#tdt2

i guess if i'm not just a replica of you i have to be better!!

alternate (mi sampler spoilers) version under the cut

In short, Caera was impressed.

The Queen eyes shifted across the assembled company, it was an odd assortment to be sure & she wondered what had brought so many races together. She lifted her head & let out a call that sounded not unlike a trumpet. There was a smooth metallic noise as Caera & the others drew their weapons in response, the hunter dragons hissed & moved swiftly to their Queen’s side.

‘It is customary to bow in the presence of a Queen.’ Snapped one of the hunters.

Armeth felt her head begin to bow & stopped herself as she remember the humiliation of her trial & exile, her eyes grew hard & she glared at the Queen.

‘You exiled me from the only home I knew, you are not my Queen.’ She said defiantly, Caera slapped her friend on the shoulder & grinned hugely.

‘It seems we have that in common, Red.’ Said Gydro approvingly.

Despite herself, the Queen found herself admiring the young dragon’s bravery. Not many would invite the wrath of a Queen.

‘Changelings!’ snorted the hunter. ‘My Queen, let us be done with this & bring the murderer to justice.’

‘I have heard of your justice, hunter. You tear the wings from your victims & bring the corpses back.’ Sneered Armeth.

‘How else do we ensure the guilty do not escape?’

Armeth opened her mouth to retort but was silenced by the arrival of a black dragon & another hunter.

‘Where is the other one, Shade?’

‘He flew off soon after you left, my Queen, I do not know where he went.’

‘I will deal with him later.’ She growled & approached Armeth. The group tensed & as one formed up around the young dragon with Caera in the lead.

‘That’s close enough.’ Warned the adventurer.

The Queen seemed bemused at this posturing, she could easily wipe out the entire group. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the orichalcum weapon the warrior bore.

‘You bear a cursed blade. Smart.’ She remarked. Once more she turned her attention to Armeth. ‘Now you will tell me what you did to Elder Moon.’

‘I killed him.’ Said Armeth defiantly.

‘We did.’ Said Caera with emphasis. ‘Your precious Elder was hunting dragons like Red. He saw them as abominations, something to wiped out. He was working with a blood mage who used their blood & hides in his magic.’

The Queen nodded, dismayed. Red’s story matched what she had seen at the mage’s castle & what the humans had told her.

‘You avenged those unjustly killed & rid this world of a madman.’ She said. ‘Thank you.’

‘My Queen? You believe her??’ asked one of the hunters incredulously.

‘She speaks the truth.’ Said Shade. ‘The bones we found at the castle are proof of that.’

‘But –‘

The Queen roared loud enough to shake mountains.

‘It is over! The only guilty one was Moon & he has been brought to justice.’ She turned to Armeth. ‘Go in peace, young one.’

The group breathed a collective sigh of relief & sheathed their weapons.

‘What is that?’ asked Mhirvan, pointing to 3 specks that were rapidly approaching them.