Liam

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but Liam wasn’t going to let it get to him. His mother encouraged it, as a Mirror she was keen on action over anything. Why bother talking when you could investigate? His father, on the other hand, was more careful in nature. Encouraged Liam to listen more often, take a chance to sit down and talk to someone. He was the more sociable of his parents, spending his days trading tales with other dragons, often Fae, due to what could almost be considered a language barrier.

But due to his relationship with his mother, alongside his own curiosity, Liam achieved something many Fae did not.

Liam learned how to understand intonation. He could listen to other dragons, study their body language and hear the different tones in their voices. Mimicking this, Liam could communicate with any dragon with ease. Granted, Coatls were never very good at understanding Fae because of their own lack of intonation.

Determined to satisfy this curiosity, to be able to talk to any dragon he encounters, Liam found himself a mirror to keep around.

And so he practiced. He imitated facial expression, practiced using different tones, convinced his mother to sit down for a moment and evaluate the pitched he used.

The first time Liam was able to have a conversation with a Coatl, he knew he had done something wonderful. He had bridged a gap many Fae could not, opening his world beyond his own species and the handful of dragons who would be willing to try and understand the subtle movement of his frills.

"I'm going to become a guard!"

Liam's parents blinked at him a moment, and his mother was the first to respond.

"Amazing! How honourable of you, surely you will be a great warrior!" She grinned, baring her teeth in pride, "A celebration hunt is in order!"

"Slow down a moment, dear." Liam's father spoke with the same monotone voice he always did, though his frills fell as he turned to his son, "I will always support you, and I know you are a skilled fighter. There is no doubt in my mind that you will not succeed. I wish to know, though, what brought you to this decision?"

"There is a clan whose leader I have met. His name is Sang, and he strives to create a clan of harmony, where any dragon can be themself. They are recruiting warriors, and I plan to become a guard to support his cause!"

Silence fell as Liam's parents considered their son's goal. Not just any guard, but one for a newer clan that was still growing. Words of this Sang were travelling across the land, though they knew little of his plan to fill out a lair. Many were forcefully exalted, which, despite being an honourable path, they wanted Liam to choose his own fate.

"Have you met Sang yet?" His father inquired, trying to make it a question rather than an accusation.

"Of course! He seems very determined to lead a wonderful clan. His goal is that basically anyone can fit in, especially if you feel you don't belong in other clans. Not that I don’t feel welcome here, I just want to go somewhere new!”

Liam’s parents thought another moment, and though his father’s mouth did not move, his frills told Liam all he needed to know.

“Thank you!” He grinned at his mother and father in turn, “It means so much to have your support, I’ll be sure to visit whenever possible!”

“I want you to be happy.” His father smiled, “I’m glad this is something you desire.”

“I’m very proud of you!” His mother beamed, “Now, how about that celebration hunt I mentioned?”

“Of course, let’s leave at once! Father, will you join us today?”

“I’d be happy to.”




Story written by Pokemonbutch as part of an art trade