The Forgotten Zodiac

"Yes, the cake definitely wraps up the whole thing. Seals the deal," Werr chortled. "Yes...for once, things seem perfect. I'm still nervous, though..." He murmured, slicing himself a piece of cake, then one for Welk. "It's unusual. We're usually always attacked, constantly under threat...but Malice hasn't done anything. He hasn't come for the Artifact, he hasn't sent soldiers marching against the castle...it's unnerving. It's like he's waiting for us to move, first."

((Can joo mumbrez?))

Welk thought about it for a moment, then said "What if he knows? What if this is all just some sort of game to him and he wants us to move first because he knows he can beat us? I don't know." He wiggled out of Werr's pocket and sat down on the table, staring at a fork that was bigger than he was. "I don't think I'll use one of those," he said, turning back to his piece of cake. "You know, I've always wanted to do this..." He jumped forward and plunged right into his slice, pulling off a chunk and starting to munch on it while sitting there on it. "My dream of being surrounded by cake...it's finally true!" he said, ignoring that fact that he was now covered in icing.

Lexi walked past, spotting the little Spectral and giggling, then she headed over to a chair at the far end of the party and sat alone. She was wearing a pretty black dress and her slightly-curly hair was loose, falling in black waves down against her shoulders.

((Not yet. pDp Hopefully soon, though.))

Werr found his eyes locked on the girl. He quickly sliced another piece of cake and hurried over, putting it in her hands as he sat down next to her. "Come now, you shouldn't sit alone. Get yourself aquainted with the others, maybe? Luen, Diana and Forin are quite the set; Forin's a Tartaran, Luen is a Kirin ice mage, and Diana is sweet and quiet most of the time. Have you talked to Nate yet? He's the head of security here, now. And Boko...well, even if you don't understand him, he's still quite the character. Everything bouncy and happy all the time, that's Boko."

"Oh, I don't want to intrude... They seem happy enough with themselves," she murmured, hiding her face behind her hair. "I'm too shy..." She rubbed her thumbs over the edge of the plate, then said "I know Luna and Seria. They both were very nice to me, and we got along well, but...when I think of being around a lot of people, I just get so nervous..." She shivered and blushed a bit, biting her lip.

"Oh," Werr blinked. "I used to be the same way. But these people...there's something about them. I wouldn't survive without them. All of them." He looked over to where Diana was scarfing down cake, Forin trying to keep her dress clean. "I haven't exactly been kind to all of them, but...they've saved my life more than once." He turned his small smile back to her. "And we don't have to meet them all at once. Here, I'll introduce you to Nate first. He's really nice and...well, noble. He'd love to get a chance to talk to you, I'm sure. You don't have to, but...it'd be easier if everyone knew exactly who you were. They'd be more inclined to help you in trouble. I know it sounds a bit harsh, but that's the way we are. We protect and help each other."

((Gotta go to school nao. :c))

Lexi hesitated, watching as Luen laughed softly at Diana's antics and hiccupped, causing a few snowflakes to burst out of his mouth. She watched as Welk continued to mire himself further in cake until he looked like part of it. A part that moved and squealed and wiggled, that is. Finally, she took a deep breath and met Werr's eyes, staring deep into his irisis. "Okay," she said softly. "I'll try."

((Nooooooooooooooooooooo. pDp I was so close to being done with writing, tooooo. -cling- My bunnyyyyyyyyy.))

((I'll be home eventually. <3))

Werr took her by the hand and led her over to where Nate was standing near Zephyr and Vaira. He gestured Nate over, understanding that Lexi would be hesitant to approach the dragons. Nate smiled and walked to them. He held out his hand. "Lexi, yes? I'm afraid I haven't thought to speak with you before now. My apologies. As I'm sure you're aware, I am Nate. Nate Furhblast. A pleasure to make your aquantaince, young madame."

She smiled shyly and slid her fingers into his hand, saying "I-it's nice to meet you, Nate." She looked down, fidgiting a bit, then said "Captain of the guard? A very nice title. Perhaps I can get your portrait sometime? I enjoy drawing, and I've been working on images of everyone here, you see..." She was continuously tempted to go quiet, but with Werr standing right there next to her, she felt...oddly sure. Like she could speak without fear.

"Certainly!" Nate said brightly. "I'd be happy to comply. I would, however, ask that you wait. I would like it very much if my wife were included in the picture. She stayed at Amnairus, unfortunately, but I hear you're coming with us when we return there?"

"She plans to join us, yes." Werr nodded.

"Ah...well then, I wish you the best of luck during your trial, too. I wouldn't worry too much, though; they're difficult, but if you get into a spot of trouble, it won't be too hard for us to convince Resu to take one of us as a replacement for you."

Lexi nodded and smiled, saying "Thank you. I really want to complete the trial on my own, however. I would feel so horrible if one of you were hurt bad or died trying to help me..." She closed her eyes for a moment, then said "I...do believe that I can do it, after all. And I hope you all believe in me as well." She smiled at Nate, feeling a bit comfortable around him now. "I'll draw you later, with your wife, if that's what you wish," she said, smiling.

"Oh, I have no doubts that you'll do fine." Nate shook his head, smiling still. "And yes, if you would wait, that would do my heart good. Say, have you met my friends, Zephyr and Vaira? I'm afraid you won't be able to understand them, but I can translate for you. As could Werr, even." He looked up as Boko descended, landing heavily on the ground and pushing his nose into Werr's chest.

"Hello, Dark-eyes," Boko purred as Werr started scratching him.

"Hello to you too, Boko. Here, Lexi, why don't you pet him? He's docile enough. Careful though, he might try to lick you." Werr chortled, moving aside to let Lexi get a clear shot at Boko's head. The Drakeling blinked at Lexi, clicking his claws against the ground rhythmically.

Lexi looked afraid at first, but she did extend her hand and carefully pet the drakeling. She smiled and stroked his snout, then looked up as Zephyr and Vaira approached. "Have you found a friend, Boko?" the magenta dragoness said, putting her head close to him and nuzzling his scales. All Lexi could hear was a rumbled snort and a small yip, so she backed up and put her face against Werr's shoulder, as if hiding from them. Zephyr peered at her, saying "Werr? When did you get a du'urin?" A dragon word for a mate that you hadn't actually mated with yet.

"I did?" Boko licked his mother's muzzle. "Mama and papa is scaring pretty-haired lady," He squeaked at them, circling around a still smiling Werr to lick Lexi's hand. "You is pretty. Boko likes you."

"He says he likes you," Werr smiled at Lexi, then looked back up at Zephyr. "Don't make assumptions, Zephyr. She's a friend. She's just a little confused because she can't understand you. I think the most she can hear is growling, but it's like that for everyone who hasn't tasted dragon blood."

Lexi smiled at Werr and looked up at Zephyr, saying "Thank you. ...Wait, dragon blood?" Her fingers twitched as Boko licked them, but she petted him anyways.

Zephyr tilted his head to the side and said "Hmm. Remind me later to give her some so she can understand us. And a du'urin to you, Werr, would be what you humans call...a girlfriend? Perhaps if you offer to dance with the lovely little lady, you could become a bit closer to this goal?" The dragon's crimson eyes sparkled with an age-old light.

"Thank you for the advice, Zephyr," Werr smiled slightly. "Yes, Lexi. The only way that you'll be capable of understanding our friends here, and little Boko, is by tasting their blood."

"Oh! Oh! Boko can do that!" The Drakeling nuzzled Lexi's hand until her palm was under his muzzle, then he brought his teeth down on his tongue and allowed a few drops to slide down his scaly chin, dripping into Lexi's hand. He then turned away, chasing his tail as he waited.

"Oh. There you go. Just try it; I know it's kind of gross, but it's helpful." Werr smiled a bit at Boko's eagerness to help.

"Wh-what?" Lexi stammered, staring at the dark blood in her hand. She stared at Werr as if he were insane, then looked up at Zephyr and saw his kindly expression, then steeled herself and carefully swallowed the blood in her hand. She coughed hard, nearly gagging on the steaming, sluggish liquid, then was quick to find a napkin and clean off her hand and mouth. Then she heard them.

"Are you alright, little one?"

She froze and stared up at Zephyr, hearing his melodious voice for the first time. He smiled at her and said "It seems Echo-Song is in a bit of shock. Why don't you two go dance and enjoy some time alone?" He nudged her and Werr a little, his eyes twinkling, while Vaira started washing Boko's muzzle with her long tongue.

Boko wiggled and purred away. Werr took Lexi by the hand and led her away. "Sorry about that. Are you alright? It's not like anything exploded. It was a bit of a shock to me, too, but we had Nate to translate for us before..." He was nothing but smiles as he took her to the dance floor. He took her hand gently. "Might I be honored with this dance?"

She smiled and took his hand, saying "It's me who would be honored, my lord Werr." She gave a small curtsy and then moved closer, sliding one arm around his shoulder while keeping the other in his hand.

A small icing-covered bullet streaked past, saying loudly "I'll taste icing FOREVER!" Welk nearly slammed into Cynyr and Seria, who were standing close together, moving in a slow, gentle dance. Cynyr looked up, annoyed, then spotted Werr and smiled very slightly, then mouthed 'you're gonna be an uncle', clearly enjoying himself now.

Werr smiled brightly at Cynyr's mouthed words. He took Lexi's hand, silently thanking Nightlash for all the dancing lessons that he had hated at the time. But here he was now, and as he figured out the beat, he was quick to slip into a slow waltz, leading Lexi in graceful spins around the dance floor. He smiled all the wider as he looked at Lexi; he couldn't help but question why looking at her made him happy, but he hoped that his happiness was reaching Naybrin. Naybrin could do with some happiness...

There was a small pulse in Werr's mind, and he knew Naybrin had heard. Lexi had relaxed completely by this time, and she had her head resting on Werr's shoulder. One hand was still holding his tightly, and her opposite hand was on his shoulder, moving in slow, carressing circles. She felt the same odd happiness that he did; a single glance at him and she couldn't help but feel calm and reassured. She put her forehead against his neck, eyes closed as they swayed from side to side softly.