Interlude ~Base Convos Part 26~
"So, Nils and Ninian... they were dragons all along...? Along with their father being that man...?" Lyn voiced out in surprise, her face full of shock as she heard Ike's confession.
They sat together in Ike's tent, as he attempted to explain the secrets he held to Lyn. It was incredulous, to say the least... From the matter of Tellius being in another world, the siblings, and Nergal being their father. Fae was also mentioned which surprised Lyn, something she could confirm with Hawkeye when the time was right. To think she was also a dragon...
"Yeah... that's how the Dragon's Gate opens because only dragons or dragonkin can open it. Canas found out about the situation through the books from that library," Ike explained to Lyn, who was still in disbelief. "And the one picture in the library that belonged to Nergal, that was him and his wife. Nils and Ninian's mother, Aenir. An ice dragon. Athos confirmed that the name of Nergal's wife came up during the time he worked together with him..."
Lyn's mind flickered back to the time they were in that library. She did remark whether that portrait in the library with a man and the dragon was Nergal. Then again, Ninian was visibly shaken during that moment Renault revealed the truth about the library. Ninian wandered off to see the ruins as if refamiliarizing herself. So that meant...
The reason why Nils and Ninian were both distraught throughout this entire journey can be explained based on Ike's confession. Furthermore, to have such a man that caused the death of Elbert, Eliwood's father, as their parent...
"If Nergal was truly their father, why does he go this far? Why would he do such a thing to his own children...?" Lyn muttered with horror evident within her expression.
It was then Ike held a pained expression. The sheer irony of the entire conflict that erupted over a man who just wanted his family back...
"Athos and anyone well-versed in elder magic has mentioned the cost associated with inviting dark forces and going further into its depths... Supposedly, if you want to gain more power, you must give up a part of yourself whether it be identity like the hero, Bramimond, or in Nergal's case, forgetting his main goal... his family..." Ike explained as Lyn covered her mouth in shock. "Nergal wanted his family back. Nils and Ninian crossed the Gate a millennia ago to flee from humanity. Even when he spent a thousand years to achieve his goals... he completely forgot his entire family. Morphs were made most likely out of his original desire to have his wife back if he put importance on reanimating the dead and constructing some morphs with real emotions. Like that magic seal, its name was Kishuna. Renault mentioned him at one point."
He remembered Kishuna was the only one made with genuine emotions. Unlike most morphs like Sonia and Ephidel, he does not emulate emotions.
All of Nergal's actions up to this point was an unconscious desire to regain his family. Whether he would be reminded or remember his family was an entirely different case.
In any event, Nils and Ninian more-or-less accepted having their father be stopped. Even if it meant taking away their only family in Elibe.
"It's OK if you don't believe me. It's a lot to take in. Even the matter of me not being native to this world..." Ike then smiled as he trailed off his words. "But I swear, it's all true. And if you are willing, fight by my side to confirm the truth with your own eyes. I know I'm not the best person to speak about keeping promises since I brought up the matter to you and Athos when I told Nils and Ninian I would keep their secret... but it's because I trust you. As well as my men."
With that, he stood up and went to leave his tent. Ike needed to reveal the matter with the rest of the Greil Mercenaries. Ike trusted his family to help protect their secret and them.
Nils and Ninian were afraid of letting people know that they were dragons, especially towards descendants of the Eight Legends. Roland's progeny made up the lords of territory in Lycia. Not just the blood of Roland, but also Hanon ran in Lyn's veins. But Ike knew she would never hunt after her friends.
Lyn saw Ike off to meet with the others at the entrance of his tent. Her expression was of uncertainty but she trusted Ike enough to know he wasn't deceiving her. They made that promise together and she would follow Ike to the ends of the earth. Even if it meant going to another world.
Unbeknownst to the new couple, a certain pig-tailed cleric watched from within the bushes with a flustered and excited expression alongside a green-armored knight, who was wiping away tears with a proud expression as he pats the shoulder of his fellow red-armored knight. The conclusion they came to when witnessing the pair within the tent was not entirely accurate. Suffice to say, Kent understood that his lady's heart was taken... He only wished he didn't have to spend the evening spying with Serra and Sain...
"Do I really have to?" Ike queried the Reglay couple, who nodded.
They stood outside the manse once again as Queen Hellene requested an audience. It didn't take much convincing to realize how horrifying the scene was to come across the bloodied floors with corpses strewn about. It took an entire day to clean and for Murdock to inform Queen Hellene of the shocking events that took place.
Moreover, Ike was contracted to Murdock during the mission, not the Queen. Eliwood, Lyn, and Hector couldn't be present to avoid suspicion of being Lycian lords. Erk was currently mulling on the matter of the revelations revealed by his commander along with the rest of the Greil Mercenaries. Or more accurately, he was researching the books they gathered back in the library in Valor with Canas as well as discussing the matter of another world with Anna. It will be an enlightening matter for him to learn more about otherworldly magic...
Ike discussed the matter with his troop along with Renault, causing wide eyes within everyone. Canas was more ecstatic to say the least, believing in Ike but refrained from inquiring the many questions he had for the siblings out of consideration.
Rath was muttering about the burning, but he knew not to harm Nils and Ninian. Guy thought the matter was complicated, but was more excited to prove to other worlds that he was going to be the best swordsman across any land. Raven, Lucius, and Priscilla held unsure expressions. At least until the moment, the enigmatic bishop surprised everyone with laughter...
"Ha ha ha..." Renault continued to chuckle to himself, but his laughter was tinged with a sense of cynicism and self-deprecation. Tears welled up as his laughter was filled with croaking and sobbing in between. Everyone, especially Lucius, was concerned about the man who was forgiven.
It was out of character for Renault, a usually calm and collected bishop, to turn out like this. That meant there was truth to what Ike was saying and Renault realized the reality of the matter.
He was included in the meeting due to his knowledge and past dealings with Nergal. For some reason, whatever was revealed resonated with him to the point where some were beginning to believe he had gone mad. Or perhaps, he already experienced madness.
"In the end, we were both after the same thing! Only this fool couldn't remember what he wanted to achieve! What pathetic wretches we are! How pathetic we are to trample over lives to achieve ultimately nothing! Just suffering in our path! How hilarious!" Renault cried out with tears in his eyes and laughter mixed within.
Everyone was made privy to Renault's actions at one point. He was Nergal's partner-in-crime who stole quintessence from the strong, even Lucius's father. He helped spearhead the development of morphs for Nergal to bring back his dead friend.
"Bishop Renault..." Lucius voiced out, to which Renault shook his head.
"Believe in your commander, Lucius... He tells no lies..." Renault voiced out with a crack in his voice. "It all makes sense... What was so apparent to us, we failed to grasp it. What cruel irony to drive the ones closest to us further away..."
No doubt his fallen friend would be disappointed in his actions. Just like Nergal's children are horrified of their father when he just wants to reunite with them all along. Renault laughed at the sheer irony and foolishness of it all.
While he despised the man, he realized Nergal was more like himself than he realized. Self-hatred filled Renault's being as he cursed fate along with himself. In the end, he felt empathy for the man he considered his worst enemy.
"All the more reason such foolishness stays and ends with us..." Renault muttered with tears down his face. His hands gripped themselves to the point where his palms bled, worrying the healers present. "To preserve the lives we've trespassed, we have to stop this poor fool..."
Renault exited the vicinity, leaving a deafening silence to the ones left behind. Lucius spoke nothing, knowing it would not reassure the man who was condemning himself. He needed time to recover from his ordeal.
Canas was a man who pursued the dark arts, but he knew not to go beyond a certain threshold to lose something integral to one's goals and self. The rest of the Greil Mercenaries looked in the direction where the man went with pity.
It was then that Ike came forward and announced: "At any rate, if you don't believe me, it's fine. Everything will become apparent when we finish the battle with Nergal. He has to be stopped. For the sake of his children and even the man they once called father."
At this point, Nergal needed to be saved from himself. He was just spiraling towards self-destruction if he did not acknowledge his own flesh and blood.
"You trust us, Commander?" Raven asked his leader. "My sister and I are descended from Roland, yet you trust us to keep this secret and to protect dragons?" Priscilla looked at Ike with expectant eyes with her brother.
Trust is established with the group believing in their commander. They fought together, bled together, and would risk their lives to ensure their family would survive. To be entrusted with such secrets meant fighting to uphold the faith of their leader.
"I do. Times change, and so do people..." Ike uttered as he smiled at the Greil Mercenaries in Elibe. The group he was proud of leading for the past year. "I know everyone here can change for the better. And I trust in my family to do right for our friends."
Everyone smiled at Ike, they would keep the secret of their leader and friends safe. It was no longer the time of the Scouring, while most people have a fear of dragons, human beings/beorc with a short lifespan can live to one day to be like Arcadia. All it took was a leap of faith for their commander.
In any event, everyone in the Greil Mercenaries knew about Ike's secret along with the ice dragon siblings. They knew that they had to protect and be mindful of Nils and Ninian who wanted to avoid the pursuit of their father. Whatever happens in the future, it will be up to Nils and Ninian to reveal to everyone else their identity. Including Eliwood, the one Ninian cherished.
Ike's attention went to Pent and Louise, who were smiling at him.
"Queen Hellene must have heard of you protecting her son. Despite the recent years of her unhappy marriage, she still cherishes her son... No matter how ill-matched the king and queen are," Louise said with concern in her tone.
"She suffered much and was so obsessed with succession. A sad life it is..." Pent added. "But since you saved Zephiel, she wishes to reward you with the way to the Shrine of Seals."
Ike knew Pent, Erk, and Louise discussed with the Queen to find a safe passage to the shrine. Only when they found the imperial seal of Bern she would grant them it.
Ike scratched the back of his head, slightly unnerved by meeting the Queen of Bern. "Well, I hope don't offend anyone... I just hope Murdock and maybe Vaida aren't too mad about what happened that night..." Pent and Louise chuckled to themselves after hearing Ike's remark. They were privy to the details of what Ike did to escort Zephiel to safety. The only afterthought Ike had by the end for those who asked was that Zephiel was heavier than his sister, Mist.
"Let us proceed..." Louise announced.
Within the luxurious room stood Hellene, with a chain headpiece wrapped around her head and royal red garbs. Her golden hair was styled into loops with her front hair wrapping into a bun in the back. Alongside the Queen was Murdock with a patient expression.
"I heard much from Murdock and my son. You were successful in your endeavor in finding the artifact alongside the former riders... and most of all, saving my son. I am forever in your debt." Hellene and Murdock bowed before the trio, in which Ike became dumbfounded.
"Are queens supposed to do this...?" Ike whispered to Pent to which the latter shook his head. Ike's question earned Murdock a twitch of his face and a chuckle from Hellene.
"You saw and heard nothing," Hellen added humorously while bringing out what appeared to be a unique golden seal and a book. Pent looked visibly surprised upon seeing the Heaven's Seal he gifted to her for her wedding. "The book contains the road to the Shrine of Seals. The seal was a gift from Lord Pent. I hoped to save this for Zephiel, but it appears you may need it more. Forgive me, Count Reglay."
Pent shook his head and responded: "It is greatly appreciated. You are completely free to do anything with the gift we've given you, even return it."
Hellene once again gave a curtsy bow to the trio. Her smiling face once again faced the young commander.
"For the next three days, your path remains clear as Bern's soldiers will not move. However, I cannot make promises about the king's own troops, though." Queen Hellene explained to which Ike, Pent, and Louise nodded in understanding.
"Thank you, Queen Hellene. By the way," Ike turned to Murdock and then back at Hellene and continued: "Vaida and Heath found the Emblem, so will the both of them be able to return to the military? You don't need to give any credit to me for saving Prince Zephiel."
With both Murdock and the Queen vouching for the pair, along with the recent uproar at the manse that became public of Zephiel's attempted assassination, it would be difficult for Desmond to escape the sociopolitical pressure. He would have to wash his hands of the Black Fang and issue arrest warrants while giving amnesty to the ones now famed for preventing the attempt on Prince Zephiel's life. In other words, the official story would be that the Dragon Fang General and her raider took back the royal seal of Bern from the Black Fang and protected the crown prince.
With survivor testimony to corroborate Vaida and Heath's reason for their dismissal, the king would have no choice but to allow their return if many parties assisted them. That was all Ike wanted if he asked for more.
"Why would you deny yourself where credit is due? You could be granted a peerage, knighthood, or even become a noble with power. You can even become a wyvern general one day. You saved my son, so why deny yourself a just reward?" Hellene inquired to Ike. Murdock also looked at Ike with a raised eyebrow, given how Heath wanted his mercenary commander to receive as many honors and rewards as possible. Pent and Louise were also looked at Ike awaiting his answer.
Certainly, there was no reason to deny or withhold Ike's achievements to the populace. It wasn't as if Ike was a lord from Lycia (aside from Raven being a former heir to House Cornwell). Then again, he did need to go back to his homeland...
"Well... I'm just more suited to a mercenary life. Moreover, the idea of adhering to noble customs and whatnot especially when it comes to bowing..." Ike shuddered as he spoke, causing everyone to be stupefied by his response. "It looks painful, and it's so cold and formal. The thought makes me antsy... and itchy too."
Dumbfounded by Ike's crude response, all the nobles present began to burst into laughter. Murdock was deep in thought, contemplating why he was forced to hire this band of mercenaries.
A simple life of a mercenary was all Ike needed alongside his friends and family.
"Hahaha... if only my son was present to hear your words just now..." Hellene chuckled as her expression soon turned to an expression of regret. "I am ashamed of the way I have behaved. The king may not forgive me for the woman I have been. Despite that, my beloved son tries his hardest to please both of us and... bond with his sister, Guinivere. I treated her as nothing more than a nuisance when my son treats her with love."
"Your Highness..." Murdock muttered as Queen Hellene's spirits were lowered.
Ike looked confused and turned to Murdock, who shook his head to have Ike refrain from speaking anything. So she wasn't aware of who orchestrated Prince Zephiel's assassination... her own husband... Murdock did not want the Queen to be aware as it would complicate matters.
Pent and Louise were worried for Queen Hellene. They were privy to the matter of Desmond despising his own child enough to kill him. If their friend knew, it may cause further harm and rift between the King and Queen of Bern for an entirely different reason.
It was then that Ike breathed in and shook his head. He was reminded of the three brothers back at home.
"I'm glad Zephiel still has a mother like you. A mother who would never abandon her child no matter what challenges she faces... I'm suddenly reminded of a friend."
Ike's encouragement brought Queen Hellene's attention back to the young mercenary commander. Pent and Louise looked perplexed as Ike wished to continue speaking while Murdock raised a brow.
"He's the youngest brother of three, although the brothers aren't entirely related by blood as they were half-siblings, they still love one another as family..." Ike explained to Queen Hellene who remained listening to the tale. "To this day, I think he still clings to the letters that were sent to him by his mother, but I know she will never come back. But it's OK, his true family is still there, his brothers and our band of mercenaries are there for him."
Ike then faced Hellene and Murdock who remained silent towards him. With a warm smile, Ike thought of Rolf as he remained strong alongside his older brothers.
"All the more reason to make sure Zephiel is never alone. He has his little sister, his mother, and the strongest wyvern generals Bern has to offer. Whether he gains his father's approval, as long as he has people to fall back onto. I know he could make Bern a place where the people who love him can prosper. The fact that he's your son, I'm sure you're proud of him and that's good enough."
Ike's statement made Pent and Louise nod approvingly at him. He wasn't suited for becoming a noble nor for receiving fervent praise. He only sought to finish his job and receive what was promised in a contract.
With that, Ike left the room with a satisfied Reglay couple in tow. Leaving a stunned Queen Hellene and Murdock in place.
General Murdock closed his eyes and solemnly declared: "I hear thee, Ike of the Greil Mercenaries. A reminder to follow my lord and assist him wherever he leads."
"Are you sure about coming with us?" Ike asked the pair of wyvern riders who nodded.
"Yes, for saving Prince Zephiel, we decided to accompany you until Nergal perishes," Vaida announced.
"It is likely Elibe will know no peace if that man roams. Our lances are at your service, Commander Ike..." Heath added with a resolute expression.
They would postpone resuming their duties until Nergal is stopped. Given the gravity of the situation, it was well-warranted to focus on fighting against the sorcerer.
Not only that, to have the finest wyvern riders fighting alongside him made Ike reassured of success.
"Very well, welcome aboard again, Heath. And it will be a pleasure to have you within our ranks, Vaida." Ike announced.
Standing upright, and thumping their lances to the ground, they gave a salute.
""YES SIR!""
"The king is in a dark and terrible mood over your failure. I've a message from him severing all his ties to the Black Fang..." Nergal narrowed his eyes at Sonia, who held a nervous expression. "And then we have Ike of the Greil Mercenaries and Eliwood. They invaded my fortress and colluded with three of the Four Fangs to annihilate the Black Fang itself? Have I misplaced my trust in you? Jaffar was the best among every human I've met..."
The fact that Jaffar defected and worked together with Lloyd and Linus of the Black Fang to overturn their own organization run by Nergal set back their plans considerably. Nothing only that, none of the set goals to kill Eliwood and capture the siblings, let alone the Hero of Blue Flames was accomplished.
Sonia became deathly afraid as she feared disappointment in her master. Fear and silence permeated the room until Limstella kneeled before her lord and bowed.
"Forgive me, Lord Nergal. I could not harvest as many quintessence as I hoped..." Limstella apologized before her lord. Their golden eyes looked up at their creator and spoke: "I could only salvage Blue Crow's body along with Brendan, who Sonia had slain. White Wolf and Mad Dog seemed far too aware of the situation and made countermeasures with our targets..."
Nergal once again gave a scrutinizing gaze towards Sonia, before shaking his head in exasperation and sighing out. Both of his creations had flaws.
Sonia was surprised and also ashamed of the puppet momentarily saving her from being annihilated. Nevertheless, this was the time to finally achieve a goal.
"No doubt they are wary because of Renault's advice. Along with Athos, who they sought out in Nabata no doubt..." Nergal muttered to himself.
'That "old friend" of mine... Meddling in my affairs...' Nergal thought to himself.
Once again staring at Sonia and snorting at the pathetic wretch he made, he knew what to do. She still had strength.
"Limstella was sabotaged by your efforts to take the quintessence from the strong, Sonia. It seems as though you were not up to the task of infiltrating the Fang..." Sonia became even paler than her original complexion as Nergal said those words. "But then again... even Jaffar, the one I raised into the perfect killer has turned against me for some reason... Now's the time to prove your loyalty and usefulness..."
Sonia's golden eyes finally held hope.
"Yes, Lord Nergal! Those traitors will be nothing more than puppets and quintessence for you to use at your disposal! Eliwood would die at my hands once and for all!" Sonia swore before her master. Nergal smirked at her desperate display.
She would indeed play good bait. A defective puppet doesn't need any further use beyond that.
Fae's Adventures in Tellius Part 4
Dheginsea saw a hawk and a white heron fly above him and sighed in front of his castle. No doubt he was contemplating why so many guests have decided to come to their kingdom... It was likely they had come to inquire about Fae...
He did not deny when they must have heard of a young laguz child possessing unusual white wings. Their country did border Phoenicis, so it was likely a bird-tribe laguz spotting Fae during one of her fishing excursions. Reyson must have frantically begged Tibarn to take him to see Fae upon news of a bird-like laguz with white wings (but with teal at the end).
Reyson and Tibarn morphed into their beorc-like forms. Reyson with long flowing blonde hair, royal white garbs and matching wings to go with it. Tibarn stood tall, with his red headband and pirate's attire that had his country's insignia woven into part of his green coat. Soon, black feathers were seen dropping from the ground as Naesala similarly descended to the royals.
"So, let's hear about our fellow sister within your country!" Naesala remarked as he looked mischievously at the Goldoan King. Dheginsea narrowed his eyes as the King of Kilvas was likely the one to blame.
Reyson ignored Naesala and stepped closer to Dheginsea.
"Please, can you clarify about this child? Is she one of my tribe? Even if her wings are unusual, does she come from Serenes?" Reyson pleaded to Dheginsea, who held a neutral expression.
Tibarn remained silent as he was the one who originally wanted to give a missive ahead of time, but Reyson wanted to meet the little girl immediately. To that extent, Tibarn decided to come to Goldoa with Reyson. Along the way, Naesala wanted to tag along to find out more about the mysterious laguz child. It was likely he knew first instead of telling Reyson right away.
"... I admit, her wings are unusual, but she is no bird-tribe brethren..." Dheginsea revealed to the trio, surprising them. "Her name is Fae. She's actually one of our own. A dragon laguz. She can sprout wings unlike most of our kind while untransformed. That, and the fact that she seems to come from beyond the Desert of Death most likely. A variant of our people that may have split off from Goldoa I assume."
Tibarn scratched his head while Naesala held doubt towards the Goldoan King. However, there was no reason to hide the matter from the three. Dheginsea was kind enough to grant them an audience despite the sudden visitation.
Reyson held disappointment and closed his eyes. "I see... well then, for-" Reyson's line was cut off as the group heard flapping from a distance.
"Wooow! Are you bird-tribe laguz!?" Fae's voice called out to the royal laguz. She frantically flapped her teal-ended white wings towards the bird-tribe trio.
Upon reaching the three, her eyes sparkled in excitement as she kept circling them by peering from every corner of their bodies.
Naesala wanted to shoo her away but gave up upon seeing her innocent expression. It reminded him of Leanne when they were younger...
Tibarn snorted in amusement at the little girl's enthusiasm while Reyson observed the little girl's wings and realized they were not of his people. Nevertheless, this girl emanated positive energy and emotions. This girl was pure-hearted and innocent as she should be.
"Fae, why are you not with my son?" Dheginsea asked to which Fae put her finger on her chin in thought.
His son was still worried about their newest female guest. He recognized the gaze from his son, first love did they call it? He already saw such a similar gaze from his son, Rajaion, to his fiance. If only he could learn of their whereabouts...
"Big sister is still not energetic yet, and she won't eat on her own..." Fae then pointed to a nearby coconut tree. "Fae wanted to get some yummy fruit for her, but she saw you all first!"
Dheginsea sighed but realized the girl was too fast for most of his men. The energy of a little girl with wings was not to be underestimated, especially when they refrained from transforming while in the palace. He glanced back to his castle to find a familiar red-haired guest peering out from a window rubbing his chin at the sight of the three bird-tribe laguz. It appears he was intrigued at the sight of another species besides beorc or his own kind.
Meanwhile, the royal bird tribe present wondered why this girl referred to herself in third-person. Tibarn seemed to realize the older sister Fae referred to may have been the other girl they found at the reef. If she likes fruits, maybe she would like berries...
"If you like sweet things, we can get you berries from our country of Phoenicis. Juices and desserts made from it are beyond compare. You and your friend can partake in it," Tibarn glanced at Dheginsea, who seemed to nod at the gesture, so long as he partook some of it as well. Fae drooled at the thought of eating more kinds of delicious foods.
Fae learnt of Phoenicis just recently along with other laguz tribe countries. Nevertheless, she was eager to learn and see more of what the world had to offer.
"Wow! Fae thanks you!" Fae smiled at Tibarn at his kind offer. She then looked to Reyson with a curious expression. "Are you a girl or a boy?"
Reyson stood frozen at the girl's question. Naesala found himself snickering at Reyson's state. Reyson always wanted to be as masculine and strong as Tibarn.
"I-I am a man, Fae," Reyson answered with a shaky voice.
This girl's innocent question damaged him more than negative emotions ever could.
"Hmmm... Fae thought you were a girl at first cause you're so pretty and you smell real nice!" Naesala could be seen covering his mouth while slapping his knee. Her remark once again made Reyson stunned.
She then put her finger on her chin in deep thought. "Then again, that big brother or sister named Lucius was as pretty as you..." She then nodded as if confirming her future. "Fae's gonna get as pretty as you and Lucius when she grows up. So wait till then, okay? Promise!"
Who was this Lucius? Another laguz pretty-man? Unbeknownst to the trio and Fae, Dheginsea shook his head. It was likely the rate at which Fae aged that his son would see Fae as a lovely adult after he was dead.
"Well then, this was an enlightening meeting to come to..." Naesala remarked. He then turned to Tibarn and smirked. "So sorry about my men being caught by you, but I did want to find out more about the matter beforehand. Reyson would have ruffled his feathers if I told him prematurely. Really."
Tibarn shook his head and face-palmed to himself. "Just don't fly near my waters again..." He warned.
"Goodbye, Fae. Until we meet again..." Reyson bid farewell to the little girl. They received the answers they were looking for in the end. Although it was disappointing, at least Reyson gained a new admirer.
With that, they transformed into their laguz state, with Reyson following suit. They looked to the amazed Fae and Dheginsea and gestured a goodbye.
Fae saw the various birds in the sky with stars in her eyes. For amazing her, she wanted to impress them as well.
"Wow! OK, since you transformed, it's Fae's turn!" Fae announced as she brought out her blue gemstone. Dheginsea wanted to stop her but it was too late.
Jahn saw this scene from a distance and once again became amazed at the form of a divine dragon. It had been too long since the millennia he had fought against humanity to gaze upon the form of the strongest of their kind within the land they came from...
"Naeluchi..." Naesala called out from his throne room.
"What is it, Nestling?" Naeluchi responded.
Since he had arrived from Goldoa, he seemed distraught. Or rather perplexed. Naesala mentioned being amused by Reyson's reactions above all else, but he remained deep in thought.
"Just wondering... are there chicken variants among the bird tribes?" Naesala's question caused Naeluchi to become confused. "Or are chickens related to lizards and therefore dragons...?"
What kind of strange line of reasoning was his king spouting? Did he go crazy from grief for not finding another royal heron member? Strangely enough, the others who went back to Phoenicis thought the same thing as Naesala.
What kind of dragon was Fae? She was no white dragon, that's for sure. Was Dheginsea mistaken in calling her a dragon? All these thoughts swarmed Tibarn, Reyson, and Naesala.
AN: Final interlude before the next chapter. The interludes were originally going to be two parts but I felt like there was still more to cover and the fact I accidentally short-posted.