Thread: To Embrace the Dragon

Sanctuary Sigurd paused, resting his hands on his knees and breathing deeply. They'd been at this for two days now, following craggy trails and narrow switchbacks and even scaling a cliff wall in an effort to follow the path that Hope indicated. That cliff, in particular, had been a bitch. They'd had to tie ropes around the dire wolf and drag a panicking half-ton predator up the wall. Good thing Sue had been along, because he and Thora would never have managed. Sue had also been able to finish healing his broken arm. Fortunately, it had turned out. Because they'd had to climb a fucking cliff . Come on! Sue called from further up the trail. I think Hope's picked up her scent again! Hurry up! I'm gonna strangle her, Thora muttered, catching up. Little Miss Chirpy Perky Bitch is gonna die. Sigurd chuckled and shook his head. Thora loved the wild, but also loved sleeping late and creature comforts. Sue, on the other hand, sang cheerful songs at first light and talked endlessly about the virtues of sleeping rough under the stars as long as there were no flying demons about. Be honest, he teased. It's all going to end in hate fucking, isn't it? You'd like that, wouldn't you? Thora snapped back. Hell, yeah, Sigurd laughed, adjusting the straps of his pack. He fell in beside his fiancee, and together they crested the rise. Sue waved to them from a hundred yards up the trail, and Hope looked back to greet them. Up here! Sue called. I think we've found her! Glancing at each other, the two lovers broke into a jog. From where Sue stood they could see water tumbling down a cliff face, washing the trail away as it poured down to churn a stream into foam far down the slope. Hope started getting excited near the fall, Sue explained. And there's a cave mouth behind it, about twenty feet upslope. Thora shaded her eyes and stared. You're sure? Because I can't see... Yeah, Sue assured her. I'm sure. Sigurd sighed. You know what this means? What? Sue asked, at the same time as Thora's That we've found her? It means more fucking climbing. At first, Clara had just wanted a quiet place to think. Just a place to work through her apprehensions, to really process what had happened over the past few days. She gone to Fearfire ready to give her life if need be. The fact that she still had her life, as well as her hometown, should have been good enough. But what did that matter if she couldnt return? Perhaps she could have gone back to Radharc Realta, but she didnt want to give Verrier the satisfaction. But now that she was here, all alone in this cave, she didnt know what else she could do. Maybe it wouldnt be so bad to be a Drakul Dammit, she should be celebrating now! With Aunt Ingrud and Cousin Elsa, and Uncle Arthur. With Ari and Justine and hell, even the damn traitor Matthias. But after the way Sue Thora and Sigurd had looked at her, with her draconic wings and talons, she wasnt sure she could ever go back. She wasnt sure she could stand the horrified looks of her loved ones. It was a cry that drew Clara out of her self-pity. Not like the wildlife that made the waterfall or stream their home. It was familiar, and almost a comfort, and Clara broke into a smile when she peered out her cave to see Sue, thora and Sigurd making the climb up the mountain. They came for her. Despite what shed done and become they still came for her. So she helped them up the side of the cliff, and they all settled into the cave behind the waterfall. For a time, no one spoke, while everyone caught their breath, and Clara wasnt even sure how to begin to broach the dragon the room. Im glad you guys are okay. I was really worried. What about you? Sigurd asked, his eyes tracing her features before meeting her gaze, Are you okay? Clara bit the inside of her cheek. I think so. Im not in pain or anything Not physical pain, anyways. This has to be because of Verrier, right? Sue asked, and Clara gave a single nod. So what happened on the mountain? Thora and Sigurd wore expectant looks, and Clara sighed. He told me that I was the avatar, and I would be his mate. Wait, Thora interrupted, holding up a hand, did you sleep with Verrier? No! Clara insisted, her voice echoing through the cave to repeat the word again and again. Clearing her throat, she started again, No, he said I was too young. But he did kiss me, and I tasted his blood and I felt different. And he told me his blood would transform me into dragon. Everyone was quiet for a few heartbeats, before Sue spoke, But, you were She didnt finish that sentence, but Clara knew what she meant. Human, and normal . You arent like this when you returned from the mountain. Clara released a breath and shrugged, aware of the movement of her long, leathery wings. I dont know. He said it would take a long time, but when we were fighting the demons I just got so angry. That anger just overtook me, and I could feel it change me. Your anger did this? Thora repeated, brows knitted in contemplation. I think it can be reversed. Clara drew a deep breath, fighting down the hope that welled up, You, you think? Thora drew closer, and reached for Claras talons. After a moments hesitation, Clara took her hands. Thoras presence became a warmth, a soothing comfort, a sanctuary against the consuming worries. Clara sunk into those feelings of safety and acceptance, and her form shifted and shrank. When she opened her eyes again, her hands were back to normal, cream colored skin with short, blunt finger nails. She craned her neck, but saw no sigh of the wings that had carried her into the air days before. Standing, her armor groaned and clicked, suddenly too loose and torn in places. Im Im me again! She pulled Thora up to her feet, and wrapped her in a tight hug. With foreheads pressed together, Clara squeeze her tighter. How? It was the same thing I did with Hope. I soothed the rage of Verriers presence within you. Thank you. The words edge on tears, but Clara managed to hold them back. So... Sigurd said slowly, if you get angry, you turn into a dragon? I... think so, Clara said, still holding Thora. What you're saying, then, is that we best not be forgetting your birthday? Sigurd grinned broadly, then ducked back behind Thora when the dark-haired paladin threw a semi-playful punch in his direction. Save me! he yelped, still grinning. She's mean ! Mean? Thora echoed, rolling her eyes. I should hold you down for her. Promises, promises, Sigurd laughed. Really, it hadn't been all that funny. But somehow, his laughter proved contagious. Thora snorted, and then Clara snickered, and soon everyone was laughing so hard their sides hurt. Everyone but Sue, that is. The blonde Paladin's face clouded as she turned away, and then she sank down on the floor and stared out the cave mouth through the water rushing past. Sue, Clara said, noticing. She drew a deep breath and walked over to sit next to her friend. What's wrong? Oh, nothing, Sue sighed, leaning against the cave wall. Just giving everyone some privacy, that's all. Clara draped an arm around her friend. Sue resisted for a moment, then leaned against her. Sue... she murmured, I... You have your lovers back, Clara, Sue sniffed. You don't... Is that what you're moping about? Clara interrupted. She nudged the side of Sue's head with her forehead, then reached up and turned her face when Sue resisted. I went after them because they weren't back yet, Sue. If they had been in Monsford, and you were still out here, then... Then you'd have left her behind while you finished climbing the mountain, Clara? Thora asked, joining them. Or would you have let her go with you, because she's a paladin, too? She was trying to protect you! Sue barked, coming to Clara's defense. She... She left us ! Thora shouted back. We promised we'd go with her, and she left us behind ! The dragon would have killed you ! Sue shouted back. It was our decision! Thora raged. Not hers ! Listen, you... Water sluiced across both of them, shockingly cold and unexpected. Clara scrambled backwards, still drenched from the near miss and looking startled. All eyes turned to the cave mouth, where Sigurd stood with Clara's shield. Water still dripped from the rim. He rolled his eyes. Ladies, he sighed. Be honest. Would either of you have done anything different, in Clara's place. I... that is... Yes! I'd... uhm... The two women glared at each other, then sighed and relaxed. No, I guess not, Thora admitted. No, Sue mumbled. Clara, meanwhile, clapped a hand over her mouth and tried to stifle a sudden fit of giggles. Great, Sigurd said. No maybe you should stop squabbling with each other. Thora pursed her lips, nodding in thought. True. Hey, Sue? Yes? the blonde paladin asked. Wanna help me throw him off the cliff?