a collection of tales [[ chronocompass writing ]]

The recent arrival of the cat and her dragons had led to all types of troubles for Teeba. During the second official day of her presence being known to the group as a whole, Aren had approached him and inquired about the name of his accidental town. He’d had to shrug and admit he had no clue. That had been bothering him in the week since, but not quite as much as even more recent revelations.

Cairo and the Sword had approached him one cloudy afternoon while Teeba worked the forge, his dragon Kangaroo attentively watching his work. At first Teeba-ei had assumed the two to be approaching him for the intriguing talent show that so many of his dragons had grown obsessed with as of late, but instead he and Kangaroo were informed that the suspicious Aren was indeed up to no good, just as he had thought might happen. And now, after all of that, Teeba and Kangaroo were hiding behind a bush, listening in quiet concern as a member of the Abrendese Militia stomped back towards Sherok, leaving Aren’dra standing there, alone.

Traitor! - Kangaroo’s thoughts blared in Teeba’s head. The tsotska hated to say it, but it was absolutely true. He had welcomed this cat, given her a place to stay, and now here she was, turning right around and telling all the wrong people about him. There were people here wanted by the Militia. Gosh, he was probably wanted by the Militia. But that didn’t mean he was going to lash out at Aren. Deep down, he hoped that a simple talk could settle everything.

Ridiculously optimistic, he knew. But that’s just how he was.

Kangaroo quietly circled around Aren’dra to try and head her off if she made a dash for it, and after mentally informing several of his more senior dragons on the situation, Teeba poked his head out from behind the bush he’d been eavesdropping from, rested an arm across the bush like all was well in the world, and smiled. “Good to see you again! You up for a little chat?”

Aren responded quite like he had thought might happen - a dagger was in her hand in moments, and she whipped in his direction, prepared to pounce. “How much did you see?” Her voice was a low, anxious hiss.

“Basically all of it,” Teeba admitted. He wasn’t one to lie. “Funny thing about metal riders, we tend to notice when something’s up. This place - full of metal, in buildings and in heart.” He shifted his arm resting on the greenery below him and shrugged. “I thought something was up. But I wanted to give you a chance - I still do.”

“A chance? Me? If you know how little I care for you all then why would you give me another shot?” Aren’s eyes were squinted, her gaze focused on him. “The Militia promised me more than you ever could.”

Kangaroo was listening intently from her hiding place, staying quiet. She was still new to this world - Teeba felt bad about dragging her into this. “I suppose the Militia can promise a lot. But are they really going to follow through on it?” He paused to scratch an itch behind one horn. “I’ve got folks here who know first-hand - you’re on a road to trouble. I just don’t want to see you fall for them. As soon as you’ve told them all about me, they won’t care what happens to you.”

Aren’s grip on her dagger shifted. “And you do?”

“I’ve only ever wanted to help people out. That includes you. I know it might seem odd, but you’ve seen me this past week - what do you think?”

Kangaroo shuffled her paws nervously as she and Teeba awaited an answer. Aren stood there in silence for several minutes, seemingly pondering her options. Eventually she cautiously lowered the knife. “I can’t just abandon the Militia, they’ll have my head.”

Teeba hopped out from the bush and gave a reassuring smile. “Well, maybe we can figure out something where everyone comes out okay.” He held out a hand. “Now, I don’t know if you’d be interested, but some of my dragons were setting up a little talent show here in town, with a bonfire and some marshmallows. You’re more than welcome to stop by, get to know everyone a bit better.” Kangaroo was excited at that prospect and let Teeba know in their head - she’d been helping set it up, after all.

Hesitantly, as if expecting a trap, Aren took his hand for a shake. When she didn’t instantly die or get paralyzed, she gave Teeba-ei a smirk. “Only if mine can join in on the fun. There a prize for winning?”

Teeba laughed. “We can make one! Extra marshmallows, how about that?”

Aren’s eyes glimmered at the prospect of free food. “Sounds good to me, then. We’ll be there.”

- - - -

Aren would ask him a familiar question, later that night, with the moon high in the sky and the fire roaring brightly. As she sharpened a stick with her dagger, she said, “Did you ever come up with a name for this place?”

Kangaroo’s mind drifted on over, curious of the answer.

“Yes - yes, I think I did.” Teeba smiled into the fire as he gave his answer. “I’m calling this place Salvus.”

“That’s awful!” Aren howled in mocking laughter. “Salvus - you could have gone with anything, anything at all, and you choose something that means ‘safe’?”

“I like to think we’re safe here.”

“Are you really, though?”

Teeba chose to not point out that it was mostly her fault that his large family was in potential danger now. Instead, he set his gaze on the stars, listened to the cheerful bustle of his people both in and out of his mind, and wondered who would come to join him next. “Well. One can always hope.”