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Description
When Agera returned to the pub, she found Ronan, only slightly drunk, laughing with a smaller void, and a much older void. The smaller stranger flashed her a roguish grin and slid a keg over to her on the bar. He spoke to her over the loud music in a thick Irish accent, and Agera immediately took a liking to him.

"Ronan did nay mention that your beauty matches your fierceness. Me name be Bane Wulfson m'lady. It be mine utmost pleasure!" he said bowing eloquently to her, despite his drunken state.

"Bane is my grand field commander for the allied forces. He's a tactical genius!" Ronan shouted, grabbing his friend by the horn and twisting playfully.

"Awe, shucks Row."

"On shut up Bane, I didn't mean it."

Agera grinned at the pair of them. They looked happy together. She turned to the older male and smiled pleasantly, "And what is your name, good drake?"

The old void actually growled at her, never mind the scowling and the seething, barely contained rage.

"You bare the golden coat of scales, you kill our kinsmen in the hundreds. And yet here you stand, acting as if we are not only allies, but friends, sharing a pint. I am only here at the behest of the High King. I neither claimed nor promised I would be polite."

Ronan hissed at the aging male, "Lord Saigon. Mind your tongue to my mate before I have it cut out."

"My king, might I remind you that as your financier of this venture, you need my wealth, and more importantly, my military, to endeavors on this quest to end Avila's tyrannical reign. I will not support a plan where we trade one dictator for another. We will do as we always have done, defeat this foe with a decisive military victory."

"Grand Lord Saigon. Have you ever -" Agera was about to try and reason with the male when he turned on her and smacked her across the muzzle with the back of his paw. Agera's head was thrown back from the unexpected blow.

I'm gonna break his wrist for that.

Ronan beat her to the punch though. With a roar and a violent snarl, he leaped on top of the older male, sending drinks and tables and stools flying. The band instantly stopped playing and patrons cried out in alarm and jumped out of the way of the two brawling Rasani. It looked as if Ronan might have lost the fight for a second, but then he kicked Saigon in the gut and threw him 'round, coming to rest with the insolent drake's throat beneath his paw.

"High King, I - ggggsh." his paws feebly pushed at Ronan's chest, staring in terror into his eyes which had narrowed to venomous slits. Ronan pressed down on his windpipe, cutting off the airflow.

"Ronan!" Agera couldn't believe that her mate could be so violent so suddenly.

"If you EVER do something like that again Saigon, then I will break your spine myself. I will crush your skull beneath my claws. I will send your body back to your family with your head in a bowl."

Ronan lifted his paw, and got off the top of Saigon. The old drake rolled over, coughing and wheezing, his lungs hunting for breath.

"Now get out."

"Arrogant bastard." Ronan whirled on him and ran a trio of claws across his face, leaving long deep marks on his nose, and the older drake roared in pain.

"So arrogant that I should protect my mate, whom I love dearly?!" he shouted as Saigon roared and snarled, "Now LEAVE!"

And Saigon turned tail and fled. Ronan turned to the rest of the tavern, and saw the mess he had made, and all the eyes on him.

"Damn." Someone from the crowd said. The silver male had blood on his paw from the brawl, so he quietly licked his claws clean, wiped off the sputum that had landed on his cheek when he had punched Saigon, and then turned to the proprietor, who looked as if he were about to breath fire.

"Barkeep, another few rounds for the crowd, on me." the group cheered, "and charge my bill with the cash for damages, extra tips for the waitresses."

Bane chuckled as Ronan righted their table, "Always gettin' in trouble over a female, eh Row?"

"Shut up, Bane."

Agera was slightly nervous after this brief, yet violent exchange. She took a step back as Ronan approached her, and he frowned. He lifted a paw to her chin and turned her head sideways slightly, inspecting her to see if there was any damage.

"I'm fine Ronan. What was that all about?" she asked as he released her. Ronan sighed and sat at their table.

"Not everyone on our side is an ally. 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend' is a stupid phrase. It was a phrase coined by a Persian prince who was beheaded by his subjects. And its pointless. What it should really be is 'The enemy of my enemy is still an enemy, just one who might not kill me immediately'. There are those among my forces who are nervous or angered by you being my bondmate. They should be even angrier now that you're my lifemate."

"I'm fighting Avila though. That's got to count for something."

"To them, you're just replacing Avila, not defeating her. You'd certainly be easier to beat." Bane said quietly, not looking directly at her. Agera flushed red with embarrassment and anger, but she said nothing. She had to admit he was right.

"I've no ambitions to be a murderous tyrant."

"And what of being a great warrior?" Agera's jaw shut with a snap as whatever words she were about to say were cut short. She was silent for a while, until Ronan snapped his claws at her, pulling her out of her thoughts and her drink.

"Eyes forward, my queen. My subjects would like to meet you." A group of patrons and minor lords stood before them, waiting patiently at a polite distance. Ronan beckoned the first in line forwards, a young knight of the far northern realms. He was young and sharp, if a bit small, but his body flowed with toned muscle and eyes were keen and sharp. Ronan introduced him as Scarne, a page and courier for the far north territories where the constant rains turned to never ending blizzards.

After the messenger-knight came his father, and mother, and baby brother. And behind them another family, some minor lord. Agera quickly lost track of names, but she greeted them as kindly as she could. Many lords invited her to their manors for dinner. Several lords ignored her outright. A few growled when she addressed them, to which Ronan snarled, and called them out on their rudeness. The quarrels never turned violent though.

After three hours of failing to remember some random lords second brother's niece twice removed, Ronan's voice in her horns made her jump.

"You look like you're about to choke the next family to death." she went to turn and tell him off only to find that he was halfway across the tavern.

"What... ?"

"Think it, I'll hear it." her mates voice came to her like he was right behind her, and she shivered, remembering that morning.

"Ronan, modifying dreams is one thing, telepathy is quite another." she thought to him, and he flashed her a quick roguish smile.

"Are you surprised? It's something we need to get used to. Everything we say and plan is private here. Nobody can spy or overhear us." his voice was annoying as she was trying to pay attention to the subjects in front of her.

"Do you really expect me to remember all these names and titles and relations?" she asked as the most recent group retreated, the lord bowing to her, and she managed a respectful dip of her own, distracted by Ronan's response.

"Hardly. They all know you'll likely forget their names. The major players will seem familiar to you after a while. The members of the inner court. They will come to you with needs, wishes, and requests. What they do expect is for you to act fairly, with the interests of all at heart. You won't be able to please everyone, but you should still try. Explain the reasons behind your rulings, think of what everyone really needs, and things will come out all right in the end."

Agera felt nervous about this entire proposition. Commanding a squadron was one thing. Commanding an entire race though...

"Want to get out of here?"

"YES." Ronan was at her side instantly.

"If you all will excuse me, the queen and I must make our own preparations for Sorrowsday. Good evening." He bowed politely to the group at large and almost pushed Agera through the tavern door.

Outside, Agera exhaled sharply, and breathed deep the clear air. The lamps and lights had been dimmed, with nothing lighting the streets but the multicolored crystals.

"Better?" he asked her through their mind link.

"Better." she said, smiling at him, "I'm correct in assuming this telepathy thing is from the bond?"

Ronan nodded quietly as they set off down the street. Agera only realized how drunk she was when she swayed involuntarily.

"I'm not sure I'm in any state for more politics. I might start a war." Ronan chuckled at her.

"There's only one more thing to do before Sorrowsday starts. We need to see the Oracle." Agera's horns twitched at the title.

"An Oracle?"

"She once lived on earth. She is our adviser on all major functions, military, political, and diplomatic. She's also a personal consultant."

"For what sort of things?" Agera asked, curious.

"Relationship advice mostly. She also takes the role of keeper of books and records. And she performs ceremonies as well. She'll be doing our bonding ceremony."

They arrived at a small double level home. Over the door there was a sign that read, "Tarot readings".

"Seriously? A pagan fortune teller? Couldn't you get any more stereotypical?" Ronan chuckled again as Agera went to knock on the door frame.

"No need too knock! Please, come in." Agera arched an eye-ridge, her paw halfway to the door and slowly strode forwards.

The inside was calm and quiet and dark. Over the door a cluster of reeds rattled of their own accord, announcing their arrival. Vibrant paintings decorated the walls, and a small grouping of puffy cushions sat next to a low lamp that undulated orange and red light. And cast strange shifting shadows across the room.

A strange creature greeted them, bowing. Agera had never seen such an unusual species. It reminded her of a canine from old earth. The creature was a bipedal, walking digigrade on large four toed paws. It was tall, far taller than a human, about eight feet at the crown of the head. The receptionist had a soft hair, dirty blond, running from nose to bushy tail tip. They wore no clothes, only a loose belt with a large pouch. The creature bowed with such dignity and grace though that she felt her mouth drop open slightly. So fluid were it's movements that it seemed to never stop flowing from one motion to the next.

Agera bowed in kind, and the creature addressed her.

"War-lady Krigsman. The oracle has been expecting you. Please take a cushion, she will join you shortly." the creature said, her, for it most certainly was a she, her voice smooth and mellow like honey.

"What are you?" Agera asked, stunned by this stranger. The female smiled at her.

"I am what's known as a Carthian. My name is Kahleen." Kahleen strode upstairs, and spoke in low tones to somebody. Agera was too anxious to sit or lay down, so she paced. They didn't have to wait long. There was a soft glow, and a small white dragonelle, no more than twenty years of age descended the steps. Her skin was white as the moon, her eyes like stars. She wore no adornments. She didn't really need them though.

"Krigsman." She bowed to Agera respectfully, then turned to Ronan and smiled.

"Ronan." They hugged as if mother and son, and Agera smiled. She could tell Ronan cared for this dragoness greatly. Ronan muttered something in his language that Agera didn't recognize, and she laughed. The Oracle turned back to Agera.

"Agera Krigsman. My name is Oracle Virago. You are here for two reasons, yes? The bonding ceremony, and your future?"

"Yes."

"Good, I was worried my talents might be slipping. You're a remarkably hard female to predict, Agera. Come, time is one luxury we do not have, despite your remarkable powers, young Krigsman."

Agera was about to retort at the "young" remark, but then realized this female was different. Her age probably was different as well.

"Did you bring the emblem, Ronan?" Ronan pulled out what Agera at first thought was a circlet, ruby red in color, until the light slid over it.

"Ronan, how did you..."

"Many treasures were recovered during the earth campaigns. I saw this three months ago, and retrieved it as soon as we got to the Nexus."

Agera ran her claws gently over the artifact, marveling at it's craftsmanship.

"Is there anything you'd like to say before we begin?" she looked at both of them. Agera shook her head no, and smiled at Ronan, expecting him to do the same.

"Actually, there is." he said, looking at the oracle, "Could you give us a moment?"

The small female nodded, and walked to the opposite corner of her room and picked up a mortal and pestal and began to noisily grind some herbs into a paste.
"Ronan?" Agera asked turning her gaze from the female back to her mate, "What's going on? What don't I know?"

Ronan was still watching the female. She glanced at him while grinding her herbs, smiled, then went back to work.

"Ronan, be honest. Was she a past lover?"

"What!? No! Agera, she's my sister." Agera's mouth dropped open.

"Your sis-"

"She was born after the war began. Ever since she was little, she's been special. Her ability to see the future has always been innate. Like a fire dragon's flame breath, or a Rasani's elemental block. She's an absolute prodigy, smarter than anyone I've ever met.

Our mother always hated her. From the very start she locked her away, like some disease. She wasn't mistreated, just secluded, imprisoned. Somewhere deep down, my mother cares for her."

"Your mother sounds like a real ghoul."

"Agera..."

"Sorry..."

"No, Agera." he seemed frustrated, "I can't tell you because of the bond. You have to figure it out on your own. Some already have. Guin knows, and I'm certain Aurora does too."

"..."

"You aren't asking the right questions."

Agera looked between him and his sister. Then thought about it.

"Virago?" she looked up at Agera, "Who is your mother?"

Virago smiled at her gently, "Her real name is Charlotte Caloman. You know her as Avila Darkdaughter."

"..."

"Agera?"

"..."

"Agera..."

"..."

"AGERA"

"I can't be the only one to think that I need to go back a couple of chapters and see if I missed something..."

Ronan frowned at her, "That's... not the reaction I was expecting."

"Well what were you expecting, Jackass? Me to break down crying and claim 'That's not true, that's impossible?'"

"What?! No! I -"

"How long were you gonna let me look like a fucking dumb ass!?"

"Agera, I -"

"You and your sister here must have been having a real good laugh at my expense, haven't you!?"

"AGERA I WANTED TO TELL YOU." he shouted at her suddenly, standing up tall and spreading his wings.

Agera had to admit, as she watch his wings half flap with frustration and anger, she was impressed he had even stood up to her.

"Use your thick head every once in a while, Agera. Think about what that means..." Agera stopped and thought.

"You're a hybrid..."

"Right, and hybrids are different from pure blood Rasani because of their interaction with the bond. They can choose when and who to bond too."

"Wait, what? So when did you bond to me?"

"When do you think? Cause it certainly wasn't in the Citadel..."

"It was when..." Agera trailed off, sudden comprehension hitting her.

"Exactly." Ronan said, smiling, "I bonded with you out of choice, because I knew at that moment that I wanted to share the rest of my life with you..."

Agera didn't need to think or say anything after that. She didn't need to question him. She just grabbed him behind the horn, and dragged him down to her height and kissed him, hard.

When they broke apart, Virago was standing next to them, smiling, and holding the necklace for them. Ronan grabbed her paw in both of his and she laid it over their joined claws.

"High King Ronan Versai. You have been called to bonding by War-lady Agera Krigsman." Agera smiled at the title. She liked the sound of it, "Do you so swear to uphold your bondmate, no matter the cost, even if it should mean the end of everything you love?"

"I so swear it."

"War-lady Agera Krigsman, you have been bonded to High King Ronan Versai. Do you so swear to protect, care for, and consider your bondmate, so long as you both live?"

"I so swear it."

Agera and Ronan walked wing in wing down the quiet, dark path. No lights shown from any of the shops, no younglings played in the streets. No female scolded their mate for coming back late from the pub. No tavern music played, and no meat sizzled on a cooker. The markets were completely vacant.

"Where is everyone?" Agera thought to Ronan as they left Virago's business.

"In ancient times, Sorrowsday was exactly that. A day of sorrow. It was the day we remembered past mistakes and loved ones who had moved on. And it got so depressing that it started to be known as the traditional time to commit suicide. My father changed all that. Properly the day is known as Vektana, or Remembrance Day. Everyone still calls it Sorrowsday though by tradition. Before the celebrations start, everyone takes time to remember. To remember is to honor. The mistakes that we made, the deaths of family and friends, the shame or sorrow of our past is all in vain if we cannot at least remember."

Agera was quiet and distracted as they continued down the street, thinking of all the people who had died. Her mother and father. Jiza. Kiesah and Pyrrus. She remembered laughing at Pyrrus's terrible puns, and the advice Kiesah had given her. She remembered talking to Pyrrus about her parents, and listening to Jiza singing softly to herself after lights out.

"Are you ready?" Ronan's voice made her jump, but she nodded, "The celebration starts in song."

Agera stopped, "Ronan, I don't sing."

"Neither do I..." he said smiling.

Agera thought for a second then remembered one of Jiza's favorite songs.

"Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme
Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine
Come lift up your voices, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again"

Several heads poked out of shops and homes along the street. A few groups joined them as they walked. Ronan heard the lyrics in her mind and he sang the second part.

"So here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let's drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let's drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again"

Several more voices joined theirs. Agera suddenly realized they were headed for the amphitheater. Suddenly, an electric guitar softly sounded further behind them.

"Here's a health to the wee lass that I love so well
For style and for beauty there's none can excel
There's a smile on her countenance as she sits upon my knee
There is no man in this wide world as happy as me"

The group continued to sing as they entered the arena. Agera spotted Italia, looking resplendent in Iridescent paints smiling from horn to horn as she sang. Diablo stood tall and proud beside her, his eyes never leaving his mate. A band strode onto the stage singing and playing along with the melancholy melody.

"So here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let's drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let's drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again"

The band never stopped as the song ended, instead electing to jump right into another tune with a faster beat. And with whoops and hollers and cheers, the crowd began to dance.

Agera had been to parties. She had been to everything for horribly awkward dinner parties, to A-list polished scale dignitary meets, to illicit warehouse raves. And she had never, ever, been to a party like this. It awoke something in the ancient part of her mind. The entire celebration was sheer pleasure, of all sorts. It completely swept her away. She never could recall much. And what she did recall seemed disjointed, and all out of order. And none of it made sense.

Like Janus dancing with a sparkling small white female with a medical pouch slung over one shoulder...

Or the blue and red dragon couple she spotted over the heads of a group of void...

Or the two young golden dragons she had spotted watching her dance with Ronan...

Her and Ronan had mated on several different occasions. Every time they did, Agera was subjected to so much pure unrefined pleasure from her mate and the celebration that she would black out. Whenever she recovered, her and Ronan would drink strong alcohol, dance, sing, and when it would seem that their pleasure had reached a feverish pitch, she would make love with Ronan, and the cycle would begin anew.

Finally, as the celebration wound down, either from time, lack of supplies, or just fatigue, Agera lay curled up against her lovers stomach, dozing peacefully.

"Oh all the comrades that e'er I've had
Are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I've had
Would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all...

Good night and joy be with you all..."

CRACK!

Agera jumped up at the massive report, the sound reverberating off the walls of the Nexus, making it impossible to locate the source of the noise. Ronan was suddenly awake too, looking around for the offender to disturb the last song of the celebration.

CRACK!

The sound came again, louder this time. Agera got to her feet, vaguely noting how sore she felt, particularly in her loins.

CRACK!
CRACK!
CRA-CRACK!

Agera suddenly looked up, on instinct, peering at the darkened shadowy roof of the massive chamber. A series of large fissures spider-webbed across its surface.

CRACK!

And the massive cracks widened the tears and breaks in the cover above. Water suddenly trickled from high above onto her nose, smelling of rain.

"Oh shit..." she looked down at the crowd below her, beneath the balcony she and her mate had been resting on, and shouted as loud as she could, "RUN!"

A sound like an avalanche rang through the cave, drowning out all other sound as the roof collapsed overhead, raining rocks the size of cathedrals down onto the population below...

Description
When Agera returned to the pub, she found Ronan, only slightly drunk, laughing with a smaller void, and a much older void. The smaller stranger flashed her a roguish grin and slid a keg over to her on the bar. He spoke to her over the loud music in a thick Irish accent, and Agera immediately took a liking to him.

"Ronan did nay mention that your beauty matches your fierceness. Me name be Bane Wulfson m'lady. It be mine utmost pleasure!" he said bowing eloquently to her, despite his drunken state.

"Bane is my grand field commander for the allied forces. He's a tactical genius!" Ronan shouted, grabbing his friend by the horn and twisting playfully.

"Awe, shucks Row."

"On shut up Bane, I didn't mean it."

Agera grinned at the pair of them. They looked happy together. She turned to the older male and smiled pleasantly, "And what is your name, good drake?"

The old void actually growled at her, never mind the scowling and the seething, barely contained rage.

"You bare the golden coat of scales, you kill our kinsmen in the hundreds. And yet here you stand, acting as if we are not only allies, but friends, sharing a pint. I am only here at the behest of the High King. I neither claimed nor promised I would be polite."

Ronan hissed at the aging male, "Lord Saigon. Mind your tongue to my mate before I have it cut out."

"My king, might I remind you that as your financier of this venture, you need my wealth, and more importantly, my military, to endeavors on this quest to end Avila's tyrannical reign. I will not support a plan where we trade one dictator for another. We will do as we always have done, defeat this foe with a decisive military victory."

"Grand Lord Saigon. Have you ever -" Agera was about to try and reason with the male when he turned on her and smacked her across the muzzle with the back of his paw. Agera's head was thrown back from the unexpected blow.

I'm gonna break his wrist for that.

Ronan beat her to the punch though. With a roar and a violent snarl, he leaped on top of the older male, sending drinks and tables and stools flying. The band instantly stopped playing and patrons cried out in alarm and jumped out of the way of the two brawling Rasani. It looked as if Ronan might have lost the fight for a second, but then he kicked Saigon in the gut and threw him 'round, coming to rest with the insolent drake's throat beneath his paw.

"High King, I - ggggsh." his paws feebly pushed at Ronan's chest, staring in terror into his eyes which had narrowed to venomous slits. Ronan pressed down on his windpipe, cutting off the airflow.

"Ronan!" Agera couldn't believe that her mate could be so violent so suddenly.

"If you EVER do something like that again Saigon, then I will break your spine myself. I will crush your skull beneath my claws. I will send your body back to your family with your head in a bowl."

Ronan lifted his paw, and got off the top of Saigon. The old drake rolled over, coughing and wheezing, his lungs hunting for breath.

"Now get out."

"Arrogant bastard." Ronan whirled on him and ran a trio of claws across his face, leaving long deep marks on his nose, and the older drake roared in pain.

"So arrogant that I should protect my mate, whom I love dearly?!" he shouted as Saigon roared and snarled, "Now LEAVE!"

And Saigon turned tail and fled. Ronan turned to the rest of the tavern, and saw the mess he had made, and all the eyes on him.

"Damn." Someone from the crowd said. The silver male had blood on his paw from the brawl, so he quietly licked his claws clean, wiped off the sputum that had landed on his cheek when he had punched Saigon, and then turned to the proprietor, who looked as if he were about to breath fire.

"Barkeep, another few rounds for the crowd, on me." the group cheered, "and charge my bill with the cash for damages, extra tips for the waitresses."

Bane chuckled as Ronan righted their table, "Always gettin' in trouble over a female, eh Row?"

"Shut up, Bane."

Agera was slightly nervous after this brief, yet violent exchange. She took a step back as Ronan approached her, and he frowned. He lifted a paw to her chin and turned her head sideways slightly, inspecting her to see if there was any damage.

"I'm fine Ronan. What was that all about?" she asked as he released her. Ronan sighed and sat at their table.

"Not everyone on our side is an ally. 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend' is a stupid phrase. It was a phrase coined by a Persian prince who was beheaded by his subjects. And its pointless. What it should really be is 'The enemy of my enemy is still an enemy, just one who might not kill me immediately'. There are those among my forces who are nervous or angered by you being my bondmate. They should be even angrier now that you're my lifemate."

"I'm fighting Avila though. That's got to count for something."

"To them, you're just replacing Avila, not defeating her. You'd certainly be easier to beat." Bane said quietly, not looking directly at her. Agera flushed red with embarrassment and anger, but she said nothing. She had to admit he was right.

"I've no ambitions to be a murderous tyrant."

"And what of being a great warrior?" Agera's jaw shut with a snap as whatever words she were about to say were cut short. She was silent for a while, until Ronan snapped his claws at her, pulling her out of her thoughts and her drink.

"Eyes forward, my queen. My subjects would like to meet you." A group of patrons and minor lords stood before them, waiting patiently at a polite distance. Ronan beckoned the first in line forwards, a young knight of the far northern realms. He was young and sharp, if a bit small, but his body flowed with toned muscle and eyes were keen and sharp. Ronan introduced him as Scarne, a page and courier for the far north territories where the constant rains turned to never ending blizzards.

After the messenger-knight came his father, and mother, and baby brother. And behind them another family, some minor lord. Agera quickly lost track of names, but she greeted them as kindly as she could. Many lords invited her to their manors for dinner. Several lords ignored her outright. A few growled when she addressed them, to which Ronan snarled, and called them out on their rudeness. The quarrels never turned violent though.

After three hours of failing to remember some random lords second brother's niece twice removed, Ronan's voice in her horns made her jump.

"You look like you're about to choke the next family to death." she went to turn and tell him off only to find that he was halfway across the tavern.

"What... ?"

"Think it, I'll hear it." her mates voice came to her like he was right behind her, and she shivered, remembering that morning.

"Ronan, modifying dreams is one thing, telepathy is quite another." she thought to him, and he flashed her a quick roguish smile.

"Are you surprised? It's something we need to get used to. Everything we say and plan is private here. Nobody can spy or overhear us." his voice was annoying as she was trying to pay attention to the subjects in front of her.

"Do you really expect me to remember all these names and titles and relations?" she asked as the most recent group retreated, the lord bowing to her, and she managed a respectful dip of her own, distracted by Ronan's response.

"Hardly. They all know you'll likely forget their names. The major players will seem familiar to you after a while. The members of the inner court. They will come to you with needs, wishes, and requests. What they do expect is for you to act fairly, with the interests of all at heart. You won't be able to please everyone, but you should still try. Explain the reasons behind your rulings, think of what everyone really needs, and things will come out all right in the end."

Agera felt nervous about this entire proposition. Commanding a squadron was one thing. Commanding an entire race though...

"Want to get out of here?"

"YES." Ronan was at her side instantly.

"If you all will excuse me, the queen and I must make our own preparations for Sorrowsday. Good evening." He bowed politely to the group at large and almost pushed Agera through the tavern door.

Outside, Agera exhaled sharply, and breathed deep the clear air. The lamps and lights had been dimmed, with nothing lighting the streets but the multicolored crystals.

"Better?" he asked her through their mind link.

"Better." she said, smiling at him, "I'm correct in assuming this telepathy thing is from the bond?"

Ronan nodded quietly as they set off down the street. Agera only realized how drunk she was when she swayed involuntarily.

"I'm not sure I'm in any state for more politics. I might start a war." Ronan chuckled at her.

"There's only one more thing to do before Sorrowsday starts. We need to see the Oracle." Agera's horns twitched at the title.

"An Oracle?"

"She once lived on earth. She is our adviser on all major functions, military, political, and diplomatic. She's also a personal consultant."

"For what sort of things?" Agera asked, curious.

"Relationship advice mostly. She also takes the role of keeper of books and records. And she performs ceremonies as well. She'll be doing our bonding ceremony."

They arrived at a small double level home. Over the door there was a sign that read, "Tarot readings".

"Seriously? A pagan fortune teller? Couldn't you get any more stereotypical?" Ronan chuckled again as Agera went to knock on the door frame.

"No need too knock! Please, come in." Agera arched an eye-ridge, her paw halfway to the door and slowly strode forwards.

The inside was calm and quiet and dark. Over the door a cluster of reeds rattled of their own accord, announcing their arrival. Vibrant paintings decorated the walls, and a small grouping of puffy cushions sat next to a low lamp that undulated orange and red light. And cast strange shifting shadows across the room.

A strange creature greeted them, bowing. Agera had never seen such an unusual species. It reminded her of a canine from old earth. The creature was a bipedal, walking digigrade on large four toed paws. It was tall, far taller than a human, about eight feet at the crown of the head. The receptionist had a soft hair, dirty blond, running from nose to bushy tail tip. They wore no clothes, only a loose belt with a large pouch. The creature bowed with such dignity and grace though that she felt her mouth drop open slightly. So fluid were it's movements that it seemed to never stop flowing from one motion to the next.

Agera bowed in kind, and the creature addressed her.

"War-lady Krigsman. The oracle has been expecting you. Please take a cushion, she will join you shortly." the creature said, her, for it most certainly was a she, her voice smooth and mellow like honey.

"What are you?" Agera asked, stunned by this stranger. The female smiled at her.

"I am what's known as a Carthian. My name is Kahleen." Kahleen strode upstairs, and spoke in low tones to somebody. Agera was too anxious to sit or lay down, so she paced. They didn't have to wait long. There was a soft glow, and a small white dragonelle, no more than twenty years of age descended the steps. Her skin was white as the moon, her eyes like stars. She wore no adornments. She didn't really need them though.

"Krigsman." She bowed to Agera respectfully, then turned to Ronan and smiled.

"Ronan." They hugged as if mother and son, and Agera smiled. She could tell Ronan cared for this dragoness greatly. Ronan muttered something in his language that Agera didn't recognize, and she laughed. The Oracle turned back to Agera.

"Agera Krigsman. My name is Oracle Virago. You are here for two reasons, yes? The bonding ceremony, and your future?"

"Yes."

"Good, I was worried my talents might be slipping. You're a remarkably hard female to predict, Agera. Come, time is one luxury we do not have, despite your remarkable powers, young Krigsman."

Agera was about to retort at the "young" remark, but then realized this female was different. Her age probably was different as well.

"Did you bring the emblem, Ronan?" Ronan pulled out what Agera at first thought was a circlet, ruby red in color, until the light slid over it.

"Ronan, how did you..."

"Many treasures were recovered during the earth campaigns. I saw this three months ago, and retrieved it as soon as we got to the Nexus."

Agera ran her claws gently over the artifact, marveling at it's craftsmanship.

"Is there anything you'd like to say before we begin?" she looked at both of them. Agera shook her head no, and smiled at Ronan, expecting him to do the same.

"Actually, there is." he said, looking at the oracle, "Could you give us a moment?"

The small female nodded, and walked to the opposite corner of her room and picked up a mortal and pestal and began to noisily grind some herbs into a paste.
"Ronan?" Agera asked turning her gaze from the female back to her mate, "What's going on? What don't I know?"

Ronan was still watching the female. She glanced at him while grinding her herbs, smiled, then went back to work.

"Ronan, be honest. Was she a past lover?"

"What!? No! Agera, she's my sister." Agera's mouth dropped open.

"Your sis-"

"She was born after the war began. Ever since she was little, she's been special. Her ability to see the future has always been innate. Like a fire dragon's flame breath, or a Rasani's elemental block. She's an absolute prodigy, smarter than anyone I've ever met.

Our mother always hated her. From the very start she locked her away, like some disease. She wasn't mistreated, just secluded, imprisoned. Somewhere deep down, my mother cares for her."

"Your mother sounds like a real ghoul."

"Agera..."

"Sorry..."

"No, Agera." he seemed frustrated, "I can't tell you because of the bond. You have to figure it out on your own. Some already have. Guin knows, and I'm certain Aurora does too."

"..."

"You aren't asking the right questions."

Agera looked between him and his sister. Then thought about it.

"Virago?" she looked up at Agera, "Who is your mother?"

Virago smiled at her gently, "Her real name is Charlotte Caloman. You know her as Avila Darkdaughter."

"..."

"Agera?"

"..."

"Agera..."

"..."

"AGERA"

"I can't be the only one to think that I need to go back a couple of chapters and see if I missed something..."

Ronan frowned at her, "That's... not the reaction I was expecting."

"Well what were you expecting, Jackass? Me to break down crying and claim 'That's not true, that's impossible?'"

"What?! No! I -"

"How long were you gonna let me look like a fucking dumb ass!?"

"Agera, I -"

"You and your sister here must have been having a real good laugh at my expense, haven't you!?"

"AGERA I WANTED TO TELL YOU." he shouted at her suddenly, standing up tall and spreading his wings.

Agera had to admit, as she watch his wings half flap with frustration and anger, she was impressed he had even stood up to her.

"Use your thick head every once in a while, Agera. Think about what that means..." Agera stopped and thought.

"You're a hybrid..."

"Right, and hybrids are different from pure blood Rasani because of their interaction with the bond. They can choose when and who to bond too."

"Wait, what? So when did you bond to me?"

"When do you think? Cause it certainly wasn't in the Citadel..."

"It was when..." Agera trailed off, sudden comprehension hitting her.

"Exactly." Ronan said, smiling, "I bonded with you out of choice, because I knew at that moment that I wanted to share the rest of my life with you..."

Agera didn't need to think or say anything after that. She didn't need to question him. She just grabbed him behind the horn, and dragged him down to her height and kissed him, hard.

When they broke apart, Virago was standing next to them, smiling, and holding the necklace for them. Ronan grabbed her paw in both of his and she laid it over their joined claws.

"High King Ronan Versai. You have been called to bonding by War-lady Agera Krigsman." Agera smiled at the title. She liked the sound of it, "Do you so swear to uphold your bondmate, no matter the cost, even if it should mean the end of everything you love?"

"I so swear it."

"War-lady Agera Krigsman, you have been bonded to High King Ronan Versai. Do you so swear to protect, care for, and consider your bondmate, so long as you both live?"

"I so swear it."

Agera and Ronan walked wing in wing down the quiet, dark path. No lights shown from any of the shops, no younglings played in the streets. No female scolded their mate for coming back late from the pub. No tavern music played, and no meat sizzled on a cooker. The markets were completely vacant.

"Where is everyone?" Agera thought to Ronan as they left Virago's business.

"In ancient times, Sorrowsday was exactly that. A day of sorrow. It was the day we remembered past mistakes and loved ones who had moved on. And it got so depressing that it started to be known as the traditional time to commit suicide. My father changed all that. Properly the day is known as Vektana, or Remembrance Day. Everyone still calls it Sorrowsday though by tradition. Before the celebrations start, everyone takes time to remember. To remember is to honor. The mistakes that we made, the deaths of family and friends, the shame or sorrow of our past is all in vain if we cannot at least remember."

Agera was quiet and distracted as they continued down the street, thinking of all the people who had died. Her mother and father. Jiza. Kiesah and Pyrrus. She remembered laughing at Pyrrus's terrible puns, and the advice Kiesah had given her. She remembered talking to Pyrrus about her parents, and listening to Jiza singing softly to herself after lights out.

"Are you ready?" Ronan's voice made her jump, but she nodded, "The celebration starts in song."

Agera stopped, "Ronan, I don't sing."

"Neither do I..." he said smiling.

Agera thought for a second then remembered one of Jiza's favorite songs.

"Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme
Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine
Come lift up your voices, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again"

Several heads poked out of shops and homes along the street. A few groups joined them as they walked. Ronan heard the lyrics in her mind and he sang the second part.

"So here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let's drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let's drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again"

Several more voices joined theirs. Agera suddenly realized they were headed for the amphitheater. Suddenly, an electric guitar softly sounded further behind them.

"Here's a health to the wee lass that I love so well
For style and for beauty there's none can excel
There's a smile on her countenance as she sits upon my knee
There is no man in this wide world as happy as me"

The group continued to sing as they entered the arena. Agera spotted Italia, looking resplendent in Iridescent paints smiling from horn to horn as she sang. Diablo stood tall and proud beside her, his eyes never leaving his mate. A band strode onto the stage singing and playing along with the melancholy melody.

"So here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let's drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let's drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again"

The band never stopped as the song ended, instead electing to jump right into another tune with a faster beat. And with whoops and hollers and cheers, the crowd began to dance.

Agera had been to parties. She had been to everything for horribly awkward dinner parties, to A-list polished scale dignitary meets, to illicit warehouse raves. And she had never, ever, been to a party like this. It awoke something in the ancient part of her mind. The entire celebration was sheer pleasure, of all sorts. It completely swept her away. She never could recall much. And what she did recall seemed disjointed, and all out of order. And none of it made sense.

Like Janus dancing with a sparkling small white female with a medical pouch slung over one shoulder...

Or the blue and red dragon couple she spotted over the heads of a group of void...

Or the two young golden dragons she had spotted watching her dance with Ronan...

Her and Ronan had mated on several different occasions. Every time they did, Agera was subjected to so much pure unrefined pleasure from her mate and the celebration that she would black out. Whenever she recovered, her and Ronan would drink strong alcohol, dance, sing, and when it would seem that their pleasure had reached a feverish pitch, she would make love with Ronan, and the cycle would begin anew.

Finally, as the celebration wound down, either from time, lack of supplies, or just fatigue, Agera lay curled up against her lovers stomach, dozing peacefully.

"Oh all the comrades that e'er I've had
Are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I've had
Would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all...

Good night and joy be with you all..."

CRACK!

Agera jumped up at the massive report, the sound reverberating off the walls of the Nexus, making it impossible to locate the source of the noise. Ronan was suddenly awake too, looking around for the offender to disturb the last song of the celebration.

CRACK!

The sound came again, louder this time. Agera got to her feet, vaguely noting how sore she felt, particularly in her loins.

CRACK!
CRACK!
CRA-CRACK!

Agera suddenly looked up, on instinct, peering at the darkened shadowy roof of the massive chamber. A series of large fissures spider-webbed across its surface.

CRACK!

And the massive cracks widened the tears and breaks in the cover above. Water suddenly trickled from high above onto her nose, smelling of rain.

"Oh shit..." she looked down at the crowd below her, beneath the balcony she and her mate had been resting on, and shouted as loud as she could, "RUN!"

A sound like an avalanche rang through the cave, drowning out all other sound as the roof collapsed overhead, raining rocks the size of cathedrals down onto the population below...