Angelou

As the line formed to reach Viridis, Fortuna held back her fellow lairmates. Just before Siltaria, leader of their lair, could ask her why, Fortuna dropped her arm and waved them all forward.

"This is the correct spot in line." Fortuna, the small pearlcatcher, told them in a somber tone. "The spirits have foretold it."

Just days ago Fortuna had come to Siltaria and insisted on sending someone to petition for the Child of the Firstborn to come to their lair. Siltaria, retired now from the busy and often hectic dramas of the wider world, could see the benefits to her lair's Hall of the Elders, and other prestigious dragons and entities that called her lair home. Siltaria had agreed, though she feared Angelou's anxiety would cause the poor nocturne issues.

Angelou alternated between fidgeting with her cloak and biting her claws. She was tasked with welcoming and providing orientation to the dragons that sought their ancestors for the purpose of joining the Hall of the Elders. But there had been so many obstructions and glitches in the work that although the Hall had been established even before moving to their lair, hardly any dragons came to participate. Fortuna had told Angelou and Siltaria that this was exactly what the lair needed, but poor Angelou had already plucked the hairs from her ears from the stress.

"The Hall of Elders ranks the dragons that come to us by how many of the Elder Dragons are in their lineage." Angelou's wide eyes flitted around them in frantic spasms that made them whirl faster the closer their party came to the front of the line. "Viridis would remain a mere rank of 2! What a horrible insulting mess that would be for such a prestigious dragon! We will have to completely, comPLETEly, overhaul the Hall of the Elders so he could be honored appropriately."

Siltaria nodded and replied in a calm tone. "If you want him in our lair, we will attempt it, but even if he decides against us--"

Fortuna laid her small claw gently on Siltaria's shoulder. "The Fates will decide. The runes will speak this day."

"Yes, Fortuna," Siltaria aknowledged, "forgive me. If the Fates decide he will go to another clan, I still think it's a good idea to look into how close one's lineage is to the Elders, and perhaps you could determine a new ranking system among the acolytes. Cloudius isn't thrilled to be the Grand Reliquary of the Hall, but Viridis could be the new High Reliquary, or perhaps offer him a different title to represent his prestigious parentage?"

Angelou's eyes widened. "He's going to hate us, isn't he? Just like those other Elders thought we were all bonkers for our Hall."

And then Siltaria twirled the small nocturne around as Viridis waved them forward. They had been going to let Angelou speak of their lair, but the poor dragon simply stood there, shaking so badly, Siltaria feared for the dragon's stability. She and Fortuna exchanged a glance, and it was obvious Siltaria would have to speak up for their clan.

As Angelou stuttered, and then spun in horror to face Siltaria, the lair leader gently nudged the nocturne behind her and bowed to honor the Child of the Firstborn.

"Greetings from my clan. I am Siltaria, former leader of Wind Flight and head of our lair. Our clan has become the home of the Hall of Elders, a prestigious endeavor to honor those who descend from our honored Elders, such as yourself. We invite you to come visit our clan and see the wonderful dragons among us, and experience the closeness of our families and true support of our strong clan upon the edge of Windstar Bay."

Angelou tugged on Siltaria's wing and whispered loudly. "Talk about how big we are, encompassing many subspecies and stuff."

"We number many many dragons of various subspecies, including the home of the Windsongs. But our lair is spread out and you would find comfort without feeling overwhelmed by our numbers."

Fortuna whispered from her other side. "Well done. Now hand him the package we prepared."

Siltaria smiled, taking the small basket Fortuna pressed into her claws. She had not been told about any package or gift. What had Fortuna brought? A brief glance showed her it held some of the better products from those in her clan. On top sat the new paperback cozy mystery from Windcrest, such a great author, and Melemai, the lair's beautician, had included her best-selling citrus scented scale lotion. There were treats from bakers, and even a poetry scroll from Master Windruffles! A rolled up scarf covered the bottom, one of the new patterns that Leeloo the Master Weaver had developed, and she could see nestled into the scarf's folds were other vials and tea packets, trinkets and more. Her eyes began to sting with tears at the bounty the lair had gathered to show support for this decision to offer a place for Viridis.

Siltaria handed over the beautiful little basket. "We have prepared a small basket to showcase our artisans and Masters."

Fortuna poked her head over Silataria's shoulder. "To encourage positive vibes between us."

Viridis took the basket and they were given a stone and shown to the waiting area off to the side.

Angelou bounced around them as if she had put metal springs on her hind paws. "Did you see him smile? He smiled! He loves the basket! LOVES it! Oh my Windsinger, what if he actually chooses us? SO much to do and prepare! Do you really think it's possible to redesign the rankings in the Hall? We can do it. I know we can! I am already getting ideas! Oh we must do this!"

Siltaria glanced over Angelou's head at Fortuna, but the pearlcatcher would only nod mysteriously. There might have been a sparkle in her eye as she then discussed with Angelou various ideas to overhaul the Hall of the Elders.

Maybe this was the spark needed for that long awaited renovation...

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