Vhalar 5, Arc 721
It had taken them a few trials but then again, Natalia and Grayson hadn’t been in a rush. Besides that, as Natalia found out quickly enough, her cousin wasn’t very good on a horse, so a slower pace was required.
Every now and then along the way, the young woman would excuse herself and Renaissance for a few moments, urging her mount into a run. The quick pace, wind blowing her hair back as they raced towards some unknown point, and then back to Grayson, felt like a bit of freedom to the young woman. Getting out into open land invigorated her, and in some ways allowed her to feel like she and Renaissance were one. As the trials had worn on, Natalia had begun feeling more and more like she could understand what the gelding wanted and needed from her, but it was hard to explain the connection she felt to others. It amused her to think that every time she took off on a speed run, it was Renny telling her that he needed it. A whimsical thought really, but indulging in a bit of whimsy occasionally didn't hurt.
What was more amusing is how much Ares enjoyed those little speed session too. Grayson had been very adamant that the young woman not bring Ares and Apollo, but there were some things Natalia could not be swayed on, and the care of the Zahkron Dragonling and the Kletier Dragonet that she had been entrusted with was one such thing. Ares flew along side Natalia and Renaissance, his silver body appearing almost ethereal with the bright white glow coming from within his chest. It seemed odd that something that looked so gangly with four heads, each with a set of horns that hugged close to their skulls, could fly so gracefully.
For all the beauty and grace Ares had, his temper was admittedly a bit foul, although it tended to remind Natalia of Vielkrontier, so she had quickly learned to put him in his place when he tried fussing with her, and quickly the pair had come to something of an understanding. She had stood in front of the imposing Vielkrontier and survived. Ares was formidable, but then again, so was she. Activities such as riding/flying together helped their relationship and trust form, so she tried to make sure they got out into the countryside often.
For all the bite Ares had, Apollo was the exact opposite. The small grey dragonet sported six heads, which just boggled Natalia’s mind, watching him trying to mind all of them at the same time. His big, wide eyes and little chirpy voice were endearing, and he loved snuggling, often enjoying the little soft bag Natalia had bought just to transport him around in when on horseback. He too loved riding, often peeking his heads out of the bag as they raced along the land, emitting a sound that sounded to the young woman of happy trilling, but she couldn’t be sure. He generally emitted the same sound during activities that she surmised made him happy, so that was her current operating theory.
The destination was Almund for the small group. Grayson’s only request had been for them to travel to any place other than Egilrun. Staying in Scalvoris Town wasn’t an option either as he wanted her in a place where it was relatively certain no one knew her, and she had spent too much time in those two places for him to be comfortable.
As she rode back to rejoin Grayson, Natalia took a deep breath, patting Renny gently on the neck. Her companion chuckled a bit, giving her a teasing look. “Showoff. Are you trying to make me feel self-conscious about my riding skills.” Shrugging lightly, she glanced his direction, expression deadpanned. “Actively trying? No. But if it’s a delightful byproduct, you’re welcome.”
Arching his eyebrow, amused at her attempt at humor, he laughed. “Fine. You win. I’m horrible at riding this beast. Do you have any suggestions?” Glancing at him, she tilted her head a bit. “You are riding too far forward in the saddle, for one. Push back a little and settle into the seat. If you pressed too close to the horn, you are in for a world of hurt if your mount decides to stop suddenly. As well, it will make the ride more comfortable, although comfort comes with practice.” Wiggling around a bit, the man played with his position in the seat a bit before he seemed to find a spot that worked for him.
They spoke of a few different things during the ride, although Natalia’s thoughts wandered a bit. She wasn’t so much preoccupied as…unsure. Grayson was prodding her opinions on a variety of subjects, under the guise that he wanted to get to know her but he was pushing, and she wasn’t one to be pushed.
The topic turned to politics, which just happened to be a subject that held a bit of interest for her. She had asked Cassion at Saoire’s Feast about the rumors regarding Liza’s disappearance and was told about many additional disappearances of people suspected to be working with the Warden. The Immortal had said that he felt Audrae was hiding everyone that had vanished, which made Natalia curious about the entire political structure of Scalvoris. It seemed like a safe topic to share a bit of what she knew.
“Grayson,” she began. "That party I was at? The one you love throwing in my face. There were some Immortals there.” Nodding he glanced at her. “I suspected, since the hostess was an Immortal, but continue.” Rolling her eyes, she stared straight ahead as she spoke. “I asked about the current Egg, Liza, and how she vanished. One of the Immortals told me that several people vanished at the same time, and it’s thought that they were all working with the Warden. There’s speculation that Audrae is hiding them all. Have you heard anything?” He supposedly had connections with people that knew things. Perhaps this was one of the things they knew.
Turning to regard his cousin, the man nodded lightly. “The Immortal is right. Whispers all over Scalvoris of people vanishing right about the same time. Actually, now that I think about it, Ymiden 38, right? There were a lot of people found dead too.”
He took a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing, searching his memory for the information. “A fortune-teller of sorts in Almund, if I recall. I can’t remember the names of the others, but it makes sense really. Tying up loose ends is a valid strategy, in politics and beyond, if things are unraveling. Loose lips sinks ships and all that.”
She considered what he said. “But, wouldn’t others just take their place? Especially in politics. If you own a person in a specific political position that can influence others or give you a specific advantage, whether its information or otherwise, wouldn’t it be reckless to take them out of that position? You can’t predict who would take over.”
Grayson quickly countered with his own thought. “Unless you had someone ready to swoop in and take up that spot. There’s something else though.” Quickly adjusting the reins in his hand, he continued. “I heard something else. There’s rumors that Audrae’s dead. So, if she was hiding the people, why are they still hiding?” Natalia had heard rumors too. Not of Audrae specifically but others. Syroa came to mind, but she had dismissed the speculations as idle chatter, forgetting that most rumors were based in varying amounts of truth.
More questions than answers really, but then again, many things tended to trend that way. Missing people. Dead Immortals. It wasn’t your everytrial mystery. Dragons hadn’t been either, but she had scraped her way through that with a lot of help. “We are headed to Almund. Perhaps we can learn more there,” she said. Chuckling, Grayson gave her a questioning look. “One dragon and you are ready to take on missing people with Immortal connections? No wilting flower you are. Either you are incredibly naïve or have a spine of steel. I haven’t decided which yet, but I guess we will find out. You can’t possibly believe we will find something, can you?”
She wanted to sigh at the ridiculous question. There was a weariness inside of her that no matter how much she wanted to try and express it, the words wouldn't come. Natalia had been underestimated her entire life, and Grayson was unknowingly prodding that same tired thread. What was it going to take for people to stop misjudging her and take her seriously?
Shrugging her shoulders gently, golden eyes found the outline of Almund in the distance, determined look on her face as she answered in a low voice.
“Watch me.”
