Chapter 3
I steadied myself at this comment. This wasn't going to be easy. I lifted my lips into a snarl, baring my teeth, "Win or lose, I'm not going to die here today, Kushala. I'm not pulling punches so back out now if you wish to get out of this without being struck."
The Elder Dragon narrowed its eyes and roared at me. I gritted my teeth and ignored the sound. I started to circle, my eyes never leaving the Kushala as the wind howled and rain began to fall. Then on some unspoken signal, we threw ourselves at each other and clashed.
My blade screeched against the steel scales of the Elder Dragon as sparks flew as it deflected my strike with a paw throwing me back a bit. It shot a tornado at me which I dodged by ducking into one of the crevices briefly. This I could use to my advantage as the Elder lunged at me.
I ducked down and used the maze of channels to flank the beast, popping up on the side of it and managing to land a blow causing it to flinch a bit. I didn't anticipate how quickly it would turn though and it landed a blow throwing me back again as twisters formed throwing ice all around.
Several times I had to dodge giant ice crystal and rime encrusted rocks just to be forced to back off by another twister or wind wall. I still managed to land a few blows on the Kushala, but nothing serious. The rain was seriously coming down at this point while thunder roared like an untamed lion and lightning flashed down in great spears of light. Nearly sliding into a crevice that roared with floodwater towards the falls, I realized the only thing I could do was take advantage of the Kushala's disadvantage and use the slot canyons and crevices as safe paths to strike and disappear.
I waited for the opportune moment and when a massive bolt of lightning scorched the sky above creating a searing flash of light, I slipped down into a nearby crevice as rushing water churned around my feet.
The water was cold and the slot canyon walls slick but I darted through the maze of stone as above me the Kushala hunted for me. Fortuitously, the slot canyon I was in ran directly under the belly of the Kushala and I followed this path. Crouching down to hide my profile, I sprang forwards using an overhead helm-splitter to attack the belly. Sparks flew as my blade impacted and ground of the scales leaving only the slightest of scratches. I didn't hang around, but darted down a drier slot canyon which was a good thing as the Kushala roared in anger.
I carefully circled and watched in the canyons, barely peaking overtop the rocky lip as I watched the Kushala attempt to pound that section of stone wider to pick up my scent. Its tail swung over me and I reacted on instinct, striking hard and fast. Clang! Sparks flew again as my blade connected and I retreated further down another canyon as the Kushala rapidly turned to face the new attack.
The next canyon put me is an ideal position to latch onto the Kushala as a ramp led to a boulder outcrop that would hide my presence until I had the opportunity to leap onto it's back. I bided my time and once the Kushala turned close enough, I went for it.
Rushing out of the canyon as though I had a herd of Mammoths on my rear end, I stormed up the outcrop and leapt for it. Lightning flashed down all around and time appeared to slow as to an onlooker I was framed by a bright bolt from the heavens, my sword raised in my right hand. I landed on the neck of the Kushala and immediately grabbed ahold of the horn rows on the neck as my sword collided hard with the side of its neck. Still didn't do much damage. What happened next was something I don't think I'll ever repeat willingly again.
The Kushala realized that I had grappled onto its neck and I suddenly got to experience the wildest ride in my life. Now in Noricum it is custom for young men such as myself to prove and show off our strength by helping break in the newest horses and drive the young bulls. Most boys took the easier route of the horses while those of us that weren't quick enough or had more experience handling cattle had to deal with the bulls which were always dealt with last and it became an unofficial rodeo contest between us elder boys as the young bulls had fiery tempers until the adults got a rope around their necks so I've had to cling tightly to irate and bucking animals before. Forget that. This was way worse.
The Kushala immediately took to the air and started to try and shake me off, twisting and plunging, even flying inverted. And here I was, clinging to its neck with one hand on slick metal scales with a two-handed sword in the other trying not to get impaled on a horn, sliced or fall. I gritted my teeth and began to inch forwards.
Every time the Kushala twisted or plunged, I froze and braced myself the best I could and then continued to inch forwards. I glanced below and the Hunters had returned and they were all staring. I shook my head and refocused on the task at hand.
Inch by metallic inch I made my way forwards to the head as the Kushala attempted time after time to knock me off. And then it was right there. The two largest horns that were on the back of the head. I reached out and grabbed ahold of one.
"Got ya," I snarled. That was not the smartest thing. The Kushala dove to the clifftop and landed. It shook its head back and forth until I could hold on no longer and went flying off, my sword in hand. I hit the stone hard but didn't feel anything break as I rolled a few times and then propped myself up. I saw my sword go skittering past and came to a rest just out of reach. The rain was still coming down, but the thunder and lightning had died. I wiped the water from my eyes as the Kushala turned towards me. I slowly began to stand, groaning as it did, my strength sapped. Raising my head, I was shocked to see that the Kushala, which could have finished me off, just stood there, observing me intently, its blue eyes alight with curiosity and interest.
It then snorted and took off into the sky as the clouds parted, winging its way to the west and vanishing from sight. I made my way to my sword and picked it up. It needed the smith's attention again. As I made my way towards the tunnel that would take me to the town, I staggered and was caught by a someone. I turned to look and realized it was the young noble girl from earlier. She had long waist length straight ice white hair and fiery orange-red eyes that had an inhuman gem quality along with a fair complexion, full pink lips and was rather beautiful, in fact I could see many a young man or noble easily falling in love with her, though I myself merely had a 'who just caught me?" kind of interest.
"Easy now," She murmured, her voice sweet and clear like a bell's ringing, "Let's get you to your room. Commander Jonah, I've got him!" She shouted.
"Thank you, Abigail. We'll take him from here. Could you take his sword to the smith to have it sharpened and cared for? Just tell her that dating happened again and she'll understand."
"Yes sir."
Jonah helped me to my room and held me back before I entered.
He clapped me on the back, "Kid, in all my time, I've never seen anyone who dared to leap onto the neck of a Kushala Daora and ride it through a storm! Whoever is watching you must be impressed!"
I snorted but said little. All I wanted was to lay down and rest after a warm bath and some dry clothes. The warm bath wasn't to be but I was able to dry myself off and get changed. I had just settled next to the fire to tend to my armor after hanging my clothes to dry and warm up when there was a knock on my door. I stood and answered it. It was Abigail with my sword freshly sharpened.
"Your blade," she said, she certainly sounded like a noble, was quite tall standing at what I estimated was about six foot six and was a slender but fit young woman. I accepted it back and before she could leave asked, "What's a young noble like you doing out here in a combat outpost?"
She turned back around, "Noticed that did you?"
I snorted, "Your looks and accent betray your origins. If you want to talk, the fire's going and it's warm. I don't mind the company."
I turned and stood to the side, holding the door open in invitation. She took it and entered, though asked me to close the door but not lock it. I raised any eyebrow at this but did not argue. Abigail seated herself on the other chair near the fire and I joined her.
I introduced myself, "Stephanos Tiberius Servius of the Aquila family," I bowed to her.
"Oh, sit down, no need for that! I'm not at home nor am I big on protocol. Abigail Artesia of the Sunstone family."
"So, a noble out with the Hunters, or are you with the military arms here?" I queried, "On a tour of your lands and local encampments?"
"Neither," she replied, I couldn't place her accent though, it was a mix between that of the Reptile Kingdom and someplace else, giving her voice a clear tone, slightly musical, with a faint bell-like ring to it. "I am a noble, you guessed that correctly," she paused and laughed, "Well, actually a noble's only daughter. My father's an Archduke directly under the King himself and my mother was from another noble family here in the kingdom. I was here to visit one of my brothers in the Dragoons and then I figured I'd go traveling. Father said he wants me to get out of the palace and see the world and learn, as well as work on my fight skills, but really, he wants me to experience culture and increase my artistic skills."
"Ah, so your passion is art, huh? Which one, music, sculpture, painting, drawing, or dancing?"
"Drawing actually. I enjoy capturing nature in ink and graphite, usually in monochrome colors but depending on the subject, I will transfer that monochrome image onto another medium using pastels," Abigail answered.
I actually knew a fair bit about this as my mother would draw in her free time, usually mundane scenes, but as an apothecary, she would make pastels on a rare basis to be sold to big cities.
"And you? Any artistic talents?"
"Unless you call rodeo riding an art form. Didn't really have much time to discover any talents in art except maybe storytelling, but considering the listeners were my younger siblings, they're probably biased."
"Siblings generally are," Abigail smiled, crossing her legs, causing her embroidered dress to get a little rumpled, this was patterned with large four-pointed navy stars overtop a thick bottom navy section that lightened gradually all the way to a light ice blue at the top and the torso and top of the overall dress was also this icy blue. "And I can't say that rodeo riding would be considered an artistic talent, though if they had seen you riding that Elder Dragon their opinion might have changed. Where are you from? I can pick up a little bit of Lescatean in your accent, but it's mixed with something else."
"Noricum. It's in the Cordillera north of the border where the great mammals roam. My father was from an old Lescatie family, well, old as in been around a long time, not one of the wealthy folks. Then he left Lescatie after their, well, usual behavior and settled in Noricum and met my mother."
"Ah," Abigail said, "That explains that then, though by your name I should call you Tiberius until I get to know you better." There was something in her sapphire eyes that caught my attention, a glimmer of an idea.
"I don't exactly have much of a schedule or a planned route so if you're expected anywhere by a certain day, I can't guarantee you'll be there. My next destination was the Capital," I answered her, "The company would be welcome, but I warn you now, much of my journey is on foot and it's pretty rough going. I've been sleeping on a bed roll for sixteen days and sheltering under cliffs or in trees. Can you handle that?"
Abigail waved a fair, slender hand, "Standard practice here in the Reptile Kingdom is to let the children join either the local militia, the Dragoons, Tyrants, or the Hunter's Guild for a few seasons for toughening up and combat training. Sometimes young nobles do what I did and set out on a tour of the kingdom by foot after visiting a relative, though that's rare and not a choice commonly made by young noble ladies. I have no issues with living rough, I figured I'd have to do that after I left here. Actually, why are you traveling?"
"Well, mainly it's an unofficial Trial of Manhood, but in the end like you, it's a journey to see the world and experience things before I have to settle down and do something with my life."
"I understand," Abigail remarked, leaning back and crossing her arms. "My eldest brother had to do such a thing. Your parents charged you with this trial?"
"I'm afraid not. Neither of them is with us anymore. It was my sister who urged me to go out and explore."
Abigail's hand flew to cover her mouth as she gasped, "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked that."
I waved her off, "You didn't know. I've come to terms with my father not being there, it's been a few years. Mom's death still hurts, but it's lessening. Besides, in the Cordillera, death is a fact of life what with the cave lions and other predators roaming about, you learn at a young age to deal with death quickly. I'll miss them, but I won't dwell on it."
"So, when were you planning on leaving?" Abigail asked, "I have to say that going through the jungle below is a bad idea according to my brother. Apparently, it's teaming with Tyrannosaurus and other things."
"I was planning on leaving at dawn tomorrow. What path does your brother recommend?" I asked Abigail.
"My brother said that the old trail that was carved into the cliff edge before the other routes were found would be best. The Dragoons and Tyrants maintain it as an emergency path, but mainly travelers who couldn't catch an airship take it so it should be clear of too much traffic. Apparently, it ends at the edge of the jungle so should afford us some safety and that it is relatively deep and wide so sheltering won't be difficult."
"Wait, that's the tunnel that starts at the back end of the town right near the refuse chute, right?"
Abigail inclined her head, "Yes. It breaches the cliff wall further down so there's a view of the forest below and the sky so we don't lose track of time."
I smiled, "Then meet me there at dawn." I stood first and held my hand out to help her up which she accepted and I escorted her out, giving a polite goodnight to her before she strode off. I shut my door and started back to my tasks.
The maintenance of my armor took a few hours and by then my clothes were fully dried so I packed them away along with the rest of my things and settled down to sleep.
I arrived at the tunnel before dawn and patiently waited for Abigail to arrive. It was wide, and high, big enough to fit twenty men standing side by side and two standing on the shoulders of the first. It wasn't long before I heard a clacking sound. Abigail came around the corner dressed in a white long-sleeved linen shirt and tight black pants that were tucked into knee high leather heeled boots dyed a deep reddish-brown with a pack on her back and a bastard sword at her waist and every fastening was made of gold. Her eyes were bright and clear, focused on the trek ahead.
I greeted her, "Good morning, Abigail."
She inclined her head, "Good morning. Shall we?" She gestured towards the tunnel's entrance. I nodded and led the way.
The first mile of this path was tunnel, the first fifty feet lit by eternally burning torches and as quiet as a tomb. The mists of the early dawn swirled about and the first foot or so off the floor was covered in a dense layer of fog, and I lit a torch to see the rest of the way. This place was eerie and water dripped from the ceiling and echoed as it splashed. We made our way forwards slowly, minding our footsteps, the light of the torch I carried the only thing preventing us from being plunged into blackness. It felt like we were in a tomb; the air was cool and still, the cut rock creating strange shadows when lit by the torch. We kept going on. After a period of thirty minutes, we turned a corner and there was light. The tunnel had opened up on one side to the open sky and far below, the forest. Here the fog that had coated the floor of the tunnel spilled off over the edge of the cliff and I was glad to see that it was fairly level and in good repair so tripping would be at a minimum.
I extinguished the torch and holstered it before leading the way. Abigail then asked me, "What was it like, living up in the Cordillera?"
"Hmmm, peaceful for the most part. You see not many of the larger nations pay attention to us that much, the land is too mountainous for standard cities, the wildlife makes ranching difficult, villages are scattered and don't like invaders, and apart from Noricum which is the main gateway into the mountains and by village votes the so-called seat of government we're all pretty independent. Yes, one of the Demon Lord's daughters is in residence, but that's as an ambassador not a ruler. And none of the villages has had any interested folks in becoming ruler. My elder sister, Vivian, said that I would make a good ruler but it's not something I considered at the time. I mean, do you really see any of the larger nations taking a ruler, who was born a peasant seriously?"
"Well, even the Reptile King himself reportedly started out as a small insignificant lizard, and look at him now," Abigail responded, "He's the patron deity and de-facto ruler of the kingdom and is respected by even gods."
"And he's how old, exactly?" I responded.
"No one really knows," Abigail answered, "But he has claimed to be around three hundred million years old, to have seen the gods in diapers, and changed a good number of those diapers."
"Well, I guess that's a starting point. Still, I have time."
Abigail giggled, "I guess you do."
"Back on our previous topic, what is it like where you grew up, Abigail?"
"My family's lands surrounded Castle Schrade. I'm not certain if you are familiar with that place but most here in the kingdom are." She paused, waiting.
"I have heard the history," I responded, "Coming from the northern border, the elders of my village make sure to teach us the history of the neighbors so that when we are old enough to travel, we are not ignorant."
"Good. Then you'll understand the significance of that location," Abigail remarked, "My father, though not being from the Kingdom, was granted the lands surrounding and of Castle Schrade by the Reptile King himself due to services rendered. It was in part to keep what was buried there, buried. His job has not been made easier by those stupid, pea-brained, ignorant Sabbath Lolis!" This last she hissed, her orange-red eyes almost glowing with fire, spitting in distaste as we made our way along the cliff road.
"Easy," I murmured, "They aren't here now."
Abigail calmed, "The land in part has been scorched by the great Fatalis when it sundered the Schrade Kingdom long ago, though the land is recovering. Aside from that area, my family's lands are mountainous but green and verdant, the forests and fields filled with game and the rivers overflowing with fish and freshwater eels. Harvests are plentiful due to the volcanic soil and aside from the direct region around Castle Schrade, the weather is pleasant, fair and stable. Politically, none of the Lordomes mess with us, in part due to my father being appointed to that region by the King himself and the other because none of them want to deal with Schrade."
"Sounds much like my homeland," I remarked as we traveled above the jungles, catching sight of several varieties of parrot as they took to the skies foraging for food in the dawn light.
"Culturally, my people are no different to the rest of the kingdom, though we tend to be a tad more respectful, if not worshipful of the Elder Dragons, in particular the Fatalis and the King himself. We treat the Fatalis as gods in their own right as they are all considered daughters of the King, and it is considered a great honor to be allowed into the personal domain of one, let alone sight one. And speaking to one is the highest honor that many would give everything, even their lives for. My family has even taken, with the King's blessing, the Fatalis as our house symbol and I hope to one day lay eyes upon one of the rare Mamono."
"Has there ever been a recorded instance of a woman being uplifted to a Fatalis Mamono?" I queried.
Abigail stared at me, shocked, "I never even would have considered such a thing. Not because of blasphemy, no my people would consider it the highest of high honors, but the actions needed to convince a Fatalis to monsterized you and the power needed, it's inconceivable! I'd say several Fatalis would be needed, or a boon from the King himself power wise. As for convincing one to do so, you'd have to take on an Alpha Skullcrawler and have a Fatalis be extremely bored for such an event to take place."
She shook her head, "We are getting off topic. My family's lands are known for creating excellent Dragoons, Tyrants, and knights, well-disciplined warriors that will fight to the last. Every resident, from my father, down to the lowest peasant will fight fiercely to defend our land from not only the local wildlife, but the Order, Sabbath and the Radicals of the Demon Lord's Army."
"I've encountered a few of the former group. They're not even an unfortunate combo of stubborn and stupid, they're just stupid. And in the Cordillera, we've always had an ear listening out for thunder in the north for when the Demon Lord's army gathers, particularly under the Fourth Princess."
"What do you mean?!" Abigail was startled, "The Fourth Princess? Why is she going to war, again?! Didn't she conquer Lescatie three years ago?"
As we navigated past a particularly tricky section of the road, I narrowed my gaze in thought and held it steady on her fiery orange-red eyes, "You haven't heard? She's planning on moving her army. None of us in the Cordillera are too thrilled, because anytime the army gathers, spill over occurs into our lands. Most of us are neutral to Mamono, but we still don't care for being raided by the outriders of the Maou's army."
Abigail's eyes widened, "My, that certainly is something to worry about! Do you know where?"
"Probably some other Order territory, but considering who she is, I wouldn't be surprised if her red gaze landed upon us, radicals don't exactly see the difference between neutrals and the Order, but that's the ambassador's job," I waved it off, "Tell me more about your lands, the food, drink, legends, whatever comes to mind."
"Hmm, food wise, much of it, though the region is indeed mountainous, is cloaked in rainforest, so the food is similarly exotic. Staples include several different types of palm hearts, nuts, dates, different leafy greens, fruits, and such. Meat wise the main dish is a type of wild pig called a peccary, though crocodile and tigerfish are common enough and piranha is a delicacy as well as certain types of beetle larvae. A specialty is forest antelope roasted over coals served alongside fried alligator tail with palm hearts, sago balls, and braised tigerfish. The more common day to day fair consists of thistles, stewed nettles, eels, peccary, tilapia and iguana along with fruits such as pineapple, mangoes and papaya. And all of it is usually flavored with some sort of spice, such as pepper, clove or numerous others. Many of the local drinks are alcoholic, some of which are extremely strong, though I myself stuck to and was trained on numerous different wines that could only be made in my family's lands, but the common nonalcoholic favorite is coconut milk or on occasion Popo milk."
My stomach growled as Abigail was describing this and she smiled knowingly in my direction.
"Cuisine wise that would be it. Moving on to interactions with Mamono, well, they are a main resident in our lands, much like the rest of the kingdom and we get along quite well. As a young girl, I had several Mamono teachers so I don't view them any different than humans, except maybe with a bit more respect."
By this time, we had been going for several hours and needed to stop for a break. We sat down, near the edge of the road, though not close enough to fall should we get startled, to eat and enjoy the view.
We settled in for our meal, eating what fresh food we had before it spoiled. It wasn't posh, and it wasn't pretty, but it was hearty and filling, something I remarked on.
"I've never mentioned this to anyone else outside my family before, Abigail, but I have memories of a life before this."
She was startled, "Oh?! What was it like?"
"My memories are patchy, fragmented things. The life before was different. Life was more, I guess the proper word for it would be materialistic. The need for having the latest and greatest and being up to the standard of society drove much of the world. It was too the point where people wouldn't even have a meal together. I wouldn't say it was a bad society, just one that had lost touch with a few of the important things in life, like family, friends, health, and the idea of home. As to how that life ended, well, things are even more fragmented and quite frankly, the only person that I have ever discussed it with is my elder sister Vivian."
"The two of you are close?" Abigail asked.
"In the sibling dynamic, even now that she's a Mamono," I replied. "Vivian has always been my closest confidante, simply because our parents were very busy in our early years so we learned to lean on each other. There are things that I will tell my sister that I dare say I will never tell my spouse, because I know for certain that Vivian will listen and not wave it off or judge, not because I don't trust my spouse."
"That's understandable," Abigail slowly responded, "There are some things that one can't discuss with a spouse and only the closest of family can understand. Is that one of those?"
"I wouldn't say so," I began, "It's just Vivian is the only one I had at the time. In time, it's something I could trust a wife or wives with, but not immediately. Plus, the memories are too fragmented to make much sense of, though what they convey isn't pleasant so I'm not going to get into it."
Abigail hummed as we finished our meal and stood up. Her sizable chest bounced somewhat as she quickly stood, drawing my eye briefly, though I quickly averted my gaze or tried to as she gave me a knowing smirk and bounced slightly again.
"Really? Is this what noble girls are taught?"
She laughed, "Some of it! We are taught how to use our feminine wiles to get what we want. I'm just teasing you right now so don't make anything of it."
We laughed as we continued onwards. As we went, we chatted, finding commonalities between us, even though our upbringings, mine as an upper-class peasant, and hers a noble were vastly different. Abigail, I found was a woman that could be told a secret and be trusted to guard it fiercely, allowing none to know it unless told otherwise. Eventually our conversation came to the topic of our personal dreams, or goals.
"My dream, I guess you could say, Abigail, would be to develop the Cordillera into a united region under one ruler to help defend its people against the Order and the Radical faction along with helping Vivian raise my younger siblings to be responsible, wise, and caring people. And any woman that I marry must at the very least, be able to be civil with them, preferably adopt them as her own family and treat them as such, and be an intelligent, educated person, able to make just, wise, but fair decisions and have the integrity to stick to them."
"A dream worth pursuing, Tiberius," Abigail commented. "My own dream, would have to be at the greatest extent of it, would be becoming a Fatalis Mamono and ruling over a vast territory with my husband by my side. But that I dare say is a pipe dream. At the very least, I dream of ruling alongside a man I can be proud to call my husband, raising children, and having a home that I am a head of that of full of love, warmth, and laughter, just like my own was. That is after having many adventures and exploring what the world has to offer."
We were reaching twilight and starting to set up camp when she said this and I turned to her, "Perhaps someday that pipe dream of yours will come true. Afterall, who can truly predict the future?" I challenged her, "If you strive for it, maybe, just maybe, you will reach it. I for one would count myself honored if you make it to such a high state and still consider gracing me with your presence."
She laughed, "You are certainly a charmer that's for certain! If you've already impressed a Kushala this early into your journey here, I dare say a Fatalis just might be in the works for you. And I shall certainly strive for that pipe dream of mine, and with you to help me, maybe I will achieve that goal!" At this moment our hands brushed together and this moment of contact sent a jolt through us which we flinched from, embarrassed.
Blushing and stammering, we jumped away from each other. I got to starting a campfire while Abigail laid out our bedding.
Once this was done, we finished off the last of the fresh food from the town and settled in for the night, not really looking at each other, too embarrassed to meet the other's eyes, even though our bedrolls ended up almost perfectly side by side next to the fire to keep warm and out of the main path in case travelers came by.
My dreams were unsettled that night. My mind kept conjuring up lewd images that I could not banish. Specifically, ones of Abigail. Many of them were of her in very little clothing or none at all, showing of her natural assets, her chest, her fair, milky white mile long thighs and legs. A few of them had the pair of us engaged in very intimate behaviors and clearly enjoying it. One of the images was of Abigail, now monsterized, though as what I couldn't exactly pin down, as all I could make out was a long tail swishing back and forth and her breasts bouncing. Another was again, of Abigail, in a sheer black dress with a long slit up the side in heels perched on the edge of a regal throne swirling a glass of wine in one hand giving me a sly and coy look, her eyes alight with desire and need. The next she was completely naked, displaying everything to the world, beckoning me forwards with a slender finger as she imperiously lounged on a bed fit for a queen. Thankfully at this point I awoke due to feeling cool.
I was sweating when I sat up, and checked myself over. Thankfully, though while I was indeed hard, nothing had happened. The fire had died down, so I quietly extracted myself from my bedroll, taking good care to not disturb Abigail as it was the middle of the night and the moon hung low in the sky, and stoked the fire up again. Once it was going well, I wiped the excess sweet from my body and slowly breathed in and out, focusing on my breathing and the sound of it.
Breathe in, breathe out. Focus on that sound and nothing else. A cool and welcome breeze kicked up which helped the sweat dry faster. I took a small cloth that I had for this purpose and dampened it slightly with water from my canteen and wiped the dry sweat off allowing myself to dry. This also served to cool my blood down and remove the thoughts I had had.
Once I had settled and my blood cooled, I returned to my bedroll. Thankfully, this was now dry of the sweat I had produced and had been freshened by the breeze. I made myself comfortable and glanced over at Abigail.
She was out cold, fast asleep on her side, her hair spread about her. I could see by the flushed look on her face that she was having interesting dreams as well. As I watched her, she mewled in her sleep, writhing as though undergoing some very pleasant thing in her dreams, her nails lightly scraping her bedroll. She soon settled again and I turned in again.
My dreams were more settled now, and cooler. The racy images from before didn't show themselves. I soon faded into blissful slumber.
The next dawn found the pair of us already on the move, chatting peacefully, and enjoying a breeze that had moved in. The road now sloped gently downwards and we had to mind our footing for the path was slick with early morning dew.
Several times I nearly fell, slipping on the wet rock, only just catching myself. Abigail had it worse, her heeled boots getting even less of a grip on the slick stone. Her pace was slowed to a crawl and I slowed to match out of respect for my companion.
In time, we made it to the bottom of the massive escarpment and stopped at the guard-post that remained in operation to prevent the smaller predatory dinosaurs from scrambling up the old road. This was in order to check for any posted warnings on trouble-making wildlife.
I was quite glad to see that the only warnings were for raptors and smaller carnivores, and the lone bull Triceratops, but I didn't under prepare. Abigail shared my wariness.
"Reports are good and all, but I'm still mentally preparing for worse trouble unless we happen to grab a ride on a caravan. The Capital isn't far, maybe ten to twenty miles off, but our route takes us through prime predator territory. My father, when he's visited this region, has encountered not only Tyrannosaurus, but Spinosaurus, Giganotosaurus, Allosaurus, Deviljhos as well as other Brute Wyverns and on one occasion, a Skullcrawler."
"Aye," I responded, "It's similar in the Cordillera. Hope that the reports are all there is, but prepare for the top predators just the same. And keep a watchful eye on the herbivores for they are just as volatile and dangerous."
Abigail giggled daintily, "Here we have cranky Ceratopsians, Hadrosaurs, Ankylosaurs and Stegosaurs, what do you have in the Cordillera?"
"A short little laundry list. Mammoths, Mastodon, Giant Sloths, Glyptodonts, Deinotherium, Giant Bison, Giant Elk, Woolly Rhino, and Aurochs. Most of which have a bad habit of charging on sight and being very short tempered."
"Aurochs, those are the giant cattle the graze the upland meadows, correct?" Abigail asked me.
"Yes. Some of them we've been able to domesticate, but most are as wild as ever and are very dangerous. And those are just the large mammals. Wild boar is common in the forests, as well as moose and Red Deer and in the warmer regions we have antelope and other herding animals that can be dangerous in the correct circumstances. But it is generally the herbivorous megafauna that is the issue."
We started off again, Abigail remarking, "The villages trade in the fatty meats and furs with the Kingdom, right? I recall my father presiding over trade agreements when I was a little girl where one of the Lords didn't want to pay the proper amounts for furs and fats."
"That trade agreement is a mainstay of the region, yes." I responded as we continued through groves of trees and tall grass, "But salt, precious stones and several metallic ores also form the backbone of the economy. It's also not just with the Kingdom here, but several of the neutral states and even Monster-friendly nations and recently the Demon Realms."
"Yet you maintain your independence."
"Hmm. It was part of the agreement to allow Mamono into the Cordillera after the Order was chased out. One that Druella's subordinates continue to ignore. I dare say this will come to a head before too long."
"But surely even Druella wouldn't be so rash as to openly flaunt the Maou's orders concerning Monster Friendly Realms! Such a thing would destroy every ounce of credibility and the diplomatic shame involved; she'd lose her standing!"
"Aye, I agree. But while Druella is able to think long term, those she has gathered under her, don't think that far ahead. After all, how many Hellhounds does she have under her command?"
Abigail hissed at this, "I understand now. Father has had to drive off several of that lot numerous times. One time it got so bad; His Majesty's presence appeared on the field of battle. That finally made them scarper, but I do know that a strongly worded letter was sent directly to the Maou after that and we haven't seen any of them for some time."
"Unfortunately, unless the Maou sends out an edict about the laws again, I don't think any of the radicals will learn. Personally, I believe that's part of the reason the Demon Lord sent the Second Princess as permanent ambassador as she has the rank and authority to back up any subtle reminders of the laws."
"A wise move," Abigail commented as we carefully threaded our way through a herd of feeding Hadrosaurs. This was safer than skirting the edges of the herd, because humans on the edges of herds made good snacks for the therapods. It was still a dangerous tactic though, after all threading your way through a herd of multi-ton herbivores that could stampede or turn moody faster than the wind could change is a hazardous prospect.
We managed it, carefully avoiding the younger animals, and once on the other side, our pace picked up. The sun had passed its highest point and was now descending through the sky but we still had enough light and continued on.
As we walked, we swapped stories, Abigail knowing quite a lot about the legends of the Reptile Kingdom, more than most. I in turn retold some of the local legends of the Cordillera.
"While no one has ever confirmed that adventurer's story, to this day there are whispers that in the reaches of the Cordillera, far from any town, but near the sea, is a mountain with an interior cave system of solid crystals that none have ever classified. A paradise, hidden by peril."
"Ooo, that sounds wonderful! Have you ever thought about trying to find it?" Abigail was in awe, her flame red eyes gleaming.
My lips twitched at this, "When I was a boy, yes, but as I grew older responsibility took hold and such ideas fell by the wayside. Also, a hundred years of people looking for it and failing dissuaded me from trying as well as the simple fact that my father, though he believed in legends, would have tanned my backside for doing such a thing."
Abigail nodded, "With that reason, I can understand. Mine father too would have disapproved, though in a different manner to thine own." Her speech took on a more archaic, though royal and regal manner, "Though now thou art an adult, will thee consider searching for lost legends again, or art thou past such things?"
"Perhaps now that I do not have to fret about my family as much, I shall consider undergoing an expedition once more, but I dare say such a thing will be some time in the future. Once my wanderlust has been satiated and my fighting urge cooled. For now, my blood runs fast and hot for combat and wandering, with little time to cool and focus on one single exploratory objective. For now, exploring these lands shall suffice, at least until my fighting urge cooled and my warrior upbringing tempered."
"Hmmm," Abigail hummed, "A good answer and well-reasoned at that. I have seen many young men as I grew up rush off to their own peril without heeding warnings of caution nor safety and met their demise all too early for it."
"I don't intend to die quite yet," I quipped with humor, "But a life without danger, is a life that is dull indeed. For life itself is the greatest of gambling games. Each metaphorical roll of the dice a game of chance, luck and skill that can either improve or destroy a life."
"That is an answer that even the most foolish of scholars here would recognize and agree upon. Chance and chaos are concepts that are almost intertwined with the laws of nature here in the Reptile Kingdom. One would be a fool of the highest order to deny that."
We both laughed and continued onwards. Soon the sun indicated that it was time to set up camp and we scouted a place to sleep. We were in luck for there was a small, lower, but relatively deep rock shelter hidden away in the roots, moss, and leaves of the scrublands through which we were traveling. Abigail set herself to making the shelter somewhat comfortable, whilst I gather firewood and thorn-brush to fortify our camp. After several hours of hard work, with the sun now setting, our camp was made as above, storm clouds rolled in and thunder started to rumble.
We darted for the shelter, closing it off with Acacia just in time as the heavens opened up and thunder roared. The light of the fire reflected off of the sheets of rain that poured down and beyond maybe twenty feet, it was black out there. Abigail and I ate lightly, not wanting to be drowsy if we were disturbed by wild creatures.
"It would be best if we stuck to the shelter until this storm moves off. Raptors, both Mamono and not love to hunt during storms. We'd be sitting bait if we ventured out at night and while this is in full force." Abigail remarked, "While the Raptor Mamono will see sense if their smacked and told off, the raptors will just keep trying to tear you to shreds."
"Ah, like the Dire Wolves of the plains. I understand." I soon felt a yawn coming on and covered my mouth with a hand to maintain politeness. The thing about yawns is that they're contagious and soon Abigail was yawning as well.
"My goodness!" Abigail muttered, "I'm normally not so impolite as to yawn in the presence of another."
I snorted, "Yawning is yawning. It happens. We do it, dog and cats do it. I've even seen lizards do it."
Abigail giggled and turned in as I stoked the fire and fell asleep myself.
We slept soundly, the rain lulling us into a deep sleep. When dawn broke that morning, it was still raining, hard. It was absolutely drenching. Thunder rumbled, the trees swayed in the wind, the rain came down in hissing sheets.
Abigail and I hunkered down trying to stay dry when a pleasant surprise rolled in. It started with deep rumbling that we more felt than heard and then as the source got closer, low whale-like bellows were heard. Then we saw, rounding the bend, a small caravan consisting of sauropods.
Abigail and I stood and hung just under the rock lip to watch them. One of the drivers spotted us and shouted to the lead. "Over there! Travelers! Look!"
Before we knew it, the caravan had rolled to a stop and a ladder dropped as one of the drivers descended. In a thick, heavy accented voice he asked us where we were headed.
We told him that our destination thus far was the Capital.
"Well, I can' say tha' we'll be stoppin' thar, our route don' exactly tak' us thar; but we stop at a town not far from thar if it 'elps. Tha' locals can tell you the way from thar."
We accepted and hurried aboard after gathering our things, glad for the shelter and quicker pace. Despite the driver's accent, which would lead many to believe they were bandits or pirates, the clear symbol of the caravan guild was in good repair and showed strong.
These caravanners have their own culture, never quite settling down in one area and making permanent settlements nor would they accept pay from travelers that they rescued in the wilderness. Often their entire lives are spent on the trade ways, with different caravans consisting of men and women which met up in the furthest reaches from time to time to reconnect, allow the sauropods to breed, and as I picked up the hint, have their own families. The pace of a sauropod wasn't much faster than an elephant's but with their great strides and massive size, they could travel day and night with almost impunity and they certainly could out pace us.
The Argentinosaurus which made up this caravan could travel at around five miles per hour, which while slow was a pace they could maintain easily especially with being so close to a rest stop. The herd didn't go this fast, more like three miles an hour, but occasionally reaching the top speed of five miles per hour for an hour or two when the ground was flat and clear. We lucked out and after the previous night's rest, the sauropods recognized exactly where they were and eagerly hurried on towards the town. In three hours, we had arrived, and after thanking the caravanners and getting directions from the townsfolk set our itinerary. However, we didn't set out right away. I needed to call my sister because one of the magic circles I was carrying was getting extremely warm.
I set this down on the outskirts of the town with Abigail keeping watch and no sooner had I done so did it flare up as the connect was made and someone was coming through. When the light died down, standing there on top of the circle was Vivian. And she wasn't alone for with her were Simon and Beatrice. I must have looked pretty dumbfounded as Vivian raised a fine light blue eyebrow and fixed me with her yellow gaze, her thin, lance-like tail swishing behind and ice armor covering her body, tastefully melding with a new dress that varied from white to dark blue and had ice motifs all over it and in fact startled Abigail into speaking before any of us.
"Rimeguard Gamma armor?" She exclaimed as she flitted around Vivian, "Wait, no. It's not that, it's not made from parts of a Velkhana, but silk! The cape isn't there and much of the armor." Abigail rambled on while I took in my dear sister's appearance.
Her scales had spread, once confined to her lower arms, they now reached mid-bicep and her nails had lengthened into short claws. On her legs too the scales had spread, now reaching her knees and her talons had sharpened and all had gained a slight reflective sheen. She had gained a little height, her stance firmly set in a digitigrade manner compared to the half-digitigrade half plantigrade stance used by normal Dragon Mamono with her foot bones having obviously fused into four from five and lengthened quite a bit, giving her four taloned toes on each foot. As I finished my observations, she rushed me and before I could react, wrapped me in a hug.
It felt really good, her body gave of a natural cooling effect and she was gentle as she ever was as her scaled arms enveloped me and she held me tight. I could pick up her telltale perfume and from her throat I could hear a reptilian purring sound, that relaxed me as the same sound would do to a cat's kittens. I felt her lips on my forehead, "Good to see you in relatively good health little brother." She whispered.
"You as well, Viv." I replied, and then I was slammed from both sides by Simon and Beatrice which almost winded me as Vivian backed off narrowly avoiding the slam attack.
"Hi, twins. Good to see you." I wheezed, "Please let big brother go. I need air." They backed off though I did tousle their hair. Simon didn't mind, his hair was always somewhat of a bird's nest, but Beatrice squawked when I did so to her.
"Big Brother, no! Don't mess up my hair!" She squawked, laughing as she darted away to hide behind Vivian. I then commented, "I see you've finally matched mom in the chest department sis. How long have you been waiting for that?" Indeed, her chest had gotten bigger, it actually was bigger than our mothers who at one point had the biggest chest in her hometown according to our father.
Vivian gently socked me in the shoulder, "Jerk," she teased, "Remarking on your sister's chest."
"If I hadn't, you would have asked Vivian."
I heard a dainty cough behind me and turned to see Abigail waiting patiently while Vivian held her gaze.
"Right. Abigail, this is my elder sister, Vivian. Vivian this is Abigail, she's been traveling with me for the past few days. The younger humans are the twins. The red head is Simon, the raven is Beatrice."
Vivian smiled, "Pleasure to meet you. So, you've been watching his back, eh?" Inclining her head in a short nod as the twins shyly waved.
Abigail laughed merrily, "Only in the last few days! Your brother can hold his own. In fact, he dueled a Kushala not three days ago to a draw. He's tough enough and polite too! Picked up that I was a noble almost in one look."
Vivian giggled, "Our father taught us both well. I had you pegged as soon as I arrived, though that might be because of my Elder Dragon nature."
"I didn't think my perfume was that strong!" Abigail protested, "Tiberius didn't even remark on it!"
"Irises, a trace of Sandalwood and lemon and a slight hint of the rarest of Orchids, but predominately Irises. By that fragrance alone I'd say you are the daughter of a Duke if not higher. And it's not surprising that Stephan didn't remark on it, because one he's a gentleman and two the scent is subtle."
"Really?" Abigail's eyebrow rose as she turned to me.
I shrugged, "I honestly thought that it was part of your natural scent and Mom and Dad trained me too well in manners."
"Awwwe," Abigail cooed as she embraced me, "You're so sweet!"
I locked up somewhat, after all Abigail's very well-endowed chest, which matched my sister's pressed up against me and I flushed in embarrassment as blood started to flow to a particular part of my body. My face grew hot and my mouth dry and I could hear my heart thumping in my chest. I could indeed smell her perfume and it was heavenly. Luckily my salvation came from an unexpected source. Beatrice.
"Big brother has a girlfriend now!" She giggled. At this Abigail and I shot apart as though struck by lightning. Abigail was bright red; I was spluttering and Beatrice was giggling innocently. Then suddenly, we were struck with a freezing jet of air coming from Vivian. When I looked in her direction as my blood instantly cooled, I didn't see a look of anger or protective fury, but one of mirth.
"Well, it's about time!" Vivian laughed, her voice tinkling like icicles in the wind, "Only what? Three days of knowing each other and you two are already like each other! I dare say in few weeks it'll start being love!"
"Vivian, please don't tease us!" Abigail cried, blushing up a storm, "What makes you think that?!"
"I'm a Mamono, Abigail. I know these things."
Abigail pouted and I sighed as Vivian's eyes gleamed with merriment. Eventually everything settled down.
I asked Vivian why she brought the twins here with her.
"Two reasons. One the wanted to see their big brother, and two and more importantly, we had visitors in the village."
"Visitors?" I asked as we set out on the road towards the Reptile Capital, now only five miles off. Simon and Beatrice were being entertained by stories from Abigail while Vivian and I caught up.
"Hmm. Some of Druella's scouts. Or raiders more accurately. A couple of Hellhounds, Demons, and Devils. They tried taking some of your old friends. Ambassador Elle was not pleased at all." Vivian's voice grew freezing at this.
"What happened?"
"Luckily before Benjamin, Alex, and Tidus were captured, she heard the ruckus and interfered, stopping the raiders in their tracks. One of the Hellhounds tried to push her luck but with the quick arrival of Elle's Ryu friend Akeno, the two of them were able to restrain the group. But apparently Druella had been monitoring them and soon showed up in a fury demanding to know what was going on, an entourage of the Black Goat Sabbath in tow. When I saw this, I immediately knew that I could not have the twins around for this and before Druella found Elle I told her I was taking them to safety. Luckily Elle as you know has more sense than her sister even though she's just as much of a pervert and told me she'd send a message once Druella was dealt with. I caught Elle's opening salvo though."
"Which was what?" I asked.
"So, Druella, you really thought that having conquered Lescatie, you'd be able to act with impunity and attack a region moving towards becoming Monster friendly and under my protection as ambassador by order of our mother?"
I snorted, "I can only imaging Druella's response."
"She didn't get a chance before Akeno dragged more Sabbath members to Elle in restraints. Elle looked furious and told Druella in no uncertain terms that she'd be speaking to the Overlord and their father about the matter and told her to leave. I left after that."
"Things are only going to get worse, Viv. Elle's only there for a limited time and she's the only one with sufficient authority and rank available to keep Druella in line. The Fourth's got her damn gaze set on us next and she'll just bide her time will unofficially allowing raids from her army."
"I know, but Elle doesn't seem too worried and Akeno wouldn't divulge the matter, but I think there's a plan in the works straight from the top. Before the incident, Elle mentioned protection plans straight from the top, and you know who that means."
"Aye, I do."
The rest of the journey we spent chatting between the five of us, Abigail explaining who she was and Vivian subtly giving her seal of approval. Beatrice and Simon both were in awe of Abigail who absolutely adored them. I could tell that she absolutely loved children and was really good with them for a single child and an Archduke's daughter. And both Vivian and I were both very glad when she whispered to me in concern, "Beatrice has no idea what a Dark Mage is does she?"
"No, and we all cringe every time she mentions it. She's too young and would end up a witch. Now if a Dark Mage wants to take her on as an apprentice and not monsterize her, we'd be fine with that, she's very talented in magic after all."
Abigail blew a sigh of relief, "That's good. Growing up here in the Kingdom, we all have a bit of a distain for lolis."
"Same in the Cordillera," Vivian answered, "The great mammals are just as protective over their young as the Mamono here are, if not more so."
It wasn't long after this that we reached Reptalis, the Great Gate of the Capital. The walls were topped with statues of different reptiles, and orks. Orks of the brutish, and green variety, with odd weapons that looked like our uncle's invention but stupidly large and so ramshackle it was a wonder that they would work and not blow up. We entered the city, the guards bowing not only at Abigail, but Vivian as well.
Abigail explained, "Elder Dragon Mamono are treated with utmost respect, almost like royalty so that is why the guards bowed."
The streets were crowded and we had to weave our way through the streets, I with Beatrice on my shoulders and Abigail had a firm grip of Simon's hand. Deeper into the city we found an inn located directly at the intersection of the main shopping district and market, the dining district, and the famous Reptile College.
The inn keeper luckily had rooms available but the cost was almost out of our price range until he actually turned around and came face to face with Abigail.
"Young Heiress, I am honored! I didn't expect you to be here in the city! Are these your traveling companions?!"
"Brutus, good to see your business is doing well," Abigail answered, "And as a matter of fact, the young man is my traveling companion, but the younger children and the Velkhan are his siblings." She stressed the last, making it clear to Brutus, who started and gave us the two best rooms at a major discount.
While we were cleaning up, Abigail who had finished getting dressed while I was in the shower, indoor plumbing was such a miracle, told me while Vivian did her hair, "Brutus was a very loyal family servant and was well rewarded by my father with his freedom and startup capital for this inn and he has never forgotten that. While my father and mother must use the mansion here in the Capital, I always made a point to stay here at the inn the show him that we didn't forget his service. And he always sends to this day, reports to my father of new trade deals and the latest news, often before any official announcement can be made."
The next few days were pleasant. We explored what we could, the twins going on a small tour with Vivian of the Reptile College while Abigail and I spent time in the market.
This was filled with amazing items, anything under the sun. Books of all kinds, jewelry, gems, delicate glass work, silks and stunning pieces of cloth, ornate rugs from the desert region, fish, pearls and all sorts of fruit. Exotic woods from the forest, some carved into beautiful sculptures, some as samples that the rich could have commissioned into items, ivory and all sorts of spices.
Vivian and the twins joined us one day and I spent a little of the money I had getting Vivian some rare wine and the twins a set of nice dress clothes each and Beatrice a pair of kitten keels to start getting used to them under Abigail's direction. These were adorable little black things, magically made to grow as she did and would adjust the length of the heel as she got older and to her preferences.
It was on this day we ran into someone that in time we'd come to call a close friend. We had gotten hungry and stopped at a small restaurant owned by someone who was native to Abigail's lands to grab one of the local delicacies. They happened to have at this time of year a crocodile dish that Abigail had told me about. This was large enough to feed the five of us and once we sat down and short while later it was in front of us and a short while after that it was gone. We had settled to finish our drinks, payment having been up front and before the meal, and the twins had settled into a game of cards using the card deck that I carried to distract them, when I noticed the woman in question.
She was of average height, fair skin, light blue eyes, with straight reddish-brown hair that fell to her shoulders and was dressed in a purple woman's business suit and black heels. She had an empty plate next to her and what looked like a notebook and quill pen and was massaging her forehead in frustration. She was seated just down from us and was glaring at her notebook.
Abigail got up to speak with her, having felt rising magic and demonic energy. After a hushed conversation, to which the woman appeared quite surprised, she seemed to accept whatever Abigail was offering. My traveling companion chatted with her for a while and then appeared to offer her a seat with us which startled the woman, but she accepted.
Vivian had gone to relieve herself and wasn't present when the woman introduced herself.
"Hello, I'm Ariana. Thank you for inviting me." She was cheery, with a chipper side, but acted very professional.
I waved her off, "Think nothing of it, Ariana. I'm Stephanos Tiberius, call me Stephan please, you've already met Abigail, and my younger siblings Simon and Beatrice are over there playing cards." I nodded in the twin's direction. "And my sister Vivian stepped out for a moment to freshen up but should be returning shortly. Tell me, what had you so frustrated?"
Ariana scowled, "I'm trying to get interviews for a class I'm teaching outside the Reptile Kingdom about its inhabitants. So far very few have wanted to chat, really the only one I've had a chance to talk to was a Werecroc. You see, Dark Mages such as myself while being hedonists at times, do have a particular pursuit for knowledge, generally that of magic, but my own is that of the different monsters in the world and teaching about them via what is called the internet."
"I'm going to assume the internet is a Gremlin created thing, yes?" I asked.
"Yes and no. It's a cross-dimensional thing and really hard to explain, but I'm teaching students and need to research different monsters. It's just that it has been hard to find Mamono here that are willing to sit down and talk. I do have a book that apparently was sent by the Reptile King himself, but nothing beats a first-hand interview." Ariana stated. Abigail was alarmed.
"You have a book that was sent by the King himself?!
"Yes," Ariana stated confused.
Abigail grew very still, "Be very careful with anything that the Reptile King offers up for it could be a prank, a trap or some other thing for his personal amusement. Remember this, he is as much a god of Chaos and Violence as he is the lewd and is capricious in the extreme."
"I've read that he enjoys pranks, but it's that bad?"
"Yes. He's got an unofficial prank war declared upon the Sabbath for his own amusement. And you are aware of how those of us here in the Kingdom view them, yes?"
"I share a similar opinion," Ariana scowled, "That's just, yech."
"Those of us from beyond the northern border share a similar opinion, but with the added distaste for the Fourth. She's on the move so keep an eye out," I warned.
This startled Ariana, "But there was no word! Last I heard she was still ensconced in Lescatie and was staying there for longer."
"She's not one to hurry," I remarked, "She sends in scouts and unofficial raiders first, then gathers her army."
"Right. Lescatie may have fallen over night, but she planned for months on how the conquer it." Ariana remarked. She turned to Abigail, "Any suggestions to get an interview with the local Mamono? Particularly the rarer ones, like the Elders?"
"Just ask," came Vivian's voice from behind me as she sat down again, curling her tail so it wouldn't be in the way. "All you have to do is ask."
Ariana didn't look Vivian's way first, "I tried that and all were close-lipped saying that I should go to the Reptile College if I wanted questions answered or that they unfortunately didn't have the time. Maybe a Compy or two, I spoke to a Raptor but all the others thus far were a bust and I still haven't found an…Elder." She had turned around at this point and came face to face with Vivian. Her eyes grew wide in surprise and she began to stammer, "I. You. But. Oh, my goodness you're an Elder Dragon!" She squealed in excitement.
Vivian's answer then stunned her completely, "The Mamono counterpart to the almost mythical Elder Dragon, Velkhana. I'm a Velkhan. So, what was it you wanted to know?" Vivian's yellow eyes danced with merriment and Ariana nearly fainted. It was thanks to Abigail that she didn't.
"So, best get introductions over with, shall we?" Vivian asked.
Ariana nodded, her eyes wide, notebook and magical quill at the ready, "I'm Ariana a Dark Mage, you?"
"Vivian, this one's elder sister," She inclined her head at me, "And the Elder Dragon Mamono known as Velkhan."
Ariana held up a hand, "Wait if you're his elder sister that means you were monsterized, correct?"
"Yes, so keep that in mind as well as the fact that Velkhan's and their monster counterparts are so rare that little is known about them."
"That's fine. I doubt I'll come across another that's willing. So, first off, the Velkhan's physiology. You're obviously a type of Dragon but what else is there?"
"Like lesser Dragons I do have an innate sense of pride, though as an Elder it is much greater. Velkhans like myself and the monster counterpart Velkhana can control ice and the cold much like it is stated in myth. Our heads are adorned with a tiara-like crown of small white horns and our scales and shell are a unique crystalline blue, the scales being formed from rapidly cooled magma and our tails are thin and lance-like as well as being highly flexible and can be used to jab at attackers. And as I've had a friend do a test, we're warm-blooded."
Vivian demonstrated the flexibility of her tail, easily curling around to lay on top of the table.
"Unlike most Dragons, Velkhan don't breathe fire, but breathe a stream of supercooled fluid that can instantly freeze anything it hits and as I've found out recently and just before monsterization, are fully capable to taking on that fearsome primal form from before the current Demon Lord."
"Amazing," Ariana said, "What else?"
"Well as you can see, Velkhans can also grow ice armor as a third protective layer and generally aren't seen outside our home territory without it and even then, I have found that outside my house I prefer to have it there. As to diet, I have found myself shifting more and more to meat and at times I can feel my disposition changing somewhat."
"Oh, go on?" Ariana prompted, her quill flying across her notebook.
"Hmm, my disposition has grown more prideful, cold, territorial, and very reclusive, however I don't feel like the pride is without reason. I am an Elder Dragon and am a cut above other Dragons because of that and being able to control the very cold itself beyond that of even the Ice Queens and often reflects my mood. When I'm calm and happy, the land experiences a cool comfortable spring day, When I'm upset, blizzards have formed out of nowhere bringing whiteout conditions and freezing the foolish to the bone."
"That must make you a defensive expert in combat, then," Ariana noted.
"You would think, but while I have yet to actually fight, I did witness how a Velkhan fights just before I got monsterized. The Velkhan in question relied on her armor and scales for defense and much of the fight was based around her armor being advanced several stages giving her chances to launch different attacks. The tail and the claws are the main thing to watch out for though the teeth were just behind that as well as the freezing breath and being able to fly freely helps get a better position lending greater agility. As you can tell, you wouldn't want to get impaled by this tail."
Ariana paled, "No, I would not. Is that how you got monsterized?"
"No. I got hit with the supercooled fluid and tripped straight into a dense cloud of Reptilian Energy."
"Any weaknesses?"
"Fire and electricity. Now it's not to the point where I can't cook a meal or eat hot food, it's just that I am not going to be the first person to lay out by the flames at night and I really freaked out the first time a spark landed on me after monsterizing."
"What about say, poison? I know that the Order has tried that several times against Mamono."
"I'm not especially weak to poison, but I wouldn't be too happy if someone tried to poison me."
"Interesting," Ariana noted, "What about courtship practices?"
"Now don't take my word as the end all be all on this, as I wasn't raised a Velkhan but I do feel a few conditions would have to be met. First off, to even catch my eye he would have to prove himself capable in combat and have great kindness. Then I would test his endurance and will, he must continue towards his goal under any conditions that I could throw at him, from freezing rain, deep snow to whiteout blizzards. After that, he would have to fight me, again in harsh conditions with minimal help. Then and only then would I give him a scale to show that he's at least being considered. The Final test would be to make his way to my home, trekking through the mountains, being watched the entire time. Should he succeed, the wedding planning would commence, but should he give up, I shall shatter the scale from a distance showing that he no longer has my favor or protection."
"My word, that is certainly a test! I can't think of any other Mamono that would do that," Ariana exclaimed.
"Kushalas," Abigail, Vivian and I answered as one. I filled Ariana in, "I already had a one-on-one duel with one three days ago."
"Also, Kirin and possibly Fatalis but those are so rare than no one really knows what they'll do, except maybe the king himself."
Just then Simon cried, "Come on sis, quit using magic to show off! You've won the last six games!" We all turned around; Beatrice was shuffling the playing cards using magic, making the fly through the air and created different shapes.
"How much teaching has she had exactly?" Ariana asked.
"None," Vivian answered. "The ambassador from the Royal Makai pretty much declared her a prodigy unlike any other which makes us worried now that Druella is on the move again. Neither Stephanos or myself want a Baphomet to get their filthy grubby little paws on her."
Ariana's eyes burned with anger, "To corrupt such a promising young mage into something like that is abhorrent! Here take this," she fished something out of her purse, it was a mirror. "I'll contact you through that once I've gotten everything set up. Give me about two weeks and then we'll go from there. Where would you like to meet?"
Vivian and Ariana discussed the meeting point which ended up being back home, then Ariana left in a cheery mood, waving goodbye as she slipped into the crowd and vanished.
Later that day, Vivian and the twins left, having received a message from Elle that all was safe. Abigail and I headed out at dawn the next day, deciding to visit the Reptile Sea which was south of the Great Desert.
We managed to get a ride on an airship which took many days of desert travel off the trek, and we reached Val Hadar in about six hours to stop for fuel. Once that was done, off we went again.
Below, mile after mile of vast sand stretched as far as the eye could see and even as high up as we were, we still felt the heat. Night drew on and the airship kept going. Unfortunately, the airship did not have enough rooms and so Abigail and I spent the night of the deck, huddled up together. She clung to me to keep warm and the effort to stay warm in the freezing night kept any amorous thoughts at bay.
At daybreak we were still over the desert and it rapidly heated up. We stuck to the shade, grateful that the winds were pushing us in the right direction. Below more endless sand and dunes passed by. Abigail and I didn't speak much, merely trying to rest, and keep cool. Her hair was plastered to her neck and she was fanning herself with a small map, which was just about all it was good for. We were both sweating hard, luckily the crew had more respect for us being willing to stay on deck since there was no room and they supplied us with water on a constant basis. The other passengers, below deck in the cool cabin and shade, had to wait until prearranged times for water. I took my helmet and limb armor off to help release the heat. Both Abigail and I were glad that at nightfall on the second day, rocky desert came into view as temperatures fell again. This night was colder than the previous, and the crew gave us blankets to keep warm. It was a long, long night.
At daybreak the next day we reached the edge of the desert and the airship port. I felt the airship begin the descend and put all my armor back on and hooked my helmet to my waist. Abigail roused herself and we waited by the gangplank. Once the airship was moored, we were the first ones off and headed south through the wilderness on the road to the sea.