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Illarion strode down the halls of High Reach leisurely, flanked by Vanya and Viski. He observed the rough hewn rock that lined the walls, interspersed with sconces, lit with flame. He nearly scoffed. He and Valerius were friends now, but he was still of the opinion that Valerius needed a serious update to his style. He paused at a window and took in the view of reach. It was beautiful, he had to admit. While before he had just thought Valerius was stuck in the past, he could now detect that was not exactly it. He fingered the edge of the window sill as he thought. 

It does not look exactly as it did in the old days, Mephous huffed from within his mind. 

Indeed, it does not. It has a certain… He frowned, looking down upon the city. It reminded him of something, but he just couldn’t put his finger on it. It certainly was not just like the cities of old. It was too beautiful for that. Too clean, too modern in its amenities. And there was not enough shit, or rats, for that matter. He wrinkled his nose at the thought of when people had emptied their chamber pots into the streets. Modern plumbing had been a revelation. 

Vanya stuck her nose into his palm, and he scratched her ears idly as he turned away from the window. 

It has hope, Mephous said. 

Illarion paused, tilting his head, and glanced back out the window. Mephous was right. The city, the castle, the greenery…it was all an idealized version of the past. A fantasy. At that thought, he blinked. What the city reminded him of was at the tip of his tongue—

“Illarion! Hey!” A cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts. 

It was Caden. Illarion’s mouth tilted upward in a small smile as he lifted a hand to greet the newest dragon shifter. Vanya and Viski ran to intercept Caden, tongues lolling and tails wagging. 

“Woah! Hold on there, Vanya! Or are you Viski? Oh, shi—“ 

Illarion put a hand out to steady the tray that had nearly toppled out of Caden’s hands as Viski continued to nose at it. 

“Vanya, Viski! Down!” The two hounds sat obediently, vibrating with energy. Illarion chuckled, “Sorry about that, Caden. You must have food on that tray, no?” He lifted an eyebrow. 

Caden laughed good naturedly, waving a hand, “Yeah! Just some sandwiches.” He grinned, and Illarion, as ever, could not resist the young man’s infectious energy. He grinned back. 

“Taking those up to Valerius?” He asked, snapping his fingers as Vanya started to sit up and inch back toward Caden. She promptly sat back down, tail swishing across the floor, innocent eyes turned back toward him. He sighed. 

Caden laughed, “No, actually. I’m leaving for the day. Going to meet up with…a new friend. Thought I would bring some lunch with me.”

A new friend? Mephous said wryly, How many friends can this boy possibly have? 

Illarion mentally chuckled. I think Caden and Iolair would befriend the entire world, if they could. It seems they have no limits. 

Green smoke curled around Mephous in his lair as he snorted in amusement. A friendly dragon who likes to be pet and make friends. Who would have ever guessed? What’s next, flying pig shifters? 

Illarion smiled in dry amusement before shifting his attention back to Caden. “A new friend? They must be very prestigious if you’re delivering them lunch from High Reaches’ Kitchens.” 

Caden straightened, “You could say that!”

Illarion furrowed his eyebrows, “…It is not a reporter, is it?” 

Caden looked immensely amused by that, for some reason. “No, it’s not. But actually…what are you up to today, Illarion? Want to tag along?” 

Illarion blinked at that. Just a few months ago, he would have bridled at being invited to “tag along” anywhere. But now, he just felt grateful to be included. It was an odd feeling. Especially since he had begun to wonder if he had felt that way all along, but masked it with anger. Anger and violence were easier emotions to handle…he shook himself. Caden was still waiting for an answer. 

He felt uncertain. Should he go? He didn’t know if he was asking Mephous, or himself. But he felt Mephous’ answer without the spirit giving a verbal answer. Mephous liked Caden, which was rare. But even rarer still was that Mephous liked Iolair as well. Something about being in close proximity to the other dragon spirit put Mephous in a better mood. Like him, he supposed, Mephous had never truly had a friend other than his bonded before. 

He nodded. “Sure, but…where are we going, exactly?”

Caden grinned impishly, “it’s a surprise!” 

Illarion nearly sighed. He was not a fan of surprises. But for Caden, he would allow it. 

He gestured, “Alright then, Caden. Since it’s a surprise, you lead the way.” 

Caden saluted, “You got it!” He elbowed Illarion good naturedly, “Don’t worry, I’d never lead you astray. Let’s go!” 

Illarion looked at both Vanya and Viski, who were still, remarkably, sitting. Their wide eyes pleaded with him. He snapped his fingers and gestured forward, and the two dogs turned into white blurs as they shot into the hallway after Caden. Illarion shook his head fondly. What have I gotten myself into? 

***

Illarion blinked. Once, twice…three times. He stared out the window of the SUV Caden had driven them in. 

“This looks like an old lady’s house,” he announced into the silence of the car. 

Caden smiled, teeth dazzlingly white in the afternoon sun. “That’s because it is!” 

Illarion blinked again, “Excuse me?” 

“It is,” Caden said, as if that explained everything. Illarion stared at him blankly. Caden reiterated. “It’s an old lady’s house.” 

“Okay…” Illarion said slowly. He again looked out the window at the squat, one story house. It had white siding and burgundy trim and window shutters. His eyes traveled to the porch with a mobility ramp that was surrounded by what appeared to be an army of small garden gnomes. He turned back to Caden, expression blank. 

“Are you going to explain why you have brought me to an old lady’s house?” 

Caden was turned awkwardly in his seat, rooting around in the back seat, attempting to grab the tray of sandwiches he had brought. They had stopped in Illarion’s quarters to drop off Vanya and Viski to be watched by a staff member before they had left. Illarion had wanted to bring them, but Caden had insinuated that maybe he shouldn’t. When Illarion asked if Caden’s new friend wasn’t a dog person, Caden had said she was, but that she had a friend who wasn’t. Illarion had no idea what that had meant, but decided it was for the best that Vanya and Viski stay in the castle. 

Illarion raised an eyebrow as he watched Caden continue to struggle to grab the tray. The young man was turned at what Illarion could only guess was an uncomfortable angle. 

Caden’s voice was muffled as he replied, “Because she’s my friend!” His tone implied that this must be obvious. 

“I see…” Illarion replied. Unable to watch Caden struggle any longer, he popped open his door and made his way to the back of the vehicle. He grabbed the tray from the back seat, meeting Caden’s eyes. The younger shifter’s face was red from effort, and his eyes followed Illarion’s hands as he gently lifted the tray and stepped backward, closing the back door. He heard Caden’s  door slam shut before he made his way around the vehicle, hand at the back of his neck, embarrassed. 

“Guess I should have thought of that,” he said, taking the tray from Illarion. “Thanks.” 

Illarion shrugged, eyes going back to the house. “So, your…friend?” 

“Ah, right!” Caden said, pocketing his keys. “She’s the lady that I first shifted in front of, back when I revealed myself to the public! She invited me back for tea! I’ve been back a few times since. I thought you might like to meet her.” 

Illarion paused. Caden thought he might like to meet her? Illarion did not make a habit of interacting with humans, and especially not the elderly. Humans were gone in a blink, and the elderly even sooner. What was the point of forming a connection but to bring himself more pain and heartache? Caden was so young…did he not understand that yet? 

Maybe he thinks we should meet her, Mephous theorized. As ever, his spirit was more astute than himself. Clearly Caden didn’t think Illarion would want to meet this elderly human, but that he should. But why? He had to admit, it was intriguing. 

It was just then that Illarion noticed just how large the tray of sandwiches Caden held was. He knew Caden had a large appetite since he was a new shifter, but this many for just him and a human woman who may only eat one? Illarion began to have the sneaking suspicion that Caden had not stumbled upon him in the hallway, but had sought him out. 

He was still contemplating that possibility when they stopped in front of the door. Caden knocked, balancing the tray in one hand. It wobbled precariously, and Illarion took it from his hands. Caden shot him a grateful look, and knocked once more, louder this time. There was no response. 

“Perhaps she didn’t hear…?”

Caden shook his head, smiling. “It just takes her a little bit to get to the door.” 

They waited, and finally Illarion heard the door being unlocked and the knob being turned. As the door opened, an elderly woman came into view. She was the pinnacle of a babushka. She peered up at them through large coke bottle lens glasses, face framed by curly white hair. Her back was stooped and her thin arms trembled. She greeted Caden with a beatific smile. 

“Caden, my dear! Oh, come in, come in!” She paused as they shuffled inside, Illarion having to duck his head a bit to get through the doorway. Her eyes traveled up to his face. “Oh, and you’ve brought a friend! And who might you be?” 

Illarion blinked, dumbstruck. It had been a long time since anyone had asked him who he was. At least 30 years, and before that, he had not gone out of his way to meet others. 

“I—uhm—“ He shot a pleading look at Caden, who was moving deeper into the house. 

Caden chuckled, setting the sandwiches down on the coffee table. He turned, eyebrows raised, and gestured with both hands as if to say, “well, introduce yourself!” 

Feeling oddly like a small child, Illarion made an effort to straighten in front of the elderly, frail lady before him. “My name is Illarion, Green Dragon King, bonded of Mephous.” He suddenly felt incredibly foolish announcing himself in such a way while still partially crouched in the door frame.

The woman inspected him, lowering her glasses to eye him. “Ah,” she said, unimpressed. Illarion’s stomach dropped. He did not know why he wanted this woman’s approval. He knew the general public did not approve of him. And while he generally did not care for others opinions, he did understand that he had erred with his territory. Clearly this woman had an opinion on him. He wanted not to care, but she was close with Caden, so for some reason, it mattered to him. 

She slid her glasses back up her nose. “Sorry I didn’t recognize you, King Illarion! My vision is not what it used to be…And you’re quite a bit bigger in person than you seem on TV.” She patted him on the arm, “come in, sit down!” She tugged at his arm, and he followed like a lost puppy. He caught Caden turning around to hide a laugh. Illarion shot him a dirty look as he sat on the too small, floral printed, couch. 

“My name is Meredith, King Illarion. Caden has brought you as a friend, so you are welcome in my home.” Her voice was not cold, per se, but it was certainly not as warm as it had been with Caden. Illarion winced. 

She turned and kissed Caden on each cheek, “How nice it is to see you again, Caden! And so soon! I do hope you’re not getting tired of all my stories.”

Caden grinned, and Illarion was briefly jealous of how effortlessly charming the younger shifter was. “Of course, Mere! As long as you still have tea and stories to tell, I’ll be here!”

Meredith laughed, delighted. “Well then, I’ll never run out of either of those, don’t you worry!” She began to totter toward the kitchen, “I see you’ve brought lunch! I’ll get a pot of tea going and warm up the coffee cake for dessert.” 

Caden made to stand up from his seat on the matching floral print arm chair, “let me help!” But Meredith waved him away. 

“No, no, dear. I can manage on my own. I’ll be just a few minutes. You two get settled in.” 

Illarion shot a glare at Caden, which the young shifter pretended not to notice as he fussed with the sandwiches. 

“Caden…” Illarion said. 

“Yes?” Caden responded, innocently. 

“Why did you bring me here?” 

“Like I said, I thought you would like to—“ 

“Caden.” Illarion stated pointedly. 

Caden sighed, finally meeting Illarion’s eyes. “Alright…I just thought it would be good for you to meet her, is all.” He gave Illarion a small grin, “everyone has all these opinions on you, and maybe they’re right to…but I know you’re a good person, Illarion. I just think it will do you some good to…vary your perspective, a bit.”

Illarion sat with that for a minute. He fought against his knee-jerk reaction to be angry. He understood where Caden was coming from. He knew well all he had touted, publicly, regarding exactly what he thought of humans. But he merely said what was true. They were weak and fragile, they were fleeting. He had been human, once. And though that time felt distantly remembered now, he was speaking from experience. He was well aware of the virtues of humanity, as well. But to befriend them, to get close with them? It was just asking for heartache. 

He tapped his fingers on the arm of the couch as he considered his response. Caden was so new, but Illarion knew better by now than to discount Caden’s wisdom in such matters. 

“I understand where you’re coming from, Caden, but…”

Caden raised an eyebrow, “But?” 

“But, despite what you may think, I do understand the virtues of humanity. I have lived for a millennia among them, and in the beginning, I even befriended many of them. You are young, so young…it’s hard to describe…a human life is like a drop in the ocean of time. No matter how bright they shine, they are snuffed out, and you are left with but a memory. And eventually, that too, fades.”

Caden’s expression wrenched, for just a moment, and Illarion felt guilty. But just as quick, Caden smiled, lips wobbling, but still, he smiled. “I get it…”

“Do you?” 

Caden blinked, then ducked his head. “Well, no. I suppose I don’t, do I? Until I live it, huh? But…” he swallowed. “Even if it breaks my heart, over and over and over, I want to keep meeting people, hearing their perspectives, their lives, their opinions. Because if I don’t…won’t I become stagnate? Won’t I start to view humans as…” Here, he stopped. 

And Illarion understood why. Caden was basically saying, “What if I become like you? All of you?” Distant, detached. Even the great champion of the people, Tez, could not say he was still connected with the human experience after all this time. Caden was finally understanding the enormity of the concept of immortality. It hadn’t fully hit Illarion until a few hundred years in, but of course Caden, kind, empathetic Caden, would think of it so early. Illarion’s heart hurt for him, and he was glad that Caden had Valerius to help lead him through it all. 

Illarion heard the teapot begin to whistle, and knew their time for a private conversation was up. He sighed. “This is a large conversation, Caden. One for another time. And one you should talk with Valerius about as well…but for now…I’ll give making a human friend a try.” 

At that, Caden beamed. 

“You’re getting soft in your old age…” Commented Mephous, and Illarion mentally snorted. 

“You’re one to talk,” Illarion said, thinking of the head nuzzle Mephous had given Iolair just the week before. 

Mephous merely snorted, swishing his tail to curl over his snout. 

“Thanks, Illarion…” Caden began, but before he could say more, Meredith reappeared. She carried a metal tray bearing a silver tea kettle and three delicate, floral china tea cups and saucers. She moved slowly, concentration written along the lines of her face. 

Caden immediately got up to remove the tray from her hands. 

“Thank you, dear. I’ll be right back, the cake is just in on the counter—”

“I will grab it,” Illarion surprised himself by saying. Meredith raised an eyebrow, but before anyone could protest, he was already up and moving. 

By the time he was back, and setting the (delicious smelling) cake on the coffee table, a cup of tea had already been poured for him. 

As they all sat and began their meal, Meredith and Caden chatting, Illarion began to feel more and more out of place. The couch was so small, his knees were practically pushed up to his chest. And while the home did not smell unpleasant, per-se…it had the permeating odor that he knew some called “old people smell.” He wrinkled his nose. 

“And so, you see, Billy reported in all kinds of countries! He was always in the thick of it, my little brother!” 

Illarion tuned back into the conversation at that. He furrowed his eyebrows. 

“Your brother was a reporter?” He said, finally picking up his neglected sandwich.

Meredith paused, eyeing him. “Yes, he was. And I know how you feel about reporters, King Illarion. But my Billy was brave. Always on the front lines, reporting on things others would not. Especially in third world countries…he saved many lives.”

Illarion opened his mouth, then considered, and shut it again. She was right. He had opinions on reporters. The advent of the press, and specifically the free press, had not been one of his favorite human achievements. Especially in this age of social media. Absolutely everything he said was skewed or presented in a different light than the way he’d meant it. He was a blunt person by nature, he had no inclination to play into the tiresome machinations of the press. 

But the type of reporter Meredith described her brother as did not seem disagreeable to him. He’d met the type several times, and they were different from the dead eyed, plastic-smiled robots who stood in fabricated studios and read off of television-prompters. 

So he merely nodded, and replied succinctly, “He sounds like a good man.” And took a bite of his sandwich. It was made with crusty rye bread, with stacks of turkey, ham, and bacon. Crispy lettuce and juicy tomatoes adorned the top layer, all brought together with a slightly sweet, slightly spicy mayo dressing. He chewed slowly, savoring it, and did not notice the incredulous look Meredith sent his way. 

“He…he was. He gave his life protecting others while reporting on a war in Ethiopia…this was all before shifters were revealed, of course.” 

Caden put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Like Illarion said, he sounds like he was a great man. I’ve enjoyed all of his adventures you’ve been able to tell me about. And I’m sure he’d be proud of all you’ve accomplished too, Mere.” 

Meredith took a bracing sip of her tea, and Illarion noticed the shine of tears in her eyes before she blinked them away. 

Illarion briefly wondered if he should add anything else to the conversation, before seeing a shape moving out of the hallway and into the living room out of the corner of his eye. He nearly dropped his sandwich, but instead gestured with it, nearly flinging mayo all over the pristine couch and exclaimed, “What is that!?” 

Caden whipped around in alarm, but immediately relaxed and began to laugh. Meredith turned, albeit slower, and also began to chuckle. 

She clapped her hands together, “Oh! That’s Harold! He’s come to say hi! What a surprise, he’s deaf, you see, so he doesn’t normally come out to greet guests.”

Padding into the living room was the most ancient, decrepit, Chihuahua Illarion had ever seen. If he’d thought Meredith moved slow, this thing moved even slower. His muzzle was pure white, eyes were rheumy and glazed over, and he appeared to be missing all of his teeth, as his tongue hung limp out of the side of his mouth. 

Illarion blinked. He suddenly pieced together something Caden had said before they left. He raised an eyebrow at the young man, “So this is the friend who is “not a fan of dogs?” 

Caden nodded, still laughing. “Yeah! Old Harry here is not a fan of anyone besides Mere, and I think Vanya and Viski would be way too much for him.” 

Illarion nodded mutely, still transfixed by the complete mess of a dog before him. Vanya and Viski would not have known what to do in the face of being presented with Harold. 

His eyes remained glued to the creature as he made his way toward Illarion. He bypassed Caden and Meredith completely, which the woman seemed astonished by, before stopping in front of Illarion’s feet, sniffing them. 

“That is a dog?” Mephous asked within his mind, eyeing Harold dubiously through Illarion’s eyes. Mephous had never truly understood Illarion’s love of dogs, or his willingness to go through the heartache of losing beloved pets over and over. To Illarion, it was different than befriending humans. Dogs were special. Mephous had always disagreed, but never pressed the point. 

“Yes, a small breed. I’ve never been partial to them, as I like a bigger, more active dog. But still a dog.”

Mephous scrutinized Harold. “He is like a potato with legs.” 

Illarion nearly laughed out loud, and Caden gave him a questioning look. “Mephous is…well. He has opinions on Harold, here.” 

Caden covered his smile while eyeing Meredith out of the corner of his eye. She was clearly put out. 

Meredith crossed her arms, “There is nothing wrong with Harold! I take him to the vet every month and they assure me he’s as healthy as a horse. He’s just old!” She smiled, “We’re two peas in a pod!” 

Illarion smiled back. She clearly loved her dog. This was something he could relate to. He nodded. “He’s…” He gestured at Harold, who was still taking his time snuffling Illarion’s feet. “Well. He’s unique.” 

Meredith let out a laugh at that. “Alright, I’ll take that.” 

Illarion reached down to pick Harold up, and Caden gasped. Meredith exclaimed, “Wait—“ 

But he had already picked the snuffling dog up and had sat him on his lap. Harold looked around, confused at his sudden elevation change, but otherwise did not react. Illarion began to scratch behind his ears, and Harold's tail wagged. Illarion smiled, perhaps this dog did have his charms after all. 

Only when he looked up did he see the twin looks of astonishment on Meredith and Caden’s faces. He blinked. “What?”

Meredith put a hand on her chest, eyes wide behind her glasses lens. “In all my years…” She looked at Harold, whose rheumy eyes had closed in bliss at Illarion’s petting. “Harold has never liked anyone but me. Even my late husband…back when Harold had teeth, well, let’s just say he used them…” 

Caden looked from Harold to Illarion, and back again. “Yeah…I made the mistake of reaching down to pet him the first time I came over…I was glad he had no teeth then. He certainly tried, though.” He stared at the elderly dog. “WOW…Illarion. You’re like, the dog whisperer!” 

Illarion blinked, looking down at the small dog in his lap. He shrugged, still scratching behind Harold’s ears. “I’ve always had a way with dogs. I was a kennel keeper back when I was human.”

Caden’s mouth opened in astonishment. “Woah, really? I would’ve guessed you were like…a warrior.” Caden looked at him more intensely, and Illarion shifted under his gaze. “I guess you’re one of the only dragons I know like, nothing about your human past, or how you got your spirit.” 

Meredith looked intensely interested as well. In truth, Illarion had never released anything about his human past. Much was known about how all the others had gained their spirits, aside from him and Valerius, as they were both old enough to not have any written history of it. A few others had shared with the press or public how they gained their spirits (or their version of it, at least) or had atleast shared it with the other dragons. But Illarion had done neither. As far as he knew, he and Valerius were the only ones whose human pasts were a mystery to both the public and their fellow dragons. 

He considered what he would tell Caden and Meredith. 

“…I was a warrior. But I started as a kennel keeper. Or, at least, that’s what I wanted to be. It is a long story.” He rubbed the bridge of Harold’s nose while he continued, “the country was plagued by war and famine at the time. And back then, dogs were not exactly thought of as solely companions, but tools. I helped train the hunting and tracking dogs. I was good at it.” He paused, contemplating. “But I was good at being a warrior, too. And that is what…others wanted me to do. What they thought was needed from me during such a time.” He shrugged. He did not want to get into the topic of his father. Not today. 

Harold stood and spun in a circle. Once, twice…three times, before settling down, burrowing even further into Illarion’s lap. 

“As for how I gained my spirit…That too is a long story. And a dark one.”

He blinked, and saw a field of blood before his eyes, men broken and dying on the field of battle. His home city burning at his back, everyone he had ever known or loved, gone. Mephous’ voice in his head as Illarion lay on the ground, a blade thrust into his stomach by the one who had betrayed him. “I will give you teeth and talons to fight. I will give you wings to fly. Together, we will show them. We will show them all. What do you say?” 

And Illarion’s reply, as blood coated his throat and teeth, “Yes.” 

He blinked again, and it was gone. Mephous stirred in his chest, and sent reassuring feelings his way. It was so long ago, it seldom bothered Illarion any more. But his human life was not a topic he liked to get into. 

He ran a hand down Harold’s back, mostly to soothe himself, and said, “But I would rather not tell it today. If that is okay.” 

Caden’s face was gentle as he said, “Of course! I am curious, but if you’re not comfortable sharing it, that’s perfectly fine—“

Illarion bridled a bit, but as he had been doing since the battle with the Behemoth, he tried to consciously school his reaction. Caden was not implying that he was weak by not being comfortable sharing his past. He was merely being…Caden. 

Illarion nodded. “Thank you…but it is not really for my comfort that I do not share the story, but for yours.” He gave a nod and a small smile toward their meal, “This is a pleasant afternoon, and I do not wish to mar it with a dark subject. But just know, it was a long time ago. And through it, I was bonded with Mephous.” He tapped his chest, "Anything would be worth that.”

Caden’s eyes seemed to shimmer for just a moment before he nodded. “I get it.”

“I know you do,” Illarion smiled. Mephous then sent him an image on the green and white dragons flying side by side on their way home. 

“I’m sure Caden and Iolair will be amendable. We can send a staff member for the car.” 

His chest became warm with Mephous’s answering rumble of contentment. 

Meredith shifted, adjusting her glasses. “Thank you for what you did tell us, King Illarion. I’m no dragon expert, but even I know you’re one of the few dragons who have shared nothing of their past…” She eyed him, “Sometimes it's easy to forget just how old you all are…you look so young. I can only imagine the wisdom you have gathered throughout the ages.” She looked pensive as she brought her tea cup to her lips. 

Illarion shrugged, “I don’t know about wisdom…Mephous is wise, but I don’t know about myself.” He found it easier to be humble here. To admit his shortcomings to these two. There was no competition for power, no political machinations…just openness, and friendship. “And…just Illarion, is fine. You don’t have to call me king.”

Caden’s eyes widened at that. Meredith’s did, too. Clearly she recognized it for the honor it was. Illarion’s mouth tipped upward. She was a clever one…and for all she’d said of his wisdom, clearly she’d gathered plenty through her years, too. 

Meredith blinked, and opened her mouth before closing it again. Clearly overcome by the statement. The lines in her face deepened and creased as she smiled. “It is an honor…Illarion.” She sat her teacup down. “Especially because next to Valerius…and Caden, here,” she patted the young man’s shoulder, “You’re just as much my king.”

He raised an eyebrow at this, but Caden did not seem surprised.

She continued, “My last name is Petrova…My father came here, to the United States, with us in the early 60’s, during Khrushchev’s leadership of the USSR. I was born in Russia, and have dual citizenship.” Her eyes twinkled.

Illarion shifted, hand paused in his continuous petting of Harold, stunned by the statement. Yet another puzzle piece slotting itself into place. This must be yet another reason why Caden had wanted him to meet Meredith. 

“Ah…that does make sense.” 

“How so?” Asked Caden, while making his way through what had to be his third sandwich. 

“Because I like her,” Illarion said bluntly. “Russians have a certain,” here he gestured vaguely in Meredith’s direction, “authenticity, that most others do not have.” 

Caden laughed, mustard dotting the edge of his lips. “Oh, and you’re not biased at all?” 

“Surely not!” Meredith laughed. “I did spend most of my time in the U.S. growing up, but whenever Billy and I would travel, we made it a point to visit home.” Her voice became more somber, “The reveal of shifters did change things a bit, however. I’ve traveled there less and less these last 30 years. And not at all in the last 10…” Here, she trailed off, but did not break eye contact with Illarion. 

The bread of his sandwich suddenly stuck to the roof of his mouth, and he took a long sip of tea to brace himself. Her meaning was not lost on him. His reign had not started out as much of a mess as it had become in these later years, but it had always been hard. Dissolving the USSR, for one, had been a particularly stressful period of his life. But everything to do with the faith, the bombings and terrorism, the closing of the borders and shuddering of the press…it had all started 10 years ago. He had tried…as he said, Russians had authenticity, but they were also a hard people. Made that way through the land and a difficult history. 

Everything had devolved until he had felt it slipping through his fingers. The camps had been his final straw, his last ditch effort. And he was aware of how it seemed from the outside…how it was. But he had felt trapped. His territory was slipping and he had not a single friend to turn to for help. These last 10 years had been some of the most stressful and harrowing in his life, and considering how long of a life he’d had, that was saying something. 

Meredith must have seen some of what he was thinking on his face, because she continued, “I’m not trying to accuse you of anything, Illarion. Caden has told me…bits and pieces of things. And I know not everything was as simple as it seemed from the outside looking in.” 

Illarion’s jaw ticked as he tried to uncork some of the tension from his body. He nodded, “I…know I erred with my territory. As you said, it was…complicated. It…” He paused. All of this was harder to say out loud than he’d thought it’d be. “It was hard. Many do not think so, but I love my people. I love Russia…it is my home. But leadership, especially in this day and age, is not all it’s cracked up to be.” He gave a small smile at that. 

He did feel guilty about what had become of his territory. And it had been harder to run than he’d anticipated. Simply intimidating others or making them fear you was not how it was done anymore. And getting a populace to love him? Illarion grimaced. He had not yet managed to get even a single person to do that. His deep seated feelings of being unworthy stirred within him, and he tried to tamp them down before he received yet another lecture from Mephous. 

Caden gave him an empathetic look, “We have time to fix it, Illarion. We can figure it out. I think listening to all kinds of people, human and shifter, Russian and non-Russian, will help you figure out how to go about doing that.” 

Caden shot a look at Meredith, and Illarion got the sense that Caden thought Illarion should seek some of that advice from her. One of many perspectives he may need. Illarion merely nodded, continuing to eat his sandwich in silence as he contemplated. Meredith and Caden began another conversation, presumably giving him space to think. Harold was a comforting, warm, weight on Illarion’s lap, and could begin to see the appeal in a lap dog. 

As he ate, he watched Meredith finally unwrap the coffee cake and slide a slice to him as she and Caden talked. He thanked her quietly, still feeling pensive, and she winked. He blinked, and was suddenly hit with hazy memories of his own grandmother. People did not live as long back then, but he suddenly envisioned an older woman, not his mother, on her knees before him, brushing out his hair with a wooden comb. Distant snatches of old Russian floating through the memories, as if from a dream. He blinked again, and the memory was gone. 

He took a bite of his coffee cake. It was the perfect texture, not too moist, but not too dry, either. He was struck by how much he was thinking of his human past today, and wondered if this was precisely what Caden had hoped for. The memory of his grandmother, as hazy as it was, elicited a warm feeling. He could not even remember her name, as he had been young when she’d died, and it had been so, so long ago. 

He often tried not to think too hard on the past. He’d learned that lesson the hard way…it was easy to become trapped in it. But maybe he’d been blocking it out too much. After all, those who ignored history were doomed to repeat it. 

His eyes traveled around the room as he tried to re-insert himself into the present. He’d had enough reminiscing for one day. His gaze snagged on the TV set, and he grinned. It was something straight out of the 90’s. A big box TV on a stand, with both a VCR and DVD player housed in a shelf underneath. On either side of it were shelves filled to the brim with DVD’s and VCR tapes. 

During a lull in Caden and Meredith’s conversation, Illarion asked, “Are you a movie buff, Meredith?” He gestured toward her shelves with his slice of cake, wincing as crumbs flung onto the carpet. 

She raised her eyebrows at the crumbs, but did not mention them. “I am! I’m old enough to have been around for when TV’s first came into homes, and I have to say, I’ve always been a big movie fan.”

Illarion nodded, stuffing the rest of the cake into his mouth. “Me too,” he said, mouth still full. 

Meredith gave him a look, and Caden laughed, presumably having received this lecture before. “Now, don’t speak with your mouth full, young man. It’s rude, and you could choke.” Her teacup paused halfway through her mouth as she realized she’d just called an immortal dragon shifter “young man.” But she merely shrugged and took a sip of her tea, clearly deciding not to rescind the rebuke. 

Chastised, Illarion swallowed before continuing. “Yes, well, I was around before movies were even invented.” He raised a playful eyebrow in her direction, and she snorted. “I’ve always been fascinated by them. I was never a big reader, and seeing stories brought to life? Amazing! I was awed by the black and white silent films, but they just keep getting better and better!”

Caden looked at him, hand on his chin, “You’re a movie buff! That actually makes a lot of sense.”

Illarion gently lifted Harold off his lap, letting him wake up before setting the small dog on the ground. Standing, he made his way first to the VCR shelf. “Oh! You have some real classics here!” He said as his finger moved over titles like “Gone With The Wind,” and “Taxi Driver.” But it seemed Meredith, like him, had a varied taste. Everything from old westerns, to rom-coms, to horror, were present and accounted for. A quick glance over to the DVD’s showed much the same, just newer. 

She clapped her hands together in excitement. “Oh yes! I do love some classics. But as you can tell, I love a little bit of everything.” 

Illarion nodded, still engrossed while perusing her collection. “Me too. I’m even a fan of smaller indie films…I often attend the film fests when I’m able. Just undercover.” He admitted with a shrug. 

Laughing, Caden said, “You? Undercover?” 

Illarion turned, and Caden was eyeing him from head to toe. Illarion shrugged, “No one has seemed to notice. Or, if they do, they’re too afraid to approach me.” 

“That is probably likely,” Meredith said, leaning down to pet Harold, who had finally come over to greet her after his time with Illarion. 

Illarion sat right on the floor, legs crossed, as he looked at the lower shelves. “Streaming is probably one of my favorite things to come out of these last decades. Every movie ever made, right at our finger tips? Incredible! But I do appreciate having a physical collection. I have quite a large one at my private home, back in Russia.”

Meredith nodded, “I do have to admit, it is fascinating. But as you can see, I’m a bit old school. I haven’t quite gotten the hang of all of this internet stuff, yet.” 

Illarion nodded. He understood. Human technology had seemed stagnant for so long until the Industrial Revolution, and then things had taken off! Every year it advanced even further than the last. It was even too much for him to keep up with, sometimes. 

But Caden looked confused. “Really? Do you not have the internet, Mere?” 

The concept of not having the internet seemed to horrify Caden, and Illarion almost laughed. Sometimes Caden seemed wise beyond his years. But sometimes he seemed like exactly what he was, a young man of the 21st century. 

“I do have…what is it? Wi-fi? The neighbor girl helped me set it up. But I don’t use it much, except for on my tablet—“ 

Harold was on his hind legs, making small, aborted movements to try to jump up onto Mere’s lap. Caden went to try to lift the small dog up, but thought better of it when he growled and bared his gums. Illarion twisted half way, scooping up a still growling Harold, and deposited him in Meredith’s lap. 

“—Oh, thank you dear. Why hello, Harold! How nice of you to finally join me.” The small dog licked her fingers in greeting. “As I was saying, I do use a tablet. But mostly just for my word games, you see.” 

Caden clapped in delight, “Oh, Mere! We have GOT to get you set up on streaming. You can do it from your tablet for now. I can log you in to my services.” The prospect of introducing this to Meredith seemed to please Caden immensely. 

Meredith shared a smile with Illarion as Caden enthused. 

Illarion went back to browsing the collection as Caden retrieved Meredith’s tablet and set her up with his streaming accounts. Minutes later, he was startled out of his intense scrutiny of the titles in front of him as a warm weight settled in his lap as he sat, still cross legged. He looked down to see Harold once again sequestering himself in his lap. He blinked, then looked up at Meredith. Caden was engrossed in her tablet, setting up a “brand new world” for her, as he’d said. But Meredith’s attention was on him and Harold. 

“He really does like you,” she said eventually. Her voice was soft, and her gaze held much more warmth than it had when she’d first greeted him. 

He merely shrugged, suddenly feeling bashful for some reason. “As I said, dogs have always taken to me.” He pursed his lips, “They’re much…easier to understand than people.” 

She nodded, “Yes, I agree.” Then she playfully raised her eyebrows and said, “I’m starting to feel like I should be jealous.” 

He laughed, “No, surely you will always be his favorite. Although…” He looked down at the slumbering dog, “I have never felt the need for a lap dog, but Harold here is changing my mind. Perhaps Vanya and Viski will have a new sibling soon.” 

“Ohhhh! Yes!” Caden piped up, taking his eyes off of the tablet, blinking. “You should totally get another dog! Vanya and Viski would love that! Oh! How about a weiner dog, or a—“ 

“Aren’t you supposed to be talking me out of getting another dog, not into it? Isn’t that what friends do?” Illarion said. He stilled, realizing he’d called Caden “friend” he hadn’t meant to say it quite like that…But Caden was already barreling on, and Illarion did not have time to dwell on it. 

“I am NOT that type of friend, trust me! I will never talk anyone out of getting a dog. Well, unless they already had like, six…”

“Six is your limit?” Meredith laughed. 

Caden blinked, “Well, if they were all as high energy as Vanya and Viski, maybe four…”

“Hey!” Illarion protested. “Vanya and Viski are perfect.” He sniffed, “They’re just easily excited.”

“Yeah, and that’s why four Vanya and Viski’s would be the limit.” Caden said. He put a hand on his chin, “But, four Vanya and Viski’s and two Harold’s would probably be manageable…”

“Now what kind of math is this?” Meredith giggled, almost girlishly. 

Caden held up a finger, grinning, “Very complex and accurate math, Mere!” 

Illarion scoffed good naturedly and turned back to inspect the DVD’s. Something caught his eye, and he gently wiggled it out of the shelf. It was a box set of Lord of the Rings. He smiled, about to turn and ask Meredith her opinion on fantasy, when something struck him. He blinked down at the box set. 

He gasped, startling Meredith and Caden. He whipped around, trying not to jostle Harold too much, and shoved the box set in Caden’s face. The young man held his hands up. 

“Whoah—whaa—“

“It’s Minas Tirith!” Illarion nearly shouted. 

Meredith looked at him, confusion written plain across her face. “What is, dear?” 

But Caden began to give a knowing smile. 

“Reach! Reach is modeled after Minas Tirith! It is, isn’t it, Caden!?” This is what had been on the tip of his tongue earlier. The thing Valerius’s city reminded him of. 

“Oh, I don’t know, Illarion…” Caden hedged playfully. 

“Caden…” Illarion warned. 

Caden laughed, “Alright, yeah. Yeah, it is.” He gave a guilty look, as if mentally apologizing to Valerius, before saying, “Valerius is kind of a huge fantasy nerd, actually…”

Fantasy…Illarion thought. 

“Hope…” Mephous murmured within the recesses of his mind. 

Meredith nodded. “That makes a lot of sense, actually.” 

And it did. What Illarion had always taken for Valerius being stuck in the past was actually the exact opposite. He wasn’t stuck in the past. He was trying to create a future, trying to create something new. Trying to make fantasy a reality. 

Illarion was suddenly incredibly proud and jealous at what his friend had managed to achieve with his territory. Valerius had a clear view of what he wanted to do with his territory, with the world. Even if he didn’t want to rule, he had ideals. He had a goal. Illarion suddenly felt incredibly directionless. He shook himself. It was something he could think about later. And maybe…something he could talk to Valerius about, too. 

“What about you, Mere? Do you like fantasy?” Caden was saying, continuing on with the thread of conversation as Illarion had been lost in thought. 

“Oh yes. I always have. Not quite as much as some others, but fantasy…it’s more than fun. It gives us something to get lost in. Gives us something to reach for—“ 

“It gives hope,” Illarion said quietly, tapping the front of the box rhythmically. 

Caden blinked down at him. “Yeah…yeah. I think so, too.”

He put a hand on Illarion’s shoulder and gave a brief squeeze before taking it away. A lot went unsaid, but Illarion thought they both knew what was on his mind. 

Illarion smiled, holding up the box set. “Maybe we should have a movie night! Me, you, Valerius, Meredith, Harold, Vanya, Viski—“ 

Caden laughed and clapped his hands together. “Oh! Now that sounds fun! We could even invite others! High Reach has its own movie theater…” He rubbed his hands together, and Illarion guessed he was already concocting a plan. 

“Me? In High Reach?” Meredith exclaimed. 

“Why of course,” said Illarion, “A lady of your station deserves nothing less.” He gave a little bow from his seated position. 

Meredith waved a hand at him, “Oh, come now, Illarion, flattery will get you nowhere!” She tittered. 

Caden’s eyes bounced between them, and he looked as if he were seeing a whole new side of Illarion. Illarion felt a little self conscious about that at first, but he was making a very conscious decision to be more open. To be himself. He had to deny every deep rooted habit that told him not to. 

“Now, the real question—Would you do the regular version or the extended theatrical versions?” Meredith asked, eyebrows raised. 

“Oh, you know your stuff, Mere!” Caden said. 

“Well of course! I even got to see all three in theaters!” 

Caden was thoroughly impressed by this. Illarion had seen them in theaters, too, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to let on that he was also a huge fantasy nerd just yet. Maybe he would sprinkle it into conversations with Valerius and see how it went. 

The rest of the afternoon progressed pleasantly as they continued to discuss movies and polished off the coffee cake and tea.Illarion was as happy as he could remember being in recent memory. It was a different experience for him, feeling welcomed and included. He had started to feel it, with Valerius, Caden, and a few of the other dragons. But this…It was the most comfortable he’d felt with anyone, besides Mephous, in a very long time. 

They began to clean up the dishes, since Meredith had a bingo night to attend in less than an hour. And she was “the life of the party,” so she couldn’t miss it, she had said. Illarion was surprised to find he was sad to go, but they had already had plans to visit again, and Caden was clearly itching to set up their movie night. 

Harold, tongue lolling and tail wagging, followed Illarion to the door. Illarion stooped to pet him goodbye, scratching behind his ears in the way he’d already determined Harold liked. 

“Mephous wishes to fly home, with Iolair. Would that be okay, Caden?” Illarion asked. 

Caden paused, mid step, before stopping and looking down. His smile was almost blinding in its radiance. He pumped his arm, “Iolair says, “Hell yes!” —Well, not exactly in those words, but that’s the general feeling.” Caden turned to Meredith, “Would you mind if we leave the car here, Mere? Someone will come get it later today.”

“Of course, dear. That’s no problem.” Her eyes seemed bright with excitement as well, and Illarion wondered at it before realizing she must be excited to see their dragon forms. He hadn’t even thought of that, of her getting to see them. But now he was even gladder for Mephous’s suggestion to fly home. 

As they made their way outside, they stood on the porch to say their goodbyes. Meredith kissed Caden’s cheeks, saying, “It was so nice to see you again, Caden my dear!”

“You too, Mere! We’ll see you again soon!” 

Then, Meredith turned to Illarion. She motioned at him to lean down, and she kissed his cheeks, too. First the right, then the left, and said, “It has been wonderful meeting you, Illarion.” She put a hand on her chest, never breaking eye contact. “Truly. You are welcome here any time, with or without Caden. Understand?” Harold gave a sharp bark, the first Illarion had heard from him, as if he were agreeing. 

He smiled. It was quite the change from a mere few hours ago, when he’d only been welcomed because of Caden’s presence. “I understand. It has been an honor to meet you too, Meredith Petrov.” 

She smiled and patted his cheek. “Get going, you two. I can’t keep the ladies at bingo waiting.”

They walked out toward the street, beyond the yard, so they could shift without damaging any of the houses or cars. This was especially a concern for Mephous, but Illarion had a good eye for such things, and knew there would be room. Caden gave a wave back toward the two figures on the porch, and shifted. Even from this distance, Illarion could hear Meredith gasp as the white dragon appeared, brilliant and pearlescent in the late-afternoon sun. 

Not to be outdone, Illarion gave a quick wave and shifted as well. Iolair was already moving into the air, hovering to make room, as the great green dragon appeared. The gasp from Meredith was even sharper this time. She had seen Iolair in person before, several times, but never Mephous. Illarion stood, for just a moment, so she could get a better look before he took off. 

But then Mephous did something Illarion could have never anticipated. He turned their body, taking careful steps toward the house, and extended their long sinuous neck toward the porch. Meredith’s hands were at her mouth, eyes wide. Not in fear, but in awe. 

Mephous moved until their snout was directly in front of Meredith, their breath gently puffing around both her and Harold. 

Mephous angled his gaze down toward the tiny dog. Illarion was surprised to see that not only was Harold still there, he was standing there as if he had not a care in the world, meeting the green dragon’s gaze. 

Mephous snorted, and said wryly, “Brave little potato.” 

Illarion laughed within their shared mindspace, “Indeed.”

Mephous thrust their snout closer to Meredith, inviting her to touch. Illarion was speechless. Mephous had never offered this to someone the whole time they had been bonded. 

Meredith reached up, hands tremulous as they met their snout. Illarion fought the urge to flinch back. He had never been touched in kindness while in dragon form. The head bump with Iolair had been the first non-aggressive dragon to dragon contact he’d ever had. But this was the first human contact. It was…not unpleasant. 

Meredith’s eyes closed and her lips trembled, “Oh…” She said, eyes filled with tears. 

Her hand moved under their jaw and she began to rub. Illarion amended his earlier assessment of the feeling. 

It was nice. He closed their eyes and they hummed deep in their chest. 

Meredith tilted her head so her forehead rested against their snout. He heard her sniffling, “thank you,” she murmured. 

They hummed again, louder this time, and hoped she understood what it meant, from both of them. “No, thank you.” 

After a few moments, she lifted her head, wiping away stray tears from under her glasses. Mephous carefully retracted their head from her grasp. They stared at each other for a silent moment, before they blinked slowly. Meredith smiled, and gave their snout a final pat. 

“Alright, big guy. Better get going, Iolair is waiting for you.” Her voice was choked, but her eyes were bright and happy. 

They gave a nod, and slowly retracted their head and body, careful not to damage her porch, or the car. As they made their way back to Iolair and began to lift off, Illarion noticed a gentle softness in Iolair’s eyes. Iolair bent it’s neck down as both dragons hovered in the air above the houses and bumped their foreheads together. Iolair was humming deep within it’s chest, much like a purr. Illarion was surprised when Mephous responded in kind. 

As they began to fly away, wingtip to wingtip, green and white scales shining in tandem, Illarion turned their neck backward for one last look. Meredith and Harold still stood on the porch, watching them fly away. He felt a warmth bloom in his chest as he watched them shrink into the distance. 

It was just as Caden had wanted. He’d made a new friend.