Stephano's large eyes widened as a huge fight broke out between Capella and a mysterious man. He hid his little assassin away in the shadows as the destruction started to get serious. But when this stranger started talking, he realised. This...this was the one who locked them up in the damn tower...this was the person who got Astrid injured. The little dragon snarled loudly, his long claws unsheathing and his back arching. Astrid had managed to stay upright for a while now, a sure sight her ailment was lessening a little. She coughed heavily before giving Stephano a look. The companion let out a heavy sigh.
"What now, Astrid?" He hissed, trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves. He may want to tear this "Lain" to pieces but Astrid was vulnerable. Still so very vulnerable. The redhead frowned gently, her red eyes fixed upon her dragon.
"C-c-come on, 'Phano. Y-you got to h-help. I mean, I-it will help y-y-you lose some weight." She offered weakly, as her mind pleaded. She couldn't help her new "comrades" but her dragon could. And one thing Astrid T'vali was good at was being loyal. No matter what. She slowly pulled a knife free from her thigh holder, wincing as her chest twinged at the movement. The blade sat in her hand firmly, her eyes bright. "B-besides, I'll be f-fine. I've got a k-knife and you know how good I am w-with knives." Astrid spoke quietly, her voice hoarse and somewhat damaged. The redhead let out another cough as talking tickled her throat. Stephano's eyes softened and he rolled his eyes.
"One day, Miss Astrid "no middle name" T'vali, this ceaseless need to throw yourself and by extension, me, into danger is going to get us both killed." Stephano grumbled. Astrid gave him a thankful look as he stalked forward, his belly brushing the ground. The dragon's lamp like eyes were fixed upon the scene in front of him. His body froze as the man grabbed Dante. He was Capella's human. He was threatening him. The sandy dragon hissed loudly, a small plume of smoke billowing from his nose. It was as if this guy had snatched Astrid and threatened to kill her. It was unacceptable. He quickly took inventory of his injuries, just in case. He was a bit tired and his wing was injured. But he could stall for time and try and get Lain away from Dante.
You got this, you fat lug. Stephano grinned as a wave of Astrid's thoughts encompassed his mind.
I appreciate the sentiment. Now, what can you see from your perspective? The dragon asked as he snuck round the scene.
Not much, all I know is Dante is currently looking screwed. Astrid's worry slipped in, her thoughts tinged by it. Stephano sent a small ripple of calm her way and assured her that Dante would be fine. He hoped. He just had to get this guy's attention away from the young man and onto himself. Why, oh why, did he do this to himself.
Then Stephano remembered. This was the man who placed Astrid in the hands of that mage. That's when he knew he had to act. The dragon launched himself in front of Lain, his eyes a burning yellow. He wasn't going to win this fight, not in a long short. But perhaps, he could distract this lunatic so that Capella could grab Dante and take off. Astrid sat in the shadows, her knife poised in her hand, ready to throw if necessary. This guy better not hurt her dragon. Stephano hoped Lain would not notice the redhead in the corner.
He didn't think she was going to be discrete by any means, but one might hope. The dragon dipped into a battle stance, his face pulled into a snarl.
"I do believe we have some business to sort out. As well as the fact you are holding an ally of mine hostage. Now, I am not prone to violence but in your case?" The dragon let out a quick spurt of fire. "I shall have to make an exception."