Chapter Text
The water is warm.
Against his scales, it feels like a soft caress. A gentle hand. A lover calling him to bed, arms wide open.
He is happy to comply. He sinks into the lake water. Down, down, even further down. Until he cannot see the surface, cannot even dream of the waters’ edge and the cold air outside. If he closes his eyes, lets his gills work, he can pretend like there is only this water. Nothing else in the world.
If he puts his head down, he can sleep. Finally. No dreams, no thoughts. Just peace. His crystal hums contentedly in his chest. His skin prickles and his scales rise a bit, letting the water soak underneath. Total healing. Total comfort.
This lake is his true home. He can stay here forever. Wrapped in its embrace. Safely tucked away, far from the living world.
Maybe this time he should.
________________________________
“Hmm?”
Eiden lifts his head. He smells the air a second time. “What’s that?”
The cave walls echo his question back to him. He is alone, of course. No one else lives here. Talking is just for his own benefit. It helps keep his sanity intact.
Or…for the most part.
It doesn’t matter though, because Eiden knows what he smelled. He could never mistake it!
A human. That familiar scent sits heavily in the damp air. A human just walked into the cave!
Oh, it’s been ages since Eiden last spoke with a human! How long exactly? A century? Maybe more? Something like that. Humans never come here anymore. They know this is a dragon cave, so they leave it the hell alone. It’s not exactly easy to get to. You have to cross a field of fire and brimstone, rocks crackling with molten lava running through them. If you make it past that, then there’s a whole mountain to climb. Sharp stones, treacherous. Unyielding to the human form. Deadly!
Eiden chose this cave for a reason. He doesn’t want to invite contact with humans. Humans are…a lot. Eiden doesn’t want conflict or drama. He just wants to live in peace. If sitting on top of a mountain of death is what grants him peace, then this is where he needs to be.
Not much company, though. For that, Eiden has to wander out the back of the cave and into the dark forest behind. The dark forest is pretty cool. Some of the yokai and forest creatures are his friends. A few of them are almost as old as Eiden! (Almost.) They get along well.
But a human? Unheard of! How did they even make it this far?!
“Wow…” Eiden can’t help being impressed.
He also can’t help the twinge of excitement in his belly. He should probably transform into a bigger, scary form and chase this person away, but. He won’t.
“Let’s see where this goes for now.”
So he changes into his most human form instead. Like this he appears almost fully human, except for the (graceful, thank you) set of blunt horns on his head, and a few patches of white scales crawling up and down his skin in random places. His neck, his shoulders. (There are more, but those are the only visible places when he’s wearing clothes!) And of course, his claws. Eiden is out of practice with this form. He used to be able to make these claws go away, but…not anymore, apparently. So his hands are vaguely dragon-like. Short talons instead of fingers or toes.
His face is human at least. Bright eyes and a welcoming face. Fluffy brown hair, youthful skin. Normal human height and gait. He’s a young man at heart, and it shows.
Throwing on a silvery robe for decency, Eiden walks towards the front of the cave to meet this human head on.
He should have expected what he finds. Who he finds.
“Halt, dragon!”
Ah, yeah. Right.
A knight in shining armor. Encased head to toe in metal, brandishing a sharp sword in Eiden’s face.
Quietly, Eiden sighs. Seriously? A knight like this? Kind of old fashioned, right? Eiden thought this brand of noble, valor-hungry weirdos died off decades ago! What is this guy doing?
Rolling his eyes, he raises his hands in surrender. “Okay, I’m halting.”
The knight, seeming not to expect this reaction, stops advancing. They stare at each other for a moment of silence. Eiden can’t make out the guy’s face because it’s covered in metal. The lack of eye contact feels strange…awkward.
But this is what they’re doing.
After a moment, the knight clears his throat and raises his voice again. “Are you the dragon they call the Grand Sorcerer? Huey, Beast of a Thousand Colors? Slaughterer of Hordes?”
“Ah jeez, come on, man…” Eiden winces at those names! Those are from, like, a thousand years ago!
Back then, when Eiden was a relatively young dragon, he harbored delusions of grandeur. Like most dragons at that age. He wanted creatures of the world to respect him. Warfare was rampant at that time, everywhere. Eiden took the name Huey (because his white scales shimmer many different hues depending on the light) and flaunted his magic over everyone.
‘The Grand Sorcerer.’ Oooh, so scary.
You know what happened? He hurt a lot of people for no reason! Everyone was scared shitless at the sight of him! Eiden had the power he wanted and he immediately realized it was worth absolutely nothing. Not if you don’t have even a single friend by your side. No one to spend time with at the end of a long day.
As an immortal dragon, Eiden has tons and tons of time. The only thing worth doing with time like that? Find companions. Enjoy being with others. Enjoy yourself! It makes the long days go faster.
So he abandoned those titles. That way of life. Disappeared for about eight hundred years. He went where he always goes when he needs to escape: Back to the warm crystalline lake where he was born. When he emerged again, ready to give life another go, he took the name Eiden in honor of the years he spent underwater. The stillness and the peace. Eiden wants to invoke those feelings in this life. Bring that vibe to the world.
He hates talking about the past. He regrets those days so much.
Everyone goes through a cringe phase when they’re young, right? Give him a break!
“My name is Eiden,” he calmly corrects the knight. “Nice to meet you. What’s your name?”
The knight falters again. “Eiden…what? I thought…?”
Huffing in anger, the knight lifts his metal visor. No doubt he wants to get a better look at Eiden to confirm his suspicions. Fortunately, this gives Eiden the chance to see the knight’s face for the first time. Pale white skin. Bright blue eyes, blue bangs matted to his forehead with sweat. Those eyes are intense! Even more intimidating than the sword in Eiden’s face! So full of anger Eiden can’t help flinching at the sight.
“Enough nonsense,” the knight hisses. “Are you Huey or are you not?”
Looks like Eiden needs to explain. “I was. I used to be Huey. But not anymore.” He smiles warmly at this frosty-eyed knight. “Now I’m just Eiden. I’ve been in this cave for a few hundred years, keeping to myself. Trying not to cause trouble.” He winks conspiratorially.
The knight frowns in confusion.
“I know it sounds complicated,” Eiden rushes to say, “but it’s really not. People change, you know? I’m sure you’ve changed since you were a kid. Like maybe you used to be super into dolls or stuffed animals or something and now you—”
“C-cease your drivel!” Redness blooms across the bridge of the knight’s nose. Okay, then. “Do not attempt to obfuscate the point! I am wise to your conniving ways, dragon! If you try to cast a confounding spell on me, I’ll run you through where you stand!”
“Alright, alright…” Eiden raises his hands higher. “Got it. No spells. That’s fair.” Not that he was going to cast one anyway!
“Hmph.”
Better move on. “Anyway...” Eiden begins. “…what, uh, what brings you here? It’s not an easy trip from the human kingdom to my cave. That boiling field of dried-up magma. And that brutal climb! Aren’t you tired? Thirsty, maybe—”
“I said no tricks!” The knight swings his sword threateningly. “You must know why I’m here!”
Eiden blinks. “Umm…” If this were a thousand years ago, it would be easy to guess. A guy wanting revenge or valor! But with the way things are currently… “Sorry, I’m not sure. Can you just tell me so we don’t have to—”
“I am here to slay you, beast!”
Okay, yeah. That much Eiden assumed up front.
“Now hurry up and transform into your true form so we can duel properly.” The knight snaps his visor shut. Ready as hell.
“My true form?” Eiden is a little insulted! “This is my true form, you know? There’s nothing fake about it. I’m really me right now and it’s kind of rude to—”
“I mean your dragon form! The one you used to terrorize the people back in the day. The reason you earned those titles!”
“My dragon form…” Eiden sighs. “Look, man. That form is really big, far too big to change into here. Like honestly it’s the size of the mountain you just climbed, probably even bigger. It takes a lot of energy to use that form and I’m really not in the mood. So why don’t you explain why you want to slay me so badly?”
Stunned, the knight says nothing.
“What’s the reason? You want to slay me, I get that. Totally clear. But why now? I haven’t killed a human in over a thousand years. Why did you come all the way out here? Did I kill your ancestors or something? Is it a valor quest? A knighthood hazing thing? They’re pulling your leg, buddy, valor isn’t won in a battle with a creature one million times your size—”
“Do not speak to me of valor.” The knight’s voice turns several degrees colder. Furious. “In fact, speak to me no more. Words will solve nothing. I need only to slay you.” In a quieter tone he adds, “So my kingdom can be free.”
Eiden’s ears prick up. “Free? Huh? What’s going on with your kingdom?”
“Do not feign ignorance! You monster! You have kept a cruel grip on my kingdom for far too long! That ends now. Today.” He assumes an offensive fighting stance. “Now transform!”
A cruel grip? Eiden glances at his own hand in confusion. He doesn’t have a grip on anything! Much less a whole kingdom!
It’s hard not to laugh. “I think you have a higher opinion of me than I deserve,” he admits. “But seriously, what are you talking about? I feel like we’re not on the same page. I haven’t done anything to your people in a millennia, like I said. If there’s something happening in the Light Kingdom, it’s got nothing to do with me.”
For once, the knight hears Eiden’s words. Maybe it’s the way Eiden said them. With honesty and conviction. He can’t lie about this, because he has no idea what’s going on!
The knight doesn’t drop his stance all the way, but he lowers his sword a fraction. When he speaks again, he sounds much less certain. “But…my research revealed…”
“You’ve done research on me? I’m flattered.” For real! Eiden tosses a smirk at the knight. “The thing is, any research you have available is all written by humans. Historians can keep records of events and stuff, but they’re bound to get some facts wrong. I don’t think any humans have ever interviewed dragons on what they’re capable of, or how things work for us. So, not to be rude, but there’s probably a lot of misinformation on your end.”
He lets that settle for a moment. Then he adds, “Can we start at the beginning? What’s the problem in the Light Kingdom? If you tell me, maybe I can help.”
Another tense moment passes. Balanced on the edge of the knight’s sword. Then, finally, his stance relents. His shoulders drop and he brings the sword to mid-height. Defensive, not offensive.
“If you truly do not know, then…or if this is some kind of trick…”
“No tricks. You have my word.” Eiden shrugs. “I think you just have to trust me for now.”
Solemnly, the knight nods. He lifts his visor and points towards the cave entrance. “Fine, then. It’s easier if I show you. Come.”
Wow. Eiden finds himself impressed yet again. This knight—this valor obsessed human—actually listened to him. It’s obvious this guy still doesn’t trust Eiden all the way, but even so. Even so! He’s taking the time to explain himself instead of jumping right into a battle.
Not because of fear, either. This knight was not afraid to initiate a battle (what he called a ‘duel’) even after Eiden explained how big his dragon form really is. He seemed prepared to fight to the death. Perhaps that’s nothing but foolishness, except for the fact the knight is taking Eiden’s words into account. Using logic instead of sheer brawn.
When was the last time a human ever listened to Eiden? Acknowledged that he uses human speech? Communicated?
Never, is the answer. No human has ever spoken to Eiden like an equal. With humans, it’s always fear and false bravado. But with this human…
…Where did this guy say he’s from, again?
Hmm.
They arrive at the entrance. Holding his sword pointed down at his side, the knight gestures in the direction of the Light Kingdom. Many miles to the east. The castle spires are still visible even at this distance.
It’s been years since Eiden looked eastward. He recently got out of another long rest in the lake water. That lasted about a decade. Since then, he’s only been out in the world for a few years. He spends all his time in the cave alone or wandering into the dark forest to mess around. He never looks towards the human kingdom. Why would he? Nothing there for him!
Now that he is looking, he sees…
Dry land. Brown grass. Shriveled up, barren. Weren’t the fields on the other side of the brimstone ridge supposed to be green? Eiden remembers sprawling meadows. Farmland.
What happened?
Something has gone wrong here.
“Do you see?” The knight indicates the dismal display. “Our kingdom is in the midst of an exceptionally pervasive drought. No rains will come. No wizardry, or prayers, or folk ritual can make them come. Our crops have long withered and the people are starving.” He sighs. “Succumbing to their hunger, they have begun forming factions. Fighting amongst themselves like bandits, raiding each others’ stockpiles of grain. The Light Kingdom is on the brink of war with the other territories to amass more resources. So we can survive. But our prospects are…dismal, to say the least.”
Eiden nods seriously. “That’s awful. How long has the drought been going on?”
“Seven years.”
“Wow.” Seven years with no rain at all? That’s a long time for humans! From what Eiden knows, humans need rain every month or so to maintain their food sources. They must really be suffering!
“I’m sorry to hear about your troubles,” Eiden says sincerely. “I really am. But…what does this drought have to do with me?”
The knight stares at Eiden. A line of distress creases his brow. The bags under his eyes are heavy. Eiden sees them clearly now. The veil of bravery has been lifted and the only thing left on the knight’s face is…
Suffering.
“The royal wizard believes dragon magic may be the cause of the drought. It makes sense. After all, dragon magic is the strongest force known to our world.”
That is true. “But why would a dragon expend their energy to mess with the humans like this?”
The knight blinks slowly. “The wizard spoke of a dragon in the west that used to kill humans for sport. The history books reveal as much. He said that the only explanation—in the absence of any other—is that this dragon must be out for blood again. Crueler than before. Delighting in our pain.”
“Tch! As if! That’s a new low. Not even back then would I have considered something like this. It’s just…!” It’s too cruel, for one. Starving the people. It takes too much ingenuity, for two, and Eiden doesn’t have the creativity to think of something like this out of the blue. And for three…
He would never. He has never, and could never.
It’s as simple as that.
He shakes his head. “So you thought that by coming here and slaying me, you’d be able to end the drought.”
“Precisely.”
Eiden curls his top lip into his mouth and thinks. After a moment he says, “That’s a pretty desperate plan, you know?”
The knight sighs. “Yes. I am aware of that. However, our kingdom is out of options. In truth, even if I cannot find a solution here in this land of fire and brimstone, perhaps it would be better for me to die trying. So our people can have hope.”
What a horrifying thought! Eiden balks. “But if they never learn the truth, then…”
“Then they’ll never have to despair. They can look to the west and believe that perhaps I, their Lord Knight and Vice-Captain, am still out there somewhere. Finding a way to fix this.”
Even as he says that, the knight shakes his head in disbelief. “It is a fruitless hope, I know. But maybe not meaningless. Our people have been without hope for so long. The kingdom is not what it once was. Now it is a grim and dangerous place. When I left on this journey however, I saw smiles on gaunt faces. Withered flowers thrown at my feet. The people had hope again, for the first time in however long. If…”
Swallowing hard, the knight faces Eiden. Full of determination. “If you are not the cause of this drought, if it is truly out of your hands, then I ask you to please kill me anyway. End my life. So my people can believe—”
“Okay, okay. Let’s slow down for a second.” Eiden pushes away the knight’s hand, which was offering his sword hilt in invitation.
Nope! Not going there!
“Like I said, I am not the one causing this drought of yours. And I don’t think any dragon is doing it either.” Of the few dragons still living, none of them would have any interest in something like this. “I don’t know what’s causing it. Even so, I’m pretty sure I can help.”
The knight’s blue eyes fly open wide. “You…can?”
“Yeah. Your wizard was half right, at least. Dragons do have some control over the weather, depending on which element they associate with. Me? I’m an air and water dragon. Perfect for bringing rain, right?”
The knight’s eyes widen even further, rimmed with desperation. “You’re…air and water? I thought you were fire, considering…” He gestures towards the field of fire and brimstone.
Eiden waves his hand in front of his face. “Um, yeah, forget about that. I just put that there so people would leave me alone.”
With a sideways grin, Eiden extends his hand in the direction of the boiling magma. At once, the magma begins to cool. The bright red fades to black and a hiss of steam exhales over the field. A quick douse.
The knight is in awe. Now he has proof of Eiden’s powers, but it’s still difficult for a human to believe. “How did you…?”
“Air is pretty powerful. Water’s not bad either.”
Extending his hand further, a trickle of water emerges from the ground and extends over the cooling magma. Where there was just lava, now there is a sulfuric swamp. From nothing more than a quick flick of Eiden’s hand.
Dragon magic is definitely the most powerful force in the world.
“Both elements…I do not understand…” The knight is truly overwhelmed by the display.
Maybe this part is confusing for humans. But it’s really not that difficult to understand!
Eiden opens his robe. “See my crystal?” He points to the large gem embedded in his chest. “I was born with it. See how rainbow-like it is? Other dragons might have a ruby or a sapphire or a peridot or something. But I got this rainbow crystal. That means I have marginal control over all the elements, but I can choose which powers to cultivate. It’s true that I used to be into fire, but…” He cringes again. “Let’s not talk about that. The point is, the past few hundred years I’ve been cultivating my air and water powers. A gentle breeze and a nourishing river. Doesn’t that sound nice?”
He closes his robe again. “Anyway. All that is to say, I can definitely make the rains come back to your kingdom. If I change into my full dragon form, I can fly above the clouds and adjust the air pressure. Whatever’s going on up there, I’m sure I can fix it.”
The drought is probably the result of a particularly nasty warm front. Or something. Eiden can take care of that.
“I…” The knight is at a loss for words. He begins to say several things, then stops, closing his mouth.
When he speaks again, he is entirely composed. Diplomatic. “Very well, dragon. Eiden, I should say. If you are able to mend this current predicament of ours, and from what I’ve just seen I believe you do have the ability, then please. Might we begin negotiations?”
As Eiden watches, the knight sheaths his sword. He lifts his helmet over his head, releasing a cascade of silky blue locks that fall across his metal shoulders. He shakes his hair to un-mat it. His face is slim and smooth, pointed delicately around the nose and chin.
He is beautiful. Much more striking than Eiden expected.
Then again, this knight has already surprised him. The way he spoke to Eiden when they first met. His selfless determination to save his kingdom, even to the point of death!
There’s something special about this human. Eiden is beyond impressed.
He’s intrigued.
Interested, even.
“My name is Edmond, Vice-Captain of the knights in service to His Royal Majesty of the Light Kingdom.” He holds a hand to his chest and bows. “I am honored to parlay with you. I hope that our negotiations can be earnest and fruitful.”
Struck by Edmond’s decorum, Eiden bows in return. “Absolutely. The pleasure is all mine.” He pauses. “But um…I should tell you. There’s really no need to negotiate. I’ll do it, I’ll change the weather for you. No problem.”
Edmond freezes. Stock still. “You…you will? Truly? Just like that?”
“Mmhm. There’s no reason for me not to help you, since it seems like you guys are in dire straits. I hate to see people suffering, you know?” He sighs. “The only thing is—”
“Yes? What is it?” Edmond is so eager he’s jumping all over Eiden’s words!
“Well, I wasn’t lying before when I said it takes a lot of energy to change into that form. It’ll take me a few days at least to work up the strength to do it. And afterwards…” Eiden winces. “Ah, never mind. I guess you don’t care about what happens to me afterwards as long as your problem is fixed, right?”
Edmond narrows his eyes. “No. I would like to know the full terms of the arrangement on both our sides. So please go on. What will happen to you?”
That’s…unexpected. But nice to hear! Edmond is something else! He’s serious—probably to a fault—and extremely cautious. He is not prone to the usual short-sightedness of mankind, a sad pitfall.
He might even genuinely care about Eiden on some level. As one living creature cares for another on principle.
Eiden smiles at him. He is touched by this earnestness and he wants Edmond to know. He takes a moment to size Edmond up from head to toe. The knight’s armor is not particularly flattering, but Eiden is having fun imagining the lithe body underneath.
If you took off all his armor, left him naked as the day he was born, what would Edmond do? Would he blush and stammer, try to cover himself? Would he reach for his sword and chop Eiden’s head clean off? Would he cry?
Or maybe…would he get turned on?
Probably all of the above. Eiden’s smile turns into a grin.
He decides to change the subject. “Oh, don’t worry, it’s not that serious. It’ll just take me a while to regain my strength.” Putting out a few fires is one thing. Changing the flow of the entire planet’s air current? That’s a little harder! “Might have to go into hibernation. Nothing I haven’t done before!”
Edmond tilts his head to one side. “Hibernation?”
“Yeah, it’s actually pretty fun. The water is nice. Anyway! Come on! Come back inside, will you?”
Eiden heads back into the cave. However, Edmond does not follow him. He is rooted to the ground. Guard up.
“What’s wrong? Don’t want to come in?” He barged in so bravely before! Eiden wouldn’t think he was scared!
Edmond grips his sword tighter. “Why would I want to do that?”
“Okay, I guess that’s a fair question…” Eiden scratches his head. “I mean, you could go back down the mountain the way you came. It’s pretty treacherous, though. And it’ll be dark soon. Don’t humans have a hard time seeing at night?”
Edmond glances at the harrowing trail he took to get up here. “That is true, however I…well…”
“You might as well keep me company the next few days,” Eiden offers. “Just until I gather enough strength. When I change into my full form, I’ll carry you down the mountain. So you don’t have to worry about slipping and breaking your neck or something.”
A horrified expression seizes Edmond’s face. “You mean I would…ride you?”
“Yeah, why not?”
Scoffing, Edmond whips his gaze away. “Absolutely not. Ridiculous.”
What is there to get angry about? Why is Edmond so offended? Is it the juxtaposition of their powers, their sizes? Or is he embarrassed…?
From the faint blush on his cheeks, it seems like embarrassment. But that only makes sense if…
Has Edmond been stealing glances at Eiden too? Well, he has eyes. Maybe he’s a little bit taken with Eiden’s charming good looks!
Ah, there it is. Edmond’s gaze darts towards Eiden from the corner of his eye. He’s looking. The tiniest look, but still. It’s there.
Super cute.
Doubling down, more excited than ever, Eiden shrugs and pretends not to notice. That would probably embarrass Edmond further. He looks like a hell of a shy one! “It’s up to you. I won’t force you into anything. Whatever you’re comfortable with. If you do decide to stay, though, there’s plenty of space here.”
“No, no. There’s no need to extend your hospitality to the likes of me. I couldn’t intrude.”
“You’re not intruding. I’m offering.” Eiden gives him a friendly smile. “Also, just saying, you look dead on your feet. Most humans would have collapsed by the time they reached the top of this mountain. I think the safest thing for you now is to rest and recover for a few days. We’ll both take it easy!”
He chuckles. “I mean, now that you know I’m not a super scary dragon or anything. No slavering jaws and fire breath.”
Edmond clicks his teeth in frustration. Then he takes a long breath, eyes closed. “Perhaps…you’re right. It would be foolish to attempt a journey home in this state.”
For sure. The armor around Edmond’s wrists and knees is trembling. He can barely keep himself standing!
“Definitely. So, come on. I’ll show you where you can rest.”
This time, when Eiden goes inside, Edmond does follow him.
Nice.
____________________________________
“This is where I live.”
Eiden demonstrates. It is a wide open area towards the very back of the cave. There are some fur coverings here and there for comfort. An indentation in the middle where Eiden sleeps, almost like a nest. On the far side, there is a small hot spring. Eiden keeps it warm all day and night in case he misses home. It’s good for a quick soak.
And on the opposite side of the wading pool, there is a cavern etched into the cave wall that opens into Eiden’s hall of treasure. His precious hoard. The thing that helps him pass the time around here when he’s not out playing with the wood creatures. (Or when he is.)
Edmond glances around the living space. He nods cautiously. There’s nothing alarming about this space after all. Nothing to be scared of.
“Over here…perhaps I could rest in this area?” Edmond found the small cavern. The hall of treasure.
“Um, actually, I don’t think there’s enough space for you there.” Eiden can’t keep his grin to himself. He is so proud of these treasures! How could he not want to show them off? “But feel free to take a look around if you want!”
Edmond glances warily at Eiden, but he inspects the cavern nonetheless. He’s looking for a private space, no doubt. Somewhere secluded.
“Hm? What are these?” He has discovered the hoard. He goes in to take a closer look. He touches something. “I’ve never seen anything like this. But this, wait…is this—oh!”
Throwing down the object in his hand—a particularly glamorous butt plug of magicked stone—Edmond finally realizes the nature of Eiden’s hoard. It’s a mountain—a literal mountain—of sex toys. Things Eiden found out there in the wide world over the last thousand years. Things he made himself.
Eiden has not used all of these sex toys. Not on himself, at least. Most of them have been put to use at one time or another with his partners. But there are definitely a few things in here that have not yet seen any action. Eiden’s fascination with these objects is pure in a way. He admires the creativity of the design. He likes to challenge himself to create new things, pleasurable things, that he can really have fun with. It’s what brings him joy in life.
Of course, the root of the obsession is entirely hedonistic. And Eiden is fine with that too.
“Do you like it?” he asks, preening. “That butt plug you picked out is a particular favorite.” When Edmond threw it on the floor, it began to buzz. Spell activated. This design has been used by many of Eiden’s partners. But this specific plug has not. It hasn’t found a partner yet.
Edmond must have picked it up for a reason. It must be fate!
And oh, this lapis lazuli stone plug would look so cute in Edmond’s butt! This guy must have a really pretty ass. He’d probably gasp like a virgin if you plugged him full. Mouth open, unhindered sounds coming out. Or maybe, mouth closed. Trying and failing to hold it in.
In fact…
Well, Eiden has a pretty good nose for these things. The smell coming from Edmond…
“Obscene! Unreal! What in the world—disgusting!” Bright red, Edmond stomps out of the treasure hall, furiously wiping his hand on his armored leg. “You foul dragon!”
Eiden lovingly places the plug back on the pile. There are so many awesome things in here, but. Edmond is definitely not ready yet. If Eiden’s nose is to be believed.
If it is, then holy shit. Eiden has not met a virgin in many, many years.
This guy really is something special.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.” Eiden hurries to the well to get Edmond a fresh drink of water. “It’s my hoard, you know? All dragons have treasures. Different kinds of things. Mine are sex toys. It’s just my thing.”
Armor clanking with shivers, Edmond accepts the jug of water. He takes a long drink, emptying it in one go. “Are you some kind of sexual deviant? Amassing perverted objects of that nature?”
Eiden fights down another laugh. “And if I say that I am?”
Edmond takes a few steps backwards. He reaches for his sword again.
“Don’t worry!” Eiden throws his hands up in surrender. “I’m not a mindless weirdo, promise! When I offered to let you stay the night, it wasn’t for that.”
Now Edmond unsheathes his sword. Ready to fight. He is not swayed in the least by Eiden’s promise.
Frightened, Eiden desperately tries to walk it back. “Hold on a minute! Calm down! You can’t judge my character solely based on my hoard! That’s unfair! You’ve been talking to me this whole time, right? Don’t I seem normal to you? Just like an ordinary person?”
Edmond squints at Eiden. Unsure. After several anxious moments, he finally relents. Puts away his sword.
He seems to agree that Eiden is trustworthy on face value. Nonetheless, he growls lowly, “There is nothing ordinary about you.”
“Heh…mm, well…” Eiden rubs the back of his neck. “I guess you’re right.”
Saying nothing else, Eiden faces a blank wall towards the front of his living space. He smooths his hand across the stone. It yields to him. (Having control over all the elements comes in handy!) With a dull rumble, the stone fashions itself into a small room. An empty cavern. Eiden takes a sheet from his nest and hangs it over the front, so Edmond can have his privacy. He also carries in a few fur blankets. A place for Edmond to rest.
“All yours,” he says brightly. “Make yourself comfortable.”
Edmond looks quite surprised. On several fronts. It must be disorienting to see such a bold display of magic. Human wizards would need to study for decades to make a stone move even a little bit, so Edmond has definitely never seen anything like this before.
Not only that…
“Thank you for your hospitality.” The words come from tight lips, but they are sincere enough.
With that, he pushes past Eiden and closes the curtain behind him. Eiden hears armor clinking. Evidence that Edmond is getting undressed. It must be unbearably hot in all that metal! And exhausting!
Eiden fetches another pail of fresh water, a towel, and a robe. He leaves them outside Edmond’s room and informs him that they’ll be there if he wants to freshen up.
However, the only sound he can hear on the other side of the curtain is even breathing. Soft snoring. Edmond is already asleep.
Poor guy. Eiden feels genuinely bad for him. Who knows what kind of horrible things have happened to Edmond in his kingdom, which is falling apart at the seams it sounds like. Then he made the grueling journey all the way here, ready to offer himself up to death.
He’s been through a lot. Eiden will let him rest as long as he needs to.
Meanwhile, Eiden should focus on procuring some human food from the dark forest. So Edmond can have something to eat when he wakes up.
It will be exciting though. The next few days.
Plenty of excitement to keep Eiden entertained for a while.