Chapter 49: Miriaclaris

The Bretheren Arcanum, one by one, all feel victim to the sleepy atmosphere of the realm of the Twilight Dragons. After Dregan, Orko nodded off, then Vivi, and finally Zentarou, his light orb shining like a star in that blackness, their prayer for rescue, going out to any who would listen. Their chances were slim, however, for they had landed on a little-used path, in a remote area. It would take a miracle for any to see the light of Zentarou's spell, fast waning as its duration wove to near end.

But as each of them knew, miracles did happen.

A Twilight Dragon, flying on a nearby path, saw the light and winged her way over in the knowledgeable way of her kind. There she found them, laying still in sleep, as the light from the spell faded. She looked them over, and noticed Dregan's wounds easily. Her face a mask of concern, and knowing how long they'd been in her realm she used her special breath weapon to drop them into a deep, deep sleep. Then, carefully, she lifted her each one in her forelimbs until she held all close, and them flew, like an angel of kindness, to safety.

They awake with a scent like lavender and vanilla in their noses, on mats of grass, in a large cave. Magical lights were glowing to illuminate the cave, in which they also saw a few eggshells as large as Vivi.

Where are we? asked Zentarou through the pendants.

I don't - ah! Dregan nearly cried out aloud as he tried to move, the pain from his injuries still very potent. His friends were quick to his side, and even quicker to ready their magics, when they heard the sounds of approach, a soft swish swish sound. Much to their surprise, a dragon peered into the chamber, a Twilight Dragon.

: Ah! You're awake.: The dragoness, as her voice revealed, gracefully entered and smiled at them. :Do now be afraid. I am Miriaclaris'iklarya.:

"Iklarya?" echoed Vivi, to which she nodded.

: I am Natarstreyk's mate, thus I carry his name.:

"Is Natar ok - arg?" Dregan had started to sit up, only to fall back in pain. Miriaclaris instantly moved forward.

: Please, relax. My mate is well; he will be here soon. He, and many others, have been searching for you.: Mostly to Dregan, she added, : Allow me.: She spread her wings, and began to sing softly, trilling in a draconic way. Instead of the pale link glow appearing, it was the song that healed Dregan, even repairing his leg without any pain.

"Thank you," was his grateful reply. She nodded to the next cave beyond.

: You haven't eaten in quite a while. My children and I have gathered some food and drink for you.:

"Trolly-molly, you're nice," Orko commented as they headed into the next room, where various fruits and drink were set on a large rock. Several young Twilight Dragons - that it to say they were still children but at least three feet taller than either Dregan or Zentarou - played nearby, wrestling with each other. As the mages gratefully sat down and began to eat, the curious dragonlings crept over.

: Are you the mages our daddy is carrying: one asked.

: They are: responded Miriaclaris, : and you rascals leave them be while they eat. They've been through a lot in the past day or so, and need some time to recover.:

"Over a day?" asked Vivi. "Is that how long it's been?"

: Since you fell, yes. Only about an hour here.:

"What happened with that other dragon?" asked Orko.

: Malavoratio was in the right to call for a fight of honor, despite the pettiness of the claim. But he had no right to attack Natarstreyk when you were on his back. Our code strictly states that such battles must be conducted after passengers are delivered to a safe place. In breaking that rule he lost his right to challenge my mate, and the instant we became aware of your fall we began our search.: She smiled. : You were fortunate that I was leaving a world near to where you were. I saw your light and went down to investigate.:

: My mate had always had the luck: came Natar's voice as he entered. He bowed his head to the mages. : MY apologies.:

"Nothing to apologize for," Zentarou assured the dragon, pausing to gulp down some water. "You could you know that other dragon wouldn't play fair?"

: Still, you four were under my care at the time.: Natar seemed very uneasy with the accident.

"Everything turned out okay," assured Dregan. "We're fine, and ready to go whenever you are."

: Good. There shouldn't be any need to warp first, as I know relatively where it is. Just say the word, and we'll be off.:

: Rest a bit first: Miriaclaris urged. They agreed, and are and drank to their heart’s content, before departing with Natar. He flew over the land where his lair was located, then opened the tear and re-entered the world between the worlds, and began to take them towards Sindaya.