Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Daniel steps out of the hatching nursery set up to give the newborn dragons a clean environment in a secure part of the Citadel to hatch. He massages his forehead briefly to relax. He did his best to keep his composure, especially when seeing his beloved consorts and a close friend breaking down in hope-fueled terror. But, it was a heavy weight to bear, because the only thing he could do as a human is tell them that it would be alright and pray that he was correct.
Jieka asks softly, “Daddy alright?”
He smiles softly as he does his best to catch his breath, with Wenlianna gently holding his forearm opposite of the arm holding the two princesses against his chest, since their small frame and ability to hold themselves up makes it easy.
“Your Divine Grace,” states a male’s voice, and the mechanic is startled a little as he looks up.
The Citadel is and will always feel gigantic to a human like him. Even if he’s taller than virtually all other humans on Zenkon, he is far from the largest sapient being by orders of magnitude. And, the castle was built for the upper end of that scale.
So, he didn’t immediately notice when he stepped out into the train-tunnel-like hallway.
There is a crowd of people gathered just outside of the nursery, though not immediately around the door itself.
Rather, upon studying them for a moment, he sees two distinct groups of people; healers and doctors from among the Chi’rinnis, dattakoriens, and Uhl’tall, mainly, and more humbly robed individuals from an even wider array of races bearing various random objects.
The doctors and healers have medical equipment, but the others have everything from bouquets of flowers, wooden carvings, jewelry, scented oils, and other worldly possessions that would have nothing to do with ensuring the survival of anyone, hatchling or otherwise.
The latter group of people, the leader of whom greeted Daniel, are none other than the members of the Unity of the Great Dragons, almost in their entirety.
“Brother Shomaldun,” replies Daniel skeptically. He can easily guess why the medical personnel are present, including the night shift who are still in their pajamas, but summoned in a hurry by someone. And, he can also pretty easily guess why the borderline-cultists are also lingering just outside of the room with objects that must be intended to be gifts.
The leading man and one of the most stark zealots among the ‘votaries’, as Daniel has come to learn to be the word, at least how it translates for him, that the most devoted call themselves. He doesn’t have any dislike or hate for the whole of the ‘Keepers of the Unity’, since they are extremely peaceful as long as they are allowed free worship of the dragons, and access to at least see them from afar. Several of the votaries are holding magic tablets, upon which the same illusion spell Xyreko is projecting, is showing the inside of the nursery so that the rest of the Keepers can watch. Many of them are praying, others are kneeling, a few are knitting even more gifts, and various other forms of reverence.
Like the medics on the other side of the doorway, it’s a little awkward to see such zealous worship. This is even more true because, upon hearing him be greeted, the rest of the Keepers and votaries have turned their intense and undivided attention on Daniel.
The man himself being a random blue collar mechanic flung into a different world and having stumbled his way backwards into a position of power and equality with the objects of their worship; their deities in none-too-subtle terms.
Shomaldun, sensing Daniel’s surprise at their presence, explains, “With the permission of the Divine Ones, your Almighty Grace, we humble beings of the land wish to express our reverence upon the Holy Children. Though meager, we have brought offerings for this most blessed day. I beg your leave to present these trinkets to the Holy Children.”
Daniel studies the group of Keepers. There’s about two hundred of them in total, and as far as the mechanic can tell at a glance, virtually all of them are present. They vastly outnumber the medical-focused individuals, who are only present as emergency response, since Hekate probably ordered it.
The Earthling sighs. He can understand their devotion, even if it’s awkward for him. Daniel was always rather apatheistic; he has no strong attachments to faith itself, nor a need to pray to any god. Ironically enough, he has seen behind the curtain that he didn’t know was there and knows there actually is a pair of sentient creators/destroyers that transcend the existence of all of the beings he knows, including the gods and goddesses that have also interacted with him. But, he has never really been anti-religion or anti-god religious. It’s just strange to be effectively a prophet between the deities themselves and their worshippers.
“Let me check,” replies Daniel with a bit of a weary tone. He looks at the medics and doctors as the Keepers quietly celebrate happily, “Did Hekate send you?”
“Yes, your Grace,” confirms one of the Uhl’tall. “As you can probably guess, there are no experts on dragon children, so we have all gathered to offer as much help as possible.”
“If anyone has
knowledge about dragon anatomy or hatchlings, I ask that you stay behind. The rest of you may return to whatever you were doing. The children seem to be in good health and are comfortably resting with their mothers.”
“Thank you, your Grace,” replies the Uhl’tall as everyone bows briefly. They then discuss among themselves about who fits the request Daniel made, and he turns to Brother Shomaldun again. “Brother Shomaldun, I hope it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyways. If we allow you into this room, you will be quiet, respectful, organized, and keep the maximum number of people to… let’s say ten or less.”
“I shall stake my own life on we Keepers following your words as law, your Grace,” replies the zealous votary with a conviction Daniel can’t help but admire.
Since he is going along with it, Daniel turns to the door again and takes a breath. He knocks and opens the door again.
“Mukori?” asks Ryuogriar when they all look up at him.
“Hey Mukoris, Lady Jeavana; if it’s alright with you, the Keepers of the Unity have gathered to make offerings and prayers to the children. Would you permit them to pass through a few at a time?”
Ryuogriar looks at the others, who silently nod in assent. She then speaks for them, “Yes, that is acceptable, so long as they do not wake the children,” replies the dragon matriarch.
“Thank you, Mukoris.” He then says to Shomaldun, “You have permission. If they give you different instructions,...”
“I shall comply without reservation,” replies the votary as he bows. “Thank you for this generous act of benevolence.”
“Thank you all for attending, as well as the gifts and prayers. They mean a lot.”
“Your words are more than we deserve, your Grace,” replies one of the older women present, and the younger Keepers nod in agreement.
“Well then, we’ll stay out of the way. Brother Shomaldun, please organize the visitation.”
“As you wish, your Grace.” The votary turns to the group, declaring, “Everyone, please line up and be ready to present your gifts and prayers. I ask that you limit your time within the Sacred Chamber of Hatching so that all Keepers of the Unity will have a chance to enter as well.”
“Yes, Brother,” reply the acolytes in unison. They are rather rigid and a bit eccentric for Daniel’s tastes, but he’s thankful that they’re harmless and well-intentioned.
The Keepers start filing in, with the familiar faces of the ones who looked after the eggs in Jeavana’s secret vault organizing the group and volunteering to go last.
thinks Daniel to himself with slight amusement.
Wenlianna asks softly as she observes, “Do you think anyone will ever be able to live up to something like this again?”
Daniel leans close to her and kisses her head, which causes her to look up at him. “I care more about the children having fun with their birthdays than what other people think about it. If you can gather a bunch of cul-... Uh, devotees for our children, I will support an entire festival around their birth. That’s not my forte, though, so I can only provide support and try to help develop things to make it more comfortable for everyone.”
Wenlianna smiles affectionately. “I see. I suppose the Stalvaltan name carries a bit more weight than the Lawson name for now.” She grins up at him, and Daniel laughs.
She’s definitely correct, since there are still many people, merchants and aristocrats alike, who would engage in a battle royale for the chance at making a meaningful connection with the Stalvaltan family where one does not already exist. With the Stalvaltans directly supporting the Fievegal, Wenlianna may be in the most politically strong position in the fledgling empire simply because she is more approachable than the likes of Ryuogriar, Reignleif, or Doephluev, and easier to take seriously more than Hekate and Daniel, who both do very little to hide their commoner-like behaviors.
“Daniel?” asks Skloe.
The mechanic crouches to hers and Shek’s level, asking, “Yes?”
“For… our children… And for other goblin children, can we host a festival?”
“Certainly,” replies Daniel. “I’d actually like to give everyone some reasons to celebrate and unwind. If you need to delegate your work, please do.”
She nods, and Shek points out, “Our work is under control, but is there more we could be doing for the attacks you’ve been dealing with?” She looks at Wenlianna, who has been able to help more directly.
Taking a page from his book, the brunette crouches as well. She answers, “I do need some extra hands to mount instruments and mana gatherers to shuttles, if you have people to spare. That’s the advantage of my work; it’s non-military, so it’s easier to bring in workers that don’t need a lot of training.”
Shek nods. “I’ll find some volunteers.”
“We’ve just been feeling a little bad that we haven’t been able to help as much.” Skloe’s tone is soft and disappointed.
“Tekten help,” offers the second Princess, and Jieka cheers, “Yeah! Jieka and Tekten help!”
Everyone giggles, and Wenlianna jiggles one of each of their hands, cooing warmly, “I’m counting on you two the most.”
“Yay!” cheer both goblins.
Daniel adds for Shek and Skloe, “I know you’re both working hard on the infrastructure, which can’t be understated. Thank you both. If you would… Lady Ahok continues to struggle with any number of other people around her. I’d like you to do your best to get her to relax. Most of the other goblins seem to refer to her as a ‘High Goblin’.”
Skloe nods in agreement with this description of the rare goblin magic artisan. “Yes. Though it’s not much to someone as tall as either of you, Lady Ahok is quite tall for a goblin. And, she is undeniably wise beyond the comprehension of the rest of us.”
“That seems so… tame to call her a ‘High goblin’ like she’s another race,” remarks Wenlianna softly. “Not to disparage her in any way, but she doesn’t even know what her other half is.”
Shek and Skloe shrug. “Neither do goblins,” replies Shek. “To us, there are tall races, and there are powerful beings we should never interact with if we can help it. The smartest goblins know when to run away.”
Skloe giggles, nodding in agreement with her closest friend.
Shek adds for clarification, “Ahok is someone we look at and instinctively know she is capable of more than just killing and stealing. She would be a prize to any goblin man, and…” She blushes and looks aside.
Skloe finishes the thought, “Out of respect for you, as well as Ahok…”
Wenlianna sighs, knowing the rest. “Daniel has first claim on Ahok, and Ahok has first right of refusal to anyone other than Daniel. Is that about right?”
Shek and Skloe both nod, and Jieka asks, ‘Wha’s dat?”
“It means everyone wants us to be really good friends with Lady Ahok,” replies Daniel. “Do you want to be friends with Ahok?”
“Yeah!” cheers the Crown Princess, while Tekten agrees, “I want to be her friend, too.”
“Good, good,” replies Daniel. He gives a soft expression of pleading to Wenlianna when the brunette scowls at him, and she sighs.
Shek asks, “Should we have brought gifts for the children?” She looks towards the line of Keepers of the Unity as they slowly trickle in and out of the room, with more than half of those leaving the room weeping and hugging each other.
“We have the luxury of celebrating them any time we want to see them,” replies Daniel. “Typically, with babies, in my limited experience, they don’t really care about what the gift is, since they don’t know what anything is.”
“M-Mukori…” murmurs Wenlianna, as if he said something a little cruel.
“What? It’s true. That’s one of the few reprieves babies provide when they’re crying endlessly, crapping in their diapers, and trying to eat everything.”
Jieka nods imperiously in agreement with her father, as if she is an expert on the subject, rather than the subject itself. The mechanic can’t help but chuckle and kiss both girls’ foreheads, causing them to coo happily and hug him.
“Cwap in diapies!” exclaims Jieka, and Daniel chuckles. He pets her head gently.
“Yes, my maniacal little princess. Clap in isosceles indeed.”
“What?” asks Wenlianna, and the two Goblin Queens also stare at him.
“I’m obviously not trying to teach her actual vulgar words,” replies Daniel dryly. He looks to the side and adds sarcastically, “Jeavana will take care of that plenty, I’m sure…”
“Lady Go-, um… Lady Jeavana is actually very careful with her words around the children,” points out Shek. “I don’t really mind either way, since they would hear far worse in a burrow, but Jeavana only uses strange words, not vulgar or mean ones.”
Daniel warns softly, “If you become like…
people, we’re having words.” He looks overtly at the members of the Unity of the Great Dragons, who are chattering about what they witnessed beyond ‘the sacred door’.
All three women snicker at Daniel, and Skloe replies, “We’re not particularly spiritual, usually, Daniel. The only recognized spirits or spiritual places are Alkus Gristak and Koggus Gristak. Better known as Kernuules to the Fievegal.”
The mechanic laughs softly. He jokes playfully as he tickles Tekten’s belly, which causes the goblin to retaliate against his relatively big hand, “Well, show me where Alkus Gristak is, and I’ll destroy it, too.”
All three women laugh, which draws attention from the standby medical team and the Keepers, who were chatting quite excitedly up until that point. They halt and apologize, “Please carry on,” states Wenlianna for all of them.
Skloe replies warmly as she takes Jieka to hold her for a bit, “As soon as the location is known, Daniel, we shall not only ask, but beg. No goblin would turn down your generous offer.”
Shek nods agreeably, though Daniel suspects, from the ‘legends’ he has heard himself about the place that equates to a sort of goblin hell, Alkus Gristak is essentially just Zenkon’s mantle or other lava pockets that immediately ended the lives of the goblins that dug too deep, since Alkus Gristak itself seems to be centered around goblins that dig too deep. Since they are natural-born diggers, even with their hands alone, going straight down is relatively easy for them until they hit rock, but they are crafty enough to find ways around or through it if they’re insistent. Since toxic gasses, cave-ins, magma pockets, and many other hazards exist beneath the surface of probably any world, it’s only inevitable that surface-dwellers, even the subterranean ones, will meet their doom in an environment even less hospitable than space or the deep ocean itself.
Daniel still likes to think of himself as a simple, humble blue-collar mechanic from Earth, but he has destroyed several unkillable monsters already, so he can’t deny that, if anyone
find a way to destroy them in a world where literal magic makes the impractical of Earth possible, then who is he to deny his role as the Fievegal’s Emperor and the Harbinger of Calamity?
The Earthling agrees readily, since Shek and Skloe are important consorts to him as well, asking for little, but doing a lot for the Fievegal behind the scenes. His only fear is that, if he’s not careful, there will be
princes and princesses running around, due to their
effective reproductive rates, amplified even more in a fledgling society with an increased ability to keep children alive, and a lower mortality rate because they don’t have to fend entirely for themselves from shortly after birth.
“Let’s go see what we can do about this fire,” adds Daniel. Shek tries to take Tekten, but the princess clings to Daniel more firmly. He asks, “Tekten, why don’t you go with Mommy for a bit?”
The tiny goblin shakes her head in refusal. “Tekten want to help Daddy.”
There’s an awkward quiet for a moment, and Wenlianna offers as she climbs to her feet, “She should be able to help while we’re still making preparations, right?”
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Tekten looks at her with bright, hopeful eyes.
Daniel chuckles softly. “I suppose you’re right. I’ll bring her back to you when she’s all tuckered out.”
Shek nods, and Daniel stands up as well.
“Understood. Be good for Daddy, Tekten.”
“Mm-hmm!” replies the Princess. When everyone looks at Jieka for her own insistence on joining them, she’s already asleep on Skloe’s shoulder.
“One down, one to go,” jokes Wenlianna.
They all chuckle, and they head for their respective work areas to continue the final preparations for deployment.
***
Shomaldun’s story is one shared by a large number of his fellow members, at least in the basic outline. Disillusioned with the society he grew up in, he found himself lost in the wilderness and happened upon statues of the dragons, which he eventually followed to the village just outside of Shiaulvolgarro’s Hoard. The Keepers of the Unity of the Great Dragons are generally peaceful and welcoming, since they are mostly formed by people left behind in the world in one way or another.
In Shomaldun’s case, he was an Uhl’tall lord’s heir until he grew weary with the deadly politicking that was occurring at the time. If Vaergraes had already become the defacto queen of demons at the time, it may have been different, since her natural talent with magic and ability to summon comparably powerful monsters to fight alongside her allowed her to keep her relatively peaceful ways.
When he turned his back on inheriting, since his father was opposed to the Uhl’tall ruler, Shomaldun had lost all hope for life itself. The Unity of the Great Dragons found him and brought him to the hoard, where the Uhl’tall man bore witness to regal strength personified. The dragons move and live their lives with grace, and as he heard the words of the Keepers, he knew they were gods not of mystical faith-based dubious existence, but gods that he could bear witness to. They live and breathe just as he and the others do, yet they live far above even the Uhl’tall and elves.
Yet, even gods can be cursed. And, Shomaldun cursed himself for being unable to find any answers in all of the texts he could gather, sending for them from all across the world or retrieving them himself.
And, on this very day, as he organizes the line of Keepers entering slowly and anxiously into a room that is now a sacred place, he will be the last to enter. He has done his best to ignore the chatter. The excitement is undeniable, and even he saw the depiction through the magic viewing spells generated all over the Citadel as the moment arrived.
However, just as he always knew the dragons were powerful beings as an Uhl’tall noble, living and observing them even more closely is very different.
Finally, it is Shomaldun’s turn, and he enters the room with his gaze low, preserving the suspense for when he is close enough to truly appreciate the full glory.
When he does look up, he notices one of the Keepers is standing behind the four dragons holding a sign, but he notices the more important fact that immediately swallows all of his thoughts.
The four female dragons, cradling their precious divine children, are seated almost on the floor, with only a single cushion between them and the floor itself.
Shomaldun dives to the ground on his hands and knees, lowering himself for fear of being seen as too prideful and looking down on the dragons themselves.
He does his best to crawl forward with his gift, but he is interrupted by a deep sigh. The divine voice of Geirahoel, the youngest of the dragons, grumbles, “Can you not read?”
“I… I beg your pardon, your Holiness?” asks the Uhl’tall man as he looks up nervously, but reverently.
“I asked if you can read.” She flops her shiny orange tail in irritation, but it’s enough to snap Shomaldun out of his trance. The votary looks to his fellow Keeper, who is wearing a somewhat embarrassed expression. He did think it was odd that the Keeper was standing taller than the dragons, but it’s the sign that’s important.
“[Stop crawling, you feckless idiots. Walk forward like a normal person.]”
Shomaldun looks at the Keeper holding the sign, who averts his gaze. He then looks to a few of the others, who awkwardly make eye contact with him on their way out.
The Uhl’tall votary clears his throat, saying as respectfully as he can, “F-Forgive me, your Holiness. But, I would not dare…”
The youthful dragon was always one of the most confrontational, particularly in conversation, though that conversation was never directed at the acolytes, since the dragons mostly ignored the Unity of the Great Dragons. She continues bluntly, “Do you dare figuratively look down on beings simply because you stand taller than they do?”
“Never, your Holiness,” urges the Uhl’tall.
“So, you never once looked down on Princesses Jieka or Tekten?”
Shomaldun is quiet. To lie would be a greater sin than admitting the truth. Rather, he admits his faults, because he has started to see the truth thanks to the four dragons ahead of him presently. “I have had my eyes fully opened since those days, your Holiness. What I thought I had left behind had been instead perpetuated by my own weak heart.”
Jeavana adds dryly, “Baby dragons crawl for quite a while before they can fly. Do you plan to crawl around like that every time a baby dragon is in your presence, since you look down on those who are smaller and weaker than you are?”
Shomaldun is silent for a moment. He knows why they are questioning him like this. He is among the most devoted followers, because he has been a Keeper for decades now, and he has learned many of the ways to appreciate and navigate being in their presences.
Rather than try to continue defending himself against those he holds most divine, Shomaldun climbs to his feet and bows his head. “Forgive me for this display of impertinence. I only wished to show my absolute reverence.”
“Yes, you and about a hundred of the others,” retorts Geirahoel with her signature fiery expression. “These children are the future of the dragons, not the past. They will be children to be loved, not conspired against and slain by those they would try to oppress. As such, I expect you and your acolytes to respect the children, but guide them if needed. And, you should help teach them humility, not supplication.”
“We are all in agreement,” replies Ryuogriar. “I won’t be enforcing our beliefs on the other dragons who have chosen not to answer directly to us, but if you wish to serve us, you will behave as respectful followers, not slaves. The intensity of your devotion and worship is fine for us adults, because we know where we are strong and where we are weak, for the most part. But, if you fail to guide our children when they are weak, and instead praise them, you will create the next generation of monsters we wish to avoid.”
“I wholly understand,” replies Shomaldun with a soft tone. It’s not that he doesn’t understand. Rather, he does. Though they are regal beings in his eyes, even at their worst, it is no secret that the Red Lord was cruel to the female dragons, often blaming them for their failure to produce offspring.
Shomaldun chose to worship imperfect gods, because their strength was something to aspire to, especially because many of them continued to have hope even in their darkest times. A typical god of most religions does not have any darkest times, shaping them as relatable or clearly defined.
Though he spoiled the mood a bit, his eyes trail down to the hatchlings themselves, starting with the deep red child of Ryuogriar’s, now known as Samael.
Seeing the dragon infant, especially because he’s in his true form, and it’s exactly as Shomaldun hoped, sends a sort of relief through him that he didn’t know he wanted.
The curse is lifted. No child made it this far without being in agonizing pain for the dragons, and all of them are sleeping peacefully right now.
The whole Citadel witnessed the foolish and fearful behavior of the four women before the eggs hatched, yet now, they are as absolutely divine and beautiful as they have ever been.
Tears find Shomaldun’s eyes, and he sniffles as he wipes them away. “Forgive me, your Holiness. All my life, I never believed anything could be this beautiful…”
The dragons all smile together, and Jeavana replies smugly, “Of course! Now the real question is; which of them is the cutest?” She snickers as the question alone stops Shomaldun from even thinking.
That’s when he sees them. Their size is much smaller than the other hatchlings, since they were both residing in the same egg, but Clover and Willow are just as majestic as the others.
Shomaldun smiles, feeling the greatest level of true joy he has felt since coming to the Unity of the Great Dragons. He asks sincerely, “How could I possibly choose, your Holiness, when every single one of the Divine Children…” He chokes up as he wipes his eyes. “... brings me such joy…”
He sinks to his knees, this time unable to remain standing. “Thank you, beautiful and most noble Dragons… Thank you for holding out hope for so long… For finding your way to the cure for the curse… You truly deserve this blessing, and I am so thankful to have been able to witness this day. Thank you…”
The dragons smile tenderly. “Thank you for your faith in us, Brother Shomaldun,” replies Reignleif. He’s a little surprised that she knows his name, since the acolytes who make themselves known to the dragons, at least before Daniel, would not last very long.
He wipes his eyes again, presenting his gift, which is a set of leather dolls meant to hold up at least a bit under rough play and sharp-toothed chewing, if he’s lucky. He says softly, “Forgive me, your Holiness Jeavana. While I had a fourth one ready, I did not expect twins.”
“That’s fine,” replies the golden dragon. “Thank you. The offerings are unnecessary, but greatly appreciated.”
“Yes. You could,” starts Ryuogriar,”if you feel you must, simply make another one. I am certain all of the children will appreciate it.”
Jeavana confirms. “Yes. As long as it’s in reason, I don’t mind you and the other acolytes approaching me for the children, even if I don’t have business with you already.”
“We will be raising the children primarily ourselves, but we’ll allow you and the trusted acolytes to help,” adds Geirahoel. “So be grateful, but more reserved. You can slowly show whatever devotion you insist on showing in small amounts.”
Shomaldun chuckles, still overjoyed to have witnessed something so beautiful.
“I have a serious question,” states Reignleif, drawing all attention to her for the moment. She asks sharply, “What are you doing here?”
Shomaldun looks over his shoulder, and he tenses.
The person standing at the door with a small gift box is humanoid at a glance, but the horns and tail nearly compel the Uhl’tall devotee to his hands and knees once more. She is wearing a simple dress with a nice, soft blue color.
It is the female green dragon known only as ‘Emerald’ to the non-dragons after Daniel conquered them. This is the first time Shomaldun has ever seen her in a humanoid form. Consistent with her scale color, which is still apparent on her tail, her hair is a rather vibrant and metallic green color, and her eyes are a crisp green-blue.
Emerald approaches the four dragon women in their seats, and her expression is soft and humble. Shomaldun instinctively backs away from her to where the sign-holding Keeper is.
There are essentially two factions among the dragons, those who support Daniel, and the ones who passively resist or otherwise try to ignore him. Emerald is in the latter, and she has spoken against the dragons continuing to serve a human, which the Empresses usually tell her off and leave it at that.
Emerald is one of many of the dragons who refused to be impregnated when Daniel first started making it available to all of them, including the ones who don’t like him. Those opposing him passively have chosen not to be beholden to him in any additional ways. Or, they don’t trust him, even after he made Ryuogriar, Reignleif, and Geirahoel Empresses with undeniable power in the Fievegal, and Jeavana is the Master of Pearls, which is making her filthy rich since she gets to keep a percentage of the pearls for herself to do whatever she wants with them.
Emerald kneels down and sets the present on the floor in front of Ryuogriar and Reignleif, who are the two in the middle of the line of four.
“I… just wanted to congratulate the four of you… They…” She stares at Reignleif’s baby, Guyalen. “They’re… healthy… And they look so happy…” Her hands tighten on her dress, and she looks down, seeming to be trying to resist crying herself.
“Yes, so you can take your worthless gift and give it to your own children,” retorts Geirahoel viciously.
Under the Red Lord, seniority carried a great deal of weight. But now, the dragons speak more freely, because three are directly protected by the man who defeated them, and he has routinely demonstrated that words alone do not carry much weight, and he values people being willing to say what needs to be said in exchange.
“I’m sorry…” whispers Emerald, having slumped even further over, as if bowing to the four, but instead, having lost some sort of disagreement they had. “It’s true… I… I was rude and ungrateful… When he asked, I told him I would rather all of our wombs rot, but… I didn’t think… I didn’t believe…” She begins crying, and she sinks even lower to the ground as she cries on the floor.
The Empresses watch unsympathetically. Not all of the dragons were friendly with each other under the Red Lord, let alone after some became loyal to the Fievegal’s Emperor and sovereign Empress, Hekate, child of the beings that cursed the dragons in the first place through Morthybargaron.
Ryuogriar holds her head high, saying coldly, “If that’s all, you may take whatever it is you brought and depart. I would rather my womb rot than risk the health of my child from a dubious gift from the likes of you.”
Emerald can’t get any lower on the floor, and Shomaldun and Veltawa watch awkwardly, since it is a battle between gods as far as they’re concerned.
“I will grovel before the Emperor. I will apologize, and I will beg him. I will accept his children, and I will serve… Please… forgive me… Forgive me…” Her words start to stick in her throat, and she whips her head up, begging passionately. “Please forgive me! You forgave Gold!”
“My name is Jeavana now, and I am proud of it. And, I was
ever a little rude to the Harbinger. I have always adored and treated his children with respect, and I never spat on his many kindnesses. Tell us why we should forgive or even care about someone who is a fair weather friend, let alone a servant? Hmm?”
Emerald lowers her head again, wincing in pain as if the words themselves have teeth.
“Y-Your Holiness…” murmurs Shomaldun, feeling like he needs to do something.
Geirahoel whips her head around to look at him with a fiery scowl, and he flinches, freezing up. Whatever he was going to say is lost to the depths of her anger.
Reignleif, who has been mostly quiet regarding the green dragon, finally speaks up. “Come a little closer, Maeraskhalashta.”
Emerald twitches, and both Shomaldun and Veltawa also shift uncomfortably. They have heard the ‘friendly’ pronunciations of several dragon’s names before, but it was always a taboo topic, since the dragons are very protective of their friendly names, let alone their true names.
The green dragon doesn’t protest, though, and she simply slides herself into arm’s reach of the blue dragon Empress, while Jeavana asks, “Reina?”
“Here…” The magnanimous blue dragon offers Gyualen to Emerald, and the other three gasp.
Emerald’s eyes water anew, and she delicately accepts Gyualen for a moment, cradling her with a heartbreakingly loving expression on her face. She begins crying in earnest, but this time it’s more joyful, mixed with the lingering pain of her past words and actions.
Emerald chokes out, “I truly am sorry… I didn’t want to believe a mere human could save us…”
“We all should have been on guard when Morthybargaron sent Hekate to the Citadel, and shortly after, Lugrae was slain. But, we all know what would have happened if the roles were reversed, if we had attacked and Morthybargaron or his brother were the ones who had conquered the Citadel.”
All of the dragon women wince at Reignleif’s words. Her voice is soft, but her tone still carries gravity with every word. She continues, “Mukori gave you a choice, which you promptly refused. And, he still did not kill you. He asked you to help with some things, and a rude response would be kind compared to what you said and tried to do.”
Emerald becomes sad again, and Reignleif takes Gyualen back, smiling at her own baby. “If you make a sincere effort to repent to Mukori, I will let you choose between him and Magnir.”
Emerald shifts her gaze from Gyualen, who nestles herself comfortably back into her mother’s arms. The green dragon studies Reignleif’s face silently for a moment. Given the problems that they are referring to, it’s likely that the blue dragon expects Emerald to refuse.
Geirahoel, reading the hesitation, retorts with irritation plain in her voice. “What’s wrong? You said you would grovel and accept his children. Have you changed your mind because you were hoping we would be generous and give you Onii-chan?”
Jeavana scoffs. “Neith has a fiancee already, and he is being all awkward about having a harem of his own.”
“That’s because he’s an idiot,” states Geirahoel matter-of-factly. “If he knew what was good for him, he would give me nieces and nephews. Mukori says that spoiling nieces and nephews is even better than spoiling one’s own children, because you then give them back to their parents and they suffer the hyperactive results.”
The four seated ladies snicker together, while Emerald comes to her answer.
“Please allow me to have a Greater Dragon mate,” pleads Emerald as she lowers herself again. “Do so, and I will give up that hatchling to the Fievegal. But, I wish for our dying species to have a chance. If it is Sir Neith, then even better, as I would gladly entrust the child to him. I only ask… for permission to visit. I will keep my promise to apologize, repent, and serve the Emperor loyally and without question from now on.”
The four dragons sitting on the cushions lean towards each other, and Geirahoel whispers, though it’s easy enough for Shomaldun to hear, meaning Emerald can hear it even better. “She’s probably just hoping her child will grow strong enough to conquer Mukori.”
“Yes, that seems likely,” replies Ryuogriar, equally unafraid of being heard by the subject of conversation.
“I want my babies to grow strong enough to challenge the Harbinger,” whispers Jeavana, and she gets three scowls in return. “Well, obviously, I want both sides to survive. The Harbinger’s children will be able to fight mine, I’m sure, so I don’t want them to be enemies.” She then growls as she pets the heads of her newborn twins, “Besides, that crafty devil-human will just have new weapons by the time they’re old enough to try.”
“I… know why you all are saying these things,” states Emerald. “And, I’m sorry… I was cruel and shortsighted, but… I have no plans for sedition. For the dragons to have a future, my children will need to get along with yours, and they cannot be enemies of the Lord of Dragons when his most trusted knight is a greater dragon himself. Not to mention the fel-... Ahem, Her Greatness Hekate.”
The four straighten back up with proud and regal postures. Reignleif states bluntly, “You have a lot of work cut out for you to earn your forgiveness, it seems. Otherwise, you can take after Sir Neith and travel the world. Surely there are other dragons
in the world. Were he a lesser man, Neith might’ve abandoned us and stayed there with them.”
“He would never!” snaps Geirahoel. “He’s an idiot, but he’s not that big of an idiot!”
“Aw… It’s adorable how much you love your Onii-chan,” teases Jeavana.
Geirahoel’s cheeks turn red as she stares at Jeavana in horror, and Ryuogriar states with an imperious tone, “Emerald, it is no secret and no tragedy that we, the Fievegal, control all access to the male greater dragons at present. Daniel would not require you to appease us even now, but if you have the nerve to show up here today, you have the nerve to accept a human as your lord and master, since he already spared your life and afforded you great freedom with only a small handful of exceptions. Reignleif is right. If you do not wish to appease us, then you may begin your search. The curse has already been removed from you, meaning you are safe. But, keep in mind, if your prospective mate has had any direct or indirect contact with dragons associated with the red failure, your problems will be your own to deal with. You will
be permitted to bring possible curses back to the Fievegal and endanger our children.” She waves her hand dismissively. “Now go. You have wasted the precious time the Keepers were spending being peaceful and celebrating our children. And, take your gift with you. You do not have enough trust with us anymore for us to accept such a thing from you. Make your choice and commit to either one. Or go die. I have no care for you nor your fate.”
Emerald winces, but she nods reluctantly. She reclaims her gift, and she starts to leave. She stops for a moment, and she asks softly, “May… May I hold one of them once again? Just for a moment, your Majesties…”
Geirahoel possessively holds Enya, obviously refusing, and Jeavana brings her tail forward to subtly hide Clover and Willow. Gyualen starts to fuss, and Reignleif focuses on hushing her.
Ryuogriar sighs in disgust. She states coldly, “On one condition. Remove all of your clothes and leave all of your belongings over there.”
“P-Pardon?” asks the green dragon.
Shomaldun is surprised as well. It’s the same thing Jeavana ordered when she had hand-selected acolytes babysit the eggs for a couple of weeks, and it seems to have been intended to verify there is nothing nefarious. Since Shomaldun and Veltawa are the only two non-dragons present, it’s not likely to be humiliation specific, unless the room recording is still occurring.
Regardless, Emerald snaps her fingers, and magic erases her clothing. She sets the gift box down and approaches. In turn, Ryuogriar gently hands over Samael to her, and the green dragon’s expression softens.
“I suppose this is what they say about the comfort of the same…” She takes a breath and sighs. “I shall stay in the Fievegal and cooperate, as promised. I may stumble, but please… Please give me a chance to earn this…” She holds Samael affectionately, and Shomaldun feels relieved that the dragons have reconciled at least somewhat. They are far more majestic and beautiful when they are happy.
“Work hard, and we’ll see,” replies Ryuogriar. When she takes Samael back, Emerald steps away and restores her clothes, bowing respectfully before claiming the gift box and departing.
Ryuogriar then gestures Shomaldun and Veltawa back over. “Sorry you had to see such a worldly side of your ‘gods’.”
Both Keepers bow, and Shomaldun says sincerely, “Not at all, your Holiness. I was familiar with how dragons
be when I resided in the Orbicharium.”
Veltawa adds, “I witnessed first hand when the dragons annihilated an army of monsters that was marching on my village. The one who did scolded us for a long time afterwards.”
The platinum Dragon Empress chuckles softly. “Yes, well, if you hear any rumors about Emerald attempting to cheat her punishment, I trust you know what to do.”
Jeavana teases dryly, “Consider it practice for what we expect regarding our children.”
Shomaldun tenses a little. They’re telling him to spy on another Greater Dragon.
“You don’t have to overtly spy, but if you hear of anything, or if she gets close to Mukori, just let us know. She won’t be killed just for cheating her punishment, but she needs to prove she’s worth keeping around.”
“I understand, your Holiness. I pray it does not come to that.”
The Keepers say their farewells, regrouping with the others to discuss the Divine Children.
It’s the dawn of a new day, and one that even dragons who were skeptical and fearful of have no choice to accept for what it is.
***