Initium Novum: Dracones #1

Departure

High Lord Nefèrro had spent his next couple of days with Zarmeideus and the cute animals who now recognized him. Zarmeideus however wanted to kick him out of the little shack which he took residence in for days that came and passed.

"What a lovely garden." It was one day when Nefèrro visited once more looking for the reclusive boy. He saw him out back tending to the garden. Merely grunting in reply Zarmeideus  resumed his work. All the plants were simply gorgeous and with the way they grew it showed that they were healthy.

"Have you considered my proposal?"

Of course Zar did, how could he not was the question. It went over his mind more than thrice, how beneficial it would be to him and his cubs. He cared nothing for the people in his village though. It was more pros a better life for them. Yet if he didn't accept the man could tell the elders and he could be taken away for adoption or something. Zarmeideus was only sixteen summers. And the cubs only months old they would starve or be poached to death. Both were extremely rare. He already had his answer.

Growling came from the animals mere feet's away. The cubs were playing, both Lepardos teaming up on the pup, Havoc. It was his name. They nipped at his ear pulling him and throwing him about and he whined. Both were unfair,especially Brialle,the female and her brother,Kaima,followed after.

"What breed is he?" Nefèrro asked that day. As usual he had too much energy smiling as he did. The boy narrowed his eyes wanting to smack the man in the cheek and shout at him about how annoying his smile and over jovial presence was.

"He is a Snow Lupel." Zarmeideus also want something that would hinder his decision to go with the man but he was genuine and wouldn't hurt the smallest of animals so this information was safe with him.

"Eh?"

"A Snow Lupel do you not-."

"Of course I know what it is, it's just-"

"Unbelievable,I know." With how Zarmeideus said it you would think there would be some sort of emotion on his face like the disbelieving one on Nefèrro's. With just those words Nefèrro's face could be light in any darkness. It was probably the biggest mistake Zar made in his lonely life the lord looked like he was about to scream. And the smile on his face got bigger and creepier yet he could smile some more it looked like it hurt.

Nefèrro was speechless for the first it was quite nice as said person was usually chatting away. Only he started again, to talk.

"I always wanted to see one, this-"

Yes definitely my biggest mistake made. Zarmeideus thought as the older supposedly more 'mature' man yapped away. Nefèrro realized that Zarmeideus had up to no reaction or expressions and didn't talk much.  (Nefèrro did most talking and didn't give him time to reply) Zar was......frosty, icy or just plain cold in his replies or eyes. Anyway the animals spotted him almost immediately bundling over to rub their faces and bodies along his legs wanting to be rubbed and scratched.

The three adored the protruding mam whilst Zarmeideus couldn't stand the man he was always so.....happy and bouncing around with life and now when he leaves, which made Zarmeideus beam with happiness, Havoc, Brialle and Kaima whine and make their sounds of protest, they were getting spoiled he brought them treats,treats and more treats it was absurd. Zar didn't know why he was so jealous of the man he just met.

The lord was annoying to say the least and it got on Zar's last nerves which were dwindling each minute the man stood there. But at least his cubs were happy then so was he. After a day of playing the cubs grew tired and were put to sleep in the basket made for them.

"So...." The jolly man started. Trying to strike a conversation that would most likely not last.

"What.?" His answer was harsh, the same way it was speaking to another person who he disliked.

"Hey, no need to be like that my question was going to be how long you were taking care of them for you all seem so close with the way they stick close to you all the while." He smiled gently eyes crinkling at the sides and yet still he got no answer.

After lapsing into an awkward silence for quite some time it was broken but not by Nefèrro this time Zarmeideus which came as a surprise.

"To answer your question from earlier in the day, yes I have considered it and..... We will be boarding with you on the ship tomorrow to Csedea."

Another silence.

Zarmeideus was starting to think the the old man (not so old) did not hear what he said when he exclaimed clearly ecstatic with the news.

It was not like you had a choice anyway. Nefèrro thought.

"I have never heard you say so much in a day before." He was swirling and smiling now but suddenly stopped.

"Well, lad what are you waiting for go pack your bags." And with those words said he went back to jumping around like a bird with its head chopped off. And Zarmeideus stared with..... a neutral expression of course before turning and leaving the older man to his antics.

~

It is hard to leave the only place you've known all your life and thus so was it for Zarmeideus. His parents once lived here the only memories he had of them were the ones here. But his parents wouldn't him to stay around just doing nothing would they. Of course not.

Zar should be glad he got this opportunity.

Everything was packed for their departure. The few things that he had for himself and the cubs. Even some extremely rare plants which he found were packed, they just couldn't go to waste plus he worked hard to maintain them.

Zarmeideus was supposed to leave and he found it easy to leave this place but not his home there was nothing in that town for him neither was there nobody there. As they travelled by carriage no conversation was made.

Zar watched but his his face from the nosy town's men and women. Still thinking some how that they could torment him when they saw him in the carriage. The carriage came to a stop the final stop. Without even trying to be Nefèrro stepped out with grace, he looked ever flowing. This time however he was not smiling only a cool expression present on his face.

And Zar stepped after him, awaiting the sneers that were to come his way but was only met with silence. Many were in shock that such a low life would be traveling with someone of such high class. The sneers still reached his ears but he paid them no mind as usual which only fired them up to make more nasty comments. Havoc,Brialle and Kaima snarled back and barked -well Havoc did- at the people having the same dislike to them as they had for Zar.

Even if the High Lord was right there, who was now red in the face only moments away from snapping, it was disgusting to say the least. Zarmeideus was used to it and did not really care but decided to give the older man a shake of his head as said man turned to give the crowd a piece of his mind.

Nefèrro accepted the boy's wish but surely was not pleased. They headed to the docks ignoring the people. And the cubs they were in front, in a pack sort of thing with three slots, something Zar, made especially for them to carry their weights,all three at the same time, they were too slow to walk and they got easily distracted. Being carried by the strange guard always around Nefèrro his face scarred with battle marks. The animals were whining a usual and wanted to be let down. Zar would have carried them himself, but was shot down about how he was already bringing too much. Boarding the ship last with Nefèrro slightly ways away Zar though he heard the Lord say

"Freezing my toe for days was so worth it."

But was not sure.