'So... you can't get up when you're cold, and you can't get up when you're warm either?' said Armin, with a slightly raised brow as he looked down at her.

{Laughing, she pushes away from him, grinning sleepily.}

Dianne: "Unfortunate, isn't it? Guess you're just going to have to carry me out of bed."

Armin propped himself up on his elbows, looking down at her. His expression appeared almost serious, but there was a hint of concealed mirth.

'And what if I don't?' he asked.

{Dianne puts her hands behind her head in a relaxed manner.}
Dianne: "Then I guess I'm stuck here. Hey, why are you so serious?"

'Well, you know. There's a whole world out there to experience. You can't just stay in bed all day. But I don't feel like carrying you. I guess I could just push you off the bed instead...'

He shoved against her playfully, without any real intention of trying to push her off.

{Sitting up, she leans forward, kissing his cheek.}

Dianne: "Nooo. Like I said, that would be mean."

{Chuckling, she hugs him.}

'You'd deserve it at this point...'

Armin lightly nipped the side of her neck as she hugged him.

'I wouldn't really. But the idea is a bit amusing.'

{Dianne tensed slightly, squeezing him more tightly.}

Dianne: "Push me out of bed and I'll push you off the bed too."

{Pulling away, she looks about the room.}

Dianne: "Hey, where's Esme?"

Armin looked towards the door, yawning a little.

'Oh, went off to explore. She didn't get to see much of the place last night. The door's locked, so it's not like she could have gotten out.'

Dianne: "Alright. Barnabas, make sure she doesn't get lost."

{Moving to the edge of the bed, she stands and begins to gather her clothing.}

Dianne: "Breakfast time now, I guess."

'Mhm.' He slowly climbed off the bed and gathered his own clothes. 'I haven't seen the kitchen in here before. I bet it's really overdecorated too.'

Dianne: "No. It's the simplest room in the house. Although, it was meant for a full cooking's staff, so there's a lot of stoves, ovens, and equipment."

'That makes sense. Very big house, this.'

He started to change into his usual outfit, wondering if Esme had found her way to the kitchen.

{Dianne changed into pants and a shirt. Walking for the door, she begins to tie her hair into a ponytail.}

Dianne: "So, what do we need to do today?"

Armin looked her over appreciatively before responding.

'Not much. You mentioned the Garveys' trial was on Wednesday. That's tomorrow. So if you want to talk to the king about letting them off easy, maybe you should go today.'

Privately, he didn't want the Garveys to be let off. They were far too much of a danger to his friends and family.

Dianne: "Yeah, but...honestly, neither Jerry nor I are sure that's a good idea. They won't stop coming for us. We were talking in the bar yesterday and... I think we're just going to let come of it what may."

'That might just be for the best, but... I hope he's prepared for the fact that the king might just execute them and be done with it. We don't know what will happen.'

Dianne: "Yeah...He says it's out of his hands, but that sort of thing...I don't think he can ignore it..."

{Walking out of the room, she starts to make her way down to the kitchen.}

Armin followed her, trying to remember the layout of the house as they walked.

'I'm not sure how it's all going to go down. His family might be psychos who deserve whatever happens to them, but he grew up with them. I understand it's difficult to... let them go.'

Dianne: "I know. Still, I don't think we should intervene with their sentences. They dug their own pits, they deserve to lie in them."

'I agree with that. We don't need people like that running around, attacking innocents for fun.'

{Getting to the kitchen, Dianne pulls the food she brought out of the refrigerator and begins to cook breakfast.}

Dianne: "Yeah. They can't be allowed to run unchallenged. This is the only solution."

Armin paused in the doorway to survey the kitchen with interest.

'Huh, it looks like a kitchen you might find in a restaurant or something. It's big...'

There was a crash from another room, that sounded like a heavy object being knocked over. It was followed by pattering footsteps, then Esme entered the kitchen, alerted by the sounds of cooking.

{Dianne looks over at Esme.}

Dianne: "Esme, what did you knock over?"

Esme squeaked innocently. She had somehow managed to knock down a decorative shield that had been hanging on a wall, but she wasn't going to explain that, of course.

'It didn't sound like something breaking, at least,' Armin remarked. 'Just something dropping to the ground.'

Dianne: "I check it after. Some of the things here are pretty heavy. She needs to be more careful."

{Once breakfast was finished, Dianne takes her and Esme's food into a dining room. It had a long table with twelve chairs.}

Dianne: "I wonder who was here, before me. Who could have needed a house this big."

Esme trotted after Dianne, gazing around in a mystified way at the strange rooms and furniture. However, once her food arrived, she quickly became distracted.

'Maybe it wasn't originally a normal house,' said Armin as he checked out the dining room. 'For all we know, it could have been an orphanage or something... Or just a very big family.'

Dianne: "Well, there weren't any ghosts here when I moved in. So, no tragedy or deaths in the family here. That, or they all fled the moment they caught wind of me. Maybe I'll check the records, just out of curiosity."

'No tragic history? Hmm. Well, the king obviously didn't have it built specifically for you. There must be some explanation. Maybe it's been empty for ages and whoever lived here moved out long ago.'

Dianne: "That would explain the thick coating of dust when I moved in."

{Done with breakfast, she takes her plate away.}

Armin leaned against the living room wall, idly checking his phone while Esme finished with her meal. Just then, Dianne's phone rang. It was Frederick.

{Dianne picked up immediately.}

Dianne: "Hello?"

'Good afternoon,' said Fred. 'We have a problem, similar to the one with Artie a few weeks ago. A pair of human teenagers went off to the Grey Mountains, which, as you know, is the territory of Viridi's dragon tribe. Given their intolerance towards outsiders, and not knowing the pair's intentions, we're concerned about what might happen to them.'

Dianne: "Let me guess, you want me to fly out there in the middle of winter, tresspass on Viridi's territory to bail these idiots out, and do it without getting caught?"

{She asks, clearly unamused.}

'No. I'm going to send my people over there to search the mountains and bring them back. However, we'll need to get Viridi's permission to enter his land. All I want you to do is ask him for permission. He is much more likely to respect an older, powerful dragon. He let you pass when Sargon took refuge in the mountains.'

Dianne: "Very well. I'll make the preparations. Anything else I need to know before going out there?"

'Don't threaten or mock Viridi. The Grey Mountains and the Sovereign region have always been on thin ice regarding their relations. We don't want to provoke them to start a war with us. If they become too aggressive, just leave. They're highly territorial and I have already told the parents of the two boys to expect the worst. Lastly, there is snowfall in the northern parts of the range, but you shouldn't need to go there.'

Dianne: "Fredrick, I'm not going to speak ill of him to his face. I'm not a moron. I'll calmly and respectfully ask him for permission and if he refuses, I'll leave peacefully. Alright, I'll get my things together and meet up with your people at the base of the mountain. Sound good?"

'Yes. Meet us at the edge of Bloodwater Lake, on the side closest to the mountains. We'll advance from there.'

Dianne: "Alright, meet you there."

{Hanging up, she turns to Armin.}

Dianne: "Not sure how much of that you heard, but we have to go now. Fred needs my help, and my armor is back at your place. I'll fly you and Esme back, then meet Fred at the base of the mountain."

'I heard it all. Rex will be at work, so I think you'll have to leave Barnabas to watch Esme once you take her home.' Armin started to head back to the bedroom to get his shoes and coat.

Dianne: "Whoa, wait a minute, Armin. I might need Barnabas to bail me out if things go south. Can't you stay with her?"

'What, so you want me to just sit at home while you go off on an exciting trip?' he said, a little unhappily. 'Isn't there anyone else who could watch her? It's only for a little while.'

Dianne: "Armin, all you would do is sit at the foot of the mountain waiting for the go-ahead. It's not going to be that exciting."

Armin stared at her for a moment, then turned away with a frustrated expression to lace his shoes up.

'Fine. If you don't want me to come...'

Esme just watched the proceedings curiously.

Dianne: "Armin..."

{She says, a little exasperated.}

Dianne: "Look, I need you with Esme. Viridi isn't the most stable or reasonable. If he decides to attack us, I don't want to risk you getting hurt, or worse. If we were at war, then yeah, I wouldn't want it you anywhere but by my side, but for this? You won't be missing anything exciting."

'That depends what happens. Besides, if he does become hostile, you could get hurt, and I won't even /know./ I don't like it when you come home injured, like what happened with Alicia... but alright, I'll respect your wishes and stay at home...'

Dianne: "Armin, I promise you, I'll call when I'm done. And when I get back..."

{She wraps her arms around him, nipping his neck playfully.}

Dianne: "We'll get together and have some fun. Sound good?"

Armin drew in a quick breath and eyed her with a mixture of amusement and lingering unhappiness.

'Well, I'm going to need some entertainment after you've left me at home with nothing to do all afternoon,' he grumbled. 'Come on, let's go.'

Extracting himself from her arms, he headed for the exit.

{Dianne gets her coat from upstairs, scoops up Esme, and heads outside. Shifting, she waits for them to get on.}

Armin followed her out and climbed onto her back without a word. Esme flew up after him. It was a cold day, but not unbearably cold, and there was no wind.

{Dianne then flew for the city. Arriving at the park minutes later, she sets down, careful not to land on anyone.}

Armin grabbed Esme and jumped down, beginning to head out of the park. Several people made noises of fright and scurried away as the large dragon landed in the vicinity. A text came in to Dianne.

Fred: <What's taking you so long? Viridi's tribe have been known to kill trespassers on their land.//

{Dianne shifted back, walking for home at a brisk pace.}

Dianne: //Have to set Esme up while I'm gone I'll be there soon.//

Dianne: "Fred's getting impatient, so I'm going to run ahead, ok? Actually, you're faster than me, so pick up Esme and keep up."

{With that, she starts to run for home.}

Armin lifted Esme onto his back - she was too big now to perch on one shoulder - and put her front paws around his neck so he could hold them. He then took off down the street, overtaking Dianne easily.

Once he got there, he fished the keys out of his pocket and opened the door.

{Dianne ran in past him, immediately heading up the stairs. She came back down in minutes, in full armor, texting Fred.}

Dianne: //On my way. Eta: 10 min.//

Dianne: "Ok, I got to go. I'll be back soon, take care of her for me, alright?"
{Lifting her helmet, she kisses Armin, then Esme, then runs out the door.}

Dianne: "Bye! Love you both!"

Armin said nothing, just watching her leave while Esme curled herself around his legs with a soft chirp. Even though he knew she'd probably be fine, it didn't help the stress curdling in his gut at the idea that he might never see her alive again.

Fred: <You'll find a group of fifteen near Bloodwater. They're waiting for you.>

{Within ten minutes, Dianne lands at Bloodwater. Shifting back, she approaches the group.}

Dianne: "I'm here."

The group consisted of Ryder, Owel, several other vampires, and a young mage. Ryder was fidgety and nervous.

'Oh, hi. So, here's the plan: You approach the border of the territory up ahead. There should be dragons who patrol the borders. Grab someone's attention and ask for Viridi. We'll stay back until we've got his permission.'

'If we all end up having to flee, Joey will use magic to cover us,' said Owel.

Dianne: "Seems simple enough. Ryder, you ok? You seem rather nervous."

'Oh, yeah... I just don't like being so close to another tribe's territory. Like, there's so many of them, you know? My tribe fought with them sometimes, along the border. But anyway, let's go and look for these kids.'

Dianne: "Yeah. Well, here goes nothing..."

{She pats Ryder on the shoulder, then shifts and flies for the border. Upon arriving, she lands, just inside the border. Surveying the area, she watches for any border patrols.}

Dianne: //This better work...//

The mountains were clearly an area of high dragon population. A thin smoky odour hung in the air, and bones from long-eaten prey were scattered around.

Dianne had to wait about five minutes before a winged shape appeared on the horizon. A ten-foot, green dragon came over and landed on a high outcrop. Roaring and flaring his wings threateningly, he jabbered something in the tribe's native language.

{Dianne watched the guard. tensing slightly at his foreign jabbering. Standing confidently, she calls out to the dragon.}

Dianne: "Hey! I need to speak to the chief! I call upon Chief Viridi!"

The guard paused. He seemed to know at least some of the language.

'You will wait,' he growled. Taking flight, he sped off towards a group of other dragons who were watching from a distance. They conversed, and then some of them flew away while others stayed, glaring suspiciously at Dianne.

Ryder's group had stayed some distance back, among the trees that lay between the lake and the border.

{Dianne stayed put, watching and waiting. She surveyed the landscape, taking note of the numerous remains.}

Dianne: //Lots of bone mass. There's the frame for a new hydra or two, but I would need a /lot/ of extra biomass...So long as Viridi doesn't do anything stupid, I won't need to take such measures.//

A few minutes later, the rest of the border patrol returned, accompanied by a larger green dragon. He stood five feet taller than Dianne, and he was scarred and muscular, with thick, hard scales like armour.

He landed with a thud and the guard formed up behind him.

'What brings you?' he asked, voice deep and rough. 'Nobody, not even one who was granted momentary passage in the past, has free reign to walk into my lands. You put your feet onto this soil as confidently as if you own it. Speak your excuses and make them good.' Smoke rolled from his jaws as he spoke.

{Dianne bows courteously to Viridi before beginning.}

Dianne: "Great Chief Viridi. I have come before you to once again request safe passage. Two young boys have foolishly ventured into your great lands unknowingly. With your permission, I ask that you allow me and a search party to retrieve them. Once they have been safely located, we shall take them and leave your lands in peace."

Viridi listened impassively. Before he could reply, a roar came from further off. Everyone looked around as a large dragon came stomping over, carrying an entire Land Rover in his jaws. Inside the car were two frightened-looking boys.

'I think we've found the trespassers you speak of,' said Viridi.

The dragon put the car down and rested a paw on top of it. 'Chieftain,' he said. 'They were found entering Rift's cavern with their... transport, trying to take treasure.'

An ominous snarl rose up from the other watching dragons when they heard this.

{Dianne grimaced slightly at the sight of the boys, obviously caught red handed. However, her expression was mostly hidden by her helmet. She knew she'd have to act quickly to save them.}

Dianne: "Great Chief, wait! They are but foolish children, they know not of what they've done. In mercy's name, let me take them. They will be punished under our laws and they will never return here. On my life and honor, I swear this to you."

'No-one else's laws mean anything to us,' said Viridi. 'Especially not those of the Sovereign Region; dragon haters as they are, they would only be grateful that the fools escaped unharmed. If we let them walk free, it shows we are weak, willing to let others trespass without consequence.'

He eyed the rover and its two teenage inhabitants, which was being guarded by the other dragon. The car was scratched and dented.

Dianne: "Viridi, the Sovereigns do not value strength as our kin does. They value peace, mercy, and humanity. They already see you as unruly savages. Please, don't prove them right."

Several of the dragons bristled at that, and Viridi let smoke roll from his jaws.

'It doesn't matter. Our reputation helps keep us safe, prevents other tribes and humans from trying to fight us over territory. We will not become soft. Nor am I inclined to be merciful towards a pair of arrogant, disrespectful juveniles who strut in here to steal our treasure.'

{Dianne shakes her head agitatedly, muttering in Ferrosian. She then takes a step towards Viridi.}

Dianne: "Think through your actions carefully, Viridi. The Soveriegn are already displeased with you, slaughtering their youths may be construed as an act of war! Is that what you want?"

{Inside the car, Barnabas appears to the boys, albeit, very faint and quiet.}

Barnabas: "Pssst. Hey! Listen here and listen quick. Things don't look to be going your way out there, but don't worry, we have a plan. If those scaly brutes don't let you go, you're going to need to make a run for it."

{As he speaks, he silently unlocks the doors.}

Several dragons roared at Dianne, but were held back by a sharp word from Viridi in their own language.

'No, we do not want war, but we will defend ourselves.' He paused. 'If you can shut your muzzle for one moment, I'm willing to offer you a chance. A way you can save these two, without us having to hand them over freely.'

The two boys stared at Barnabas with wide-eyed fright. 'Are you /crazy?'/ one whispered. 'There's at least a dozen dragons right outside! We'd never make it out.'

{Now, Dianne bristled, but held her tongue.}

Dianne: "Very well."

Barnabas: "You wouldn't be making it out on foot, Dianne over there would grab you once you were out of the car and fly away. But, looks like you might be getting a second chance here."

The boys just nodded. The car smelled of sweat and, to Barnabas, would be roiling with fear.

Viridi spoke up. 'We could solve this with an old tradition.'

A feeling of excited anticipation stirred among the watching dragons. As if they knew what he was going to say.

'Challenge me,' Viridi intoned. 'A ruled match upon our arena, the Moon of the Earth. Win, and I will acknowledge your strength, and you may take the humans as your prize, and their disrespect will be absolved.'

{Dianne tilts her head in thought.}

Dianne: "And what are the rules of this challenge? What if I were to lose?"

'If you lose, then the humans die,' said the chief simply. 'The rules will be explained in full by another dragon whose job is to do so. However, it will not be a death match; you fight until your opponent submits, and no magic is allowed.'

{Dianne sighs, then looks back to the plains.}

Dianne: "Very well. I will formally challenge you, Viridi. However, I request a few minutes, to inform my compatriots and life mate of my decision. Will you allow this?"

Viridi bowed his head. 'You may.'

He turned and uttered a few foreign words to the dragon whose paw was on the Land Rover. The dragon then picked up the car, with the boys inside, and carefully carried it away.

{Dianne bows once again.}

Dianne: "Thank you, Chief. I will return shortly."

{Taking off, she flies back to the group by Bloodwater.}

Dianne: "Ok, this just got a lot more complicated..."

Ryder looked worried. 'What's going on? We couldn't get close enough to hear everything. Did he challenge you or something? We have organised matches in my tribe, so I wondered...'

Dianne: "That's exactly what happened. Viridi challenged me to an arena match. Submissions only. If I win, the boys leave with me. If I lose, they die. Doesn't look like I have much choice in the matter."

'OK... Well, if their matches are like ours, they're serious about the rules. So, I don't think you're in /grave/ danger...'

'Are you sure you want to do this?' said Owel, looking up intently. 'Fred knew this might not work out. He won't hold it against you if you'd rather not fight the chief over it.'

Dianne: "If I back out, those boys die. I cannot. I will break Viridi in body and spirit, but first..."

{She pulls out her phone and begins to dial Armin.}

Armin picked up almost instantly.

'Are you on your way back?'

Dianne: "No, things just got a little more complicated...Viridi found the boys and wishes to execute them. The only way I can save them is by defeating Viridi in an arena match. I need to fight him."

'...And I suppose you're still going to expect me to stay at home, even after telling me this?' said Armin tensely, after a moment to digest this information.

{Dianne sighs a little, rubbing her eyes.}

Dianne: "This is a one on one. Viridi will not permit any others to accompany me. What would you have me do?"

'You could be /killed,'/ he said in a slightly rising tone. 'I can't just sit here, waiting for a phone call that you're dead or seriously injured. He probably won't let you use magic, and no offence, but how do you plan on beating a dragon considerably larger than you with /no/ magic?'

Dianne: "Actually, I won't be. Part of the rules is no killing. Armin, you need to trust me. I've got this. I have dealt with far worse things than an overcompensating green brute, magic or not."

{Dianne takes a moment to consider her next words.}

Dianne: "Armin, if I back out, those kids /die/. If you want me to come home, I will, but those teenagers won't stand a chance."

There was a short silence down the phone line.

'Well, I don't want to leave them to die,' said Armin. 'If you think it's for the best, I guess you can fight him... But I'm damn well not happy about this.'

Dianne: "I promise you, I will live. I might get hurt, but I guarantee you, Viridi's going to regret this fight. Look, if you're really this worried...call Pythia, ask her to watch Esme, and come wait for me at Bloodwater."

There was another pause as he considered this.

'I'll be over as soon as I can. I'd rather be near what's happening. It's better than sitting at home not knowing...'

Dianne: "Ok, I'll see you when I finish. I should get back, you know how impatient that overgrown lizard can be."

(posting new room)