T A L O N
“I do. Four sisters and three brothers.” He smiled, thinking on his family. Talon finished the rest of his champagne, handing the glass to a passing servant with a nod of thanks.
“Do not inconvenience yourself, Your Royal Highness.” Talon looked back to Akantha. “I expect that I will be making several visits to Sol’Valen. The secrets that I seek are not easily found. There will be time to experience the wonders of the kingdom again.”
When Kala made her remark about Rien, Talon chuckled. He was joined by Aoren, who simply shook his head fondly.
“Rien delights in the theater of politics more than I. He has always been a showman.” A thought was forming in Talon’s mind. He would ruminate on it but he would not linger on it too long. Kaus’ declaration of Jacun being a dragon was met with a knowing look between Talon and Aoren.
“That wily old dragon is one of a handful in Kalzasi. My kind has long preferred to live inconspicuously among the people’s around the world. Besides, it’s not exactly practical to interact with people in our true forms in most places that are not the vast wilderness. Especially at my age.” Aoren’s wings flicked slightly in amusement.
“Dragons in the Court of Princes would not be new.” Talon’s silver eyes grew distant. For a moment, he was not standing in the winter ballroom with Kala and Akantha. He was walking the ancient lands of Sol’Valen and seeing a world thousands of years in the past. He was speaking with the dragons of the Dragon Houses. He was laughing with friends that had long since been laid to rest. He blinked, taking in a steady breath. Aoren gently ran a hand up and down his spine. There were moments like this, moments where the full weight of his soul being healed and the long memories of his past lives were not so distant. Many were joyful. Some not so. This, however, was a peaceful memory that had been looked at with fondness.
The music picked up. Talon perked up, the feathers of his wings fluffing slightly in excitement. Before he could even ask, Aoren laughed.
“Will you excuse us? This is one of his favorite melodies.” Aoren handed off his empty glass then took Talon by the hand. The red haired dragon gave an artful bow, bringing up Talon’s hand to give it a kiss.
“May I have this dance, love?” Talon smiled, nodding his head.
Together, the two of them made their way to the ballroom floor and began to dance.
