Everlong

Way to Waterdeep

"So" Ed said as they had finally come a distance down the Trade Way to Waterdeep, the lands around them nothing but farmland "Want to tell me what the hell all that was about in the dragon's den?"

"What do you mean?" Olly asked popping a bead of Nourishment into her mouth, her energy getting low from the traveling.

"Well for one" Ed started trying to figure things out in his own mind "What was the deal with the dragon? How did you know it wasn't going to attack us?"

"Copper dragons are harmless if you just talk to them the right way" Olly said shrugging her shoulder "They like a good laugh, a riddle, or just a interesting story. Didn't you notice us laughing a lot before we found the dragon?"

"I did" Ed said remembering them having a good moment or two.

"That's how they affect the environment. Most metallic dragons are good, a little chaotic, but good none the less. It's the monochromatic ones you have to look out for" Olly said wagging her finger "Those guys don't play around and are the ones you hear about the most."

"Clerics are taught to kill a dragon, regardless of what color it is" Ed said, his brow furrowing as he thought about it "They never taught us the distinction."

"Well for most Rangers, you need to know the difference if you want to survive. Metallic dragons are friendly, but if you try and treat them like they aren't a intelligent creature, you are worm food" Olly laughed.

"Well good to know that one" Ed sighed "What about the joke? I got it must mean something to you and Nole."

"That's Nole's favorite joke" Olly said getting serious "He's told that joke to every new creature he's ever met. Get's a good giggle and let's him know if the creature can be reasoned with or not. I told it to him when he was a baby and he never forgot it. As soon as the dragon said he had heard it before, I knew it was Nole."

"What would your brother be doing with a bunch of Rogue's?" Ed asked needing to know just what kind of trouble he was needing to get into.

"I have no clue" Olly sighed, the sadness returning to her "It's worrisome. I hope he hasn't fallen."

"Can Aasimar fall like Deva's and Solar's?" Ed turned to her curious.

"They can if they abandon their light" Olly nodded "But it's a choice. At least, that's how my older brother explained it to me."

"What happened to him if you don't mind me asking?" Ed asked feeling a bit brave, and wanting to know more about his friend. He had heard stories of the blessed three Duer's, but it was different hearing it from one of them.

"I don't remember too much" Olly said walking, her eyes downcast thinking of the past "It was mine and Nole's season off from training, and we were home. Atticus and my father though had gotten into an argument. He wanted to go off on a mission that the High Mage of Silverymoon was asking of them, but Father wanted to wait until springtime to go."

"Your father wouldn't let him go alone?" Ed asked.

"Attie wanted to go alone, but Father still wasn't ready to let him go. He said another summer or two and he would be ready. My brother is a lot like me though, once he gets an idea in his head you really can't tell him otherwise" Olly faintly smiled.

"So he left?" Ed finished the story.

Olly nodded "He took off in the middle of the night. The next morning when we all woke up and he was gone with a horse, my father was furious. He went to the High Mage and demanded to know where Atticus had been sent off to."