[IC] Of Scales and Stone (Mid-Causal/Low Advanced)

[FallenTrinity]

Allistyr’s Keep, The Siege, Present Day

The soldiers closest to the dragons had stopped and watched, the Seelie in disgust and the Unseelie in appreciation, as Sulleykaar toyed with the de-winged, de-clawed and toothless dragon that was once Tyr’rak. It took a bit, but he eventually ended him in a glorious black pyre of sorts, turning the poor thing to nothing but ashy dust, if it could even be called that. After the flames died and he calmed down, his attention quickly moved over towards Andersen. [color=sulley’s]”FELIX!”[/color] He yelled as he ran over to the burnt body. It remained lifeless and limp. His face tensed as he looked him up and down.

Cynbel heard the cries of ‘DRAGON!’ all around. Judging by the carnage and flames, this wasn’t a friendly dragon. By the time he was able to disengage from his current combat, it was too late. The Unseelie commander cut his way through the forces to find Felix and Sulleykaar. He didn’t even consider that Sulleykaar’s presence might indicate that Kiara was here too, they were the farthest thing from his mind when he saw Felix’ seemingly lifeless form. ”No…” he said, kneeling beside his two co-Commanders. ”Fetch me the nearest Unseelie healer!” he barked at a nearby soldier, who nodded and sprinted off. The battle nearby had resumed after Tyr’rak’s fall.

”No….that won’t work. He’s past that point..Too much blood loss and... Cynbel, I need room.” He looked into Cynbel’s eyes with the most stern, authoritative look and with a voice of a king. Cynbel looked at Sulleykaar with a hard gaze but nodded and stood up, taking a few steps back. The red dragon looked back down to Felix as he began to mumble a chant of sorts in dragon’s tongue, his body starting to give off a golden aura before expanding outward.

&

Unknown

”I’m so - sorry. I failed you, Kyla. He was exhausted, even in... wherever the hell he was. Kyla leaned back and placed her hands on his cheeks, Felix looked up, still recovering from sobbing earlier, and went to look back down, only to be stopped by his love. ”You never failed me Felix. If it wasn’t for Sulleykaar, I never would have met you. I never would have seen the world. You never failed me, Andy.” They held each other for a moment, the whiteness turning gold, and the living world coming into their view. Sulleykaar kneeled next to his corpse, and the human Commander looked confused. Sulley...What are you-” Sulleykaar looked up with exhaustion. ”Oh, thank the gods! Felix, we still need you here in the living world. I’m sorry, Kyla, but you will have to wait for him.” A sad smile resting in Kyla’s direction now. She closed her eyes with a smile and slowly nodded before fading away, not without giving Felix a kiss farewell. Felix looked at the spot her spirit once stood and sniffed one last time before turning to the dragon with a nod. On the outside the orb glowed bright for a few minutes before fading away. Felix laid there, unmoving. Sulley’s hand hovered over Felix’s mouth for a moment, before he removed it and stood. ”When he awakens, he will be in a lot of pain on the outside, but more so on the inside, as he adjusts to the changes. Make sure your healers keep him hot throughout his healing process, otherwise you’ll - we’ll lose him again, and this time permanently. I have to go. We will see you in a month or two. Then we will have to work on patching the ties between the Seelie and yourselves. I have a bad feeling.” He simply said.

Cynbel studied the red dragon, Sulleykaar. His eyes darting back and forth between him and Felix. ”Y-You’re leaving?” he stuttered uncharacteristically.

”Yes. He’s fine. Well, as fine as he will be, after what happened. I did some things, and I am now tired, and must go back to Kiara.”

The soldier came back with a healer then. Cynbel told him of Sulleykaar’s instructions and they set to getting him prepped to be flown off of the field. The Unseelie commander looked back to Sulleykaar, his face softened. ”How is she?” he asked, not sure if he wanted the answer. That ‘bad feeling’ could be about her.

He smiled and nodded. ”She is doing extremely well. She has some things to tell you upon her return.” He smiled wide at the faerie general with a nod before turning to walk away. He stopped and turned towards the General.

”When I finish training her, she is free to go, if she wishes. I will still be with her, not as a captor, but as an ally. The rest of this war, sadly, is still dependent on what she does. We will make the revision to the contract when we’re done training.” A respectful nod to Cynbel, who was smiling with the pride only a father could have. Sulleykaar nodded one last time before leaping into the air, flying off in his dragon form towards Spirits’ Crossing.

&

Spirit’s Crossing, Present Day

It took a few hours before he made it back to Kiara. When he touched down, he morphed into his humanoid form and made his way over to Kiara, rubbing the back of his neck. ”Kiki, I’m back. Let’s continue on your wind training. I assume you continued training since I le- Where did you get that from?!” Stopping dead in his tracks, his eyes focused on the jewel around her neck, bewildered as to how she managed to get it.

Kiara was working her wet hair into a thick braid. She had just gotten out of the spring when he had returned. She looked down to the necklace and then up to Sulleykaar. There was an eerie calm in her neutrally grey eyes, practicing the very same emotional control he had taught her. [color=grey]”I had a visitor when you took off without me…”[/color] there was a bite of accusation in her tone, but she was still calm. [color=grey]”Is Felix alive?”[/color] she asked, remembering why he had left so abruptly.

His eyes didn’t leave the jewel. He went to say something about the visitor but resisted. The only thing that brought his attention back to her was when she brought up Felix. ”When I turned and left it was because I watched him die…” He said as he looked down, clicking his tongue. ”He’s fine, and not fine, now.” He said somewhat in a riddle as he sat down on the rock nearest the creek.

Kiara nodded, glad about that. Felix seemed to be a good man, he was handsome and polite, it would be sad if he had died. She crossed her arms and sighed before sitting beside him.

”Who visited you?” He didn’t hesitate when he asked it. He glanced over at her with a gaze.

Kiara rolled her eyes slightly before answering ”You know the answer to that question, Sulleykaar.” she used his full name rather than the affectionate pet named she’d adopted recently.

”What did he want from you?” His voice was more serious.

She didn’t answer his question. ”Why are you asking? Are you worried about me, or what he might have said?”

He raised his head. ”What’s that supposed to mean, Kiara?” the dragon asked flatly.

Her grey eyes looked sad, or angry, it was hard to tell without their usual, colorful expression. ”Do you actually care about me, Sulleykaar? Or am I just a pawn to you?”

His eyes widened and his brow furrowed in confusion as he remained silent, confused by this random accusation from her. ”Of course I care about you! If I didn’t, I would not have even bothered to take you under my wing.” He rested a hand on her shoulder. He smiled to ease the tense air, but what good would that do, especially after Paraxthyon made an appearance in his absence. He waited a moment or two before he asked calmly. ”What did he do…” A statement more so than a question.

She shrugged his hand off of her shoulder. There was a time when she would beg to be touched by him, but she didn’t feel that way now. ”He wanted to play a game. Judging by the fact that he is gone, I must have won.”

”What game?” He continued to push.

”A game of truths. A silly game to play with a faerie, as you dragons aren’t very good at telling the truth. Are you?” she crossed her legs under herself as she sat.

He stood up and looked at her sternly. ”Alright! Stop beating around the bush, what the hell did he say? You’re holding back-” He was taken back by what followed.

”Oh don’t you dare!” she growled and stood up in challenge. ”You don’t get to patronize me anymore. You promised me the truth, and you lied!”

”I haven’t lied to you since we got here, and I have been telling the truth, Kiara, like I-” He interrupted only to have the same done to him.

”The spies. How did you know about them, then?” she demanded, Her eyes were a fierce red now, abandoning her emotional training.

He remained silent and looked towards Dovahmere. God, he was tempted to go in there and glass the town, just to make sure Paraxthyon wasn’t there. Mentally, he was tearing apart the sapphire dragon, and then burning the body and ashes. His mind fought to tell her, but his heart said don’t. So, instead of an audible answer, he remained silent. Why him? Why now?

His silence was an answer enough. She didn’t want to, but her eyes welled up again and she looked away. ”You put them there!” she hissed. ”You put them there, and then you killed Hyumae. And you LIED to me, Sulleykaa!.” her voice was angry, but shaking. ”I trusted you… I was even starting to-” she cut herself off there as she sucked in a sharp inhale. She needed to get herself under control if she was to be more like Cynbel.

His head remained down as she told him the truth. The hard, painful truth... and he accepted it. His head lifting slightly towards the end. When she stopped herself, his head lowered again. ”Yes...I did know. I knew who they were, because I placed them there, as I did with the Seelie... and just about every goddamn kingdom Ugin and the Children of Tiamat overthrew. When I look back at it, it sickens me. You think what I have done wrong to you is horrendous, but it still holds nothing to the other atrocities I have committed under them. Men and women, children and the elderly, sacrificed or snuffed from existence because, at the time, I believed in their damn ideals - Their vision of a reign held by scaled lords. Those were to serve under them, or die, and our family slowly grew into their beliefs. Before I met you- Well, before I met you, my mind was reading morals in reverse.” He took a step closer to her. ”I never wanted any of this shit to begin with. I never wanted to be a part of them from the start, but sadly, that changed. It wasn’t until my love from Ashborn was executed did I swear to no longer align myself with them.” He took another step closer to her. If she wanted to strike him, he would not fight back. He would accept it, even if she wanted to kill him, he would be forever grateful. [color=9e0b0f]”You have no idea the pain and haunted memories I contain from those years. I can still see, hear, smell, touch, and - “[color] He licked his lips in disgust before looking into her eyes. ”Do you want to see and experience everything I did and see what I have to now live with?” He asked her sincerely.

”No.” she shoulders sank a little as she breathed out steadily. ”I didn’t ask for this either. You took me from my father, from my home, all to groom me into this Girl of Stone. I’ve worked very hard to do what you wanted, to make you proud, even. And I asked you for one thing… one thing! Your honesty. I don’t need to know your history, not unless you wish to tell me it. But, you should have told me about that. You knew what Hyumae meant to me, you had the opportunity to tell me the truth a week ago, and you didn’t.” it dawned on her as she spoke. In all that thinking she had done after Paraxthyon left, she stupidly hadn’t considered that. She knew the purpose of the game now...

He turned away from her. His voice low. ”When we finish your training, you’re free to go as you wish. I spoke to your father about it. He is very proud of you, if that grin of his said anything. We will stop training for today, and tomorrow you have the day off. Feel free to do what you will.” He said quietly as he started to walk off.

”No…” she said apologetically and followed after him. ”You know I don’t want a day off. That’s not what this is about.” she touched the back of his arm with her fingertips. ”I get it now… this is why he played the game. He wanted to turn me against you.” She sighed. Just because she understood Paraxthyon’s reasons didn’t make this any of an easier pill to swallow.

”He was always the one who loved to play head games…”

”He picked the wrong girl to play games with.” she smirked. She wouldn’t forgive Sulleykaar, not yet. But she wasn’t going to let Paraxthyon get in the way of her goal.

”Is there anything else he did? Did he hurt you? Did he do anything out of the ordinary.” He looked over softly.

She thought about that. She was so panicked at first, that she really didn’t notice. ”He didn’t hurt me, no… he was actually kind of… weirdly soft? He touched my cheek and smiled, and his eyes kind of glowed...”

”Glowed? What color?” He turned to her quickly and studied her.

”Uhh… Ermm…” her pulse quickened nervously as she tried to remember. ”Blue… I think. Yeah, blue! Why?”

He mouthed what looked like a combo of “fuck,shit,dammit” ”He knows everything about you now. Family, friends, hobbies….everything. Basically, he copied your memories.” He stated.

”Oh…” she remarked quietly and thought about that, pacing a little bit. That wasn’t the worst thing ever… she was a pretty open book. Her pacing halted abruptly and her eyes widened.

”What? Kiki, what is it?” he asked, narrowing his eyes in worry.

”No.” her lip quivered at the realization. ”NO!” she said with more force, her eyes looking off in the distance as if she was facing her own death. ”He knows my name.”

”Kiara...Kiara is your name, so that shouldn’t be that shocking.” He cocked his head to the side. Maybe his training and everything that has happened to her, broke her.

”My name… my real name!” she whispered in a hiss, not wanting anyone to overhear this conversation. Her eyes nervously darted around his face, waiting for the appropriate reaction, which did not come. ”I didn’t even know it until---” her lips pressed in a tight, straight line, before she continued. ”Until my father used it to make me go with you.” If she was asking for his honesty, then she owed him hers, even if that knowledge might hurt him.

The dragon studied Kiara for a moment. This was important for her and, at the same time, dangerous. With Paraxthyon knowing her true name, he could use her against him. He wasn’t upset with her about hiding that she didn’t come of her own will. Hell, he had been hiding his entire life from her. Instead of scolding her for not telling him, he simply noded with sympathy. ”After what I have put you through, it matters not. What matters is that he didn’t attempt to harm you.”

”Are you kidding me?!” she squeaked with a wild look in her eyes. She looked freaked out and dangerous, like a trapped animal. ”I would rather he did harm me! Torture, rape, death… all of that would be better than this! With my name, he can do any and all of those things when and how he pleases. He could have me...” her lip quivered. ”He could have me kill my family… or you… You can’t teach me Old Scale, Sulley!”

“Kiki! he yelled in the hopes to snap her out of it. “Yes. There is a possibility of that happening but, Kiara, if you're going to let that affect your training, then you're right, I'll stop; But I know you're better than that, Kiki. You are Kiara of the Unseelie Court. You’re stubborn, hard-headed, and reckless. Remember when you stupidly jumped off my head and expected me to catch you? I find this hard to believe, that if you have the balls to do some stupid shit like that, vo hahdrim, that you would let this bother you. I will say, though, this is the reality of war. People live and die. Family and friends. Aunts, uncles, cousins… no one in safe. But, there is one thing that stands in his and the Children of Tiamat’s way…”

Kiara was sucking in air in quick, whimpering breaths. He wasn’t taking her seriously. He wasn’t thinking about any of this the right way. Yes, she makes decisions that he doesn’t approve of, but they are still her decisions to make. ”It is you who is the vo hahdrim.” she growled, rather sick of the nickname that she was pretty sure she figured out the meaning of. ”This means that I am no longer the only one who controls my choices, my life. Father promised to never use my name again… but, you’re brother can, and he probably will. He hasn’t yet, so we need to do something about it before he does.”

“And what do you suppose we do? Find him and kill him? Like you said, he has your name. But, let me remind you of what he’s capable of: Magically, he is my rival. Intelligence wise, he is my equal. He has his own personal army ON TOP of an Armada, as do I. If you and I go to wherever he is right now, we’ll be found swiftly, and then death will follow, because you would have played into his mind game. I tell you now, he won't use it. Instead, he remind you that he knows it.”

Kiara looked broken and defeated. She didn’t cry, instead, she crumpled down into heap of faerie on the ground, with her face in her hands. She couldn’t ever remember feeling this small. Yes, Paraxthyon had all of those things, and now, Sulleykaar was letting him have her as well.

”This isn't fair, I know. Nothing ever is, and I wish that this didn't happen to you. I wish I met you outside of these circumstances. But I want you to know, if anything was to happen, I'd give my life for you or your father. ” His eyes softened at the last part. He hoped that it would never come to that, but this was war, and there was a prophecy in the mix. Anything could happen.

Kiara peeked up at him from her spot on the ground. Her eyes were a new color altogether. They were yellow… not the shimmering gold of when she was playful and excited, but a pale yellow. ”This scares me, Sulleykaar.” She admitted, bringing to light that, in the grand scheme of all of this, she was still very much a child. She might be physically mature, but she was only 30 years old in this world full of sempiternal beings and warfare. In the lavish, palatial lifestyle in which she was raised, she had never really come to know fear before. She had tasted it in others, but never felt it for herself.

” As you should be. It's healthy to feel fear and doubt.” he walked over and sat down next to her, resting an arm over her shoulder. Kiara leaned in and rested her head against him for comfort as he spoke. ”Humans like Felix, during wartime, always prepare for war the best ways they can, but they are still afraid. No one wants to die. Death is an unwelcomed friend that only the elderly and those of war accept with open arms. It looms over us like a shadow, waiting for the time to take us as a friend...I think it's about time for us to start your final lesson.” He said as he raised two smokey black fingers and looked at her, placing them on the side of her temple. Hope-filled eyes and a soft smile looked back at her.

Kiara jerked away, ”What are you doing?” she asked quickly, feeling betrayed, yet again. The last time a dragon touched her face with smokey magic, he learned her name and everything else about her.

Sulleykaar stood up and moved behind her as her vision began to darken. He scooped her up and said: ”Starting your final lesson.” before he brought her over to the mystical tree. Kiara gripped Sulleykaar’s arms tight as the blindness settled in and she felt herself being swept up and carried. He laid her gently against the tree as her eyes fluttered shut. She was only able to mouth “final lesson?” Before her vision fully betrayed her he nodded. ”Peace…” He whispered softly.

[Grimoire Gaming]

The Girl of Stone, and Nothingness

Blackness surrounded Kiara’s vision as she slipped into unconsciousness. The sounds of the forest; the chirping birds, the running water, the wind against the leaves, and Sulley, all muffled into silence. It remained like this for some time, until another voice entered her senses. It was layered with others, as if many talked at once, echoing all around her. A figure in black drab approached, it’s face unrecognizable. Sockets glowed an eerie white as it looked at her, or rather, pierced her very soul. It’s skin was fairly transparent, as its rib cage could be seen through it. It’s presence gave off nothing, but at the same time, gave off every feeling possible. It was a familiar feeling, yet it was overwhelming, even putting Morrígan's aura to shame. It was almost as if she had known it all of her 30 counting years.

“I awaited the girl of stone for a long time. A girl of stone must have many questions, and I with many answers.” Its solid, phantom-like body moved in the non-existent wind. A thin line rested on its half-face. Its eyes were emotionless. Kiara found herself staring at the figure, enraptured. Her eyes were wide with wonder and awe as she felt everything and nothing all at once, just by looking at it.

”You’re beautiful…” she said in a voice that did not sound like her own, it was but a disjointed echo of herself in this vast, empty space. She said that, because she believed it. It was the most lovely thing she had ever seen, an idol… a god… a pillar of terror that she, and the people of her Court, could only dream of living up to. It even put the Queen’s glory to shame. ”Are you death?” she asked the first of the aforementioned ‘many questions’.

“Death is what comes to all beings. No, I am not death. I am Woshåm. Those who pass on, bond to me for eternity in peace-” It held up it’s right hand before letting it down to raise the spear in the left. “Or to be tormented for eternity with the acts of sins committed in Nåm'hní.” He lowered it’s ethereal spear.

Kiara’s eyes followed the spear as it gestured with it. The sound it made when it struck the would-be ground sent shivers down her spine. The vibrations were the only sound in this endless void, she could feel them between her teeth and at the roots of her hair. She looked back up to it’s face, but it felt like she was moving in slow motion. ”Why am I here?” she asked in that spirit-like voice that had replaced her own.

“A girl is to learn.” It stated. As the void begun to gain color.

“A man of scales with tormented tales
A girl of stone, alive, yet alone

A white background formed as two silhouettes came forward, one much taller than the other.

”Winged darkness draws near
Two kingdoms to commandeer”

The silhouettes broke apart and reformed into six much larger silhouettes.

”A war to be fought
Ancient magick be taught
For prophecy save
For prophecy sought
Death bell’s call
A crown to fall
A soul to give
To save it all”

The silhouettes danced around Kiara's vision. No faces showed, no voices were heard, there were only the dark, anonymous figures that moved around. Kiki held her arms around her body, defensively turning this way and that as the shadows darted about. Soon enough, the vision faded into the war itself. It seemed like the final battle. Kiara stopped moving and watched the vision, stepping forward into nothing, she couldn’t get close enough to make a difference...

Many were dead, among them, her father, Sulleykaar, the Seelie family, and the Dark Queen. Swords dropped to the ground, and those once fighting, surrendered. The vision fast forwards to the enslavement of the Seelie and Unseelie, Kiara is up on a pedestal being sold to the highest bidder. Kiki held her hands up to her mouth in shock and grief. ”Daddy…. Sulley....” she cried, and then the vision faded just like the others had.

”I have heard that a girl wishes to halt her training in ancient magick?” It tilted it’s head. Kiara looked to it again, somehow she had gotten spun around in the opposite direction. Or perhaps it was Woshåm who moved.

”I was scared.” she admitted for the second time.

”What is a girl afraid of?” It’s eyes piercing through her.

”That I will be the one to kill them; That I will have no choice.” Kiara answered truthfully.

The figures of the shadows emerged once again. Cynbel, proud leader of the Unseelie Army. Felix, the human Commander of the Order of the Crimson Wing. Sulleykaar, the betrayer to the Children of Tiamat, teacher and love to Kiara. And finally, the dark queen herself. Part of two of the figures’ bodies parted in smoke as Woshåm stepped through them, regaining their bodies after it passed by. ”What people of all races fear more than death, is fear itself - The fear of the unknown. I see it every time, in any man, woman, child or elderly individual, when I greet them. Your kind is known to greet me as an old friend who was long forgotten. Humans fear me, and see me as their enemy. A girl is allowed these feelings, as they are natural to the girl, as they are natural to those who live, especially those who live for combat. But a girl is the Girl of Stone, a special girl. A girl’s fate, and those around her, have been decided and yet, still not decided.”

”How do I stop it?” she asked, reaching a skeletal hand out towards where the vision of death and desolation was.

”A girl does cannot stop it.” It said smoothly.

”How do I make my fate decided?”

”A girl knows the answer.”

Kiara looked at the figure, confused. ”I do?”

”I have shown a girl a possibility of what could be. A girl knows what should be, yes?” It asked.

She took a moment to think about that. ”Uhhm… not that?” she was trying to figure out this riddle, but, truth be told, she hadn’t gotten very good at riddles yet. ”I know that I must continue my training, if that is what you mean.”

”Training is the right path to what should be. But if a girl is able to accept what could be, and embrace what should be, then a girl can decide her fate.”

Kiara nodded solemnly, finally understanding. ”Do you have any advice for the Girl of Stone? For what might come… what I cannot see?”

It remained silent as her vision begun to fade again. ”Advice I cannot give. A girl is only given answers to questions. A girl must go for she may not stay longer. The man of scales. He is very fond of the girl. It is a shame though he cannot have what he found. I spoke to the man once. He did not like what I had to say, but accepted it. The man waits for the girl. Go and remember what I have told a girl. The next time we meet, it will not be like this... In due time.”

The brightness faded into shades of gray, and then black. ”No!” she said quietly, not wanting to leave the comfort of the void. She had only been there for five minutes at most, it wasn’t enough for her. Kiara reached her hands out as her spirit blindly fell back into her body. She gasped at the contact - the rush of feelings once back in her own skin. Everything was too bright, and too loud in comparison to her journey of peace.

Outside in Spirit’s Crossing, the dragon remained silent, meditating and awaiting Kiara, who was held by the tendrils of the glowing tree to awaken from what was an intentional coma of sorts. It had been a peaceful three and a half days since she was forced into it before she awoke with a gasp. Sulleykaar opened a lazy eye before yawning and stretched his arms out to the side. Meditation must’ve ended a while ago. ”Welcome back to the living, Kiara.” He smirked.

Her pointed ears lowered as she cringed, still getting used to her returned sense. She shushed him, but it came out as little more than a whisper. It was then that she realized she wasn’t on the ground. ”Woah!” she panicked momentarily. ”Errm… haa… put me down, please.” she asked, patting the vines holding her up.

”Aww...But bondage looks good on you.” He quipped before roaring into laughter. He snapped his fingers after a moment and then the tendrils slowly lowered her down to the ground. His laughter became a muted chuckle as his smile tightened to a thin line. ” You made it back, so I assume everything went as planned.”

”Uhh…” the vibrant imagery of the visions Woshåm had showed her flashed behind her stone-colored eyes. Her mouth was a somber line. ”I guess so.” she said before attempting to stand up. Her legs felt wobbly and there was a sharp cramp in her stomach. ”Ugh- gods. I don’t remember being this hungry.”

The dragon cocked an eyebrow. ”You’ve been out for almost four days. What would you expect.”

Her eyes moved back and forth rapidly as she studied him. Four days? Well, she guessed that kind of made sense… time worked differently when she traveled to the human realm, why not… wherever it is that she went, as well? ”Breakfast, at least.” she answered with a smirk.

”Small breakfast then we begin…” He smirked as he moved closer to her, his robe slipping off with ease.

Kiara chewed her bottom lip through a smile and her eyes darkened to pitch black. It was a controlled hunger, perhaps that was thanks to her training. She even retained a part of her bubbly personality, skipping over to him before dancing a circle around Sulleykaar, stopping only to kiss his cheek. Her fingertips danced lightly along the skin of his shoulders and arms like butterfly kisses.

He flinched slightly, chills ran down his arms as her cloud-like touch made contact with his skin. Strangely enough, his skin had a faint scaly look, yet held the same feeling that a human’s skin would. He let out a low growl of pleasure as he leaned into her, his hot breath against her neck as he gently kissed the base of her neck. ”You’re still gonna be my little vo hahdrim, you know that, right?” his chuckle rumbled off of her body as he lifted her off the ground and brought her onto her back in a single motion.

She smiled up at him through a giggle. ”And you’re still an ass.” she said before reaching her neck up to kiss him. She let her lips linger on his, longer than her usual quick pecks. He tasted like fire, like the way autumn evenings smelled. She might not be able to trust him, but she knew that she could trust Woshåm. He is very fond of the girl… a man waits for the girl. It had said... and Sulleykaar wasn’t the only one growing fond.

The dragon leaned into her. Passion begun to fill the late afternoon air. It was going to be a long couple of months. It was only fair that she was given a hearty breakfast.

[FallenTrinity]

A Son’s First Hero, A Daughter’s First Love

&

Four Days Prior, Siege Day, Allistyr’s Keep

Cynbel had led both the Order and his troops in Felix’s stead. The healer had transported him safely off the fields and the faerie Commander wasn’t about to let Kyla’s death and Felix’s fall be for nothing. ”Take it!” he had commanded. Some of the faeries spread the ashes of the fallen dragon on their faces before throwing themselves into the frenzy. Through offense and sheer force of will, they beat back the Seelie forces and took the keep for their own. Once that battles had quelled, Cynbel stationed an appropriate amount of men and women to keep it in defensive before taking his leave to be with Felix.

The Unseelie Queendom, Present Day

Felix laid there, his bare burnt skin still retaining its heat as he grunted in pain. Those around Felix when he fell knew that he died. They felt the fear disappear into nothing. They then felt the wrath of the Fire Dragon Sulleykaar, and the fear and pain that came from the other dragon. But it was when Sulleykaar made his way over to Felix...Something about that golden orb he encased himself in had done something to him. He no longer smelled like the burnt flesh of a human but rather, fire and brimstone. Sulfur. Yet he still had the scent of human about him it was muffled by the new scent. An Unseelie healer who was working on him felt him stir as he tried to move. “Don’t move you fool or you’ll hurt yourse-” He stopped when he looked into the barely open eyes of the human Commander. Slitted pupils looked back in pain before the eyelids fluttered close. The healer’s brow furrowed as he called for a messenger to fetch the General. “Tell him he needs to see this.” Quickly the messenger left for Cynbel. Soon enough, the messenger found Cynbel and asked for him to promptly see the healer who was working on Felix. “He has something for you to see.”

”What is it?” he asked, unable to hide the elation in his face that Felix was finally coming to. The general followed after the messenger and entered the quarters where the previously-unconscious human Commander was being kept.

Felix’s body, from what was healed, seem to have a faint appearance of scales. His fingernails had lengthened to claw-like. He was conscious, but in no shape to be moving, as the healer had to hold him down with kid gloves as he tried to sit up. Skin cracked and chipped off as he tried to sit up. His face cringed from the pain, fangs glistened back to Cynbel. His eyes were now golden with slits and overall his body now seemed to give off an unnatural heatwave. ” C-Commander...hng” The pain was enough to much to bare as he gave in and fell back onto the bed.

”About time you woke up, Commander Anderson.” Cynbel said sternly, but his soft eyes betrayed the tone. ”Stop trying to move, there is nowhere for you to be currently.” The faerie moved to the bedside and crossed his arms in a relaxed posture. He looked worn out, but hopeful.

”Kyla…” his voice trembled before the tears began to flow as the realization that her presence was absent. ”Kyla…” He grit his teeth as he inhaled a trembling breath before his sobs became audible. The healer remained silent. Cynbel looked down and nodded in understanding. There was no judgement from him, how could he judge the man’s tears? He knew them well.

”She died victorious, and she waits for you in the place where we will all meet again.” The faeries words were as warm as an Unseelie faerie could get after a death. They were honest words, one who could not lie could not apologize for something that wasn’t their fault, they could only state the truth. He frowned, seeing Felix’s pain so fresh brought back memories.

”I….I never e-even...told her I loved her…” His face tightened as the feeling washed over him once again. Slowly that sadness faded and what remained was silence. He turned his head to face Cynbel, a new expression on his face. ”Train me…” He looked to him as a young pupil would a master.

Cynbel raised a silvery brow. ”Train you? You nearly matched me in battle once already, and that was before…” his moon-grey eyes studied Felix’s new draconic features.

”Train me the way you fight...Like a faerie. Like an Unseelie.” He said with determination and plea.

The smile Cynbel wore accented his high, fey cheekbones. He chuckled lowed and nodded. ”If that is your wish…” he said. He looked appreciative, flattered, even. ”Let’s get you standing first, yeah? Are you hungry, we have food that is safe for you and your people now.”

Felix shook his head. ”For them that’s fine and for me that’s fine for now now but… When this is over. I want to stay. This place was her home.” He looked down to his crisped legs and back to Cynbel. ”She wanted to stay after this was over. Me and her. I want to do just that. There’s nothing left for me outside of here so…” somber eyes fell on Cynbel as he sighed before looking back up to the sky.

The faerie commander rested a hand on Felix’s shoulder carefully. He winced, but Cynbel kept it there. ”There are some that would tell you that there are things left outside… If there are, I haven’t found them.” he said honestly. He had Kiara, but she was simply an extension of Edana, she wasn’t part of the ‘outside’ at all. ”The First Commander’s mate will always have a home in Faerûn. You were that to her, a mate. I could see the familiar look in her eyes. Our people’s hearts are not easily tamed, choosing a mate is akin to human marriage.”

”There will be no other. Kyla was the only one and I will wait until my final breath leaves my lungs.”

Cynbel nodded ”I know the feeling. Perhaps her and Edana can keep each other company until we join them.” he chuckled a little at the thought. ”Not that Sulleykaar or I are willing to let you go that soon. You have training.”

He gave a light smile before he closed his eyes. ”Thank you Cynbel. I look forward to training under you.” The commander made his way to the door before Felix spoke up once more, slightly hesitant about saying it. ”Cynbel...You’re like a father to me and it means alot...Thank you.” He sighed as he closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep.

Cynbel’s mouth twitched at the touching sentiment. ”I-- I’m not…” he tried to say that he wasn’t that great of a father, but Felix closed his eyes. It seemed pointless to argue that, now. ”Get some rest, the next time you wake, I will ensure there is a feast for you.” with that, the Commander left him be. On his way out, he informed the healers to send word the next time Felix stirred, and to have food at the ready, faerie and human cuisine alike.

&

[h2]Spirit’s Crossing, Present Day[/center]

Kiara eyes sparkled like shining silver as she rolled over on the moss-covered ground. She was catching her breath, heart fluttering in her chest, with the taste of Sulley still on her tongue. What a lovely breakfast he was after three and a half days finding ‘peace’. She remembered the visions, which turned her stomach sour. Kiara sat up, her face completely focused and serious.

”What’s next… in my training?” she asked excitably, forgetting to even thank him for the meal.

He was already up, eating freshly caught deer. Such a suckulant meal for the day. He looked over at her with a mouthful of deer, a piece of flesh hung out. ”Achully. I figurd that we wood fersht - ah - That we would first make a trip back to the Queendom before we start teaching you Old Scale, which, yes...You are now ready for. But, before we go, we’ll get you started. Come. Sit across from me.” He patted to the ground in front of him.

Kiara beamed a smile that could put the sun to shame. ”Really?!” she squeaked and scrambled up to her feet. Disregarding the invitation to sit, she plowed into him with a huge bear hug, knocking him back like the flying boulder that she was. It wasn’t clear if she was more excited about being able to go home, or learning Old Scale, a wise man would bet on both.

”Ack!” It felt like someone chucked a boulder at his body as he fell onto his back, pain hit instantly but he only winced, not to startle her, though she was probably too excited to even notice.

”Fankyufankyufankyu!” she mumbled, her face smushed against him as she squeezed hard. Remembering herself, she let go and giggled giddily. She mouthed something like an apology before sitting cross-legged across from him as she was asked.

”Yes, yes. You’re quite welcome. Anyway. I want you to close your eyes and focus in on breathing. What I’m about to do may burn slightly, but what will follow you will like. Also keep your glamour up. I want to surprise you when this is over.” He said with a smirk. Kiara bit her lip excitedly, she liked where this was going already. It took a few minutes for her to truly clear her racing mind after closing her eyes.

Sulley took in a deep breath, a golden aura poked at Kiara’s eyelids as the dragon’s aura seemed to pick up a breeze. It whistled and hummed as it shot forward and entered into Kiara. At first the feeling would be cool to the touch, but soon that coolness grew in heat. Moments went by before it became blistering hot. The wind roared in her ears and the humming grew in sound. Soon enough, it ceased, and the golden hue died away. Sulley let out a trembling breath. It was an exhausting process but it was complete. ”Go ahead and open your eyes now Kiki.”

Kiara felt the shifting temperatures wash over her. He was right, she did like it. It was extreme and polarizing, much like her moods. And it was over all too soon… she fluttered her eyelids open when Sulley gave her the okay to do so.

He leaned forward and touched the sides of her eyes and drew his fingers away, the white tendrils attaching themselves to his own. Her vision changed to his and what she would see were not just her normal eyes. They were slitted now, having the faintest amount of scales around them. ” Now take off the glamour.” When she did, her wings were different, much larger than before and gave off a reddish tint. He smiled. ”Well?” anticipation of her reaction in his voice.

Kiara looked at this form of herself through Sulleykaar’s eyes. She made an impressed sound and leaned forward, uncrossing legs. She crawled around so that she could see the wingspan from behind, focusing on stretching them out. They stretched, and they were huge! ”Hehe- I look like a small, girl version of you!” she laughed, gaining a roll of the eyes from him. She then tried to flap the wings. ”Will they work?

”Yes...Those wings are not for aesthetics. So the next time you feel oh-ao inclined to jump off my head, I won’t have to worry about catching you, vo hahdrim.” he said with a light chuckle. He nodded before standing.”What I gave you means a lot, and I never want you to take that for granted. It’s very rare for a dragon to give part of his soul to another, unless it was for good reason. As for the wings, we will practice with them when we return here. For now, though, hop on and we’ll make our way back to the Unseelie Court.” He moved forward, his dragon form making its appearance yet again. Jumping excitedly, she dashed over to his large form and jumped up, immediately testing her new wings. However, years of being flightless did affect her flight. She managed to float high above him before they gave out from the strain, and she fell hard onto him, causing him to slam his head into the ground. [sulley color]”VO HAHDRIM! WHAT DID I TELL YOU?!”[/color] he scolded.

“Oh, come on!” she giggled playfully and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You knew I was going to at least try to use them! I’m just appreciating your gift.”

He simply snorted out a plume of smoke and rolled his eyes. Hidden from her view was a slight grin of appreciation. Completely content, she gave him a hug-like squeeze “Take me home, Sulley~” she murmured in a child-like voice.

The dragon looked to the skies as he jumped, flapping his heavy wings and made for the skies. It would be about half a day’s trip back by flight so they would have time to chat.

”So…. What happened to Felix? You said you talked to Father too… and that he was smiling. That’s not like him.” Kiara chattered to fill the silence of the flight.

”When I took off he was fighting a dragon by the name of Tyr’rak. Wyrm of Flight. He is - was one of the fastest dragons around. Not many can match his speed unless you’re like me, with Old Scale magic. Hence why you probably couldn’t see me in the skies after I took off. Anyway, Felix was dead when I arrived. I, of course, managed to bring him back from the dead, but Kyla on the other hand was a different story.” His answer about Felix held a bit of sympathy in it as he talked, glancing back at her every so often. Kiara frowned, having heard about Kyla. She even felt…. guilty? She had never apologized for treating her the way she did after Sulley snuffed out the spies. Their last interaction was one of utter disrespect.

”I truly wish I could have saved her. She was a great Captain and friend. Though, for what it was, the situation I put you both in didn’t make for an impressive first impression. You would have liked her, though. Kinda like you, but less stubborn, hehe. On a lighter note Cynbel, your father. He did ask about you. Sounded worried a bit as well, since he doesn’t currently know where you are, other than that you’re with me, and that is how I would like to keep it. He wanted to know how you were doing,I told him what I thought, and he seems very proud of you. That smile more than likely didn’t leave his face until I was gone.”

”I don’t believe you.” she said, honestly still finding it hard to trust Sulleykaar’s words. That didn’t sound like the Cynbel that she knew. But maybe, just maybe, it was true…. And she had finally made him proud. The thought made her smile half-way.

Together at last…

Their trip back to the queendom went fairly smoothly. Key word being fairly. A few times Kiara had slipped off of his back when her wings caught the wind. The first time he truly believed her, but the second not so much, and third time he was a bit annoyed, figuring she did it just to tease him. Nevertheless, he was glad to see she was enjoying her new pair of wings, better to say newly-modified wings. The Queendom was in sight, and Sulleykaar began his descent to the outer gates of the Queendom. The guards kept a watchful eye on the Dragon, since not many besides those on the battlefield could recognize his true form. When they landed at the gates the guards raised their weapons until they noticed Kiara. Lowering their weapons, they opened the gates and let them in, Sulley morphing into his humanoid form just past the entrance itself.

Kiara hopped off gracefully. She had her glamour in full effect so that people would recognize her easily still. The guards bowed at her, welcoming back their princess. She smiled at them and curtsied before falling into pace beside Sulleykaar. Her eyes scanned for the one face she truly wanted to see.

Cynbel was standing beside Felix. Yes, standing! A little rest and food had done the human good, plus he absolutely insisted on walking the grounds today. The Unseelie commander was giving his trainee a tour of sorts… a slow tour, because Felix wasn’t really fast yet. He probably shouldn’t even be walking, the healers had said the bones were still fusing back together. There was a bit of a commotion at the Gates before they opened. Cynbel paused and looked on curiously. The flash of scarlet in sunlight made his heart skip a beat. ”Kiara…” he said, not realizing he had said it out loud. He couldn’t hide his shock… Sulleykaar had said a month or two, it had only been four days. Something must be wrong...

Sulleykaar nudged Kiara in the side and pointed to where her father and Felix were currently standing. Giddy and excited, the faerie princess shot off like a bullet towards them. Unlike most, Cynbel withstood the force of her impact as she slammed into him, hugging him tight as the loud, metallic clang rang through the yard. ”Daddy!~” she squealed before hopping down and smiling wide. She remembered the conversation with Sulleykaar, and what she promised. ”I’m sorry for the way I acted… I was upset.” she looked down, her cheeks turning red in shame.

Cynbel simply reached a hand out and ran his thumb along the rosy coloring on her face. His hand lingered, cupping her face as he stared at his daughter. Her glamour was strong, but a father knows when things are different. He looked her over… She was radiant, and stronger, she looked less frail than before. ”You have… You aren’t as thin as before.” It wasn’t meant as an insult, and Kiara didn’t take it as one.

”I uhh…I’ve been been eating well.” she answered, to which he chuckled.

”It is good to see you home, and sooner than I expected.” Cynbel said and looked now to Sulleykaar. Sulley glanced over at him and smiled.

”She’s not home for much time, unfortunately, she has reached the second stage of training. She’ll begin Old Scale a day from now, when we leave. I figured with her progress she has earned this well enough. Quick learner compared to Felix.”

”Ahhh shut it, Suls. I moved at about the same pace as she did.” He retorted. He looked over to Kiara with a look that she would understand. ”How’s the training?”

”Exhausting… but I’m doing well, thank you.” she curtsied politely. She didn’t feel too exhausted right then, adrenaline was rushing through her veins. She wanted to do everything - to smell the flowers, to eat a Ketree fruit, to sprawl out on her bed. Oh gods, a bed! And her paintings… the cave wall was all but covered, but she would love to feel a canvas beneath her fingers right about now. There was a small voice in her mind that told her not to get too excited, this was probably some test. Another false moment of happiness, another lie...

”Kiara… Why are you still standing here? It’s your day off. Shoo. Go enjoy it.” He said with a smile. Kiki bounced happily on her heels, standing on tiptoes to kiss Sulleykaar’s cheek first, and then her father’s. She said that she would meet up with them for dinner before bolting off to do gods know what. He watched as she left, soft eyes watched her as she disappeared. Felix took notice to this and hid a smile.

”Anyway, Cynbel, it’s good to see you again... and it seems that my Commander has refused to follow the orders I had passed on to Cynbel for the healers, hm? Even when you’re simply trying to heal, you are stubborn as hell.” His smirk showed his teasing of the human who simply “pfft ed” and grinned back.

Cynbel chuckled lightly ”He has an Unseelie attitude, he fits in well here. We took the Keep, after you left. That was… another one of Felix’ stubborn ideas.” he said, verging on an ‘I told you so’ moment.

Felix glared at him and frowned. His voice remained soft. ”We took it. That’s all that matters.” He looked away from him and the dragon. Sulleykaar gave him a sympathetic look before looking towards Cynbel again. ”So then - “ He decided to change subject, knowing that it was still recent for Felix. Instead, a lopsided grin looked towards Cynbel. ”You’re welcome.” Sulleykaar said before walking towards the market again, possibly looking for another gem or something special for Kiara. Felix watched as the red dragon walked off and turned his attention to Cynbel. [color=gold]”I think, if my knowledge of Suls is correct, he likes your daughter, possibly starting to love her.”[color] He smirked.

Cynbel’s eyes widened slightly at that comment. He looked over to Felix and then away ”That is… interesting.” he remarked through a tight lips, his jaw set in a serious face. He was through the roof that Kiara was no longer angry with him, but the thought of the dragon loving his daughter did not sit right with him.

The meandering faerie…

Kiara followed the sounds of music in the distance. There was a steady drumbeat and melodic flute. There was a jovial gathering just outside the Castle, by the gardens. Kiara danced her way into the circle of moving bodies. It was almost overwhelming to be among her people again after having so much time with just one person. She missed this - the laughter and dancing, the passion, the freedom. This was the home she had to fight for, to protect. A beautiful blue-haired faerie offered a hand to Kiara. She took it and was pulled into a close, intimate dance in time with the music. Most of the faeries were pale shades of white, silver and blue… this must be a revel for the coming solstice, as they were visitors from the allied Winter Court. The frost faerie spun Kiara out and curtsied “It was an honor to dance with you, Princess.” she said in a crispy, airy voice. Kiara smiled wide and returned the politeness before making her way to the next destination.

The red-headed faerie skipping towards the tree line, heading for her favorite grove. The early morning sun shimmered through the purple leaves on the Ketree trees. They held theirs leaves past the first frost, unlike most over trees. Kiara gripped the trunk, ready to start climbing when she remembered that she had new wings. She over her shoulders a few times to see if anyone was around that might laugh if she fell. It seemed safe, so she hopped up and flapped her wings enough to hover and pick a few Ketrees from the top of the tree before landing less than gracefully. Laughing to herself, she took a bite of the fruit, letting the sweet juice spill over her chin. Mmmm….. It tasted like home.

Once she had her fill of people watching and visiting all of her favorite places, Kiara made her way back to the Castle. It was rather quiet indoors, most of the fey were out enjoying the sunlight while it lasted, or they were training. Kiki wandered down the west wing and to her suite. The cinnamon and vanilla aroma of her potpourri rushed to greet her when she opened the door and she sighed happily. Kiara immediately went to her bedroom and gazed into her closet. She took out a spider silk gown the color of spun silver and slipping into it. Kiki spun around in front of the mirror on her vanity a few times before making her way to the canopy bed. She collapse into it with a ‘flop’, letting the pillowy featherbed swallow her. That exhaustion she had spoke of earlier took over as she fell asleep, not even realizing that she was doing so.

The Unseelie Market District

Sulleykaar meandered into the market again. He looked around, his hair swayed with each turn of the head as he searched for the - ”There it is.” Swiftly he made his way to the shop he originally stopped by before he first met Kiara. Sully looked at the marvelous gems and styles of jewelry. He planned on replacing that wretched thing that Paraxthyon left for her with something that held more sentimental meaning. There were many to choose from. “How can I help you?” The shop nodded to Sulley. His eyebrows rose and then fell again as he begun to skim through the items available. One in particular caught his eye and he grinned. ”This’ll do.” The faerie smiled and nodded. The dragon placed down a few coins, more than enough for the cost. “Who’s it for?” The faerie raised a brow. ”Someone special.” He had it boxed up in a nice leather box, trimmed out in gold. He went off to get a special armor for her made and ready for training.

Some time later...

Kiara was dreaming about flying. Really flying, with her own wings, soaring high above the sea, which sparkled below. The intense winds at this altitude whipped her hair back and tickled her nose. It was really tickling her nose, she twitched it and fidgeted in her luxurious bed. To no avail, the nuisance continued, followed by a stifled giggle.

Kiki opened her eyes to see one of her lovers peeking through a fluffy black feather. The girl had short cropped black hair that came to a long point in the front, settling between her eyebrows. Rigged, curved horns grew out of her head above her ears. Her skin was also dark, like that of the dark elves, and it contrasted well with the bright smile she was flashing. ”Good morning, princess” she said.

”Vivienne!” Kiara said excitedly, shooting straight upright. She kissed her quickly. ”Oh--” *kiss* ”I--” *kiss* ”missed you!. Vivie responded with a warm smile, touching Kiara’s cheek. She looked at her eyes, noticing the scales shimmering underneath the weak glamour that Kiara wasn’t focusing on keeping up.

”What did he do to you?!” she asked, her voice bitter and angry. ”Are you being treated well?” Kiara laughed and put her hand over Vivienne’s, sliding it from her face.

”Well enough…” The Unseelie princess smirked. ”Dragons are quite… impressive in bed. You should give one a try.” A dark, jealous look crossed her lover’s face.

”I’d rather not.” she said shortly and stood up. ”There is a feast starting soon, I came to wake you for it.” she said, placing a single back rose on the vanity beside Kiara’s bed.

”FEAST?! Oh gods, how late is it? I didn’t even mean to sleep!” she frowned, looking out the window, regretting that she slept away most of her day off at home. When she turned around, Vivienne was gone, and only the flower remained. Kiara decided that she would wear the same dress she had put on earlier and went to work fixing her hair. She pulled it up, fastening a glittering clip over a rolled-up curl. She tucked the black rose in the center of the curl and piled the rest of her hair to the side so that curls draped down over her left shoulder.

Sulleykaar had slept very peacefully that night. He had two well-made pieces for Kiara for when they train. Following the slumber was a message from one of the servants requesting that he joined a Grand feast to celebrate Felix. He originally chuckled at that thinking it was a joke but that lasted half a second. The faerie couldn’t lie so he wondered why. Was it for his return to the living? For helping command a win over the Seelie? He wasn’t sure, he simply shrugged and got ready for the feast.

His trip to the party was short as he was led through a shortcut there. His eyebrows rose as he surveyed those gathered. Everyone, Unseelie and from the Order, probably those gathered from the Stronghold mission were there, chatting and laughing away the day. Some in the Order had started some contest of strength against the faerie soldiers for fun and bets were passed around with grumbling about the fights. His draconic eyes searched for a particular redhead, the one he had been training and would begin training after this day was done. A roar of sorts was heard as the dragon turned to see Garax taking on two faeries at once in a wrestling match. It was a pretty dead even fight until Garax pulled a fast one. They charged in after him, ready for the tackle, but Garax reacted on instinct, wrapping his massive arms around their necks and jerked up, lifting them up in a double suplex and swiftly dropped them. ”HAHA! Pass those bets forward please! Thank you. Thank you.” Apparently everyone bet on the two Unseelie, except for Garax. Many were annoyed with him.

”You still haven’t learned to play fair have you?” cocking an eyebrow.

Garax rolled his eyes and smirked. ”At least I’m honest about it.” he quipped, earning a frown from the dragon.

Felix sat at the front of the table with the other commanders and advisors. In the middle, the Dark Queen herself. He was still in alot of pain, but now instead of scorching heat, it was soreness and a burn like one might get after a long workout. He felt like jelly and used his conserved strength to take a long sip of elven wine. He leaned over to Cynbel, who seemed somewhat preoccupied. He went to say something but decided against it and looked down at his cup and then to those gathered, a frown on his face.

Once Kiara was adequately made up, she nodded at her reflection in the mirror. It had been a long time since she felt this beautiful. She turned, checking herself out with a wink before heading out of her suite. She followed the boisterous noise to the feasting hall and the attached ballroom. There was something going on here most nights, the Unseelie were always finding a reason to celebrate. The princess turned more than a few heads when she entered the room wearing the silvery spider silk dress with a high slit that her slender leg temptingly peeked out of with every step.

The faerie walked with a confident and proud gate as she made her way through the crowds. She was looking for her dragon, wanting to thank him for doing this for her. Unlike the last time she had dressed up like this, she very much wanted to look like a treat for him now. She wore a smile that verged on coy as she walked up to him.

Sulleykaar sat next to Cynbel discussing future plans before he was sidetracked by a familiar redhead who entered his peripheral. He turned his head towards her and smiled a genuine smile. He was very proud of her. ”Kiara! A pleasant surprise seeing you here. I never would have guessed you the festive type.” He teased as he leaned forward and rest his hand on two lazy fists, winking with the eye away from Cynbel.

Kiara smirked. He liked to flaunt his ability to tell lies. At least this one was playful, what was the word humans have for playful lies? She couldn’t quite remember… ”Well, it doesn’t look like either of you are being very festive. Someone had to come liven you up.” she gave Sulley a lingering gaze before looking to her father. ”Care to dance, old man?” she asked with a tinge of hope in her voice. Cynbel stood up and bowed before taking her hand and leading her out onto the dance floor.

”You look like a dream, darling.” he said kindly.

”Like mother?” she guessed. He shook his head and stroked her cheek before they began dancing in time to the music.

”No. Like Kiara.” he said, earning a bright smile from her. She hugged him close as they danced.

Sulleykaar leaned back with a glass of wine in his hand. His head tilted as he watched the father and daughter dance. A light smile on his face as the two moved around the dance floor. ”They seem to be having fun, huh? Sulley… Sulley?” Felix took notice to the change in his mood. He wore a thin smile as he thought about the past.

Sulleykaar and Cesilie, Ashborn Royal Ballroom

The ballroom was very much lively as the small orchestra played their piece. Sulleykaar had finished setting up new trade routes for the Kingdom that would benefit them greatly and bring many of their people out of poverty with the new income and jobs that would be available. “AH! Sulleykaar my dear boy! Come come! Join me and my daughter at the table. You have been most helpful with these newly installed trade routes.” Horum Ashborn, Elder councilmen in Ashborn was the one who brought in Sulley when he promised them prosperity. His daughter sat beside him, a light smile on her face. ”I couldn’t do that Horum, I simply-”

“Sulleykaar shush up and sit next to me.” She sighed and gave him a mock glare, to which he grinned and moved to the seat next to her. Horum studied the two before taking a glass to his lips. “I see you two are very fond of each other, hm?” Their reactions were entertaining. Cesilie’s eyes sparkled with a large smile while Sulley went wide-eyed and shook his head rapidly. Horum put down his cup and frowned at Sulleykaar before barking out into laughter. “Then it’s settled. You two are to wed together. You are the perfect fit! I-” The councilmen stopped his speech as a wonderful song begun to play. Sulley took the opportunity to take her by the hand and led her to the dancefloor. The dragon wrapped her into his arms and danced with such grace and fluidity that a crowd had gathered around the two.

Present

- omething to me or I will pour this...oh....nevermind.” He quickly put the cup down as the dragon snapped to. Sulley glanced at Felix and the cup a few times before narrowing his eyes. ”Good choice, Felix. There was a slight twitch of the mouth before Felix laughed and pointed to the dancefloor. The crimson dragon looked towards where Felix had pointed and his eyes widened before he roared into laughter.

Garax was a warrior, a warlord, a conqueror. Why the fuck was he on the dance floor. He danced with axes, not with girls! A few feet crushed later he retired to the corner and decided to dance with the devil herself as swooning women was more along his style of dance.

”Tell me Mya, have you ever had the pleasure of enjoying the company of an Orc? Battle hardened and bedroom ready. How about you and me and a few of your friends here have a little war of our own underneath the sheets tonight. He grinned as he swooned the girl. She smiled and giggled at his words but she thought of an idea. She leaned in and whispered in his ear.

“Why don’t you get Naela to join us? We may need some backup.” His eyes widened slightly and he looked away.

”Umm. We could, but I don’t think I’ll win the war with her joining in heheh.” She giggled and shook her head.

“Tsk tsk tsk. If she doesn’t join us then I think we will leave the battle for another time.”

”Fine! Fine! Shit. Probably gonna need an ice pack afterwards.

Kiara and Cynbel talked throughout their dance. She had asked him for updates on the war, wanting to hear all about the battles that she was missing out on. He asked her about training, but she didn’t give him many details on that. The next thing he said after that almost had her melting on the floor. ”You make me very proud, my little cherry.” he said, kissing her forehead lightly as the song came to a close. He walked her back to their table as she was basically floating on cloud nine. The human changelings had brought out some dishes and placed them on the tables by now.

The Unseelie princess took a glass of faerie mead upon sitting down beside Sulleykaar. She plucked a scrumptious looking cupcake off of the display and licked the frosting off of it first.

Sulley glanced over to her. ”I’m glad to see you’re having fun. You missed Garax dancing on the toes of many females instead of dancing on the floor. I swear he has two left feet and one step to match it.” He snorted out a small plume of smoke to which Felix chuckled.

”Oh??” Kiara asked after retracting her tongue and closing her eyes, enjoying the sweetness of the frosting. ”And I take it you must think yourself more graceful?” she quipped., trying to imagine stiff, stuffy Sulleykaar on the dancefloor.

He gave a mocked hurt look. ”Don’t be so mean, Kiki. I don’t want to have to increase the training regimes, you may wind up looking like Naela.” He sputtered out the last part between muffled fits of laughter. ”I’ll have you know despite my stiffness, I am quite graceful and agile on the dancefloor. I have swooned women over my dancing skills alone, and have made married men jealous. I am a god on the dancefloor.” Felix simply rolled his eyes, muttering something about ego-inflated dragons.

Burning, sweet mead threatened to come out of her nose as Kiara laughed. ”Hehehe. Riiiiight! A god among men! Should I feel honored that you are even letting me sit beside you?” she chuckled and finished the rest of her cupcake in a few, quick bites. ”Of course! I’m a dragon after all. Being a god on the dancefloor is simply part of the package hmhmhmhmhm.” He stood and walked around Kiara, running a hand down her shoulder until he held her hand, gesturing for her to join him on the dancefloor in one fluid motion. ”Let me show you, if you doubt me.” He lead her to the dance floor. She probably had expected him to remain stiff but the moment he moved in he spun and pulled her in close as he seemed to glide across the floor like a disembodied spirit, floating along the way with grace. ”And prove to you how good I am.”

Kiara half smiled at the dragon as they twirled around the ballroom. ”You are so easy, dragon.” she said in a purr. This was, of course, her goal in poking fun at him about his dancing skills. The dance continued at alternating slow and high tempos, it was styled like one of the ones where you switched partners, so Kiara and Sulley separated. Kiki even danced with the orc, whom she had to offer some pointers to. When the dance was over, Kiara returned to Sulleykaar and smiled wide.

”Thank you for this, I am grateful.” she said, resting her palm on his arm. Vivienne was there, watching her lover swoon over the man who had stolen her away, and glowered at the intimate gesture. Sulley had thought about it for the time of the dance whether or not he should. It was at this moment. This special little moment together that he did. It was uncharacteristic of him but he moved her hand off of his arm and brought it into his own hand, cupping it with the other as he raised Kiara’s hand gently to his lips briefly before looking into her eyes.

”You’re quite welcome, Kiki. You deserved this.” That genuine smile on his face again. He gave her a slight nod and turned back towards the table only to catch sight of a black-haired girl gazing at him with what might be jealousy? Deciding not to let this go unnoticed, he turned and moved in her direction until he came face to face with her. ”Hello there. I couldn’t help notice the intense and rather covetous look you were sending my way my dear. I would love to know why?”

Vivienne grinned that spine-shivering Unseelie grin. ”Because you’re dancing with my girl, Mrywn.” she said matter-of-factly, a hint of aggression in her tone. The horned fey was a fierce looking girl, pixie-like, but taller and thicker than Kiara.

”Your girl? Hmm.. From what I know of her she doesn’t particularly like being claimed as some form of property, faerie.” The name of her species said with a bit of steel behind it.

”Oh?? Property, no, but being claimed… well I remember her liking that quite a bit. Has something changed?” the girl asked, smirking at Kiara with a dark glint in her eye.

Kiara blushed a little before smiling dismissively. ”S-sulleykaar, this is my lover, Vivienne. Vivie, this is… Sulleykaar.” she chose her words carefully, not looking to offend her further. She hadn’t ever seen Vivie’s jealous side before, and she has taken a few lovers since they met. Plus, if she could get them to get along, maybe they could all play nice together tonight. Wouldn’t that be a nice send off for tomorrow morning?

Vivienne curtsied politely, though there was little feeling behind it. It was a courtesy, a propriety that the fey upheld when meeting new people. Sulleykaar simply smiled that discreet fake one that Kiara had learned all too well. ”Pleasure”. He said flatly, his tone contradicting his smile. He glanced over to Kiara. ”So Kiki, she has informed me that you are her girl. I would love to learn more about this. Seeing as how two beautiful women such as yourselves managed to pair though, in all honesty, I am not complaining.” He sat down on the side of them and glanced between the two.

”She tells the truth, as we all do.” she smiled warmly to the taller faerie. ”What do you say? Shall we teach him more about this, love?” she purred, biting her lip. Vivie tried to keep a stoic face but couldn’t help but smile at Kiara. She could be a convincing little minx.

” How about I show you how to truly claim someone, faerie. Or should I say -” He leaned into her, his whisper breathy and long as he drew out her name. To add to it he let a bit of ice magic gingerly touch the nape of her neck. ”Vivieeee” His tongue grazing her neck. ”I say this feast is over but the after party just begun, hm?”

[Grimoire Gaming]

&

Present Day

That night had been interesting to say the least. It originally started fairly positive. The two started to learn a bit about each other through Kiara’s chatter, but in the end it became a sexual war to see who could get Kiara off the quickest. Long story short with a bit of magic, tail and tongue control, he ended up in commanding the night. There he laid between the two, his arms extended out to his sides as a fleshy pillow for the faeries. His eyes fluttered open in a squint from the morning sun as it pierced the crack in the curtains. He glance over to each one of the girls and just closed his eyes again, a shit-eating grin on his face, mumbling something about winning the war. Kiara fell asleep relatively quickly, completely comfortable and content in her own bed for the first time in over a week. By the time they woke the next morning, Vivienne was gone.

Elsewhere Felix had ended up drinking until he blacked out, not remembering trying to pick a fight with the Orc and getting his hammered ass handed to him. In fact, he tried picking a fight with a lot of them, causing the others in the Order to explain to Felix and the others that he was simply plastered beyond repair. The once-human commander had cussed out multiple soldiers who were on the field at the time, accusing them of seeing the incoming blast and failing to protect their Captain. Eventually the commander collapsed out on a table, bringing him and the contents on said table to the ground and laid there among the food and drink that fell onto him. The death of Kyla had hit him hard, harder than most that that was mostly do to his relationship with her. When he was brought to his bed, with the help of Garax and his bed buddy, he kept mumbling stuff about that day, tears welling up and forcing themselves known.

”Come on Naela, best leave him be.” He said with some sympathy in his voice. Neala nodded, but not before smoothing Felix’s hair back in a motherly gesture. She had to turn and walk away, such deep grief from a human, even a once-human, was too tempting of a meal.

The Next Morning

The tiny faerie was quite the bed hog when it came to sleeping in the pleasant warmth of her own realm. She was sprawled out starfish-style by the time the sun’s rays peeked in through the skylight ceiling. With soft little groans, she tried to block the light from her eyes, covering them with her arms. She heard a mumble next to her and peeked a sleepy eye open. Realizing that she was taking up almost all of the bed, she moved over to give the dragon some space and rolled around blocking her eyes once more. Feeling a shift in the bed and a foot off of his body he scooched closer to her, subconsciously wrapping an arm around her waist and let out a low comfortable growl followed by a small plume of smoke. Kiara’s button nose twitched at the smell of smoke. Sleepily, she giggled and snuggled up against him. It was nice to sleep next to him not in his dragon form. She rolled over to face him and stared with wide eyes and a smile. “Morning~” she whispered.

”Nehh... “ He grumbled as he turned the other way before rubbing his eyes and sat up, his feet touching the cool floor. For some reason his hair remained straight and tamed, it must have been either magically kept that way or it was just natural. His fingers ran over his scarred neck and looked back to Kiara.

Kiki sat up as well and stretched out her back, stretching her fists high in the air and making a little squeaky noise. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and blinked at him. ”Time to go?” she asked.

He looked down at the bed. Sleep was more tempting than going at the moment. Unfortunately, sleep would wait. He nodded. ”After we stop in the market for supplies, and I have to update myself with Tiamat’s movements. Apparently, after my little stunt, I lost contact with most of my network. I only have a few loyal members left who stayed with me after my defection. After this is all over, I’m retiring from this shit.” He said cautiously and uncharacteristically.

”Over, hm? If you're still living then, you mean.” she said somewhat darkly, remembering Woshåm’s visions. She sighed and stood up to find something to wear.

”What do you mean?” He now fully turned towards her, wondering why she would say that. Thinking she was joking, he grinned. ”I don’t think you can fuck someone to death. Then again, I don’t doubt the faerie when it comes to intimacy for that to happen.” He teased.

Kiara chuckled as she tied loose fabrics around her waist as a skirt. ”Well… if we’re both still around, we can give it a try.” she winked at him before going to her closet to find a leather corset to wear with her skirt.

He rolled his eyes. ”Of course we will be. I’ve seen the vision.” The dragon stood up, the light reflecting off of his naked body. With the snap of his fingers his clothes glowed green in her closet and disappeared, settling onto him quickly. He made his way towards her and stopped next to her, a more serious look on his face. ”Or do you think otherwise?”

”It said you didn’t like what you saw. I didn’t either...” she said, not directly answering his question. She wanted to believe that they would make their own fate, but in order for that to happen, she had to accept what could be. That was going to be… hard.

He shook his head and turned towards the door, waving a hand dismissively. ”Of course I didn’t like what it showed. It showed Felix’s death and Kyla’s as well. One of them stuck, and the other didn’t. It shows outcomes that are possible, not outcomes that are certain.” He turned to smile and gestured with his head to follow. ”I don’t know about you, but I can’t survive off of feelings. I’m going to the dining hall to grab something to eat before we get a move on. Oh-” He turned back to her with a glowing green hand and touched her on her own palms, the light transferring over to her. ”Tap the items you wish to bring with you and when your done just snap your fingers. Don’t overdo it now, we’re still training but bring some things for when you have some rest, ok?” He kissed her gently on the forehead and walked towards the door again and was out of the room in moments. Outside of the room as he made for the dining hall, he grimaced at her words.

Kiara flexed her fingers and marveled at the magical glow. She looked around, wondering what exactly she might want to bring. Material things weren’t very useful, nice to have… but not useful in training. She touched the mirror of her mother’s vanity, which was more than a mirror. The looking glasses of the castle were all connected and could be used to communicate with each other from a distance. She chewed her bottom lip. He said not to overdo it, but what did that mean? Truth be told, she didn’t really want anything else. After some thought, she smirked, and went to her closet. Kiki touched a few pieces that would be more of a treat for Sulleykaar than for herself before saying goodbye to her room for the weeks to come.

Kiara headed to the market in search of the dragon. She was also looking for Cynbel, but she was dreading the moment she would find him. She browsed some of the shops. It had been a while since she perused the crafts of her people, so she enjoyed it while she still could. She was looking at the gem crafter’s cart when she heard a familiar voice behind her. Kiara felt her heart sink to her toes before she turned around. Cynbel looked professional, but his eyes were sad. ”You weren’t going to leave without saying goodbye, were you?”

”Of course not, daddy.” she smiled weakly. The truth was, she was afraid to say goodbye. She hugged him tight and sighed against his chest, balling her fist against his cloaked back. Please, gods, don’t let this be the last time…

”I love you, I always have. Even when I was angry. I’m going to learn Old Scale, and do what must be done. For the good of our people, for our realm.”

”That’s my girl.” he said proudly and kissed the tip of her nose and then her forehead. With a soft sigh, he said ”Sulleykaar is in the tavern around the corner, if you are looking for him.” Kiara nodded in thanks, smiling lightly. ”Study quick, come home soon my cherry.” She hugged him again, quickly this time, and then bolted off towards the tavern. If she moved fast enough, maybe she wouldn’t think about it too much.

Sulleykaar was seated in a tavern of sorts, more or less like an outside bar with walls. It’s back wall was somewhat mossy thanks to the water that ran down the side of it. There was chatter among those present. Mostly about the feast and the war. Others talking about the simple things and others about whatever. An elderly man sat down at his table. “I bring news of the Children, Lord Sulley.” The dragon nodded.

“There has been talk of military movement and a possible assault from within the group, as well as to your whereabouts.” Sulleykaar grimaced.

”I personally don’t care if they know my whereabouts...So they’re planning on making an assault soon, eh?” The informant shrugged.

“It’s a possibility considering that even Ugin has begun to move his troops.” Sulley stifled a chuckle.

”If Ugin moved his troops, then it’s not a possibility. It will happen.” He leaned in towards the informant.

”Any news on the locations of their movements?” The old man shook his head.

“Nothing if you mean where they’re moving them to.” He shook his head before leaning back.

”I have a feeling as to where, but I’m hoping not.” Sulleykaar rubbed his temples as he rested his head on his hands. With a sigh, he stood, thanking the old man. He made his way out of the tavern to begin his search for Kiara, whom he nearly collided with in the doorway.

”Excu - Oh Kia-”

”Oh! Found you.” she chuckled and stepped out of the way. ”I’m ready when you are…” she said quietly, holding her left elbow in her right hand and looking down.

He cupped her chin in her hand and lifted until he could see into her eyes. ”Then we should head for the gates.” He smiled until the elderly man exited the tavern and looked to him with a subtle nod for shimmering away amidst the crowded street. He nodded back before looking to Kiara once more. ”When we get back, I have something for you.” turning he walked slowly in the direction of travel. His steps were light and smooth as they made their way to the entrance of the gates leading towards Eagle’s Peak.

”Sulley?” she asked as she walked at his side.

”Hmmm.” he said in response.

”Can I try to fly part of the way?” her crooked smile dimpled her right cheek as she asked him. Maybe, just maybe, he would let her, it was worth asking.

He stopped and looked at her for a long moment. After what seemed like forever he grinned and continued walking. ”Assisted for the first half, and then I’ll let you try on your own for the second. Sound fair?”

Kiara nodded excitably, looking like a bobble-head. ”Yes, thank you!” That made the prospect of heading back much more palatable.

The short trip to the gates went fairly normal, minus the one fight that the Order started. Something over a pit bet. Sulley quelched that situation quickly with a single gaze and continued on. After they passed he nodded to her as he morphed to his dragon form. The glamoured back of Kiara glowed a greenish white where her wings were. ”Go ahead and drop the glamour. I’ll give you a bit of assistance at least to get you off the ground. I know that since you really haven’t used your wings like this before, your muscles are going to be sore by the end of this flight. The first just get use to flapping them in rhythm with me and then during the second half I’ll let you give it a try.” He instructed.

Kiki nodded and shrugged and let her glamour off. It was refreshing to not be using the energy, she had a feeling she was going to need all she could get for the flight. The scales around her eyes, in combination with her stoney grey skin made her look all the more like a gargoyle. She stretched out her new wings and looked up to the sky. ”Okay, I’m ready! Should I just…”

”Flap them in sync with mine now!” He yelled as he jumped to the air. He brought down his massive wings, sending a gust of wind on either side of him. Unfortunately, he had forgotten that Kiara was right next to him as she was lifted into the air along side him by the magic. Kiki made a startled noise and attempted to balance herself. She used her wind elemental magick to boost herself back in the right direction and started flapping her wings.

”Wait--- hrngh” it took a lot of effort to keep herself in the air and stay straight, but she managed with an excessive amount of flapping. She caught up to Sulleykaar and tried to match the pace of his wing beats. She wobbled… a little bit to the left, sinking down, shooting up, too far to the right.

He turned towards her and slowed down until she made it to his head. ”Very good, Kiki. Just match me and you’ll be fine.” He gave a wide, toothy grin. The dragon studied her frame and truly realized how small she was compared to him, especially in dragon form. She was almost like an ant next to him. His claw was about as big as her. ”I knew you were small but…” He couldn’t help but let a draconic rumble out.

Kiara smiled through pants as she worked to keep up and balance herself. ”That’s - heh - okay. I like -heh- being small.” She liked looking frail and unassuming, it always caught her enemies off guard when she started throwing punches. Her thin appearance was of her own choosing, mostly… she could look like Neala if she wanted. She couldn’t be as big as a dragon, or course, but she had no desire to be anyone other than who she was. They had only managed to fly a few thousand feet before her back muscles started to feel fatigued. Her breathing had steadied now, because she was relatively fit, especially with all of her recent training.

He could hear her heart pumping hard and steady, thanks to what he thought was his training and the magic. He increased its potency, allowing her to relax her tired muscles a bit as he started to climb high into the air, using his magick to tow her along. ”Kiki, relax a bit I’ll take the reigns for now. Oh and… spread your arms out to the sides and say ah…” He grinned a grin that she knew well. That one where he had something in mind and planned. It was that same stupid grin that got her at the lake and onto the stone. But this time he added a wink. What did he have-

”Why?” she asked suspiciously, making sure to do neither thing. She did relax a bit, though.

”SAY AHHH!” and with that he curled in, further increased his magick’s potency and shot down in a vertical descent, a massive grin on his face as he tucked his wings in, bringing him to terminal velocity, Kiara right beside him. For the first time in a long time, he roared in excitement. Kiki’s eyes widened and she screeched gleefully as she started plummeting down. The intense wind dried her gums out, but she couldn’t stop smiling.

Once he was low enough he opened his wings and leveled out just above the river’s surface. The speeds they reached were tremendous, passing the treeline and the other aerial wildlife in a blur. Sulleykaar lead her down the river’s path, banking in unison with the direction of the flow until they reached the entrance to Eagle’s Peak. He leaned back and ascended with her until the floating mountains were level with them.

Kiara looked around through teary eyes. She had stopped trying to blink them away, they were flying so fast that her eyes keep watering. It was so gorgeous in the sky… she tried to capture these landscapes like photographs in her mind - future paintings to cover the cave walls with. She was holding her arms out to the sides now, like Sulleykaar had asked her to do, her ruby-colored locks flying straight behind her.. This truly was the best gift anyone had ever given her, she would never forget it.

They had about 10 minutes till they arrived at the Peak and Sulley felt that she had enough time to rest her tired muscles so he glanced over at her and used his magic to communicate over the rushing wind. A tug at her mind, and he spoke. ’Kiara we are very close to home so I will lower the assistance to a minimum and let you try to get there yourself. With the speed we’re moving it should be enough to get you there.’

Home. He called this place home, she wondered if that is what it felt like to him. She didn’t have much time to ponder that, though, because she felt his assistance fade away and had to take over. They were going quite fast, so for a while she just stretched her wings out wide and rode the air currents. An occasional flap here and there was enough to stay steadily afloat. Familiar territory was coming into view, and Kiara smiled wide. She’d did it! She was flying almost all by herself. But, therein came the next problem…. She had no idea how to land gracefully, the their destination was rapidly approaching. Acting on instinct, she held her arms and legs out in front of her and braced for impact, flapping her wings furiously behind her to slow down and buffer the decent.

He smiled as he watched her fly basically by herself. He saw the approaching cliffside and reeled back and up, braking in the air but quickly and without hesitation shot forward again as he saw her start to struggle. She was close to impact and he boosted his magick up as much as possible, stopping her a few feet from the cliffside. She floated there until he caught up. He repeated his air braking technique again and landed on the cliff, having her float up and to the side of him until she too was on the cliff. The dragon took his humanoid form on again and waited until she gently landed next to him before breaking the spell. ”We’ll be practicing landing and stopping mid-air tomorrow...After training.” He clapped.

Kiara was relieved to feel the earth beneath her bare feet once more. Flying was beautiful, but she was always feel most comfortable, and most powerful, when she was grounded. The exhausted faerie willingly collapsed flat against the ground. Her hands and legs were sprawled out and her new, larger wings flattened like a blanket around her as she laid on her stomach. ”Blegghhhhh!” she sighed loudly and stretched her sore back.

Sulley frowned. ”And that is why we will be training extra hard tomorrow starting with an early, long jog through the plains below.” he walked towards the entrance of the den but immediately stopped and dropped into a defensive position, his hell flames burning black and hot. ”I know you're in there! Step out now, or I’ll turn this cave into the largest and hottest oven this realm has ever seen!” his eyes narrowed as he heard footsteps making their way to the mouth of the den. As the figure made it into the light, his flames ceased and he walked towards them. ”Shyvana? What are you - “

THWACK He was sent flying to the end of the cliffside. She made her way up to him and lifted him by his collar, hitting him a few more times in between cursing him out. Kiara looked up from her place on the ground when she heard the commotion. She expected to see Paraxthyon, and sat up quickly when she realized that it was not.

”WHY - THE- FUCK - DID - YOU - BETRAY - UGIN!!”

”I - ow - can - ow EXPLAIN!” he managed to get out. Kiara’s eyes were wide, but she let out a small giggle as the female put Sulley in his place.

With a reeled fist, she stopped, dropped her clenched hand and brought him in for a hug. ”I’m glad your ok.” She hugged him tightly before turning to the little faerie. Shyvana was about as tall as Sulley if only shorter by a few inches. She furrowed her brow and glanced at Sulley. ”I suppose this is Kiara of the Unseelie court?” He nodded as he rubbed his pained chin.

Kiara dusted herself off and curtsied politely. ”A'plyae mae.” she greeted in Fae’len. ”Yes, I am Kiara, and you are?”

”I know who you are, dearie, believe me when I say that we all do. I am Shyvana sister to Sulleykaar, and Daughter of the Children of Tiamat, but you don’t have to worry. I will not be bringing this meeting up again with the Children, I simply wanted to pass on a warning.” She said with the tone of a leader. Oh lovely, yet another foreboding warning... Kiara looked to Sulleykaar for his reaction.

He simply waved her off. ”Please. I think we both have heard enough warnings about th-”

”What you heard was true. “ His eyebrows rose and in response she nodded.

” I’m not entirely sure as to when, but you best train her well for what is to come. I am the only other one you can trust still from the group, Suls. Everyone else you cannot. If and when the time comes, we will join you in the fight, but for now we have to remain enemies so not to bring up suspicion.” He nodded but then looked to her with worry.

”Kyre, is he safe?” He asked hastily. She silently nodded, which relieved him. Shyvana looked over to Kiara with a genuine smile. ”When we meet again, hopefully, it will be as allies. You are Sulley’s type, and he doesn’t open his hearts to many, so I expect you to treat him well, ok?” She left her silent threat as that. No point in truly riling her up.

The female dragon turned back to Sulley, kissed him on the cheek, and made her leave, sadly, leaving Sulley to grimace at what he was told. Well, there goes that easy time to train. Now he would have to train her twice as hard given the nonexistent countdown to when the Children would make their move.

”She seemed much more enjoyable than your twin.” Kiara remarked and reached a hand to rub between her shoulderblades. ”Who’s Kyre? Is that your younger brother?” she asked innocently, hazarding a guess.

”No, but a beautiful reminder of my past.” he smiled sadly. Best not to dwell on history. Sulley’s look hardened as he studied her. ”We’ll begin bright and early tomorrow, just at dawn.” He said as he turned towards the den. Kiara watched his form disappear into the den.

”Well, okay then.” she said quietly before walked over to the edge of the cliff face. Kiara sat down, letting her feet dangle over the edge as she relaxed, enjoying the beauty of nature. She watched sleepily as the sun set over the mountains and the sky turned into a rich, star-speckled indigo. She chilly night winds urged her to retire into the den, she would need her sleep for the days to come.

[FallenTrinity]

&

Old Scale Training - Day One

Sulleykaar had awoken bright and early that morning with Kiara. He was now leading her down to the plains below. He wore simple pants and boots, but remained shirtless. He adorned a simple spaulder, plate mail in the form of dragon scales ran down to his hand to a clawed gauntlet. The dragon looked over at her. ”We’ll start with a jog. Afterwards i'll bring you back to the lake and we will begin training. But first.” He snapped his fingers and the weight of a large boulder fell onto Kiara. It was the same technique he originally did to her but this time making the weight more of a nuisance than anything else.

”Oof!” she remarked, squatting down a little in reaction. She stood up straight am smirked, nearly saying some sarcastic taunt that would probably only result in him making things worse. Instead, she just started jogging with no destination in particular. Even with the added weight, this wasn’t hard for her. She was used to running for long periods of time as training for the wars. The day went on as they ran. Yes, they ran. Sulley had made it into a race that lasted half the day, running as hard as he possibly could. It was a little passed the afternoon when he stopped the run. With close to 7 hours of nonstop running he felt it was time to begin the second part of the day. He ran her towards the lake he first brought her to and stopped there and stretched. ”So, we begin now.” He jogged off into the forest.

When Sulleykaar stopped, Kiara was unable to slow down her forward momentum as fast. By now, her legs were working mechanically, like machines or pistons driving her forward without conscious effort. She headed straight for the lake and jumped up high into the air before halting her motion via breaking the surface of the water. The cool, refreshing lake washed her sweat away and she started to feel particularly fatigued in that moment. Knowing that Sulleykaar was strictly business today, and rightly so, she made her quick dip short. Kiara hopped out of the water and let her wet locks and clothing cling to her body to keep her cool.

”Okay, now I’m ready.” she said, still sounding a little winded.

The dragon returned, but not without something large and outrageous. A massive boulder that, by comparison, made him look like an ant carrying a small pebble. He looked over to Kiara, his head cocked to the side. ”Watch out please.” He said as he lifted the boulder high and threw it near the edge of the water next to Kiara. The boulder hit, creating a large splash and wake that rippled across the lake. It rested near the water’s edge but not so close as it still allowed movement behind.

”How you feeling?” He said happily, knowing the training to come.

”Ready.” she said enthusiastically and cracked her knuckles. She stretched her sore muscles and bounced around on the balls of her feet a few times. ’What’s up first?”

”First off, you’re going to need to access that draconic side of you that I gave. Otherwise this is not going to work. Focus in on it. You’ll know you’ve accessed it when your sight and hearing enhances and you’ll definitely know when that happens. Let me know and then we will begin.” He said as he started up another run around the lake. He knew it may take a moment or so for her to access it so he might as well continue on running.

Kiara nodded in understanding. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on something, anything that might bring out this ‘draconic side’. She thought of Sulleykaar, of strength and fire, and flight. When she could her the blades of grass bending beneath the dragon’s feet as he ran, she opened her eyes. Her vision was different, more precise and heat sensitive than before. Kiki turned to Sulleykaar and sharply watched his every move - every foot fall, every twitch of muscle beneath skin. Once she was done ogling she called him over ”Get over here, hot stuff.” she grinned.

He managed to get around the lake a few times before he heard her cat call. Grinning and rolling his eyes, he ran over to her and jumped around a bit in place. ”Ok. So. The first thing we’ll practice is Fus ro dah. In the draconic language that means force, balance and push. With Old Scale magick, balance is key, hence the previous semi-unnecessary training. Balance for Old Scale isn’t just about the magic, but the mindset necessary for the magic. Imagine a balloon. If you don’t blow enough air into it, it won’t inflate. Too much, and it will pop in your face. Balance for Old scale is like that. Too little, and you’re back where you started. Too much, and it will blow up in your face, and you will get sent flying, burned, frozen or whatever the spell’s effect is supposed to do. So, for starters, I want you to move the boulder-” he pointed to said boulder. ”-and move it there.” pointing to the other side of the lake.

”Okay, so…. I just say the words and think about it really hard?” she asked, scratching the edge of her ear, confused.

”I was getting to that. This requires energy being expelled at an incredible force, much like an explosion but concentrated at a certain direction. So yes. Find your ro, your balance, fus, force it into a condensed ball in your palm and then dah, push it outward.” he explained. As he leaned down and picked up a rock before showing her. ”Fus” His hand gathered that white ethereal smoke. ”Ro” The smoke whipped around violently before it was sucked into a small center mass just above his palm, the rock rocked around on his hand from the vibrations. Then in a fraction of a second to blink an eye, the rock shot upward into the sky, disappearing from sight. He looked up and as his mouth twitched in an attempt to smile. ”Dah” He sighed with content. The dragon looked into the sky before he looked back to Kiara. ”Fus...Ro….Dah.”

”Fus...ro...dah” she murmured the words to herself and then nodded. She shook out her arms and legs before planting herself firmly on the ground and holding her hands in front of her. Kiara cupped her hands to contain the ball and exhaled in preparation. She felt extremely nervous, which was a new and unique feeling. She didn’t want to mess this up, she didn’t want to disappoint Sulley, and the stakes were too high…

Shaking it off, she focused on her breathing and finding her balance, her ro. ”Fus…” she began quietly when she felt like she might be ready. There was a faint glimmer of white forming between her cupped hands. The sight alone picked up her heart rate. ”Ro…” she said in sequence, her steel-colored eyes focused on the boulder. Her stomach was swimming with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. ”Dah!”.

She finished the incantation and, well, something happened. The force that had grown between her cupped hands expanded with a loud pop. The boulder was sent flying a few feet forward, but missed the target destination of the lake. Kiara, on the other hand, was soundlessly shot backwards by the blast. The only thing that slowed her path was the large tree that she was sent flying into. Her back met the trunk with an awful crack. She cried out in pain as she crumpled forward. ”Agh… shit…” she muttered and stood up slowly. Her face flushed a scarlet that gave her hair a run for it’s money, she couldn’t even bring herself to look at Sulleykaar.

The dragon stood near her with his arms folded in front of him. He watched as the power built up in her hand and nodded lightly until he felt the energy build further than necessary. It was out of instinct and his experience that had him counter against the following blast and shock wave, redirecting it to the side of him as he watched the rock do nothing but move a few feet before seeing Kiara soar through the air until slamming into a tree. He exhaled deeply and was beyond tempted to say something witty but decided against it with simply saying. ”Again”

The faerie wordlessly stepped back into position. She didn’t want to risk throwing off her balance by getting worked up by the shit-eating grin he was no doubt wearing. What happened? Where did she go wrong? It seemed like it might be a balance issue, the right amount of force was there, and she was actually able to do the magick… but it just went in the wrong direction. This time around, she focused more on the balance. Kiara attempted to become a clean slate, driving out the thoughts of potential embarrassment, and the pressure of needing to learn this or dying a horrible, tragic death. Instead, she focused on the present, the simple here and now. Kiara needed to move this rock, for no other reason than the rock needed to be moved.

Kiara kept her eyes open, focused on the boulder, and held her hands out in front of her once more. ”Fus.” she said in a stern, confident tone. ”Ro.” The ball of white light ebbed between her fingers. ”Dah.” she said, closing her eyes and bracing for impact as the spell shot forward.

This time, the boulder flew forward, careening into the lake. Kiara was still knocked back a few feet. Her heels dug up the earth, slowing her down. But, there was no catastrophe… the boulder was in the lake and Kiara was not plastered to a tree. It was no where near perfect in execution, but it was only a second try. The faerie now hazarded a glance at Sulleykaar.

”Better but-” Snapping his fingers the boulder glowed green and disappeared and then reappeared in its original spot. ”There was too much fus and your dah wasn’t centered. This time just get fus and roh and then listen to the build up. It should hum at a steady pitch.” He created it again and moved to where she stood and allowed her to listen to what he meant. She turned her head slightly to listen to it. Soon enough the hum grew in sound and then it started to sound like roar. It was at this point that he stopped the spell. ”If it gets to that point, then you’ll become acquainted with the tree again.” He said, stifling a chuckle and earning a flush-faced glare. She wanted to tell him where exactly he could stick it, but kept quiet. Focus on the training, Kiara.

Kiara stepped back into position and raised her hands back up. She focused once more on the the spell, gathering the energy, listening in for the steady hum that Sulley mentioned. Once it was there, her eyes flashed and she thrusted her hands forward. The hum was replaced by the sound of a large explosion. Her feet dug into the ground with the force of the blast, but she held firm as Sulley watched the boulder soar through the air to the other side, skipping off the top of the water like a small pebble. Kiki smiled wide and looked to Sulleykaar, who gave her a grin of approval as he turned back to the boulder and snapped his fingers again. He tried to hide the giddiness in his voice from the successful shot, but failed. ”Again, Kiki!”

His stifled praise did more for the faerie than he knew. The encouragement gave her a confidence boost and she jogged over to the over side of the lake. She squared herself up and sent the boulder back over the lake, landing only a few feet past it’s original location. This time her feet didn’t even dig into the ground with the kickback.

He had her do it a few more times until he brought the boulder out of the water. Looking over to Kiara he touched the water with blueish- white hands as the lake froze over once again, this time without her in it. Sulley plunged his hand into the ice as a crystal like wall formed in the center of the lake. ”Now it’s time to work on control and aim. You have the spell down but you need to now work on controlling the amount of force. I want you to send that boulder to the wall without breaking the ice.” He stepped in front of her and used the spell, sending the boulder skidding across the ice until it slowed down just before it tapped the wall with a light tink. The dragon walked to her side as he snapped his fingers, the boulder returning to its original position.

The new challenge brought back her nerves. As such, the first trial went poorly. Kiara accidentally sent the boulder crashing through the wall of ice. She cringed and slowly peeked over at Sulleykaar. ”Oops? Heh-” she apologized awkwardly.

Sulley winced as the ice shattered like glass and glanced over to Kiara who looked like a kid who got caught with her hand in the cookie jar, tried to yank her hand out, and broke it. He shook his head and chuckled. ”Again, vo hahdrim.” Grinning he placed his hand on the ice and set up another wall and then snapped his fingers, boulder once again in front of Kiara.

Kiara’s ears lowered as she pouted at the derogatory nickname.

” Oh stop it. Next to Kiki, Vo hahdrim is my other little pet name for you.” He said as he rubbed the top of her head like a child’s. She ducked out from under his hand and glared. After stepping aside and squaring up again, she focused on the boulder. Focusing specifically on the amount of force she was releasing, Kiara let the energy loose. She watched with one eye open and one eye closed and her teeth clenched as the boulder rapidly skittered across the ice. It slowed up just in time to tap against the wall of ice, but not shatter it. Kiki let out the huge breath she had been holding.

Sulley nodded as he brought the wall ten feet closer and snapped his fingers. ”Again.”

Kiara rolled her eyes and sagged her shoulders. ”Ugh… really?!”

He shot her a look and held it for a moment and walked over to the ice. He brought his leg high above him as his foot glowed white and brought it down hard on to the ice as a large shard of ice shot up in front of him. While it floated horizontally in the air he spun around, slamming a glowing white palm into the end of it. With an audible boom it shot off like a bullet, penetrating the boulder without breaking it apart and continued until it penetrated a tree, a small point protruding out the front of it. He looked back to her. This little display wasn’t meant to show off in a negative way, but rather an example of what practice and mastery of the art can do. ”Again…” This time he didn’t say with the same joy he had earlier but rather with annoyance as his student questioned his teaching methods.

She grumbled about him being a ‘lousy dragon show-off’. Mostly, she was just tired and grumpy. Hopefully he would see that, but he would probably take offense. Kiara understood that this was important, but it was only day one. She sighed and did as she was told, repeating the exercise again and again, as he requested. Every spell cast took a little more out of her. Sulley might have given her part of his soul, but she wasn’t a full dragon. She was a faerie, and pretending to be something she wasn’t was exhausting.

He watched as she repeated the actions. A thin smile rest on his face as he saw the potential in her. With enough practice and training, she would build her magic reserves, and that would be thanks to the draconic boost she now had. It would take awhile, but there was no doubt that the possibility was there, if she let it stay there. After a few more hours, he told her to stop and rest for a bit. The dragon let the ice melt back into water and then heated it up into a natural hot spring. He look off his clothes and hopped in, the heated water was relaxing as it washed over his body.

As soon as Sulley took his leave, Kiara plopped down on the ground right where she stood. She lazily stared up at the sky. She couldn’t ever remember feeling this tired before… she felt spiritually and physically hollow. If someone came and poked her too hard, she might just shatter.

He glanced over to Kiara and yelled out to her. ”Do you wish to join me or will you stay up there?” She groaned at the sound of his voice and rolled over to face in the opposite direction. Kiki was mildly aware of the fact that she was being childishly moody, but that was part of her charm. Take it or leave it.

”I know it’s exhausting. Trust me, though, when I was younger I still outlasted you, mostly because of what I am and the fact that I have two hearts pumping energy instead of one. Training for me lasted alot longer. Mostly days.”

She rolled her eyes once again, even though he couldn’t see them. Feeling a little bit more like herself, she quipped ”I could think of a million better things for you to be doing with your tongue than talking at me right now.” she thought about it. ”Maybe not a million, but at least a handful of things.”

He smirked as he looked up to the sky. ”You forgotten our deal that we made.”

Apparently that wasn’t enough to keep him quiet. The red head sat up and slouched for a moment before standing up and making her way to the water. ”What are you talking about now?” she asked, pulling her tank top over her head and untying her skirt before stepping into the water.

He raised three fingers. ”You completed a few tasks. You have a few questions you can ask me about my past.”

”Oh…” she had forgotten that. She almost asked how many but saw that he was holding up three fingers. She was silent for a few moments while she thought of what she’d asked last and learned since then. ”Who is Kyre - the beautiful reminder of your past?” she asked with a tinge of jealousy in her tone.

He looked to the sky and remained silent for a moment before his smile grew and he looked over to Kiara. ”He’s my son. Kyre Ashborn,”

“Oh…” she looked down at the water quickly. She didn’t want to look at him, unsure of how that piece of information made her feel. Kiki was expecting this to be another lover, she never considered that he might have children. It made her feel inconsiderate… or dumb, sad… even a little bit jealous? But why? It was silly to feel that way, of course he had children, he was so much older than her, he had lifetimes worth of stories from before she was even born.

[color=9e0b0f]”What’s wrong Kiki?”[color] He asked with mild concern.

She startled ”Huh- what?” Oh, right, this was probably not the best reaction to have. Kiara chewed her bottom lip and nodded ”I-uhm, I didn’t expect that. Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude.” she apologized honestly. That kind of impoliteness wasn’t the faerie way.

”You didn’t expect a 3000 year old dragon to have a child of his own? It’s fine, Kiki” He waved it off. ”Next question.” He turned to face her now in the water.

”Uhm… er…” she was stumbling for something to say. She really did want to change the subject but couldn’t come up with another question quick enough. ”J-just the one?”

”Just the one who I hope is still alright.” He said with slight worry. ”I won’t count that one as your other question.”

She nodded in thanks and rubbed the back of her neck. ”So… in 3000 years, what is something that you haven’t done?” That was a better question. She looked up to meet his eyes finally, waiting for an answer.

He thought long and hard about this one. What hasn’t he done? He has done alot. A lifetime's worth of things both good and bad but nothing came to mind at first until one struck. ” Well...One thing is, that I want to do, is settle down with someone special and just l haven’t found the chance, especially with this.” He looked up to the sky and sighed before letting the faintest of smiles appear. ”I think I found the person, but I don’t know what they think.”

Kiara’s eyes went wide as saucers. Her? Surely he wasn’t talking about her. A good lay? Sure. An eager student? Sometimes. An adorable pain in the ass? Definitely. But settle down material? Kiki stuttered over her words again, unable to form anything sensible. He had yet again stunned her speechless.

He glanced over at her and sighed. ”Forget what I said. It -- What’s yo-”

”Why? Did you not mean it?” she reacted quickly, her mouth moving before her brain. She pressed her lips together quickly.

”N-No i-it’s -- just- “ Now he was stuttering. Great. A powerful dragon stuttering like some idiot.

”Sorry, it’s fine. We’ll just…” she scratched the back of her head. ”Next question?” she asked with an awkward chuckle. She was asking some real winners tonight.

”What is your next question.” he repeated, mentally cursing himself for even answering that question with such an answer. He meant it but he didn’t expect to actually say it.

”Uhm… tell me about the most beautiful place you’ve ever been. Think of all the realms you’ve been to, pick the best one.” she smiled. This one seemed more straightforward, she couldn’t see this turning awkward. Then again, she hadn’t expected the other two questions to go the way they did either.

”The most beautiful place I’ve seen?” He repeated. He sat up in the water, only his eyes remaining above the surface with a hard look as he thought about it.

”Well, besides here I would say a place called Epsilon.” He closed his eyes and when he did the surface of the water rippled as it took on a picture of Epsilon. A few bridges lead to a living, glowing monolith of a tree with its surroundings illuminated by the natural nature of the foliage and trees that surrounded it.

”Wow~” Kiara mused, touching the surface of the water where the image was. Her questions came rapid fire now. ”Where is it? What did you do there?” and finally, ”Could you take me there someday?”

”Well it’s in Raelmae, the realm west of my own. Well, despite my colorful history I actually used to play music there, before I joined them and to answer the second part of your question, one day. Once this is over and we both make it out of here alive.” He smiled as his head dipped underwater and back up. When he came back up he looked at her for a moment ”What else did Woshåm tell you? If you don’t mind me asking before you go ahead and ask any more questions.”

Kiara studied him, Woshåm’s prophecy echoing in her mind, vibrating against her very bones with it’s chilling warning. She managed a warm smile as she looked deep into his eyes. ”Woshåm showed me my reason to fight. I didn’t know that I had as many as I did. I just hope that I… that we can be enough.” she said, her voice trailing off at the end. It was clear she didn’t want to talk about it anymore.

He knew there was more than that but he wouldn’t push it further. ”We will be. So...I now owe you another question, more like a couple actually. Go for it. What’s next?”

She smirked at the prospect, feeling more playful now. If one wasn’t careful around her, they’d be likely to get whiplash from her mood swings. ”Well, you met my Vivienne. Tell me, have you ever been with a male.” Kiki was like an eager schoolgirl waiting for juicy gossip. She thought of the handsome human, Felix, wouldn’t that be something?

He gave an aggravated sigh and shook his head. Why were women so attracted to the idea of two men together? Then again, he thought the same question could apply to men with two women. He nodded. ”I have, both as myself and as a women. I remember an elf by the name of James. An interesting lad and a prince of Casio Myrilla, actually the kingdom near Epsilon. I had to have my way with him in order for me to gain access to an advisor’s position in their kingdom.”

Kiara scooted closer to him in the water, nodding as he told the story. Her grey eyes shimmering red slightly. ”Well needless to say, he took a fancy to me, and honestly he was a bit attractive. So, to complete my mission, I laid with him. It was an interesting night to say the least. If only you were there, you probably could have joined us. He had a liking for both genders. He actually taught me a few things that could easily please a man but I choose to enjoy the company of women.”

”Well, well. What a surprising treat.” she purred into his ear. ”I didn’t know you had such a fun side. You know I will take advantage of this one day, right?” she wore a crooked grin as she pulled away to settle her ruby gaze on him.

Then, just to throw her off again he leaned into her ear, his voice became much, much more feminine and held that low seductive and smooth tone that could rival that of a succubus. ”Little doll, I take advantage of other’s and their, fantasiessss~” When he pulled away, she was met with a more feminine figure. She was well endowed, red hair with amber tips flowed down her body as she bit her bottom lip with a smile. ”Hello there gorgeous, you can call me Sulara.” She said with a wink.

”Oh?” Kiara asked with a raised brow and then smirked. ”Prove it.” she beckoned in the same way that Sulleykaar had baited her their first time together.

She ran a fingernail up the middle of her chest to the tip of Kiara’s chin. Kiki shivered in response as the she-dragon got up and walked to the edge of the water, swaying her hips as she looked behind her to Kiara. She brought a finger up near her face, gesturing for Kiara to follow before she darted off into the woods. Kiki chewed her bottom lip through a grin, splashing wildly as she took off running after the pretty thing. Quick as the wind, Kiara made it to the treeline, peeking around trunks while giggling. This time, it would be Sulleykaar who should her the true meaning of seduction.

[FallenTrinity]

&

Present Day

Sulley looked up to the faerie after their lips parted and smiled. ”You actually - heh - wore me out.” He chuckled as he laid his head back.

She smirked ”Well, two mindblowing orgasms in a row will do that to you.” Kiara bragged, flaunting her bisexual prowess. ”I’m feeling much less exhausted, such a filling meal does that, I suppose.” she winked and attempted to stand on her own two feet.

”Kiara...Lay here with me for a bit.” He said quickly and out of character. To which she smiled softly and squated down the the ground and scooted up alongside him.

”Two questions of your choosing.” He smirked with two fingers raised lazily. Kiara was never much of a post-coital snuggler, but she was now. She cuddled up to Sulley and ran her fingertips along his stomach in slow circles. They traces the curved definition of his abdominal muscles, he was so strong… Which led her to her next question.

”Do you have any weaknesses?” she asked quietly. He would probably think she was being cynical or plotting to kill him still, but she had other reasons for asking. He raised his head and popped a brow, studying her for a moment before laying his head back.

Well, what do you mean as for weaknesses? I’m a dragon. We don’t have many besides Old Scale magic and our natural element’s opposite. For me it would be water or ice, hence why it took me a hell of alot longer to learn. Could you be a little more specific if I didn’t answer it right?”

”No, that sounds right… That’s it, just Old Scale and water, otherwise you’ll just live forever?” she asked, not as a second question, but more as an expansion on the first.

”Not exactly. I could live for quite some time though. My magick comes from my lineage. I’m an Old Scale, a special species of dragons that can live past two hundred thousand years and then we die. Death varies for us, of course. Whether it is of old age, or fights, or disease - though disease is extremely rare with us.” He said nonchalantly.

Kiara flattened the palm of the hand that had been tracing circles on his stomach. She reached it over to his sides and pulled herself closer so that she could rest her head on his chest. Laying there together, she wondered how long they would continue to play this game - him pretending that he would only answer a limited number of questions as a reward. Two things were obvious: one, he loved talking about himself too much to limit it and two, he was wrapped around her bony little finger. That was true both ways, however, whether or not she wanted to admit it to herself. ”I hope to live a long time too, like my Queen…” she mused, listening to his breathing.

His hearts’ beats were slow and calming. Her head rested on his chest and subconsciously ran a free hand through her hair, he other resting behind his head. ”How long has she been around, hm? She must be beyond my time, especially with an aura like that.” Asking with a sigh as he glanced over to her.

”Our Court is over 6000 years old and she was it’s founder. So, she is at least that old.” Kiara answered.

He nodded in amazement. ”She is pretty old but kept most of her looks. Impressive. Still have yet to meet anyone older than Ugin. That dragon is the brother of Tiamat and he hasn’t been around for over fifty thousand years. But besides that I hope you keep your looks when you’re that old. Would be a terrible shame if you ended up aging, hahahaha.” He pictured her with wrinkles and the pout on her face that she always gave him.

Her chuckles echoed against his chest. ”Selfish dragon.” she chided playfully. ”But even if I did, I could cover it up. Glamour is free.”

He frowned slightly. ”But with age does come beauty and with age so does wisdom. Hiding what you are behind the veil is a lie to yourself too, is it not? I don’t ever plan on hiding my wrinkles when I grow old. I want the worlds to know that I have wisdom and experience to share -- I do have another weakness…” He smiled halfway through until he brought up the idea of growing old.

Kiki rolled her eyes imperceptible ”And what is that? Your pride?” she laughed at her own joke, unable to ready the cues his facial expression gave as she stared along the length of his body with her ear still against his chest.

He remained silent and his voice carried a macabre tone. ”The fear of death…” he stated, his as he swallowed lightly.

That stopped her from laughing. Kiara grew quiet and nodded ”Your own?” she asked.

”Of the ones I care about -” His stopped running his hand through her hair. ”The fact that I wouldn’t be there to save them or I would be in a predicament that I would have to choose -- Do you know what happens when a dragon dies?” Soft eyes landed on her own.

”Is it different from the fae when we die?” she asked curiously. His fear lined up shockingly well with her own, especially after the visions she was given.

He took in a deep breath and exhaled. ”We are creatures of magic by nature. Whether we use that magic is a different story. But when it comes to death, when we go, we go body and soul, never to be seen again.. You faerie are lucky that you have a chance to move on into Wosham. We become nothing more than mere words in the history books.” He chuckled darkly.

”Well…” Kiara began, propping her chin up on his chest and looking up at him. ”I suppose I’ll have to keep you alive then, couldn’t imagine living without the hope of such a good lay.” she smirked.

He looked at her with a roll of the eyes and a mock glare before it softened. ”I don’t want to ever lose you. I can’t handle that again.”

She blinked a few times and her smirked faded away to a more serious face. ”Sulley… can I trust you?” her question sounded more intense than the others.

”Of course you can, you’ve trusted me so far after everything that has transpired I don -- Yes. Yes you can trust me.” He was starting to joke around until he heard her tone which caused him to cease his smart remark.

Kiara sighed and considered even saying what she was thinking. It was something that was in the back of her mind since her return from Wosham. She had felt real peace then, but since waking, there was still fear. She closed her eyes, as if that would make it less exposing. ”Your brother… I have an idea for a way to counter his mind games.” she said, barely above a whisper.

His face hardened and his tone became more business like, like all the times before with training and dealing with the war. ”I’m listening, Kiara. What do you propose?”

”Well…” her voice trembled in time with the shaking of her body. ”There is power in a faerie’s name, the one who has it may control the faerie. Right now he has it…. But, so do I. I could-”

”Stop right there… You understand what you’re telling me right. This, heh, this is serious... I need you to -” He stopped as she sat up and studied him.

Kiara propped herself up so she could get a better look at his face. ”I know it’s important. And I know you have told me the truth tonight. I was listening to your hearts. And I--” she looked down quickly.

”Kiki…” He sat up, his fingers cupped under her chin and raised her head to meet his. His genuine smile etched onto his face accompanied by warm, soft eyes. He waited for her to continue, his cupped hand moved to her hair and ran through her silky red locks.

She smiled against his hand and closed her eyes. ”I know you care too much about me now to misuse it. You said you didn’t want to lose me, and I know you meant it. I want to tell you, even if that scares the darkness right out of me. But, if I tell you, and you command me to never obey his words… I won’t. I won’t be able to. I could train at peace then, with you. I could have control of at least one part of my fate…” her own heart was fluttering like a hummingbird’s wings as she waited for his response.

He looked down for a moment as his eyes darted back and forth. He was letting everything sink in and taking into account everything she had said, what his brother had done, the consequences that could arise and what could be stopped. For a moment after, he stood still and looked up to her with a stern look. ”The last thing I want is for you not to feel like you have control Kiki. I won’t ever use this name unless you say otherwise. That is the truth. After this, after I tell you not to listen to him, i won’t ever bring it up again.” He shook his head and that was the truth.

Kiara leaned into him and caressed his cheek. ”Good, because if you do, you will lose me, and I promise it will be worse than losing me to death.” she said with a steely gaze. She wondered how that dragon telepathy he had worked. Could she do it now that he’d given a part of himself to her? Either way, she didn’t want to say it out loud on the off chance that someone, anyone was listening in. The faerie leaned in and pressed her lips against his softly, with her name at the forefront of her mind for the first time since Cynbel spoke it… Kaelan Kiara Kinley.

He listened close to her very-far-from idle threat and nodded quietly. When she leaned in, her lips against his ears, he thought she would whisper it to him. That would be a dumb idea on her part because of Paraxthyon knowing who else wouldn’t try to hear it? Especially those from Dovahmere who knew of the den. It was subtle, like a light tap. He felt a tug from his mind. His eyes squinted slightly until they opened wide and his eyes darted to her. Did she just? The name came in slightly muffled but he focused in on it until it became clear. He nodded to her and looked her dead in the eyes. ’A very beautiful name for someone to match it...Kaelen Kiara Kinley...I command you to never listen to any orders from Paraxthyon, my brother, or anyone of the Children of Tiamat. I also command you to never listen to anyone who uses your name with intentions that go against your own. I command you to make your own choices, choices that you believe are right and just. I command you to be free.’ His hardened look softened into a warm smile, especially towards the end.

The faerie nodded in understanding of his mentally projected command and then smiled when she came to her senses fully. It was a sweet gesture, and unexpected, but nothing more than a wistful dream. If it were possible to nullify a faerie’s name for all people, all faerie parents would do that for their children early on. Sulleykaar didn’t know that, though, so the thought alone was heart touching. She stroked her thumb along his cheekbone affectionately. ”Yes, my dragon.” she said, softly claiming him. ”Shall we call it a night?” Her soft little fingers could sooth any soul. He gave her a soft smile and nodded as he stood up. He winced slightly from the pleasure-filled pain.

”That’s fine. Let’s head back then.” Morphing into his true form winked at Kiara as he jumped up and flapped his wings, gaining altitude slow enough for Kiara to catch up.

&

Unseelie Queendom, Training Grounds - Present Day

Felix had healed much faster than expected, this was thanks to Sulley’s draconic side taking effect. He had started to learn a lot about it in the short time since he awoke. His appetite had increased drastically, as did his stamina and endurance for spars and training. He had been practicing on a dummy, working on form and precision for a good part of the morning and decided to take a break. Felix sat down underneath the dummy, running a hand through his hair. ”Heh - Heh - Where’s - Cynbel?” He thought to himself as he looked around the training grounds, hoping to see if his white hair was among the crowd of soldiers.

Cynbel was working on a skill that he wasn’t quite as talented at, archery. He could still out shoot most faeries, but the elves? He was nowhere near as good as the elven archers. The faerie drew back the bowstring and stared down the tip of the arrow as he aimed. The target was a few hundred feet out and there was already an arrow protruding from the bullseye. Cynbel was trying to split the arrow, a difficult, but impressive feet. He hadn’t successfully done it yet today. The Unseelie commander exhaled slowly and well-measured so that he didn’t move his posture at all.

’Thhhpt’ The arrow sounded as it cut through the air. It struck just to the left of the arrow in the bullseye, nicking the feathered end. Cynbel tsked his teeth and drew another arrow from his quiver to diligently try again.

He caught sight of him with the archers. Using his blade as leverage, he stood and made his way over to the silver haired general. Felix kept his distance, so not to disturb the faerie’s concentration. He studied his stance and his form. It was impressive to say the least but not unexpected. A thousand years could give any man or woman the chance to master many arts. His dedication as seen when he lined up his next shot, taking his time with his aim and breathing. He leaned his head to the side as he sheathed his sword and then crossed his arms and observed. He learned a little bit from the elves in the order but learned the most from Kyla who specialized in it. He would be nowhere near the level that Cynbel or any of the others would be, but he had the jist of it.

When Cynbel released the second arrow, it soared along it’s path and met its mark. The arrowhead splintered the wood and wedged into the shaft of the first arrow. Instead of celebrating or smiling like most might at such an accomplishment, the faerie simply nodded. He then hooked the bow over his quiver and started walking to go fetch the arrows from the distant target.

”I would say congrats General but I think that’s implied.” He said with a grin as the general went to fetch the arrows. Felix lightly jogged up to him, his chainmail shirt jingling along the way. ”I wanted to say thanks for everything you’ve done for me. I truly do appreciate it.” A soft smile looked towards the general until they reached

Cynbel looked over his shoulder to Felix and smiled lightly. [color=lightgray]”You are looking much better these days, how is your form training coming?”[//color] he asked as he walked alongside the other commander. He plucked the arrows out of the target, saving the second and third, but discarding the splintered one.

He gave a muffled cough and nodded. ”It’s coming along. Had to stop a few times because I would have a few pains here and there but otherwise it’s fine.” He sighed and looked at the target. ”Kyla was a great archer, even gave some of the elves pointers. It was pretty funny to watch some of their prides shatter because they doubted her. How long have you been practicing with a bow?” He asked.

”Only for a few centuries, it’s one of my least practiced skills on the field. I prefer swordfighting and, for the longest time, I was too stubborn to try anything else. You shouldn’t do that,” he instructed gently. ”It is foolish to limit yourself to any singular skill set, seek to be well rounded.” his hard look softened into a smile. ”Kyla was fantastic. It was her absence that inspired me to pick up my first bow. Did she teach you any pointers?” Cynbel asked curiously. He wouldn’t be above getting some sound advice through Felix, perhaps Kyla could teach him from beyond the grave.

Felix chuckled a bit and scratched the back of his head. ” She did, but I still was pretty bad compared to the elves and her.. However, your aim seems to be slightly lower considering the range of this target. Raise it up a bit more and exhale as you release since it steadies your aim.” He gave a slight nod.

Once they were back a fine distance from the targets, Cynbel nocked another arrow. He inhaled, positioning his arms a bit higher and squaring his feet and shoulders. Just as Felix explained, he exhaled as he released the arrow. The projectile sunk into the red center of the target and Cynbel nodded. ”That was fine advice, thank you.” He said, smiling. The Unseelie Commander held the bow and an arrow out to Felix. ”Let’s see you do better.” He challenged with more of a smirk now than a smile.

With a nod he led the both of them back to the end of the range and requested the bow. Once it was in his hand, he glanced over to Cynbel, or where Cynbel was standing, and saw Kyla smiling at him with a wink. It was like his time with her when she first taught him, challenging his skills to see where he lacked. The once-human Commander looked down range at the target, which now with new eyes looked much closer and more vivid. ”I didn’t think it was that close…” He frowned as he leaned his head to the side. It’s not close, I just have better vision. This thought ran through his head as he notched the arrow and drew the string back. His stance was steady as he looked down to the target. He inhaled and closed his eyes. As he exhaled he drew it back just a bit more and let the arrow fly straight and - short a few feet from the target. He tsked and glanced back at Cynbel. ”Damn dragon and his damn gifts.” He mumbled. He notched another one and adjusted his angle and drew back, repeating the process. This time, when the arrow left the string it soared along its path and looked as if it would miss its target.

”Thmmp”

It could be argued that he hit the bullseye and argued that he still missed it. Even along the black line that bordered a direct hit and a miss. Smirking at his accomplishment he turned to Cynbel with the bow in hand and offered it back to him. ”I still need to practice…” He sighed. ”But this can wait. I would like to know when you plan on teaching me.” Felix asked with a slight attitude. He was ready. He was healed, he was feeling better, at least he thought he was. But even the healer told the Faerie he still needed a few more days before anything else. Admirable as it was, anyone in the medical field, Unseelie or not would agree he needed more rest and maybe not just physically.

”Hmhmhm” he chuckled as he took the bow back. ”I’ve already started.” he said simply. Patience was the first important lesson. ”And you’re not doing so well.” there was slight teasing in his tone. Of course, he knew why Felix was being impatient. The faerie remembered what that heartache felt like, and wanting to do anything and everything but dwelling on it. ”It is important to let yourself feel this, Felix. I know that it is not easy, but to be trained as an Unseelie, you must learn to embrace your emotions, even the dark ones… especially the dark ones. They will make you strongest.” Cynbel explained in a sage-like tone as they walked to the common hall where food, drinks, and company were a plenty.

Felix gave Cynbel a mocked look of disgust with the tease but nodded in understanding. He softened when Cynbel brought up the dark emotions. Dark emotions; Sadness, anger, fear, despair… These were his emotions he feared. ”Cynbel -” He looked over to him as they walked past the archery range, sparing grounds, the pit on their way over to what Felix knew as the Unseelie’s equivalent to a messhall. ”Those dark emotions - Do you remember when we spared? Because I don’t. I remember standing above you and then hitting the ground after I took that beating.” He said with some nervousness behind it. He looked towards some of his comrades from the Order, those who saw the human look at him they saluted and continued on with what they were doing. ”I have a moniker that those who fought me, and those who fought beside me gave me. Two precisely: The Demon of Kalmar and The Beserker of the Crimson Wing. It’s titles that earned me a reputation through respect and fear. After Ky - After that blast I don’t remember a thing.” He glanced over to Cynbel and awaited his reaction.

”Interesting… Cynbel mused, remembering both events in detail ”These moments of lost time that you describe, they are when you were fighting your hardest and strongest… stronger than any human I’ve ever known. It is almost like a barbarian’s rage. Is this something that you remember always having?” The faerie asked curiously.

He bit his lip as he looked down to the side, trying to remember when this first happened. He looked back to him with a nod. ”When I was a squire still in the human realm. My master was training me in swordplay. I remember being struck in the head. Next thing I know I had the blade up to my master’s throat. He said he never seen anything like that before. A simple boy turning into a demon with a simple hit. What he didn’t tell me until later was I had struck him multiple times with the sword. Nothing that could kill, but it left him immobile for about a week.” He sighed and cleared his throat. Felix found a good place to sit that was a bit away from the rest of the patrons so he and Cynbel could have a private conversation.

”In the human realm?’ Cynbel asked with raised eyebrows. ”As far as I know, that realm has no magic of it’s own…” The faerie poured himself a glass of mead and sat down. ”That is very interesting. You don’t remember any encounters that might have happened to give you these abilities. Perhaps you met a creature from another realm at an early age?” Cynbel had figured these enhancements had been provided by Sulleykaar, but that might not be the case if Felix had them back in the human realm.

Felix shrugged as he took a sip of ale. ”Possi-” He stopped and thought about it a bit longer before looking at Cynbel. ”No. There couldn’t have been a way. My family house wasn’t near any Feylines. I couldn’t imagine so.” He sighed. He thought maybe he had come across Cynbel back then or maybe even Kyla and he didn’t know it. But for all he knew the answer was no.

The faerie sipped his drink thoughtfully. ”It may be that you were not even aware of the encounter, or perhaps you are the first magick-born human.” he chuckled at the thought. It was unlikely, he had never met a human capable of magick.

”Magic-born human?” He asked with a quizzical look.

”Well, that ability is not a human trait, it seems like magick to me. I had thought it was something Sulleykaar gifted you at first, that made the most sense. Were both of your parents, and you family, all human… to your knowledge?” Cynbel was clearly making it a task to solve this mystery.

”Sulleykaar was amazed when he first saw it himself too. As far as I know they were.” He sat back and looked at the ale in front of him.

”You truly are a mystery, then. Although, you are no longer human alone. Tell me, what other changes have you noticed since awakening?”

”Let’s see...”He said as he tapped the table. ”The simplest things being my sight has increased along with my other senses. I last longer training, stuff like that.” He took a swig of ale. ”Nothing else that I know of besides that.”

”Hmm… you should keep track of that. There is bound to be more, what Sulleykaar did took a lot out of him. Once the healers have cleared you, we will train to try to poke out specifics.” Cynbel sipped his mead and scanned the room. ”Has Garax visited you recently? He seems to be enjoying his time at Court.”

He frowned and shook his head. ”I seen him once after I sobered up.” He took a swig of ale only to start coughing hard, thumping his chest until the burning subsided.

Cynbel nodded ”Keeping busy, I suppose. My men report whisperings of an attempt to retake the Keep from our spies among the Seelie. It may need our attention again some day soon. Or-” he looked the not-so-human Commander over. ”At least my attention. We’ll see how quickly we can get you back in your armour.”

Felix frowned. ”Did they say when they are planning this? Within the week? Month? Either way we might need Sulley and Kiara here. I doubt that they will come in a small group. Plus, with us having a decent force defending that outpost they are bound to bring a larger force than before.” He sniffed in and looked towards the open ceiling, wondering what the two were up to.

”Having Sulleykaar and my daughter back would be ideal, but war is hardly ever ideal.” Their was a shadow of a smirk as he said that. ”But I suppose we can hope for that. In the meantime, how about some training?“ The sentence was structured like a question, but it was clear that Felix didn’t really have an option for his response.

He gave a lopsided grin in response to the faerie general with a subtle nod before hammering down what was left in his cup before standing. ”Well, war may not be ideal, but training is, especially for the fights to come. I’m ready when you are.” The confidence in his voice however betrayed his feelings. He was nervous, but not about the fights. He was nervous about the outcome of this training. Would this benefit him and help him gain control of this new demon, or would it consume him, leaving him in a state of eternal rage? For now he only looked at the situation as a cup-half-full, only the training and its results would change that.