Dragons of Aster Cliffs (Chapter 9)

[sidhe_faerie]

 

CHAPTER 9

In the days that followed, the other two Ladies came and the dragons had attached to them. Myrdren still stayed close to Lady Benna. Lady Benna expected it because he was the youngest.

The day after Lady Estella arrived, Lord Aster remarked that the dragons liked the Ladies better than he.

Lady Benna laughed. “It’s because they are with their mothers more than their fathers in the wild. It’s just like mundane children in a way.”

“They are certainly as unruly are mundane children.” Lady Estella said. “But they are precious just the same.”

“I would like for you ladies to be called ‘Matron’.” Lord Aster said. “It’s very close to ‘Mother’. That is what you are to them.”

“That would be an honor, Lord Aster. Lady Estella said. “We will be taking care of their every need until they are old enough to care for themselves just like a mother would do for her children.”

“They need a gentle hand to nurture them. We want them to be well behaved and calm.” Lady Benna said. “The last thing we need is the dragons to become aggressive.”

“I will forever be grateful to you ladies for the love and care you give them.” Lord Aster said.

Lady Benna reached out and touched Lord Aster’s arm. “I am honored to care for my kin. It is the greatest honor any draconian can ever have.”

Lord Aster took her hand and kissed it. “Well then I am glad for my fondness of dragons. Some more than others.”:

Lady Estella cleared her throat and looked embarrassed.

“Come Estella. We need to get them to bed.” Lady Benna smiled at Lord Aster as she left. 

They didn’t have to wait long for the sanctuary to be finished. In less than three weeks the sanctuary’s main building was completed. The workman had cleared out and everything was ready to move the dragons to the sanctuary.

Lord Aster and Lady Benna as well as Lady Estella Wyvern and Lady Tsing Na decided to bring the dragons to the cliffs and settle them in. It was early in the morning when they started. They started out with the dragons in two carts in the cages that they had come to Ogham-Duir. The journey was long and by the time the dragons arrived at their new home it was well in the evening. The ladies settled them in for the night and made a plan for their care.

Lady Benna, Lady Estella and Lady Tsing Na had decided that they would take shifts to care for the dragons. They split the day into thirds. Lady Tsing Na took the morning shift and taught the little dragons to meditate and exercise. Lady Estella took the afternoon shift for playtime. Lady Benna was on the bedtime shift so she could sing to her ‘little darlings’.

On their first full day, most of the dragons enjoyed the freedom of being able to run and play. They were still watched closely by the caretakers. They were allowed to explore. Lord Aster took note that there should be some kind of barrier to keep them from the edge of the cliffs.

Everything had been good news so far until lord Retalon received word for the Old World. The bad news that came was expected in a way. Lord Retalon came while the dragons were at their naptime. Lord Aster and the Ladies stood in the small entry of the sanctuary building as Lord Retalon told them the news.

“I have received word from the Old World. The Terras family is no more. They were lost in an epidemic of fever ten years ago.” Lord Retalon told them.

“Are they sure they are all gone?” Lady Benna asked.

“Yes. The courier went to the village and found the records and the graves. I fear their fate will be ours someday. There are less and less of us all the time.” Lord Retalon was obviously upset.    

“We knew it was a possibility.” Lord Aster said. “It is a great loss none the less. Were they the only family with the earth trait?”

“They were the only family I knew of. I do believe there are some with the trait that are not full draconian.” Lord Retalon said.

“Would any on those be willing to come?” Lady Tsing Na asked.

“That isn’t the problem. They have to be able to transform quickly and without difficulty.” Lady Benna said. “There are some draconian that cannot transform. The babies will need to see their kin in dragon form.”

“Myrdren and Myra are attached to you, Lady Benna and you are not of their element.” Lady Tsing Na said. “Maybe they can serve as assistants to cook and clean for us.”

“Tsing Na, we need to do that for ourselves.” Lady Benna said.

“I wasn’t trained as you were I spent most of my time being waited on not serving.” Lady Tsing Na told them.

“Neither was I but I’m willing to learn.” Lady Estella said. “It will take some time for us to adjust but I do believe this is a calling. We are doing a service to our kin, Tsing Na.”

“I suppose but I will need help with all these tasks.” Lady Tsing Na said.

“We will help you.” Lady Benna said. “When I was in training with the Sisters of Atlantis I learned all these skills and I will be willing to teach you.”

The other two ladies smiled and nodded to Lady Benna.

“We need to get busy. They will be awake soon. Thank you for coming, Father, to tell us.” Lady Benna said.

“I am very invested in the success of the sanctuary as you all know. I will take my leave before your charges wake. Walk with me Lord Aster.” Lord Retalon headed for the door.

“Yes My Lord.” Lord Aster looked at Lady Benna and then followed her father outside.

“Have you asked her yet?” Lord Retalon looked at him.

“Asked her?” Lord Aster was confused.

Lord Retalon laughed. “Maybe I should ask if she has asked you?”

“Oh that!” Lord aster blushed. “I haven’t asked her yet but I will after the dedication ceremony. King Harrod has insisted we have one.” 

“He just wants to have an opportunity to show the other leaders of Ogham-Duir up.” Lord Retalon laughed. “You of course will invite the High Council of Atlantis.

“I already have them on the list, My Lord. As well as some of the more important families on Atlantis. Lady Benna was helping me with the list.”

“Good! I must return to Atlantis now. Tell Drake I will be back before the dedication.” Lord Retalon stepped into the open and held his hands palm down as the wall of fire transformed him into a dragon. He was more gold than his children and there were several noticeable scars along his body. He flew out over the cliff to Atlantis. 

Lady Benna came out as Lord Aster watched her father fly. “What did he want?”

“He wanted to know about the dedication ceremony. He wanted to make sure that the High Council was invited.” Lord Aster said.

“Is that all he wanted?” Lady Benna gave him a pointed look.

Lord aster laughed. “I have no idea what you are asking.”

“My father approves of you that means he is impatient for you to propose.” Lady Benna said.  

Lord Aster laughed. “The ‘little darlings’ will be awake any moment Benna.”

“Fine! Don’t tell me.” Lady Benna turned and went back inside.

Lord Aster laughed.  

Invitations for the dedication ceremony were sent to the leaders of all five Realms of Ogham-Duir and the High Council of Atlantis.

All of the leaders graciously accepted the invitation to attend. Invitations were also sent to other families on Atlantis as well. Many accepted but a few did not.

On the day of the reception, there were tables filled with food and wine and ale. King Harrod was on hand to welcome the guest as they celebrated the dragon sanctuary officially opening on Ogham-Duir. Everyone was given a tour of the sanctuary and introduced to the dragons.

The dragons moved around among the people freely. Some of the dragons were very timid to be around so many people. They stayed close to the Matrons. Myrdren didn’t leave Lady Benna’s side the entire time. 

There were some guests that were afraid of the dragons. Queen Deirdre of the Tuathe was especially wary of them. Others such as King Kristen of Cullen patted them on the head and gave them bits of fruit.

Lord Aster laughed as Myrdren trailed after Lady Benna nearly stepping on her skirts.  “He’s not going to leave you is he?”

Lady Benna turned around and waved Myrdren to her. She gave the little dragon a piece of apple. “I don’t believe he will ever leave me. He is being very shy today. I don’t blame him really. There is much going on. I hear that King Harrod wants to make a speech to dedicate the sanctuary.”

“Yes he does. The tours are almost over so it will be any minute.” Lord Aster said. “I wonder how long it will be.”

“Very long most likely. He is a king. They are all long winded.” Lady Benna laughed.

“Gather ‘round! Gather ‘round!” King Harrod called out.  

“Leaders of Ogham-Duir, High Council of Atlantis and dear friends welcome to the Dragon Sanctuary of Aster Cliffs.” King Harrod started.

Lord Aster and Lady Benna look at each other and smile.

“In these times of uncertainty, we gain solace in the knowledge that their magick will be preserved. Here the magick of these noble beasts will flourish as will their numbers.

“I am honored that Lord Ulster Aster had brought these creatures to my land. This kingdom is happy to include all creatures, mundane and magickal in a welcoming embrace as do all of the realms of this Ogham-Duir. So on this day we welcome Lord Ulster Aster and his dragons to the lands of Ogham-Duir.

“So let us raise our glass and toast to the Dragon Sanctuary Of Aster Cliffs, Lord Aster, the Matrons and the dragons. All hail!”

“All hail!” Everyone said together.

“That wasn’t that bad.” Lord Aster whispered to Lady Benna.

“I think Father told him to keep it short.” Lady Benna said as she looked over at her father and the King.

“I should thank your father for that.” Lord aster laughed.

Lady Benna nodded and smiled as she moved off with Myrdren trailing her shirts.

The party continued into the late day. It was nearly dark when the last of the guests left. Lady Benna rounded up the dragons and got them settled in to bed. Lord Aster stayed to help with the clearing up of the party remains.

Lord Aster was putting some scraps into the large waste barrel when he stopped to listen to Lady Benna sing to the dragons.

Lady Estella came up beside him. “I don’t know what you are waiting for.”

“Pardon My Lady?” Lord Aster looked startled.

“Ask her already. I see how you look at her. Everyone does. It does not matter that you are mundane if you truly love her.” Lady Estella said.

“I may just do that, My Lady.” Lord aster said with a smile.

“If you do not my older brother, Willas, is looking for a mate.” Lady Estella said. Lord Retalon would jump at a chance to join draconian dynasties.

“I get your meaning, My Lady. Lord aster said.

“See that you do. My brother Willas is a bore.” Lady Estella said.

Lord aster laughed. “Then I have no competition.”    

Lady Estella shook her head and laughed as she went back to pick up more of the party mess.

Lord Aster stood there for a few more minutes and waited as the singing stopped and the lights went lower. He went to the door and looked in. “Can I speak with you?

Lady Benna nodded and went to the door to speak to him. “They are asleep but I shouldn’t go very far. Myrdren sometimes wakes up.”

“You spoil him you know.” Lord Aster offered her his arm and Lady Benna took it with a smile.

“Yes but he is so young. What is it that you wanted to speak with me about?” Her curiosity was peaked.

“I need to ask you a question of great importance.” Lord Aster said as he led her away from the door.

“What is that, My Lord?” Lady Benna asked coyly.

“Benna, I think we know each other well enough to drop the formality.” Lord Aster turned to her.

“You are right. We are raising ten little darlings together aren’t we?” Lady Benna smiled.

Lord Aster nodded. “Benna want to marry you. Will you marry me?”

“Yes Ulster. I will but we must do it here. We must have the dragons at the ceremony.” Lady Benna said smiling.

“Here on the cliff.” Lord aster said smiling. “It’s a perfect place.”

“Yes. Here looking out to sea.” Lady Benna looked out at the horizon.

“Your father has been waiting for me to do this you know. He is very impatient.” Lord aster said.

The other Matrons thought we were already engaged.” Lady Benna told him. “They were surprised that we were not.”

“That explains Lady Estella warning to me.” Lord Aster laughed. “She told me her brother Willas is boring.”

“He is.” Lady Benna laughed.

“When shall we marry?” Lord Aster asked.

“Give me three months, please, to get it all together and then we shall be husband and wife.” Lady Benna smiled up at him with her eyes full of love.

“Three months it is.” Lord Aster said. “I hope your father can wait that long.”

They looked at each other and laughed.

Chapter 10