Spotted Hand - Cuhsoyi and Maaret

Cuhsoyi and Maaret flew with ease and confidence over Calyeni one last time. They might return, they could go anywhere they wished. Though it was harrowing the first time they did it alone, they could travel the Nexus like any other teleporting dragon pair, so they knew that even if they were to reside back at the Plateau, they would visit when they felt like it.

I am sure that I will. But there is more to the Plateau than you remember, and I have heard dragons talking about it! Please can we head home?

"I... Of course we can, Maaret, how did you know about the Plateau - I mean, news about it?" Cuhsoyi asked, curious. Maaret gave her one of those famous coy looks, and said nothing. Because both Cuhsoyi and her dragon were intensely empathic, Cuh knew that the dragon had probably been talking long distances with other dragons. But why would they know?

"Well there's only one way to find out," Cuh said, gathe snuggling down on her red-gold's back for the ride. "We go home. It's not so far, just blink..."

Maaret and Cuhsoyi came through the Nexus chilled but happy. While there were many spirits in the Nexus, they didn't assault the pair. Merely watched.

I like it here! It is fine and warm!

"It is home, Maaret! And how the others are going to love you!" They flew overhead, and Cuhsoyi got a long look at the Plateau and how big it truly was! It was huge! And they walked from all the way around the jungle! Cuhsoyi and Maaret flew for hours, backtracking along the plains, drifting over the lands where the Pride lived. The tightness in her throat drew a comment from Maaret.

They are still looking for you, but you are well defended now! They will not try coming through the dragons. You should not fear them.

"I don't fear them, I hate them."

Maaret was silent for a while, then she said, You should not hate them. They are merely acting the way they act. Would you fault Etehmaro for being human half the time?

"No!" Cuhsoyi exclaimed.

Then you should forgive them for being the way they are. They need slaves, and they need to dominate those around them. But you are not around them.

"I... don't know if I can, Maaret. They hurt us. They hurt me."

And you got your revenge, so you are even. They do not understand but at least you could.

"I will try," Cuhsoyi said on their way back home. "I'll try."