Hello again readers. Get ready for another chapter of Scálaí Drágon~!
I would also like to take this time to tell you that Yamiyo and I have started posting another dragon story. It's a Companion story to Scálaí called "L'erede del Drago" and it's a spamano fic. So if any of you are interested, go check it out. n_n
Anyways, on to the story!
Thunk-tap. Thunk-tap. Thunk-tap.
The rhythmic sound of heavy footsteps against wooden floors rang throughout the room.
Thunk-tap. Thunk-tap. Thunk-tap.
The noise became more and more irritating the longer it continued. It was loud and pestering like nails on a chalkboard.
Thunk-tap. Thunk-tap. Thunk-tap.
"Would you stop that infernal pacing?! You're giving me a headache!" Arthur snapped at the pacing dragon.
Alfred frowned, expression showing he was clearly frustrated. "I'm sorry! I can't help it! We've been waiting since yesterday for Mattie and that other guy (he still hated saying Francis' name) to come back! I know I told him to find Mattie but unless he got horribly lost, they should've been back way before now!"
He started pacing again. "I mean, the idiot might've got Mattie hurt or something, or got lost and made my bro look for him! I said to find him and bring him back! Not get lost and get Mattie trapped with him too!"
Arthur let out a heavy sigh as Alfred returned to his pacing. Not only did he find it annoying, he also found it a little unnerving. Usually, it was Arthur who did the pacing and worrying while Alfred tried to calm him down… not the other way around! It was unnatural.
"Alfred, I'm sure Matthew is completely fine. He's a smart lad. He wouldn't get lost and I'm positive he's not hurt." Arthur tried calming Alfred. He rose from the place he had been sitting and crossed the room towards the dragon. "He'll be back soon… I'm sure of it." Arthur rested his hand on Alfred's shoulder to make him halt.
"I'm just worried about Mattie. He's always been so timid and afraid of everything after what happened to his mate before," Alfred sighed, pulling Arthur for a tight hug. "And now with what happened to the hatchling, I'm afraid it could all happen again. I don't wanthim to go and set Mattie off."
"I understand…" Arthur replied as he returned Alfred's embrace. "But he's stronger than you think he is… and if Francis does anything to upset Matthew, he will definitely be able to handle himself. You remember how he slapped the hell out of that wanker the last time he said something out of line."
Alfred snorted. That was true. Mattie didhave one mean slap. And he didn't want to be on the receiving end of the blow should it come to it. "I guess you're right but they'd better get here-"
There was a few knocks and a flustered Matthew entered the room, looking more than apologetic. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to come back so late!" He apologized hurriedly, face flushed.
"Mattie!" Alfred let go of Arthur and pounced on his brother who let out a pained gasp when he did. The blue dragon pulled away to look at his brother. "What's wrong? You're not hurt are you?"
Francis, who entered behind Matthew, hurried to the violet eyed dragon's side. His eyes were full of concern when the dragon gasped painfully. "Are you alright?" He asked as he placed a gentle hand on Matthew's lower back.
Arthur looked suspiciously at the two newcomers. He couldn't place it, but he thought there was something a little odd with Matthew's reaction and where Francis had his hand placed…
"I thought I told you not to get him hurt!" Alfred snapped, glaring at Francis furiously. "The hell did you do to get him like that?!"
"I-it's alright Al," Matthew replied quickly, his face a deep red. "He didn't get me hurt!"
"Please believe me when I say that I tried to make sure Mathieu did not get hurt." Francis said nervously.
Why did he phrase it like that? Arthur thought to himself. Does that mean he knew Matthew would get hurt? And why is Matthew standing like that?
Arthur's eyes widened. He suddenly realized why the dragon was standing uncomfortably like that… He himself had to move like that the day after…
"You bloody tosser!" Arthur bellowed at Francis, who jumped in shock.
Both Alfred and Matthew jumped at the shout, Matthew squeaking because he knew exactly what Arthur meant. Matthew's face flushed a deeper red, knowing they'd been caught.
"W-wait Arthur-" he started to say before he was cut off by his brother.
"Artie, what's going on here?" Alfred growled, glaring at Francis. "What'd you do to my brother, Francis?"
"Wait let me explain!" Francis pleaded desperately, but Arthur didn't give him time to explain.
Arthur grabbed the nearest object, a small figurine, and threw it angrily at Francis. When Francis dodged the object, Arthur quickly grabbed another to throw and continued yelling at the other knight.
"You perverted bastard! We told you to stay away from Matthew! How could you do something… something like that to the poor lad?!" Arthur shouted as he tossed another object.
Alfred, finally getting it, grew even more furious. "You defiled my brother?!" He shrieked. "I told you to find him and help him not to go and rape him!"
Matthew had to grab him and hold him back from killing the poor knight. "W-wait! Would you two calm down for just a minute so we can explain?!" He pleaded.
"No! I'm gonna kill this bastard and make him regret he was ever born!" Alfred snarled, small flames escaping as he spoke. "I'm gonna tear your head off just like I promised, dammit! Mattie, let go!"
Now Francis found himself getting upset. "I most certainly wouldn't sleep with anyone if it wasn't consensual!" He defended himself. "I care deeply for Mathi-"
CRASH
Another object was thrown. It narrowly missed Francis' head and hit the wall behind him.
"But I specifically told you not to pursue him!" Arthur yelled. "Now I'll do something worsethan turn you pink!"
Matthew was getting sick and tired of all the yelling, the constant shoving from his brother to get at Francis, the fact he wasn't being listened to. He was done.
"Would you all just shut the hell up for a few goddamned seconds?!" Matthew shouted, shoving his brother away. He huffed when he had their attention and stalked over to Francis (despite his slight limp) and stood in front of him protectively. "He didn't 'rape' me or do anything bad to me! Stop treating him like a criminal and maybe listen to me before you go off like this!"
He paused, glaring at the pair across from him. "For your information, I'm the one who asked him to make love with me! He didn't force me!" His glare grew scathing as he focused on Alfred. "So it's okay for you to be with Arthur and make love to him, but I can't have the same relationship, by my own choice, with Francis?! No, don't look at me like that, I know what you two did!"
He continued to bristle like an angry cat, temper lost. "I've had more than enough of you two treating me like a child when I can handle myself!" He turned to Arthur. "I'm a lot older than you too, so what exactly makes you think you're so much more wise and experienced than me, huh?" He clasped his hand with Francis' own. "I love him and he loves me! If you've got a problem with that then keep it to yourself!"
Francis was more than pleased with the way Matthew spoke to Alfred and Arthur. He was elated by the way Matthew defended their love… and the flabbergasted look on Arthur's face was just an added bonus.
"You see?" Francis said as he pulled Matthew closer and wrapped his arms around the dragon. "We were simply acting out on love… like you two apparently did."
Arthur turned a deep shade of red and refused to make eye contact with anyone. "S-sorry Matthew." He mumbled. "I didn't mean to treat you like a child."
Alfred's expression was angry, but very much embarrassed. He was the older brother so why was he getting scolded?! Maybe he was out of line, but he was trying to protect his only younger brother.
Matthew sighed, exasperated. "It's alright Arthur. I know you were just trying to help keep me out of danger but I can make my own decisions."
"I understand. I trust your judgement…" Arthur replied before turning to Francis. "And I trust that you will take care of Matthew." Or else. The look on Arthur's face seemed to say.
"I have nothing but good intentions for his well being, mon ami." Francis answered holding Matthew just a little tighter.
Alfred didn't reply. He was still at a loss for words. He decided to sit in a chair on the side of the room where Arthur had been sitting earlier. He didn't look at anyone, expression showing his inner conflict about everything.
Matthew sighed internally. His brother would always be stubborn about wanting to act as his guardian.
Arthur immediately took notice of Alfred's mood. He frowned slightly, not liking to see the dragon look like this at all. He turned to whisper to Matthew, "Maybe you should take Francis for a walk around the castle while I stay here and talk to your brother."
Matthew nodded, frowning. He knew his brother was and would be upset about everything but he wasn't expecting that. "Alright. I, um, guess you should just let me know when to come back..."
He grabbed Francis and led him back out of the room, letting him know they had to leave for a bit.
Arthur waited patiently until they were out the room before turning to face Alfred.
"Alright." Arthur started as he approached the dragon. "What's on your mind?" He knew Alfred was upset about the whole Matthew and Francis business, but he thought it would be best for the dragon to confide his feelings to Arthur. That way, Alfred could speak freely without his brother being upset.
"I don't like any of this!" Alfred replied curtly, almost snapping. "He doesn't know how to treat Mattie! And I'm sure he doesn't know anything about dragons either! What if something happens to my brother? He's not going to know anything about what to so, what herbs to use or anything like that!
And not only that, but what if he ends up getting Mattie killed or badly hurt? You know what he did to me! What if he puts Mattie in that same position? He's already suffered enough, Arthur. He really has. I don't want him to go trough more pain; to snap again. He won't be able to handle it. He'll break!"
"Oh, Alfred…" Arthur breathed a sigh. He wrapped his arms around the sitting dragon so his face was cradled against Arthur's chest.
Arthur truly felt his heart go out to Alfred. The dragon had every right to feel concerned and angry about Matthew dating Francis. Arthur was also afraid of Francis somehow hurting Matthew, but he felt it wasn't his place to keep the two apart…
"I know you aren't happy with this, but we need to give Francis a chance. I still haven't forgiven him for what he did to you, and I never will, but I think he has proven that he really cares for Matthew." Arthur spoke as he tried comforting the dragon. "He protected him from the guards and he helped Matthew when he almost lost it at the meeting.
For some reason, Francis seems to ease some of Matthew's suffering. Matthew needs someone like that. It wouldn't be good to try and separate them. Besides, if we did that then we would be just like everyone else who tried to keep us apart."
Alfred gave a muffled sigh, arms wrapping around Arthur's middle. He was right, of course, but it still bothered him a lot. He knew he would be terribly saddened and angry if his knight was taken from him, like how they'd been forbidden from each other before they'd gone and done everything that they did. "You're right... I'm sorry for snapping at you. He's the only family I've had for a long time. Our parents didn't live long after we were born. We were raised by the others in our kin, but Mattie and I were always closest. I don't want anyone to hurt him."
He looked up at Arthur gratefully, a small smile appearing on his face. "Thanks Artie."
"No problem, love." Arthur leant down and placed a kiss on Alfred's forehead. "And don't worry. Matthew won't get hurt. He has his big, strong brother looking after him." Arthur emphasized the word 'strong' hoping that a little bit flattery would lift the dragons mood a bit.
Alfred snorted at the flattery, though it did help to brighten his mood. He brushed the side of Arthur's face lovingly with one hand before pulling him down so he could press a kiss on his lips. "You're too kind, Artie."
Arthur hummed in contentment at Alfred's praise. He just wanted to stay in the dragon's arms all day… but they had important matters to attend to.
"We should probably head out, love." Arthur spoke. "The King is holding a meeting with his court and he wanted us to be there."
Alfred sighed. Meetings were often boring. He'd much rather just do something fun like playing games than go to some meeting that likely had a bunch of old codgers that probably would hate him. But he had to do what he had to do, lest something horrible happen again.
"Alright. Let's get the other two and head over," he replied.
They made their way out of the room to look for Matthew and Francis as Arthur began explaining the King's Court to Alfred.
"There are four members of the court. Any laws the King wants to pass must be approved by all members."
"Are they anything to be worried about? I mean, like how me and Mattie are dragons? It's not gonna go well if they hate our guts." Alfred mused, before shrugging. "Ah, well, I guess we'll find out."
It didn't take long for them to find the others. Once they had informed Matthew and Francis of the meeting, they had all reported to the throne room where King Roderich was waiting for them.
"Thank you for coming." The King spoke from his throne. "My Court should be arriving in five minutes. I ask that the four of you sit to the side and observe. This discussion is mainly between me and my Court. You may only speak when you are spoken to… is that understood?"
Alfred frowned but nodded. They were the ones who had gotten the whole thing started. Why couldn't they play a bigger role in it all?
Arthur felt the same as Alfred. He was happy that they could actually sit in for this meeting but he wanted to be able to speak his mind. But he couldn't argue with the King, so he remained silent.
Matthew remained silent, and he planned to keep it that way. He wasn't fond of meetings and hated having to speak up about anything, though he would if he had to.
"Good." King Roderich replied in a satisfied voice. He motioned for them to take the seats that were provided for them.
Just as they began to sit, the doors opened and four people made their way into the room.
"Roderich, dear! I'm really surprised that you'd consider a meeting for something like this!" A woman with long brown hair called out to the king, smiling cheerfully. "Dragons were always creatures you hated. What made you change your mind?"
"That's what I'd like to know," the man behind her asked gruffly. He didn't look too happy to be there.
"Oh hush, Abel. Don't sound so rude. This is a very important proposition!"
"Well, he did change his views quite suddenly, Elizaveta." A woman with short blond spoke up. She looked a bit happier than her brother but she still looked skeptical about being there.
"The King must have a good reason to change his views, Bella." A man wearing glasses said.
"As a matter of fact I do have a good reason, Eduard." King Roderich finally spoke up. If he didn't, he knew they would continue to bicker.
"I'd certainly love to hear it," Elizaveta chirped, settling into a seat in the room.
"It had better make sense. I don't want to hear some idealistic nonsense that's going to result in more problems," Abel snapped. "The last thing I want is some kind of stupid war."
"I'm trying to prevent war and solve our problems with the Dragons." King Roderich replied cooly.
"Well I would hope so." Bella twitted. "Although I think all those Dragons are hopeless problems that just can't be solved."
Arthur, who was sitting not too far from the Court Lady Bella, had to bite his tongue to prevent himself from lashing out at the woman. Even Francis was glowering at her, and the knight never glared at a lady.
"Maybe we should let the King continue before saying our opinions." Eduard remarked.
"Thank you, Eduard!" The King fumed. He was getting upset with all of the talking and he didn't like talking over others.
Once silence had finally fallen over the council, Roderich continued to speak, "As all of you know, I've called you here to talk about making things right with the Dragons. Thanks to these men…" Roderich motioned towards Arthur and Alfred. "I have seen that Dragons are not as terrible as we thought they were. It is possible to get along with them and I believe that it would be cruel to continue killing them."
"Oh my! That's quite the change if attitude!" Elizaveta exclaimed excitedly clapping her hands together. "I agree that it could definitely help us if we can all get along. Imagine how we could prosper! I think we should go with this idea!"
"Are you joking?!" Abel snapped. "I don't think you have any idea of how much of a problem they've been until we started hunting them! They've killed many of our people! Why the hell would we possibly want to work with them now?!"
"I have to agree with my brother. This is just ridiculous." Bella argued. "And what about the supplies we need for our potions? Are we supposed to put our needs on hold while we let those beasts run free?!"
"I'm not sure how I feel about this." Eduard added. "I never really liked the thought of killing dragons, but Bella and Abel have a point. They have caused a lot of destruction and we need scales for our healing potions. We're in very short supply as it is."
"But we don't need to kill a dragon for its scales." Roderich countered. "Alfred could tell you that." The King motioned towards the dragon.
Alfred hesitated to speak, seeing as the arguments were getting pretty heated between the four. He still stepped forward in the end, giving a small nod as he did, ignoring the intense stares he was getting.
"Right..." He turned to address the four. "You've all known that the knight were always sent to kill dragons, so they were then able to obtain the scales for potions, namely the healing potion. But that isn't necessary. Dragons shed scales quite often for new ones. If you were to compromise and stop hunting them, they would then give you as much scales as you need."
"And how are we supposed to believe all that? Dragons are violent creatures! Why would they suddenly decide to give their scales to us? How can we trust you?!" Abel cut in sharply, slamming a hand on the table.
Alfred frowned not backing down. "I can say that because I AM a dragon. I was the first one to suggest such a deal, and I persuaded the others to go along with it, provided you stop hunting us."
Bella, upon hearing that there was a dragon in the room, began to look uncomfortable and fidget.
But Eduard leaned forward in interest. "You were the one to suggest starting all of this? That's amazing. What made you want to give us your scales after what our people have done to your species?"
"Er...well, I did it cuz of Artie." He glanced at the former knight. "I saved him and he taught me potions and spells in return. We grew… really close during that time," he paused to look at Elizaveta who had squeed before continuing, "and I didn't want him to get hurt if he had to continue hunting dragons. And, yes, he told me about how his ancestor was the one to start it all. I don't care."
Arthur looked away to hide a fond smile. He felt so proud of Alfred.
"Just because you agree to hand over your scales doesn't mean that the rest of your kind will." Bella hissed. She refused to look at Alfred as he spoke.
Alfred bit back a scowl, not quite happy that he was being treated like scum.
"Actually, we've already made arrangements with the rest," Matthew cut in firmly, also not happy. "Our elders already have come to an understanding and your king has already even met with them. I, as another dragon, can say that I am very willing to negotiate with humans so that the killing on both sides will stop."
"I don't believe you were given permission to speak." Bella snapped at Matthew. This earned her another harsh glare from Francis.
"Be quiet Bella." Eduard spoke angrily at the court woman. "Don't you see what a great opportunity this is? Not only will the killing and destruction stop, we will also have a chance to help our Kingdom flourish once again. We can have more healing remedies for our people who need them."
Matthew glared, full on glared, at the woman, keeping his stance firm. He wasn't going to let her scare him away when he had a duty to fulfill. He wasn't going to let more deaths happen needlessly.
"Who's to say it really will stop? What if they decide they'd rather just continue on attacking humans?" Abel countered. "They'll probably say they want peace and attack us when our guard is down!"
"I don't feel you've any right to say that." Matthew interjected icily, eyes glinting coldly. "During our meeting with the elders, while we kept all means of peace, one of your knights attacked and killed one of our hatchlings when he was under orders not to harm us. Orders from your king. If either of the sides should be worried about betrayal it should be ours. And yet here we are asking for a compromise."
It was silent for a few moments as Matthew's words weighed heavily on the court.
"Both sides are risking their safety to pass this law." The King broke the silence to speak again. "Maybe even more so for the dragons. If we want things to truly change, we need to gain their trust. Which is why I would like to pass a law making it illegal to kill a dragon."
Elizaveta hummed thoughtfully, tapping a finger on the table. "I do wonder though... If someone from our side were to go and do so anyways, what will happen then? I can't say that there won't be people who object. And if they were to anger the dragons by killing one of their family, what would happen? What would we do about it? Would we treat it like murdering someone here or would it be a more serious crime?"
"And what would we do if they were to do the same? Give them a light slap on the wrist and let them go because our 'relationship' would be shaky? You can't coddle another race because they're dangerous!" Abel snapped.
"We aren't trying to coddle them." Roderich argued. "We are trying to earn their trust. We must treat people who kill a Dragons the same way we treat people who kill other people."
"So you do that by risking our lives?!" Bella raised her voice. "Those creatures cannot be trusted!"
"So much as they feel we cannot be trusted!" Elizaveta retorted sharply. "Didn't you hear what he said? He said a child of the dragons was killed! You saying that is just unfair! And how can you know they can be trusted if you've never tried?!"
"Because beasts will always be beasts!" Abel cut in, defending his sister. "They probably enjoy hunting and killing us off like insects!"
"We do not!" Alfred and Matthew protested angrily.
"If we really did would we have become so close with these knights? I would've never stayed with Arthur if I didn't love him! If I wanted him dead, he wouldn't even be here right now!" Alfred hissed.
"And if that were true, then don't you think we would've killed the king? Not request a meeting in the name of peace?! But we are here, seeking your help to make all this needless fighting and bloodshed stop!" Matthew shouted, bristling.
"They're right." Arthur finally spoke up. "They have had dozens of chances to kill us, but they didn't. A majority of the dragon's attacks against us are either self defense or result from an act of provocation when we kill someone they were close to. If you really want to stop all this destruction then it has to start here. In this kingdom."
Eduard rubbed his chin in deep thought. "Hmm, they do bring up very valid points."
"I agree. Anyone would fight back and kill if they had to were they in the position," Elizaveta mused, crossing her arms. "You can't tell me you wouldn't do the same if you had to protect your sister, right Abel?"
The man didn't reply, gaze stubbornly cast to the floor.
"The same goes for you, Bella." Eduard addressed the court woman. "Wouldn't you do the same for Abel?"
Bella looked away, trying to look stubborn like her brother, but it was obvious that there was confliction in her eyes.
Roderich, seeing the siblings starting to relent, asked the court, "If I was to ask your permission to pass this law, would all of you give me your consent?"
"I would." Elizaveta replied immediately. "I can see it will be of great help to our kingdom and people, as well as benefitting the dragons."
"...I still don't like it, at all." Abel muttered rather bitterly. "But if you see it best, then I will consent."
"We should have the papers all finalizedtomorrow morning." Roderich told the celebrating dragons. "You are welcome to stay in the castle overnight and leave to tell your Elders in the morning."
"We would love to," Matthew accepted gratefully with a nod of his head.
"Oh and Arthur." Roderich turned to face Arthur. "I have been meaning to ask, how would you like to be reinstated into knighthood?"
Arthur felt excitement welling up inside him. So many good things were happening right now! "It would be an honor to have my title back, your majesty."
"Yay! They accepted you again Artie!" Alfred cheered, planting a kiss on the knight's cheek. "Congratulations, you've really earned it!" (Was it his imagination or was Elizaveta having a horrible nosebleed?)
Arthur blushed, but turned to finally return Alfred's embrace. "Thank you Alfred. I'm just glad that things are finally starting to look up for us."
"Qui." Francis said as he wrapped his arms around Matthew. "I'm happy that you will no longer have to worry about being hunted."
"We'll be okay. We went through some rough spots, and there could be more, but we can do anything!" Alfred reassured, squeezing Arthur close.
Matthew smiled at Francis warmly. "Me too. At least we don't have to hide our relationships now, right?"
"Right!" Alfred chirped loudly.
"You all are just too precious!" Elizaveta cooed, walking over to greet the group. "I'm glad we were able to settle this matter peacefully. And I'm glad you were able to be reinstated, Arthur. It must have been tough being treated like a criminal."
Arthur, who became embarrassed with the way Elizaveta seemed to be fawning over them, quickly let go of Alfred and addressed her properly. "Yes, well it was a bit frustrating and a little bit frightening, but I'm glad it's all cleared up now. Thank you so much for your support, Elizaveta."
"Oh, Arthur! Don't be so formal with me, that makes me feel old!" Elizaveta scolded, pursing her lips. The pout again turned to a smile. "I'm glad that soon all this nonsense will quiet down and just disappear. Or at least fade away. I've always thought that hunting dragons was quite absurd! But you four were able to show the others that you can't just believe what you're being told."
"I'm glad you think so." Arthur smiled. He felt at ease with the way Elizaveta talked to them. "Hopefully others will agree."
"Of course they'll agree." Francis remarked. "Stop being a pessimist. Everything will be fine."
"I'm sure they will. Maybe not immediately but change will surely happen eventually. It was bound to." Elizaveta agreed. "Change is bound to be objected to, but it is for the best. They will learn, just like we all did."
"They won't object for long." Francis spoke suavely as he pulled Matthew closer to him. "Soon the winds of persecution will blow over." He said poetically, trying to impress the dragon in his arms.
Arthur rolled his eyes at the Knight. "Try not to make a fool of yourself."
Matthew chuckled at Francis' antics but found himself charmed nonetheless. "Just let him be," he replied to Arthur light-heartedly.
"But once you let him start he won't stop." Arthur warned.
"Don't be poisoned by his spitefulness, Mathieu!" Francis said dramatically. "He is just jealous of my eloquent words."
"I think I can handle it," Matthew laughed cheerfully, patting his lover on the arm. "If we're supposed to stay together then I think I can handle all his quirks and such."
"Spoken like a true lover!" Elizaveta mewled, cheeks flushed. "How adorable~! How I envy such a love like that!"
"I just got lucky." Francis beamed. "But I'm sure someone like yourself has a string of beaus that would go crazy over you."
"Urgh, I don't think I can take much more of this." Arthur claimed. "I'm going to turn in early."
Elizaveta laughed, before nodding to Arthur. "Sleep well, dear. I'm sure there will be a lot more to come in the future."
"I'm gonna go with ya Artie. If me and Mattie are gonna be flying to the elders tomorrow, we're gonna need plenty of rest."
"He's right," Matthew sighed. "That's going to be a long flight. And probably not an easy one."
"Then I shall accompany you to bed." Francis chimed to Matthew.
Matthew blushed slightly, but nodded. He still couldn't get used to the idea of not sleeping alone as he had been for a long time.
"Well then, you two take care as well." The woman chirped. "I'll leave you alone now. We've got paperwork to take care of if we want this law passed." She bowed and left.
"I guess we'll see you two in the morning." Arthur said to Francis and Matthew. "Have a good night's rest."
"You too." Matthew replied giving a small wave to him and his brother as they headed off. "Sleep well."
Arthur and Alfred also began making their way towards their room. "How long do you think you'll be gone?" Arthur questioned Alfred as thy walked through the silent castle corridors.
"Well, I figure they're staying in the mountain range that's quite a ways from our original nesting grounds." Alfred explained. "I'd say two days to fly there. One and a half to get back. It's easier to leave mountains than to get there. The winds aren't very hospitable. It could be quicker coming back, but I can't be certain. We're not going to stay long. Just to deliver the message and rest a bit then come straight back unless they need something of us."
Arthur nodded. He felt a little disappointed that Alfred was leaving. He had gotten so used to seeing the dragon everyday that the thought of being a apart for a few days bothered him.
"I'll miss you while you're gone." Arthur mumbled quietly. "But make sure you're careful and don't push yourself. I don't want you to get hurt on the way there and back."
Alfred smiled a bit sadly and pulled Arthur close, hugging him tightly. "I'll be okay." He pulled something out if his pocket and revealed the pendant the knight had given him in his hand. "After all, I still always keep this with me. It's brought me good luck all the way up til now. I think it'll keep workin' for me."
Arthur smiled happily when Alfred pulled the pendant out. He felt touched that the dragon had kept it safe. But his smile vanished when he remembered what had happened to Alfred's scales. He had lost them in his confrontation with Francis. He felt guilty that Alfred kept his gift to him while Arthur had lost his.
"Hey. You okay? What's wrong?" Alfred asked, quickly taking notice of Arthur's unease. He ruffled the blonde's hair gently. "What's bothering you?"
"Sorry it's just…" Arthur looked down at the floor guiltily. "I lost your scales the day I was prevented from meeting the King. I'm so sorry, Alfred. You were kind enough to give them to me and they got taken away… I feel terrible."
Alfred laughed softly. "Artie, that's what you're worrying about? I've got hundreds of scales. A couple missing isn't anything major! I know you feel bad because I gave them to you, but I'd give you every single one of them if you wanted them."
He smiled at his lover. How honest this man was, that he would admit something like that, even if he thought it meant that he'd get in trouble. "I wouldn't ever be mad at you for something like that." He pulled away from the knight. "I'll be right back. You go to the room and I'll be there shortly." He winked. "Don't ask, just go." And with that he took off running.
Arthur stood there a moment as he quizzically watched the dragon run out of sight. He was glad that Alfred wasn't upset with him for losing the scales but he wondered where (and why) the dragon had run off. But Arthur did what he was told and went to their room to wait for Alfred.
It was about half an hour later that Alfred came back, huffing and puffing before trotting over to Arthur, hands behind his back. "Hey! Hey! Artie! Close your eyes!" He was grinning playfully, blue eyes twinkling.
Arthur laughed at the dragons appearance. Those blue eyes never ceased to make his heart leap with joy. The Knight closed his eyes tightly and asked, "What are you up to?"
"You'll see, you'll see," Alfred sang, sounding very amused.
All Arthur could feel was something slipping past his throat, thin like string except stronger. Something was held on the middle of it; light but had a weight to it, a familiar feel.
"Okay, you can open your eyes."
Arthur slowly opened his eyes and looked down to see what Alfred had place on him.
"Alfred!" Arthur gasped in surprise when he saw the necklace that the dragon had given him.
"Hehe, I felt bad. You losing the scales was partly my fault. It's not a fancy chain like what you gave me. It's made of leather so it'll still be strong but pliable." Alfred explained, scratching his head sheepishly. "At least this way you can keep it on you easier."
"I love it." Arthur whispered as he stroked the scale fondly. It shined just as brightly as Alfred's sapphire eyes. He turned back to The dragon and pulled him down to place a deep kiss on the other's lips.
When he was finished thoroughly kissing the dragon, he pulled back slightly to smile lovingly at Alfred. "Thank you. I'll always keep it with me."
Alfred continued to smile brightly, a faint blush still apparent on his cheeks. "That's good! I had to get some help to get it properly placed on it. Dragon scales aren't exactly easy to puncture... But I managed." He scooped the knight into his arms, and then carried him over to their bed before placing him on it. "But it's not important. We need some rest and I don't plan on letting you go all night."
Arthur loved the thought of being in Alfred's arms all night, so he began to pull the dragon into bed with him. "That's good because I was just thinking the same about you. Now hurry up into bed. I don't want you falling asleep on your way over to see the Elders."
Alfred chuckled, getting into the bed. He waited for Arthur to settle down before wrapping his arms around the man, pulling him to his chest. "That won't happen. With you, I feel more safe than anywhere else in this world."
"I feel the same way about you…" Arthur blushed. He wished he was capable of saying sweet romantic nothings like Alfred did. Every word out of the Dragon's mouth was a gift that Arthur cherished.
He rested his head against Alfred's strong chest. "I love you." He murmured.
"I love you too, Artie. I always will." Alfred whispered back. "And that's why everything will be okay."
I love how fluffeh usuk can be (/u/)
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