FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Byris slowly and cautiously stuck his head out into the hall peeking around the cracked open door of his bedroom. Looking first left and then right down the empty halls lines with red and gold tapestries and long carpets. He breathed a sigh of relief seeing the coast was clear and slipped out gently shutting the door behind him and taking the key from his neck to lock it tight. He slipped the key back over his neck and set off with his emerald scales glinting in the new days light shining through well placed windows along the hall. Flexing his wings he made his way to the dining hall and through there to the kitchen ignoring the serving staff starting their daily work, well ignoring most of them, he smiled at a certain cat woman.

Lyra was a grey furred cat woman who had been working at the castle for quite a few years. Over that time her and Byris had struck up a rather good friendship despite a few gossiping rumors from other bored or jealous staff. It didn't bother her however and she often went out of her way to make things seems awkward just to get a rise out of him.

"Morning Byris." she purred spotting the emerald prince stalking towards the kitchen, "Bit late for you to come out isn't it?" she asks him with a tease coming to walk beside him as she rubbed a smudge off from one of his scales and gave a satisfied nod as the scale shined clearly once more.

Byris looked at his feline companion with a blush, "stop," he whispered, "Not in front of everyone." he said his ears twitching down under his horns. While it was probably no secret they were good friends he didn't want people to get the wrong idea about their relationship. He especially didn't want it from his father about fraternizing with the servants.

They entered the kitchen together, Byris paused to take a deep breath of the wafting scent of fresh bread and pastries in the ovens, it would not be long until breakfast was done but Byris had no intention of eating with the others and just wanted to grab and plate for himself and get on with his day. Lyra knew well enough his intentions as it was not unusual for him to avoid breakfast with the family, mostly because of his father, they never did agree on quite a few things. Byris honestly just wanted to live his life not having to deal with family politics but that was rather hard when his father was king of these lands. He would in time inherit the title and all it entailed unless he could somehow get it passed down to one of his siblings but that was not likely to happen as traditionally it would go to the eldest son which in his case meant him. All because he happened to hatch a few minutes before his brother.

He pushed such grumpy thoughts aside when Lyra brought him his plate to a table set in the corner of the kitchen, "Enjoy Byris." she purred, "Same place as usual?" she asks smiling with her ears and whiskers perked up as she set his food down, "Or not today?" she continues.

"No, no I will be there." Byris answers, "thank you." He says sitting on his haunches in front of the table leaning his neck down to pick at some of his bacon. Watching Lyra nod with a sly smile before she slipped off to her duties satisfied that their rendezvous had been set for another day's relaxation. Something that they were in the habit of for the late day, some of the only time he really got to relax without having to worry about someone breathing down his neck, or judging him for his station and behavior.

The emerald dragon sat enjoying his meal especially the savory bacon cooked just right between crispy and still chewy. Next up were the eggs and hash browns scrambled together though not overly to Byris' liking he still quite enjoyed them. He made good time finishing up his meal before breakfast would even be served for the rest of the castle and as was often the case he indulged in a habit that oh so shameful for a dragon of his stature and licked his plate clean. Such an act would have earned him many a look by his father and probably some snide remarks from one of the stewards though the rest weren't as stuck up and didn't care about such things. He was rather thankful for that at the end of the day, if everyone were like that he imagined he would soon go mad, he smirked a little imagining what a shock that would be if he did go mad. Soon he rose from the table depositing his plate in its proper wash basin and hurried his way out doing his best to not be in the way of anyone as he did so.

Just as he was leaving Byris made sure to duck out the closest exit from their little dining hall and thought to himself how he would spend his little free time before his duties caught up to him. He figured he could get away with sneaking a quick walk out to the markets before someone was sent to find him. He did like the markets and the sights and smells that often greeted him there so that is what he decided upon. Quickly making his way to one of the courtyards of the castle paved in large flagstones with the only bare areas serving to house climbing bushes and trees in this particular one. He stretched his wings and with a powerful leap took to the air flexing strong muscles made to bear him aloft.

He looked down below as the castle shrunk and wondered why they bothered with it. The castle and indeed most of the city was at one point mostly of human make from a time they sought conquest into the untamed lands beyond. It was given as a gift to his ancestors as an offering of peace after the humans had been driven back from their attempts at expansion and since then has been built up to accommodate its new masters and the city itself a rather important trading port resting next to the sea. There was very little trade by ground though for the beyond a few nearby towns and settlements there was beyond them only the Wild Lands wherein the many different magical races had came from many eons ago. That land now of which housed many of the dragons that chose to live according to the old ways but also somewhere deep within were the kingdoms of the old elven empire though to see those elves of ancient blood was rare compared to those of the new founded kingdoms.

At least his history lessons were entertaining he thought to himself as he took in the sight of the city stretching beneath him and the shining sea dotted with the faint bodies of many ships coming and going laden with goods. He took a deep breath of the fresh air and the many scents on the winds rising from beneath and set his gaze upon the brightly colored markets starting a slow descent from his climb that would bring him to his destination. The skies were not empty of course, far from it in fact, many dragons and even a few of the beast people gifted with flight were making their ways through the skies on their own business. There was plenty of room for everyone up here though unlike the ground clustered with people, buildings, carts and the like. He was soon flaring his wings out to slow his descent as he set down upon one of the many designated landing fields in the city, large circular courtyards that were left unobstructed, giving his wings a few shakes he folded them against his back and with a large smile trotted off into the markets.

Almost immediately Byris was assaulted by the sights and sounds of the market place. Bright colors, loud shouts, music, the drifting smells of foods both local and exotic, and the moving crowds of people of all races. It was easy to get lost and forget oneself here in the chaotic buzz of the place, a sensory bombardment with few rivals, but Byris was use to it from his many previous visits. He took in the many colors of the nearby stalls, canvas tarps and banners of red, green, gold, even a few purple, all competing with each other to draw the attention of any passerby. In this overwhelming cacophony Byris certainly knew where he was going, one of his favorite places to visit when he came to the market, a small stall that served ice cream of assorted flavors. Positioned towards one of the edges of the large market area in a quieter spot the blue banner bearing stand stood with an outstretched awning to shield from the sun. Under this awning a pale white dragon sat at his stall and seeing Byris gave a wave of his wing ushering him over. Byris grinned at the familiar sight of another of his friends and quickened his pace around the relatively few, compared to the rest of the market, people between him and his goal.

The white dragon dragon was Ivar a summer visitor from the Wild Lands come to see the city and having discovered an easy way he could make money had taken to making and selling ice cream. Him and Byris had quickly became friends of a sort. "Haven't seen you in days." Ivar says as the green dragon finally got in hearing distance.

Byris grinned, "Good to see you too Ivar." He replies, "no, I haven't really had a chance to come out lately." he said shaking his head a tad. Having been kept busy the last few days by the duties he did have and under enough supervision that he couldn't sneak away like he usually did. It had irked him endlessly to be watched like a hatchling when he didn't even have anything of actual importance to do.

Ivar gave an understanding nod however and started scooping out various flavors into a large cone, "I understand fear not. Just giving you a hard time as they say." he tells him handing the cone piled high with a mix of blue, red, purple, and green colored flavors over to him. Watching expectantly as Byris first eyed the purple, a new flavor Ivar had invented himself, and gave the stack a slow lick making a crossed face soon as his tongue came in touch with the purple. "You like?" Ivar asks leaning towards him in eager for an answer.

The emerald green dragon had felt somewhat suspicious at the purple ice cream, it was not the first time Ivar decided to try out some new flavor idea on him after all, and doing the best to hide his trepidation brought the cone in for a lick. Taking a quick opportunity to try and smell anything different before his tongue made contact with the frozen treat. He swore he smelled berries of some kind, it was an oddly familiar scent, and the instant his tongue made it to the purple he recognized it. That eye watering sour taste made his eyes go cross almost immediately and his muzzle scrunch up desperately. Elderberries that is what it was and he did not much like them at all and quickly took a bite from the sweeter cherry flavored part to push away the terrifying sourness and winced as an icy spike flashed behind his eyes, "Oh, brain freeze!" he whined.

He only registered Ivar's question many seconds after he had asked it, "no, I do not." he says quickly adding seeing Ivar's glum look, "I am not a fan of elderberries. I am fairly certain as well they are suppose to be cooked before you eat them or turn them into ice cream." he says gingerly licking at the other flavors.

Ivar perked up quickly and with a flash of his claws scooped away the elderberry for himself, "I didn't know you cooked them. We in the Wild Lands just eat them as is and we are capable of cooking them if we want mind you." he says quickly doing away with any doubts that the more wild dragons weren't able to cook or such though he did not expect his friend to entertain such notions to begin with.

Byris regarded Ivar cautiously, "You do not cook them?" he asks seeming rather horrified with the idea, "that is very unusual." he says slowly not sure whether to believe him or not on this odd custom. He couldn't imagine anyone enjoying those berries, he was not too fond of them cooked, much less raw. "Well Ivar you Wild Land dragons certainly are very odd in your own ways." he says, "But I don't think the new flavor as it is will be a good idea." he says honestly.

Ivar hummed and scratched his chin, truth be told he really didn't see the issue as it was now, but he would follow his friend's advice for the next time. It was good thing he didn't make much of the elderberry to begin with, just enough to give out some samples, though it did mean he got to keep it for himself. He looked around and noticed how few people were coming in his direction so far, "I guess most people won't be over until later in the day." he remarks, "Not hot enough yet I probably could have slept in." he says with a slight yawn.

Byris laughed, "If you don't have anything more to talk about just say so." he says, "you are really bad at conversation." he grins giving his friend a nudge, "What are your plans when winter comes around? Won't be much demand for your frozen treats then." he asks hoping he would be staying around and offering something else.

"I plan on returning home." he says simply, "but I will be back next year." he reassured the green scaled dragon. He planned on spending summers here selling ice cream and getting things he wanted to take back with him during winter time to his mountain home in the Wilds. Though... he did know Byris was not quite happy here with the expectations his family held for him and so he offered, "you could come with me for a year and get a break from things here." he tells him, "I think the experience would be good for you."

He was tempted very tempted but he couldn't just leave like that not least for which would be how much trouble it would bring to his friend. Byris shook his head, "no, sorry but I cannot leave just like that we wouldn't be day before someone dragged us both back and my father would probably throw you in the dungeon or something." he says with a big long sigh. There was no helping it he just had to deal with it, it really wasn't that bad, he just didn't want the lot he had in life and wanted something simpler. Ironic he thought that many would give anything to be in his place.

Ivar shrugged and understood well enough, "Alright, you get to be all nice and snug in your castle while I have to deal with the harsh winter travels back home all alone." he said in teasing mocking and quickly ducked the slow swipe towards his head as Byris swung a paw and laughed a little.

"Shush you!" He says imperiously, "or I'll have you chained in the darkest dungeon of the castle." he jokes starting to laugh some more. "You really are an ass sometimes." He says grinning as Ivar started to laugh as well. He sobered up quickly though, "You got plans for the evening? My and Lyra are going to meet up at the spot if you want to come along." he offers inviting Ivar to the hidden spot him and Lyra went to hang out. It would be great to see more of him outside these visits to the market.

Ivar hummed, he certainly didn't really have any plans for the evening or the entire night pretty much, he usually just went home and made sure everything was ready for the next day barring the few occasions to hang out like this. "Do you really need to ask?" He replies, "of course I am in and I will be there probably before both of you and as usual Lyra would be late." he states with absolute surety especially of Lyra's sense of timing that was only kept in line during work by the work itself. He smiled seeing Byris' excitement at the confirmation that he would be there glad he could bring such a reaction.

Byris was indeed extremely happy about this and showed it quite well with his big grin and excited wagging of his tail. "Great!" He says, "I should get going actually..." he adds slowly, "probably be dragged back soon anyways.." he told him figuring one of his families guards would be looking for him soon. If he could get home first they might raise less a fuss when he wanted to go out tonight.

Ivar gave an understanding nod, "Be safe friend and see you later. Don't be late." he says giving a wave as Byris started to depart. He would be the first to get there and he would say everyone else was late he decided, just because he could. He watched Byris go and busied himself with again making sure everything was in order for the day. It wouldn't be long before the day got hotter and he got more customers.

Byris made his way to the landing field and taking flight once more into the skies above the city once more looking down at the view below him. He never grew tired of it and loved the city especially the view, it was bright and colorful, so full of life. It was always changing but in that way always the same. He took his time returning, flying at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view before he would be stuck inside for the day. He could see ahead of him a couple of the castle guards in their distinctive garb coming in his direction. It seemed he was just in time heading back as they were already on their way to round him up. Seeing him they slowed and waited for him to meet them before flying along side him on either side. He nodded to them, they were after all just doing their job, and with a friendly nod back they made their way back to the castle to land in the same courtyard he had originally taken flight from. "I can make my own way now." He tells the two with him and started for the great hall where he figured his father would be waiting. He knew well enough what he would be expected to do today so he saw no need in prolonging it. His duties were mostly helping or rather learning the duties his father handled and the administrative tasks of running the castle and important trade matters.

He was exactly where Byris thought he was, large, dark green, and with a perpetual look of dour seriousness, his father was at the head of the table looking through stacks of papers. A few others clustered around handling lesser stuff and helping bring and take papers from the many sorted piles. He looked up as Byris entered making his way to his usual spot slipping through the clerks and assistants on his way.

His father King Nykis watched him, "Good of you to join us." he says his voice a deep rumble, "You are on time that is a first for this week." He sounded somewhat pleased as he spoke though Byris sort of sighed at the statement though this was the norm as well.

"Yes I know Father, I got up early and everything." Byris replies taking the stack of papers passed to him and starting to sift through them as he usually did and occasionally marked something down, dipping his fore claw in ink to trace out the glyphs for different orders and authorizations. Filling out requests and the like. This went on for many hours stopping mid afternoon for lunch where he was lectured on the many duties and tasks he would be responsible for in the future. He listened attentively because after all it was important and something he would have to deal with in the future even if he dearly wished he wouldn't have too do so. Then it was back to work after lunch leaving him longingly looking off through a window and then again after Lyra as she passed through bringing extra refreshments.

These final hours passed the slowest of all. Most of the important work had already been done and now it was just going through requests and matters dealing with the castle itself. Most of it came down to work orders for the west wing which under renovation currently. It didn't bother Byris much dealing with these beyond the tediousness involved. He knew the castle well after all and how the work was suppose to be carried out and what needed to be done though he didn't see why his father wanted to redo and expand that part of the castle except maybe as a show of wealth. They certainly didn't need the extra space far as he was aware it would be little more than empty wasted space. He didn't want to bring this up however as last time didn't go so well. He stayed quiet and hurried through the last few records and forms before finally being done for the day. He was quick to excuse himself and rush off with a heavy sigh of relief. He knew other kings and lords didn't have to do so much work, they had others do these jobs for them, but that wasn't how things were done here.

He quickly hurried out through the halls to the courtyard he was accustomed to taking off from. He didn't worry about getting any snacks or anything else he knew he didn't need to bring anything like that with the friends he had coming. Instead he worried about not getting waylaid or otherwise held up. To avoid that he took a slight detour cutting through to his bedroom and then out the window to slink along the outside of the castle to where he would have space to take flight once more. He wouldn't be flying the whole way just far enough to get outside the city and then he would give his wings a break and walk the rest of the way. It wouldn't be too far anyways once out of the hustle and bustle though it was starting to die down now that evening was descending. Soon enough he was soaring once more now towards the sunset and out from the city. The road he was flying over now was one that led to the nearest town close to the city but it also ran alongside the path he would be splitting off to so he swooped down and landed a bit of dust rising from the slight gaps in the paving stones to quickly settle back as he hurriedly walked on. A good five minutes he walked down the road before veering off into the woods and a small barely visible path. From there another ten minutes of walking brought him to the edge of a small grove in the forest around an old stone structure.

When the humans had controlled these lands or tried to the building had been a small open amphitheater built around a fresh water spring. To the humans it had likely held some kind of religious significance but was now abandoned and being reclaimed by nature. It was a good spot to hang out being out of the way and with very few visitors even back when humans owned it. Byris and his friends came out here a lot to hang out free from the the noise of the city and watchful eyes of his family and the castle staff and guards. Byris took a deep breath and stepped through the archway of stone that formed the entrance. He saw immediately that Ivar had made it here before him and was playing in the water of the spring, which was gathered in a pool in the center, splashing it around with his tail and creating slowly melting chunks of ice to trap in whirlpools from his paws or tails. He hadn't seen Byris yet and he decided to try to surprise him. He ducked down stalking around the edges of the walls behind Ivar and crept forward ready to pounce. One slow step at a time he got closer until he was right behind and with a deep breath he roared.

Ivar gave a frightened roar and a spastic leap his body stiffening and twisting in the air as he instinctively tried to get away and with a big splash he landed in the pool wings and limbs flopping sending water everywhere until he righted himself gasping. He looked with wide eyes at Byris, "Bastard..." he panted, "don't do that...." he waved a paw about until he found the ledge and pulled himself up and flopped down looking up at Byris, "Got me, you got me." he says with a huff as his heart pounded.

Byris leaned down to nudge his friend with his muzzle, "You okay buddy?" he asks, "Didn't think you would jump in the pool." he says starting and then laugh until Ivar put a paw on his face to silence him. He backed up almost silent chuckling coming from him, "That was for the last time." he said remembering when Ivar froze his tail to the floor the last time they had come here.

The icy dragon looked up and started to laugh as well, "next time I'll freeze your maw shut instead." he says laughing fully now and climbing to his feet to shake himself dry sending drops of water in every direction. He looked around for Lyra wondering if they had come together but soon figured if they had she would have been laughing the loudest at him. He sat down fanning his wings a bit to help dry off, "Guess we are waiting on Lyra now." he says humming a tad.

"As usual." Byris replies with a grin and sitting down away from the puddle of water made by all the splashing. Perhaps, he thought, they could get a drop on the cat lady too, though she was rather hard to get. She was always a step ahead of them but this made the challenge all the more alluring to Byris and he knew Ivar would be up for it. Before he could bring the idea up with Ivar however; Lyra strolled in with a pack slung over her shoulder, "You know anything within a mile probably heard you two." she says grinning and looking between them. Byris scoffed and shook his head, he knew they were loud, but he was not about to admit that.

Lyra looked between the two dragons still grinning and wishing she had gotten here in time to see what had happened. She set her pack full of snacks down a safe distance from the water. "You two should just kiss already." She says purring at the startled look she got from the two, "what the way you two try to pull one over at each other all the time you two definitely got a thing." she teases wickedly. It was fun to watch them sputter and protest the things she said about them.

The two of them were definitely falling over each other trying to protest what she was saying with Ivar being the loudest speaking up, "There is nothing like that! It is just fun joking around." the ice dragon said loudly his paw silencing Byris by clamping his muzzle shut. He struggled to keep Byris from pulling his head away as he spoke, "Did you bring any of those sweet rolls?" he asks finally letting go of Byris who stumbled back with a huff. He was soon right back next to Ivar craning his head to try and see past him, being eager as well for those sweet rolls Lyra was so good at making.

Lyra purred, "I did bring sweet rolls." replied her tail flicking back and forth, "But not right now." she says sternly holding a hand up to the two. "I want to relax before you two mangle my bag for sweets." she says sauntering to a fallen pillar that had been dragged to serve as a suitable place for her to comfortably sit. She sat down crossing her legs and brought her tail into her lap to pet down the fur there, "Did either you remember to bring the games?" she asks knowing full well both of them forgot. She stared them down as they shrunk away from her thinking of an excuse no doubt.

"I thought Ivar was bringing them." Byris speaks up wincing as Ivar smacked his tail to his. He moved a few feet away flicking a loose pebble sized chunk of stone at him with a chuckle, "Not my fault he forget." he says yelping as Ivar suddenly pounced on him rolling them both into the water.

The cold water was a shock to Byris, he was not use to the cold and with the ice Ivar had created to fill the pool it was far colder than it would otherwise be, he leapt out shivering and gasping and slipping on the wet floor to flop down on his belly. "Not fair...." he whined, yelping as a wave of the cold water was flung over him, he rushed out of range of Ivar's wave flinging wings as the others laughed. He shook the water and a few flakes of ice off and huffed glaring at the two, "you're lucky you brought snacks Lyra or you would be getting a bath too." he tells her earning a mock hiss back at him.

"Never!" Lyra says tail puffing up as she stood and ears folded back, her offended and angry visage betrayed only by her joyful grin pulling at the edges of her expression. She did put herself close to her pack though knowing that the two dragons were likely to try and splash her at the very least if their snacks were not at risk. The looks of frustration from Ivar confirmed his plans to her, "better luck next time." she taunted.

"Wait wasn't your turn to bring the games?" Byris asks starting to remember that it actually was her turn. Lyra bristled as he spoke, "it was your turn wasn't it?" Byris continues, "and you are blaming us for it." he continues with an indignant scoff.

"I bring the food since neither of you two can cook and even if you could it would not make it here." The cat lady said quite on point as well and the two dragons knew that with Byris sheepishly looking around and Ivar just giving a slight shrug of agreement. "Now we just have to improvise. So any ideas?" She asks looking between them.

Ivar hopped up sudden excitement surging through him, "I got an idea!" he says grinning widely, "checkers." he states rather proudly as he started scratching a board pattern into the floor, "pebbles for red and bark for black." he continues. Crawling on the floor to gather stone chips as the others watched him before Lyra came to help collect pieces of stone while Byris walked out to pull small pieces of bark from trees and bring them back.

They all sat together around the faintly visible board scratched onto the floor setting up the pieces. Ivar and Lyra went first while Byris watched his head craning over Lyra's shoulder. Ivar making the first move and starting the game off. Five minutes later it was clear Ivar was not very good at checkers, in fact he was completely trounced, he stared befuddled as Lyra jumped his last piece. She had lost only a couple of pieces in the process as well, "I think cards are more your thing Ivar." she told him resetting her pieces for the next match.

Ivar nodded slowly to her, "Yeah... I think so too." he says moving to the side, "See if you can beat her Byris." he says laying down where he could watch as his friend moved into the spot he had previously occupied. Ivar noticed immediately that Byris was a lot better at checkers than he was as he matched up against Lyra. Both them putting up a good fight with little progress for either side but a back and forth tug of war in the beginning. He kept watching as they ground down into a stalemate for a few tense minutes before Byris finally managed to capture Lyra's last piece with only one of his remaining. Ivar knew he was far outmatched in this game and he was less interested in playing now than food. Ignoring the few jokes and conversation from his friends he backed away and started to slink towards the pack full of snacks. At least he had his tail pulled and jumped with a little yelp at the unexpected twinge of pain that came with it.

"Not so fast you." Lyra says giving Ivar's tail another tug making him hop backwards a couple of feet with a squeak and struggle to pull his tail free from her grasp. Succeeding only as she let go and turned glared sternly at the failed snack thief, "You have no patience at all do you?" she asks tapping him on the snout with one clawed finger giving him a little poke.

"H-Hey!" he protested pulling his tail close as Lyra let it go and reared back as he was poked by the sharp claw. It didn't so much hurt but he sure felt it ruffled his wings as she crossed her arms before him. "We've played games it is time for snacks." he says defensively shooting a quick glare at the other dragon who was snickering at him through this whole confrontation. He fidgeted and squirmed under Lyra's gaze her piecing green eyes making him more and more nervous she would try to do something to him. He swallowed his pride and took a deep breath, "Can I please have some sweet rolls now? Pleeeaaasse!" he asks shooting her an innocent pleading look.

Lyra rolled her eyes, "You are so pathetic." she says shaking her head, "_mmhrrur,_very well you may have three." she tells him going past him to retrieve her pack anyways knowing he would take many more if he thought for a second he could get away with it. She opened up nose and whiskers twitching as the sweet scent of the rolls met her smelling of sugar and cinnamon. She plucked out three rolls wrapped individually in brown paper and handed them to the eager dragon who swiped them up and hobbled away on his rear legs with his front paws cupping his precious cargo. Next up was Byris giving her the same pleading look as Ivar had and receiving three rolls as well before Lyra took her own share and sat on her makeshift bench to eat with the others.

They ate in relative silence except for the quiet sounds of chewing the crumpling of paper wrappings. Ivar ate slowly savoring every bite of his sweet rolls while sitting back on his haunches with the derpiest look possible. Byris was almost the complete opposite quickly wolfing down his first two rolls before starting to nibble and pick at his last trying to make it last. Lyra was the most calm of them and elegant, at least in her mind, as she ate careful to avoid crumbs or otherwise making a mess of her face and hands. In all truth she probably looked a bit fastidious as she enjoyed her food.

Byris was unsurprisingly the first to finish his food and sat watching the others finish their own. Mostly watching Ivar actually who hunched protectively over his remaining sweet roll as the others watched him. Lyra made excellent sweet rolls and other snacks. It started Byris to thinking why she didn't actually work as a cook in the castle instead of just a regular servant. "Hey, Lyra.." Byris starts, "You are really a good cook why don't you do that instead of cleaning up after everyone?" He asks her curiously. It was an oddity he noticed before but never had bothering asking about.

Lyra was surprised by the question and paused to consider it. Why had she never thought about taking the higher position? Well it was certainly a lot more responsibility and stressful that was one thing that deterred her. That and she did like cooking as a hobby and she wasn't sure she would continue to feel that way if it was her actual job in the castle having to cook whatever others wanted. "I guess it is mostly I just don't like the idea of it being my job. Takes the fun away from it all." She replies to Byris with a slight shrug. There wasn't much else to it, she was happy with the position she had, and she didn't feel the need to add onto what she was expected to do and take away from something that was enjoyable by making it become work.

Byris hummed and nodded slowly understanding what she was saying. "That makes sense actually" he says feeling much the same way about his position as heir to his father. That was pretty obvious to his friends so he didn't need to explain it thankfully. The rest of their evenings passed in a seeming blur of jokes, random banter, and a few games of tag and mock fights that ended in uproarious laughter from all three. By time they left it was almost dark only the faintest hint of twilight lit the world around them and that was quickly fading to only the light of the moon and stars above as they followed the path back to the road. Lyra walked along between the two dragons humming to herself and enjoying the night. Byris soon joined in the humming and Ivar followed the example making a pleasant melody to accompany their short journey back.

The road back was mostly empty at this time only a few travelers of no real notice slipping by on the final business of the day or returning home. Well most of them weren't much interest except one, a slender cream colored dragoness descending from flight, who seemed in quite a hurry so much so she didn't notice the three beneath her in time to respond. With almost no warning Byris didn't have time to respond before being a landing pad for the oblivious dragoness above him. He went down under her with a cut off yelp a paw slamming down on his muzzle and driving his head down as his legs gave out under the surprise burden. Together they went down onto the paving stones the 'ness tripping and falling across him with a surprised exclamation.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" The 'ness shouts scrambling off Byris and leaving the others gawking in surprise and slight concern for their now likely somewhat bruised friend.

Byris groaned in pain holding his muzzle with a paw as he clambered to his feet the world seeming to spin and tilt slightly as he got his bearings and looked at the one who landed on him. "Watch where you are going." He says a bit harshly, "Why are you in such a hurry anyways?"

Ivar and Lyra looked at each other and took a step back figuring things were handled and wanting to watch where things went now that it was clear no one was seriously hurt. Ivar was getting a good laugh at this, "What's your name miss?" he asks the lady.

"What? Cysia that is my name." She replies to Ivar before looking back to Byris, "Sorry sorry.. it's a personal matter. I should really get going." she tells him pausing a second before continuing, "wait, your Prince Byris aren't you?" she questions.

"Yeah, I am." Byris slowly replied, "didn't you say you were in a hurry? You should probably go deal with those personal matter." He tells her really not wanting some weird conversation about himself that random strangers tried to start every now and then.

Cysia gave a curt nod, "You're right forgive me. I'll go now but I'll make it up to you when we meet again." she says quickly darting off down the road before anyone could respond or stop her.

Byris had opened his mouth to question what she meant by meeting again but gave a long sigh instead wondering if he just picked up a stalker by accident. Obviously it was probably expected at some point, his brother had a few from what he knew, but Byris himself had always kept more to himself to avoid those awkward happenings. Shaking his head he decided it would be something to think about later after his head stopped hurting.

"That was weird." Ivar comments from the side, "Think we should go try to help?" he asks looking off down the road until Lyra elbowed his side and shook her head rather sternly.

"If she wanted help she would have asked for it besides I think she was much more interested in Byris than you." She says thinking it was obvious, "In fact I don't think there was a personal matter to deal with and she landed on Byris on purpose."

While Ivar was pondering that for a second Byris had to scoff at the idea, "What makes you say that?" he says with a feeling she was probably right at least in part. He wasn't willing to think she had intentionally landed on him or didn't have some important matter but it was likely she was interested at least in a passing way.

Lyra rolled her eyes, "You are surprisingly dense sometimes. She ran off down the road. If she was in a hurry why land at all? Flying is faster." she reasons starting to grin, "unless she planned on it."

"Maybe her wings were tired." Ivar said finding that excuse reasonable, except it didn't really make sense actually since dragons flew a lot and she didn't look tired at all, maybe not so reasonable actually he thought to himself.

He was too late in thinking though for Lyra was quick to laugh and even Byris couldn't help but see the problem with that idea and bring a paw to his face. "I take back what I said about Byris being dense ice brain." Lyra says still laughing, "No wonder you two are single. You are both oblivious to the obvious."

"There is nothing obvious about whatever convoluted plot you think is going on Lyra." Byris replied with a huff and starting to continue the walk back to the city, "What you are suggesting is... it is insane. No one would bother with it when they can just come up and introduce themselves normally." he continues on. Ivar gave an enthusiastic nod totally in agreement with that assessment as he followed.

Lyra shrugged moving to catch up quickly before slowing her pace. "I don't know I think its romantic in a way." she says grinning, "and nothing short of that seems to get your attention anymore." she adds, "remember how you and Ivar met? You probably wouldn't have thought more of him than a simple merchant selling frozen treats if not for his attempt to make ice cream out of peppers of all things."

Byris and Ivar both winced at that incident that while it had probably led to their current friendship was still a rather embarrassing memory. For Byris the public spectacle of almost choking on burning hot ice cream of all things and for Ivar absent minded thought that maybe it would be a good idea to turn those extremely hot peppers into a dessert. "That was one time and it was an accident. We would probably have become friends any ways." Byris says unconvincingly.

"Really? Byris you go out to the markets to get away from the castle and wander about absent minded until you grow bored. You hardly bother to focus on anything unless Ivar is involved or something crazy enough happens to force you." Lyra says having seen him a few times in the markets doing just such aimless wandering and even having tried to get his attention a few times to no success. "You let yourself be hypnotized by the bright colors and loud noised."

"That is not true!" The green dragon insisted sticking to his side of the matter, "I am perfectly aware of everything... most things going on and I would notice if someone tried to get my attention."

Lyra sighed, "I called your name for five minutes and then glued a sign that said kick me to your rear last week and you were too busy looking at those exotic birds to notice anything not right in front of your face." she tells him.

He stopped dead in his tracks for a second a look of shock on his face, "That was you!" he exclaims loudly before jumping ahead. "Whatever, that was only one time." he said grumbling now that his illusion of awareness had been shattered for him leaving him rather embarrassed.

"Yeah the one time I decided to prank you in public like that." Lyra says, "For all either of us knows you could have met that dragoness a dozen times by now and not even noticed because you want to tune out everything but the brightest loudest distractions. You are like a kitten seeing a circus for the first time."

He sighed and shook his head, "alright fine maybe it is possible I tune out a little bit but I am pretty sure I would remember her if I met her before and even if not that doesn't really warrant using me as a landing pad." He says grudgingly giving in a bit. "Let's just enjoy the night or something while we can." he says with an extra grumble.

"I am rather enjoying it." Ivar said laughing a little, "you do tend to be a tad oblivious at times." he says with a grin, "guess I am no better though I do pay more attention. I just don't think things through very much like everything I am saying now." he says continuing to laugh at himself now glad that Byris started to smile a bit.

They continued on in relative silence from that point and watching the sky just in case someone else decided to come down on them. Well Byris did, Ivar and Lyra were largely unconcerned about it. It was getting much cooler now that the heat of the day was being driven back by the wind coming from the ocean and those cold currents over the water. Coming to the large archway that marked the gates of the city Ivar soon split off saying good night as he went to his home. Lyra and Byris walked on quietly from there for a time up the main street past the still busy markets towards the castle until Lyra started for the road leading to her home. Byris never could get a straight answer why she didn't just take a room in the castle, she was certainly allowed too, he would ask tomorrow about it perhaps.

Walking alone he soon grew bored and flew the rest of the way home. Not that it was very far just a quick hop far as flights went. No one bothered him on his way to his room stopping only to grab an extra snack before going to bed.

He flopped down on his bed and stretched out with a happy groan, even though the day hadn't been particularly hectic or busy he was tired and ready for sleep. He thought back on the day but quickly cut that off and directed his thoughts to other things than how his days blended together. It was just another day he reasoned. Despite his best efforts though he found himself thinking about it and how one day was much like the last all blending together into a blur of the same patterns. Perhaps that was his biggest problem, that he was bored with the same routines, and didn't want to live like that. It was somewhat of a depressing thought for him though it was something he was suppose to grow out of, that didn't mean he liked it or felt better about it now though. Eventually his thoughts finally drifted away to other subjects.

Strangely enough he found his thoughts drifting to the dragoness he had met. Cysia she had said her name was, thinking back on it she did look familiar, though he couldn't place neither her name or face. Lyra was probably right, he probably had run across her and ignored her in his distracted wanderings, he felt kind of bad about that. She was pretty not that he was interested that was, or maybe he was interested, he couldn't decide and rolled onto his side with a huff. Perhaps this hadn't just been like every other day he figured since something quite notable had actually happened from what was expected. Putting his head under his pillow as if to block out the intrusive thoughts he finally started to descend into sleep hearing only briefing a scratching noise like claws latching on to a surface and then he was out.