The Call of Dragons

9

Raiya

The Speakers and their acolytes arrived after a fortnight, just as Julian had said they would. Though they all looked different, some even eccentric while others downright exotic, all wore black robes trimmed with white lines. The acolytes wore only plain, black robes. When they became a Speaker, they would be allowed to add the white lines, one for a year's worth of service and sign of seniority. She had found this out when she had questioned Julian about the lines on his robe. After he had explained, she had then counted how many he had: fifteen. Before her stunned self could even say anything else, he had shooed her away, telling her to go make friends with the other acolytes. Raiya had walked away, wondering how young he must have been when he became a Speaker.

Though she tried to avoid running into the other acolytes, under his continued insistence, Raiya finally went to go meet the others who were also training to become a Speaker. She wasn’t surprised to find that she was the youngest so far. Most of the acolytes’ ages ranged from fourteen to their early twenties. The age gap already put her at odds with the others who considered her childish, causing them to spurn her attempts at friendship. Many had learned from their master that she was of inferior birth to them, causing them to poke fun and laugh at her. The other established Speakers eyed her with obvious distaste, distrust and animosity in their eyes. She could clearly understand that these people did not think her worthy of becoming a Speaker, perhaps even doubted she had the ability to speak to dragons. She wouldn’t be surprised if she found they considered her inferior to them, a lesser human being. Everywhere she went within the fortress, they followed, whispering loudly behind her back in tones that were very much unfriendly.

When she could finally escape them, she found solace in her usual people. Ashari, Sibilla, and Godrick were there for him, supporting and rooting for her. Ashari would make sure she ate good, saying that it was necessary for a growing girl who was learning so much and working hard to eat a lot. Sibilla and Godrick showered her with affection and support, making sure she was left unbothered during the week and offering their chamber for her to sleep in for a good rest. Those three had always been there to support her and were staple in her life, but she found herself pleasantly surprised at discovering newer allies such as Marigold and Eri.

Marigold specifically had, over time, become an invaluable friend to Raiya. Despite the age gap between the two, they got along well, and Marigold would often cheer her up when she showed up at their shared rooms, exhausted and miserable.

“Why don’t you quit?” she asked one night, rubbing the other girl’s back in soothing circular motions. “Is it worth all of this?”

“Yes,” Raiya had replied, a sense of determination filling her. “I made promises, I don’t want to break them.”

Though Marigold remained doubtful at her insistence, she still supported and sympathized with the child whom she had come to view as a younger sibling. Since she had younger siblings, it was easy for that protective and affectionate attachment to form with Raiya who reminded her of them. Raiya could barely remember her own older siblings and she wondered if her relationship with Marigold would have been like what she would have had with them. Regardless, both found a great comfort in each other.

On the third day of their stay, Raiya had her first official test. She was called to the library where she saw a man sitting in Julian’s usual spot. This was the Guild Master of the Speakers Guild, Speaker Joseph, the presider over the whole ordeal and the one Julian had said would be the fairest judge. But where was Julian? Upon searching the crowd surrounding the table, she saw him seated a few chairs down to the left of Joseph. He had his usual smile on his face, nodding imperceptibly at her in acknowledgement and support. It did little to dispel the nervousness within her though. As she approached slowly, she saw Joseph’s acolyte standing directly behind his chair. She seemed to have a permanent frown etched on her face, her way of showing just how displeased she was with this whole situation.

“Sit, girl” Joseph commanded sharply, and she scurried to obey. “Rhea, let this also be a test for you. Ask the questions,” he said, gesturing for his acolyte to step forward and take control.

“Yes, Speaker Joseph.” She stepped closer to the table, clearing her throat quickly before asking, “Which dragons can mate with a Queen?”

“Princes and WarMasters,” Raiya responded instantaneously. The speed of her answer drew a dubious exchange of looks between Joseph and Rhea.

How had this girl answered correctly so decidedly when she should be so uninformed was no doubt what they were thinking, Raiya thought with grim satisfaction.

“How can dragons fly and breathe fire? What else are they capable of?”

Raiya was inwardly grateful for Julian’s foresight. He had indeed anticipated these questions and prepared her well!

“Dragons can fly easily by using telekinesis subconsciously to help keep them afloat. They also have special flight bladders to help them too. These flight bladders were also designed to produce a lot of methane. When dragons eat the piezoelectric quartz crystals, the crystals ignite the flammable methane to produce fire which the dragons then spew out,” she responded, smiling inwardly at the growing looks of shock on the faces around her.

She could hear whispers in the crowd, many of them wondering how she knew such a detailed response if she really was a lowborn and a few saying Julian must have helped her. How else could she be so detailed with her answers?

“You seem to have studied for this,” Joseph said, drawing her gaze to him. He had a tight smile on his face. “You must like to read, unless you had someone teach you?” The very pointed question was directed at Julian who maintained his smile despite the poke.

“I didn’t have anyone teach me,” she quickly said, drawing Joseph’s attention back to her. “And yes, I like to read. When Chieftess Sibilla told me I would have a chance to become a Speaker, I did as much research as I could to help me prepare. I didn’t want to waste this opportunity and took it upon myself to study seriously.”

“Then, let me be the one to ask you this one final question for today. Why are Princes considered the rarest dragons? Name one thing that sets them apart from other dragons,” he asked, satisfaction lacing his words. In his eyes, she could see a flicker of victory. He figured her pinned, unable to answer because he knew that there weren’t many texts on this information. If she did know the answer, it was a guarantee that Julian had helped her and if he had then Joseph would ensure he was punished thoroughly for his transgression.

Raiya hesitated. She knew the answer because Julian had told her, but somehow, she felt like this was a trap. Would she have been able to find the information given to her by Julian within a book? Something told her otherwise. Oh Geria, she began to pray internally, guide me in this moment! What should I do? Her ensuing silence earned a few snickers and many triumphant smiles from those watching her.

“Do you not know the answer? Are you unable to give a detailed explanation as you have for the others?” Rhea goaded, a gleeful smirk replacing temporarily replacing the dour frown on her face.

Raiya covertly glanced at Julian and was surprised to see the man sharply glaring at the one seated in his chair, a dark expression on his face. She had never seen him wear such an expression before, she had rarely seen him without his smile to be honest, but his current reaction was all the confirmation she needed. Joseph had very much played dirty just as Julian had told her they would. He had asked her a question that would either make her look like a fool in front of everyone or expose the fact that Julian had taught her. She’d rather look stupid than have him face the consequences he had told her awaited him, so she lowered her head, feigning embarrassment, and shame. The redness on her face was anything but that though. She was angry at the crowd of Speakers laughing at her and the man who sat in a chair that didn’t even belong to him with his ever-frowning acolyte now smirking over his shoulder.

“Well, answer, do you know or not?” Joseph demanded, slamming the table with his meaty hand. His patience was growing thin. This is why he hated dealing with children.

“No sir,” she finally answered, continuing to keep her head down.

“She doesn’t know why Princes are rare and we are supposed to vote for her to become an acolyte. She’s clearly too young and incompetent,” he said, turning to his fellow comrades who nodded and murmured in assent.

The continued poking and indignation was too much for her to bear. Her head shot up, twin spots of red burning on her cheeks as she heatedly said, “I didn’t and can’t have any formal training before becoming an acolyte, so yes, I don’t know why Princes are so rare, but I do know the differences between the dragons. I know how they fly and how they breathe fire! I also know the names of the Council in each fortress and the leaders in all the fortresses, including their dragons! So, despite my lack of formal education because of my class,” she spat out the last word, “I think I did a good job. If you don’t agree, that’s fine, we can stop this whole thing right here. If you plan to fail me no matter what because I was born in a village, something I couldn’t control, or boldly lie to my face and say it’s because of my age when we both know you’ve apprenticed people of similar if not younger ages than me, then go home to your fortresses and carry on with your lives. It doesn’t matter to me anymore!”

She was panting after her tirade, but her daring eyes never wavered from those of the stunned man seated in the chair before her.

“How dare you!” Rhea was the first to break the silence, her shriek of outrage snapping everyone else out of their stupor. “A lowly, common-born child raising her voice at the Guild Master? Have you no manners or notion of respect for authority? Of course not, how could you have ever been raised to know the difference between civility and discourtesy. You are a shame to your fortress!” she spewed hatefully, leaning across the table with her hand raised threateningly.

Raiya flinched in anticipation of the slap, but it never came for Joseph had intercepted Rhea’s outstretched hand, grabbing her wrist firmly. He gave her a dark look, one that clearly said he would deal with her later, before turning back to the girl seated before him with closed eyes, rigid in anticipation of the blow.

“Those are some big statements little girl. If I were you, I wouldn’t say such things unless you can prove it. The consequences of accusing other and lying to Speakers above all, is very dire,” he said with narrowed eyes, his tone full of unspoken warnings. “If you can indeed list the names of all the Council members, leaders, and their dragons, I will overlook your slight and pass you for today.”

Raiya felt a newfound sense of hope and she grasped at it eagerly. “I can prove it,” she said, tilting her chin up and staring at him challengingly, daring him to take what he said back. When he leaned back in his chair and gestured for her to continue, she did so, rattling off all the names as promised. She could sense the visible change in the audience listening to her, the disdainful and uninterested looks were replaced with interest, acknowledgement, and a growing hint of respect. Several even cracked a smile as she stumbled over the pronunciation of the more exotic names. By the end of it all, she could tell that they were extremely impressed with her, including the Speaker seated before her. The acolytes on the other hand were seething with resentment and jealousy, especially Rhea who glowered at her, the frown back on her face, deeper than ever before.

“Looks like you found yourself a fine would-be acolyte Julian,” Joseph remarked, an approving smile sliding across his face. “No need for further examination this day. We will talk amongst ourselves. Of course, we will continue to monitor, test her, and then cast our votes over the next few days. Just a reminder to all that this is but one of several tests.” He stood up and, with his departure, so too did the others leave. As the last of the acolytes left, some still throwing curious and angry looks at the stunned girl, Julian rushed towards her excitedly.

“Raiya, oh sweet Raiya, well done! You did such a good job” he said, clasping her small hands in his large, slender ones. “They shouldn’t have asked you about the Princes knowing you would not have any possible knowledge, at least without help from a Speaker, regarding it. That is a question saved for acolytes in their ascendancy test. It was unfair, but you managed to turn the situation around and win their approval regardless. Your courage and wits at such an early age are as remarkable as Sibilla claims them to be.”

Despite the praises being sung in her name, she was suddenly feeling very exhausted from the testing-turned-confrontation. As the tension and adrenaline began to leave her body, she still mustered up the energy to give him a half-hearted smile. “The acolytes don’t like me though. I tried to befriend them like you told me to, but they make fun of me and ignore me. Now they probably hate me even more,” she sighed out.

“Never you mind about them. You’re all in the same boat competing to distinguish yourselves. Your gift that makes you unique among others does not amongst us. So, you must find other ways to stand out from your fellow acolytes. In a way, you already have.” He gave her another brief hug.

“You mean being lower-class compared to everyone else?” she stated glumly.

“Let me give you some advice dear one. If you wear your perceived weakness in defiance of everyone’s expectations as you did just now, it can never be used to hurt you. It can in fact become your greatest strength as you just found out. But if you continue to show how it affects you, you are announcing to the world that you’re weak and you’re okay with them attacking your weakness. Now, run along and prepare yourself for the remainder of this week. It doesn’t get any easier from here.”

“Yes, Speaker Julian,” she responded before beginning to trudge out of the library slowly.

“Oh, and one more thing Raiya,” Julian called out after her, causing the girl to pause mid-step and look back at him. “Don’t let your guard down just because you had a good day today. You may have won a battle, but you haven’t won the war yet.”

She nodded her understanding and left, wanting desperately to go back to her room and sleep. She hadn’t realized how late it had gotten since the library contained no windows. One glance out told her the sky was welcoming in the night. She tentatively expanded her mind out to the dragons, catching different impressions. The most prominent and familiar one was that of Priyana who was currently sleeping peacefully. Raiya carefully disengaged her mind from the channel, continuing to expand outward as she walked. Raiya caught wind of Nythointan standing with Godrick. The dragon immediately caught her mental impression.

‘Godrick requests you to visit him on the fields,’ he relayed to the girl. The deep, rumbling voice reminded Raiya of thunder booming in the sky. She felt as if she could feel it not just in her head but also reverberating in her chest.

‘Tell him I’m on my way.’

Switching her direction towards the entrance of the fortress, she tiredly made her way out. Even though she wished that she had just kept to herself, a part of her was happy to see her adopted father. With their schedules and duties, the two rarely interacted or spent time together anymore. When she was younger, she had been able to see him nearly every night when she would share Sibilla’s rooms. Now, she only saw him if she caught him in the dining halls or glimpses of him on the field with Nythointan, training the new flyers and ordering about the older ones. During those moments, he only had a brief amount of time to support and comfort her before becoming busy once more.

As she stepped outside, the sun had all but nearly disappeared, darkness encroaching upon the fields quickly. The heavy swoosh of beating wings was audible as riders flew their dragons over the large torches. With the bioluminescent plants and organisms beginning to glow, Raiya cast her gaze up to the two large, bright objects in the sky. One glowed a distinct pale yellow and the other a silvery blue. Those were the two moons of Geria, Gaonerth and Goivis. She marveled at the sight of them briefly before remembering the reason she really came out here, beginning to hurry through the fields. She figured he would be near the barracks and headed straight there, not having to go very far before she made out the distinct shapes of two dragons. Though both blended into the night, Raiya could clearly see that one dwarfed the other. Two figures stood in front of them, talking quietly amongst themselves, oblivious to the approaching girl.

The largest dragon, however, didn’t miss her, swiveling their head to eye her approach. She immediately recognized those glowing, iridescent amber eyes. Nythointan’s scales came across as black at night, helping him blend into the darkness except for the patches of light that revealed their true navy-blue color. One of the humanoid figures, the largest, also turned quickly; no doubt informed of her approach.

“Raiya!” Godrick called out, happiness clearly lacing his normal deep, gruff voice.

Her slow walk turned into a sprint, and she arrived breathlessly in front of the group. She fought the urge to throw herself into his arms like she had when she was smaller, instead exchanging a quick hug with him. Afterwards, realizing her sense of manners, she turned immediately to the other figure, peering up at them. She recognized those familiar golden eyes too. It was the teenage boy who she had helped on the balcony and no doubt the dragon behind him was the Prince, Nymerik.

“You honor me, Dragonlord,” she greeted respectfully. Her familiarity with Godrick allowed her to do away with formalities, but she still had to treat everyone else respectfully. If there was anything Ashari had ever drilled into her, it was that manners must be constant in front of the public’s eye.

“Well met again, Raiya.” He teased her name out, smiling slightly. She felt both embarrassment and annoyance. How was it fair that he got to know her name and she still had yet to learn his despite the digging she had done with the other servants? “Congratulations,” he said, interrupting her thoughts. “I hear you’re being tested to become an acolyte.”

“Thank you for your help,” she replied, smiling at him. “If it wasn’t for you, I would never have known about it. It feels nice to know there are others like me and we have a purpose with these gifts of ours.”

Godrick frowned, glancing between the two with a raised brow. The two were speaking so familiarly it was as if they were old friends reuniting instead of newly-met acquaintances. He made a mental note to speak to them separately about it, Nythointan agreeing with his protective nature.

“Yes, well, when Sibilla informed me of this, I wasn’t happy then and I’m still not happy about it now. I don’t like the idea of you getting involved in politics Raiya, it’s dangerous,” he said, peering down at his daughter with concern.

She smiled her most charming, reassuring smile. The one that deepened her dimples cutely. “It’s better than serving under Dragonlady Denali,” she confided with a grin. The teen raised his eyebrows and Godrick humored her with a small grin of his own. “Am I interrupting anything by the way? Training or…?” she trailed off, glancing between the two. She hadn’t meant to interrupt their private conversation.

“No, no,” Godrick said, shaking his head. “We were just going over something briefly. About the Enthronement and the mating period.”

“So, the rumors are true. You will be competing against the senior flyers?” she curiously asked, gazing at the teen with wonder.

He remained quiet for a bit, gazing up at his dragon who was currently too busy staring at the two shining moons in the sky to pay them any attention. “Nymerik will be able to in a year, which is when Priyana will be old enough to mate. If she wins the Enthronement before that happens, whichever dragon mates with her will have their flyer become the next Chief of Dragonspire Fortress. Nymerik is already close to adulthood so he will be big enough to compete with the other older WarMasters by then.”

“But you’re so young!” she blurted out. “Is that what you want? To become the next chief?” She wasn’t worried about his dragon, but about the boy who was not that much older than her. It seemed wrong to have a young person compete against the older, more experienced flyers.

“Denali and I are the same age if that’s what you’re wondering,” he said, a sly smile spreading across his face as he winked at her.

Her mouth dropped open in confusion, not yet old enough to grasp his meaning. She wanted to question him about what he meant but Godrick’s coughing and stern gaze directed at the boy changed her mind. Instead, she asked, “Do you two know each other well then?”

“I volunteered to help her with learning how to fly. Godrick had recommended me even though Ralph tried to insist that he could do it instead. He still isn’t too happy about it. We also talk on the side since we come from Ioyari. It’s nice to talk with another Ioyarian…” He shuffled his feet a bit, suddenly appearing shy. He averted his gaze from the other two, looking at the ground in an attempt to hide his expression. Godrick chuckled at the boy’s sudden display of shyness while Raiya looked on in confusion. While she may not have understood, Godrick did. The darkness might be hiding the redness on his cheeks, but he knew it was there. It was very clear to the older man that Hyun had a crush on the new Queen flyer.

Not wanting to be left out, Raiya pouted as she pointed at the embarrassed teen, determined to turn the conversation back to its original subject. “Isn’t he too young to be a chief?” she asked Godrick, turning towards the chuckling older man.

Hearing this, Hyun stood upright, leveling her with a warning look. He clearly was not about to let her jab at him freely. “Look here squirt, I have been studying under Godrick since before you were born!”

“You have?” Godrick asked bemused, his eyebrows disappearing into his hairline. “That’s news to me.”

“Never mind not being old enough, but you haven’t even been a flyer for a year yet! How does that make sense?” she shot back.

“What would a pipsqueak like you know, being stuck in the kitchens all day and whatnot?” he taunted.

“You can’t even get off your dragon without the help of this so-called pipsqueak that supposedly works all day in the kitchens!” she snapped back, her face reddening.

Outrage spread across his face as she returned his jab, and they levied glares at each other, ignoring Godrick’s sigh and attempts to deescalate the growing signs of imminent violence. When it was clear that his attempts were failing and they were about to tackle each other and settle this as true children do, Godrick finally snapped. “Sentinel Hyun!” he barked out the youth’s name and rank, causing him to immediately snap to attention. “You and Nymerik are dismissed. We’ll meet tomorrow at the same time as today for drills.”

Raiya immediately latched onto the name spoken, repeating it in her head as her glare abated, replaced by an intense stare as she matched the face to the name. It was definitely an Ioyarian name.

“Yes sir,” Hyun muttered, striding away from the pair while giving the girl one final glare.

She couldn’t continue to avert her gaze from the man standing next to her as she watched Hyun and Nymerik’s departing figures. She bravely gathered her courage and peeked up at Godrick, instantly regretting her decision as her eyes met those of his disappointed ones. She immediately felt ashamed of her earlier childish behavior.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. She knew she was in for a lecture. “I don’t know why I picked a fight with him,” she confessed.

Godrick glanced at Nythointan who had lowered his head to also look at her with his own version of a disappointed stare. He fondly put a hand on the side of his dragon’s face, roughly scratching the eye ridges as the dragon began to croon in pleasure. “I don’t know what Julian is teaching you, but you know you can’t say the things you said tonight or treat people the way you just did if you do become a Speaker, right? You need to learn to think before you speak, Raiya. Especially when it comes to politics. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. All that stuff.”

“Speaker Julian teaches me everything I need to know,” she said, not liking the idea of someone slandering her beloved teacher. “I know that how I behaved was wrong and I wouldn’t do it with anyone else around. I just felt comfortable enough since it was only you here...”

“Raiya,” Godrick sighed, rubbing a hand over his face wearily. “It doesn’t matter if I’m here or someone else is or even if no one else is here to witness. You need to control your emotions and be aware of what is going on around you. You badmouthed Denali in front of Hyun without even knowing about their relationship. That’s not very smart.”

“But I—” she began.

“Listen first,” he interrupted, holding up a hand to stop her protests. “He heard it and so did any dragon within the area. It’s easy for words to spread quickly, especially when spoken so openly. Now as for your familiarity with him. He is a dragonlord and therefore you must respect and show deference to him regardless of your own opinions.”

“Even when I’m a Speaker?” she asked, finding the situation suddenly very unfair. Why was she the only one being lectured?

“Being a Speaker doesn’t mean you can do anything you want Raiya, you do understand this right?” he asked, frowning. He felt like maybe he might need to speak to Julian about her education if this is what she was walking away with.

Raiya could tell that arguing wasn’t going to get her anywhere. She hung her head in shame, wondering how her visit with Godrick ended up like this. She hated disappointing the people she cared about. A cold breeze blew past them, biting into her exposed skin. She shivered, feeling the coldness of the night seeping into her bones. Godrick noticed her discomfort and decided to put off the remainder of his lecture. It was best they head inside lest they get sick. He took off his cloak, draping it over her tiny form.

“Let’s go inside,” he said, his tone gruff but gentle.

She thankfully wrapped the cloak tightly around herself, nodding in agreement. She bid Nythointan good night, knowing he would make his way to Godrick’s chambers to sleep. As they walked, Godrick decided to break the silence and talk about something else.

“Are you still studying with Professor Maebara, Professor Imani, and Professor Maximus?”

“Yes, Sibilla makes sure I meet with them at least once a week,” she responded.

“But you spend every day studying with Julian?” he questioned, frowning.

“Yes. I learn a lot with Speaker Julian! Please don't think of him poorly because of me...”

“What about those Speakers and their acolytes? You get along well with them?” He could tell he hit a sensitive topic when her step faltered and she looked down, her hair hiding her expression. “I’m guessing there’s some problems in that area.”

“The other Speakers, they don’t mind me too much. The acolytes on the other hand…” she trailed off, not needing to finish her sentence, Godrick understood perfectly well.

“I know it’s hard. Trust me, I see it all the time with newcomers in the squads. You know what I tell them? Don’t expect to immediately have or ever gain the respect of the senior members. You have to prove yourself and it can take awhile.”

They entered the fortress, Godrick returning the greetings directed at him as they made their way to her room. Raiya thought back to the boy, Hyun. She wanted to learn more about him, so she waited for an opportunity to ask. When at last Godrick was left alone, she casually began to speak, saying, “So, that boy, what was his name again? Hyun, right?” and glanced up at Godrick to see if he was paying attention. “Didn't he come from the east last year?”

“Yes, he was sent along with the Prince egg as a tribute recommended by Amir.”

“Why did the east give up the Prince egg to us? Wouldn’t they have wanted to keep it for themselves?” she asked.

“Part of their punishment. The Ioyarians were the reason for the Age of Calamity and, when it was ended by the other three continents, part of their punishment included giving up any future Prince eggs.”

“But why that specifically?”

“Because the specific person who started the entire war was a flyer of a Prince. Arun Khan and Niathu.”

“So, he’s from the Khan bloodline?”

“He was a part of the Khan bloodline, yes. But remember, this was over two hundred years ago. Don’t hold grudges against people who had nothing to do with the actions of their ancestors.”

She thought about what he said as they continued walking quietly for a bit before finally responding. “He’s lucky that he got to travel to a new continent and Bond with the rarest dragon in the world then.”

Godrick chuckled, saying, “Yes, he is a bit lucky, isn’t he? We are grateful to have someone like Hyun Bonded to Nymerik. Though there have been speculations from the Council about it, never mind that. That pair I know will do great things during their tenure.”

Raiya really wanted to ask about what these speculations were, but she knew Godrick wouldn’t answer. Instead, she asked, “Do you really think that Nymerik should fly Priyana after the Enthronement?”

He glanced at her, a small frown forming on his face. “Not this again, Raiya,” he began in a warning tone. “Priyana needs to win first. Shegil and Rellerth are still candidates and are far older and more experienced. My goal with Hyun isn’t to participate to actually win but to gain experience. If Shegil or Rellerth win, Nymerik doesn’t need to fly them. If they fail, well, Nymerik will need it for the time he needs to win.”

Raiya didn’t understand what he meant but there was no time to ask. They had reached her door. She shed his cloak, handing it to him. As he tried to take it, she held it tightly for a moment, looking at him. “For experience only?” she asked in clarification.

“For experience only,” he agreed. “Though I’m curious as to why you’re so interested in this.” She let go of his cloak and he crouched down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You know there are times that I wish you were given the opportunity to become a flyer yourself. I think you would have been an amazing one. Good night my little dragonet.”

He left, strolling down the corridor casually with his cloak slung over one shoulder and the beginnings of a jaunty whistle echoing down to the girl standing frozen before her door. His last comment had sparked a curious question within her, one she was eager to ask Julian. Were there any records of a Speaker being a dragon-flyer? As she watched Godrick round the corner and disappear out of sight, she resolved to ask him next time she saw him. She opened the door carefully, doing her best to be quiet. She shared this room with Marigold, Eri, and Gina after all and they were already asleep. Despite she no longer technically a lady-in-waiting to Denali, she hadn’t been asked and didn’t really want to leave the room. She had come to enjoy the other girls’ presence, finding comfort in their silly antics and general behavior. Smiling softly at their sleeping forms, she tiptoed to her bed before collapsing face-down without any hesitation onto the blankets and immediately falling into a deep sleep.