Dragon Gods Reign

[Beast continent]

Standing on an elevated position and looking into the vale before him, Darganth had a smile on his lips as he watched the gathering of beasts disperse. In retrospect, it may have been unnecessary to stay at as great of a distance to the gathering of the beast lords, but he didn't want to risk being trapped amidst mythical rank entities had a fight ensued, something he was surprised didn't happen.

“I'm just going to say it, this was easier than expected.” Allaire said as they watched the gathering disperse after Bator closed it.

“And duller, why couldn't we get to see mythical ranks fight.” Jennia complained.

“Maybe, but it was also a good learning opportunity.” Darganth said in response.

Nodding in agreement with him, Serania continued to attentively observe the meeting's participants as they turned to leave.

“Though it seems we'll have fewer problems with uprisings than expected, most seem to accept the change even if reluctantly.” She said.

“I wouldn't be so sure, they were never my main suspects for it. What I'm instead more interested in is how the groups, both beast as well as beastmen, that aren't eligible to be here will react once the news reaches them. If one of the participants tries it then they are beyond hope, especially after having experienced Bator's dragon's fear just now instead of only hearing about his might.” Darganth said.

The corners of her mouth arching up, Jennia's annoyance vanished quickly and was replaced by amusement at the implications of his words.

“Meaning it will mostly be fourth ranks is what you want to say with all of that, ain't I right?” Jennia asked.

“All groups with mythical ranks among them were invited to either this meeting or the one between the supreme clans, so it should be mostly those without one.” Darganth said with a grin.

“Perfect.” Jennia hummed with a grin that mirrored his.

Chuckling at the enthusiasm over the coming fight that she had grown to expect from the two, Allaire looked over to Serania. Seeing her confused look, she just nodded empathetical in her direction.

“You'll grow used to it.”

“Yeah, a part of me just hasn’t yet caught up with the fact that I no longer have to worry about everything around me.” Serania said.

“Old habits, huh? While I was lucky, I watched the same with a good portion of my old tribe so if you need something, just ask.” Allaire told her.

“Will do, thank you.” Serania said with a thankful smile.

Joining the two's conversation a couple of seconds later, Darganth walked over to them and snaked his arms around their hips.

“I'm assuming that you'll be joining but only watching from the sidelines, or?” He asked Allaire.

“If I can, yes. I'll step in should it get necessary but otherwise I'll leave the fighting to those that find more enjoyment in it than I do.” Allaire said.

“Don't forget to enjoy yourself too.” Darganth told her.

Giving Allaire a gentle kiss on the cheek as he did, he tightened his embrace. Feeling his fingers trailing down her back, she snuggled closer to him with a satisfied hum of acknowledgment.

Continuing, Darganth turned to Serania without disturbing Allaire.

“What about you?” He asked.

“I'm not sure. While I could use the experience of fighting seriously against foes besides monsters and the occasional weak beast, I don't want to stop your fun.”

“Don't worry about that and just decide for yourself.” Darganth said.

Nodding, Serania didn't reply and instead sank into her thoughts and did as he said.

Staying by her as she absentmindedly stared into the distance, Darganth enjoyed the moment as he talked with Jennia and Allaire.

Barely paying attention to their surroundings, the two were initially confused when he suddenly stopped mid-sentence and turned to his left. Following the direction of his gaze, they quickly noticed the approaching presence he had felt.

Noticing Jennia gathering her mana in preparation for a confrontation, Darganth shook his head in her direction to indicate that it wasn't necessary.

Momentarily confused, Jennia took a second look at the approaching individual. Recognizing the transformed beast, she followed Darganth's suggestion as her worries vanished.

A couple moments later the individual in question reached the elevated position they were on, having walked there with a speed far above what his current form of an elderly man would indicate him to be capable of.

“Your Highnesses.”

Raising an eyebrow in response to this address, Darganth momentarily didn't know how to react. Simply shaking his head with a sigh a moment later, he could only applaud the beast before him for coming to this conclusion.

“Seems like I underestimated you, I doubt Bator would slip up and reveal something about our deal. Feril was it, right?” Darganth said.

“Yes. And no, he didn't. But I haven't lived as long as I did without picking up a thing or two and my understanding of the thoughts of others has always served me especially well. Though I have to admit, the knowledge of your kind's existence also helped.”

As Darganth nodded with a thoughtful expression, impressed by the feat even with the last part, Serania joined the conversation.

“Before we drift too far off topic I would like to talk about the reason why I asked Bator to tell you to meet us.” She said.

“He only mentioned that it is connected with my research into bloodline conflicts and the resulting bloodline gaps.”

“Yes. I had hoped that you could take a look at the people of my tribe and whether there is a way to offer them improvements through it. They may now be part of the Crimson scale clan, but it's only because of me and I had hoped to give them one last gift before leaving.” Serania asked.

Throughout her explanation, Feril's eyes continuously widened in surprise. Taking a moment to think, his expression kept switching between intrigue and hesitation during it.

“I'm going to look and see what I can do, but it's unlikely that it will be much. I started my research into it to help my descendants look after themselves, but ever since I achieved that I didn't continue it. Though a part of that was the lack of progress as finding such cases is rare, meaning that if I had some time to study their bloodlines I could increase the chances.” He said.

“I'll talk with them about it. Either way, I can understand that you would want to protect your family in preparation for the chaos that is to come so I'll just ask you to take a look at this and tell me if you find anything.”

Along with those words, Serania loosened one of the pouches that hung on her belt and held it out towards Feril.

“I had asked some of my aides for a couple of drops of their blood and put it in here with anything else I thought you might need. I don't have all that high hopes, so it's fine if you don't achieve anything with it but I would be glad if you tried.”

Nodding with a compassionate smile at her heartfelt plea, Feril took the pouch from her.

“I'll do my best.” He said reassuringly.