Comfortable Companionship

(*written by Trix*)

Arksios had agreed to give the Summer festival at Lantessama a go since it seemed to be a small affair. Alas a lot of people had shown up and the shy dragontaur soon found himself searching for a place to get away from it all. Ironically that place was the hatching sands. As most people and candidates were still out enjoying the festivities, the sheltered spot where the eggs were waiting was blissfully abandoned except by the parents of the clutch. An occasional spectator went by but few stayed longer than a few seconds. There wasn't much to see anyway.

Arksios sighed, content, and sat down. He took in the scenery and felt at peace. When one of the Elemental Dracanians motioned to go ahead and try, Arksios quietly declined. He hadn't the courage to bond. The dragons did not press. As Arksios glanced around, he suddenly saw a woman reading a short distance away. Maybe she'd felt his gaze because she looked up and gave a short nod. Arksios normally would not have spoken to the woman, but she was reading a book that he'd adored and he just could not keep himself from asking her opinion.

"How far have you gotten in the book?"

Henriette looked up again and said, "Don't spoil it. They're just about ready to meet."

"Oh that's the best part. I love this book. How about we talk about it when you've read it through?" Arksios suggested.

Henriette paused a bit but decided that the dragontaur was being serious and that he was not a threat.

"There is little I love better than talking about books. How should we meet up?"

Arksios valiantly offered to teleport to Henriette at a later date since she could not do so herself. She would in turn provide some snacks and drinks and both of them would suggest books to discuss further. Arksios and Henriette departed from Lantessama without bonds but with a new book-reading buddy and that was something neither of them had expected but both valued.

(*written by Mystic*)

It took some time for their friendship to develop. Many trips back and forth, carrying books from Tris'Hath and returning with books from Lantessama. Honestly, it had just been a fluke that he'd picked up that book before the ceremony, being nervous and needing a distraction. Now, months later, he considered it the best impulsive decision of his life.

Henriette was polite, quiet, and logical. She didn't press him about bonding or a direction in life or even what his intentions were long-term. All she cared to do was talk to him as a friend and share in their mutual love of literature.

Eventually, their polite surface discussions turned to talk of themselves and their histories. Henriette still didn't put much stock in this whole bonding thing, but she had to admit that she was curious what drew others to tie themselves to strangers and traipse off to other worlds.

"Honestly, I don't get it either. I'm nervous enough scheduling regular meet ups with people I know. I can't imagine taking off with an absolute stranger." Arksios said as he idly flipped through the black and white sketches at the back of the book they'd just finished discussing. Most of the sketches were of the characters, either by themselves or in each other's loving embrace, but a few featured the fantastical landscape of the novel. He ran his fingers lightly over the dark lines, wondering at the majesty of floating islands and bubble cities.

"Oh? Do our sessions cause you stress?" Henriette asked. She tilted her head back, peering up at the purple and gray taur. Though she had a draconid form of her own, she much preferred the thumbs available in her human form.

"Oh! No," Arksios hastened to say. "Not at all. Well, not once we're together, anyway. I do very much like spending time with you. The travel is less fun. I nest, you know? I have my bed arranged in the perfect way to enjoy a late evening of reading and snacking. You should see it. My nesting skills are pretty extraordinary."

Colour bloomed in Henriette's cheeks. She looked away and cleared her throat, pretending to be busy brushing imaginary dust off the cover of her own book. It took Arksios a solid few seconds to realize what tragedy had spilled out of his mouth.

"No! Not like that," he said, panic making his voice tight. "I mean, not that you're not lovely. You are, but we just met and we need time to get to know each other and I just meant that my dragon bed is especially comfy but for reading! Just for reading!"

A stifled giggle broke the river of words flowing from Arksios' mouth. Now it was his turn to colour with embarrassment.

"I know what you meant," Henriette said, staring at the book cover as she spoke. "And I think I would like to see your den. Or rather, your home in general. I love Lantessama and I am happy to see so many of my kin come together, but I want more. I want to travel. It's scary, like you said, but I think I could do it with you. Maybe, after we've seen your world a bit, we could explore others?"

Henriette looked up then, and the knot of anxiety eating away at Arksios' insides loosened. He smiled and nodded in turn.

"I think I'd like to travel with you too."

Soon after, Arksios helped Henriette pack what few things of value she'd brought with her to Lantessama, and then they were off to the Warren, where more literary adventures awaited them.