Chapter Text
Sing it out loud till your lungs give out, yeah
Scream it out loud till the wolves come out
Sing it out loud till your lungs give out, yeah
Scream it out loud till the wolves come out
Think I broke down with both of my hands
Castles built up from watered down sands
Sing, oh, whoa, whoa
I gotta sing it out loud till my lungs give out
Through the rivals, the voice in my head
Tell me "Back up", and leave it for dead
Sing, oh, whoa, whoa
I gotta scream it out loud till the wolves come out
Scream it out loud till the wolves come out
“As for Pyro Dagmeare, you have been found not guilty. Court is adjourned!”
A heartbeat of silence follows before the bright blue and white courtroom erupts into joyful cheering which echoes through the open space, many students clambering out of their seats to tackle their once accused friend with relieved hugs lead by two mages of wind and earth.
Scott is frozen where he stands at the back of the room, tensed and still ready for a fight the same way he had spent several days leading up to this trial preparing for the worst. None of their back up plans or schemes were needed…Pyro Dagmeare was proven not guilty in the eyes of the Summer court. It was an easy win with all things considered, mainly due to the fact the Duke couldn’t keep his mouth shut about his own traitorous actions and trying to force the court ruling to go his way which had been overheard by the best person to resolve their situation.
Briefly considering rushing forth with the rest of the crowd before he decides to do something else, slipping out of the courtroom without anyone noticing as he makes his way to the stairway that circled the middle of the building. He doesn’t escape entirely unnoticed, meeting eyes with Osteon where they were helping Judge Septimus with some final paperwork through window of the heavy door leading to the Judge’s quarters. Pausing to watch them for a moment they acknowledge his presence with a nod, Scott taking that as acceptance before he strides towards the stairs.
The blonde leans back against the railing like he is far more relaxed than he is while adrenaline still rushes through his veins, he raises his palm to draw forth the moisture in the air freezing it into several snowflakes he observed sparkle away with a casual stare, using his ears to listen for the footsteps he was waiting for. Using his free hand to smooth out his formal robes of ice blue with glistening white accents he impatiently entertains himself with his magic before the pace he had been intensely listening for finally approach him.
Letting his face curl with the rage freezing him down to his bones the Duke appears from the hallway with a quickened pace before he skids to a stop, flinching away as the temperatures around them plummet into freezing very quickly. Ice already coats the railing below where his hand is clenched, taking a deep breathe before he steps forward to stare down upon this man in cheap finery with all the disdain he can muster.
“Hey Duke, can I have a word for a quick second?” Enjoying the way the brunette looks extremely uncomfortable, eyes darting around before he sidesteps the ice mage to continue down the hall away from the soul who was making him worry about frost burn on a warm, summer day. “Ah, ah, ah, I left out the part where this was involuntary, silly me.”
Raising his palm the ice flashes forward before weaving its way across the Duke’s leather boot and crawls up his leg, halting before it reaches mid-shin however coating the appendage in a thick layer of frozen water stopping his escape. Letting the silence say everything he glares at this man who nearly cost him everything that kept him sane, a wicked smirk overtaking his face recognizing true fear within the Duke’s dark gaze. Clearing his throat his voice raises a few tones, into a playfully sadistic range while he strides one pace closer to his prey.
“Cat got your tongue?” Gloating, the Duke’s face grows more sour as Scott tilts his head with unsettling grace while he comes to a stop mere fingertips away from his cornered quarry. “I just wanted to give you a little piece of friendly advice.”
Letting the singsong melody fall away from his tongue, his next words are followed by deep-frost icing his tongue while he threatens the aggravating pest before him. “If you go anywhere near Pyro, or Amber, or Graecie or any of the other Dragon Riders I will make it my personal life’s mission to make your life a living hell. Every time you leave your home, I’ll be there. Every time you close your eyes to sleep, I will be there. No matter how many poorly-made jackets you try to get to save you from the cold, I will be there.”
With a mocking wink, he reaches forward to grab the Duke’s chin with a painful amount of force, revelling in the warm gasp of air that froze into icicles that filled his victim’s mouth. “Because no matter how cold you think I can get, I promise you, I. Can. Be. Colder. Do I make myself clear?”
As he waits for an answer, knowing full well the Duke cannot speak, he takes pride in how scared the man before him was as he shakes from both the cold and terror. It was well deserved at this point, with how much fault lay upon his shoulders for the torment this ridiculous case brought to everyone at the Academy he was lucky Scott didn’t do worse. Hell, he was still tempted to regardless of the consequences but his logic won against the urges to deal with the problem once and for all as he finally reins his magic the smallest amount back in leaving the Duke choking on a mouthful of freezing water before he throws it up upon the floor at their feet.
Eventually he coughs enough to clear the remaining liquid out, hunched over as Scott had released his hold upon his face while carefully eyeing the evil Duke before him, tapping his foot in patience fully embracing the role of terrifying this man to the point he never returns, screw the consequences.
“You—you do.” Wincing away as far as he can despite still being frozen to the floor, he holds his trembling hands up between them while pleading, “Stand back, stand back.”
Doing his absolute best to wipe the anger away from his expression, Scott does as his victim begs and takes a few steps away, offering another cheeky wink. “Perfect! I must be going, I have friends to see.”
He turns to leave before pausing, unable to hold back from one more snarky remark. “But Duke, it really truly was such a displeasure having to make your acquaintance.”
With a snarky wave over his shoulder and ignoring the panicked protests of his feet still being frozen, Scott leaves him that way knowing once he was out of range the melting process would hasten. At most he’d be stuck there for a few more heartbeats once the ice mage left the building, one last reminder what awaited him if the Duke dared to darkened their doorstep ever again.
Now, I'll wait for tomorrow
For mistakes that we can make tonight
Sing it out loud till your lungs give out
Now, I say the end of sorrow
When I don't wanna make it dry
Scream it out loud till the wolves come out
Broken mirrors, and what do I see?
A man with no face, he's looking at me
I know I got a million scars, wear 'em all on my sleeves
Man, did I spark it? Breaking down souls
Hit the gas, but with nowhere to go
No, whoa, whoa
I got a million problems, you know they're all me
A million problems, you know they're all me
After a quick reassuring chat with Osteon he makes his way through the courtyard he follows his fellow students pondering why he still feels desperate and anxious. Hesitating as he watches them pile into the caravan he makes the decision to walk in hopes that allows him to shed some of the emotional turmoil that still stormed through his ribcage anticipating the worse outcome even though it didn’t happen.
It helps little unfortunately, even with a slower pace than his normally long gait he is barely calmer as the Pub comes into view. Taking a deep breath before he enters, laughter spills forth from the inside as he pulls the door open to enter into the establishment, letting it close softly before him as he peers around at the scene before him. Many of their fellow students are already dancing and pouring each other drinks from the bar upon the main floor, Scott changing direction to the slightly elevated platform that encircles around the lowered dancefloor across from a beautiful, roaring fireplace following the sight of his best friend where he stands leaning against a table.
Surprisingly quiet despite the fact he is by far the tallest man here, he manages to sneak up beside Pyro where they are silently observing their friends before them. It takes a while for them to notice their company, only doing so after several heartbeats when they turn their handsome face to meet the blonde’s, Scott doing his best to ignore the still infected wounds and not make a deal out of it until they are alone.
“Having a drink?” He gestures to the bar before him where Cambam is happily pouring a glass for Ambear who sat upon a stool nearby, Pyro shakes his head with a small smile. “I think I might refrain for now, Legundo gave me some risotto and coffee, frankly it’s all I can stomach for now…”
Waving to the plate before him on the table Scott looks over the untouched plate of food and resolves to force his friend to each at some point tonight, but for now he craved a moment alone with the man he had almost fought a Kingdom for. Tilting his head towards the opening leading to the garden he offers softly to Pyro a brief escape from the calamity inside where the rest of the students were celebrating. “Come with me for a moment?”
Letting the second backpack he was carrying fall from his shoulders once they reach a spot near the fence, he holds it out to Pyro while taking a better look at his injuries beside the lantern. “Those should be most of your things, I tried to grab what you told me too.”
Getting lost in the moment as his mind finally settles on the fact Pyro is safe, the fire mage meets his stare with a matching relieved expression before taking the knapsack with grunt of pain.
“How do you feel?” Gentle as the falling snow Scott questions the handsome brunette who lets the heavy bag fall to the grass below him, forgotten for the time being as Scott reaches forth to steady his shaking companion.
“Besides the pain of untreated wounds?” A deep inhale follows before Pyro continues, relying on Scott’s strength to help guide him into sitting down as they both rest under the shining stars that filled the sky above them. “I feel like I got worked up over nothing, quite frankly.”
Reaching into his own backpack Scott locates a medicinal kit, ignoring Pyro’s protests as he begins to sanitize the injuries he can reach, nodding along in agreement to his best friend. “I spent so long preparing for the worst…I don’t know what to do with myself now that it hasn’t happened.”
“What, you had already prepared to lose me?” Their deep voice rumbles through their chest as they speak, trying to swallow back any signs that the biting agony of cleaning the infected site was affecting him while Scott did his best with the kit he had packed a moon ago for any field injuries he would have to tend to.
“No, I had prepared to lose this place.” Waving his momentarily free hand around to the sites around them, he meets his gaze to one of Pyro’s sky blue eyes, as the other was swollen over still, as he speaks the promise that had become his strength through these trying days behind him. “I was prepared to run away with you, losing you was never an option.”
As he spoke it aloud he heard the echoes of a conversation weeks ago that had been a point of contention between the childhood best friends, it was a funny twist of fate that he was now the one offering it to Pyro. Both are taken aback by what the ice mage says before Pyro offers a small smile, silently recognizing the wonderful gesture Scott offered he allows the blonde to finish what he can do about a few of the wounds before he is restlessly trying to escape Scott’s strong grasp who eventually decides to let him go. Standing up with a groan after packing back up his kit, he peers towards the open door leading back to the festivities.
“Well, we can get back to it.” Pyro mentions while heaving his backpack up onto their shoulder before letting out a low moan of pain as something aches. “I’m eager, but I need to rest.”
“You do need to rest. But you must swear to me that after you do so, once you get back to working on Kindling, that if you ever need help with anything that you will call me. No more heavy lifting.” Wagging his finger playfully towards Pyro who rolls his one good eye with a matching knowing grin. “I know you like doing everything yourself but at least let me carry the stuff.”
“I’ll call upon you.”
They discuss the logistics of a few more things such as retrieving where Scott had stashed Cindy among other topics before Pyro reaches forward to clasp Scott’s hand seeing the tension across his broad shoulders. “You can ease up now…”
“Maybe…” Scott hesitates to answer in a more certain manner, his mind unhelpfully reminding him of several incidents within the past few days of his ice magic running rampant with his emotions wound so tightly. “I don’t know—I don’t know if I am still freezing people—”
“You are freezing people?” Pyro asks, concern written deep into their handsome features peering up at the blonde’s ashamed expression.
“If people stay near me for too long I sometimes…freeze them…” The words stumble over each other as they spill out of his mouth, unable to keep eye contact his gaze falls to the path below them.
“Well, I didn’t experience that.” Making a point to stand closer Scott watches worrying about his dearest companion, unable to bear the thought of hurting him again he goes to step back which Pyro halts by grabbing his other hand.
“Yeah, well, you always have run warm, especially now.” A familiar teasing tone enters his voice as he slowly gazes back upwards, allowing himself to draw comfort from the fact Pyro clearly wasn’t shivering from the cold around them even with their close proximity. Scott didn’t realize just how much he missed human contact until this exact second, his heart rate already slowing with his friend’s steady reassurance there was at least one person who would never be affected by his cold magic due to his own balancing element.
“I had a few parting words with the Duke before he left, left him with a chilly goodbye, one good thing that comes from this accursed cold around me is it made our questioning session very uncomfortable for him so I doubt he will ever show up here again. On the small chance he does, and if he bothers you, you let me know and I will appear with chilly glee to remind him to stay far, far away.”
“I doubt he will show his face again, but if he does, I will inform you.” A loud joyful shout draws their attention to the inside of the bar, Pyro looking towards the noise before returning his gaze to his taller best friend. “Will you be staying for the party or will you be heading back to Thawdale?”
“For you, I’ll stay.” Four simple words that meant so much more than a temporary commitment between them, he squeezes Pyro’s hand one more time before releasing their hold allowing the fire mage to lead them back inside to an overwhelming wave of cheers.
Now, I'll wait for tomorrow
For mistakes that we can make tonight
Sing it out loud till your lungs give out
Now, I say the end of sorrow
When I don't wanna make it dry
Scream it out loud till the wolves come out
Scream it out loud till the wolves come out, yeah
Sing it out loud till your lungs
Wearing his famous confidence with the ease of a favourite sweater, Pyro addresses the crowd around him after making his way to the middle of the dance floor, Scott admiring with pride filling his chest as his fire mage gives a hearty speech thanking their fellow students and encouraging this celebration to continue long into the night. After they finish speaking Elaina, Drift and Shelby pin him to a chair before forcing him to drink a healing potion, Legundo bringing over the dinner he had prepared him earlier as Scott softly smiles…feeling the warmth of their friend’s love despite being across the bar.
Cam hands him a drink with a wink when he requests it, sitting heavily at the table on the outside of the party not willing to test if his cold was still running rampant. Taking a long drink of the ice wine he watches with relief finally releasing the tension he had been feeling in his neck, savouring the sweetness he had come to crave from his best friend’s brew as Pyro strikes up a conversation with Elaina as Drift and Shelby work on fixing up some of the wounds Scott’s didn’t get a chance to attend to. The ice mage smiles to himself watching how cared for his best friend was, even with all the sighing and groaning they allow themselves to be tended to by their peers, Shubble even going as far as making him take off his jacket so they could attend to the ones on his shoulders.
So caught up in the moment he doesn’t even hear the wooden chair beside him sliding away from the table, nearly jumping out of his skin when the iron mage clears his throat. “Ancestors above, Legundo, my heart.”
Clutching at his chilly chest where his heart races the brunette giggles that sweet little laugh that makes the corner of Scott’s mouth quirk upwards, Legundo fidgets with the fork and knife Pyro had left behind while questioning, “‘Ancestors above?’”
“Pyro’s wizard words have been infecting me.” Scott jokes, Legundo chuckling along as he takes a drink from the tankard he brought with him.
“It’s good to have him back, you must be relieved.”
“I am…but…my instincts keep screaming that was far too easy and I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Scott frets, running his fingers up and down the wine glass he was sipping at slowly. “It was so lucky for us to have the judge that was assigned to us, plus the Duke’s gloating means he should hopefully be banished for a good long time, but it doesn’t—my brain cannot convince me this is over.”
“Hey.” Regardless of his own skin potentially getting frostbitten with how much Scott’s temperature plunged while his anxiety whirled like a winter storm, he only holds tighter giving them both a grounding point. “We are in the tavern surrounded by Dragon Riders; you are safe, he is safe, no one is coming to harm us. I know logically you know its over but sometimes it can be hard to reel in the protective urges, I get you.” Scott raises his lilac eyes to meet Legundo’s, who gives him a soft and understanding smile. “They would be facing a lot of trouble if they tried, I can promise you that.”
“You are right, of course you are right.”
The iron mage is getting to know him far too well, exaggerating his next actions while instructing, “Take a deep breath for me, all the way down to your belly, and hold it.” Guiding him through a few calming breaths Scott feels his shoulders finally start to relax, able to resist the urge of constantly scanning for danger he focuses instead on the handsome brunette before him. Following Legundo’s soothing words he lets himself fall forward just a bit so he wasn’t sitting stiff, Legundo giving him a dazzling grin. “There ya go, you are allowed to be weak every now and then y’know…”
“I’m just so used to being everyone’s wall to lean on…I can’t falter or I might fail them.”
“You don’t have to save anyone tonight, you’ve already done it.” Replying with ease Scott sighs, allowing his lungs to fill with a few more inhales of heady tavern air before they are interrupted by Pyro rejoining his best friend where he sat with the iron mage.
“Realized I forgot my dinner, thanks again Legs, it’s delicious!” Picking up the bowl of risotto he lifts up a generous bite before placing it in his mouth, humming happily as Scott watches his best friend with a fond sort of exhaustion.
“That has got to be cold by now…”
“Well it’s a good thing my fire is back!” With a dramatic flair their hands are surrounded with flames licking up the dish he held, using his other to reach for the mug of coffee which he washes down the bite of food with before he addresses the two Riders sitting before them. “Going to come join the party?”
“Maybe it a bit Pyro, just needed a moment to breath.” Legundo responds kindly, Scott still trying his best to calm down, taking a long drink of the wine he had been nursing. “Go be the man of the hour again, this celebration is for you after all!”
“I know it is, and I will, but I also know my best friend and I think I need to personally come tell him that I am safe and inform him that he will have a few more drinks or else I will be very offended.” Pyro’s warm sky eyes narrow upon Scott, who fidgets under the attention as his cheeks warm. “Come on, come dance with me, just like we used to in Tegrith!”
Finishing his meal in a few shovelling bites he grabs Scott’s hand, pulling him upright with minor protesting, “But Pyro…I don’t have the best grasp on my magic and I might hurt the others—”
“Scott, you are with me, you will be fine.” Pyro assures, holding up the hand that wasn’t entwined in Scott’s to summon a bit of fire magic above his palm. “Come have fun, I promise I will balance you out.”
“Thanks for the talk Legs.” Scott smiles as he is dragged away, the brunette with the blue streak returning the gesture as Pyro drags his blonde friend down to where the rest of the students are dancing.
Its so easy to get lost in the moment (the next several glasses of wine certainly contributed to that) as he is tossed into the middle of his closest friends, Drift and Shubble each taking one of his arms to argue who gets to dance with the tall mage while Pyro offers his hand to Ambear. Laughter harmonizes with the music being played out of a nearby jukebox, Elaina perched on the storage chest beside poking through the available options for what to queue up next. Shelby wins the disagreement with a wicked smirk, Drift rolling her eyes while fighting back her own smile as Legundo steps in as her dance partner.
Moving to the rhythms around them they get traded from person to person as the hours melt away, lost in a haze of joy and far too much alcohol mixed with other herbal substances which Elaina had brought plenty of. Pyro absolutely delighted in being everyone's personal lighter when the gathering moves outside to the side garden, passing a joint round the circle of their fellow Rider’s while they enjoyed the stars above. A new core memory is formed here, woven in elaborate flower crowns fashioned from the blooms around them and celebrating with plenty of wine to warm themselves as the night’s peace blanketed the land.
Scott ends up with Pyro snuggled into his one shoulder and Drift against the other, Legundo on the wind mage’s other side sitting against a log that had been rolled into place before a campfire they had started at one point. The music’s volume had been lowered significantly as the energy waned from wild dancing to telling secrets they hadn’t shared yet, comradery solidified in the things they now trusted each other with. Elaina had fallen asleep against Shelby across from them, the pretty redhead’s dainty hands tangled deep within her golden tresses in a soothing manner. Michela and the others had decided to head home about midway through their campfire, wishing everyone a good night as they recalled back to the school which the rest weren’t far behind.
After Scott’s third yawn in quick succession he slowly starts to straighten up, ignoring Pyro’s dramatic protests he reaches for the nearby water bucket to put out the campfire once he got to his feet. Shelby wakes Elaina as Drift works to gather up the scattered empty bottles, evidence of just how much they drank in the entire bag she filled with the glass containers. Tucking them just inside the bar’s front door Scott reminds himself to come get them in the morning before Pyro does, knowing his best friend was already planning to do so he would have to wake up early but anything to save his friend from pushing himself too hard just yet.
Helping Pyro to his feet his concern grows hearing the pained groan they try to hold back, quickly moving closer and allowing the fire mage to put more of his weight against him Shelby also notices the struggle and comes to stand beside him. Without a word they clean up after themselves and begin heading towards the caravan they would use to journey to Kindling as Legundo and Elaina wave them off, planning to go back to the Academy instead.
Climbing in the back Scott pulls Pyro into his side once more to lean against him, hoping his chilly temperature would help regulate how Pyro burned and Scott wasn’t sure if it was how drunk he was but he could swear Pyro was running hotter than ever which meant possible fever. Their driver sets off as Scott wraps his cloak around the brunette while leaning slightly closer to Shelby to ask, “Do you have another healing potion?”
Nodding quickly she goes digging for it as Scott concentrates his ice into his palm, pressing it against the back of Pyro’s neck who lets out a relieved exhale. “Mmmmm—that feels nice…”
“Just stay awake a bit longer for me Pyro, we will be at your place soon and then you can sleep.” Mumbling a weak disagreement the redhead across from them hands over a stoppered bottle which Scott is quick to open, coaxing Pyro into drinking it as he peers around anxiously.
As much as he tried to calm himself his stomach was tensed and on edge, now worrying about both the fever that seemed to be consuming Pyro on top of that horrible trial he was still shocked at the outcome of. Shelby nudges her knee into his, forcing him to look towards them where her and Drift are side by side. “No one is going to take him from us, not ever, and especially not from you.”
“I want to believe you, I do, but it just—it doesn’t feel over.”
“Hey, what if Shelby and I stay the night to help keep watch, if anything terrible happens we will be right there with you.” Glancing down towards Pyro’s slowly closing eyes, her face grows pained seeing how exhausted their fourth was. “Normally I don’t just invite myself over…”
“You are welcome anytime, my friend, you all are. Once I get back to peak condition I planned to start constructing both a tavern and town hall with plenty of places for those I trust alongside any guests who come through. I’ll set aside space for each of you, Kindling will always welcome my fellow Elemental Quartet members.”
Only a few more words are exchanged over the duration of the rest of their journey. Pyro did seem to improve with the healing potion, at least the smallest amount, allowing him to walk on their own two feet back to where their bed was upon the upper floor of the brewery. His companions locate the spare sleeping rolls nearby and set up a watch, Scott forcing Pyro to sit down yet again to give a more thorough cleaning and bandaging to their wounds leftover from the bandit attack. Unconsciously his cold started to leak out of him once more seeing the rough damage inflicted upon his flesh, Shelby and Drift retreating to the lower floor to search for more healing items as he attempted to treat a particularly deep cut that was surrounded with irritated puffy skin. Scott winced alongside his best friend as he poured disinfectant over it, gathering up some of the excess liquid in a freshly boiled rag to press against the wound which he has to grab onto Pyro as he attempts to escape his ministrations.
“OW, oh fucking hell, that hurts!” He curses and hisses, Scott humming sympathetically as he shudders, knowing the exact stinging sensation of using the strong alcohol to wash out infected lacerations.
“I know Pyro, I’m sorry, but we have to deal with this now and then you can rest. Soon, I promise.” He whispers through a tight throat. Pyro turning his head over his bared shoulder to shoot the ice mage a soothing look.
“You know this isn’t your fault, right? Yes its agonizing but this isn’t your burden to bear.”
“You are my best friend; I should have gotten you out sooner or figured out a way to smuggle in more things to help you. Anything you deal with is my burden too, I am there to both cheer on your joyous times as well as bear any agonies you face. If you end up with any sort of lasting aches or pains I will freeze that entire goddamn prison into an iceburg…”
“We can discuss revenge and treason later, for now let me relish in the fact I am free. If anything, it’s the guard’s faults but lets not get into that now.” Reaching up to place their hand against where Scott’s was pressed into their shoulder, he takes a deep breath as he allows the burning touch to console him. “You did the best you could, I have full faith you did because I know you and I know your determined heart, lets just spend the next few days laying low and recovering. Then we can throw ourselves into our work again…”
“…fine, yes, as long as you promise me that you will tell me when you need anything at all, let me help you with whatever you need.” Pyro’s words allow him a small measure of peace, his mind finally settling as he replies, relying on the fact he trusted them and they were sitting right before him, no longer separated from his childhood friend. “We were lucky enough to get a second chance, I refuse to ever lose you again.”
“Someone has to put up with me after all, and you are well practised in the art of it.” Pyro’s humour appears trying to make Scott smile, which he does after a few heartbeats.
“Its a pleasure and an honour to be your friend, Pyro Dagmeare.”
“Aye, back at you, Scott Boralith.”
Several moments pass before Scott declares it good enough, wrapping the worst in fresh bandages as he helps the fire mage lay down to sleep. Exchanging his goodnights with Shelby and Drift they allow slumber to claim them as the earth, wind and ice mage retreat outside to gather in the town center to set up a watch schedule. Scott is still far too keyed up especially now that the wine had started to wear off so he offered to take the first shift, Shubble volunteering for the one after leaving Drift to handle the early morning.
Wrapping the two shorter woman into his embrace Scott draws comfort from their arms latching around him, mumbling into the crowns of their heads, “I am so glad this was the outcome.”
“He was going to be free, one way or another.” Shelby reassures, the dangerous glint in her clever eyes speaking volumes for the depths she was willing to go for any of their core group.
“And if the Duke ever sets foot on this continent again I will personally bury him.” Drift’s serious side appears, matching her companions with an eager sense of justice in defense of those he had wronged. “Well, I’ll bury the ice cube I am sure you would turn him into…”
Scott chuckles, rough like crunching ice, as he envisions enacting said revenge upon that damned Duke before he releases them from his embrace, “I am so glad even in treason you both would remain at my side…now go get some sleep. You will need it for when I wake in you in a few hours.”
Shooing them off he is eventually alone beneath the pure white moonlight of the full moon, choosing to sit down and lean against a nearby wall he keeps his head tipped towards the starry heavens while remaining alert for any danger around him. It took until now, but his mind had finally started to release some of the paranoia that had been running rampant for over a week now, instead casting his thoughts into what was ahead of them wondering what the future would bring next.
His ice had remained manageable these last few hours, retreating back into his bloodstream as the terror that had been wracking his soul for days drained away, simply needing to glance towards the brewery which housed those he cared about the most knowing they were safe and sound. Rubbing at his sore knuckles he reaches for the medicine kit he had been using to patch up Pyro earlier within his knapsack to attend to his own hands, reminding himself to keep them bandaged up going forward. It was absolutely not a good coping method however his rage-filled mind had reasoned it to be better than punching people, but probably not by much. It was certainly harming himself instead of others…but it wasn’t something he could keep doing.
Reminding himself to worry more about it in the morning, he lets his concerns melt away as he stands guard over his companions a mere few paces away from him, Aurora and the rest of the dragons perching on nearby rooftops offering their own aid through narrowed eyes.
Tomorrow he decided he’d make breakfast the moment they were all awake, another round of celebrations were in order to remind themselves of better things and Scott had a fresh batch of berries to cook into breakfast that were perfect to round the meal out he could run to grab in the morning from Thawdale. It was silly and domestic but it was exactly what they needed to strengthen their bonds going forward and to give them happy memories to cling to for whatever lay ahead of them.
Pyro was safe. They hadn’t needed to commit treason to save them, despite what everyone was prepared to do it thankfully didn’t need to happen. Within a few sleeps the brunette would regain his energy and Scott would be talking through whatever scheme he thought of next, exactly where he wanted to be. He was happiest when he was stood at the side of those hearts he trusted with everything he had and more, the top of that list being Pyro who was back where he belonged, finally.
Earth, wind, fire and snow, balanced as all cycles should be unless one is harmed…then the full wrath of the seasons would hunt down their enemies for the rest of their days until they fell under their blade. Even against the rest of the world, they would stand together. Scott would be eternally grateful he forged the bonds he has and they had forever to strengthen them, regardless of what they faced they would do so together.
He can barely keep his eyes open by the time his watch is over, quietly waking Shubble before he sits heavily down in a nearby chair to start trying to quietly remove his armour before he misses several times and curses softly while growling in frustration.
Pyro stirs from where they were sprawled across their bed, blinking their blurry eyes open to Scott’s sheepish expression. Without a word he waves him to come sit on the edge of their bed as they fumble with the same buckles before they give, catching the piece and lowering it gently to the floor they work in tandem until Scott is down to a loose fitting tunic and pants. Mumbling unintelligible words Pyro uses a surprising amount of strength to reach forward and tug Scott down into his bed directly beside him as he tosses one of those long legs over the ice mage’s own.
“—‘m too hot…come here you damn ice cube.” He mumbles into Scott’s broad chest who gives an exhausted laugh, only holding his best friend closer within his strong arms.
“Pyro we are both well over six feet we cannot sleep in this single bed all night—”
“Too bad.” Scott peers down at Pyro’s bleary stormy gaze and sighs, shuffling closer until Pyro is draped across his chest and he is as comfortable as he could be. “Didn’t like being apart from you…”
“Me either…fine—just for tonight.” Adjusting their blankets he wraps himself tighter around the fire mage, quietly enjoying his warmth being directly beside his heart. His anchor, his fire and his hearth was within his arms, and once they had recovered enough they’d face the future as a united front alongside those who chose to fight with them. “I love you Pyro, you are the dearest friend I have ever had.”
“Love you too Scott, I’m so relieved I am free.”
“As you should be, dragon Riders don’t deserve to be in cages and I would have broken many laws to keep you in the skies instead.”
“I would do the same for you, in a heartbeat.” Laying their head back down they yawn. “Now sleep, we can catch up more in the morning.”
“Sweet dreams, Pyro.” Not long after he follows his childhood companion into the land of slumber, a peaceful one unlike the past several nights when they had been stressed and restless, finally able to relax now that they were back where they belonged. They started this life together and they would finish it as such, come hell or high water, because they needed each other for balance and they’d fight kingdoms to keep it that way. Nothing would ever separate them again, in life or death, because their bond transcends universes and across timelines.
There was no Pyro Dagmeare without Scott Boralith, for one was always near the other either in spirit or physical form. If they lost each other the world would be reduced to ash or ice in the others honour, each other’s name being the last thing that would leave their bloodstained lips and their soul would be the last embrace their heart would ever feel.
And they were stronger together because of it.
No, sing it out loud till your lungs give out
Now, I say the end of sorrow
When I don't wanna make it dry
Scream it out loud till the wolves come out
Now, I'll wait for tomorrow
For mistakes that we can make tonight
Sing it out loud till your lungs give out
Now, I say the end of sorrow
When I don't wanna make it dry
Scream it out loud till the wolves come out
Scream it out loud till the wolves come out