[One week later]
[Lair Volcano]
The time had come for Edward and Mally to appear before the Circle for their blessing/approval to be considered a mated couple.
Needless to say, Edward was nervous, as was Mally.
Then again, Edward had got rid of the biggest threat to his happiness. Lassreyth was not holding a grudge and, that was a huge help.
The Titans wished them both the best of luck and hoped that when they returned, that they would be considered to be married, at least in the eyes of their people.
Solor was even allowed to represent the Titans at the meeting. He had, indeed, recovered pretty quick (and enjoyed the ribs greatly. The sauce had that extra time to get into the meat, so, they were quite enjoyable).
The time arrived for the meeting to begin and Sol said, "We are here today to determine if Kiinnum the hybrid of Lair and Maldriin, the daughter of Grand Life will receive the Blessing of the Circle to be mated Dragons."
"Grand Earth, we will start with you."
"I have had a lot of time to think about this, Feylfil. Both have shown considerable strength since they met. They both have the strength of Earth that will withstand most obstacles. I believe that their broods will also have this strength to withstand, and, given Kiinnum's show of strength in not only taking on Maldriin's grandfather, but, his resolve in all things tells me that I would be mistaken to not offer my blessings. I vote in favor."
"Water?" Sol asked, "The floor is yours. What say you?"
"I see adversity in their lives, and Kiinnum has given us proof he can handle it by barrelling through his problems, or changing his tactics. And Mally, while not physically as strong as her fiancee, has shown cleverness in many of her different struggles. I see that they think very much alike. I believe they can adapt to any struggles and come out better for it. I will offer my blessings on this pairing."
"As do I", Grand Fire said, as it was his turn. "Their passion burns brightly for all to see; even if we said no, I believe Kiinnum would still wish to be with young Maldriin, as she would want to be with him. I see no reason to deny their request, as well."
Then came the newest member of the Circle, the newest Grand Death, who had his eyes closed in thought. Sol frowned, seeing that he wasn't also immediately on board. "What troubles you, Death?"
That was when the newest member of the Circle spoke. "Fellow members... I see no harm in allowing these two to become a mated pair. In fact, I am certain that even if I said no, considering that already there is a majority against my vote if I did... they would still be blessed in this union. My concern however... is for Kiinnum." He turned to the hybrid. "You are already much older than most of our species, Child of the Circle. And unlike many others... you are still very strong. Strong enough to rival even us in a test of strength. Fear not, I still give my blessing to this... but I only ask you if you're sure. Physical strength and emotional strength are different things. If you take Maldriin to be yours... it is very likely she will die before you do. Will your heart be able to handle the ache, when you suffered greatly after losing your mother?"
"Honorable Death," Edward said, "I am aware of the risks. I know that there is a strong possibility that she may pass before me, unless at a future date, this body reconsiders making her an Heir Potential. Then, if that happens and she succeeds her mother, then, that will not happen.
"But, yes, I will be able to handle her death with the same strength that my father showed when Iilahkun went to the arms of the First. It will hurt, yes. But, the humans have a saying, Exalted Circle...'Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger'. Her memory would live within my heart as well as within our broods.
"I am sure. She doesn't care that I am older than her. She has shown great strength of character in dealing with the glares from others within Lair. Their loss is her gain. She sees that life, as Grand Life would say, is finding a way. I know that death is the final test of one's strength, Honorable sir. Yes, I miss my birth mother, and I would miss Mally greatly should she die before I do. Maybe her passing would cause me to join her? That I leave in the hands of the First."
That left Light and Life to speak and it fell to Lassreyth to speak first.
She smiled broadly, telegraphing her thoughts to all.
"Kiinnum, my child. You speak well, as always," she said, "As if you know me and what I would say before I even put words to the thought. Life, indeed, is finding a way for both of you, and, I am honored to give my consent and blessing to this union. I know that your broods will give you all a great joy as they grow and develop. It's the first time that we've given our blessings to a union of this sort. Welcome to the family, Kiinnum!"
Sol smiled as Grand Life gave her praises. Then he turned down. "And I believe... with my, admittedly, selfish praise, that this Circle knows I definitely approve of this union. I know that my son and Maldriin are deserving of this blessed union. And I will look forward to finally becoming a grandfather myself." He looked down at the two. "Our decision is unanimous. Kiinnum... Maldriin... we pronounce you a united couple. From this day forward... none can claim either of you as their own."
Mally smiled broadly, "Thank you, Exalted Ones. I promise to be Kiinnum's until the day the First claims either one of us and to defend his honor, as he has defended mine."
Edward smiled as well and repeated what Mally had said. It wasn't a requirement, but, they felt as if they needed to say it.
Filkiin also smiled, knowing that his older brother was finally with someone who cared as much about him as he did her in the last few months. He knew it was a matter of time, though, before his own plate would be full enough. The egg that he had recovered was still under the intense heat lamps back at the tower and somehow, Cyborg had developed a means to peer inside the egg to monitor the hatchling's development. All looked to be going as normal as possible, but, even Edward's knowledge had a limit. Luckily, Mally was able to fill in the gaps.
He then looked to the Circle, frowning. He was still technically under recovery leave with the Titans, but if he was able to move around Lair and the Tower freely without aid (after a few days of being in a wheelchair), then it would probably be not too long before he was called back to Lair once more. Sol did check on him every now and then, but it was mostly to see his recovery before he could finally make his petition for his wish to be allowed to date Raven. And even now... his thoughts were racing wildly, hoping his words could convince the Circle to see things his way.
The Circle all nodded in approval to the pair, before Sol turned his gaze to his youngest son. "How is your recovery coming along, Filkiin?" he asked, catching the younger dragon by surprise.
"I-I still am working on healing from my ordeal, Father", he said, stuttering a tiny bit. "Mally has been helping where she can, and I'm mostly recovering from the... mental parts of the ordeal I have been in. But I should be ready to fight crime once more with the Titans in say... another week or so, if my recovery continues this way... or so Kiinnum has been saying."
"I concur," Kiinnum said, "My biggest concerns are Vilea's not going to stop looking for her prize and the egg that he recovered. But, for missions, I think my brother will be ready in a week or so. My 'sessions' with him are going well, Exalted Circle. And, he has been getting additional help from Raven.
"As you know, Raven has some similar abilities as I do, and one of them is being an empath. She knows the moods of the people around her and she will step in when she knows someone's having a bad day or is angry about something, providing a calm, logical voice of reason. And, she's quite adept at soothing Jason's moods. She's done as much for him in the last three months than I've accomplished in the last 10 months or so."
"And, how is Mally helping?" Grand Life asked.
"Well," Edward said, "given his physical injuries, she's been working on her healing powers. Her Blessing drains her badly trying to heal a dragon, even one in a human or hybrid form compared to when she fixed Terra up pretty quickly. She was able to accelerate the healing of his wounds over several sessions, but, it would take her upwards of 12 to 18 hours to fully recover. My personal opinion is that further stamina training is needed. She has the power, but, that is tied to stamina. It's like when I was first starting to learn about my blessings or Filkiin's stamina. I remember when I would tire quickly depending on what was being used. Now, after all these centuries, I can use them as long as needed. Mally would be able to do this given time as well. Once she can improve this part of her Blessing of Life, she could resurrect even an older dragon without loss of stamina. I can't do anything about the loss of years that she would sacrifice in the process."
"Well," Earth said, thinking about it, "This is good news, indeed. Maybe we can at some point reconsider her and you, Kiinnum, for heir potential. It won't be today, though. You both should head home and enjoy your new status.
"Filkiin, it was nice seeing you again. We cannot always make exceptions to your banishment, but, when your brother asked to invite you, we were happy to do that."
"Thank you," he said, noticing that Sosfil was no where to be seen.
"As for your Sister", Sol said, sighing. "While I cannot take away her status as Heir Potential, seeing as she still has the potential to do great things for the Circle... I understand that the last time she visited you both, it did not end well. I do not understand why she had to ruin what could have been a nice visit... but I have asked her to stay away from you both. And while she is loathe to obey you, Kiinnum, she will follow my orders without question. Until she can compose herself in a dignified manner worthy of being Heir, I say that she is not ready to become my Heir and will not until she learns how to conquer her weaknesses."
"I just don't get it," Edward griped, "She has as much potential as Filkiin does, yet, she cannot let go of thinking this is a competition. Sure, I hint at being an Heir Potential, but, I'm not obsessed with it to the point of angering my family. If it is to be, fine. If not, I am content now. Major wrongs have been corrected and when it's the Will of the First to correct others and in His timing...His will be done.
"It was her choice to ruin what would have been a nice visit, and, had she wanted to play nice, she would have been here today. But, her attitude leaves much to be desired. It will take a miracle for her to give up this quest.
"I am humbled that she thought that she could be Heiress to get the glares from the other dragonesses in Lair to stop. But, that will end of its own now. They will still glare angrily, but, that's because they were too weak to know what they could have had. Only Mally was strong enough to want to be with the hybrid and strong enough to win my heart. Not our fault they bought into their own weaknesses. Their loss, Mally's gain.
"Sosfil knows where I stand. If she decides to clean up her act and sincerely apologize for being a jerk, I will accept that. If she really wants to be a valid Heir Potential and show not just me, but, my father and Jason that she is truly worthy, I will support it equally, even if my actions mean little in the eyes of the Circle officially.
"That said, Exalted ones, I do apologize for my last appearance before this body. I allowed my pent up anger to erupt, forcing my mate and brother to prevent me from making a bigger mistake."
The Circle all smiled. "Think nothing of it, Kiinnum", Grand Fire said. "Considering you've had over 3000 years of prejudice to deal with... well, consider it well deserved. Fire burn away the dross, leaving pure metal behind." He then looked over to Filkiin as well. "Now... I believe your brother said he still needs time to recover. I've heard we have a rather... interesting case we'll be dealing with next time." At the word "interesting", his smile faded, and every other dragon there understood the severity of what was going to happen. Either history would be made... or Sosfil would have the position of Heir on lockdown.
"I would hope that the Circle will hear my brother out," Edward said, "He will be on his own, per Grand Light, yet, he will make a convincing argument, I hope.
"That said, with your permission, Mally and I will take our leave."
"Go ahead, son...and daughter," Sol said, "We look forward to further updates and reports. Keep up the good work."
Both left the chamber and Edward said, "Robin gave us a couple of weeks off, and, with Raven offering to cover for me with Jason, it will be interesting.
"Where to, my mate?"
"Can we...just fly around?" Mally asked.
"I see no harm in that," Edward said, "But, there is something I want to do, first." He reverted to his hybrid form, prompting Mally to do the same.
"What do you..." she started to say, only to be interrupted by a deep, passionate kiss.
When they came up for air, Mally was thrilled, to say the least.
They took to the air, reverting back to their full forms.
As they flew, it was obvious to the other dragons what had happened. Some were surprised that the hybrid and Mally had actually gone through with the petition, others were surprised that the Circle had given the blessing after all.
Several dragons flew up to offer their own happy thoughts and best wishes. A few decided to actually apologize and to recognize that maybe they were wrong about Edward.
But, there were others that glared angrily. They had heard that Edward had forced the Circle to replace Grand Death and they were not happy with the warning that to try to seek any revenge for Grand Death's demise would result in banishment. They had heard about the showdown in the Circle a month ago and hated Edward for daring to challenge a member of the Circle and treating him so horribly. They didn't care that Edward was in the right and were somewhat vocal until their clan leader put an end to the grumblings with a warning that continued griping risked being brought to the Circle.
One dragon flew up and sneered, "So, the abomination is mated? Good luck raising broods that might be ... URRRK!" Edward had grabbed the dragon by the throat and snarled, "You best not finish that sentence, whelp. You do not want to see what I'll do to ANY dragon who even thinks of harming my broods. That will result in an instant petition for BloodBath and I will leave the body in the dust to rot. I strongly suggest, Hatchling, that you tell your friends what I just told you. Come after my broods and I. WILL. END. YOU. with the same prejudice I am SICK of! GOT IT?!"
Edward tightened his grip for a moment before releasing it, "Return to your dwelling, boy...NOW!" He blew a cloud of smoke into the idiot's face, causing more gasping and coughing as the dragon flew away, tail between his legs. Thus another message was sent to Lair that the Circle didn't have to send out.
"I'd hate to see you really angry," Mally said smiling.
"Sweetheart," Edward said, "No one will be daring to even come close to our broods. And, push comes to shove on protecting them before hatching, we can merely relocate them to the Titan Tower. If Jason's egg hatches out without any problems, then, we're set.
"Want to head back to the tower or to our borrowed accommodations here?"
"Let's head for the Tower," Mally said.
A moment later, Edward felt Mally's talons intertwining with his and he teleported back to the Tower.
Turns out Jason had beaten the new couple there due to Sol wanting to escort him home, and to talk to his son and new daughter-in-law.
First thing that happened was Starfire tackling them both with a huge hug. It was obvious that she was thrilled as she simply couldn't stay on the ground for longer than a second.
"You are the married?" she asked.
"Yes," Edward said with a grin, "The Circle voted 6-0 to bless the pairing, and, we're married in the eyes of Lair."
"So, what does that mean?" Robin asked.
"It means that until death do us part, we are together," Edward said, "Dragons mate for life, which is why we both had to give some serious thought to it. I know it was just a few months ago, and, it seems like we rushed into this, but, Jason said that Dragons don't waste time. It's ironic seeing how dragons live for 2,000 years or so, and the Circle lives to over 5500. Some members of the Circle, if they can show that they have not lost their way can stretch their term to almost 6,000. But, that's pretty rare.
"Father's first mate was my mother, and, she lived a long time, long enough to see me reach my 750th birthday and thus an adult in the eyes of Lair. She passed on when I was almost 1,000."
At that memory, Edward's face fell.
Raven picked up on his sudden sadness and said, "Edward, I'm so sorry." She gave him a hug and the next thing she knew, Edward was shaking.
"She...she wanted to see this day so bad," Edward said.
"Son," Sol said, "Iilah might not have been here physically, but, she's in our hearts. She was there in spirit."
"And, had our culture grown and adapted, I might have been mated a long time ago!" Edward said, "But, I am glad I was forced to wait as I have someone who can openly love me for me in Mally."
She rubbed his shoulder in support.
"Sweetheart," she said, "you've got a measure of revenge, can't you be satisfied with that?"
Edward said, "For you, yes, I am satiated. Those hidebound ones will eventually pass on to allow a new day to dawn."
"Edward?" Terra asked, "What happens with a dragon's mate dies?"
"I'll handle this one," Sol replied, "Normally, when a mated dragon dies, the other half of the pair dies soon thereafter, not being able to handle the loss.
"Members of the Circle, as you may have guessed, continue to live on and are given a year to mourn before they are expected to find another mate.
"At the time, Edward was incensed that I had to find another mate so soon and kept Iilahkun ...Moonlight in English...at arm's length for a long time. But, his tone softened when he was introduced to Jason, Sahqokrein, Sosfil and Kreinkiin.
"Neither of them reacted well when Kreinkiin was murdered. It was difficult for them all to cope. It was his death, though, that got Edward to come back home for a while. He wanted to help.
"But, by then, unknown to anyone, Moonlight was already in the early stages of what we call 'The Rot'. It's something that Dragons dread getting. It weakens the body while leaving the mind intact and unlike the human version, it can take centuries for it to fully set in. Eventually, the illness rendered Moonlight incapable of having any more broods. Yet, had I known this, her last clutch of eggs would have been Jason and his siblings.
"She laid a final clutch and Grand Death himself came to see. One baby hatched out, but, didn't live long. The others died before they hatched. Death said that Moonlight did not have long to live and Jason attacked. You know the rest."
"So," Beast Boy said, "When Mally passes on, you'll also die?"
"No," Edward said, "I'm immortal and her passing will rip a hole in my heart that cannot be filled emotionally. The only way, Titans for me to die, short of taking my head is if I am a member of the Circle. Then, the going theory is that I will also turn to dust when my song is sung. I would join Mally in the afterlife, as well as reunite with you all. The same will happen - has happened - with Father. He's seen two mates die as well as several children. There will be a day when either someone within the Circle confronts him much like what we saw here a month ago...or hopefully one of his children will tell him that it's time to step down."
"What about this Oblaan?" Cyborg asked.
"The First Grand Darkness," Edward said, "very long past his term. By now, he's so far gone that there is no hope of his redemption. He's far, far older than any of us in Lair."
Sol continued, "Oblann is the greatest shame the Circle has ever endured. He desired to eradicate the early proto-humans and was turned down and told to step aside. He refused and led his clan into a rebellion. They were banished permanently.
"Yet, after they learned of Edward and his unique abilities, they made many attempts to take him. Iilah would defend him and there were times when I would step in to convince the Dark Dragon to leave. Once Edward was old enough to defend himself, several Dark Dragons were sent home badly injured, with scorch marks from his range weapons or broken bones. Didn't you send some to the First, son?"
Edward nodded, "Yes, some refused to take 'Hell, NO' for an answer and tried to take me by force. Let's just say when they ganged up on me, several ended up feeling my full powered lightning up close. After the second one was fried, the other two beat a hasty retreat, but, not after they were nursing some bad burns. That was their last attempt to take me.
"Yet, Father, I know that they have something planned. Taking Starborn was just another part of their Phase 1. These eggs are the proof of this. Hybrid Light and Dark will make an interesting Dragon. Cyborg? How is the egg developing?"
"You tell me, man," Cyborg said, "None of us knows the first thing about Dragon fetal development."
Sol said, "Let me see, please." Cyborg pulled up the most recent scans and Sol smiled, "Well, it's very early, so, I wasn't expecting to see much in the way of development. That will become obvious in about 8 weeks or so to see wings, head and other features."
Robin sighed, thinking of the power bill that for the next 2 months or more would be higher than ever.
"How long will it take for the egg to hatch?" he asked.
"About 90 days," Sol said.
"Dang. a chicken doesn't take as long," he groused.
"And, not many eggs are the size of a medium size dog," Edward said calmly, "I recall Mother saying that she waited almost three months from laying my egg and when I cracked open the shell."
"That's right, son," Sol said, thinking back to the day when a multi colored egg started wobbling, then, a few days later, a hole opened up and then with a cracking sound, a little Dragon emerged and took his first breath.
At the time, his scales weren't bronze, but a rainbow of colors, which showed that the newborn was, indeed a hybrid, but, there were more bronze scales than the other colors, showing that he was 2/7th Light.
"I will name him Kiinnum," Iilah stated after a few minutes. Feylfil nodded, "'Born Unique'. An interesting choice."
The baby dragon had looked at his parents and cooed before going to sleep. No one knew how his life would play out, but, Feylfil knew that his son's life would not be easy. At the time, he had just been elevated to Grand Light, so, he was still adjusting to the position.
However, even then Grand Death was opposed to the hatching of a hybrid and because Feylfil refused to kill his firstborn hatchling, he was treated with contempt by SadonDinok (Gray Death) from that day and was not treated as an equal within the Circle.
Oh, Grand Death tried to get the others in the Circle to execute the baby, but, it was Lassreyth's mother who made the compelling case to allow the baby to live. She knew that this was a very, very unique hatchling and she wanted to see how his life would unfold. In the end, the Circle voted 5-1 to allow the future Edward Barnes to live.
But, SadonDinok would try to make the baby's life miserable as a result anyway. Feylfil later realized the truth of Grand Death, but, by then, a lot of damage was done. Edward was convinced that he was being singled out for racism, especially when the Circle ruled that he was ineligible to even be an Heir Potential. And, it burned him to no end as time passed. Yes, he had got used to the ruling, but, it didn't mean he longed for the wrong to be set right someday.
And, as present day Edward reflected, he was on his way to getting that final obstacle cleared. He didn't really want Heir of Light since he was helping to train Solor for the position, but he knew that Water, Life, Fire, and Death were still without an heir. He had heard that a fairly young Earth Dragon was Heir Potential for that clan.
His biggest concern was how Solor would present his case to the Circle in a few weeks at most.
"Solor?" Edward asked, "After Mally and I have a short honeymoon, I would like to help you prepare for your debate with the Circle."
Solor shook his head, "I got this, Edward. If I am the Heir Potential, it's time I acted like one. It's time that I show Sosfil that she is wrong about me."
Edward smiled, "As you wish."
He turned to Mally, "I have reserved the honeymoon suite at one of the major hotels on the American side of the Falls. In fact, we need to get going."
"Well, let's grab our bags and go," Mally said happily.
They went to Edward's room and opened the door to discover a large bed there and their suitcases packed and ready to go.
Robin saw the look on Edward's face and smirked, "I see you found the 'wedding present'."
"Trust me," Edward said, "It's going to get some use. Can you do us a favor? Soundproof the room? I shouldn't have to explain why."
"Sure," Robin replied.
Solor wasn't too far behind, starting to head for the incubator again, but he took a detour to talk to his brother again. "I know I didn't get to say it before... but congratulations you two. I'm really happy for you."
Mally smiled, walking over and giving her new brother-in-law a caring hug. "Thank you, Jason... that means a lot from you." She smiled as the younger dragon hugged her back. "Now, you know what you have to do with that egg, right? And you know I'll be here to help you if you need it."
"Of course", Jason said with a smile. "Don't worry, I remember a lot of what my mother did to help raise me and my siblings. I may have a bit of an interesting time, since I won't have the resources here that I would in Lair, but I will do my best... even if I might have to take a small leave in order to raise her in the beginning."
Robin nodded. "And we'll be here to help you, too. I know that none of us will be able to stop Raven if she decides to drop everything to help your... I guess daughter, since everyone seems so sure the gender's already determined."
"I am 95% sure of that," Edward said, "If memory serves, when an egg loses temp in the first few hours, but, is placed back in where it's 'nominal' within a few hours at most, the hatchling will be female. The only reason I am not 100% certain is I do not know when the egg was created and how long it had cooled down before Solor sent out that mental distress call. Mally, you did wonderfully in keeping the egg warm as possible. You probably saved the little one's life.
"But, this is also unchartered waters for Lair as a whole. That's probably why dad wants to know what's going on with it.
"Listen...if you need something from Lair, let me or Mally know and we can get it for you.
"As for Raven, I know that you plan to stay with her no matter what... but are you sure about this? I know that you have grown rather close with each other over these few months, but... will you risk losing your chance at being Heir?"
Solor looked back at his brother, and the older dragon could feel the slight anxiety he felt at the situation. But the younger dragon smiled as he looked up at his brother. "I am fine with this. Besides... if I can no longer be Heir... I know that, with the previous Grand Death no longer holding you back... Father would have an amazing Heir Potential that he could choose from. I know you say you do not desire it... but perhaps now, if I am banished... that birth right can finally be yours." He scratched the back of his head. "I know you would not approve of me willingly giving up my title to you, seeing all the hard work you've put into helping this youngest son... but better you than Sosfil, in my eyes."
"I don't know, brother," Edward said, "I do not approve. But, if this is your wish I can respect it regardless. I can't really object overly much if you are truly willing to trade Heir Potential or being Heir of the Light to be with Raven. I will admit that maybe in some other realm that me and Raven might have made a good team, but, I knew deep down that day you caught her that she struck a chord within you, like Mally has with me.
"Mally is who gave me the strength to finally tell the former Grand Death off. I had someone to fight for and to want to be with. But, he took his hatred with him to wherever the First sent him to.
"But, I was going to say that if Raven wants the challenge of taking care of a hatchling, she's going to have her hands full. I suggest that you discuss this with her if you want her to be the baby's adopted mother. I just hope that this Vilea doesn't interfere. I am still wary of the Darkness moving to reclaim this hybrid hatchling."
"They will have to go through me", he said testily. "I won't let them take my child or me again." He then shook his head, calming down. "And do not worry, I will talk to her. I'm... I'm not sure about adopted mother yet, but... I think it would be nice if she agreed to it. I think you're right, Brother... she might be the one to give me strength." He then clapped his hand against Edward's shoulder. "But you shouldn't be worrying about me right now. Don't you have a reservation to keep?"
Edward chuckled, "All right. I know when I'm not wanted." Solor also laughed, getting the joke.
"See you in a week," Robin said. Starfire, of course, wasn't going to let them go without a hug. Same with Terra. Mally got an extra hug, though. Terra felt as if she still owed Mally for her help, even though Mally kept saying that she was happy to do it.
"Now, I don't have to kick your butt," Cyborg said with a grin.
"Like you could unless I allowed it," Edward said with a grin.
"Sure...then how was Starfire able to beat you?"
"She used a move I couldn't counter, that's why," Edward said.
"Honey," Mally said, "we gotta go!"
With that the two mated dragons left for their week's vacation/honeymoon.
Once they were out of sight, Solor turned, seeing Raven looking back at her. "So... heading back to the incubator?"
"You know me. My life right now is training, meditating, and watching the egg", Jason responded. He started heading back, with her following right behind him.
"I know you feel that this egg is your responsibility... but is this normal for dragons who are expecting?" she asked. "Do the males become as protective of them as females do?"
"If I was anywhere near as protective as a mother, I would never let that egg leave my sight, even with all the cameras we have around here", he countered. "I would be parked right by it 24/7, even if I had to go into the incubator with it."
"Yikes", she said. "That's a little extreme... but understandably so. Considering this hatchling is gonna be a fraction of the true size you've told me dragons can get..."
The conversation died for a moment, as the two found themselves outside the incubator, watching the egg. Finally, Raven once more broke the silence. "So... you think your Father will be coming back for your hearing soon?"
"Sooner than you think", Solor stated. "I didn't tell Edward... but my hearing is in a few days, while he's gone. I've recovered enough physically that I can make the trip back to Lair. My father presented my case to the Circle and told me, before we headed back today, that they are willing to hear me out... something they would not have done had Grand Death not been replaced. I have hope for a fair trial."
"And if it isn't fair and you do get exiled?" she asked, worry apparent on her face. "Are you really okay with losing everything because of me?"
The dragon turned to her, confused. He placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "If they decide to banish me... then I will accept their decision. And it will not be because of you, Ruuvak. Besides... what could they take from me out here? I have a home, a family that I love... and a beautiful girl and an egg waiting for me."
His words caused the empath's cheeks to flush up, and she turned her head, feeling her heart beating a mile a minute. She couldn't accept that Solor had this easy of a time flustering her... he must have had experience dating before, despite all of his saying that she was his first girlfriend, dragon or not. But even with being flustered and happy and dazed at the same time, one desire hit her. She wanted to hear him say something to her... something she knew he could, but had never actually did say aloud.
"Jason... how do you feel about me?"
The dragon tensed a bit. For a moment, she was afraid he was going to pull away. But he didn't; instead, he gave her a bewildered look once more. "You already know, don't you?"
"I do... but I want to hear you say it."
The dragon chuckled a bit. "Then I'll say it... if you let me hug you." The request wasn't unreasonable; Jason had been very considerate about her. He never even touched her without taking care, reading when she was in the mood. And even with all of that, he had never been so bold to hug her, knowing she didn't like the public display of affection.
But with the two of them alone, Raven nodded her head, allowing him. She felt his arms wrap around her, a comforting, firm grasp that held her close. Her hands ended up pressed against his chest, and she could feel his beating heart underneath her palm. She felt warm and safer than she ever had in this moment, almost as if everything that was terrible, even her father himself, didn't exist. And then the moment got better when she heard his voice, his breath whispering to her ear.
"I love you, Raven."