Kyrith

By Najato

They all mean the same thing to a dragon exiled from his home land. They exalted him, sent him to find the Plaguebringer and serve her and her ways. Only, he never found her or her shrine. No, in this desolate wasteland he found something else, another rogue dragon. This dragon was strong, and her mind was set on nothing but finding a Clan of her own to defend with her life. He didn't approach her, simply stood atop a hill and watched as the smaller dragon roamed as far as he could see, then back again. Eventually, she collapsed out in the open.

He wasn't supposed to assist, but he slipped down the hill towards her anyways, silent until he was mere meters away. "Lost, I take it?"

The female rogue quickly scrambled to her feet, tail lashing and teeth bared threateningly. "What do you want?!"

"I merely offer assistance."

Her four red eyes glared at him skeptically, then she scoffed, then she laughed. "You? A guardian like yourself? Shouldn't you be protecting a Clan of yours or something?" Her tail lashed dismissively and she laid back down in the open, setting her chin against the scarred ground.

"I have no Clan."

Her head raised and she studied him. He could tell she was skeptical, but he was sure with the way he carried himself, tired from his long journey, that she would see the truth with which he spoke. Eventually, she sighed.

"So it would seem, judging by your appearance. Fine, I accept your offer of assistance."

"Very well." He sat down near her and looked around the wasteland. "There should be a cave nearby you can rest in safely for the night. I'll watch, just in case anything larger comes by for an easy meal."

She grumbled to herself and pushed herself up. "Right, you do that." Once she was on her feet, shaking from the illness that was the Plaguebringer's gift to her, she watched him expectantly. "Well?"

His gaze was on the skies, watching for aerial creatures. Eventually, a bird of steam landed on his back, and he shifted his red gaze to her. "Let us go, then."

They trekked for nearly an hour before they came across the cave he had mentioned earlier. The smaller dragon crept inside, inspecting it, and took notice of the pieces of bones scattered around. "This is your home."

"So it is."

She paused and glanced back to him. "And you're willing to let me take up residence?"

"Indeed I am."

The dragon dropped her gaze. "Thank you."

He nodded to her before turning around in the opening and laying down, dust scattering as he did so. He could feel the smaller dragon watching him, but paid no mind to her. The steam gyre that had accompanied them to the cave was outside, assisting the guardian dragon in his watchful endeavor.

Eventually, the small dragon spoke up. "I never got your name."

"Kyrith," he replied.

"Rauru," she introduced.

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Rauru."

"No titles necessary, Kyrith," she muttered. "It's just Rauru." She scuffed her claws on the ground. "Thank you, Kyrith."

"You are welcome."

After moments of silence, he heard the scuff of scales against rock and the inevitable silence that followed. The smaller dragon was finally asleep, which he confirmed with a quick glance over his shoulder. Good, she seemed to need the rest. He knew he did.