"Alys? Alys, you sleeping?"
First one eye slightly opened and then the other before they clenched shut with a soft groan. Sleep was refusing to leave her but the hushed voice in the far distance was pulling at her conscience. She nuzzled the pillow she rested on, her eyelids feeling too heavy to open as she hummed softly to give a snoozing response before she slipped back into the world of sleep.
Grumbling could be heard before a sharp hissing of air escaping through clenched teeth drew her from the slumber once more, the harsh sound swiftly followed by her name. "Alys," the voice continued, no longer a careful and quiet hush as it held a tone of impatience while urging for the sleeping woman to wake.
The room was as dark as the world outside, the lone glowing flower pod growing from the wall over the nightstand lightly flickering. It's glow was too weak to illuminate the room but it emitted enough light to highlight the features of the one standing next to the Eliatrope's bed. The glow of the flower reflected in the large eyes gazing at her, causing her to stare a little before she rose her head from the pillow when realizing she wasn't dreaming and her drowsiness made way for concern. This wasn't the usual visitor that would come by her room, but then the usual visitor never came to her in the middle of the night. Not that she knew of, at least. "Adamaï…? Is something wrong?"
The dragon slightly lowered his head as if uncertain to speak his mind, his thick claw-like fingers twitching a little, the stumpy talons clicking against each other in a nervous motion. Doubt with a tinge of regret was written across his face, making Alys believe that even he wasn't certain why he snuck into her room and woke her at this strange hour. "I… I had trouble sleeping," he mumbled after a moment of silence, his eyes averting as if what he said was too foolish or a sign of weakness. The act he was trying to put up didn't go by unnoticed however. Alys couldn't help but form a smile at how Adamaï tried to hide what he truly wanted to say, a smile the ivory scaled dragon didn't see. "Chibi is crying again..." he added with a somber tone while his head turned to glance towards the doorway, his shoulders lowering somewhat.
The smile she held faded at the mention of the newborn, a pang of worry washing over her as she forced herself up on her elbows and rose her chin to look towards the door. She parted her lips to form a worried question, but Adamaï was quicker. "Alibert is with him," he said in answer, interrupting the Eliatrope before she could even form the words. The abrupt answer did seem to calm her a little as she lowered herself back down onto her stomach and focused on her nightly visitor with a sense of relief. She trusted Alibert to take good care of Chibi, just like he had done with Yugo.
"And Grougal...?"
"Somewhere," Adamaï replied with a bitter shrug, his eyes locked onto the leaf carpet draped across the floor. The baby dragon had given him a lot of grief ever since it hatched, a bundle of energy, mischief, envy, anger and disobedience.
Alys made the wild guess that Adamaï was too tired to care about the dragon's whelp current whereabouts, assuming Grougaloragran was with Chibi and Alibert at this very moment rather than on his own. She did believe that Adamaï was too young to look after a newborn dragon with such a fiery temperament, but there had been no choice in the matter for him as he was the only other living Eliatrope dragon on the World of Twelve. The task was forced onto him and it pained her to see how heavy of a burden it was for him.
"Oh Adamaï..." she sighed in sympathy as she noticed the young dragon was trying to act tough in her presence while feeling small within. The look in his eyes and the straight line his blue lips were pressed in betrayed he was upset over something. Something was truly bothering him, but would pride prevent him from talking to her? "Come here," she beckoned kindly and shifted in the bed to bring herself up to a sitting before patting the empty space next to her. She watched him hesitate, his eyes flickering between her, the floor and the spot on the bed she offered to him. He shuffled with his feet while his head lowered, giving Alys the sense he would decline with being too stubborn to accept her form of kindness and pretend he had no need for such.
She was glad to be proven wrong when his claws pushed down on the mattress and he heaved himself onto the bed. She gave him a moment to settle and get comfortable, the atmosphere becoming a little awkward as he refused to let his guard down. He moved stiffly and sat up straight with a tension in his spine and tail, claws resting on his knees and eyes kept forward to not break the illusion that he only accepted her offer to not be rude. She spoke to him when he seemed to slip away into negative thoughts with the lulling of his eyelids and his shoulders slouching, repeating her earlier question," what is wrong, Adamaï?"
"Nothing," was his mumbling reply while he deliberately turned his head away so she couldn't see his face, his eyes wandering through the dark room," just tired, that's all."
Alys pondered while observing the young dragon. He was lying... She couldn't force him to speak his mind but that he came to her in the middle of the night and was adamant to wake her, gave her the feeling he wanted her to know about his troubles. He was just too proud to admit it. Her expression softened a little when she made a decision and asked him something she knew would rile him up a little, hopefully enough to get him to talk. "Is this about Yugo...?"
She didn't rejoice when the jerking of Adamaï's shoulders and the lowering of his head and ears proved her assumption was correct, his reaction making her a little solemn. It had been a few days since Yugo left to find Qilby's Dofus. It was an important task which held the fate of both dragons and Eliatropes, but there was an unfair side to it. Adamaï was forced to stay in Sadida to watch over the reincarnated Grougaloragran and keep the rebelling baby dragon in check, teach him everything he knew… The very same knowledge Grougaloragran taught him before he passed away. It was a large responsibility Adamaï didn't cope all too well with, and surely the missing of his twin brother had an effect on him too.
"I miss him." His voice was very quiet, an almost inaudible whisper after a while of uncomfortable silence. Pity and sympathy tightly clenched Alys' heart while she watched the dragon who refused to show his emotions to her, his true feelings. The truth began to trickle through however, his hard shell cracking as his need for comfort or simply a listening ear began to overwhelm his well known stubbornness. "I tried talking to Alibert... I figured it would be easier to talk to him because I thought he misses Yugo too, but he brushed me off."
"Alibert did...?" Alys' eyebrows rose in surprise, not having expected to hear such about the retired Enutrof. That didn't sound like him, but the solemn nodding of Adamaï's head made her doubt her own belief. There had to be a good reason for Yugo's adoptive father not taking a moment to talk with his son's dragon brother, especially after he tried so hard to accept Adamaï as a son of his own," surely not?"
"He was too occupied with Chibi at the time," the young dragon said with a hint of frustration, and folded his arms over his chest while he brooded on the bed. His nostrils trembled along with his eyebrows as he couldn't help but pout, the resentment he had for the situation coursing through him. He was so caught up in his thoughts and his failed attempt for consolation from Alibert, that he flinched when a gentle but unexpected caress across his pale scales startled him. Long fingers rested on his shoulders after the female Eliatrope leaned closer to him, her sudden closeness and the smile she showed having him tilt his head away from her with narrowed eyes of suspicion.
"Just like you are occupied with Grougal," Alys said in an attempt to soothe the envy tainting the dragon's words, she herself believing that Adamaï misunderstood the situation. Alibert was merely busy at the time and didn't intentionally shun the young dragon. She retracted her hands when Adamaï sharply jerked with his shoulders to not have her touch him, hearing him growl a little in objection to her picking Alibert's side and trying to show him the error in his observation.
"Chibi has you, Alibert, the servants and even Qilby to look after him and rely on. And who do I have? Just myself and complaints from angry people!" Finally he looked at her, his eyes forming a stabbing glare while his lower lip quivered and his nostrils flared. He jerked with a thumb towards his chest as he continued to let the anger out with a raised voice and a growl, bringing himself up to his knees while leaning over towards Alys," I try so hard to deal with Grougal on my own, and yet everyone believes I am not doing anything because Grougal stays a loose cannon that doesn't listen. No matter what I do! He attacks people, gets into trouble, runs off on his own and gets hurt because of it! If I can't get him to listen to me, then who will? Everyone is expecting me to do this without really having any trust in me, while Grougal laughs in my face!"
His troubles ran deep... Alys fell silent after Adamaï repelled her attempt to comfort him, listening to him and letting his angry words sink in. What could she possibly do to help him? She, the one who couldn't remember her past. What did she know about dragons? Hardly anything, but there was something she came to learn since the black dragon whelp hatched with his Eliatrope brother Chibi. She closed her eyes to allow the thought she had to become more prominent before she straightened and said with a small tilt of her head," maybe I can." She slightly opened her eyes to look at Adamaï when he snorted, the scowl he wore a harsh one. Before he could give a voice to his disagreement and mock, she dipped her head forward and sternly looked at him from under her eyebrows and bangs," you know Grougaloragran is calm in my presence, Adamaï. He has yet to snap at me or burn me."
Adamaï bared his stumpy teeth at her and the truth she spoke with, his reaction more out of frustration than anything else, before he jabbed a claw her way and shoved his face close to hers. "That's because you mother him like you do with Chibi," he taunted, his disapproval all too apparent.
"And it works, doesn't it?"
Adamaï couldn't help but glower in annoyance at her blunt but true answer and sat back down, the frustration within simmering down a little. He kept his gaze down as he crossed his arms over his chest, muttering under his breath," it doesn't. I am a dragon, sis. We don't 'mother' or 'baby' other dragons. It isn't how it is done."
"I am not trying to tell you how to handle Grougal, Adamaï... that isn't my place. All I am trying to say is that you aren't alone in this," Alys said as gentle as possible to not flare up the anger which began to subside while she attempted to reach out for him after he came to her room in search for solace. There was a moment of hesitation before she wrapped her arms around the dragon and embraced him, knowing her action may not have the desired effect as she pulled him against her chest. He resisted at first, struggling and shoving to not be cradled by her before it grew weaker when she rested her chin between his horns and atop his head and caught him by surprise. He gave a final feigned shove with a shoulder before he grew still in the Eliatrope's arms without a word said or done. She sighed through her nose and closed her eyes in relief before whispering to plead to him," please let me handle the complaints from the people. If Grougaloragran is getting out of hand or too much to handle for you, call for me. You have no idea how much it hurts me to see you struggling, to deal with this alone and apologize for his behavior to everyone. I may not remember much, but I have a dragon brother of my own. I am sure he was a handful too when he was that age…"
Adamaï remained limp in Alys' tender embrace, staring down upon his feet while lost in thought. He was mulling things over, pondering and wondering while considering the offers the female Eliatrope made. He still didn't believe any mortal could fully understand what he went through, not even Alys or his own brother Yugo. Dragons had a different way of dealing with things, not to mention different views. Yet even he had to admit it was a comfort to know he wasn't completely alone with his worries or problems. He was still mainly responsible for Grougaloragran's doing, but at least he had some manner of support, no matter small. However… "I still miss him," he whispered after Yugo crossed his mind once more, sounding a little more clear than before. His shoulders sank a little when the hold Alys held in him tightened and her face nuzzled away against the top of his head.
"Me too," Alys whispered in return. While she didn't spend as much time with Yugo in comparison to Adamaï, she did miss the boy and couldn't help but wonder where he was or what he was doing. Things had changed a little since the Brotherhood of Tofu took their leave,
and she had trouble adjusting to these changes. She was seeing dear friends less since Qilby's arrival and while that was expected, she missed the presence of certain individuals. At least she wasn't alone if Adamaï was struggling too, but it was a small consolation prize. They each had troubles that were so very different and neither could ever fully comprehend what the other was going through. Comfort was something they both needed… "Us missing him won't make him come back sooner though," she said after lifting her chin from Adamaï's head so she could look at him and released him," I also don't think Yugo would like it if he finds out we've been pouting all this time."
"I guess," Adamaï said with a shrug and leaned forward to rest with his crossed arms on his legs, looking thoughtful and somber while sitting in front of the Eliatrope," he'll get a piece of my mind when he comes back though. This is the second time he leaves me behind."
Alys smirked a little when she recalled the time Yugo, Amalia and Ruel ran off to aid Evangelyne in retrieving Tristepin and Rubilax from a place called Rubilaxia. Adamaï had searched the Sadida kingdom high and low for a sign of Yugo, only to turn bitter and withdrawn once he settled on the thought that Yugo had left without a word rather than that something bad happened to him. "At least you know about his departure this time around… Don't forget, you have an important task here too."
"Right…" he huffed, not sounding convinced. He was still judged for being a dragon while put in charge over another dragon who refused to listen to anyone. Grougaloragran was going to remain a handful no matter if Yugo was in Sadida and not out on some wild adventure… Maybe Qilby would understand it better. He was much older than Alys and his mind was still intact. He had a dragon sibling too, a sister if he recalled correctly. Surely Qilby knew what she was like when they were young? He remembered that, no? Some actual experience would be nice. He liked his newfound sister but her amnesia made it tough at times.
The atmosphere suddenly shifted when another presence made itself known within the Eliatrope's chambers, causing the young dragon to sit up a little while Alys was a little more calm in her doing. Was it Joris, she thought while her eyes moved towards the closed curtains of the doorway leading to the balcony to find a confirmation. No, he never came by during the night, at least not that Alys was aware of. Both dragon and Eliatrope listened intently while their eyes searched for whatever stirred in the darkness, not saying a word to each other though they stuck close to be prepared for whatever it could be. Was it a threat? A tofu, piwi or something else which had accidentally flown into the room from the balcony?
An answer to their silent wonder came when something small landed upon the wooden foot end of the bed and looked at Adamaï and Alys with large inquisitive eyes, the tiny black dragon perching atop of the frame with spread wings. The female Eliatrope and ivory scaled dragon blinked at the sight of Grougaloragran, watching him cock his head a little before he climbed down the foot end and his small claws sunk away into the softness of the blanket. He ignored their stares as he steadily but cautiously came closer, his eyes flicking between Alys and Adamaï as he made certain it was safe to approach.
"Grougal…?" Alys asked with the raising of a brow while feeling the light weight of the dragon whelp on one of her legs hidden under the blanket he traversed," why aren't you with Chibi?" Another dragon in her chambers and at such a very late hour… One would think it is some sort of omen if they didn't know any better. At least it was Grougaloragran and not something or someone else.
The baby dragon stopped with his climb over Alys' leg when he heard her surprised but relieved sounding question, his eyebrows knitting together to form a mixed expression of indecisiveness and guilt before his large eyes turned back to the two on the bed, snorting softly. He seemed curious yet hesitated to come closer, the brewing storm sitting next to Alys keeping him at bay.
"I guess Chibi's crying got to him as well. Or maybe he grew jealous of Alibert taking care of Chibi," Adamaï grumbled like it was a fact rather than a guess before crossing his arms over his chest, the grunt in his voice giving away he wasn't pleased to see the dragon whelp in Alys' room," you know how he can get. Black dragon and all..."
"I do, yes…" Alys said with a deep nod, knowing it all too well. She had seen how protective and jealous Grougaloragran could become over his Eliatrope brother, especially when the infant was getting a little too much attention or was crowded by certain people," but I think that he wants to be nearby his big brother tonight. The same big brother who couldn't bear hearing a baby cry and missed his own brother when Alibert came to soothe a crying Chibi. Honestly Adamaï," she softly sighed," you and Grougaloragran are more alike than you want to admit…" She held out her hands to Grougaloragran while ignoring Adamaï's huffing and encouragingly smiled for black dragon while she spoke softly and beckoned for him," it is all right, Grougal, no need to be wary. Come here."
The black dragon moved a little closer on all fours after Alys invited him over, crawling over her leg while his eyes kept moving in between Alys' held out hands and Adamaï's stern gaze. He kept himself low, his small wings folded against his back while cautious in his doing like he had done something wrong and was expecting the lash of punishment. Instead he received a tender stroke along his hunched back from the female Eliatrope after he chose to be in between her and Adamaï in the bed. He circled on the spot while clawing at the sheet and threw another inspecting glance towards the white and blue dragon before he curled up and nestled into the pillow, looking a little solemn and tired. He was indeed lonely with Alibert looking after Chibi.
"No tricks, Grougal," Adamaï said with a gruff exhale through his nose, keeping up the big brother act though faltered somewhat when he saw Alys' amused smile from the corner of his eyes. He snorted in response to her coy expression as he sunk back against the pillow, hearing Alys say as she lovingly looked to Grougaloragran," he just didn't want to be alone. There is no harm in that, is there?" Another huff escaped him while he rose his gaze to the ceiling and let his claws rest upon his stomach, muttering," if only he could be this nice all the time."
"All in due time," the Eliatrope said with a little nod after she laid herself down and smiled for the two dragons, watching them while resting her head in a hand. It seemed her nightly visitors would be staying for the night. It didn't bother her in the slightest; it proved they trusted her and somewhere that made her feel more accepted within the small but peculiar family had grown together during these odd times. Time would tell how things were to play out for Adamaï and Grougaloragran, but she would be there for them if they wanted it.
To be continued