Healed

Chapter 31

By the time Umber found Flame the sun had long been down and the sky was an inky black pool speckled with starlight. After spending the day searching the SkyWing's frequent haunts the MudWing had finally decided to check the cafeteria as a last resort.

As soon as he entered the vast dining area the decedent aroma of chocolate and fudged grabbed him by the nose and pulled him in. It dragged him to the back of the room where the cooking stations and kitchens were placed. Come morning they would be bustling with activity as dragons lined up with their plates, but at the moment everything was eerily still. All the rooms and stations were closed and locked off...all but one which had the unmistakable flicker of fire silhouetting the entrance.

Umber pumped his wings in triumph. There was only one dragon he knew that would be cooking this late and it was the EXACT one he was looking for. He made a running start towards the light but quickly pulled himself back in wary hesitation. The last time he had seen Flame the SkyWing had been a shadow of gloom, his eyes red from crying and a miserable frown sinking his face.

Whatever had happened between Starfish, Flame, and Avalanche was a complete mystery to Umber. Was Flame still upset? Did he make amends with his mother? Were they one big happy family again?

Umber's stomach was knotted with worry. Not knowing what to expect the mud dragon carefully approached the door and peered inside.

As predicted Flame was within, his ruby scales twinkling as the fire light licked his flank. He was standing in front of the huge gaping mouth of the stone oven as a hearty fire roared in its hearth. When Umber's eyes adjusted to the light he finally noticed the partially illuminated mess that covered every table and counter top: bags of sugar and cocoa with their contents spilled all over like a fine layer of dust, several bowls half full of batter stack up in an unstable tower, fudge smears on the walls and chocolate chips speckling the floors.

The only time Flame ever baked anything THIS chaotically was when something was bothering him. Still, Umber couldn't help but be slightly amused. It was a delicious disaster.

"What happened in here?" Umber laughed, walking in.

Flame jumped and turned around, his bored eyes lighting up. "Umber!" he exclaimed in delight before narrowing his eyes in accusation. "Where the hell have you been? You just disappeared when I went to talk to my mom."

"Erm, sorry about that," the MudWing apologized and took a step forward only to freeze as his talons squished into something soft and warm. He immediately recoiled and brought his foot towards his snout to identify the mysterious gooey substance. With relief he realized it was only some semi melted fudge. Humming in delight Umber licked his talons clean, ignoring Flame's amused smirk. "As I was saying," the MudWing continued in between the smacks of his lips, "I'm sorry I didn't stick around. Zephyr shooed me away once you went into her office...and to be honest I think it was for the best. You had to talk with your mom alone. It's not like I had anything to contribute to that conversation."

Flame narrowed his eyes further, observing Umber with mock scrutiny before throwing his talons up in over-dramatic exasperation. "OK fine, I guess that's a good enough excuse. You get out of trouble THIS time."

Umber dipped his head in pretend gratitude, struggling to hide his giggles as he put on the sincerest voice he could muster. "Thank you, oh merciful one. I am not deserving of such forgiveness."

"Pfft," Flame covered his mouth and turned away to hide the glowing smile that warmed his whole face and crinkled the corners of his eyes. Umber's heart quickened. Flame was so beautiful when he smiled.