"I am unsure if Isarial is here at the moment, but Haril, captain of the guard is. You'll be able to find him in the training area at this time." The guard said.
"Very well, and that would be...?" I let my question trail off.
"I can show you the way. It's not too far, it won't take long." The guard said.
I nodded, "That would be most helpful. Thank you."
"Not a problem." He said. He took me inside and to the left to an open area.
I heard a deep sigh, as a man approached. "I am Haril. What can I do for you?"
"Hello, Haril. I am Vern, the Ranger assigned to Tilton's territory. I apprehended poachers and this is their confiscated goods. Tilton told me to bring it here, Mills suggested I give it to Isarial to deal with, but I figured someone in charge would be adequate." I explained, fixing my head in the direction I figured he may be.
"Well, we can get that squared away for you." He said. "And I'm so glad you decided to inform me of a dragon walking into town."
"Biri isn't a dragon. She is a drake. She has wings because of our bond. She helps me see." I explained.
"Dragon or drake. It's a very large creature just wondering into town." Haril said.
"I would recommend complaints about Biri to be directed to Tilton or the Queen." I said. "Since Biri and I are a team."
"If any true complaints are actually filed, they'll have an explanation, and hopefully come to an understanding." Haril said.
"... Alright. Thank you." I said. "It's a good horse, if you will, see it to someone who won't set it to plough or to be processed." I petted the horses neck. "It's even tempered, too."
"Trust me, no life in Hearthstone is tossed to the way side." Haril said.
I nodded, Biri told me that a crowd was coming. I stiffened a little, uncertain about the situation. My one palm was still against Biri, so I knew she was looking around curiously. Watching the people draw near.
"Oh great. Apparently everyone has heard." Haril said.
"It would probably be good for us to leave, Biri." I said quietly. Biri shrugged and we started forward, away from the horse. Biri knew where to go.
"I don't blame you for running." Haril said, "This crowd can be a lot."
I waved a little with my other hand, firmly keeping a hand in Biri. She stood on her hind legs, using her wings to make room for us, and continued taking us outside. I couldn't really keep track of what was being said because everything ran together. Once we were outside, we went into the woods a bit, and I sat on gathering ground, Biri settling next to me.
I heard a woman's voice after a moment, "*Why are you on my turf?*"
I wasn't sure where the person was, but Biri remained calm. Then I noted they spoke in Draconic. "*I'm not sure what you mean. I am the Ranger for this area and Biri helps me. Does this clarify anything?*"
"*I was not speaking to you, elf. I was speaking to the dragon.*" She said.
I felt an uncomfortable feeling wash over me. Biri made a clicking noise, as though annoyed. "*Biri is a drake, not a dragon.*" I said.
"*And now you insult her. This is a dragon, young she may be, but a dragon all the same. And on my turf.*" The woman said.
I frowned, "*Dragons have wings from the time they hatch. Biri did not... Are you a dragon?*"
"*Yes, I am. And not everything is known about dragons, even to dragons.*" the woman said.
"*I'm a drake warden. I've raised Biri since she hatched.*" I said. Why would a dragon lie about it? I thought back to the time when Biri had come into my care. Her egg had just been in my home, nestled in tree roots. I'd been cleaning and mourning when I'd found the egg, it was warm and comforting in my hands.
"*You can be whatever you wish, but she is a dragon. If she is your ward, that is fine. I don't kill dragons that wonder into my turf, only those that try to take it." The woman, er, dragon said.
"*Biri is a dragon? She doesn't speak..*" I said. I was pretty confused. The dragon had no reason to lie about it... right? "*Which dragon type are you? Either of you?*"
She said, "*If you have been calling her a drake it's entire life, she would have no reason to train in the way of dragons. As for what either of us are, I am a golden dragon, and she is an obsidian.*"
"*That does explain why she is so childish.*" I noted, feeling confused. "*I don't even know how to begin teaching her about dragons.*"
"*Well, unfortunately, you have not bribed me anywhere near enough to teach her.*" Wren said.
"*... Well, what would you want?*" I asked.
"*I am a dragon. Consider this a free lesson. There are two very basic things to bribe dragons with. Food and Gold.*" She said.
I thought it over, then took put a gold necklace of mine that had fire opals embedded into it. "*Will this do?*"
She gently took it. "*Yes this, will do. I can start her lessons tomorrow morning while I teach my son.*"
"Biri, be mindful and seek her out in the morning. Listen to her and be a good student." I said, my tone firm. I listened to her protests. "You needn't be concerned. I'll manage without you. I did so for a hundred years before you."
"Why do you choose to be blind? There are plenty of ways to restore your sight." The dragon asked.
"I do not view it as a disability. It is just something natural to me by now. Biri has been with me for sixty years or so." I said.
"Suit yourself, then. If you ever wish for it to change, simply ask." She said.
"I appreciate your offer, and I'll keep it in mind. I do understand that sight can come in handy, though. I have not been very disadvantaged due to lacking it." I said.
"*Either way, the offer stands.*" She said, then to Biri, "*I will see you first thing in the morning, young one.*"
Biri swayed her head a little, then nodded. With that settled, the dragon left us. While Biri and I were relaxing, I heard a person approaching. "I cannot see you, but my companion can." I warned.
"Well, I am certainly not trying to sneak up on you. My name is Adelaide." A woman said.
"I am Vern, and this is Biri. I assume this is also in regards to Biri?" I asked.
"I suppose. It was mostly out of curiosity on my part. You don't get to see a lot of open dragons." Adelaide said.
"Well, I would say that she is a drake, but apparently she is a dragon. We did not know, she's only had wings for thirty years. She's about sixty now." I said.
"How did she keep her wings hidden for so long?" Adelaide asked.
"I don't know. I know we reached the perfected bond level which grants a drake wings..." I shook my head, "I will have to see if Tilton knows anything about it. I understand he is an elf, too, he may have studied it."
"If he doesn't know, you could always ask my son, Isarial. He has a lot more knowledge than you'd think." She said.
"This is the second time I have heard of him." I noted.
"Yes, my son is very popular." She said.
I smiled, hearing the pride in her voice. "Bragging?"
"I sure am." She said. "But, in earnest, he is a very smart boy."
"Did you want to touch Biri?" I asked.
"May I?" She asked.
"Biri doesn't mind. She's always been like an overgrown dog. Perhaps she missed out on learning to be refined from her own kind." I sighed. "She does enjoy attention."
"Well, I enjoy giving it." Adelaide said, approaching us, and began touching Biri. "Ooh, you are a pretty one, aren't you?"
Biri waved her head around. Pleased with the compliment. "You should be able to speak, Biri." I commented. She turned her head until she rubbed the top of her head against me, and gave me a shove. This displaced me and I frowned, popping her nose as she laughed in her reptilian way.
"You two get along so well." Adelaide said.
I smiled and chatted with the woman for a short time. I learned she and Haril were in a relationship. They both had sons of the same age, too. I learned quite a bit about her and her life. Eventually, she returned to her home. And Biri and I went to Tilton's home again. I knocked more tentatively on his door this time.
He came to the door, and said, "Hello, Vern, Biri. Caught some more poachers already?"
"I had hoped to have your opinion on a matter... Does Biri look like a dragon to you?" I asked.
He paused a moment. "I suppose so.."
"Have you ever heard of a dragon being born without wings?" I asked.
"No, I cannot say I have ever heard of a dragon being born without wings." Tilton said.
"I have not either. But a gold dragon just insisted Biri is an obsidian dragon." I said. "She's only had wings for half her life."
"The only way I can think of, is if she was magicked until very recently." Tilton said.
"I had not considered that." I admitted.
"That is truly the only thing I can think of, the world is a strange place." Tilton said.
"Do you know the gold dragon? You did not seem surprised by the mention of her." I said.
"Yes, I know her." He said.
"She can be trusted with teaching Biri?" I asked.
"Yes, she can be trusted to teach her." Tilton said.
"Alright. I still have some areas to check on, so I will send Biri to stay with Kershka for now. Her lessons begin in the morning, and so I will come back in a couple days to give a proper report." I said, inclining my head to him.
"Alright. I will see you in a little while, then." He said.
I patted Biri and went towards the North West and said, "You heard me. You know where to go. Mind him, will you?" She protested again, but I reminded her she may play with him. With that, she was convinced. I wrote a note to him in Giant, handed it to her with payment for babysitting, and she rushed off to find him.
I put away my things and went out to the woods. I managed to complete my circuit, and spent the night documenting everything necessary, then reported to Tilton's home at a reasonable hour. Knocking, waiting for him, and handing over the detailed reports. "If you have any questions, I can answer." I told him.
"Should we go over these reports in my office? Or would you like me to go over them and get back to you?" Tilton asked.
"We are new to each other, so I will defer to your preference." I said.
"We will go over the reports in my office, so that we know each other's expectations." Tilton said. "If you would prefer, you may take my forearm and I will guide you to my office."
I nodded, placing a hand on his forearm, and we went into his office. He led me to a space to sit, while he sat in another place and I could hear him going over the papers. He asked a few occasional questions to clarify some points, just to ensure we were on the same page.
"To start with, this is very well put together. I am far more used to piecing information in." Tilton said. He specified a trapped location and asked, "Did you find any dignity of camps along this area?"
"No. I suspect they are camping within a two mile radius, just because of the prints I was able to find, and the signs within those prints. They are not within my range. I believe the Ranger of that area is a Barbarian named Bide. At the end of this month, I will attend a meeting with the Queen and be able to provide you more information on the matter." I explained.
"That will be appreciated. With these reports on monsters, we will be able to more accurately maneuver the adventurers." He said.
"I do have a concern about the signs of giants I found. It appears to be Hill and Fire giants, which go together as well as water and oil. If I encounter them, how do you want it handled?" I asked.
"I prefer you not engage. We have plenty of people who can go off and handle them." Tilton said.
I nodded. "That is fine. It is my preference as well. Potential injury would interfere with my effectiveness."
"Yes. We do not need you getting hurt for something adventurers can handle." Tilton said. "How are you finding the territory so far?"
"It is peaceful and much simpler terrain than I am accustomed to... have you seen jungles before?" I asked.
"Yes. I didn't stay in there very long.. I would almost prefer swamp." He said.
I smiled, laughing a little, "The Isla is all jungle. My zone was prone to flooding, not that the Regent cared. I am glad that Queen Vexie is putting in flood trenches. It's king overdue."
"Well, you don't have to worry about flooding here. Just be glad your range isn't in the swamps." Tilton said.
"I believe a rogue named Finly has that one." I said.
"Well, I hope he doesn't mind wet shoes and lots of bug bites." Tilton said.
"I'm sure he'll be fine. Have there been any complaints about Biri?" I asked.
"Only a couple, but they were dealt with." He said.
"About her behavior, or species?" I asked.
"Species." He said.
"I'll have to check on Kershka and see how he's faired, looking after Biri." I said.
"Oh, trust me, he's looked after far worse than Biri. Have you met his spider?" Tilton asked.
"No, not yet." I said.
"Well, you might when you go to pick up Biri. That spider has been looking for a playmate as well." Tilton said.
We talked a little more about nothing in particular, before he helped me out of his home. As soon as I entered the town, I heard Biri coming towards me. I braced myself, but she didn't knock me over. Instead, after a pause, she rubbed her head against me. I hugged her muzzle and asked her to bring me to Kershka.
She complied, telling me how her time has been spent. She guided me right to the bench Kershka sat on, and I joined him on it. I placed a hand on his forearm, feeling him working on some whitling piece. I took out my thunder hoof, placing it in my lap and feeling it again with my other hand.
He reached a stopping point and said, "Hello, Vern. How are you?"
"I am well. Thank you for looking after Biri. How are you?" I asked.
"I am good." He said. "It is not a problem to look after Biri. Shaska enjoys her as well. Almost caught her in a web."
"She didn't mention that." I said. I ran my hands around his wrist, and reached for his other one, when he didn't prevent it, I felt around that one, too. I did feel tattoos, but not the ones that would typically mark one as taken. Still, I checked his neck to be sure. "I am interested in you."
"I am an interesting man." He replied. "But what do you mean?"
"I am looking to pursue courtship with you." I said.
"Oh. Okay. I hadn't thought anyone would want to. Okay, yes. I would like that very much." Kershka said.
I smiled, felt my hands up to his face, then kissed his cheek. "I look forward to getting to know you, Kershka."
I felt something kind of hairy touch my knee. "Oh, Shaska came to say hello. This is the first time she came to greet someone." Kershka said.
I touched what was on my knees, and felt around it, being careful. "Ah, I see. Shaska is your spider. This one is quite big." I placed my hands before her pedipalps, so she could figure me out easier. "Spiders don't see too well, but like the blind are sensitive to touch. We can communicate fine."
"I am just glad you didn't freak out." Kershka said.
"I hardly have reason to. Shaska is just being curious." I said. "I have to touch to get a good idea of things, too."
"I wish others would understand. Three adventuring groups have already had to be punished for trying to hurt her." Kershka said.
"Understanding is not something one can hope for. I understand that the Queen passed the law here that adventurers need to have proof of harm before killing monster races. What I can do is post a notice of wild life being protected to try to ease the issue." I noted.
"Ok. We can try that." Kershka said.
I nodded and gently moved Shaska away, then took some writing implements from my bag and began writing an official notice. I included the maximum fine allowed per the crown, then added a clause for pets. And that jailing may be suitable under circumstances. Then I used the Seal I always have, as a Ranger employed by the Crown.
"Here we are. This will allow for punishment per the Crown. I will just need to see where I can post it within the Guild." I said. I used an item to duplicate the notice twice. "And to post it in the Guard House. And Hearthstone."
"You have very pretty handwriting." Kershka said.
"Thank you. I am sure writing is much simpler with sight, but I have found ways around it." I replied.
"Most likely. Common is harder to write the giant." Kershka said.
I nodded. "Yes. I agree. Elvish is more complicated than both, yet is considered the most beautiful to read."
"It's very swirly." Kershka said. "Would you like to guess what my new whitling project is?"
"Sure. May I see it?" I asked, setting aside the papers and holding out my hands. He set it in my hands, and I began running my hands over it. "This feels like Ironwood. Is this a person?"
"I can't reveal what is is going to be, if you can't guess. But it is Ironwood." Kershka said.
"There are a lot of things I can think of at this stage. But I do feel like it's shaping to be a person of large proportion. This spot here feels very nice." I told him, feeling a particularly smooth spot on the wood.
"That's going to be a belly." Kershka said.
"I am in awe of your skill. Ironwood is typically difficult for those to handle who are not Elves. The magic of the wood can reject the person. I am fortunate to have a chance to woo you." I said, offering him back his project.
He gently took it. "I have always enjoyed whittling. Wood always felt nice to me. I have to confess something, though. I don't know how to court you. I have not had much practice. I would like to, though."
I took a breath and searched for his hand. Holding it firmly when I found it. "I do not know either. I do not know how Elves court each other, and I do not think either of us care about the might of the other. Many have not been interested because a blind woman is a burden."
"Do you care if I pick you up?" He asked.
"You can. I will not mind." I said.
He scooped me up into his arms. "As I thought. Light as a feather. A feather can not be a burden."
I laughed, leaning my head against him. "Your heart is strongly beating."
"Bibs told me when your heart starts beating that hard, it's adrenaline." Kershka said.
"What is making you excited?" I asked.
"Holding you." He said.
"Just that? Goodness." I said, wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him.
He chuckled and gave me a gentle squeeze. After a few minutes, he gave another light squeeze and set me back on the beach. "What are you doing today?"
"The day is my own. Tomorrow I will need to go back on patrol of the woods. Ah, but I do need to put up these notices, though." I said.
"Want me to come with you?" He asked.
"You may. It would make it a lot easier to navigate. I never get lost amongst the trees, but people made structures and I am lost." I smiled, "But getting lost last time helped me meet you."
"Ok. I will help. One sec." He said. He opened the door to the house, leaning away, "Bibs, I am courting Vern. I am going to go with her for a bit."
"Alright, Kershka, I will see you in a little while." I heard Bibs say, and just before the door closed, Bibs shouted, "WHAT?!"
Kershka sounded like he was grinning when he said, "We should go now."
I giggled, "Alright." I picked up the notices and stood. "Will Shaska be coming with us? Or staying home? Biri can protect her."
"She will be staying here." Kershka said. I heard some leaves ruffled. "I will be back. You may go hunting if you need to."
Biri told me she'd watch over Shaska. So we went together, first to the Guild Hall. I asked them where I could put my notice. Which was to pin it to the board. Then we went to the Guard House where there is a bounty board for us to pin the notice to. Next, we went to Hearthstone Town together where we sought out Haril.
Walking with my hand in Kershka's was very comfortable. Once we were nearing where we could fine Haril, I heard Adelaide's voice. She was speaking to someone who filled her voice with warmth. I figured it must be her son, or Haril's. I patted Kershka's arm with my free hand, not releasing him with my other.
"Kershka, do you know Adelaide?" I asked.
"We talked a couple times. She's nice." Kershka said.
"I agree. Could we speak to her after Haril?" I asked.
"Ok." He agreed.
I smiled, and he finished bringing us to Haril. "Well, don't you two make a pair. What can we do for you?" Haril asked.
"I have an official notice that needs to be displayed where the most people will take note of it." I said.
Adelaide said, "Ah, well, we can give it to Isarial. He can make sure everyone knows."
"That is fine, so long is it is also pinned up somewhere. Since it is an official notice, which carries the same legal weight as the Queen's laws and declarations." I said.
"Oh, he'll make sure everyone is aware and it's posted." She said.
I gave her the notice, trusting her to handle it, though I knew I was suppose to. "I am glad you came over, Adelaide, as I wanted to tel you that I am courting Kershka, since I consider you my friend." I said.
"Well, thank you for considering me a friend, I consider you one, too. And we will definitely have to talk about you and Kershka." Adelaide said.
"Sounds good. I will have to see about getting my tea set. I'll make some turnovers, too, if I can borrow an oven." I said.
Kershka said, "What is a turnover? Is it a treat?"
"Yes. It's popular in the Tsar Kingdom. They are very tasty." I nodded. "If you like sweets, there is a drippy frosting to add to it, or it can be not so sweet without it. Or you can roll it in cinnamon sugar."
"I would like to try all of that." He said earnestly.
I smiled, "Then I will have to make it for you. If there is a magic shop around, I can take us to the Night Market where I can get everything I need for it."
"Ok. Can we only go to the Night Market at night?" Kershka asked.
"No, it is open all day and all night." I said.
"That is an odd name, then. I would still like to go." Kershka said.
I smiled, "If you'll excuse us."
With that, Kershka took me to Tibon's shop in Dueling Rivers. There I purchased a teleportation scroll, and used it outside to take Kershka and I to the Night Market. He was astounded by the very sights and sounds and smells that overwhelmed me. I took him to purchase the ingredients from the turnovers, and for a nice dinner, then purchased a Port Key.
I used the Port Key to take Kershka and I to my old residence. A place I stayed with another ranger. Once there, I showed him around and started making the food. In between tending to the foods, I packed more of my things. The only annoying thing is that the other Ranger that still lived there had moved some things.
I snagged my hair in the coat rack, and then tripped over a stool. The thud of my hitting the floor drew Kershka to investigate. He helped me up, and said, "You okay? Do you want me to move things?"
"Ugh... Jinn moved things. It's alright. I am just a little bruised. I've about got all my things." I said, checking my elbow.
"Ok.. I'll just stay.. near." Kershka said.
I stretched up, my hands seeking his face, then kissed his cheek. "Thank you. I'll check on the food. It smells lovely, doesn't it?"
He kissed my forehead. "Yes. It smells wonderful."
I smiled. "Do you want me to make a plate for Bibs when we go back?"
"Bibs is not much into sweets, so if we don't take the glaze, he may like it." Kershka said.
"That is fine, we can do that." I said.
I went back to check on the food, and took the meal art off the stove. Plating was difficult being blind, but I worked steadily at it, and bought him a plate of food, sautéed squid and capamari, then I put together a plate of apple and cherry turnovers, one of each glazed, one of each with cinnamon sugar, and one of each plain. I gave it to him, too. Then made my own plates.
He seemed to enjoy it. "I don't think I can pick which one I like more."
"I like cloudberries best. But they are so hard to get. They are rare and do not fruit often." I said.
"Where do they grow? We may be able to find some at some point." He said.
"Artic areas, very cold places that do not get warm but a week or two a year." I said.
"Sounds like my home. It only gets warm very rarely." Kershka said.
"Have you seen them, then? They are small berries like raspberries, but orange. They grow on the ground like moss, with tiny oak-like leaves." I said.
"I think I know those. The Knoutberries. They do grow up there." Kershka said.
I smiled. "They're so good, aren't they?"
"Yes. The elders would get them first. They knew where they grew." Kershka said.
"My mother would give them to me and say she hopes I grow like a Cloud Giant." I laughed lightly at the memory.
"I hope you grew as much as she wanted you to." Kershka said.
"My father always said that growing big on the inside counts the most." I told him, hearing a note of sadness in his voice.
"Then you must be the size of a mountain." He said.
I bashfully said, "Fit enough for a Mountain Giant's Goliath?"
"Your fitness puts me to shame." Kershka said.
I laughed and moved around the table to hug him. "Even if we're small, we're enough. A stone in the foot can fell a giant."
"Or the temple. They fall real good." Kershka said, hugging me back.
"Do you really like the food?" I asked.
"I do not lie about food. Food is important." Kershka said.
I gave him a squeeze, then sat in his lap for the rest of our meal. I made sure to make Bibs some plates after, and packed up the rest of the goodies for Kershka. Then I cleaned up the kitchen and took us to Dueling Rivers. Using the Port Key was tiring, truly. But I didn't need to continue using it. Unless I wanted to use it for going places with Kershka, which seemed like a good use for it.
We went back to where he is normally sitting, and I said, "Thank you for spending time with me, today. Did you want me to stay with you until evening?"
"I would not mind the company. It can get lonely sometimes." Kershka said.
"Ok, will you give Bibs his plates, then?" I asked, checking by weight which they were. I held them out to him, "I will wait for you."
"It may take me a moment to come back out." Kershka said.
"That is alright. I have patience for days." I replied.
"If I am gone for days, move on." Kershka said, with a serious note.
I smiled, "I was joking. I would have to work starting tomorrow morning. It takes me about a week each trip, unless something serious occurs."