Of course Roseweed’s lair was huge.  There were multiple chambers with high ceilings and stone corridors winding throughout the inside of the large mountain.  From the base, there was a small tunnel leading up into the lair, which was several miles of cavernous switchbacks.  At the end of the entrance tunnel, they came into an enormous cavern.  It was large enough to accommodate perhaps a dozen average size dragons.  So far it could house four quite comfortably with plenty of room to spare.  And six humans; seven including Roseweed’s cursed form. 

Roseweed and Trinity entered the central chamber, which was very large.  It looked larger than it really was because at one side, a long table that could seat ten was placed.  The table was made of stone like almost everything else but with wooded chairs surrounding it.  It looked much smaller, as it was dwarfed by the high, glittering stalactite covered ceiling and wide open space.

Dion was already present and waiting.  Their Air Dra’Lorranii had quickly flown her here before needing to fly back to the Council.  She was not alone, however.  Her magi brother accompanied her at his Masters request.

Also with her was a new face.  Another young Dra’Lorra who was almost done training as well.  The young woman was dressed in tough leather pants and jacket, with a cotton shirt underneath.  She had a wide headband on to keep her dark hair from her face; and boots that rose high on her calves.  Along her belt was a collection of knives both for throwing and close quarters.  A longsword was strapped to her back; its sapphire tipped pommel visible from over her shoulder. 

The stance of the new girl was aggressive, but she couldn’t help how her eyes wondered over the inner structure and the obviously human made furniture.  She and Dion were talking adamantly.  “I’m telling you, if this ‘rising evil’ you speak of has this golden egg, what’s to stop him from making it a large omelet?” the young woman was saying. 

To which Dion was shaking her head.  “Dragons are the most vulnerable when they are so young and undeveloped.  They’ve adapted their magic to protect their eggs.  Not even diamonds can scratch its surface.  They’ve also adapted to only hatch when they are safe in environment or company.  Roseweed explained everything to us when we were old enough.”

“Hu.” The new girl leaned slightly back, folding her arms.  “That’s something my ‘Lorranii never mentioned.”

Dion shrugged.  “Roseweed told us ‘cause Ranen made the same comment.”

The new ‘Lorra seemed to start at the mention of Ranen, but didn’t say anything more.

It was to this new person that Roseweed took Trinity to first.  “Trinity, this is Aspen Artica.  She is bonded with young Nemesis there, and she’s the other water type who will be joining us for your training.  Her Dra’Lorranii is friends with ‘Lorranii Ceda, who is also unable to finish Aspen’s training.  Apparently your Masters gave me high praise.” She finished with a childish chuckle. 

The young woman looked Trinity over.  “This is the great Destined Child?” she asked with a sneer.  She brushed her midnight blue hair away from her fair skinned face.  Her eyes swirled with many colors, noticeable even in the torch light.

Roseweed only nodded with a raised eyebrow.  Even a cursed dragon such as herself had heard about this young Dra’Sorrian ‘Lorra.  The girls background itself was peculiar.  Ceda had also warned her that Aspen didn’t take to new people very well. 

Aspen crossed the distance to Trinity.  “You certainly don’t look like much.  I thought you’d be… I don’t know… taller.”

Trinity didn’t say anything, only tilted her head as if she was trying to solve a puzzle.

It was Roseweed again who piped up.  “Her powers greatly exceed your own, Aspen.  Trinity has an innate talent for her inherited powers.  Each one of her teachers have to force her to pace her learning.  If Trinity had her way, she would have become a Dra’Lorria years ago.”

Aspen whistled loudly.  “High praise.  Impressive,” she said with slight sarcasm.  Aspen brushed that dark blue hair back behind her ears again; being thick and longer in the front, it didn’t like being confined very much. 

“I suppose that could be considered impressive,” Trinity commented, a bit annoyed to be talked about when she was in the same room, much less when standing right in front of them.  She also didn’t like to be under such scrutiny.  “Though nothing about my training was all that standard.”

“I’ve heard talk about you while I was starting my training.  Well… through the lesson about the Prophesy.  It was all in very hush hush kind of tones.  Didn’t even know you were a girl much less alive until… well… today.” Aspen replied.  This “golden girl” was calm and didn’t rise to her condescension.  Trinity only looked at her with curiosity and interest, not with superiority Aspen had expected.  “I’m surprised Lauroran didn’t tell me he knew you.” She gave the mage a half-hearted glare.

Trinity leaned over to give Lauroran a reassuring smile.  “It’s good to see you again, Lauroran.”

Beside her, Roseweed sighed.  “Apparently Lauroran’s own instructor found it prudent to send me the set.”

The siblings almost didn’t look related.  Dion was tall with flame red hair streaked with black, and had freckle speckled tanned skin.  Her brother was much shorter with deep purple dyed hair, with fair –though equally freckled, ivory skin.  They both wore a mix of cloth and leather clothing.  Dion usually wore a short jacket and cloths that went with her ‘Speaker pendant, which held a large smoky quartz with smaller sapphire and ruby gems.  Her compound bow was strapped to the quiver while her short sword was at her hip.  Lauroran wore a long full length leather coat and carried a rune engraved gnarled wooden staff with a crystal embedded in the top. 

“You all get comfortable and I’m going to watch out for Ranen.” Roseweed wandered out, but not before giving Aspen a quelling look. 

Shaking her head, Trinity went over to give Dion a hug.  “I’m sorry our holiday break got cut short.  How’re your parents? Has Bluemoon grown more over the winter?”

“Our parents are doing fine, thanks for asking, Trine.” Dion told her.  “And yes, she just had a big growth spurt, haven't you Bluemoon.  Though Vamana is surprised.  Didn’t expect to feel how powerful you are.”

“Oh,” Trinity replied, surprised.  “I didn’t really know that I was easy to …spot.” She paused, glancing at the other dragon and Bluemoon.  Trinity said.  “I can't wait until I get my dragon.  You both look magnificent!” At her words, the dragon’s eyes swirled faster with blues and green prevalent.  Bluemoon was a turquoise blue and gray who had tiny sparkling white spots over her under scales. 

Lauroran shrugged.  “I think that’s one reason why we’re here.” He said, his voice unexpectedly soft and husky all at once.  “But we won’t find out until Roseweed has stuffed our bellies.” He added as his silver and white dragon walked awkwardly to him.  “Trinity, I’d like you to meet Vamana.  She’s been raving about you all the way here.”

Trinity smiled at the large and almost transparent white dragon.  “Hello.”

Hello.  She replied.

“She’s a rare Air Dragon.  She’s the kind that can go completely transparent.  Though she can control how transparent or opaque she is.  Her wings are always semitransparent though.  I’ve always thought it was really cool.” Lauroran told Trinity.

“Roseweed tells me that the dragon I’ll get is a rarest of all.” Trinity replied.

Lauroran nodded.  “A golden one, from a golden egg.” His eyes narrowed as he studied the destined child.  “There’s a lot of responsibility with being a Daeluni I think.”

Pursing her lips, Trinity shrugged.  She stroked Vamana’s snout absently.  “I guess I just haven't let myself think about it.  The words of the Prophesy still seemed far away.” Trinity grinned.  When the transparent-white dragon started to hum, her smile became more genuine.  “I love it when they hum.  My ‘Lorranii’ used to have us take turns caring for their dragons.  For practice they said.  They honestly didn’t need much; being self-sufficient adults.  Most of it was just oiling and massaging.  They were easily four times the size that Bluemoon is now.” She giggled and hummed back at Vamana.

“I like it when she hums too.  She does it to help me sleep when I’m having trouble; it helps.”

A shadow beside them shifted and the form of Nemesis appeared.  She was slightly bigger then Vamana; more filled out.  Her shinning black scales were tipped with silver.  While the other two dragons seemed more like a shack sized cats, Nemesis was poised and alert.  Appearing beside her was Aspen, who leaned on her dragon companionably.  

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard Nemesis hum, though.” Lauroran commented with a wink to the black dragon.  “She’s too much like Aspen.”

Nemesis ignored the mage, though there was affection in her eyes.  Greetings Draeluni Trinity.  She greeted formally with a dragon approximate of a bow. 

Trinity was surprised at the respect within the feminine yet low mental voice.  She put her hand over her heart in a gesture of returned respect.  “Pleasure to meet you too, Nemesis.  I welcome you both here and look forward to training with your rider.”

Even though Aspen stifled a jolt of surprise at the other woman’s words, Nemesis nodded her head and, to spite Lauroran, hummed a short bar before stepping to the side to lay down once more. 

Earlier, Roseweed had indicated that they would all be brought up to speed at the evening meal.  Which would be ready after everyone had arrived.  In preparation, Dion had already started laying out the table as Trinity spoke with Aspen and Lauroran. 

As Trinity moved to help, there was a loud trill from the tunnel leading to the lower entrances.  Before she could turn towards the sound, a small dragon flew around her pulsing with excitement.  Hello Trinity! I missed you! The small creature told her even while he chirped and squealed.

“Oh! Hello Skyflyer!” Trinity greeted with a large grin.  Every dragon and dragon-like creature had their own unique ‘voice’.  When she first heard a dragon in her mind, she had not expected the tendrils of emotions that came attached to each projected thought.  Skyflyer’s voice was multifaceted, almost like a mental representation of his curse.  Both baritone and soprano.  Both sound, image, smell, and emotion.  While his was noticeably masculine, the pitch was high coming from such a small creature. 

As the blue-green and aqua colored Skyflyer kept her attention, his bond-mate snuck up behind Trinity and covered her eyes.  “Guess who.”

Trinity’s mouth curved up even further.  Who else would Skyflyer be with? “I know that handsome voice.  Ranen!” When the hands were removed, she spun around and wrapped her arms around Ranen in a tight embrace.  “How was the trip?” She asked as she released him. 

“Long.  It’s a good thing I know the trail up here so well, the last snow melt was not gentle with the paths.” As he spoke, Skyflyer settled onto her shoulder.  “I see we have a new girl.” His tone turned neutral as he examined the girl before giving an exasperated sigh.  “It had to be Aspen.”

“You’ve heard of her?” trinity tried to hide her amusement –and her indignity- of his reaction to a fellow Water ‘Lorra. 

Ranen nodded.  “She’s a good Dra’Sorrian, but lacks a lot of social niceties.  I’ve heard she has a bit of a mean streak to keep others at arm’s length.  Ceda also seems to think Aspen tends to go on her own crusades.  Kinda like a bounty hunter who does in evil creatures.  Brilliant with her magic, but stingy with her respect.  I guess that’s earned.”

Roseweed had come up beside Trinity with Ranen and now scoffed.  “This one wasn’t exactly my choice, Ranen.  Your ‘Lorranii knows her and her teacher; he is sympathetic to what we’re trying to accomplish.  Her ‘Lorranii will be staying in Dra’marii to give his voice to Trinity’s teachers before the council.” To that she got some blank though worried stares.  “I’ll explain later.  I trust Ceda’s judgment on this.  Who would you prefer?” the last was said a bit sardonically. 

“For starters, how about someone who has finished their training? You have enough on your plate with Trinity and Dion, but now you’re responsible for Aspen too? I can’t believe the Masters have all been called away.  It must be pretty important to risk Trinity’s training.” Ranen argued with all the conviction and attitude of his age.

Shaking her head, Roseweed replied, “She doesn’t need the Masters here now.  They are needed where they are.  I regret their absence, but there’s nothing any of us can do.  We’ll be fine.  The abilities she has yet to learn, I can easily teach her with help from you and the others.  You know just as well as I that she is a fast learner.  If it helps your sensibilities, I’m quite surprised at the turn of events as well.  I wish we were given more warning.  With them gone, I thought it prudent to recall you all and accept another peer for Trinity.  We can’t afford to delay much longer anyway, especially now that the Masters cannot continue her training.  Trinity can also learn later on by hands on experience if it comes to it.” Roseweed sighed at the stern and concerned expression on Ranen’s face.  She returned it with one of her own.  “Part of me wishes it would only take a few more months or less to finish her training, but I know I must pace her.  No matter how eager I am to get my daughter back.”

At that, Ranen relaxed and nodded.  “I guess you’re right.  You’ve been helping right alongside our ‘Lorranii training Trinity.” He shifted into a much less tense posture.

“And doing a great job.” Trinity added with a smile.

Grinning back, Ranen put his arm around her.  “If anything, Trinity needs more friends; people she can rely on.” He paused.  “Even with the likes of Aspen.” He didn’t see Trinity move until her elbow had struck him in the ribs.  Though it wasn’t hard, it did make him jerk with pain.

Roseweed laughed at his expression.  “I think this will be good for you both.  At least now there’s another male you can talk to.” She motioned towards the mage.  At her own mention of the fellow, she grimaced.  “I’m still not sure what his master expects sending him here.”

“You want me to find out after dinner?” Ranen asked.

“If you would.” Roseweed replied absently.  Louder, she said, “It’s time to settle and eat, everyone.” Even as she spoke, all the young people began to assemble themselves around the large table. 

Dion and Lauroran sat on the two chairs on one side of the table.  Aspen, making a quick decision, sat beside Trinity who was seated with Ranen on the other side of the table. 

The three dragons went to the large space by the table and lined up to watch over their humans, not needing to eat for some time, regardless of their size.

Lauroran smiled wistfully to himself.  “I’m a mage eating with Dragon Speakers… the others won’t believe me.”

Trinity nodded with an amused smile; she couldn’t recall magical sects dining together very much in the history books.  She knew witches were very nature oriented and spiritual magic users as well as one of the first peoples to practice magic on Starza.  They weren’t known to bond with dragons, though.  “How did you get Vamana?” Now that she could finally ask; it would have been rude to ask Dion. 

That was the mages favorite subject.  “Oh, I found her when she was a newborn hatchling out in the wild some year’s ago.” he began, casting an adoring look at the dragon.  "I think she was abandoned or something happened to her mom.  We never really found out what happened.  I was on a spirit walk to find my calling as a mage; each neonate goes through it, as we are not as bound to the elements as others are.  I was quite a few miles away from where I started and was pretty lost by then.  That’s when I found Vamana.  Just hatched out of her egg too; she was still in the shards of it.  She looked so weak and injured that I couldn’t make myself turn away.  So I took her in and helped nurture her back to health.  Staying with me was her choice.  We bonded and now she flies me places.” he explained.

Vamana made a small affectionate screech, as if agreeing with Lauroran.  Silence followed as everyone continued to eat.

Aspen didn’t mind the sudden silence that had begun as they ate, it was the awkwardness that pervaded the air that bothered her.  “Did you know that you were the best kept secret among Dragon Speakers, Trinity?” Most heads perked up so she continued.  “Yeah, not even all them elders on the Council knew that you’d showed up, much less been taken in by a dragon and four hermit ‘Lorrani.”

“Our Masters are not hermits.” Ranen objected, looking quite put out at the remark against his mother-sister figure.

“The last ten or so years, everyone who knew them has thought so.  And in a way, Ranen, they all were, except at the spring breaks.” Aspen carried on.  “Your fire and earth Dra’Sorrian had no registered ‘Lorra, nor have been seen much by anyone.” She sighed and pursed her lips.  “My ‘Lorrani told me all of them had a habit of disappearing for months, perhaps years at a time, even before training Trinity.”

Before Ranen could retort, Roseweed cleared her throat.  “Which is the very reason I choose to confide in them about the Destined Two.  Tuath, Swentha, and their dragons are well known in the Drakolae society, even though they avoid their Draskena kin.  Jak, Ceda, and their dra’a partners are, yes, much the same, but still maintain ties to Thranjraha and the Council.” She explained, using words the dragons used more often in her agitation, “Even though they had, or will have had ‘Lorra of their own, they were my choices.  They would not be missed and could keep me apprised of both societies.” She gave Ranen a stern but understanding glance.  “Ceda is a wonderful ‘Lorrani for you and Trinity, Ranen.  But you know as well as I, she and her dragon prefers peace and quiet.  They are old enough to have mastered their ocean depths, while you are yet a raging river.  There is no shame being either.” She finished and went back to finishing what was on her plate.

After the silence had continued, Roseweed looked around.  Everyone seemed to be uncomfortable, playing with what was left of their food and waiting for something, which she guessed they were.  “Well… I guess everyone wants to know why they are here…”

There was a communal nod from the table, except from Ranen and Trinity who both knew the basics of their roles already.  Trinity had known throughout her training that there was one problem in the way of her fully becoming a Dragon Speaker. 

“Well, as you’ve all been told by your Masters by now, many years ago my only egg was stolen to keep the prophecy that was foretold by the Oracle long ago from happening.  It is a Golden Egg.  Getting it back will not be easy.  Ranen and I are here to assist in finishing Trinity's training in her stronger elements.  Have no doubt that she is the Destined Child.  All markers point to her; I feel it in my bones that my child will bond with this one.  Dion and perhaps even Lauroran will help me in the more complicated Air training.  Being in human form has weakened my abilities somewhat, so I can’t go into teaching the full extent of Air, or the others.  Not like the other Masters' that she's had.  Aspen… you’re here to help and protect Trinity as well as aid me when she is ready to learn how to control aspects of her water abilities.” Roseweed explained.

“Great, the fun job.” Aspen mumbled sarcastically

Roseweed nodded.  “I wished for magic users close to your own age, Trinity.  It’ll be easier for all of you that way; and with the Masters' all assembled at the Councils orders, their apprentices, and those who share our goals, were the next likely choice.  We kept the Council in the dark about Trinity for nearly her entire training… somehow they found out and are questioning her Dra’Lorrani.  I have some fears about this… it could severely hamper my plans.  As for that in particular she may need you.  You all were chosen to help her save my golden egg.  After Trinity and the rest of you are as trained and honed as possible, you’ll all be sent to Tazmenzy Castle to retrieve it.”

“Why there?” Dion asked.  “It’s just an abandoned castle.”

“Abandoned as far as we know, Dion.  Perfect to hide my egg.” Roseweed told her.  “I have done my own searching and checked it out myself.  It’s there, but so is great evil.”

Trinity shook her head.  “Why don’t I go alone instead of risking the lives of these four other people? It’s my dragon.  I should be the one to go get It.” she asked.

“Because doing that would be too dangerous.” Ranen said, shaking his head at her as if she'd suddenly gone crazy.

“Well, if I am the Destined Child, once I’m trained, couldn’t I defend myself, all by myself?” No one answered her.  Trinity sighed.  “That’s what I thought.”

“Trinity,” Roseweed voiced in.  Her childish face showed concern and seriousness.  “It’s not that I don’t trust your ability to defend yourself; especially when it’s time to go.  I just don’t want you captured or killed -wait, hear me out, Trinity.” She said, stopping Trinity from interrupting.  “We may be up against sorcerers, or evil Enchantresses.  For all we know, these kidnappers are normal people, but I’m not taking any chances.  There will be times when you’ll need the help of any of these people… and perhaps others along the way.” She continued, waving her small hand to the others eating at the table.  “Besides, five are better than one in many ways.  You should take help when it is given.”

Ranen nodded along with Roseweed's words.  “While I fully agree with our host; just for the record, I would go with Trinity with or without her approval.” He pointed out.

“You would.” Trinity commented, rolling her eyes.

Lauroran nodded.  “Same here; I wasn’t able to share the bond of training with her as my sister was, but I can’t deny that my future belongs with you.”

“That goes for me, too.” Dion chimed in.  “I mean… going without her approval I mean…” she trailed off, going slightly red.

Aspen examined a bun for a moment.  “My master told me that this sort of thing would make me one of the most honored and well-known Dragon Speakers of our time.” She said.  “But I suspect this will be more than that.  If this prophecy sings true, an evil darker than what has come in the past will be kept from taking over the world again.  Before another Darcalist demolishes our world like last time.” Aspen paused and looked at Trinity.  “We've just met, Trine, but it would be an honor to be by your side when we go to Tazmenzy Castle and get your dragon.” She said.

Trinity was baffled.  She let out a long sigh.  “I don’t know what to say.  Well… it’s not really a choice is it? I mean you’re all here.  If it was just to help me train, then it wouldn’t be worth the trip.”

“You’re stuck with us whether you like it or not.” Dion said with a chuckle.

“I guess I am.” Trinity stated with a smile.  She suddenly got the feeling that all these people around her would go through darkness and beyond following while she made her journey.

Roseweed sighed.  “Good.  Now that that’s all figured out, eat up.  All of you.  Then I’ll show the rest of you people to your rooms.  We have a big day ahead of us.” Roseweed told them.  One by one, every one continued to eat, all contemplating what these turns of events meant for the future of the nation.