Joining a court

After a few days of teaching Memnoph's rituals and further establishing the remote base that he'd want those close to him to be based out of, Light knew he'd have to 'appear'. As someone who hated the spotlight, he wasn't looking forward to this. He laid out his 'outing' with his two Swallows as best as he could, knowing that they would probably have to improvise parts. It was a simple plan. The girls were known to arrive and leave town to go to him, while his human guise, who he named Sol, generally stayed in the temple, though that was an illusion. Light would walk into town with his girls, and meet people in his true form. Hope to be directed to the nearest court to ostensibly join. Become ruler in all but name.

It started alright. Itotia and Inopttrah rode his back into town, carrying the gear they had to sell. His illusion of his Scaleborn form greeted him, with the lesser priests following his lead. After being "introduced" to important townsfolk, an unexpected vistor almost made a mess of things. A dragon, larger than Light, appeared and asked about the priest who Light had killed.

"My priest killed him for attempting to take my servants," Light said, unsure how this was going to turn out, "He tried to **** the issue even after being informed they belonged to me." The new dragon snorted and replied, "The fool got what he deserved, trying to steal from a dragon as a non-dragon. You, however, are a stranger to these parts. I am Coatl, second in command of the Court of Ixali. You are?" Light responds, "Light, no court yet, but hoping to join one. As for not being in a court, before you ask, I am newly arrived in Ixtacotak." Coatl nods and says, "Very well, let us see if Ixali will let you join. You and your servants will follow me."

The flight to the palace of Ixali was quick and dull. As Light entered, a few faces caught his eyes. A red-headed warrior, a woman dressed in white eastern styled clothing, and and woman with horns dressed in armor are looking into a pit with a multi-limbed snakelady dressed only with a leather bra, raising a few swords with blood on them. Coatl laughed as she saw Light looking at the pit. "Our prized blade dancer, Yanya. She wishes to stop fighting in the pit, but none of us see a reason for her to quit." Light nods and follows Coatl to meet Ixali, Itotia and Inopttrah practically hugging him to stay close and show who they belong to. The dragonlord looks at Light, then at Coatl. "Why have you bought this unknown dragon to me, Coat?" "Mighty Ixali, this dragon, named Light, is new to these lands and wishes to join a court. He has a talented artisan in his retinue and a faithful and zealous priest under his command. He will be a boon to this court." "Very well," Ixali turns to Light, "Prove yourself by fighting Yanya. Survive a time limit or kill her and you will be allowed into this court." "Very well, Lord Ixali," Light replies. He flies over to the pit and sees his opponent frown. "I am to prove myself versus you," he says to Yanya. 'I will free you to be just a dancer, but follow my lead', he sends her mentally. The shock of telepathy startles her, enough that she misses the start of the match, and gets a claw through her chest. 'You will wake up and be freed from fighting here, if you pledge yourself to me,' Light sends her, and receives a nod. He then removes the claw and watches the life fade from her eyes. "Lord Ixali, may I have her corpse?" A nod and Light lifts her body up.

Coatl shows him to an unused room, now his. After being left to himself and his Swallows, Light takes in a deep breath and breathes over Yanya's corpse. It is the first time he's tried using his breath weapon, such as it is, in any manner. As soon as he stops breathing out, Yanya breaths in. "My lord, thank you for freeing me. I hated killing, but my opponents kept falling to my blade." "I know, just as I knew you'd agree to my deal. Yanya, would you take Inopttrah and retrieve that red haired warrior. I wish to speak to her." After Light describes who he means, Yanya goes, "Very well. Nenetl will be here soon." After both Yanya and Inopttrah leave, Light turns to Itotia and says, "Time to reward you for your service so far and just being a good person." An illusion goes up over the area as soon some moans fill the area.

Author's notes: For those who enjoyed this chapter, please give me feedback. This applies to any of the chapters I've written and you enjoyed. All but one companion appeared in this chapter, but where could that missing one be?