Infirmitate

FIFTEEN | Noa

Noa's POV

"I will bring as many recruits as possible with us tomorrow. I am sure many Magics will be more than happy to assist us." Adam's water-figure is standing with his arms crossed. His facial features remain focused with a thoughtful frown. "Remind me the specific names of people to bring?"

Jacob shifts forward, shuffling his feet in the nearly knee-deep water. I, myself, can't help but wiggle my toes in the soft, white sand. It was a wonder the Potions Elder allowed us to use the special room in the Great Hall to talk with my Magic friend, caretaker of my home.

"It may be difficult, but I would like for you to try and get Kevin and Marcellus out from the Force. They were always kind to me. I trust they will follow you willingly." Jacob's eyes are set in determination, and I can't help but bite my tongue at the memory of him telling me that Marcus was a willing participant of the Force. Marcus will come if he wants to...maybe.

"If either refuse, you will have to bring them anyways. We can't risk the Force catching word that we're bringing in even more people." I glance over to Jacob and see him nodding his head. Good. He agrees.

"Of course. Is there anyone else, Noa?" Adam's liquid eyes meet mine. I pause for a moment in thought. "Yes." My heart clenches at the thought of what the father and son have been forced to handle with no aide whatsoever. "Atlas and Alvis. I heard the Force burned their home. I would feel better having them close."

We finish discussing weapons, and housing soon after. The Magic supplying the communication between Adam and us is cut when we step out of the water.

Jacob and I change into the dry clothes we brought with us and head off in the direction of the hunt. "How do you think Blade is settling into the daily chaos around here?" My question is abrupt and catches the both of us surprised as we wander through the woods.

"What do you mean?" Jacob was a few steps ahead of me when I spoke. He now falls back to better see me. "He's a Dragon Prince not from this century, Jacob. Surely this is strange for him." We walk in silence for a moment.

"He hasn't said anything to me." Jacob's voice is soft, as if he's finally realizing the complete strangeness of the man. "Come to think of it, I don't know why he stays. He's had plenty of chances to fly away or even destroy everything here, if he wanted to."

"As Dragon Prince, possibly the last of his kind, I'm certain his power is unparalleled. I suppose I'm slightly concerned as to why his interest lies here where he is disregarded and disrespected by many. What's his game here?" We go silent as we approach the hunting party. I point over to where the group is resting under some trees. Jacob nods his head at our silent conversation and we approach without being seen or heard.

Within the cover of some trees, we are close enough for our trained ears to listen to their conversations. Blade and Clair, in particular, are talking quietly amongst themselves while the others are sharing a quick meal by some logs.

"Why do you always wear the same clothes and armor?" Clair's natural curiosity and bluntness never cease to amaze me. How she isn't dead by now is a wonder. Blade chuckles lowly, brushing a strand of raven-black hair from his obsidian eyes. His skin is still as pale as when I first saw him. It's like he's seen the sun but it's never been able to really reach him.

"It's like a second skin for me. Every dragon-shifter is dressed in the colors of their dragon. My father, for example was green and blue. He wore dark-green clothes with iridescent blue armor plating." For such an intimidating and powerful man, Jacob and I watch silently as Blade smiles softly to himself as if lost in a distant memory.

"I couldn't help but notice you spoke of your father in past tense. Did he pass away?" At least the girl had enough sense to question him in a respectful way. It could've been worse.