Happenstance (Fire Emblem Fates)

Promise

It was... odd. There had been a void, where darkness surrounded him and the cold seemed to fill his very being - and then it was gone. Just as suddenly, it was replaced with brightness and fertility and existence. The world seemed to open up to him, like it had been here this entire time - like he had been here this entire time - and he found it difficult to recall when there was a time that nothing had existed.

There was the sun and he could remember bathing in its warmth, enjoying the calm it brought him. And there was the moon and the stars, shining elegantly and spurring musings of other worlds and other life. The earth beneath him was comfortable and familiar, it was all he knew and all he had ever known, but there was always the desire to spread his wings and see where the winds would carry him.

Anankos had loved the Earth, the way life had furled all around him and continued to prosper. He could hardly remember when humans had first been brought into the world, but watching them colonize and form bonds was contenting. Watching with a sort of envy, he found himself approaching the humans and conversing with them.

At that time, where life was new and ignorant, the humans did not shun Anankos for being a dragon. They had willingly accepted him into their world and taught him their language and ways of their culture. He had learned of this developing kingdom - Valla, they had called it - and had been welcomed by their king.

Ryuurei was the picture of calm and benevolence, his short blue hair falling close to his shoulders and framing golden eyes and a kind smile. He wore white robes and stood tall, and Anankos pondered how anybody could find the man intimidating. The human was good-hearted and saw the best in his people, as well as in the dragon. It was easy to dictate he ruled with his kindness rather than by instilling fear.

"My dear Anankos," the king greeted, his voice a mix of chivalry and genuine happiness, "I am grateful you are back in my kingdom. It has been a lonely time without your presence here in Valla."

Anankos frowned, fangs drawn back. Time had passed quicker than he had liked during his travels and it had been a few months since his last time in Valla. His blood had yearned for him to spread his wings and fly, to enjoy the peace of the skies and the wind against his skin. Distantly, he wished for humans to grow wings and enjoy the skies with him, but he brushed the thought away for how childish it seemed. Dragons would be the sole owners of the air, whether he liked it or not.

Without the company of humans, he had felt more of his draconic instincts tug at the edges of his mind. At first, it had been a simple desire to take to the skies, but the longer he spent away from Valla, the more intense urges became to bring harm to the humans he had learned to love. It was concerning, knowing that one day he would fall into a state where he would be unable to combat these desires, where he would harm those he cared about. He cursed his blood, his being, and had forced himself to return to the kingdom and visit the people.

The dragon exhaled, returning his thoughts to his friend. "My apologies for being away for so long, my king-"

"Please, no need for formalities," Ryuurei smiled, placing a hand upon one of Anankos'. The dragon returned the gesture with a smile of his own, grateful that the human valued their friendship and was comfortable enough to renounce titles. It was a simple, miniscule notion, but it was consoling in a way to share a sense of familiarity.

"I appreciate that, Ryuurei," Anankos acquiesced, eyes bright with the happiness he felt. However, his thoughts returned to the time he spent away from the kingdom and his people, causing a frown to tug at his lips. "But, pray tell, how are you? And the Vallites?"

The king smiled lightly, but Anankos noticed that it failed to reach his eyes. "We have been better, but the living conditions are... bearable." With the confusion that the dragon must have exhibited, Ryuurei ran his hand through his hair and elaborated with a nervous chuckle. "Our livestock are in poor health and we have nearly completely harvested all of the forest's berries. Our water supply is running low and my people are growing ill."