𝖘𝖈𝖆𝖑𝖊𝖘 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖘𝖈𝖆𝖗𝖘 𝑏𝑢𝑛𝑛𝑦 𝑥 𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒 ᶰᶳᶠʷ

[Lady Jace Beleren]

The way that Viskarra was laying against his neck, stroking her fingers over his scales, made him feel warm in a way that he had not known before. It was a strange feeling to be comforted by another. Yet, when he had finished telling her exactly what had happened, why he had been so desperate to bond with her, she slid from his shoulders. He heard her feet find the floor and, for a heartbeat, Noct was sure that she would abandon him now. Would push him away the same way that the other humans had. She had a perfectly fine dragon available, after all. Viskarra, of course, did not do what he feared. Would never do something like that. It was why he had picked her. The understand on her face as she asked him to shift, nearly demanded it. Her voice let him know that she needed him to do this. So, he did as she asked. Reality splintered and rearranged until the massive black dragon was human again, standing high above her still. And she said the words he needed to hear more than any other. More so than the joy she had let him feel while they flew, more than any harsh words she could throw at Merkur, those words began the healing of scars that no one could see. It would take time before he lost his sharp edge, before he could forgive the other dragons and the humans who had pushed him away. The thing he was not quite sure what to do with was Viskarra's arms wrapped around him. It was a human gesture of affection. He knew that much. And the feeling of her small arms squeezing him was soothing. So much so that he repeated it, wrapping his own arms around her. His eyes closed as they simply held one another. "I'm glad I picked you as well, no matter the circumstances." What she said next, though, struck him hard. He could feel her body moving, the urge to cry trying to force itself to the fore. It was another new emotion to deal with. Dragons could not cry and, even in human form, their bodies simply never attempted it. Tears were more foreign than physical contact. His first instinct was to lay his tail over her own. That would have been the dragon way to do this. Instead, he felt helpless as she spoke beautiful words, let him see his kind a little different. The Åndemaner had stolen the concept of death, perverted it into something dragons feared. If Viskarra could look at him as a thing of beauty, he could try to forget that. He had never been one to spend time with his own kind, so their opinions were of little consequence. This small human, squeezing him so tightly was all that mattered. So, he would try to be human for her. With a gentle push, Noct guided her away from his chest, drew her attention upward. His hands moved from the embrace to her cheeks, wiping away the little bead of a tear that threatened to fall. Their eyes met and, despite his cool features, there was a spark of admiration in those eyes. It did not fade as he closed the distance and pressed their lips together. It was not what he had expected. Noct thought the kiss would be like touching hands, like that gentle touch she had given both dragons as they left the field yesterday. It made him feel warm, the sensation of her lips on his own softer and slightly... pleasurable. It struck him a moment later that this was not like touching hands. This felt far too intimate for that. All at once, Noct pulled away, feeling her lips cling to his own for a fraction of a second. His eyes were downcast and the panic was obvious. Yet, he could not bring himself to apologize for it. Found it... exhilarating. All he could manage was a small excuse. "I think I might have misunderstood a human custom." There was certainly no distaste in his voice, gravely from the high of the kiss, unexpected and intoxicating. ​ #616dcf

 

[Bunny]

Strong arms wrapped around her waist and her body lifted to the tips of her boots as he held her and listened to her speak. Karra didn’t say anything she felt was untrue and it wasn’t flattery. She spoke honestly, for he was right Åndemaner had warped something natural into something cruel and hard. Death was never easy, but it was part of the circle all things saw. It had once been celebrated, Viskarra knew this, based on her time spent within the keeps library. Now though, it was feared and hated. The gentle push to her had her feet settling on the ground again and she looked up at him. Hands cupped her face. Warm, scared and calloused. She smiled at him, a small shy smile and her eyes closed as he brushed at the tears caught in her lashes. Her eyes opened again and she leaned her cheek into his hand, the comfort something unknown but wholly welcome by the young woman. When his head bent, she froze and when his lips pressed to hers, her eyes opened wider in surprise. It was her first kiss. Her lips slowly softened and her eyes fluttered closed. She’d not expected a kiss and yet, it felt nice. More than nice really as she leaned into the kiss.. Her body seeking the comfort of touch. She didn’t know he’d only meant to comfort and when he pulled away she slowly opened her eyes. The look on his face, the words made her smile rather than become angry or hurt. The laughter that peeled from her was bright and she hugged his waist, still laughing. “Kissing is something that is..” she searched for the word, her eyes still dancing. “Mmmn, romantic?” she bit her lower lip and giggled again. “At least that sort of kissing.” She slipped her hand into his. “You just wanted to comfort me?” She questioned, and she held up their hands. “Holding my hand, giving a hug, they are both good ways to comfort. A small touch along the shoulder or back too.” She tilted her chin, looking up at him. Karra could have told him that was her first kiss, that she’d liked it. It seemed a bit much, but she nudged him gently. “For what it is worth, Noct, it was a nice kiss.” looking out toward the opening of the cave she leaned her head to his shoulder. Touching him felt nice. In truth, Viskarra was touch starved. She wanted to be hold, cuddled. To feel safe and cared for. Something she’d not known since childhood. “Do you like it when I stroke your scales?” She asked softly, looking up at him. “I worry you and Merkur would see it like.. Petting an animal..” Her cheeks heated some and she looked back toward the blue sky before them. “But, I want to offer comfort, soothe.” She explained. She’d said his name and she huffed. “He wasn’t wrong to try and share his power with me, you know?” Her words were soft. “But, part of what hurt so much is it seems like.. A competition for him? You too a little bit, but far less so. He needs to be right.” Her mind drifted back to that first meeting and she turned to face him. “He was wrong, you know.” Likely he did, but Karra needed to tell him.. “I would have picked you.. I don’t think Merkur would have been my first choice. He is beautiful, powerful.. But his.. Attitude leaves a lot to be desired.” It was in fact his most disappointing aspect. Hand still in his she let her eyes fall to the ground. “It was in part what angered me so much last night. Had he told me, I would have agreed. We need every edge we can get. He had faith in me, but the smugness because he was right? It felt callous and as if I wasn’t as important as being right.” Her free arm wrapped around her waist and she closed her eyes. “Then he snapped at me this morning.. I know it is up to you, when you share your power.. How. I just..” She sighed and shook her head. “He makes me want to cry and I hate him for that.” She said it outloud and she turned her face against his strong arm. She didn’t feel weak, sharing this with him. He would understand. “I know you want to keep me safe too, but you need to take risks too. I can handle it.” Viskarra’s voice was sure and strong as her fingers tightened on his. “Would you share your power with me too? Better to know now, than later.” Pulling away some, their hands still linked as she held his gaze. “I am strong enough.” ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

The moment Viskarra started to explain the difference in kissing and holding hands, he felt like a fool. Not because he had done it. Because he had done it with the wrong intentions. It had been quite pleasant and he considered simply doing it again. However, it seemed his rider had a lot on his mind. Noct did tuck away her compliment for later, however. Some of the things he had heard from other dragons, about the relationship many shared with their rider and even other humans, made a little more sense. It had been impossible to imagine before. She barreled on, though, testing out their own limits when it came to contact. His hand moved to her lower back to try to do exactly as she had suggested. "I don't speak for the silver dragon, but I don't mind. You don't think of us like animals and pressing against one another is common enough." He left the fact that it had rarely happened to him out of it. Having shifted the subject, Viskarra brought up the one who had been causing all of their trouble the last few days. Noct had to do his best to keep his expression calm as she went over the problems with the other dragon. It was not unexpected. After all, Merkur had been the thorn in this whole process since the moment they first met. The silver dragon had rarely interacted with Noct before the threshing, too well-regarded to bring himself so low. He broke when she mocked his attitude, letting out a small laugh as he looked her over. "He has his reasons for the attitude. Silver is the rarest breed of dragon. Even if two mated, you would not always get a silver hatchling. He has been told he is special, a gift, since he was born. It... does things to a male." The way he made her feel, though, was not amusing. The sharp exhale from his nose showed the aggression that it brought out in Noct to hear that she wanted to cry from the way the other dragon spoke to her. No more defending him, trying to explain his behavior. Then, it was time to make his offer. Much to his surprise, Viskarra was on the same page. She shifted the subject as he tried to think of the right words, asked about him sharing his power. That had been the other thing he wanted to tell her. To address the inevitable. Hands linked with her own, he met her eyes. She asked so plainly that, even if he had not been intending to address it, he would have given in. Noct only managed a nod at first, moving to sit on the floor of the cavern and guiding her to sit in front of him. He crossed his legs, waiting for her to do the same. Like this, their knees were just barely touching, their hands still laced together. "I know you are strong. It isn't about strength. This has never happened before. I do not know what magic from two dragons might cause. It was foolish of me to want to avoid it. The fact that you survived the initial bond is a good sign." Noct sighed, shifting in his seat as he looked at the marks on her hands, the hints of their power inside her. There was a frustrating truth to Merkur's actions and words, despite his arrogance. It was almost redeeming. Almost. "I can assume he will not be closing his power off any time soon. Possibly ever. So, we have no choice if you are to be my rider. Prepare yourself. Hopefully, it will not hurt." Noct could have simply throw the gates of his power open, let it rush over her like it had with Merkur. Instead, he leaned forward, tugging her closer. They met in the middle and Noct pressed his forehead to her own, keeping their hands locked. He lifted the seal on his power slowly, like lifting a floodgate. The initial blast was intense, the swirling black abyss opening on the other side of her mental door. The well of power continued to fill, to open for her. It took almost a full minute before he finally let it all out, let the small swirl of black turn into an ocean. It was not quite as potent as Merkur, but neither dragon was weak. Any of her fellow riders would be lucky to have one dragon with so much as Noct had, and now Viskarra had two oceans to draw from. "Are you feeling well, Karra?" Her name left his mouth with a soft affection as he pulled his head back, waiting to meet her eyes. ​ #616dcf

 

[Bunny]

Chewing on the inside of her cheek, Viskarra remembered for a moment the press of his mouth on hers. She’d not been prepared and Noct hadn’t known what it was.. But it made her happy that he’d been her first kiss. Someone who understood her and seemingly truly cared for her. The flirtatious silver male would have taken that first greedily but she was unsure if it would have meant the same. Karra wanted to kiss him again. It had been a mistake though so she’d pushed past that desire and moved on. When he answered for the way she touched them, she exhaled a breath she’d not known she’d held onto. She liked touching them, feeling their scales and warmth. It was nice to know that he at least enjoyed it. “Is that really a good reason though?” She pushed. “You could be rare and humble.” Not that Viskarra had many people to compare that assumption to. “Yeah.. it does.. Makes them annoying..” She muttered softly. Merkur was complicated and prickly and prone to sulking. Which was amusing and annoying all in one. There was nothing wrong with being proud of yourself and your gifts. Karra was strong and worked hard for her spot at the table.. But she’d earned every inch she’d taken to get there. He’d been born powerful and told he was precious. Noct helped her see him in a new light, though in the ned it did very little to sway her views on him. Both hands were clasped in his large ones and Noct guided her to the floor of the cave. She sat with him, mimicking his pose. Her eyes held his and she smiled softly. “I would hope so. The gods would be cruel indeed to allow me to bond with two dragons only for me to vanish in such fine red mist when I was given access to the power of both.” Her fear was said plainly and with a joking tone, but there was a currant of worry in her words. A slight smile curled at the edge of her mouth and she nodded. He was right, Merkur would likely never close that flow of power. When Noct tugged her closer still, she leaned into him, their foreheads resting against one another. Her eyes closed and she focused on her breathing as he slowly slipped over down the bond. It was like a pressure that slowly filled her. It wasn’t the same as having all of it thrown at her, but he didn’t stop even as her breath caught. Her hands tightened on his, a sign that she was alright. Had her eyes been open, her eyes would have been gold in a sea of black, where Merkur’s power had circled her pupil. Pain never came and she let that power coil in her, filling her from crown to tows, it brushed against the silver’s power and unlike the dragons themselves, they coiled together within her, mingling and swirling. Light and darkness. His pool of power was vast and deep, just like Merkur’s, deeper even. It had a different flavor but she knew they were both incredibly powerful, though Merk's power was stronger. A balance of sort in their powers. His forehead left hers and Karra opened her eyes. The power still rode her, the eyes startling in her pale face and she stroked her mental fingers through Merkur’s power, pulling on it as well and the silver bled into her eyes. A shaky breath left her and her lips curled into a full smile. “I am..” She had no idea how her eyes changed when she allowed their power to claim her and she shivered some, hands tightening on his. “And I didn’t explode!” ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

It seemed that Viskarra had a way of making him laugh. He was truly trying to see things from Merkur's perspective. A cherished silver dragon, told he was meant to be great, and forced to share one of their greatest honors with a lesser dragon. Of course, Viskarra responded by calling him annoying and Noct almost snorted as he laughed again. It took him a moment to settle, to be serious again as he opened his power for her. The worry was understandable. He had felt it at well, had started this whole conflict between the three over it, but Viskarra did not want to be coddled. Noct heard the sharp intake of breath, but she did not pull away, did not fight as he let all of it open to her. In the end, she was still whole, still alright. And when she lifted her eyes to his, he saw the pool of his power in her, just a fraction to test it. Merkur's power joined it a moment later and a smile spread across Noct's face. She would strike terror into anyone who faced her, impossible eyes welding impossible power. But, to him, she was beautiful, scars and all. "No, you did not explode. I don't think it is common for riders to show their power in their eyes. It looks... stunning." Noct stared into those mixed eyes, pools of gold and silver and ebony. She did not need comfort. No, she was in a moment of triumph. Yet, an urge struck him all the same. So, he released her hands. They were still so close, their knees still pressed to one another. Without letting hesitation and fear take over, Noct moved to one knee, leaning forward. His lips found Viskarra's again, soft and exploratory, letting his lids flutter closed. Neither of them really knew what they were doing, but instinct was a useful tool. His fingers went into her short hair, pulling her in as he claimed her mouth a little more thoroughly this time. A matched pair, dark and scarred and shunned. This time, he exhaled softly through his nose, a clear sound of pleasure as he let it last, let the moment linger. On the other end of their bond, an insistent force pushed against her silver door. It was not quite barging through, not just yet. It pressed harder even as Noct pressed his lips more firmly against Karra's, parting them just a little to let their mouths fully join together. Impatient to a fault, the silver door was shoved open, a little fraction just to get a message through. It seems someone used my pow... Just like that, the door slammed shut from the other side. The power became a trickle, though only for a moment. Like the other end had panicked and nearly closed the bond completely, only to remember the dangers of it. Less than ten seconds. That was how long it all lasted before Noct pulled away. There was an animal satisfaction on his face and it was clear from the sunset blue of his eyes that the dragon was quite pleased, that he had caught the little intrusion. Slowly, Noct licked his lips. A shiver went through the dragon and his eyes shifted back to human in a blink, like he had caught himself being something else and remembered that he was shifted into human form. He turned away, slightly ashamed. "I... he has unfortunate timing. Perhaps that will teach him not to be so insistent." There was still a thread of that predator's delight on his face. He had managed to hurt the arrogant silver dragon, reclaim a little of what had been taken from him his entire life. It was only the fact that it would likely be detrimental to Viskarra that he showed any embarrassment. He did not plan to wield her as a weapon in this shared bond. ​ #616dcf

 

[Bunny]

Those odd eyes blinked at him and she tilted her head to the side, curious what she looked like. “Show me?” When he sent what she looked like down the bond she gasped and smiled. She loved how her eyes looked. Their powers were represented beautifully.. The wealth of power of Noct and then the weight of the power of Merkur, circling her pupil. “Thank you.” His hands released hers and he leaned forward, sliding to one knee. When his mouth found hers, there was a similar widening of eyes before her own closed and she pressed her hands on the ground, leaning into him and the kiss. A hand slipped into her hair, the long fingers threading through the short black silky strands, pulling her closer still. His little huff of air was pleased and she shifted some, her hands slipping from the floor to rest on his strong chest. She felt a pressure against the door that had been closed on Merkur. She ignored it. It wasn’t even because she was angry with him. This was personal, between her and Noct. She’d wanted him to kiss her again and he’d done just that without a shy question being asked.. Her heart was racing and she first his mouth part some, hers mirrored his.. She felt the door slip open, from her impatient kitten of a dragon and his words came down the bond, though he never finished the thought, the door slamming closed on his end, his power leaking to a dribble as well. When Noct pulled away, the power returned, as if Merk understood he couldn’t cut her off from it. A soft snort left her and she pushed at Noct’s face playfully. “You look like the cat who ate the canary.” The slight shame soothed any feelings she had and she nodded as he spoke. “I wouldn’t have let him in, but he had to have his way.” She sighed and shifted before poking him square in the chest. “You like hurting him, but take a moment to consider what it might have felt like if you had done the same. How you’d have felt if it wasn’t you, but Merkur I was kissing. I know he is arrogant and a pain in the ass, but you’d have been hurt.” She shifted though and leaned against him, her head on his shoulder. She was hungry and her eyes flickered toward the opening. “Is there game out there I could hunt? I am starving” Her cheeks heated some and she felt shame as she said.. “I refused to eat the deer he killed for me.. I was so mad and hurt..” She’d have had a full belly, had she not been so stubborn. Rather than linger on it she looked up at Noct, not moving from his shoulder. “I liked the first kiss and wanted you to kiss me again though.” This time the blush that filled her cheeks was soft, sweet and her eyes lowered, shyly. “Was my first kiss…” He wouldn’t find that surprising, Karra knew. He knew what her life had been like, knew how people looked at her. He, better than anyone, would always understand her. Rubbing her cheek to his shoulder she finally pulled away and rose to her feet. “Food and then.. We should go back. I can only imagine how he is sulking because he couldn’t wait… or take my lack of an answer to his insistent pushing..” ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

It was a simple request to give the image over to Viskarra. She had managed to do it only minutes after being introduced to the wordless communication that dragons had been born with. The pools of power that filled her eyes were even brighter looking through a dragon's sight. She would be able to pick apart the swirls, see where night met silver clouds, mixed with the natural gold of her own. Noct found it alluring, appealing to the animal instinct inside of him. So he had acted. The kiss had been impulsive, yet the dragon had been hopeful. And when her mouth opened to deepen the kiss, to match him, there was a hum from deep in his chest, a pleasure at the acceptance. The fact that Merkur had poked his nose in and been bitten for it was a small bonus. The satisfaction on his face faltered when she turned it on him, though. She was not angry, but Karra was still displeased with his reaction. The way she chose to scold him, though, had him raising an eyebrow. "Were it Merkur kissing you, I would understand that not everything was meant to be my way. I would be hurt and I would deal with it myself. Merkur could stand to be hurt more often. He lacks empathy." There was an edge to his words. Merkur was not a part of their outcast club and Noct made it very clear that he would not be welcome until the silver dragon learned to behave himself. After all, the two of them together were still not as old as the black dragon. He had a right to try to steer their new little flight into the proper direction. If that meant he had to hurt the arrogant younger dragon, he would not hide the thrill he got from it. It was secondary to the lesson. The request for local game, however, made Noct look just a little ashamed again. "Unfortunately, having over a hundred dragons in the area for threshing led to the local game being... depleted. I will fly you further down the mountains if you wish to hunt something yourself." He had been ready to pull away from his rider, to shift into his dragon form again, when she said those sweet words. It had not been a silly overreaching on his part then. Karra had wanted to kiss him as well. Had wanted to share more than just an embarrassing first kiss born from misunderstanding. That alone was enough to make him want to kiss her a third time. Noct resisted, not wanting to push the limits of her comfort simply because he was starved for companionship. The dragon considered holding her again when she pulled away, declaring that they needed to return to the sulking silver princess. After food, at least. So, he took a step back and smiled. "It was my first kiss as well." Then, the world rippled and he filled most of the cavern with his dragon form. There had been an occasional... meeting with female dragons in his past. When they were eager to mate, Noct's size and power usually outweighed the social stigma of approaching a black dragon. Of course, once they were sated, they no longer seemed to notice him. It had been bitter, and yet the only relief he had. Not from any need, but from the loneliness. His eyes drifted over Viskarra as she moved to climb onto his back and he took a moment to mentally reprimand himself for it. Is it true that most of the humans among you mate wildly in fear of the dangers you face to become riders? The stories bonded dragons share paint an interesting portrait. It was idle conversation, slightly related to the kiss they shared, yet Noct felt guilty asking it. Like he was trying to imply something. And maybe he was. The black dragon did his best not to dwell on it, knowing that Karra likely was not looked at that way by her peers, so foolishly afraid of who she was. Instead, turned in the cavern, awkwardly curling to fit his massive body sideways. With a few running steps, he threw his wings wide and they were gliding down to the plains, to the edge of the forest that made the game animals feel like they were safe from dragons. Noct landed and took no time making himself comfortable. Karra had expressed interest in hunting for herself and he had no desire to step on her toes like he did with Merkur. ​ #616dcf

 

[Bunny]

Pulnoc wasn’t wrong when it came to the silver dragon. He could learn some humility and empathy. So she didn’t comment further on the matter. Viskarra wasn’t a fan of hurting him, for even with not a full day of their bond being in place, she did care for them both. It was something new, to care for someone beyond herself. It wasn’t as if Karra had friends to care for.. But now she had two dragons. While she was still mad at him, the idea that she’d hurt him didn’t sit well. It made her insides twist uneasily. Noct was right though and she couldn’t just comfort Merkur. He’d pushed past her boundary and found something he likely really wished he hadn’t. “That makes sense.” She laughed softly and nodded when he offered to fly her elsewhere to find food. They were both so starved for affection that it was hard to put distance between one another, but she needed food and they did need to return to Merkur.. But his words made her pause, a food away from him and she smiled at Noct shyly, her cheeks rosy with color. She liked that they’d been each other's first kiss. When he shifted she crawled up his haunch and settled herself into the natural seat that his scales made. She ran her nails along his scales as he began to move. His question though had he hands stilling and she blinked, blushing. Her eyes lowered to the darkness of his scales and she nodded. Then, remembering he couldn’t see her, Viskarra answered down the bond. Yes, they do. There was a slight sadness to her voice. She’d not wanted to fuck just anyone, but to never be desired, wanted.. Knowing and hearing them fuck like bunnies.. Because training is so dangerous, they treat every day like it is their last. It was the truth. Cadets found partners both male and female to share their beds. Underneath her, muscles bounced and moved as he walked them from the cave and then again as they took flight. The sun and wind felt better now, her focus and mind were not quite as preoccupied with thoughts of Merkur. Even the question about mating had been left behind in the cave. The ride to the edge of the forest she could hunt within was short and she crawled off his back and pressed a kiss to his nose as he made himself comfortable in the sun-kissed grass. Within the dense woods, Karra found herself a few rabbit warrens and quickly set up some traps. It wouldn’t take her more than an hour or two to come back to him with her catch in her hands. Two long eared rabbits dangled from her fist, their bodies limp. She laid them on the grass and began the process of making a fire pit. She was methodical in her movements. She’d lived alone before and it showed with how she was able to care for herself. While the fire slowly came to temperature she began to dress the game. Such actions also showed that his rider knew her way around a knife. As the rabbit roasted on the fire she leaned against his side, soaking up the warmth of his body and the sun. Once they were done, she laid them to one side and smothered the fire before lifting the first to her mouth and taking a bite. It lacked seasoning, but it was still delicious. Her eyes flickered to him. I know it isn’t much, but.. Would you like some too? ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Noct knew why he had asked the question. Why he had been so stupid and indelicate bringing up something that had almost nothing to do with them. The kiss had been more than he expected, had sated some small thing inside that he had never known was there. He was a little broken, and that kiss had mended him, if only a fraction. What had followed, their sharing of his power, her joy and beauty, and most of all the second kiss, all helped to close the wound. As pathetic as it was, Noct was quickly growing attached to Viskarra, drawn to her by her strength and kindness, the vulnerability she had never shown in the days he watched her, decided she would be his rider. The sadness in her response, a little louder through their open bond than it would have been in spoke words, struck home. He knew the feeling, knew exactly how it felt to be left out. Dragons valued things like strength and honor just as highly as physical appearance. Even if it had been hollow, his time fighting even without a rider had earned him passing attention. No one wanted to mate with him, but they might use him on occasion. So, when they landed and she took the time to kiss the end of his nose, even in dragon form, it sent a little thrill down his spine. Two faces in a mirror. Human or dragon, they knew the kind of pain that the others could inflict simply by ignoring you. It was hard to decide if it was better or worse than when they looked at you. Stretching out in the grass, Noct stretched his wings wide and let the sun sink in. It was not long before he had drifted to sleep. When Karra returner, the sound of her human feet moving through the forest was enough of a warning to rouse the dragon. It seemed that she valued her independence from the way she dressed the rabbits, constructed her fire, worked her knives to skin them cleanly. That would be the thing that causes tension for the pair, he could already tell. Viskarra would refuse to heed any warning, likely fall from her seat when they began training. And he would worry, would worry for this burgeoning thing that was already threatening to take him over. Once she had finished preparing the meal, she broke the comfortable silence. Noct had eaten an entire goat this morning. Not a feast by his standards, given that his front paw was the size of his rider. However, it was the offer to share a meal that appealed to him. With a small nod, he leaned in and delicately pulled the second rabbit from the spit. With a flick of his head upward, Noct opened his mouth and the entire thing disappeared into his mouth. A moment later, the sound of small bones being ground to pieces came from the black dragon. I appreciate the thought. I don't often cook my food, unless it fights too hard. There was a little laugh down the bond as he stood and shook himself to loosen his muscles. When Karra finally finished her own meal and climbed onto his back, the black scales were warmed by the sun, almost hot to the touch. Another sign that he was a creature born for the night. They were in the air a moment later, swift flight cooling him down in moments. On their flight, Noct reached down the bond, his voice a little more firm. Don't forgive him easily, Karra. He will try to make it your fault. Or mine. If we are to work together, he needs to get his attitude under control. That was the only advice he could give. Not that Viskarra would appreciate it. He knew she would likely accuse him of stepping over the line in her next breath. Mother hen indeed. ​ #616dcf

 

[Bunny]

The rabbit twirl in the air before Noct’s massive jaws snapped around the morsel. She knew it wouldn’t satisfy him even if he’d been in human form. Merkur had made sure of that. Yet he’d still the rabbit and thanked her too. This was the difference between the pair. Do you like cooked food over raw? Or do you prefer it raw? Viskarra was genuinely curious, not that she felt she had to feed her dragons. They could clearly feed themselves, but it was.. Something almost domestic about offering him food. To share what she had, as meager as it was with someone she cared for. He stood and stretched, though far from the feline-like grace Merkur displayed.. No Pulnoc was too bulky for such acts. She watched his scales shimmer in the light as she finished her food. She took a few moments to clean up the mess she’d made. It was likely not needed, but she didn’t want to harm any wildlife that might stumble across her little temporary camp. Once she’d climbed him again, she took time now to inspect the seat that their scales formed. It was almost a saddle, as if dragons had been made to have a human on their back. It wouldn’t keep her in place while they maneuvered, that would be her job. Flexing her thighs as they flew, slowly trying to build up her strength. The clouds pushed past them as Pulnoc flew and his voice slipped down the bond. Her brows knitted together and she sighed down the bond. He wasn’t wrong, even if she didn’t like it. The problem was they were very similar, Merkur was the odd one out. He may try, but he pushed past the wall I made. Had he waited, his feelings wouldn’t be hurt. You are not wrong, but it is hard. Karra thought of how to word what came next. It has been less than twenty four hours and already you both are intricately part of my life. If I woke tomorrow and either of you were gone, I would miss you.-Assuming I was still alive- So the idea of hurting him.. Hurts me. I can’t let him walk all over me either. Dragon or not. He can fight without me.. I can see you have.. But you were handicapped. In the end you both need me as much as I need you. It should and will be a partnership. He landed and she slowly closed the door, though it wasn’t shut as it was with Merkur though. She’d left it open a crack. When he shifted back into his human form, her hand caught his arm and she pulled him into her. Her hands cupped his face and she pulled him down. Her mouth captured his and she closed her eyes as she took a final kiss from him before facing the sulking male within. No matter what he says, I wouldn't have wanted my first kiss from anyone else. Slowly she pulled back and rubbed her nose to his before slipping into the shadowed cave entrance. Merkur was mostly where she’d left him and she strode past him to sit on her bed, legs curling to one side. Merkur would be hurt, she knew this and yet Karra couldn’t bring herself to feel shame for the fact that she’d kissed Noct. Not once, but three times. Not that he was aware of that little detail. So when her eyes met his, she didn’t look away nor did she blush. She wasn’t ready to forgive him but she did have one thing to say. “I am sorry I didn’t eat the deer you caught me..” She was indeed sorry, she shouldn’t have let her temper get the better of her. “Thank you for hunting it for me, Merkur.” No kitty or kitten. His name was used, but it was softer, unsure.. Karra was at least trying. ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Noct had never really considered preference for his food. He was a dragon. The raw amount of food he needed as a large predator meant that there were times he ate whatever he could find. Preference seemed like a luxury. He knew the humans grew food in huge fields, miles wide in places, and moved it all over their lands. Most of it currently went to the war front, but they had selection. I would say that I prefer raw, but I have never tried adding spices and other foods. I did try a potato once. It was terrible. He did not mention that it had involved clawing up the whole plant and eating it. Especially not when Karra explained how she felt about him, about both of her dragons. He understood. Outcast or not, Noct was a dragon and that meant a respect for what it meant to bond. He would never try to deny a dragon their rider. And while he did not care for Merkur, he had a feeling the silver dragon felt much the same way when it came to tradition. One was raised as a perfect son, taught to uphold their values, the other left to watch from the outside, those values all he had left. I will not stop you from treating us both as we are, your bonded dragons. I simply cannot change his attitude, and find it hard to take not that I am not... Noct left the last word out. Even to Viskarra, it was hard to admit that he had felt so very alone. That this bond was important for many reasons that did not involve the war. Most of all, the fact that the kiss had torn him up and fixed him all at once. So, when he shifted after their landing, what she did nearly broke him. Noct purred into the kiss, a deep groan rumbling up. It was the first time Viskarra kissed him and it made it all the sweeter as she held him face and brushed her nose to his own. "I would not have enjoyed it so much otherwise, Karra." Noct considered adding some encouragement as she walked into the cave. He kept it to himself, left this for her to manage. She was capable enough without him telling her. Merkur had spent the majority of the time they were gone in that same spot. Not all of it had been pointless brooding. No, he had mediated, dug deeper into his power and his self. It was relaxing, soothing. Many dragons did something similar, usually when they needed to recover after an intense battle. It had only been that little thread of his power spooling out that brought him back. He had recovered from his emotions, had been glad to see that Viskarra was using his magic. Except, she tugged at his power and left the bond sealed. That had been rude at best. So, he had pushed through. That had been when his emotions turned for the worse. Kissing. She had been kissing someone. And the tangle of his own power with that endless abyss had told her exactly who. So, he closed the bond, half ashamed at peeking and half angry that he had been made to peek in the first place. In the end, the majority of the the emotion had been directed inward. What was he doing that she was kissing Noct and shutting him out? There was a problem and, despite all of his years of loving himself, it felt that it might be him. When Viskarra finally entered, the bond telling him how close she was before he could even hear it, Merkur looked up to greet her. In his eyes, there was a swirl of emotion. Still sparks of anger, of indiginity at being closed off of the bond, but a touch of real sadness as well. So, when the first words that came out of Viskarra's mouth were an apology, he crumbled. Turned away and sighed. "And I should have warned you before I gave you my power. We both behaved poorly and I feel I was the worse." He gestured to the spot on the cave floor beside him, the little fire still flickering in the center of the space. Once she sat, Merkur lifted his head to look in her eyes again. Focused and intense. That was what his stare was. "I will admit that I approached it the wrong way. However, if I feel you are holding back, or being held back, I won't hold my tongue. If we are to all work together, it will be to excel. And, if it comes to a clash between Pulnoc and myself, I will say what I think. You may have to settle arguments between two dragons quite often, even as such a small human." Merkur did not mention the kiss. Did not mention how excluded it made him feel. That was not why he made the bond. They were dragon and rider. Her affections were her own business. It was most certainly not because he felt embarrassed to even approach the topic. ​ #eaba6f #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

That groan and purr had made Viskarra feel warm down to her toes and gave her the strength for what was to come. He spoke as she sat and she bit the inside of her cheek letting him get it all out. She sighed softly and shifted closer to him. She gently took his hand in hers. Stay outside for a little bit? The request was soft to Noct and she lifted Merkur’s palm to her cheek and she nuzzled her fact against it softly. “You will likely take this wrong, but you are a dummy.” She smiled softly as she said it and her hand reached out to touch his cheek. “I wasn’t mad at the power, you were right.” She’d said as much to him before. “But we are a team. If I did something like that to you, wouldn’t you be unhappy as well?” It was a true question, if she did something that could have been dangerous to him or hell, herself, something that could have been reckless as hell.. “Had you just told me, I would have tried. Noct’s injections be damned, because this is where we agree entirely, Kitten.” There was that soft name and she pressed a kiss to his palm. “I don’t want to be held back and if you think I am holding back, we can talk about it. You might see something I don’t.” Her lips curled into a slight smile. “Oh, don’t worry, I am ready for you both to give me gray hair from your bickering.” A sigh left her. They needed to talk about it. If he wouldn’t broach the subject. Karra would. “Merkur, about before.” She held a hand up, fingers pressing to his lips as he started to talk. “No, I need to talk about it. I am sorry that you saw what you saw.” She didn’t need to say it. “I am not able to shield against you properly so when you pushed through, I couldn’t stop you” Her fingers slid from his mouth and she looked at him steadily. “I am sorry that it hurt you.” She didn’t need to ask, she knew.. “But I am not sorry I kissed Noct.” She didn’t love having to tell him any of this, it felt like salt in a wound.. But it needed to be said. “In the future if I am shielding, don’t force your way in..” Her voice was firm. “There may be a reason and you should respect that.” His hand in hers, Karra smiled softly. “Let me show you something.” He’d full the pull on his power first. The silver slipped around her iris as she tugged at the power. Noct would feel the tug next, and the white of her eyes bled away into endless black. She stared at him with her beautiful and terrifying eyes and a smile on her lips. “I didn’t explode, sharing both your power. I doubt any other riders in my year have shared power yet, so we already have an edge.” ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Noct did not so much as push back with words when she asked him to stay outside. Aside from the kiss being enough to keep his mind busy for the next few minutes, he had no interest in being a part of this conversation. He and Merkur had enough history, enough awkwardness between them, simply because of how they were born. Viskarra was the equalizer and it would be best to leave it to her. Merkur, when Viskarra simply took his hand and pressed it to her cheek, looked confused. Another small physical gesture that dragons did not use. Popular as he may have been among their kind, he spent just as little time among humans as Noct. When she chose to call him a dummy, however, he scoffed. No one talked to him like that. He almost pulled his hand away, almost let himself get offended. But, no one called him kitten either. Viskarra was different. Meant to be different. Of course, she made it harder for him to sit and listen. Tried to turn the scenario on him. Merkur felt the anger rising up in him again, even as she turned it again, told him that she expected him to continue, to never let them hold back because they were afraid. She pressed her lips to his palm and called him kitten. All she wanted was for them to discuss it. With a small internal sigh, Merkur decided he could accept that. After all, he had nothing to worry about if he was right. "I suppose I can accept that. Dragons are civilized enough to hold a conference. I just wanted to save time. After all, sharing our power was inevitable." Then, she turned the subject to something Merkur had no desire to talk about. What she had done with Noct was none of his business, despite every feeling to the contrary. So, he tried to tell her just that. When her fingers pressed to his lips, his eyes flared. Being told not to speak seemed to be an issue for the silver dragon. She was being kind. That much he could admit. Even as she apologized for hurting him, he wanted to tell her she was wrong. The last words, though, had a little bite. She was not sorry and he did not expect her to be. It still stung just a little. While she took a moment to tug at his power again, he sighed, pulling away from her fingers. "I only pushed in because you drew on my power while blocking me out. That was what bothered me. I'm not a tool to be used and ignored." With a small smirk, he nipped at her finger tips. Then, he saw it. The way his silver flooded her eyes, made them almost glow. The black flooded in a moment later and she stared at him with eyes that were both beautiful and full of power. A human might find it frightening. Might find the woman standing in front of him, all scars and strength, to be a monster. He found it strangely alluring. The words that followed, even more so. "Most dragons wait days or weeks. We did it out of necessity, but I think a week of practice will be more than a small advantage. The one thing we can all agree on is that no one will dare attack you again. With or without two dragons, it would he a foolish mistake." Merkur smiled at her, stroking his thumb along her cheek. Those humans had no idea what kind of potential they had wasted because all they could see was her scars. Unable to hold back, Merkur poked at her just a little. "Do you think other human women will like me? There is more than one way to ride a dragon." ​ #eaba6f #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

The arrogance would bite him in the ass again, no doubt. Yet, he hadn’t shared the thought and she knew nothing of it. “Thank you, it really means a lot.” Her hair swayed as she nodded. “It was.” She wouldn’t stroke his ego again by telling him that he was right for a third time. Sharing their powers had been inevitable. While most would wait weeks to have the power shared with them at their dragon’s discretion, they would receive additional training to help them prepare for it as well. In truth, Viskarra had wanted to know sooner or later if she could have both of their powers open or if it would be too much. Merkur had made it harder, refusing to tamper his own power and forcing her to face a fear far earlier than she had planned. There was no point in quibbling over it, not anymore. The anger was bare in his eyes and she felt it down the bond. “I wasn’t trying to use you, Merkur.” Even angry at him she’d not wanted to hurt him. “I am not ever going to use you and I wasn’t ignoring you.” She said pointedly. “I was trying to protect you.” The smirk and the nip against her fingers made her shiver. She offered him what Noct had already seen, allowing him to see how their power manifested. Her lips curled and she offered a small huff reminiscent of Noct and nodded. “You’re right. I want to make them eat their words about ever daring to consider killing me.” He might feel the small flicker of hurt before she squashed it. The hand along her cheek made her nuzzle against it softly. His words though made the small affectionate motion die and she looked at him, pulling back on the power draw, her golden eyes became normal once more and she looked away from him. The idea of him laying with any of the other Cadets was like a knife to the heart. The doors on both of them slowly pushed closed and she nodded some, trying to understand why there was suddenly an ache in her heart. Karra knew what it was without digging into it. Jealousy. It was an emotion she knew well, watching others as they had everything she didn’t. “You’re handsome and powerful, why wouldn’t they?” Her voice was almost hollow. He’d nearly made her cry earlier and now she could feel her eyes burning. How could he hurt her so easily? A hand lifted and she rubbed the back of her hand along her eyes, face still averted. Noct made her feel valued, cared for. Merkur had done that first and since then done nothing but hurt her. “Though, I wouldn’t honestly know..” She looked back at him. A part of her wanted to hurt him back, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Viskarra didn’t want him to hurt the same way he seemed to casually hurt her. “I was never privy to what they liked or didn’t. But beauty and strength are by far the most important to him. Though, strength alone.. Isn’t enough.” Rubbing her palms along her thighs she tried to make a joke, trying to hide what she was already poorly hiding. “Do all dragons find human mating so intriguing? Noct also asked about it earlier” Karra had never thought much about dragons and their mating practices.. But now.. Gods, he’d likely been very popular and something told her even Noct knew what it was like to know the comfort of a body, if only for a short time. It was part of why she’d never even considered laying with anyone..Viskarra likely could have, but it would have been a joke, or a dare or something else cruel and in the morning they’d pretend she was still a freak. Something came to her mind, unbidden and ugly.. “If you decide to dally with someone else in my flight.. You will never be welcome in my bed, Merkur..” her voice was soft, hurt but very firm. “I know.. That.. many dragons and riders..” She drifted off and blushed. She wanted to run to Noct. To be held, comforted, but she couldn’t run to him every time she and Merkur fought or hurt one another. Gods her heart hurt and it felt so stupid. Had she been alone, Viskarra would have pulled her legs to her chest and cried. This cave had always been her safe place and now, she couldn’t even cry. Swallowing hard, she blinked away the tears. She wouldn’t cry. She wouldn’t.. The first tear slipped from her lashes and she rose without a word moving toward the springs. She’d have liked to walk slowly, but Karra knew she wouldn’t be able to hold the tears back for long and with their hearing… ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Merkur decided it would be best not to mention that she shut him out in anger first. That she might have wanted to block him out from the kiss to protect him, but the door had been closed in anger. How was he to know that the situation changed? After she tugged at his power, be saw it as a chance to fix things. It had made things more complicated instead. At least, a moment later, she managed to let out a pleased huff that he refused to let remind him of the other dragon. Oh, she was perfect. Bold and strong. She did not need protection. However, even with the bond slowly closing off, he could read everything on her face, in her voice. She did not like the idea of him throwing himself at other humans. It should have made him happy, pleased him that she could even conjure jealousy from the idea. Unlike Noct, shy and scared of pushing anything, Merkur saw the connection between kissing and sex, knew that it led to more than just touching lips. So, he had made the natural leap to what she would eventually be doing with the black dragon. And if he was left out, he certainly had no intention of sitting aside. Yet, that offended her. Just like he seemed able to her want to cry, she could make him angry in a heartbeat. "Bonding with humans makes us intrigued. We end up drowning in human emotion and surrounded by you. Not to mention how often take human form after bonding. It makes us curious. Plus, you are so distractingly soft." The softness, or his commentary on it, was genuinely full of some kind of emotion. It seemed the silver dragon found a certain amount of allure in humans. Only a moment later, she said something that struck him down to the core. He would not be invited if he dallied? While she let that single tear fall, Merkur wore the emotion plain on his face. That kiss had done plenty to hurt him. Had made him feel like he was shoved away. They would fight together, but Noct and Viskarra would be something else. Something more. So, he had pulled up his walls, tried to make it mean nothing. Only when she stood and walked away did it finally all come crumbling down. She was a few steps toward the spring when a hand wrapped around her wrist, strong and buzzing with magic. The dragon she saw when she turned was not the same that had asked that stupid question. He was unsure, worried, even a little scared. He released her wrist and instead put his hands on Viskarra's cheeks. One thumb brushed the coming tear away before it could fall. The other tilted her face up toward his own. Vulnerable, the haughty and arrogant silver dragon was nothing but vulnerable when he looked into he pools of gold. "I thought you and Pulnoc would be... I never expected... I was certain I would already not be... invited." Had Merkur ever stumbled over his words this way? A human half his age had the silver dragon feeling so unsure. The bond was still closed on his end, emotions kept to themselves even as he moved a little closer. He hated this. That much was certain. Being so open, trying to show things with his human face because it was so hard to find the words. "I thought you had no interest in me that way. Thought I would be secondary. I had no plans to complain. I did not want a rider so I could have a human to bed. But, when I thought of being left out, of you wanting him and not me... it hurt. I didn't intend to hurt you in return." Merkur thought about kissing her, about trying to make a claim on his own, but it felt foolish, even cruel. ​ #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

His hand caught her wrist and she turned, slowly, feeling broken and weak and hating every second of it. Viskarra had never allowed anyone to see her at her lowest. Not since she’d been a child and she found that her crying only made it worse. She’d made a promise to herself a long time ago that no one would ever see her break. Never see how badly it hurt when they were cruel to her. Two dragon’s had made her break that promise to her child self and when her caught her face in his hands, Karra looked down. The tear was brushed from her cheek and he gently nudged her face to meet his. All he’d see was a broken female. Karra had been alone so long and shut down the part of herself that wished men looked at her like they looked at the others.. To know what it felt like to be kissed and touched. When she’d decided to be a rider, she had all but given up on knowing what it felt like to lay with another. It hadn’t even occurred to her that her dragon would want to lay with her. She knew it happened, but if no one else had ever wanted her like that, why would they? The face that she found herself looking up into was vulnerable and not at all what she’d expected. A choked watery laugh left her. “Merkur.. I..” She didn’t know how to say it and while he struggled to tell her how he felt, she did something different. She opened the door of her mind to him and she showed him what her life had been. The loneliness, the hurt as she watched others together. It wasn’t a good side of herself that she showed him. It was sad, hurt and in her eyes, pathetic. The jealousy and hatred knowing no one would want her like that. Finally she spoke softly. “I hadn’t thought of either of you like that.” She wouldn't tell him how Noct’s first kiss had been a misunderstanding. When he moved closer Karra let another tear fall. “I.. I hadn’t thought of what happened between dragons and their riders until Noct kissed me and even then,.” She trailed off and rather than show him the kiss, she tried to recall how she felt. The flicker of hope and how it had healed something inside her. Her hand lifted to cup one of his on her face and she searched his eyes. “I just didn’t think anyone would ever want me..” The truth of it down to the very core of her soul. She shifted the feelings to when he curled around her, protecting her. How he’d made her feel cherished and safe. How much it had meant to her. As she shared that thought she rose on her toes and brushed her lips against his. It was gentle. Chaste.. “With how you look at Noct.. “ She had not really put that feeling together until just then. That he’d see her the same. Scared.. Not worth someone. How his feelings for someone so similar to her had made her think he’d see her. The words and be brushed against his lips as they shared breath. ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

The amount of hurt in those young eyes striped away all of the arrogant bravado that Merkur had. He had seen how strong Karra was and it drew him in. He understood that things had not always gone her way. It rarely did for people with that many scars. What he had not seen was how lost she had been. What people had seen her as, how they had treated her as a child. When that connection opened, Merkur felt his eyes sting, an instinctive reaction from his human shape despite being unable to cry. That laugh, as broken as her heart, made the dragon suddenly fill with rage. Not the anger and indignity he felt when the two of them seemed to stand against him in this bond. No, it was black rage, the killing edge that a dragon could fall into. One that ended with death and destruction, the reason why going after a rider to steal their dragon was pure foolishness. If one of the humans from her memories were here, he would have ripped them to bloody ribbons. No one would ever make her feel like that again. She told him how it had happened, in not so straight forward terms. How kissing Noct had not been something she planned, how seeing her dragons that way had never been her intention. All he could feel was the hopelessness behind the words, the belief that she would never be good enough. It tempered his rage and made him want to hold her. One hand moved from her cheek to her shoulder while she held the other. He was ready to pull her into an embrace. The warmth that flooded from their bond a moment later was almost too much. The way he had made her feel when he protected her, did what felt right. That feeling was so much sweeter than even the gentle brush of her lips against his. It made him feel better, made that dangerous anger fade to nothing. Until she whispered those last words against his lips. Just as he has treated Noct. Sweet as her feelings were, they did nothing as the bottom dropped out from under him, under his soup. He had treated the black dragon just as the humans had treated Karra. Noct had fought for them even after being denied his bond, had risked his life for a people who shunned him simply because that black fire was full of death, incomprehensible even to them. Merkur pulled himself away from Karra and the emotion on his face was in tatters. As broken as she had been when she looked at him. He shuddered, hated himself. Words were heavy, impossible, do he used the bond. Opening it to Noct as well, Merkur poured his emotions out. Showed them exactly what he felt. Remorse, regret, hatred. All of it directed inward. He was no better than the humans he has wanted to slaughter less than a minute ago. A storm of feelings that were proof no dragon was an animal. He pulled his hands away from Karra and stepped backward, nearly stumbling as he felt his back meet the wall. His hand laid flat against the wall, his fingers curling against stone. As he dragged it upward, deep gouges appeared, his dragon claws now visible at the tips of his fingers. Monster, bastard, failure. Merkur slid down to sit, his face hollow, eyes unseeing. There was only one thing he could say. "You both deserve better than me." ​ #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

An emotional tempest swirled in both of them as she tried to explain how she had felt, how they had made her feel and her own fears. Merkur’s own journey with his emotions had ranged and soothed and then in the end shattered. When he opened the bond to them both Karra gasped as he pulled away from her. “Merkur..” Her heart hurt as he stumbled back into the wall. A hand reached out for him and pulled back. The hatred that pooled inside him took her breath away and she shook her head. The stone beneath his claws parted like butter and she watched as he slid down the wall. He wasn’t seeing her and Viskarra felt her heart breaking all over as she knelt beside him. She tried to touch him and he flinched away. Her fingers hesitated for a heartbeat before she cupped his face, forcing him to look at her. What could she say to that? He’d picked her.. He might have been selfish and perhaps a little cruel, but it had never been directed at her. Kneeling before him she pressed her forehead to his. “Merkur..” His name was a sigh. The words came hesitantly. “You were taught from birth what Pulnoc was. What all your kind saw when they looked at him.” She rubbed her nose to his gently. “You never had a chance to learn to do better. Everyone feared him for what he was and no one ever tried to get to know him.” Viskarra didn’t even know the whole story. How Noct had been denied riders in the past and barred from attending threshings. Shifting, she leaned up pressing a kiss to his forehead, lips lingering. “The difference is you now know different.. Will you grow? Or Stay the same?” Her fingers stroked his cheeks and slipped down to his shoulders.. Until her hands found his. Her fingers traced over the tips of his fingers and she lifted his hand to her cheek. Eyes on him, she pressed a kiss to each of his finger tips. “You have it in you to be caring.. Kitty.” Her lips nuzzled into his palm. “I have seen it. Felt it.” Would he change overnight? No. There was more between the pair than Noct’s lineage. They had fundamental differences down to their core. The sharing of power had highlighted it. The way Noct tried to be considerate would be seen as coddling by the other. Her cheek pressed into his palm, she watched him with solemn eyes. “You didn’t mean to hurt me.” A kiss to his palm. “You had no idea how badly it could hurt.” Another kiss. “How badly it had hurt to be left out. Feared..” She nipped at the fleshy part of his thumb. “I can’t speak for Noct, but I will forgive this..” Her smile was shy. “But only if you kiss me..” ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

The way she approached him made Merkur feel like a wounded animal. How did he truly look in that moment. He was trying to accept that he had failed not only Viskarra, but the other dragon. Had been raises by dragons that had failed before him. Pulnoc had proven that he could be reasonable, did his best to not be vicious when even Merkur knew the older dragon could force his way if he wanted. Yet, Merkur had thought himself superior. It was pathetic. It was only when Karra knelt and pressed her head to his that he seemed to snap out of it. Warmth, softness, even just her forehead was soft compared to dragon scales. She was so close, keeping him in the moment as she spoke. An excuse and he knew it. Perpetuating that kind of bias was a symptom of acceptance. He was not some hatchling who should have taken things at face value. What mattered most was what she said next. Would he change now that he realized his mistake? The pain he showed so obviously on his face made a convincing argument that he would try. The way that Karra chose to comfort him, even when he had just hurt her so much himself, was breaking the dragon's heart. She pressed her mouth to his fingers and he managed a small twitch of his lips. So damned soft. When they brushed his palm, though, it caused a shiver to run through him. His rider was more dangerous than he expected. Impossibly dangerous, as he felt the thrill run down to the core of him. One day and she had two dragons wrapped around her finger. "I will try. I still foresee more arguing with Pulnoc, but it will be about his soft attitude, not... other things." Merkur found himself stroking her cheek with his thumb as she played with his hand, kissed it. She would forgive him and that was all he could ask for. The price seemed to be acceptable. More than acceptable from the way his eyes fluttered at the nip to his skin. Such a wicked little creature, torturing him for having this soft human form. So, he wrapped his free arm around her, laying he knees flat so that he could pull her into his lap. So small, yet lethal and strong. Sweet, but deadly. He found he liked that. "If I hurt you again, or go too far with Pulnoc, I give you permission to scold me like a child." Then, the bond they shared closed just a little, keeping his emotions in and shutting out Pulnoc. It would be unfair to do to the other dragon what he had disliked so throughly. Once it was secure, he pulled Karra even closer and pressed his lips to her own. A spark of a growl came from him, the warmth and softness of her lips driving him wild again. The kiss started off experimental, drawing on what he had peeked from the bond. He had never kissed either, never been with anyone except a dragon. Yet, this seemed fairly easy to understand, instinct guiding him even if it was from the foreign human body he wore. The kiss deepened, mouth slanting to make sure they were matched as he opened, a little huff of pleasure escaping. Dragons seemed to have a few things in common. What he did that was different from Noct was to let his tongue extend. To stroke along her bottom lip before exploring her mouth. She tasted exquisite, unique as her scent mingled and created something new. He held her closer, breasts pressed to his chest through those leathers. It could have gone on longer, and there was certainly a part of him that wanted to. It was only a fear of pushing boundaries that had him pulling back, tugging her lip with his teeth, surprisingly gentle given the draconic strength they had shown to still possess. He was dimly aware he felt hot, wanted to let go. "Am I forgiven?" ​ #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

That twitch of his lips let her know that she was getting through and something tight in her chest loosened with relief. She laughed against palm, her warm breath slipping along his skin. “I don’t expect you to be best friends, Kitten..” It was her way of telling him she understood and accepted it. The stroke of his thumb along her cheek made her want to purr, it was so gentle and helped soothe her nerves further. When his eyes closed at the nip, Viskarra had been curious as to why. Had.. he liked it? Before she could question it or comment, a strong arm pulled her into his lap and she laughed, allowing him to drag her into his lap. Snorting softly she lifted a brow. “You say that now, kitten, but I doubt you will feel the same in a few days. You didn’t like being sushed.. Do you really think you will like being scolded like a child?” She wasn’t mad and her voice held laughter as Karra reminded the proud silver male of his nature. “I promise to at least try and talk to you about it, if you promise to honestly listen.” It was left unsaid, but the meaning was clear. If he promised to listen like a partner and not some prince. Her own doors had been closed to Noct for some time. She could feel him warm and just outside, but he didn’t push. When Merk’s mouth caught her own, Karra did purr. A small little pleased sound as his mouth slanted over hers. That pleased little huff from him made her lips curve into a smile and when his tongue brushed her lower lip she gasped. The wet touch had sent lightning through her system. Her mouth parted for him, and she felt his tongue slip into her mouth. Parts of her body reacted almost viscerally to that and it took everything in Viskarra to not moan into his mouth. Arms slipped around his neck, her fingers slipping into his loose silver hair as he held her closer still. She could feel his chest beneath her breasts, firm and strong. When he pulled back with a little nip, she shivered and opened her eyes to meet his and her cheeks were warm as she huffed out a laugh. “Forgiven.” Leaning forward she rubbed her nose to his. If she didn’t rise, she was going to do something stupid. So Karra pulled from his grasp gently and stood before offering him a hand. When his hand slipped into hers she helped him to his feet. He didn’t need it, but she was feeling rather affectionate. “I am going to tell Noct he can come in, okay?” Okay, you can come in, thank you for waiting. She looked past him to the wall of her cave. Shaking her head she moved back toward the bedding. “So I want to practice flying tomorrow. It will be my last free day before training begins again. Is there anything you think we should try?” This was for both of them for she felt rather than heard Noct enter the cave again. Pushing her hair behind an ear she knelt, pulling her knives free. She spun them in her hands before slotting them into her leathers. An apple was pulled free and she took a bite. Due to her athletic nature, Viskarra was constantly eating. Apples would take the edge off her hunger, but it wouldn’t kill it. ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Merkur absolutely knew that she was right. He was full of regret in the moment, focused on his every word. When things calmed down and they were back to casual conversation, he would likely put his foot in his mouth. Like meaning more a certainty. And when he did, she would likely shush him, and then do as he asked. He found himself smiling slyly, knowing she was right and yet not wishing to acknowledge it. "I would still like you to try. Keep me honest." Even more thrilling than the kiss was the way that Viskarra melted into it, the sounds that came from her as he teased with his tongue. It was exciting to coax the sounds from. Exciting to feel her play back before he decided it was best to pull back. A single word from Karra had him smiling back at her, even as she pulled away from his lap. That was certainly for the best, given that he could feel himself reacting to her body, her sounds. Human or dragon, it was the same issue, though thankfully the clothes his magic created made it less... obvious. "Yes, I suppose it is time to stop pretending it's just us. I'll do my very best to be... more kind." Taking her hand, he let her pull him up, his body strangely light because of his size. It would have been inconvenient to collapse a bridge and spoil the illusion. He kept close, though, near enough to touch if he wanted, if he actually trusted himself. Things had changed for all of them so much in the last day that he worried it might all be a mistake, despite how much it felt like otherwise. He did smile at the way she handled her knives, though he waited for Noct to physically join them. The black dragon came around the corner, parting the moss doorway to join them. Despite assuming the same human form as usual, his shirt was different, tight to his chest, but now covering the bare skin and scars that had been visible. It seemed all of them had become more conscious about the others. He looked serious, that soft expression from the mountain cavern gone. Not harsh, but guarded once more. "I believe we should practice maneuvers. Turns and tight banking. Especially with me. Staying on my back will be more difficult given my size, but Merkur will be be able to make sharper movements." The black dragon was back to serious business, it seemed, despite his eyes constantly drifting to Karra. He had no idea what exactly happened after they closed the bond. Just the emotion that had proceeded it. Watching the way the two acted, how close they stood, he had a feeling they would all be bound together in a number of ways. Yet, he could not bring himself to be jealous. Some of her time was better than none. So, he moved closer, glancing at the apple. "Would you prefer a larger meal? We can fetch something." It was an offer of kindness, not condescension, but it was hard to keep the softer tone from his voice. Hard to hide how much that kiss had affected him. Merkur, on the hand, had to try his best not to be combative. So, he nodded to her apple. "If we need to eat, why not ride while we hunt? It should be good enough practice." It seemed he did not want to discuss the venison he wasted earlier. Or anything that has happened today. ​ #eaba6f #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

That shy smile made her smile in return and she nodded, “I will do my best, Kitten” Karra promised. No doubt he would snap at her, or do something foolish, but he was willing to try and what more could Viskaara ask for? It was a huge step for her silver dragon to take.. One that after the sweet kiss that he only further reinforced by telling her he would try to be more kind to Noct. There was no pretense in her mind that they would fight like cats and dogs when their ideology differed, but not poking at something that Noct had no choice in, would help ease tensions. His smile at her knives made her tilt her head and she rose to her feet, standing close to Merkur. His warmth chased away the chill of the cave, though his kiss had done most of the word. As Noct slipped around the corner she looked up at him. Her face turned considering as she took another bite of her apple, her mind opening to them as she ate. It is a good place to start, she agreed. Your bulk will put my strength to the test, keeping seated will be far header.. Her eyes shifted to Merkur and she nodded again taking another bite of her apple. The sweet flesh filling her mouth and settling the worst of her hunger pains. And Merk will be fast, like lightning in the sky, it is another set of issues all together to combat and something tells me that you’d prefer me not to pull at your feathers. Karra bumped her hip into Merkur and she lifted her free hand to Noct. It was an interesting problem that they presented her that had nothing to do with flight or combat. Viskarra had never had anyone want to kiss her. Want to be with her for any reason. Now she had to rather possessive dragons who wanted to be close, to touch her, be touched. Who enjoyed kissing her. A delicate balance, that is what she would need to learn. When Noct was close enough she slipped her hand into his and let her head fall to Merkur’s shoulder. She looked at the mostly eaten apple and blushed. “Yes.. I would..” Her voice was shy now. They’d likely not understand that shyness. Karra knew she had to eat a lot to match with her physical endurance that she constantly put herself through. Though eating a lot for a female was seen as almost taboo in a way. Merkur’s suggestion had her pulling away from him to look at him. “That could work,” She smiled and kissed his cheek before turning to Noct and kissing his cheek. “I could try and hunt from your backs as well.. It could provide me with something akin to combat..” Slipping away from the pair Karra pulled out a bow and a quiver of arrows. Viskarra had been dreadful with a bow once, but she refused to be weak in any aspect and with enough cursing and practicing, she was quite adept now. Slinging the quiver over her body, the strap nestled between her breasts she strung the bow and it too joined the quiver. Eyeing them she was faced with her first challenge. Who to ride first? “I need to learn to ride with both of you..” She hedged and bit her lower lip. They were really going to make her pick between them? She’d ridden Noct already that day, but they had both had her ride them now. Putting them on even footing. Shifting her weight she huffed out a sigh. “For the record, you both suck.” It was said without anger or frustration just a sort of acceptance and she stuck her tongue out at them before moving toward Merk. “I will ride with Merk to start, till we reach a good hunting ground and then I will hunt with Noct first.. Then you again and fly back with Noct..” Her eyes flickered between the pair. “Acceptable?” ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

There was something soothing around switching back to speaking with the bond for both dragons. They had always done this, even when they needed to shift. Viskarra may have been the first person who hear them use the spoken voices of their human forms. It made hearing the other speak easier as well, like they were just another dragon and not a second part of this bond. Things were... calm. Until Karra said that Merkur would be like lightning. The displeasure in Noct's mental voice was blatant. He is smaller than I am, can make tighter turns. He is not faster than me. I suggest you worry about keeping your seat when I decide we need to test that as well. Merkur scoffed out loud, immediately going to the bond to complain. She meant that I will move like lightning. Sharp angles and such. Not everything must be a competition. And, as for my feathers, I doubt you could pull them out. They feel like bird feathers to touch, but they will stop arrows and blades better than my scales. It seemed that Merkur intended to keep his word, to try to keep civil. Yesterday, they would already be on their way to race and prove who was fastest. Both dragons seemed to have more important things to be concerned with. Not the war or their magic, or the strange bond that held them all together. No, it was who received the more important part of Viskarra's attention. Noct had his hand wrapped around her own, fingers twined together, while Merkur rested his own head against Karra's. And, for a brief moment, they seemed to be content. Had the pair realized that her shyness was because she worried another her eating habits, they both would have laughed. The dragons ate full animals each day. Noct, oversized as he was, could eat two or three deer a day. He had learned that the humans became annoyed when he ate the cows they bred so excessively, or he would likely have ruined their livelihood. No, they both looked serious about her training now that the topic had changed. Except, then she turned it on them and both looked rightly offended. "We did not say a word, Karra. Whether we like it or not, you need to fly with both of us. Neither of us has bonded before. We need to fly in your classes to learn your human formations." Merkur nodded seriously. This was the topic all three of them agreed on. Fighting in this war was going to happen, and pride aside, making mistakes would get them killed. And a dragon dying was the worst thing that could happen for more than just the loss of a rider. The silver dragon moved close again, tugging at the strap of her quiver across her chest to bring her closer. There was a little smirk on his face. "Maybe you like having the dragons fight over you. Don't worry. We will likely argue about who you get to ride again at some point." Then, he was walking out of the cave, arrogance and sass following in his wake like he existed in an ocean of it. If Karra had not been scandalized by the phrasing, Noct was. His face was full of naked surprise. And perhaps just a little indignation. Under all of that, though, was an air of challenge. He had no intention of giving up the one thing Karra had a choice about how and when to share. So, he followed after the other dragon, stopping just long enough to grip his rider's hand, a soft smile gracing his lips. The pair were waiting for her at the entrance, Merkur sitting like a cat as always, laid down with his legs tucked close. Once they saw Karra coming outside to join them, Noct launched himself into the sky to wait. It was only partially impatience. The clearing just outside the cave was only large enough for one of them to take off at once. ​ #eaba6f #eaba6f

 

[Bunny]

She would have corrected Noct had Merkur not beat her to it. He is right, Noct.. I didn’t mean it as a slight. Her fingers tightened on his, her thumb rubbing along his palm to soothe him. Nuzzling against Merkur's chin she pondered his words. So I could use them to stabilize myself? Like reigns, though Viskarra would never say that aloud to him. It wouldn’t be used to guide him like some sort of dumb beast, but to help her hold her seat as he made tight turns? There was relief with the knowledge she couldn’t rip them from his body. “No, you didn’t.” Karra answered. “But you are both very… needy.” There was no better word for it. “And I don’t mean to make that sound.. Like a bad thing. I know it is all new, for all of us.” She bit her lower lip. “But if I pick one of you over the other for some reason and don’t balance it right.. I run the risk of hurting you.” There was fear there and it was clear that their feelings and their needs mattered greatly to the tiny human that they’d bonded with. “We will learn to fly with them, but I want to learn to fly with you both. To find ways that will make us unique.” An idea was already forming, but Viskarra already knew that they’d hate it.. That idea though was quickly replaced by Merkur stepping close to her, a smirk on his beautiful face. Her brows lifted in surprise and her blush ran from the edge of her dark hair and down her neck at the implication of his words. Her mouth parted in shock as he all but gilded from the cave. Noct’s indignation was plain on his face as she turned to him, her eyes still wide, mouth still agape. The squeeze of her hand helped settle her some, though she still took a moment before stalking from the cave. Merkur was curled like a cat when she exited.. Noct shot skyward as she moved to stand before the self satisfied kitty cat. She glared at him and then shook her head before dropping a soft kiss to his snout. “Going to be the death of me..” She muttered before climbing onto his back. Her fingers curled into the softness of his feathers and she gripped them a touch tighter. Even though he’d told her she couldn’t hurt him, she was wary. They were so soft and warm.. There was a flash of something dark and sensual and the link slammed shut. It would be hard to miss the thought of her naked body laying against those soft feathers and her hand slipping between her thighs though before it slammed shut. Say anything about it and I will not kiss you anymore today she threatened down the bond, her voice mortified. That lick of desire had been so strong that it made her want to squirm along his back. Viskarra wasn’t unaware of the needs of her body. She’d been able to satisfy herself when required, but to have such a thought come unbidden, so strong and through the bond to him.. With the door firmly closed though another formed. Her laying against his feathers while Noct’s head was buried between her legs. Her whimpers and moans loud as she gripped at Merkur’s feathers. ​ #7cb3ba

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

While both of the dragons seemed go insist that they were mature enough to let her train as needed, neither argued when she laid out how obvious their feelings were. If she ever seemed to favor one, the other would pout and sulk. It was the truth. Now, though, there was something else to think about, and both of them had the same idea. If they felt like the training left them neglected, kissing would have to be their substitute. More than kissing, if the look on Merkur's face had been any indicator. Noct did offer her a smile, an acknowledgement that she was right. You will not let either of us be too upset over it, Karra. I think we both trust you, even if we don't trust each other. When she approached the silver dragon, it almost looked like he was smiling in his dragon form, his eyes alight with mischief as she made him very aware that his comments had struck home. Even as she crawled atop his back, Noct disappearing into the sky, he barely moved, the content kitty. When she applied the pressure to his feathers, squeezed them tight, they seemed to stiffen, flexing against her grip like a net pushed too far. Against a gentle touch, they were soft as down. When they faced a blow, or even were crushed too roughly, the fiber flexed until it was like armor. They slotted firmly under his scales, attached to them and not the soft skin underneath. It would likely take her whole body weight to pull one loose. The dragon was slowly moving from his long stretch when something shot down the bond, full a surprising desire. He froze mid stretch and turned his head, the mischief now turned to something so much more intense. Her warning only made his dragon eyebrow kicking up, a question dripping down the bond. Not words. Just the mental equivalent of Oh really? Instead of trying to break through her shielding again, he stretched his wings out and launched himself skyward. Once they were in the air and Merkur managed to not think about her thighs wrapped around him, he knocked on the bond. Just like the question, it was only a feeling. A request that she store her fantasies for the moment. Once she opened, he sent a simple request. They might not have gone to race right then, but this was training now. Hold on. Then, he was pounding his wings down in heavy strokes. They rose up quickly, almost brushing the clouds again. Then, he angled himself downward, toward the black dot already a good distance away, and he showed her exactly what it was like to ride a silver dragon. It took them forty five minutes to reach the place the dragons had decided on. Would have taken longer had Noct not taken their speed as a challenge. He had tried to keep ahead, both dragons soon forgetting about their differences in favor of a game of tag. Noct had managed to stay ahead of them, if just barely. His massive wingspan gave him too much power for Merkur to overcome him, especially when the silver dragon did not want bank too sharply with Karra on his back. When they touched down, Noct making sure to slow his landing enough to not tear into the grass, they were surrounded by miles and miles of open plains. The closest town had been a speck from the air. What was more important, however, was the pack of herd of deer they had passed over. They scattered as shadows passed over, but they were far from alone. Antelope, Buffalo, and deer were everywhere. Noct decided that, with this being training, he would not lower himself to let her up. Instead, as Merkur tucked in his wings so that Karra could change mounts, he sent her a little challenge. Think you have enough left in your legs to climb up? You were upset with me being too soft. So, I'll push you instead. ​ #eaba6f #eaba6f