Claymore and Dagger (closed)

[heartofcourage]

"I've never seen a dragon so smal before." Fiona said softly, looking at the tiny creature. "And we have a baby drake at the moment. I think Elin even is larger than this."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Tuvan is what's known as a pseudodragon," Shana murmured, stroking his tiny crested head with one finger. "Unlike his large cousins, he doesn't speak. But he can understand, and he has certain abilities and can breathe fire." She looked down at him, murmuring something in her native tongue which caused him to straighten his posture and then gracefully spread his little wings and bow to Fiona in quite a show of polite greeting.

"Pseudodragons don' generally come out into the world. They tend t' live among bats and blend in with them. Tuvan is an exception, seein' as his particular clan have always lived with Shana's people," Danica explained, earning a nod from the little creature to show he most definitely did understand her words.

 

[heartofcourage]

"My dragons are outside of the city at the moment. Perhaps we can meet with them tomorrow." Fiona offered, looking over at Sam. "We need a battle plan if we are to tackle this problem head on. Sam is a master tactician and the dragons have seen more battle than any of us combined."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Our partners will have found them by tomorrow," Senvir murmured. "But I didn't come to fight... Not yet, at least. Danica is willing to join you no questions asked against the Empire... But Shana and I need to see Inverness and understand what's happening first."

"It will take more than war between regions to make me risk my Haladir's life and my own," Shana agreed softly. "War never ceases. It simply changes up fighters. I would like to see whether this is one truly worth fighting."

"If ye'll come t'Inverness an' see fer yourself... I think we can prove th'isles are worth protectin'," Sam nodded to her. "Inverness especially... Not because it's home, but because it's a safe haven fer all people."

"We will simply have to see. And Haladir may decide for himself."

"The same goes for Cynera​," Senvir agreed.

"Well, them aside," Danica sighed, "Arturo and I have already made up our minds. An' whether these two join 'r not, my partner and I definitely will, if only fer Ireland."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I will fight for the land that my grandfather loved so much. And for the place that my lover helps to govern." Fiona said, squeezing Sam's hand gently. "And for his sister who carries the heir of Scotland."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Noble causes, young cub," Shana nodded, but she seemed somewhat unconvinced for the moment. Despite her beautiful appearance, there were scars visible in her fur from battles past. As a veteran of blood and violence, it would take a lot of convincing to get her to fight again. The same went for Senvir, while Danica had her homeland to defend.

After some discussion of the plan to meet in Inverness, it was Kjersten who interrupted and told them all to relax and enjoy themselves. It would be their last chance for a while before they went off to battle. And when the music started, Sam gave Fiona a little smile after watching Christopher take Kayla to dance.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You can have one dance with me so you best choose it wisely." Fiona murmured as Sam looked at her with a grin. "I love you, Samuel Ghis, but not enough to make a fool of myself on this dance floor with all of these crowned heads watching."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I would never let tha' happen, Fiona." Sam promised, taking her hand gently. "I'll prove it." He drew her out to a part of the floor with fewer people, taking both her hands and showing her what to do.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Is this the one dance you choose?" Fiona asked, quirking an eyebrow at her handsome lover as he pulled her out onto the floor to show her the steps. "Because I'm very serious about that, Sam."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Relax, love," Sam murmured, kissing her cheek. "It's supposed t'be fun." He showed her where to place her hands in his and on his shoulder, and he began to guide her with ease, murmuring soft instructions here and there.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Fun for you." Fiona murmured, pressing her cheek against his own as he easily led her along the steps without hesitation. "But I guess I can put up with it because you put up with so much from me and my dragons."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You can' tell me y'don' enjoy it jus' a little," Sam murmured. He was showing her off, just as men in his family had always done with their dancing partners. And people were watching, impressed and curious.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You aren't that smooth of a talker." Fiona said with a small grin. "And I enjoy spending time with you."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Never said I was smooth, love. Jus' persistent," Sam grinned right back. As the song came to an end, Sam gracefully bowed before her, sweeping his cape over his shoulder. He chuckled, looking up as his aunt approached. "I hope y'realize I'm no' the only person who'll ask ya t'dance love." He was absolutely correct, as it seemed Ulfric was coming her way. He seemed particularly interested in her.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Sam, you can't leave me alone." Fiona said as Kayla stole her nephew away and Fiona found herself along with Ulfric. "I'm terribly sorry, my lord, but I'm a hopeless dancing partner. I trip over my own two feet."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You looked absolutely able with Samuel," Ulfric commented, watching as Sam gave Fiona one more smile of reassurance before his aunt had his full attention. Two Ghis dancing together was a sight to behold, perfect steps in perfect time with perfect communication despite no words spoken about the dance.

"But I won't force you," Ulfric assured her. "To be honest, my knee doesn't do well with dancing these days. So come sit with me a while. I'd like to know more about you."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona looked at Ulfric for a long moment, knowing that he might have offered to sit with her to make her feel better. However, she wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. She nodded and followed Ulfric towards his seat at the table, sitting beside him to get to know the man who had helped Kayla steer Norway for years.

 

[KieranSoares]

"You're entering quite a dangerous game, Miss Blackstone," Ulfric murmured after taking a sip from his wine glass. "What possessed you to take up arms training with the intention to fight? And I'd like something more specific than the usual 'it's my home' or 'I want to protect my people.' What drives a woman with no experience in war to want to go and fight one?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'm sure that you already know everything about me. Sam doesn't keep the kind of friends that would not check me out completely." Fiona said as Ulfric posed her very hard questions. "My grandfather used to tell me stories of ancestors that we're proud of their dragon riding heritage. I suppose when I got the chance to do that, something in my blood told me that it was the right thing to do."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You could ride to your heart's content and never lift a blade. I'm not asking about your bloodline or your heritage, dear. I want to know why Fiona Blackstone had lifted a blade in defense of the isles against a massive, insanely powerful enemy." Ulfric was firm, but not unkind. "Call it morbid curiosity."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Love makes you do strange things." Was all Fiona could really say as she looked at Ulfric. "I love Sam and I know that very soon he will be the king of Inverness. Call it selfish if you wish, but I will do anything in my power to give him peace."

 

[KieranSoares]

"King?" Ulfric raised an eyebrow. "I hadn't heard. Did Rho step down? Or did Brogan change his mind?" Though it still wasn't official and even Sam still doubted he'd be chosen over Rho, it was certainly on Brogan's mind.

 

[heartofcourage]

"His father writes me. There is doubt that Rho will take the crown because of his mate." Fiona said softly, looking out across the floor to Sam. "While the idea of being a queen terrifies me, I know that he is the best choice for the title. He is as selfless as they come."

 

[KieranSoares]

"It may be his undoing... Which is why I'm glad he won't be alone. He needs someone to badger him about taking care of himself like Julia does to Brogan. Sam will need it even more." He followed her gaze to Sam as he danced beautifully with his aunt. "But you must remember to take good care of yourself too. If you two do take the throne... There may come a day when he is wounded or ill. And you'll need to take over for him. Learn well, Miss Blackstone. I have faith in you both, but it doesn't stop my worry."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I do not know if I am strong enough to ever live without him." Fiona admitted. "But it is a beautiful journey that we are on together."