In the darkness, of innocence forgotten
Shadows exist in defiance of what is right
While light shines, leading the faithful
Yet I'm frozen here, right in the center
Uncertain of who I am
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
It hadn't been so long since he had last killed, and yet, every time, he felt like he was doing it for the first time.
Outside on the ledge Sei rested quietly, the great bronze male was a little upset with him for taking that assignment, but quickly forgave him when Palan explained it all, he even had Alarn on his side for once. Usually the black and silver wolf would have nothing to do with his missions except make sure he came home safely. Though the mage didn't try and kid himself that the fralamaraz didn't love him, he knew Alarn did.
So in the darkness of his sleeping quarters, with Arwyn curled up next to him, a comforting warmth, Palan pondered his predicament. From the silence in his mind, the elf knew both Sei, Alarn and Vator were asleep, and by Arwyn's measured breathing she was too, along with her copper-silver firelizard and her bond, Ice Vhaenistruith.
Sighing softly, the mage gently moved out from under the covers, facing the chill southern winter in just his underpants, not that he cared, the cold suited him.
Drawing back the curtains of the sleeping chambers, he carefully stole past the sleeping lizards, Alarn, and Vhae, then snuck out and stood next to his bronze, who actually wasn't asleep as he found out when a softly glowing eye blinked at his sudden appearence.
Couldn't sleep huh?
No Sei, I couldn't, mind if I join you out here?
Why would I ever mind ridermine? The sun is about to rise, and I am glad to have you here.
The stoic silver haired elf smiled gently and scratched the offered eyeridge of his bronze partner.
Thankyou Sei.
No need for thanks, here, sit here.
The bronze, who had been laying down, had moved his forearms and crossed them in such a way so they would make a comfortable couch, with Palan leaning back against the dragon's warm chest. The bronzerider hestitated a moment, then sat, leaning back and sighing deeply.
Comfortable?
Yes, thankyou.
The bronze rumbled in his throat and nuzzled his rider's shoulder gently, mindful of his size, then turned and watched as the east lightened in the gray false dawn.
The time is not far off my rider, and I do not mean the sunrise. Copper wishes to return to your world, and bring as many with her as will come. The new goldrider you have befriended, Shazi, she shows the traits to become the next leader, what will you do?
I don't know Sei, I don't want to sully Shazi or G'len with the taint of my existance, no..don't interupt me Sei I know you don't think that. But it dosne't change the fact that I am a spy, an assassin, and I have killed in cold blood.
The bronze shifted uncomfortably, but didn't say anything,
so Palan continued.
If we return to Eien, it will be to war Sei, Arwyn, myself, and Alarn have all experienced war, but you and Vhae have not, and we don't want to endanger you two.
What makes you think we need to be protected? You have already cast a spell on us to allow us to breath fire without firestone, Flynvael has taught us all we need to know about aerial manuvers, and you and I have both gone on dangerous missions on Eien and even encountered a full wing of dark Dragons, which we both killed.
Palan remained silent as the bronze paused, pondering something.
You are not the only one with blood on your hands, I too have killed, I have killed dragons, what does that make me ridermine? I did it to save you, your world, your cause, and yet...
Palan froze, he hadn't thought of what killing another dragon had done to Sei, what it would do to all of the pernese dragons who joined those of Eien, these dragons, who have always had each other to depend on, what would they do when faced to kill their kin?
It saddens us.
Both bronze and rider looked up in surprise as Vhaenistuith and Arwyn came out to join them. The dawn was just starting to paint the sky, and with it, sending red fire streaking through Arwyn's dark brown hair, and making Vhaenistruith's icy pale hide glow in golden glory.
Seidoshokuth nuzzled his mate as she lay down beside him, while Palan hugged his weyrmate close as she cuddled next to him. "Why are you out here without anything on Palan? You'll catch a cold?" the younger elf asked, drawing the bed furs she had brought with her around both of them.
The mage shrugged, but was thankful for the blanket, helping her draw it around his broad shoulders. "I like the cold, though right now not as much as I usually do." Arwyn just shook her head and shivered against him, using the 'excuse' to snuggle closer.
Knowing her 'game', which they had been playing long before, and even after, Sei and Vhaenistruith had first mated, Palan played along, looping one arm around her shoulder to 'warm' her, though she was a lot warmer then he was, she hadn't gotten out of bed in her underwear.
"You and Sei were discussing the future weren't you, I don't need Vhae to tell me, I can see it in you eyes Palan."
TBC...
