Chapter Text
Dragon Knight Dark Cacao and Mystic Flour prefall? Hmm…
…
The Flour of Volition was an elegant and benevolent woman. She fulfilled every wish brought to her and healed those who were ill. The people in the surrounding towns adored her, leaving many gifts at her Pagoda. The only time anyone dared to question her willingness to help others out was when she saved a dragon. One that most in the surrounding landscape feared for over a millennium. He collapsed on the Ivory Pagoda’s front gates, laying over the rubble in dragon form panting. Her staff were scared out of their minds! But the dragon did not move, when The Flour of Volition came to see what had caused her staff such distress she found quite the sight.
Before her laid a dragon, long and windy. Scales a beautiful umber with a white underbelly. A single purple eye fixated on her as she approached. He was gravelly injured, perhaps from a fight?
“You poor thing..” She whispers, small pale hands resting on the dragon's cheek. All she gets is a weak snort in reply. “I'm sorry it took me so long to get here, allow me to help you…” Allowing her magic seep from her palms, cooling the dragon before her. Whose eyes fall close as the wave of relief that spreads through his body. Closing his wounds and returning energy to him.
The dragon laid there for a little while long, The Flour of Volition steps back. Watching him finally push himself up, struggling a little to get footing on the rubble he accidentally caused. Shaking the rocks off his head and puffing out his nose, sending a strong gust that startled a few folk watching nearby. He looks down at her, leaning down to touch his nose to Volition’s forehead. Then he pulls away, long snake-like body taking off into the air. Disappearing off to wherever, leaving a lot of damage behind. The Flour of Volition was not bothered, she smiled. Happy she could help.
Construction to repair the damage left behind was startled soon after. However now often left on the crumbled steps was some sort of.. Carcass.. Scaring the construction workers each morning. Killed with one massive bite (and one small one somewhere else on it). No one is exactly sure what to do with them. At least at first, Volition found herself equally perplexed. Arguably not the worst not weirdest offering she's received, she instructs her cooks to check over the flesh. If it's safe to consume then cook what you wish with it. It is best not to let the food, nor the gift go to waste if they can.
From afar, the giver of that meat watches each time. Along with a small boy hiding beneath his heavy cloak. He cares little for most there, he only wishes to see her. Admittedly he is a little frustrated that she finds a way to give his gifts away. She thinks much of others, after this repeats several times his frustration reaches its peak. He will find something else to give Volition.
…
Volition loves the peach bao orchard, it's truly beautiful while it's in full bloom like this. During her time alone she liked to walk it, exploring it like it's the first time despite having walked these same grounds for generations. As she's admiring the beautiful trees heavy with fruit she stumbles over something in her path. Wide eyed she looks down at what obstructed her path. Finding something wrapped tightly in parchment. Befuddled, she picks up the unusual road block. Looking it over, finding a small note tucked into the folds. It only said “Volition” , nothing more, nothing less. What a strange place to leave an offering for her..
Nevertheless she carefully undoes the thickly folded over parchment. Finding an old, yet beautiful necklace nestled inside. It was elegant and well crafted, it seemed to be in relatively good condition. She held it up to the light, a smile present on her smile. There's a small scuff against the stone path behind her. Alert her head whips around. Finding nothing behind her at first glance. After another scrutinizing look over she finds a large figure hiding behind one of the thick peach bao trees. Someone who appears who feels a little familiar.
Volition frowns, carefully approaching the figure and their poor hiding spot. “Excuse me.” The large man jumps at her voice, immediately falling into a battle ready stance. With a hand on the pummel of his sword. “Were you the one who left this here?” She raises the old necklace up.
The peculiar man clears his throat awkwardly, he's tall and broad. Long black and white hair falls over his shoulders and face. “Ah, yes it was.. My apologies. I wanted to ensure you got it. After all the others I've left seem to be redistributed each time.” He crosses his arms, nails seeming just a little too sharp. A fang peaking out from his unhappy scowl. The more she looks at him, the more familiar he appears..
“I see.. Well it is lovely thank you. I haven't seen this style in a few centuries.” She runs her fingers over the golden mold and chain. “It is always pleasant to see something from so long ago return.”
The man puffs up with a bit of pride, “It is from my own personal collection! It was difficult to pick something perfect for you out of my horde.. In the end my son helped me choose that one.”
Volition smiles, “Is that so? Is he here with you?” She gives a quick look behind him.
“Ah- no…” The man stammers, “Not today, he's with a friend..”
“Ah, a shame. Perhaps if you visit again you could bring him. Speaking of, you don't come here often do you?” She tilts her head curiously.
“No, not exactly..” The stranger looks to the side stiffly, before swiftly bowing his head low. “I simply wanted to repay you for assisting me before. If you hadn't healed me I wouldn't have been able to make it back to my son. So thank you.”
The Flour of Volition jumps at his action, caught by surprise with how.. Sudden it and his words are. However it does help her know exactly why he's so familiar. “Oh, I understand where I recognize you from now. You were the dragon who crumbled the entrance to my Pagoda a few weeks ago.” She smiles, stifling a giggle behind a hand.
The man practically wilts at her words. “I'm sorry for that, dragon hunters have grown more fierce with time. A party caught me by surprise I'm afraid.” He confesses shamefully to her.
“Poor thing.. Well I am glad I was able to help, especially given you have young. It would be terrible to leave them alone.” Her smile becomes a thin line. Hand remains stiff over her lips, hiding them.
“Indeed, I am all he has in regards to family. At least directly.”
His gaze flicks up, meeting hers as she gently lifts up his chin. “I see, well do not worry about repaying me. I was merely doing what was right. Leaving you in such pain, regardless of who or what you are isn't right..” She holds the necklace out to him, “So please, do not stress.”
The dragon looks somewhat offended when she holds the jewelry out to him. Shaking his head firmly he pushes it back. “No. You saved my life, and I want you to have this. It is for you and no one else. Do I make myself clear?”
A little taken aback by his firmness, she nods. “Ah, I suppose I will not argue..” She lifts the necklace from its parchment wrapping. The clasp may need to be replaced as it is a little brittle with time. But she manages to clasp it around the back of her neck regardless. “How does it look? My friends have always told me Gold suited me better than Silver.”
The dragon chokes, “You look… Lovely..” He grunts out, averting his gaze which amuses her.
Now free from what she had been carefully holding, she holds out a hand. “And may I know who gifted me something so lovely?”
There's a moment of hesitance before he takes her hand. “Dark Cacao..” He holds her hand, staring at it like he wants to do something but isn't quite sure what yet.
“What a lovely name, it's nice to meet you, Dark Cacao. I'm sure you already know, but I am The Flour of Volition. I do hope I'll get to see you again after this.” She smiles at him, her words hold a small implication.
Dark Cacao blinks in surprise, “Right.. We'll see about that.” He replies as stiffly as ever. Gosh he was awkward, she did in all honesty hope he'd return. He was rather charming..