#azeros

Kardynkyr turned their attention back to their leader. Azeros looked rather pleased with themselves, having finalised the mating pairs and stood. “So, if there is no comment, everyone is dism—”

The next dragon to their left raised their hand up. It was none other than Sydryn the Pink, Kardynkyr’s own parental relative. “May I add something while we are all gathered?”

Azeros hesitated but then ceded the floor, smirking to their mate. “Of course. Go ahead.”

Sydryn cleared their throat and glanced down to their notes before looking out to the others. “As we all understand, the purpose of this event is to grow our numbers as dragons to ensure the survival of our species. Most of us have participated in such an event once before—”

“Twice for I,” Azeros reminded.

“Yes… Many of us have the experience,” Sydryn said, clearly peeved by the interruption. “But for the youngest three, this would be your first. For you, and anyone else who would like to join, I would like to volunteer my time to deliver a brief lecture on draconic reproduction. With such knowledge, your experiences should prove easier and safer than going in blind, like we’ve done in the past. Would that be of benefit to you?”

Kardynkyr didn’t say anything at first and just leaned back to rest their feet on the table. They already knew what fucking looked like. Their own hoard of demons did it all the time, everywhere, and in all the wildest ways. Sure, dragons’ bodies were a little different, but they doubted there was hardly much more they would need to know.

“I would attend such a lecture,” Akiaziri said.

Kardynkyr turned to look at them and saw the other dragon sitting up straight with their hand raised. They believed they caught a quick glance from the violet dragon, but it was too furtive to be remarkable.

Sydryn nodded. “Lovely. Zideon. Kardynkyr. What say you?”

Zideon, who had been aggressively picking at their skin, ears, and nose nearly the entire time shrugged. “Yeah, sure. I love a good info dump!”

Eyes turned to Kard, and they sighed. “Fine… We’re stuck here anyway. Might as well listen to my Auntie yap for a bit.”

“Thank you,” Sydryn said, not showing any annoyance from that comment. “I suppose, we can gather at my residence, unless someone would like to propose a better location.”

Kardynkyr sneered. “Do we have to wear pink?”

Sydryn looked to the other. “I would prefer you adhere to my hoard standards, but I know you’d rather choose not to…”

Akiaziri had their hand up. “Um, if it would work, you can host it in my quarters. I have comfortable seating, and there’s no dress code.”

“There ya go, we’ll do it at Akiaziri’s,” Kardynkyr said, motioning to their mate. “That’s settled. Is it now or can I get dinner before the fuckfest begins?”

A few of the older dragons glared at Kardynkyr for their language, but Azeros just chuckled. “Of course. Everyone is dismissed. Sydryn, please prepare your lecture for this evening, that way our young ones are prepared to start their mating attempts post haste.”

Sydryn nodded. “Akiaziri, will your residence be ready at 21:00?”

Akiaziri nodded quickly. “Yes, we can meet then.”

“Grand. See you then.”

Sydryn was first to sweep away quickly. Everyone followed suit, but Kardynkyr was in no hurry and took their time. Akiaziri was also one of the last few to leave, and as they passed Kard, they smiled to them and bowed briefly.

“I don’t believe that we’ve properly met yet,” Akiaziri said as they came back up. “I am Akiaziri the Soft. I am looking forward to collaborating with you.”

Kardynkyr couldn’t help but chuckle. “Collaborating is a funny way to put it. Of course, I’m Kardynkyr but you can call me Kard. Hopefully we can get this over with and get to never seeing each other again for another few centuries, eh?”

Akiaziri nodded. “Yes. May we mate swiftly.”

“Mmhm. Yeah. So, you’ve definitely never had sex before, then,” Kardynkyr deduced.

Akiaziri seemed a little taken aback. “No. Of course not. Have you?”

Kardynkyr shrugged. “Well, no… But I’ve seen a lot of it. Like, all the time. So, I’m not, like, sensitive to it really.”

Akiaziri lips pursed. “Oh. Okay, well… Maybe that’s good then. Your experience is probably of benefit to us.”

“Yeah, don’t worry. You’re in good hands,” Kardynkyr said. “Anyway, I’m gonna go see what the fairies have cooking. I’ll see you tonight.”

Akiaziri nodded. “See you then.” They quickly walked off, seemingly overwhelmed.

“Dranley,” Sydryn said, catching them coming down the stairwell. “Are you stupid?” “Sydryn… Shouldn't you be in bed?” Dranley asked. “I was until you woke me up,” Sydryn stated. “I don't sleep well with your idiot eggs weighing on my organs.” “You're not giving them any room,” Dranley stated. “Heard tell you plan on staying human through this.” “It's safest,” Sydryn explained. “Heard tell from who?” “Your ‘sister',” Dranley said, mildly amused. “Or are you the sister? I don't remember… Something about ‘sissy'…” “Seranan? They passed your way?” Sydryn asked. “Briefly,” Dranley said. “They seem to have settled east of you.” “When you saw them, they were well?” Sydryn asked. “Yes. I left them some weapons for protection as I you,” Dranley said. “I came to check on you and our eggs, but you seem better fed than any other dragon I've seen this year.” “I have my resources,” Sydryn stated. “What are you doing visiting other dragons? You should be in hiding too.” “I have the luxury of not being pregnant,” Dranley stated. “I care about the advancement of our species. I'm likely the only dragon who can check in on you all, considering most will likely be overburdened like you.” “So Dranley of the Blade Hoard is going around sharing his collection with the other dragons for their safety?” Sydryn asked. “Sounds a bit too romantic for me. Are you sure you're a dragon?” “Well if you don't want the garnet hilted sword I gave you, you can give it back,” Dranley stated. “And I'll keep these hyacinths then too…” They held up a satchel of flower bulbs they'd collected. Sydryn took the satchel and opened the bag. “Where did you get these?” “Greece. Keadle’s domain.” “Will they bloom here?” “They should be planted in the fall, but yes they should bloom,” Dranley explained. Sydryn frowned and held the satchel to their chest. “Dranley, you shouldn't be doing these things. You're putting yourself in danger.” “I take offence to that,” Dranley said. “It sounds like you don't trust in my strength. My fire blaze hottest blue. My blade is the sharpest edge. To worry about me is to distrust me.” “You think you're the finest dragon this side of the world, but you're going soft,” Sydryn stated. “What dragon brings another dragon flowers?” “Sydryn, you bear my eggs. I failed to bear yours. The progression of our bloodline rests in you. I'm bringing you flowers because I appreciate the burden you carry. To think me less of a dragon for it pains me,” Dranley said. “I want you to survive.” Sydryn clenched their jaw and looked up into Dranley's sincere face. “Dranley the Blue, you're in love with dragons.” “…Perhaps you're right.” Dranley scratched their chin. “Perhaps just one.” Sydryn blinked then their eyes went wide. “You are stupid.” “Sydryn, I understand you don't—” “Leave. Immediately,” Sydryn demanded. “Don't be so rash…” “You're just like those idiot humans.” Dranley let out a growl. “I'm like no son of man. How dare you.” “How dare you. I can't stand you,” Sydryn huffed. “Get out.” “Fine.” Dranley took a step up the stairs but then paused. They took a step back down and kissed Sydryn right on the lips. Sydryn reacted in pure shock, striking the other dragon right on the cheek. “You're absolutely mad!” Sydryn shouted. Dranley recoiled, blood beginning to drip down their face. “Syd, I'm sorry…” Sydryn shoved the satchel of flower bulbs at Dranley. “Get out. GET OUT IMMEDIATELY.” Crestfallen, Dranley sighed and headed back up to the roof. From there, they assumed dragon form again and took flight. Sydryn collapsed to their knees, holding their chest. It felt like the wind had been knocked out of them and it took a good minute or so to find their breath. A nauseous feeling began to rise so they found the nearest window held their head out of it until the feeling subsided. Never before had they experienced something as repulsive as a kiss before. Even sex had been more tolerable. To have the nerve… Eventually, they made their way back to bed. As hard as they tried, Sydryn could not get a wink of sleep that night and when the sun came up, they were more fatigued and upset than ever. They found the bag of bulbs dropped in the back of the fort’s courtyard. They brought it inside and put them with their little hoard in the basement for now.

Roland returned that week. To Sydryn’s surprised, he’d truly managed to procure everything his lady had asked for, even the exotic watermelons, though they weren’t particularly fresh. Sydryn thanked him by awarding him their garnet sword. Too rare was it for a dragon to give up a part of their collection, but Dranley did so first with this sword, and Sydryn was rather sick of looking at it. Besides, Roland was their knight, so in a way, the sword wasn’t leaving the hoard since Sydryn had collected him. Roland was over the moon of course. It was the finest blade he’d ever laid eyes upon. He carried it well and promised to hold onto it as dear as his very own life. His boosted confidence proved inspirational to his men. The Knights Roseus grew stronger by the day. The man’s desire for the dragon never ebbed. One morning he arrived at Sydryn’s door with a gift of his own. “These are my mother and father’s wedding rings.” Sydryn stood before him, arms crossed. “No.” “I know I’m of no status equal to yours, but I’ve chosen to never be with any women should it not be you.” “Be without women then.” “I’ve never met anyone I’ve wanted to spend the rest of my life with as much as you.” “No.” “Lady Syd Rain.” “No.” “Please, my lady, I wish to take your hand in marriage.” “Absolutely not.” Roland stood up from the ground. “…You wouldn’t have to provide a dowry. You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted.” “I’m not marrying you or anyone, Roland,” Sydryn stated. “Don’t be absurd.” “But, milady. It isn’t right for a lady to live out her life alone.” “That doesn’t concern me.” “I’d be a good husband. I already do exactly as you wish. You know I can protect you. Our children would be many and strong.” “Children are the absolute worst.” “You’d be an amazing mother.” “You’re making me nauseous.” “Milady—” “—Absolutely how many times must I deny you before you’ll accept it?” Sydryn inquired sharply. “I’m not marrying you.” Roland frowned and clenched the rings in his palm. “…I’ll prove to you I’m worthy of you. I’ll take some men. I will…I’ll bring you proof of my worth. Allow me some time.” “I’m not holding my breath. Nothing you could bring me will ever give me reason to marry you.” “I’ll prove my love. You’ll see.” Roland pocketed the wedding rings and drew his sword. “With this sword…” He pushed it into the ground. “…I will win the hand of my lady Syd Rain.” Sydryn sighed and rubbed their forehead. “You’re incorrigible. And you’re mistreating your weapon.” Roland pulled his sword from the ground and grinned. “I will not return until I have the proof of my worth.” “When you fail, do send someone to have the sword returned to me. It’s on loan.” Roland chuckled. “Your humour is endearing, milady. I’m off.” Sydryn just turned around and headed inside, closing the door behind them.

Months went by with no visitors. Sydryn’s eggs were laid in the winter. Terrible conditions to start with, but they did their best to keep them warm. They were in labour for three days, having to spend the whole last day in dragon form before finally laying their clutch. The weight loss was the best thing; each day after, Sydryn felt like they were regaining their strength and body back. Having the eggs inside them had felt like such a violation. Eight eggs big eggs were hard to hide but they'd been preparing for this since moving in so Sydryn had extra space in the fireplace where they could lay easy and take in the flames. Watching the flames lick at their eggs, Sydryn felt some guilt for chasing Dranley away but not regret. Sydryn had trusted Dranley as a proper and suitable mate but they had to go and complicate things with romantic feelings. And to dare place their lips on Sydryn's own? They'd known better than anyone Sydryn's position on physical contact, most of all the exchange of fluids. Either way, the hyacinth bulbs were in the ground in the fall as they'd directed. Perhaps their vibrant petals would soothe their disgust in the blue dragon. Sydryn had to start preparing for their trip. The eggs would need to be delivered to the dragon council within eight months or they'd be at risk of hatching and the last thing Syd needed was little dragons running around. There, they'd be looked after and hatched, their growth watched over by trusted attendants. They were a special fairy race that had lived alongside dragons for centuries trusted to care for their young and maintain their council home. Their bloodlines however had been so diluted, they often looked no different from man. For this reason each new hire's lineage was highly scrutinised before they were brought in and they had to understand that once they were brought in under the dragons' wings, they were never to leave. The room and board was very good though and no fairy had ever complained. Sense of duty or something like that. The day before Sydryn planned to leave, Roland returned. Sydryn knew something was wrong the minute they sensed him coming up the mountain. He wasn't alone to start; Roland marched with his original dozen men to come deliver the prize he believed would win his lady's heart. Sydryn stood out front waiting for them, feeling threatened above anything else with so many armed men before them. Roland, battered but grinning, plunged his sword into the ground, it's blade uncleaned and stained with dried blood. He stepped forward, removed his helmet, and bowed. “Milady Syd Rain, I've returned,” Roland declared. “Roland, you know how I feel about you coming here. You were to always come alone,” Sydryn stated. “My men are my closest friends,” Roland said motioning to them. “They insisted on seeing this beauty I spoke so highly of, that I wish to present this grand prize to. There's no way they can dispute it now that your true presence is before them.” There were murmurs among the men concurring with him and even wolf whistling. It made Sydryn's hair stand on end. “I told you, there's nothing you can give me that'll make me agree to marry you,” Sydryn reaffirmed. “Simon.” Roland turned and had a large bundle handed to him. “Please, look upon the strength of your champion. No maiden would dare go unwed after seeing what I've bested.” Sydryn clenched their teeth, eyes poised on the bundle. Something felt very very wrong. The stench of the dried blood on the garnet hilted sword was making them nausea. It was almost familiar. Roland removed the string from the bundle of leather and unravelled his spoils. Sydryn's breath hitched. Inside were two long, straight pointed horns, like a natural blade, glinting a deep azurite colour. Sydryn's knees weakened and they collapsed, trembling. Nausea came back to their throat but they tried to swallow it down. “She's weak for you, commander,” one of the men snickered but Roland shoved the horns into his arms and went to check on Syd. “Milady, are you alright?” Roland asked, reaching out. “I'm sorry if the sight of the beast's horns brings you fear. I meant not to alarm—” Sydryn smacked his hand away. “I am not your lady. I am not a maiden. I am Sydryn the Rose.” Sydryn grabbed Roland by the throat and pinned him to the ground, beginning to grow into their true form. Roland's men scrambled in alarm and drew their weapons but Roland waved his arm, abating them. He watched in absolute marvel as the maiden he'd perceived to be his true love grew into the elephantine beast with wings. Their horns a deep rubellite, wavy and hooked, their claws equally dark and sharp, their fur thick and rose.

Before his ribcage gave out under the weight of Syd’s claws, Roland could only utter the first word that came to mind. “Beautiful…” Their leader crushed, the knights attacked. Sydryn reared back their head and breathed the hottest flame they could muster. Fire, fire, more fire, was all Sydryn could think of. When they ran out of breath, not a soul stood before them. The men were incinerated on the spot, their armour melting away into misshapen puddles. The only thing to survive were the blue horns and the garnet blade. Sydryn turned back and curled up on the ground. When they settled their trembles, they stood up again, gathering up Dranley's horns and the sword. The irony was not lost on their mate. A piece of their own hoard, a blade capable of withstanding even the strength of dragon’s flame, to be the edge to slay them. As soon as they regained their wits, Sydryn left. The mountain was up in flames. Soon the heat would spread to the barricades and the village. Sydryn would rather not be there for the cries of the innocent, so they gathered up their eggs, as much of their hoard they could carry, and took off round the other side of the mountain.

It took no more than a day's flight to the council. They alighted at the entrance and dropped off their hoard in a safe place. Fairies with carts were ready for their eggs, so Sydryn deposited them gently into them and saw them off. They kept the horns on their person, their sword at their hip, and walked in by man's foot. Reaching the council room, they were surprised to see none other than Seranan the Red there, healthy and unscathed. Seranan lit up seeing their sibling appear. “Sissy, you made it!” Seranan said with a grin. “After so many dead, who'd believe we both survived?” “I thought for sure your potency would be your demise…” Sydryn stated. “Yeah, it was tough… Eleven eggs. Absolutely mad. I couldn't move the last six months,” Seranan said. “I never want to be pregnant ever again. You couldn't pay me a dragon's hoard of gold…” “You young one's are so selfish,” a voice said coming in from a hall. The dragon revealed themselves to be Azeros the White, a particularly traditional dragon. They grinned at the pair and settled in at the head chair in the council room. “What are you doing? If an elder finds you sitting there…” Sydryn started. “What elders?” Azeros asked. “Please, do show me a dragon above my age who hasn't perished.” “Well, Dranley's not back yet,” Seranan said. “You can't just assume you're the eldest until we're all accounted for.” Sydryn's heart sank. “Everyone else is dead?” “Everyone older than Azeros,” Seranan said. “Except Dranley. Have you any contact with them?” “If they don't show up by the end of the season, we have to assume they've been slain,” Azeros stated. “In fact, an eggless dragon like them should've shown face first. I think it's safe to assume their demise already.” “Will you shut up? Let the power go to your head when you actually have it,” Seranan huffed. “Dranley's ten times the dragon you are. I'm sure they're simply preoccupied with other matters, likely checking in on the others. That stupid kind heart of theirs… In fact—” “Seranan. Dranley's not coming,” Sydryn stated. They took the horns out from the inside of their coat and laid them on the council table. “Azeros is our eldest now.” Seranan's jaw dropped but Azeros couldn't help smirking a little. “What a fool,” Azeros said. “Slaughtered like a pig, I imagine.” “Have you no respect?” Seranan snapped. “That was their mate.” “Don't act sentimental, Seranan. I bet you danced when you found out Prutus had fallen,” Azeros said. “Prutus was disgusting,” Seranan said. “I wanted to kill them myself.” “Now, now. Dracocide is no solution to anything,” Azeros stated. “To commit an act would be to betray your own race.” “I might as well have…” Sydryn mumbled. “It was my fault Dranley was killed.” “Oh? Do tell. I love a good story,” Azeros said. “For a hoarder of religion, you truly have no shame,” Seranan snapped at Azeros as they went around the table to Sydryn and took their arm. “Sissy, come. I'll get you some food.” Sydryn pulled their arm away and gathered up the blue horns. “Don't pity me, Sera. Dranley is dead. That's that. Azeros is our elder. Just promise me there are at least a couple dragons between myself and them.” “Three or four, I believe,” Seranan said as they walked out with them. “If you're worried about mating laws, we should be set for several centuries. There's several eggs here, even if not their parents. Um, Llerlan is here. And Selmos. They're halfway decent dragons.” “Llerlan is younger. And Selmos? Of the Rodent Hoard?” Sydryn rolled their eyes. “I couldn’t care less who's here. As soon as we're clear to leave, I'm wind,” Sydryn said. “We have to do our counts and track lineage,” Seranan said. “I doubt we'll be out of here before the eggs hatch.” “I don't want to see them,” Sydryn said. “I won't be here. It's stupid anyway. We shouldn't be gathering like this. It makes us vulnerable.” “The humans don't know this place,” Seranan said. “It's the safest place we have.” “All these dragons flying in around the same time… Someone's bound to notice. Someone’s bound to be followed.” “It's protected by magic. And I'm one to think we're stronger together, not apart. An army couldn't take all of us at once. Besides, I hear Selmos has a plan to help us with our human problem. Thinning out the herd a bit.” “Then they should do it.” “Azeros won't approve it. We were hoping Dranley would show, but I guess the plan is on hold for now.” “Why bother mentioning it?” When they got to the living quarters, Sydryn's hoard had already been moved into their designated space. They dismissed Seranan and locked the door. They weren't sure what they were going to do with Dranley's horns as they didn't fit into their hoard at all. Perhaps they'd be better off buried or dropped in a lake. For some reason though this didn't seem appropriate for them. Sydryn figured they'd hold onto them for now, perhaps have them painted later.