((This story is still being heavily edited, be wary that big changes may occur))

The unconscious emerald dragon was brought to a small cave that served as a prison, crisscrossing metal strips across the entrance serving as bars. Beveri converted the place into a mini hospital, bringing with her various medical instruments and a few well-trained assistants. Those with strong stomachs watched in awe and curiosity from outside the bars as the doctors began their work. Aelwen wasn't exactly one of them. The sight of needles piercing scale-stripped skin was not something she felt very comfortable watching. However, she still peeked in here and there to check on their progress. The most interesting parts were when Beveri used healing magic in tandem with the more hands-on procedures. Her hands deftly moved over the broken leg's exposed bone, guiding pieces back into torn flesh.

Hours of laborious work later, the team moved on to the wings. Nervous glances were shared all around. After a few minutes of intense examination, Beveri declared to the crowd that they may not be able to be saved, but the team would try their hardest.

Aelwen felt sick looking at the mangled pieces of bone and membrane, even when they were being handled with such care. She headed back to the center of the village, trying to clear her thoughts.

At the outskirts of the encampment, a circle of old ladies sat around a fire pit while knitting blankets, clothes, and the like. A few were even in dragon form while operating gigantic looms. They gossiped about recent events, making a few theories about who the little dragon might have been, and how he ended up crashed like that. The two dragon women held a different conversation, one about Aelwen.

"Don't know if we should trust the girl yet. After all, Shifters can still transform without being a dedicated follower of Auria. It's only Cainen followers who can't, as far as we know," said one of them as her loom click-clacked away.

"Well, we haven't seen any of Empress Kaleign's Dragons become human before. Could they also be following a variation of Cainen? Or another demon who disallows transformation?" The other dragon said as she plucked a roast chicken from over the fire pit and gulped it down.

"Could be. But still, the girl is Liriel's daughter. How can we be so sure that-" she stopped as she saw Aelwen walking past, and nervously looked away, continuing her work.

Aelwen pursed her lips, feeling pairs of eyes boring into her back. I suppose they have logical reasons to distrust me. My lineage isn't something to be taken lightly. The only way I'll be able to truly convince people of my loyalty is through action. I must help bring back the memories of the former rebellion leaders.

Aelwen's path altered towards the historical archive tent. She had to finish the meeting with Delku, and plan what to do next.

She passed the blacksmith's hut once again, watching in fascination as he breathed flames upon white-hot iron. Gerel worked alongside him, magically pouring water onto the metal when needed. Gerel had told Aelwen of his partial apprenticeship to the blacksmith earlier, as the emerald dragon had been moved. He cited that as a reason for needing to leave once the surgery started. Aelwen suspected that wasn't the only reason.

Gerel waved as she passed, and she nodded back.

"Where are you going?" he asked, cocking his head.

"Your father. I need to continue the meeting with him."

Gerel whispered something to the great, iron-clad dragon beside him. He nodded, mumbling something in reply. After one last splash of water upon the forming tip of a sword, Gerel hopped over the fence separating the workshop from the pathway winding between tents and redwood trees.

"I'll join you. I'd like to hear about what you all are planning, anyway."

Aelwen smiled and nodded, glad to have a friend join her.

"So... what you did earlier with that dragon... I've been thinking about it." Gerel scratched his head.

"What do you mean?" Aelwen asked hesitantly.

"It was pretty hardcore. You scared the hell out of him. I mean, he thinks he's saved, and then after he admits to killing humans, bam, you turn into one." Gerel shook his head. "You sure surprise me sometimes."

"I-I was really angry. The thought that such a young boy had... Done something like that infuriated me. Empress Kaleign, despite the tragedies she has gone through, has no right to sully the heart of a child like that," Aelwen said as she continued to walk. "Sending young ones out to fight her battles... I just can't believe it."

Gerel's smile sunk into a frown. "This war is pretty terrible. But, thinking back to what he said, it felt more like he had gone out on his own in order to prove himself worthy to fight. I don't think the Empress or one of her generals ordered him to."

"Perhaps..." Aelwen and Gerel turned a corner, the huge tent now in sight. "Still, the whole situation disturbs me."

"I'm sure everyone here could say the same."

Aelwen only nodded in response, watching her feet tread through crunching green leaves and pine needles.

"I see you got your Shift necklace. What did you think of the fairy village?" Gerel tried to put his signature grin back on.

The thought lifted Aelwen's spirits. "I really loved it. I would like to visit again today and simply explore it. I've actually always been fascinated with fairies, the idea of being so small and seeing the world from a new angle is so interesting to me. Admittedly, I also find miniature things very cute," she said quietly, her voice lilting in tone.

"I've never been there myself, but I'm glad you enjoyed it," Gerel said. He lowered his voice. "My wings would likely be colored...you know..."

Aelwen nodded. "Gerel..."she began to say, wanting to address his fear a little more. But, not knowing what to really say, she just closed her mouth, giving him a look.

His browned lowered. "It's my decision," was all he said before he opened the flaps of the huge tent, motioning Aelwen inside.

The light of sunset shone through the small holes cut for windows near the roof. The shining gold paint brushed delicately on the tent's circular walls was illuminated in the orange glow. Delku sat at the end of a row of paintings, a brush in his hand sliding over the canvas. Aelwen's face, both in dragon and human form, was depicted in bold colors.

"H-how are you doing that?" Aelwen breathed, looking at Delku's blindfold.

He turned his head to her voice, his salt and pepper hair complete with orange streak touching the beams of light.

"Auria guides my hand," he said with a half-smile. "Honestly, I have no idea what I'm painting. I'll figure it out once it is dry and I can feel it. Don't tell me. I want to be a surprise. I don't get to paint prophecies often."

Aelwen and Gerel sat on their knees beside him, watching in wonder as he blindly (quite literally) spread brown paint in a downward motion, capturing Aelwen's wavy hair. He washed his brush in a bowl of water before taking up red paint, a brilliant streak of scarlet running through her locks.

Is this supposed to show the event of me finally becoming a true Shifter? I suppose I'll have to wait to see the full picture. Aelwen thought. The idea that my story is being detailed in a historical archive is incredible. I've never really thought about it, but I guess my decisions will have big significance for these people. The very concept is actually quite terrifying... What if I make a poor choice and everything the Koana have worked for collapses upon itself? She gulped. I must keep faith.

"The likeness is uncanny," Gerel whispered to her. She raised an eyebrow and whispered an agreement.

"I assume you came to continue our discussion. Kera told me everything about the young dragon, no need to fill me in there." Delku painted in her dress.

"Yes, I have. In terms of restoring memories to the leaders, who should we start with first, and how would we go about it? Having a plan set in stone would help my mind rest easy." Aelwen brushed her fingers through her hair, suddenly realizing in horror how unkempt and tangled it was. She'd need to ask Beveri for a brush later...

"Of course. Our first target is a Lord by the name of Riche Cheval. He is a black Pegasus stallion governing the city-county of Clovendale. This area, while heavy in humans, also has the highest population of unicorns, griffons, hippogriffs, and pegasi in the kingdom. It is permeated by a high society culture, and-"

"In other words, it's hoity-toity ville," Gerel interrupted.

Aelwen knew most of this information already, mostly from her lessons in geography. She didn't want to interrupt Delku, though, as his son had. She might as well use the refresher anyway.

Delku gave a small sigh. "I suppose you could say that. Anyway, after having his memories of the rebellion taken, Riche resumed his life as a Lord, now back to being quite loyal to Queen Liriel. Once he had been interrogated by her coven of witches, he suspiciously seemed to have forgotten about the cruelties they had subjected upon his subjects. Despite the growing plights in Clovendale, he regularly hosts lavish balls and parties, causing the city residents to become angry. The city itself is currently being protected by the elite brigade of human-Pegasus knight teams known as the NightGales. While highly-trained pegasi provide flight and magical spells, their human partners ride on their backs and unleash torrents of arrows or other projectiles when needed. They have done well defending the city from dragon attacks thus far, but may prove very problematic when trying to get to Riche."

"So how are we going to get him his memories back? How do the memory orbs work?" Aelwen asked as she watched Delku add the finishing strokes to her human form. Next he dipped his brush in scarlet paint and worked on her dragon form looming behind her.

"The team we pick will infiltrate his next ball, which is happening in two week's time. Once there, they can talk amongst the guests and gather as much information about the state of the kingdom as a whole in general. Perhaps they can find information on the current whereabouts of Liriel and her husband, if they are, indeed, alive. Concerning the actual memory transfusion... The team will need to get Riche into a room alone, since the process can take a relatively long time. Considering how many memories may be contained in the orbs, I estimate a transfusion time of about fifteen minutes. Depending on the situation, that could be a dangerous amount." Delku used a detail brush to paint highlights on scarlet scales. "All that needs to be done to start the process is to touch the orb to his forehead. It will automatically stay stuck there until all the memories have been taken back."

Aelwen absorbed this information like a sponge. Already, she mulled over several ideas to get the Pegasus stallion alone for the time needed. But it was to early to know for sure what might work. She would need to experience the stallion's personality for herself, as well as the general tone and culture of the ball.

"Who do you have in mind for the infiltration team?" She asked, "I'm assuming you would like me to go. I want to go. I wish to play a direct part in keeping my kingdom alive. I feel I would also be a great asset to the mission, since I have been trained in the art of ballroom etiquette and dancing since I was quite young. I know the mannerisms of the elite, as well as how to talk with them. I can do this task very efficiently."

Delku gave a slow nod. "You are certainly right, Aelwen. I agree that you should go. It would be an excellent learning experience in how we operate. Being there to personally inform Riche of the state of the rebellion and your involvement with it once he has become himself again is imperative. The only risk is, of course, you falling into the hands of the enemy. That is why I am assigning Kera as the leader of the mission. Believe it or not, she is our best agent for work outside of our encampment. Much of the information we have about current events is due to her work." He gave a half smile. "As you likely noticed, she can be temperamental. She gets that from me, I'm afraid. Just listen to her and you will be in safe hands."

"I want to come too, dad," Gerel's voice piped up. "I would work great as a hunter, providing fresh food for everyone. Plus, I'm getting even more proficient in shield magic. Kera isn't."

Delku's face darkened. "You ran away from home, Kotuya. You had us all extremely worried. Your mother and I...couldn't bear it. We thought we lost you. Now you expect us to let you run off again?!" His non-painting hand wrapped tightly around his cane. A web of cracks appeared on it.

Gerel hesitated, eyes darting downward. Words seemed to form on his lips, but were quickly dashed away by conflicting thoughts. A tense silence interrupted only by the sounds of brushstrokes permeated the tent's expanse.

"I understand you are angry, Mr... Delku," Aelwen said, just realizing she didn't know his last name, if Koana even had them. "And your anger is justified. However, Kotuya was so very helpful to me on my journey here. He is resourceful and skilled, a young man I think would be very needed on the team."

Delku seemed to simmer down. His hands still shook. "I will think about it, and discuss the issue with Beveri. For now, please leave us, Kotuya."

Gerel hastily got up and nodded, briskly walking out of the room, but not before nodding to Aelwen in thanks.

The painting was almost complete now, at least that was what Aelwen thought until Delku's brush rose and began laying out the basic structure of another figure. Aelwen. Was stunned by the beauty of the depiction. The colors were wonderful and vibrant, with stylistic shading. It made her feel beautiful, like a spring flower reaching up the the sky. Looking at it made her want to put pencil to paper and draw again. It had been all too long since she had sketched last.

"Aelwen. There are just a few things left to address. First off, your training. Over the course of the next week you will under an intense regimen learning combat skills from Kera, as well as utilizing the advantages of both human and dragon forms."

"And magic?" Aelwen said, silently reprimanding herself for the outburst.

"Yes. You will certainly learn how to perform magic. I am sure Beveri would be a perfect teacher for healing and shielding magic. As for combat magic, Kera knows much in such things, but prefers using weapons. As such, I will convince the blacksmith Erno to assist you. He and I fought alongside each other long ago. He will teach you well."

Aelwen voiced her agreement. Feeling the conversation was nearing the end, she prepared herself to get up.

"And, Aelwen..." Delku paused. "If at all possible, we need to locate your father. If what you suspect is true, he may be an absolutely invaluable ally. And, helping to reunite you with him would be a great honor."

Aelwen bit the inside of her cheek. "I miss him a lot... Thank you for your kindness, Delku," she said quietly, "It was an honor to meet you."

Delku nodded. "You are most welcome. You are free to do as you wish for the next few hours. I have ordered for a tent to be made for you, but for now you may stay in the guest one already provided. Kera will fetch you tomorrow morning, when your first few steps of Shift training can begin. If you are hungry, Shev works in the his baking shop near the front of the village. It is labeled with a wolf eating a cake, a bit hard to miss. He has offered to be the one to feed you on a regular basis," he smiled, and reached his free hand into his pocket, grabbing several clinking objects and setting them near him. "Here is some money. Spend it on what you like. Make your place feel like your own."

Aelwen once again thanked him profusely, thrilled at the prospect of her own tent to call home. The idea of having a place she could even refer to by the word sent a warm feeling into her heart. They want me to stay here. I'll be living amongst people like me. A small pang thronged through her mind. The tent will be empty, save for me, though. No family. Alone. She took a deep breath. I mustn't let that get to me. I need to be thankful I'm even alive right now.

She picked up the plethora coins and placed them in a dress pocket. She had turned to leave, but then something caught her eye.

With quick brushstrokes, Delku had already finished painting a stylized rendition of Gerel. He stood beside the depiction of Aelwen, his hand holding a swath of fire while he gave his cocky smile. While this was surprising, the part that alarmed Aelwen was the sketchy outline of a dragon behind him. Just as Aelwen's dragon form was painted behind her, the outline behind Gerel was likely representative of his. Aelwen gasped as Delku's brush headed straight for a bowl of gold leaf paint.

Time seemed to stop. What do I do? Aelwen thought hurriedly. Anyone who sees the painting will know what it means! Gerel's secret will be spread through the village, without him getting the chance to explain himself first! If people really react as he predicted...this could ruin everything for him. Aelwen wracked her brain for ideas. Her first instinct was to knock the paint over with her foot, or the brush out of his hand. But how, then, would she explain herself? Not to mention Delku had said the act of painting was Auria working through him, guiding his hand. If Aelwen disturbed that, would the goddess be mad at her? She certainly didn't want to risk it.

Maybe... Aelwen thought, Auria is having this painted for a reason. Perhaps it is the only way to force Gerel to come clean. To finally access the other half of himself denied for so long. Maybe this is for his own good. Aelwen wanted to cry out for Delku to stop. The very words hung in her throat. But she didn't release them. I'll tell Gerel about it. He can decide what to do from there.

Eyebrows arched in concern, Aelwen watched as gold paint was splashed across the tent canvass. She turned and walked out silently, sweat beading at her brow.