Light Shows

Akeem was resting next to the waterfall, listening to its babbling stream. It was the same one where he had met the beautiful Pilgrim. He still thought of her now and again, even occasionally trying to find time to spend with her. She was often busy though or could only spend a quick moment with him. Even without the few sporadic visits to her though, Akeem did enjoy the spot. The waterfall was truly beautiful.

He was not expecting to see her tonight. He found that she was more often near her rider and he dared not get too close to the Abrendese woman. Whether or not she was connected to the Militia was not a risk Akeem was willing to take. Admittedly, he should not be taking the risk of staying near the area as much as he did. Not when Fidelia was speaking of joining the rebellion and there was no way of hiding them once she joined.

Still, he could not resist this spot. Whether it was to see the graceful dragon or simply to enjoy the view, he came. The visits would have to end soon though. He will find more beautiful spots to enjoy and his relationship with Pilgrim was only a friendly one. Best to end it that way before their own alliances ruined it.

He let out a loud sigh, resting his head on his front paws. This might end up being the last time he visited this place. He wished he could give a proper goodbye to Pilgrim.

As if answering his thoughts, a bright light suddenly shone up at him. He had to squint his eyes at the sudden brightness before they readjusted. Like the stars had came down from the sky to greet him, they weaved themselves in front of him. They fluttered and danced and if he looked closely, they seemed to represent little animals. Butterflies? 

They fluttered around him, dancing away as he twisted his head to follow one before looking at the others. Seemingly happy to have gotten his attention with how they shone brighter, they started to weave themselves closer together. Like a dance, they formed into circles and circles of each other. The circles seem to breath, inching closer to the middle before backing away then moving closer and closer to each other. They shone brighter as they got close to each other before with another flash, they finally joined together.

Akeem rapidly blinked, bringing up a paw to rub his snout in fear of the pain to his head. As he opened his eyes up again, he finally saw what the light had become. A giant butterfly, hovering near the edge. Was this a sign for him to follow? Had Pilgrim came?

Maybe he could give her a proper goodbye like he wanted to.

He quickly stood up and stretched out his wings. The butterfly batted its wings in content before weaving down and then stopping. Waiting for him to follow. And so he did, leaping off the edge and letting his wings catch the wind before they fluttered. He did not need to flap them so hard, letting the wind guide him down after the butterfly.

It led him down to the grassy patch he and Pilgrim had danced that night. As it reached the ground, it burst apart into sparkles. Like rain drops, they disappeared within a blink of an eye. 

He carefully landed in the spot they burst apart. He looked around quickly, expecting the sight of the pale golden dragon. And instead, he saw nothing. His wings fluttered sadly to his side at her noted absence.

“Good day, my good boy! Or should I say, good night!”

A jolly voice sent him scrambling, twisting around to see where the voice came from. It was masculine and cheerful, almost older sounding too. As he tried to spot where it came from, the flickering spots was what caught his attention. Looking down, a small Ocean dragon was right before him.

Well, this was unexpected.

“Hello?” Akeem dumbly said, tilting his head in slight confusion. Did he catch his attention?

“I am elated you saw my light show! Marvelous, wasn’t it? I was inspired by the most recent light show at one of the balls.”

Before Akeem could fully process it, the small Ocean dragon was beginning to ramble about the history of light shows. Carefully, he laid down in the grass to better look at the small dragon who was still talking. Now about the balls he’s been to and some of the guests he met. 

“Are you friends with Pilgrim?” He finally blurted out between the other dragon’s rambling. Fortunately, he seemed to not mind.

“Of course! How do you think I knew you were going to be here? Sweet Pilgrim has talked about you now and again. I would hope with her guidance, your dance has become better.”

Akeem flushed at that, remembering how Pilgrim had guided him during it. 

“I think so? I haven’t done much dancing now,” He admitted.

“What a shame! Have you not been to a ball yet? Pilgrim had said you never seen one. Your poor rider, you must come to one eventually. Maybe dear -”

“What is your name?” Akeem once more blurted out before the other dragon could continue rambling. He felt hot embarrassment run through at his rudeness.

“Oh, silly me. Forgive my rudeness, dear boy. I am Calvero,” Calvero beamed and gave a quick bow. “And you are Akeem. Pilgrim already informed me when I decided to come visit.”

“Oh.”

“You seem down, boy. What has gotten you in such a mood?” Calvero inquired.

Akeem sighed, hating how obvious his feelings were. And once more, his own rudeness to not listen to Calvero. He seemed nice enough, warm and friendly. Reminded him a bit of Fi’s abuelos if he had to admit. Still, he could not lie and say it bugged him to know Pilgrim had spoke to her fellow dragon about him. Not that he should be upset, it was an unexpected visit and surely an oddity for her to see. Still, with the looming threat of what was to come…

“I guess… I just wanted to say goodbye to her,” He finally admitted. “I can’t keep visiting… though I know I have been bothering her.”

“Nonsense! You have been a delight,” Calvero refuted, shaking his head. “She says your voice is one of the most beautiful ones she’s listened to.”

“Still,” Akeem huffed. “I have… other duties I need to attend to. I didn’t want her to…”

He didn’t know what he wanted her to do. Or what he expected if he was honest. It was his fault for becoming too interested, for wanting to still see her even if it did not matter much.

“She will understand if you stop appearing. Lady Pilgrim is quite insightful, dear boy. And not one to hold grudges,” Calvero assured him. “Though if you would like, I will inform her of your wishes. I am certain she will find time to exchange goodbyes.”

“Thank you, Calvero,” Akeem gratefully sighed, nodding to the smaller Ocean dragon. “I shouldn’t be wasting your time.”

“Not at all! I am ecstatic I finally met you. How about a song before we must depart?”

“I… guess I can do that,” Akeem hummed. 

Clearing his throat, he began to sing a simple song. One that he hoped Calvero would enjoy, especially when he was listening to him. Maybe he will stay longer though, it seemed Calvero was already thinking about what to say next. Possibly about the songs he listened to or their history. Having some company for the night wouldn’t do harm to either of them.