Hatching: Ignis and Lumen
Hatching Excerpt: Nibori wasn't the only guardian dragon on the station, and not just because of his sister. Two other guardian dragons, from a totally different world and pantheon, were being pondered by a pair of hatchlings. After the quartet conversed briefly, the hatchlings made their bonds: white-yellow female Alcedonia attached herself to Ignis, and pigmentless male Decolo latched playfully to Lumen.
Alcedonia Diemicana-Pariyani. A beautiful name. Ignis has been told that it means 'tranquility', and it suits the little one. She speaks in a quiet voice, and is never angry, even when Ignis is. As it turns out, the Fire dragoness has been inevitably cranky since the moment the pair arrived on the space station.
Alcedonia takes matters into her own hands. She remains close to her bond always, and touches her softly with her nose when she begins to sense the fiery emotions within. And it helps - even her sister Umbra, who is still standing to Bond, notices the change since Ignis' bonding.
The constant peacefulness annoys Ignis, but every time her anger is about to overtake her, there is that little white nose and precious topaz eyes, staring her right in the eye. Ignis cannot help but calm herself down - she can't become angry with Alcedonia. Her face... it inspires inner peace.
Which is, incidentally, something that Ignis has needed for a long time.
Decolo Diemicana-Pariyani is his sister's mirror image. He always needs to be happy, and his happiness means creating games of all sorts to keep him and Lumen amused. Lumen can barely keep up with him, unless Decolo wants to kick back and relax. Thankfully, this happens quite frequently.
His eyes always sparkle like pearls or diamonds, set in his pure white face. His body is covered in fur, save for his wings, which are partially bare. Lumen enjoys feeling him brush up against him, for his fur is made of the silkiest substance. Decolo's name means 'without color' - as Lumen hears - and, unlike his sister's personality-based name, Decolo's name-meaning is visible.
Once or twice the pair ventures into Ignis' quarters. Lumen worries constantly about her, but Decolo continues to assure him that she will be fine. Decolo is a little frightened of Ignis and her explosive temper, but Lumen keeps him close when they enter.
Lumen notices that whenever she is becoming angry, her bond - Alcedonia - places her nose on her. Ignis will peer into her eyes - beautiful amber-coloured eyes - and then she will continue to converse with Lumen and Decolo, completely calmed.
That, to Lumen, is absolute magic.
"Good morning, Ignis," Lumen calls to his sister in a good-spirited voice.
"Morning, Alcedonia!" The young voice of Decolo Diemicana-Pariyani rings out, calling for his own sister.
"Good morning," the reply from Alcedonia comes quickly. "Ignis is asleep yet, but you may still come in and visit."
"Thank you, Alcedonia," Lumen replies, her darling voice causing his heart to melt. She escorts them inside. Ignis is reclined on the floor, eyes shut.
"What do you want?" she snaps. Decolo ducks behind Lumen's leg, peering at the dragoness whose temper quite frightens him.
"Patience, Ignis." Alcedonia places her nose on Ignis' forehead. "It is your brother and his bond. They have come to visit."
Ignis finds Alcedonia's voice soothing, as always. "I have told you before," she answers them in a surprisingly peaceful voice, "I am fine. Alcedonia and I are healthy and well."
"I know," Lumen replies as Decolo emerges slightly. "I am always concerned for you, Ignis. You are my sister."
"You realize that as soon as Alcedonia grows, we are leaving the station," she says, Alcedonia having to touch her gently again.
"I feel obliged to wait for Umbra," he tells her.
"The Biosynth'll hatch soon," Decolo adds. "Lumen wants to make sure all of his siblings are safe and bond well."
Ignis pouts. Alcedonia speaks.
"You know how much your brother cares for you."
"I know, Alcedonia, but - " Ignis has to think about what to say - "he's so worried. Since I broke down back home, he's been almost idiotically clingy."
"I will talk to him," Alcedonia offers.
"No," she says. "This is between my brother and I."
"Very well." Alcedonia respectfully steps aside, and Ignis confronts her brother. Her bond watches for any sign of anger in her.
"Lumen, please. I love you, as well as Aqua, Aeris, Terra and Umbra. I realize how much you worry about me. But it's silly to be like this. Alcedonia is doing a fine job of caring for me."
She looks at Alcedonia, who is beaming.
"Ignis, you needed me."
"I still do," she promises. "But since I bonded, something has happened. My courage has become stronger. If you are this unsettled about something happening to me, what if something did? What would you do? Lumen, you would die, eaten from inside."
"I..."
"Remember Chana."
Lumen dips his head and touches noses with his sister. He realizes that Alcedonia has not aided her in being this calm, and he is proud. He knows the point of his sister's speaking to him.
"Lumen, are you okay?"
He looks down at his bond, and looks back at Ignis and Alcedonia in turn. Then he nods.
"I am."
He can say this truthfully, because he has freed himself.
Ignis watches him as he leaves. She knows that her bond is well pleased with her. This thought alone causes her pride in herself to radiate - like a steady flame.
I love you, the siblings say in unison.