Ten years, one hundred and seventy-two days ago. The fall. It was the most important day. It was the point that cemented everything before and everything after. 

Sidewinder was laying there, holding himself, having abandoned his sister’s talon. He had demanded that his life be ended. But nothing came. He waited, and waited, and nothing. The MudWing had said they were done killing. The injustice of taking his sister, but not him, hurt like nothing before. He was left sobbing, steeling himself to dig his barb into his own chest. His tail was just lifting when something brushed against him. It sat there against his scales. He thought it might finally be mercy, but it had just rested there. Touching him. Not hurting him.

Sidewinder had finally raised his head to see the large MudWing. He was so big. The MudWing’s wing was extended, the tip of it on his side. Their eyes met. Who knew a MudWing’s eyes could be a beautiful mix of gold and orange? All Sidewinder had thought was ‘why?’. They were enemies. Sidewinder’s heart had been ripped from his chest. Why wouldn’t they just end his suffering? 

The wing pressed firmer. It tugged. The large MudWing used his muzzle to gesture under his extended wing. The spot looked so empty. Like something was missing. Sidewinder slowly turned to look at his sister, entangled with a MudWing. Broken and lifeless. She couldn’t be his other any more. It wasn’t them versus the world. He was alone. Sidewinder slowly pushed, his body numb, his limbs so useless. He stumbled. He turned his head as he approached the MudWing. His body had given out. He collapsed. 

The wing cradled him. It had pulled him close. It held him, soothed him, against the bulk of a MudWing. MudWings smelled so different up close. Nothing like a SandWing. Rich, earthy, comforting. The large MudWing’s heartbeat was so heavy, weighted with sorrow. Sidewinder could hear the smaller MudWing crying so loudly. Sidewinder cried all the harder. He stared at the MudWing and SandWing before him. Dragonesses cursed by the age they had hatched. The venom of a war none of them wanted. 

Sidewinder stared through blurry eyes. His beautiful sister, perfection and everything life was worth, undone. He looked to the MudWing entangled with her. He could tear her apart, he could scream at her, torch her to ash. But he didn’t feel hate. He didn’t feel anger. He only felt that despair that she lay there too. A sadness too deep for some random MudWing. Too deep for his sister’s murderer. Why did he hurt for a dead MudWing? 

The wing cradling Sidewinder slipped around in front of him, shielding Sidewinder from the tragedy before the three of them. All he could see, hear, smell, was MudWing. The deep, slow beat of a heavy heart. Tears ran dry, but Sidewinder was still held. It was the first touch in his life, other than Diamondback’s, that felt warm. A touch that was wanted. 

Sidewinder woke without ever realizing he had fallen asleep. He was still held against the large MudWing. That MudWing might not have slept. When Sidewinder awoke the large MudWing was still staring at the two dragonesses, forever entwined. The MudWing’s gaze turned when noticed Sidewinder staring. Their eyes met. The MudWing made this soft rumbling sound, like earth shifting. The MudWing leaned in and gently brushed his muzzle against Sidewinder’s. 

He should have felt hate. He should have stung the two MudWings right then and there. He should have raged, hated, and destroyed. That was his life. Sidewinder and his sister were death. That was their purpose. 

But he didn’t hate. He didn’t want to hurt them. Looking into this MudWing’s eyes, all Sidewinder felt was love. So deep, so warm. Love for a MudWing he had never met before. For some reason the weight inside Sidewinder felt lighter with the warmth of those eyes. He didn’t want to kill these MudWings. Why didn’t he want to kill them, after they took everything from him? Why, under the three moons, did he feel love?

The three eventually rose. There were no words as they worked. They moved their sisters from the SeaWing and SkyWing corpses. That’s all those were. Corpses. But their sisters were so much more. 

How did he know this eternally resting MudWing was the sister of the two that survived?

They moved their sisters to a clearing just downstream. A beautiful place appropriate for such beautiful dragons. They took turns bringing water from the river. The MudWings cleaned away the blood and dirt with reverence. Those brown talons cleansing his sister should have infuriated him. No one touched Diamondback but Sidewinder. But it didn’t. Sidewinder found himself cleaning the MudWings’ sister with equal veneration. 

They rested together. Sidewinder once again found himself against the large MudWing. The larger one slept this time. They both slept so deeply. It would have been so easy to take revenge. Just two twitches of his tail, and they would be no more. 

That thought hurt too much to think about.

The next day they dug together. The MudWings were far better at it than Sidewinder. Neither acknowledged his contribution being smaller. They simply worked together, as each could. And their sisters were interred. They worked the earth over them, smoothed it, and it was done. 

He settled against the large MudWing’s side yet again. The left side. The right side was for the smaller MudWing. Sidewinder cried more. He never cried, but Diamondback had been his everything. That’s why he cried. He couldn’t be crying for these MudWings. He couldn’t. But he did.

Eventually they had to stop. He had to stop. He couldn’t cry, staring at the grave, forever. Sidewinder wasn’t the first to rise. The smaller MudWing, on the far side of the large MudWing, had leaned forward. Then his eyes met Sidewinder’s. They were beautiful, rich gold. They had this depth Sidewinder had never seen before. Not in a single of the many MudWings his barb had taken. 

“... I think… I think you and Diamondback are our brother and sister.”

How did the smaller MudWing know her name? Sidewinder had called it out twice two days ago. Why would the MudWing remember that? It wasn’t a question. It was a statement. Such a confusing statement. Diamondback was his sister, and no one else’s. All they had was each other. Sidewinder looked up to the big MudWing. That one looked as unsure as Sidewinder felt. At the same time Sidewinder felt a flood of love, a love long held back, inside himself. A love that felt just like Sidewinder’s love for his sister. Love that was so much stronger than his confusion. It happened whenever he looked at any of the three MudWings. The MudWings he should hate. The ones at fault for his sister’s end. 

Sidewinder watched as the smaller MudWing reached out his wing and reverently touched the soil covering Diamondback. “I’m so sorry, Diamondback.” Yet again, Sidewinder should have been filled with rage and hate. How dare this MudWing use his sister’s name a second time. But he couldn’t feel angry. He couldn’t as the larger MudWing reached his wing, touched, and said the same. He felt thankful. Thankful someone else acknowledged his loss.

Sidewinder looked to the other side. The dirt over the MudWing that took his sister. He reached his wing out, gently touching the soil over her. He felt so sad for her. Sad that she was gone, sad that she laid with his sister. Sad he would never know her.

“Landslide,” murmured the large MudWing. 

“I’m so sorry, Landslide.”

The tears came again. Why would he cry over this MudWing? Why had he, yet again, settled against the large MudWing? Why did it soothe the pain? 

The smaller MudWing circled in front of the larger. He gently rubbed his muzzle to Sidewinder’s. The smaller MudWing did this strange thing where their muzzle tips pressed together. He breathed the opposite of Sidewinder, as though he wanted to breathe the same air. 

“I’m Blackgum. I’ve missed you… this is our bigwings, Kobicha.” 

Missed him? How could some MudWing he had never met before miss him? 

The smaller muzzle retreated, and the larger approached. The gold-orange eyed one. He shared breaths with Sidewinder as well. It felt natural for some reason. 

“Sidewinder.” 

That was when Sidewinder had learned about MudWing troops. He had always known that all that mattered, in all of Pyrrhia, was his sister. His sibling. Now it was his siblings. His soul was at his brothers’ side ever since. 

Nine years, one hundred and seventy-two days ago was their first return to their sisters. It hadn’t been what Sidewinder had expected. 

Blackgum, Sidewinder’s younger brother, had cried out in excitement. He had charged ahead, his wings pumping fervently. 

“They’re waiting for us!”

Blackgum had seen their sisters. He had landed and started scampering about with excitement, bowing, tail lashing about with the bliss of a wyrmling as he talked to the air. 

“What?... They’re here, don’t you see them?”

It had taken time. Kobicha and Sidewinder’s confusion slowly sunk into Blackgum. He had turned and slowly moved forward. Slowly reaching out a talon.

“... I just pass through them,” Blackgum choked on his breath. 

And that day their sisters rejoined them. 

And that was the most painful part. Sidewinder could see everything, he could hear everything, he could smell everything… except his sisters. He would give so much to hear, see, and feel his sisters one last time. But only Blackgum had that privilege. 

That also hurt. In no way did Sidewinder fault his brother for it. He didn’t hold it against him. He was envious, he hurt, but he loved his little brother just as he loved each of his siblings. It wasn't Blackgum’s fault he was blessed with their sisters. 

Still, it hurt. 

Flying over their grave, Sidewinder could almost feel their sisters flying with him. Almost. With his eyes closed, he could pretend. Sidewinder and Diamondback had spent so much of their life flying together that it felt like that was the only way to be, just as being in formation with his brothers did now. 

Still, he wished he could truly have her there. Have Diamondback gliding below him. Then they would roll and she would glide above. Maybe Landslide would fly with him like that. If only he could have his full troop of five. It hurt so much that he didn’t.

But he was happy that Blackgum did. 

That eased his pain.

***

Blackgum and Sidewinder settled after organizing everything they had gathered. They cuddled atop the bed of moss that lined a corner of their space. It was always solemn when they visited their sisters. This time felt especially difficult. Heavy. Sidewinder needed to comfort his little brother, to love him, to make everything better. And to be comforted, to be loved, in return. Blackgum’s soft rumbles, peeking free from the malaise a visit day brought, fulfilled Sidewinder’s every need.

Among all that Sidewinder could tell Blackgum was holding back. They cuddled, chest to chest, belly to belly, Blackgum’s head resting back on the moss. Their muzzles were tip-to-tip, sharing breaths. Something that was so new to him ten years ago was now so normal. So needed. It soothed him so.

“Well?” he murmured, his lips brushing against Blackgum’s. 

Blackgum turned his eyes away. 

“You can’t hide from me, my love.” 

“... I don’t … I know it’s our personal time. I usually don’t, but… I really enjoyed watching you and Diamondback fly together. It’s so beautiful. I’m sorry I watched without asking.”

It caused pause. Pain. Hope. “She flies with me?”

“Every time. I usually go do other stuff… but both fly with you. Landslide flies with you both for a little, then when you start doing those movements… it’s just Diamondback. It was so pretty when you and her flew together, talon to talon. It made me feel so much better watching it. I hope that’s okay.” 

It was always stunning when Blackgum knew things he couldn’t. Blackgum had never seen how Diamondback and Sidewinder liked to glide along that way, smiling to one another. Rolling, taking turns flying above the other. Blackgum had never seen either of his SandWing siblings before the fall. Of course he knew. Their sisters were still a part of Blackgum’s life. It hurt. Sidewinder couldn’t see them, hear them, feel them. But to know that when he closed his eyes, what he had imagined was true… the happiness outweighed the hurt.

Sidewinder moved his head down. He tucked it into the crook of Blackgum’s neck and foreleg. The feel of large, thick MudWing scales was so wonderful. MudWing scents were so wonderful. The weight… Everything about MudWings was perfect. “Of course it’s okay, my love. Did I ever tell you about their heartbeats?”

The way Blackgum’s chest tensed made it clear Sidewinder had not. “No. I never thought about you hearing heartbeats… that was dumb of me. I should have known… I mean, your hearing… Do you always hear heartbeats?”

Sidewinder slid his muzzle along Blackgum’s neck. His muzzle was so delicate compared to his brother’s. He hissed a soft, loving tone. Then he growled, “Don’t insult my mate.”. His voice went gentle as he continued, “I have to focus, since they’re so quiet. Their hearts were beating together. The same pace. The same time. They slowed together… then their last… it happened at the same time. It was well before they… landed.”

Their eyes were wet again.Blackgum nuzzled hard down against Sidewinder, ruffling against the ridge atop his head and down his neck.  It was aggressively affectionate in the most wonderful of ways. 

“I’m sorry you’ve been carrying that. But it’s… comforting.” Blackgum lifted his head, looking right, then further. He was looking at empty air, but also at their sisters, as Sidewinder had long ago learned. “I’m really glad they didn’t… they didn’t hit.” he murmured, voice quieter and quieter as he spoke.

Sidewinder slid across Blackgum, repositioning so their muzzles were tip-to-tip. Sidewinder held Blackgum there, entranced, breathing together. “You were also my first shared breath.”

“You didn’t with Diamondback?”

“SandWings don’t do that.”

Their cuddling was more insistent after that. They shared so many breaths. 

Kobicha returned later than previous visits. His voice sounded off. Just barely. The scent of tears was stronger than Sidewinder was used to. His demeanor, though, was wonderful. Not everything- Kobicha looked like he was defeated. It wasn’t anything obvious enough for Blackgum to pick up on. But Sidewinder’s bigwings looked defeated… and relieved. His wings, back, and tail lacked a weight that had been there for so long. But his expression was like he had lost a battle. 

Sidewinder wondered if it had to do with Shoebill’s careless words about losing a sibling, but he didn’t press. The visit was a personal thing, a very special thing. Kobicha didn’t seem hurt or unhappy, so Sidewinder didn’t need to know more. Not yet, at least. That could wait. 

They all cuddled close as they ate that night. Sidewinder enjoyed shredding strips of roasted mushroom and feeding them to his ravenous mates. They never understood how he could eat so little, and he never understood how they needed to eat so much. MudWings were so strange, but so very perfect. 

They murmured over the plans of their trip to the Scorpion’s Den the next day, a stop on their way to the Stronghold. A step closer to seeing the new SandWing queen. They groomed one another as they settled for the night, all three pressed tightly as they could after a taxing day of revisiting, and healing from, their past. 

***

Amber. 

That beautiful gold-orange of his bigwing’s eyes. Sidewinder had not known its name ten years ago. 

Amber was wonderful. 

Sidewinder rumbled encouragingly, nosing the tip of Kobicha’s muzzle. The sleepy MudWing rumbled in return, sharing a couple breaths with Sidewinder before lifting his head. His powerful jaws parted to release a large yawn. Sidewinder moved over and started nuzzling his smaller mate awake. Blackgum was always harder to wake, a MudWing that slept like a log, immersed in his deep place. Sidewinder understood. If he could be in Blackgum’s deep space, with their sisters, he would never want to leave it.

At the same time, they couldn’t sleep the morning away. They needed to take to the air soon. More insistent nuzzles only earned a grunt and huff. 

Kobicha was watching with an amused expression. Sidewinder looked at Kobicha, then back to Blackgum. He puffed out of his nostrils, then grinned. There was a surefire way to wake his smaller mate. Sidewinder nuzzled to Blackgum’s cheek, licking there. Then he slipped further down, following the scent of morning arousal. His muzzle slipped between his mate’s hindlegs. Blackgum was quick to wake. 

They were late taking to the air. The gentle morning of intimacywas well worth it.

*** 

The desert was a blessing and curse for MudWings. For Sidewinder’s MudWings, at least. The heat and thermals made flying and gliding near effortless. But there was a reason SandWings had such light scales. The dark brown scales his mates bore soaked up sun, heating them. They had to stop at oases now and then, letting his mates soak in the water for a moment. Sidewinder didn’t mind. 

“I love sand,” he chirred, worming his way through it while Kobicha and Blackgum soaked. 

“You do? Wow, why didn’t you tell us before?” Blackgum teased from the water. Sidewinder popped his head up, flicked his tongue at Blackgum, then burrowed under the stand. It felt like polishing his scales. The sand worked every bit of his body in such a pleasant way. He rested there for a while, feeling the cooler sand beneath and hotter sand above. Eventually he had to worm his way back up and shake the sand free. If only he could hold his breath as long as his brothers. 

“I love when you smile like that,” Kobicha rumbled, nosing at Sidewinder’s jaw. “We should visit the desert more often, now that we can.” 

“I wouldn’t mind,” Sidewinder quietly responded, turning to rub his muzzle to Kobicha’s damp one. 

“I miss mud.” 

Sidewinder snorted and sprayed sand at Blackgum with his tail. Blackgum jumped back, lowering chest and hiking his hips high, growling playfully. 

“You two can flirt later. It’s only getting hotter,” Kobicha mused, looking at the sky. “I’d rather be there before mid-day.” 

Sidewinder and Blackgum’s eyes met. They shared a brief smile before they turned back to Kobicha. Kobicha’s gaze lowered back to his brothers. He paused, both approaching. Sidewinder spread his wings a little, pulling Kobicha’s gaze deep into his own. His head tilted just a little, slowly moving to the side, Kobicha mirroring the motion. Their bigwings went still. Sidewinder approached slowly, gaze locked with Kobicha’s. He let out a small, hissing rumble as their lips met. Sidewinder’s brushed against Kobicha’s. He finally moved his gaze down, licking across Kobicha’s muzzle. Blackgum joined a moment after, licking at Kobicha’s neck. 

“What if we want to flirt with you?” Sidewinder chirred, nosing to the other side of Kobicha’s neck. Their bigwings shuddered in such a wonderful way. 

“You two are insatiable.”

“Is that a complaint?” 

Sidewinder’s question was only met with a rumble. That earth-moving one. He glanced under Kobicha’s jaw, seeing Blackgum mouthing gently on Kobicha’s far ear. The large MudWing shivered, puffing out through his nostrils and closing his eyes. 

“Okay, okay… we can flirt later,” Sidewinder chuckled as he sat back. There was a soft, disappointed huff from the far side of his mate. 

“Can I at least grab some dates before we go?”

Kobicha turned to regard Blackgum, then nodded. Blackgum chirped happily, turned, and sprang into the air. He flew to the tops of the palms around them. Sidewinder nosed along Kobicha’s neck, a soft ‘rrr’ bringing Kobicha’s attention back to him. Their eyes met again. This time it was gentle. 

“Well?” Sidewinder murmured, muzzle tip tracing up to Kobicha’s. “Something is different. What happened?”

“Sometimes you sense too much, my love.” 

Sidewinder’s brain raced so much faster than his mates’. What horrible thing had he done? Had he hurt his mate? He faltered, a weight landing in his stomach. His brain raced before Kobicha was done. So many thoughts before Kobicha spoke another word. Kobicha assuaged that weight as his talon raised and stroked along Sidewinder’s cheek. Such a large, powerful talon, so gentle against his scales. 

“I can’t imagine how lost I would be if you didn’t.” 

The weight melted away, lifting to a wonderful heat in Sidewinder’s black heart. His pulse sped as he looked into amber pools. 

Ten years. It was absolutely absurd how Kobicha could make him still swoon with just a few words.

Their eyes closed as they pressed forehead to forehead. They rested there a moment before Kobicha continued. 

“I lost composure.”

Something they all knew. Something unspoken. Kobicha’s stoicism. His power. How he was unmoveable. Unbreakable. But…

“You’re but a dragon, bigwings. The best bigwings, but still a dragon.” Sidewinder pushed a little into the touch. “It’s okay. It’s more okay than ever before. We’re free, Kobicha. You’re free.”

Kobicha’s heartbeat was faster. And so powerful. Thumping with emotion and tension and years of repression. A shiver passed through his mate’s body. Sidewinder did his best to make the rumbling sound of a MudWing. It came out a pathetic, rattling hiss. Wind over sand and stone. They rubbed against one another. They parted when Blackgum returned. Sidewinder’s forked tongue licked tears away from Kobicha’s cheeks. They looked to Blackgum together, each rumbling in their own way. 

“No time for flirting, but plenty to be sappy?” Blackgum puffed, landing on his hinds and tail, his forelegs holding a frond of dates. He plucked one, popping it in his mouth, then a couple more. Those were tossed to Kobicha, who eagerly caught and chewed on them. Sidewinder caught the one tossed to him and tucked it between his cheek and gum to savor. 

“We had to do something while you were busy being hungry.” He chirred, tail swaying- such a MudWing thing to do. 

“We can fly and eat,” Blackgum puffed back, a touch of smoke streaming from his nostrils. He popped another date, then tossed Kobicha two more. “That’s it right? On the horizon?” he asked, wing gesturing. 

“Mm.”

Blackgum nodded. He looked over his wing, at the distance, the Scorpion’s Den hidden behind dunes. “It’s… I can’t believe we’re actually going to see it.”

Sidewinder nodded as he leaned, his weight resting against Kobicha’s side. “I’ve wanted this for so long. It was so … uncomfortable to visit without you two. I can’t wait for you both to try fresh coffee.” One of the few highpoints of the Den for Sidewinder. “And meet Horizon.” Another highpoint of each visit.

Both MudWings nodded, each a mixture of emotions. Excitement, timidness, concern, excitement, trepidation, fear, curiosity… such complex beasts, despite what every other tribe thought. 

They rubbed muzzles before taking to the air. They flew in standard position, Sidewinder’s mates finishing off the dates as they flew. It was fun to watch Blackgum fling a date far ahead of them and his mates taking turns to snap them up. Impressive, and adorable. The coordination between them was never lost on Sidewinder. Sidewinder included. One dragon. All five of them. 

***

Scout formation- when Sidewinder would fly just beneath Kobicha, hidden as he could be, and Blackgum took an advanced position, scouting far ahead; other times gliding just ahead, guiding the way. Ideal when they weren’t sure where they were going or who they might encounter. One of the two formations without Kobicha taking the lead. 

They flew in the only other one. Strike formation. Used when they knew they were going into a dangerous situation or Sidewinder needed to take the lead. Sidewinder himself had insisted on the name. Sidewinder was death. Kobicha’s role was to protect. Blackgum’s to feel and guide. If they needed to approach a dangerous situation, or with intent to kill, that was Sidewinder’s job. A formation they had practiced a lot but rarely used. 

But that’s how they were flying at the moment. Sidewinder in the lead, Blackgum further below several wingspans behind, and Kobicha above, a few wingspans further back. They could defend Sidewinder’s rear, where he was most vulnerable, while he could focus on the attack ahead. None of that was necessary at the moment. They only took the formation so Sidewinder could take the lead approaching the Scorpion’s Den. It still led to a tightness in Sidewinder’s chest. They weren’t approaching danger. Sidewinder hoped.

He should have expected things would be different. Thorn was the cornerstone of order in the Scorpion’s Den. It was still strange to see no guards at the Den’s entrance. Sidewinder still drifted to land outside the walls and approach. It’s how he always had before and who knew what sort of reactions an outsider might get flying right into the depths of the Den. Better safe than putting Strike formation to the test. 

Inside it was as Sidewinder remembered. SandWings everywhere, dodging past, slithering around. A SkyWing peeking through golden bodies, and some sort of unusual dragon- likely a hybrid. Like pebbles scattered over sand, the few exceptions to a yellow and golden sea of scales. 

The scent was what hit next. The smell of SandWings. Variations, relatives, of Sidewinder’s own scent. It was strange every visit. So stark as he breathed it in. And the hissing, sand flowing over itself, the growls and rattling. It all sounded so dry. It was so familiar, such a part of himself. But each time it made Sidwinder want to retreat to the weight, the rumbling earth, the deep rich scent of his brothers. 

“So, what do you think?” Sidewinder glanced to his brothers, the three settling out of the way near the wall. “Is it everything you pictured?”

Kobicha was behind both of them, seated, his wings spread just enough to cover the width of their backs. He was stoic, slowly observing, scanning over the surroundings. Blackgum, just beside Sidewinder, had his attention flicking from one thing to the next. His curiosity was flighty, eager to learn and take in everything new. 

“It’s so crowded. You told us it was, but this is… Sandwings stand and walk so close to each other. I’m surprised they aren’t running into one another. The pathways are pretty narrow… aren’t SandWings supposed to be claustrophobic? Or do most here get over it, like you did?” 

“We’re not so broad as to need an entire swamp’s width to make it through.” Ten verbally noted the MudWings, how they were new. Unusual. A few comments how his brothers could be easy marks. One commented how the MudWings appeared comfortable, weren’t focusing on nearby barbs, and how unusual that was. “Claustrophobic, yes. The alleys are even narrower deeper in but always open to the sky. Luckily our accommodations are close. We won’t have to worry about Kobicha getting stuck between buildings.” That earned a chuff and bump from his bigwing’s snout. A remark about Sidewinder’s black scales. He kept his wing bases held close, his snake eyes hidden. Hear everything. See everything. But when there was this much input processing it all was overwhelming. A headache was starting to tease at the back of Sidewinder’s skull.

“More are being careless about their tails than I expected,” Kobicha murmured under his breath. They all knew how much better SandWing’s hearing was than MudWing’s. Both knew Kobicha hadn’t intended his comment to go unheard. 

“Many are just young and think they are being cool and rebellious,” Sidewinder said while scanning the crowd. Several young SandWing tails curled further, protecting their barb as proper. Sidewinder felt a faint smile on the corners of his muzzle, but it grew to a full grin when he heard Kobicha’s rumbling chuckle. “Others don’t care… are trying to be intimidating… or compensate.” A few dirty looks, one more tail posed properly. A couple SandWings laughed when they heard it. In all, maybe five percent of the SandWings had even noticed them. So many were busy with their own lives, fears, and the other SandWings around them.

“Alright, no more putting it off. You two get to meet Horizon,” Sidewinder sighed playfully, shaking his head, then pushed himself up. He knew Kobicha rolled his eyes as they took one of the several paths and entered the intricate web of the Scorpion Den’s interior. He watched side to side, just enough to see his mates at the corner of his eye. He knew they would be fine. They knew everything they needed to. But they were his mates. His brothers. He couldn’t help but worry while leading them into the chaos of the Scorpion’s Den. And leading them to Horizon’s home. Was this what it was like to bring a partner to meet your family? His family. All around him, his ‘tribe’. Those that should be his tribe. His breed of dragon, but he felt no link to them. The only SandWing he had ever felt kinship with was Diamondback. And maybe Horizon.

His place was with his troop. With his sister and MudWings. They were his tribe.

***

The scents always hit first. Solvents and plant matter. Stones and metals. The bitterness of something alkaline. Sidewinder had never pried for too many details. He simply knew that Horizon dyed everything herself for her tapestries and carpets. That is how he had found her. A sizable portion of the troop’s treasure had come from harvesting and selling what they could. Wild rose madder and neel fetched a high price if you knew where to sell it. And one using it as dye was the right one to sell them to. 

The second year Sidewinder had brought a large harvest Horizon had taken an interest in him. The older SandWing persisted through Sidewinders standoffishness, insisting and talking and probing. Then she had insisted on coffee. Sidewinder could have easily brushed her aside if he wished, but he hadn’t for some reason. She was a firm, steadfast dragon who spoke her mind. And she only spoke truths. Sidewinder could always hear when one was lying, and she hadn’t once. So they had coffee. When she learned Sidewinder visited rarely to sell goods, and slept outside the Den’s walls at night, Horizon had insisted he stay with her. She had practically dragged Sidewinder along to her home. 

An empty home. Horizon lived in a better off area of the Den, but she lived alone. Sidewinder was set up in a spare room. The one that used to be occupied by Horizon’s son. The son that had been lost in one of Burn’s attacks on the Den, along with most of Horizon’s husband and left rear leg. Learning Horizon had lost both her son and husband helped Sidewinder understand her so much more. Despite that, he hadn’t slept that night. He lay there, eyes closed, listening. Listening to Horizon prepare food for the next day, to her cleaning, to her working on a tapestry deep into the night. She turned to bed late and woke only hours later, just as light turned the skies pink, and prepared coffee. 

He couldn’t sleep deeply there, but he couldn’t outside the walls either. And Horizon somehow always knew what was going on in the world- likely through socializing and gossip. Sidewinder had a safe refuge, wonderful food and coffee, a buyer for what he brought, and a news source all in one. Sidewinder had stayed with her every year since. The same yearly trip, the same time, so she could expect him. Except this year. Thanks to their detour to Jade Mountain and the Mud Kingdom, Sidewinder was-

“You’re late. I’m behind on two orders because of you, dragonet. Bring up everything that’s dry. I’ll prepare coffee.” 

Sidewinder couldn’t resist smiling up at Horizon. She was looking down from the window, a stern expression on her face. She glanced at Sidewinder’s mates, then back to him. 

“You are giving me an even greater discount if I’m housing all three of you.”

Sidewinder nodded and Horizon’s head ducked back inside. Sidewinder looked at his mates, smiling. 

“I knew I was going to like her,” Blackgum beamed, tail swaying about excitedly. 

It was so much easier to bring things in with Sidewinder’s mates. He pulled the heavy skeins off the racks and passed them to his brothers. Horizon had the advantage of size being five years Sidewinder’s senior. Luckily his brothers were so much stronger and could carry so much more than Sidewinder. Blackgum carried a good load while Kobicha carried what would be numerous trips for Sidewinder. Sidewinder finally nudged his head against the drapes covering the doorway. Intricate, beautiful fabrics parted to let them in. 

The three went up the stairs, turned, and up the second flight. The first floor stunk of processing and dyes. The second a gallery of works, yarns, tools. The troop placed their loads carefully, sorted into the meticulously organized collections that Horizon had made. They finally headed to the third floor, the actual ‘home’ of the property.

“This is why you’ve been so aloof over the years? About your ‘mate’?” Horizon pulled the large percolator from the stove. She set it aside and draped a cloth over it. She looked to the troop, eyeing each in turn, then went back to her tasks. Some sort of scuttle started a block or two away. Sidewinder had always found Horizon beautiful. Cyan pigment brushed over her eyes and danced back toward her ears. Flares of bright, brilliant green framed the blue and lit around her nostrils, tracing up along her muzzle. Her lower forelegs stained with waves of colors from the dyes she used, like the sky had lapped her foretalons. “Because they’re male? Which one? Both?” She didn’t bother looking as she gathered dried lizards and pickled cactus. Sidewinder knew better than to respond until she was done. “I will be quite disappointed if it is because they’re MudWings. Especially if you think I didn’t know any of this. You do realize you reek of male MudWing, right?” 

Sidewinder tilted his head to glance down his body, just a little, then back up. He thought the washes he did, and worming through sand in preparation for the Scorpion Den, would have worked that away. At least
to a level it would just smell like any other SandWing that lived next to a MudWing. Perhaps he just thought his mates’ scents were a part of his own after all these years.

She turned, lifting a platter and carrying it to the table beside the troop. A coil of her tail rolled against the floor, effectively fulfilling the role of her missing leg. “That is not to say MudWings stink, simply that he’s saturated in the scent,” She elaborated to Sidewinder’s mates. Her attention then fixed on Sidewinder again. “You’re late.”

“I’m sorry. Finding out that the war was over has made us quite busy. We had to visit the Mud Kingdom to earn Queen Moorhen’s forgiveness. Dissertation and the like.” He lifted his foreleg, looking at the cuff on it. “... It’s been quite an adventure, really.” He lowered his talon and gestured with his tail, “Yes, both. My mates and brothers.” Sidewinder looked to his right, leaned, and pressed his cheek to Kobicha’s shoulder. “This is Kobicha, our bigwings. And,” He ducked under Kobicha’s neck and gently bumped muzzles with Blackgum. “This is Blackgum.” He drew back, smiling as he met Horizon’s eyes. “This is Horizon, my loves.” 

“We’ve heard so much about you! I’ve wanted to meet you for so long!” Blackgum squeaked.

Kobicha lowered his head, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Horizon looked over each of the MudWings, then nodded. “I approve.” Her smile became more of a smirk, “You two really chose this thorn in the talon?”

“I mean, I would in a heartbeat. But we didn’t choose him. He’s our brother, you don’t choose your siblings.” That earned Blackgum a curious glance. 

Kobicha’s large, heavy paw rested between Sidewinder’s wings, drawing him against the big MudWing. “I’ve loved him since I first looked into his eyes and cradled him to my side.” Sidewinder felt a shiver go up his spine as Kobicha’s lips brushed his ear, “and it was sealed when we shared our first breath.” 

Absolutely absurd Kobicha could still make his heart flutter like this.

Horizon’s smirk had only grown. “His eyes, mm? Most other tribes find our eyes off-putting.” She glanced between the two again. “Alright. I like them.” She gestured to the table, “I heard MudWings tend to be hungry. Feel free.” She turned and retrieved the coffee. Sidewinder slipped past his brothers and helped by bringing mugs to the table. As they settled she nodded to Kobicha and Blackgum, “I’ve heard this dragonet prattle enough over the years,” as she gestured to Sidewinder. His brothers gave a skeptical look. The nearby hissing and struggling had ended, finally, allowing Sidewinder to focus on the conversation. “Mates, I understand. I can’t say I quite see the familial resemblance.”

Kobicha explained in his wonderfully deep, rumbling voice. Blackgum jumped in to add details in his excited, bubbly way. Horizon shared as well- at a disadvantage on her part, since Sidewinder had already told his mates so much about her. Blackgum slipped around eventually, pressing close and half curling against Sidewinder. Sidewinder rested a wing over his smaller mate, comforting him when the fall was properly explained to Horizon. Even more so when Horizon shared how she had lost her leg and family. Sidewinder had never gone into detail about that- or how he was nearly the same age as Horizon’s lost son. They hatched within days of one another. Horizon spoke with such confidence and detachment about something so awful. 

They were finally done when she understood what troops were- or, if not understood, it had at least been explained- and she knew the truth of Sidewinder’s life . More truth, at least. So many details could not be shared, secrets only for their troop. Nothing about Diamond and Sidewinder’s strange eggs, nothing about their sisters unseen in the room with them. How Sidewinder had been Burn’s assassin. He had not been a participant in Horizon’s tragedy, at least, and he was immensely thankful for that. A couple hours later, the peak of the day’s heat finally fading away, they were working through the rose madder, neel and other goods.

“Regardless whether you house us or not, we want this year’s harvest to be a gift. For taking care of our mate and all the purchases you made from us before,” Kobicha rumbled toward Horizon. With their new position in the Mud Kingdom, and a decade of sales to Horizon before, they weren’t struggling with their own funds. And Sidewinder truly was thankful for all she had done. 

“You are welcome to stay here. Unless you won’t take payment. I’ll eject all three of you, and your goods, out onto the street. And a sting on each of your tails for insulting me so.”

Both Kobicha and Blackgum looked to Sidewinder. Sidewinder did his best to subdue the smirk on his muzzle as he sorted and weighed the plants. 

“Guess you were right,” Blackgum huffed. His tail curled around his talons, a guilty look plastered on his muzzle. Kobicha was stoic as always. They might be free, but Sidewinder knew it would likely take time for Kobicha to relax around others.

“This was your idea, not his?”

“Yes. He assured us you would refuse. But you protected what matters most to us in the world.” Kobicha moved his wing to rest around Sidewinder as he spoke. Sidewinder loosed a small, affectionate chirr in response while working. “I had to try to show our appreciation somehow.”

Horizon waved her paw dismissively, “We have a business relationship. He brings some of the best supplies around. In return I get a discount for housing him. I will never allow it to be said that I cheat or succeed because of favors. I work my talons raw and I will be respected for it. And I will wring the neck of someone who takes pity on me, be it for my life or my leg. Business is business, and that is the end of it.” Her tail curled around and pointed threateningly at Sidewinder, “Which is why I know he’s going to fix those weighing mistakes he just made in the ledger. They look a bit light.” 

Sidewinder glanced up at Kobicha, the cocky smirk still over his muzzle, then looked back down. Their hidden language might allow Kobicha to ask him to cheat without alerting her, but Sidewinder knew Horizon would catch his actions. Sidewinder scratched away some of his markings and put in the proper weights. 

“I will accept twice my usual discount for housing three,” Horizon nodded, withdrawing her tail. 

“You usually feed him right? You won’t have to worry about that. Us MudWings eat a lot and I hear there are some food stalls we have to visit.” Blackgum glanced down to the mug in his talons before returning to Horizon, “Fresh coffee is amazing by the way. Thank you.”

Horizon nodded, “I am quite picky when it comes to that.” Her gaze settled on Kobicha. She stared a moment before clicking her tongue. “You don’t need to pout. You really owe me no thanks. I get the best materials available. That allows me to edge out my competition. If nothing else, having a dragonet,” Five years her junior. Sidewinder snorted. “visit yearly feels at least a bit like my son was back. If my son had been a brat.”

Sidewinder snorted again but also chuckled to himself. Blackgum was glancing around, eyeing Kobicha. Then between both Sidewinder and Horizon. “She knows…?  …” he focused on Sidewinder. “Didn’t you say you’re unusual? Is every Sandwing able to see everything?” 

Sidewinder shook his head as he rose, holding the scroll out for Horizon to check. “No. I am unusual. It’s simply that a particularly shrewd business dragonesses can spot details and read people well. She’s successful for a reason.” 

Blackgum glanced between them, then at Kobicha. Sidewinder wasn’t particularly surprised Horizon could see past Kobicha’s stoicism, and was quite comfortable with the fact she had long ago seen past the serious demeanor he otherwise kept when visiting the Scorpion Den. 

“... Well, he is kind of a brat. Especially when you-”

Sidewinder turned, sunk back, and struck in a half a heartbeat. He pounced, pinning Blackgum, biting and hissing at him before the prat could say more. Blackgum’s superior mass made it easy to roll atop and pin Sidewinder in turn. They squirmed together, growling and nipping one another. Pungent coriander. Strange that wafted through the window. Sidewinder continued to nip up at Blackgum’s jaw and neck, his nimble muzzle dodging around his mate’s thicker, slower one. 

“You are the leader then? The ‘bigwings’?” Horizon had sat before Kobicha, meeting the large MudWing’s gaze directly. Her age advantage allowed her to sit as tall as Kobicha, able to look directly into his eyes. The coriander scent faded. Blackgum’s muzzle harmlessly clamped down on Sidewinder’s neck, fake growling as he gently tugged side-to-side.

“We are equals. I am my brothers’ protector.” 

“Mm.” She tilted her head while Blackgum shifted to rubbing their snouts together, soft purring and rumbling as they did. “I can see why he likes looking into your eyes.”

Sidewinder hated that she noticed that. He wasn’t sure why. That was something that was his. His mate’s eyes were his to be lost in. Not other’s. Worse, he could feel Kobicha becoming flustered at the comment, even if it didn’t show on the outside. 

“Follow me.”

Horizon rose and turned. She crossed the room to the stairs leading upward. It was impressive how gracefully she walked on three talons. Everything she did was beautiful, a horribly vain dragoness. Kobicha obediently followed. Once they were out of sight Blackgum calmed himself. He scooted lower, nosing along Sidewinder’s neck and down to his chest. Soft kisses and nuzzles peppered his chest and sides before roaming up to his collarbone. Blackgum easing the distractions so Sidewinder could better analyze the conversation taking place on the roof. 

“He can hear us. We’ll have to go much further to have a private conversation.”

“I’m well aware. But you cannot hear them any more?”

“Mm.” His bigwings nodded. 

“If you start hitting on my mate I’m coming up there you dried out oasis.” Blackgum paused his kisses when Sidewinder spoke. Blackgum chuckled and resumed kissing after rolling his eyes.

“I really don’t understand how you have put up with that hissing camel for ten years. Seeing him once a year is almost too much.”

Kobicha’s laugh was genuine. “I cannot stand a day without him. His yearly visit to you was the worst part of the year for me. Some troops are alright being apart at times… we’re not one of those troops. I love him and can’t imagine being without him.”

Sidewinder stroked at his younger mate’s head, tracing along muzzle, horns and ears. His claws gliding over scales. That pungent coriander scent drifted in again. Sidewinder didn’t care for whatever dragon that was passing by a second time. He could hear Kobicha dropping his mask. A little, at least. 

“Mm. That’s clear. You three remind me of my husband and myself. He was as large to me as you are to them. He looked at me the way you look at them. The way you move around them. It’s painful in a way. I miss gazing into his eyes. On the other talon it’s comforting. Seeing that it is still out there. That the war and all its hurt could not strangle it away. It took my family and your sisters. But the war was a catalyst for your love.”

Blackgum froze when he felt the change in Sidewinder’s body. A pain hurt so deep inside Sidewinder. Their troop would have found one another no matter what. The war only caused them to forever be three instead of five. Three for Kobicha and Sidewinder, at least. Kobicha felt the same, from the lack of response, from how Sidewinder knew his love in entirety. The tension in Sidewinder’s chest only began to ease when Blackgum slid forward, gently nosed in, and they began sharing breaths.

“I suppose you do not view it that way.” Horizon’s claws together as she played her foretalons together and removed the dye from her claw tips. “But I must. I did not gain a family from the war. I must believe some good came from it.” She took a slow breath, Sidewinder mirroring it with Blackgum. Half-lidded golden eyes met onyx ones. The golden ones so full of curiosity and concern, ignorant of what his brother was hearing. “Do you like them?” Horizon must have been gesturing to the tapestries and carpet hanging on the roof. Some sort of curing step, Sidewinder imagined. 

“They’re beautiful.”

“Such an enthusiastic beast.”

Kobicha snorted. The sound of large, thick-soled footfalls on the roof were so different from delicate taps of SandWing talons. Their bigwings would be walking around and examining Horizon’s creations more closely. 

“You seem to think slower. Deeper than your brothers, weighing options and opportunities. And I want that, free of your brothers’ input. I want to know your response. Truly yours, not whatever you can get from a glance at those two.” 

Blackgum began to move down again, blocky muzzle tracing over neck and chest. Sidewinder’s eyes narrowed. There was no way she knew what their signals meant. Which had she seen? Such subtle motions and meaningless shifting about. Natural movements. Or had she just assumed?

“I have never met one I care much to be around since losing my family. Sidewinder is tolerable at least, and you two seem pleasant.” Sidewinder lifted his head and narrowed his eyes at Blackgum. The MudWing’s muzzle was brushing over his belly. Not quite too far but still threateningly close to Sidewinder’s groin. Blackgum lifted his head, arched an eyeridge, and rolled his eyes. He gestured, telling Sidewinder to focus on listening, then sat up. Forepaws began stroking over Sidewinder’s sides, belly, and up to his chest. Wingbeats nearby and far, life resuming as the hottest hours of the day were gone. What did they think of a large MudWing on the roof, speaking with SandWing? Surely suspicious and curious glances. Sidewinder would have to keep a critical eye when they ventured out. The word was surely spreading of new MudWing arrivals. “Loathe as I am to admit it, and I’ll deny it to the ends of Pyrrhia if you ever even think to repeat it you brat-” Sidewinder was sure she was looking downward, glaring at him through the roof- “I am fond of him. And that extends to the both of you.” A breath, a slow sigh. Dragons raising their voices over prices and quality of wears streets over. Why can’t they just silence themselves? Lives that were a series of wasted breaths.  

“I have never taught my craft to another. I despise the thought of these,” she must have gestured to the works, “ceasing to be created when I am no longer able. A protege would be useless if they only showed up once a year. Worse yet, when they were obviously running from something. It seems that is no longer the case. You three are loyal to Moorhen?” … “I thought so. I imagine much of this could be adapted to work in the Mud Kingdom. And certainly many new pigments and wondrous colors to be found among such different vegetation, animals and land. Would you want to learn to make them, to create a new future for you three?”  

Horizon was correct. Kobicha thought slowly, deeply. Sidewinder had seen how fast Kobicha could react in battle, when threatened, when critical. But choosing his words, when thinking of their future, when making decisions- particularly without his brothers- Kobicha thought slowly. Deeply. Sidewinder closed his eyes, Blackgum’s strong talons starting to press in, massaging. Somehow that sensory input helped the others fade away. It helped Sidewinder’s focus sharpen. Kobicha was stepping gently, but each was heavy and dull. 

“Did you always know he was so deadly? How many dragons had fallen to him?”

Sidewinder’s eyes snapped open, his muzzle falling open. He could never have expected Kobicha to ask that. He looked into Blackgum’s eyes, seeking help in their gold, but Blackgum didn’t yet know what was happening. His mate froze, staring back briefly, before leaning back in. Their muzzles met, a breath passing between them. Sidewinder closed his eyes again, pressing into his love.

“Of course. You as well. Not the number, but something changes in the eyes of dragons who have taken another’s life. Murderous glee or regretful self defense, it’s there. SandWings in particular. They carry their tail in a different way after their venom has killed another.”

Kobicha must be going from one tapestry to the next, taking in the details of each one at a time. “Not defense, but we both know it was never something he wanted to do. It was that, or Burn would have him killed.” Sidewinder’s heart was beating too fast. He tried to let the breaths soothe it. “Many were here in the Den. After what happened to your family, how could you even permit us to stay here?”

Blackgum pressed in close, his ear against Sidewinder’s lips. Seeing Sidewinder respond so strongly left Blackgum unable to wait further. Sidewinder whispered quietly, summarizing through the conversation rapidly, bringing his love up to speed as quickly as possible. 

“I know the face of every dragon who was there. His was not among them.”

“It could have been.”

Not quite. Diamondback and Sidewinder were precision, stealth, in and out. Their markings were too distinct to be seen. What had taken everything from Horizon had been an attack and extract sort of teeventhing. Violent, messy. Collateral damage. That’s what her family had been. 

Horizon did not respond.

“Do the patterns have a meaning? Or are they just there to be beautiful?”

“Some of them have meaning among SandWings. Some to IceWings.” Sidewinder wrinkled his muzzle as he listened. “Others I created and have meaning to me. Some just exist to be beautiful.”

“I doubt many MudWings could be so precise. Our mate, I’m sure, but certainly not myself. Blackgum… maybe.”

“One does not have to do everything. I choose to. But the power of a MudWing would be perfect for creating dyes and the dyeing process itself. Those are in bulk and take strength, not finesse.” Her claws drummed against the roof. “You’re considering it, at least. Think more. Confer with your brothers. If you thought it was not suitable for the three of you it would be obvious. So take this as a possibility.” 

“Mm,” Blackgum quietly murmured after Sidewinder whispered the last bit. 

Sidewinder felt much the same. He was blindsided by all of this. He could see everything, hear everything, feel the shifts of air along his scales… but he couldn’t see the future. And this is one he wouldn’t believe even if he could. He had figured, despite their ‘release’ from service to their queen, that would be their life. Living in the Mud Kingdom, serving Moorhen when needed, establishing a place among the high born. Changing the idea of what a MudWing from the Diamond Delta was. Teaching that troops could be more than a clutch born together. 

Fostering kinship between MudWings and SandWings. Between the tribe he was a part of, and the tribe a single paw still held to. Perhaps, more appropriately, the tribe that his barb was still a part of. 

“We could.” Blackgum murmured. He was right, they could. Did they want to?

“I can hear your stomach growling. Why haven’t you eaten more cactus or lizard?” Horizon chided as she led the way back into the room. 

Blackgum pushed himself up, sitting over Sidewinder. “I didn’t want to take more than my share. You two have barely nibbled either.” His paw lifted, stroking Sidewinder’s muzzle. 

“Eating what I put out for you is nowhere near as rude as refusing my hospitality. Or straddling and kissing your mate in my kitchen.”

Kobicha returned to them, each of the brothers getting an affectionate nuzzle. Blackgum slipped off of Sidewinder. Sidewinder rolled and sat up himself and shook out his wings. 

“He was getting overwhelmed from all the input.” Blackgum ignored it when Sidewinder's tail struck him- half heartedly, barely a thwap. It still earned Kobicha faintly baring his teeth and growling. “I also wanted to try…” He glanced at Sidewinder. “Whatever it’s called. Fried bread and camel in sauce of some sort. Sidewinder goes on and on about it.” 

“It is quite a delicacy.” Horizon eyed Sidewinder curiously. “I suppose it is a safe enough location. The few MudWings in the Den are near there. Hybrids too. You’re not concerned about brazenly walking around with them?”

Sidewinder nodded. “It’s early afternoon. We are well practiced in watching our tails. As you said, MudWings will garner less attention there than anywhere.”

“They’re fresh meat.”

“I have been preparing them for years. I’m sure we will be fine.”

Horizon nodded, turning toward the stairs leading downward. “I will see you later. I have work to attend to. Enjoy your meal. A pleasure to meet you, Kobicha and Blackgum.” Her voice faded as it went down, her barb the last thing to slip out of sight. 

“I like her a lot,” Blackgum chimed. He glanced at Sidewinder, smiling, making the sweetest rumble. 

“I knew you would, my love,” Sidewinder purred in return. Their three muzzles met and rubbed together. Soft rumbling and breaths, then parted. 

“Shall we?”

“Mm.”

They slid out of the room, down the stairs, and out into the alleyways. 

***

Such clamor. So many scents. The talking and gossip and comments on his brothers. The hissing and snarling of arguments and fights. Scales scraping against each other, claws against sand and stone. Murmurs of bargaining and plotting. Whispered words about Sidewinder and his mates. Breath acrid with smoke and fire. The scents of dragons too long unwashed. The bitter, deadly scent of barb venom. Coppery blood. Spices, foods, sand, sun baked stone. It was all a whirl of input flooding Sidewinder’s brain. His head began to ache soon after they left. Every step was hot stone or sand grains sliding over his soles. It was all tangled and congested and overwhelming. 

Except those touches. His mates’ bodies brushing against his own. Stopping, feeling them close behind him. Blackgum’s breath against Sidewinder’s shoulder when they pressed close, keeping out of the way as other dragons raced past. A wing brushing gently against Sidewinder’s own, or his flank, or tail. Each calmed his mind, parsed the information, and let his brain relax. Everything flowed through freely, sorting to its place, a chaotic but clear symphony. Just as Diamondback’s touch had so many years ago. 

“Not much to look at. But it’s the best in the Den,” Sidewinder chuckled. The owner’s head snapped his way, eyes narrowing- then recognition hitting. Dingo rolled his eyes and sighed, head shaking before he turned back to his work. He continued hacking meat into chunks with his cleaver before looking over his shoulder and shouting at one of the other workers. 

“You really have a way with words, Copper,” Dingo growled, lifting and pointing the cleaver at Sidewinder when he approached.

“And you with your tongue and cleaver, Dingo,” Sidewinder retorted while he shrugged his wings. “Don’t fault me for the truth. You haven’t changed a thing in all the time I’ve been coming here.” Sidewinder gestured up to the awning and the counter with his wings. “Looks like camel dung, but you have the best food in the Den.”

Dingo narrowed his eyes and snorted. He looked over his shoulder again, “Kanigaro, use enough chilis to make Copper regret he ever hatched.”

“Hey Copper! I’m glad you’re still coming by. You could do it more than once a year, you know.” Kanigaru moved up from the back, then froze. Her eyeridge perked, “... Are you smiling, Copper?”

Sidewinder paused. He realized he was. He smiled wider, nodding. “Lots to smile about these days. War’s over, mm?”

“Indeed! There’s certainly… changes in the den.” She rubbed her talons on a towel. “And here I thought you were handsome before. You should keep smiling, you’ll charm a dragoness in seconds. You’ve definitely already attracted one.” She perked her ears and gave a flirting smile. 

Sidewinder laughed, “You’re not supposed to flirt in front of your husband. Especially when he has a cleaver,” just as Dingo started chopping harder. 

“Oh, he’d be there too.” 

Sidewinder felt his eye ridges lift. There was the briefest pause in Dingo’s chopping before resuming. Dingo lowered his head, a clear flush along his ears and snout. Kanigaru lifted a foreleg over Dingo’s back, lifting herself above him and leaning on the flustered male. Dingo was about Sidewinder’s age, from what he could tell, and Kanigaru a bit younger than that. But she was far more aggressive and forward as dragonesses in the Den tended to be. 

“Also, if you would be so kind, could I order more? Same, just not scale-melting spicy, please.” Sidewinder gestured with his curled tail to his MudWing mates that had settled at a table to wait for food. 

Kanigaru lit up, quickly tucking her muzzle to Dingo’s ear. She nuzzled insistently on it, cooing, “What did I say? For years now.”

“Yeah, yeah… Copper has a mate, I owe you…” He trailed off. “... The MudWing?” Dingo began eyeing Sidewinder, the cleaver resting against the cutting board. 

Sidewinder lifted himself higher, wings perked, “Yes. Both of them. Probably four orders… they’ve been flying for a couple days, and MudWings are quite ravenous in general. … Maybe five.”

Dingo snorted and pushed his wing at Kanigaru, “Serves you right, Copper’s mate… mates are male.”

“And about to-” 

Sidewinder lifted his paw and waved, “It’s fine. Ignore it. Mind if I stay up here and talk?”

Sidewinder began ignoring his two MudWings as another SandWing began speaking with them. A grifter, looking to profit from ‘fresh meat’, as Horizon had called them. The SandWing sat with them and pulled forth a sack. He started explaining how to play bones, asking if they were willing to play over a few small bets. 

Sidewinder enjoyed his conversation, having moved off to the side, while Dingo and Kanigaru worked. He got to learn about recent changes in the Den and share a bit about himself. Not much, playing his cards to the chest, but a bit. All the while Sidewinder could hear the tiny bones, could hear the truth and lies. And give those most subtle signals. Winner’s luck for a bit, then losing, but still at the advantage. Then winning a few. Losing one. Winning more. Sidewinder kept signaling, keeping within check to prevent accusations of cheating, but Blackgum and Kobicha won more often than not. 

The grifter slunk off, his coin purse much lighter. Sidewinder kept chatting, waiting until the grifter’s lackeys slunk away one at a time, doing their best to hide that they had been helping the grifter cheat. Had been trying to, at least. Sidewinder had hatched as he was- it wasn’t cheating to use what he was. It was no different than if he were sitting with his mates. He had been justified

Eventually Sidewinder returned with a large pot of camel, a smaller one that stunk of spicy death, and a third of saffron rice. He settled at the table, chirring, “That was fun.”

“Finally, I’ve been drooling for ages.” Blackgum paused, grinned, and looked up from the food. “Thank you, Copper,” he mocked. 

Sidewinder rolled his eyes. A decade of a pseudonym. It would attract more attention to drop it. A paltry effort to keep from eyes taking notice within the Den. Eventually it would slip, surely. That didn’t stop Blackgum from teasing him now. 

“Finally, I’ve been waiting for Copper to bring you around for ages! You both, I guess.” Kanigaru chirped, setting a basket of garlic-reeking flatbreads on the table. Sidewinder went for his pack but paused when Kanigaru hissed at him, “My treat.” He shrugged his wings and gathered some rice in talon, a chunk of camel, and savored the first bite of his oh-so-rare treat. He had tried to bring some back to his mates before but it wasn’t the same as eating it fresh. 

Sidewinder idly wondered how others knew he was in a relationship. What behaviors had he exhibited? He would never be as stoic and unreadable as Kobicha, but he thought he had kept a good front. It didn’t really matter at this point. But it ate at him in a way. He pondered while they ate, Kanigaru soon enough leaving the hungry MudWings to indulge in the food they were so eager to eat. 

Once the three were sated they returned their pots and wares. They spoke a bit longer with the owners, his mates extolling how incredible the food was- and suggesting to try anaconda in the same style- before they were heading back to Horizon’s. They had spent far longer than a meal ought to take but the gambling and chatter had taken more time than Sidewinder had anticipated. It was still plenty light as they made their way back but the cooling sun was dipping to the horizon. 

Sidewinder led the way. His loves followed a few tail lengths behind, still discussing the food. Their brains filled with wondrous new flavors and possibilities, strategizing how they could combine what they had experienced with MudWing recipes. They lagged behind, turning corners and following Sidewinder’s swaying tail. 

They turned another corner, pacing down the alleyway. They passed side alleys as they went, laughing and bantering. The SandWing following them passed the same alleys, startling at a loud hiss to his left. Sidewinder lifted his head and snapped his wings open, snake eyes staring down the stalker. He paced forward, staring into the paralyzed SandWing. The smaller male reacted far too late, only starting to move as Sidewinder’s barb pressed up to his throat. Sidewinder moved closer, sitting, relaxing, and folding his wings. His barb just pressed with just the lightest pressure, fractions of a second from filling the others’ bloodstream with venom. 

“Why are you stalking my mates?”

The SandWing held still. He clearly understood the situation he suddenly found himself in. Sidewinder was glad for that, at least. The SandWing wrinkled his muzzle before spitting.

“Easy marks. They just won plenty of gold. They have no idea how the Den works.”

Sidewinder stared. His head tilted just a little. “So it’s me you’re after… hm.” The SandWing’s eyes widened, fear evident. Sidewinder nodded to Kobicha and Blackgum as they turned the corner, approaching the smaller SandWing from behind. “Did you recognize my markings?”

“No.”

“Don’t bother lying. Lies tell me far more than the truth.” Fear poured off this smaller SandWing. It was obvious he knew what Sidewinder truly was. The stink of fear of a dragon at death’s doorstep. “Extend your tail to its very limit. And hold it still.” 

A hiss, trailing smoke from nostrils. But the SandWing did as he was told. Kobicha took hold of the tail, keeping it still, while Blackgum fastened a wooden peg over the barb. 

“Would you care for tea?” Sidewinder rumbled amicably, pulling his tail away. He pushed past the smaller SandWing, turned, and passed through the curtains to enter Horizon’s home. 

The SandWing followed a moment later. Kobicha and Blackgum followed behind, effectively imprisoning the younger SandWing. 

“What’s your name?”

“Mesa,” He spit. 

“Welcome, Mesa. Relax.” 

Horizon’s head poked in from the kitchen, her eyes narrowed. 

“Really? You bring your troubles to me, and you expect me to make tea?”

The SandWing- Mesa- had the briefest pause of recognition. A tremble went down his spine. Sidewinder turned and sat, relaxing on a cushion. “You’ve always told me to come straight here if I was in trouble. And it’s only polite to serve tea to a guest.” 

Horizon’s eyes narrowed further, deadly black slits behind the smoke trailing from her nostrils. 

“It wasn’t the fresh meat. Spare the hissing. He’s after me.” Sidewinder gestured to a free cushion as his mates settled. Mesa sat staunchly on the floor, glancing to study the contraption that had rendered his barb useless. Horizon’s head ducked away. Her hiss was purposefully audible as she moved to the kitchen area. 

“Tell me, Mesa. How do you know my marquis?”