Great Campsite - Southern Anacet Lakes
To one side (to the north, nearest the lake) of this huge open area are tents, pavilions, cook fires, the signs of mass habitation. To the other side (to the south, in the foothills of the mountains) is covered in piles of rough woods, stone and the workers who are processing the materials into usable materials for building.
The tents and pavilions are of every color possible, some simple, some more elaborate. In the center of it all is the largest pavilion of them all, colored in the Royal colors of blue and silver. Cirall's royal flags and banners fly from poles and posts around it, signifying it as defenitely hers. A pair of guards stand out front while others walk around it and the rest of the campsite, keeping peace and order around here.
Aldani Dragons are coming and going, even the children are being busy helping with little chores such as helping prepare foods, gathering small suplies for hunters, bringing water to those who need it, etc. Most of the adults are active over with the building materials, bringing them in from a path that cuts deeply south into the mountains, working on them in the open area somewhere, or taking finished materials back down the path to where something big is being built. Materials, tools and workers are also coming and going down the path to the main roads, probably to or from the other cities and Forts of the Aldani. A large table setup between the living and working areas is covered by dragons and mass paperwork, people overseeing supplies to make sure they get done right and to where they need to go. Draft animals pull the wagons of supplies around, their corral set up down near the lake.
Zetan is in a noticeably cheery mood, humming a tune to herself as she sips spice tea while perusing "Early Argalian History," occaisionally jotting down notes.
The wagons are ready to go, just awaiting last minute additions. Cirall has gone out into the merchant's area in the sea of tents to pick up last minute gifts as suggested by Vahn earlier.
Brightstar hurries, her skirts swirling about her ankles as she makes her way towards the palace tent where she knows her friend and queen shall be. Behind her, following at a slower pace, is a young female dressed in the uniform of the Sithern School, blue and purple roses intertwined together across the left chest of the tunic. Something must be up for the Lady to be in such a hurry to reach Cirall.
MoonLight is exiting the Queen's tent, a small bundle in her arms. Cirall is still out shopping with SunBright.
Zetan sips some more of her tea when she looks up and notices the packing for the journey to the festival is nearly complete. She slips a broad leaf into her book to serve as a bookmark and neatly packs the book and a journal she is scrawling notes in, into a leather bag.
Rhinn is packing his own things in the royal tent, putting the finishing touches on his travel bag.. of course, everything necessary has already been packed.
Brightstar pauses, and as she spies MoonLight, heads in the guards direction, the young dragon still following several footsteps behidn her. "MoonLight? Is Cirall within her tent this afternoon? I'd like a word with her if she's not busy?" The young pale marroon female stops, and nervously waits behind Brightstar.
MoonLight stops and bows to Lady Brightstar and answers, "No she is not, but Lortd Rhinn is still in there. Her highness is with Sun picking up some last miunte gifts for the Festival."
Brightstar frowns, foot patting the ground, stirring up a bit of dust as she glances behind at the young female, and then back to Moon. "Perhaps Rhinn might have an idea or two, at least until Cirall returns?"
Zetan stands to look around, but stays at the table and continues sipping the spice tea.
MoonLight bows and says, "One moment, my Lady." She turns and ducks her head back into the tent and announces, "Lord Rhinn, Lady Brightstar is out here wishing to speak to you."
Zetan's head turns at the address ... Lady Brightstar? She fixes her gaze in the direction of MoonLight, and the whitish dragoness nearby. Could that be her? Zetan strolls in her direction, uncertain what to say even if it is her ... what to say to an honorable dragoness whose consort one has fallen for?
Brightstar waits outside the tent as young Veta stands at a nervous attention behind her. Bri shows an unusual amount of emotions, smething usually not seen in her for something so simple as a student's misconduct. Still, she waits, still trying to figure out just what to do with young Veta.
Rhinn stands up from his packing and nods.. "Oh, show her in.." he replies, looking slightly surprised.MoonLight bows to Rhinn and steps back out to Lady Brightstar and with a free hand, holds the tent flap open saying, "He shall see you now, Lady Brightstar."
Zetan notices Brightstar's displeased mood and slows her approach to think of something to say. She worries Bri's displeasure is from Strethan's revealing Zetan's interest in him to her. Oh, wait, she's waiting to see someone ... Zetan opts to not interrupt whatever business she has, but loiters around the area of the tent.
Brightstar begins to step inside the tent, but is blocked by several large trunks - obviously things still waiting to be packed on the wagons. With a helpless look towards Rhinn, she motions outside to a nearby bench beneath the shade of a tree. "Shall we converse outside, Rhinn?" Veta remains standing where she was, waiting to see where Bri is going.
Rhinn laughs a little and climbs over the trunks. "I'm sorry about this, everything's in chaos.." he grins at Brightstar. "How've you been?"
MoonLight waits outside the tent with the small bundle still in her arms.
Zetan follows Brightstar with her eyes and head, but doesn't intrude on her privacy by actually following her around. Zetan looks a bit lost as she tries to think of what to do, but notices Veta also watching the white dragoness ... at least she might be able to confirm her identity, Zetan figures. "Hi," Zetan says to Veta. "Is ... is that Lady Brightstar?" she asks a bit nervously.
Veta nearly jumps as she's adressed, the young dragoness hurried nodding her head as Zetan questions her. "Aye, tis Lady Brightstar, the Lady of Sithern Keep, and head of the School." Taking a deep breath, she jumps once ore as Bri turns to look her way, her words falling silent at the look from her teacher.
Brightstar makes her way towards the bench, laughing soflty as she speaks with Rhinn, though she pauses long enough to give her student a firm look as she hears the young Veta rambling on to another dragon. "Well, I was hoping that Cirall might be able tohelp with with Veta here, a student of mine." She motions towards the light maroon dragoness, dressed in the tunic of the Sithern School, "She's not my normal student, ad I think perhaps.... well, I think she might do better under the guidance of Cirall's own personal guards for training."
Rhinn nods a bit, looking her over as she approaches.. "Oh yes? Why's that?" he asks as he moves alongside Brightstar, tail curling slowly.
"I'm terribly sorry," Zetan sighs to Veta. "I didn't mean to get you in trouble." The beige dragoness gazes after Lady Brightstar. Well, now she /doubly/ needs to speak with her to apologize for having distracted Veta.
MoonLight looks over curiously at the student in question and asks politely, "And what brings you to this conclusion, my Lady? She could always be taught by the Archons or by your Lord Strethan." She looks to Rhinn and nods with his question, looking back at Brightstar for her answer.
Veta waves off Zetan with a hand before nodding her head to the other dragon. Stepping closer to where Lady Brighstar and the other speak, she stands at attention, quiet as they speak of her future. "Well, she's just about learned everything that Niihaef can teach her, and her concentration is without fail. She first came to Sithern because she did show a slight magical talent, but it is not in music, that much I can be certain." Brightstar cringes as she remembers the months of trying to find /any/ instrument that the young Veta showed an inclination for - failing each time. That is, until Veta wandered outside to watch the sword practice, and picked up one up. "I swear, she can make it sing.." is whispered to Rhinn as the turns his way. "Her attitude could use a bit of adjustment..." Veta is good with a sword, and knows it. "And, it's either Cirall's guards, or the Archons, and I just don't think she'd fit in with them... "
Moonlight looks Veta up and down, looking at her closely. She leans down and whispers to Rhinn, "Permission to test her skills briefly, my Lord? It should only be a moment."
Zetan would like to have known her name, at least, to know whom she would be apologizing for interrupting, but the wave of the hand, she's learn, is a polite request to buzz off. Zetan slowly strides over to BrightStar and, bowing, addresses her, "Lady Brightstar of SIthern Keep and head of the School, I strongly apologize for the interruption, but I fear I am responsible for the distraction to ... errr, the marroon dragoness ... I was merely asking her to confirm your identity for me. I further apologize for that ... I am Zetan, a New One studying under Marius. If possible, at your convenience, I would like to speak with you ..." Zetan is nervous, at least as nervous as when she had finally let out the truth to this dragoness' consort ... nervous about the feelings she has for BrightStar's consort as well as nervous in addressing a dragon of rank whom she hasn't already been introduced to. Zetan keeps her head bowed in an apologetic, submissive manner.
Brightstar turns, blinking in surprise as another dragon approaches her. Glancing to first Rhinn, then others, she turns back to Zetan and pats the young dragon on the shoulder. "Please, it's ok.. Veta should have known better to be talking, is all. She's not in dire trouble for it, so please don't fret." She speaks quietly with the young female as Moon question's Rhinn about testing Veta, something Bri doesn't miss, a slight smile curling over her muzzle as she hears the request.
Rhinn chuckles and nods. "Certainly, Moonlight.. it should be instructive to all of us." He gives Brightstar a slight grin, whispering back to her. "One attitude adjustment coming up.."
Another servent steps forward, wearing Sithern's colors, and carrying a set of weapons before him. To Veta he heads, and to Veta he hands over the finely crafted sword and handknife - both having been made by the young dragon's own hands with the blacksmith's help. Bowing low, she thanks the servant, and then her Lady before turning to MoonLight with a slight sneer on her muzzle - something hse just can't hide.
Moonlight bows formally to Rhinn and sets her bundle down on the seat next to him. She steps a pace or two away from the two nobles and faces Veta. She merely says in an authoritative voice, "First Blood. No fire. Begin." She assumes a fighting stance, one leg behind the other, knees bent, hands pulling her spear smoothly from it's sheath across her back, holding it in guarding position before her.
Zetan steps back to turn and observe the contest, being careful not to block anyone's view of it.
Veta echos MoonLight's stance, feet spread and knees bent as she holds the sword before her, knife held in her offhand in a blocking position across her chest. Eyes glimmer with a hint of excitment at the challenge, her tail snaking slowly behind her from side to side. Moving on her toes, she stalks to the left, eyes never leaving the other dragon as she searches out for any lags in deffenses.
Brightstar chuckles lightly at Rhinn, "One she needs, I do believe." is answered back to him as she settles in to watch the battle between the two.
MoonLight keeps pace with Veta, circling around, not giving or taking any ground yet. She will let this child make the first move. She's here to test, not beat the snot out of her...yet. She holds her spear loosly, her tail staying up and back to both balance her and to stay out of the way.
Veta finally gives in, attempting a straight stab for Moon's chest, steping closer to the other as she does so. Her tail has stilled, curled out of the way, and like the other, helping balance her moves as she darts quickly into the other's space.
Moonlight makes no sound as she jumps to the left, her hand snaking out to slap Veta's wrist. Sloppy move. She takes the next move by swinging the butt end of her spear out at Veta's front leg. Not to trip, but to hit the shin.
Veta knew it was a sloppy move, for Niihaef has taught her well. While her wrist is slapped away, the other hand comes up in a slicing move for the other's arm before she has to jump out of the way of the spear's end. Dancing a few steps back, she laughs lightly to herself, eyes squinting as she ponders her next move.
Zetan clenches a bit at the swordfight ... she's actually been in several fights, as a male human, but none involving weapons ... she's never held a sword. She realizes it may be a useful skill ... but still, drawing blood makes her feel a little squeamish.
Brightstar can't help but glance at the dragon who apologized for Veta, head tilted as she watches Zetan's expressions flicker across her face as she watches the fight. Leaning closer, she reaches out to pat the other, "Tis ok, they're both skilled with their weapons... MoonLight moreso than Veta, I'm sure."
Moonlight easily doges the clumsy slice to her wrist. She knows this fighter will jump to doge the spear's end and is waiting for it. With no leverage to move back or forth easily, Veta cannot easily dodge this move. MoonLight steps forward into very close proximity to first swat away the sword arm that sliced at her, then to continue in to flatpalm Veta's chest, pushing her away without hurting her.
Rhinn nods at Brightstar and mutters, "Better be.."
Zetan is a little startled by the touch. "I've never seen a swordfight before," she breathes.
Veta snaps her wings out, taking a leap backwards before Moon can finish her push backwards, her stance resumed as she comes to a landing off to the side, this time, with plenty of room for manuvering. Sword and knife at ready, she crouches, bidding her time.
MoonLight steps back, her face a blank mask at this twist. Very good. She holds her spear lightly and then decides on a different tactic. She begins swirling the spear before her, around and around it goes, where it stops...let's see if Veta can figure it out.
Veta is unsure of this new move by MoonLight, her usual adversary wields sword and knife like herself. But, not one to waste time, she jumps forward, sword forward to meet the twirling spear, knife at the ready to block and attack if she gets the chance.
Moonlight jumps backwards, the spear still twirling, but it moves up above her head, still moving in one hand, her other hand reaching out towards the deadly weapon, to grab at the wrist and yank Veta forward and off balance.
Veta thinks fast, and as MoonLight attempts to off-balance her, sweeps a foot out kick at her right foot - if Veta is going down, so is Moon! With knife in hand, she reaches forward - first blood is all she needs to end this battle.
Zetan finds herself quietly rooting for the 'underdragon,' Veta, partly out of guilt at still feeling responsible, despite Brightstar's assurance to the contrary, for a demerit against her ... and, partly, because she feels like the underdragon herself trying to adjust to her new life.
Brightstar watches Veta, but knows, even as good as Veta is, there's still much she can learn. First thing, her attitude. Thankfully, it hasn't come into play nearly as bad as it can come into back at Sithern.
MoonLight had not expected this fast a move, but is still ready for it. Her hand is twirlling the spear above her, but uses the momentum to bring it down quickly, butt-end thumping into the ground to block the knife and arm as MoonLight's legs leap up out of the way just in case it missed, her wings snapping out to give her that extra lift. With the spear planted into the ground, MoonLight uses that to maneuver herself in the air, just as if she were still standing, albeit a bit less gracefully. The dragoness is grounded below her, only one thing left to do. Land. She makes sure this is quick and to the point. Both feet tuck up under her body as she starts her descent above Veta's sprawled form. As Veta tries to pull herself out of the way of harm in such a defenseless position, MoonLight drops down far enough, her legs shoving hard and fast out from under her to shove home the point of staying down. The breath is literally knocked out of Veta's lungs and she almost goes unconcious because of it, but she is too stubborn to let that happen just yet. MoonLight takes her time in picking her spear up from the ground, twirlling it around to point downwards and using the sharp tip to prick the back of Veta's hand, drawing just the smallest amount of blood. It is not until then, that she steps down off of the fallen warrior. She turns and reaches down to help Veta up, her face still blank. Test finished.
Veta frowns but for a moment before she reaches up and takes the offered hand. Standing, she bows low before MoonLight, respectful of things that the other has taught her this day. She may be cocky, but she also knows when she's been beaten by a better fighter too. As she straightens, she holds her hand out to MoonLight for a friendly shake.
Rhinn claps his hands together sharply twice. "Moonlight is the winner," he declares, nodding to Veta.. "A well fought match, however."
Zetan winces at the draw of blood, but at least the experienced swordfighter's prick didn't look too bad. She stands by, waiting for quiet time convenient for Lady Brightstar to talk privately with her.
MoonLight reaches out again, this time to clasp wrists with Veta. She says softly, "I shall discuss with her Highness about you traveling with us to be taught. But be warned, we do not take lightly to bad attitudes and will not hesitate to punish accordingly. Is this understood, Veta of Sithern?" She smiles lightly, to let Veta know she has done well.
Veta bows once more, sword and knife held crossed before her. "Yes, MoonLight. Thank you for the honor." So said, she turns and flashes a bright smile to her former teacher, Brightstar who nods her head, "You are released from your contract to Sithern, Veta. Go with Spiritus, my dear."
Cirall walks up with SunBright and Marith in tow, Marith's arms overfull of bundles and packages. SunBright looks at her twin with a look of curiosity at the clasp with this unknown to her warrior, but trusts Moon to tell her later. Cirall looks around and says, "Oh, hello all." She looks at Rhinn, "Are we about ready, Rhinn?"
Rhinn smiles at Cirall and nods. "Welcome back! Yes, we're ready.. just let me get my travel bag and have them load the last few trunks."
Brightstar dusts her skirts off, now that that little problem is settled. Standing, she offers her greeting to Cirall as the group gets ready to leave the sphere.
Cirall looks around at the gathering and asks, "Did I miss anything?"
Zetan smiles warmly at the Queen. "Good afternoon, Queen Cirall." A touch of formality in public, at least, though she thinks fondly of the Queen on a personal level. Zetan wonders if she will have time to converse with Lady Brightstar before departing; she glances around for Ashia and Vahn ... at least if they aren't here, the troop isn't leaving at this very moment. She leaves the summary of events to Lady Brightstar or MoonLight, as she still doesn't even know the Maroon dragoness' name.
Rhinn laughs softly.. "I'll fill you in on the road," he replies to Cirall, climbing into the wagon. "I think you'll be pleased.."
Being the only one not leaving, Brightstar stands out of the way, and once Rhinn volunteers to fill in Cirall on the road, she chuckles lightly, "Let's just say, you have an extra person along with you."
MoonLight turns and bows to queen Cirall and says, "Lady Brightstar wishes for Veta here to be taught the warrior's ways by SunBright and myself, with your highness' permission, of course." Cirall looks at Veta and wonders just how many are going to be tagging along on this trip before they can set out yet...She looks back at MoonLight and asks, "Do you two think she is worth the time and effort from your duties to me?"
MoonLight looks to SunBright, a glint in her eye and then back to Cirall and nods, "She will be an interestinbg diversion for us two, and will not detract from our duties to serve and protect you, your highness."
Rhinn nods supportively.. "She'll be a worthy addition. Eminently so."
Brightstar grins, "I had hoped so... " is said from her as she steps up to put in her couple of cents worth into the conversation. Then, moving back, she steps off towards Zetan and the wagons, deciding to leave the queen and her entourage to their last minute packings.
Cirall looks skywards, offereing a silent prayer to Spiritus, 'Why me' and 'May I have the strength to survive this'. She looks at Veta and says sharply, "Hope you're packed, we leave within the hour." She looks at MoonLight and says, "She's your responsibility, you see she's packed and ready to go, or she gets left behind. And no more additions, this is plenty enough." Seems she's had enough of tagalongs and is ready to just go. She looks at Marith and says quietly, "Go get those loaded on the wagons and let Zeerick know we have one last addition to the train, another warrior." Marith nods, she's too loaded down to do anything else and heads off to the wagons with her load and message.
Zetan ducks out of the way as busy laborers form streams of trunks (rather resembling a large procession of ants) loading into the wagons. As Brightstar approaches her, she tries to summon the scales to say what she must. She bows politely, then asks, "Have you had a chance to speak with Captain Strethan since last night?"
Brightstar pauses as she walks, once more addressed by Zetan. Shaking her head, she smiles lightly, "No, I haven't seen my consort for several days now." As it is sometimes when she rules over Sithern, and he Light's Gate. "Why so, may I ask?" Curiously, she asks of the other dragon.
Vahn is at the wagons, overseeing the last packages as they are packed in. He listens to Marith's message and picks her up and sets her in the wagon too before walking off to the lead wagon to talk to the wagonmaster.
Veta nods once more to the Queen, then follows after the others, her things handed over by the same servant that had handed her her weapons at the beginning of the battle. What little she owns is packed in a satchel that's thrown over her shoulder.
Zetan sighs and swallows a nervous gulp. "As I mentioned, I am a new one ... previously, I was a male of a different species. This new body is taking some getting used to ... and the transition is having some effects I didn't expect. Captain Strethan ... your consort ... is a very handsome fellow ... and I'm afraid I've developed a bit of a crush on him," she bobs submissively to Brightstar. "I think he knew I had, the moment I did, but spared me the humiliation of directly pointing it out until I was ready to confess it to him. I ... am only beginning to learn protocols and the nature of Aldani relationships ... I feel very much, if I were still on the world I was born into, as a child having a crush on an adult ... I feel immature and silly for it, but still it remains. Strethan speaks highly of you, of course, and having been afflicted with his natural charms," she smiles, "I would rather be surprised if he hasn't caught the eye of many dragonesses. I know, in my mind, you earned your place with him and I have no intention on intruding upon it ... but this crush I have for him brings me feelings of guilt, for you, and I haven't even had an opportunity to meet you until now." She trembles a bit, maintaing a respectfully submissive posture. "I am embarrassed, but my guilt is stronger than humiliation and felt a soul whose greatness is so vast, that it earned commitment from such a soul as brilliant as Strethan's, is more deserving of the truth than I deserve protection in hiding from it."
Brightstar takes a moment, the young female's confession surprises her as easily as it can be seen. Still, she merely laughs softly, a hand reaching out to Zetan's shoulder, pulling her upwards from her akward bow. "Ah, I see... " She motions to a nearby bench for the two to sit and talk, still close enough for Zetan to be aware should the wagons begin their journey to the other sphere, yet quiet enough to give their conversation a hint of privacy. "I can well understand your crush on my consort, and I don't hold it against you. I know how confusing this time can be for all you New Ones - and the time it takes for oe to get used to new feelings, new rules, and even a new body. You're not the first, and surely will not be the last... " Frowning just a little as she considers this, for she had not had the chance to talk this over with her consort, she pushes it aside, to be considered at a later time. "Please don't fret on my account.... one might say, I'm getting used to all the females falling for Strethan these days... " though not many throw themselves asking for foregiveness from her - that's surely a first for her. Usually, if theyhave anything to say, it's about how they'll steal him from her.
Zetan smiles, "I can well imagine ... he's certainly a treasure to admire, more precious than gold. I'm hoping whatever immaturity that's developed as a result of my change in gender and species will weather and season into something a little more refined and controllable on this expedition. I was honestly relieved to hear he is staying to keep an eye on things while I go. I think, I hope I can better manage my newfound feminity better ... it is rather trying to run away from me," she laughs self-kickingly. "You do have my deep respect, though I haven't gotten to know you directly yet, from the place you've undoubtedly well earned in his heart. I wish to remain open and honest with you, as well as him, on how I feel ... unless it makes either of you uncomfortable. I thank you for your understanding ... you do know how confusing it is?" she asks, suddenly wondering. "Are you a New One yourself?" she openly wonders.
Cirall leaves the two ladies to talk it out, Brightstar seems to have things under control. She heads over to the wagons and smiles at seeing her handmaiden already packed away. She looks around for the wagonmaster and sees Vahn talking to him already. She looks around for her two guards and finds them nearby. She goes talk to them, apparently this trip is about ready to begin.
Brightstar shakes her head, "No, I was born here in Argalia, and raised by my mother who was Lady of Sithern before me." As her gaze travels over the workers loading the wagons from the queen's tent, she shrugs, "Yet, Sithern has been home to many a New One in the past, and helped them find their barings in their new life here in Argalia, and in their new bodies. " Besides running the school, she's been known to run a sort of half-way house for New Ones, especially these days with the way things stand in Menari. Laughing lightly, she turns and winks, "Just beware the gryphon's flirtaious ways... their leader, Stormdancer, can be quite the charmer when he wishes it." If she shows anything bad feelings towards Zetan, the other dragon would never know in the easy way she speaks with her.
Zetan chuckles. "Thanks, I'll keep an eye out." She ponders for a moment ... "Would you happen to know of any New Ones that might have ... errr ... had a similar experience in having changed genders from their transformation, and dealing with a crush? Maybe one that might have written on how they got past it?" Nothing like the comfort and security of a good book ...
The three huge wagons are double checked by the wagonmaster one last time before they head out. He turns towards the camp and hollers out in a supremely loud voice, "Last call for Shrilk, move it or lose it people!" Dragons scatter like a disturbed hornet's nest to finish strapping down the tarps covering and protecting the trunks and bundles below.
Zetan looks worried and gets up from the bench. "I'm afraid that's my call," she sighs and bows politely. "I wish I had more time ... but I know you and Strethan are busy."
Brightstar seems to ponder Zetan's question as the last call goes up for the wagons. "Ah, yes.. there was Gyra, who like you, was male before being drawn here and placed in a female body. If memory serves me, she eventually went to the temple to serve Terra. You might check in the temple tent when you return, for I'm not sure if she's here, or still in Menari serving in the temple there. " Standing, she offers Zetan her hand, then hurries to the young dragon on to the wagon before it leaves her.
Zetan bobs her head politely. "Thank you, I will search for her when I return from the festival. My most heartfelt best wishes for you and Strethan ... bless you, Lady Brightstar, for having such a strong soul and heart."
Brightstar laughs and waves Zetan on, then waves to the others she knows leaving with the wagons before heading back to her home at Sithern.
Cirall hops up on the back of the wagon next to her handmaiden, on the second wagon in the train. SunBright steps up to the driver's bench to sit next to the driver of the second wagon, while Moon does the same to the third, motioning Veta to join her.
Zetan is guided to one of the wagons in the middle. She hopes stamping openness and candor on her new self will last and serve her well ... she had enough of hiding in the shadows from others to avoid feeling humiliated or embarrassed in her previous life. She has little to carry with her ... just a knapsack of provisions, her gift from collected Aldani donations specifically for new New Ones arrivals to give them something to start with (and wear) and hold them over while learning about the world and society they are now a part of.
Rhinn and Vahn both leap up to the first wagon next to the wagonmaster who is driving it personally. Cirall looks over and smiles at Zetan as the first wagon heads out, pulled by a team of huge slon, her wagon slowly following and the third coming behind slowly. The drivers start up a song of travel with the help of the Terra priests who line the way with other dragons, waving and wishing farewell to the travellers.
Zetan's last experience of a wheeled vehicle was her own 4x4 pickup on Earth on a logging road from which she launched her fateful retreat to the outdoors. She still has yet to spend a week here on Argalia, but memories of Earth are quickly becoming disjointed memories ... she rather finds the slon-driven wagons more enjoyable than the air conditioned, well-cushioned ride in the fossil fuel-guzzling pickup truck. She returns Cirall's smile with one of her own. Gryphons ... creatures of myth, on Earth, that it seems aren't myths at all ... nor dragons, of course. The daunting new world of Argalia, as big as it is and making her feel so small in its new (for her) and unexplored nooks and crannies geographic, cultural and societal.