Side Story 38: A Kirin’s Uncertainty.

Side Story 38: A Kirin’s Uncertainty.

Awwwwwwwww, why cant we just stay at theirs? Have you tried their beds? Fluffy, like the clouds! Waaaah, I just want to find a plot of soil and just go to sleep there, not trek back to the port to sleep with all the fish!

Shush, you. I flew us over here, what do you mean by trek, huh? Fargryneill complained to Rita as they both entered their inn room, feeling refreshed after they took a long dip in Auroras hot spring. Still, despite it being far past midnight, both could still hear the noisiness of the harbor.

Drunk sailors, captains getting their ships ready, and shady-looking characters running around like nocturnal rodents. Nothing unusual even in the city itself, and it was even more appropriate since the festival was still going strong. Still, outside these loud minorities, the day had ended, and it was time for the responsible and sensible to rest their bodies for tomorrows day.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

After a most eventful day, sleep and quiet were what Fargryneill and Rita wished for.

Fargryneill looked at the simple inn room with a blank stare, feeling like something was missing.

Hmm? Rita stopped herself, turning around to see her friend had not moved an inch from the door. Are you alright?

Hmm? Oh, nothing, just, you know, feels empty. Renee would always be the first to return to the inn, she stated, reminding Rita of their missing companion. Haaa, cant believe she would run off like that, but I guess this is her home. She always rags on about how her country needs to change and how I, as a dragonkin, should help out since Kramps is Aurenas subordinate. So annoying.

Rita nodded. Mhmm. But, it is part of her charm, right? Im relatively new compared to how long the two of you traveled together, but honestly, I noticed you kind of need her to control you, Fargryneill! You run around like crazy without her!

Oh, shut up. The dragonkin closed the door, before throwing the dryad onto her bed roughly.

Waaaah!

While Rita recovered, Fargryneill fell right into her own bed, letting out a deep sigh. She closed her eyes, before blowing out air from her mouth, sounding like a horse for a moment.

Hey, dont worry about her! Everything should be alright! Rita, misunderstanding the situation, shot up from her bed, wanting to cheer up her saddened friend. Once those big bad grimgarians arrive, I bet you can just blast

Nah, its kay. Im not worried about that. She waved her hand lazily. I kind of get what that woman is thinking and we'll see what shes planning after all this blows over. When it comes to her ideals, shell follow through with them without fail. At least, that is one thing the both of us have in common. Im just not so sure if I'll want to stick around with her after everything is done.

Hmm? Ooooh, I get it! Family, right? Rita hit the bullseye.B-But, wouldnt that mean that our party would have to disband? Our adventure! The three of us!

And we told you the two of us only traveled together because we benefited each other, Fargryneill bluntly answered, silencing the dryad as she solemnly continued listening. The same thing with you, Rita. We came together because we all could benefit from each other. It isnt uncommon for adventurer parties to disband once their goals have been fulfilled. Or, can you imagine Renee leaving with us?

Rita did not respond, leaving Fargryneill to let out another long sigh.

Two years I guess its been a good run. Hmm, cant believe all this happened because of that encounter.

Dragonkins from Kargryx who travel the world on their adulthood pilgrimage rarely do it with companions, mostly because it would be hard to hide their draconic heritage when someone was around with them. Although not a rule, all fledglings dragonkins between the age of five and 100 were taught how revealing their true natures would only inconvenience themselves, as it would attract dragonslayers.

The trips purpose was to teach young dragonkins about the world before they returned home with this newfound knowledge and strength to make a living for themselves in Miononbolax or Loatryx. However, it also had the secondary purpose of helping dragonkins become self-sufficient and independent from their worrisome parents. At least, that was what Eltharion, the current Dragon Emperor, envisioned when he founded this tradition.

And part of becoming independent was to face death and the reality of life.

Although many dragonkins were arrogant and thought dragonslayers were insignificant, many learned just how wrong they were a little too late. These adventurers werent known as dragonslayers for no reason. And should the fledgling perish, their parents would nevert know about it. Their remains would never be sent back home, as all slayers would use the young fledglings parts to further strengthen themselves.

This was a truth every parent drilled into their children. Fargryneill had been raised the same, and was one of the reasons why she disliked Hestia's brazenness. She was worried for her. She was flabbergasted that Hestia would tell the world she was a dragon princess. No matter your status in draconic society, most dragonslayers werent the type to really reason with their material source.

As most dragonkins would rather not travel with another of their kind, it would lead to most becoming lone wanderers. If a dragonkin met another on their pilgrimage, they would exchange pleasantries, but their pride wouldn't allow most of them to team up. And this pride meant they thought of themselves as superior, even compared to elves.

Fathers teeth, sure was a brat.

Fargryneills belligerency used to be even more pronounced, a case of small dog syndrome as a self-defense method she had developed during her time in Kargryx. Not only was she a kirin, a lesser dragonkin that was already smaller compared to others, but she was also a dragon mix. Her appearance was different from either of her parents, being almost chimeric. This caused a lot of problems for her, something that Hestia just realized a few hours ago.

The various dragons bullied and pushed her around despite her royal status, and her half-siblings could only do so much to protect her unless they were with her 24/7. Fargryneill wasnt just the youngest after Hestia, but she was also far younger than any of her siblings. All of them were already done with their pilgrimage, with the nearest of her siblings to her age was 81 years old, compared to Fargyneill, who was 26.

Instead of issuing challenges to everybody she met, with Renees help, Fargryneill learned about tournaments and how she could not only gain fame but also the cheers from people to help her find the self-confidence she had in herself now. With her horn regrown and her mane-like hair to give her a new appearance to fool the dragonslayers, Fargryneill made herself known as a frequent tournament winner. Hiding in plain sight.

In return, Renee would drag Fargryneill wherever she wanted by using tournaments as a motivation. She not only had she gained a bodyguard but also a partner to do good to help her grow as a knight.

The two began inseparable, even when Rita joined them in Aleistunum.

And now, it seemed like their journey together would end soon. Renees goal was right before her, and Fargryneill didnt know if she should stay with her or hop onto the next boat, head out with her new half-sibling to defeat powerful opponents.

Hestia shes sweet. Too adorable, you know. Like I want and protect her with every fiber of my being, Fargryneill admitted to Rita. Cant believe she wants to see my kirin form. Feels weird how I actually trust her to not laugh at me.

Hey, what is that supposed to mean? I always asked you to show me your real form, too! Why do you treat Hestia differently?! Rita was outraged, angered with how Fargryneill was more approachable with her own sister.

You think of me as some fantastic beast to study, Miss Knowledge Seeker of Istari. The kirin girl glared back. Hestia, on the other hand I dont know. Unlike my other siblings or Renee, who always seem to pity me for my fears, Hestia just showed comfort. Familial love, maybe?

She was confused with her own thoughts.

Its hard to have talented siblings, you know? Hestia is pretty special with everything going on around her. I feel inadequate. Makes me not want to lag behind or have her hate me, you know? The way shes so relaxed and so open with her interests, but at the same time, she has this serious side I feel drawn to her.

So, you dont have to hide your embarrassment from me. Youre my big sis. My first and only sibling I know. We only met a few weeks ago, but I can already say that I. Love. You.

Jeez that smile. The way she said it Its too adorable.

Hestia had won Fargryneill over with her charms.

Renee, while a good friend and party member, wasnt always the most open friend. She also would always have an agenda concerning Fargryneills status as royalty, trying to persuade her to join the fight against the demonkins. Fargryneill also showed her passion and eccentricity around clothing and her appearance to Renee, but as someone who abandoned their appearance to become a knight, they never really clicked with this subject.

Whereas with Hestia, Fargryneill could feel the passion exuding from her. She felt jealous when Hestia expressed her musical interests to those 21 bards, causing her to break through her shell a bit to join in on the singing, despite not knowing how to do it properly. A person with as little self-confidence as Fargryneill, she hated having to do things she wasnt sure she could do.

Not to mention how Hestias own attitude could bounce off the kirins own hobbies. It made her realize how fun it was to fully express yourself, reveal bits of yourself to others and just live normally. Live like a dragonkin, instead of all the hiding she had been doing to avoid embarrassing herself. It felt weird to her how her younger sister acted more like a dragon than she did.

And all of this became even more profound to Fargryneill once she learned how Hestia had her own issues with her appearance, how she was scared to show people her dragon form. It hit home for her. This little sister she thought was amazing for not only acting like a proud dragon, but also a leader with how she could order people around with her princess role, made Fargryneill jealous. Envious.

My friends mentioned how I looked extremely scary to others. Im worried Hmm, looking intimidating is good for a dragon, but she wants to look good for everybody.

This was the catalyst for their bond being strengthened. Fargryneill bonded with Renee for her own insecurities, but both of them rarely talked about this. Most of the time, they only joked about it to alleviate the others worries.

However, with Hestia, they talked about it. Expressed their wish to witness the others dragon form. Acknowledging each others worries, and, while it wasnt a deep talk, it allowed them to get to know each other better. This special little sister was just like her.

It made her question why she was being jealous of her own little sister, who seemed to be going through her own problems as not only a dragon, but also as an otherworldler. To Fargryneill, she was still naive to the world of dragons. About dragonslayers, about how she had to prove herself to other dragonkin, and about the complicated relationships of their royal family.

It made Fargryneill want to protect her little sister. She could finally understand what her elder siblings felt when they protected her from her harassers the urge to protect a younger sibling. She thought she felt it when they first met, when Hestia told her everything about herself, but the bond they created this night sealed it for the heavy-hearted kirin.

Which made her question which was more important to her: her friendship to Renee, or her new sisterly-love for her young sibling. Their goals deviated, and, once this whole Elyonda affair was over, both would go their separate ways. Who should Fargryneill follow? Or should she depart on her own, like before she met Renee?

Still owe you for helping me out. Ill repay that debt by destroying all those grimgarians for you, my friend. So, make sure you survive and turn this country into what you dreamed off!

Well, whatever. Goodnight, Rita. She pulled her blanket onto herself, closing her eyes to embrace the night. Her small smile couldnt be seen in the darkness.

Sure. Goodnight.

Fargryneill found happiness and joy with her new sister, but at the same time, her journey with Renee was about to end. The loyalty and friendship she felt for Renee for all her help made her question what she was to do in the future. After all, she couldnt stay in one place, as she needed to level up and evolve to return back home.

But, that answer was for the future to answer. In the present, it was time to rest.