Day 20
Chapter 2
Several months had passed since the incident in the woods. Much to the Banescales' annoyance the first week or so had been spent within clan walls while Camellia tended to the orphan Nocturne, who kept mimicking the blooming strangler that insisted on tagging along. It was almost heart-wrenching for the Guardian to bear so she'd sought information on any known Nocturne families that lived nearby, only to come up short with everyone she asked.
“Maybe it was left over from the last Night of the Nocturne?” Anvindr had suggested at his turn as he stirred something thick and orange in the large cauldron he'd been given by his new Bogsneak penpal, Zinnia. “Dragon eggs are known to go dormant when there's no other dragons around, so maybe it got left there when the Nocturnes were active and kinda... stayed there?”
“But then, why didn't I find an egg?” Camellia countered, rocking the hatchling in one, thick arm which the strangler had wrapped around. “She was already hatched and acting like a snake when we found her.”
Pausing and resting against the comically oversized wooden spoon, the Spiral bit his lower lip in thought. “It's possible someone had awoken it when they were exploring back there.” He mused, rubbing a long ear with his spindly hand. “Or... well...” Whatever thought Vin had he chased away with a shake of the head. “Let's not think about that.”
Camellia tilted her head. “Or well what?” she pressed. The more idea of where the young one had come from, the better.
Hand transferred from ear to horn as the noodly black dragon began to tug at it in anxiety. L-l-let's just say, g-given her... um... dark colouration that I-I'm glad she has orange eyes.”
“What are you trying to say?!” It had come out unthinkingly, the Guardian bristling at the insinuation the clan alchemist was making, only to quickly shrink apologetically as clarity lent her truth. “I'm sorry.” She mumbled quietly. Aside from Din and Ro, everyone was well aware of the sudden spread of Shade presence since Clan Leader Ilmatar's encounter in what was now a Wind Shrine. It had been foolish of her to so quickly take in the Nocturne when she so easily could have been corrupted or touched.
“I'm sorry.” The great silver head bowed in apology to the spindly Spiral. “You're right, I... I should have thought things through first.”
Vin's grip on the large spoon, having returned to the wooden implement in attempt to continue his work, tightened a moment with the guilt of upsetting the young Guardian. “No! No you... you did good!” He'd tried to reassure his friend despite the uncertainty in his voice. “Just... promise you'll be more careful next time, yeah?”
Yeah. It had been another couple of months since that day. Picking her way up on foot Camellia now sat at the top of the mountains bordering the clan grounds to gaze out over the patch of forest she'd found Shrike in.
The dark little Nocturne had grown a lot since she was adopted by Lia and brought into Rising Chorus. Going from a hatchling that could easily fit in the Guardian's paw Shrike now almost rivalled Din in size and with promise to yet catch up. Vocally she had eventually transitioned from snake's hiss to proper draconic, though her words still carried a slight hissing to them not unlike Nathrach, Anvindr's serthis familiar and alchemy partner.
Cardinal and Sparrow had both almost reached their full size by this point, suggested by the slow down in development. While there was still room for them to grow it was no longer the day-by-day obvious spurts. More of a, “did your horns get longer?” or, “I'm sure your tail looks different” than, “oh wow you're almost twice the size as you were a few days ago!” that Sparrow had received a lot. He now stood almost twice as tall as Cardinal, though his wings were barely over half his body length which gave him a comically lanky stance.
Unnervingly, however, Shrike preferred to speak by mimicking the voices of other dragons, and sometimes the more sapient familiars, rather than using her own voice. It was uncertain, then, if she had actually learned to speak or was simply parroting what she heard. Sometimes it seemed not as the Nocturne ignored questions aimed at her; Other times she'd giggle and do as asked. It was a very strange time for everyone involved.
By this time Ilmatar and the Gaolers had returned from their trip. The Coatl had looked exhausted, only pausing long enough to greet her clan before delving down into the Wind Shrine cave where she'd stayed most of the day. Lupin and Alstroemeria took it in turns playing bouncer, asking that anyone who came to check up on their leader please leave her alone for now.
More worryingly was the heavy sense of unease that came with her return instead of the expected relief. As if her simply being here would attract unwanted attention. While tension was high during her absence nothing untoward had occurred. No strange behaviour in the wildlife, no insane dragons or undead constructs. No need for Ayaz' barrier. So why now, with Matar's presence, did things suddenly feel worse?
Was Shrike a bad omen?
Lia furrowed her brow at the thought as she swept the strip of forest and the plains beyond their fields. Of all the monstrosities described to her she had yet to experience anything of such ill nature herself. Except maybe one or two animals more aggressive than usual. Yet... the magic barrier had to have been put up for a reason, right? And it had been down that day, and every day thence.
Surely not, then.
The shadow of another dragon passed overhead then, though as Lia lifted her head to see who it was all she could see was a peryton like those in the herd she and the Banescales had seen. Maybe it was part of that herd. Lia had found herself fascinated by the winged deer-like creatures. The way they ate both plants and meat, the way they cast the shadow of a dragon rather than one like they were shaped. The stories associated with them. Did they really eat the hearts of other creatures once? They seemed so peaceful now.
“Ah, I thought I'd find you up here.” Jolting from her daydreams Camellia whirled around to see the blue-and-purple striped form of Meifeng poking her head over the top of the ramp. The Ridgeback was a strange one, keeping her voice forced deep when speaking and hiding her face with the skulls of giant birds. She simply claimed that she disliked her voice and the way she looked, though it was clear something else was amiss. If anyone knew, they kept silent on it.
Rows of sharp teeth appeared as Meifeng chuckled. “Sorry, I didn't mean to make you jump. Matar's gathering everyone in the plaza. Dunno why yet. Best you come join us though, it seems important.”
“I'll be down soon.” Lia nodded, pressing a hand to her chest as her heart rate returned to normal from being startled. “Thank you for telling me.”
“No probs!” And with that she was gone, the clattering of a large sword at her hip belaying her descent down the cliffs.
The Guardian took a breath, turning to take one last glance of the peryton herd, then at the forest. As she stood to follow the Ridgeback down a dark shape caught her attention. Brief, fleeting. But it had definitely been there. Pressing her lips together Camellia willed her legs to continue their journey lest her wings carry her off to investigate. It'll have to wait until later.
Sparrow let loose a wide yawn as he struggled to stay awake during the announcement. He knew these were important and that he should be listening. He also didn't care and would much rather be exploring the fields and annoying Aure by moving his crop signs around. Nothing being said meant anything to him.
Okay, one thing meant something. Clan Leader Ilmatar appeared to be so much better than she had been after returning from her visit to the other clan. Happier and full of life, when previously one would be forgiven for thinking something had sucked the energy right out of her. While he was glad to see her in good health, admittedly it also only increased his curiosity about the chunk of stone in that cave.
Everyone called it the Wind Shrine. Why? It wasn't like the wind came out of it. Yeah it felt like wind was in the cave, just not coming from the rock. What was it? Why was it so important? Was it because he had the wrong elemental powers so it meant nothing to him? Then why did Allium respect it, too, even though she- even though they were the same element as him? Also what was with the “they” thing? He shook his head. Too many questions.
Apparently Ro must have fallen asleep after all as he found himself being shaken awake by Cardinal. “Wake up! Ugh! You slept right through it all again!” Did she have to be so loud? Not his fault it was so boring to listen to. “Honestly, you're lucky we don't need to do anything much yet.” The other Banescale was strutting around angrily, flaring her wings and stomping every other step. Had she not been the same age as him other dragons would have though she were his mother.
Who is
my mother? Again he shook his head as the question floated to the forefront of his mind once more. Camellia hadn't outright said it but he'd worked out on his own that something was wrong.
“But you have to understand,” Cardinal continued ranting, shoving her face into his, “that one day we'll be expected to do something to help the clan! You can't just sleep through everything then or you'll get into trouble!”
“And you haven't?” It was true, Din was just as bad for missing instructions because she was too busy practicing with her powers or chatting with the kitsunes. That obviously hit a nerve as she bristled.
“Not nearly as much as you!”
“Trouble! Trouble!” Startled the two Banescales craned their heads back to see where the other Din was, only to meet Shrike grinning at them from where she hung from the tree branch overhead.
“Don't you start.” Ro grumbled as the Nocturne above them giggled to herself.
“Hey you three!”
When Ilmatar had visited the other clan some of the dragons who lived there had come back with her, apparently friends with some of the other clan members. In this case the Wildclaw Verbena, Bogsneak Zinnia and Fae Plumeria had been passing by in search of gifts or something. They stopped by a lot to check on progress and chat. And coo over the baby what-the-heck-are-those and Nocturne. Despite being far too mushy about them the kids had come to really enjoy it when Verbena in particular came to visit. She was so bubbly and excitable.
“Wanna see something neat?” Verbena chirruped excitedly as the taller dragon bounded over, her coppercoil creeper, Spangle, clunking and clinking behind her. Din and Ro exchanged questioning looks while Shrike flitted down, hopping the short distance between them and the visiting dragon. Curiosity soon got the better of the pair as they hobbled over to gather around the blue-striped flint-furred Wildclaw. “Spangle, if you could.”
At the command the spider-like robot lifted its abdomen, blue lights flickering a moment before flaring out in a conical shape whose edges reached past the machine's body. Shapes began to appear within to slowly take form as a landscape with buildings and an assortment of creatures on a grid-like ground. “It's Labyrinths and Leviathans!” Verbena declared proudly. “Except you can actually see what happens! What do you think? Wanna give it a go?”
“Labyrinths and Leviathans!” Shrike giggled as she repeated the words, enjoying the sounds and feeling of speaking them.
Head tilted Ro leaned forward to inspect the projection coming from the creeper. “What... is it?” He asked, poking the hologram with a wing claw and marvelling how, aside from a slight flicker, nothing happened at his touch. “Is it a game?”
“Quit messing with it, Ro!” Din quipped, waving the male away with her own wings. “You'll break it!”
Verbena laughed heartily then. “Oh don't worry, as long as nothing happens to Spangle nothing should go wrong.” Glaring at her familiar she repeated with emphasis, “Should.” If the creeper recognised the threat it didn't respond, standing perfectly still to maintain the projection. “Anyway!” She clapped her hands together as she walked around the edge of the picture to join the younglings. “I'll come up with a story and a world where it all takes place. You guys make characters to put in the world and follow the story, which changes based on the decisions you choose.” Lips pulled back in an excited grin. “Whaddaya say? Wanna try?”
“Uhh, sure.” Din agreed, stepping closer to admire the details on the astral board. “How do you make a character?” She waved a wing over the projection and frowned when nothing happened.
“Oh sure, tell me to stop so you can mess with it instead.” Ro groused at the red dragon, who stuck her tongue out at him.
With chuckle Verbena shepherded the two away from Spangle a little and ushered Shrike to come closer from where she'd been watching the others' antics. “I'll give you a list of creatures to choose from then you decide how strong they are, if they like to fight, use magic, sing... anything that comes to mind! Spangle will then generate them on here in the world as I describe it.” She gestured at the scene on display, then jolted in panic. “Oh! That's from my last session! Spangle, please save “Dire Rotation” and load a new map.”
At her request Spangle beeped as the image shimmered and faded, leaving a blank circular grid ready to be used for their game. Verbena then retrieved a roll of parchment from a pouch at her side, unravelling it and holding it out for the three to read from. “Dragon?” Cardinal wrinkled her snout in disapproval. “Why would a dragon want to play as another dragon?”
“Because,” the Wildclaw explained levelly, “sometimes we want to be ourselves in another situation to see what we might do different. Plus it's nice to have something familiar around when you don't know what else to do.”
“I guess.” With a snort the strawberry-scaled Banescale continued scanning the list. “Jus' sounds boring is all.”
After a lot of self-deliberation Din chose a beautiful harpy bard with plumage like a phoenix while Ro went with a brutish centaur fighter. “As long as the top half is dragon-like instead of whatever a human is and the bottom half is scaly instead of furry.” He'd stated defiantly, and Verbena had let him since this was the very first time. And really, she didn't mind some deviation as long as it made some kind of sense.
“What kind of dragon?” She'd asked patiently as she made some corrections to the holographic constructs forming of the pair's characters.
Ro pondered a moment, then explained, “Imperial, like Whisper, Pavan and Maili. With red scales and a gold mane.” Having been around so many other dragons so far it was an incredible sight to see the blue-and-yellow Imperial fly in with another, white Wildclaw who turned out to be his mate, Noelani.
The two of them lived all the way across Sornieth after an incident with one of their three children followed by an ambush, but once their remaining kids had learned to fly and Whisper had recovered the family had often returned to check in with everyone. Ro was in such awe with the three Imperials, having thought Maggie and Meifeng the biggest dragons ever until seeing them. Enamoured by how big they were and their impressive antlers (Lupin's and Merry's were too, but he'd known them forever) he couldn't help but incorporate the breed into his character's design.
Then there was Shrike. With her usual interest in what was going on yet refusal to show her understanding the Nocturne had spent (wasted, in Ro's opinion) a lot of time mouthing the words of the different races and classes as if tasting them. Eventually she chose a human thief, ignoring the protests from Din as she tried to explain how even more boring and useless a human was to a dragon.
“Did you not listen to Hyacinth's stories?!” She'd argued, recalling when the Skydancer would sit them all down to recite myths of the days before dragonkind. Interestingly Lupin would join them for those. “Humans have no elemental power! Or wings! Or tails! Or fur or feathers or scales or-”
Every fault she'd heard was listed with vehemence for her dislike of the small, naked and powerless creatures, yet Shrike ignored it all - or embraced it, no one could tell – as she repeated, “Human thief! Human thief!”
Verbena took it all in stride, having Spangle design the avatars for the players, along with a few filler roles she took control of, and starting up the campaign. A lot of confusion and lack of creativity drove the introduction as the adolescent dragons get the hang of their personal fantasy world, soon falling into step and taking events into their own claws instead of their Game Master giving hints or making the first steps. Sometimes these manifested in real life, too, as the Banescales began bickering and hitting each other after pranking one another in the game.
“Why'd you break my strings?!”
“Your music sucks anyway!”
“You can't even hear it! There isn't any music playing!”
“Well I can imagine you playing a lute and it burns my ears!”
“Then I guess I'll sing instead! Singing works, right Bean?”
Such back-and-forths occurred frequently, with Verbena having to step in while Shrike seemingly rifled through everyone's belongings while they were distracted, stitching phrases together in a chorus of other dragons' voices. Unsettling, yet proof she was capable of speaking for herself. Even though it was without her own, true voice.
“You now find yourselves deep in the forest.” Verbena described, tapping Spangle in indication to change scene. What was a small longneck village melded into tall trees and bracken. “The path splits up ahead , but you can't see far down each way because they bend around the trees. There is a sign at the fork with directions on it. What do you do?”
Din chewed the stick she'd been using to make notes in the dirt thoughtfully. “We should read the sign to see if we're even going the right way.” She decided shortly. “If we recognise the places we can go from there!”
“I say stuff the path.” Countered Ro, who had settled with using his own claws to scrawl his points. “We've been following paths since the start and haven't gotten anywhere. It's time we go our own way!”
“Bold.” Verbena nodded. “Shrike?”
The Nocturne, seemingly able to keep track of everything in her mind without written age, peered at the hologram. “Path.” She said first, echoing Din's voice. Then mused, “Stuff the path?” in Ro's. Clicking her tongue the batlike dragon studied the two paths as if waiting for something to happen. When Verbena continued to wait for her decision Shrike glanced between her comrades until stating again, “Stuff the path!”
“Ugh, you two are idiots!” Cardinal sighed, turning her back on the two as they shared a high-five. “We're just going to get lost!”
“Well if you're so worried, why don't you fly?” Using his size to his advantage Sparrow stood behind Cardinal to arch his head over hers to glare upside-down. “You're the one with wings! Go see what's out there!”
“Fly! Fly!” Shrike repeated eagerly.
Rolling her eyes and using her Earthen powers to push a rock up between herself and the other Banescale Din returned to the board. “Okay fine. I fly up to see if I can spot something to tell us where to go.”
As she said that the board shifted, taking her harpy into the sky above the trees. “As you can see,” Verbena gestured at the new details, “one path leads out of the forest but there's nothing but open fields. The other leads into a larger camp a little way away, but remember that the clan you met isn't happy with their neighbours.”
“Wait, what's that?” Using her tail Din pointed at what looked to be a hut in a clearing ahead.”
“Why don't you go find out?” The GM smirked wryly.
After a contemplative pause Din had her character return to the group and report her findings, defeated with the mention of the strange building. “Yes!” Ro cheered in triumph. “We go investigate the building in the forest!”
The image shifted again to show the group entering the clearing. “You find a rundown cottage used commonly by the human and human-like races.” Verbena describes, then gestures to a shape. “Seems it's still very much in use and its occupant has come out to meet you. While she smiles and greets you warmly you feel uncomfortable in her presence. Magic is all around you, and it's powerful.”
“A witch!” Din exclaimed, sucking in a breath.
“Perhaps! What do you do now?”
Before any of the trio could take action a big black Bogsneak accompanied by a small purple Fae waddled over with an apologetic expression. “Sorry to interrupt the fun.” Zinnia first smiled sadly at the young dragons then turned to her mate. “It's getting late if we want to be back in time for Cin's birthday.” Then with a mischievous glint added, “Unless you want to charge right in, make a scene and fall asleep on the floor again.”
“It was one time!” Verbena laughed, playfully punching the Bogsneak on the cheek. Then, turning back to her audience, sighed sadly. “Sorry kiddos, we'll have to continue next time I'm here. Spangle, please save as “Everspring” and close the program.” The beep was barely audible over the collective “aww”s of disappointment as the campaign faded away. “Next time, hey?” Verbena winked and started to follow behind Zinnia, who had already begun to leave. “In the meantime, think about what you want to do about the witch. I'm so glad you had fun!”
“So it
is a witch?!” Din bounced around happily. “I knew it!"
“Whoops.” Verbena winked again. “You take care, 'kay? See you!”
“I'm totally going to practice singing for next time!” The Earthborn Banescale declared, letting out a few musical notes as she waved good-bye to the visitors.
Lowering his wing from waving Ro raised an eye ridge at her. “Why?”
“Cos you keep breaking my instruments!” Din reminded the boy. “I'll need a backup unless you put a silence spell on me or something, which you can't do!”
“Uh, no? Cos it's a game?” Seriously, she had gotten way into this. “'sides, I'm a fighter, not a mage. I can't put a spell on you anyway!”
“Especially if I put you to sleep!” Cardinal teased, starting up the lullaby Lia sang to them at night.
“Not if I can stun you first!” With a laugh Sparrow leapt at his ersatz sibling, sending her tumbling with a gleeful shriek. As they rolled around tussling on the ground a weight launched itself onto his back, squashing the air from his lungs as Shrike cackled behind him. If only real life were as exciting as Labyrinths and Leviathans was. Verbena's next visit couldn't come soon enough.
Sparrow Incapacitated for 2 days