Lillian Rosette's Story

"Do you hear the people sing, singing the song of our crusade..."

Drako dropped a pebble into the fountain she was sitting beside. It glimmered in the sun, slowly floating to the bottom, where it nestled itself besides several hawks tossed in with wishes. She dropped her own hawk inside, a golden piece, knowing it would be gone by the night's end with someone who desperately wanted it.

She leaned back, to the point where she had forgotten where she was sitting and splashed into the fountain.

"Drako, can you not play nicely?" Heika snorted as he walked closer. His black hair shone in the sunlight, and he was laughing, flicking his fingers in the air.

"More than a crow, I fear," she said back, pushing to stand up. "Have you seen any nobles?"

"...No?"

"Good. Want to get something to eat? I feel like sticky buns." Heika made a face, but she simply laughed, and whistled to a nearby stable boy. He nodded, knowing what she wanted, and dragged a horse from the inn. She pranced lightly, but Drakonna tossed a gold dragon at him. "We'll be back by sunrise."

Heika shape-shifted into a crow, leaving a small blast of blue light. He was sitting on the ground, pecking, as Drako mounted the mare. The saddle was shaped awkwardly, and she shifted slightly, trying to find a comfortable position to be in. She found none, but kicked her heels inwards anyways, setting off at a brisk gallop.

Heika took to the air, and met the mare's pace. She laughed, feeling the air blow behind her, and watched the empty streets move by at a swift pace. The colors blurred faster and faster, watching several shifters either take their form or leave it, and Drako forgot where she was.

They had eaten long ago, with Drako and Heika still wandering the streets. Heika had decided he was done with flying for the day, and was sitting behind Drako with the mare comfortably bobbing along. The streets remained empty, and she yawned, tired of the boring composure. Each statue was only special for so long.

"Heika, you want to go wood trotting? Well... flying, in your case." Drakonna grinned, tossing her head so that her hair would hit him in the face.

He laughed. "Let's go!" With that, he leaped off the horse, using his hand to push himself off. Before he hit the ground, the flash of blue was back, and he took to the air once more in the shape of a crow. It chirped, and flew in one direction, leaving Drako to follow.

She grinned, and clicked her tongue gently. The horse left at a soft canter, hooves marking the ground as she ran to meet up with the crow.

The marble path slowly morphed to gravel, cobbled and rough. At that point, Drako pushed her horse to a gallop, hearing the soft clicking and greeting it with a smile. The crow still flew straight, and she watched the cobble disappear to the grass of the forest.

It was peaceful and lovely. She smelled everything with the richness of the forest, and let go of the reins. "Heika, I'll trade you!" she called. "I want to fly. It's been so long..."

The crow was suddenly running back on the ground.

Drako flipped herself off the horse, swinging both legs over the right side of the saddle and leaping to the ground. The mare seemed confused, but kept running, bowing slightly to help Heika jump up. Drako herself was brushing off her white silk dress, tugging on a ribbon briefly, before she shape-shifted into what she called her freedom - the white dragon rippling in the wind.

Her senses heightened, Drakonna flew through the forest besides Heika, who lifted his hand to feel the stringed feathers flying behind her.

Heika seemed to be amused by something. Drako looked down, trying to see what could possibly catch his eye, when he pointed behind them. She frowned softly, and stretched her arms out. It had been a long time since she had done an inverted barrel roll; it was the easiest way for her to see around without changing course or running into something and looking stupid.

Drako held her breath for a moment, before pushing her head down and towards her stomach, while twirling her body just enough to propel herself in a full circle. With a blurred glance, she saw the creature behind her, but it was barely enough to make her judgement at that point.

She decidedly dipped to the ground, turning around before the horse, who reared up in a moment of distrust. Heika held on, but Drako kept flying backwards, looking up to see who was following her. She reached up to gently tug on the green feathers that were flowing.

Seeing the griffin, she lifted herself up in the air and started flying straight for the griffin. She grinned in a challenged feel, trying to see what she could force the creature to do.

Drakonna snorted. She curled herself slightly, to avoid the beak, just in case neither of them decided to doge. She continued flying upwards, shaking her head as she kept her tail and self rotating in an even show of pressure.

Heika remained mounted, and where the horse had reared up. She was turned around so that he could face the mess, and cringing visibly.

Drako remained on her path. Only dodge if you have to.

She was just below the griffin, now.

Drako hissed as she rolled to the side, just at the last moment. Feeling the brush of the feathers, she dropped to the ground, curling herself into a pile and looking up at the griffin.

She was bothered enough, at this point, and decidedly wanted to see who she had almost - well, she'd probably be big enough to squish me - been killed by.

Drako heard hoof-beats suddenly pick up, and looked over to see Heika trotting away. He waved, over his shoulder, obviously not wanting a part of this mess.

She looked back to see the griffin hit the tree. Drakonna morphed instantly, the ribbon at her chest sucking out her air at first. It was a tight difference, from being her dragon form, but she adapted quickly while running over to where the griffin had fallen. She stared with curiosity for a moment, forgetting that she was wounded and probably requiring help.

Drako kneeled beside her, pulling off her cloak to cover her with. "Where do you live?" she whispered. Part of her knew she dwelled within the forest, but she could only guess as to which direction, and that would be of no help at all.

Focus. Focus. Just.. just focus. Think of Dautha.

Drakonna hissed under her breath.

To hell with this. She goes insane, I go insane... It's a fiesta, locked away in the dungeons under my castle.

She felt herself morph into the dragon, an unknowing movement. Feeling the claws dig into the earth, though, she gently picked into the air, one part of herself lifting before the other in a smooth ripple. Once she was floating, just above Lillian, Drako gently picked her up in her arms.

"Into the forest / Through the mist / Guide me, Lorris / With your subtle kiss"

She felt the words in her heart, not knowing she was actually singing. Well... As close as this form can come to singing.

When she was younger, her mother used to sing to her to help her sleep. "To ward the nightmares," she always said. But, instead of her human self, she left a scarlet tail curled into the hallway as she cradled Drako to sleep. As she sang, her voice was almost liquid crystal; clear, shimmering, but forming no words.

She swiftly ducked under a stray branch, feeling the ripple smooth through her tail, until she saw a garden ahead. She dropped to the ground, still holding Lillian in her arms, and standing on her toes so that she could be as gentle as she could. With that, Drako gently put her on the ground, shifting into her human form.

There's no way I could even dream of holding her as... this.

"Please, does anyone live here!" Drakonna called, looking around and walking from Lillian with a ping of sorrow. "It's... It's urgent, she's heart! The griffin. Does she live here? Does anyone else?... Am I speaking to myself?"

Drako heard speaking, and whirled around, finding one of her blades suddenly in her hands. She tossed it, from hilt to blade to hilt in the center of her palm, before flicking it back to where it came from - somehow I'm not sure...

She then began to walk towards the sound, nose twitching slightly. She retained a slight portion of her sight, since she had shifted so recently; her eyes picked out the heat coming from Lillian, and sensing that it was the only heat she could see, walked closer. "I, uh... Do you live here?" She twinged slightly, biting her lip at her stupid question.

Drakonna pointedly looked away, but her eyes were pulled back in a moment.

"Would you help me inside?"

She nodded, slowly. "Forgive me, for I fear this form may not be as powerful." She felt herself shift into the dragon once more, and sighed with pleasure, rippling the scales along her side. If she was to be truthful with herself, all she really wanted was to be herself for another few moments. Precious moments, golden coins besides rubies and pearls, glittering beneath the light of a distant sun...

With or without.

Drako's head shook, and she leaned down, gently picking up Lillian with her arms. She seemed fragile, almost distant, and hurriedly found her way through to the house. Naturally, it smelled like the herbs she had spoken off, sparkling in a musty air. She sneezed, and waited for a few moments, hoping that Lillian would tell her where to put her down.

Drako gently waddled through the house, curling her tail around corners and floating gracefully over the ground. She found the hay bails she was speaking of, and gently laid Lillian down on the bails. She looked at her gently, one of her claws curling into the scaly palm that she had, but in a moment she was a human and kneeling besides her.

"I..." She broke off, and laughed nervously. "I must admit, I have not yet had the chance to truly help an injured."

The only time she did, which Drakonna wanted to pretend never happened, was when Heika was injured long ago. When flying in his crow form, he had been shot by a hunter, fortunately through the wing. And gratefully, Drako had been flying with him and could quickly pick him up and float him to the castle.

However, being a common man on the fortune grounds, she was unable to get a castle healer.

And only lasted for an hour or two, before she tried to find one who would agree to help her.

"Please, tell me how I may help."

"Balm.. knows how."

Color me impressed, Drako thought as she watchd the ball of fur roll around and take care of the griffin. She snorted softly, watching how easily he moved around and took care of the potion. Definitely. I couldn't do that even if I had studied since I was three.

In a slight moment, her thoughts pinged back to Dautha. She forgot herself, and instead of reaching out and hitting something, gently squeezed on Lillian's hand in a response. Well, not so much gentle, as ''Oh, hey, I'm heading home today and I have to meet the guy I'm engaged to, but joke's on you, we're getting married in a few lifetimes"...

"Heika always told me he'd marry me instead." It was a quiet whisper, and she laughed again.

"And also as a woman. Thank you."

Her head snapped up, as she realised she had been thinking more about her past than the present. She nodded her head, slightly embarassed. "I had not thought it my place to leave such an elegant creature in harm," she said slowly. Her mother had not taught her the slightest of conversational skills that did not subtly leave the mark of Hello! My name's Drako, my boobs are the size of watergourds, but really you should look past that because I'm awfully rich and powerful! in a conversation.

Drakonna pondered for a moment, and pulled into a small pouch at her waist. Within was an even smaller bag, filled with gold coins. She placed them in the palm of Lillian's hand. "I fear I must leave. I owe a visit to my family, and they may yet wonder where I am..." She let the words trail off, not wanting to delve in, and continued. "I leave you this. Please, as soon as you are able, visit - I live in the Castle Noir."

A moment of hesitation hit, but upon a slight whim, Drako returned the gesture and gently kissed Lillian's hand. She held it with a touch of grace, and gently let it go with a small bubble of regret forming in her stomach.

"Ah, before I leave... My name is Drakonna ís vauva. Call me anything you please."

"Mmm...a lovely name," Lillian smiled. "I think I will call you...Ghost." Lillian usually nicknamed after flowers, but with her long, white hair and mysterious nature she couldn't resist. She expected her to hate the nickname, really. She was merely teasing her.

She was a little disappointed that Drakonna had to leave so soon, but she planned to visit her soon enough.
A castle, She thought.
She rolled the tiny pouch of coins in her palm.
She held her breath as the snowy-haired beauty kissed her hand. Her touch left faint tingles on her skin, and she became heated. She stared at the curve of her lips, the crease, the hue of pink; They were immaculate.
"Uhm..Thank you again, Ghost," She murmured, smiling. "We will cross paths again. Until then, pleAse take this to remember me by." She plucked a single white rose from a vase on her bed side table and held it out to her. "It is called the ghost's bloom." It was full and brilliant, with dew drops resting on its precious petals.
"Also, my name is Lillian Rosette."

"I think I will call you...Ghost."

Drako winced a bit, laughing. "Gorgeous," she replied, shaking her head slightly.

"We will cross paths again. Until then, please take this to remember me by. It is called the ghost's bloom."

She curved her palm slightly to hold the rose, sniffing it. "Many thanks. A gracious emblem that flies ne'er too soon, held here for my pleasure." After a moment's pause, she added, "Perhaps when you return, I shall think of a name to call you." Drakonna blushed, beyond her own will; it all seemed so silly, perchance wandering upon a griffin, who was really a beautiful woman, alone in a forest... And now that she had invited her to the castle.

Mother will be so proud.

"Forgive me for not staying longer, but I fear the time for hospitality is passed. Within three days, have you not appeared, I... I will come back, to see if you are alright." She found herself cringing, wondering if she was playing the role of the idiot, but without a word turned away from Lillian. "Fare you well!" She called. "And may the wind blow you closer."

As soon as she was outside, she quickly tossed the rose into the air, and shape-shifted into a dragon - catching the rose in her mouth. She accidentally bit into a it, with her front fangs, and nodded quickly. And off we go.The ride home was short. She felt useless, almost, without Lillian now; wondering why she had left in the first place. The idea of seeing Dautha ruined her mood.

The only reason her parents had let her leave the castle actively was that she agreed to return on the occasion that she would appear and show herself. In a dress, frilly and all. And the agreement that someday - regardless of when - she would marry.

Drako landed in the courtyard, curling into a snake's circle when several guards trampled closer. She nodded, obediently shifting to a human form as they asked, and smiled at the immediate apologies.

"No worries. Please, my horse, if you will..." She let the sentence trail off, and watched slowly as Brokkari was led out of the stables. "Brokkari! Oh, my friend, how I've missed you." She hugged the paint around the neck, and smiled, flinging herself onto the back of the horse. She nearly reared, having gone for a long time without feeling the pressure of a rider, before taking off at a swift gallop towards the castle.

Several servants scattered out of the way, and two held the doors open for her. Drako had a horrid habit of riding through the house, for the sole purpose of angering her parents; it was a fabulous past time, and it kept the servants lively. Brokkari took the steps in two leaps, and started thundering through the house, slowing down just enough to keep a clean mess.

Her quarters were hidden three flights up, leaving Brokkari snorting with her horse laughter, to where Drakonna slid off and led her into her chambers for fear she would wake the house up.

Lillian watched Ghost's hips sway as she left her home. Hours after she had left she still thought of the curve and fullness of her breasts and body, shaking her head to try and dissipate the image.
"No time for lusting," She said to Balm, who perked up his ears. She made a move to get up, and Ghost's cloak slipped off her body, leaving her nude above the waist. She gasped a little at her foolishness.
"She left her cloak!" She exclaimed. Took a fistful of the fabric and rubbed between her fingers. It was of very high quality.
"Oh my..." She frowned. Would she be cold without it? Had it rained on her on the way back? She pictured the lovely maiden shivering and wet in the forest, cursing herself for leaving it behind.
"She's made it home by now...we shall return it soon."
Balm seemed to agree, his eyes bright with mutt-like wonder.

"Within three days, have you not appeared, I... I will come back, to see if you are alright."

Lillian resolved to go to her first. She had not felt such loneliness since her mother's passing. The cottage felt too quiet without her, and she set about gingerly dressing her wounds to pass the time.
~~~
"Tis' a lovely day for a visit, aye Balm?"
Balm cringed. She was trying to speak like a true noblewoman to impress Ghost. She had spoken so eloquently, while Lillian lived in the woods her whole life, learning to speak not unlike her mother's harsh peasant tongue.
"At least I'm trying, mutt," She grumbled, swinging the basket full of fresh fruits and flowers with the cloak nestled at the bottom.
Balm had inhaled its scent before she washed it in the river, and was leading the way through the forest. She would have made the journey in her Griffin form, but she enjoyed the crunch of leaves and twigs underfoot in early winter. Soft snow fell lightly around them, and the trees almost glowed with its luminescence. Her over sized boots and cloak were warm but holed and worn, and she hoped she wouldn't offend any nobles.
Should i have brought Balm? Is it rude to bring a big scruffy dog to someones castle? She worried, furrowing her brow.
By the time she made it there, the sun was dipping low in the sky, graying the atmosphere. The castle was large and imposing, and she considered heading back. How could such a lowly girl intrude on a place such as this? She thought.
She was shifting her weight from foot to foot when she saw guards approaching. What is this?
"I..I am here for Lady Drakonna."

Drakonna had been in her rooms for only a few moments when someone knocked on the door. Brokkari looked at the door cautiously, angling her head with a curious look. Drako herself was just beginning to take her dress off, and paused mid-lace, turning her head towards the door.

"...Enter." She continued unlacing, as she spoke, facing the window with as much caution as her horse. Except, when she looked to her companion, she found the beast laying on the ground, looking up with innocence. Drako stuck her tongue out, and dropped the dress to the ground, picking at her underwear with as little grace as she could manage.

Dautha walked into the room, and she shrieked, throwing herself under the bed. He jumped forward, as if a small attempt to catch her, but she was hiding beneath the boards soon enough. "Leave! I banish you from my presence! I have given you no such permission to view me alone!" She raised her voice unintentionally, and suddenly he was besides the bed. She kicked out with her foot, not bothering to cover her bosom in a quick haste. "Get out, I swear!"

He sat back a little bit, raising his hands in surrender, but not bothering to leave. Instead, he turned his attention to Brokarri. "So... You in here often?"

Drako crawled out from under the bed, muttering about the indecency of the situation. "At least let me dress in peace."

"Really?" he asked, snorting. "To your engaged. Well, I must say, this is one thing I did not see coming."

Drako tossed a bottle of perfume at him, and he caught it, appearing at her side in a moment. "I will see you tonight, and not a moment sooner," she hissed. He seemed to catch her drift, and nodded, bowing with a mocking turn. She collapsed against her dresser, holding her head in her hands.



It was supposed to be a celebration. Drakonna saw it as a horrid mess, wandering through the crowd with disgust. She wore a blue dress, for some reason embroidered with wings on the back. A hawk had haggled her over it as she entered, laughing till she fell off her perch. Her face changed, however, as soon as she spied her sister Melanie waiting upon the pedastal. "Mel!" She rushed forward, and threw her hands around her sister's neck, kissing her cheek. "You look gorgeous! Oh, how-"

"I do believe the honor is mine, tonight."

Both girls froze, looking over Drako's shoulder, leaving her to clench her fist. "Yes, you are correct, Dautha. Please, my Lord, let me entertain you with my company." She nodded to Melanie, who smiled in return, and Drako walked away with Dautha.

"The guards tell me there's someone looking for you, at the entrance."

Drako managed to keep her surprise hidden, and her happiness hidden inside. "Really, now? Well, I suppose I should see to this visitor..."

"Not without an escort. Who's to say, this woman may be a murdering axe-bitch, and I couldn't leave my betrothed to that, could I?" He seemed pleased with himself, and Drako allowed him to be, withholding anything she might have said. "Let us be off." He started to lead her, gently at first, until they had left the ballroom - he tugged on Drako's hand roughly.

"Let go! I swear-" She shut her jaw as they hit the exterior of the palace. She silently watched Dautha shape-shift, for some reason, and sat on the steps. He looked back at her, frowning, a black dragon guarding the entrance.

Dautha spat on the ground before him, walking away from a tail shaking with anger. She took the steps slowly, watching Lillian in the courtyard, trying her best to smile - knowing that at any point, Dautha might decide to act. "Lillian, my dear, what a pleasure to see you this day. I trust you are well?"

Drako could not help herself, and laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. "You speak so fast, and leave me not a chance," she said teasingly.

First, she repaid the curtsy, dipping as low as she could with the dress - hearing a low growl behind her, she swiftly stood up, wanting to be rid of Dautha as fast as possible.

"No, my thanks is to you. I fear it may have been some time since I have been able to trust someone." She smiled weakly, and gestured softly to the basket. "Perhaps, if you wish, we can enjoy those in my room later... That is, if you should wish to attend. There appears to be a festive ball tonight, courtesy of my sister."

She remembered the growling dragon and curled her lip in a slight snarl. "He is the one my parents bethrothed me to. Unfortunately I have been forced to agree to marry him at some point in my life, but counting upon a long lifetime I may be able to post pone this for long enough." She hid her hand behind her back, and curled two fingers, hoping that Dautha would realise that she really did not require his help.

"Ah, but the giver does forget herself. Lillian, I believe you may outshine the castle." Drako grinned. I'm fallin' for my lover / Should she ever be / Cast aside with me / Be all that we be... She blinked, not realising she could still sing a tavern song by heart, and shook her head.

She smiled to Balm, not realising she had been petting the dog. "There is nothing to forgive. One's nature cannot be ignored, as you cannot help but to be how you are."

Drakonna shook her head. "I can imagine you wouldn't want to stand out here any longer. Shall we go inside? You may have the choice as to...where we may end up." The ballroom would be stuffy, if that was how Lillian wished to interpret it.

A ball? Lillian thought. She was in no way prepared for such an event. Her peasant clothes would surely embarrass the vision of elegance before her.
"... I have been forced to agree to marry him at some point in my life..."
Lillian was stunned. Forced? She thought. How can one fabricate affection?
"Lillian, I believe you may outshine the castle."
Lillian blushed and twirled the basket shyly.
"Surely you jest..."
"..Shall we go inside?.."
"I'd like that," She smiled. She wondered what Ghost's chambers were like. She pictured a large room with a floor-to-ceiling gothic window, overlooking the kingdom. Perhaps she would have a personal garment left out, like a pair of lace panties...
Shame on me, She thought, though she was particularly amused with the notion.
"Lead the way to your chambers, if you do not mind, m'lady."

"Lead the way to your chambers, if you do not mind, m'lady."

Drako bit her lip, remembering that opening with a trip to her bedroom would not be the way to start her night at the castle. She would wake up, and find that she was either married or enlisted for the war.

"...Perhaps it would be best to start in the drawing room. It leads to a beautiful balcony, with a great view of the city." She smiled apologetically. "I doubt that... Certainly scaled friends of mine would appreciate a trip to my personal rooms quite yet."

Drako bowed her head, and turned back to the castle, knowing that there was little choice in her eyes. As far as she was concerned, there was really no chance of her enlisting herself by choosing to invite Lillian in, at the moment.

"Dautha, I promise to you another night. Some-what alone, in the castle... Please, return to the ballroom. I feel you would find that more entertaining than chaperoning me with a friend." She curled her lip, in a snarl, turning to him. "And, Lillian, I believe there is a three-story ascent awaiting us."

Drako grinned. "Fear not. A coin in the right hand, and perhaps we can look into that later..." She let her words trail off, unsure of what she wanted to do with them herself.

What did she want?

"A balcony is an extended platform upon which you may stand, in fresh air, and observe beyond and below."

It had been so long since she gave herself a choice, besides the granted - avoiding a marriage and a war.

"I find it most relaxing on a summer's morning, golden mead with a harp in hand."

At least Mel's taken the throne. I trust her to...absolve me, eventually, should there be such a need.

"At least, when it remains as easy as that."

She brushed off her skirts, eyeing a servant as they passed by the sculptured dragon paused on the steps. She tried to find her peace, but could find none, instead turning to Lillian. "I propose a race. Are you interested?"

Spread your wings / So you soar / Let them stare / What's one more...

Not another tavern song. I've had enough for a day.

"A race? I accept."

Drako giggled. "Let it be!" She began to shift, but stopped mid-way, awkwardly flicking her tail. "On a side note, my room...s are the right side. Third floor. I'll give you the honor of starting this challenge." She ran her hand along the white scales, and then shifted fully, swirling a circle in the air.

She loved the weightless feeling she got, flying as a dragon. Nothing was better - it was truly leaving everything behind, and becoming nothing more than a ripple on the wind.