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Chapter 7: Ties that Bind

Across the desolate landscape of Quez-or Liel a gale flew. It originated far within the depths of the dark system, blowing from far across the cavern, and on its way, it had picked up traces of its passing. Pollen from small plants, smell of decay from dead fish washed up on a desolate shore. Dust from the passages and tunnels in the rock. The gale continued on its journey and blew around the great gem of Quez-or Liel itself. Within its matrix the first light of day began to glow. From the Cistern, the gale picked up the smells of minerals and the coolness of the water. Then without a moment’s hesitation, it raced along the ground into the distance, where it blew under the wings of an ancient dragon and into the face of a rather young and startled one. He was shocked awake by the cold and multiple smells and textures in the breeze, and yet the gale then continued on, whispering onwards like ghosts on the wind.

Rankor's eyes shot open as the cold gale hit him. It was not a pleasant way to wake up. But in his life, he had to on occasion put up with other alternatives which he listed as worse. His least favorite method involved a rather large piece of quartz thrown at his head by his father. How his father forgot that he was sleeping in his own chamber was beyond him. Needless to say, his head had hurt for days after. Rankor yawned and looked around, clearing his mind of that literally painful memory. It took him a second to realize that there was a wing over him where Nieru had draped it the night before. He was at Nieru’s side and the old dragon still slept deeply. His sides rising and falling with each breath. Gathering himself up Rankor gently poked his snout out of the curtain of wing. Nieru's wing had made an excellent enclosure for Rankor. Within the embrace it was warm and soothing. Outside however the cold winds of Quez-or Liel blew by. Rankor raised his head up, the gems were just starting to glow and no one else seemed to be awake. The sudden sound or rasping caused Rankor to bring his head down. Turning his head, he saw Nieru cough in his sleep. The ground in front of the old one’s muzzle was covered in dry green blood that had leaked while the old dragon slept. Rankor laid a paw on Nieru’s side. He felt a trembling reverberate through the body as Nieru coughed again. Rankor sighed, he was getting worse by the day. Being in the best interest to let the old dragon sleep, Rankor slowly lifted Nieru’s wing with his front legs. He stopped once when he thought he had awoken him but it was merely Nieru moving his head to the side. After he had lifted the wing high enough he stepped over Nieru’s tail and lowered the wing back to the old one’s side.

“Rest easy grandpa” said Rankor softly as he walked a few paces away and stretched. After that he took in a breath and, with a grunt of slight pain, he unfolded and expanded his right wing. Nieru’s venom had worn off as he had slept. As a result, the wing was no longer numb and now hurt a bit. The joint was swollen and felt hot. But unlike yesterday he could now move it and pull it back to his side. It would be sore for a few days, but he could live with that. Lifting his head he looked at a stalactite in the distance as it slowly became bathed in green light. Another day in Quez-or Liel. ‘Joy’ thought Rankor with half a heart. He liked the dark cavern system, he truly did. But he wanted to see the bright light and soft moss covered floors of tu Tzun again. Soon he would. Once Kiru had what she needed they would be off again back to the shores of the Sapphire Sea in a few days. ‘To look for absolutely nothing’ he thought as he closed his eyes and shook his head. Rankor thwacked his tail hard on the ground and let out an agitated breath. He didn’t mean any of his thoughts right now, he was nervous. He only thought of his conversation with Nieru last night. “Just ask” he mumbled quietly to himself. He began to pace back and forth on the hard ground. “Can’t be that hard.” But his mind reeled again. What if she said no? He let into the doubt. Then his mind took him. 'What reason does she even have to love me? Why should I waste my breath? Why don’t I just'…. Rankor ran to the nearest thing he saw and banged his head on a small nearby rock. ‘Shut up!’ He clutched his head, waring with his thoughts and rubbing away the pain he had just inflicted. He breathed deeply for several seconds as he calmed down. But he couldn’t shake the one thing he feared most. The thought that had stopped him so many times before. What if she did say no? He was shaken from his thoughts as he heard paw steps behind him. Craning his neck around he saw Geylou. She saw him and he smiled and bowed his head down slightly. “Morning aunty Geylou.” He said as he walked over to her.

“Morning to you to,” she replied back in a still drowsy voice. Her markings glowed brighter as she stepped out of the hollow and took in the new day. She stood for a few moments waking up fully before she turned her attention to Rankor. “How are you feeling this morning?” She asked with a touch of amusement as she remembered his predicament the previous day. Rankor swept his tail over the ground and answered.

“Feeling much better,” he extended his hurt wing out and lifted it up. “Going to be sore for a while but it’s better than it was.” He shrugged his shoulders and cringed slightly as he brought in his right wing a bit too quickly. Geylou grinned at that.

“Ever the optimist, aren’t you? You really did a number on it. I recommend you try not to fly on it too much for at least another day.” She paused and raised a claw to her snout, thinking for a moment. “Of course, your mother could fix it up in a jiffy if she could get her claws on you.”

“No, no, no, no!” Said Rankor quickly waving his front paws back and forth. “The less either of them know about the stupid things I do the better.” Geylou accepted that with a smile. Getting off that subject Rankor moved on to his own questions.
“So, what did I miss while I was out?” He asked as he leaned against the wall outside the hollow entrance. Geylou settled down on the ground and held up her paw inspecting the claws.

“Not really all that much.” She said as she licked the dust from the scales on her forelegs. “After Nieru put you out we fixed your wing as best we could. After that you slept like a rock.” She laughed a bit at that. Rankor moaned to himself. He wouldn’t live that down for quite a while. Geylou waved a paw after she stopped laughing. “After that Kiru and Daiigar just sat around talking about the old maps.” Geylou looked Rankor in the eye and raised an eye ridge. “So, what are you two looking for exactly?” Rankor let out and exacerbated breath and shrugged. “Well even if there is nothing, the Sapphire Sea is still a nice place to visit. I’m sure it won’t be all that bad.” Geylou said with a hint of humor at Rankor’s reaction. She then stood up at the sound of movement from behind her. She and Rankor both turned to face the hollow entrance as Daiigar stepped out from the shadows. His wings slightly spread as he walked out.

“Morning” said Rankor as Daiigar joined them. Geylou stretched out a wing and guided him to them. When he was at her side he sat down and faced the direction that Rankor’s voice had originated.

“Feeling better after your little excursion?” Asked Daiigar with a smile as he heard Rankor moan at his question.

“Is everyone going to be asking about that now? Yes, I’m fine thank you.” Daiigar tilted his head to the side and sneezed once. He wiped his snout and continued on.

“So, I suppose you're all packed for the trip right?” He asked Rankor. Had he had his sight he would have seen a rather lost and confused look on Rankor’s face.

“Why would I be packed? We just got here.” He looked at Daiigar’s face for a trace of a joke or a laugh. There wasn’t one. “You can’t be serious?" He was. "She wants to leave today? But she was so excited to see you guys again.” Daiigar lolled his head side to side and Geylou just shrugged as if it was completely normal. Which it was.

“Have you ever tried to stop her from doing something she really wanted to do and succeed?” Asked Geylou as she walked over to the large clay pot with the stew from the night before and looked in.

“Well… I’ve tried” said Rankor. He had tried many times each ending in similar results.

“Lost cause, isn’t it?” Said Geylou with a snort as she took some cold soup and drank it down. She then proceeded to gag slightly and spit out a piece of limp, slimy plant matter. Rankor shuddered and stuck out his tongue in disgust. That did not look appetizing. With a growl of annoyance she walked back into the hollow. She emerged moments later laden down with thick dry moss and packed it into the fire pit. “Could you light this please?” She asked to Daiigar. Daiigar walked over and Geylou laid a paw on his head and angled it toward the moss. “That’s good right there, small flame please.” She said as he blew out a stream of silver flame. The moss caught instantly and Geylou added more to it as it burned away. Rankor looked into the fire, a thought bugging him. Then realized what it was as he looked across the desolate landscape.

“Where do you guys get that moss from if nothing grows out here?” He gestured to the wide open expanse of cavern. The only thing that did grow were small fragile plants that grew around the stalagmites. But they were thin and frail, not substantial enough to burn. Without turning her head from the pot Geylou answered.

“There’s a couple of tunnels further into the cavern that have low hanging crystals. The close quarter light and low heat are enough for small plant life.” She poked the fire with the stick Rankor had used to stir the soup with the night before. “It’s not much but the moss grows so thick it burns for quite a while. Not as well as tu Tzun moss but we manage.” Rankor nodded at that. Made sense… sort of. He wasn’t good at understanding plants and he wasn’t about to start now, instead he turned back to Daiigar.

“To answer your previous question, no, I haven’t packed yet. Besides, what could I possibly have to bring for a one day stay anyway.” Daiigar tilted his head to the side as he rubbed one of his eyes with a paw.

“Never know, you may just find something yet.” Said Daiigar as he settled down onto the ground. Rankor rolled his eyes. ‘Doubt it’ he thought to himself. All three of them were suddenly startled by the loud coughing of Nieru as the old one woke with a start. His breath was raspy and smelled thick of blood. Without waiting, Rankor grabbed one of the clay bowls on the ground and rushed into the hollow. He then fumbled around in the dark of the storage chamber. He cringed as he broke a small pot in the dark and continued to fumble until he found the pot filled with clear water. Filling the bowl quickly he walked back outside and gently pressed it into Nieru’s paws. The old dragon drank deeply and breathed easier.

“Thank you for that young one.” He said in a raspy voice as he finished the water and placed the bowl on the ground. Rankor nodded and glanced at Geylou who glanced back at him, worry in her eyes. Rankor started to turn back to Nieru when he heard a tapping sound behind him. Looking over his wings he saw Geylou tapping the ground. When he made eye contact she lightly tilted her head to the side and walked a few paces away. Rankor, understanding the meaning, followed. After they had walked a short distance Geylou leaned her head close to him.

“How was he at the sea with you the other day?” She asked in a low voice so the others wouldn’t hear.

“Well,” started Rankor. ‘Where should I even begin?’ he thought. “He can walk, swim, and fly just fine.” He looked back to Nieru who was slowly getting up and shaking his old scales. “I don’t know,” he continued. “He said something about himself falling apart from the inside,” Geylou nodded solemnly.

“I’ve been afraid of that for a while now, but I don’t know what to make out of it.” Rankor looked to her questioningly.

“What do you mean?” He asked. Geylou looked back to Nieru who was talking to Daiigar near the fire pit. She then turned back to Rankor.

“He is very old Rankor, I know this, but his health has been failing quickly lately.” She shook her head, “I think he’s right that something is killing him from within, but it doesn’t make sense. It’s happened so quickly. He hasn’t done anything or eaten anything out of the ordinary.” She looked at the ground and dragged her tail back and forth in thoughtful swings. “I-I have a bad feeling about this and I’ve told him. But no matter how much I ask he won’t go to see a healer. He even said no when I asked him to see your mother.” Rankor looked into her sad eyes. He then thought back to when he spoke with Nieru on the beach of the Cistern. The old dragon knew the end was coming but he said he believes it to be some ways off. He told this to Geylou who seemed to calm down a bit but still had a worrisome look to her. Her calm was shattered as Rankor spoke again.

“Aunty, you have to tell Kiru. I don’t think we can do anything for him, he still has his strength and spirit. If we do try to help him it might only make it worse.” Geylou’s eyes grew dull as she looked into the distance contemplating thoughts. She then snorted.

“I can’t tell her, she loves him too much,” Geylou took in a deep breath. Cool air swirled around them as she sighed it out. “If I told her she would never leave his side.” She then lowered her head slightly, met Rankor’s eyes, and growled. “And don’t you tell her. You don’t have the right to.” Rankor’s eyes went wide as he backpedaled a step. That was rather harsh from anything he had ever gotten from her. She quickly realized what she said and softened her tone. “Forgive me, it’s… it’s been difficult.” Rankor nodded his head at her apology and let her continue. “It’s easy to keep Daiigar oblivious with his blind eyes. He just thinks Nieru has a bad cough.” She lifted her head up again and closed her eyes as she thought.

“Okay.” Said Rankor. Geylou opened her eyes and looked to him. Her face was a mix of relief and sadness. Her eyes drifted to the ground. ‘It’s not right’ thought Rankor. ‘To keep her in the dark about her own great grandfather? It’s wrong. Isn’t it?’ Rankor continued trying to reason out the situation. But a second later it didn’t matter as Kiru stepped out of the hollow and told everyone good morning.

Rankor’s mind forgot about Nieru and what Geylou had said. Instead it started screaming at him again. Geylou, who didn’t notice his dilemma, shook her head from her thoughts and walked back to the fire pit. After a few deep breaths Rankor followed. ‘You can do this’ he thought. ‘Nothing to it.’ He rejoined them and he smiled at Kiru and she smiled back before she went back to talking to her father. Rankor stood rooted to the spot unsure of what to do next. He was suddenly thrown back to reality as Kiru addressed him.

“Hey Rankor you think you’re ready to head out after breakfast?” As she asked she looked at his right wing joint which she noticed was slightly swollen. “Can you fly on that?” She asked with a hint of concern.

“Yes I can fly on it, I’m fine, really.” He said. In truth he hadn’t tried to fly since his crash. Hadn’t had the chance or need. But he felt his wing was strong enough to hold him in the air, for a short while anyway. Kiru nodded at his answer and turned back to the hollow and went in to continue packing. Rankor had a lost look on his face and went rigid as he felt a wing on his back. Looking over his shoulder he saw Nieru. The old dragon pulled himself close to Rankor and spoke.

“Well?” Said Nieru in a low voice, his dull eyes looking into Rankor. Rankor twitched his tail and his scales shivered.

“Well what?” Rankor asked back, shrugging off the feeling of dread within him. He knew what ‘well’ was but was now the time? Nieru laughed silently. It sounded like sand on scales in his dry throat and he coughed a little. Rankor thought quickly, searching for anything that could possibly prolong it. “I’ll ask her when we get to the Sapphire Sea, I’ll find a good time and...” Nieru cocked his head to the side, a rather accusatory look on his face.

“Back to finding the right time, are we?” Rankor’s heart picked up the pace. Daiigar and Geylou were close by and that last thing he wanted was for them to find out before he asked.

“Grandpa please!” Whispered Rankor in a worried voice as he glanced over his wing to where the others stood. “I can’t really get a good chance now with them around.” Nieru scratched a spot on his foreleg and addressed the situation.

“If you can’t find the right time now with only two others around, ones who care about you at that. How will you find time to do it at the Sapphire sea? There, there will be hundreds nearby to hear you?”

“Uhhh…” Went Rankor. His mind then went blank. He stood still, motionless. This was a problem. While he hunted for solutions Nieru’s head rose up slightly and turned to the fire pits direction.

“Geylou, my dear, are we out of moss for the fire?” Geylou looked up from the soup that was just starting to bubble again from the heat. She had been adding more ingredients to it to thicken it out again.

“No, we have a little but we’ll be out tomorrow if we keep this fire going all day.” Nieru nodded and Rankor just looked between them. ‘What’s he doing’ thought Rankor. “Well you and Daiigar may as well head out and get some more. Saves time tomorrow for other things.” Geylou looked questioningly at Nieru and Daiigar simply shrugged his wings. Although the look on his face clearly showed his lack of enthusiasm for the task.

“I guess we could but there isn’t any real rush.” Said Geylou as she continued to stir the stew. She stopped stirring and stuck her muzzle in and took a taste. “Much better” she mumbled to herself.

“Okay,” said Nieru with a grin. Rankor looked to him, pure confusion written on his face. “Well you two can stay here then, Rankor and I will be off to get it, he has to stretch his wing anyway.” Rankor looked shocked. ‘Wait really?’ He thought. He was about to protest when Geylou spoke up and did that for him.

“Oh don’t be crazy grandpa, Daiigar and I will take care of it.” Said Geylou. Beside her Daiigar’s face went blank.

“We will?” He asked and got a small smack in the side from Geylou’s tail. Getting the message, he corrected his statement. “Of course we will, you two don’t have to worry about a thing, just…rest.” His voice was stressed and unamused. This is not how he wanted to spend the morning. Daiigar grumbled under his breath as he jumped into the air and flew the route by memory. Geylou joined him a minute later after adding more moss to the fire. Before leaving she grabbed some satchels from the hollow to carry the moss in. Rankor watched as they both disappeared quickly into the distance. He then looked to Nieru who merely wore a pleased expression.

“There you are my son, no one here to get in the way for quite a while.” Nieru chuckled after the statement and reached for some soup. Rankor just stood on the spot, jaw dropping slightly at the old one’s clever diversion. ‘Clever elder.’ He thought. He then realized something. He was now out of excuses.

“But I ah… well they… how will…” Rankor continued blabbering until Nieru walked over and raised his paw. He then felt around until he felt Rankor’s snout and held it shut. Rankor squirmed slightly but Nieru’s grip was firm. After he tired of resisting he calmed down, breathing heavily and shaking slightly. Nieru let go of his muzzle and Rankor looked into his eyes.

“Young one you are ready. Don’t think any longer, just go to her. Your heart will find the way.” Nieru smiled and stroked Rankor’s face with a paw. “Truth be told young one I was just like you are now, long, long ago.” Rankor watched as Nieru’s eyes softened and became distant. “So long ago…” The old dragon shook his head back to the present and smiled again. “Go to her.” He then lowered his head and nudged Rankor forward toward the hollow. Rankor stood before the entrance. A sense of calm slowly washed over him as he looked into the dark hollow. He could see light in Kiru’s chamber as she rummaged around and prepared for the journey. A smile crept over his face. He turned back to Nieru.

“Thank you.” He said. Turning his head back to the hollow he walked in. Outside the hollow Nieru sat on the ground and smiled.

“You need not thank me my son. Your heart has guided you always.”

~

Rankor entered the hollow. Gravel crunching gently under his paws as he walked. It was odd but his once ravaged mind had now become calm. He felt…happy. It was the best he could describe the feeling. He walked slowly to Kiru’s chamber. Slow? No. But to him time moved at a slower pace now. His mind showed him memories. Memories of him and Kiru as they grew older in time. He loved her, he knew that. Suddenly time resumed as he heard Kiru address him. He blinked several times and looked around. He didn’t remember arriving at her chamber or the question she had just asked. He shook his head gently and Kiru groaned, knowing he hadn’t heard her.

“Can I use one of your satchels for the extra stuff I’m bringing?” She asked again.

“Uh… yeah sure.” Said Rankor as he gazed into her eyes. Kiru looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“Are you okay Rankor you look… sleepy or something.” Quickly Rankor shook his head.

“No, not at all it’s just…” He was halted as Kiru started walking past him out of her chamber.

“Hold that thought I’ll be right back! Forgot the map that we need.” She disappeared into Ishingar’s old chamber. Emerging just as quickly with the small piece of parchment held in her right paw. “Would have been rather unfortunate if we forgot this. Dad and I were talking a lot about the area yesterday, would have been a shame if we left it here.” Rankor backed up out of the chamber entrance and stood in the center of the hollow as she walked past him. She entered her chamber where she packed the map into one of her satchels. Next to the satchel, on the ground, lay a few provisions and a pouch filled with water. She pointed to them when she saw Rankor’s gaze. “Need your satchel for those, sorry but I can’t fit anymore in mine.” Rankor remained silent as she finished packing. “Can you grab yours please?” She said without looking up.

“I…” Started Rankor so quietly that not even he was sure if he had said anything audible. “I…” He said a bit louder this time. Kiru turned to him, her head leaning to the side looking at him with worry.

“It’s okay Rankor, it’s your wing right? Don’t worry you can meet me at the sea later if you want to rest here for a while.” She smiled at him warmly and he felt his heart flutter. “I’ll get the satchel from your chamber, you go ahead and rest.” She started to walk out of the chamber again, then Rankor spoke.

“Kiru…” His voice was heavy and laden with emotion. Kiru was next to him in the center of the hollow. She stopped at his voice and looked into him. “Kiru… I-I love you.” Kiru blinked a few times in silence. Her face showed no expression and nothing could be heard but the silence around them. The silence was broken as she snorted in an amused way.

“Rankor stop being silly, is that the best excuse you can come up with? You don’t have to make stuff up if you don’t want to come.” She walked past him and entered the room he had spent the night in and started to gather up the satchels and other useful items. Rankor remained in the central hollow, his jaw hung slightly open and his eyes became glassy as he held back tears. As Kiru walked out again he quickly rubbed is eyes with a paw and turned his head away. “Something in your eye?” She asked as she walked next to him back to her chamber.

“Yeah,” said Rankor as he waved the free paw at her. “I’ll be fine, just tell me if you need any help.” Kiru nodded and walked back to her things and started to take out items and rearrange others. Rankor felt his chest and soul drop. He stood motionless for what felt an eon but was a mere several seconds. After a moment, he snapped back to awareness as Kiru waved a paw in front of him.

“You sure you’re okay?” she asked as she rested her paw back on the ground. She tilted her head at him, smiling but looking a bit worried. Rankor nodded quickly and took a step back, spreading his wings slightly as he did.

“Yeah I’m sure I-I’m going to go back out to uh… rest some more.” He choked on his words slightly as he folded his wings in. Kiru’s eyes softened at this, believing her suspicions to be true. Without waiting to hear her say another word he turned around and walked out of the hollow, each step quicker than the last. He rushed out of the hollow at a gallop, tears falling from his eyes and his tail drooping on the ground and dragging behind him. His rather noisy and sudden exit surprised Nieru who was still eating his bowl of soup. The old one turned toward the sound of Rankor’s paw steps, a small smile on his face that quickly diminished and became puzzled at the sound of tears and shallow breathing.

“Rankor? Kiru? Are you all right young ones?” He called out with concern. Rankor didn’t stop at Nieru and ran past him into the dark plains ahead. Behind him, Rankor heard the sound of a bowl breaking and Nieru standing up. He kept running until, in the darkness, he ran into the broadside of a huge stone. He staggered back, clutching his head as stars of pain danced behind his eyes. With his vision clearing he looked up at the dark silhouette before him and started hitting his paws against it.

“My son where are you?” Called Nieru from some ways behind him. The old dragon was slowly making his way forward in the dark, swinging his wings in arcs so he wouldn’t run into obstacles. Rankor didn’t answer, and after the rock decided not to break under his beatings he fell to the ground and quietly sobbed to himself. A minute later an out stretched wing poked him in the side. A second later a paw rested on his shoulder as Nieru lay on the ground beside him. The old dragon felt around with his paws until he felt Rankor’s shoulders and pulled him toward his side. Rankor lay his head on Nieru’s paw and cried, words not even forming on his tongue. Nieru let out a pained sigh and coughed once to the side as he held Rankor. “I am so sorry young one,” he said with deep sympathy as he stroked Rankor’s head. “She still loves you, but if her heart isn’t into the idea then I’m afraid there is nothing we can…” He stopped as Rankor took in a staggered breath and wiped his eyes.

“She-she didn’t say no or-or yes,” he stuttered through the tears. Nieru bent his head down closer to hear, and lay a wing across Rankor’s back. “I-I asked her, and-and she thought it was a joke.” He continued, clenching his eyes shut and fighting back the flow of tears. “She didn’t even consider it was true.” Nieru hummed to himself. Rankor wiped his eyes again and looked into Nieru’s stoic gaze. “I suppose you’re going to say I wasn’t strong enough or something, right?” Snapped Rankor. “To just let it go and be happy with what I have? Or maybe some more useless elder knowledge that’ll…”

“No,” said Nieru decisively cutting off Rankor. Rankor’s eyes flared in anger and quickly quelled under Nieru’s green blind eyes. He suddenly heard his own word again. Shaking his head quickly and raising a paw he quickly spoke up.

“Grandpa I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to be so rude I just…” Nieru rested a paw again on Rankor’s shoulder, a hint of a smile in his features.

“Do not worry my son, if I was ever truly upset with you, you would know. You have done nothing to warrant that from me, I doubt you ever could. You were merely acting out of anger and sorrow.” Rankor glanced sideways in shame. The old dragon, not noticing Rankor's expression, shuffled his wings and re-positioned them in a more comfortable manner. “You know my son," said Nieru after he had settle down. "It may be that she sees you as to much of a close friend, almost as family. Blinded by this she can't see what you two might be together." Rankor had calmed his thoughts enough now to think in a more fluid manner.

"So, you're saying it's not meant to be," he said in a defeated and heartbroken way. He lay his head back onto Nieru's paw and sighed. He was rather surprised at Nieru's sudden laughter. He lifted his head and turned to face him again, a confused look across his red eyes and face. "Did I miss something?" he asked.

"I never said for you to give up young one,” said Nieru. “She may not see the love you are trying to give her at the moment, but if you give up now you will truly have failed.” Rankor thought for a moment, made sense.

“So, what should I do?” asked Rankor. Nieru chuckled again.

“Just be yourself, it’s the best thing you can do. If she loves you for the quality of your character and affection she will realize it herself in time.” A cool breeze blew by and Rankor slowly stood up and walked out from under Nieru’s wing. He turned and rested his paw on the old ones wing and smiled.

“Thanks grandpa, I’ll try.” Nieru nodded and with a painful grunt stood as well. The ancient dragon shook his wings out and pulled them back to his side as together they walked back to the hollow.

~

Kiru had finished rearranging the contents of the satchels for the journey and had already strapped hers on when Rankor and Nieru walked up. She turned to them as they arrived. A curious glint in her eye.

“Where did you two come from?” she asked as she closed the flap on a satchel after putting in the journal.

“Uhh…” Rankor’s eyes started darting around, his mind trying to think of a convincing answer. He was grinding a claw through the ground as Nieru responded in a very matter of fact voice.

“Oh, young Rankor here wanted to give his hurt wing a try and I was following him as he glided around. He’s healed well enough I believe.” With a quick and agile movement Nieru bumped Rankor on the flank, pushing him forward.

“Uh, yeah it feels great, no problems at all.” He put on a determined face and stretched the wing in and out a few times. Truth be told it was amazing how fast it had healed. Beside a little pain while retracting it it felt fine. Kiru nodded as she watched him and looked around when he had finished.

“Where’d mom and dad go?” she asked as she scanned the dark horizon.
“We needed more moss for the fire, so they went to get some,” said Nieru as he settled down beside to fire. Kiru shrugged her wings and spread them as she prepared to take off.

“Tell them bye for me, won’t you?” she asked with a glance back at her great grandfather.

“Of course my dear,” said Nieru as he raised a paw to his muzzle and coughed again, swerving his head to the side. Rankor saw the blood on his paw and the worried look on Nieru’s face.

“You okay grandpa?” asked Kiru as she stalled, pulled in her wings, and started to walk forward toward him. Nieru quickly dragged his paw through the dust, camouflaging the blood and lay his paw on the ground.

“I’m fine my dear, really,” he said as he turned to the sound of her voice. Kiru stopped in her tracks as she walked over and suddenly gasped. Rankor saw it a second before Nieru realized what he had missed. The old ones muzzle still carried traces of fresh glowing blood. Realizing this Nieru wiped his muzzle with his tongue, cleaning it and confirming what she had seen. Thinking fast Rankor jumped in.

“Grandpa I thought you said you didn’t bite your tongue on the eel,” said Rankor quickly.

“Well I thought I hadn’t but I guess I did after all,” said Nieru with a chuckle. “Have everything you need for the trip?” he asked Kiru quickly, trying to sway the topic. Kiru stood for a second reading the situation and relaxed, shaking her head with a smile.

“Yeah, I have everything I need,” she said a bit… sadly? Rankor looked at her, thinking he misread the tone of her voice, but she was clearly upset about something. ‘Of what though,’ he thought to himself. His heart fluttered as he realized what it was. Holding himself up he turned to Kiru and smirked at her.

“Have my packs ready too?” he asked. Kiru’s eyes widened in joy for a second before calming quickly.

“Y-you want to come!” she asked, clearly happy at the prospect.

“Of course,” said Rankor as he playfully brushed her with his wing. “Wouldn’t miss it for anything.” He quickly rethought that and added “okay I would miss it for a stay at the hot springs.” Kiru scoffed at that and quickly ran back into the hollow. Rankor watched her go, happiness rising again in his spirits. An old wing rested on his back and he turned to see Nieru, a grateful expression in his features.

“Thank you my son, that was, unfortunate.” The old dragon then pulled his wing back in and his expression soon turned into a smile again. “It sounds like someone dear to you is rather pleased you’re accompanying them.” Rankor turned his head away as his face blushed.

“Okay grandpa you’re right, again,” said Rankor as he and Nieru turned their heads to the sound of wingbeats approaching from the distance. Daiigar and Geylou came into view and they beat their wings at a steady pace as they circled around the fire from above. They eventually landed once they had slowed down enough. As Daiigar touched down Rankor noticed that he had a rather unpleased look on his face. It wasn’t hard to see why as he had been weighed down with several satchels worth of moss. Definitely not something he wanted to do at the moment. As the two of them settled down and proceeded to unstrap their items, Kiru raced back out and nearly ran into her father. Rankor stifled a laugh as she backpedaled just in time to miss running into his side. Her father then swung his head around, a satchel dangling from his teeth, and collided with her. Now Rankor was laughing, although he muffled it with his paws over his muzzle. “Looks like I’m not the only dragon that runs into stuff!” He said as he tried to stop chuckling. He walked over to Kiru and helped her up with a paw. She had a slightly embarrassed look on her face as she handed Rankor his satchel. As they went about this Daiigar was shaking his head and was pawing around on the ground, sighing quietly as he did, looking for the spilled moss.

“Figures, I didn’t like picking it up the first time now I have to do it again.” He said as he gathered up the thick pieces of plant matter. Kiru fidgeted slightly and helped her father gather the remaining pieces.

“Sorry dad,” she said as she put it in his satchel. Daiigar grumbled as he secured it.

“Don’t worry about it my dear, it was an accident” he said as he nuzzled her as she gave him the last piece of moss. He took it, and turning, walked into the hollow. As he walked in Geylou strode up to them and saw that they were ready to leave.

“What?” she asked accusingly. “We get the stuff and you two duck out first chance you get, is that it?” She tilted her head at them, eyes judging them. Rankor was fidgeting on his paws under her gaze.

“Aunty it’s not like that! We didn’t know when you were coming back.” Kiru nodded as he spoke and Geylou just glanced between them. Then her stern look fell apart.

“Heh, I’m just messing with you two. Have fun out there and come back soon okay?” Kiru walked to her mother’s side and hugged her with her wings.

“We will,” said Kiru as she opened her wings and jumped aloft, glancing back once more at Rankor, a twinkle in her eye. Rankor watched her rise into the sky and proceeded to strap on his satchels.

“And you,” said Geylou as she walked over to his side.

“Yes?” said Rankor a little uncertainly. Geylou looked up to see that Kiru was far above them and spoke to him.
“Look after her for us okay,” she said with a slight strain. Rankor looked into her eyes and saw the faintest glimpse of worry. He understood that all too well. He stretched out his wing and brushed hers with it.

“I will, you know I will.” Geylou smiled and nodded at his response.

“One more thing,” she said as she picked up her things. “Next time you see your parents, tell them I want to see them again. It been a long time.” Rankor nodded to her and, with one last smile, she walked into the hollow. Rankor stood his ground for another moment to make sure he was alone and walked over to Nieru.

“Thanks again grandpa,” he said as he secured his items and stretched his wings.

“Of course young one, I’ll always be here when you need guidance.” He thought for a second and laughed deeply. “It’s pretty much all I can give now.” Rankor brushed the old one’s wing with his snout as he fanned his wings open.

“You do much more than that grandpa, you know you do.” With a flap of his wings he was sky bound. The fire shrank below him as he wheeled upwards. His wing did pain him, but as he flew it became numb. Not exactly sure if that was good or bad so he ignored it. He whipped his head around until he spotted the glowing green of Kiru’s markings above. With a few more wing beats he was beside her. “Ready?” he asked with a grin, ready for adventure.

“With you I’m always ready,” she said, poking him with her tail and tossing him off balance for a second. “Also no one else flails around in the air like you do!” She laughed, did a loop in the air, and shot toward the tunnels that would bring them to tu Tzun. Righting himself Rankor grinned and shot after her. Nieru was right, she might not see it yet, but she was definitely the greatest friend he would ever have. Someday, he thought, she’ll love me the same way.