Eri looked up to the sky. The sun was at its zenith, shining through the crevice far above. Its light focused on her, bathing her in its radiance. It was as if this was fated.

Perhaps it was. Perhaps, this was always going to happen…

No.

The deafening sound of cheers and chants slowly came to her. Adding to the volume were Kyrith and Zira, their own roars causing the air to vibrate.

That night… That night I chose Felix. It was never certain– It still isn't certain. She recalled the memory. She recalled how she had a choice to make, to forsake her relationship with Felix or to stake everything onto it.

She had chosen him. And I stand by it.

Master Aluin's voice shook the Sanctuary once more. ALL HAIL QUEEN ERI!

The chants began in earnest then and it gave her a moment longer to truly appreciate her situation. She was now the Queen. She was now in charge of her people's lives, their futures, and their issues. She was now wholly responsible.

Every decision, every painful lesson… It would all be hers to own. And I will own it. Despite how confident she sounded in her head, she couldn't help but take a shaky breath.

Felix tightened his tied hand around hers, his exuberance radiating out from the bond uncontrollably. He stood slightly behind her so as to not take this moment away from her.

But that's not what I want. This was a moment she wished to share with him and, more importantly, she needed him at her side. So, with a thin veil of a smile, she gently tugged at him until he was forced to stand side by side. Better…

The chanting and cheering continued on. Five minutes passed, then ten… She was beginning to wonder if they would settle down at all. Thankfully, though, it all began to taper off.

Eri took the opportunity to whisper into Felix's mind, My speech, dear.

Huh– Oh! Here you– Wait, dear? He gave her a curious look as he handed the rolled parchment to her.

She took it while giving him a wink, her smile becoming genuine. Come dear, help me unroll this and hold it straight. She didn't wait for a response and guided him over to a podium that stood near the edge of the stage.

Now the Sanctuary began to quiet down in earnest and, as she mentally prepared herself, it became dead silent.

A feather falling could be heard, she mused. It was a strange sight, to see so many people standing in anticipation. They were waiting on her. She would not delay.

She closed her eyes, did her best to settle her emotions, and steadied herself…

"Thank you," she started awkwardly. "This moment, this…event, marks a turning point. It marks a turning point for, not just us elves, but for everyone. Gnomes, dwarves, dragons, kobolds, and yes, even humans.

"Today, we elves are no longer a disparate people. We are now unified." She paused and looked up to the crowds above her, slowly taking everyone in. "And through that unity, we shall overcome any obstacles. No more shall we quake in fear. We will no longer let anyone stand in our way. Nor will we let them threaten our way of life. We will fight as one. We will defend our homes as one. And…

"We will endure as one."

Eri fell silent, half expecting applause. None came and it gave her a moment of self-doubt, a moment of fear. But, it was Felix's emotions who clued her in. He was drawn to her, watching her with a level of bewitchment and awe. They all were.

On top of her head, the tiara pulled at her mana. It did something, magnifying what she truly felt. The effect radiated outward from her and into the open air, into the minds of every one who paid attention.

She swallowed back a lump in her throat then and quickly continued. "This…all brings forth another thought– A question for us elves. What of the future? What lies beyond the next year? How about the next five? Ten? A century? I cannot say for certain. Though, above us a town is being constructed. It will be our capital, our heart.

"From there we will spread out and make use of the land, the likes of which have not been seen since before we were forced here. Our very existence depends on it. Everything depends on it…"

She closed her eyes dreading the next part. "In a few weeks time, the enemy will be upon us. They will descend from their ships and attack us from the coast. We must not let them take hold.

"Many of you are already training and making preparations. Indeed, so are the gnomes and dwarves. Even the dragons who still guard the island's periphery. I have spoken with representatives from all our races. We are putting together a plan. Mark my words, we shall prevail!"

A pulse from her crown sent a wave of emotion into the crowd above. And, finally, they erupted into cheers and a new chant began. "WE SHALL PREVAIL…"

For Eri, though, she used the excitement to give herself a small break. She shifted in place and slowly scanned the last part of her speech. It was certainly rough but she was nearly done. Thank the Gods…

She felt Felix smile at her, both visibly and through the bond. It's been perfect so far.

She nervously smiled back. Thank you, but I hope I can simply find someone to write these speeches for me.

He gave her a soft chuckle. Well, Oralyn–

Gods no! I took a look at her speech and practically had to scrap it! It's a miracle I was able to get something written in time.

Well then, I'd say yours is even more impressive! he responded, shaking his head in amusement.

It's not– The crowd began to calm and she quickly switched back to the parchment. She cleared her throat and let her expression become a somber one.

"Today is a joyous day for our people," she led in with. "However, today is also a day of remembrance… Yesterday, as I am sure you all are aware, we were attacked. Attacked for the second time. And like the first, only devastation was left. Yet, by all accounts I've received, the casualties were minimal. Most were of minor wounds and only a few were more serious injuries.

"But– and I say this with a heavy heart –we did have a single death." With her free hand, Eri gestured over to Niri and her people. "I realize that many of you hold little love for the kobolds. I understand why. I too used to think very little of them.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"My time at the manor, though, has changed that. I've come to respect them– Admire them even. They are just like all of us, a group of people who are merely struggling to survive. And, over the course of this year, I've seen them prosper.

"Starting out in nothing more than tents and ramshackle huts, the kobolds managed to build something of their own. Now those tents and huts are gone, replaced by proper buildings. They've built a monument to their Goddess and pray for her there. Truly, they are industrious and I find them awe-inspiring."

Eri paused as memories of them played out in her mind, especially of one in particular…

"And leading them…was Watcher. He was their pack leader and the one solely responsible for their growth. He played a pivotal role for my husband, helping to match dragon eggs to potential partners. He even taught me a few things…

"But as of yesterday, he is no longer with us. He gave the ultimate sacrifice and protected the Hatchery with his very last breath. I should not have to explain how important that is… Make no mistake about it, he saved us from disaster.

"And so, as we go about today in celebration I will make one singular request to everyone here. Please, remember Watcher…" Eri trailed off, crumping the edges of her speech as she realized the words she wanted– needed –to say weren't there.

Frustrated, she grabbed her speech before suddenly turning towards the funeral pyre. Follow, there is something I wish to do, she said to Felix. A moment later they were leaving the stage much to everyone's surprise.

What are you going to do? he asked.

I never got to say my goodbye to him, she answered, crumpling up the speech. She only came to a stop when Niri approached.

"Q-Queen Master…what–"

Eri gave a bow, cutting off the poor confused kobold. "Niri, I have a request."

"What… What request Queen Master have?"

She gave a smile and held up the crumpled parchment. "May I be the one to light the pyre?"

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two draconic roars echoed as the flames took hold and spread across the pyre. In a matter of moments the burial shroud became alight as well. Felix watched this all next to Eri, gripping her hand tightly and only showing a respectful somber expression.

This was depressingly poetic to him. We weren't prepared– We're still not prepared. If we don't start soon, there'll be more than one pyre to light next time.

Already, he was coming up with ideas and tweaking existing ones. The militia concept won't work. We need a true, professional army. His thoughts were of Eri's guards. They were the best contenders for making the core of that force.

They're not perfect either, they're still useless against the miasma. The mana crystal really is our only hope there. I really want to speak to Yarnel…

He felt Eri gently tug at his hand. And we will, but Felix?

Hmm?

You don't have to worry about this all on your own.

He let a small smile form. You're right. And…I guess things are already in motion. We'll be flying out to Yarnel's home after this– Speaking of… Shouldn't the dance be starting soon?

As the flames fully engulfed the pyre, he and Eri turned back towards the center of the Sanctuary.

OH! Is it time yet?! an excited Kyrith asked. Even Zira was waiting anxiously.

Eri bit back a laugh. Yeah, I'd say it–

The ember-colored dragon let out another roar, one so loud it made Felix's ears ring. And then Zira joined in…

Deafening silence filled the cavernous room as the two dragons stood up and flared out their wings. Before anyone could recover, the two suddenly leaped into the air and dove. They had mere moments to pull up before they would crash into the ground.

More than enough time.

In a synchronous move, the two flapped their wings hard and pulled up. They came within inches of colliding with each other, yet neither seemed bothered. In fact, in a stunning display, they reached out and grabbed hold of one another.

They twisted and spiraled up, their wing beats timed perfectly, until they reached the opening above. Only then did they separate, still climbing.

They vanished somewhere above, as two more roars could be heard…

Come on! Let's get back to the stage! Eri shouted at him through the bond. She was already yanking him ahead.

Okay– He didn't get to finish his words before a shadow crossed through the opening.

With his feet doing their best to keep up with Eri, he craned his neck up just in time to see a purple blur above. What are they doing?

His question was answered just as they reached the stage.

Two more blurs passed overhead, their shadows streaking across the Sanctuary floor. Then again… And again… Each time faster than before.

After the fourth pass, Kyrith and Zira were moving at an incredible speed. It made what came next a true display of draconic might.

The two dragons announced the next phase of their dance with a unified roar. Through the massive hole, Felix watched in awe and fear as both dragons flew towards one another.

In the blink of an eye, both pulled up one final time. They twisted around each other, staying just out of reach, until they were mere specks in the sky.

Then those specks began to grow…

And grow…

And grow…

With their wings pulled in, the two dragons were once again clinging to one another as they dove. Their speed was blistering and just watching them made Felix alarmed. They were coming in too fast.

LOOK OUT–

They passed through the Sanctuary's opening, beelining for the ground. Watching in pure fright, Felix began to pull at his recovering mana…

NO! DON'T INTERFERE!

Eri's words came just as Zira and Kyrith suddenly separated, kicking off one another. Both dragons violently flared out their wings and immediately began to brake, even as the ground continued to reach for them.

And then… Zira passed low over them, her talons less than a foot overhead.

She pivoted hard, turning quickly and visibly grimacing as she did so. Her wings barely cleared the walls as she successfully began to slow. Meanwhile, Kyrith was doing much the same, only, he had more strength and effortlessly turned out of his dive.

They slowly circled above, each one letting out triumphant cries as the crowd began to cheer and shout.

Hurry you two, this is when we make our escape! Zira said enthusiastically. She and Kyrith passed overhead one last time before coming in for a quick landing next to the stage.

Felix gave her a shocked look. That… That was–

Impressive? Zira said with a toothy draconic smile.

Yeah– Wait… Our hands are still tied!

I can handle you both! Kyrith chimed in. I'm sure Zira could use a break, he responded, a little too enthusiastically.

I do not need a break! I am perfectly fine, she answered defensively.

You two, please! Eri shouted, stepping onto her partner's crouched shoulders. We'll ride on top of Kyrith for now. And later, we can ride on your back Zira.

Felix's partner let out an irritated snort. Fine, just…hurry up and let's get out of here.

For his part, Felix gave her an apologetic look as he too climbed aboard Kyrith. The problem he and Eri faced, however, was seating arrangements.

The saddles each dragon wore weren't designed for more than one person, not to mention their hands being tied didn't help. Thankfully, with a bit of finagling, Felix found a mostly comfortable position just behind Eri. And just in time too…

As he found his perch, Kyrith decided that was good enough. The dragon immediately stood up and took off in a run, his wings unfurling.

With a mighty beat, they became airborne with Zira close behind them. Felix and Eri only had a moment to wave to the crowd before the scene was replaced by open sky. He couldn't help but to put on a big grin.

Next stop– They began descending towards the ground. –the town?

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