Nevaria stood silently, staring out on the magical land. She was a very part of it, just as Yura and Kalec were. All this time, her father had known. This explained so much; why he pushed her so hard, why he begged her to join the mage's circle in place of the Ranger's, why it pained him so greatly when she went to war with the others. He knew what greatness was hidden under her Elven skin.
"So Nevaria, are you ready to spread your wings and take up your birthright?"
"I would but..." she was unable to finish as thoughts of her family came flooding into her mind.
"I understand. Please take some rest and let this all sink in. The choice is yours. Now, my mate Krasus will escort you to your room while you are here. I need a speak with Kalec for a few moments."
"My Queen, Yura...I have already made arrangements in our own Sanctum as it seems she's already beginning to build a resistance to the cold of our land." Kalec said, bowing slightly.
"Very well then. But no matter, I bid that Krasus will aid you in anyway he can as Kalec has other matters to attend to this evening."
"Again, Life-Binder I cannot thank you enough."
"Rest well tonight, and we'll speak again when you've made your decision." Yura said before turning her massive head and nuzzled Krasus in the gentlest way. Nevaria carefully climbed on top of Kalec as he dove from the great tree
Following Kalec, Krasus too swooped from the great tree and exited the Domain of the Reds. Making a sharp turn, they entered the realm of the Blue Flight.
Nevaria could not believe her eyes as her breath froze in her chest. There were no bright reds or shining gold here, but in their place were crystal hues of blue and glittering whites. The pure white trees reviled the size of the Great Red tree and were covered in leaves that seemed to be made of ice. Throughout the valley, the sound of the thundering waterfalls echoed off the mountains that seemed to surround them and reached the clouds above.
Leaning over a bit, she saw that ground was powdery white, but wasn't covered in snow as she had originally thought. Instead the grounds were covered with an endless field of winter's hyacinth, and these were different than other ones she had seen. These hyacinth seemed more delicate, and around each petal a pale mist floated on their leaves like an early morning dew.
"Magic is a very part of this place, just as it is a part of us Ria."
"It's the most..beautiful place I've ever seen."
"This is your true home. If you listen, even the wind calls to you and welcomes you home."
Nevaria closed her eyes and focused on the wing that danced on her skin and began to listen. Her heart stopped for a moment, Kalec was right. It was as if the sky, the trees, even the waters called her name. They truly did welcome her home.
Kalec exchanged a few brief words, but she paid them no mind. Her mind was busy taking in the unearthly beauty of the land soaring beneath her.
"Are you ready?" Kalec asked, his words finally pulling her from her trance.
"What?"
"Can you not feel it?"
"Feel what?"
"You'll see." he smirked as he landed gracefully on the ice as if it were grass. "Nevaria...Come see." he said transforming back to his Elven body and pulling a thick curtain back.
Her motioned her towards a tall, silver mirror. She looked at Kalec, confused then stepped into the mirrors view and couldn't believe her eyes. Her azure hair was now a dark, sapphire blue had now curled in perfect waves. Her silver eyes now held a striking blue hue that rivaled the winter's hyacinth that always adorned the Great Halls during the Winter Festival. Her eyes than focused on Kalec, and she noticed she now stood only inches shorter.
"You've already started to transform. The land really is welcoming you home."
"Is being here forcing me to change?"
"No, of course not. The magic here only answers to what you heart wants. If you don't want to change, it will stop."
Before Nevaria could respond, a yawn escaped her mouth.
"So where am I sleeping? I'm exhausted. It's getting late and Ithil's getting hungry." she said stroking the small whelps chin.
"Ithil?"
"Yes?"
"What's it mean?"
"It means "moon" in the elder tongue."
"Doesn't really fit with our custom, but he's your whelp to name."
"You have a naming custom?"
"Oh, guess you wouldn't have known that. Each Flight has a specific ending they use in their names. Our males end if -gos, and our females end in -gosa."
"Then how do you fit in?"
"Kalec is the name I use with the Elves, and it's more of a nickname. Kalecgos is my true name. Yours is Nevaragosa."
"I think I'll stick with Ria for now."
"It's beautiful either way. But let's go ahead and get you to bed."
Kalec led her back, deep in the hallows of the mountain where Ria could hear the hum of the mountains. Once they reached the end, it split into 6 rooms each with a different colored curtain covering the opening. Kalec pulled back the blue and silver lined one and stepped to the side. Buried deep in the mountain was one of the grandest rooms she could have ever imagined. A giant four poster bed was the center focus of the room with it's elegantly carved designs, only the great marble fire place took your focus from it.
Spread across the bed were white furs and Ria couldn't wait to curl up in but her stomach directed her towards the large table, covered in food and numerous jars.
"The silver jars are yours. There's water, a couple different wines, and just let me know if you want anything else. The gold jars are for Ithil."
"Oh?"
"You don't produce enough blood in that elven body to sustain his needs and we need you to have your strength."
Ithil fluttered across the room, sinking his head into the open gold jar. After a few moments, he cleaned himself off and flew over to the bed and snuggled beneath one of the white furs that draped itself across the bed.
"If you need anything, Krasus is two rooms to the left with the white curtain. I'll be just up the stairs behind the dark blue curtain. Good night." he said, heading back towards the corridor.
"Kalec, wait"
"Yes?"
"I never did thank you...for saving my life."
Kalec didn't respond, he simply bowed deeply and backed out, closing the curtain behind him. Nevaria stood there for a moment, staring at the space Kalec had just occupied. Finally, taking a deep breath she made her way towards the bed. Running her fingers across the warm furs and silks that draped themselves over it, she leaned forward and collapsed on them, letting their warmth seep into her skin.
A small, slightly muffled squeak told her Ithil was already fast asleep. Although her empty stomach protested greatly, the fatigue that plagues her muscles and mind screamed even louder. Turned her head, she caught a glimpse of shimmering fabric folded up on the night stand next to the bed. Carefully getting up, so she didn't disturb Ithil, she grabbed the material carefully. She was amazed as it unfolded itself and became the most beautiful nightgown she had ever seen. It's pure beauty could even put the grand dresses of the Goldwynn elite to shame.
Slipping into the gown, she felt the magic it had been woven with dance on her skin. Even though it was lighter than air, it provided more warmth that some of her winter robes. Folding her robes neatly, she placed them on the nightstand then climbed into bed next to Ithil and fell into another dreamless sleep.
Just outside the room, Kalec stood lingering at the bottom on the stairs.
"Kalec...What do you think will happen if she decides to stay an elf?" came Zarim's voice.
"I'm not sure Zarim. Probably have Durion erase her memory and maybe find a way to remove her Dragon soul to protect her."
"How will you handle that? You know the rest of the council will demand you stay away from her as much as possible."
Kalec went silent. Zarim had reminded him of something he'd not thought of. Once Durion erased her memory, he could have little to no interaction with her, or risk her regaining her memory and putting the flights at great risk. He would have to sit back and watch, forgetting all feelings he had towards her.
"Didn't think about that did you?" Zarim finally said, reading the look on Kalec's face. "You have to be honest with her Kalec. You have to tell her. Elves may have long lives, but they are not immortal. They will die."
"I'll talk to her about it in the morning. She needs to rest."
"Kalec...You're a dear friend, and so is Ria, but if she remains an elf we must do what's best for our flights." Zarim said, thinking of the wife and son he had left behind in Goldwynn.
"Zarim..I believe it's best you go back to your Sanctum and rest yourself." Kalec scoffed as he turned and made his way up the stairs and to the crown of the Crystal tree.
"For the welfare of my flight..." he echoed to himself in his head. Pushing the thought from his mind, he sat, watching the members of his flight tend to the numerous clutches of eggs, the next generation and their new hope.
It was good to see so many eggs. After the last way with the Demon lords and their pet humans, the Blue Flight had come close to its end. Now, he knew he had to take a Queen. Only then would the flight be whole and truly prosper.
"A little late for you isn't it Kalecgos?"
"Kiragosa...Thought you were up North."
"We all came back if we weren't needed when Yura called for us...Those of us that could."
"Those that could?" he asked, cautiously.
"A few of our scouting parties were ambushed by the Black Flight."
"What? Why was I not told of this?"
"We told Yura as soon as we got back. It was a small party, but the Black flight still managed to take out 5 of them. Only myself, Tryagosa, Mirgos and Myragosa were able to escape."
Kalec looked back down at the clutches, at one who had recently hatched.
"Xavrigosa's clutch hatched early."
"How are her whelps?" Kiragosa asked, with deep concern.
"By the time one of the Wards found them, they were all dead, except one."
"Only one...Out of 12? Which one? Where is it?"
"Her smallest one, and he's with Nevaria."
"Nevaria? Who's Nevaria?"
"An elf..."
"You allowed one of our precious whelps to be with an elf? Are you crazy/"
"Well, she's not entirely an elf."
"Not entirely elf? What is that suppose to mean exactly?"
"She's Nedragosa's only surviving child. Yura had her hidden away in an elven body to protect her. She just hasn't shed her elven skin yet, but she is slowly changing into her true form."
"Nedragosa...Never thought I'd hear her name again." she sighed before perking up. "Kalec...Does this mean we have our Queen?"
"Like I said, she has not shed her elven form yet."
"Yura's giving her a choice? But Kalec..the fate of our flight..."
"We'll figure something out if she chooses to remain with her given family. But, I have a feeling she'll make the right decision."
"I hope you're right Kalec. Out flight cannot remain unwhole if we plan on surviving what ever Rhovarian is planning.
Sunrise swept across the frozen land with a graceful dancer, its beams reflected in the crystal leaves of the Great tree. Something had awoke Nevaria early, before the sun made her appearance in the sky. Dressing quickly, Nevaria had let the wind lead her where it would, Ithil fluttering close behind.
The very ice she walked on seemed to carry her, feather light on it's shiny, slick surface. Nothing felt heavy, almost as if she were flying. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and thought of her father, Calanon, her mother, and her sister. Her Mother and Father already knew about her, but how would Cal and Saphrina take this shocking news.
Saphrina was easy to figure out. Nevaria already knew Rina would be beyond jealous as always, yet that would probably give way to the fact that Nevaria wouldn't be home much anymore, if at all. Then her mind thought of Calanon. The fact that she wouldn't be home would be a lot harder on him, but she knew he would more excited that he had a dragon for a sister.
Then something dark clouded her mind. Would she even be able to tell them? Or would she have to fake her own death, much like Zarim had. The thought of her family, speaking before her own funeral pyre hit her hand, causing her to lose her balance. Landing hard on the ice, she let out a small cry of pain as a shard sliced through her arm.
Ithil squeaked in a panic and darted to her side.
"I'm alright, Ithil. I just slipped..." she said, trying to ignore the pain in her arm.
"Our flight can't remain unwhole..." echoed a voice in her head.
Nevaria looked around frantically, looking for Kalec. Then, she heard the voice again.
"Kalec..."
There was no answer...Only silence.
"It's been a week, why haven't we heard from her? It's not like Ria to do this! Maybe she's hurt."
"Calanon, calm down. She's fine. The King and Queen tell me she's with Kalec. More than likely off, getting to know each other before their wedding."
Calanon flinched as a frustrated scream came from upstairs.
"What's wrong with Rina?"
"She's just upset that the Royal family chose Ria over her to marry Kalec. You know how you sister gets when things don't go her way."
"So Ria's really going to marry Kalec? Does that mean she's leaving us?"
"Oh Calanon, Ria would have left eventually. Rina will too. It's tradition. Your sisters would go to live with their husbands, while you take over this one."
"But she'll be in the palace, so I won't be able to see her."
"Of course you will. Kalec's much more laid back than he appears. Besides, as if Ria could go very long without seeing her favorite little brother."
Saphrina stared out her window, her eyes burning with angry tears and her hands clenched tightly. Father always tried to make her believe she and Ria were equal...but she knew it was all a lie. Ria always got the best of everything.
Rhovarian stared down at the sniveling Ayran, his eyes burning with anger.
"Master, please. I tried, but...the Life-Binder..."
"Stop your excuses you worthless creature. You couldn't even kill a simple elf? What use are you to me?" echoed his dark voice. "If you had simply killed the elf, Kalec wouldn't have been able to think clearly and you could have taken down the Azure's Aspect."
"But my lord...there was something different about this elf. She didn't smell right. Her smell wasn't appalling like that of the others. The damned elves have tainted themselves with their arcane lust. She was able to overpower 3 Black Dragonkin."
Rhovarian stroked his chin in thought.
"That is..intriguing. Who is this Blood Elf?"
"Kalec called her, Nevaria."
"What's so special about this elf?"
"I don't know my lord. Kalec was very protective of her, even revealing his true form in front of her."
"Hmm...How was she able to kill one of my kin?"
"She carried a strange bow. I could hear it sing. And I may be mistaken...But it looked like Nedragosa's."
Rhovarian's eyes became wide then began to laugh with an evil chuckle.
"My lord?" Ayran asked, sure his Lord had lost the rest of his sanity.
"This Blood Elf...Is no elf. And that bow you saw, it did belong to Nedragosa."
"What do you mean she's not an elf?"
"She is Nedragosa and Tirangos' only surviving child. Yura must had sealed her dragon soul away when Nedragosa was taken over with demonic energy to protect her."
"She's the true heir to the Azure Queen's crown?"
"Now, Ayran...This presents a rather large problem. If she is allowed to break her elvish bonds and lead the Azure flight at Kalec's side, the flight will grow to it's Ancient strength before we are able to destroy them. She must be killed before she's freed."
"Yes my lord. I'll send out the best of our flight."
"No. Yura will surely have her close by and under close watch and well protected. There will be no harm to here while she's anywhere near Colddarra and The Spire. We must find a way to bring her to us."
"But, my Lord...Kalecgos would never let her out of his sight."
"Then we'll have to force him. If we do this the right way, he will have no choice. Bring me Nexyra. We will need her powers."
An evil grin spread across Ayran's face as he bowed and nearly ran out of the room. He dug deep into his robes and pulled out a large, heavy key as he vanished into the deep caves that were hidden under the Black Mountains. When he reached the root of the earth under the mountain, he found himself at a large wooden door. Pushing the key into the door, it unlocked with a loud clank that echoed off the dark walls of the pit it guarded.
Turning to the large Black dragonkin that stood over the pit, Ayran tossed the key to him.
"Bring her to the Lord's hall."
With a dark chuckle, he raised his whip and cracked it over a prison door. Slowly the three wizards inside began to chant in deep, murmuring tones. Soon a green hue began to fill the room as it floated up from the depths of the pit. As the green light faded, a sickly and very thin female soon laid at his feet, a heavy metal collar clasped tightly around her neck.
"Nexyra...the Dark One is in need of your gifts."
"I am not something for you to command, Ayran. I do not answer to the black beast."
"Now, now. You know what will happen if you do not give the Dark One what he desires." he hissed, causing a chill to rack her body.
"That's a good girl." he said, tugging the chain that was connected to the now glowing metal collar. With shaking legs, she stood up and did her best to stay at Ayran's heels. As they got closer to the hall, Nexyra began to feel sick from the heavy, dark energy that always surrounded Rhovarian.
In the center of the great hall, sat a large empty cauldron. It's many years of disuse were evident on it's rusting, sharp edges; dried blood visible in on it's feet.
"What does the Dark one require?"