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Vox was not a happy dragon, not happy at all! Why did she have to go save that stupid stallion, couldn't she have just left him there on the road where she had found him. His little foot kicked a small pebble that flew over the yard.

Surely everyone would have been better off had she just left him there, Vox thought as he started to waddle over the yard to his little hideout place. Not even Nisha knew he had this little cave, maybe not a cave by dragon standards but he had dug a nice spacious little hideout in a grassy knoll behind the cottage, from it he had perfect view of the cottage and it's surroundings. He had made sure to leave some tall grass and branches to hide the entrance and one really needed to be at his level to even see there was something behind it.

He waddled inside, turned and lay facing the opening with a deep sigh. Their lives had been perfect before 'he' came and ruined it all, 'Coooonor' he mockingly hissed to him self in a dark hoarse voice. Oh yes he thought, if only they knew i could talk, he chuckled a little and suddenly felt a little bit better for having this wonderful secret that no one knew about, not even Nisha.

He felt a slight twinge in his heart at that thought, Nisha had been nothing but kind to him, and yet he had kept this secret from her. At first he didn't mean to, he had just been to weak to talk, and by the time he could, she was already under the assumption that he couldn't and it had just been easier to let her think he couldn't, got him out of chores and all kinds of tedious things.

He wondered what they were doing right now, 'talking' she had said, sure he thought i bet there talking just the way they had this morning. A slight growl rising through his throat as he grind his teeth. With a sigh he lay down his head on his front paws, only visible sign that he was still agitated was the slight wisp of his tail and his ears that was slightly drawn back.

Everything was quiet on the homestead, not even the bird where chirping, it was as if they knew the little dragon was in a foul mood and they didn't dare to disturb him, knowing only too well that he'd show them no mercy and burn their feathers with his fire breath.

He wasn't even in the mood to practice his breath, he knew he should so he could get back to his full potential again, but he simply couldn't be bothered. He knew that the wonderful life he had had with Nisha wouldn't last, at some point she would have to find a mate, a suitable mate, not a tiny dragon like him self, that simply wouldn't do, a real mate that could make her happy and help her with her everyday struggles. But surely 'that donkey' Vox chuckled to him self 'donkey' that was funny, yep that's what i'll call him he thought, that donkey wasn't it!

It was clear to everyone that donkey was of higher standards then Nisha, heck he was head of the clan. Everyone knew he had to mate with an appropriate filly, someone that had a good dowry and would benefit the clan. His beautiful Nisha, well she wasn't his but he liked to think of her as his, she deserved to be happy, these passed months had been so hard on her. Loosing her mother and then trying so hard to make ends meat, he had seen her worried looks when she saw just how little food there was in the cupboard, not nearly enough to last them let alone her over the winter.

Vox had been toying with the idea if would be better for her if he were to leave her, at least that would mean one less mouth to feed, but then he had come up with a better plan, if he could regain his strength he could help her, maybe he couldn't bring home large prey but when he was in full form he knew for sure he could hunt both rabbits and birds, that was food too.

He had been very happy about his decision and worked really hard to regain strength in his wings and also get his fire breath sorted. He really didn't want to get back to a life on his own, a slight shiver cursed through his body as he remembered how his flock had turned on him and driven him away, almost killing him to make him leave.

He had had a good life with them up till the point where the old Alpha dragon went and got him self killed, then all of a sudden it was every dragon for him self. He had never wanted the role as alpha, perfectly happy to be a hunter and just be one of the flock. But of course Ghil had not seen it that way, Ghil had seen him as a threat and one day out of the blue he had come after him. Had it not been for the surprise i might have been able to take him Vox thought, but Ghil being the conniving bastard that he was, had ambushed him, once the flock saw that he was loosing they of course had to take Ghil's side. In the eleventh hour he had managed to escape, ill beaten he somehow had managed to fly but not before long his injuries forced him to the ground and once down he couldn't get up again.

He didn't know how many days had passed, but luckily for him Nisha had stumbled upon him while on a long trip to find a special herb that only grew in the high country where he had been laying. He had tried to fight her as she tried to heal him back to health, but he was too weak and at some point he had realized she only wanted to help.

The creaking of the front door woke him up out of his thoughts, he looked upon as Nisha helped Conner to get out, the hiss that was about to come out of his mouth stopped in its tracks as he watched how lovingly Nisha took care of Conner, she was making sure he was comfortable and then she stroke his cheek.

Vox sighed, Nisha was in love with the donkey! The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, he didn't know how or when it had happened but it was evident to him that she did. He muttered curse words under his breath, damned it to hell he thought, now i have to be nice to him. If Nisha loved him that meant he had to do everything in his power to make sure this ended well, because there was simply nothing he wouldn't do to make her happy, that meant even being nice to donkey. But that damned donkey better watch him self he thought, if he hurt his Nisha there would be hell to pay, he would tear that white hide to shreds.

Seeing Nisha walk away from the cottage, he decided it was time to get to know mr donkey a little bit better, he eased out of his cave and scurried around the branches when he saw that Conner wasn't looking and then started to wobble down the hill towards him.

It felt good to be outside again, to feel the warm sun beating down on his hide, and to feel the gentle breeze ruffle his fur. It eased his mind to be out here in the forest. No worries or cares dragging him down. He felt almost free, though he knew he was pretty much confined to his chair until Nisha helped him back inside. Not that he minded one bit. The injuries he had suffered were well worth what they had brought him. He had met someone he found he cared for quite deeply, Someone he was determined to bring back with him when the time came. Though he wasn't in any hurry to get back.

Silly as it might seem to some, this was for him the closest thing to a vacation as he might ever find. He knew eventually he would have to give all this up. Leaving all this peace and tranquility behind only to return to the stresses of his position. He was almost tempted to give that all up and stay. He knew he could be happy here.

The only thing was he knew he was needed. His father was no longer the sleek and strong stallion he once was, and his brother had his mind to much on other things to truly run things the way they needed to be. That left him. Then there was the other matter. Those scurvy dogs that had left him for dead had to pay. To leave such a deed unpunished could never sit well with him. He would see them hang for their crimes, every last one of them. In this he would show no mercy.

All of that could wait however. For he knew he had to regain his strength and his health. Both things that would take time, and truly he had no real desire to leave.

"Well my friend"

Conner said as he addressed the small dragon that had snuck up on him as he lay in the sun.

"I know you dislike me, but I'm not going anywhere. I love her you know"

Conner said as he addressed the small dragon. Feeling no more silly then when he talked to the feral mare he often rode into battle, though he deemed her a far sight smarter then the small reptile that was there beside him now. Still as his one paw reached out and idly scratched the dragon, he felt better just by speaking his mind. Telling the small creature things he wasn't sure he could share with the filly that had found a way into his heart.

"I wish sometimes that I could take her as a mate, but we both know that can't happen don't we?"

He asked with a heavy sigh as his mind turned once more over all the reasons he wouldn't be allowed to take her as a mate, and why she wouldn't take him even if he could. It pained him greatly to think on it, but he couldn't help it. Still he knew he needed her in his life.

"But I can take her back with me. She won't survive the winter out here. We both know that. But you'll both be welcome at my home and be well fed, and maybe..."

Conner sighed as he realized there was nothing much he could do. He could of course ask her to return with him, give her a position as his healer. Something he was almost sure she would take. He hoped she would. Then he would have her near him as a friend. Anything else though was just wishful thinking. Still he could be there for her, and make sure she needed for nothing, and most importantly he could be near her. As he saw things that would just have to be enough.

Vox lifted an eye brow as Conner began speaking to him, even though he knew that for Nisha's sake he had to try and like him, Vox was still determined to let Conner work for it.

What happened next couldn't have surprised the little dragon more, never in a million years would he have thought that the mighty warrior stallion would confess his love for Nisha to him. His jaw literally dropped to the ground and he starred back at Conner in total disbelief.

He quickly shut his mouth and put on the 'do i look like i care' face, but the more Conner talked the more impressed Vox got, he really did care about Nisha! Vox was so tempted to say something, but he didn't want to give away his secret just yet, so instead he crawled closer, arched his back and murred as Conner petted him.

When Conner started to speak about taking Nisha with him, Conner was talking almost to him self and payed no attention to Vox expression, frantic Vox tried to come up with a way to show his approval but how could he do that when the stupid stallion wouldn't even look at him. Finally Vox had no other option, he sank his teeth into Conners leg, not hard, just a nip, but it was enough for Conner to jump and look down at Vox. Quickly Vox let his little tongue lick the bite mark, eagerly nodded his head and hissed approvingly.

Out in the woods Nisha was battling her own thoughts, the usual spot where she had always found plenty of berries had been picked dry. A deep sigh left her lips, her cup boards where screamingly empty, she had been concerned even before she brought home Conner, now she knew there was literally no chance of her and Vox making it through the winter.

The only way she could see them making it would be to go to the village and ask the Garett clan to show her some mercy, "i'd rather starve to death" she muttered under her breath as she grind her teeth tightly together.

Finding a little sunny spot next to a big tree she sat down, no point in dwelling over something you can't change Nish she thought to her self. Closing her eyes she turned her face towards the sun, almost immediately warm and happy thoughts flooded into her mind. Conner, oh what a stallion he is, she knew she had let her guard down and that somehow she had let him into her heart. Well i won't be sorry for it she thought, he makes me feel like none other, and who knows this might be my one and only chance to feel like this.

Startled she opened her eye's, did i just confess to my self that i'm in love with Conner she thought, yes, yes i did she thought, dear Epona what does this all mean?

Conner had drifted off into a rather relaxed state as he spoke to the dragon. Revealing just what it was that he truly wanted and desired where Nisha was concerned if only there was a way. He knew he couldn't tell her of course. It could only bring her pain to know how he truly felt about her. He could however tell Vox. It wasn't like the dragon was going to tell her anything, and it did make him feel better to confess his feelings. It was just as he was considering if Airn might have a solution to his problem that the nasty little dragon bit him.

"By Epona's mane"

Conner cried out as Vox licked the blood from his fur and hissed in a menacing manner

"You are a nasty little thing."

Conner stated rather clearly as he wondered just why Nisha kept such a mean little creature around. It was clear to him now that he wasn't likely to win the small dragon over, though he was now set on asking Nisha to return with him as soon as she returned. Certainly he wasn't leaving her alone with Vox, not after what he had done. Sure the small dragon hadn't harmed her yet, but that could change.

"Well that does it. She's coming with me whether you like it or not."

Conner managed with a firm resolve as he glared at the small dragon. Just daring him to try something else. His thoughts about what his brother might do melting away as he focused on Vox. It was a shame such a beautiful little creature could have such a foul temper. But that was the way it was. Eventually Conner just slumped back in his chair and drifted off to sleep after it became clear that no further attacks were going to happen, at least for now.

Airn was concerned. Things not quite adding up in his mind the way they should. Sure he had been told of the fight that was supposed to have led to his brothers fall. Had heard the sordid details of the ambush, and the bloody fight that had followed. He had seen the blood soaked ground and the tell tale signs of an epic struggle for himself. Still it didn't sit right with him. Something was wrong here, but he had no idea what that might be.

The wounded stallions he was sure knew far more then they were telling him, of that he was sure. Still the pride in their eyes, and the wounds on their bodies supported their claims. Claims he couldn't quite bring himself to believe. Like it or not though he had to accept their word, and treat them with the utmost respect. They were hero's to far to many right now. Almost untouchable, despite any concerns or suspicions he might have.

That wasn't stopping him from searching for the truth, but his best lead had been washed away by the rain, the trail that had led away from the scene wiped clean by the gentle rain by the time he could return with a few loyal soldiers. His best guess was that his brothers body had been taken to the next village along this road. An unpromising prospect at best, for he knew already just how difficult the Garret clan could be.

Nothing it seemed was easy or simple. He was learning that quickly enough, and gaining a new respect for his elder brother. It was a wonder Conner had managed it all so well, certainly he had made the job look so easy. Not that it was by any stretch of the imagination. Not when everything seemed to land at his hoofs. With a heavy hearted sigh the young palomino stud slumped over the desk, his paws sending a cascade of scrolls and parchment tumbling to the floor as he openly wept for the first time since hearing of his brothers death.

He had never really wanted nor desired this position, though he knew it might fall to him one day, and now that he had it he was determined to make his brother proud. He knew it wasn't going to be easy. Not when the prospect of war loomed. With his brother gone it was just a matter of time before another clan set their sights on this one. Thinking them weak and ill prepared. A challenge was sure to be issued, the peace broken. Airn could see that well enough. Though he was determined to issue one of his own first. If a rival clan was responsible for his brothers death then they would pay dearly. That he promised himself

Their father was already pushing for war on the Garret clan. The elder stallion not even seeming to care if they were truly responsible, the anger and pain quite visible in the old stallions eyes. Airn however did care, and was putting it off. Resigned as he was to his brothers apparent death, he still wanted to retrieve the body if at all possible. He also wanted some proof before he committed himself and his clan to war, but time was short. Once the funeral was done he would have no choice. He would be forced into it by his clan, backed by those so called hero's.

As he saw it they were cowards to have survived. They should have given their very lives in protecting his brother. Only they hadn't. Even now they were getting free drinks at the taverns as they related the tale yet again. Gaining favors from all the villagers and having a bloody good time of it. No doubt the calls for war and revenge had started when things first started dropping off. Certainly if anyone dared to questioned the veracity of the tale then then they were soon shut out by that rallying call.

He wasn't quite sure just what he should do at times. Conner of course would know, he always did, or at the very least he always gave that impression. Commanding both a great deal of respect, and perhaps just a little bit of fear. Airn however just didn't feel he had the right stuff. He knew he wasn't even half the stallion his brother was. His mind more on scholarly pursuits, then on the ways of a warrior. He had trained his mind almost as much as Conner had trained for the field of battle. Still he was no slouch when it came to wielding a blade. Conner himself had seen to that, Just as Airn had seen to it that his brother has expanded his mind as well as his chest.

They had been close, everyone knew that. There was no question they were both skilled and respected. Airn just as much as his brother, though the golden haired stallion was to blind to see it right now. His mind more focused on getting to the bottom of what had really happened to his brother on that day. His mind turning over all that testimony as he searched for the elusive flaw he knew must be there. So far nothing had turned up, but he knew it was just a matter of time before one of those stallions slipped up. Then he would have his answers, one way or another. He just hoped he had time

Vox looked up at Conner, darn stallion had totally misunderstood his bite, he didn't mean to harm him in any way, he had just wanted his attention, and when he finally got it, Conner misread his hissing.

Vox muttered to him self, making only grunting sounds Conner again looked down on him, Vox tried to give him a toothy grin, which of course again sent the wrong signal. Slumping down with his head held low in despair, he really didn't want to let the stallion know he could talk but at this rate he was running out of options fast.

That's when Conner in anger told him that no matter what Vox thought about it, he would be taking Nisha with him. Vox leaped up from his hunching position, ears perked and his tail raised high he started to jump up and down, twirling and hissing, nodding his head up and down.

Judging by the look on Conners face, vox thought that he might now have got it, again giving Conners leg a quick lick before doing some more twirls.

In his mind he was now crystal clear, there was no way Conner could miss that he was absolutely loving his idea.

Quite out of breath Vox sat down next to Conner's leg, still panting slightly he stroke his head against his leg and murred before easing down and laying flat on the ground with a content sigh.

Things would be alright he thought, not ideal but he thought Conner to be an honorable stallion and with that Vox could be at ease, Conner would make sure Nisha was taken care of. That is if we can get her to go he thought, ah well Vox was sure that between the two of them they could make her see that she had no other choice.