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Chapter 6: The Dragon's Curse

Arcturus still sat on the training area with his spellbook in his lap. He was going over the movements of the spells contained within, his attention on the particular spell called dispel magic. His stomach was still warm from the lunch he had. He looked up from the book as he was interrupted by the sound of Veledar throwing up into the nearby forest. Lyyreth sat next to the human, patiently waiting for the red dragon to stop. Apparently Veledar had eaten a bushel of berries that did not agree with him.

“So what kind of berry did this anyway?" Arcturus asked the green dragon.

Lyyreth looked down at him with an amused look on his snout, “We call them dragon's bane berries. They are little blue berries with purple dots on them." Lyyreth held up his paw, holding two of his digits close together.

“And why did you not warn him about them?" asked Arcturus, raising an eyebrow.

“Well the red dragon over there may have insulted my hunting style. I was simply so distraught I must have forgotten all about the berries." replied the dragon, holding a paw to his chest. He than sneezed loudly.

“See I told you he was an as----" said Veledar, only to be cut off once more by his regurgitating.

“It won't kill him anyway. He should feel better in an hour or two."

Lyyreth then moved his snout closer to Arcturus' spellbook.

“So your a paladin huh?" the dragon breathed in deep from his nostril. “That book is old by your standards, smells like a dragon." Lyyreth raised one of his eyebrows, “You didn't happen to steal that did you?"

“It was given to me as a gift, and Veledar......he inherited it." replied Arcturus as he turned d the page of the spellbook.

“And you used to hunt dragons, what changed you to be the paladin of one? Than be friends with Veledar over there?" asked Lyyreth, pointing to the sick red dragon.

“Oh it was a great tale of fairies, buellettes, and smelly horses." Veledar said, returning to sit beside Arcturus. “I'm watching you" the red dragon said, his eyes narrowing at Lyyreth. It only lasted for a moment however, as Veledar soon was running back to the tree line.

“And yet another undignified thing I can add to my mental image of dragons." laughed Arcturus. He than turned back towards Lyyreth, “He wants us to help him retrieve a book that was stolen from him, by my kingdom. The paladin bit is a tad more complicated, and I'm sure we both would not want to go through it again."

“Speak for yourself, I got to be a hero!" shouted Veledar between his latest bout of vomit.

“I seem to remember more bleeding and dying, rather than heroism!"

“Details, details," hissed Veledar.

“So why are you stuck in the forest instead of striking it out on your own? Dragons seem to do that around the one hundred year mark."

Lyyreth sighed as he looked to the trees. “This place has always been our home. Then there is the issue with our mother. She tells us she needs us for something, but than wont share what it is. She says as soon as it is over and done with we can leave, but I grow skeptical with each passing day. Sometimes I want to just leave, but can't tear myself away."

“That's because your still a whelp!" shouted Veledar.

Lyyreth did not offer a reply and just sat there in silence. Arcturus figured the red dragon had hit a nerve possibly. Although he thought that Lyyreth may not admit to it, dragon pride and all.

“You must want to collect your own horde of things? That's a common draw for most dragons" Arcturus asked, turning once more to check on Veledar.

“I do have a lot of books here to pass the time. My favorite are spellbooks and scrolls." said Lyyreth, who scratched his chest with his claws. “I guess if I was going to leave I would head towards Rothdell, they have the most spellcasters I have heard."

“That is true, they do have a higher population of wizards. Although I have never been far into the place, with the war and all."

“Well I will think about it, seeing you and Veledar over there lends credit to the idea of an exploring dragon. It is actually kind of refreshing, we don't get many draconic visitors." Lyyreth than cupped a paw over his snout, “EVEN IF HE IS RUDE!"

From behind Lyyreth Arcturus could make out Lyndis, Merlia, and Cordenth returning from the temple. He could make out that they were all laughing, the green dragon included. Veledar returned to sit by him once more, the dragon was visibly holding his stomach.

“Ugh that is the last time I eat berries, this is worse than that time I ate spoiled meat." Veledar groaned.

Arcturus chuckled as Veledar continued to grumble to himself. The dragon did deserve a good rebuttal to his teasing at times. He placed a hand on Veledar and offered some words, “Don't worry, It wont last for very long."

Merlia held up the green orb in her left hand. “Look what we got, I see ya were jus lazin around!" the dwarf added.

“I helped of course." Cordenth said, grinning wide to show his teeth. “ I'm a bonefide adventurer now."

“Lets not get too carried away now." Lyndis said quickly in return.

Arcturus had to admit, the dragon Cordenth certainly seemed to be in a better mood. He figured the adventure to the temple must have helped with that.

“So off the Emerald Lady then?" he asked, putting his spellbook under his left arm. “We best get back to Veledar's quest, the sooner the better after all."

“Of that I can assure you I'd like a lot." said Veledar.

Arcturus joined the others with Lyyreth and Veledar. Together they continued walking towards the village, and ultimately the Emerald Lady's lair. They made their way through the village, and Arcturus figured it must be a sight to see for them. To see the three dragons and themselves walking causally among them. The dragon's got lots of stares, pointing, and all around attention. Lyyreth and Cordenth would part the crowd by simply walking, while Veledar was practically stopping to talk to everyone. On the third such instance he shoved the dragon to get his attention.

“You know I have said this before, but you should really take a page from their book here. They simply adore me!" the dragon grinned.

“Yea well I wont be praising the ground you walk on. I'll do my adoring in a different way."

“So you adore me than?" replied the dragon, as he moved his snout close to Arcturus' face.

“You know what I mean." he continued, pushing the dragon's snout away.

They made their way out of town and back to the Emerald Ladies lair. Arcturus' eyes were once again drawn to the statues of frozen people, and it sent a shiver up his spine. Despite the more friendly attitude of her sons the Emerald Lady was very much a threat. They had to stay on their toes while dealing with her, and if she did not have a plan up her scales that they would have found themselves among those frozen in terror.

Lyyreth was the first to walk over to the monolithic door of the lair. He held a paw over a particular vine on the door, while Arcturus looked to his friends. Lyndis had a worried look in her eyes, but was masking it with a grin. Merlia was clutching the green orb tightly in her hands. Arcturus thought to the red orb that had started this whole mess, trying to push it from his mind. Veledar however looked calm, with his snout towering over them. The dragon strode over full of confidence, it was something to admire. Arcturus breathed in, straightened his posture and followed the green dragon's as the doors opened up.

Id did not take long to find the misty room were they found the Emerald Lady this time. He figured she was not playing, and did not want to waste any more time. She however did emerge suddenly from the same mist suddenly with his wings spread wide. She still was obviously trying to intimidate them.

“So you bring the orb" she cooed, her glowing eyes falling to Merlia, who clutched the orb against her chest. The large dragoness than swirled around them, only unnerving Arcturus for a moment. He found his courage and moved his hand to his sword.

“Who was the dragon that went in that temple before?" asked Lyndis, “We saw marks that one could have been in there before."

“Ooo, clever you to have seen than." the Emerald Lady grinned with her very sharp teeth. “That my dear was me, long, long ago as I stumbled my way out of that dreadful temple."

Arcturus' eyes widened as he connected the orb to the dragoness before him. The Emerald Lady had been like Dread Flame. She had been trapped within the orb, “So who was your host than?" he scowled.

“What host?" came the voices of Merlia, Lyndis, and Veledar all at once.

Right, he had never told them the specifics of Dread Flame. “The last dragon that I encountered, he came from one of those orbs." he pointed to the green orb that Merlia was holding. “He possessed a wizard and took over his body. He than transformed that body into one of his own." He than looked back to the Emerald Lady whom was giving him an amused look. “So what person did you take over? Are they even alive?

“hmmmmm" she chuckled, swooping back to her original position to stare at them like a cat. The thought made Arcturus nervous once again for a moment, as her tail swished back and forth. “There was a young elven girl, so long ago I have forgotten her name. She stumbled into that temple, past the traps, past the guardians. She found the orb I was trapped in, you should have seen her eyes, so full of wonder. I called out to her, like a feeling in her bones, she than reached out for my prison. Upon her touch I was freed, and consumed her mind." The Emerald Lady than spread her wings, “Than I made her body mine!" she shouted gleefully.

Arcturus backed away for a moment as the dragoness still was cackling. He and the others had gotten closer together out of instinct. If only he had his armor he might feel a bit safer.

“But that has little to do with why the orb is here now." She held out a paw expectantly.

“Hey wats da big idea?" Merlia shouted. Arcturus turned to see the dwarf struggling to hold onto the orb within her grasp. It appeared to be being pulled towards the dragoness.

“Now be a good pawn and deliver what you were sent for." The Emerald Lady snarled.

With a gasp Merlia lost her grip on the orb, causing it to fly and hover over the Emerald Ladies outstretched paw.

“You could have asked!" Lyndis shouted out.

“Your right I could have, perhaps next time you cut straight to our business instead of asking pointless questions." the dragoness replied.

“Why do you even need that orb anyway?" Veledar snarled, as he spread his wings.

“Tsk, Tsk, Tsk." the dragoness chuckled deep in her throat as she tapped the floor with her claws.

“It is you that needs the orb, not I" she crushed the orb in her claw, letting the pieces fall to the ground below. “It is what is inside, that you need." She opened her claw to reveal a dull white crystal among the dust of the shattered orb. It reminded Arcturus of the mana crystals back home that powered most things. However this one looked older, and seemed to have a shifting fog beneath it's surface.

The dragoness gestured to Merlia, causing the crystal to fly to her outstretched hands. “You will require three to finish the road set before you."

“I don't see how I need a crystal to get my book back." replied Veledar.

“The crystal is not for that young dragon, it is for what lies later down the road." the chuckled.

“What perhaps waits for us after we get the book back then?" asked Arcturus, He tried to keep his posture as she neared him.

“Oh it is not for me to divulge of course." she said as her frills around her snout twitched. She was practically close enough for Arcturus to touch now, he forced himself to keep his hand off of his sword. Her eyes watched him, than darted to Veledar for a moment. Her eyes widened as if in surprise, and than she gave an ominous chuckle like she had been doing.

“Now that certainly is surprising."

“Tell us what we need next so we may leave this forest, and that I may fly again!" Thankfully came Veledar's voice to pull away the glowing, piercing eyes of the Emerald Lady.

“You are most impatient Veledar, it may seem the lesser beings you travel with are rubbing off on you." She laughed once more, as her eyes looked to each one of them in turn.

“Don't waste our time!" snarled Veledar.

“You need protection from the red orb that your companion secured for Lumara's king. Until that time they will be able to find you, no matter where you hide. Perhaps they will kill you, or maybe worse...trap you inside of it."

“Than how do I shield myself from this relic?" replied Veledar, as he folded up his wings.

“I must cast an old spell on you. Once this is done they will not be able to locate you with the relic. Although...." she swirled towards Veledar, reminding Arcturus once more how much bigger than him she was. “You will need to do yet another task for me...tomorrow."

“Why not now!" replied Veledar with a snarl, as he thrashed his tail impatiently

“Because I do not need your help now." she said, stopped and than sighed. She looked out passed them, as if she were looking very far away at something they could not see.

This lasted for a moment before she looked down on them once more. She than started to levitate into the air, as he wings did not move. The air around her began to spark with little bolts of electricity, “I can cast the spell on you right now of course, but I will need insurance on you staying here within my forest."

Arcturus just was glad she was not giving him that predatory stare she was currently giving Veledar. He was reminded of how Dread Flame had stared him down.

Veledar stood in silence for a moment. Arcturus figured he was mulling it over in his head. He would of as well, dealing with this dragoness was very disconcerting. She did not seem to do anything without cause. If she suddenly changed her mind, it had to because she had something up her scales. “Well you have my word than, that I will stay in the forest for another day." said Veledar casually.

“That is not good enough little dragon. You see I don't take chances on things that could change at a moments notice. The game I am playing needs precision, it needs absolutes. I will need something a bit more to ensure that you do stay in my forest. Something more meaningful than simple words."

The dragoness held up her paws and drew a circle in the air. “By your words I seal you to this spell that will hold you to your promise made to me." Than to Arcturus' horror she turned to him at the last moment.

“This one will be your tether to this place, and ensure your commitment."

Suddenly a purple ring formed around Arcturus before he could offer a shout of protest. Purple lighting sprung forth over his body in the shape of little dragons. His entire body lit up in pain, causing him to collapse onto his hands. He tried to resist the urge, but with his entire body starting to spasm he let out a scream. His body felt on fire, he could barely move as the ring continued to expose him to this pain. His vision was filled with purple, as he tightly shut his eyes. In his mind he could hear the cackling of the Emerald Lady, he could even feel her eyes upon him. To his horror he was reminded of his feeling of Bahamut when she had given him the powers of a paladin.

He heard his name cried out by possibly Lyndis, followed by the roar of a dragon. His entire body felt exhausted as the light faded, and he collapsed onto the ground. He opened his eyes as he heard an explosion, and a roar. His vision was blurry but he could make out Veledar, who had flown at the Emerald Lady and sliced at her with his claws. He heard Lyndis and Merlia join the battle around him as he struggled to raise his head. He tried to speak, anything to help his friends but found he was unable.

He could not make out what else was happening, but it sounded like his friends were at least putting up a good fight. He could still make out Merlia's shouts of dwarven fury, Lyndis tossing spells around, and Veledar's roars of absolute fury.

“Taste me lightin arrow ya great big iguana!" came the cry of Merlia amidst the sound of battle. The arrow must have hit the dragoness as Arcturus heard a loud thud as if she had stumbled back onto the floor.

With great effort, Arcturus managed to lift his head. Enough to see what was going on with the fight.

“What have you done to him you green bitch!" Veledar roared out as his claw struck the Emerald Ladies snout. He must have been enchanted by Merlia's Bull's strength since the dragoness was smashed into floor.

She recovered quickly, and lashing out at the dragon. She held up a claw, a whole swarm of insects being sent out. Arcturus did not know the name of the spell she was preforming, but it did not matter. Lyyreth was the one to move in and with wave of his claw the spell had stopped.

“You help them?" The Emerald Lady shouted at, smashing her child aside with her tail.

Lyyreth crashed into the ground hard with a roar of pain. The Emerald Lady stood her ground as she was now beset by her own children, and Arcturus' friends.

“Was all of this really called for mother?" Cordenth shouted at his mother, “He agreed to stay here and help!"

“I work in absolutes Cordenth, I found their weakness and exploited it." The Emerald Lady held up a claw, and Arcturus felt his chest tighten. He let out another scream as his body lit up in pain once again.

“Now Veledar back down, or I will stop your beloved paladin's heart." she snarled.

“You focken bitch!" Lyndis shouted out.

“what da elf said ya good for nothin lizard!" Merlia added with a scowl.

“Veledar make your decision now" the Emerald Lady said, curling one of her digits inward.

Arcturus felt the pain increase, as his vision started to go white. He clutched his chest as he continued to scream in pain.

“Or he will die."

“Mother!" Lyyreth snarled, spreading his wings, and thrashing his tail against the ground.

Veledar just snarled, “Everyone back down!", “Don't kill him, please!" Veledar cried out.

“As expected" the Emerald Lady replied calmly. She waved her paw dismissively, as Arcturus felt the pain she just inflicted had vanished.

“Now I will forgive this little outburst by all of you." She snarled, looking to the bleeding wounds they had inflicted upon her. “However next time I will not be so forgiving."

“I'm okay!" Arcturus managed to shout out to his friends.

His friends turned to him, relief spreading to their faces. Veledar bound over,picked him up with his claws and inspected him for injury.

“Are you sure you are feeling ok?" The dragon asked, worry in his blue eyes.

“It hurt a lot, and I feel drained. However I can stand." Arcturus said, thinking to how he healed Veledar from before. He held a hand to his chest letting it start to glow white. He felt his body that was exhausted from the pain suddenly feel refreshed. He breathed in deep, and sighed as he tried to forget the intense pain he had just been in.

“I did not know you were that protective of me. To leap at that dragoness like that, whoa. That was really amazing of you."

“Well we need you for the adventure of course." Veledar smiled no doubt loving being called amazing, “besides, you would do the same for me." the dragon than turned back towards the Emerald Lady, whom the others had not taken their eyes off of for a moment.

“So Veledar I take it my insurance you will stay has worked?"

“It was certainly uncalled for mother! I said it before, could you not have handled this a better way?" Cordenth shouted before Veledar could answer. His teeth were barred, as he stood perfectly still.

“This is my domain Cordenth, and I do not need your opinion on how I conduct my business. I chose the most effective way to get Veledar to stay, the other options were less effective." she replied, not even looking to her son. She kept her eyes locked on Veledar, who was returning her stare. The way he was looking at her, Arcturus remembered that stare from Dread Flame. If Veledar had the chance he was certain the dragon would kill the Emerald Lady, just from the look alone.

“If you do something like this again Emerald Lady, I will ensure it is the last thing you ever do." Veledar snarled.

“Such brave words from a small dragon." she chuckled, “However simple words since I have your paladin's life in my paws."

“Now cast your protection spell on me, I grow tired by your presence" snarled Veledar in response.

“Now Veledar, I think you should be talking to me like a better." she smirked, holding up her left paw. “Now ask me again."

Veledar growled deep in his throat, and Arcturus felt him thrash his tail. The dragon than looked down towards him. He saw conflict in his eyes, than defeat. The dragon shut his eyes and sighed, “Emerald Lady, please cast your protection spell on me."

“See Veledar? I knew you could be polite when you needed to be." The Emerald Lady chuckled.

Veledar just stared at her in silence. “You can let me down now Veledar, I think I can stand." Arcturus said, tapping his friends scales.

“Oh....of course." the dragon replied, placing him on his feet with care. Arcturus felt his legs touch the ground. It did not hurt, but damn his legs felt sore. Like after along day of training, they ached slightly.

“Trust me Veledar, down the road you may be thanking me for this curse."

Arcturus watched the dragon give her another death glare, but the dragon held his tongue.

“Now all of you begone save Veledar. Your presence if not required for the spell."

“If you think we will leave you alone with him your focken insane!" Lyndis shouted out, to which Arcturus nodded in agreement.

“Fine", the dragoness said in irritation after a few moments of intense silent contemplation. Arcturus thought she very well might attack again for Lyndis' outburst. The paladin can stay, the rest of you may go." She waved her paw dismissively. “You may also remove my sons from presence, for they have decided to side with you against me."

“That's not going to..." Lyndis started to shout, but Veledar stopped her by holding up a paw.

“It's fine Lyndis, Arcturus and I will be fine." His eyes narrowed as he continued to give her the death stare. He barred his teeth as he said, “I will not let her hurt him again."

“You heard him Lyndis" Arcturus said with a smile, trying to ignore the soreness in his limbs. “What's there to fear when you have a dragon protecting you?" he said, returning his attention to the dragoness. Despite what he had just said he felt worry in the back of his mind. This dragoness was powerful, but she was not all powerful. He figured that if not for the curse she placed on him, that his group and her sons could have defeated her right there. He wondered what was so important that made her act this way. He frowned at the idea she would never share this information.

“Lyndis, just go have fun with our two new dragon friends, we will be along soon enough I imagine."

“Have fun huh?" Lyndis laughed with a suggestive smile.

“Do I have to worry that your changing into Merlia?" he chuckled, “you know what I meant."

“I dunno lad, havin two of me don't sound dat bad!" Merlia just laughed.

“ya , ya. Just don't let this courage of yours get you killed." replied Lyndis, punching him in the shoulder playfully. She than turned towards the green dragon brothers, “So Cordenth....Lyyreth was it? Lets go throw ourselves another one of these parties. I want to wash the bad taste of this place outta my mouth."

“Stay safe lads" Merlia said, “Or I will come back and turn dis green lady into an oversize pin cushion." She than turned to follow Lyndis, and the two dragons out of the lair.

When they left Veledar was the first one to talk. “How are you ok?" Veledar moved his snout to inspect Arcturus' body up close. He had to push the inquisitive, worried dragon away.

“I used lay on hands, you must have been to focused to notice.. Besides" he moved the dragons head up so he could look him in the eyes, “It takes more than that to finish me off." he joked. Although he intentionally did not mention he was still sore all over, no need for Veledar to worry even more about him. This seemed to work as Veledar turned to the Emerald Lady, who was just sitting their quiet and watching.

“Go ahead and cast your spell now." the dragon growled, taking a seat right beside Arcturus. He noticed the dragon curled his tail around him protectively. Perhaps all of his worry had not been abated.

“Very well Veledar, with this spell you will be rendered undetectable by their red orb of dragonkind." the Emerald Lady replied, as she drew a green triangle in the air that flew with a dull light. She chanted in a language Arcturus did not understand, but with each different word the air around them began to swirl. The wind rushed over him as he felt Veledar's wing pull him closer to shield him from the ever intensifying wind. From the green triangle grew a small circle of light at it's center, that shot out in a flash and connected with the Veledar's chest. Arcturus had to shield his eyes as the light shown so bright it was painful to look at. It seemed to last minutes before the light faded, and the wind died down to small gusts.

Arcturus opened his eyes. Veledar had apparently covered his eyes as well, and was just opening them. The dragon seemed to inspect himself all over before sighing. “Well I certainly don't feel any different."

“Well what did you expect to feel?" Arcturus asked, leaning on Veledar's scales.

'I don't know, maybe stronger, lighter, possibly better sight."

“Why would you even think it would do that?" replied Arcturus, lifting an eyebrow.

“I don't know, I just did alright?" replied Veledar, sticking his tongue out at him.

“Are you finished with this pointless conversation?" the Emerald Lady suddenly asked loudly. It reminded Arcturus that she was still watching them eerily.

'Yea we are done." Arcturus said, “Just point us in the direction of the exit. We will gladly leave your presence."

“I would change your tone paladin. If I did not need Veledar's compliance you would be dead right now." she growled.

“Well thank the gods for that then" he quipped back.

“Now Veledar, don't forget your promise to me now." she replied, cupping the dragon's snout in her claw.

“I won't forget it" he snarled back, ripping his snout away from her claw. To which she just chuckled and pointed to her left, a door suddenly appeared out of thin air.

“How will we know what it is you want from us tomorrow?" Veledar asked, turning towards the exit. Arcturus was pulled along with the dragon by his wing.

“Oh don't worry, you will notice it when it happens. I can assure you of that." she replied, waving at them to leave. She than turned her back towards them as she laid down.

“So shall we see what our friends are up to?" Arcturus asked, as Veledar began to stretch.

“I guess so, figure we will need rest from all of this......excitement." Veledar replied with a growl, walking towards the door. He moved close to Arcturus, so that he could lean against him as they walked out of the door. With a bright ray of light they found themselves outside with the frozen people.

Arcturus walked with Veledar, leaning on him for support the entire time. The dragon had offered a ride but he refused out of pride.

“Trying to be a dragon?" Veledar snarked, “You don't have to hide how fragile your body is."

They continued to walk until it seemed like a bony hand clasped his heart firmly. “Goblin Spittle" he cursed at the dull pain. No doubt this was a side effect of the curse from the Emerald Lady. He held up his hand as Veledar's snout moved towards him in worry.

“I am not some dainty flower that needs tending to. I can manage the pain." he said, gritting his teeth. He breathed a sigh of relief when the pain subsided.

“Your only suffering because of me." the dragon grumbled.

“That happens every time we spend time together." Arcturus laughed.

“but you love it, you just don't want to admit it." Veledar grinned, “We're practically inseparable."

“Only because you watch me like a chick, and your my mother." Arcturus replied, “Now have this trouble you no longer." He made sure Veledar was looking at him in the eyes, “This is all her doing, not you." he said firmly, as Veledar was avoiding his eyes. “Please remember that."

Veledar sighed, “don't worry. I will not forget." the dragon moved his head back to it's normal position, “To what you said, I only have to watch yo because you need someone to look out for you. I mean you get tossed around and everything." laughed Veledar with little hisses.

Arcturus said nothing as they continued to walk. He usually only had this type of banter with his friends in Entis when they got together to spend time. He was glad to count Veledar among them now. They just entered the village when they started talking once again.

'So what did you want to do for this party Lyndis mentioned?" he asked Veledar, as he saw banners of green and red were being hung up around the village. “Well Lyndis certainly works fast doesn't she" he thought, laughing to himself. Although he supposed if Cordenth and Lyyreth had mentioned it, the townsfolk would have hopped to it right way.

“I definitely want to try this dancing now that I can transform. I was less than great at it, but mark my words I will conquer it." said Veledar, as he made a fist with his left paw.

The conversation turned towards food, the decorations, and than the people wearing home made dragon masks. Arcturus had to admit they looked remarkably like the two green dragon twins.

'No one has a mask of me." Veledar snorted in jealousy, as they passed a group of children pretending to fly.

“Well it is their town, I'd suggest you keep your chin up, your jealousy is showing again." Arcturus said with a grin. “Besides you have Merlia, Lyndis, and myself in the Veledar fan club. Do you need more?" He stopped when he realized who he was talking to, of course Veledar wanted more.

“Yes" Veledar whined as yet another group of people with masks passed by.

They arrived back at the inn to find Lyndis hanging a green banner, thanks to Cordenth lifting her up on his neck. Lyyreth was near by watching the villagers bring out food in preparation to be cooked. Arcturus saw him snag one, than two chickens as they were being brought out. Arcturus looked around to see that Merlia was no were to be found.

Lyndis dismounted the green dragon with a smile. “Thanks Cordy for the boost."

Cordenth just grinned with his teeth showing as he looked to Arcturus and Veledar.

“That green witch already done with you?" Lyndis asked as she strode over to touch Veledar's scales. “She didn't hurt you did she?"

Veledar shook his snout.

“How about you Arcturus? I can see you are needing Veledar to stand."

“I'm fine, I just need to get a good meal, some rest, and enjoy the company with some friends." Arcturus sighed, his limbs still were sore from the curse. “Cordenth, are you and your brother staying for the festivities this time?"

“We have decided to stay yes, although Lyyreth over there is disappointed he can't help cook the meals." Cordenth replied, looking to Lyyreth and shaking his head. “Can you imagine him cooking?"

Arcturus pictured the green dragon possibly messing up all the meals, and clumsily knocking over pots and pans. He chuckled to himself. “Well I figured I'll get some rest in before the festivities start." He yawned, feeling suddenly incredibly tired.

“Well take it easy, not everyday a great green bitch casts a spell on you!" she said, turning to Cordenth as if waiting for his reply.

'Hey I agree she went too far." Cordenth held his claws up defensively, “I even helped you fight her for a bit." He turned his snout to Arcturus with a grin, “Besides, I would have only threatened him."

“Your all heart Cordenth" Lyndis laughed softly, punching the dragon softly on his scales.

Arcturus bid the, farewell and climbed his way back to his room. Even with Veledar's help each step seemed to make his feet heavier. When he hit his mattress he was not sure that he could remove himself from it even if he tried. He closed his eyes, and he immediately opened them when he felt what was no doubt Veledar climbing onto the bed.

“What are you doing?" he asked, muffled by the sheets.

“Well someone has to make sure your okay, and besides I could use a rest as well." replied Veledar, as Arcturus felt the dragon curl up around him. The bed below him gave a strained nose, as Arcturus relaxed to the dragon's warmth. It certainly felt very nice, as he closed his eyes.

“You don't seem to mind much." Veledar chuckled, as Arcturus managed to snuggle next to Veledar. He managed to get most of his body embraced by the warmth of the dragon's body.

“Shut it" he laughed back in a softening voice. He could feel his consciousness leaving him as he felt content, and safe as the dragon curled one of his paws around him. The last thing he felt was Veledar putting his snout around him.

Arcturus opened his eyes. The room was shrouded in darkness, and Veledar was still snoozing on the bed. He tried to wake the dragon up by gently pressing his weight against him, but the dragon would not wake. He shrugged, than stood up onto the floor. His body felt refreshed and back to normal. The aches and soreness he had before seemed to have left him. He stretched his arms wide as he let out a yawn. He than felt pain course through his chest. He grasped it tightly as he collapsed in pain. It felt like something was moving around in his chest, right underneath the skin. With pain gasps he grabbed his light crystal, activated it and looked in the mirror.

Right below his skin, to his horror looked like there was a large lump moving around. He could feel each twisted movement of the thing, and it filled him with disgust. He cried out in pain as he felt another bout of pain course through his body. He looked to Veledar, who was still sleeping there soundly. “Veledar!" he tried to shout, but it came out a small whisper. He collapsed in pain again as it felt like whatever it was in his chest was trying to escape. He gritted his teeth as he felt and heard one of his ribs crack. He screamed in pain as it happened again, and again, until finally it felt like whatever in his chest bursted right through. He looked down to see the form of a small green dragon, that looked exactly like the Emerald Looking right up at him. He tried to grasp the thing with his hands but it slipped through his fingers. When it was gone he stood there with a hole in his chest, but was somehow still alive.

The small dragoness grew in size until somehow she became her true size. Arcturus tried to shout for Veledar, but when he turned around the room had vanished.

“No one is here to save you little paladin." the Emerald Lady laughed, a deep and malevolent laugh. “You are mine now, part of my treasure. You will never leave this place."

The dragoness than seemed to fly at him, turning herself into some sort of jelly. She covered his entire body in head to toe, as he yelled out, helpless to do anything. He could feel the jelly sinking into his body, changing him into something he did not know. It lasted for several moments of intense pain as he felt every bone in his body snap one by one. Each time stars would fill his vision, and he thought he would not be able to stay conscious. When it was all over, and the pain had stopped he looked over at his body. Apparently the Emerald lady had turned him into an anthro dragon with green scales. He inspected his hands, now claws with silver talons. He looked to his back to find small wings and a tail. He collapsed holding his head as he heard the sound of her laugh now all around him, loud, and taunting.

Than he felt a pair of claws grab him. He was than carried into the sky, causing him to open his eyes. Veledar was holding him, and with each beat he could hear the Emerald Ladies laughter dying. He hugged the dragon tight, and held his head to his chest. He knew as long as the dragon held him, he would be safe. He than heard the sound of a loud knock.

Arcturus woke up from his slumber, at the sound of another loud knock on his door. He lazily opened his eyes before rubbing them. He felt Veledar was still around him, sighing as he was grateful what he had experienced was just a dream. The room was just as dark as it had been in his dream, with a small sliver of light coming from beneath the door. He went to move, and found Veledar too was up. The dragon opened his eyes as he let go of Arcturus.

“Come on you two!" came the voice of Lyndis, “Arcturus are you feeling up for the celebration?"

“Yea" he said loudly, as he stood up and stretched. The dull pain he had from before was gone, just like in his dream. He felt his stomach rumble, and his mouth felt a tad dry. 'Well I certainly could use some food and drink then." he thought as he turned to Veledar. The dragon was stretched out as much as the room allowed, and had knocked over some of Arcturus' armor.

“Sorry about that" Veledar said, his snout turning towards the armor .

Arcturus opened up the door and shielded his eyes for a moment from the light. Lyndis was standing in the hall with a green headband with yellow stripes around her brown hair. She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the room and down the hallway.

'Come on, Lyyreth and Cordenth would not wait and already started eating and drinking. I even heard one of them say they could breath fire better than Veledar." said Lyndis.

“They most certainly cannot!" replied Veledar from behind, “Unless they have a spell to change their breath." he grumbled.

The smells from the outside made Arcturus' mouth water, of cooked meat, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes. He had to pull his hunger from his mind to hear the drumbeats and chanting that was going on. He was led to the hall from the previous night, but Lyyreth and Cordenth were there as well. Cordenth had his snout buried in a barrel of what Arcturus figured was wine. The dragon brought his snout and loudly burped in his brother's face.

“See I told you I could chug it!" Cordenth shouted, while turning to Merlia. 'And you said I wouldn't be able to do it."

“I stand corrected, but dat only counts as one for ya." she replied, starting to chug from a mug of her own. Arcturus guessed it was large enough to fit a pint of the stuff in there.

“oooo, Hi Veledar" Cordenth hiccuped, as he watched the dwarf chug her tankard down. “Now you decide to join us."

Arcturus pulled up a chair and piled his plate with various foods, practically forming a small mound on his plate.

“Well someone had to come down here and put you two in your place." Veledar replied, pointing to both of the dragons. Than his stomach gave a loud rumble, “After I eat of course, can't whip your tails on an empty stomach!"

“There ya green reptile!" Merlia shouted, slamming her tankard onto the hard wood table. “Another one down!" she than turned towards Lyyreth expectantly, “It's your turn now Lyyreth, or ya goin to admit dafeet ta ya broda dere?"

“Well I like to enjoy the wine and never...." Lyyreth stumbled with his speech, clearly not wanting to continue. He than sneezed to the side.

“I knew it!" hissed Cordenth in joy, “I am the winner!"

“Hey don't be countin your gryphons before they hatch! If ya be lookin I be still standin!" Merlia shouted, pointing a finger into Cordenth's chest. “Ya ready for anoter go?"

“Your on dwarf!" Cordenth shouted, “Another keg!" he thrashed his tail onto the ground with a thwack.

Arcturus paid them little mind as he shoveled the food into his mouth, practically moaning on how good the food tasted. This was even better than last night, and he had thought that impossible. He figured they were putting on their best when Lyyreth and Cordenth counted themselves as part of the guests. He looked out to the townsfolk who were all busy eating, chatting, and even some who were dancing. He finished his meal just as Cordenth downed another keg and had to admit defeat to Merlia.

“Once again Merlia is the victor!" she cheered, falling out of her chair onto the ground. Lyndis shrieked in laughter as this happened, than helped Merlia get back into her chair.

“So about that dancing lesson?" Veledar said, moving to Lyndis after he had finished his meal. With a poof of smoke he took on the form of his humanoid dragon self. He was wearing a simple brown shirt, and pants.

“Well I already promised Cordenth here." replied Lyndis as Cordenth took on an appearance similar to Veledar, but green.

'But I waited!" Veledar groaned, as Cordenth stuck his tongue out as the two passed him to go dance with the others.

“That dragon, I swear!" Veledar said, “even here he gets on my nerves."

Arcturus just sipped his wine that of course tasted as good as the food. Cordenth even intoxicated as he was, was quite the dancer indeed. However through this Veledar sat mumbling inaudible words, but conveying the his feelings of being annoyed. After several minutes, and by the way Lyndis smiled at Cordenth as he danced with her, she would not be stopping any time soon.

Veledar stormed off from the party without a word. Arcturus gulped down his drink and followed him. He figured with the looks Lyndis was throwing Cordenth, Merlia being passed out, and Lyyreth no were to be found, he figured no one would miss him while he checked on Veledar.

He had to practically jog to catch up to the dragon who seemed to be heading towards the outskirts of the town away from the music, the lights, and all the people. Veledar just spread his wings as he ran over to the dragon.

“Hey, wait up!" he said, breathing in deeply. “You trying to lose me or something?"

Veledar just looked back at him with his blue eyes, than looked to the village, than back to him.

“No, oh screw it." Veledar lowered himself, “I am heading for a flight, you want to tag along?"

“Nothing better to do, figure that party is not your idea of a good time?" he replied, climbing onto the dragon's back. He slung his leg over Veledar's other side and instantly missed the dragons saddle. He hoped where ever they were going it was not too far away.

“It bothered me last night as well. I want all the praise of course, but to be surrounded by all the people close to me.." he felt Veledar shutter, “I think I want their admiration from afar. I am not used to be surrounded by so many people at all times."

Veledar bounded off the rise and glided through the forest. Despite the trees he was able to get enough height to get towards the canopy. He landed onto a branch large enough for him. Arcturus held him tight the entire time, hanging on for dear life.

“Oh right, no saddle." he heard Veledar say, “Don't worry, I won't let you fall."

'"I know, its just the reflexes." Arcturus replied, not letting his grip weaken in the slightest. He looked over to the branch Veledar was resting on, it looked sturdy enough. He hopped off the dragon carefully, minding his balance as Veledar looked up towards the stars.

“She can stop me from leaving, but she can't stop me from getting this high." the dragon said, his voice having trace amounts of anger. “I'm truly sorry for the Curse Arcturus, I did not think she would do that to any of you."

Veledar turned towards Arcturus, the stars in his eyes making them twinkle ever so softly.

“It's okay Veledar, we are in this together." he replied quickly, taking a seat on the sturdy branch.

“It's just that I am not used to having anyone suffer because of me. The last time that happened was........" The dragon trailed off as his eyes narrowed, “A long time ago."

“What was a long time ago?" He asked, sensing the dragon was holding back. Veledar had turned his snout back towards the clear sky. His eyes looking back towards the heavens.

“This wasn't supposed to be so complicated." Veledar said softly, clearly avoiding his question. “I was supposed to swoop in, get what I need and leave. There wasn't supposed to be an army of gryphons, crazy friends of yours, and curses among other things"

“Hey we did say it wasn't a smart idea from the start." Arcturus laughed, getting closer and throwing an arm onto the dragon's back. When he noticed Veledar was not joining in on the laughter he stopped, “Hey, we'll manage, besides in no time you will have your book back!"

Veledar smiled as he turned back towards the human, and looked to him with caring eyes. Eyes he had never seen Veledar give anyone. There was such fondness in those eyes.

“I think my brother would have liked you. We used to be read stories of brave knights and dragons when mother was away." The dragon's eyes than darkened at the mention of his brother, then he sighed deeply. “That however was very long ago to you, but to me it seems almost like yesterday."

“What happened?" Arcturus asked, rubbing the dragon's back reassuringly.

“He died because of me. We went flying in an area that mother had warned about, but I had insisted. He was shot through the chest by an arrow." Veledar pointed right at his chest. “The arrow went right through his chest. I watched him plummet to the ground. It happened when I was just a wrymling." Veledar lowered his head, “That book is not just a memory of him, but its also one of my mother now." The dragon moved his head so that he and Arcturus were touching foreheads. Arcturus grabbed the dragon's head in a hug. “It's just with the curse it reminded me of that, on top of the situation with my mother....... Its been taxing on my strength." The dragon lifted his head and looked into Arcturus' eyes once more, “I am glad you have been there each step of the way to keep me going. Sometimes it feels like everything is stacked against me, its good to know I have a few mortals on my side."

“You ever have anyone suffer because of you?" Veledar asked softly.

Arcturus had flashes of his moment with Dread Flame and everything he had lost in that one night. He tried to focus on the red dragon in front of him, and his beautiful eyes instead of the images of his dead wife and son.

“Yes" he finally said, “my whole squad on my airship. Do you remember the dragon Dread Flame?"

“Yes, I remember that horrible dragon you talked about."

“I brought the wizard Vargus on my ship. The dragon possessed him without my knowledge. If I had been more careful maybe the dragon would never had a chance to kill everyone on board. Than because of my fight with him the dragon decided to hurt me out of spite. I only got lucky because a guard managed to kill the weakened dragon while he was busy."

“You were not to blame for that you know" Veledar replied, as Arcturus felt his eyes tear up from the memories of his wife and son.

“Just like your not to blame for this, or your brothers death." Arcturus sniffed, wiping his eyes.

“You crying Arcturus, you know you can do that in front of me." the dragon chuckled softly, “I have seen you do that before."

“I know" Arcturus said, “Just something in my eyes is all."

“Yeah tears" Veledar smiled, to which Arcturus just laughed, “Couldn't fool you."

They sat in silence for a moment longer as they both turned their attention to the stars. “Should we head back?" he asked after a time. He honestly was not paying any attention.

“I think just for a little bit longer" replied Veledar, as the dragon draped a wing over him. It wasn't uncomfortable so he didn't say anything.

“Thanks again" said Veledar softly, “It helps a lot."

“No problem, you already told me that." Arcturus said with a smile.

“I know, I just needed you to know that" replied Veledar with a smile that he closed his eyes for.

Arcturus felt his chest grow all warm, as it felt like something was flying around in his stomach. He believed he was truly touched the dragon cared enough about him to tell him that.

“Things have been looking up since we met Veledar. Each day there is something to smile or laugh about. I have not had that in awhile. Well minus the whole king business, and Garroth, and the gryphons..." Arcturus began to trail off, frowning at all the obstacles as he named them.

“Yea, but we can handle that. Veledar and Arcturus!" Veledar shouted, holding out his paws to spread them wide. “The greatest team of all time. The tales people will tell of us, it will be legendary."

They sat in silence once again looking to the stars. Arcturus was sure they stayed there for longer than “a little bit" but he did not mind. He just watched the stars with his dragon, and with his warmth beside him he could have done it all night if he wanted.