The first day in the new clan wasn't bad at all.
Each sister received a den that matched her preferences in comfort and furniture and every structure was organized so that even small dragon species could roam around without the risk of getting trampled by bigger ones and even gigantic dragons had the possibility to feel comfortable under a roof. Each member of the clan made them feel welcome and those familiars who came from a clan of beasts were happy to give them all the information they could use to choose the fighters.
-But how could they beat dragons? Weapons are not enough.-
Observed Reginleif.
-That's a good question. To answer it, the clan offered us their best researchers and alchemists.-
Said Brunhild as she pointed at a male Bogsneak and two dragonesses: a Gaoler and an Aberration who's heterochromatic eyes indicated she was a rare specimen of dragon with two elements just like Hrist, which green and yellow eyes showed the affinity to the Wind element and the Light one.
They were Anthony, Glacier and ShadowQueen and Ellen, researchers who studied everyday new alchemical recipes and the limits of their elements. Glacier was a teacher too and taught young dragonets about those limits and how to use each element in the best way.
-We have a plan to make sure your warriors won't be killed instantly.-
Said Anthony showing a sack full of magical scrolls, those that dragons who wanted to change specie could use to transform themselves or turn back to their birth one.
-We can try to use these on your chosen ones, if we turn them into dragons they will have more chances to win. I don't think there is a rule against this... right?-
-Nobody talked about rules.-
-Then it's perfect.-
Hrist raised a paw, quietly asking to talk.
-Yes dear?-
Smiled Glacier.
-What if they can't use elements? We know some creatures have those as well, but we don't know if they'll work after the changing, nor if they can learn or if we have enough time to train them.-
-I thought about this.-
All the dragons turned to Brunhild as she spoke the single word who instantly caught the attention of everyone but the three confused researchers: -Völundr-.
-What?-
-What is a "Völundr"?-
Leaving her pearl in Göndul's paws, the Pearlcatcher moved her paws as she gave the explanation, like she was trying to draw a description in the air.
-It is the act of uniting two souls, some call it a mere fusion but it's much more, spiritually talking. You and the dragon you want to perform with must resonate with the same emotion and…-
-Are you sure this will work?-
Asked ShadowQueen interrupting her.
-I've heard about this... technique, but never about dragons performing it.-
-Don't be so doubtful sister…-
Said Ellen, brushing the other head of her body with her muzzle.
-... they are exalted dragons after all, we don't know which kind of secrets the deities shared with them.-
-True. I guess their abilities shouldn't surprise me this much.-
The purple Aberration bowed her heads in a: "Please, forgive the interruption" gesture.
-No problem.-
Brunhild couldn't blame them for being doubtful and she wanted to focus on her mission.
-Now, there is one problem with Völundr: if the host dies, even the one of us united with their soul will die.-
Silence answered as each one of her sister looked down at her paws, none of the researchers dared to speak.
Well, except for Glacier, who quickly raised on her paws.
-We can help with that.-
-What?!-
Asked everyone in one big choir.
-Oh yes!-
Soon Anthony, ShadowQueen and Ellen were as excited as their colleague.
-Camille!-
-Mh? Who's Camille?-
Asked Göll.
-She's one of our clanmates, let's just say she went to find the deities asking help for a terrible bad luck that's afflicting her and, well, we don't even know how she did it, but she became immortal. If she knows the secret to immortality, she might know how to avoid losing innocent lives in this tournament of yours.-
Explained the Gaoler as the others giggled under their breath.
-Why don't you tell them what happened before with you and your wife? The reason why she went directly to search for the gods?-
-It's not important now and we've been already proved innocents.-
The thirteenth sisters exchanged clear: "Let's NOT ask about it" gazes.
-Well, thank you very much for your help, we'd really appreciate to talk with Camille.-
-You can find her in the botanical garden, she likes help our gardeners.-
-Thank you. Okay sisters, here's the plan!-
Brunhild gestured with her wings for her sisters to get closer.
-Thrud, you, Reginleif and I are going to pick our fighters. You still have the list the familiars here gave you?-
The Nocturne nodded before adjusting her glasses, other four of their sisters decided to follow them for protection.
-Randgriz, Göndul, please, go search for Camille and ask her to meet me this evening in the library.-
-Consider it done.-
-What about us?-
Asked Hrist's second head, the less calm and pacific one.
-Oh, I have a special job for you, dear sister.-
Brunhild picked up Göll and the two Fae dragons (Hlökk and Alvitr) and placed them in her sister's paws.
-Please, keep them out of trouble.-
-But…-
-Thank you~-