Bare & Locks: A Haired Kobold's Draconic Love Across Planes by Ivah Shadowlcaw
Opening Words
This work is dedicated to Vrinpict Fiyuntyziunrak - Lucky Voidwing.
This one is sorry.
All names and characters portrayed in this work are fictious. No identification with actual persons is intended. Any sharing of names of the characters or the person who this work is tributed to is -merely a coincidence-.
Day 24, Month 6 (Kythorn), 182 AR
Ivah Shadowclaw
Chapter 0 - Prelude.
In the land where shadows hold their sway,
A flower dreams of love amidst all the gray.
There lie its vines, in quiet repose,
Amidst the whispers where love grows.
Can a flower grow, amidst all this gloom?
In spite of all odds, live to still bloom?
From the depths of the pitch dark abyss,
Love finds a way out to blossom in bliss.
It will not let the darkness dim its glow,
For it will always seek ways to still grow,
From the plane of shadows, its petals arise,
In twilight's embrace, where darkness lies.
Within a bustling trade down in the Underdark, the tribe Shadowfang prospers through industry and commerce. Maintaining many relations and trade arrangments, the kobolds exchanged many goods and supplies, solidifying their position.
A short kobold wanders through the halls of the kobold warrens, called upon. They pass through large gates, guarded by her kin, to meet someone.
"You have summoned me, All-Watcher?" A kobold remarks to a sagely figure.
The All-Watcher summoned Echo, a kobold of the Shadowfang. A routine task assignment, that would turn out to be much more than expected.
"As you know, the tribe maintains trade arrangments with the tribe Voidwing, of the Shadow Plane. The elder appointed to attending these exchanges is occupied. You have been picked to take over their duties."
"O-oh? I... I'll do my best, All-Watcher. Is there anything I should know... beforehand?" Echo asked, taking note of her new assignment and responsibilities entailed.
"The elders will provide you with a schedule of when the next exchanges are to take place. You need merely make sure nothing is missing."
"I understand." Echo was ready to turn and leave...
"Oh, also... You should be aware..."
"Yes?"
"They have hair."
"What?"
The All-Watcher merely nods, electing not to repeat himself.
"L-like... small strands of hair... or..."
"Massive, golden locks. Enough to whack someone or conceal things in, if one wished."
An uneasy eye contact follows. Both sides wishing for this conversation to be over.
The door to the room opens. "All-Watcher, thisssss one hassss a report." Another kobold walks in, parchment in hand.
Echo takes the opportunity to gracefully leave, to the appreciative eyes of the All-Watcher. There they are met by numerous elders.
The kobold's responsibilities are soon explained to them. The task seems clear and simple, yet what would follow... would turn out not to be...
Day 27, Month 6 (Kythorn), 182 AR
Ivah Shadowclaw
Chapter 1 - Lucky Voidwing, merchant across planes.
On another side of existence, in the shadowy confines of the shadow plane, an industrious kobold begins his day.
His name is Lucky, of the Voidwing Tribe. Neither the scaled creature or their clan are usual.
Focusing on commerce, his kin have settled in the plane of shadows, from which they base their operations.
But yet another thing sets them apart: impressive, golden, locks of hair. An unusual attribute, for a kobold to possess hair, more still, such an incredible set of it.
Lucky was preparing for the day. Passing crowds through a trading post in the Shadow Plane, he was readying himself for another routine trip.
For a while now, he has traded with a tribe of kobolds from the Material plane, the Shadowfang. Trips between the planes were uncomfortable and disorienting, though the frequency at which he made them caused him to become familiar with the sensations.
What was more of a concern with their trade partner, was their location: a trade town in Underdark. Lucky was one of the few daring enough to make those trips, proving himself a great asset to his kin, as despite the risks, their trade agreements were mutually lucrative.
Hauling his cargo for the day, wielding a curious lantern emitting a purple-ish light, he prepared to meet with his contact of Shadowfang. He did not know why he needed to carry the lantern, he merely knew it radiated the energy of the shadows and that he was ordered to always carry it during planar trips.
"Iron, silver, gold... bitterleaf... king's crown..." Lucky made inventory of today's order, making sure nothing was forgotten.
He lowered his hood, to conceal his magnificent golden locks. Hair on a kobold was unusual, to display it openly would draw attention. Unwanted attention, when one wanders such areas as the Underdark.
Magical energies swirled, an engulfing light...!
And it was finished. The kobold looked around, as expected, he emerged in an underground marketplace. The rustle of exchanged coin, contemplative hums, loud yelling and bantering, a musical symphony that had long by now been engraved into his mind, to which he'd watch goblins rummaging through a many unknowing travellers' pockets.
"Hm..." The hooded kobold hummed. His contact was not here. It was unusual, for they were always so punctual. To make him, an outside guest, wait, in here of all places, was disrespectful. And the tribe his clan engaged in commerce with was known for nothing but industrious and reliable. Did something happen? It was too early to draw conclusions, so he simply waited, anxiously watching his stock to safekeep it from petty thieves.
"Excuse me! S-sorry! Passing through!" A voice yelled, pushing through the crowd. In a crowded location, it blended with the remainder of the marketplace's symphony. However, it kept getting closer... and closer...
A short kobold runs through, looking around frantically, before rushing towards Lucky, almost stumbling on the way. "S-sorry I'm late!" It exclaims.
"Wh- Uh- What do you want?" He asked, glancing from underneath his hood, examining the arriving kobold. A stranger, they were not his contact.
The gasping kobold tries to catch their breath, as they exhale their introduction. "M-my name is Echo, of the Sh-hnghh-the Shadowfang.".
Lucky squinted. He noticed the tribe's marking on the kobold, but they were not the one he expected.
"Who is that one?" He inquired, seeking an explanation.
"I am called Echo. I'm here to substitute Elder Tzuch in exchanges. They are occupied and this is the tribe's way of testing me." The arriving kobold introduces themselves, alongside presenting parchments validating their identity.
Lucky squints, verifying Echo's papers.
For a moment he wanted to call out the kobold's being late, but standing around for so long in a less than safe environment seemed to render him too tired to argue.
"Lets go to the warrens and handle business, okay?" Echo suggested, seemingly also keen on not sticking around.
The two would waste no time departing. The safety of a kobold warren was a much more preferable setting than the marketplace, surrounded by pickpockets.
Day 24, Month 6 (Kythorn), 182 AR
Ivah Shadowclaw
Chapter 2 - Delays that Bond.
The two kobolds, Lucky of Voidwing and Echo of Shadowfang, marched through an Underdark trade town. Their tribes arranged in a tribe agreement, they were headed to the warrens of Shadowfang to handle matters of trade.
As they walk through the less crowded corridors of the city, Echo continues to take glances at Lucky. They become too frequent to not notice, though the trader attempts to ignore them out of professional politeness.
"Is it true?" A query directed to Lucky breaks the silence.
"What?"
"That your tribe... has hair?"
He looks around briefly, lowering his voice. "yes."
The kobold gingerly attempts to peek under Lucky's hood to catch a glimpse.
"Is it as long as they say?"
"As who says? How would this one know!?" He grunts, annoyed.
"How does it feel?"
"It's-"
"Does it shimmer under light?"
A groan escapes Lucky, as he hastens his step, barraged with questions by the excited figure, each interrupting the last one. The sooner they'd get to the warrens, the faster this would end, he hoped.
Walking past spear-wielding guards, he momentarily sets down his purple-light emitting lantern as he gently releases his bags on the ground.
"I'll help!" Echo exclaims.
"It's fine I can handle... or... whatever." He was already used to unpacking the trade goods on his own, ready to dismiss the kobold's notion, though the concept of having help to do it did not seem unwelcome. He was swiftly relieved of the burden, with the other kobold eagerly helping, the goods put down on the ground, sorted and categorised.
Lucky briefly examines the goods, as if to look for any immediate discrepancies with what he made inventory of.
"All should be here." He says, confident.
Echo takes out a notepad and begins verifying the goods and the amounts. Lucky waits patiently, used to the procedure.
After a while, Lucky receives a satisfied nod. "All checks out! I'll go have your share of things brought here and you can be on your way! Echo exclaims, leaving the room.
He waits patiently, at this point, he usually expects a group of kobolds to bring in various things in exchange for him to bring back, but they seem to be taking unusually long.
After a while, Echo returns, with an uneasy expression.
Echo bows apologetically. "Shadowfang's sincerest apologies. It seems the draughts that have been prepared turned out to be a bad batch. A new one is on its way, but it will take... about an hour to finish."
"Well. That's... awkward."
"I'm so sorry for the delay."
Lucky's initial annoyance melted away, as Echo's earnest expression seemed to resonate with his empathy.
"It's alright," he said, smiling softly, trying to ease the tension. "These things happen. Though... I usually don't stick around for this long. An hour to pass..."
Echo's eyes widened with excitement as an idea came to the kobold, scanning the bustling town outside the window. "Well, there's a quiet little tavern just around the corner. We could go there, grab a bite to eat, and maybe even enjoy some entertainment while we wait."
Lucky seems taken aback. "Hm? That... does not sound very appropriate or professional. This one does not th-"
Echo interrupts him. "I'm here to accomodate you on behalf of Shadowfang during our tribes' exchanges. This delay is our fault, it falls on me to compensate you and make the wait endurable." The kobold insisted.
Thinking about it, Lucky's curiosity piqued at the idea. He hadn't explored much of the town beyond his usual trade routes. "A tavern sounds like a... unique change of pace. Lead the way, then." He stood up, picking up his purple-lighted lantern, ready to follow.
With a grin, Echo nodded, and the two kobolds set off towards the tavern, through the dimly lit corridors of the Underdark's trade city, illuminated slightly by Lucky's lantern. As they walked, Echo couldn't help but steal glances at Lucky, something about his demeanor intrigued the kobold, as well as the odd nature of his tribe, that they wished to learn about.
The tavern came into view, welcoming lights spilling out onto the cobblestone street. Laughter and music floated through the air, drawing closer with each step of the pair. Echo pushed open the heavy wooden door, the scent of ale and roasted meat escaping the building, wafting through them.
They found a cozy corner table and settled in, soaking in the atmosphere. A bard strummed a lute in the corner, filling the room with slow, melodious tunes. A server moved about, delivering frothy mugs and dishes to the few patrons present.
Though not empty, the tavern was relatively quiet and calm, as Echo claimed.
The two briefly studied the menu, placing their order with the server before turning attention to each other. "So, Lucky, tell me more about your tribe. I'm fascinated by the customs and traditions of other kobold clans."
Lucky smiled, content to share his culture with Echo. The tales of a tribe residing in the Shadow Plane intrigued her, as well as the legends about their luscious golden hair.
With their food and beverages finished, they would soon be setting back. An hour has nearly passed, perhaps the work was done.
"You have to show me. Please?" Echo pleaded, bringing back the topic of Lucky's tribe's hair.
"Not here." Lucky grumped.
"Fine, fine. Oh! We have these still!" The kobold's short attention span has diverted to small cookies on the table.
"Cookies?" He remarked, confused.
"Fortune cookies! Open and obtain the wisdom inside." The kobold remarked, gingerly splitting the snack in two.
He squinted, following her movements.
"Live your cycle to the fullest." Echo said, mechanically quoting, with a dissatisfied expression. "What about you?"
"Avoid wizards with fey familiars." He quotes. "Huh?"
"Oh, that's a good one."
"What? What does it even mean?" He asked.
"Do you not know many wizards? I do. And all the ones with fey familiars are -FREAKS-." Echo emphasizes.
"Uhhh... huh." Lucky nods along.
"It's true! All, total, dirty weirdos. You'll know what I mean when you meet one."
Lucky couldn't help but chuckle at Echo's passionate proclamation, finding her animated gestures amusing. It was refreshing to be around someone so lively, especially in contrast to the often tense and serious atmosphere of trade negotiations.
As they shared a moment of laughter, Lucky felt a sense of warmth and camaraderie settle between them. Despite their differences, he found himself enjoying Echo's company more than he had expected.
As the hour drew to a close, they reluctantly made their way back to the warrens of Shadowfang, their hearts lighter than when they had first arrived. Despite the delay in their trade negotiations, Lucky couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected detour that had led him to Echo.
A group of kobolds brought in numerous tightly packed bottles and vials, of the draughts that were being exchanged. Lucky took a moment to appraise them, finding everything in order. In moments, everything was packed on his back and ready to go.
As they parted ways at the entrance to the warrens, Lucky found himself lingering, reluctant to say goodbye. "Thank you for today, Echo," he said, his voice soft with genuine gratitude. "I... I enjoyed your company more than I can say."
Echo smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "The pleasure was all mine, Lucky," the kobold replied, reaching out to squeeze his hand gently. "Until we meet again."
With a final nod, Lucky watched as Echo disappeared into the depths of the warrens, a sense of longing stirring within him. As he made his way back to his own tribe, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life had been irrevocably changed by the spirited kobold he had met that day. He knew he'd soon meet them again as part of future exchanges and he eagerly awaited such time.
Day 24, Month 6 (Kythorn), 182 AR
Ivah Shadowclaw
Chapter 3 - Lucky and Echo.
A few cycles passed since their unexpected encounter in the Underdark trade town. Lucky found himself preoccupied with thoughts of Echo, the lively and inquisitive kobold from Shadowfang. Despite the briefness of their meeting, their presence lingered in his mind, leaving him eager for their paths to cross once more.
As he expected, it wasn't long before another trade negotiation between Voidwing and Shadowfang was scheduled. Lucky awaited the meeting with a mix of anticipation and excitement, hoping for the chance to see Echo again.
The day of the exchange arrived, and Lucky made his way to the designated meeting spot in the Underdark marketplace. He carried with him the customary lantern emitting a purple glow, a symbol of his clan's presence in the Shadow Plane and a conduit bringing the plane's energies to the Material plane, allowing him to adapt easier.
Echo was already there when Lucky arrived, their eyes lighting up with recognition as he approached. A smile spread across the kobold's face, and they waved him over eagerly.
"Lucky! It's good to see you again," the kobold of Shadowfang exclaimed, their voice filled with anticipation.
Lucky returned the smile. "Pleasure as always to reconvene with your tribe." he replied, voice tinged with excitement.
They exchanged formal pleasantries as they made their way to the warrens of Shadowfang, where the trade negotiations would take place. Along the journey, they chatted about their respective tribes, sharing stories and insights into their cultures.
Once they reached the warrens, they got down to business, going over the details of the trade agreement and inspecting the goods being exchanged. Despite the seriousness of the negotiations, Lucky found himself enjoying Echo's company immensely, her lively personality bringing a sense of joy to the proceedings, unlike his previous arrangments until now.
As they worked, Lucky couldn't help but steal glances at Echo, admiring their enthusiasm and passion for the work. He found himself drawn in a way he couldn't quite explain, feeling a connection that went beyond the confines of their trade agreement.
As the negotiations drew to a close, Echo felt a sting of sadness at the thought of parting ways with Lucky once again.
"Lucky... would you want to stay with me for a while, here? We could talk..." Echo offered.
"Uh... I don't think that's appropriate for this one to..." Lucky replied, slightly hesitant, but seemingly interested.
Echo persisted. "Please, Lucky. I feel like there's so much more we could talk about. Besides, it's not every cycle we get to spend time together like this."
Lucky hesitated, torn between his responsibilities and his growing desire to spend more time with the curious kobold.
"Alright," he relented, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "But only for a little while."
Echo's face lit up with excitement, and they led Lucky to a cozy alcove within the warrens. They settled in, surrounded by the comforting warmth of candlelight and the soft murmur of their voices.
"So... C-can I see it?" Echo asked.
"See what?"
"The hair."
He groaned, lowering his hood, revealing his long, luscious, golden hair.
Echo gasped in awe as Lucky revealed his shimmering locks, the kobold's eyes now wide with wonder. They reached out tentatively, claws brushing against the soft strands of his hair.
"It's... it's beautiful," Echo breathed, their voice filled with genuine admiration.
Lucky couldn't help but feel a flush of embarrassment at the attention, but he found himself strangely pleased by their reaction. He watched them closely, studying the way their eyes sparkled with fascination, and he felt a warmth spread through him unlike anything he had ever experienced before.
"Do all your kin have hair like this?" Echo asked, curious.
"They all do." Lucky nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yes, it's a trait unique to this one's tribe. These believe it's a gift from the shadows, a symbol of their connection to the Shadow Plane."
Echo listened intently, curious. "That's incredible. I've never heard of anything like it before. Do you have any legends or stories about your hair?"
Lucky chuckled softly. "Our hair is deeply ingrained in our culture and traditions, yes. We empathetically pity those of you, who are bald."
The now-titled bald kobold chuckled at the comment. "So you see us as bald. Huh." They snickered, amused.
The pair continued to talk, Lucky found himself opening up to Echo in a way he hadn't with anyone else before. He shared stories of his upbringing in the Shadow Plane, the rituals and ceremonies of his tribe, and the values they held dear.
In turn, Echo shared tales of life in the Underdark, the challenges and triumphs of their tribe, and the wonders encountered in own travels. They laughed and talked late into the cycle, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.
As time lapsed, Lucky realized with slight regret that he would need to be parting, there were many other things he needed to tend to.
"I have to go," he said reluctantly, rising from his seat. "But thank you, Echo, for this wonderful cycle."
Echo smiled warmly, her eyes shining with emotion. "Thank you, Lucky, for sharing your stories with me. I'll treasure them always."
With a final embrace, they parted ways, each carrying with them memories of a time spent filled with laughter, companionship, and the promise of more to come.
As Lucky made his way back to his tribe, his heart felt lighter than it had in ages. A ligering tingle of the special connection he had formed.
And as he looked up at the purple glow of his lantern, a part of the Shadow Plane he always carried with himself, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected bond that had formed between them.
But an uneasy concern clawed away at his mind. Time and distance tests many bonds. And theirs was one that transcended the very boundaries between worlds. Could it truly last? He pondered, pensively.
Day 24, Month 6 (Kythorn), 182 AR
Ivah Shadowclaw
Chapter 4 - A Hairy Situation.
Weeks went by. Lucky and Echo had worked out a routine, wrapping up their tribes' exchanges quickly, then spending the remainder of their alloted time together. None were suspicious of the time they spent, as they were of great mutual benefit to both tribes. The excess time spent was just assumed to be an extension of their trade dealings.
Their estabilished routine would soon be shaken up, however. News showed Echo's All-Watcher would come visit, as sign of gratitude and good relations. The two trade representatives would naturally need be present for this occasion.
Lucky arrived earlier that cycle to meet with Echo. Formally, to prepare, though their interest was in yet another meeting each other.
They sat together in Echo's private quarters within the tribe warrens. Echo was toying with his golden locks, looking into his eyes.
"Voidwing's All-Watcher, does she also have golden hair?" Echo asked.
"The most glamorous of these all, yes, they do." He replied. His voice emanated admiration.
"I cannot wait to see. If it truly is possible to have such more beautiful than even yours'" The kobold trilled, teasingly.
Echo chuckled at her own comment, but then, her attention seemed to shift elsewhere. They somehow never paid much notice to it before, but Lucky always carried the peculiar purple-colored lantern...
"So... that lantern... is there a reason you carry it everywhere?"
Lucky grips at the lantern, seemingly slightly defensive.
"Y-yes. It's special." He remarked.
"Special?"
"It carries energy from the Shadow Plane. Supposedly... carrying it makes us acclimate to your plane easier. The elders were -very- adamant this one carried it, lit, at all times."
"W-why? Would something bad happen, without it?"
"I... don't know."
"Surely they would say something clear, if the consequences were that dire?"
Lucky pondered. Her words seemed sensible. If it was -so- dangerous to not have it lit, they would have specified the dangers. The lantern was a symbol of the tribe. Perhaps they merely wanted him to look like a proper representative? But he was in a private area now, such formalities would surely not need to be displayed here.
His pondering is interrupted by Echo. "I suppose if your tribe told you to keep it on, there must be a good reason." The kobold did not try to goad Lucky into testing its powers, respectful of his tribe and boundaries.
A brief kiss on Lucky's cheek, Echo then stood up. "I'll prepare something to drink." They trailed their fingers across his luscious golden set of hair before walking away.
He did not react to the familiar present of affections however, his thought lingering on the lantern.
His claws reached out towards the lantern...
They tremble... they near it...
A flick...
The light dims...
Lucky freezes, waiting to see if anything would happen. Any slightest tingle provokes fear as if the symptom of something happening...
But...
Nothing happens.
He stands up, briefly, pacing a little around the room. The lantern emits no light, he walks freely, without it.
He sits down back, gingerly tapping his feet at his realisation. Not having to carry it around at all times seemed like a relieved burden. He was eager to share his discovery with Echo.
A kobold's footsteps near, signaling Echo's return. Lucky waits, a sly grin on his face.
They enter the room. The footsteps halt. Mugs of a beverage fall on the ground, spilling their contents. A yelp, as Echo looks mortified in his direction.
"W-what's wrong?" Lucky asked. He looked around, concerned, then he noticed a visage of himself on a nearby mirror.
His hair...
It was gone.
He looked around. Did it fall off? There were no strands or locks of hair anywhere. Did it disappear?
He looks back to the mirror. His gaze freezes on the reflection, staring at his own, now bald, head, for what felt like hours, frozen in time. Ringing in ears, his entire body shivers.
The terrified look of Echo's face he just saw forced itself into his mind. What would the bald kobold think of him, without his incredible golden locks?
The footsteps rushed over to him, grasping at him. Through the ringing in his ears, he could barely make out sentences spoken.
"L-Lucky! Are you okay? C-can you hear me? S-say something, please."
He could only hear concern and compassion. He was expecting groans of disgust, shock at his bald form. Instead, their embrace held on tightly, begging him for a reaction, signs that he is with them and not in pain.
The genuine warmth he felt in that moment eased him. The ringing subsided, his trembling slowed.
"I... I'm- I'm... fine." He stammered out. "I think... it's just my hair that..."
Echo's grasp tightened. They looked around, searching for answers. They noticed the lack of the purple light. Lucky's lantern was off.
"D-did you..."
"Y-yes..." Lucky answered.
"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up. This is my fault..." Echo lamented.
"N-no... I did it of my own volition." He remarked, standing up. "I feel fine... it seems... it's just my hair that..."
He continued. "I'm... sorry you have to see me like this."
"Huh? Hair or without... you look fine the way you are." Echo tried to reassure them.
"W-what? Without my magnificent hair, I'm..."
"Hey." Echo interrupted him. "I don't have hair either. And as cute and lush as it was, it's not the reason I... like you."
"Wh- Y-you... mean that?" He asked, in disbelief.
"Of course. Always did." Lucky was pulled by them into an embrace.
Their heartfelt moment was interrupted by an intrusive thought, however.
"T-the... meeting..." Lucky spoke, a worried tone.
The meeting between their tribes was approaching quickly. He would show up, hairless. How would his tribe react? Would they know what happened? How severe was this transgression he had committed?
"W-what do we... what do -I-... do?" He panicked slightly.
Echo spoke, reassuringly. "We can't do anything. We'll just have to go and see. I'll be there with you, okay?"
"But-... hngh..." He could only grunt. He was searching for options, but there seemed to be none.
Echo offers him a hand. They help him stand up. Together, they make their way through the halls of the warren, to where the meeting would take place.
Day 24, Month 6 (Kythorn), 182 AR
Ivah Shadowclaw
Chapter 5 - Lantern Dimmed, A New Light.
A large room in the Shadowfang kobold warrens bustles with movement. Two sides of kobolds, All-Watchers of both tribes and their elders are meeting. Their discussion is accompanied with various manner of foods and beverages.
The All-Watcher of Voidwing is present. A tall, imposing figure, with incredibly long and beautiful golden hair.
The leaders and elders of both tribes discuss in celebration of the successful cooperation their kin have had with each other.
The All-Watcher of Shadowfang stood up. "It truly is an honor to have you visiting us, this far from your home."
"The pleasure is all ours. This venture has been very fruitful. Let it be in our best interests to maintain it." The Voidwing All-Watcher responded.
As the formalities of the meeting continued, Lucky and Echo entered, without drawing attention, their hearts pounding with apprehension. Lucky felt self-conscious without his usual mane of golden hair, but Echo's presence beside him provided a sense of comfort and reassurance.
Slowly, with the discussions reaching their conclusion, the two tribes' representatives were called to step forward to give a speech and summarize their accomplishments.
Lucky moved towards the center of the room, his lit purple lantern in hand, feeling the weight of the gazes upon him, wondering how his bald appearance would be perceived by his own tribe.
Shocked squints and gasps filled the room.
"What's the meaning of this?" An elder of Voidwing spoke up.
"Where is your hair, Lucky? Did you forsake the light of your kin?" Another elder of his tribe asked accusatorily.
His All-Watcher just stared, judgingly, silent.
An audible gulp, Lucky garnered confidence to speak. "I..."
An accusatory interruption from yet another Voidwing elder erupted, however, directed elsewhere. They looked towards the tribe folk of Shadowfang.
"Is this your doing?" An accusation was thrown out towards the Underdark tribe.
Both crowds began to erupt in accusations. The All-Watchers of both tribes remained silent, seemingly disappointed and frustrated by the ordeal.
"Quiet." "Silence." Two commands were uttered, nigh-simultaneously, it was difficult to attribute to which elder each belonged, but they held the same meaning.
The crowd quieted down, judging looks upon Lucky.
Echo ran forward. "It's not his fault... I... asked them about their lantern... about what would happen if they... turned it off..." Echo explained.
Voidwing's All-Watcher rolled their eyes. Even under Echo's excuse, it would be Lucky who chose to do it.
Underfang's All-Watcher raises his hand, motioning Echo to silence.
Finally, Voidwing's All-Watcher spoke up. Their magnificent golden hair fluttered in the wind as they spoke.
"My kin, appointed wanderer of the dark, merchant across realms, your lantern dimmed, why did you shun our light? Speak." Her voice was always commanding, perhaps deceptively so, as she was known as a very caring and thoughtful leader.
Lucky took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his tribe's expectations upon him. He knew he had to speak truthfully, regardless of the consequences.
"I turned off the lantern of my own volition," he began, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his stomach. "I did it out of curiosity, to see what would happen. I didn't realize the consequences it would have."
There was a murmur of disapproval among the crowd, but the All-Watcher raised a hand, silencing them.
The Voidwing All-Watcher spoke. "There is more you do not reveal. I know you well. That would not be the reason alone. Speak."
Lucky hesitated. "I... I wanted to be closer to Echo."
The room fell silent, the tension thick with anticipation as all eyes turned to Lucky and Echo. Echo flinched hearing his revelation. The All-Watcher's gaze bore into Lucky, her expression unreadable.
The leader turned to the other kobold. "A feeling, reciprocated? Speak, little one."
With attention on them, nervous and anxious, Echo could only afford a modest nod. The room continued to be quiet.
The Voidwing All-Watcher then stands up, walking over to the Shadowfang's leader, who respectfully rises. Conspirative whispers are shared, as the room itself turns deafeningly silent.
The leaders of the tribes exchange a nod, returning to their seats. The elders anxiously await.
She speaks. "Lucky, you who strayed from the shadow, who let go of our ways, have no place among Nightwing."
The words hit him like a missile storm.
Disowned by his tribe.
Echo listened in, distraught.
But their conflicted emotions were quickly disrupted, again.
"You turned your back, not to shun our tribe, but seeking an unlikely connection, across the realms."
She continued. "To seek bonds outside of the Shadow Plane risks our link with it. No longer Nightwing, accept our blessing for you to pursue kinship among Shadowfang, as our honorable friend and ally. May your bond empower our tribes' relations."
The elders of both tribes listened in, evoking an agreeable nod.
The pair, happily surprised, look over to Shadowfang's All-Watcher, who nods towards them with a sly smile.
One of the many kobolds in the crowd of elders yells out "Huzzah!", starting a chain reaction of cheers, which erupt in the room.
The tension in the room dissipated, replaced by a sense of unity and camaraderie. The two tribes, momentarily at odds, now stood together in solidarity, united by the bond between Lucky and Echo.
Dazzled by the many thoughts and emotions going through their mind and now the loud noises, the pair is disoriented, before being approached by the Nightwing All-Watcher.
Her golden hair waves through the air as she approaches, the tall kobold looking down on the two, speaking to them.
"The feeling and bond you share is special. Your kin will not stand in the way of it. Cherish and hold onto it, for there is nothing quite like it."
Having shared her words, she turns to exit. The rest of the kobolds soon follow, seemingly satisfied with the proceedings discussed, seemingly less caring that the representatives' speech being disrupted.
The Shadowfang All-Watcher remarks towards them, in passing. "We welcome you, Lucky. Echo will show you about, no doubt. Formalities can be handled another cycle."
The pair is soon left alone in the great hall. None of them can speak, a hopeful look for the future.
Echo's hand found its way into his, squeezing it gently. "You okay?" they asked, concern evident in their voice.
Lucky turned to look at Echo, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah," he replied softly, "I think I am now."
Echo returned the smile, their eyes filled with warmth and understanding.
As they walked through the warrens of Shadowfang, Lucky felt a sense of belonging that he had never experienced before. Despite the challenges they had faced, he knew that with Echo by his side, anything was possible. A new life, by their side.
Lucky glanced at his reflection in a nearby mirror. Though his appearance had changed, he realized that his true worth lay not in his hair but in the bond he had forged.
Day 24, Month 6 (Kythorn), 182 AR
Ivah Shadowclaw
Chapter 6 - Epilogue.
In the following days, Lucky was admitted into Shadowfang. Settling into this new life was full of challenges, adapting to their culture and traditions, with which Echo was more than happy to help.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Lucky and Echo's bond only grew stronger with time.
Despite the initial apprehension from some members of the Shadowfang tribe, Lucky was quickly accepted as one of their own.
A new representative was assigned to handle trade matters on behalf of Nightwing, with which both Echo and Lucky would work together to assure continued deals and prosperity for both tribes.
But amidst their professional duties, they also found moments of quiet intimacy, stealing away to secluded corners of the warrens to share stolen kisses and whispered confessions.
One evening, as they sat together by a fireplace, listening in to the crackling of firewood, the fires' heat overpowered by the comforting warmth of their shared love, Echo broached a topic that had been on their mind for some time.
"Lucky," they began, their voice soft and hesitant, "I've been thinking... about us."
Lucky turned to them, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What about us?"
Echo hesitated, before electing to speak. "I was thinking... about becoming each other's Chosen." they explained. "It's a sacred ritual among our kin, blessed by the All-Watcher. It's a way for two kobolds to pledge themselves and their work to each other, to become each other's Chosen."
"I... I would be honored," Lucky replied, his voice filled with emotion. "I want nothing more than to be your Chosen, Echo."
A smile spread across Echo's face, radiant with joy. "Then let us speak to the All-Watcher. I'm sure he will bless our union."
As the cycles passed, the time came for them to formalize their bond in a traditional kobold bonding ceremony. The event was attended by members of both Shadowfang and Voidwing tribes, as well as honored guests of each tribe.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the two bonded looked towards the future, knowing that whatever lied ahead, they would be there to face it together.
They would continue to thrive together. A bond built across two worlds, bringing them and the two tribes closer together.
Day 24, Month 6 (Kythorn), 182 AR
Ivah Shadowclaw
Closing Words
To his dear kin, Vrinpict Fiyuntyziunrak - Lucky Voidwing:
This got out of hand and claw. He realised too late to be able to stop it. They are genuinely sorry.
To other readers:
If theys have been fortunate enough to find reciprocated love, treasure it dearly, shoulds, for there is naughts quite like it. Ands if by chance shoulds they lose it, do not despair, for it is a journey worth embarking upon agains.
Nots be deterred by the opinions of others; true companions will celebrate your bond rather thans question it, for theys would be ones ready to follow you to the beyond.
Also, be very weary of over-indulging in pranks. Or tryings to one-up another ins pursuit of them. You might soon find yourself writing a full-featured novel. Unlike the last wisdom, shared by idealistic thinkings, this is wisdom shared from experience.
Day 26, Month 6 (Kythorn), 182 AR
Ivah Shadowclaw