The rest of the day was spent celebrating my father's elevation in status within the leather makers guild as well as now being able to hear a dragon's silent speech. I also talked with my parents about some of my plans for the two weeks I had before having to report to the capital for training.
"I think we will go visit with Uncle Lance and Grandmother. It has been a while since I have seen both of them. Plus I believe they will be happy to receive the news of the new statuses in the family." I say as we head back to the house.
Pa had quickly taken Lilasia's measurements for a new saddle and gear to take back with us to the capital. He also enjoyed being able to have full conversations with her, Bellisama, and Solvon for the first time in his life without a middle man.
"I think that is a great idea, dear. I know mother would be happy for the company." Ma says as we enter the foyer of the house. "And going on dragon back means that you can be back the same day if you wanted to."
Uncle Lance had already become an adult when Grandfather had been promoted to general of the quadrant and had made the decision to move to Susanna. Uncle Lance, at the time, had a thriving business and decided that the move would be too much for his small family. So he had stayed behind. His business was still thriving, though his sons usually ran things now while Uncle Lance went into semi-retirement. His work was with wood carving. He had made many delicate and beautiful pieces over the years, but never attained the title of Master. Not many make it to that level. Though I have heard from the gravevine that his son is surpassing him in several aspects and may even attain the title in the coming years.
These days, uncle Lance has been entertaining himself by making trinkets for children by carving little whistles and such. He never asks for money for the trinkets, though some of the families will sometimes give him sweets. He has such a sweet tooth.
"It will be nice to see Grandma Geneveve." Lilasia says inside my head. "Should we go tomorrow?"
"That sounds like a plan."
*****
The next day, Lilasia and I head out to the village of Watersus. It wasn't that big, but it still had its charm. For one thing, it wasn't far from a forest, so uncle Lance and his sons never had to go too far to get materials they needed for their work. There was only one or two dragon and warrior pairs stationed here as well, since they somewhat farther from the border.
Flying with Lilasia brought back all the memories I had with her growing up, watching her learn to fly and then learning how to carry a passenger safely. It felt like we were on top of the world, watching as the towns and villages pass us by below.
As we neared uncle Lance's house, Lilasia let out a trumpeting sound to herald our arrival. I look down and see uncle Lance and two of his sons come out of their workshop, while grandmother slowly gets out of her rocking chair on the porch and aunt Giselle come out of the house wiping her hands on her apron.
My uncle and cousins watch from a safe distance while Lilasia comes in for a landing and I brace myself on her back. I climb off her back and jump to the ground to the wonderful and joyful greetings from Grandmother and aunt Giselle and uncle Lance. They immediately come to me with hugs and congratulations of my choosing. But they were going to be in for a surprise.
"Missy, we are happy for you to come and visit us." Grandmother says with the shine of tears in her eyes. "You as well, Lilasia."
"Thank you for the warm welcome, Grandmother." Lilasia says into the minds of all. Even though she was a dragon, Grandmother treated her no different than any human grandchild.
"Well, don't stand around all day. Come inside and I will set some tea and snacks on the table. Lance, dear, can you go get some apples from the cellar for Lilasia. She may want a snack as well." Aunt Giselle said all of this with a smile of warm welcome. Dragons were known to love a fruity snack every now and then, though their main diet mostly consisted of meat.
After we sat down to enjoy the repast, and Lilasia lays in the courtyard enjoying the apples, I shared the news of Mother's appointment of General and Father being granted the title of Master.
"Blessed be." Grandmother says with pride in her voice. "To have two generals in the family line is a blessing. Watch out Missy. You might be next."
I laugh at this statement. "I am just starting my career, Grandmother. Even if it happens it will be several years away if that." I say with all good humor. "Besides, Cousin Tyler might beat me to that."
Cousin Tyler was two years older me and was chosen two years ago by a shining crystal colored dragon named Analese. I got to meet her when Tyler came to visit after he was chosen before he headed to the capital for training. I had never seen dragon scale so clear and beautiful. Tyler was very lucky.
"So who is taking the captain position then?" Uncle Lance asks. "And will your mother have to move to another village or town?"
"Actually, the king has given her leave to stay in Susanna since it is centrally located." I reply. "And actually the messenger that brought the missive is also her replacement as Captain. His name is Curtis Mitchell and his partner is Jessalinda."
I also give them some details about the Captain's history and also tell them about John Pillard's objection to his appointment.
"And get this, Seth Pillard has been banished for disrupting the choosing ceremony!" I say quietly. Shocked faces stare back at me, since such disruptions are unheard of. "He was objecting to Lilasia's choosing of me as her partner."
"Then he deserved what he got." Grandmother says in a grave tone. "Lance, you will have to make sure that Seth Pillard will not try to come here and start trouble as well."
Uncle Lance was also considered the village leader, who helped make most major decisions that concern the people of Watersus.
"You are right mother. We don't need that trash here." Lance replies.
I also tell them about how Father can now hear a dragon's silent speech to their amazement.
"This family is blessed indeed." Aunt Giselle says with pride.