Reignited Dragons!

{♚}—; Titan was glad that Todor was great at taking care of the Ice Caverns, he was very efficient when it came to the area down there with no Gnorc making it past him all this time. But hearing that the one that Todor had developed feelings for was in fact Marco, a smile appeared on the leader’s face. 

He knew much about the dragons that he led, and he knew just how kind and generous Marco could be and it was very much like him to look out for others, it fit with what Todor told him. “I’m so happy to hear that the two of you have each other! He’s someone that I know will continue to look out for you.”

Though he didn’t expect Todor to feel as if he may be inadequate and that he may not deserve Marco, it surprised him to hear that. “You aren’t sure that you do? But why? Is there something bothering you that is making feel this way?”

Todor almost immediately shrunk in front of Titan, his serpentine body coiling into itself to appear smaller as he’d just keep his head low, gaze averting his leader as he’d rub his own arm in a nervous manner. “I-I just... I think he deserves better, Titan... I-I mean...”

“Look at me, Titan. Really, look at me. What am I known for, more than anything?” he’d ask, letting the question linger in the air for a minute. And it was a silent, almost painfully so, minute of just silence, before he spoke again. “That’s right, Titan... I-I can be a hell of a braggart. I can boast and proclaim for days on end ‘till ears start bleeding. I wouldn’t be surprised if all of the Peace Keepers knew of my archery skills SOLELY because of my big mouth!” a bit of an outburst at the end, but he’d slow his breathing to relax.

“I boast about my archery... about my fighting prowess... about how I’d be able to shoot a wart off of a Gnorc’s nose whilst flying upside-down from a mile away. And I... only now do I realize that... that’s exactly what my lovely Marco doesn’t have anymore...” his voice cracks a bit as he speaks of Marco, tears threatening to emerge.

{♚}—; Titan couldn’t help but chuckle a bit, he knew exactly how they could get but lately he was able to handle the two dragons. “I do have to deal with their showing off now and then, but it’s been nothing too heavy lately.”

He could see the demeanor in the archer changing and seemed like he was in a much happier mood the more they talked. “Excellent, I’ve had to take care of a few things since the incident but it’s good to know you’re handling things down there.”

After the incident was resolved he had to make sure the Gnorc King wouldn’t be able to repeat what he’d done, and make see if the Magic Crafters would be able to take care of things to help prevent such a thing again.

Titan wasn’t at all surprised, knowing how great of a shot Todor was that Gnorcs wouldn’t be able to escape him if they tried to sneak around. Though hearing he found a special someone, it was great to hear one of his fellow Peace Keepers could be happy with someone. “Have you? That’s great news!”

“Yep! No need to worry ‘bout the Ice Caverns, Titan! Not as long as ol’ Todor here has a watchful eye on ‘em!” Todor chuckles a bit more as he’d allow himself a bit of more humor before moving on with the big news. “Oh yeah, I have! And trust me, I don’t wanna brag, but- I’ve snagged the best one for myself~” he’d tease Titan with another wink.

“Gotta say... was a bit surprised that Marco had been feelin’ the same for me, too!” he then said, revealing the mysterious mate of his as his smile just widened from merely speaking his name! “Yeah, it’s Marco! Can ya believe it, Titan? Ooh, I just feel like the luckiest dragon in all the realms~! He’s such a sweetheart! Always lookin’ out for me, and wanting me to stay safe, and--”

He just kept gushing on and on about the few small things Marco did that made him happy, until he’d slowly pause himself with a happy sigh. “Aah... so many things I love that lil’ worry-bundle for, and a whole lot more~” but, with that out of the way, that slight twitch to his whole being came back, and he seemed nervous again. “Which, uh... is why I’m here, sir.”

“I-I uh... I know you might not be the best to talk to about this, but... I don’t really know anyone else other than my fellow Peace Keepers, so... well, it’s...” his head lowers a bit, his gaze falling to the floor.

{♚}—; It was always great to see another one of the Peace Keepers, and he didn’t often see Todor come visit him at his own home. “It has, but it’s good to see you.” He showed kind regards to the archer, wanting to show great respect for the other dragons that lived here in the Peace Keepers home, and he knew just how skilled Todor was as well.

“Luckily, everything has been going well between the two of them.” Gunnar and Magnus were great in their skill, but could be a handful at times. Although he did have it under control and they were very well respected dragons.

Although he did notice that Todor seemed to be a bit nervous about something, as if something was bothering him and it made him wonder why that might be. “How are you? Everything still moving along down in the Ice Caverns?”

The fact that Gunnar and Magnus were ‘doing well’ sort of drew a surprised chuckle from Todor. “Heh, really? Those two always love to boast and show off last time I met them! But, guess that you being the older one know how to put ‘em in their place, right?” he asks as his smile seemed to get a bit bigger now.

He was starting to relax a bit more, especially when Titan asked about his homeworld. “Oh yeah! Things are moving along real great ever since that purple tyke saved us! I’ve been keeping a real vigilant watch over the Caverns. Not a single Gnorc escapes my sight before I turn ‘em into a Gnorc Popsicle!” he grins, his pride showing a bit before he collects himself.

{♚}—; Titan was inside currently tending to his axe, making sure that it was still in good shape after taking care of a few things among his fellow Peace Keepers earlier in the day. He hadn’t been currently expecting a sudden visit, but he didn’t mind it nonetheless as he suddenly heard a knock at his door. 

The seemingly nervous tone was something he did manage to pick up on, but regardless he called back. “Yes of course, you can come inside.” He looked up placing his axe aside for a moment so he can greet the archer.

Todor just nodded to himself whilst he was still outside, as he tried to build up his courage for a while before he’d step in, which might just hint Titan in more on how this was not a regular visit. But soon enough, the door opened to present the archer stepping inside, his feathered wings folded up to his back as he’d let the door close slowly before he’d face Titan.

@hxuse-of-muses​

It was with no short amount of anxiety that Todor had begun to step up towards Titan’s quarters in the mainlands of the Peace Keepers, already feeling quite homesick for his house in the Ice Caverns. He was nervously fiddling with his fluffy tail-tip a bit, just walking up towards the door leading to his quarters. He was not normally nervous when it came to talking to Titan, but for something like this...?

He couldn’t help but to feel anxious on how his leader would react. But still, he would reach out, and knock firmly on the door.

Titan was caught off-guard by the sudden assault to his ankle, and as the pillow makes its firm, but soft impact upon him, he'd let out an awkward gasp of surprise as he'd stumble forward, catching himself by supporting himself with his halberd, as he'd look over at the culprit.

Calm and quiet again, Roy didn’t mind being sat back down next to his friend but would avert his gaze away from the remaining bubbles. Sigfried couldn’t help watching Eldrid sweep them away on the other hand; before the adhesion incident soured everyone’s moods, both he and Roy had thoroughly enjoyed how unusually sturdy they were.

Perhaps those bubbles would make better toys for hatchlings if their duplicative and sticky properties were removed.

Either way, the little pair of rascals hadn’t gotten too distracted to stop them from listening to what the alchemist had to say about the next project he wanted to show off…especially after he asked that fateful question about bland bubbly boredom.

“That’s what we were thinking this morning!”, Sigfried was all too happy to confirm; it was the very idea that culminated in Hexus banishing the wannabe stage magicians to this laboratory in the first place.

Well now, hopefully the hooligans would be able to learn how to pull off these antics through chemistry instead of magic - and with a fully-documented method that relied on written requirements and physical measurements, instead of pushing suboptimal arcane experience beyond its limits to create a localised arts and crafts nuke that proved better at enraging individuals more than any brainwashing spell is, was or ever will be.

They appreciated the kind offer of some seats and were more than willing to accept the invitation, but stools that were meant for a workbench made for grown dragons would be too tall for the young ones and neither of them could fly - the only way up while Eldrid’s hands were occupied would be through good old climbing. Roy could effortlessly get a headstart with that lithe body of his, just pouncing up and clinging to a leg.

The portlier of the pair…not so much.

Sigfried couldn’t achieve anything beyond rocking the chair back and forth as he attempted to hoist himself upwards, the legs loudly tapping against or screeching across the floor.

Something eventually came around to interrupt their efforts - a lone bubble, innocuous as ever and seemingly filled with nothing but air. Sigfried let go of his stool before he could topple it over and carefully toddled after the bubble, while Roy opted to anchor himself and just turn his head in its direction.

Suddenly, it popped - and out came a little clump of snow that just missed landing on Sigfried’s snout. He’d be the one who would get startled the most this time around, jumping back with widened eyes before he leapt up to it again to investigate.

As Eldrid was working on finishing his newest concoction, he would hear the small commotion behind him as he would turn to notice Sigfried had discovered the secrets of his new formula, as he’d just allow himself a small smile and chuckle. “Heheh, oh! I-I see you’ve gotten yourself a preview of this next batch, Sigfried! Well, what do you think?” he’d then pluck up a small, metallic instrument that basically looked like a hollowed-out spoon, as he’d swipe it slowly through the mixture, and brought it out as a thin ‘wall’ of the soapy substance had covered the hole.

“Y-You see, little ones- like with the, aherm, previous experiment, t-the entire idea is to mess about with the bubble’s properties. You see, n-normally, bubbles don’t have that highly durable surface tension... t-that means, they pop relatively easily when you poke at them hard enough, yeah? So, what I-I’m doing with all this is basically reinforcing it, so I can alter it even further without having them pop too easily!” he’d then take a small breath, and blow onto the bubble veil, as multiple, small bubbles would blow forth and get whisked away with the small breeze of Eldrid’s breath.

It wouldn’t be until Roy was certainly, positively quelled that Sigfried would be satisfied with demonstrating his safe bouncing and crawled back to where Eldrid had seated himself.

The hatchling accepted his apology with a nonchalant “Yeah,” but in truth there still wasn’t a damn idea in that kid’s mind as to why the alchemist was begging for forgiveness…especially since he had just felt the need to apologise about getting stuck and exacerbating Roy’s dilemma.

And even though the skinny infant himself wouldn’t make a peep and kept nestled against Eldrid, he was just as willing to forgive their babysitter and simply nodded his head - no need for bad blood today. That gentle rocking was working wonders on the poor tot; exactly what was needed to soothe his last few nerves.

However, Roy still wasn’t much for conversation in his current state and leaned back against the older dragon, just wanting to calm down and relax.

Eldrid would again find himself face-to-face with Sigfried’s blank stares - plenty of needless confusion abound, but no hard feelings with the anxious Magic Crafter. The chunky hatchling kept usually silent as he gazed into his immortal soul, more or less trying to think of something to say…either that, or waiting for whatever suggestions Eldrid had for their next activities.

Okay... okay. The hatchlings were alright now, and they both seemed fine with just letting this slide. Eldrid was finally able to truly relax as he’d just keep Roy in his arms for a bit more, until he was positive that he’d be fine to put down next to Sigfried, and upon doing so, he’d slowly stand upright himself.

“R-R-Right... so, m-maybe that is an experiment we’ll have to wait with... b-but! I have something else t-that has to do with bubbles... a-and it’s 100% safer! You have my w-word!” he’d promise, hand on heart and all. He’d grab a nearby broom first to whisk and brush the previous mound of bubbles aside for now, though. Couldn’t have a messy floor!

“R-Right! So... have you ever popped a bubble, and thought to yourself; ‘O-Oh man, this is boring! I wish they were more exciting!’ W-Well, I might have an idea for that-” he’d quickly march up towards one of his chemistry tables, pulling out two stools that Sigfried and Roy could hop up on if they so wished to peek over the tableside. The alchemist was already hard at work with prep-work, putting up beakers and gas-burners as he whistled a tune to himself, mixing something up with various bottles.

But, the hatchlings could probably already see where this was going. It’d be no surprise if they had done something similar before; he was making soap-water. For bubbles. Just regular ones! But, they’d soon be getting a preview of what was in store, as one stray bubble floated off and in front of the two, and-

*POP*

"... Spyro?"

Those were... not words he'd expect to hear from Spyro of all dragons. Not all of a sudden like this, either way. But maybe it wasn't that bad. Maybe he had hurt his chest or something. So, being the father-figure of Spyro that he was, Nestor would immediately kneel down to inspect Spyro.

"Spyro, are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?"

Hunter noticed how Todor seemed rather surprised by his blessing as he seemed concerned at first. “Why…wouldn’t I be calm abo–?” He was then cut off by Todor, his eyes widening in surprise and irritation. A slight huff of some sorts, he muttered out firmly. “He’s a great dragon.” Has he ever met Marco? He can’t remember if he has. He crossed his arms, seeming a bit upset. “I’m a cheetah and I grew up being ridiculed most of the time because I wasn’t doing what a cheetah was supposed to do. Did it bother me? A bit but I learned to let it go so others should let that stuff go. No need to judge somebody.” He muttered out harshly. 

“That really isn’t anyone’s business to tell you that either, Hunter. You’re right. You’re a very unique cheetah, and only you decide what you wanna do.” Todor nods in agreement, actually feeling happy that Hunter was more or less backing him up. Though, he’d calm down with a sigh and a shake of his head.

“But- I shouldn’t let myself get so worked up. It’s only half a handful of dragons who think we’re an odd couple nowadays, and even then they are very respectful of our choice. It was just a lot rougher back a few decades or so, when Marco was still bullied. No one dares to even point and laugh at him now.” he reassures the cheetah.

Hunter was definitely getting a bit too bored at shooting arrows at the same target but he didn’t mind shooting arrows at the same targets every day. He praised Todor, “Great job, Todor!” He beamed brightly, tilting his head off to the side a bit as he listened to Todor’s story, his long story of how festivity days tends to get even more festive and how Marco clung to Todor after getting so drunk. A soft smile plastered across his face. “I’m happy for you and Marco, really.”

“O-Oh! Well, thank you Hunter! That’s real nice of ya.” Todor speaks up, halting himself from firing another arrow. He hadn’t expected Hunter’s blessings like that, but it was still appreciated to see how he didn’t seem to mind that info just being dropped on him. “You certainly seem rather calm about it. Most people I’ve told about our relationship get real surprised! Like they couldn’t expect me and Marco being a thing!”

He’d clutch his bow a bit tighter. “Which... if that is the case, I’d say is a bit rude. ‘Cause I can immediately think of one reason why people couldn’t see us being together.” he huffs a bit indignantly. He was of course referring to Marco’s tragic incident where he lost his wings.

Todor merely grins a bit at Trondo’s playful invitation to could his knives. It was just so relaxing sometimes to hang out with a fellow Peace Keeper that wasn’t all strict and stiff with rules and regulations. And the knife-wielding assassin of the Keepers sure wasn’t one such stickler of rules! He remembered all the antics they’d get up to back in their trainee days, and how he and Trondo used to train in the Ice Caverns.

“Y’know, I just might do that.” he’d smirk back at Trondo. He’d soon slither his way up to the other dragon, as he’d start with the most obvious spot; the knives hanging from the harness around his chest.

“Uhm- Todor, I’m going to try and not question it too harshly, but... why have you colored your coat-collar like a rainbow?” the retired Peace Keeper was tilting his head this and that way over what he was witnessing; the puffy collar of Todor’s fur-coat, which was usually a brilliant white mane of fluff, was now striped with all the colors of the rainbow!

“Oh, this?” Todor snickers a bit as he lets a pair of clawed fingers comb through the multi-colored collar. “It’s for a thing I’ve been hearing about! A special time of the year called ‘Pride Month’! Where people like me take pride in our sexual orientation!”

“Well, I-... don’t think I’ve heard of it before, actually.” Marco tilts his head a bit more, looking up to his partner’s eyes, which are only filled with exuberant mirth over this apparently special occasion. “But it sounds like fun! So, is that why your collar is colored differently?”

“Exactly! It’s colored like this because I identify as homosexual! Means I’m only really attracted to guys ,heh. Not that you’d have an issue realizing that~” he shoots a wink to his partner, causing Marco to blush slightly as Todor actually moves up to also plant a kiss on his cheek. “And I mean, realistically- let’s face it, the entirety of the Peace Keepers is just one big sausage-fest~” he adds on with a sly grin, which causes Marco to loudly sputter for a bit.

“T-Todor!” he finally manages, but slowly it dawns on him... “... Y-Yeah, you’re not wrong at all, Todor. But, wouldn’t that apply to the rest of the realms too, then?” to that, both of them started to laugh a bit, before Marco finally relents, and moves in to wrap his arms around his mate, both serpentine dragons ending up coiling together a bit at their tails before they’d flop into bed.

“Well, in that case... I think I should learn a bit more about this! Maybe figure out what I am, y’know? But, well... I have a sneaking suspicion that I might just be homosexual, too~” and as he and Todor both purr to each other for a bit, Marco ends up sneaking a kiss upon Todor’s snout in return for the earlier cheek-smooch.

 “Love you, my sweet Todor~”