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Eloquent Conversationalist
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 Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 12:06 am
And THAT, my friend, is the rare and delectable Dragon Fruit I told you about earlier. Nothing can compare to its flavor and consistency. And I've been all over and tried many different types of food. So, I'm glad you liked it.
Ryugi chuckled and continued to munch on the fruit as they rounded another bent and placed themselves atop another hill looking more at the town ahead. It was probably about fifteen to twenty minutes away.
Anything else you're curious about?
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 11:24 am
Plenty!
Maximos said with a smile and a nod as he slipped the black cloth back into his pack. Questions? Everything was questions, but too many questions ruins the magic of the experience. He had never been here before, he knew nothing about draconic culture. So he had lots and lots of questions...
...But thats what the trip is for!
He said, slipping a tongue out from his lips and lapping the last of the juice off of face.
That really is good.
The town was even closer now! Maximos had to admit nostalgia was getting the best of him. He was traveling in a distant country with a friend, toward an unknown town full of strange people and things. It was just like the old days, only the fun of traveling wasnt marred by the quest to destroy, defeat, or save a Dark Lord. For some reason, traveling was far more fun without the sake of the world on your shoulders.
Maybe it was because of that, that there was an unshakable lighthearted smile on Maximos' face as they walked.
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Eloquent Conversationalist
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 1:52 pm
Like I said, favorite snack when I was a kid. Still is.Ryugi chuckled as they neared the town. The rest of the walk was mostly uneventful. Let's face it, things can't get too much more eventful after clobbering a giant plant with a grumpy disposition, then eating the most delectable fruit in an entire continent can they? Well, its possible they could, but for the purpose of realism, they did not. **Time Passes** Finally! We're here!Ryugi proclaimed as he walked into what could be considered the entrance to the town, and headed towards the town square, and the memorial fountain.
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:21 pm
It was beautiful, and yet simple. And perhaps most beautiful in its quiet simplicity. It looked like a piece of history plucked straight out of the time stream and presented just beyond the entrance.
It was a perfect first step to this tour.
Wow...
Maximos said, slowly, earnestly, as he looked from side to side, taking in as much of the town as a whole as he could. For Dragon's it was amazing how similar they were to the humans outside the continents walls, for a moment Maximos imagined that if they lived like this, Dragon's could easily slip unnoticed into human society...until he remembered the civility of humanity when dealing with anything that was, "different".
Either way this was certainly the type of place, the shadow could get used to. And to think Ryugi grew up in a place like this, he likely did. And so he had to question.
...How many years did you live in this wonderful place Ryugi?
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Eloquent Conversationalist
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:34 pm
Ryugi smiled and kept on moving through the town, passing vendors and shopkeepers as he made his way towards the town's Inn.
Until I was thirteen. Thats thirteen in Dragon Years, mind you. So... About 1,300 of your standard human years. Of course, being 12 in dragon years is actually closer to a human being 15 or 16. We age slightly differently that human beings do.
Ryugi continued on as he talked, trying his best to avoid large groups of people...
Very quickly while we're young, but more slowly as time passes. By the time we reach 15 or 16 Dragon years of age, we begin to look slightly younger than our ages. At my age now, thats about 20, we look our ages. By the time I'm thirty or forty, I'll look closer to twenty-five or so. You can always tell the oldest dragons when they look like old men or women.
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:05 pm
Oh...I get it now!
Suddenly so very much made sense.
All the dragons I've met were so very patient and seemingly wise. If they had to parent through hundreds of teenage rebellious years they had better be!
He continued as if epiphanies were rolling off of his tongue as easily as syllables.
Now it all makes sense! In almost every record I've read of human and dragon wars, dragons seem to loose. It never made sense as your all so large and powerful. But...
He brought his arms around and tapped his chin.
...if it takes you centuries to reach maturity, and humans merely decades...they can easily outnumber and swarm. Its....fascinating!
Of course that brought him to his next question.
Has Angara ever gone to war with humanity?
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Eloquent Conversationalist
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:57 pm
Sadly, yes. Though, a more correct way of answering would be "Humanity went to war with Angara."
Ryugi quickly ducked into an alleyway to avoid another rather large group of people, and continued walking, making sure his friend was right behind him. He then continued his story.
It was called the Great War, and it lasted for only a blip in Angaran History, but it was the single most devastating event ever to take place in our time living here. It took place about 5,000 years ago, and lasted for 20. Its hard to say who really struck first, since the event was triggered by just a few rowdy youngsters that left Angara, flew to the mainland, and started eating cattle, stealing maidens away, and raiding treasure for personal gain. You've no doubt heard about those stereotypes on the mainland.
Ryugi looked to Maximos as if to reaffirm what he'd said, and then took a break, lounging against a somewhat hidden section of a wall that overlooked the town square, and the Memorial Fountain.
Anyway, those few individuals caused an uproar in the Human Lands. And after a while, humans started getting together, and hunting the dragons that still resided on the mainland. By now, the vast majority of dragons lived on Angara, but there were still some smaller remaining tribes that lived on the mainland, tucked away in various places. As the years passed, they began to get extinguished, one by one. Of course, they fought back, but the humans didn't understand. They jumped to conclusions, as they often do. Believing an entire race of creatures was evil and demonic just due to the actions of a few individuals. It was then, that some of their sailing vessels captured some traveling dragons, and forced them to say where they lived. Once they knew that, they flocked to Angara, ready to end our species once and for all.
Ryugi looked at the ground as he spoke, as if deep in thought, his mind wandering to that time and place, remembering his dragon heritage.
They made a pact with the elves, and learned how to control magical spells and powers, and used these abilities to attack us, and damage us more effectively. And after many attempts they landed on Angara, began to hunt us down. However, we'd heard word of their coming, and had worked hard to hide ourselves away, so as not to be found. We transformed ourselves into human forms, and lived much like they did in order to fool them. And it worked, until one day they were getting ready to leave when a scouting party saw one of our people transform, and suddenly, they knew the truth. They attacked us viciously and without mercy, attempting to hunt us to extinction. But we fought back, defending our homeland, and of course, our own people.
A few years into the Great War, the search went out for a general, someone to lead our people in battle. A young golden dragon of the Ceremonial Guard was chosen to be the General of Angara's Army. His name, was Eclipse. And he was born here in Presea. His sword was forged in the High Council's personal weapon forge, and made of the finest materials available. Oddly enough, he purchased his own armor, and turned down the offer of a special set. His reason was that he didn't believe he deserved to be doted upon anymore than any other soldier in his army. Even still, his armor was said to be a bright golden color, much like the scales of his true form, and his deep red eyes would shine brightly as he spoke and headed into battle. He fought alongside his troops in battle, and never sat on the sidelines as the human generals did. He lead Angara's army to victory many times, yet stayed with them even under the toughest battle. When the final battle came, he charged the army across the hill, assaulting the enemy stronghold with everything they had. It was a long battle, but in the end, victory came to us, and the humans were defeated by a final attack from Eclipse.
Ryugi sighed, thinking of the days long past, and remembering his childhood hero.
However, when the final battle ended, no one could find Eclipse. It was as if he vanished into thin air, and was never heard from again. His armor was never found, nor his body recovered, and his sword, Ragnarok, vanished along with him. People mourned, but also rejoiced, and a Memorial was built in Presea in his honor.
Ryugi looked up and gestured towards the fountain that bubbled in the center of the town's square. It was made of white marble, and engraved with gold markings. The bottom of the fountain was surrounded by a golden footpath, leading down the street to a building more reminiscent of an ancient marble temple than any of the other homes or buildings.
That Fountain and the Eclipse Memorial stand for our will to survive, and that we remember the mistakes and actions that lead to our unfortunate situation with humankind all those years ago. Inside that memorial building, a large image of Eclipse stands against the back wall. Its kept clean, and decorated with candles, flowers, and other relics of that age. It really is a beautiful place...
Ryugi seemed almost entranced by the building, and then sighed, shaking himself out of it.
Anyway, I'm rambling now. We should probably get to the Inn, unless you'd rather do something else first?
Ryugi stood up and looked questioningly at his friend.
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:11 pm
Maximos listened. He didnt smile quite as brightly, that would be rude when Ryugi was describing a clearly dark time in Angaran history. The tale was filled with the foolishness Maximos had come to expect from humanity, and the pride made of the dragons made legendary. Though, it was one of the rare tales in which dragon kind won, though it was certainly a rarity it was not unheard of.
His arms folded across his chest as he nodded and intently listened, looking out over the fountain and down the golden speckled path glimmering in the daylight.
I see...
He said solemnly now that the story was done, bittersweet feelings abounding about the recalling as a whole. And as Ryugi changed subjects he was dragged back from memories of an empty battlefield full of victims of the Destroyer.
Yes, yes of course. Though...if at all possible...
He craned his head back looking down the road at the temple.
I would like to see it...
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Eloquent Conversationalist
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:43 pm
Oh! Of course! I guess it wouldn't be fair of me to tell you that whole story and then not show it to you.Ryugi chuckled and walked down the street towards the Memorial. He gulped a bit as he approached the place with Maximos in tow. He realized just how many people were out and about at the place today. It wasn't exactly a special day, but then again, he always assumed that Eclipse was something of a spot where younger kids came to admire their heritage. And who doesn't love a hero? Just then, a small female child noticed Ryugi walking up the magnificent marble steps, and called out. Kazamaru?! KAZAMARU!! Its Ryugi Kazamaru!!As if summoned by the voice of the young girl, youngsters of all ages all flocked towards Ryugi, along with some of the older folks as well, and a decent share of attractive young women too. He's back! He's really here! Will you sign my pamphlet?He's so handsome! Haaaaa... Over here Kazamaru!Good to see someone like you visiting our town again. Would you mind signing this pamphlet for my children? They absolutely adore you.Who doesn't love a hero indeed. And so it continued as Ryugi tried his best to deal with all of them. Uh, sure I'll sign your pamphlet! One sec... Oh! Oh my... Well, you see miss, I'm already taken... Ah! Um, sure! I couldn't deny children something from their hero... Heh.It would seem that Ryugi wasn't lying about his popularity afterall... After a few minutes, the hubbub calmed down, and Ryugi was able to continue up the steps to the Memorial, bowing and shaking hands, and smiling, and sweat-dropping all the way. But he got Maximos up those steps and into the memorial, even if it DID take a while... Once inside, the atmosphere was much quieter, and more calm. The large marble building was garnished with flowers, and bright curtains of light gold that hung around the pillars. The floor was covered in a large royal red rug that spanned the entire walking area. Along ether side of the pillars and walls were candles, plaques with information about the war and Eclipse, along with some small trinkets and items from those times as well. Some were very old and weren't terribly interesting as they looked beaten. But other more interesting items included pieces of army equipment, the helmet of the human general, along with his sword, and also some pages of diaries detailing events that had taken place thousands of years before. And at the end of the far wall, with a solid gold plaque underneath, was the portrait of Eclipse. It stood nearly from the floor to the ceiling, and was only about five feet shy of the walls on either side, which were hidden slightly by the golden curtains. The whole place held a very interesting aura, one of calm, strength, and dignity. Perhaps it was because of the picture and the colors that adorned the place, or maybe it was the emotions from the others that visited the Memorial who felt that way when seeing their ancient hero.  But what would Maximos feel from this place? And what would he see in the painting...?
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 10:47 pm
Quote: Oh! Of course! I guess it wouldn't be fair of me to tell you that whole story and then not show it to you. Maximos said as his smiled stretched to full size, practically splitting his face. If there was anything the shadow loved, it was history in all of its forms. It had such amazing power over the future. A sword is nothing without ages behind it, and with said ages it is so much more than a sword. Really...to Maximos only those who had the time to know the past, had the real power to change the future. And that...that was a power no amount of fighting could give. He walked beside Ryugi taking in the beautiful town until he saw it... Quote: Kazamaru?! KAZAMARU!! Its Ryugi Kazamaru!!As if summoned by the voice of the young girl, youngsters of all ages all flocked towards Ryugi, along with some of the older folks as well, and a decent share of attractive young women too. He's back! He's really here! Will you sign my pamphlet?He's so handsome! Haaaaa... Over here Kazamaru!Good to see someone like you visiting our town again. Would you mind signing this pamphlet for my children? They absolutely adore you. Maximos was a shadow. At heart even with flesh and blood housing his darkened soul, he was a creature of the corners. Beneath tables, away from the light. If there was anything Maximos disliked...it was attention. These people flocked to Ryugi. And while Maximos assumed that should he return to Aria he would have a similar greeting he preferred to stay away from such things. Over the years, if Maximos had developed any skill at all, it was skill at vanishing. These people saw Ryugi as a visitor, not a hero returning home, that meant that the more people to see he had graced these streets, the more people would arrive, and the more people to arrive meant the more time and more attention and... It was time to vanish. As that first small little girl ran up Ryugi, Maximos took a small side step, his hands wandered up around his neck. By the time the next villager came, Maximos' hood was pulled over his face and he was just far enough away from Ryugi to raise questions as to whether or not he was actually with him in the minds of anyone who hadnt been paying attention. By the third villager, Maximos was gone, and Ryugi was surrounded. Their voices fading into the background. He understood his companions duty to these people, he had likely saved them from some sort of...well he had righted some wrong, but in truth he wasnt interested in that at the moment. Like a skilled ninja, a shinobi, a "shadow warrior", Maximos weaved and surfed his way through a crowd. Thankfully for him, he was moving against the crowd, so he would be easier to miss, and as an even greater blessing there was a golden path to guide him. As he moved to enter the memorial his hood was pulled back, and a white pulse ignited in his white eye. He wanted to see these items, in their fullest. It was a display that lacked words. There was no real way to describe what he saw, using his soul and magical sight. So many emotions hung in the air, so many lines of powers focused here, Maximos found himself with a hand resting on the necklace hidden beneath his coat, his right arm twitched tasting centuries of energy, and hunger. And for a few moments he hung at the doorway, settling himself and taking in the view before he moved forward. He first started at the historical pages, scanning over every written word and committing it to memory like the living receptacle for knowledge he was. Names, dates, historic battles. Fox holes were the fuel for some of the histories deepest thoughts. War was a horrible thing, but as man and beast engaged in it so very much, it seemed so much good thought came from it. He leaned in as close as humanly and legally possible, his hands behind his back and his eye keen on the pages before him. Next came the equipment. Stains of lives taken never fade off of weapons after they are removed from battle. Bits and pieces of the generals victims and of himself colored the sword in a plethora of different colors and aura's. Maximos not only saw the sword, but who it touched. He not only saw the helm, but the remnants of the last thoughts of whoever wore it last, he could see what type of man it was by what he was thinking. And he recorded his name in the back of his head for later research. His eyes squinted, his hands pressed against the closest surface capable of holding his weight while he moved to the balls of his feet, practically tippy toeing to get a closer look. Lastly, after he had made his way to each of the items on either side of the temple, he made his way to the painting. And then stopped. His arms folded behind his back, a smile on his face, and his eyes pouring over ever inch of the painting. He had no idea what the symbolism was behind the myriad of hilts pouring from the background but he was very curious to know which one of these was "Ragnorok". The man was clearly loved, the sheer size and detail of the painting said that. His hair was white, his eyes red...features that matched Ryugi...though not to much surprise. Maximos knew there was a connection here. It was, after all, part of his job...so was that sword. He could hear the mandate replay in his mind, he knew legacy weapons were outlawed, he knew Ryugi bore the mark....but now just wasnt the time. The air was thick with a fog of rose and pink, adoration, love, obsession, infatuation, honor, regard, respect, nostalgia. They hung around this painting, centuries worth. And more, much more. And for the next few moments, until moved, Maximos sat in this position gazing at the painting, soaking it all in.
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Eloquent Conversationalist
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 11:18 pm
A few minutes passed before footsteps were heard behind Maximos.
Amazing, isn't it? My hero growing up, standing right there for all to see.
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 11:35 pm
You've done well, Ryugi. I'm sure one day you'll have a spot here as well.
He turned back, giving the dragon a bright smile, before finally turning around peeling his eyes away from the canvas.
I'm sure he would be proud.
His eyes slipped from Ryugi's face to what peeked out over his shoulder.
You hold a piece of history with you...thats quite an honor.
He paused, not sure exactly how to phrase this or if it would be wrong to phrase it at all. But the last few moments in this place made him feel like he not only should, but must...a question never hurt.
If I could, if its not too much to ask of course....may I hold it, just for a moment?
It was like that last piece of a collection, he simply had to see...
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Eloquent Conversationalist
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Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:01 am
Maximos You've done well, Ryugi. I'm sure one day you'll have a spot here as well.He turned back, giving the dragon a bright smile, before finally turning around peeling his eyes away from the canvas. I'm sure he would be proud. Ryugi smiled a bit and chuckled, turning away from the painting to join his friend once more. I don't know about that. I'm not some famous general in a fight against an invading horde or anything. I'm just a country kid with a sword. History, and what a person does, is what makes them famous. Eclipse lead armies and saved the species from annihilation. Biggest thing I've done is stop a rampant clone from going on a power binge.Ryugi shook his head. No, I can't hold a flame to Eclipse, he was a holy elemental afterall. Twice the warrior, and two times as good looking. I'm more like a craze. I'm sure what I've done will tone itself down after a while. And the sooner the better. I can't stand all the attention. I don't know what to do with them all!Another laugh and Ryugi smiled. Maximos His eyes slipped from Ryugi's face to what peeked out over his shoulder. You hold a piece of history with you...thats quite an honor.He paused, not sure exactly how to phrase this or if it would be wrong to phrase it at all. But the last few moments in this place made him feel like he not only should, but must...a question never hurt. If I could, if its not too much to ask of course....may I hold it, just for a moment?It was like that last piece of a collection, he simply had to see...
Its ironic, you know? At this point, I've had this sword longer than Eclipse did, and during the time he had it, he fought hard to bring us to victory. He was chosen by the Council to represent our kind in battle. And here I am.Ryugi looked to the ceiling, as if finding the thoughts in the air around the place. I wasn't exactly chosen to lead anything. I searched for this sword because I thought that Eclipse couldn't have simply vanished after the fight. And ever since I got it, from the moment I got it, I swore to use it to fight to protect those that couldn't protect themselves, and better myself so that they wouldn't have to suffer from anything that wished to bring the innocent harm. I suppose it IS an honor to have something like this sword. But sometimes I wonder if Eclipse would really think I was putting it to good use.Ryugi shrugged and looked down from the ceiling as Maximos then asked about holding the weapon. As a good friend of mine, I'd be happy to allow you to hold it. Though, I have to warn you. If you aren't used to the energy pulses it sends out, it burns quite a bit every few seconds. Then, theres the weight. Its pretty heavy. But I've seen you do some pretty amazing things in the time I've known you. So, if you can take the energy zaps and the weight...Ryugi gripped the handle of the blade and pointed it tip first down onto the ground, and then offered the handle to Maximos. ...you're more than welcome to hold it.
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Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:49 am
Maximos' smile cracked into a laugh. He couldnt help but laugh, he wasnt mocking Ryugi, and it wasnt obnoxious boisterous laughter, more of a soft chuckle as if Ryugi had secretly said something very funny. And in truth...he did.
He could see the dragons true age, he was thousands of years older than Maximos would ever be, but he was still so young. He still had quite a few hero years left in him. The laughter soon calmed to a small, simple grin.
And that, Ryugi.
He gestured over the shoulder to the massive painting behind him.
Is what will earn you a spot beside him.
It was one of life's lessons. And Ryugi would learn it in time better than Maximos could ever teach it. It wasnt power, it wasnt looks, it was what you did that makes someone a hero, its who they are. Those that hunt and seek the fame never truly find it. And those that let it overcome them, never truly earn it.
Ryugi have the mix.
He said, slowly, turning to look over his shoulder just a bit.
The confidence to fight, the heart to make it right, and the doubt the make sure you stay Ryugi, no matter what they think.
He nodded in response to Ryugi's warnings, he really wasnt afraid. This body had been cut by so very many swords, and held so many more he had lost count. Still, if you treat every blade with the reverence and respect it deserves, most of the time everything works out perfectly.
Thank you.
He said as he reached his right hand out to grip the hilt. Almost immediately the first pulse raced through his hand, and very dimly his necklace shown a gentle blue beneath his jacket, just dim enough to be smothered entirely by the fabric itself. The magical buffer idea Raven, gave him was genius.
His arm liked it, as opposed to its usual violent hunger pains, only wrist jiggled just slightly as he hoisted it up, straight vertical with his face. His eyes squinting, examining the actual blade with a jewel crafter's diligence. He could see them, all of them, the tiny specks and layers coating this sword after centuries on centuries of use. Every life touched or taken by this sharp edge. It had tasted the essence of so very many individuals, beasts, and manners of life and death. In a way, it told its own tale. But past the aura's compiled on each other, lied three...three in particular. One old, one new, and one born between the both. And something else....something that made him smirk, and close his left eye for just a moment or two.
Very slowly he turned it so that the flat of the blade faced him. For being as old as it was, it held up very, very well. He could see each time it was cleaned, buffed, repaired, or resurfaced. He was no swordsmith, but any swordsman worth his pommel knows how to rate the quality of a weapon. This was a unique treasure, and it was very well taken care of. He wondered how much Ryugi knew about the sword beyond its powers...
And still wearing a smirk, he turned it toward the dragon, hilt forward just as it was offered to him.
I cant speak for Eclipse. But its almost ready...it is where it belongs.
He would say, just as Ryugi retook his weapon.
Thank you for the honor.
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Eloquent Conversationalist
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Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 1:09 am
Ryugi listened to his friend. Ryugi might have been older than Maximos, but he was still young by dragon standards, and thus he still had plenty to learn. Plenty indeed. Ryugi respected Maximos quite a bit, not just as a fellow fighter and adventurer, but as a friend. The wisdom that he held was quite possibly greater than Ryugi's, despite the age difference. It didn't feel right to speak as Maximos admired the weapon, and spoke his piece about Ryugi's ideas on heroic status. Then, he watched as Maximos inspected the weapon. Every inch of the blade's metal, every millimeter of its finely crafted edge was admired as if it was a work of art, and it truly was that. A work of art. Maximos could see that, Ryugi could see that. And Maximos would see the bond Ryugi shared with his sword as the weapon returned to his grasp.
The young dragon's face would calm, his eyes would look upon the blade with respect and devotion as the weapon was lifted back onto his back. Ryugi understood that a swordsman was nothing without his sword, and yet, a sword was nothing without a swordsman. And something told him that Maximos understood that, at least on some level. Afterall, Maximos was a swordsman as well. Ryugi placed the blade in its place on his back and shifted to a comfortable position. He then looked to his friend and smiled.
The honor is mine to have such a good companion.
Whether Ryugi was talking about Ragnarok, Maximos, or both was uncertain, but either way, he spoke again right after.
Anyway, we'd better be getting to the Inn. I want you to meet someone.
And with that, Ryugi would start walking once again, waiting for his friend to follow.
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