Planet Zar: Nexus

Moments of true peace on Conflict were rarer than a deep sea drought, and Sumati snatched what she could between bouts of bone-breaking training. The sun beat blanket-warm on her aching wings, fanned out to soak the heat. Below her, steel clashed between shrieks of rage as Cassimir's soldiers battled the beach, earning blisters while they learned to fight in the sand. Awful terrain. Sumati was grateful for her wings.

A deliberate stick snap alerted her to someone's presence. Only Joroch would purposefully announce himself.

:: You're not practicing? :: He slithered next to her, sneering down at the ruckus of soldiers.

:: I've had enough, thank-you. :: Sumati flopped her wings for emphasis. :: Jokiras and Haenuth are practicing their aim at hapless stragglers, if you'd like to tutor them. ::

Joroch's sneer deepened. He kept away from Jokiras and Haenuth as much as possible. The siblings might not be able to physically harm him, but they were plenty cruel in their own right.

:: Cutting :: Joroch hissed. :: And I came with such lovely news for you too. ::

Sumati tried not to visibly perk at this. :: Vacillate has foiled our teleportation so we'll get to see the oceans after all? ::

:: Oceans are dangerous, none of us are immune to drowning. :: But he recognized the diversion for what it was, and barrelled on. :: I've obtained whispers of some off-world clutches that might suit your tastes, and Zhicius believes we should all set off to bond somewhere. ::

A thrill thundered down Sumati's spine. She straightened up, folding her wings loose to her sides and dropping her disguise of disinterest. She had wanted to bond - but no Beasts, no Hydras. Nothing that snapped and snarled about rank or power. Something entirely different from herself.

Rhakunara was getting broody, and Sumati wanted nothing to do with those eggs.

:: Where is this clutch? ::

:: Nidus Aven. A neutral world. Very diverse. ::

:: Are you joining me? ::

Joroch cast his gaze beyond the beach, to the glittering shimmers of gold and red backdropped against a hastily constructed temple. Rhakunara lounged, awaiting luxury, stunning and gilded in the bright sunlight.

:: She's not as loyal to you as you are to her :: Sumati growled.

:: Perhaps not, but I'll stay in her good graces regardless. :: Joroch turned back to her with the barest whisper of a smile. :: Besides, what better test of our lessons than sending you off on your own. ::

Pride washed over Sumati. :: To Nidus Aven, then. ::

:: And a new bond :: Joroch finished.