Master Of None

By the time everyone had returned to the mansion, the day was more or less over. The only one that seemed to have any energy left was Onyx who had managed to absorb a ton of light elemental mana. He was preparing himself for the trip in the dim swamp lands which would be harder for him to gain the light elemental mana. Walker had reassured him that he would be able to use the light elemental crystals that he had for food. But Onyx wanted to be more independent to strengthen himself on the hunt for more of his species. 

"I have dinner ready!" Walker's mother walked out with a roast she had made in the new kitchen she had been working on. She had walked it all the way back to the mansion to show itn off to everyone. However, she nearly dropped it all on the floor when she noticed the smaller dragonkin sitting at the table. 

"Midnight! What happened!?" She was a mother. There was no way she would forget a member of her family even if they weren't blood related. The food hit the table a little harder as she dropped it there and pulled Midnight to arm's length to look her over. "You're so adorable but when did this happen? These clothes are perfect too, they fit so well. Lisa must have made them. But how do you look like this? Is it permanent? Do you want me to cook you something different? Should I get you something to cover your lap so you don't spill? Have they taught you to use a fork and knife yet? How about a spoon for the soup?" 

A million questions were rambled off causing Midnight to blink constantly in awe. She had never had this sort of encounter with anyone but she could feel the warmth in her chest growing. Even before Midnight realized it, she had wrapped her arms around Hilda and hugged her just tight enough so she knew how much she appreciated everything. There had been many early mornings spent trying to get her to give more food. But now, she could properly hug Hilda just as Walker and Lisa did. 

The reaction was more than anyone had expected. Hilda froze as if she was afraid to even move from the precious position. No one noticed Walker's father smirking slightly and speaking. "That's our girl." Whether Midnight had known it or not at the time. Both Hilda and Garret had accepted her the moment Walker had brought her home. There was the chance that another creature could have grown up without a family and for them, that was something they would never allow. 

Before they could continue their meal, Walker heard a roar coming from outside. When he dashed from the table and out to the back training area, he saw the dim starlit sky full of wind and the reflections of armored scales. Ciel had returned and was carrying a large bat in his talens. There were many armored dragonkin that had water patterns engraved upon them. The smaller shouts if battle echoed through the city causing many people to look outside as well. 

"I would say that we are just about ready to leave. I wish they would carry us there but I think we are being left behind. That should be good though. We will have a base of operation when we get to the harbor." The fact that the party recognized that the dragons leaving first was the best option made all the difference. That meant that any kraken swarming the harbors would be forced away and safe the port towns. This would in turn allow them to take the plunge and hunt for the mother kraken. 

"I know they just came from wherever their village was, but they really showed off." Gil watched Cile disappear from in to the distance after Current took off and joined the flight. 

"I think it is a dragon thing. Look at Midnight. She always tried to sit up straight and show off." 

"Hmpf." The speedy response from Midnight bright everyone back to the reality that they had been eating. 

"On that note. I think I will finish up dinner and sleep early. Maybe we should leave a little earlier." The pressure had built up and most of the party had completed their tasks. The only person that wanted to do one last thing was Remey. 

"I planned to have Trish help me with a few things. If you are fine with me working in to the morning I can be ready to leave around midday." None appeared to object to this. Instead, they were all interested in what Trish and Remey would be working on. Unfortunately, no matter how much they asked her before she left the table to go back to the alchemy guild, Remey wouldn't say. 

The cool air caused Remey's breath to show itself in a white mist as she walked toward the alchemy guild building. She had been making mental preparations during the dinner. She had enough mana and health potions for the trip. Trish had even managed to get the ingredients to make some water breathing potions. The only problem was that they needed to be aged to activate the properties in from of the herbs used. 

Remey had tried to get the formula for them but Trish said she would only give it up if Remey brought back some rare underwater potion materials to grow. It was a tough to give up and accept that she would be stuck with transporting them but it was what needed to be done. Now Remey could focus on her next goal. 

Trish had shown off the use of potions in a way that Remey had never known. Back in the forest elf city and forest, Trish had used battle potions to fight moths. Not many could do such things and Remey was one of the people who could not. But now that she had gained a higher system, then she was able to learn such things. 

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