An Impassioned Ally

Campaign: The Flamewyrm's Abode

Chapter 3 / 4-4

An Impassioned Ally

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Rite of the Pact

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The Mountain Trail

Summary

The prince wins a pact with the Flamewyrm, and the mana in their pactstone quiets the volcano's ire. The Flamewyrm has grown fond of the prince and, before joining him, assumes human form and a human name—Mym.

Dialogue

You possess great strength, boy— the kind I've not seen in quite some time. And let it be known I loathe saying that. What a dreadful day this is shaping into... I can tell you enjoyed the fight. But why did you hold back? Maybe I just didn't feel like hurting you. Answer me this: Why do you seek power? As prince, I have a duty to protect the people of my kingdom. And I gave my sister Zethia my word that I would forge a pact with you. I knew you had a motive. Maybe, but none of that was in my mind when I came here. All I knew was that I had to stop the volcano. And I also had to make sure you were safe. Before, when I told you we came to help, you asked why you should believe me. You were like a child that was about to cry. And I can't abandon someone like that. THAT was your reason? ...You are a very strange man, little Prince. Much as I'm enjoyin' all this witty banter, the tremors are gettin' worse. Maybe you could speed it up a little? The magma has nearly reached us. Forge the pact, before the volcano erupts! Tsk! Such boors. Must you spoil my first pleasant conversation in years? Flamewyrm, will you forge a pact with me? Together, we can do more than just stop a single volcano. I sense it, and I know you do as well. Yes. I shall remember those words. And if you fail me in any way whatsoever, I shall reduce you to ash. By the blood that runs through me, let my fire now be part of your flame. Well spoken. I have been waiting for a man like you to appear for quite some time. The last such man was Alberius, at whose side I fought in ages past. But that was only to protect this volcano, the place of my birth. With you, I believe we can go further. I might even be talked out of my home! ...A pactstone! Then you accept? You have proven yourself. I accept. Euden, dragon defender! I acknowledge you as my true king! I am Brunhilda, mistress of crimson, the inferno clad, and the flame that shall guide your way! Uh, the ground's still shaking... It's about to erupt! ...Er, or not? It stopped! The magma has stilled as well. The pact must have worked. Each pactstone contains a vast quantity of mana condensed into crystal form. Our stone absorbed all the mana that was out of balance. Thank the goddess for that. And thank you as well, Brunhilda. We owe you our lives. Enough with the formalities. You and I are one now. Er, we are? I don't mind the age difference so much, but the appearance difference will take some getting used to... Ta-daaah! Do I look human now? Holy cow! The dragon lady just turned into a LADY lady! Say something, Euden. Uh...let's start with...wow? I didn't know dragons could shapeshift. Not all can. I just happen to be more resourceful than most. You may shower me with praise at any time now. I suppose if people can become dragons, there's nothing to get in the way of dragons becoming people. Save for all known logic and reason. But I admire your ability to simply accept things with such grace. So! I'm ready to go. Leaving the volcano will drain some of my power, but so be it. Now all that I need is a new name. Something rather short and easy, so humans can remember it. Oh, and as it turns out, the woman you're looking at was one of Alberius's erstwhile companions. I've...borrowed her form. She was a great adventurer, and her name...was Mym! That's what you may call me. Mym. It's certainly short and easy to remember. It's good to meet you, Mym. Likewise, darling. ＂Darling＂? Ummm... Having made a pact with the third of the Six Greatwyrms, Brunhilda, and quelled the wrath of Mount Adolla, the prince and his companions press on.

He has dragonblood, while his sister is the Auspex. Each now sets out on a path to fulfill their respective roles.

The day will soon come when their fates again intertwine. Little do they realize that it will also be the day of their parting.