#corpse dragons

The Pearlcatcher stood silently for a moment, rolling the skull that served as his pearl in his claws. So it was all true. He’d heard the rumors of what this pirate queen had done, what she was capable of. He had to do everything in his power to control his excitement as he thought of all the possibilities. Of what she could do for him. 

Time seemed to drag on as Velina watched him stand there, stroking the old skull in his claws. Finally, just as she was about to demand an answer, he spoke. 

“They’re all dead, your majesty. All of them are dead and I’d rather not discuss what happened to them. Suffice to say it wasn’t pretty. Only myself and Maggot here”, he said gesturing briefly to the Fae, “Made it out alive.”

Though she was taken aback a little by his blunt answer, her expression slowly began to soften. It appeared these two were merely looking for refuge. Perhaps their arrival wasn’t so sinister after all. “You have my sympathy.-”, Velina paused, “I don’t believe you mentioned your name?” The Pearlcatcher let out a raspy chuckle, “How rude of me! My apologies, your majesty. It’s Mortimur.” Velina smiled, “Ah, then you have my sympathy, Mortimur. I assume you are here then because you wish for me to take you in? Or do you seek my help in some other way?” 

Mortimur and Maggot both took a knee and bowed their heads before her. “If your majesty would have us then we would be honored to join your clan”, Mortimur lifted his head to meet her gaze, “I promise that you won’t regret it.”

Velina tilted her head to the side as she considered their request. She needed more subjects if she hoped to build her new empire and these two, though strange, seemed honorable enough. After what had happened between her and Othello, she was more determined than ever to prove that this was the only way. What better way to do it than to grow her clan and show him that like this, they would finally flourish. The only issue now would be whether they were willing to give up their lives to be reborn as a true Bonecrossed dragon.

“I see no reason why I shouldn’t take you in... Though there is one very important thing I must ask you..” 

Both dragons looked up at her, their eyes gleaming. “Yes, your majesty?”

“Are you willing to give up your lives to be reborn as true members of my kingdom?” Velina sat back in her throne, awaiting their answer. This was not an easy thing to ask, but it was the only way. She would not risk the life of any Bonecrossed dragon to Dagna’s prophecy. 

Mortimur felt his heart leap for joy in his chest. Yes! This is exactly what he had hoped for. “Aye, I am.” It was hard to keep the excitement out of his voice, but he managed. Velina nodded her head in approval and turned her attention to the Fae once more, “And you? Would you do the same?” The Fae merely nodded his head once, eyes obscured by his crimson hood. 

Velina clapped her hands together once and stood, her wings fanning out behind her dramatically. “Then it is settled. I will perform the ritual tonight right here in my throne room. Until then you are to remain under the watch of my Guardian,” she said motioning to the behemoth of Guardian beside her, “Narcissus until then.”

Mortimur and Maggot turned to face the Guardian, both bowing to him in an almost exaggerated fashion. “It’s a pleasure, Narcissus.” The Guardian grunted in response, his dull eyes never leaving the floor. 

Nodding in approval Velina turned to leave, but stopped short suddenly. “Oh”, she said turning back to face them again, “What is it that you two did in your previous clan? I’d like to know what skills you posses.” Mortimur smiled as he rose to face her, his eyes never leaving hers.