Investments

It was more civil than Mai had expected, as both neatly sat down on the rugged floor to commence their challenge, having an 'arm-wrestle' - using only their tails.

"Ready?

"Born so... - and begin!

And on Zalina's word, with just their tails, they aimed to push their opponents all the way to the floor, and with a little trouble, Lygawa soon emerged victorious.

"That's four from seven now!"

The other angrily pouted on the floor, as Lygawa hopped up and about in her victory.

"Wait, you know each other?"

Mai was still shocked.

"Oh yes, we were nest neighbours..."

She grabbed the frustrated fellow dragon, pulling her up and giving a long hug when both were on their feet again.

"She has been a good friend, yes, since I was a hatchling!"

Released, she shuffled her dress as she patted the imaginary dust from her good figure, before seeing Mai's gaze at her; she turned to face the human with annoyance.

"What doth thou stare upon?"

"You are so glamorous..."

Zalina looked to remark something angrily, but Mai didn't give her a chance.

"...I bet your true form is spectacular!"

The orangey dragon paused, tempered her ferocity and averting her eyes as she spoke very softly.

"Why... thank-you..."

"So what brings you here, to say a fond farewell?"

Lygawa pretty much slung off her taller fellow reptile again, pressing against her side with a smile.

"I hath come to escort thee... to a safe take-off spot, here amongst thy grounds..."

She pushed away and strode back toward the door.

"Provided thou are ready to depart?"

Mai had been ready for at least an hour.

Along the snaking and deserted way, Mai began to ask a few more lingering questions she'd thought of over the night.

"What's a Dragon Knight?"

Zalina paused for a moment.

"I suspect few know - they art what it sounds like; Knights upon Dragon steed..."

"How many Dragons are here?"

Mai felt easier talking today, because she was one-on-one, and without a bunch of spectators too, and was happy to receive replies.

"Tis but three..."

Zalina lead on.

"But you look upon thee strongest amongst thy Dragons who serve these Humans."

"Can I ask how you got here?"

Lygawa asked, coming up alongside her long-time friend, while the orange one looked away, as if in shame.

"I... fell victim to a cunning trap... and submitted... rather than fall..."

"Sorry -"

"Do not pity thee... humph!"

"You know; this one here laid a cunning trap for me too, yes, and I fell right into it, yes!"

The curls turned back to her with wider eyes.

"You too... these Humans hath become too crafty..."

They rounded another corner, and uncovered an exit that lead to a wide stone ledge, good enough for two full sized Dragons.

"I trust this one looks after thou well?"

She said quietly again, stopping from the light, perhaps a tad sad.

"Mai dose - are you?"

Lygawa turned back to her with interest.

The 'princess' went meek, looking depressingly down and shuffling her foot on the stone floor.

"I can't complain..."

Mai didn't feel comfortable now, and only imagined what Lygawa was feeling, but the orange dragon-lady soon returned to her normality, folding her arms again to brush them away.

"Now, be off with you!"

"I'm sure we'll see you again..."

Mai said with a kind smile as she passed; only getting another huff as a response.

"Later Zalina!"

Lygawa waved, heading out into the light.

With an uneventful lift-off, fly and landing near Irixs, they made good time with the shorter distance, while Lygawa informed Mai about her times with the orange dragon.

While she had gelled with Zalina, they'd spent some time together, despite the other being a few years older, thus winning the first two 'tail-battle' wins - according to the silvery one. Lygawa also guessed why Zalina was so moody now; having been an excellent flyer, who loved to explore - so being tied to a single place probably upset and frustrated her greatly.

When her friend had been 'shooed off' Lygawa had felt down, and had thought to look for her, once she too was chased out, but with a two year gap, she had nothing to go on, so had then stuck with her sister for a little while.

Mai was fairly quiet as she listened, as the further north they'd travelled, she'd felt it growing warmer and sticky with humidity - two things she didn't deal to well with anywhere.

As they made the final leg into the small town, they found a familiar face.

"Hello."

No doubtable Nullawhy had sensed their approach, and was waiting for them just by the first buildings that faced the sea.

"Was your 'side-trip' of value?"

"Yes, that King fellow was very impressed with Mai, yes, and has recalled his men"

Lygawa happily reported to the other dragon who smiled.

"How was it for you?"

"I have acquired lodgings, just as you wished, and have found the business here in town you have been looking for..."

She reported to Mai with satisfaction.

"...while this climate is very nice too."

Mai already sweated from the brief walk, stifled by the humidity and hotter sun above already.

"That's very nice, thanks."

"Did you wish to visit the business, as it is close by?"

"Sure, why not..."

Mai trudged on, now following the happy red dragon.

Thankfully she was correct, and Mai found the building interior was slightly cooler, as they waited for the owner to arrive.

"Hello, how may I help you?"

A tanned man entered, with pale-blond hair over a darker undercoat.

"I'm Isaac Parker."

"I'm Mai Misaki, and I am quite interested in your products."

"I'm afraid we have little to spare, as it's fairly highly sort after..."

"I understand, so I'm wondering if there is something you require?"

He looked about the trio of differently coloured women.

"You ladies wish to help?"

"It's mainly her."

Lygawa pointed at Mai.

Knowing about a few techniques and future technologies could come in real handy here...

"Please tell me what is making it difficult to make, and I might be able to assist..."

Mai pressed on with enthusiasm.

"We have plenty of stock; it grows everywhere here, we're good at processing... I could do with some more staff and a better space... but that all leads to a shortage of capital... I just don't have the money for it at the moment."

Mai smiled, as that was something she could easily contribute.

"How much?"

Isaac gave a curious glance with his blue eyes.

"I'd be guessing, but... a hundred fifty silver would do the trick... initially."

"Well you're in luck."

Mai leaned a little closer smiling.

"I have quite a few spare coins at the moment, perhaps you would like an investor?"

"I'm not looking to sell out here Miss-"

Mai put her hands up.

"I wouldn't dream of it, all you need do is pay it back gradually, and perhaps through some of the Cocca itself..."

Her hands returned to her lap as she offered a great deal, leaving him to seriously think it over, before he carefully eyed her.

"Are you good for it?"

Mai felt her smile grow.

"Nullawhy, please bring the bag with the silver coins here please."

The red-head nodded and went for it immediately.

"So how about two hundred now and we'll talk repayments... when you've got everything going?"

His concern and surprise melted away, giving way to a broad smile, like Mai's.

"That sounds very fair indeed."

He ducked behind the counter and retrieved four small tan boxes, putting them before them.

"As our appreciation, I gift you these, unless you want more..."

"No that's fine, I'm looking to support your business, not ruin it."

They continued to smile across the counter at the other, before Mai offered her hand his way.

"May the future be bright and sweet...!"

Isaac grasped her sweaty palm fairly and gave a short shake.

With two thirds of the silver coins offloaded, and with four small boxes of coco powder, and five heavy bags of salt under their wing, the trio returned to Yarra, after a couple of days.

Mai had spent as much of her time there trying to stay cool, as it got even hotter, when even the shallow shore waters didn't feel any cooler than the stifling nights, but a little ice magic took the edge off her discomfort, and was well worth the effort.

The reptiles on the other-hand both lapped up the warmth and light, mostly sunbaking up on the accommodations roof or on the sands, when Mai briefly paddled in the sea.

With paperwork and a written agreement done, and everything seemed right, Mai was keen to return home, and the Dragons happily obliged once again.

I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep, all this stress and heat has left me feeling weak... so much for a 'relaxing holiday'...

Mai was already feeling better, as the cool winds swept by over Lygawa's neck.

"Ah..."

Mai let out, seeing a familiar valley view as the dragons glided in.

{It is nice to be home, yes.}

They softly landed, and after Mai slid her feet to the ground, Lygawa shone bright and shrunk down to her human form.

Nullawhy did the same behind them as Mai plucked the rope from the silvery reptile and took it to the handy carry bag.

"It is wonderful to be back."

Mai turned back to the others with a grin, which soon faded as they both stayed still and cautious.

Lygawa looked all about their surroundings carefully and slowly.

"What is it?"

"I believe we are being watched... but I can no longer tell from where..."

All three looked about again, but as neither dragon seemed to find anything amiss, Mai hadn't any chance at all.

"Let's all... stay on alert..."

I was hoping we'd find some peace back here... I wonder what could evade a Dragons senses...?