The Silka
Chapter Thirteen
They filled the air, playing and the water. They stood in clusters on the ground talking, excited, philosophical, and curious. But Dinah and Marc landing, riding Quinn and Cola, all the other dragons from Aaru in a phalanx behind them, led by Kalie, stopped all activity within sight of them dead.
Dinah slid to the ground, sweeping the area with a look. "It must be your butt, sugar lips. 'Cause it sure ain't mine."
"Honey, it really isn't nice to say things like that about Quinn. I think he looks quite handsome," Marc replied. "And you, of course, are beautiful," he added as he rubbed Cola's nose. "Now go join in the excitement, lovely one."
"Don't listen to him handsome, you know I love you best," Dinah told Quinn, kissing his nose.
They watched their dragons fly off then looked around. "I wish I knew why we were here," Marc muttered. "I don't like surprises."
"We're here because they asked us," Dinah said. "But if you're so worried how come you don't ask Kalie?"
"I don't want to put her in a position where she might have to refuse to answer me," he explained. "It's not that I think they mean anything bad to happen to us, more that I worry they're going to expect more from us than we can deliver."
"I don't know that they expect anything," Dinah said. "My worries are more related to the facilities for the accommodation of the non-dragon among us."
"Well, conjure whatever you need up. You're talented and a mage. Surely you can manage a bathroom," he replied, his lips twitching.
She stuck her tongue out at him and looked around. Everywhere she turned was mountains, snow capped and glittering like topaz under a lemon sky. They'd landed next to a lake that reminded her of Lake Superior, grey-blue and alive with power, surrounded by teal meadow grasses and and trees in all the shades there were of blue green. "It's a beautiful world," she said.
"That it is and we are honored to be invited here. Any idea where 'here' is? I mean, where we're supposed to go now?" Marc looked around but there were no pathways for humans.
Kalie turned to look at him. "There will be a meeting, in the great cavern on the peak above. I'll fly you up there if you'd like. Menatha said we're ready to start. Everyone's arrived."
"If you'd be so kind, Kalie," Marc said and helped Dinah aboard. Kalie sailed up easily and deposited them on a ledge overlooking an immense cavern. Dragons where squeezed in everywhere. On the floor of the cavern, on crags such as the one they were on, looking through open entrances from the outside. The place had the feel of a graduation gathering. A sort of weird mix of nostalgia and anticipation, along with a good dollop of concern about the future and how one would fit in with it.
Marc made them both comfortable chairs and they sat down to watch. "Not a word," he whispered to Dinah. "No offers of anything. Right?"
"What do you mean?" she hissed, indignant.
"I just mean we're here to observe. Not interfere or whatever else," he replied easily sitting back and getting comfortable. He also zapped them up glasses of scotch. "Weren't there supposed to be other humans.. well, other two-foots here?"
"Kalie never said. Why, who did you have in mind?"
"Hah, I knew it. There's your boyfriend," Marc replied, nodding toward a separate outcropping on which McGee stood.
"He's NOT my boyfriend," she ground out. "But if you're not careful he could be." She moved over and put her arms around him. "Something's eating at you. What is it?"
"Hi Zaf. Lurking in dark corners again?" Marc asked, instead of answering her.
"Lo. Thought I'd drop by to see what the fuss was about."
Kalie whipped her head around, anger blazing from her eyes. "You presume much, small man," she rasped. "More perhaps, than..."
"Than who?" Zaf asked, unimpressed.
"Not than who, small man. Than what," Kalie said, her anger only slightly abated.
"Oh come on, Kalie. You know I belong here. it was merely an oversight you guys didn't invite me. Go on. Enjoy the show. I'll translate for Marc and Dinah. How's that?"
"It wasn't an oversight," Kalie snapped. "And it's not a show. You shouldn't be here."
Zaf shrugged, and sank down to take a seat on a piece of rock.
"Why shouldn't he be here, Kalie?" Marc asked.
Kalie met his eyes. "This is private. Beyond that we don't need a reason."
"See what I mean," Marc said to Dinah with a sigh. "We're props."
"You are not props. But the time is over when humans can think we are nothing but overgrown pets to be used when they need us and indulged when they're overcome by our cuteness. We are intelligent, sentient creatures with minds and feelings, and deserve the respect that is due any being with those attributes," Kalie said. She looked at Zaf. "We aren't toys to be taken for granted or things to be manipulated. He thinks he can show up and grin his way out of it."
"What will you do, then?" Marc asked her.
"That is what we are here to decide," she said. Her eyes returned to Zaf. "If you want him, he may stay. But you will be responsible for him."
"Kalie, you know why I'm here. I've spent endless time on this too. I apologize for coming uninvited but it is nearly as important to me as it is to you," Zaf said quietly. "Perhaps moreso since I've had no life outside the quest."
Kalie sighed. "I don't know what your role in all this. I understand that it must be painful to you that you don't really know either. I accept your apology."
"Thanks, Kalie," Zaf said and sat back into the shadows.
Marc exchanged a look with Dinah and then turned his attention back to the moot.
Dinah took his hand and dragged him over to a private corner. "Talk to me. Take in air, move it through the vocal cords so they vibrate and words, intelligible words in English that are germane, will come out. Because you're starting to scare me."
"What do you think I'm going to say, Dinah? I'm trying to make sense of what the hell is going on and so far it doesn't make much sense. We've got some First Ones, dragons who are tired of being seen as children, the Silka and two very mysterious men. You put it all together and explain it to me."
"I can't," Dinah admitted. "I'm groping in the dark just like you. But god Marc, I get the feeling you're expecting chaos and mayhem here. Maybe even serious violence. And that makes even less sense to me."
"If I'm expecting violence it won't be from the dragons, or at least not at their behest. But I am thinking that if they have enemies now would be the time to hit them. Maybe that's what Zaf thinks too."
"The Star Lords, perhaps?" Dinah said, looking past his shoulder. "Because Tremin, Aurora and Wye are behind you."
Marc turned and even managed a smile. "Hey guys. Slumming?"
"No, not at all," Aurora said. "It's just that it is so strange to be back here after all this time."
"This is where we left them," Tremin said, a note of sadness in his voice. "I keep seeing them as I remember them then. We broke their hearts."
"And now who's breaking them?" Marc asked, eying Wye, who was staring at Zaf.
"No one I hope," Aurora said, startled. "You say that like..."
"Like what?" Marc asked. "Like I think they revere the wrong folks in this whole drama?"
She blanched. "No, that's not what I meant."
"What do you mean?" Marc asked.
"Like you were expecting something or someone to try to hurt them." Aurora looked at him, her eyes shadowed. "I know you don't think much of us. I guess you think what we did was evil. We love them. Leaving them broke our hearts as much as it did theirs. But we did the only thing we could think of to keep them safe and free."
"You don't have to justify yourself to me," Marc pointed out with an eyebrow raised. "I'm an expert at hurting what I think I love. But yeah, I do expect someone to hurt them. I'm just not sure who or how. Betraying their trust might be the worst hurt for them to endure."
"I know," Tremin said. "Unfortunately, we can't protect them from it totally. Individually we are as are all other groups. As much as we think we're on the side of the light, even as a corporate group, we're an aggregate of all that there is."
"Yet the dragons are not. There don't seem to be any anti-social, or criminal dragons," Marc commented thoughtfully. They're all in accord, even when they are fighting each other at the behest of humans. It was the first thing that struck me when we went to Caer Kista."
Aurora's eyes softened. "I know. Even before...always, always, they were like that. They are...oh I don't know how to say it...it's as if, if you believe in the notion of original sin, that somehow they escaped it. There is no concupiscence in them, it's as if they don't have to struggle to choose between good and evil, or to love or not love. In some way, somehow, they stay innocent."
"Then they'll never grow up," Marc replied.
"Define growing up, Mr. Siolastre. Because there are some who would say that is the definition of being grown up."
"There are always choices and they aren't always simple. Making the hard choices, finding a middle ground, that's grown up. At least in my book," Marc replied. "Not to mention, the old saying that virtue requires temptation."
"I think they know temptation," Dinah said. ""I think you saw it with Zaf ten minutes ago. I don't think they're perfect, by any means and I don't think that's what she's saying. And I think that now they will struggle. A lot."
"No they aren't perfect. But then I'm not sure what they are," Marc replied.
"I think they are unsure of that themselves now," Tremin said. "But I also think they are eager to find out."
"None of them, nor any of us," Aurora said, "know what's next for them. The hard thing is that what once was is not possible again and they have not, perhaps, realized this. That they and we, though the love is still there, and even stronger perhaps, will need to build new relationships with each other. Just as they will need to build new relationships with you."
"See, that's what I mean. They've been dreaming of a return to the good old days. The good old days never existed the way we imagine they did," Marc replied. "I just hope they won't be so disappointed when they realize it that they will give up on what they want and lose what they have now."
Aurora nodded. "I know."
"Look," said a voice from the shadows, "Either you trust 'em, or you don't. Total waste of time, this discussion."
"Trust who?" Dinah said. "The dragons. At the moment, other than Marc they're the only ones I do trust."
"I mean trust them to work their way through all this bullshit," Zaf replied with a disgusted sigh. "You people do run off at the mouth."
"You're Zaf, aren't you?" Aurora. "You may be right. But it's a consequence of caring about them."
"Okay, good to know," Zaf replied cynically.
Marc watched him a moment then said, "Zaf there's a professional at aloofness. Won't see him getting all emotional."
Zaf looked up, anger blazing in his eyes. "Right. That's me."
"It looks like they're starting," Dinah said. "Do you three happen to know why we're here? And why McGee's off by himself over there?"
"McGee's madder at us than Zaf is," Tremin said.
"Though in McGee's case he consented. In Zaf's case it was, I'm told, a case of the draft."
"Hmmph," Zaf muttered, but everyone had turned to watch and listen.
After twenty minutes of dragony speechifying Zaf muttered, "Oh good. Finally past the 'welcome let's hold hands phase."
"And the opening prayer too, I hope," Dinah muttered. "Kalie said this is their home world?"
Aurora nodded. "It's also where they come to die if they can. Otherwise, if at all possible, they are brought back here for their final resting place."
"When we found them here," Tremin said, grinning, "they were pre-sentient. The largest predators here. They met us and it was like puppies finding playmates."
"I can see it now," Zaf muttered.
"Well, I certainly can too," Marc replied, frowning at Zaf. Then, looking back at Aurora, "is that why you singled them out?"
"It was more pragmatic than that," Tremin replied. "It was their ability to traverse dimensions, to travel space. And the genetic potential they showed.
Marc had his own experience in finding creatures to elevate toward cognition and then toward operancy so he nodded understanding. He also, he reminded himself, had experience of leaving those he'd elevated behind.
"So," Marc suddenly said, "why is McGee mad at you?"
"Shhhh," Zaf said, trying to concentrate on what was going on below them.
"Because he's been alone too long," Aurora said. "And now there is someone who knows what he is and how that loneliness feels."
"And why does that make him angry?" Marc asked baffled.
Aurora looked at him where he stood alone on another outcropping, listening to the dragons below debate the future. "He can't walk away. He doesn't want to, but he's tired of the loneliness."
"Of course he can't walk away," Marc replied. "Who could after devoting so many years and so much energy to a project. But that doesn't mean you can't have a life along with your obsession."
"The life he wants has been kneeling next to another man for centuries trying to will him back to life," Aurora said.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand," Marc replied.
"I think she means Eden," Dinah translated.
"Oh," Marc replied. He shrugged. "I've never spent much energy on unrequited love."
"You're not him," Aurora said. "And if the truth were told, it isn't unrequited."
"Well, that's even stupider then," Marc replied exasperated. "Dinah, find him a different woman."
"The stupid part is irrelevant. Logic has nothing to do with emotion," Aurora said.
"Tell me something my love," Dinah said. "If it were you and I would it be that simple? Or would you go away and try to live a life alone?"
"If that were what you wanted, yes," Marc replied. "It is beyond arrogant to sit around hoping she'll see the light and run to your arms. Relationships only work when both people want them to."
"He seems to have tried to live a life alone until she walked back into it not so long ago," Dinah said.
"So what am I supposed to do about it," Marc whined.
"Nothing at all," Dinah said. "We were simply answering your questions."
"Well, then ... good. Listen to the dragons," Marc huffed and walked off to take his seat and retrieve his scotch.
Dinah shook her head. "I've no idea why he's so grouchy," she said and took her seat.
"Don't worry," Zaf muttered, "you haven't missed a thing. They've barely gotten to detailing the current state of affairs. Give it four more hours before they get round to talking about the future."
"Maybe we should go out to lunch then," Dinah said.
"We're guests, remember? Where's Kalie?"
"She went down on the floor of the cavern a while ago," Dinah said. "Zaf? Do you see her down there?"
"Yeah, she's there. Looks like she's arguing with some dragons I don't know," Zaf replied.
Dinah and Marc both looked. "Nope, I don't recognize them either. But Menatha's down there near her. And it looks like the Darroch's dragons too, which makes sense since they found the cavern."
"Yeah, Rolf is in the middle of it, whatever it is," Marc remarked. "Apparently the most interesting bit of dragon politics is just like human politics, done outside official channels."
Dinah looked at Wye who'd been absolutely mute the whole time. "So why do you think they wanted us here for this?"
"Because you are the Heir," Wye stated quietly.
"But in that sense my job is done. They've crossed over, found their way home again. So I suspect that is only surface explanation," Dinah replied.
Marc watched Wye thoughtfully. "Or is there something beyond what she's done and that's why she's here?"
Aurora laughed. "Do you know what we call you two, and McGee? The Wild Cards and the Joker."
"Why am I even mentioned?" Marc wondered. "She's the Heir."
"Because of what you two are together," Tremin said.
"And what are we together?" Marc asked.
Wye smiled. "Something totally unexpected. The best sort of leap forward."
"And what would that be?" Dinah asked.
"That he has experience with uplifting species and you with your DNA locator can combine with him and find those species which have the best potential," Wye replied.
"And regardless, the dragons don't know that," Dinah pointed out. "So quit with the easy outs."
"They know you helped them cross over. Isn't that enough of a reason for you to be here?" Wye asked Dinah.
"No it's not," Dinah said. "They aren't stupid."
"Care to share?" Marc asked, looking pointedly at the other two First Ones.
"Oh we think it's Wye's turn to endure the third degree, supply a few answers," Aurora said.
"Ask the dragons," Wye replied with a half smile. "They want to be treated like fully involved partners. Ask them."
"We plan to," Dinah said. "But it looks like things are stirring on the floor."
An old dragon, moving somewhat stiffly, was given right of passage so he could stand at the center of the floor of the cavern. He looked up and around at the entire cavern, his gaze stopping briefly where the First Ones, Dinah, Marc and Zaf, watched and again on the crag where McGee stood.
"We've all decisions to make. But those decisions should be informed ones. And individual ones. Let us search our hearts and decide if it is our past we seek, or our future."
"We know," Menatha said, "that what was is gone. What we must determine first is what is possible now. We are also told by the heir that things are unsettled now, that war may arise because we have come into our own."
The leaders let the dragons speak amongst themselves for some time. Until finally the oldster spoke up. "War. And the breaching of the Rift is coming. I can feel it. The question is will we help those who have helped us?"
"It is more complicated than that. Will we stay and help or leave and help? And what about those who will chose neither. Because we can not choose for each other, only ourselves," Kalie said.
There were many nods at that. Then, "True," spoke up one dragon that Marc thought he recognized from Anja's world. "But we are not only individuals. We are all of us connected. We have the option to plan it such that we have some who will stay to fight here, others who will try from the other side of the Rift and yet others who will remain with their chosen companions."
Dinah sorted her way through that speech and shook her head. "They think they can plan this?"
"Why not?" Marc asked. "They are in constant communication with each other. A metaconcert. Why couldn't they offer some one choice and others make sacrifices to do what they think is right?"
"That's not the planning I meant," Dinah said. "They can orchestrate the first and maybe the second round of what's coming. Beyond that, the possible variables expand exponentially."
"A plan never survives first contact with the enemy," Marc muttered. "Doesn't mean we shouldn't plan, because it's an exercise that opens our minds to possibilities we might not otherwise think of."
"I understand that. I just don't want them thinking they have more control than they do," Dinah said.
"I wonder," Marc replied frowning down at them. "Perhaps they have more control than we know."
"Now what do you mean by that?" Dinah asked him mentally.
"They've got a connection to the First Ones. Perhaps it is deeper even than it appears to us," he replied also mentally.
"Now that's a very interesting possibility," Dinah said, continuing the mental conversation. "And it sounds like they're thinking about the possibility you suggested. God I'm glad I'm not them right now," she told him. "But you know one reason for wanting us here just occurred to me. They want witnesses, from us and the First Ones."
"Quite possibly true, my love."
"It's already breaking their hearts. As much as they love the First Ones, they love us too. Every dragon with a companion will stay for so long as the companion stays," she whispered to him, her eyes tearing. "Jesus, the things that have been done to them."
Marc wrapped an arm around her and hugged her to him. "But now it is their choice."
"And they'll never complain about it," she whispered, turning her face into his neck. "We don't deserve them. None of us do."
"They choose," he reminded her softly.
"Maybe that's where the temptation comes that strengthens their virtues," she said.
"There's a reason they choose who they do. Perhaps they can see more deeply into us than we can see into ourselves," Marc muttered, which was far from an answer.
"Have you ever compared their genetics, the talented alleles anyway and the ones that give them the memories, with what's in our gene stocks," Dinah asked, returning to mental speech. "And I'd like very much to obtain a DNA sample from our three friends here, if we could. We've got Zaf and McGee right?"
"Oh yeah, we've got them. Not that I've learned much from theirs, but yes, we should. Be creative and collect them," Marc suggested.
Dinah grinned and leaned closer to him. "I think I've got an idea, if you're up to conjuring some scotch tape and then shaking hands," Dinah told him.
"I see," he replied. "Go for it."
She grinned again and moved back to mingle with the First One's who were following the discussion on the floor below, finding an excuse to touch all three of them.
When she walked back over to him he retrieved the goodies. "Very nicely done although Tremin looked a bit suspicious. We'll look at them the moment we're in private."
She settled in next to him, close enough that they were touching. "I love it when I make you happy," she said. "It's better than chocolate.
Dinah slid to the ground, sweeping the area with a look. "It must be your butt, sugar lips. 'Cause it sure ain't mine."
"Honey, it really isn't nice to say things like that about Quinn. I think he looks quite handsome," Marc replied. "And you, of course, are beautiful," he added as he rubbed Cola's nose. "Now go join in the excitement, lovely one."
"Don't listen to him handsome, you know I love you best," Dinah told Quinn, kissing his nose.
They watched their dragons fly off then looked around. "I wish I knew why we were here," Marc muttered. "I don't like surprises."
"We're here because they asked us," Dinah said. "But if you're so worried how come you don't ask Kalie?"
"I don't want to put her in a position where she might have to refuse to answer me," he explained. "It's not that I think they mean anything bad to happen to us, more that I worry they're going to expect more from us than we can deliver."
"I don't know that they expect anything," Dinah said. "My worries are more related to the facilities for the accommodation of the non-dragon among us."
"Well, conjure whatever you need up. You're talented and a mage. Surely you can manage a bathroom," he replied, his lips twitching.
She stuck her tongue out at him and looked around. Everywhere she turned was mountains, snow capped and glittering like topaz under a lemon sky. They'd landed next to a lake that reminded her of Lake Superior, grey-blue and alive with power, surrounded by teal meadow grasses and and trees in all the shades there were of blue green. "It's a beautiful world," she said.
"That it is and we are honored to be invited here. Any idea where 'here' is? I mean, where we're supposed to go now?" Marc looked around but there were no pathways for humans.
Kalie turned to look at him. "There will be a meeting, in the great cavern on the peak above. I'll fly you up there if you'd like. Menatha said we're ready to start. Everyone's arrived."
"If you'd be so kind, Kalie," Marc said and helped Dinah aboard. Kalie sailed up easily and deposited them on a ledge overlooking an immense cavern. Dragons where squeezed in everywhere. On the floor of the cavern, on crags such as the one they were on, looking through open entrances from the outside. The place had the feel of a graduation gathering. A sort of weird mix of nostalgia and anticipation, along with a good dollop of concern about the future and how one would fit in with it.
Marc made them both comfortable chairs and they sat down to watch. "Not a word," he whispered to Dinah. "No offers of anything. Right?"
"What do you mean?" she hissed, indignant.
"I just mean we're here to observe. Not interfere or whatever else," he replied easily sitting back and getting comfortable. He also zapped them up glasses of scotch. "Weren't there supposed to be other humans.. well, other two-foots here?"
"Kalie never said. Why, who did you have in mind?"
"Hah, I knew it. There's your boyfriend," Marc replied, nodding toward a separate outcropping on which McGee stood.
"He's NOT my boyfriend," she ground out. "But if you're not careful he could be." She moved over and put her arms around him. "Something's eating at you. What is it?"
"Hi Zaf. Lurking in dark corners again?" Marc asked, instead of answering her.
"Lo. Thought I'd drop by to see what the fuss was about."
Kalie whipped her head around, anger blazing from her eyes. "You presume much, small man," she rasped. "More perhaps, than..."
"Than who?" Zaf asked, unimpressed.
"Not than who, small man. Than what," Kalie said, her anger only slightly abated.
"Oh come on, Kalie. You know I belong here. it was merely an oversight you guys didn't invite me. Go on. Enjoy the show. I'll translate for Marc and Dinah. How's that?"
"It wasn't an oversight," Kalie snapped. "And it's not a show. You shouldn't be here."
Zaf shrugged, and sank down to take a seat on a piece of rock.
"Why shouldn't he be here, Kalie?" Marc asked.
Kalie met his eyes. "This is private. Beyond that we don't need a reason."
"See what I mean," Marc said to Dinah with a sigh. "We're props."
"You are not props. But the time is over when humans can think we are nothing but overgrown pets to be used when they need us and indulged when they're overcome by our cuteness. We are intelligent, sentient creatures with minds and feelings, and deserve the respect that is due any being with those attributes," Kalie said. She looked at Zaf. "We aren't toys to be taken for granted or things to be manipulated. He thinks he can show up and grin his way out of it."
"What will you do, then?" Marc asked her.
"That is what we are here to decide," she said. Her eyes returned to Zaf. "If you want him, he may stay. But you will be responsible for him."
"Kalie, you know why I'm here. I've spent endless time on this too. I apologize for coming uninvited but it is nearly as important to me as it is to you," Zaf said quietly. "Perhaps moreso since I've had no life outside the quest."
Kalie sighed. "I don't know what your role in all this. I understand that it must be painful to you that you don't really know either. I accept your apology."
"Thanks, Kalie," Zaf said and sat back into the shadows.
Marc exchanged a look with Dinah and then turned his attention back to the moot.
Dinah took his hand and dragged him over to a private corner. "Talk to me. Take in air, move it through the vocal cords so they vibrate and words, intelligible words in English that are germane, will come out. Because you're starting to scare me."
"What do you think I'm going to say, Dinah? I'm trying to make sense of what the hell is going on and so far it doesn't make much sense. We've got some First Ones, dragons who are tired of being seen as children, the Silka and two very mysterious men. You put it all together and explain it to me."
"I can't," Dinah admitted. "I'm groping in the dark just like you. But god Marc, I get the feeling you're expecting chaos and mayhem here. Maybe even serious violence. And that makes even less sense to me."
"If I'm expecting violence it won't be from the dragons, or at least not at their behest. But I am thinking that if they have enemies now would be the time to hit them. Maybe that's what Zaf thinks too."
"The Star Lords, perhaps?" Dinah said, looking past his shoulder. "Because Tremin, Aurora and Wye are behind you."
Marc turned and even managed a smile. "Hey guys. Slumming?"
"No, not at all," Aurora said. "It's just that it is so strange to be back here after all this time."
"This is where we left them," Tremin said, a note of sadness in his voice. "I keep seeing them as I remember them then. We broke their hearts."
"And now who's breaking them?" Marc asked, eying Wye, who was staring at Zaf.
"No one I hope," Aurora said, startled. "You say that like..."
"Like what?" Marc asked. "Like I think they revere the wrong folks in this whole drama?"
She blanched. "No, that's not what I meant."
"What do you mean?" Marc asked.
"Like you were expecting something or someone to try to hurt them." Aurora looked at him, her eyes shadowed. "I know you don't think much of us. I guess you think what we did was evil. We love them. Leaving them broke our hearts as much as it did theirs. But we did the only thing we could think of to keep them safe and free."
"You don't have to justify yourself to me," Marc pointed out with an eyebrow raised. "I'm an expert at hurting what I think I love. But yeah, I do expect someone to hurt them. I'm just not sure who or how. Betraying their trust might be the worst hurt for them to endure."
"I know," Tremin said. "Unfortunately, we can't protect them from it totally. Individually we are as are all other groups. As much as we think we're on the side of the light, even as a corporate group, we're an aggregate of all that there is."
"Yet the dragons are not. There don't seem to be any anti-social, or criminal dragons," Marc commented thoughtfully. They're all in accord, even when they are fighting each other at the behest of humans. It was the first thing that struck me when we went to Caer Kista."
Aurora's eyes softened. "I know. Even before...always, always, they were like that. They are...oh I don't know how to say it...it's as if, if you believe in the notion of original sin, that somehow they escaped it. There is no concupiscence in them, it's as if they don't have to struggle to choose between good and evil, or to love or not love. In some way, somehow, they stay innocent."
"Then they'll never grow up," Marc replied.
"Define growing up, Mr. Siolastre. Because there are some who would say that is the definition of being grown up."
"There are always choices and they aren't always simple. Making the hard choices, finding a middle ground, that's grown up. At least in my book," Marc replied. "Not to mention, the old saying that virtue requires temptation."
"I think they know temptation," Dinah said. ""I think you saw it with Zaf ten minutes ago. I don't think they're perfect, by any means and I don't think that's what she's saying. And I think that now they will struggle. A lot."
"No they aren't perfect. But then I'm not sure what they are," Marc replied.
"I think they are unsure of that themselves now," Tremin said. "But I also think they are eager to find out."
"None of them, nor any of us," Aurora said, "know what's next for them. The hard thing is that what once was is not possible again and they have not, perhaps, realized this. That they and we, though the love is still there, and even stronger perhaps, will need to build new relationships with each other. Just as they will need to build new relationships with you."
"See, that's what I mean. They've been dreaming of a return to the good old days. The good old days never existed the way we imagine they did," Marc replied. "I just hope they won't be so disappointed when they realize it that they will give up on what they want and lose what they have now."
Aurora nodded. "I know."
"Look," said a voice from the shadows, "Either you trust 'em, or you don't. Total waste of time, this discussion."
"Trust who?" Dinah said. "The dragons. At the moment, other than Marc they're the only ones I do trust."
"I mean trust them to work their way through all this bullshit," Zaf replied with a disgusted sigh. "You people do run off at the mouth."
"You're Zaf, aren't you?" Aurora. "You may be right. But it's a consequence of caring about them."
"Okay, good to know," Zaf replied cynically.
Marc watched him a moment then said, "Zaf there's a professional at aloofness. Won't see him getting all emotional."
Zaf looked up, anger blazing in his eyes. "Right. That's me."
"It looks like they're starting," Dinah said. "Do you three happen to know why we're here? And why McGee's off by himself over there?"
"McGee's madder at us than Zaf is," Tremin said.
"Though in McGee's case he consented. In Zaf's case it was, I'm told, a case of the draft."
"Hmmph," Zaf muttered, but everyone had turned to watch and listen.
After twenty minutes of dragony speechifying Zaf muttered, "Oh good. Finally past the 'welcome let's hold hands phase."
"And the opening prayer too, I hope," Dinah muttered. "Kalie said this is their home world?"
Aurora nodded. "It's also where they come to die if they can. Otherwise, if at all possible, they are brought back here for their final resting place."
"When we found them here," Tremin said, grinning, "they were pre-sentient. The largest predators here. They met us and it was like puppies finding playmates."
"I can see it now," Zaf muttered.
"Well, I certainly can too," Marc replied, frowning at Zaf. Then, looking back at Aurora, "is that why you singled them out?"
"It was more pragmatic than that," Tremin replied. "It was their ability to traverse dimensions, to travel space. And the genetic potential they showed.
Marc had his own experience in finding creatures to elevate toward cognition and then toward operancy so he nodded understanding. He also, he reminded himself, had experience of leaving those he'd elevated behind.
"So," Marc suddenly said, "why is McGee mad at you?"
"Shhhh," Zaf said, trying to concentrate on what was going on below them.
"Because he's been alone too long," Aurora said. "And now there is someone who knows what he is and how that loneliness feels."
"And why does that make him angry?" Marc asked baffled.
Aurora looked at him where he stood alone on another outcropping, listening to the dragons below debate the future. "He can't walk away. He doesn't want to, but he's tired of the loneliness."
"Of course he can't walk away," Marc replied. "Who could after devoting so many years and so much energy to a project. But that doesn't mean you can't have a life along with your obsession."
"The life he wants has been kneeling next to another man for centuries trying to will him back to life," Aurora said.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand," Marc replied.
"I think she means Eden," Dinah translated.
"Oh," Marc replied. He shrugged. "I've never spent much energy on unrequited love."
"You're not him," Aurora said. "And if the truth were told, it isn't unrequited."
"Well, that's even stupider then," Marc replied exasperated. "Dinah, find him a different woman."
"The stupid part is irrelevant. Logic has nothing to do with emotion," Aurora said.
"Tell me something my love," Dinah said. "If it were you and I would it be that simple? Or would you go away and try to live a life alone?"
"If that were what you wanted, yes," Marc replied. "It is beyond arrogant to sit around hoping she'll see the light and run to your arms. Relationships only work when both people want them to."
"He seems to have tried to live a life alone until she walked back into it not so long ago," Dinah said.
"So what am I supposed to do about it," Marc whined.
"Nothing at all," Dinah said. "We were simply answering your questions."
"Well, then ... good. Listen to the dragons," Marc huffed and walked off to take his seat and retrieve his scotch.
Dinah shook her head. "I've no idea why he's so grouchy," she said and took her seat.
"Don't worry," Zaf muttered, "you haven't missed a thing. They've barely gotten to detailing the current state of affairs. Give it four more hours before they get round to talking about the future."
"Maybe we should go out to lunch then," Dinah said.
"We're guests, remember? Where's Kalie?"
"She went down on the floor of the cavern a while ago," Dinah said. "Zaf? Do you see her down there?"
"Yeah, she's there. Looks like she's arguing with some dragons I don't know," Zaf replied.
Dinah and Marc both looked. "Nope, I don't recognize them either. But Menatha's down there near her. And it looks like the Darroch's dragons too, which makes sense since they found the cavern."
"Yeah, Rolf is in the middle of it, whatever it is," Marc remarked. "Apparently the most interesting bit of dragon politics is just like human politics, done outside official channels."
Dinah looked at Wye who'd been absolutely mute the whole time. "So why do you think they wanted us here for this?"
"Because you are the Heir," Wye stated quietly.
"But in that sense my job is done. They've crossed over, found their way home again. So I suspect that is only surface explanation," Dinah replied.
Marc watched Wye thoughtfully. "Or is there something beyond what she's done and that's why she's here?"
Aurora laughed. "Do you know what we call you two, and McGee? The Wild Cards and the Joker."
"Why am I even mentioned?" Marc wondered. "She's the Heir."
"Because of what you two are together," Tremin said.
"And what are we together?" Marc asked.
Wye smiled. "Something totally unexpected. The best sort of leap forward."
"And what would that be?" Dinah asked.
"That he has experience with uplifting species and you with your DNA locator can combine with him and find those species which have the best potential," Wye replied.
"And regardless, the dragons don't know that," Dinah pointed out. "So quit with the easy outs."
"They know you helped them cross over. Isn't that enough of a reason for you to be here?" Wye asked Dinah.
"No it's not," Dinah said. "They aren't stupid."
"Care to share?" Marc asked, looking pointedly at the other two First Ones.
"Oh we think it's Wye's turn to endure the third degree, supply a few answers," Aurora said.
"Ask the dragons," Wye replied with a half smile. "They want to be treated like fully involved partners. Ask them."
"We plan to," Dinah said. "But it looks like things are stirring on the floor."
An old dragon, moving somewhat stiffly, was given right of passage so he could stand at the center of the floor of the cavern. He looked up and around at the entire cavern, his gaze stopping briefly where the First Ones, Dinah, Marc and Zaf, watched and again on the crag where McGee stood.
"We've all decisions to make. But those decisions should be informed ones. And individual ones. Let us search our hearts and decide if it is our past we seek, or our future."
"We know," Menatha said, "that what was is gone. What we must determine first is what is possible now. We are also told by the heir that things are unsettled now, that war may arise because we have come into our own."
The leaders let the dragons speak amongst themselves for some time. Until finally the oldster spoke up. "War. And the breaching of the Rift is coming. I can feel it. The question is will we help those who have helped us?"
"It is more complicated than that. Will we stay and help or leave and help? And what about those who will chose neither. Because we can not choose for each other, only ourselves," Kalie said.
There were many nods at that. Then, "True," spoke up one dragon that Marc thought he recognized from Anja's world. "But we are not only individuals. We are all of us connected. We have the option to plan it such that we have some who will stay to fight here, others who will try from the other side of the Rift and yet others who will remain with their chosen companions."
Dinah sorted her way through that speech and shook her head. "They think they can plan this?"
"Why not?" Marc asked. "They are in constant communication with each other. A metaconcert. Why couldn't they offer some one choice and others make sacrifices to do what they think is right?"
"That's not the planning I meant," Dinah said. "They can orchestrate the first and maybe the second round of what's coming. Beyond that, the possible variables expand exponentially."
"A plan never survives first contact with the enemy," Marc muttered. "Doesn't mean we shouldn't plan, because it's an exercise that opens our minds to possibilities we might not otherwise think of."
"I understand that. I just don't want them thinking they have more control than they do," Dinah said.
"I wonder," Marc replied frowning down at them. "Perhaps they have more control than we know."
"Now what do you mean by that?" Dinah asked him mentally.
"They've got a connection to the First Ones. Perhaps it is deeper even than it appears to us," he replied also mentally.
"Now that's a very interesting possibility," Dinah said, continuing the mental conversation. "And it sounds like they're thinking about the possibility you suggested. God I'm glad I'm not them right now," she told him. "But you know one reason for wanting us here just occurred to me. They want witnesses, from us and the First Ones."
"Quite possibly true, my love."
"It's already breaking their hearts. As much as they love the First Ones, they love us too. Every dragon with a companion will stay for so long as the companion stays," she whispered to him, her eyes tearing. "Jesus, the things that have been done to them."
Marc wrapped an arm around her and hugged her to him. "But now it is their choice."
"And they'll never complain about it," she whispered, turning her face into his neck. "We don't deserve them. None of us do."
"They choose," he reminded her softly.
"Maybe that's where the temptation comes that strengthens their virtues," she said.
"There's a reason they choose who they do. Perhaps they can see more deeply into us than we can see into ourselves," Marc muttered, which was far from an answer.
"Have you ever compared their genetics, the talented alleles anyway and the ones that give them the memories, with what's in our gene stocks," Dinah asked, returning to mental speech. "And I'd like very much to obtain a DNA sample from our three friends here, if we could. We've got Zaf and McGee right?"
"Oh yeah, we've got them. Not that I've learned much from theirs, but yes, we should. Be creative and collect them," Marc suggested.
Dinah grinned and leaned closer to him. "I think I've got an idea, if you're up to conjuring some scotch tape and then shaking hands," Dinah told him.
"I see," he replied. "Go for it."
She grinned again and moved back to mingle with the First One's who were following the discussion on the floor below, finding an excuse to touch all three of them.
When she walked back over to him he retrieved the goodies. "Very nicely done although Tremin looked a bit suspicious. We'll look at them the moment we're in private."
She settled in next to him, close enough that they were touching. "I love it when I make you happy," she said. "It's better than chocolate.
