>>5754004You cross your arms but, taking some pity on her, explain that she and the other Silkscales shall share the burden.
“Why not the Great One?” she fairly—if impetuously—inquires.
“He and I must be ready to fight,” you explain. “The underdark is no safe place, patrolled by guardsmen and protected by walls.”
“And the Red Dragonborn?” she asks.
You, she, and the masseuses of your big brother’s harem all watch as the overgrown hatchlings clamber about, belching smoke and sparks at one another and occasionally falling upon one another is savage, haphazard ‘play-fights’ to establish their pecking order or settle petty disputes, known only to them… or maybe just to burn off energy. The dearth of food may have reduced their rambunctiousness at first, and slowed their movements, but it ahs only made them testier in the long run—less obedient, more aggressive, and overeager to bolt after any possible food-source if not reigned in. Truly, the Great One spend smore time fighting THEM than any adversary, most of which seem to be frightened by your combined <Fearsome Presence>.
“…Ah,” Halle acknowledges, and says nothing more, your point having made itself.
The rest of the trek back to Bloodrise is a slog. You take the time to discuss your plans for the Succubus with the Heretic, though he is plainly nervous to be so far from his life’s work and the oppressive safety of his allocated sanctuary, and he struggles to adequately explain or clarify the ritual and its effects. Your conversations with Halle prove a bit more stimulating, at least, and she DOES seem to lift out of her critical mindset as you describe the wonders of Bloodrise, and the future you envisage for it.
“A multicultural metropolis like Hawksong then?” she asks, wonderingly. “But… We can go about openly, in our true forms, and live as kings and queens? And worship freely?”
“Something like that,” you agree, “eventually. We are building something new.”
This brightens her mood, and she chatters excitedly with the others of her sex and caste as you fall into easy silence beside your big brother, and help him to maintain order among the younger Dragonborn until your arrival.
The Bloodrise that welcomes you home is different than the one you left, by now almost half a year prior. For one thing, there are FAR more Reptilians than you remember. You return to cheers and fearful, hissed whispers, emanating from lizard lips on faintly familiar faces.
“Operatives, merchants, and servants,” Halle whispers. “From the northern forward base. Though… Some of these ones I had heard rumoured to be dead, or deserters.”
“Not dead, NOR deserters, you reply, with a touch of pride. “Refugees from the failing Old Ways, come at my invitation… And with my blessing!”
