Impatience and Impudence {Open}

[Deleted]

Every passing day brought news of the battlefield. Clashes between Riders, deaths of old veterans, entrances of new adversaries. The war raged and even the instructors at the Academy ventured into battle from time to time. Just a few days prior, the Ancient, Lucien, and his Alorah returned from a recent venture. The other ancients and elders too, were free to come and go as need dictated.

But not Xander.

It had been just over a year since he began training, since Astaroth hatched for him and claimed him as his destined Rider. The dragon had bound them together for the rest of their long existence, possibly forever, in a single decisive moment. It had been awe-inspiring. In that moment, Xander had acquired something much more than a friend. He'd never had friends during his time as a slave, but, he knew that Astaroth was not simply his friend. The natural fondness he felt for the dragon was also different from the love he'd felt towards his mother. The relationship between him and his bondmate was something more primal than conscious acceptance and love. It was a connection that ran to his very soul, inclusive of his emotions and thoughts and very being. He and Astaroth were joined together as two parts of one whole, never to be separated again. To Xander, Astaroth was his freedom. Yes, he had escaped the cruelty of his master and mistress five years earlier, but, he had not truly been free of oppression until he'd bonded with Astaroth. The dragon had given him a great gift in his choice. To Astaroth, Xander was one who shared his desire for justice and peace, a long-awaited companion to spend his existence in tandem with. Together, they soared, not just literally, but in other things as well. They were a skilled pair with a mutual ambition to do well in their studies, knowing that, eventually, they would join the battle against the Shades.

But they had yet to do so.

Xander had long since grown weary of waiting and, even Astaroth, in all of his dignified mannerisms, was beginning to tire. They had not been chosen to do battle yet. Both were eager to fight. Not because they enjoyed bloodshed or had delusions of glory in combat, but because they had chosen the cause of protecting the land and its people from the darkness that threatened it. With each passing day, the war continued, and Xander and Astaroth studied.

This was the cause of the blonde man's scowl as he strode down the hall, leaving his last class of the day. He was ready. What were these old ones training him for if not to fight? To protect? That was his whole reason for being here, at New Doru Arabea. Yet, they had not had the chance to fly out from Bromsland and meet the enemy in combat even once. His blue eyes narrowed, annoyance rolling off him in waves. His magic was strong, his skills with the sword much improved, Astaroth was a fierce combatant, particularly when it came to fighting on the ground. All they wanted was a chance. A chance to fulfil their duty.

[Tismri]

Tismri strode down the hall with Teza Mae in tow. The elder had been concerned about the young princess for many months now; ever since her torture at the Shade Rider's hands, she never seemed completely well. She had a hope that returning the girl home to Freia would aid in her recovery; however, she neither desired nor trusted to send her off alone.

"Why can't Aradan escort me?" Teza Mae demanded She hated the idea of leaving her suitor behind.

"Because he is needed here," Tismri explained calmly. This princess was even more defiant than her mother had been, something the ancient had not though possible. "He and Veryan have other assignments to attend to, and we will not be able to spare them for some time." Teza Mae sullenly crossed her arms and glared at the floor beneath them.

Princess! You get to show me your nest! Garrus called to her excitedly, trying to distract her from her nearly constant ill mood. I am excited to see the crystal city in person, rather than just in your mind. Teza Mae finally relinquished a small smile, knowing Garrus had been curious about her home since he'd hatched.

Eventually, the pair came across another young Rider coming the opposite way. "Ah, Xander," Tismri called, a patient smile on her face. She knew the former slave's unfortunate history. Perhaps this assignment would help him to learn that not all women of nobility were as cruel as his mistress had been.

"I was hoping to find you; I have an assignment for you and Astaroth. I am sure you have at least heard of Teza Mae." The princess didn't meet the man's eyes; it was uncomfortable, knowing strangers were likely to stare at her damaged eye, bloodred where white should be. Her gruesome torture at the Shade Rider's hands had spread like wildfire among the students, and the pitying looks she constantly received was almost more than she could bear.

Tismri continued speaking to Xander. "We have decided that she should return home to Ismalia. A familiar setting surrounded by family and friends will bring about a much swifter recovery for her."

"Most of that family probably wishes I'd just been killed," Teza Mae muttered, just loud enough for the others to hear. Tismri ignored it.

"However, due to the enemy's recent advances, it is unsafe for her and her bond to go alone. I wish for you and Astaroth to escort them to the Imperial capital Ileria, and from thence to the Ismalian capital Freia. Once you see them there unharmed, you may return here."

[Deleted]

Xander dragged a hand through his already messy blonde hair. His slightly pointed ears, the mark of a human under the effects of a dragon bond, were just visible through the golden strands. He absently ran a finger over the tip of one, not quite used to it as of yet. He needed a mission. Anything really...His blue eyes flickered toward the pair coming down the hall from the direction opposite him. Tismri, an elder within the school, and a girl whom he vaguely recognized as the princess who had been taking refuge in the halls of New Doru Arabea. He'd caught glimpses of her over the past months but had never really paid her any mind. What did he care for the actions of royalty?

He had just looked away again, dismissing them from his attention, when his name was called. Immediately, if possible, his formerly impassive expression grew even more coldly guarded, his lips quirking ever so slightly in the teasing hint of a smirk. It was his natural state when dealing with others. Especially those in power. He knew that smile. The 'I'm older than dirt and can handle whatever antics you put on' smile. It was close to the one many of the teachers gave him. He didn't particularly like any of the Ancients he'd met. Then again, he didn't really like anyone but Astaroth. But the Ancients with their boundless patience and unshakable goodness were annoying.

He stopped where he was as she began to speak, folding his arms over his chest and shifting his weight to rest more on one foot. Most others would have given some sort of proper greeting, but, he wasn't most others. His eyes flickered to the princess when she was mentioned and he tilted his head in the barest acknowledgement that he had indeed heard of her. Not anything about her specifically, but he knew who she was at least. Already, he didn't like this. An assignment that included introductions? It reeked of guard detail. The mention of her returning to Ismalia confirmed this. His eyelids dropped just a bit over his eyes, the barest fraction of an inch. That involuntary tick the only physical indicator of his displeasure.

His eyes flicked to the girl when she spoke up about her family wishing her dead. They lingered for a moment, taking her in, sizing her up. The way he'd heard it, she'd had a rough time, being captured by the enemy. It showed in the physical marks they'd left. But, even the knowledge of her past pains didn't stop his heart from panging at the way she spoke of those related to her. Even if his mother was alive and wished him dead, he would take that over the real-life alternative. At least she had someone to return to.

Xander's gaze slid lazily back to Tismri as she finished her 'request'. She worded it nicely, but, he knew he didn't really have the choice of saying no. Nor did he want to, when he thought about it. He almost let his smirk show through. He was desperate enough to take action that he was willing to agree almost whole-heartedly to escort a princess.

I know how much you despise the nobility, especially noblewomen, but, would you leave her without protection after her ordeal? With the enemy constantly advancing?

Astaroth's rumbling voice permeated Xander's thoughts and his eyes flickered away from the pair before him, flashing with something like exasperation as he replied.

I've already decided not to make a fuss. Butt out, you overgrown lizard.

The grey dragon rumbled disapprovingly of the insult but let it slide, knowing his Rider didn't truly mean anything by it.

Xander stood upright, arms still folded, and cocked his head slightly at Tismri.

"Very well," his voice, on the high end of baritone, was too pleasant for his demeanor. It had the lilt of someone accustomed to singing, flowing with an almost musical quality. Much too nice for someone who was so very not, "When do we depart? I would like at least some time to pack. After all, it would be most unfitting for a Rider to go traipsing about two countrysides in naught but this."

He wore only a long sleeved white shirt tucked into fitted black breeches. His usual black boots covered his feet. The outfit was made for casual indoor wear and short flights in warm weather, not journeying. His blue eyes were amused as his true personality reared its head.

[Tismri]

Tismri's smile grew relieved when Xander agreed to the assignment without protest. She had been worried that she would have to spend the rest of the day convincing both of the students to leave. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Teza Mae slump in defeat; the girl had been expecting resistance as well.

"There is no need for a rush," the elder commented. "Tomorrow morning should be plenty of time to leave. Make sure you pack warm clothes; the northern parts are already starting to see snowfall." She looked between the two for a moment, knowing there was already much tension between the two for a number of reasons. "You two should probably spend a couple of hours today getting to know one another," she suggested before turning away. She paused for a second and looked at the young man with sincerity. "Xander, thank you." With that, she continued down the hall.

Teza Mae continued to stand there, knowing her fate was sealed now. She would be separated from Aradan for shards knew how long and returning home where most of her mother's vicious cousins would immediately set to work trying to have her murdered. Jason would probably meet her there and continue his relentless hovering, and any sense of freedom she once had would be gone. Worse, she would be sent home with this stranger babysitting her the entire way. Although he was handsome, that would only make her miss Aradan more.

After a minute of silence, she stated, "So." She offered nothing for followup. Suddenly her right arm tensed with pain and fell from its crossed position to hang uselessly at her side; it was a lingering side effect from the magic that had been used to heal her. She had grown so used to it at this point that she was able to ignore the pain, leaving her arm hanging by her side.

[Deleted]

Xander felt a flash of amusement at the relieved look on Tismri's face. She had obviously expected him to be defiant. Ah, well. Sometimes, even his own abhorrence of being ordered about had to be sacrificed to achieve a goal. He wanted to get out of New Doru Arabea and be of use. If the pouty princess was his ticket to doing so, so be it. He didn't have to like it. He had taken a lot worse in order to advance his own goals during his time in slavery. He inclined his head slightly at her packing instructions. Fortunately, since becoming a Rider, he'd been given suitable necessities to fit his new lifestyle. He no longer had to perform to gain his master's favor so that the man, his own biological father, would gift him with something nice. The things he'd had to do for a favor from the mistress, he refused to think about. It had been shocking to be given something without being asked to give something explicitly in return. People were actually kind to him at New Doru Arabea. Even though the instructors annoyed him, they had ensured he was successful, and that was more than anyone aside from his mother had ever done. Even this small warning of cold weather was a welcome difference from his time in bondage.

As soon as the suggestion that they 'get to know one another' left the Ancient's lips, Xander's cold smirk grew more pronounced. He still could hardly believe that she was leaving this girl in his charge, now she wanted him to be himself and let this girl see his true personality? That usually sent people fleeing. He'd even made some cry when they'd tried to 'get to know him'. It was amusing, sometimes. 

He opened his mouth to make a dry remark, but, her genuine expression of gratitude stopped him. He watched her go, a bit surprised. He hadn't expected that.

Hmph. The old woman's trying to force us to make friends again...

He sensed rather than saw Astaroth's huff of smoke.

Us? I have friends. It's you who remains stubbornly alone.

Xander rolled his eyes freely with the elder gone. His dragon was a pain in the backside sometimes.

His gaze returned to the princess when she spoke, breaking the silence between them. He had thought she might hold out and pout a little longer. His gaze sharpened as her arm tensed, following it as it fell. From the way she reacted, he guessed this was a normal occurrence. A perpetual weakness. Whether he truly cared about her or not, she was his assignment and it was duty to know that this was an issue.

"I hope for your sake that you have some sort of medication or herbal remedy, since I doubt my spells will be of much help," he said bluntly.

Though he was highly proficient in magic, he had focused much of his training on combative offence and defense. His knowledge of the healing arts extended only to first aid that might be needed upon the battle field.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae glared at Xander's statement, more frustrated that she continually had to deal with these moments of weakness. The pain finally passed and the new tendons in her arm worked normally again. She returned it to the crossed position.

"I can guarantee your spells will more likely harm than help," she said. "In case you haven't heard, Ismalians and magic don't really mix." The subject made her think of her brother. She was unsure where he was right now, but Jason was probably going to catch wind of her relocation and follow her back to Freia soon. A part of her wished he could forget his duty and pursue his studies of magic and the cure for their affliction without worrying about her so much. However, to be her sworn protector was a position he had been born into.

She turned her attention back to the man with her. He seemed rather stoic and standoffish, which was a sharp contrast to the pleasant lilt in his voice. His Alagaesian accent was unlike most of those he heard, more like elvish. She had noticed how he stared at her arm during her moment of weakness. His statement and expression seemed to speak more of annoyance than pity, but his focus on her pain bothered her either way. What bothered her even more was the knowledge that there probably would be a time when she would have to rely on his protection during their travels. Her feet might give out, or her eyesight worsen, and she would become more than useless. She hated it; hated having to rely on others when she had worked so hard her whole life to prove that she was self-sufficient. To prove that she could be as strong and confident as her mother.

It all started at that bloody test, she thought to herself, remembering the survival exam that still haunted her dreams. Her depression and loss of confidence began then, before she had ever been caught by the Shade.

Princess, Garrus said at the edge of her mind in a sort of whine. Stop doubting yourself. I chose you for your strength and confidence. For your conviction and your resolve to treat your people right. She took a shaky breath and concentrated back on the present.

"What weapons are you proficient in?" she asked Xander, not just to make conversation but to assess his skill. If he was going to be her protector on this trip, she had to know exactly how he was going to care for her. "I am most competent with a bow, but I can use a sword and hunting knives as well."

[Deleted]

Xander's cold smirk remained in the face of her glare. He was used to that kind of reaction. People usually either responded to him with surprise, anger, or trepidation. Only Tismri and Lucian actually looked happy when they saw him. Her eyes flickered again to her arm as she regained control of it. That explained why the elders were so eager to send a Rider escort with her. If her body gave out like that in a fight, she would be an easy target. He internally sighed. Best not to look to her for combat assistance, then.

"I hadn't heard," he replied dryly, his tone implying that he found this bit of information less than fascinating, "But thank you for sharing."

He felt a flicker of exasperation from Astaroth but brushed it aside. He saw no need to put on airs here. He doubted he'd ever actually have a need to be in this princesses good graces and didn't particularly see a reason to behave in any manner but how he usually did. If she somehow garnered more respect from him, something he doubted would ever happen, then he would act accordingly. But, thus far, there was no one aside from Astaroth he truly respected. He supposed he might respect the elders a bit for their power, but not enough to behave in any special manner in their presence.

In response to her sudden question and volunteering of information, he quirked one brow. It seemed that she shared his sentiment of getting this done and over with in as painless a manner as possible, giving only information that would aid in their travels. He shifted his weight to one foot, slouching slightly, and ran a hand habitually through his fair hair.

"I am fairly skilled with a sword. I have no interest in archery," maybe one day he would learn the skill, but, at the present, he was fine with his blade, "And I am exceptional in magic usage."

He stated that as a fact. He had a natural talent for magic that had been mildly intriguing to his original teacher, Lucian. The elf had speculated that perhaps, somewhere back in his genealogy, there might have been an elf or half-elf on his mother's side. That would explain his physical appearance and proficiency with magic. Xander didn't particularly care. If there had been, it was too far back to be of any true use to him. But, he'd let the old elf have his speculations, as the ancient Rider seemed to enjoy them. His natural talent had been exemplified when he had devoted much of his study time to the art. That said, he had been studying it for only a year. He was no master, but he was confident he could hold his own in combat.

"My bondmate is Astaroth," he said next, "He's strong and a fast flier, but he doesn't do well over long distances. He's stubborn enough to make the attempt, but, for his sake, we'll need to pace ourselves. And do try to be polite. He's terribly proud and doesn't take well to insults of any kind."

Though he was offering this as necessary information, his voice still held that odd, almost amused tone and his lips were still quirked in that near-perpetual smirk, especially towards the end of his description. Astaroth was mildly annoyed by the blatant stating of his strengths and weaknesses, but, he knew that Xander spoke the truth and maintained his peace on the matter. What he did speak up on was the matter of his pride.

Terribly proud?

Xander's eyes glazed just slightly as he directed himself to speaking with his dragon. It was something he did involuntarily. Though he could indeed speak with Astaroth while doing other things, even participating in other conversations or fighting, he usually devoted himself to each interaction almost entirely without truly meaning to. It was almost a mark of how singularly he trusted his bondmate.

Don't deny it, my dear friend. The last time you thought someone insulted you, I had to talk you out of stepping on them.

The dragon harrumphed and sent his Rider a mental tap that was almost like a flick to the forehead. Xander instinctively flinched, his eyes softening in true amusement for just a moment in response to his bondmate's reaction.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae considered Xander's volunteered information for a moment. He would likely be a close-ranged fighter; his magic might grant him mid-range. She suspected he relied on his bond to see over long distances. It took some specific training to learn to look ahead. She was glad for all the ranger training she'd had with her father over the years, knowing it would help her in a number of ways on this journey.

She noticed the glazed look that suddenly appeared on her companion's face after he volunteered information about his dragon. She recognized it well; her mother would occasionally gain that expression during court when she would converse with Caedus about his opinion on a certain matter.

I don't look like that when I talk to you, do I? she asked Garrus, suddenly a little self-conscious about her expression.

I wouldn't know, Garrus replied. It's not like I can see your face when we talk from a distance. Teza Mae rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the man in front of her.

"My bond is the ruby Garrus," she informed him. "He is often sweet, inquisitive, and excitable. But when it comes to me, he can be overbearing and protective. Like nearly every other man in my life." She resisted the urge to roll her eyes again. Although she loved them all dearly, her father, brother, and even a few cousins would sometimes treat her like a porcelain doll, reacting exaggeratedly to the slightest danger she was in. She remembered how they all reacted when they found her, sliced in pieces and nearly dead, unable to walk, talk, and barely able to see. It must have been as much torture for them as it was for her.

I am NOT overbearing! Garrus replied with a huff, allowing Teza Mae to imagine the plume of smoke from his nose.

[Deleted]

Xander's attention returned to her when she spoke and he cocked his head just slightly. A red dragon. Not quite as inconspicuous as Astaroth's grey coloring. But, then again, could one call anything about a dragon 'inconspicuous'?

We have no need to be as such, Astaroth preened, We are mighty creatures, capable of felling entire armies of you puny two-legged creatures. Our claws are like spears and our teeth like swords. Our scales are as hard as any armor and our breath like the inferno of hell itself. What have we to fear that we would need to be inconspicuous?

Xander almost rolled his eyes in response.

How very poetic. Lie down before you hurt yourself.

Astaroth gave an unappreciative grumble. His Rider ignored him.

"Well, little princess. You'll find that I'm not the overbearing sort, so don't trouble yourself," that hint of a sarcastic smirk finally took full form, his lips quirking fully, "Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, I won't be catering to you outside of my duties of protection. I trust that you are self-sufficient enough to care for yourself during our journey?"

Rude.

His dragon spoke again. This time, Xander sent him a mental tap of annoyance.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae snorted at his implication of her helplessness.

"Oh, don't worry. I am more than capable of taking care of myself. In fact, I'll probably be the one keeping us fed on this trip." She raised an eyebrow at him as she leaned back against the wall. "We can't carry enough food for the entire trip, and the dragons shouldn't be expected to do all the work. I'd be willing to bet my mother's crown I have more tracking and hunting experience than you." She returned his smirk, challenging his attitude. She was going to prove to this stuck-up pretty boy that she could fend for herself.

[Deleted]

Xander sighed softly, still slouching. This why he despised nobility. Especially women. They seemed always willing to try to outdo those around them. How many times had he watched his mistress attempt to one-up his master?

"I don't particularly care if you can feed an entire village or have the experience of the Ancients, nor do I have an interest in any crowns, your mother's or otherwise. My only concern is ensuring you arrive home in one piece," his expression became a bit more lively then, cold amusement entering his eyes, "If feeding me means so much to you, though, then by all means, feel free to do so. I'm sure you'll want to make every attempt to prove yourself above needing overbearing men, yes? You seem so very proud of those skills of yours. I'm almost sorry that you don't have a better audience to show them to besides an unappreciative lowborn such as myself, since you feel the need to hedge such bets," he gestured almost mockingly, trailing his fingertips in an arc from his forehead in the manner one usually used to show deference.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae glared at Xander in anger. Her cousin's complaints about men echoed in her mind, and for once she thought she agreed.

"Shards, are you always this insolent?" she asked. She closed her right eye and stared at him through the red-hued left. It blurred his smirk, and she felt the color of blood suited him. She hoped the image of her glaring red eye would disturb him a little. "Or do you happen to prey on women who have been tortured within an inch of their lives? Or whose family has tried to murder them since the day they were born? Or maybe you just hate me because I'm a princess, is that it? I'm not even a person to you. I'm just some rich girl who is used to getting exactly what she wants. Well I have some news for you: I am a person, with thoughts and hopes and feelings of my own. And I am not going to let you or anyone else dictate how I am to live my life!" Though she stormed away, her soft leather boots hardly made a sound in the large hall. "Thank the Emeralds I won't have to deal with him after this trip!" she said to herself furiously.

[Deleted]

Xander maintained his expression as he listened. He took note of the way she purposefully closed her untouched eye, an attempt to unnerve him, perhaps? He was not one who was easily unnerved, though he would admit the red eye was repugnant. He took a sort of dark pleasure in the way she lost her temper. He had fund her tipping point so quickly. Normally, people tried to put up with him or had fled his presence by this point. Interesting.

Her words told him much about Ismalian culture. Not that he particularly cared, but, it could be useful at some point. As could a god deal else of what she said. He found that it was usually when people reached this point, when they felt the need to justify themselves, that they gave all sorts of information. He did not give her a reply, instead watching with mild interest as she stormed away.

Someone's feeling a bit inferior.

Astaroth huffed and Xander could just imagine the smoke erupting from his nose.

You never cease to amaze me. Will you not control yourself even for a woman such as she, who has suffered much?

Xander's mood immediately darkened in response to the words. He could abruptly feel the ghost of the thin collar around his neck, the occasional manacles that had encircled his wrists, and the rising tide of hopelessness in his chest. He quashed those feelings with a  vengeance.

Speak not to me of suffering, Astaroth. I have known it well, he paused, I will treat her no differently than I treat anyone else, regardless of rank or gender or past.

The grey dragon heaved a sigh.

I understand your sentiments, truly, but you will have no friends and a good number of enemies if you continue like this.

What need have I for friends beyond comrades, aside from you? As for enemies, we will strike them down together if they attack us.

He sensed that Astaroth was not satisfied with his answer, but, he offered no other.

[Tismri]

Sakura tread lightly upon the grassy lawns that covered the city, gingerly holding the cloth bag in her arms. From within, Oranthor touched her mind so that he could view the world through her eyes. She knew how much he appreciated these walks. So many of the ancient Eldunari were without Riders, and she could only imagine their boredom. Although they would turn inward to contemplate life's problems, she knew from talking to them that they longed for the freedom they once had.

You are very kind, the dragon, who was the closet thing she had to a father, told her. You should not worry about us, however. We dragons knew our lot when we expunged our hearts. Despite his words, the sadness was evident through their connection. She smiled as she sat on the grass near where she saw a few dragons gathered, recognizing one named Astaroth among them. She always preferred the company of dragons over that of humans. They did not think of her appearance as strange.

Perhaps I shouldn't worry about all of them, she told Oranthor, settling the bag containing his Eldunari in her lap before pulling out and folding a piece of paper, softly humming as she did, but it would be irresponsible of me to not worry about you. She paused a moment, looking up at the young dragons. Mom worries about you all the time.

As she does you, Oranthor commented. It has become her nature. She does not wish to lose anyone else in her life. Through their connection, Sakura sensed through him exactly what Jeriah felt. Her husband, Lathem, had vanished many years ago, along with his dragon Zamah. Shortly after that, Oranthor had fallen to one of Galbatorix's dragon slayers. The weight of these losses was constantly on her mind, though she hid it well from most.

Sakura finished folding two papers; one had the appearance of a long-necked bird and the other of a butterfly. She held both of them in her hands and blew on them gently before whispering "Flauga." The paper creatures softly flapped their wings and took to the air, chasing one another before fluttering by the gray dragon nearby. She watched with her deep amber-orange eyes while the wind wafted through her stiff violet hair.

[Deleted]

Some days, Astaroth had to remind himself that he had chosen his Rider for a good reason, that there was kindness lurking somewhere within him. Sometimes, it was easy. Other days, like this one, it was very, very hard. They had both been excited at the prospect of finally being entrusted with an important mission. Xander might have deflated a bit at it being guard duty, but, Astaroth had been even more elated, for a number of reasons. This sort of work showed the strength of the bond between the Riders and the Ismalians. This was a very important person they had been assigned to, the princess of their northern allies. And she was a primary target, if her past experiences were anything to go on, which meant that this mission could turn deadly quite quickly. He hoped that the enemy would remain ignorant of her travels. The last thing he wanted was for her to be hunted when she had already suffered so much.

Yes, it was a very important job, a show of how much they were trusted, an indicator that their skills were being recognized. Astaroth had nearly trumpeted in jubilation at the long-awaited assignment. And then the Elder had left the princess alone with Xander. The gray dragon had kept back as much as he dared, wincing internally as his Rider ensued in his normal behavior of interacting with others of his race. Rudeness, overflowing impudence. The man was a menace. Astaroth was just glad that the princess had been prideful enough to react to Xander with anger and not tears. That had happened before. And, despite Astaroth's lecturing, he'd sensed that Xander was more disappointed that he was being called out on his behavior than he was sorry for his actions.

Some days, it was exceedingly hard to remind himself that he had chosen a Rider who did actually have a heart buried under all that jadedness.

The dragon heaved a sigh, smoke billowing from his nostrils. He only hoped that the princess would hold out and that his Rider would calm down over the duration of the trip. If this animosity continued, it was going to be an unpleasant journey, and it would be Xander's fault.

Astaroth was startled from his thoughts when two creatures flew by him. He cocked his large head, blinking one silver eye in curiosity as what appeared to be a bird and a butterfly chased each other past his nose. They were not living creatures, he could sense that, but most definitely magical. This led him to assume that they were animated artistic representations. He turned his head on his long neck to find the source. Not far away, a violet-haired girl sat in the grass. A flash of recognition flickered through him. He had seen her on numerous occasions during his year of life in New Doru Arabea, though he had not truly interacted with her. She was called Sakura, if he recalled correctly.

He contemplated the human for a moment before standing. Shaking himself off and giving a luxurious stretch after having laid in the grass for an extended period of time, he lumbered toward the girl with earth-shaking steps. His posture was straight and proud as he paused before her, snaking his neck down to regard her more closely. His large head hovered a very short distance from her, his inner lid flickering briefly over his eye. The girl was more dragonish than other humans, something he found as a bit of a comfort. He'd had quite enough of 'normal' humans for the day. A short break in talking to someone who was not Xander would be most welcome.

Astaroth sent her a brief mental knock, communicating his desire for conversation.

Were those your creations that flew by? he asked curiously.