W.R.E.N.

Royal pains

“Zyn, hey, Zyn!” Someone was shaking my shoulder. I woke immediately.  Rolling up, ready to fight. No one really woke me up. I saw Cordgi jump back when my fist nearly took his head off.

“Hey easy, killer.” The injured dragon snorted. I looked up as the air around us warmed. I smirked.

“What do you want?” I asked him he sat down on the same rock as Attroxia had the night before.

“How is he?” His head nodded toward the air dragon above me.

“In pain.” I stood, somehow Tanwen remained asleep. I fixed the blanket over her. I took only three steps before six younglings surrounded my feet. Chuckling I scratched their chins. “Come along.” Cordgi took this to mean him as well he followed me into the Wry.

“It’s like a mother duck, with really gross ducklings.” His lip curled. I slapped him.

“Don’t call them ugly!” I yelled at him. He rubbed his chest where a red mark was appearing in the shape of my hand. I went and got the meat we kept for the young ones. Tossing it around I watched them hobble, squawk and flap around. It was amusing.

“I’ve never seen you smile.” Cordgi was still there watching me.

“Zyn?” I looked.

“Hey, Tanwen, how are you.” She hugged me.

“Tired.” She complained.

“Well, you did a lot for this idiot yesterday.” Shea stated as he made his appearance, coffee cup in hand. He held one out to me.

“Didn’t know you would have help.” He eyed the light haired knight beside me.

“Oh, I’m not…” He was cut off by a roar. I pushed Tanwen gently into Cordgi's chest as I rushed back to the beast in front of the grounds.

‘Easy friend. You're still badly injured.’ I soothed as I sent the pictures to him.

‘A mind can forget pain.’ He answered. Shea looked at us. I told the dragon in pictures what he was going to do as I told Shea to do it. The burn ointment eased a lot of the pain on the dragon.

“What should we call you while you're with us?” I asked him.

“He's an air dragon, how about Gus? Ya know Gusty, wind.” Shea chuckled. The dragon before me chuckled too. Shea stumbled back.

“Did he just laugh?” I smirked.

“It appears you found someone to like your dumb jokes! He likes the name.” I stated.

“Neffy you up for taking Tanwen out to gather food for Gus?” I called as the dark shape emerged from the shadows. The sun was just peeking over the horizon.

“Sure.” He held his hand out to my Nuare. Sleepily she took it.

“I will take good care of her.” I nodded. The two walked out to the field to transform. Cordgi and I watched them, then I felt his arm drape around my shoulders. The crunch of him biting into an apple, right next to my ear came next.

“You know…” He started with his mouth full of apple. “… our Nuare's are getting along well. If they mate up…” He smirked at me. I reached over to wipe something from his chin.

“You have something on your face…” I held up my hand. “Oh look, your dignity!” I heard a choked cough laugh. We had both forgotten about Shea.

“Hey dad?” I called. I felt a growing warmth in my chest every time I used the word. Plus, the way his eyes bulged and brightened at it made me feel even better. I ducked from Cordgi's side. “What would you do to me if I ever brought something like this home?” I laughed as I pushed the clingy knight away once more.  He let me get a few feet away then ran and jumped on my back.