Claymore and Dagger (closed)

[KieranSoares]

"It is. And I can promise you it's worth every heartache, and even if the time doesn't last as long as you'd like... It's worth it, every single second." His one eye drifted to Kjotva at that, dancing with her dear brother-in-law Elhardt, and Freja and Kjersten bonding with Kjersten's new daughter.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You had your daughter late, right?" Fiona asked, glancing at Ulfric as he stared at both of his daughters and his new granddaughter.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I had Kjersten when I was in my twenties, and she was twenty-five when Freja was born. So I suppose I was fifty or so... Kjotva is five years younger." Ulfric sat back in his chair. "I didn't know Freja would be mine though. She should've been Kjotva's late husband's daughter."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Should have been but it's obvious she isn't." Fiona said as Ulfric confided the story to her. "She is your spitting image with a bit of her mother mixed in for good measure."

 

[KieranSoares]

"She's a good girl. A little too serious... But considering she knows how to figure out all my secrets, I suppose I should be proud she wants to follow in my footsteps. We've always told her to be and do what she feels happiest with, regardless of other people doubting her or criticizing. So... My little girl is a spymaster in training who doesn't wear dresses and can knock down a fully grown warrior, be they Viking or Mongolian nomad. Her grandfather Arslan Khan has always been absolutely enthralled with her in particular."

 

[heartofcourage]

"That's the kind of childhood I wished I could have had." Fiona said with a smile. "I spent too many nights in fear to have really enjoyed being a little girl."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I know the feeling," Ulfric sighed. "I grew up on the streets before Lady Luck took pity and I was able to join the Trondheim guard and prove myself. Though my half-brother was a prince, our father cast me out when my mother wouldn't bend to his outrageous whims. She did her best, but I was the one who cared for us. And she got to live in comfort when I finally came into my own." He smiled to himself slightly. "It seems your life is on a good track now too."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Only because of Samuel. I still don't really have a penny to my name." Fiona said softly. "He must love me something fierce to do all that he had done for me."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You don't need money to be in a good place. Though I know it can seem like you do when you've been struggling for so long. But you've chosen well. A Prince who comes from a family that values merit over coin, and actions over empty promises. He's no stranger to hard work and even if he acts like he's made of stone sometimes, he cares about people."

 

[heartofcourage]

"We're working on that." Fiona said with a soft chuckle. "If he can't be soft with me, I don't think he'll ever be soft."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You'll find a way to crack him one day. After guarding his emotions so carefully for so long, he may not remember how to express them just yet." Ulfric looked up as the song ended and Kjotva took Sam's arm. She wanted to talk to him as well.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I have hopes it will happen soon." Fiona said as she watched Kjotva lead Sam off to the side for a conversation.

 

[KieranSoares]

"If there's anything you need in order to deal with a Ghis, it's patience," Ulfric said with a smile. "Come to think of it, the same goes for Kjotva's family."

It was Shana who eventually approached and Ulfric let them be. The little pseudodragon came down from Shana's shoulder to sit on the edge of the table beside Fiona, nibbling a piece of candied fruit she'd given him. Shana sat down at Fiona's side, stroking the dragon's furred spine. "Tell me, Fiona," she murmured. "What do you know of your grandfather's relationship with dragons?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"I know he had a drake when he was younger but most of his stories came to me in the form of fairy tales." She said as Shana asked her as the tiny dragon nibbled on a piece of fruit. "My father has had more contact with dragons than I think my grandfather ever did."

 

[KieranSoares]

"That's true, but your grandfather did ride for a short while... His dragon is still out there somewhere, likely around the Mediterranean. But Ephriam gave up that life for Diani's safety as well as his own."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I didn't know that he had a dragon." Fiona said as she was told things about her grandfather that she had never known. "What was his name?"

 

[KieranSoares]

"Her name, actually. If I recall correctly... Her proper name is Dianichaya Lokmenos, but Ephriam called her Diani. She came from islands off the Indian coast." Shana looked down at Tuvan as he let out a little rumble. "Tuvan has met her before."

 

[heartofcourage]

"The Indian coast is a long ways away." She said softly as the little dragon growled at the mention of the other dragon's name. "I would probably never be able to meet her in my lifetime."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Who knows. Many dragons have a habit of keeping track of their Riders' families. You or your descendants may meet her one day." Shana watched as Tuvan climbed her robe to a pouch on her elegant belt. He poked his head inside and soon withdrew it with a piece of dried meat in his jaws. He then perched between them again to eat. "If you're hungry, you could've said so," Shana murmured, earning a dismissive rumble in return as Tuvan was quite able to take care of himself.

 

[heartofcourage]

"How did you end up like a dragon such as him?" Fiona asked, interested in the miniature dragon that seemed just as smart and alert as Invah and Gaiann.

 

[KieranSoares]

"In my homeland, there aren't many places for creatures like Tuvan to hide. The steppes are unforgiving. As I understand it, he was migrating across Mongolia with his kin. I found him and two others of his kind trying to help him walk across the steppes after he broke a wing. Thanks to my own dragon who translated, I could understand their story. And thanks to my dragon, the little ones trusted me when I offered to care for Tuvan until he was well, and get him to his new home after. So they left him in my care. When he could fly again and I took him home, he decided to return to my clan the next winter and stay with me. He's been quite a help. Even if he can't speak himself, he understands many languages and he can even write if I give him a small piece of charcoal. He's a fantastic diplomat. No one can be too hostile in negotiations to a dragon, and certainly not one so cute." At that, she smiled and Tuvan gave her huff and a glare, scooting closer to Fiona.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Careful. He might come home with me at this rate." Fiona said with a smile as the dragon scooted closer towards her.

 

[KieranSoares]

"He never stays away long. Do you, my love?" Shana asked, stroking his bearded chin and earning a purr in response. "He likes to think he's a great big warrior but he's got a heart of gold and he's far more apt for mental and strategic pursuits. Though I suppose I don't give him enough credit. Even at his size, he can fight."

 

[heartofcourage]

"So is our little drake. She's an angel. And she'll make someone a great steed someday." Fiona said with a chuckle. "I think she's more attracted to Sam, though. Which is fine. I have my hands full with Roman at the moment."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I've always found with drakes and dragons that they tend to choose the opposite sex as their favorite riding partners. There are, of course, exceptions, but that just seems to be the way of it." Shana smiled to herself as Tuvan finished his snack and went wandering down the table. "Don't get too far, my love. People aren't used to dragons here." A flick of his tail was his answer, and he went to investigate Lena.

When Sam had finally finished dancing with Kayla, Lena, Kjotva, and Kjersten, he returned to Fiona and sat down in Ulfric's seat with a sigh, giving Shana a nod. "Enjoyin' yerselves, ladies?"

"I'm normally not one for fancy gatherings and dancing... But this is nice," Shana nodded.