Tainted Scales

This works astronomically better in-game mode so don't forget to press start game. This story is also very word/plot-driven, so if you're here just for the banging, you will be disappointed with all but one path.

“I wish you would reconsider.”

Raanciel looked up at his brother. The older and larger drake stood in the doorway of the room with his arms crossed over his broad chest. He was leaning against the doorframe, his 7 foot frame hunched slightly to fit. Raanciel looked away and turned towards his pack. He closed the flap of his leather bag and threw the strap over his shoulder. He stood and looked at his brother with a frown. “There is nothing to reconsider. I cannot stay here,” Raanciel said and walked up to his brother and stared up at his towering form. “Isekocaan, you are the only one that truly cares about me.” Raanciel turned his head away from his brother with a frown. “It pains me to leave your side but I cannot stay here. I cannot take the whispers and glares and I cannot take mother and father constantly badgering me. There is so much animosity I can take from my own family--” Raanciel took a sharp intake of breath. He felt tears welling in his eyes. “--before I completely break -- it is getting to be too much...”

Raanciel started when he felt his brother’s hand on his face. The older drake gently pulled his face up to look at him. The two stared at each other. Isekocaan’s glowing red eyes pierced through Raanciel’s soul. Raanciel’s tears finally broke free of their cobalt prison and trailed down his face. Isekocaan’s hand dropped from Raanciel’s face. He wrapped Raanciel up into his arms and pressed the younger to him. Raanciel clutched onto him for dear life, eyes shut tightly.

“I understand brother. I will help you but I want you to promise me something,” Isekocaan mumbled into Raanciel’s hair. Raanciel looked up at his brother. “You will not disappear completely. I want you to go to the mainlands. I have a friend there that you can stay with until you get used to the area.”

Raanciel nodded.

“I will get in touch with a friend of mine to ferry you to the mainlands. I will have to warn you- the mainlands is...different. I want you to be prepared for a culture shock.”

“Culture shock?” Raanciel asked with a frown.

“They...The rest of Eapis are a bit more loose with their morals compared to Alkesh.”

Raanciel raised his eyebrows and gave his brother a skeptical look. “What do you mean?”

“Be wary. What we consider...blasphemy...is considered the norm there. Watch yourself, is all I ask.”

“Ah...Alright...”