Falling Dragons

Planting a Seed

Kelsey arrives at Victor's home. She's seen it many times before, a beautiful home built to embody dragon pride with every plank of wood and every stone. There were pillars leading to the front door. Everything about the home feels powerful and intimidating to most people, including dragons. Kelsey, however, felt no fear. She instead was filled with even more determination. Growing up as the daughter of the king, the most powerful and influential dragon, taught her to fear nothing.

She approached the massive door and began to knock. She intends to visit Boros and Shyv, but she is almost hoping Victor answers. Her hand is unconsciously balled into a fist as she thinks about him and the things he's said about his children. She remembers many past events as she's matured into the woman she is currently. All of the times when he belittled them, all of the times where he trained his kids to the point they couldn't move, all of the times that they weren't good enough for their father. Her heart is full of rage until her eyes almost swell with tears. While these thoughts flood her mind, the door begins to open.

Boros opens the door as Kelsey's body relaxes, and her eyes shift to a happy welcoming demeanor."Oh, hi Kelsey. Come on in." Boros says while motioning her inside. She accepts and walks into their home, becoming more rigid, expecting Victor to be inside as well. To her surprise, nobody else seems to be home. They walk through the hallways until they are both sitting in the den. "I heard that Victor is still on your ass about choosing your future." Kelsey says, using air quotes and a demeaning impersonation of Victor as she says the last few words. "Yeah, some things never change." Boros says, seeming slightly downtrodden. Kelsey  responds quickly and firmly. "He can go to hell. Who cares? It's not like the army needs more soldiers. We all know he only wants all of his kids to follow in his footsteps as big, dumb warriors." Kelsey says with a bit of hostility.

Boros sits for a moment before speaking in a solemn tone. "I think it's more than that. I think he really does want the best for us. He believes that it's important for everyone to contribute to the kingdom in a beneficial way." Kelsey expected that kind of response. She's used to how Boros thinks after all these years together. "If that's true, then he has a real shitty way of showing it." She says, obviously still frustrated with Victor. Boros thinks for a few seconds before he responds. "Nobody says he's perfect. But he's gained a lot of respect in the kingdom from how hard he's worked to bring us where we are now. I think it already negatively affects our family's name, having not decided our destiny yet."

Kelsey lashes out, hearing him defend his father's actions. "Who cares?! Why does it matter so badly that his delicate ego is stroked every minute of the day." Boros is shocked at her sudden outburst. "My father is a proud man, yes. But he wants us to have pride in ourselves. He wants us to be able to forge our own future. He wants us to excel in life and be the best at whatever we do. When I first started learning magic, he was obviously upset and never missed a chance to tell me that there's no future in magic. He even belittled what spells I did learn. But after a while, we spoke about it. He said he accepts that I wish to learn about magic. He just wants me to do something good with it. He wants me to learn a career, not a hobby. He told me that he respected me for being able to choose for myself what to do, even with his criticism every step of the way."

Boros seems to fully believe that his father only wants the best for him. Kelsey has an idea. "So if he wants to choose everything for yourself, why not just leave." Boros looks at her with pure shock and disbelief. "Kelsey, how could I leave? Almost nobody leaves the kingdom. The only ones who leave are fishermen and merchants. Even your father leaves only for diplomatic meetings with other kingdoms." Kelsey responds quickly and certainly. "Yeah, but you know that magic isn't something that is valued here. At least not like in other kingdoms. You could learn so much more visiting other kingdoms and mages."

Boros understands her words but still appears hesitant. "But life as an adventurer isn't easy. There's no support from anyone. Many cold nights are spent sleeping outside. Sometimes, even a daily meal is hard to come by." Kelsey slams her hands on the table separating them. "So what?! It's gotta be better than being ridiculed for not joining the military. I'll tell you what, if you decide to be an adventurer, I'll join you. We can create our future out there." Boros's face seems stricken with shock. A moment later, he regains his composure. "But kelsey, you can't just up and leave. You're a princess here. Don't you have royal duties?" He asks her, and she answers quickly and easily. "There's enough heirs that it doesn't matter if I stay. You know it's going to be soon that I have to choose my future too. I'm 24. So that settles it. Either we go together, or I go when I'm 25." Kelsey is confident and certain. Boros stares at her in disbelief.

Boros can'tbelievewhat he'shearing. "Kelsey, that's crazy." She responds, knowing she can't get through to him without drastic measures. She's learned that their entire family is stubborn to a fault. "Is it crazier than listening to your dad every day for the rest of your life?" Boros laughs a bit. "You got me there. Okay, Kelsey, if I decide to go through with this insane scheme, I'll let you know." Kelsey smiles, knowing she's won. "Then it's a deal." She holds out her hand to him. Boros slowly reaches out to her before he reluctantly shakes her hand. She continues. "Maybe shyv could come along too? Doesn't she need to decide her future as well?" Boros replies. "She just left to join the military." Kelsey looks shocked. "She did what?!" Kelsey responds with a loud shock in her voice.

Boros continues. "Yeah, she said that she didn't see any way around it. She was already a perfect candidate to join. Thanks to dad, she could join immediately and begin training with them as soon as tomorrow morning." Kelsey responds. "Then we need to stop her." Boros laughs a little. "Kelsey,  she's made up her mind. You know she's been considering it for a while now. The only read she waited so long was to become strong enough to rise the ranks faster." Kelsey feels defeated. "But still, she could have waited a little longer." Boros reassures her. "It's okay, Kelsey. She'll do well. And the chances of another war are pretty low. The world is as peaceful as ever. I'm more worried about how your father will react when he hears you're leaving."

Kelsey stands up quickly. "Oh yeah, dad. I'm sure he'll get over it. But I've gotta get things packed and ready." Kelsey begins to walk away through the house towards the door. Boros shouts. "Wait, Kelsey! I never said I was going to go through with it!" Kelsey turns around. "We both know you're going to go through with it. You wouldn't leave a helpless princess to wander the world alone." With that, she continues to the door before walking out and leaving Boros to think about her proposal.