Sides

“You want me to what??”

Ser Ladon lifted his helmet’s visor and narrowed his eyes at the giant blue dragon, sitting atop her hoard of coins, gems, and other trinkets.

“You act as if I’ve asked you to chop off your own head, or something.” She replied.

“That would have been a simpler request! And need I remind you I’ve been sent here to do precisely that to you, for all you’ve plundered, beast!”

“There’s no need to be rude, Ser Knight. It’s a simple matter, all you need do is agree to the plan and then we can get on with all the stabbing and whatnot. Your bones will join my hoard like all those that have come before you and I’ll just wait for another fool knight to stumble to his death.”

Ser Ladon scanned the lair, taking note of the dozens of suits of broken armor and bones scattered about the damp cavern. Each had severe gashes and punctures that spelled their ends. The dragon, however, her scales were pristine. Did he even stand a chance against her? Perhaps he should agree, she might just let her guard down.

He slowly pulled the helm from his head and placed it on the ground next to him. He looked up to the dragon and ran a gauntleted hand through his short blonde hair. Her huge emerald eyes watched him closely.

He sighed.

“Very well, dragon, I agree. Unfortunately, I have nothing appropriate to wear.”

“I have just the thing.” She said, exposing her teeth in what passed for a grin.

On the other side of the continent, the grand ball was in full swing. Nobles from all the surrounding Kingdoms had gathered for a night of feast and revelry.

A young man stepped forward and sounded a horn.

“Announcing Lady Elsweth Mogwyn and Ser Erik Ladon!”

The room turned to look at the couple. Mogwyn wore a brilliant red dress and had her blue hair tied up in an elaborate bun. An emerald-and diamond necklace sparkled in the ghost-light, perfectly matched with her eyes. In her human form she was a full head taller than Erik, who wore a crisp white doublet, dark leather pants, and a matching emerald pin over his right breast.

Mogwyn did a small curtsy, gently elbowing Erik as she did. Erik took moment to understand before doing a half-bow to the assembled crowd.

The crowd noted them and then returned to their business. Most were mingling, as the grand dance had yet to begin. Mogwyn hooked her arm under Erik’s and dragged him to a tabled filled with refreshments.

“Well, get me a drink!” She smiled at him, exposing her too-long canines.

He blinked and did as he was told, handing her a goblet of some sort of floral wine.

“Whatever you’re planning, I’ll find a way to stop you.”

She took a long sip of her wine. A curtain raised. The band began to play. A slow song. She grinned wider. She sat her glass down on the table and grabbed his arm at the bicep.

Erik tensed. Her grip was stronger than he’d expected.

Mogwyn drug him to the dance floor.

“What are you doing?” Erik asked.

“Surely you know this one, it’s a classic! I thought every knight had some experience with dance?”

“Well, yes, but…”

She pulled him into the dance, pulling apart into the rhythm, hand held up. Erik followed, almost by instinct.

They weaved around each other, got closer, embraced. He noticed her perfume for the first time. Dragons wear perfume?

“So…” she whispered. “Were you planning on stabbing me soon? I’m surprised you haven’t attempted it yet.”

“Uh. I. Um. ...not before I’ve uncovered your plan, fiend.” he stammered.

“Ah yes, my evil plan, to attend this ball and enjoy myself. It’s a shame that they don’t admit unaccompanied revelers.”

“You… seriously just didn’t have a date? That’s why you brought me here?”

She nodded.

Erik paused. The song ended. She led him back to the refreshments. He poured himself a glass. The rest of the night passed in a blur.

---

The dawnlight filtered down through cracks in the great ceiling and glinted off of the assembled hoard. Erik roused, and rubbed his eyes. The headache was killing him.

Mogwyn raised her head from the pile of coins and regarded him with one giant emerald eye held open.

“Well, Ser Ladon, please tell me when you’ve recovered from that hangover, and we can finish this. We should have a fair fight after all.”

“Erik.”

“Pardon?”

“Please call me Erik.”

“Very well, Erik.”

A long silence passed.

Finally, Erik stood.

“Are you ready?” Mogwyn watched, preparing herself to skewer yet another fool who couldn’t see beyond his own nose.

“Actually, I was wondering.”

Mogwyn blinked. “...yes?”

“What it might take to get an invitation to another party?”