Ziora

Ziora came to the Ahote clan fully prepared to teach these dragons how to fight, yet upon arrival she learned that the only way she would be teaching was through her stories. The clan was well suited for battle and war wasn't a thing they feared, having many that had personally fought. While she was there she was offered fine silks to wear and a large spacious room filled with pillows.

These offerings made her feel uneasy, but Kankakee promised her that the clan just wanted her to feel welcomed and comfortable. Ziora knew that was a lie. This clan was obviously not united in the decision of her spending time with them. Kankakee may be trying to make her feel welcome; but she was not blind to the aloof demeanor of the rest of the clan. That first night went by slowly as she arrived well after the stars overtook the skies, in her tired state all she could do was rest and so she laid her head on the pillows and hummed as the smells of star moss and lucky stars reminded her of the home she left behind. Yet, as she closed her eyes, she sensed that she was not alone. Like the whisper of the wind, she felt a dainty creature’s wingbeat near her head. Too tired to truly investigate what was in her chambers, Ziora let sleep take her.

Early the next morning she awoke to a myriad of noises and a faint humming. She walked towards the cluttering noise to see several dragons preparing meals. She noticed a blue Fae with moths fluttering around him at the edge of the chaos.

Ziora smiled as she approached the clamor, "Your clan is rather busy."

To her surprise the Fae gave her an odd look and hummed before flying towards the large white guardian she recognized was Kankakee. Careful not to step on anyone she makes her way to the pair and slightly smiled. As she expected, the Fae flew off. Ziora’s smile fell into a severe frown and she cast her grim gaze toward Kankakee.

Kankakee noticed her and with an amused glint in his eyes burst into a hearty fit of chuckles. "Ahote doesn't like dragons."

Ziora felt that was a highly inappropriate reaction. Her fins extended somewhat, and her brow creased into a fierce glare. She did not miss the way Kankakee worded the sentence. "A curious thing to say to a stranger. So that one is not a dragon?”

Kankakee wiped a rogue tear away from his left eye. His voice did not lose the amused notes within. "No, he isn't technically a dragon. Phoebus accidentally turned him into a dragon. We named him Ahote because it fits him."

"Ahote means restless one." mused a female skydancer in a wolf mask "Ziora, it's a pleasure to meet you! My name is Morgan and I was the one who invited you!"

Ziora was shortly swept away by Morgan’s energetic urging. Morgan dragged her off to introduce her to those living within the clan. During the tour, a few of the younger dragons decided to challenge Ziora to combat, because they didn't believe she was on the same level as the academy teachers. In their arrogance, they underestimated her, and she defeated each challenger handily. Not that it would have been much of a challenge even if they did take her seriously. They were young and still learning so she went easy on them regardless. In engaging with the young of this clan, Ziora found her mind wandering. She was intrigued by that rude little not-Fae. There was a mien of haughtiness to him that reminded her of her Ferdinand. It would do him some good to be forced into a conversation.

She approached the not-Fae named Ahote early the next morning. The sun was barely above the horizon as he hummed a song as he watered a pot of purple leaves. She cleared her throat softly and he did not respond. Ziora whispered his name so not to wake anyone. He glanced at her with a raised brow and stopped humming. He gestured for her to speak.

Ziora stared down her snout at Ahote. "It takes guts to treat a stranger as rudely as you have. That rudeness belies a warrior’s spirit. Are you interested in training with me or perhaps you see it fit to challenge me to chase me off?”

His eyes widened. He shook his head and mumbled, "Chase you off? W-why no! No! Morgan invited you here…”

Ziora sniffed. “To which you treat me with obvious disdain despite how you monitored my every move yesterday. Even right now you are looking for a way out of this conversation, I see your eyes darting about. Worry not. I won’t trouble you further, just as I am certain I will not be troubling the rest of this clan for much longer.”

Ahote’s frills folded and he fiddled with the watering can in his paws. “I was chasing Nii, not you. Nii seems to have taken a liking to you…wait…for much longer? You aren’t staying?”

Ziora snorted. “Obviously.”

Ahote’s gaze darted toward the Runescar Lynx named Nii. The feline was pacing around Ziora’s tall legs. Ahote mumbled, “You aren’t staying…but won’t that make Nii sad?”

Ziora glanced down at the Runescar Lynx. “Probably. But Nii will get over it. I am not bound to him just as he is not bound to me. Just as I am not bound to this clan. I know when I am not welcome.”

Ahote fluttered his wings and rushed in front of Ziora’s head when she moved to leave. “Wait, please. Do not make Nii suffer. Will you at least take care of him until the end of your stay?”

Ziora said nothing and stepped around the not-Fae. She walked away, determined to find some space to take a breath. That conversation was the most enlightening engagement that she had so far. It was abundantly clear that she was not welcome in this place. Ziora came across a clearing set away from the clan. The vibrant grasses rippled in the gentle breeze as she sat down on her haunches. Her eyes closed and she took a deep breath. She sighed, “Oh Ferdinand, Ulric… I miss you two already…my boys…”

Some dragon cleared their throat somewhere behind her. Ziora eased her eyes open and turned her head slightly to see who it was. “Ah, you’re one of those academy teachers… Nieves, correct?”

Nieves was a pale Skydancer adorned with fine silver silks and jewlery. Nieves took a couple steps closer to Ziora. “Your aura… it is dark… What has upset you?”

Ziora snorted. “Nothing that you need concern yourself with. Kindly stop prying into my aura.”

Nieves produced a low hum. “Oh dear… now that darkness is losing any luster of light… Ah! I’m sorry! It’s just… None of us want to see you go… you know?”

Ziora glared at Nieves. “I doubt that. The actions of the clan speak to the contrary.”

Nieves whispered. “Oh dear… Please! Let me apologize on their behalf! We are all just… awestruck by you… We don’t know how exactly to treat you…”

Ziora raised a brow. “You lot have a funny way of displaying awe. Inviting me to breakfast would be a good start instead of giving me a wide berth.”

Nieves walked closer and sat down beside Ziora. “I’m sorry… I’ll speak to Kankakee and Morgan about this… Just… Please promise that you will stay. At least for the length that you were originally contracted for?”

Ziora slowly nodded. “I will stay… for now.”

Nieves jumped to her paws. “Great! Oh thank you! Please, Ziora, have a pleasant afternoon!”

Ziora snorted as she watched Nieves dart away.

Over the course of the afternoon Ziora saw no sign of Ahote. She wasn't quite sure what she was hoping for as several younger dragons told her that he slept during the day. From her own experiences interacting with him, he was not worth her time. He was more interested in indulging his own whims than interacting with anyone else. Ziora spared a glance at Nii. The feline trailed behind her with his stubby tail standing up in delight. Ziora produced a heavy snort that flared her nostrils. That not-Fae was more concerned about the Runescar Lynx than anything she had to say to him. Pretentious little mite.

That night Ziora went to the field instead of her room, she missed the feel of the grass and wind in the Arcane territory. The stars gleamed overhead, and the nebula sparkled beyond. Ziora found herself with her eyes closed and her chest swollen with a heavy breath. Her exhale was a drawn-out sigh. She should have brought Ferdinand and Ulric with her this time. Her boys would have been pleasant company. She would be able to wear her armor in confidence and spar with her two adopted sons. This frilly, fragile garb made her scales itch. However, she reminded herself, this request was for her to come alone. She produced a low growl deep in her chest.

She should leave. Spending time here was a waste. There were other clans out there that would benefit from her knowledge much more. She shouldn’t have to suffer being constantly talked down to by this arrogant clan.

Ahote’s voice spoke, "A star will hit you."

Ziora opened her eyes to see Ahote in the company of a bright red male Banescale. Ahote continued, "This isn't really the place for a nap."

Ziora snorted, “I’m sure you’d take great delight in that.”

The Banescale laughed, "Ouch!"

Ahote’s jaw dropped and he stared at Ziora with his eyes wide. “I would never-“

Ziora waved her forepaw. “Save it. I’ve no interest in speaking with you. Go on with your business.”

The red Banescale was still laughing. “Wow Ahote, what did you do to incur this kind of ire?”

Ahote stammered, “S-shut up Sin! I’ve done nothing!”

Sin snickered. “Doesn’t sound like nothing. Hey, why don’t you two just make up? Come on!”

Ziora glared at Sin and Ahote. Her eyes burned and she could see both shrinking away from her.

Sin squeaked, “Or… you know… ahem! We could just… shut up and move along.”

Ziora rumbled, “That would be best.”

Ahote’s frills were folded and his brow dominated in a display of dismay. “I’ve done nothing…!”

A thunderous snarl erupted from Ziora’s throat. She was losing patience with these two. Her wings opened and she stamped her paws to tower over the two.

Sin pushed at Ahote. “O-Ok! We’re taking the hint! Come on Ahote! You need to take care of the stars.”

Ahote did not move for the longest time. Finally, he gave in to Sin’s prodding and wordlessly fluttered on top of a carved marker. His head was turned toward the night sky.

Ziora turned away from the two and sat back down on her haunches. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths to begin her meditations. That was, if that Banescale would stop staring at her. Ziora rumbled, “What?”

Sin murmured, “Why are you here in the graveyard?”

Ziora sniffed. “I needed to be alone.”

Sin pressed on, “In the graveyard?”

Ziora growled, “Am I not allowed?”

Sin awkwardly laughed. “Well…yeah. At least if you ask Ahote. He doesn’t like anyone intruding on what he considers his personal space. This place is off limits unless he personally makes the invite.”

Ziora snorted. “Then let that insolent little mite fight me over it.”

Sin’s jaw dropped. His scales rattled as he shuddered. “Spirits… you’re… you’re terrifying… I’m… I’m going to go…”

As he left, Ziora watched the sky and noticed the glowing moths that she spotted around Ahote that first day. The moths looked to be dancing across the field. She frowned as she watched them and listened to the wind rustle the grasses. She rested on her stomach amidst the grasses and watched the moths dance. Over the course of the night, a soft song rose on the wind. Ahote’s frills rippled to the melody of the song and his jaws parted as he produced the melancholy melody.

Ahote dropped down from the engraved marker when the first light of dawn was beginning to glow on the horizon. His tiny paws rustled the grass as he tip-toed closer to Ziora. “You… You hate me?”

Ziora cast a sideways glance at Ahote. “No.”

Ahote’s head bobbed when an audible gulp sounded from him. “Good… because I don’t hate you…”

Ziora snorted and turned her head. “Sure.”

Ahote’s voice was sharp. “I don’t!”

Ziora shook her head. “Ahote-“

Ahote folded his frills and cast his gaze at the ground. “Please… I really don’t want you to hate me…”

Ziora growled. “What does it matter to you whether I hate you or not?”

Ahote’s eyes widened and his frills stood up. “You’re fascinating, that’s why!”

Ziora sniffed. “So I’m just something for you to study.”

Ahote barked, “No! Spirits, why are you twisting my words?!”

Ziora rumbled, “I tire of you beating about the bush. Speak your mind or do not speak to me.”

Silence took over the graveyard. Ahote was staring at his paws. He rubbed his paws together for the longest time before he spoke again. “I… Kankakee spoke to me… It was not my intention to upset you!”

Ziora snorted. “Nice apology.”

Ahote barked, “Please let me speak!”

Another snort came from Ziora but that was all. Her head was turned to have her gaze on him. Ahote took a deep breath and his paws stopped. “I’m sorry. You were invited here to share your stories but I… I was dismissive. I didn’t give you the acknowledgement that you deserved. None of us really did… It’s just… It is incredible to be able to speak with a lost god…”

Ziora’s brow furrowed in a fearsome glare. “What did you call me…?”

Ahote’s frills folded. “It’s what we call a creature like you…”

Ziora’s lip curled as a snarl marred her countenance. “And what makes you think I am one of these so-called creatures?”

Ahote stammered, “Please don’t be angry! Morgan is exceptional at gathering information. She only told me because I asked.”

Ziora’s claws dug into the grasses. Orange mist swirled around her paws and orange light crackled across the ground. The grasses began to die about her.

Ahote begged, “Please don’t be angry! You’re killing the grass!”

Ziora glanced down and bade her magic to subside. Her anger did not leave but she at least stopped her magic from killing more of the grass.

Ahote quickly continued, “Morgan didn’t mean any harm by it. She only wanted to learn just who we were inviting into our clan… for our safety… but to hear of your origins… it is incredible! You are amazing!”

Ziora growled, “It is not Morgan’s place to be spreading such information about me and I do not care for this flowery vomit of compliments.”

Ahote coughed and folded his frills.

His head shook. “Spirits, only the nobles know what that wannabe alchemist did to me. I promise, your past will not be leaked.”

Ziora snorted. She stood up and turned away to leave. “I will be leaving this clan early. This venture has proven only to be a massive waste of time.”

Ahote’s eyes widened and his frills stood up. “What? No! Please, don’t leave us…”

Ziora turned her head to glare at Ahote. “Why not? I’m obviously not needed here. You protect this land from the Shade pieces that fall from the stars and the rest of this clan is comprised of creatures beyond ordinary dragon kind.”

Ahote stared. “Wait, how did you-?”

Ziora growled. “The lot of you in this clan seem to think that I am blind and unable to draw conclusions. I saw what you were doing over the night. You were purging the falling stars of shade pieces before they could take root in something.”

Ahote’s voice took on an airy note, “Amazing… So you really do know how to purge the Shade… the moths were telling the truth.”

Ziora spoke as she walked away, “I bid you good day Ahote.”

Despite herself, Ziora remained with Ahote Clan. She delivered her lessons during the day and Ahote would come find her in the evening to invite her to the graveyard. It was awkward at first because Sin insisted on staying in their company however over time the Banescale became less protective of his friend. Ziora and Ahote would spend the pre-dawn hours alone. They spoke and gradually became more comfortable in each other’s company. In the end, Ziora extended her stay in the Ahote clan. She wrote to Ferdinand and Ulric often to assure them that she was alive and well.

The bond that Ziora and Ahote fostered grew into something more. They had a nest together, which partly contributed to Ziora’s extended stay. The three little ones that hatched from the eggs reminded Ziora of her duty as a mother. She had two more boys out there in Sornieth that depended on her for guidance. It was time for her to leave.

The evening that she chose as her departure date was bittersweet. Ziora was overjoyed to see Ferdinand and Ulric come over the hill, but she was also sad because that meant that she would have to leave her three babies to their father. She turned to the two little Fae girls and the Guardian boy to speak to them.

“You see those two coming over the hill? That’s your big brothers Ferdinand and Ulric.”

Kaiah squeaked, “They’re taking Mommy away?”

Ziora nodded. “Your big brothers are strong warriors. You remember when Mommy told you about her job? That I am searching for something special?”

Kaiah nodded. “Uh-huh.”

Ziora continued, “Ferdinand and Ulric are such good boys. They are helping Mommy search for that special thing… and helping others learn to be good warriors on the side. Maybe one day you and your siblings will help others too.”

Ahote bent his head down and whispered into the other Fae girl Minima’Tinea’s ear.

Minima’Tinea trembled before stepping closer to Ziora. She squeaked, “Mommy-“

Ferdinand’s powerful voice boomed, “Ziora!”

Ziora turned her head to greet Ferdinand and Ulric. She stepped up to Ferdinand and affectionately rubbed her head against his golden headgear. She then turned to Ulric and nudged his soft, grey fur. A soft chuckle rumbled from her when she heard an exasperated click of Ulric’s tongue.

Ziora stepped back and extended her wing to indicate Ahote and the three hatchlings. “Ferdinand, Ulric. This is Ahote, and these are your siblings: Kaiah, Alo, and Minima’Tinea.”

Ziora held her breath. She was a little anxious. It was difficult to discern in their letters whether Ferdinand and Ulric liked the idea of having more siblings.

Ahote murmured to Minima’Tinea. “Go on, this is your chance.”

Minima’Tinea swallowed before bouncing up closer to Ferdinand’s paws. She looked up at Ferdinand and Ulric, then cast a glance at Ziora. Minima’Tinea opened her little wings and spread her forepaws. “Big brothers! I wanna be strong too! I wanna stay with Mommy…”

Ahote hummed approvingly.

Ziora blinked with her eyes wide.

Ulric clicked his tongue, curled his lip slightly, and cast his gaze sideways at Ferdinand. “Seriously?”

Ferdinand tilted his head and a small smile pulled at the sides of his mouth. He cast a glance at Ulric before returning his gaze to the eagerly bouncing Minima’Tinea. Ferdinand lowered his head and locked eyes with his little sister. Ferdinand’s voice rumbled with a rich warmth, “So, you think you’ve got what it takes to fly with us Li’l Sis?”

Minima’Tinea bounced up and down. “Yeah, yeah! Strong!”

Ferdinand purred, “Who am I to say no?”

Ulric sighed. “So mother, we will be taking her with us?”

Ziora looked to Ahote then at Minima’Tinea. Ziora nodded her head and produced a craggy Guardian smile. “Yes, Ulric. Minima’Tinea wants to come and learn. She’ll be able to learn so much from you and Ferdinand as we travel.”

Minima’Tinea chirped, “Yay!”

Without another word, Minima’Tinea flapped her tiny wings and landed on top of Ulric’s head. Ulric produced a startled sound before a sigh escaped him and a smile broke out on his face. He didn’t move to try and take Minima’Tinea from his head.

Ahote fluttered closer to Ziora and nudged her. When she turned to him, he leaned his head against hers. “Ziora… I thank the stars that you agreed to come to this clan… You’ve made everything that’s led up to meeting you worth it. Please, no matter what, live a happy life. Don’t forget to soften up a little too… You still have a glare that could give the Shade pause, haha. Um… I have something for you.”

He pulled away and reached into a satchel. He reached in and removed a simple pendant from the satchel. “I made it from the stars that you and I harvested. It took a little bit longer than expected but I’m glad that I was able to finish it in time.”

Ziora took the pendant from Ahote. “Thank you Ahote. I will miss you. Farewell.”

Ahote hummed, “Good bye…”

With that, Ziora left the lands of Ahote Clan with Ferdinand and Ulric flying at her flanks. She cast one last look over her shoulder and smiled when she saw the happy smile on Minima’Tinea’s face as she rode on Ulric’s fluffy head.


~This was written by Crowharlequin and edited by Countessoffire