It wasn’t until Lana jumped on Xipil's back--or tried to--that it was made clear that Xipil had anticipated this. The Red Dragon Spirit somehow flipped over so that its four claws grabbed Lana and threw the Turquoise Dragon Spirit into Eldoron’s mighty side. Eldoron hardly noticed, it was staring dreamily at its own reflection. Xipil made a rasping sound that Valerius interpreted as a laugh. Lana got up, looking slightly dazed, but then the Turquoise Dragon was ready for another go. Valerius hoped that one of them was listening to Illarion.
Scylla brought its wings in tighter as Lana was launched across the lair again so it wouldn’t be jostled. Like Esme, the Blue Dragon Spirit’s expression was thoughtful as it took in what Illarion, Mephous and Vozyth had already accomplished and their idea that if Fadel and the longer-lost spirits were there, they would be around somewhere nearish the crater, but farther out than the others.
Zephyra had begun the talk with one eyebrow raised, showing its disbelief that Illarion and Mephous had a plan that involved no benefit for themselves. But as the talk continued both eyebrows had lifted with surprise and then pleasure. Valerius felt strangely proud, though he had nothing to do with Illarion and Mephous’ change of character.
That is so not true, Valerius! Caden sent to him as he leaned against Valerius’ side.
They were sitting on one of the cozy velvet couches that had been brought into the throneroom. Instead of the empty space it usually was, there was a long table laden with food and another with drink. There were couches and comfy chairs situated all around the space, creating sitting areas for singles or more for groups. Unlike that night when they had a single pathetic couch to collapse upon.
Your insistence on being his and Mephous’ friend is what did it, Valerius countered.
That had a role. Caden took a drink of a grapefruit flavored IPA. But it was you, extending that hand to them, admitting that you needed them, trusting them that really did it. It’s your friendship, Valerius, that made Illarion and Mephous feel like they had something to lose or to gain.
Mephous was sitting next to Raziel. Their bodies were close enough to touch. They had nodded to one another and Raziel had not objected--or moved away or had Mephous move--when the Green Dragon Spirit had sprawled next to the Black Dragon Spirit and Iolaire. They were not completely comfortable in each others’ presence as was indicated by the two swift looks when one of them moved unexpectedly, but no growls, no smoke or fire, or even narrowed eyes.
Iolaire was happily situated between them. It had greeted all of the Dragon Spirits with a kiss--a press of foreheads--that had seemed to calm and delight the other Spirits. Raziel had held itself quite still as this had occurred, but again, there was no aggression. Truly it was a miracle.
Raziel’s all cool with everybody up in its space, sort of like you, Caden chuckled.
I look forward to it being only us again, Valerius said, kissing Caden’s temple. It is Iolaire that is the social butterfly.
Be honest! You missed them all! Raziel has gone flying with every single Dragon even when Iolaire was too tired to go out, Caden pointed out.
Well… now that we know they cannot leave their lairs when we are in human form without risking us, I want to give Raziel as much flying time as it wishes, Valerius claimed.
Sure. Sure. I believe you. But I still think that Raziel and you are getting used to people being underfoot, Caden teased.
Perhaps. I did not even mind when all the Dragon Spirits tried to kiss you through the mirror, Valerius admitted.
The Dragon Spirits had pressed their foreheads as close to Caden’s as they could. Caden had told him about how he had kissed every one of the Dragon Spirits in the Spirit Realm. Caden was now considered one of them, even apart from Iolaire. He was the honorary “Little Dragon”. And Valerius could not be more chuffed about it.
“I believe we can handle things here for two hours while you search,” Illarion said to the Dragon Spirits.
You have enough intoxicating liquids to drink, Scylla pointed out with a half smile.
“Uhm, yes, I told everyone we can get drunk while you are gone and then we don’t have the hangover when you get back!” Illarion lifted an iced martini glass as if saluting the Dragon Spirits.
“I’ll second that!” Esme chuckled as she tipped her gin and tonic, dirty with lots of olives, towards Scylla.
“You know we’ll feel awful while you are gone,” Tez sighed as he sucked on a Blue Moon, “so we might as well drown our sorrows.”
“And, though we know you shall do your best, we also know… that you might not succeed,” Anwar said, his face pale and jaw tense. He was holding onto a glass of white wine so tightly that Valerius feared he might shatter it.
This is but the first night that we will look, Raziel said, surprising Valerius even more as it added, Mephous’ plan is sound. We must trust in it and we will continue to look.
Mephous blinked a little too rapidly for it to be normal, before it said, With all of us looking from the point of entry, I can only believe we will find something.
“I know.” But Anwar still looked tense and miserable.
Kaila came and put an arm around his shoulders. “I know this is little comfort, but we are in this with you, Anwar.”
Anwar gave her a watery smile and then a kiss. She hugged him firmly.
Mephous lifted its massive head and turned towards the lair opening. Vozyth is here. She is ready to assist.
“Oh, I was hoping the Yellow Dragon might come, too,” Kaila said. “It might get here soon.”
“The banana yellow one?” Tez lifted an eyebrow in disgust.
