Shadows

[Khasar]

Khasar's smile faded, and his left eyebrow went from his usual somewhat sarcastic bend to a full arch. "Monsters? You mean real monsters? As in giant, human eating, flesh melting, acid spitting, undead, scaly, furry, spider-esque, soul ripping monsters? Here in this village? Sky Father damn it! I just got here! Can I get a second of rest?! Or do I just walk out into the sun and say, 'Oh, looks like a nice day, maybe I should pick apples?' BAM! Arrows flying in, as fate just decides to dump a whole bunch of shit on my plate. I mean every time, every time I think something could be normal. NO! For some reason a young swordsmen can't walk up to a civilian without them saying, 'Oh bandits stole my magic muffin, you've got to go get it, it will let you pass through dimensions with a single bite.' Or better yet, 'Oh, adventurer, could you take time out of your busy schedule, I need someone to pull these evil weeds out of my garden, they're ingredients for a summoning of a demon, and I don't want them falling in the wrong hands.' Then I give it to them, and oh, his are the wrong hands. So now I have some dark dooming sorcerer to kill, who won't summon a demon. No, he's just making stew, but I can't leave because the great hero has to stop everything anyone perceives as a threat! Just one day, one night. Sleep without being awoken to check on a dragon, a walk that doesn't stumble into some cult meeting, dancing with a girl who isn't the daughter of some evil politician, eating food that isn't poisoned to blackmail me into finding some antidote at the same time as some ancestral battleaxe!"

Khasar looked at the other two. He grinned and scratched the back of his neck, laughing he said, "Just kidding. I haven't slept that long see, about two full days and only a three hour nap. But, hey if there's a threat to all these innocent people, I'm happy to help." He smiled as again, but his eyes were heavy. Odds were monsters struck at night, and he'd only be able to sleep in the afternoon. Great.

[Belade]

"Simply Belade is fine Yukaida." It may not be that way to dragons, but it was customary between taguel to introduce yourself by your warren. Though she lacked one, she still felt compelled to add even such remedial information after her name, some title or something. To Taguel who you are individually isn't as important as who you are collectively, for Taguel care little about things outside their own brood. She was formerly of T'rani, but that would only be deceit to refer to herself as such any long, and Belade is not one to lie. "If you understand the concept of commerce, then I do believe I have no need to explain further." She said with a nod, once again the small manboy went off and spoke loudly and at length about some sort of opinion or topic that was of no use. Simple complaints, not anything worth listening to, so she didn't.

"Yes, those and more are monsters. Gargoyles, bonewalkers and mogall are the human names for the ones you described, but there are others as well. I'm here as a scout for a hunter's guild in Arcadia, there has been sightings of creatures in the area and I'm here to confirm or deny those claims. It is not of great danger, we are simply trying to stop a problem before one arises, as such you have no need to worry young human." She turned her head to the loud man, paying him little attention. "Go to sleep, clearly you need it. Also it is only polite for one to introduce themselves after asking for the names of others, nowhere in that speech did I hear a name." With that, she turned away from him and back to Yukaida.

"I'm not here to fight any of the beasts, only to check reports of them in the area. If they are true, then I'll return to Arcadia and mount a campaign to rid the area of the beasts depending on how urgent it is." Then she grinned, cocksure of herself. "Though if it's of no danger, I will simply take care of it myself."

"With that, I suppose I might as well start my investigation with you. A dragon's senses are more keen then that of a humans, especially one's ability to sense magical disturbances in the area. Have you seen or felt anything you might consider unnatural? I do realize you just arrived, but perhaps you noticed something on your trip here."

[Yukaida]

Yukaida watched the human going on his ranting ways with a mixture of humor and pity. These younglings got so worked up over the smallest things. She walked over to him, placing her hands on his shoulders to calm him down.

"Calm down, little one. You do need rest, it would be unwise to try and do something dangerous in your condition. Go and rest, I am quite certain that I can handle any problems that may assail this place." Her voice was soft, but not at all as whimsical as it had been a few moments ago. She turned back to Belade as the taguel continued speaking.

And then she said the 'magic' word, as a bright smile formed on Yukaida's lips. "You are correct, my senses are quite keen. I did not sense anything on the way in, but I was not actively paying attention for anything out of the ordinary. If I take a stronger look, I may be able to find something..." She said, stepping back from the two of them. "But it would be difficult in this form, a moment please." She finished, beginning to call to her power. The energy of her birthright began to gather, forming in the square once again until suddenly, it stopped, though she remained still in her human form.

"Ah..." She said, stopping and looking back towards the two of them. "You said my true form made humans uncomfortable, perhaps we should move outside then?" She suggested, glad she had stopped to consider that before she had caused more trouble. "Those creatures you speak of have a very distinct magical aura, and I am quite skilled in dealing with magic of all kinds." She offered as way of an explanation, turning to head towards the outskirts of the town.

[Manis]

Manis had been fine just standing there, sort of listening and just enjoying the fact that he had escaped both groups. But escape is often fleeting, and at the words of monsters and outside he was suddenly brought back to reality.

"Eh-hm," Manis cleared his throat so he wouldn't startle them. He wasn't sure if they knew he was there or not. "Perhaps I could be of some assistance?" He looked back at the villagers. The fire had returned. "I'm fairly decent with a blade, though it's been quite a while since I've hunted." He ignored the red-head, though he was slightly interested in the wolf.

"And I'm Manis," he added, not bothering to give his title. It didn't mean much anymore and probably wouldn't ever again. "A pleasure to meet both of you." He shuffled his position again. What have I done to deserve this?

[Khasar]

Khasar looked down at the ground, then back up again. He needed rest, he could barely keep his eyes open. He said, "I uh, I supposed I should. Thanks for the invitation miss. And uh, my name's Khasar. Khasar Gei of the Wolf Tribe." He started to turn, but a thought struck him, "The wolf tribe of humans, sorry about that, forgot there were some wolf Taguel."

He began to turn again, but remembered something else, "If anything happens while you're out there, the Wolf'll wake me up." He looked at Cu, who'd begun to recognize the word's wolf, Cu, hound, and pup. Of course anytime he said anything as if it was a name, the wolf responded as if he'd been called to. The swordsman motioned with his head for the canine to follow. Upon entering the old house, he collapsed on the bed, and fell asleep. He still had his blade on his back.

[Belade]

"Very good, thank you for your assistance." Hery leaving with Yukaida would also give the townspeople time to recover from the ordeal, so when they return they'll be more ready to speak to her. Thank goodness, this whole situation was far from what she would consider optimal. There was too much maneuvering around and subtle social cues and all of those things when it came to things like this. She much rather prefered rushing in and pummeling the nearest person to an inch within their lives. That rarely worked though. Even after over a decade, she still found scouting missions strangely more exhausting them actually hunting monsters. While she excelled at finding them, she much rather prefered to know where they are in the first place. "Leaving the town for the time being feels like a sound idea. There's a small hill to the south, not far from here, it should be a good place." It was where she landed and traveled to the town in the first place, the hill should provide a good cover for them to be behind while Yukaida worked. It wasn't a long walk, well for her at least, she doubted that Yukaida was as quick as her so perhaps it would be longer. Dragons were the very symbol of might, but they weren't reknown for their overabundant swiftness.

The manchild spoke again, finally identifying his self. He was not alone either, another humankin was with him who seemed to had been listening in on their conversation as well. This village was painfully xenophobix if they sent two separate folk to speak with the dragon. Especially since she already told a large amount of them that she would take care of it. "Then sleep Khasar, there is no danger here." She almost sighed, suddenly all of these humankin were crawling out of the woodworks and offering their assistance. While appreciated, it was also unwarranted as it wasn't as if she was about to go hunting for a fight. If they lacked information, they were more of a burden then a help. She didn't want to snap at them however, for they were only trying to keep this place safe. Or whatever their intentions were, they didn't seem untoward however. She closed her eyes for a moment before looking at this 'Manis' fellow. "It's unlikely we'll come across anything, and even if we do, it is fairly likely we'd quickly return to the village. Still it is not my decision if you wish to follow us. I cannot stop you." So with that she turned away from him, and back towards Yukaida, who seemed all ready to leave as is. "Let us go then." She said, beginning to walk.

Belade was a patient woman, but sometimes it was difficult to remember that patience.

[Yukaida]

Yukaida smiled as she watched Khasar wander off, the poor boy looked like he was about to pass out. A good night...er...days rest would do him good. She was about to start walking with Belade when the human from before came up. Her eyes narrowed, as now he decided he wanted to be polite. She wasn't going to have any of that, how dare he think he could just talk down to her like that and then march up as if nothing had happened.

"Unless you intend to subdue anything with poor manners, I doubt your assistance would be required or desired." She shot back at him, glaring daggers into the aloof human. She turned back to Belade, noticing that the taguel had said her piece and was already on her way out. "Ah! Coming!" She called, quickening her pace to catch up to her.

She pulled up along side the woman, allowing her eyes to take in the brilliant plume of her wings for once, since she was not currently engaged in conversation. What a lovely color, her majesty in flight might even rival some dragons. She thought for a moment, and then decided that it was too quiet on this walk to the hill. Such a silly concept, this walking. Both of them could fly! But here they were, inconveniencing themselves for the good of the humans. Such silly creatures, just as deserving of consideration and respect as any of them, however. This was their home, and if her transformation made them uneasy, she would oblige them.

"So you said you were here looking for these things. Why, if I may ask? Do you live around here?" She asked. She was certain she'd heard her say she was some kind of a hunter, but why would you hunt something you couldn't use? The meat of those 'gargoyles' was tough and foul, and they would not be usable for good tools either. So what use could a hunter have with such prey?

[Manis]

Manis tried to stop his eyes from rolling but couldn't. If it isn't one thing it's another, he thought, gliding behind them.  He couldn't understand how dragons could underestimate humans all they time,especially the few he had actually demonstrated for. Even though he didn't care whether or not they thought he could fight, he found it irritating that was the first thing they thought of. He sighed and rubbed his brow again. The eyes were burning in his back and he wanted no part.

"It's ok," Manis said very loudly, "I'm escorting them out." He could hear the sighs and murmurs of relief without even looking back. Now to figure out what I'm doing... Perhaps I'll get lost. He liked the idea of accidentally getting lost, but he couldn't very well allow a stubborn bird and dumb dragon go waltz around could he? Besides, maybe he could find his fire in monster hunting.

"Blasted life," he said under his breath. Why couldn't he just finish a job in peace and go home? Perhaps he wanted to get better, but he he knew where that could lead. Where it had led. Never again.

[Belade]

"Excuse me?" There was something that he said, something that bothered her. She stopped moving and simply stared at the man who was so 'bothered to have to escort these monsters out of town, woe is him' it made her upset. No, that wasn't quite right, it didn't make her upset. It pissed her off. She turned and walked back to the town, if they were so wary of someone who meant them no harm, she had no time to waste on them. "He is doing nothing of the sort, we are leaving of our own volition and we'll be back shortly. If you are all too afraid to interact with beings that obviously mean you no harm, then simply stay in your homes for the rest of eternity for all I care." Her voice wasn't a shout, but it was loud and clear and carried easily. She was angry, and her tone was like that of a parent scolding their child. In the silent town, there was no doubt that they could all hear what she said. This man who they decided to be their 'champion' was just as much as a stranger as she was, but oh no, they decided to trust this man for no reason other then the fact he simply happens to be a human as well. She had patience for people who tried to understand, but for these close minded people? She had none. She wanted to continue, she wanted to shout at them, she wanted tell them all that if they can't tell the difference between a monster and the one who protects them all from the dark that perhaps they should simply drown in their ignorance while the beasts murder their young. She didn't though, she forced herself to calm down, the feathers on her body were bristling but with a heavy breath she let herself relax. She knew better then to judge the whole based on the actions of a few, it just hurt her in old wounds she though had healed by now.

She turned away from the village of humankin, she cared little for its presence. She didn't brook slights on her pride easily. "I hunt these things wherever they may hide. I'm from Arcadia, the city of gold." She began, walking back to where she left Yuka. The human that had decided to follow them she paid no attention to, for he beneath her notice now. If he thought of them as monsters, then she had no business with him. "I search the lands far and wide to kill them. Even if it's quite a trip, like it was this time. There's been rumors of them in the area, and I'm here to confirm or deny it." She simply explained, and that was really enough for her. She was raised to kill them, her whole life she had fought them, and it wasn't until she entered the human world that she ever questioned why. "As to why, it's because they are a danger. A danger to any living creature in elibe, they don't discriminate and they don't care, they just kill without holding back. Men, women, children, human, taguel and even dragons. It's the hunters guild's responsibility to quell these beasts wherever they show. I have lost family and friends to these monsters, as have many across this land. Some do it for money, but I do it because as long as these beasts yet still live on Elibe we will truly never be safe.

They left the town proper as she explained her reasoning, and by the time she finished they were far enough away that they were out of view of the paranoid townfolk. It was a short walk, and it was done quickly. She gave a nice look around, they were behind a somewhat sizable hill and the town couldn't even be seen past it. "This is a well enough spot." She nodded, looking at their surroundings. She lacked the uncanny and downright creepy awareness of her surroundings that some of the elders of her warren had, but she still had sharp senses and could tell whether or not they were alone. "Whenever you are ready."

[Yukaida]

Yukaida was equally annoyed at the obnoxious human's response, and she likely would have said or done something far worse if Belade had not beaten her to it. Instead she fumed silently as she hauled the humans up short with her words. She knew they were capable of more then her family thought, but that didn't stop them from being rude and obnoxious little children sometimes. When Belade returned to her, the avian began answering her question. So she hunted these monsters for the good of all. That was certainly noble of her.

"It seems silly to aide those who would not do likewise for you were the situation reversed. I understand the concept of 'good faith' as people call it, but aiding those who actively strike against you? It seems counter to everything natural and normal. She mused on it. Helping someone without wishing for anything in return. Noble, but it seemed foolish if you would not even garner the gratitude of those you helped. They would come to think that their own views saved them. Foolish people needed to be allowed to fail, and call for help. Then help should be given them. They would not learn if the help came before they requested it.

Yukaida thought it silly to be behind a hill. It wouldn't do much good once she began. Oh well, she didn't really care what upset these humans anymore, they had been very insulting to her. If it were one of her siblings they had done so to...she shuddered to imagine. As they stood there by the hill, she called out to her ancestral power once again. Her birthright power surged forth, unrestrained, as her human form melted away to a grandiose purple dragon. She looked down at Belade, and then gave a mighty flap of her wings to bring her airborne. She knew Belade would be fine from the gust, but she paid no mind to the human. If he were thrown about, well it didn't matter to her. She took to the sky, and seemed to stop after a moment, hovering in the sky with only her wings beating. Powerful gusts of air shot along the ground as she began to focus her magic. In an instant, the runes etched along her scales, along her wings, began to glow. The signs of the magic being gathered, guided by her hands, and used as she desired.

Those leathery ones, Gargoyles...they were difficult to find like this. They were 'natural' creatures. At least they were alive, not creatures of magic. Bonewalkers however, they sprang up where human remains and a nexus of magic coincided. Some said there were other conditions that needed to be met, but Yukaida didn't know for sure. She felt one such magical nexus in the south. Small, but there. It seemed...muffled? Beneath the ground? Didn't humans bury their dead in big underground storehouses? Perhaps something like that?

The glowing of her form faded, and she slowly descended back to the ground, though she remained in her true form. She spoke softly, to avoid bothering Belade. "To the south, I feel the magic presence there. Under some sort of barrier. Maybe the ground, maybe stone or a building. I cannot say. But it was the only nexus of power anywhere near here, so it would be the best place to look." She explained to the Hunter. "We could probably fly. It would be easier then walking." She suggested, no longer caring what any human here thought about her form.

[Manis]

Manis rolled his eyes as Belade stared him down. I just wanted to leave quietly he thought as she began to berate the locals from afar. Don't they understand the meaning of subtlety? He continued after them, definitely not wanting to go back now. At least I've made it out of town. He listened to the others as they went and mused about various things they said.

I now what you mean Manis thought as Yukiada spoke, perhaps she wasn't as dumb as he thought. One could hope. My day certainly couldn't get any worse- And then she was transformed, now in the air, and he was being buffeted by the wind. No... He leaned the best he could into the wind, allowing it to keep him up right. It couldn't be any worse than the winds back home.

Manis eyed the dragon as he tried to keep his balance. The last time he had seen it he hadn't had a change to actually see it. She was actually kind of cool looking, but he'd never say it to her face. She'd already treated him as lesser so he didn't see how complementing would help the situation. And then she started to glow.

Ok, now I've seen everything he thought. He was actually interested now, especially when she landed and began talking about some ind of magic presence. He found the situation interesting, it was certainly better than the usual jobs he got. But it didn't show on his face and he'd never mention it. He sighed.

"Go ahead," Manis said,"I'll just walk behind or something. "I was just passing through and trying to make it to the next town when you showed up." And ruined my escape he thought. He shuffled into a more comfortable position and loosened his grip on his bag. The double scabbard still swung a little from the wind she had created. Maybe I'll get lost.

[Belade]

"It's not for appreciation that I fight. Even if it is for someone who would leave me to die, I would still save them. It's my duty." Duty was a very deeply engraved attribute in Taguel society, to the point that it sometimes made little or no sense to others. "They could strike me with sticks and stones, and if monsters beset them I would do all I can to aide them regardless. If there is anything I can do, I must. It's simply the way I am." Her words were naturally spoken, with very little thought given to them. As if they were something obvious that everyone should understand. "It's usually not so dire though, this town just seems particularly frustrating. I care little for them, still it is my duty all the same. If it had been bandits that threatened this burg, I wouldn't give them a second glance. Human problems can be solved by humankin, monsters are far different. They are a special brand of darkness, evil, that threatens to engulf the very earth. I am but one woman trying to hold back these tides of darkness, and that is my duty. To make this world safe from forces it cannot control, so that my family can sleep safe at night without worry of creatures of the abyss threatening to rend their flesh and bone." She was saying duty often, but she found it hard to use any other word to describe her reasoning. "If this village is naught but children, it is up to adults to protect children." She finished with a disinterested shrug of her shoulders, sighing. At first she didn't want to get involved with the drama Yukaida had created, but found it necessary for her mission. Now she found much more pleasure in the company of this dragonkin then she had in any of the humankin of the village.

It wasn't long before Yukaida took her draconic form, a large majestic purple beast that is far different from the dragons Belade have seen before. She hadn't had a good look at it before, being underneath its shadow at the time, but it was definitely a sight to behold. With a might flap of her powerful wings, she took to the sky and kicked up powerful gusts underneath her. The mighty winds did little to the taguel except cause her hair to fly about wildly behind her. It was not so unusual, for she was an Avian taguel herself, she was quite accustomed to resisting powerful winds. The grass below the dragon all flattened in a large circle as every few seconds a large whooshing noise filled the air with every heavy flap of the creature's powerful limbs. It was quite different then Belade's flight, it was raw power that brought this creature aloft. For her it was a combination of many things, air currents, hollowed bones, and other factors that allowed her to take flight. Meanwhile this dragon conquered the forces that kept it earthbound with nothing but sheer power.

Strange runes began to etch themselves upon the creatures scales, and the sensation that filled the air made the hairs on the back of Belades neck stand on end. The feathers on her wings bristled and everything felt... odd. She was no mage, nor did she hold any love for magic, but she could still feel the magic in the air. It was strange, but not together unpleasant. She had felt this before, but it was always a queer sensation. Straddling the line between pleasurable and uncomfortable, and each time she was confused about how to feel even though it had happened countless times before. Still, it was finished soon enough, and while magic still filled the air the mass concentration of it had dwindled. She took a deep breath as Yukaida slowly descended, still in her draconic state, and relayed information to her. She offered a suggestion that was quite tempting in all honesty, but not one she would act on.

"Very interesting, thank you Yukaida. You needn't concern yourself any longer however, I am greatly thankful for the information but is very dangerous." She looked up at the giant creature that could probably eat her whole if it was so desired, but showed no fear. "I should return to the village, after all I already said I would, and I am nothing if not true to my word." It seemed that Yukaida wanted to tag along, which is all well and good, but didn't quite fit correctly. As this was a scouting mission, a mission of stealth, and stealth was something Yukaida did not posses. She held such a giant presence, and was a moving conduit of magical energy, she would be discovered in an instant if there was truly danger. Dragons were mortal, just as all are, and they die all the same. "If those humans will allow me to, I would ask them if there is anything of note to the south. Perhaps if they do not trust me, I can intimidate the information out of them." She mused to herself for a moment, before looking back at the very hard to miss giant purple dragon. "I'm sure you didn't come all this way to follow some Taguel about on her mission."

[Yukaida]

Yuka followed Belade's gaze as it went south, and then back to the town that she began returning towards. Yuka plodded along behind her slowly, not bothering to change her form now. No point. When Belade suggested that her work was done, Yuka's words were curious. Her expression might be difficult to determine, what with draconic facial features being so foreign. Still, she was a bit disappointed that Yuka would discard their interaction so quickly. "Well, I did not begin flight this morn with this in mind, no, but then isn't that the point of wandering? To see new things, new experiences? Is that not why you short lived races are so keen to explore the unknown, to understand as much as you can? Besides, as you said these creatures are quite dangerous. I could not think to leave you to face such hazards alone. You spoke of your duty to exterminate these creatures, well the duty of my kind is of guardians. Of our ancient holy sites, of our land, of the entire world some would say. I would be a very poor guardian indeed if I could so easily turn my back and allow you to face such tribulations alone." She remarked, continuing behind the avian.

"Besides, you provided guidance and assistance when none was even requested, with patience and respect. Such a trait is rare indeed, even among dragons. Such should be repaid, do you not agree? Please let me offer what assistance I can be while you are here..." She paused for a moment, unsure of this situation. Belade seemed wise, and she certainly knew more about these creatures then Yuka did. It was a bit of a bitter pill to swallow, but she was probably much better equipped for handling this mess without causing needless destruction then Yuka was. In her human form, she was weak and vulnerable. If the location was truly underground, she would be unable to bring her full power to bare there...and that might only serve as a hindrance for Belade. Urgh, these human forms were such a hassle!

She seemed to grumble out the next words, as if they were physically painful to speak. "...You are clearly more experienced with the situation of dealing with these monster and humans in tandem then I...I will defer to your judgment on the situation then. I would like to help you though. It feels like it is my duty to do so."

[Manis]

Manis was faced with a dilemma. They had already started going back to the village, he had hoped they'd be gone long enough to cool things down. He was completely fine with them ignoring him, it was nice to be invisible for a change. The village was the problem. What to do...

Manis stared at the two women's backs. He could see a path before him, one that might bring him back to where he once was. He turned his head to the road, the other path. His sword slapped against his thigh as a gust of wind came by. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to stay, but what would he say to all the people? What if he had to kill, would it be the same? Some things are not meant to be, he decided. He turned on his heel, jacket end trailing in the wind.

They don't need me, they've got a taguel and a dragon, Manis told himself as he began gliding down the road. He was ready to be back and nothing would stop him. Besides, whatever it is can't be that bad if they sent one person to scout.

[Belade]

Yukaida didn't seem to even bother leaving her draconic form, not that Belade was surprised or even judging her for it. If these people were so scared of her as a humanoid, seeing her as a dragonkin would help to remind them that things could have been far worse. Belade lazily hovered in the air, a few inches above the ground, her large wings flapping as she bobbed up and down slightly as she moved. The dragon spoke to her some more, reaffirming her desire to come along, it was almost enough to make Belade chuckle. "You are a guardian, it is your duty to protect, not to destroy. I seek out the darkness wherever it may hide to blot it out crush it in my talons, but I do not remain in one place to protect a certain folk. I attack and kill before these creatures have the chance to endanger others, and while I too protect it is not my duty. If monsters where to attack this village I would slay them, but I will not remain here in case they return. That is what a guardian would do, I'm no guardian. I am a soldier, a weapon to fight monsters." She spoke simply at the creature behind her. It must have been an odd sight, such a small being leading such a large one, but it was not one she considered. Despite of her huge presence, Belade though of Yukaida exactly the same as she had of the robed woman she met before. They were both Yukaida, and shifting forms didn't mean that she became another being. This was something humans had difficulty understanding at times. She turned around completely to look at the dragon, flying in reverse towards the village. "As such, I believe it would be fitting if you remain here if you truly wish to repay me and offer your assistance." She spoke softly, she knew the dragon simply wanted to help.

"To me it is nothing more the common decency to treat others with respect and patience. We are both creatures who strive to live in this land are we not? As are those human. While they are crude and rude, that is not a sin worth death." They coming closer to the village, moving much faster in the air then on foot. "These people need to be protected, and I don't think the rambling manchild is enough in the case darkness descends. I will visit this place you felt, and any other places worth interest in the area. In that time, monsters may strike as they are known to be woefully crafty. As such, this place will need a defender strong enough to make sure that these men and women and children all live through the night. If you have no love for these humans, then do it to put my mind at ease." She touched down to the earth softly, her bare feet touching the grass softly as it rustled wildly from the heavy wings of Yukaida. "We have different talents and strengths. You would fare poorly in a close confined area such as the area I am traveling may be, and your magical essence would be a beacon to any mogal in the area. However here you have the endless field of the skies to dance across, and the space to fight if the need arises. You can slay the dreaded gargoyles who's flight, mobility, and intelligence is the bane of all humans. You can also sense the disturbance in magic in the area, meaning that you will be aware before the creatures even arrive." She didn't want to harm the dragon's pride, but she didn't believe in lying to protect someone's feelings. The truth is there, and it hurts, but that pain doesn't make it any less real.