Lyndis padded after Cordenth, making sure her the soles of her boots made hardly a noise as they touched the earthen floor. Her fingers traced the golden leaf clasp that held her cloak together, the urge to say the activation word and become invisible almost unbearable. Her breaths came deep and slow, trying to shake the anxiousness running through her bones. All that pent-up energy gave her a slight shiver beneath her leather armor. She crouched low, practically like the vine clad wall’s shadow. For it probably wasn’t wise to sneak into the Emerald Lady’s palace when one wasn’t invited. But here she was anyway.

  “Are you sure you want to do this?" Cordenth whispered, slowing his advance to a crawl as his sunflower like eyes shifted from side to side. The way his head moved up and down, glancing left and right. It was as if he expected the form of his mother to spring from the very walls.

  “Yes." Lyndis snapped in a whispered hiss. Why had she agreed to this in the first place? What possessed her? But when the green scaled dragon turned back, a caring eye glancing over her she knew.

  That’s why.

  Under her breath she cursed herself, taking another tentative step and trying to focus on the dragoness that had nuzzled her son so affectionately, not the imposing beast that burdened them with countless demands. Surely it would go something like that moment in the cave? He was her son after all, no matter what path he chose.

  But what about me?

  Her brow wrinkled like a piece of parchment. She certainly wasn’t a dragon to benefit from the same lenience. Why, she’d been stubbornly reminded of the Emerald Lady’s exact words. Of how she liked to act different in front of mortals.

  “Shouldn't we have brought Lyyreth?" she whispered, carefully passing a vine pedestal that held a blinking multicolored eye that seemed to be peering past her armor. She held up a hand, to blow it from her view and fight the shiver running down her spine. “Wouldn't he have wanted to learn about your father as well?"

  Having a second dragon along would’ve been helpful…Especially if the nastier side of the Emerald Lady showed its snout, instead of the motherly one.

  “He... he was too drunk to even walk properly," Cordenth chuckled, “besides...I can always recount my discoveries to him early in the morning, when the haze of drink disperses into serene tranquility."

  “Must be some tranquility to word it twice.”

  “You need to spend more time with the Benevolent Scholar to understand why I worded my thoughts that way,” the dragon smiled and guided her with his tail around a corner of the corridor. The dark hallway lit up with faint blue torches for them, casting them in an eerie cerulean glow. “Lyndis?" the dragon turned back around and stared at her with his bright yellow eyes. His frills fluttered as they started to turn a darker shade of green. “Thank you for being here for me. I…couldn’t have done this on my own."

  “Well you could of, just less skillfully.” she replied casually, like it was no big deal for her to be risking her life. “Maybe having a few blunders along the way you big scaly thing.”

  “Taking after Merlia, are we?”

  “Her talent with the bow is remarkable, but if there’s one thing I truly appreciate about that lass, it’s her ability to look gods knows what in the eye and issue a retort.” Lyndis slunk after the green as they rounded yet another corner. This one being decorated by a myriad of glowing flowers that sprouted from the walls like a multicolored umbrella.. “Don’t think that woman’s scared of bleedin anything.”

  “I guess I can be Merlia for the evening.” The green dragon puffed out his chest, his voice getting lower as if to sound braver. “The fearless dragon, who ever so resplendently catches the torchlight.”

  “Apparently you can be Veledar as well.”

  The dragon snuck his snout down, offering her a soft chuckle. One no doubt meant to slice through the air of unease about them. “He’s not completely wrong, you know. Why else would you accompany me if not to gaze upon my fine features?”

  His smile was a tad too cute for his liking. She found herself caressing the underside of his scaly jaw, enjoying pleasing distraction from her racing heart. “Well, when you put it that way, I can see no reason as to why I shouldn’t enjoy my resplendent, scaly knight.” She planted a kiss upon his warm cheek, a shiver of satisfaction running through them both. It left her head fuzzy, and his tail and frills wiggling back and forth.

  “Lyndis, I-“ the dragon’s snout wrinkled with embarrassment.

  “Shhh…I know. I said I'd do it, and you decided to call me on it. Now I gotta pay the piper....er…well dragon in this case." She pulled back his jaw, meeting his eyes with her own. The closer she was to him the more confident she was they would succeed. Call it a hunch or whatever, but within his yellow gaze everything seemed like it was going to be okay. Yet deep in the back of her mind doubt couldn’t help but whisper it’s concern. “Do you think she will fight you on it?”

  “I don't think she will.” The dragon sighed, hesitation flickering over his yellow pools as he glanced off down the hallways. “but if she does, I’m going to do a knight’s job and protect my princess."

  “I can handle myself. You know that.”

  Cordenth held out a paw and stopped her for a moment. They sat there in silence, with only the sound of their breaths stirring the dim, almost unnoticeable song of the forest. “I don't care if she knows about you now...It's my last day within her domain, and I think she’s aware of you anyway. The look she gave me the other night in my cave... I think she discovered you were with me from the moment her paws touched the confines of my cave.”

  “You dragons and your fine noses.” She scowled as they began passing over a carpet of shifting moss. Like thousands of tiny little plant fingers caressing her boots.

  “Why are you even sneaking anyway?" Cordenth's tail flicked behind him, tapping her leg. “I thought the plan was to confront her directly about this?”

  “And yet here you are. Sneaking along with me.” She countered, quickening her pace and following the dragon into a darker room. One without torches to guide them, but thanks to her elf heritage that was no problem. Long as she didn’t mind seeing into the darkness in black and white. What she could make out was the worn cauldron from before, stirring with darkened smoke rising from it’s rim. With a brief flash lavender light shoved daggers into her eyes.

  “Funny thing about that.” Cordenth’s voice came hesitantly, stopping to stare at the pulsating smoke before them. It looked almost like a heart beating. Slow and steady, alive with some unknown magical power.

  “For me it’s a habit. What’s your excuse?" she laughed, composing herself and leaning up against his shoulder. She felt him shiver as the cauldron pulsed again, his muscles tensed. He no doubt had a plan brewing within that scaled head. “It's all fine...she's going to listen. How can she not? It’s your father we’re talking about. Her…mate, if she still considers him such."

  “I truly hope you’re right.” His head drooped.

  “Nine times out of ten. I am.” She caught his snout, pulling his chin to hers. As if by a chain they stuck for several fleeting moments. Their eyes met, her heart suddenly beat ever faster and that darn fuzziness returned. His smile was like the sun, and his frills flaring in and out a magical song to be heard.

  “Better odds than I had in decades.” The dragon pulled back, rising his head into a confident S.

  “I may not be a prophet, but I’ve traveled the world enough to know when I’m outmatched…and a big, future-telling she-dragon isn’t going to get the better of me.” She listed off several stories of herself facing off against much larger foes. Ones that just like the stone constructs had been bested by the right application of skill. Though as she went through them she got the suspicion it was her own way of coping with the plan. It was when the cauldron began to pulse again that her voice grew quiet, until the silence only remained between them. Worry bubbled through her gut, guiding her hand to his scaled hide.“Where is she anyway?" She turned her head to gaze out to the darkness surrounding it, finding she could see nothing of the rest of the room. Clearly a magically enhanced darkness if it blocked her eyes.

  “I don't know. Busy, maybe? What else can she do?" Cordenth slid his way to the cauldron, every step seemingly taking an eternity. Yet despite this his breaths were coming more quickly, almost a perfect mirror to her own.“She is usually here… the village practically runs itself, and it’s not like her prized status are going to make a run for it." he trailed off, his sight still lingering on the billowing black cauldron.

  “A lair without a dragon in it? That inspires confidence.”

  “Should we leave then? Look somewhere else instead of waiting around here for her glorious return?"

  “I…dunno,” Lyndis turned around to look back at the hallway they had come from. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on edge as her dragon neared the cauldron. The winding smoke almost seemed un-natural. Like it was nothing more than an abomination in this world. The longer she stared the more her legs tried to desperately pull her away. “Please take a step back from that thing. It gives me shivers to even look at that thing." She tore herself away from the cauldron and back to her green dragon, who had slunk around the blackened material. He rose up like his mother, head cocking as he peered down to what looked like glossy, wet ink.

  “Cordy?" she asked softly. He didn’t reply. She asked his name again, he merely cooed in curiosity as his snout dipped a bit closer to the darkened liquid. Her throat grew tight as he neared it. Was he transfixed and couldn’t look away? Who knew what kind of trap might have been placed on it?“Cordenth?" she voice burst like a warrior’s cry, her step towards him resounding through the hall like. “You focken in there?”

  “We could use this." He mumbled, flicking his tail behind him. “We could use it to find my father." he glanced up with a tooth filled grin. But what should have been joy for his break from the trance only brought about icy grip around her throat, for around his eyes had formed tiny shimmering, golden rings.

  “Cordenth!" The booming voice of the Emerald lady cascaded through the hall, causing the green dragon bolt from the cauldron.

  Lyndis found herself spinning around in a flash her fingers brushing the smooth hilt of her rapier. She gripped the metal with a deathlike grip. It took all her mental fortitude to resist pulling the weapon out and holding it aloft at the she-dragon that suddenly got the better of them. The one who looked oh so cross in this moment.

  “What is the meaning of this?" The dragoness’ eyes burned with an inner fire so intense they might light the air around them in lavender flames. She charged forward; lips peeled back into a snarl. “You know that only I use that cauldron. It’s dangerous for anyone else to do so!" She snapped her jaws inches from Cordenth’s snout, causing him to slink away like a scolded dog. “What even got into that little head of yours to try something so reckless?"

  Lyndis took a few steps back as the Emerald Lady’s attention seemed to be solely on that of her son. The dragoness’ hisses and growls practically hiding the soft sounds of her boots. She clasped the brooch and whispered the word, “Houpe." Relief flickered about her veins like a summer’s rain, the familiar cooling sensation rippling over her skin. She’d be safe at least for now.

  “I wouldn't have to resort to this if you had just told us about our father!” Cordenth rose forth with renewed courage, snapping at the larger dragon. His wings flared with a rippling swoosh, and his tail adding weight with a resounding smack against the stone. “The one thing I’ve been asking year after year!". The resolve in his voice cracked, a deep seated pain dripping from the words. Lyndis’ eyes narrowed at the Emerald Lady.

  “Oh. Him,” her voice lost part of its fire. She slunk back.“I have my reasons, Cordenth. The future-“

  But still the green dragon advanced, taking his momentary advantage. “I don't care what you have to say about it! Every year you come up with variations of the same story. Why? Why should I fall in the same trap again? You promised!" Cordenth paused, wrinkling his snout as a growl built in his throat. “You said when we were older, we could know of him...But that day never comes...It’s always another test, another task, another reason why you have to keep all knowledge of him for yourself.”

  “Cordenth…where is this all coming from? We have nothing but time ahead of us.”

  “No,” The dragon shook his horned head, starting to pace. His paw’s coming more forcefully with every turn. “Time has always been an illusion. You promised to tell us when we to depart and that day is tomorrow!"

  The Emerald Lady watched in silent contemplation, her snout an eerie calm, almost as if she really considered the possibility that she might have been wrong.

  Does she actually regret the choices she made? The rogue had to slide away from Cordenth as he neared to not be caught under paw.

  “So I ask you now, for the last time," Cordenth flared his wing, flaring his frills with a snap of his sharpened teeth. “Nay.... I demand you tell our father's identity!" The green dragon swelled up his chest, scales clinking angrily to cut the silence.

  pity, sorrow, and possibly remorse, all of these were etched in the Emerald Lady’s face. Clear as a summer’s day and lasting the duration as she inspected her son from snout to tail. Silence hung between them only broken by Cordenth’s growls, slowly building the tension between them. When it had gone on for a tad too long the dragoness twitched her tail, her dipped but slightly and her voice came as a whisper.

  “I…can not give you what you want. Knowledge can be a great burden for those who are not prepared to bear its weight. I’m sorry, Cordenth.”

  “Now you listen here!" Lyndis sprung into being, thrusting a finger towards the dragoness. She felt the invisibility spell fade away from her, and gulped when lavender eyes focused on her instead. They narrowed, a heavy snort left the dragoness’ snout, and her voice rising with an irritated hiss.

  “My, the fire in your voice can ignite this whole lair.” She rose as if to bring to light how much bigger she was. Her snout wrinkled as the rogue didn’t shy away, holding her wavering hand aloft like a sword. “What reason brought you to me, little Lyndis? Besides shouting my ears off,"

  “I...I’m here to help someone I care about…”Lyndis stammered as the Emerald Lady took forceful step towards her. “Your son... The one you love is sitting over there...waiting for a shred of decency from the mother that brought him into this bleedin world. That dragon," She waved back towards Cordenth, not taking her eyes of the larger ness. “Is demanding you share something that he cares about...And it’s not a lair full of riches or a horde of slaves to worship at the tips of his claws. No. All he wants is to know the fate of his father. What could be so bad, or so life threatening, that he has to remain ignorant of that focken fact?"

  The dragoness froze under the half-elf’s unfaltering conviction, her eyes still tethered to her as if by an invisible chain. Her tail swished painfully slow as her frills flickered on either side of her head. Her growl was like a darkened song, one which made the rogue’s heart threaten to leap from her chest. Gulping down the tightening of her throat she continued to berate the towering dragoness, for the sake of the smaller dragon that watched her from the side with both hope and worry glinting in his yellow eyes.

  “He’s your son, so you’re going to shift back into the role of a responsible parent and tell him exactly what he needs.”

  “Or what, little one?" The Emerald Lady tilted her head, peeling back her lips to reveal her glistening teeth.

  Lyndis pulled out her rapier and thrust it aloft. “Or we’re going to jump from sharp words to even sharper blades before you can utter another one of these pride-infused fake threats. Maybe an ole round of bar-room negotiating will knock some sense into you.”

  “That’s how you negotiate in Drenedar? You’re going to what, try to pry my scales apart with that tiny needle? Or is your grand plan to tickle me to death?” The dragoness pulled her head back, laughter brimming her words. “Dear Lyndis, take note from someone who has seen legendary rogues perish under the claws of dragons half my size. If you want your threats to carry any weight, you’d better pack a much greater weapon under your royal skirt.”

  “Oh, it’s not my skirt nor my lineage you should worry about now. If you want us to really go down that route, I’m sure there’s plenty of chinks in that green armor of yours.” She made a few stabbing motions, trying to hide how tight her hand was upon her hilt right now. “We can find out together.”

  “You insolent, pompous little wretch. How...How dare to even have the audacity to threaten me?" The Emerald Lady gasped. She went from a cloudy sky to full on raging tempest as she took another step forward. “Talk to me in such a way, insult me in my realm." Beads of saliva flew from her snapping jaws, causing Lyndis to side step away. “To tell me how to raise my own children!"

  “Mother!" Cordenth roared, charging between them with his wings outstretched. “Step away from her this instant!" He snapped at his mother’s neck. She recoiled as if bitten by a cobra.

  “Hrrrrr…so that’s how it is. The little whelp grew teeth,” the Emerald Lady’s piercing eyes between the pair, hesitation brimming within. She resettled her vast wings against her back a heavy sigh escaping her maw. “So both of you make demands of me then...Regardless of what can happen?" She tilted her head to the side as she raised a paw. It was glowing with a brilliant purple light, the magical aura dripping of it like it was made of water. “No matter what I could do to you?"

  “If it means standing with your son as he looks for his father?" Lyndis gave a half smile as her good sense screamed at her to stop. “Then hell yes." She held the rapier out further. “Now dragon!" She puffed her chest out proudly like Cordenth had done. Like this would be her final moment on this earth. She could even see the snarl that was forming on the dragoness' snout. “Tell Cordenth what he needs to know!"

  “These brazen demands will only send you to an early-“ the Emerald Lady raised a paw only to be stopped by Cordenth’s roar in defiance.

  “You hurt her mother, and I promise to you on all that I hold dear that I will strike at you with all my strength. I will keep on doing so until my claws bleed and my strength shrivels." Cordenth stepped around Lyndis, tail curling around her like a warm promise, “And you will cease to be my mother. I will curse your name to the nine hells, hoping you join Tiamat in damnation when your end finally comes."

  Silence fell between them, just like the Emerald paw of his mother. The fire in her eyes died away, like snuffed out by a fierce wind. Her head drooped, she sat upon her hinds, and even the boom of her voice had faded. Within the flutter of a hummingbird’s wings the Emerald lady was gone, and all that remained was a caring mother. One who didn’t want to lose her son.

  “That…is an outcome we’d both like to avoid.” The Lady’s wings pinned to her back, as she seemingly shrank before the two. Lyndis even thought she saw twinkles of half-formed tears within those lavender pools. “I never expected you…any of you to yearn so much for someone that... I’m sorry. I said too much already. Please try to understand the nature of your demands. You’re forcing me into a choice that no mother should endure."

  “Oh, come on! What’s with all the doom and gloom? We’re talking about a dragon here, not the end of the focken world!” Lyndis shouted, only for Cordenth to silence her with a hardened look. He wanted to hear.

  “The future is fickle. It bends and turns like a leaf trapped in an endless storm, every little breeze capable of leading it in yet another direction. I cannot foresee all these possibilities, and if things don't go the way they should…then try to imagine this was the only way to keep you two from meeting your end far before your time,” She gave another deep sigh as she rose her head and turned her gaze to her son. “I can satisfy your curiosity... As for you, Lyndis-”

  “Yeah?" Lyndis sheathed her weapon with a well-deserved smile.“I don’t suppose you’re going to slam me with the exact time of my death for crossing boundaries.”.

  “You're certainly brave."

  “I bloody know that." She glanced to Cordenth, giving the dragon a smirk. “Someone needs to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves, even if they happen to be dragons.”

  Cordenth’s snout wrinkled, his tail wiggled defiantly. “Hey, that’s not how-“

  “Don’t argue.” Lyndis slide over, leaning on his onyx chest, proud to have finally obtained what she wanted. “We won this round mate.”

  The dragoness let out a pleased rumble from her throat shifting her eyes to her son. “Certainly a good pick.” Her softened laugh ended with a lingering sigh, a sadness about her eyes as her neck lowered slightly. “Cordenth. I’ve watched you grow over the years...From the little green hatchling that snapped at my snout first moment you saw me. So fierce you thought you were." her eyes began to grow larger as her voice became softer. “I saw you glide on your own for the first time, and explore my vast domain for days upon days, year after year... And now we have reached the moment of your life I have dreaded ever since you hatched," She rose her head to stare into the distance, like she was trying to capture the image of her treasured memories. “I thought it would not pain me as much as it does in this moment... But here we are, trapped by the ever-tightening walls of an outcome I cannot change, wishing for tomorrow to never come." Her eyes traveled back, and Lyndis almost fainted at what she saw next.

  In the Emerald Lady’s eyes were tears. Not fake magical illusions, but honest tears that were dripping from her misty eyes. “For tomorrow, you and your brother leave me forever."

  “N-no. Don't say that, mother..." Cordenth slowly moved closer to his mother, inching his smaller snout towards hers “You almost make it sound like we will never see each other again."

  The Emerald Lady said not a word as tears rolled down her pebbly cheeks and splattered softly on the ground below. She quickly snatched up Cordenth with both of her forelimbs and pulled him tightly against her. Her wings wrapped around them both as she draped her head over her child. “I love you. More than the whole world... Your father…" She pulled away to look at him snout to snout. “Is none other than Croesus. So, you see? You were never truly apart. He has watched you grow your entire lives." She rose a claw to caress Cordenth's cheek softly, “We thought it best to not tell you until you were ready to leave.”

  So that's where he gets his eyes from? A gryphon? Lyndis’ did a double take. How is that even po-

  “How is that possible?" the green dragon echoed her thoughts through his wrinkled his snout, curling his neck into an S. “You hate anything that isn’t a dragon."

  “I don't hate them." Emerald Lady sighed. “Resentful? Yes. I think of them as directionless hatchlings that cannot see behind their basest desires. Children that don't know any better than what they are told. Yes. They have many flaws and often need to be guided to be effective, yet they also bear qualities I’ve learned to live with…maybe even admire in a select few individuals."

  Cordenth simply blinked, looking away with a slight fluffing of his wings. “Croesus…” He whispered softly. “He’s been here the entire time….” His weight shifted from paw to paw until he was glancing to his mother with wide eyes, desperate to soak in the answer she would give. “But he’s still a gryphon. How could you and he make it…you know, make it work?”

  “I shifted him into a dragon for a while. It is, after all, the only way for his seed to take proper hold. That is how you two came to be.” She ran a claw softly along her son’s emerald cheek. “Every time I look upon you I am reminded of his splendor. He is such a striking dragon…”

  “Why hide this from us? Why wait so long to tell me?" Cordenth narrowed his eyes, splayed his wings and pulled his snout away. His voice was filled with confusion, sadness, and pain, all intermixed into one. “Why? Especially when we’ve been asking all this time! All the years you could have told us!"

  “Because I knew you would leave. There would have been nothing to keep you two here within my domain, and any such attempt would have ended in more pain than you deserve." She tapped her tail on the floor, limbs quivering as breath seemed to come harder for her. “This was the only way that I could ensure your safety. The only outcome where you two survived.” Before the green dragon could say another word, the dragoness surged forward to nuzzle at him with a soft whine that seemed all too unlike the strong dragoness Lyndis had come to know. “This adventure you plan to go on with your brother?"

  “It’s not set in stone. I might reconsider a couple of things." Cordenth snaked his head back to look to Lyndis with a soft smile.

  “Your brother will need your strength for a time.”

  Cordenth sighed, locking eyes with his mother. “How could we even trust you? After all the lies you spewed throughout the years?"

  The dragoness silenced him with a deep hug and a dozen or so nuzzles, combined with affectionate licks across his snout that made Cordenth whimper and growl happily. Cordenth leaned further into her touch and offered her soft trills.

  “Alas, you will simply have to trust me. Just like all the other times...Even if you don't like it." She licked him a final time along the bridge of his snout. “Please know that I never enjoyed keeping you here or hiding things. It broke my heart each day to see you two so miserable and cross with me." She sighed, her eyes traveling from the familiar form of her son to the hard stone of the smoking purple cauldron. “The future is a very fickle thing. It requires precision, and a deft touch, and often great sacrifices that must be made. Even from those that contain our greatness.”

  The Emerald Lady held her son in silence for a time, before turning her snout towards Lyndis. “Now what to do with about this?"

  The way the dragoness was staring at her with a grin made the half-elf’s hair stand on the back of her neck stand. Lyndis found herself involuntarily taking a step back.

  “What to do...What to do." the dragoness' tail flicked behind her menacingly as she strode over with a strut in her step, her son seemingly forgotten. Her eyes that had been filled with fondness were gone, only to be replaced with the ones of a predator, a predator who was moments away from victory. “You have captivated the attention of my son’s affections. Speak the truth now, girl. No reason to sneak around this.”

  “Y-yes! And I’m almost sure you bloody knew it ever since you strolled into his home!" Lyndis shouted, her legs tensing, ready to flee.

  “Mother! What are you going to do to her?" Cordenth went to snarl.

  “Oh hush now, Cordenth… I am not angry…Just, intrigued,” She chuckled in the back of her throat. “Amused, to see one such union take root before my very eyes. Contrary to what the tavern songs have you believe, it doesn’t happen often for a lesser bipedal creature to attract the fondness of a dragon. Not in the same way Arcturus has done with the red one, or how she did it with you."

  “It’s not like that. We’re just…very close friends.” Cordenth stammered.

  “Are you now?” She held up a claw, tracing a thin white line in the air. It glowed briefly as it lingered there, suspended by creeping mists.

  What kind of magic is this? Lyndis watched the light follow the dragoness’ claws as they swayed from side to side.

  “You are more than just a simple tomb raider. You, Lyndis Kuxion, have saved my son’s life, and perhaps more than that." She glanced back to Cordenth who was staring to Lyndis with a look of concern on his snout. “You’ve enchanted my son with your own charms." She turned her attention once more to the rogue. “I think you need to embrace a new perspective. A broader view that will show you a tantalizing taste of what your future has in store for you. A gift, as it were." She pointed her talon right to the half-elf’s chest, the magic spreading from her claws like a charging cobra.

  Like a rabbit her heart pounded against her chest, all her instincts on high alert. She spun round, words caught in her throat as terror wrapped it’s tendrils around her. She got only a few steps before the but crackling of pulsating energy enveloped her like a cocoon. Her body felt sluggish, her eye lids fluttered. Like she’d drank too much elven frost wine back home. The spell surged to life around her, bombarding her vision with a brilliant white. Panic rose up within her, but she had no way to voice it. Whatever spell this was stopped even that. Through it all she could hear Cordenth’s savage snarl.

  “Mother! What have you done!" The green dragon’s voice seemed to quake the floor beneath Lyndis’ boots.

  Lyndis collapsed to all fours with a loud, bone twitching crack. Then again it rippled across her, feeling no pain when she was certain there should be. She tried to move her move, recoil, shift, but found as if she were being held down by the very air itself. What was going on?

  “This isn’t pain she’s experiencing. Not in the traditional sense. I have given her a gift… Just watch." The Emerald Lady’s calm voice silenced Cordenth’s concern, and even in a fleeting way put an end to the racing of Lyndis heart.

  Her breaths slowed and she focused, as another series of cracks struck her very being. It was then she could sense that her bones were reshaping themselves. Her spine was shooting downward so were her limbs. “What is going on?" She shouted as her teeth grew larger and sharper.

  Cordenth simply gasped, his voice coming softly in disbelief. “Mother...you didn't…"

  She did what? Panic resurfaced again as twin limbs sprouted from her back like trees. Her arms trembled, her spine shook. However, like moments before, there was no pain to accompany the sensation. Her mind was desperately reeling, wishing she could see. Then as everything began to settle, the light began to fade. Colors burst into her vision, blurry and out of focus. Within a few blinks of her eyes her vision returned to her. What...What in the blazes happened to me? She rose her head to look at the Emerald Lady. The dragoness still had a pleased look on her face. “What happened?" She groaned, glancing to Cordenth who wore a dumbstruck look on his snout.

  Lyndis pushed herself up, going to stand but stopped when she looked down at her arms. Instead of hands she saw snowy white scaly limbs that ended in blackened talons. Dragon talons... WHAT? The panic that had started to recede suddenly came flooding back into her mind like a storm. She looked down to her chest to see that it had the same pristine scales. She peaked behind herself to find white, fluffy feathery wings. No…No…No.. She grabbed at her face to find that it was now an elongated snout not unlike Veledar’s or Cordenth’s; snouts she caressed plenty of times. She traced along it to the top of her horned head. I'm a....

  “Dragoness." Cordenth gasped as she stumbled backwards in a daze.

  “What did you do to me?" Lyndis screamed, falling to the ground with her tail thumping on the ground.

  “That’s a most obvious question, my dear." The Emerald Lady looked at one of her claws before spreading and refolding her wings. “I turned you into a dragon of course."

  “You...You can’t just turn everyone you want into dragons. That’s just…it’s so…" Lyndis struggled to find the words perfectly to capture her haze and brimming fire. But that would have to wait. She bolted away from the pair and scampered down the empty hallway. She pushed from her mind the question on how easily she was navigating on four limbs, choking it up to instinct or the spell the dragoness had used on her. She eventually came crashing through the vine covered main door, stumbling into the chilly night air. The serene night could provide a measure of relief…if it wasn’t so accursedly loud. Lyndis grasped her head as the overwhelming sensations experienced by her new form made her skull ache.

  “What’s happening? Everything feels so…raw.”

  A growl of misery escaped her trembling jaws. Lyndis couldn’t stay in one place even if she wanted to. She sprinted past the frozen statues, the smell of mold stinging her sensitive nose. Frantically, her claws dug into the earth as she entered the forest, the sounds of birds above almost deafening to her. She eventually collapsed onto her stomach, claws trying to cover where her ears had been. How is this even real? She knew that dragons could change into other forms, but make others change their forms as well? She felt a cold snake worm its way into her body as she had never felt so powerless before in her entire life. She’d been controlled before, back when she still lived with her parents. But this? This was control on a whole new level that left her quivering in terror.

  Please let this be a dream. She clenched her eyes tightly shut. She waited, and waited, and when the sounds and smells failed to fade away, she opened her eyes again to her inescapable situation.

  Of course it's real. She held up one of her forelimbs, inspecting the four-digit limb and poking carefully with a claw at the segmented scales on it. I'm a dragon. She felt her tail twitch by itself and drag along the earth. This is my life now, cold and overwhelming, a prison of scales from which I cannot escape.

  Her vision began to get blurry at such a dreadful prospect.

  I should have never left my homeland. Lyndis held back a sob as despair crept its way into her chest. She turned her now-long neck to inspect every inch of her new white scaled body. Her fears were confirmed as her eyes traced along every scale, every feather on her wings, every curved talon that sprouted from the tip of each finger. There was nothing left of her old self. Not a single inch that she could hold onto. At least I still have my mind. She latched onto that precious thought like a piece of driftwood floating in the sea. Everything else was shaped to meet the Emerald Lady’s extravagant wishes.I was a pawn.

  She felt tears start to form in her eyes as she thought back to her beloved Cordenth. At how warm, fuzzy, and loved the dragon had made her feel. Was that even real?

  She felt herself bare her teeth out of instinct under the flash of anger that electrified her form. Or was it all just another manipulation by her? To get what SHE wanted?

  She glared up to the star filled sky, sniffing as the first tear flowed down her scaled cheek, dropping down to the ground below her. How can I do the rest of our quest like this? Do we even have enough time for me to learn to use my magic in this form? Another thought came to her head as she narrowed her tear-filled spheres. Or was this a way to keep me here?

  Then it dawned on her, and her eyes widened. The perfect choice.... for a mate! She remembered the dragoness' words about dragons ruling Drenedar. She meant MY dragons…my hatchlings. She felt her stomach tighten as she clutched her sides, expecting to throw up. She continued to sob into the night air, her wings quivering punctuating every sound. But soon came a concerned voice, bringing about a brief reprieve from her thoughts. Cordenth emerged with tentative steps, eyes still brimming with warmth.

  “Lyndis…are you alright?”

  “What do you want?" she snapped at him, her words coming out in an angry hiss.

  “I know you’re all shades of mad...confused...overwhelmed... but this doesn’t have to be a curse. You’re still you, only…with a few added scales and feathers."

  “A few? Yeah, right. She could tell him exactly what she thought about her stupid scales and chicken feathers. But then their eyes met, his bright spheres full of kindness and understanding. And suddenly, whatever tempest of emotions that were swirling around in her started to die.

  She felt her nerves settle down for a moment as he took another step towards her. She took a deep breath to find his scent pleasantly overpowering. The smell of dragon mixed with pine made her mind start to settle, her nerves slowly winding down. It was like his mere presence and smell could relax her into a state of complacency. That of course couldn’t help fight off the wicked whispers in the back of her mind. Did...Did she enchant me to like her son?

  “Lyndis?" the gentle dragon swooped in to wrap his warm wings around her. “It's okay. We’ll get through this…together." He nuzzled the length of her neck with his. Green scales rubbed white ones in a pleasing sensation that rippled across her form.

  “Cordenth." she tried to shove him away but found herself unable. She was nuzzling right back, it may have been the only thing keeping her from collapsing again. “Your mother...look what she did." She could feel herself start to mist up again, powerless rearing it’s ugly head once more.

  “It's okay."

  “Why would she even do this?"

  “Do you not like being a dragon?" He tilted his head to the side and offered her an affectionate kiss on the snout.

  “I did not ask for this!" She pulled her snout away snarling, “Imagine, for just one second, Cordy, that everything about yourself was focken gone in an instant! If your tosser of a mother wanted to prove she was in control of the bleedin situation...Good focken job!" Her eyes leaked as she lost herself within his bright spheres. “I can't even keep my true form without her permission." She squeezed her eyes shut and intertwined her neck with the green dragon she cared for. At least he was a comforting center in this terrible mess. She wrapped him in wings, pulling tighter as her voice shrunk. “You see past her pretentious gift, right? Tell me you see the truth of it, the plotting."

  “What is that?" he replied, nearly in a whisper.

  “She manipulated us the entire time...Me... You… She wanted you to be with me." She bared her teeth as she repeated the dragoness' words. “For your kingdom will be ruled by dragons, and you will welcome them with loving arms." She pulled back from the embrace to place her snout right on the green dragon's own. “She expects me to bear your young, Cordenth…"

  “T-that...That can't be it." his frills started to turn a dark shade of green. “She’d never go that far. Never.”

  “What we have…is it even real? Or did she enchant me to start falling for you?"

  “You fell for me?" Cordenth backed away in surprise.

  Did I just say that? She turned her snout away, feeling heat rise to her face. She tried to not think about how he made her feel, and how at ease his presence set her at. But that is silly...We have only known each other for... Gods, it really is like one of those stupid stories you read...

  “You don't have to be ashamed about it." Cordenth snaked his snout closer to hers and offered an affectionate lick across her snout. “And it has to be real.... I just know it. There is no way a spell can make my heart leap the way you make it do…and even if it was a spell, I would not care." he placed a gentle claw on the underside of her snout. “Because I care for you."

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  “Thank you." she smiled, his gaze a honied sun that brought warmth to her weakened heart. She felt her wings quiver when he pressed his snout to hers in the mortal gesture of a kiss. She closed her eyes and just let herself melt into his embrace. She let out a long, happy sigh of relief. Would it really be that bad to spend my days with him?

  “And if I thought you were beautiful before..." Cordenth purred in his throat, causing her to chuckle. “You are even more so now."

  “Did you not like my previous self?"

  “It's...complicated. Before, I found you attractive for different reasons...now you match what dragons initially consider attractive in our own kind." he nuzzled her again, ridding her mind of any confusion she might have had with his words.

  Lyndis said not a word and only returned the gesture with a pleased croon escaping her maw.

  Cordenth kissed her again, his tail winding around hers. When they broke away, she found her mind was still doing loops as her heart beat erratically. “Now, if you will follow me to the sky." He wrapped a wing around her and started to guide her through the forest. “I would like to go dancing with you."

  “How will I be able to?” He guided her over a fallen log, “I’ve not flown before."

  “I trust you’ll know what to do just fine. Like you’re able to navigate so well on four limbs.” Cordenth removed a low hanging branch away for her with a wing. “The spell she used should be giving you a basic instinct on how to move. I am hoping that applies to flying as well."

  “Won't I ruin our dancing if my wings start to trip on each other?" she brushed up against him, his coming purr a lovely song that filled the air.

  “It should not throw us off too much. So, don't worry your scales about it."

  They emerged from the forest to a clearing bathed in the ivory glow of the moon. It was a great faded green field, dotted with dark crimsons and blues. Lyndis eyed the ground and spied sign of movement and sections of upturned earth. Did this clearing form just for us? She looked to Cordenth, warmth filling her heart at his calmness, and hoping none of it was projected by a spell. Did you make this clearing? Or did your mother? She hated the idea that she would be guided once again by the dragoness into her son's waiting limbs.

  “Don't worry." he said softly, moving his nose to be inches from hers. “Everything you see is my doing. There will be no more meddling by her tonight."

  “How can you bleeden believe that?" Lyndis tilted her head to the side, flicking her tail against some grass.

  “I swear on my very scales, Lyndis...the half-elf who makes my heart flutter like I’m a hatchling all over again."

  “But how can you be sure? When she can snatch my very form from me?"

  “She called it a gift for a good reason." he replied with a nuzzle against her neck. “Trust me… I yelled at her when you scampered off from that room."

  “Some gift this is," she replied, snarling internally. Leave it to that dragoness to ruin a childhood dream. “Permanently though? How will I-"

  “It's not permanent." Cordenth cut her off as his frills fluttered and turned a darker shade of green once more.

  “What?" she gasped. “How long will I be a dragon for?"

  “It will only last until tomorrow, she said… That’s when she plans to turn you back to your original form. Mother wanted me to tell you to enjoy your gift."

  “Well... this changes everything." Lyndis sighed, her anger for the dragoness starting to fade away. The dread that gripped her heart scattered into the winds, released with a heavy sigh. She glanced to the green dragon before her, and her world narrowed down to his handsome scales.

  “Cordenth." she smiled, nuzzling against his cheek. “Thank you for everything...I would have never thought I would meet someone like you in this place." She pressed her lips to his and offered him another kiss that made her heart beat faster, causing him to counter with a pleased trill in return.

  “You want to go dancing now?" he coughed. “Before this kissing leads to...other things."

  So your mind did go there, after all. She giggled as his entire body shivered with an unsaid want. She slid along the length of his body, rubbing her scales against his own. “I would love to go flying with you, o’, handsome dragon...and don't concern yourself with the...other things just yet." she chuckled returning to his snout to kiss him once more. On her own her throat rumbled, as the delightful sensation trickled across her scales. All thanks to the dragon she loved. Loved. Her eyes widened. That thought certainly surprised her. However, with the next nuzzle he gave her, she felt that thought scatter away. I don't care. This is the only night when I can do these things as a dragon.

  “Now, I will take you into the sky." he turned to gesture to the stars above with a sweep of his forelimb. “We will hold each other and fly as one.”

  Lyndis gazed out to the twinkling sky. Due to her enhanced vision, the star-dotted sky looked more vibrant than she had ever known previously. The flickering stars looked t like diamonds in the sea of black.

  “That sounds beautiful." she spoke softly, already imagining the wind caressing her face with each beat of her ascending wings. She found herself surprised that her voice was filled with such fondness, a fondness she had never known for anyone else before this moment. She found herself melting into him as the dragon surprised her with another slow kiss. His tongue even found a way into her maw, and swirled around her own like a wet, fleshy snake.

  “I think...if you want to go flying…we need to stop these romantic gestures." She gasped, pulling away with a half-smile. “Or we will never leave the ground. Is that what you secretly want, Cordenth? For us to remain trapped within each other's embrace?"

  “That doesn't sound that bad." Cordenth chuckled. “However, I would very much like to show you the dragon dancing before you are forced to turn back to your mortal form." Green scales rubbed against white ones, before the sound of his wings carried him to the sky.

  Without another word, she cased after him. Her wings acting as though this was the easiest thing in the world. Yet where she merely acted, he was like a dance, swoops and swirls she had no hope to preform just yet. As she watched in silent admiration the handsome green curled around, soon taking his place beside her with a heartwarming warble. He bid her up and she followed, softly locking limbs with one another.

  Together they rose, spinning far above the forest of despair, the wind rushing past her scales mimicking the warmth radiating from her heart. When she thought they were high enough her brought her down, spiraling over the vast green quilt, the rest of the world seemingly melting away. All her senses were whisked away with every beat of their wings, finding herself closer against his black scaled chest with every silent moment. It was breathtaking, exhilarating. An exciting adventure that had no equal. She glanced passed his stalwart expression towards the shimmering stars and the void that seemed to stretch on for infinity. Like he knew she was staring he peered down at her, a smile creasing his scaled lips that practically made her rumble her approval.

  “That...was incredible." she gasped, spreading her wings wide as he guided her to a steady glide over the treetops. Overcome with the tingling of her scales her eyes closed, basking in the enchanting night.

  “I am most glad you enjoyed it." he said ever so softly, almost hidden with the wind’s caress. His wing tips brushed against hers, his warm smile bringing one out on her snout.

  “Truly a once in a lifetime experience." she angled her wings and starting to enter a turn, not minding the pleasant burn about her cheeks. She hadn’t felt this in a long while. Like nothing could go wrong, simply let herself drift away. She sighed softly. Quests awaited for them both, ones that would keep them apart for quite some time. She glanced to him, eyes twinkling ever so enchantedly in the moonlight. “Shame It has to be for one night. I’d have liked more time with you my enchanted knight."

  “Then we are of two minds.” He drifted downwards, gesturing and guiding her to a flower filled clearing. Lavender flowers sprouting like little islands among the thick sea of green and scattered greys. She landed beside him like a practiced pro, gently trotting admist the grass while her wings pinned to her back.

  “Good for a first landing no?” She strutted around, swaying her tail happily. “Bet every dragon around would be envious!” She turned as he landed with a trot, head drooping after he gave her a long stare.

  “It was.” Cordenth snorted, nuzzling her neck with a soft whine. His shiver an icy claw across her chest. “It makes the journey ahead ever the harder.”

  “Because you’re leaving me?" Silence hung heavy in the air before Cordenth nodded without a word.

  “Hey," she stopped , pressing her nose to his. “You keep that brother of your safe, then you come flying to find us." She offered him a quick nuzzle, hoping she did it right as she rubbed her scales against his. This close proximity brought his scent curling around his nostrils, shivers cascading down her spine. As they were about to part their tails intertwined, as if they didn’t wish to part. With an honest smile and fluttering heart, she turned to him. “Hows that sound? Tickle your scales?".

  “That it does." He rumbled, returning his scales to her own. ‘Though it will be tough.”

  “But one we can manage right?” His warmth was so comforting, relaxing. With hardly a sigh she pressed up against him, closing her eyes softly in bliss. With every soft step upon the grassy field her heart began to quicken, a lovely beat she could practically dance to. Then she heard his, just as fast. Almost like a mirror to her own.“Now...Since I have this form... I think I should learn how to fight in it." Her eyes shot open, as she bolted away. Dirt was scattered about her claws till she spun around, crouching low and entering what she thought might be a playful stance. She waggled her haunches and brought her snout close to the ground. “Unless you’re a tosser.”

  “You really want to wrestle then?" he turned his snout away from her with a snort, his frill a dark shade of green. “Why spend our time exerting ourselves?" Though he was trying to play coy he crouched low on his own, swishing his tail excitedly over the grass.

  “What if we are attacked?" she gasped, leaping at him, only for him to bound away. “And I am left as a defenseless dragoness?"

  “Defenseless?" he smirked, evading her grasping paws. “Have you seen your reflection? You’re hardly that.”

  He had her there. With a growl her paws tasted air yet again, she cursed herself for not being able to maneuver her form better. Together they chased about the field, only mere inches apart. Laughter worked its way to her chest as she realized he was merely evading. Sometime even leaving his tail out for her, only to yank it away! “You're not even trying to wrestle me back!"

  “It’s…well, it’s not that I don’t want to-“ He turned to explain, but she didn’t give him the chance. He was interrupted by a well placed pounce.

  “Got you!” Her onyx talons pressed against his chest, a proud smirk on her snout as the male wiggled beneath her. The dark green of his blushing had consumed all his frills, even the ones tracing down his neck.

  “W-well, it looks like you won." he snaked his snout up licking along the underside of her neck. Like a well tuned machine her body responded instantly. Her paws trembled, her neck shook. A long and exaggerated sigh escaped her throat. Then he did it again with that cursed wet tongue. Just to make every repeat itself, practically making her warble. Before he repeat his sudden, delightful attack she returned with one of her own. Drawing a thick line with her tongue along his neck. The impending groan as he quivered beneath her was too hard to not poke fun of.

  “That’s not fair. You let me pin you." She settled down onto his chest, kneading her claws softly onto his scale. When he groaned again with a defeated thump of his tail she chuckled, playfully batting at his cheek. “You just love the idea of a powerful dragoness pinning you beneath her, don't you?"

  “N-Not really." the dragon’s eyes shifted away, his frills not changing color. Though they did pin to his head, possibly outing his little lie.

  “Aha!" she batted his snout away with a victorious rumble. “I knew it." When he peaked an eye to her, she licked along his cheek. Till he was giggling and laughing yet still pinned. “You like being pinned!"

  “Yes! Now please!” He cackled.

  “Please what?” She licked his neck again, giggling as that cackle shifted to a groan.

  “Stop the tickling!”

  While it might have intrigued her to keep the usually boisterous male squirming beneath her grasp, Lyndis sighed and decided to instead grant him mercy. “Good for you I’m feeling generous tonight.” Gently she removed herself with an elegance that hinted at a very well done Veledar impersonation. Looking upon him, laying there, it was hard not to trace every scale presented to her, feel her heart beneath her flesh beat ever faster.

  “You have my thanks.” Cordenth rested his head against the ground as she averted her gaze, “Though I should be amused you’re blushing-“

  “Me, blushing?” She laughed, fluffing her wings by accident to throw the male of the scent. The coming sly smirk upon his snout wasn’t convinced, “Hey, stop giving me that look, I’m not blushing you brute!”

  “Brute am I?” Cordenth rolled a paw to his chest, fluttering his eyes, “Though quite amusing to think, that I might be one dragon you might hide from one’s mother, I often think of myself able to rival the most handsome of princes-“

  “Oi-“ She scolded the dragon, shutting his snout with a paw, “Quit while you’re ahead.” Before he could conjure another word to defy her, she nuzzled along his cheek, scales rubbing alongside one another. It was hard to not fight the deep desire built within to rumble down her throat. “You’re starting to sound like the crimson ass.”

  “Crimson ass?” Purred Cordenth, recovering from a moment of shock to nuzzle her right back, “Is that a donkey you’ve been hiding in your group?”

  She laughed at the mere thought of it, “Careful now, don’t let him hear you call him one of those.”

  “It can be out little secret.” He sighed as she laid down next to him.

  Together they gazed out to the field of green and lavender around them. Though most of it had been bent or folded thanks to their playful romp around. Fireflies rose up in little flashes, hovering and orbiting their combined snouts. “Would you want to retire to your nest for the evening?" She arched her back as the green pushed himself to all fours.

  “Tired of the flying and the wrestling, are we?" he growled playfully as he strode over to her.

  “Sort of." she brushed against him, playfully smacking him with her tail. “But I wish to spend the night cuddled against you, held within your paws.” Lyndis closed her eyes. She could already picture his gentle and tender embrace as he traced her scales. Finding every tender muscle as he tenderly kneaded about.

  “T-that can be arranged." she saw him gulp when she opened her eyes. “Lyndis?"

  “Yes?" she spread her wings wide. Anticipation already bubbled about her chest with each second. Begging, whispering sweet words to bring her to the sky. It would certainly be hard to go back to flying without wings of her own. Was this what the Emerald Lady wanted? For her to not return to her form? To stay with her son for the rest of her life? But with the ivory glow about the dragoness’ son, Lyndis wasn’t so certain. The way he strode over to her, gazing upon her like a living goddess. Even the experienced adventurer was given pause.

  “I know you would probably be against wearing one of my mother’s scale necklaces, but maybe… one of my own might work."

  Lyndis tilted her head to the side. The idea seemed strange to her as worry crept into the back of her mind. “So, you can spy on me or something? Just like your mother does to her subjects?"

  “No... It would be a way for us to stay in touch." Cordenth's frills turned a darker shade of green as he looked away. “It would even allow us to combine our dreams together, and feel as though we are right beside each other no matter the distance between us.”

  “So I could spend every night feeling like I was wrapped within your paws?" What worry lurked was swept away, replaced with a happy smile and near bouncing paws at the idea. “Because that would be bloody fantastic!"

  “Yes." He nuzzled her softly. “That is exactly what I am saying."

  “Then I would love to have one of these scales of yours. Do you already have one made up or something? Or is there some sort of ritual that needs to be done?"

  “We can make one up when we get back to my cave." He spread his wings after offering her a quick peck on the tip of her snout. “Just try to keep up.." he bounded into the air with a smirk, his tail playfully smacking her across her nose.

  “Oh, you’ll see just how well I can fly when I catch you, Cordy! Your tail is mine!" she shouted pouncing after him. She spiraled upwards into the chilly air, warbling her excitement as she raced to pursue his swishing tail. Though they raced above the treetops, followed along with the forest like an artist’s sketch, the green never strayed too far. The thought he might not be trying to get away not even occurring to her as she easily brushed against him.

  “Got you!" she roared, startling a family of bats. The little mammals squeaking in concern as they darted away from the two predators soaring above.

  “Oh no!" He groaned in a dramatic fashion, rolling his eyes like a pair of wheels. His warm gaze drifted to her, a smirk about his lips. “What should I do, mighty huntress? How could I possibly avoid your wrath?”

  “Give me all your treasure!" Lyndis hissed playfully.

  “I think that might be crossing a line."

  “Nonsense! You were powerless beneath my paws back there." she repositioned herself so that she was flying right by his side, practically wing-tip to wing-tip. “Seems only fair.”

  “Only because I was playing with you." he angled his wings once his waterfall came into view guiding her downward till speckles of mist splashed against their scales. “If we were actually wrestling for real, I would end up on top."

  She wasn’t going to let him get away with that. Call it the blushing of her scales or enchanting landscape. Mischief found her voice, “And if you were on top, what would you do to me?"

  “Pardon?” He blushed most profusely, his green scales practically turning red as they neared the river above his home. Once or twice he began to form an answer, but was left with nothing. She’d certainly got his tongue.

  They landed with a quick back-wing, and he had yet to answer her. “That must be one tricky answer to form.” She brushed against him with a laugh, delighting when he closed his eyes and shivered.

  “Just a tad more forward than I might have expected." he swished his tail, like he was trying to work out a kink.

  “And why might that be?” She mused, closing in on the dragon, delighting in the uncertainty in his eyes. His audible gulp made her chuckle as she ran her scales along the length of him. “Is your home a rather terrible affair? Treasure of all sorts not sorted?”

  “Nothing like that.” He huffed at her teasing, trotted a few paces, “Let us just get that necklace for you." Cordenth quickly wrapped a wing around her and started to guide her along the smooth rock path that led deeper into his home.

  She found her mind drifting as they walked side by side, admiring the forest around her. With the handsome dragon beside her, it seemed ever less dangerous than when they first entered it’s verdant expanse. Cordenth’s form was captivating, warmed her blood, it must have been a side effect of the spell currently trapping her in her draconic form.

  “Well, here it is." Cordenth smiled. He somehow during her haze had brought her to his cave, crafted whatever he needed to, and brought the scale that was connected to a thin chain of gold.

  "How… how does it work?" she stammered out, hoping to rid her thoughts of the more salacious variety. Though the longer she did they seemed to just come rushing back. She just hoped he wasn’t noticing. Even her tail was starting to swish about almost on it’s own.

  “It's really fairly simple, actually." He took a step forward, holding up the scale before her eyes. It appeared to be one of his own. “We just both have to touch it, and I say the activation words. Then whenever you slumber and wear it, the necklace will try to connect our dreams...If I am sleeping at the same time of course."

  “And no matter the distance." she smiled. “I will always have you by my side."

  “Precisely." Cordenth guided her paws to grip along the scale like he was doing. There eyes soon met, those bright yellow ones drawing her in. Guiding her next few breaths to shiver about her lungs. She smiled and so did her, a happy glow about the air. Though as they lingered on one another the heat returned like an unyielding force enveloping all else. Every breath she took was driving her currently wild. It was all she could muster to not throw herself at the dragon. The thought popped into her head for the briefest of moments that possibly the Emerald Lady had done something to her with the spell. Made her desire her son more than ever. But when he spoke that concern was squashed.

  “Ready?'

  She nodded, “Always.”

  His eyes never left hers for even a moment as he began to speak in a language of hisses and growls. It seemed that, despite her new body and enhanced senses, she still could not understand their language. He moved his other claw in small circles, a faint cerulean glow radiating from his digits. The light hovered like a fog for a few seconds with every rotation or movement that he did, and the entire time Lyndis felt her nerves start to stand on edge.

  She felt a small little warm sensation on her spine. It slowly radiated out towards her wings, running through her limbs and condensing in her claws. When the warmth reached her head, she let out a small gasp of pleasure. How intense that it was! It was as if she’d fallen asleep in a warm field with the sun covering all her scales. Gasps soon shifted into a trilling noise as her eyelids drifted closed. Her tail quivered in delight, and she found herself struggling to keep upright.

  “Lyndis!" Cordenth caught her softly within his limbs just as her weakened body started to topple over.

  She opened her eyes softly, blinking them a few times to look at the concerned green snout of the dragon she cared about.

  “Thank you." She blushed, gently breaking from his embrace and rising up with fluff of her wings. She shook her body as the warm feeling seemed to drip away. She didn’t have long to focus on that disappointment before Cordenth was holding the green scale before her eyes. It appeared the same as it did before on first glance, but as she focused on it, she came to realize that it was faintly glowing with that same cerulean light. “I already loved your scales." she gently took the golden chain from him and dangled the piece of jewelry before her. “I will cherish it always." She kissed his muzzle with a happy rumble.

  “You’re welcome." he returned her touch and ran a claw along the backside of her neck. His talons traced her scales in just the right way to make her let out a small pleased purr from her throat. He giggled at her display.

  “Oi, don’t poke fun, you do it too!" she laughed as the dragon had started to guide her through his treasure and towards the bed of soft blankets.

  “Yes, but yours is vastly more cute. Some might say…catlike.”

  She narrowed her gaze as the dragon laughed, “It doesn’t not sound like a bloody cat!”

  “Course it does my sweet, but no matter, I adore cute things." he chuckled, running his enticing hide against her gently. “You just have to know the right spot to touch is all."

  “What spot can make you purr like that?" Curiosity lingered in her words as they settled down onto his bed, pressed up against one another. His snout was mere inches from hers, his frills fluttering on either side of his head. “Is it...here?" she rose a claw to stroke the soft membrane of his frill, giving a pleased croon when the dragon closed his eyes and sighed under the gentle ministrations of her touch.

  “T-that is a good spot." he flicked his tail behind him, the scaled limb brushing against hers. “However, it can't make me purr."

  “How about here?" she did the same thing that he had done to her, tracing her talons on the backside of his neck. She tried to mimic the exact same thing that he had done and watched his pleased reactions as she worked. When she finally got down to the base of his neck Cordenth gave a low rumble, his tail intertwining with hers.

  “Yes, t-that’s the spot..." he groaned softly, his snout curling into a smile.

  “You’re adorable. You know that, right?" she snaked her snout close to his and gave him a quick slimy lick on his cheek.

  “I try to be." he replied through groans, as she had not let up with her touching for even a moment. “I.... will have to get you back for this you know."

  “I can think of a few ways on how to defend myself against whatever revenge you’re plotting inside that cute scaly head." she replied innocently.

  “How about this?” Cordenth tilted his head with a sly grin, before closing the distance between them. In a heartbeat he’d trapped her maw in a passionate kiss, their tongues swiftly crossing paths in a most intimate dance.

  Any thought of resisting him were fluttering out to the winds, her claws gently ran their way down his chest. Call it a spell, or the heroic dragon that had rescued her, she found herself desperately needing him as the moments carried on. One look and she realized he needed her as much she did.

  “Got you a bit worked up under the tail it seems.” She rumbled, stroking a paw underneath his jaw.

  He didn’t offer another word more than a dominant growl, kneading along her body and nibbling along her neck. The tiny squeezes of his jaw wretched little blissful cries that trembled through form. His scales rubbed against hers, blood growing ever hotter with each passing second. Without his kiss to silence her she was voicing every pleasured nibble or lick with a shameless moan.

  “Cordenth." she grabbed hold of his snout with her forepaw, giving him another passionate kiss as she pulled herself tighter, grinding back against him. “What are you waiting on, Cordenth? You have a princess in your cave." Lyndis rose to all fours and padded a short distance from the bed. Without a tinge of shame, she moved her tail out of the way to expose herself to the hungry eyes of her partner. She let out a soft sigh as she turned her neck to give the male the best ‘come take me’ look she could muster with her snout. “I’m eager...and waiting

  That night they were upon each other like ravenous beasts, the sounds of their passion carrying off the cavern walls to make any who heard it blush. Claws scrapped, roars came to announce every passing moment. She was wrapped up in his embrace, sung his praises as kisses and licks became their language.

  When they finally flopped to their bed they were all soft giggles and smiles, disbelief this is where they’d ended up. She was pressed up against his form, his claws holding her tightly against him as she leaned into onyx scales. Her digits mixed with his as their tails intertwined. Together they basked in the delightful afterglow bubbling about them.

  Who would have thought this sort of thing would have transpired? She giggled at the idea of it, glancing up at his handsome scales and getting captivated within brilliant eyes. They glanced back to her with such warmth and love that she found herself unable to not lock jaws once more. For countless minutes they held each other in that embrace, jousting with their tongues and losing themselves to this lovely contest.

  “Good night.” She licked his cheek.

  “You as well my lovely princess.” He sighed, resting his head next to hers with a heavy sigh. His steady breaths helping guide her to the twilight realm of dreams.

  * * * * * * * * * * * *

  When she awoke the next morning, the sun had already started to shine its golden rays through the waterfall. Inside the cozy cave, Lyndis let out a yawn, blinking her eyes as she still felt the green dragon she adored holding her within his embrace. She let out a pleased sigh as she snuggled up against him. Enjoying the closeness he provided, and the steady thumping of his heart.

  I'm glad that wasn't a dream.

  “Cordenth." she said softly, gently pushing his snout with her paws. “We have to go see your mother so that I can be turned back to normal."

  “Do… do we really have to?" he groaned, opening one eye lazily. “Can we not stay like this all morning? Snuggled close my beautiful dragoness?"

  “No, lazy scales," she broke free of him, standing to all fours and shaking her scales. Filling the air with soft clinks. “I have an adventure to go on...and you have a quest of yours to see finished." She arched her neck to smile as Cordenth pulled himself up from his bed.

  “Well, when you put it that way, I suppose there’s not much of a choice in it." he wrinkled his snout.

  “Hey." she brushed up against him gently and grabbed the small necklace he’d given her. “We have this, remember?" she held it out to him and offered him a comforting lick over his snout. “It will be like we have each other EVERY night."

  “That will be the only thing keeping me warm through the lonely nights." he sighed, returning her affections before he started to guide her through his treasure room. They were soon out into the crisp air of the morning, enjoying the sun upon their scales.

  “Will we be able to do anything...lewd? She asked, pushing against his shoulder as she sighed at the morning sun's warmth.

  “That can certainly be arranged if you want." Cordenth purred.

  “How could I resist a strong, charming dragon such as yourself?"

  “You know how to make my frills turn green." He laughed. “But same goes for you… the enticing princess of my dreams."

  “With this amulet, that will literally be the case." She spread her wings wide, the feathers making the green dragon's eyes go wide. “What’s the matter?" She smiled. “Did you not see them in the night?"

  “I did not see them this clearly. They are.... beautiful… stunning… a marvel to look at."

  “Oh Cordy." she blushed, “Such the gentleman."

  “Gentledragon." he corrected her, unleashing his wings and leading her into the air with a chuckle rumbling inside the depths of his throat. With his next wingbeat, he’d brought her through the trees, passed the clearings, advancing towards the vast palace of vines that the Emerald Lady called hers.

  Lyndis looked down to the forest of despair. In this light, and with the dragon she cared for flying beside her, it truly felt less scary. For she’d found him, Cordenth…A treasure hidden among this forest...

  a secret gem I never wish to part with.

  Part of her imagined herself within the forest, in the company of her emerald knight...Ruling over all of it.

  She shook her head softly as they neared the Lady’s palace. Her eyes drawn to the green dragoness, who was standing at the front of the vast structure, the sun practically sparkling off her emerald scales. Beside her was the gryphon Croesus, his white feathers looking practically pristine.

  “Well, if it isn't the two love-birds returning to their perch." The large dragoness said with an amused tone as they landed with bumpy trots. “How was your evening, Lyndis?" she sniffed the air, a coy smile coming to her snout. “Enjoyed it down to the last minute, have you?"

  Damn her....is there anything I can hide from her keen nose and her infuriatingly perceptive eyes?

  “We have mated, if you are so keen to know." she held her head up and glared at the she-dragon. “Contrary to my initial reaction, I rather enjoyed being a dragon."

  “And if I said you had to stay that way for the rest of your days?" The Lady flashed her fangs in challenge.

  “I..." Lyndis' thoughts stumbled...It wouldn’t be a bad life, to fly wherever I want, use magic more powerful than any mortal can ever dream of. To be with my Cordenth every day for the rest of my long, beautiful life… “It is an enticing prospect…one that I must decline. There are certain duties I must attend before I am ready to commit myself to eternity.”

  “Wisely put. Perhaps this one night has elevated your mortal mind more than I initially foresaw. Though I must ask. Is relinquishing the many gifts bestowed upon you by this dragon form the best way to accomplish your goals, Lyndis?”

  “No,” the white dragoness said without the shadow of a doubt. “Yet it is the only way I know how, with a rapier in my hand and a cloak to shadow my every move.”

  “Very well. Step in my shadow when you are ready to revert back to your mortal self.”

  “Thank you…for giving me the choice.” Lyndis sat down onto her haunches, her tail flicking rather impatiently behind her. She placed a talon to her chin, thinking her last night over. For the most part, it had been a most enjoyable experience. One that not many men, elves, dwarf or half-elves would ever be graced with. In that regard, Lyndis considered herself lucky to have seen the world through the eyes of a dragon, brief as it might’ve been.

  “Lyndis?” Cordenth brushed along her side to stand next to her. “Is something bothering you?”

  “No…I was just thinking about our time together,” she moved her eyes away from his to stare up at the sky, for she could not keep her emotions in check when she remembered the moist feel of his sweet licks, of the incredible pleasure he made her feel. “When I think about all the years we have ahead of us, one night seems all too brief. Makes me wish we had more time to…you know..." She released a long sigh that caused the Emerald Lady to burst into a growly fit of laughter.

  “I have once tasted the pleasure that continues to live in your memory. It is…intoxicating, to say the least. Consider yourself lucky, Lyndis. Few are given the honor to experience what it means to be a dragon." Her laughter died down as she lowered her snout towards the pair. “And I am pleased you have experienced it in the embrace of my son. He’s still green as the world around him, but he has learned much from you, even if he might never admit it.”

  “Mother! That is certainly not the right way to state how proud you are of me.” Cordenth hissed.

  “I am, my son, in more ways than you can currently imagine.” The dragoness said, then focused her amethyst gaze back upon Lyndis. “I will turn you back to yourself, yet know that if you ever set forth in my forest...this is the form your body will take."

  “How is that possi-“ Lyndis snapped her mouth shut as the Emerald Lady continued to smile. Of course...this is her domain. “Very well. I can agree to that."

  “Good." The Emerald Lady held up a claw and preformed the same movements that she had done last night. The same white magic flew from the very ground to wrap around Lyndis once again, and in a matter of moments, her scales and wings gave way to her two-legged self.

  “Aaaand I’m back in business!" she exclaimed in joy as she spun around to inspect every inch of herself. She made sure to count all her fingers and run hands through her hair. Everything seemed to be in order, nothing missing at all.

  “Cordenth!" She turned to the green dragon, running to him and offering him a tight hug against his onyx chest. “Thank you…Thank you for everything you’ve done for me last night and beyond. There’s no good way to express how happy you made me feel."

  “No…thank you, Lyndis." he pushed her away gently and pressed his snout against her lips.

  “Grrr…enough with all that honey. This ridiculous amount of sweetness makes me want to skip to the future." The Emerald Lady rumbled, turning away from them. “Farewell Lyndis...and Cordenth?"

  “Yes?"

  “Watch over yourself and your brother...He already said his farewells to me."

  “I…I know I haven’t said it as often as I should have, but I love you mother." Cordenth bound over to her and nuzzled her affectionately. “I’ll even…miss you.”

  “Don’t say that,” the dragoness pulled him closer to her with a large forepaw. “If fate flows in smooth tides, we might see each other again…even if that day can never arrive soon enough.” She curled neck around his with a sigh. “I will love you no matter where your wings will take you… Fare you well, my son." She caressed his face softly, and pushed her nose to his. “And know you are always welcomed to return to my forest, " her eyes slowly went to Lyndis for a moment. “including her. I’d be delighted to have you reunited again, in shadow of my wings.”

  “Thank you." Lyndis gave a slight bow, finding that part of her actually was proud she had earned this honor that the dragoness had bestowed onto her.

  All the good merriment was not to be denied Croesus. The gryphon and Cordenth exchanged knowing looks. The green dragon approached without a word, snaking his snout down. The gryphon met it with a pleased chirp, his body shaking almost as much as his voice. “For so long I wished to-“

  The dragon silenced him with a nuzzle, filling the air with a radiant purr. “I’m just glad you’ve been here the entire time.” They embraced with their wings, pulling each other tight. Frills trembled, ears splayed, the air filled with soft chirps and rumbles. When they broke away the gryphon was holding onto Cordenth’s jaw, his ears up and twitching.

  “And as always I’m proud of you. You keep that brother of yours safe, your wings clean and your scales polished.” The gryphon continued to fuss and list of several more things for the green to keep in order. “And most of all, stay safe. You’re always welcome to return.”

  Cordenth nodded, licking his father across the beak as his eyes misted. He chuckled weakly, his frills fluttering. “I’ll try to remember all of that.”

  “Now onto the matters at hand, I suggest you go get her things from where she left them. And find your brother too. They headed out towards the forest’s edge. closest to Entis. I told them to await your arrival." The dragoness turned away from her son with pain slithering along the length of her snout. “Go. Fly! Do this before I find myself trying to force you two to stay.”

  “As you wish, mother." Cordenth strode to Lyndis, wiping his eyes with a wing. He crouched low for Lyndis, giving the rogue a comforting smile. “Care to hop on, princess?"

  “Why would I ever pass up the chance to fly?" She punched his scales playfully before climbing up his scales, swinging a leg around his neck. She settled into position as his frills folded against his back so that her weight was not making him uncomfortable.

  “Ready?" he asked, arching his neck to gaze at her.

  “Of course!" She cried, wrapping her arms around his scales. “To the sky, Cordenth!"

  “Right away!' Cordenth pounced into the air on the flap of his wings. “Farewell, mother! Father, I shall return one day!" he roared out when they were above the trees. The dragoness and gryphon offered a combined roar and squawk of farewell in response, a sound that dimmed with every beat of his wings that brought the two of them, half-elf and dragon, closer to the village that contained her things.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  Lyndis had quickly gathered her things from the inn, slinging the leather pack over her shoulders. She grabbed the golden leaf clasp, wiggling it into position. Her hands wandered over her pouches, mentally reciting all her gear. She didn’t want to forget anything. Course, as she peered around the room she knew in her heart.

  I’ll never forget this place...

  She made her way out into the hallway, practically sprinting down the stairs and heading out the door. She offered a quick wave to the innkeeper before her eyes fell to the waiting green dragon that had won her heart. The good. She thought back to him, the warm nights, the dancing, and the parties.

  “Come on. Everyone is waiting on us." he smiled, crouching lower for her,

  “Oh!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening. “I almost forgot!" She slung off her pack and placed it on the ground, rifling around in it to procure a large blue scarf with white diamonds stitched into the cloth. She spun around and held it up to the dragon. “You were kind enough to give me this green sash, so I figured...why not have something that reminds you of me?"

  “That's....Thank you!" he replied happily as she wrapped the scarf around his neck and tied it tightly. “It's lovely, Lyndis...I will treasure it." he smiled, showing off his sharp teeth.

  She thought as climbed onto his back and settled into a comfortable place. She remembered the early threats spat by the Emerald Lady, the deaths of so many villagers, and revelation of the fort. She gripped Cordenth's scales tighter as he took them back into the sky, towards the forest edge, where the rest of her friends awaited. He bound over the treetops in a glide, and she felt dread starting to build in her chest. For a moment, she considered heading out with Cordenth instead, telling Veledar that he had to find a new rogue, for she had fallen for the green dragon beneath her. That simply saying goodbye to him would be too much.

  But I can't do that to them. She sighed, remembering her reason to get into the city. The best rogue ever! Her words echoed in her mind, causing her to frown. Was she still the same youthful girl that left her home in search of adventure? Or had she evolved into something more? The Emerald Lady spoke something of that nature. Was she right?

  Lyndis lowered her head to Cordenth's scaled neck to listen to his steady heart as the forest's edge came into view. If only we had a few more hours. She peered down from his scales when he turned to see that her friends were gathered around Lyyreth, already mounted on bay colored horses. They seemed to be chatting away with the green dragon, with Veledar throwing his head back in a chuckle.

  “An dats da time I beat dose bears inta submission. Shoulda seen da look on da face of dat gryphon!" Merlia smacked her knee as Cordenth back winged and landed with a thump. “Course we celebrated in da way gryphons do, if ye know wat I mean," the dwarf gave the others a wink.

  “Oh, at last. Nice of you lazies to finally join us." Veledar exclaimed, holding his snout high with a grin. “Thought you were just going to forget about our grand quest. If that were the case, I would have had no option but to hunt you down and collect the fee you owe me.”

  “Oh yes, that extravagant fee that I must pay you in spite of the fact you hired me to get your oversized ass past the gates of Entis." Lyndis laughed, shaking her head as she dismounted the green dragon. “I guess some things never change…not even when you happen to be the richest dragon in the land.”

  “Oh, wealth is not always measured in gold. Some dragons collect shinies. Other…distasteful individuals prefer mortals to decorate the insides of their lairs. I am a learned enough dragon to know that favors can be just as expensive as a bag of gems, so you’d better start counting them up.”

  “And fall asleep? Your stories about who owns what already do a good enough job at that.” She yawned dramatically.

  “As I already explained the fee structure, dear Lyndis, you should not have a problem paying material worth anyway...considering you’re a princess after all...I thought you would have remembered." The red dragon sighed, his blue eyes going to the green dragon's scarf. “But I guess fooling around with Cordenth here made you forget your commitments to your first dragon.”

  If you only knew what we got up to. She stifled a giggle as she and Cordenth shared a quick glance to one another.

  “Dey did it!” Merlia shouted, spitting out some water that she had just taken from her waterskin.

  “Excuse me. What’s the cause of you almost choking to death?” Lyndis frowned.

  The dwarf pointed straight at Lyndis, and then to the proud looking green dragon. “You and he? HAH!" she smacked her knee as she laughed loudly. “Ye'll have ta tell me about dis dragon ridin’ later, lass! No leavin out da juicy bits on me!"

  Lyndis once more looked back to Cordenth with a coy smile. “Oh, that. Well, if you fancy dragons like that, I will be sure let you know of all the juicy bits." She laughed, causing Cordenth to fidget and snort in reply.

  “If you’re all done talking about assumed interspecies intercourse, we should all be off towards our respective destinations, " Lyyreth spoke up, striding over to his brother. “I was just wishing them good luck in their quest before leaving. Thanked them for allowing us to start a new, exciting chapter in our lives.”

  “Good. There’s one more thing left to do.” Cordenth looked to Lyndis, blue scarf flapping in the breeze flowing from the forest. He lowered his snout and pressed it passionately to her lips.

  “I will see you again." she said softly, her hands caressing his head.

  “You can be sure of that." he replied just as softly, his eyes filling with sorrow. He gave her one last, long lick across her face that made her laugh. “I love you, Lyndis.", his tail thumped behind him.

  Wait what? She was taken back for a moment, running her hand along his chin. She was about to deny or not answer, but she remembered the past few days. How he made her heart flutter so with his mere presence, and how she had enjoyed speaking to him each night, cuddling, and feeling so safe and secure. It might be crazy… but I cannot wait to continue this thing we have together. “I love you too…Cordenth.”

  “And now I am ready!" Cordenth happily shouted after he gave her another quick kiss and released a loud trill. The green dragon then turned his attention to the rest of the group and lowered himself into a bow before Veledar.

  “Mrrawww, please, don’t strain your shoulders too much," the red dragon gave a pleased croon, his frills twitching happily as he reciprocated the gesture of respect. “Not even Lyyreth offered a bow...hey." Veledar snapped his snout to Arcturus, who had shoved him on his shoulder.

  “Shhhh." the paladin placed a finger to his lips.

  “Thank you for helping us get on with our lives." Cordenth spoke, ignoring the red dragon. “And thanks for showing us the way." The green dragon rose back up. “I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart that you are all my friends, and I wish to give you all my name.”

  “Mine as well!" Lyyreth added with a snort, smiling as he did so.

  “And I will miss you all deeply." Cordenth turned to Lyndis with a slight frown. “Some of you more than others."

  “We will miss you as well." Arcturus smiled, patting his bay horse beneath him. “This world of ours is not as big as we often expect. Perhaps it won't be that long until we meet again."

  “I certainly hope that is the case, honorable paladin of Bahamut." Cordenth spun around and unfurled his wings wide. “Coming, Lyyreth?" he asked, arching his head as he waggled his tail and tensed his muscles. His brother said not a word and quickly moved to brother's side with his own wings flared and ready to take flight.

  “Lyndis?" Cordenth looked to her one last time. His eyes filling with fondness and sorrow at the same time.

  “Yes?" She gazed back to him, dreading the next few moments more than ever before. She ran to him with her arms wide and allowed the green dragon to pick her up in his paws as he arched his snout close to hers.

  “Be safe, my dearest emerald, and know that my heart will yearn for the day we see each other in flesh once more."

  “You be careful, my emerald knight," she smiled fondly, her heart feeling as though it were being pulled on either side. An ache that there was no cure. She ran a hand up to caress his pebbled face once more as he pressed his snout against hers in a kiss. She closed her eyes and let the emotions swirl around her, For that brief moment, all that existed was his warm, scaly touch. Nothing else mattered except the sound of his breaths, and the feeling of his warm scales pressed against her. They broke the kiss to stare into each other’s eyes for a long, silent minute. “Guess I will have to settle with you being the dragon in my dreams." she laughed with blurry eyes, tapping the green scaled necklace around her neck.

  “That I can be." he licked her, his own eyes starting to drip the same crystalline tears. He set her down, gave a quick nod the others, then bound into the sky with a mighty flap of his beautiful wings.

  Lyndis watched the dragon she loved climb higher and higher into the sky, only increasing the pain that started to weigh down her heart. The first of her tears fell from her eyes when he was passing above the forest, unleashing a loud roar of goodbye. She let out a small cry as Veledar returned their roar with one of his own.

  “I'm actually going to miss them!" Veledar suddenly exclaimed almost the moment that he had roared. “I'M ACTUALLY GOING TO MISS THEM!"

  The bull Asterion snorted beside her, drawing her attention to the man who was holding the reins to the horse she was expected to ride. His voice was rough, like gravel rubbed to her skin. “Here is your horse, half-elf, it is best if we head out right now."

  She looked to the leather saddle and the soft fur of the proffered mount. It had no scales. No frills to caress. No proud wings to take her into a realm she could only stare at.

  “You’re right. Best not keep the party waiting,” Lyndis wiped the tears from her eyes and slung herself up on the horse, her eyes stopping to stare at the fluttering green sash around her waist.

  “Come on, you big lazy lizard," Arcturus suddenly spoke loudly as he gestured to his neck. “Just change your size and hop up."

  “Grrr…do I have to?" grumbled the red dragon, already placing one of his white talons to his snout.

  “Not unless you want to get caught." Arcturus laughed, patting his shoulders again. “Or do you wish to know how the insides of a real dragon cell look like?”

  “Fine, fine. You have me convinced. Bahamut’s grace…I have been made smaller.... much less resplendent…what’s a little time on the road going to do?" Veledar snorted, his voice dripping with irritation.

  “Come now. You’re resplendent in any size you take. Besides, dearest dragon, you don't want all of Lumara to dazzle at your beautiful scales."

  Veledar stopped the spell he was going to do to offer the paladin a pleased croon. “See? You should say such pleasing things all the time." He snaked his head close to the paladin with a mischievous grin before offering him several affectionate licks across his face. “You're going to make my wings turn pink."

  “Yes, I got you…got your pride covered. Just don’t forget to put this on your favors owed tab,” "Arcturus laughed, pushing gently against the dragon who was offering him such loving affection.

  “Look out lad! He is trying ta kiss ya!" Merlia shouted, joining Asterion as she rode a small tan furred pony. “Now we best take you lot, and Ulga here." the dwarf patted the pony. “And be off ta dat city of yours."

  “Oh, stop your cackling, you small-footed harpy. I was merely showing my paladin here how much I appreciate a wisely spoken word.” Veledar snorted at Merlia before turning his gaze back to Arcturus. “Thank you, by the way." The dragon let loose a pleased rumble from his throat. “I find you most resplendent as well... when you’re wearing the armor of course. It’s the closest you’ll ever get to our scales."

  “True. Unless you find a way to turn me into a dragon. Then you’d have to be the one singing praises to me, hah!" Arcturus laughed as his face started to turn red like it usually did in such moments.

  “Wouldn’t mind to.” Veledar muttered with a sneaky glance to the side, as if he was embarrassed to say that out loud, not realizing a half-elf could hear him anyway. “To wrestle with you down in the grass or fly up in the skies, to feel the rustling of your scales rubbing against mine when we settle down to rest…nope. I would not mind that one bit.”

  “Veledar?” Arcturus patted his shoulders one more time, causing the dragon to shudder all over.

  “What? Did I say that out loud?”

  “Loud enough to even make me blush,” Lyndis snickered.

  “Oh, it’s just part of a story I read a long time ago. Think nothing of it.” The red dragon fluttered his wings as if that could brush away the heat of embarrassment that slithered into his scales. “It’s just something that came up when you two lovebirds mashed your faces together.” He said, pointing an accusatory claw at Lyndis.

  “So, if I say I mated Cordenth, are you going to follow my example?” the half-elf gave him a cocky smile in return.

  “I…you…what?” the red dragon all but froze. “You did what?!”

  “She’s just being silly,” Arcturus intervened. “Now stop your cuteness and hop up onto my shoulders."

  The dragon obeyed without delay.

  You have got to be kidding me. Lyndis wrinkled her brow when Veledar cast the same fond look that Cordenth had offered her. She crossed her arms in irritation at the two as Veledar shrunk down and settled around the paladin's neck.

  “Go forth, my metal-clad steed! Carry your glorious overlord to Entis!" The tiny dragon roared.

  “I am not your steed, and you're definitely not menacing enough to be my overlord!" Arcturus chuckled back as he pulled his horse past Lyndis' own.

  “That is a matter of opinion." Veledar tapped the paladin with a paw.

  Lyndis willed her horse to follow the laughing knight and cheerful dragon across the fields of green. She closed her eyes and let the wind caress her, bringing back the smell of adventure. In this case it smelled like cut grass and dragon mixed with horse. After a while, Lyndis allowed herself to return back to the present. As they were climbing a hill, she could make out the tiny dot in the distance. Entis. The city of light, as some called it. She knew this was their destination. The reason that pushed her to join the red dragon’s quest. Glory and fortune awaited her…

  But something yet more important made her glance back towards the forest of despair. Her eyes found the tiny dots of the dragons she’d came to know and appreciate, and for another long, heavy moment, Lyndis found herself wishing she had gone with them instead. Someday we will meet again Cordenth... and I pray that day will come soon.