittedly formidable. And together with all that dark monster-flesh which the Warrior's leader had collected before on Sohm Al, everybody was able to fill their stomachs. Even the Moogle who still accompanied the group ate a few bites.
Once their late dinner was finished, the tourist-guide fell asleep. All adventurers but their boss and 'Midge' followed unhurried that example, whereupon the later sat soon next to a sleeping Raen. Midgardsormr scrutinized the girl for a moment – as her slumbering shape snuggled up to his hip – before he allowed himself to relax. Lost in thoughts, his right hand wandered automatically over Cecilia's white-golden hair, while her personal brother conversed with Alphinaud, Estinien and Ysayle. For several minutes, the disguised dragon listened only to the tiny noises his maiden made, until he spontaneously decided to pay attention to their companions.
As usual, Estinien was mocking Alphinaud. But for an unknown reason, this time embarrassment didn't make the boy fall silent when the Azure Knight finished his derision with an especially harmful comment. Instead, the teenager's mien turned only into a doleful mask.
"Sadly, I must agree with you... If you all hadn't taught me some things about surviving in the wild, I wouldn't be able to keep up with you now. Being the son of an influential Sharlayan representative as well as a so-called child of prodigy at the magic-academy doesn't mean much in this world... Science was from the very beginning an easy field of activity for me, but working for the Scions made me realize how little I truly know about our planet. I was used as a mere tool, was deceived by false comrades and could not even do anything in order to save my friends... If this does not cause any derision, then I can't imagine what else might be ridiculous enough."
Listening to the boy, Midgardsormr felt true pity within his heart.
He himself... used to look down on the young Elezen.
The dragon used to scorn the child's ambition to create a group which should combine aspects of both adventurers as well as the three Grand Companies. Above all, when he unwillingly supported Alphinaud back then in Ul'dah's prison, the Primogenitor had despised doing so with every single fiber of his existence. So, he had been not any better than Estinien... And albeit he finally cherished every struggle Alphinaud gave in order to become a better human, 'Midge' considered his former, dismissive opinion to be all the more dreadful.
Lady Iceheart was the first who said something. Acting a lot like an older sister or mother around the teenager, she gave her best to cheer him up: "Don't be sad, you're not alone... We all don't know everything. We do not know the reasons for our wars. We do not question the leaders we follow – just as sheep walk to shambles. Albeit the vision I gained through Hraesvelgr made me see the truth, I still supported Nidhogg's brood without realizing the consequences beforehand. I had been naive and thought I could handle the guilt all by myself. How wrong I have been..."
Then, Ysayle looked at the sleeping Cecilia – melancholy and lugubrious. The Elezen appeared drawn to her since the moment the Au Ra gave Ysayle a tongue-lashing in Western Coerthas... Somehow, her incapability – to voice the admiration she felt for Cecilia – was a likeable thing. Midgardsormr, at least, could relate to that, albeit he was aware of Lady Iceheart's feelings being solely friendship and nothing more.
Meanwhile, the child thought loudly: "Nobody is born omniscient. We learn by making mistakes. No matter what happens, we must keep our path and believe into ourselves. This is something that I learned by accompanying all of you. And there's actually just one thing I wish I wouldn't have done in the past... If I hadn't formed the Crystal Braves, maybe the whole incident in Ul'dah wouldn't have happened."
Estinien let a fond smile slightly conquer his thin lips while he commented: "Don't blame yourself, Alphinaud. You're after all only sixteen years old. When I was as old as you, I hunted squirrels and felt like the king of the world. Compared to me back then, you're the personalized maturity. Furthermore, even today there exist many things I cannot comprehend."
Midgardsormr noticed despite the helmet, how the Dragoon's eyes searched for the sleeping beauty. The view of Cecilia made his smile vanish and wormed a sight out of him that the disguised dragon was only able to hear because of his still superior senses. How could the Azure Knight endure that emotional barrier between them without ever fighting for their friendship...?
The Azure Knight focused his gaze at something else. At Hraesvelgr's domicile.
"Impressive, these ruins. I didn't know, that we mortals created together with dragons such noble buildings – as friends. Who would have expected, that the Moogle can be useful history-teachers... Unfortunately, the times of peace are over. Nidhogg had killed my parents; his species is my enemy. I do not know, how the conflict will end, but it definitely has to end. Otherwise, many others will have to suffer the same fate as I."
The Elezen's eyes searched once more for Cecilia – this time open to see for the whole group. Estinien seemed not only to refer to the loss of dear family-members plus friends... But the hidden, alternate meaning of his words was unknown to 'Midge'. "I have the power to destroy Nidhogg and his brood. If I get the chance to do so, I will take it."
Erik chuckled darkly before Ysayle stood enraged up.
"How can you be so grim?!" she accused her fellow-Elezen. Mentioned man wasn't impressed, thus he looked directly at her when he spoke: "If Hraesvelgr can't give us any alternatives, my decision is ultimately made. Therefore, you better have a few good arguments to convince the Great Wyrm." Lady Iceheart was at first perplexed to hear such a concession, yet began quickly to smile under Estinien's generosity. "I do, don't worry. As I carry Shiva's will, I'm able to find the right words to reach him."
The Warrior's leader hummed with a deep tune normally used to approve of something, but Midgardsormr noticed the slightly different pitch within it nevertheless. And since the gruff Hyur came from future of a parallel world's future, the dragon could easily count one plus one together... Ysayle would probably fail to assure Hraesvelgr of the plan to stop Nidhogg.
"We shall see tomorrow, if we're successful or not, so we should take some rest now; like the others. After all, Ceci wouldn't be happy if we travel to Zenith in a dozily state." the teenager smirked. Grinning, Erik nodded: "True. Let's sleep a little before the night is over. By the way, I'm going to cook us some eggs before we set out, so I hope you're all hungry in the morning."
Once everybody had expressed their pleasure about this outlook, they lay down on the ground.
'Midge' was freezing a little despite the warming fire, so he hesitantly huddled against the maiden. However, the Methuselah didn't expect her high temperature to work this time on him... It wasn't for the night's cold, that his corpus was minimal shivering, after all... Nervousness took hold of Midgardsormr's draconic instincts a fortiori he reflected on the next day... He was clearly afraid, that his depressive son might see through the facade – and other than Nidhogg, Hraesvelgr carried no longer any spark of courage to face life. Destroying a broken existence of his kind any further went completely against every morale the Primogenitor possessed. So, if he wanted to support Cecilia and the other humans, the only right thing to do was staying entirely unnoticed...
~C~
The pretty little girl of his dreamworld studied him with worried eyes.
"You don't want to accompany your friends? But why? Don't they need you?"
Chuckling mirthless, the adolescent dragon framed his elfish child with his entire corpus.
"I might only cause trouble for them." ,he softly told his beloved illusion, "When my true identity should be discovered, this won't help the humans at all to convince Hraesvelgr of their pure wish." "So you... let them go alone?" she asked gloomily. His nostrils vibrated a bit when he forbid himself to laugh. Cecilia's regular sulking was already awful temptation for his bad humor of an old man, but the child-version his brain had fabricated seemed even worse. Come to think of it... Since this was a dream, there was actually no reason to keep himself in chains...
A small laughter rolled in his throat – only so much he knew it wouldn't be too insulting. His little girl grumbled muted about the rudeness, but began giggling when he tenderly rubbed over her head. Inhaling that sweet scent, the antiquity lightly squeezed the breakable shape between his muscles. He wished this illusion could last forever... Wished to stay with this little Cecilia... To sleep forever. For what should he even wake up... The world was such a violent place...
"I suppose HE doesn't find your idea okay." the child abruptly stated.
Confused, he looked up and let his eyes search for whatever the little girl was currently beholding. Midgardsormr's brows twitched once he found in the air the other creature of his dreams. Mentioned being was about to land on the meadow – not far away from them – while Cecilia added: "Avoiding the meeting with Hraesvelgr is something he finds naive, Papa. You shouldn't abandon your friends just because of a small risk."
The old drake wiggled his corpus minimal back into its initial position while the snow-white, heavenly dragon scrutinized him with patient eyes. Since the later didn't seem to be interested into talking, Midgardsormr asked with a direct gaze at Cecilia: "Tell me... Are you his spokeswoman?" She hesitated and gaped undecided at the fluffy creature. But her silent begging for help didn't persuade the other illusion. He was folding his winged arms in order to place the head onto them; lids shut easygoing without caring for the child.
Harrumphing, Midgardsormr's little girl finally turned back to him.
"I am. At least... kind of. I know what he's thinking. And he knows my thoughts, too. We are like..." "...two sides of the same coin?" the Methuselah questioned when she stopped talking. The lovely mirage nodded and stared at the wyvern-like creature who still pretended to doze. "If you do not go with your friends, it would be a waste of time to have accompanied them from the very beginning. Also, your sudden change of mind won't calm their nerves while they're going to meet your son." the small girl explained in lieu of the white creature. Once she was done, these pale eyes in blue color opened minimal in order to watch Midgardsormr.
Not sure what to say, the Primogenitor lowered his head without looking away from his savior. Although this dragon was only a reflection created by his subconsciousness, it was admittedly hard to not treat him like the original... "Thou art serious when thou want me to go with them?" he asked the heavenly existence. Midgardsormr's dream-version of Cecilia replied quickly yet professional for the other illusion: "Yes." Simultaneously, the blue irises including the light-blue scleras began to glow in icy color. A deep growl followed.
The Methuselah's fin-like ears jerked a little because of that unmistakable threat.
But nevertheless, he wasn't willing to demonstrate weakness: "Since thou art fabrications my mind has created, thou should know how true naivety looks like. If I accompanied the mortals and would reveal myself to Hraesvelgr, the consequences could be even worse than the worst scenario Iceheart's wrong belief might cause. I cannot risk that." The white dragon growled louder; fur and feathers turning more bristly as his silvery claws scratched over the ground. The long, fluffy tail scourged the nearby flowers until they were ruined.
"He says you underestimate your child. Have you considered what might happen to your friends should Hraesvelgr want to get rid of the intruders? After all, the majority of them has draconic blood on their hands. And Ysayle is – just as you said – following a Primal's path. Furthermore... The real Cecilia doesn't shy away from conflicts. Do you think she wouldn't provoke your son?"
Listening to the child as the dragon's spokeswoman didn't make his words sound any less harsh.
He was aware of everything his 'maker' knew, so this special version of Midgardsormr's conscience would probably insist on the meeting no matter which disadvantage doing so might have. And even though the risk was immense from the Primogenitor's point of view, the wyvern-like entity had indeed a good reason to advocate the monitoring of that crucial moment...
Midgardsormr twitched when his lovely illusion tapped against his neck. Gazing down at the girl, he was puzzled to see her unhappy mien. Both crystal and jewel lacked confidence when she whispered: "I'm sorry, that was very impolite... Are you angry now?" Confused, the Methuselah stomached the realization, that his brain was even perfectly miming Cecilia's sensitivity. However, he didn't get the chance to calm the Au Ra no matter her origin. When he was about to comfort her, the wyvern-like being snorted audible, whereupon the girl stared indignant at him.
"What's wrong with apologizing?" she grumbled and put the fists onto her hips.
Other, then the true maiden, this child here wasn't frightening once anger took hold of her. Rather, she could be described as... being cute. The other illusion seemed to share Midgardsormr's idea, because he gazed relaxed at the little Au Ra with lowered lids and slightly vellicating ears. Though, the dragon was obviously saying something to the little one, since she started pouting.
Putting the arms around Midgardsormr's neck – as much as her tiny corpus compared to his grown, yet young shape allowed – she poked her tongue out at the heavenly entity. "I have to speak for you, so I can apologize when your words were harmful. If you don't like it, you could stop mocking me in favor of talking to Papa by yourself."
The other illusion closed the eyes and convolved into a perfect circle; ignoring the girl obviously. Cecilia was visibly displeased by that action, yet quickly turned her attention back to Midgardsormr. "I know he's awfully rude, but when he has a point, then it's undeniable..." ,she began cautiously, "You shouldn't let your friends go alone... They need you."
The mirage held him with the strongest pressure she was capable of; making a sad face that could easily shatter his heart. Midgardsormr tried to resist her, but when both inhabitants of his dreams wanted him to stick with the mortals, he couldn't ignore his subconsciousness' wishes forever.
"Very well... I stay..." he sighed resigned and embraced the little girl.
~C~
Standing behind the others, 'Midge' listened to the horn's tune.
He was still not positive about the rightness of his naivety's stubborn attempt...
However, his draconic fabrication was right. Accompanying the humans just for turning one's back on them at the very last step would condemn the whole journey as a complete waste of time. Therefore, the disguised antiquity restrained his agitated flight-instinct and clenched the fists reflexive as a warning for himself.
With poignant eyes, Midgardsormr watched how his child soared down; surrounded by a squall that soon framed the temple. The mortals were for a moment distracted by the weather's abrupt change, yet their gazes were quickly glued to the Great Wyrm. Well... Of course the Methuselah couldn't blame them... If Vidofnir was a radiant beauty for the measures of dragon-kind, then her father was a gorgeous angel. One, that even humans could recognize as a charming existence... Unfortunately, this being which flattered one's sight found vice versa no joy in beholding mankind anymore.
Hraesvelgr beheld the trespassers with clear displeasure while he hovered in the air.
Amongst that silent study, his single eye fleetingly wandered over Midgardsormr, but saw luckily nothing special within the 'Hyur'. That coincidence calmed 'Midge' unmistakably, albeit he still refused to neglect his inner guard in any aspect. Who knew, how the following conversation might look like, when Erik's future differed from this world in case of two present persons... Both he and the maiden hadn't been part of this event before.
As he landed in front of them, Midgardsormr's child spoke to them in groggily manner: "Mortals... Why dost thou disturb my tranquility?" Then, Hraesvelgr gave a cautionary roar – a sound nobody who knew dragons good enough would truly fear, since it lacked true decisiveness. Though the boy couldn't be described as an adept with mentioned knowledge, Alphinaud was nevertheless not paying to the threat. Mesmerized by the dragon's beauty, he vocalized his name in awe.
"This is my name. The appellation of a creature who seeks only for oblivion. Let me be..."
Hearing once more Hraesvelgr's voice in his mind – understanding the Dravanian words without ever having learned the language – irritated the teenager this time. Meanwhile, the other humans seemed not to be very surprised by that novelty. Erik and Ysayle were of course not astonished, since they knew the Great Wyrm, and for the Azure Knight as well as the other Warriors might this occurring be nothing more than a trivial fact. However, Midgardsormr, on the contrary, was by something else truly surprised...
When he looked at Cecilia, the Methuselah noticed some kind of boredom in her irises.
As if it was her daily routine to be exposed to this kind of telepathy...
Lady Iceheart stepped forward. Hraesvelgr's rejection close to giving in to the impulse of leaving was to her as obvious as to 'Midge', so that she said with a serious pitch: "Have you already forgotten me? I'm the one who saw thanks to you the truth about the Dragonsong War. I have seen, what happened in the past – which connection between men and dragons your beloved Shiva tried to create!" Hereupon, the Great Wyrm gave an angry roar. "Thou art not allowed to utter her name, brazen one!"
While even Erik and Estinien appeared appalled, Cecilia put the left hand onto her hip and scrutinized the dragon with a sharp gaze – in a manner Midgardsormr had never witnessed before. She didn't seem afraid by the sudden outburst...
Ysayle's face became gloomily "But I summoned Shiva's soul and united my body with her ghost! She revealed her feelings to me!" Hraesvelgr bared his fangs: "Fool! Art thou truly convinced, that the spirit of my truelove descended from heaven? Art thou so arrogant to think, that thou know her innermost secrets?" Making one small step backwards, the Elezen protested: "I dedicated myself to her legacy! I am a reincarnation of her will!"
The Great Wyrm calmed a little down; gazing at her with a relenting expression.
"Misguided child. The light might have allowed thee to take a glance at the past, but thou hast not seen everything. Thou hast summoned an illusion; born of thy own hopes. Believe me. Long ago, we, too, fell for the lies of the messengers of darkness. We wanted to resurrect a king of our kind, but the god we summoned resembled us only externally. Deities will not be summoned – they will be created. They are constructions of errant believes and hopes." Ysayle appeared like a puny version of herself when she asked: "Then the goddess who answered my plea was...?" "A phantasm, indeed. Thy Shiva is a mirage and nothing more."
"Are we finally done with mocking her?" ,Cecilia suddenly snapped and stepped protective to Ysayle's side, "Everybody has understood, that she summoned just a Primal – there's no need to rub extra salt into her open wound! I for one was never convinced of her Shiva being the real deal, but I didn't need to hurt her feelings with that knowledge! Does it give you any kind of satisfaction to crush the hopes of a woman who tries to make things right?!"
Hraesvelgr studied the maiden with raised brows – Midgardsormr did the same in bafflement. Didn't Cecilia know, that she accused a being who was still dangerous enough to take her life within the blink of an eye? Or... was she willingly challenging the hazard to awaken the wrath which slumbered beneath his son's depression...?
Alphinaud used the chance to get some diplomacy into the matter: "Great Hraesvelgr, your words might be true. But Ysayle's heartfelt wish to re-establish peace between our races is still no illusion! We all must prevent the final slugfest of a cruel and meaningless war! Please, lend us your power and bring your relatives to terms!" Listening to him, Erik sighed muted – only audible for 'Midge'. And the Primogenitor knew instantly, why the gruff Marauder did so... This man didn't have hope. Since Erik was aware of the encounter's outcome, he had already heard of the reason for Hraesvelgr's despair. Even if the alternate Midgardsormr wouldn't have told the Marauder the story of humankind's betrayal, the formerly bright person had learned it from Shiva's dragon. Thus...
The Warrior was only here for the preservation of time itself.
Hraesvelgr let an empty, derisive smile glide over his snout when he had reflected on the boy's plea. "Making peace with those who are consumed by greed and treachery? Thou art demanding something daring." "Is that so? Well, as much as I could follow you, there's more about the past than Ysayle knows. Maybe you could enlighten us instead of beating around the bush like an ordinary dog would do." Cecilia commented and folded her arms; odd-colored irises glancing advertent at the Great Wyrm. Obviously she didn't like it, that he preached down on her friends...
Her impudence seemed to nettle him, yet Hraesvelgr spread his wings in pacific manner.
"If this is thy wish. Listen to the truth! And then consider if thou truly deserve peace."
~C~
Midgardsormr's son told them at first about Shiva.
Told them, how her sacrifice established one-thousand-and-two-hundred years ago the era of harmony plus cooperation between dragons and mortals. Then, he spoke of the day when the Elezen got to know the energy-source of all all dragons – their eyes. Once mentioned men knew about it, only two-hundred years lasted before the lust for power of a single individual destroyed something what could have lasted forever.
King Thordan and his knights lured Hraesvelgr's sister Taratoskr into a trap – they killed her and consumed the dragoness' eyes. The mortals gained preternatural powers through this betrayal. Nidhogg had been the first to find out what had happened, whereupon he attacked the Elezen. Hraesvelgr's brother killed the King and a handful of his entourage, but lost the source of his power within the battle; being forced to retreat.
The Great Wyrm ended his explanation with the following words: "This is the truth, which the curia conceals! This is the reason for the Dragonsong War! Even in one-thousand and ten-thousand years, we will still painfully remember the perfidiousness – even, if Ishgard does then no longer exist."
Everybody but Erik, Cecilia and Estinien were shocked to hear these words. The Azure Dragoon, however, wasn't impressed by the report: "And we shall believe this, dragon? Your tale is the exact opposite of everything Ishgard's children learn from the very day they are born."
Hraesvelgr grinned: "It is meaningless which belief thou hast. The betrayal we dragons had to endure cannot be changed by that. Every hour we spend awake, we are reminded of the treachery. Nidhogg wants to make Thordan's people suffer for their sin – forever. His main-goal is not destruction but punishment – the annihilation of thy spirits. He wants thee to succumb to his will and bow to him. Either all of thee art of our blood or hast all died by thy own hands. He himself kills only mortals in order to strengthen thy despair."
Alphinaud made a bitter face: "So this is his true intention!" Simultaneous, Cecilia closed her eyes and let her arms droop. She added to the boy's insight: "Nidhogg puts pressure onto our shoulders just because he hopes that we ultimately destroy each other. That is, of course, if we're not giving in to the temptation of a shift of allegiances... Sneaky, very sneaky of him... A method I wouldn't use. A method I never have used. No pain in my heart has ever driven me that far."
Everybody gazed at her as if she had uttered something deranged, but once her lids opened and revealed her serious expression, nobody risked to question her words. Therefore, she came up with a direct query: "I presume Ratatosk's power is the key to turn people into dragons? After all, we saw with our own eyes at Snowcloak, how humans changed forms just by drinking something that must have been draconic blood." "And don't forget the false Inquisitor we faced then in Central Coarthas. He also took the shape of a dragon." Bertam reminded his companions and stepped to Cecilia's side, just as if the Roegadyn wanted to silently warn Hraesvelgr to not even think about attacking her.
The dragon just smiled amused by the Paladin's precaution. "Yes, thou art correct to suspect my sister's force. All descendants of those traitors who survived Nidhogg's attack bear a part of Ratatoskr within themselves. And every mortal who willingly turns their back on the curia will be rewarded with a sip of dragon-blood, which is enough to change them."
"So we truly carry the seed within ourselves..." Ysayle noticed and looked somberly at the ground. "Correct. Those who taste the blood will join Nidhogg's horde. Whether through death or desertion, my brother will take one by one. Until none of thee remains." the drake endorsed. Shivering, Alphinaud mumbled: "Twelve, be good... Perhaps we have fought several times against our own flesh and blood without even knowing it. If I consider, that every inhabitant of Ishgard – no matter the personal believes – has the possibility to do so...!"
As if he tried to comfort the mortals, Hraesvelgr stated: "Of course there will always be those who fight until the bitter end. Such as thee, Dragoon." Estinien, who had so far looked at the teenager, glanced sideways at the Great Wyrm. Mentioned being continued: "But no matter how much thou resist – at the latest, after one-hundred summers death will find thee. Nidhogg, on the other hand, will still be there to maltreat thy descendants."
Clicking his tongue, the Azure Knight stated: "I was already wondering, why Nidhogg didn't simply raze Ishgard to the ground. This should be a simple task for him. But now I comprehend it finally. He does not want to win the war itself. He rather wants to satisfy his quenchless thirst for revenge. An eternal elegy for his sister's cruel death." "Exactly, Dragoon. Art thou now able to realize the pointlessness of thy undertaking?" Hraesvelgr asked – seemingly hoping for the mortals to give up. But of all things, Ysayle – though the Great Wyrm had crushed her believes – didn't stop struggling: "Even as we carry the guilt of our ancestors, we can still ask for forgiveness. If we return his eye, maybe Nidhogg can forgive us!"
"Unreasonable one! Thou thinkest with the limited horizon of a mortal. Our concept of time is fundamentally different. It is easy for thee to show remorse. Thou hast not betrayed us. Thou cannot understand the weight of thy ancestors' misdeeds. For a dragon such as Nidhogg is the past still part of his present. He still sees how blood flows unstoppable from Ratatoskr's wounds. Sees her death. How could he not be wrathful?"
Cecilia stamped her left foot impatiently – Midgardsormr felt like having a déjàvu.
Should the maiden have a similar outburst to the one she had back then in Western Coerthas, 'Midge' didn't know if that would end well... After all, even his subconsciousness had warned him, that her nature could easily provoke his son...
"Fine that you all are aware of the situation! Would you then have the kindliness to tell me, why you treat Ishgard's inhabitants as if they were in charge of the war? I'd really like to know that!"
Erik gave a slight grin. His personal sister's hidden temper was clearly something he was aware of; plus something he enjoyed with every fiber. In the same instant, Hraesvelgr quickly bared his fangs – not as a threat, but rather as a warning to not overdo her insult. Nevertheless, a fierce grin flitted over his snout: "Thou dare to challenge a dragon's patience? Perhaps thou should not stay in the Churning Mists if it is thy wish to avoid my brother. At least I can promise, that – should Nidhogg find thee – it might be an easy decision for him to end thy life."
"That's his decision, I guess." ,the maiden answered with a devilish smirk, "However, it's odd that you're too resigned for supporting your brother's evil master-plan. What's your desertion's excuse?" Gently, the Great Wyrm nodded: "I for one didn't become insane through the lust for vengeance... just because the calming embrace of Shiva's soul protected me."
Hraesvelgr stared confused at Cecilia when a soft, beautiful smile spread over her mien.
Midgardsormr immediately got mesmerized by the view – even more by her voice as smooth as warm honey: "You disdain us humans so much, but this one woman you do still love with your whole heart. Even after so many years have passed by. She must have been your greatest treasure – I can feel that. … I'm sorry you couldn't spend more time with your truelove. I really am."
Cecilia's smile became sad as if she spoke about an own, aching memory, and the way her eyes looked at the white dragon, she definitely caught him off-guard with her pure compassion. Hraesvelgr's following words were harsh, yet his voice lacked determination when he finally said: "Let us no longer speak of the past. My belief into beings of thy kind ran dry. Farewell."
When his child flew away, Midgardsormr felt like a coward.
He hadn't dared to utter a single word... Not even the protest against Hraesvelgr's narrow-minded worldview, that had started to boil in 'Midge's' chest, could leave the vessel's mouth. Of course risking nothing was for logic's sake better... To keep the knowledge a secret, that the Primogenitor was imprisoned in a humane shell... His poor child embraced by desperation should never learn of the awkward fate which had befallen the presumably dead drake... But...!
Even if the Methuselah didn't know, how worthy humankind in general was, at least he was certain how much these adventurers here deserved more than the harsh opinion his still gentlest son had. Albeit it wasn't Midgardsormr's right to join the side of mortals, a part of him still had wished to defend these dear ones in front of his sour child.
A part of him... wanted to interfere.
~C~
The antiquity got distracted when Cecilia caught his attention.
Her mood fell drastically down – he could sense it. The sentiment seemed to be carried over by their connection, since an ill feeling which didn't originate from his own discouragement hit him like a sledge-hammer. Of course Ysayle's hardly contained dismay wasn't unnoticed by him, but he neither felt it within his corpus nor cared much for the Elezen's emotions. He had known, how false her version of Shiva had been... Having pity for that wasn't a strength his antique mind possessed. For his maiden, on the other hand... He experienced a wave of compassion. She touched his heart; more deeply than anything else.
Especially, since she hadn't backed down from simply being herself...
Cecilia had shown his son the same odd, yet adorable openness which 'Midge' witnessed since their very first meeting. Even though the Raen didn't bore her anger down about the childishness she saw within the rage of dragons, in the end his maiden had given Hraesvelgr the pureness her whole heart was capable of. The sweetness; the compassion...
But... As long as it was solely for the mortals' original goal, their journey had been meaningless. She had this single thought on her mind; Midgardsormr felt, that Cecilia blamed herself for being unable to alter Hraesvelgr's opinion. As if his own body would be afflicted, he sensed how a kind of frost and hopelessness blossomed inside of her very heart which contradicted her usual nature a lot. It hurt to focus on this gloom... This darkness which threatened to consume her...
Unsure, if that was the correct thing to do, 'Midge' approached the Au Ra and reached out for her right hand. Softly gripped it. Oh... Not even her eyes gave him any reaction; they kept their position pinned to the ground... She was not only cursorily depressed – it was rather as if somebody had ripped her entire emotions out. Even her body's temperature lost its usual warmth in lieu of a cold that he found alarming.
While the Methuselah was busy with solicitously scrutinizing his maiden, he only marginally listened to the talk of the other mortals.
"How are we now supposed to stop Nidhogg?" the teenager asked with a serious, meditative voice. Estinien inhaled before he stated decided: "The answer is simple... We must kill him. There is no other way." "You cannot be serious?!" ,Ysayle yelled disgusted, "We didn't come here in order to attack Nidhogg!" The Azure Knight snorted: "Why do you still have objections? I kept my word and supported the pointless search for Hraesvelgr. With your dream of a peaceful solution being now destroyed, there's only one way left to end this conflict, Iceheart. And that path goes right over Nidhogg's corpse."
The female Elezen grumbled: "You heard right before, what we have done to the dragons, but still you want to continue the futile war?" "Right the contrary, sweetheart. I will stab the heart of war. Once Nidhogg is dead, the flames of slaughter will extinguish." In order to emphasize his words, the Dragoon clenched his outstretched fist.
Carlos shook his head in disbelieve. The normally calm Blackmage yelled: "Are you serious?! Nobody knows more about Nidhogg's tremendous powers than you! Especially you should know, that only a handful of people can't face a Great Wyrm unprepared!" Tammy immediately agreed: "Yeah, that sounds absurd! Not even behind Ishgard's stonewalls – not even together with all knights, Machinists and magicians of the Holy City, it would be an facile task to win this battle! How should we fight Nidhogg then in his own territory?!"
Both elves as well as the Miqo'te stared at Estinien as if he had gone mad.
However, the Dragoon was self-confident and exhibited the Eye. "We have an advantage. That thing should keep Nidhogg's power in check. Above all... This Azure Knight is not alone. If we all fight side by side, nobody can underestimate us. Or are you afraid of facing Nidhogg, Cec?"
Midgardsormr was puzzled, how the simple mentioning of her name instantly made the maiden regain her usual life-signs. Or rather... how the way Estinien addressed her in a provoking manner made the Au Ra come back to senses.
She looked at her friend with angry crystal and jewel. "You know the answer already. I stay by your side no matter what, even while I hate to watch all of your actions. But I am not going to let you kill Nidhogg without at least trying to discuss with him." Her voice was caustic; didn't let any doubt about her determination. The cynical Elezen smiled – purest relief hidden underneath the helmet. He had also been worried, if the maiden wouldn't recover from their failure...
"Good. Then, let us search for his lair. Shouldn't be too hard to find it, since I can tell how his anger about Tioman's loss makes him so angry that even you should be able to sense it." the Azure Knight suggested. Well, despite his mortal vessel, Midgardsormr at least could indeed feel a storm of wrath – emerging not too far away from them. He didn't know, how sensitive the Warriors and the other two might be, but with their stoic companion going ahead, that might be no problem...
When they left Zenith, 'Midge' wanted to let go of Cecilia's hand.
But she didn't allow him to stick to politeness. "I'm sorry for worrying you..." ,she whispered and squeezed his fingers tightly, "Your son was just ironically too much of a hopeless case for me... There's nothing I could do in order to change his mind... So, I shouldn't have given in to despair. Ishgard isn't lost; not yet." Returning the affectionate gesture, the father of dragon-kind murmured: "Nobody blames you for suffering under Hraesvelgr's decision. I am only glad... that you're okay... Nothing else matters to me..."
Part of him wanted to know, what she had meant before... Why Cecilia stated, that she wouldn't have ever used Nidhogg's method. And to which kind of pain had her words been referring to...?Yet... There were apparently so many things he didn't know about her... So for what should he care for these small details, when there was still a whole field left for him to see one day...
Holding the maiden's hand firmly, he walked with her right behind their companions.
As the group traveled along the previously unexplored, cragged part of the Churning Mists, Alphinaud muttered: "The land's history becomes with every second even more bloody. Do we really have to cause death in return for death?" "I fear that's natural. The blood of my enemies will besmirch my armor a few more times before the conflict comes to an end." the Dragoon replied while he led the group Northeast.
Ysayle muttered lost in thoughts: "Everything I believed in- worthless... No lie in this world could be any more convincing than one coming from the own mouth..." "Don't blame yourself too much." ,Cecilia said and knocked gently onto Lady Iceheart's shoulder with her free hand, "Your intentions were good even though your strategies weren't the best. With you being the leader of the heretics, there's still hope left."
Midgardsormr noticed how Estinien exhaled sharply, but was surprised when the Elezen still bore his surely toxic comment down. Did he want to go easy on Cecilia...?
A little march later, they found Nidhogg's nest – the Aery. It was right in front of them, but floated out of reach in the air; surrounded by ominous, tempestuous winds. "I can feel Nidhogg's presence thanks to the Eye – his boiling hatred jabs into all fibers of my body. He must have been alarmed by our victory over his partner, when he shields his bastion with such drastic measures. I wonder how to reach the lair..."
Annika and Alphinaud gazed knowingly at each other and nodded. "We saw something similar. Garuda had created back them a barrier which kept everybody at distance." the Whitemage-Lalafell declared. The scholar added: "Yes, until we found a way to break through her storm. If anybody knows how to reach the Aery, then it is Cid. We should ask him for help."
"Could that really work?" Estinien wanted to know and turned to Erik. The Warrior's leader grinned devilish when he replied: "Is Cid a genius...? Of course it will work. Let's go back to Coerthas and see what he can do for us. Or has anybody a better idea?" Since the others agreed to his suggestion, their boss prepared a group-teleport.
"You truly want to face Nidhogg...?" Midgardsormr asked his maiden muted. Cecilia smiled with gloomily eyes before she answered: "I have to. There's no other option left. I could never abandon my friends or Ishgard's innocent inhabitants." Ah yes... That was what he had predicted... But still... If she just wouldn't be obedient towards her strong sense of justice... If she just... could stay alive...
Sighing, the old dragon held her hand tightly when Erik's teleport took them away.
