Light as a Cloud

Chapter 21

Ayra, carried out by Jewel, scratched her head. She tried to process the things that she had just seen. Especially the last scene of the play bothered her. 

So, what do you think? Ruby asked. Did you like the play? 

Ayra nodded slowly. Yes, yes... I do believe I did. It wasn't like anything I've seen before... The effects were amazing, and the costumes!

You seem troubled, though, Ruby thought, leading the way through the dragon crowd. 

Ayra sighed. She wondered if it was okay to tell Ruby what she really thought of the play. However, she decided, if Ruby wanted honesty, she could get it. The plot wasn't very good. Also, I think that last scene was pretty offensive. 

Offensive? Ruby eyed her. What do you mean? It was beautiful. The entire continent became a paradise for the heroes to live in! 

... And for that, Ayra thought, every humanoid had to get murdered to make space. Well, except for some halflings that you could use in your plays. You know humanoids are scentient. How can you justify something like that? It's just cruel. I'd never wish of such a fate for dragons. 

Ruby was silent. She was thinking to herself alone. In silence they passed through the doors.

Then another thing, Ayra continued. Why were all the good guys red and all the bad guys green or silver? And why were there so many red dragons in the play anyway? I mean, I don't see so many of them in the streets. It seems a little illogical to me. 

The red are smarter, Ruby thought, that's why they chose the right side. Also, the red are better at acting, and that's why most actors are red. 

Isn't it unfair to just assume that? Ayra asked. I mean, among humanoids, we don't assume things based on the colour of their hair or eyes or skin or whatever. In the play I've seen good silver actors and bad silver actors, as well as good green actors and bad green actors, and the same also goes for red ones. 

Ruby stopped in the middle of the street. Excuse me?! The red are in no way inferior to the others. In no way, do you receive me?

Not inferior, Ayra confirmed. However, they are equal. It isn't just to think otherwhise. 

Ruby turned her back to Jewel, as if Ayra had insulted her deeply. 

Ayra added: I mean, red is a beautiful colour, I can't deny that, but... 

But the rest was silence. Ruby had dashed away into a different street. Jewel stood there for a moment, but then continued his way. 

I didn't follow it, he thought to Ayra. What was that about? 

"Minor disagreement," Ayra sighed. "Didn't you think that there was an unfair amount of red dragons in the play?"

I don't care too much about a dragon's colour, Jewel thought. It doesn't bother me if most in a play are red. That part about the humanoids being slaughtered though, that bothered me. He lifted his head to glance up at Ayra and continued: You're way too nice to be killed like that, just to make space for a bunch of ADWs. I wouldn't wish such a fate for anyone. 

Ayra bent forward and embraced her dragon. "I knew you'd agree on that, my friend. We should write a better play together sometime."

Though a group of guardians disturbed their moment of friendship, as they dropped from above in a circle around Jewel, their wings lifted to form a wall. 

Eminn, one of them thought, you got yourself into grave trouble. 

Huh? How? What'd I do? Ayra asked. 

Threaten our culture, the guardian replied. You're not to insult red dragons. They are the best of us. Consider this a warning: if you think such ideas again, you will have to leave our city.