Author's note: While Sparx (In his TLOS form) will never appear as a character in this book as Spyro was never orphaned. There is a slight and very obvious nod to him in this chapter.

Chapter 3: The life never seen

Spirit padded down the hallway lost in thought completely unaware of the world around her. Unfortunately she was not paying attention which caused her to bump into someone.

"Watch it Princess!" The angered Dragon growled.

Spirit looked up to see the Ice dragon she knew all too well standing in front of her.

"Frost." Spirit hissed. "How many times have I told you don't call me that."

"But it's true." Frost countered. "Spoon fed by your noble parents who had servants to do everything for you and them."

"You know what it's all true I have had servants at my beck and call for most my life but do you think that means that I enj…" Spirit stopped her retort as two familiar voice sounded out down the hall.

Oh no! I forgot that today was the day they visited.

Frost stood there confused.

"What's wrong with y…" He began but then Spirit grabbed him and pulled him into his own room before closing the door.

"Spirit what's your problem?" Frost snarled.

Spirit just held his muzzle shut with her paws.

"Shh!" She hissed as she waited patiently for the voices to pass.

Honestly you worry too much.

But she has been away from home for so long.

We taught her out traditions well.

The voices faded away and became incoherent as their owners got farther from the room. Spirit gave a relieved sigh.

"What was that about?" Frost hissed.

"My parents." Spirit sighed dejectedly.

"You mean those two prissy electricity dragons who look down upon all the rest of us?" Frost asked.

Spirit nodded.

"Thankfully your room was here or they would have found me." Spirit stated as she opened the door and walked out leaving Frost alone and confused.

"What?" Frost blurted out to no one in particular.

Spirit passed by Spyro as she ran to the temple's exit leaving Spyro to just stare as she passed. Spyro shrugged as he continued down the temple halls. Spyro turned a corner and came face to face with Cynder.

"Good morning." Cynder chimed.

"Good morning." Spyro replied with a cheerful smile.

"You're in a better mood." Cynder stated.

"What's the use in being upset all the time, I've learned to move on." Spyro replied.

An awkward silence floated over the two.

"Would you like to…take a walk…with me…in the gardens?" Cynder asked awkwardly.

"Sure." Spyro replied.

Both were relieved that they had managed to escape an awkward moment as they trotted down the hallway beside each other towards the gardens. The stay in the gardens was a quiet one but not awkward. Spyro sat in the grass near a large group of flowers. He was staring intently at a yellow dragonfly that perched on his nose staring back at him. Cynder was busy staring at her reflection in a nearby pond. She found herself staring at the rather peculiar designs that were on her forehead and under her eyes, then she noticed that they were also on her shoulders.

"When did I get these?" She vocally wondered.

"What?" Spyro asked as he got up with the dragonfly still sitting on his muzzle.

Cynder giggled.

"Found a friend." Cynder teased.

"Heh I guess so." Spyro stated as the dragonfly flew off his muzzle. "So what were you asking about?"

"Oh I was wondering when I got these because I know the apes did not paint them on me and I did not have them as a hatchling." Cynder stated as she pointed to the runes.

"There is one on your back too." Spyro stated. "At the base of your tail."

Cynder turned to look at it and found the rune sitting on her lower back.

"What are they?" Cynder asked.

"Volteer may know." Spyro answered. "Check with him when you have them time."

Cynder nodded.

"I heard they retrieved your parents and there is a ceremony today." Spyro stated.

"Yes." Cynder confirmed. "I don't want to go alone."

"I will go with you for support." Spyro said sincerely.

"Thank you." Cynder replied.

Cynder nudged her way under Spyro's wing as they slowly began walking towards the garden's exit with the graveyard as their destination.

After what happened in the morning Frost needed some time alone to think about what happened. Spirit seemed to have a fear of her parents but the reason why she never told him and this was a cause for confusion for him. He left Warfang for the Avalarian forest near the Valley it was named after.

"A serene walk through nature's beauty should help clear my mind and restore my focus." Frost thought as he landed in a clearing.

He began his walk through the forest letting his hearing become attuned to the sounds around him. Birds chirping, the rustling of leaves in the wind, all of them were a calming tune to Frost. He sighed as he continued his walk throughout the forest following no path just wandering through the underbrush. He let himself drown in the forest melody. But it was the disturbed by a melodious tune that seemed to draw Frost in. He stumbled deeper into the forest intent on finding the source, finally he came to a clearing and saw a familiar dragoness standing over a dead deer. The dragoness was spirit and she was carefully using her blood stained paws to cut apart the dear and separate the hide from its meat all the while singing a beautiful tune. Frost stumbled into the clearing which alerted Spirit to his presence. Her sweet smile turned to a snarl.

"Frost!" She hissed.

Frost flinched.

"What are you doing out here?" Frost asked.

"Hunting." Spirit growled. "Why do you care?"

"I didn't know someone like you would know how." Frost stated.

"I taught myself, my parents were appalled but I could care less about what they think." Spirit replied. "To live by the fruits of ones work and to rely upon themself is a rewarding lifestyle."

Frost was in shock, he always saw Spirit as a lazy rich noble who had everything handed to her, now he was hearing the truth.

"What do you plan to do with this stuff?" Frost asked as he glanced at the deer.

"Trade it at the market for some decently earned gems." Spirit answered as she got up and walked around Frost. "Speaking of the deer."

Frost felt something heavy fall on his back and almost stumbled he turned and noticed that satchels held together by tough leather the supported them was placed on his back.

"I can't carry all this so it is a good thing you came." Spirit stated.

Frost smiled.

"I would be glad to help in some decent work." Frost chimed.

Spirit turned to him with a look of confusion.

"You are willing to help me?" Spirit asked. "Usually you refuse to have anything to do with me or do something just to spite me."

"I usually think that you are nothing but a spoiled noble who has others do her work." Frost stated.

"You must be thinking of my mother." Spirit replied. "If you even suggest that she do even the tiniest amount of manual labour then she will have a fit the same goes for my father who believes that he is better than that, both of them seem to disgrace dragon kind."

"How did you take on a much more…unique outlook?" Frost asked.

Spirit motioned for Frost to follower as she adjusted the satchel she was wearing and began to walk down a dirt path.

"My life on my family household never felt fulfilling, it was empty." Spirit answered. "I dislike boredom so I began to look for excitement which led me to sneaking out of my house and heading into the forest."

"An untrained spoon fed dragoness in the forest." Frost snickered. "You would not have lasted long."

"I was not spoon fed; I had no table manners to speak of." Spirit countered. "I at my food viciously and if a servant event tried to cut it for me I snarled at them much to the distaste of my parents who tried and failed to tutor me."

"That explains why you eat alone." Frost snickered.

"I have seen your manners you act as if you will never see food again." Spirit retorted. "However I am ravenous, my parents hurled when they first saw me eat."

"How did that come about?" Frost asked.

"My eating habits, I can eat politely when I want to." Spirit stated. "Maybe it is just another way for me to rebel against my upbringing."

Frost chuckled.

"I never thought I would talk to you this way." Frost stated.

"Me neither." Spirit stated before muttering under her breath. "Though I had always hoped you would."

"What was that?" Frost asked.

"Nothing." Spirit answered quickly while attempting to hide a blush.

Spirit stayed quiet the rest of the trip back to Warfang being quiet embarrassed about letting that slip even if Frost had not heard it. When they arrived in the Warfang market Spirit led Frost much to surprise to a trading post that was close to the entrance to the market district. This kept it close to the gate allowing for quick and easy access. Spirit motioned for Frost to follow her inside. Unlike most of the other shops in the district this one was one of the few unique but not like the stores that sold exotic trinkets and goods from overseas this one was decorated with a very cabin like feel. Hunting trophies and many goods from the forests of Avalar and the dragon realm could be seen around, such as fur coats for dragons, moles or any other creature, a large collection of various bow types were also in place in cases on the walls and racks on the ground, there were other hunting weapons and tools on display knives, spears, javelins, snares and traps. At the far end of the shop was the counter and standing behind the counter was a cheetah, the cheetah smiled to Spirit as she approached.

"Greetings Spirit." The cheetah said in a kind voice.

"Hello Hunter." Spirit cheerfully replied.

"Found a hunting partner?" Hunter asked.

"No, he is one of my teammates." Spirit answered.

Frost waved at Hunter but stayed silent while Spirit conducted the exchange of materials.

"You got some decent pelts today." Hunter stated as he looked over the small pile on neatly folded furs now sitting on the counter."

"How much are they worth?" Spirit asked.

"Fifteen yellow gems." Hunter stated.

"Sixteen." Spirit argued.

"Fine." Hunter stated.

Spirit smiled as sixteen yellow gems each just a bit larger than a gold coin, were placed on the counter before Hunter took the pelts to the back. Spirit pulled a tiny pouch out of her main satchel and placed the gems in it before turning to Frost.

"So we are done here?" Frost asked.

"Almost." Spirit stated as she put the pouch away and placed the satchel Frost was originally carrying back on him.

"We have to bring the meat to a food merchant." Spirit stated.

Frost groaned and continued following Spirit. They continued through the market passing by various creatures who browsed stalls holding various supplies, trinkets, antiquities or food. Others entered the stores of the more successful merchants. Spirit looked at each shop as she trotted down the road looking for a select merchant among quite a few deli vendors. They arrived at a stone building that was labelled as a deli and entered. Unlike the trading post the trade here went quicker as the shop was quiet busy with orders at the time so Spirit just handed over the meat and got twelve yellow gems. The two stepped out of the deli and head towards the temple.

"Frost." Spirit called.

"Yes?" Frost replied.

Spirit handed the pouch of gems to Frost.

"Here." Was all she said.

Frost looked absolutely shocked.

"Why?" Frost asked.

"My parents stop by monthly to give me a large sum of gems." Spirit confessed.

"Your parents just give you money." Frost said his voice beginning to edge with anger.

"They give them to me so that I can buy whatever I please." Spirit stated. "Without their knowledge I use the gems to sponsor and help business in the city so they can lower prices allowing those who are paid little can get what they need."

Frost's anger receded.

"You just give them to honest businesses in hopes that they will lower prices; why not just give them to the poor?" Frost asked.

"Because I don't want them to rely on me for gems they need to find work themselves and earn the gems, besides I only give to certain businesses with those who are trustworthy and are generally doing good for the community." Spirit answered.

They halted at the top of the temples stairs right outside the main entrance. Frost gave Spirit an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry." He said in a sincere voice. "I always thought of you as a selfish rich noble snob."

"I understand why you would think that." Spirit replied. "I heard about how you have been treated when it comes to nobles."

"They think me nothing more than a thief because I was raised in a poor neighbourhood." Frost stated.

Spirit put a paw on Frost's shoulder.

"You are above the thought of nobles." Spirit stated.

Frost smiled at Spirit and nodded. Two dragons came up the stairs and both Frost and Spirit recognised them as Spyro and Cynder.

"Hello." Spirit greeted.

"Hey." Spyro replied with a cheerful smile.

Cynder also gave a cheerful nod and the two passed by and into the temple.

"Where do you think they were?" Frost asked.

"Most likely the ceremony for Cynder's parents." Spirit answered.

"They managed to retrieve them?" Frost asked.

Spirit nodded.

"It is odd that they seem happy though." Spirit stated.

It was time for Frost to put in some wisdom of his own.

"Cynder is most likely hiding her emotions or maybe she made peace with her parent's deaths." Frost answered. "Also you know Spyro he can't bear to see a friend sad and will do almost anything to cheer them up."

"The team would fall apart if it was not for Spyro's optimism." Spirit replied.

Spyro and Cynder stood in the middle of the entrance hall.

"Thank you…for being there." Cynder said in a calm but slightly shaky tone.

Spyro just nodded and a silence followed.

"There is still a bit of the afternoon left…want to go somewhere?" Cynder asked.

"I am interested in seeing how you fight but that can happen tomorrow…garden perhaps." Spyro replied.

Cynder mutely nodded and smiled and the two proceeded to the gardens.

Terrik and Fira sat by the pond in the gardens. Fira leaned on Terrik letting her head rest gently on his back. She gave a peaceful sigh.

"It's been quite a week." Fira stated calmly.

"Yes quite." Terrik replied.

"Your brother find out about Cynder yet?" Fira asked.

"Not to my knowledge." Terrik answered. "But I share a room with him so I will be the first to know."

Fira giggled.

"So what do you think of the others group?" Terrik asked.

"Spyro, Flame, Spirit and Frost?" Fira asked.

Terrik nodded.

"well Spyro is a great leader but I think he is a bit too worried about us." Fira stated. "He is selfless to a fault."

"Indeed." Terrik replied.

"Flame ugh." Fira groaned. "He is too reckless, His behaviour will be his own end."

"Or one of ours." Terrik finished catching Fira off guard.

"You have been paying attention to him?" Fira asked.

"He's my friend why wouldn't I." Terrik answered.

"Right." Fira replied.

"Now what about Spirit and Frost?" Terrik asked.

"Oh ancestors those two." Fira began. "They can't even be in the same room together without something being said that sets the other off, I'm surprised they work so well on the field with all that bad blood."

"Life or death can change people even if it is only for a bit." Terrik stated.

After hearing footsteps the two turned to see Spyro and Cynder enter the area and lay down under a tree beside each other but not touching. Fira smiled.

"What about pairs?" Fira asked in a hushed tone.

"What?" Terrik asked in a shocked voice.

"Oh come on you know what will happen soon we are of age and soon we or at least me and the other females will feel the desire to find a mate." Fira stated. "So who do you think will pair off."

"Too early to say." Terrik stated. "I mean Spyro is getting along with Cynder right now but when mating season comes around he may find Spirit on his tail."

"Nah." Fira replied.

"Why not?" Terrik asked.

"Spirit told me that she had gone out with Spyro a few times but she found that he was not her type." Fira stated.

"Do you girls just go sit in one of your rooms together and talk about your social lives?" Terrik asked.

"Yeah it is something we do all the time." Fira stated. "Don't you and the other boys at least maybe have a conversation while you all spar in the training room?"

"Sometimes but it is never bout social life unless it is Frost whining about Spirit." Terrik answered.

Cynder giggled in the distance and both turned to see that a golden dragonfly had landed on Spyro's muzzle.

"Not again." Spyro moaned.

"He seems to like you." Cynder stated with a grin.

"I gathered." Spyro replied as he gently shook his head.

The dragonfly stayed on and let its wings move creating a buzzing noise. Spyro just sighed. Fira settled her head back down on Terrik.

"I can think of to dragons who may be a couple soon." Fira stated.

Terrik knew where Fira was going with this.

"Us." Terrik stated earning an unseen nod from Fira.

Terrik smiled. He shifted so that he could see her better.

"I would not mind that." Terrik stated while looking into Fira's orange eyes.

Fira smiled back and looked back towards Spyro and Cynder who were curled up snoozing close to the tree and with little space in between each other. After that she cuddled closer to Terrik and let him move his wing over her. She gave a happy sigh and the two drifted off into an afternoon nap. While on the other side of the temple two dragons were now sitting in their rooms thinking about the day they just had.

Author's note: So there a minor nod to Sparx and a bit of history behind the characters.

It's almost time to insert some action so that we can move the main plot along.

Anyways I hope this chapter at least gives an inside look at some of the characters backgrounds (A vague outlook for some). All of them have their own stories to tell and I hope I can keep them interesting.