Embers of Peace

2

The matron watched Illyria pacing impatiently in her study with a raised eyebrow as she finished writing another letter and the younger woman huffed, "I thought he'd be here by now." 
"Winters, I only received that message a few hours ago. It will probably take another few hours for him to arrive so go find something to keep yourself occupied" the older woman sighed in exasperation as she dropped her pen on the desk scowling at the woman. Illyria's biggest fault was her lack of patience and the matron had tried to train it out of her for most of the woman's life, but Illyria was stubborn and unrelenting in her impatience.

the matron never finished because the courtyard was shrouded in a dark shadow and Illyria's hand dropped to the hilt of her blade. Her heart dropped as she looked up and saw a massive dragon about 40 feet long with a wing span of about 80 feet. The sun glinted off his iridescent inky black scales as he descended into the courtyard and Illyria started to draw her blade, but the matron caught her wrist. 
"Illyria, stop.  Do you honestly believe that you could even scratch that dragon scales before he burns you alive?" the matron snapped as she looked at the tall woman with aggravation and Illyria frowned.  Then the younger woman noticed the massive man seated at the base of the dragon's serpentine neck and froze. He wore intricate armor made from black dragon scales, a heavy black cloak lined with fur over one shoulder, and a wicked sword strapped to his back. The ground quaked as the massive beast landed in the middle of the courtyard and everyone stared as the massive man easily dropped to the ground without a sound.
 Illyria was a tall woman call my standing as tall or taller than most men among the blackguard, but the man striding towards her and the matron stood at least a foot and a 1/2 taller than she did with broad shoulders and a grace that could only be home from fighting. Illyria froze as she realized massive Warrior was returning her inspection and pinned her gaze with cold blue eys. She immediately turned her gaze away and swallowed hard trying to stop the blush form warming her cheeks. 
"I am Second Prince Sevran of House Tarakon" the man declared as he towered over the women.
"Greetings, Prince Sevran of House Tarakon.  Your people's presence here greatly honors the Silver City and we extend our fondest welcome to you"  The Matron announced cordially as she bowed slightly to the man and he simply nodded his head at her brusquely before turning his attention to the tall woman beside her.  She was wearing black breeches tucked into knee-high boots and a simple grey tunic and a hooded white coat that clasped with silver clasps. He raised an eyebrow as he noted the blade sheathed at her side and she chewed her lower lip to stop from squirming under his scrutiny. 
 " It is an honor to be in your presence, silver matron" the man grated in a deep rumbling voice as he returned his attention to the older woman before him and she smiled at him.
 "As it has always been your people are welcome to carry your weapons within our city, but I am curious at your sudden appearance. It has been almost 4 centuries since a member of house Tarakon has stepped within these walls. What has brought you to the Silver City, Prince Sevran?"  The silver matron inquired, her voice soft as she looked at him curiously and his eyes hardened as he looked at her. 
"I have come in search of your healers. My  older brother was injured in battle and it is beyond any of our healers…"  He trailed off as he saw the younger woman's face softened as she looked up at him.
"I need you to tell me everything that happened so that I can do everything in my power to help him" she ordered gently making the matron look at her with a raised eyebrow because usually she hated healing even though she was the best. Illyria had always preferred fighting and leading the blackguard to healing.
" We were running patrols and we ran across a group of orcs that had crossed into the mountains from the wastes. Unfortunately we didn't know there was a wyvern with them and my brother killed it to save me, but he was injured. The healers said without intervention from one of your healers he would die "the towering man said as he raked his hands through his hair with a look of frustrated anger sparking in his blue eyes and Illyria put her hand on his arm.
"it will take me about half an hour to get everything I need ready and then I will meet you at the gates with my horse" The tall woman announced as she started to turn away, but the dragon rider caught her arm and she looked up at him in confusion.
"we don't have time for horses. My brother's life is at stake you will fly with me. If you take a horse my brother will be dead 3 days before you arrive" he growled in frustration as he released her and the matron stepped between them.
"thats is fair, but while she is gathering everything she needs, you need to eat even if it's something small and I'll take care of your own injuries and fatigue. You have a long journey ahead of you and I want Captain Winters returned to me in the same condition she leaves with you" the matron announced as the other woman disappeared into the tower and the prince sighed, "lead the way."
Illyria rushed in the direction of her chambers in the healer's ward and the other women stared at her in surprise as she threw open the doors.  She rarely frequented the healers Ward because she spent so much time acting as a black guard captain.
" I need you guys to put me together a bag for Wyvern injuries while I get a few things ready. I need it done as quickly as possible because I am leaving as soon as possible" she ordered as she ran towards her door and the women jumped into action.
"what happened to? Was there in attack outside the city?" Vivi gushed as she followed after her best friend and Illyria scowled over her shoulder at her.
"no, a member of the house of Tarakon has come requesting a healer for his older brother.  They were both injured defending the mountain pass from orcs.  I will be returning with him per orders from the matron" Illyria explained as she started throwing different things into her large pack and her friend choked, "a dragon rider?"
Illyria looked at her with a grin as she giggled,  "yes, and I get to ride his dragon with him to go save his brother. I've always dreamt of flying, but I've never even hoped it would be possible."
"That is completely unfair!" Vivi gushed as she helped Illyria pack a couple sets of clothes and the warrior woman hesitated.
"should I take a set of Kaldarian just in case?"she asked and Vivi shrugged as she looked at the woman with a smile.
"You're really serious about helping his brother. You haven't had any interest and ceiling anyone in the last 5 years. What changed?" Vivi pressed as she watched Illyria drop two metal cuffs into her bag and sighed.
"I don't know. It just feels right. I really can explain it. Other than it's an adventure and I get to get out of this city for a few days. I've never seen the other side of the mountains and I'm curious. Plus I've seen Wyvern wounds before and none of you have" Illyria sighed as she walked back out in to the main healing ward and the other women rushed forward with a bundle of cloth.  The Warrior woman talked the bundle into her pack and closed it before slinging it across her back.
"thank you everyone, I should be back in a few days. May the goddess watch over us all" Illyria announced as she turned on her heel and started out into the hall. Vivi immediately followed after her and caught her wrist.
"Illie, be careful. I can't lose my best friend and this could be dangerous. Promise me that you'll try to be careful!" Vivi begged softly and Illyria smilex at her a she hugged her.
"I promise, I'll come and tell you all about my adventures with the riders" Illyria sighed as she pulled away and started walking towards the courtyard.