The Winged-Humans (26)

"That is a rather nice way of taking care of it all. Mother, what would I have to do to gain such an ability?" The Dwarven Leader asked, with a look on his face that clearly showed he wanted that ability and desperately bad. 

"Once we've established a base for everyone, I'll figure out all of those sorts of things. For now, I'll say that it is possible to mimic this ability in multiple different ways. Mine just happens to be rather helpful at the moment." Night Silver answered, after thinking about it. I guess I should try researching ways to implement my magical abilities in this world… In ways that provide an obvious benefit to everyone. Fortunately Druidic magic is almost tailored to such things. 

With the answer received, everyone gathered up and waited. The three dragons had been loaded up with as many people as they could be. Brightness was the one responsible for carrying the children though. He was far more reliable than the other two buffoons. And then all of those who were too scared to ride on a dragon's back were carried by Night Silver's magic. Something she really didn't like doing all too much. 

The flight took some time since not everyone here could handle going at top speed. A rather unfortunate turn of events but, it ultimately didn't matter. The view was enjoyable and thus was satisfying enough for everyone to forget the time that continued to flow. Even for those who were used to flying, this was a completely different experience. Dragons fly far higher and smoother than the Winged-Humans do. 

The Winged-Humans were all a flutter with the giddy feelings pointing out just how much more they could see at this height. And then it all came crashing down on them. More specifically, those who were old enough to have lived through the horror of their ancestral home being ransacked and destroyed by the hands of an evil dragon. 

Those who remembered, saw the sights of places they used to play, completely devastated. Other, more pious individuals, noticed there was clearly something wrong. And it was this that the Elders and the older warriors broke down. The symbol of their faith had been reduced to nothing but rubble. Any faithful individual would see that sight… And break down in some way… 

Landing at the ancestral home of the Winged-Humans. The same place Night Silver had just fought and killed the Mountain Dragon Lord. The mood was a murky mixture of various emotions. Even so, there wasn't a single bit of anger towards their goddess, Night Silver. They could only respect her that much more, seeing the devastation that had been wrought, they knew in their hearts it must have been difficult for their brethren to stay behind… And Night Silver had just avenged each and every single one of them. 

The Elders, forgetting they were needed for something else, wandered over the statue… Well what remained of the statue… It was nothing but an area where a statue had once been. The looks on their faces were difficult to put into words. However, if one tried… Distraught… As they fell to their knees, memories of their pasts came flooding to the surface… Ones they had repressed for fear of losing their composure over the years. 

Rocky Breeze, one of the few warriors who had seen this side of the elders… He sighed. Don't they know we have matters to discuss? They are the leaders of our tribe… He thought as he started walking towards the three elders, stopping when a delicate looking hand on his shoulder prevented him from moving entirely.

"We have time before they are really needed." Night Silver said, forcing a smile. I've seen this scene so many times… It never gets any easier. "Let them morn. They've earned that right after the many years of watching over your tribe. If you want you may also join them at any time. I won't stop you." She added, releasing her hand. "Just, if you go there, don't interrupt them. This is something they must come to terms with themselves. Afterwards is when everyone works together to rebuild." She finished saying. 

Rocky Breeze's face was normally rough enough to know at a glance he was a warrior. However, at this moment, he couldn't help but look like a harmless child with four extremely distinct rivers of tears flowing. 

"Goddess, I… Thankyou from the bottom of my heart." He fumbled his words through the tears. "I had… so many friends here…" He murmured on, his voice becoming so soft that sound stopped leaving his lips. "Even so… I have the real goddess right here… Why do…" He asked, incompletely as his voice continued to fail him. 

"Don't worry about my feelings. That place was more than a place of worship for you. It was a gathering place where you played with your friends. Had large gatherings where games were held. Large parties and any event with many people." Night Silver explained. I'm glad the children decided to go help out with some of the cooking. She thought, and pulled Rocky Breeze close to her and rested his face against her bosom, gently stroking his hair. "It makes me happy you hold me in such high regard… You can cry here until your composure returns." She said, as the warrior let loose all of the pent up tears he's carried through his life. Even men need a place to cry. In the end we are all emotional creatures. If we starve ourselves from feeling, we will inevitably lose our way. 

After several moments Rocky Breeze finally relaxed and was able to stand tall once again. "I must thank you again, my goddess… And forgive me for crying on your clothes. I didn't…" He said, still having some speech issues. 

"If you keep acting like that I might just keep you against my breast the same I do for the younger children." Night Silver giggled, with a hand covering her mouth. "Now go on and join the others over there. All of you have something in common. And I'm sure that with all of you there, the sight before you will turn from a feeling of loss, to one of future prosperity. It is up to you to see that path, I can only hope that you'll see that light at the tunnel's ends." She finished turning around and walking away so she doesn't disturb the bitter sweet reunion.