Pazuzu

PAZUZU

the messenger.

"...Long has it been since a child of the clan kept in touch. Are you certain this is your path, my son?"

Perched atop a dead tree, Pazuzu and his mother could see all of their city. Boreas was far from its former glory, marble spires once covered with thick brambles now towering above both Dragonhome and the Tangled Wood. Buildings once torn down by an Emperor's claws were finally being rebuilt, from piles of loose stone and dust into massive communal spaces for all breeds.

Though Boreas would never see the shadow again, the endless light that bathed it did not mark the end.

"I'm going to be fine. You and Dad gave me a lot of warnings, didn't you?" Pazuzu slowly intertwined his tail with Nanshe's, as if to comfort his mother one last time before he took flight. "And we need a messenger. Someone small and fast. Queen Regalia already has work for me!"

"Does she, now?" Both Veilspun turned around on their perch, and Pazuzu's eyes met his father's. "Well. That adds some urgency, doesn't it? I say let our boy fly, Nanshe."

"Emesh!" Nanshe's face lit up at the sight of her mate. "Yes, we can't delay him forever. Pazuzu, wherever you go...Just know your family is watching. Not simply us - all of Boreas."

With a nod, Pazuzu started to stretch his legs. In the midst of this, however, he froze at a touch against his back.

When he looked over, a set of embroidered satchels were placed upon him.

"A gift from an old neighbor," Emesh said, "I'm amazed Senna made something that fit as well as it does. You'll be able to thank her in person soon, I'm sure."

"...All right." With a final deep breath, Pazuzu prepared to leap. "Mom! Dad! Take care of Boreas while I'm gone! I'll be back next Trickmurk, promise!"

Without another word, Pazuzu departed, flying with such speed that Emesh swore the Windsinger Himself had blessed the boy. (And maybe He had - on accident, Emesh imagined.)

"...He's going to be amazing at his work," Emesh laughed, leaning against Nanshe's shoulder, "And if anything does happen..."

Nanshe flexed her claws.

"...We will be there," Nanshe said, "And whoever hurt our son will pay."