Meeting Grandfather

Tackion opened his eyes. He couldn't believe how nervous he was. It had been years since he had spoken with his Grandfather. Only this conversation was different. This time he was introducing, and incidentally asking blessing for, Lein, the woman he wanted to marry.

A day's travel to the northwest would put him at the edge of a mountain range. Just inside this edge was a small basin, a place large enough for a dragon of Grandfather's size yet secluded from the town. Grandfather was old for a dragon and even though he wouldn't attack without justification, his mere size and the fact he was a dragon, was enough to panic most large cities. He and Lein would meet up in the inn's common room this morning and head out so as to get an early start.

Well, not just he and Lein. Emilian, Nerizza, Ameiko, and Koya would head out with them. When it was discovered they were meeting with his Grandfather, the others couldn't resist their curiousity. They all had heard stories of him from Tackion and now, apparently they wanted to see him for themselves. Except for Kromyar, who said he had things to do.

He finished washing and got himself dressed. Even fighting other dragons or even Oni hadn't made the young warrior this nervous. Slowly, trying to appear nonchallant, he walked out of his room and towards the common room. Hopefully he wouldn't have to wait for the others long. Actually moving and the crisp morning air would help him over come his nervousness.

It had been dark when Lien had a woken up. Her body was so used to waking up for the fourth watch that even when in wasn't necessary to take watch she usually got up anyway. The room had been humid and peaceful with the breathing of sleeping women. Lien had done her best to slip into some simple garments with out disturbing the slumber of her roommates. She had been reaching for the katana, Suishen, when the thought had hit her. Today was the day they would be meeting with Tackion's Grandfather.

Now the sky was grey with the predawn light and Lien was still on her bed, staring blankly off into the distance. Having abandoned Suishen off to her side both of her arms now hugged the one leg drawn up under chin. She had sat like that for almost an hour, lost in thought. A noise from the next room over made Lien blink. She looked up from her trance a bit bewildered, but when she looked down and saw the idle katana she grimaced with frustration. She couldn't believe she had neglected her morning routine. More noise came from the next room. It sounded like someone was moving about in there. She wondered if it was Tackion. He was usually up at this hour. Lien wondered if he was as nervous as she was.

She slipped out of the room quietly and waited a few steps from her door. She wished to speak to Tackion privately, before everyone else was around. She hoped that doing so wouldn't be too improper. It was strange, how her stomach twisted this way and that, and how her normally decisive mind was flapping about, like a flag in the wind, never settling down. She was pondering this when the door opened and out walked the man she was waiting for. His strides were full of purpose as he turned his steps toward the common room of the inn. It seemed as if he would pass her by if she didn't say anything. So she called out softly, just above a whisper.

"Tackion."

His mind was lost in a haze of thoughts, memories of what was and hopes for what would come.  Thus it came as a surprise to hear his name whispered from near his side.  The instinctual reaction to slide away from the whisper and assume a defensive stance was quickly overwhelmed by the shock of warmth as he recognized the voice.

"Moy Malin'key Drakon!" he exclaimed, though softly. "I am sorry, I was lost in thought.  Are you getting ready to go, I mean he won't be there till tomorrow but, would you like breakfast?" he grinned sheepishly, "I seem to be babbling and talking in circles.  Please, forgive me. I may be a touch nervous about meeting Grandfather."

Lien dipped her head in a polite bow. "I am sorry if I startled you," she spoke softly as concern tinged her eyes. "It was my intention to catch you on your way out, but I did not wish to waken the others. It is still quite early." Seeing his sheepish grin did much to calm her own pounding heart.

"Breakfast is good," she smiled in return, "but tea is better. I am certain that the innkeepers will let us take some out into the courtyard if we ask. I would very much like to watch the sunrise." She raised her eyebrows slightly, as if to ask if this plan agreed with him. When he nodded she smiled even wider and motioned for him to lead the way to the door.

Once they had procured a handle-less clay cup of tea each they made their way outside. Lien took a moment to sip lightly at the steaming hot drink in her hand and take in the atmosphere. The sky was slowly getting lighter as the muffled sounds of people going about their morning business met her ear. Over the smell of street grime. smoke, and cooking she could smell the salty sea. Many memories, good and bad, washed over her as she took deep breaths of the morning air. She took another sip of tea and focused her mind back on the present. Clearing her throat softly she looked over at the fair skinned man standing next to her.

"We will be leaving soon on an important trip. The second most important trip I have made in my life so far, with the first being our journey over the Crown of the world. We go today to ask your Grandfather for his approval of our match." She faltered a moment as her heart began to race once more. So much could hang on this day, this trip. So much that she never imagined to have but now could not imagine living without.

"I hope that this will all go well," she whispered, more to herself than to Tackion. Then in her normal, though slightly more nervous tone she asked, "Will you do me the gracious favor of telling me about your Grandfather again?"

"Konechno, moy Malin'key Drakon." he smiled warmly.

Tackion leaned back on one elbow, holding his cup in the other hand, while he gathered his thoughts. "Grandfather is......ancient. Older than any other dragon I have ever seen or heard of. I am sure there are others who are actually older, but they would be rare. He is wise. He is.....ahh, forgive me, a beautiful sunrise, a beautiful companion, wonderful tea, and hopes for the future have jumbled my thoughts slightly." His smile was earnest and honest though he sounded a little nervous.

"Grandfather is a priest of Apsu. Apsu is the god of the metallic dragons. It is unusual for a colored dragon to be his priest, but then again my Grandfather is unusual. He believes in the law and in family and in that order. I had a cousin once that broke the law of his land and he punished him, without hesitation even though it was his grandson. But....he is also kind. Protective of those under his rule." The warrior's eyes glazed over in memory, "I remember flying on his back as he visited the four corners of his land, making sure the regional governers and town mayors had everything they needed. During those trips, in place of my parents, he would teach me about the world. About dragons and about the main land."

Tackion took a long sip of his tea, "I remember the discussion that led to debates that, as I got older, led to arguments as to the nature and reason for the laws. He and I had, well have, differing opinions on why laws should be written and enforced. He believes it is to provide order and stave off chaos. I believe that laws should protect and provide for the people serving under them. I have since come to understand that my belief was innocent and his was incomplete. The real truth should be somewhere in between the two. I have of recent begun to believe that he argued so vehemently against me so as I could learn this for myself. 'A lesson one has learned is more profound than one that has been taught.'" He smiled at his companion, "One of the things my Grandfather used to say. He had a number of sayings, though I think that one was more profound than most."

His eyes, still glazed with memories of long ago, started to tear up slightly. Absently he wiped them away as he sat back up, "Have......have I ever told you of the day I first met my Grandfather? Of the day I lost my parents?"

"No, you have not," Lien replied carefully, seeing the tears in his eyes. "I would be honored if you would share such a memory with me. But I do not wish to cause you pain. If it is too much, you do not have to tell me." She looked at him with a small smile of assurance. This relationship was still new to her. She didn't know what was expected so she wanted to be careful not to overstep her place by requiring him to tell her a story so personal. And yet, it was Tackion who had brought it up, so she knew her caution unnecessary.

Tackion smiled warmly at Lien as his he gently reached out and covered her hand with his, holding it softly. "My mother was the youngest of six children of my Grandfather and his only daughter.  She was a monk, trained in a classic style of combat.  My father was an elven ranger.  I was young, maybe six or seven.  My family was living simply on an outer village of my Grandfather's lands.  We were getting ready to travel to my father's lands so my mother was teaching me defensive combat.  That way I could defend myself if trouble came.  We did not know what the mainland would be like except for my father's tales of it."

"One night, he attacked.  An old rival of my Grandfather, an old and battle scared red dragon.  He had long ago, long before I was born, broken some laws and was banished.  He returned, apparently to claim land from my Grandfather.  His flame swept through the village.  My parents sheltered me as best they could, sheltered and protected as many as they could but.....They wounded the dragon but fell before him.  The red took great pleasure in killing the rest of the village.  He was saving me for last as he could smell my Grandfather's blood in me." He gave a small half chuckle, "When I was left, he taunted me.  My body reacted to the anger inside me and a small spark, a touch of lightning, struck the red on the nose.  He reared back, suprised.  It had stung, but not done any damage.  As the red, now angered, prepared to swallow me, the ground shook and amid lightning and thunder, a large blue force of nature descended upon the red."

He tightened his grip on her hand slightly, "My Grandfather and the red fought.  Never before and never again will I see such a spectacle. Such beauty and terror.  But.  As I lay there, trembeling with fear and awe, warm arms wrapped around me.  A warm voice, soft and angelic, spoke words of comfort and strength.  Bade me watch and be not afraid.  When it comes to family, Grandfather will not lose.   Eventually the red fell, broken and beaten and Grandfather landed ontop of it, killing it.  He then walked slowly, completely ignoring his injuries, to where my mother lay.  His roar of mourning broke the hearts of all living creatures who could hear it."

"My Grandfather then turned to me and the warm arms holding me and as he aproached, he shifted, becoming a tall, blue haired human.  He enveloped us both, me and my Grandmother, for it was her arms around me, and just held us close."  He smiled warmly at Lien, bringing her hand up to his face and lightly kissing the back of it. "From then on, I lived with my Grandfather.  He raised me, though to honor my mother I continued to practice what she had taught me.  To this day that is why I am better at defense then offense."  He wipes the last of the moisture from his eyes, "Eventually, I wanted to see more.  So I left Grandfather's lands and came to the mainland.  After wandering for short time I found myself in Sandpoint.  I believe you know the rest of the story my dear." He smiled at her, his now dry eyes filled with affection and joy simply at seeing her.

Lien returned his smile, but her eyes were full of empathy. His story had touched her deeply bringing a few tears to her eyes. Turning away she sat there for a moment holding his hand in silence, letting the tears make their journey in honor of those who had died to protect the man she loved. A small part of her was envious of the filial love she'd never received, but she knew she could never seriously begrudge the fortune of his upbringing.

"It is beautiful," she spoke softly as vibrant pinks and bold oranges stained the sky. She squeezed Tackion's hand. "The love of your parents, their sacrifice, and your Grandfather's rescue. It is all beautiful and tragic. It is legendary. You are the stuff of legends, Nari-ssi." She turned to him, eyes shining brightly with admiration.

"I cannot wait to meet your Grandfather. From all you tell me he seems a dragon worthy to be called one of the great lungwang despite his physical differences. I would be proud to know him, and be known by him.

"But there is one thing that weighs on my mind," Lien ducked her head as a sheepish look flickered on her face. "How is it we will present ourselves to him? I know I told you I would not require you to stand on the traditions of my people, but without those ceremonies, I am afraid I do not know how to proceed."

"I had planned on introducing you directly, as the woman I love and wish to marry. I would then explain, as best as my limited knowledge would allow, that we would be following as much of your traditions as we could. I would tell him how we are promised, pledged, to protect her until such time as she could claim what is rightfully hers and how neither one of us would ever willingly break a vow. He would understand that, will respect that."

Tackion smiled warmly at Lien, his eyes shining with pure love and devotion, with respect and caring. Outside of now they were warriors, defenders, implaccable walls guarding that which was important to them. Now however, in these private moments, he could truly let his emotions show. When it was just them, he could shine with his feelings for her and right now he felt like he could shine brighter than the sun that was rising slowly in the east.

"I admit, I am nervous and excited. I have not seen my Grandfather for quite some time. You however my dear, have nothing to worry about. I know Grandfather will see in you the same things I do. The honor, the strength. Both physical and internal. The way you represent all the things that a dragon should be, at least as far as I was taught. I have said it before and I will say it now, there is no one in all the world, more worthy, more perfect, than you."

His grin turned a bit sheepish, "It appears that today my tongue cannot still itself. Please, tell me, is there any ceremony or anything you wish to happen? If so please educate me. I wish to honor you and your traditions how ever I can."

Lien smiled a little as she took another sip of tea. Fixing her eyes on the horizon she replied, "Your words are indeed plentiful, but not unwelcome. Some may find expressing oneself so freely to be extraneous, but I find it fascinating. I was taught to be unfailingly courteous, even to the detriment of my personal opinions. Respect outweighed honesty, and though such mannerisms may put people at ease I have found it to be severely flawed. Politeness becomes a mask behind which true intentions are hidden and it is harder to tell when a person is being sincere.

"Your sincerity," she paused tentitively, searching for the right words to say. For as much as she admired the candid some habits were ingrained too deep. "Your candor is refreshing."

She took another sip of the tea. It had cooled now to the point of perfection. If she waited much longer to finish it, the tea would grow cold and stale. "As for ceremony, I would very much like to serve you and your Grandfather tea. I know I cannot cook, nor do I think we would be able to pack enough food for a dragon on our journey, but I wish to do this none the less. I do regret that I do not have a proper set for tea, and that I have had no time to prepare Hanbok, but we will make do. I have purchased the tea, and I will perform the ceremony. All you need do is sit, on your knees or cross legged and leave the rest up to me. I would be happy to explain it all, but only after the ceremony is finished. It is better that way.

"Do you find this acceptable, Nari-ssi?"

"I look forward to sharing the tea with you Malin'key Dracon" Tackion smiled.  "Unfortunately it appears the sun has finally completed it's rise.  As much as I would love to spend the day with you, sitting here and enjoying both tea and the company, the others will waking soon.  We should probably get breakfast ready for the others, it will be a long journey to where we will meet Grandfather if we hope to make it before nightfall."

He slowly stood and bent partially over, extending a hand to her to aid in her standing if she wished.

Retrieving her cup, Lien gratefully took Tackion's hand. With one fluid motion she was on her feet. "Thank you," she smiled up at him, admiration and anticipation lighting up her eyes.

"I am afraid that I will have to leave the breakfast service to you, however. I hope that you do not mind. There are a few things in town that I need to get before we leave. I will find something to eat in the market. Do not worry, I will not be long." She followed him back in through the door. "I will put on my traveling clothes before I go so that when I return all will be ready."

Lien got halfway through the common room when paused and let out a little laugh. "So that's what it is," she exclaimed, turning back to look at Tackion as realization spread across her face. "Malin'key Dracon, Nari-ssi. Little dragon. I am your little dragon!" She smiled sweetly, proudly, then turned to leave again.

As she walked back to her room she marveled at Tackion's strength. He had lifted her as if she were no lighter than a feather. The feeling had been delightful. After doing a man's work for so long it was nice to be treated like a girl. Her pseudo father, Koizumi had tried his best. But being a single man, and a nomad, there were things he could not teach her. She remembered the many times that Koizumi would throw up his hands and tell her, "What will I do with my flower? I wish that she would bloom with grace, but I am no gardener. I fear my tending has turned my lotus into a frog. You would have been better off with Obasan*." To which she would reply, "No appa,** I am still a flower. But my petals are strong and sharp, and will cut down all the oni with vengeance, just like you taught me." Back then she had been a child. The child grew up a warrior, and now the warrior felt like a woman. If only Koizumi could see her now he would be so proud. His flower had bloomed!

*Obasan means Aunt. Koizumi is referring to Ameiko's mother, Atsuii.
**Appa means daddy

The memory of Lien's smile just then would light Tackion's memories for years to come.

The young dragon'kin walked back into the common room of the inn. He hurried over to where the lone waitress was busy bussing tables. Once he had assured her that the crazy guy rushing through the room with a large smile was actually a paying customer, he took his order and left to fill it.

Tackion sat back in his chair. A large table filled with rich breakfast foods spread out before him. Trying to contain his emotions he watched the doors to the establishment, curious to see who would come first.

"HAPPY DRAGON DAY!" Emilian shouted at Lien's shadow as she passed into the street.

"What... I missed her?! We aren't leaving for a little while yet... " the oracle mused aloud. "Oh well, Takion's still around and as are the others...

"Breakfast time everyone!!" It was frowned on when the Varisian wanted to cook himself here, but with a little extra money, things got smoothed over easily enough. Besides, a day as momentous as this he couldn't let go by without his legendary.... Nope! Wait... At this point they were becoming WORLD FAMOUS Waffles!

Apparently they weren't as known on this side of the world... until now.

It felt good to accomplish something great.

"When are we leaving?"

"Probably right after they fatten us up for a goodwill offering to 'Grandfather'," came a sarcastic voice, as a figure in worn ninja garb materialized beside the oracle. "But frankly I wouldn't mind some fattening up before we start starving with the caravan again!"

Nerizza stepped toward the table and chose a seat with her back to her wall and facing the entrance of the building. As she rested her longspear against said wall, her tail flicked out from under her jacket, snatching a tart from the table before she sat heavily into the chair and shoved half the pastry into her mouth.

"Ameiko and Koya said they'd be down in just a moment," the tiefling mumbled between bites, taking passable care not to spit crumbs all over herself. "Kromyar said he's got things to do today. Probably has somethin' to do with that hammer, cause while he ain't normally the giddy type, he's been pretty excited about our recent acquisition. Don't blame him one bit, neither!"

Taking note that the others hadn't started eating yet, Nerizza stopped mid chew and looked between the two men with wide eyes. "Wait... Was I not supposed to start? Is there some kind of. . .ceremony thing that we need to do before food happens?" She looked a little distressed and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "There are always so many ceremonies!"

"No, please eat as much as you like. There is no ceremony now, only.....friends getting ready to travel" Tackion smiled warmly.

"Please, do not wait for me, I had some tea with Lien earlier and will snack as the morning progresses. I am equal parts nervous and excited." Tackion leaned back slightly in his chair, watching his friends. The old wood creaked as he moved and other patrons of the inn started to fill the place. Soon it was half full and the smell of varied foods and drinks wafted throughout the room.

"I do not believe Kromyar will be joining us, but I would welcome his company. He is....abrupt but a staunch companion. Now, before we get underway in earnest, do either of you have any questions? About Grandfather or anything else really?"

"Sure, yeah," Nerizza spoke up after a hard swallow. "So, you two want to go talk to papa about getting married, but is this like getting permission or just about being polite?"

She jerked the hood back from her head so Takion could see her more properly.

"I mean. . .what if he says no? He certainly wouldn't have any reason to that would make any sense to me, but what if he does?" The tiefling blinked her large, frog-like eyes imagining an unhappy, ancient blue dragon. "Nothing. . .unfortunate is going to happen is it?"

Tackion tilted his head slightly, trying to imagine his Grandfather actually angry enough to attack innocent people. "it....it is sort of both, permission and polite. It is customary in her lands that the family elders are informed of our intentions." He grabbed a small piece of bread and popped it into his mouth. "Nothing bad will happen, at least from my Grandfather. He is honorable and you have done nothing to him. Though..." he paused, "He does like to make an entrance."

"Huh.  Well that'll be interesting.  I always figured a dragon for the kind of creature that made an impressive entrance without trying," she reflected as she snatched another tart.  "It'll be interesting to see what happens when one does try to make an entrance!"
Nerizza chewed thoughtfully on her breakfast and then groaned suddenly.  "Awww, burn it all....  I'm not going to run away screaming again, am I?  Don't dragons do that to folk who just see them? Gods I'm tired of magic making me run away screaming.

"That was magic before you know," she eyed Takion and Emilian pointedly.  "I weren't scared of that thing! Well. . .not enough to make a bloody fool of myself anyhow."