Timmult had almost finished his chess set in the time he spent at Silvermoon waiting for the clutch to hatch. Four angry steeds, sixteen pawns... only four pieces remained to be carved.
After the hatching, Cendanth spent long moments staring at the tiny wooden figurines. Finally he picked one up in his delicate foreclaws and moved it across the dual-toned playing board.
Did I win?
”Not yet.” Ti’m said with a smile. “Sleep now,” he suggested with a yawn, “and I’ll teach you how to play once the chess set is finished.”
Promise?
“I promise.” Ti’m said, tucking the pieces away into their protective pouch, and putting the whole set up onto his shelf. He could feel the love radiating from his tiny brown bond.
Smiling, Ti’m slipped into sleep.
The brown dragon studied the chess board. His claws were too large now to handle the delicatedly carved wooden pieces without damage. "Lady’s steed to D6." H said at last.
Ti’m moved the piece, and thought over the layout. One wrong move and Cendanth would beat him again. He hovered a hand over the fortress, but decided to move the last pawn instead.
"Archer to B2." Cendanth said as Ti’m’s hand retracted. "Check."
Ti’m laughed. “How did I miss that?”
Cendanth rumbled. "Your move."
Ti’m stepped the fortress in, blocking the archer. Before Cendanth could voice his next move, Ke’l arrived.
“Ti’m, Cendanth. As masters of strategy, I ask you to Ride with me as Second for the Tri Star fleet.”
Ti’m stood and saluted. “I’d be honored to Ride witho you.”
"As would I." Cendanth said, bespeaking Ke’l.
The young man smiled. “I know we’re still in training, but we know lasting trust begins now.”
“Indeed, Ke’l. And a splendid team we will be. Who have you in mind for the other second?”
Ke’l grinned. “A blue and his rider - Ki.” He said.
“A woman?” Ti’m said, incredulous.
“Indeed.” Ke’l responded with a smile, “Times are changing, and Ki is a strong woman. She’ll give the fleet an edge.”
Ti’m nodded. “Care for a game of Chess? Cendanth has me beaten again.” The dragon looked smug, but humble too.
Ke’l grinned. “I’m game.”
"This is a wise move." Cendanth said as they awaited their departure to Ryslen. In his maturity, Cendanth’s brown hide had deepened in contrast to a seeming red and black, and like his clutchmates, he sported wicked horns. “Indeed, Cendanth, Indeed.”
[In which Cendanth yearns for a Checkmate]
Cendanth watched as the dragons moved about Ryslen's airspace. Move, counter...
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