Oh Cortheus! It's beautiful! Vestiso exclaimed as she gazed at her reflection in the water. Mid-day light twinkled and sparkled off her new helm, made to match her shining breast plate. The silver helmet covered her forehead in the same way Cortheus' did, dipping over her eyes and ending just before her nose. A series of metal spikes rose from the back of the helm, connected by a slender, golden chain. The leather strap fit that held it on her head fit snugly beneath her chin. Behind her, Cortheus turned a new shade of red.

"I had it made especially for you." He stammered, watching his elegant mate admire her new armor. Having it made hadn't been an easy task. With only Rugan and Dungar to work the forge (Terra was still at Ryslen) the work would take twice as long as his had. Then again, Vestiso's attire had been made of the lightest metals and finest silvers. He had saught them out himself!

Vestiso stood and turned to him, resplendent in her armor. She stood almost twenty feet shorter then him, though that was still large for a Vella Crean dragon. Her legs and arms had developed the same, well toned look that his had and could easily support her up-right weight. The stormy red folded her graceful wings against her back and tilted her head up to Cortheus' chin gently. She chuckled softly as he turned another few shades of red at her soft kiss.

Thank you. Her velvety voice purred in his mind.

"It- uh... i- it was nothing... really." Cortheus stumbled over his own words, standing as tall and proudly as he could before her. Since Vestiso had reached adulthood, the affections between them had grown. Her voice was now a soft, suductive purr and the blurred red-gold of her hide had become bright and bold. The knight now had a mate.

We should head back to Drakmor. Mystic wants to speak with us. Vestiso smiled, barely containing another laugh at the flustered state of her bond. Cortheus was a knight used to battle, hardship and honour. Having someone who loved him dearly was a completely new experience. She thought it was cute when he stumbled like that.

"Right, right." Cortheus cleared his throat and lifted his head proudly. He stood up on two legs, perfectly balanced as always and held out an arm for Vestiso to take. The red-gold dragoness smiled and gracefully rose to her hind feet, wrapping one arm through his. Together, the dragon knight pair walked towards the mountains rising into the clouds behind the Warren's forest. The sun was at its peak and most of the Warren's occupants were in the dining hall. Not a cloud obscured the sky, letting the heat of the day soak into the lush, green earth.

When they reached the base of the mountains, Cortheus dropped Vestiso's arm momentarily to cast a levitation spell. Vestiso still watched in amazement as her bond lost himself in the weave of the magic. She knew it was neccessairy and had seen it a few times before but the thought that he could call up a wind just for them was still aweing to her. When the gust filled her wings and began carrying her up the cliff face, she caught hold of Cortheus' arm again and looked up to the plateau that was the entrance to New Warren. Because of their heavy armor, they couldn't fly up the cliff without leaving it behind. Cortheus had devised this way to allow them quick and easy access and not have the trouble of lugging up their armour afterwards. Besides, it would get all scratched and dented and hers was still new.

Vestiso flared her wings as they cleared the plateau, feeling the breeze drop her gently to the grass covered rock. She softened her fall by landing on two feet and bracing with her hand. Cortheus did the same directly beside her, his wings folding neatly across his back as he righted himself.

Below them stood the small figure of Mystic Dragon. She turned to face them and smiled warmly, sending thoughts of greetings with her telepathy. A smaller bundle of black lounged in her arms, purring contentedly.

Hello Cortheus, Vestiso. The armour looks wonderful on you. Vestiso's mind filled with the smooth, soft voice of the mage. She much preferred this mind speaking instead of talking out loud, like Cortheus did sometimes.

Thank you, Mystic. The large, red-gold dragoness bowed her head in greeting. She sat down before the red-robed woman then looked at Toshi cradled in her arms and rumbled a hello. The cat meowed in reply.

I have a surprise for you. Mystic grinned, releasing Toshi. The cat leapt down from Mystic's arms and trotted over to Cortheus to find more affection. For both of you actually.

"What is it?" Cortheus asked, forgetting to mindspeak as he rubbed his chin against Toshi's side.

First of all, a collar for Toshi. The mage shifted her staff from one hand to the other and pulled out a small, leather collar with a golden bell on the end from one of her pockets. She knelt down and called Toshi back to her arms long enough to fix the collar around the cat's neck. When that was done, Toshi meowed gratefully and bounded back to Cortheus' hand. The second is your new Wing positions. Since you are both capable fliers, your Wing will be the traditional war flight.

A war flight? There hasn't been one of those in ages! Not since the original Orders. This time, Cortheus didn't forget his manners.

Mystic smiled knowingly, a mysterious gleam in her eyes. I know. But since you already know of them, I thought you would be the best choice to lead one.

Lead a Wing? Cortheus' eyes grew wide in utter bewilderment. He was going to be a Wing Leader!

We are going to be Wing Leaders. Vestiso added smoothly. She returned Mystic's knowing smile and nuzzled her mate gently. Cortheus was absolutely dumb-founded.

"I- I- thank you." He stuttered. A part of his training snapped back into place suddenly. Cortheus closed his eyes and held one hand close to his heart, sweeping his head down in a low bow at the same time. "We would be honoured to accept this.... honour."

Vestiso laughed softly, knowing that Cortheus had never been good with words. This just proved it. Thank you again, Mystic. We will begin training as soon as possible.

Good. I will be expecting regular reports from you. Mystic winked. You may ask one of the other riders to write it if you wish.

Vestiso laughed again and nodded graciously. Of course. I can't wait to see who you recruit under us.

There should be a good selection. Mystic smiled warmly. But now it's getting late and I still haven't had lunch. I look forward to seeing your progress, both of you.

"We will do our best." Cortheus arched his neck proudly, thrusting his chest forward in a regular manly gesture. Mystic chuckled softly and nodded, bidding them both good bye before whispering a teleportation spell and drifting back to the Warren in a stream of gold and silver light.

Come, my Wing Leader. Vestiso teased as she began moving towards New Warren and their shared weyr. There's work to be done.

"Yes, and I'm sure you only want to work." Cortheus smirked, dropping to all fours as he followed his mate and bond. Their time together had changed both of them. Cortheus briefly wondered if they would be suited for Wing Leader positions, but the idea was quickly pushed aside as Vestiso tickled his nose with her tail. Toshi ran on ahead through the long and twisting tunnels of New Warren, the sound of her bell filling the wide, dragon sized hallways. She could hear her owners following behind her, their minds touching her with colourful thoughts and images. Things had changed and were still changing, but they would last through it.

Read Cortheus' story.
Read Vestiso's hatchling story.
Read Vestiso's weyrling story.
Vestiso was impressed from: Vella Crean