Chapter 9 (1/2)

Draco didn't really know what he should be feeling. On the one hand, he should be devastated at being pushed away from the dragon community, but he was used to it, as everyone treated him as someone else, inferior, and yet now he had heard from three essentially strangers that the mage society would welcome him with open arms and full acceptance. A feeling began to accompany him that perhaps he had finally found his place in this vast world. He also felt some kind of incomprehensible relief at the realization that he was sitting at the same table with someone he was to call master from now on. He was happy. He was really enjoying himself as never before, not counting those few moments with Jeviev. Until now, he hadn't realised how much it weighed on him how others perceived him and how they treated him. It was only when he found himself in a completely different situation that he realised that he had never really felt part of the dragon community, yet he had always harboured a need to belong, and it was only the awakening of his magical abilities that gave him the chance to feel that there was a group that accepted him and to which he belonged.

-I hope we will work well together- said Bleist. Draco judged the mage to be a straightforward person, but he was also able to hide that true self under a mask of calm and composure.

-As long as you behave normally it will be fine.- Said the elfess with a fleeting smile. I don't know what she's basically doing here. He thought intrigued. He didn't know how he could have realised so late that the woman he had initially assessed as someone similar to the assistant of one of the diplomats was actually someone very important in political circles. I'm curious as to why she's here, especially as she's definitely not an Atlantean.- Otherwise I'll have to keep an eye on you again,- she stated, biting her lip. Darius reddened slightly.

-Don't be so forward.- Othis muttered slowly massaging his temples. He was suddenly more waspish, tired and sleep-deprived. He must have been hiding it all along. I wonder why he's so drained? Draco suspected it had to do with the difficult task of convincing the Council members to do anything.- You're no better than he is,- added the Ambassador with a sigh.- You two never agree.

*********************************************************************************************************

Darius looked out of the window and only now realised how late it was. The sun was already sinking towards the horizon. He rubbed his hands together and looked at his new apprentice. The boy seemed livelier than just a moment ago. I think he's really happy with the way things turned out, though. He admitted to himself. He wasn't the only one, anyway. He glanced surreptitiously at his friend and noticed that the latter, despite the fatigue painted on his face, was smiling slightly, something he did not do very often. He knew that this meant he was truly satisfied and did not regret anything. As always. And her? He cast a glance at Gizel. She doesn't take her eyes off Draco, she looks as if she already wants to lash out at him with an incredible amount of questions she wants to know the answers to. She can't stop herself from doing so. He sighed heavily, thinking of yet another matter that needed to be dealt with as soon as possible.

- Draco- he spoke up wanting to focus his protégé's attention on himself.--I think you know what I want to propose now, don't you?- He suspected that the dragon was well aware of this, but didn't want to interrupt the meeting he was so curious about.

-Yes, I think I do.- Said the boy looking Darius straight in the eyes. He liked the fact that his student was not afraid of eye contact and the fact that his whole posture seemed relaxed, but not even for a second did he lose his alertness. He also noticed that the dragon was comfortable in the company of other mages and stopped paying attention to the fact that he was sitting in the same room with the Atlantean Ambassador and started treating it like a social gathering with his new mentor's friends.- Master would probably like to go and meet my aunt.- He stated calmly, but nevertheless Bleist noticed that when he pronounced the word master the dragon's lips curved into a gentle smile. That really appealed to him. Darius felt that it suited him more and more when the boy addressed him in this way. Why did I always refuse before when someone wanted to be my apprentice? Rising from his seat he crossed his gaze with Draco's. The answer is simple, I was actually just waiting for someone like him, or rather for him specifically. He smiled.-Pardon me for a moment, but I need to get changed. It seems to me that a Colonel of the Azure Guard visiting an elderly dragoness could cause too many rumours.- He winked at his student, and the latter smiled in response. We'll quickly find a common language. He stated in spirit.- Wait for me here, I will be right back.

-Of course, Master.- Draco seemed to be getting more and more used to using that title.

-Oh, you don't have to worry though.- Gizel reached for another cookie.- We'll keep your apprentice company, won't we, Hugo? -She turned towards the Ambassador, who only after a moment realised that someone had said something to him at all.

-Forgive me, I'm probably too tired already,- Othis said without conviction and rose from his seat without further ado.-Excuse me, but I think I must leave you now. Four days without sleep is my ultimate limit though.- He muttered grimly.- It was very nice to meet you Draco. I think we'll be seeing each other from time to time, as I intend to drop by Atlantis more often to take a breather from life in Dagos. Pardon me, but for me it is too tiring in excess though.-He smiled crookedly.

-It was an honour, Mr Ambassador.- Draco seemed to suddenly remember who he was talking to and straightened up almost to attention.

-No, no, stop.- Othis waved his hand.-You're Darius's apprentice now, so I'd rather you forget what position I currently hold and treat me as a friend of your master's, or just as a tired grumbler.

-Yes, of course.-The dragon didn't know how to take it, but after a few nods he must have decided it was for the best after all, because he relaxed and slumped back in his seat.

-Phi, what a bore.- Gizel snorted, shaking her head and picking at another biscuit.-They're always like that.- She said, turning to Draco.-You don't have to worry. When it comes down to it, they're the ones you can rely on, but unfortunately they can spoil any social gathering.- She reached for another biscuit, but her hand came up empty.- What's up?- She furrowed her eyebrows and started looking around for the tray that had just been placed in front of her.- Where...?- She paused as she saw Bleist handing the sweets to his disciple.

-As long as you hold this you will manage to wriggle out of the storm of questions that is about to be unleashed.- Othis giggled as he saw the sudden indignation blossoming on the elfin woman's face.-Forgive me for leaving you with this sweet monster, but I really will try to return as soon as possible.- Darius disappeared behind the door the moment the thrown cupcake hit the doorframe at the height of his head.

-Behave as befits a person of your reputation.- Exhaled Hugo choking with laughter.-And now, if you'll excuse me, my bed is calling. It's been too long since we've seen each other.-He nodded goodbye and left with a giggle.

-So we are left alone.- Said Gizel focusing all her attention on the boy.-Maybe you can tell me more about yourself.- She suggested, and sparks of lust for knowledge flashed in her eyes. She reached for another biscuit on the tray that Draco had put down on the tabletop in the meantime. Just as she was about to take it, however, the tray moved away from her and into the dragon's hands.

-I think I'll keep it though, after all, that's what my master said- stated Draco with a mischievous glint in his eye and a roguish grin.

-You're all the same- huffed the elven lady shaking her head. I like it more and more. She admitted to herself. I really did a good job of helping them orchestrate this. She boasted in her mind. And even better by not filing any reports with the palace. She added with amusement.

*********************************************************************************************************

Bleist was just pulling off his blue coat when a knock sounded at the door. Before he could say anything, however, Othis was already standing in the doorway searching for him with his eyes.

-Don't disturb yourself.- He said then walked over to the bed and sat down heavily on it.-Before I go to sleep I have something to tell you.- He sighed watching his friend slowly put on his dragon tunic.

-It must be something important or else you'd probably be lying on the hall floor snoring sweetly and dreaming of a soft mattress.- He smiled seeing the wry look on the Ambassador's face.-Well cough it up before you fall asleep.

-It's about Draco,- said Hugo rubbing his eyes once more.-When I tested his power... Hmmmm... How should I say it.-He closed his eyes searching for the right words.-Well, I was pushed out of his consciousness and not by his own will.- He sighed and looked at Darius.-It's not at all about him being a dragon either, although I wouldn't advise venturing too deep into your apprentice's source. Admittedly I have not seen his dragon aspect, but it is enough that I have heard it once.-He shook his head.-But before he threw me out I sensed something, unfortunately I am unable to determine what it was, but I surmise that your apprentice may possess a dual nature.

-Dual nature?- Bleist stopped motionless staring with wide-open eyes at his friend.-Are you sure?

-Yes, rather yes.- Othis nodded trying to resist the temptation to go to sleep.-You have hit upon a very special student. A dragon with a dual nature of magic.- He smiled as sincerely as he could at that moment.- Unfortunately, I cannot say unequivocally what the second nature is. It is rare for light magic to be accompanied by another, and a rather powerful one at that. Before I was pushed out I noticed something, like a shadow, but I don't know what it was exactly.

-It's... unusual for a mage of light to have a dual nature.- Darius shook his head in fascination.-Last time... This, wait who was it last time?- He turned abruptly towards his friend.

-If my memory serves me right it was probably Vel'heris the Bloody about two hundred years ago.

-Wait, wait... His dual nature was the magic of light and... fire, no?- Darius scratched his chin wonderingly.

-Sometimes you listened to lectures, though.- Othis muttered sluggishly, trying to stop himself from sleeping.-You can tell no one about this, it's better that way. First, help him control all his power, although I think with his talent it won't be a problem, and such a trump card is better kept up your sleeve, right?

-Yes, you're right.- Bleist smiled to himself as he heard his friend's breathing suddenly become even and deep, and a moment later, as he closed the door, the muffled sound of snoring reached him. -He barely said what he had to say and he's already asleep.- He whispered while shaking his head.

*********************************************************************************************************

Draco was sitting holding a tray of sweets and measuring the elven beauty with his gaze. He knew she was enjoying herself and the anger on her face was simply the result of acting, as he had to admit, very good acting.

-Tell me,- she began by tilting her head slightly.-how do you feel now as one of the Atlantean mages?

-If I'm honest it's better than I could have ever imagined.-He took one of the chocolate cakes and set the tray on the edge of the tabletop.-I guess I'll have to get used to it. I have a feeling that, as far as this case is concerned, it's going to be all right.

-Intuition, eh?- Gizel reached for the tray, watching the dragon's hands closely.-I think that sooner or later, you will find out for yourself, but it is intuition that is one of the most important qualities of a wizard.- She smiled, levelling the effects of her acting.

She moved the tray closer to herself still watching Draco closely. They sat like that for a few moments watching each other. I can't figure her out. She's different, doesn't resemble anyone familiar. A complete unknown.

*********************************************************************************************************

After a while the door opened and Darius looked in.

-Nothing flying in my direction?- He asked prudently.

-Rather nothing master.- Draco stood up and looked at the mage.-In your absence, Madam Gizel took care of all the sweets.

The dragon turned around hearing the sound of gurgling and saw the choking elfess with watery eyes.

-Madam? Do I really look that old?- She spoke up when she was over it.-Call me by my name boy. Otherwise I'll get angry.-She wagged her finger at him.

-You'd better listen to her.- Bleist muttered, placing a hand on his apprentice's shoulder. Draco nodded, and a smile wandered across his face.-We can go now, I hope Madame Nasua won't be angry.

-I don't think so, Master.-The dragon scratched his head and fidgeted a little.-However, I would suggest that we hurry after all, as some rumours may have reached her. Across Dagos it spreads faster than a fire.- He muttered disapprovingly.

-You are right.- Darius nodded to Gizel and turned away.- Let us go, my apprentice.- He smiled.