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XXXIII

King Dougal was feeling panicky. It wasn't a sensation he relished, but being a king meant he was able to share his discontent with many others in a fairly short space of time. The reports and loud growls of a pair of male dragons fighting not far away only added to the feeling of foreboding that had been welling up since he had heard the news about the dragoness.

Katreen the gryphoness still sat outside the main oak and listened to the tirade coming from within. She had her own misgivings and she wasn't looking forward to tomorrow morning when they were due to meet the couple at the keep, including the human mate of the dragoness. She mentally ran through what she knew about humans and their habits and she was not sure what to expect though as an ambassador she was expected to be polite and diplomatic.

Giving a little shudder just to get it over with she bent her head once more, placing a tufted ear against the door to the fairy hall and listening.

"I don't care! "Dougal shouted. "Are those males here to fight over the female? Are they poachers here for the sheep? Why don't any of you know?"

The fairy king was red-faced once more as he paced up and down in front of the councilors "I want all of you ...and I mean all of you" he stated, catching the reluctant eye of one elder who was trying to hide behind a fern. "To get out there and find out what you can. If what lord Pepper says is true then we shall have to choose what we are going to do. We cannot leave the Shee and move away again as this threatens the entire forest!"

Tomako and Nokala spoke quietly with one another. Nokala had just finished giving an impromptu lesson in fighting by demonstrating to the younger male that no dragon can win a fight if his or her heart is not in it. "Better to give up and leave then - If you can feel no reason for fighting then it is better not to as it will simply waste your energy and that may be the point for them trying to provoke a fight"

Tomako nodded slowly, he could still feel the tender spots in his neck where he had been gripped so easily - no wonder no one had taken up the challenge against James joining the clan when they would have had to face Nokala as his champion. He also made a quiet mental note to design some armor that would protect the neck of a dragon from such an attack in the future.

Nokala looked over the young male worriedly. He had not realized that some young dragons were missing important skills such as hunting and fighting. He suspected that this was partly because dragons were raising their own cattle and had in fact managed to organize themselves in a fashion.

It was true that there were fewer conflicts among clans and even some blood feuds that had lasted centuries had been resolved with reparation suitable to both sides. But at what cost? Were they growing soft? He sighed and sniffed the air carefully noting the scent of fairy and various other animals including...

"Tomako" He murmured, "What say you to a nice fat sheep or two hmmm?"

Tomako blinked "What - raw?" he couldn't remember when he had last eaten his food raw. Not since he was a hatchling and growing fast.

"Yes Raw!" Nokala roared. "Don't tell me you are scared of eating something raw?"

Tomako shook his head and growled back at him "No, It just seems...uncivilized. But if you want to then go ahead"

Nokala gave the young dragon a look that made him jerk backwards "One thing you forget. You are staying on Cill and James's land now and it behooves you to bring food to their door in appreciation of that privilege."

He rumbled slowly, not taking his eyes off the youngster. "Surely your education cannot be that lacking in manners?"

Tomako flushed a little "It seems to have been lacking in many things" he admitted finally, belatedly remember his mother mentioning something of the sort.

Nokala nodded "I see that now. For all that your father has risen high in the council he seems to have neglected the most important things about being a dragon"

Tomako lowered his head and followed along behind Nokala as the pair made their way through the woods.

James and the sleepy Cill arrived back in the travel portal within the grounds of the keep and he slowly walked with her towards their home. He was a little alarmed at how tired she seemed to be but she mumbled fondly to him as he guided her.

Shalla also looked a little alarmed at the state Cill was in but James put a quick finger in front of his mouth to keep her quiet until he made sure that Cill was comfortably resting on her bed and closing the door behind him out to greet Shalla with a grin.

"Marre has been working her hard "he murmured to her. "She is learning to shape shift"

Shalla nodded "I haven't learnt that myself, though Tomako was a quick study and is easily able to shift" She still felt a little nervous talking to a human and another's mate at that.

"I'm a little worried "she said, casting a look at the sky "Tomako went off with Nokala some hours ago and has not returned yet"

James smiled up at her and gave her neck a pat "They'll be fine. They said something about going hunting in the forest"

Shalla blinked "but Tomako has never been hunting in his life"

The two exchanged looks until at last James said "Well, I bet Nokala will teach him well" He was about to add something more to this when he felt a sudden shiver run through him and his neck grew uncomfortably warm, as if someone was glaring at him.

Shifting uneasily in place he turned and looked over his shoulder warily. Seeing nothing, he shrugged his shoulders and turned back to Shalla.

"I'm sure they'll be back soon" He noticed Shalla was also looking at a point above his shoulder with what he could only surmise was shock on her muzzle.

He slowly turned again and blinked at the six-inch tall green fairy hovering a foot away. His mouth fell open but nothing came out.

The fairies eyes were two little green agates, hard and wary and she carried a longbow that was almost as large as she was.

The trio stood there mute for several moments as emotions ran in tight little circles within all concerned until James coughed and broke the silence "Um...Hello?"

"Don't you try and catch me!" warned Jasmina as she hovered nervously "I know all about you humans"

James gave a long-suffering look to Shalla "Why is it that everyone dislikes us?" he asked quietly before turning back to the fairy.

"I shall not harm you Ma'am" he said honestly, "My names is James and this is Shalla." He indicated the dragoness beside him as the fairies gaze flicked between them both.

"You are the human mate of the sleeping noble protector inside" she stated matter-of-factly "But I do not wish to wake her to tell her the news. Can I trust you to tell her when she wakes?"

James rolled his eyes in exasperation, feeling a growing anger at this treatment "I tell my mate everything little green lady. She has had a trying day and is taking her rest so you may tell me what you wish her to know"

Jasmina drew herself up haughtily - little green lady indeed!

"Then you may inform her that his most royal majesty, the sempiternal leader and guide of light oak trod King Dougal has graciously agreed to the specified meeting time of four hours after sunrise to discuss affairs with her"

She realized that perhaps she was not being the most diplomatic but that wasn't her job.

James shared a puzzled glance with Shalla over this statement.

"I shall inform her of this," he murmured back, remembering his courtly manners "please convey my own welcome to his majesty and I shall endeavor to make his stay pleasant and entertaining"

Jasmina nodded slowly "There shall also be some of our elders and an ambassador of the darktail gryphon pack attending as an entourage. Will there be others you wish to attend?"

James thought rapidly...Nokala was the obvious choice but Duncan ran the keep and this sounded important enough to bring him in "Another human will be required to attend if that is permitted. He is the human lord of the keep and is responsible for many things"

Jasmina blinked and hid her surprise "make sure there are no weapons or Christian crosses or it will go harshly with you" she stated firmly, green beady eyes boring into the humans

James gave a bow "It shall be as you say Ma'am. I shall happily tell my mate when she wakes in the morning. Will you break fast with us?"

Jasmina almost panicked - eat with humans and dragons? Was that a warning or a threat?

"I shall leave that up to his Majesty" She replied tight-lipped and flitted backwards several feet where she felt safer. "I shall inform his majesty of your agreement and shall meet you within at the specified time"

There was a greenish blur and she was gone. James sighed and turned back to Shalla "What do you make of that? Why would pixies want to talk to Cill?"

"Fairies" Shalla corrected thoughtfully "That was a fairy. Be careful James. They are a fickle breed and quick to anger. You do not want to upset them unless you want to wake up one morning wearing a donkeys head or something more unpleasant"

"What was that about crosses?" he asked curiously and flicked his gaze towards where the fairy had vanished.

"I do not know" Shalla replied solemnly, "I would suggest that you follow the request however" She tried to remember what she had heard about fairies. "If they start to sing, they are casting a spell so be aware"

James shook his head "I'd better go and tell Duncan about this, I want him to be ready for when they arrive" he gave Shalla a quick pat and headed off towards the Donjon and Duncan's solar.

Nokala hovered over the field wrapped in invisibility. He felt that it was cheating somehow in that the prey could not see or hear you until you had them in your talons, but he was willing to make the odd sacrifice to ensure a steady supply of food.

Tomako watched from nearby, the sight of one of the scraggly wild sheep suddenly lifting into the air with a raucous "Baaaaaa' making him grin. The sounds broke off abruptly and the bloodied carcass dropped heavily in front of him.

He couldn't help feeling a little revolted, the animal's eye was glazing swiftly in death from the rapid stroke of the dragons talons, but it was still disconcerting to see it happening.

Nokala rumbled amusedly "Eat...then you can catch one for the keep. These are sheep that have escaped their owners and will be welcomed back into the fold"

Tomako nodded and picked up the still-warm sheep in his forepaws, hesitating briefly before deciding he wasn't going to be humiliated any more and biting heavily into the animal.

Watching, Nokala chuckled, as the young dragon tasted hot fresh blood for the first time and felt the flesh tearing in his maw. Tomako's expression changed to amazement and he soon had reduced the carcass to a few loose scraps of wool and bloodstains.

Licking his muzzle clean he blinked and realized just how quickly he had finished it off.

"Good?" Nokala chuckled as he sat on his haunches nearby.

"That was....very good," admitted Tomako, "I could eat anoth..." he broke off as Nokala held up a warning paw.

"No, greed would alert others and make you sluggish. Better to eat small amounts less often than fill your belly until you cannot move" Nokala patiently explained, "You would sleep and grow weak instead of being strong. Old dragons like the Clanmaster get that age by discipline and constant watchfulness"

Tomako nodded "Should I try and catch one now?" he flexed his talons in anticipation of what he perceived to be an easy exercise.

"If you wish to try, go ahead," Nokala replied with a strange smile "I would suggest using the invisibility spell though"

Tomako spread his wings widely and flapped up into the air above the field; hovering briefly, he activated his invisibility spell and tried to choose a likely looking sheep from the placid flock wandering beneath him in blissful ignorance.

Nokala sat patiently nearby waiting until he saw a sheep flying in a straight line across the field only to drop, bounce and roll several times before struggling to its feet and running headlong into the forest.

He clasped a paw to his muzzle and shook his head sadly as several long grooves and gashes appeared haphazardly in the thick mud of the field until they came to an abrupt stop beneath some overhanging trees that shook as the invisible dragon impacted silently with them.

Lifting himself into the air he flew across to the trees and waited until the thrashing and kicking had stopped, and a mud-encrusted Tomako shamefacedly cancelled the invisibility.

Nokala couldn't help chuckling "Not as easy as you thought Mmm?" he asked innocently, not looking the angry young male in the muzzle.

"I thought I had it in my talons, but I overbalanced and started to tumble so I let it go and tried to recover but it was too late" Tomako struggled angrily amidst the shattered trees until Nokala reached down and helped him up.

"You started out alright, but didn't you realize that a heavy sheep would weigh you down?" He asked with a grin.

"It wasn't that heavy" muttered Tomako "next time I'll make sure I get better balance"

"Be sure you do, or you'll have to get used to mud and trees" Nokala chuckled, tugging him further out of the muck and steadying him.

Tomako sniffed and shook his wings clean "Right, this time I'll get one"

Nokala couldn't hold back a laugh and waved a paw at the empty field "I think you will have to find them again before you get another go at it"

Tomako blinked rapidly as he realized they were alone once more. "So now what?" he asked bemusedly.

"Now we hunt properly," replied the older dragon "and this time you will need to look for them - they will be scared and alert so it will be more difficult"

"Perhaps we should leave it un-" began Tomako but broke off at the furious look on Nokala's muzzle.

"Would you 'leave it' if you had a mate and hatchlings to feed?" he asked slowly, "you do want a mate and hatchlings...don't you?"

Tomako swallowed nervously and nodded.

"Then go and hunt, pretend you have a hungry mate unable to leave her eggs. You have to find food or risk having her driven from the nest by hunger"

Nokala pointed a paw at the forest and a chastened Tomako flapped up into the air once more to search for the errant sheep.

James slowly walked up the long flights of stairs towards Lord Duncan's solar near the top of the tower pausing only to catch his breath and look out the window to admire the view. He thought he caught a glimpse of a dragon in the far distance but continued walking when it dropped beneath the forest cover.

Considering how best to put the problem to Duncan he stopped near the door and waited, hearing shouting from within. After briefly wrestling with his conscience, he succumbed to temptation and leaned over to listen carefully at the door.

"I don't know what we can do about her if she insists," he heard Duncan shouting, "Why do we have to put our staff out to make room for her bunch of lisping courtiers!"

"Sir, It behooves us to provide the best for the Lady and her staff as word will surely reach the King" Martin replied quietly trying to reason with the man.

"It's bad enough with Father Champlain acting all mysterious over this wedding and that dragon. He seems to have gone overboard in his preparations - its still likely a couple of weeks off and he wants new robes?" Paper rustled in a hand as it was shaken vigorously "and a new altar cloth with gold thread!"

James hid a grin as he listened then straightened as he remembered his original purpose of visiting. Lifting a hand, he tentatively knocked on the oak door.

"Enter" shouted Duncan, making James wince in anticipation before opening the door.

"Good Day Sir" he said, smiling and carefully closing the door behind him, one never knew who could be listening after all.

"What's good about it?" demanded Duncan, dropping his handful of papers onto the table, "Its looking worse as the day goes on - and what have you brought to add to my woes?" The angry lord kicked a chair hard so that it spun behind his desk, whereupon he sat on it and stared at the novice.

James coughed and thought rapidly "Nothing troublesome Sir, In fact I bring good news!"

Duncan folded his arms and looked at him skeptically. "Oh?"

James nodded "If you were able to put aside an hour tomorrow around ten and visit our home - I think we could provide you with an opportunity few would desire to miss" James smiled widely and hoped that the lord would take the bait.

"Would this surprise have anything to do with your dragoness? Or her young friends?" Duncan asked cautiously, a finger drumming nervously on the tabletop.

James nodded "Yes Sir, but this meeting requires someone of higher rank present than myself as the visitor is of very high rank indeed"

Duncan shared a nervous look with Martin before raking his gaze over the earnest young man standing before him "High rank?"

"Yessir, as well as this personage of high rank there will also be an ambassador from another race too"

Duncan groaned and let his head fall forward into his arms "Ambassadors?" he stated, somewhat muffled "are these going to be Dragon ambassadors?"

James shook his head, slightly alarmed at this reception to his news "N-not exactly Sir - but somewhat related"

Duncan sat back up and rubbed his face tiredly "Ok lad, spit it out. Do the beasts of the field and the snakes of the earth want to move in here as well?"

"W-well Sir, it's like this - Dragons are revered by certain peoples and since we now have one here, they want to meet her. Its - it's the King of the fairies Sir"

Duncan blinked and chuckled softly at first, his head lowering until he was shaking with suppressed laughter. He finally threw his head back and guffawed loudly

"The King of the Fairies!" he yelled with tears of mirth streaming down his cheeks and pounding a large fist on the table. Martin was snickering quietly too but being more restrained than his lord and master.

"That's a good one lad, and who is the ambassador? The queen of the potato people?" gasped Duncan, wiping his eyes with his shirtsleeve he caught his breath and tried to calm down.

"Um - no Sir, It's a gryphon sir," mumbled James, feeling rather put out with this reception of his news. "They want to meet tomorrow at four hours after sunrise"

Duncan leaned back in his chair having recovered somewhat from his paroxysm "You're serious aren't you." He stated flatly "What do they want? I assume we are talking little people and eagle-headed lions here"

James nodded "I spoke to one of the fairies just a few minutes ago - she was all green, even her hair and skin. I do not know about the gryphons though. They called Cill 'the noble one' and told me to pass the message on to her when she woke up"

Duncan nodded slowly, "Then it behooves us to make ready for them. Did they say anything else?'

James shifted nervously "Yes Sir, that there should be no Christian crosses or weapons present during the meeting. It has been recommended to me that we follow this advice"

Duncan humphed and nodded, "Very well - and now it's my turn to upset you" he leaned back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head "You remember a lass named Lady Hampton at all hmm?"

James paled "Caroline...Er Lady Hampton, Yes sir. We have met in the recent past" shuffling his feet in embarrassment at the memory, fond as it was.

"Well, you will be pleased to know she is planning a visit in a few days and looks forward to meeting you again," Duncan said this last with a wolfish grin. "I take it you have not told her about your new responsibility?"

James swallowed hard "No Sir, I had no idea I would see her again so soon. I do not want her running home and telling my father before we are married"

The image of his raging father descending on the keep jumped into his minds eye. "Until I am properly married to Cill he would find a way to stop it somehow"

Duncan nodded sagely "I agree, I have informed Nokala about this development and he assures me that Cill is aware and working on making herself look human for the wedding"

Light dawned on James as he realized that was why Cill had been so eager to learn to shift this week "Do you know when she is due here sir?" he asked hesitantly.

Standing up, Duncan walked over to the window "Only within the next few days lad. She is apparently doing some sort of inspection for her father while traveling so there is no definite time" He looked down out of the window at the bailey where the usual frantic busyness was evident.

"I want you to be prepared for this. I don't think we want everyone running here to either gawk at your fiancé or try to kill her - do we?" he turned back to face James. "As for the fairies, very well - I shall be ready at ten and we shall see then" he sighed and looked at the empty wine jug "Should I bring anything?"

James grinned, "I invited them to breakfast but it didn't seem to go down too well"

Duncan chuckled and moved round the desk to clasp James on the shoulder "I admit I had my concerns regarding you and Cill but from what I've seen so far you have coped well and no one seems to have been eaten. Master smith Desmond is ecstatic with his new apprentice and free source of fire so we shall have to wait and see how we fare with new challenges. Now be off and get some dinner before it runs out"

He propelled the bemused novice out of the door with a gentle shove and turned back to Martin "Fairies? Bloody Fairies?" he muttered, wiping his sweaty brow with the back of his hand.

James wandered down the stairs slowly, why would Caroline be coming to see him? He did not believe he had made that much of an impression upon her and that she had only given him her favor to get rid of him. How was he going to deal with this?

He left the base of the tower and was walking slowly back home when an odd noise caught his attention. It was somewhat familiar, yet with an odd rushing component to it - getting louder as it came closer

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He almost jumped out of his skin when a terrified sheep dropped in front of him, struggling violently upright until it had found its feet. This wasn't one of the usual placid sheep one sees in the farmyard that casually awaits its date with mint sauce. This huge, angry ram looked as if it hadn't been shorn for years and had a glint in its eye that spelt doom for any sheepdog that came close.

Its wool was long, tangled, and covered in mud, foam flecked its nostrils and it was looking for a fight.

James blinked, where had this monster come from? He couldn't see anything but he could caught the faint hint of a mental chuckle from nearby.

The Ram snorted and pawed at the grass, staring at this new antagonist with all the threat it could muster in its ovine gaze. James blinked -it was only a sheep after all.

He jumped forward waving his arms and yelling loudly. Startled, the Ram reverted to more typical herbivore behavior and took off at a run down towards the training grounds leaving James feeling foolish and yet somewhat exhilarated.

Running a hand through his hair he looked round suspiciously "Nokala?", he thought aloud.

The pair of dragons materialized on either side of him, both shaking with mirth as they watched various people trying to catch the frantic sheep as it tore round the bailey.

"You know" Nokala murmured, "they really shouldn't chase it round like that, it makes them very tough and sours the blood"

James grinned, it was hard to be angry "I suppose one of you dropped that little gift in on me mm?" he asked.

Tomako nodded enthusiastically "I caught it! It took some doing but I finally managed to corner it" he looked proudly at James who noticed there was a streak of fresh blood in the corners of his mouth.

"So I take it Nokala's been teaching you how to hunt?" he looked sidelong at the other dragon that was still savoring the images below.

Tomako nodded "and how to fight" he gave James a friendly poke that made him stagger "He said that you are going to have to learn how to fight dragons too"

James looked up at Nokala, the ragged bloody tear on his chest testimony to the struggle "Me? B-but I'm not big enough"

Tomako grinned; "Size doesn't matter if you know how to fight properly" he looked sidelong at Nokala as he quoted the older dragon.

Nokala shook his head and sighed in a very human-like manner "You have a long way to go Tomako" he admonished, "and James, well I do not know where to start with you. It is something I need to think on"

Taking a deep breath, he shifted rapidly to his human form and they both started walking back towards the storehouse, moments later Tomako joined them in his own swarthy human form.

"So how did Cill do with her shifting?" Nokala asked, the trio pausing to let the panicked sheep run past with a bunch of yelling farmers and merchants hot on its heels.

"She was very tired and fell asleep once I got her home, but I think she succeeded," replied James as they continued down the path. "They sent me down to the kitchen to peel potatoes for Janna so I didn't see a lot"

Nokala chuckled "It can be very upsetting for a mate to see the intermediate stages of a shift so be grateful they thought of you"

"I hadn't thought of it like that "mused James as he pushed open the door of his home, holding it for the others. "I did meet a fairy today though"

Both Nokala and Tomako leaned back in shock "A fairy spoke to you? A human?"

James blinked "is there something wrong with that?" he made his way to the bed and sat beside Cill, stroking her in her sleep.

"Fairies haven't spoken to humans in centuries. It is one of their oldest rules and may only be broken under extreme duress" said Nokala "whatever drove one to speak to you can only be extremely important"

James nodded "They really wanted to speak to Cill but she was fast asleep so they had to talk to me instead - the king is going to visit tomorrow apparently"

Nokala nodded "I remember Cill telling me there was a Shee nearby and the occupants wanted her as a protector now she had claimed this as her territory"

James nodded "they called her 'noble protector' I don't think the fairy liked me at all"

"They were also bringing an ambassador of a gryphon pack too," he added as an afterthought.

Nokala and Tomako exchanged glances that spoke volumes "What?" asked James, tired of being the ignorant one.

"Gryphon's are pack hunters James," explained Nokala "if you have a pack in this forest that is close by they will not like us hunting in their territory. We did not see any today but I am sure the faer will have seen us. You will have to reassure them that we are not permanent and will not interfere with them else they could be trouble"

James nodded "It's going to be a fairly interesting meeting then" he sighed and stroked Cill's neck gently "and with Caroline visiting in a few days it's going to be even more interesting"

This time it was Tomako's turn to be surprised "Who is Caroline?" he asked curiously.

"A-an acquaintance of mine" James said with a flush "She is coming to visit the keep and wants to see me again. She doesn't know about Cill though or that I'm mated now"

Tomako grinned, "Oh that will be fun when she meets Cill and finds out she's been thrown over for a dragoness" he had a deep chuckle in his human form.

"We cannot let her see Cill in dragon form" sighed James "that's why she is pushing herself to shift form - to protect us from Caroline running off and telling everyone"

Tomako nodded in understanding "I see, but what if Cill cannot master shape shifting quickly enough?"

James shrugged "I don't know - we might have to hide her. Caroline may just want to say hello to me, but if she thinks I am still single and lonely here she may try something I would have to refuse and that may make her angry"

He stood up and paced back and forth slowly, "I don't even know when she is due here so it's difficult to prepare"

Nokala rose and clapped James on the shoulder "one thing at a time James, talk with the fairies tomorrow and see what they want. Do you want me here?"

Hesitating briefly, James thought about that then said, "Duncan will be here, I asked if he could be present. I don't want it to look as if we are a threat, so if it looks as if Cill is in charge with us humans working for her it might go more easily. Besides, you've done enough for us without wanting to get mixed up with fairies"

Nokala grinned and nodded "I agree. You have a diplomat's manner James. After all it was Cill that claimed the territory and we are just visiting, so I shall take my leave and return home" he then turned to Tomako "Remember what I told you, I want you to hunt every day to get stronger, but watch out for gryphons"

As he turned to leave he looked at them both and added "And I'm going to teach both of you how to fight dragons if it kills me" and with that he left, leaving the human and dragon staring at one another.

Tomako cleared his throat and looked at the door "I'd better go get Shalla and head home" he said, "I can feel she's worried about me but didn't want to interrupt anything"

James nodded and opened the door for him "I think its going to be interesting for a while" he said with a grin "have you tried going into the mess at all? While looking human I mean" he finished, stepping out the door with him.

"No not yet" Tomako said nervously "I didn't think it would be a good idea"

James grinned "come on then, Ill introduce you to Jane so you can get fed while here. As you are working for the blacksmith they should let you eat for free"

Tomako nodded and followed James slowly towards the mess. James smiled as he caught the outline of a dragoness sitting patiently atop the hill overlooking the bailey and next to her a smaller human figure leaning against her side. They walked up the path and coughed quietly so as not to alarm the pair.

"Not interrupting anything are we?" Tomako asked innocently as Tommy turned red.

"Where have you been?" demanded Shalla, rising to her feet and facing her brother "I've been worried" She looked more closely at him "well, you seem alright -what did Nokala want?"

Tomako held up a hand "I'll tell you all about it at home" He grinned at Tommy and stated "James is going to show me the mess then we should be heading back' he looked up at his sister who was holding the human's hand in her paw "of course if you want to stay overnight..."

Shalla flushed and looked abashed before mumbling something under her mental breath.

James tried hard not to smile but it wasn't getting any easier so he tugged Tomako back "let them say goodnight while we go organize some dinner and Cill's breakfast for tomorrow"

Tomako nodded and followed James towards the mess hall, pausing to look within at the noisy mob inside "Sh-should I really go in?" he asked nervously, nothing in his life had prepared him for being round so many humans "they know I'm a dragon...don't they?"

James shrugged "some do...most wont as they stay in their stalls or homes all day and don't hear much of the gossip - come on" He took the nervous dragon by the arm and semi-dragged him through the doors and into the warm, fire lit hall.

The noise volume dipped a little as eyes turned to see who had entered but soon rose again as James led Tomako over to a table and sat him down.

Tomako recognized some of the novices that had been with James at training that morning and they eyed him warily. James poured out a tankard of wine for him and introduced him to the table "I'd like to introduce my friend Tomako" he said, handing the tankard to the bemused dragon.

"He is going to be an apprentice to the blacksmith for a while so I thought I'd show him around. There was a nervous muttering around the table but the general air seemed to be welcoming.

"Am I supposed to drink this?" muttered Tomako to James as he peered into the tankard, there was something floating in the drink and it had too many legs for his liking.

"Just sip it" replied James, leaning closer "It can't be any more difficult than eating raw sheep" Tomako nodded and dubiously sipped at the wine, not knowing what to expect.

The others round the table relaxed a little as it became obvious that the newcomer wasn't going to tear their heads off, though he did look a little curious as he sipped the wine and grimaced at the taste.

"Why young James" a female voice came from beneath a meat-laden platter "aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"

Grinning James turned and helped Jane with the platter "Jane, this is Tomako, the new blacksmith's apprentice. He is learning how to make armor"

Jane leaned over "My, he's a big one" she stated and before James could stop her, she reached out and pinched Tomako's bicep between her fingers "oh and strong too" she giggled as Tomako went bright red much to the amusement of the rest of the table.

"I'll tell Joe on you" chuckled James "you shouldn't tease the help". Jane gave him a swat from her dishtowel "Joe knows I wouldn't stray, though I'd keep an eye on this one or the scullery girls will kidnap him" she looked at Tomako thoughtfully "doesn't say much does he?" she murmured.

"I think he's a little overwhelmed," replied James as he leaned back "Oh Jane, Cill is going to need a good breakfast tomorrow. Do you have any suggestions?"

Jane rubbed her chin slowly "well we did get a sheep in today, oddest thing you ever saw, ran into the kitchen with half the castle after it. Should be done to a turn by tomorrow morning"

James gave Tomako a nudge "There...you got Cill her breakfast" he chuckled "you should ask her to stay when you come back tomorrow"

Tomako nodded, in truth, he was feeling a little overwhelmed by the sights and sounds around him - his head swimming a little from the wine "I'll do that!" he said, making a decision. After all he was old enough and if he could learn to hunt and fight as well as make armor he would be a dragon of note and able to have his pick of dragonesses as his mate.

James grinned and the pair clasped hands "Now we need to get Shalla to stay for a bit longer" he chuckled but Tomako looked a little gloomy at that.

"It isn't going to be easy but I think we can do it," he said after thinking a little.

James stood and waved to the others at the table, grabbing a couple of pieces of meat from the platter as he led Tomako outside once more.

Shalla was waiting by the travel portal, quietly talking to Tommy, the pair parted with a kiss and a wave when they saw Tomako and James approaching from the tavern.

She didn't look too unhappy and Tomako gave her a hug as they stepped into the portal "coming back tomorrow?" he asked her cheekily.

"Perhaps" she replied, her cheekruffs flushing "If I've nothing better to do" The smile remained on her muzzle though as they flashed back home once more.

James let out a large whoosh of air and stretched eagerly, it had been a trying day and tomorrow looked even more so. He ticked off the things he needed to do "breakfast, fairies and gryphon, Marre" he flinched as he realized he hadn't done his homework of rune study and he turned from the portal to hurry home.

Tomako and Shalla reappeared in their home, all seemed to be quiet and the pair trod lightly as they had a dip in the pool to wash off any stray odors that would alert their parents before venturing down towards the dining area.

Shalla was nervous as she did not share her brothers resolve to leave her comfortable home for a place at the keep. Yet she felt that she had to escape, to leave before her parents realized her doubts and fears and as such, she was unprepared for the sight awaiting her when she and Tomako turned the corner into the dining room.

Their mother was seated beside an elder blue dragon and they were talking animatedly when Nakkour realized they had arrived.

"Ah, Shalla my dear, come and greet Lagaligoliana" she said firmly, taking her daughters arm, "He has so been wanting to meet you"

"Lagaligo, please" said the blue with a grin "So this is the charming young Shallalindria I have heard so much about" he bowed his head in greeting to them both.

Nakkour's eyes glittered as she looked at Shalla "your father and I have almost completed the negotiations" she said proudly.

Shalla swallowed nervously "negotiations for what?" she asked, but already knowing the answer.

"Why my dear, I thought you would have realized by now. Lagaligo here is to be your mate"