Glow was having a hard time sleeping. She woke up to see a steaming bright tail slink by the doorway. Glow found it very odd, but decided to investigate. Her iron talons clicked loudly against the stone, so she decided to take them off to do some sneaking around. Everyone was sleeping incredibly soundly (even Corona, which Glow found incredibly odd) so it wasn't too difficult to slip quietly outside without them noticing.

       When she poked her head outside, she saw the figure of a SkyWing, about her age it looked, sneaking down the stairs and leaving a trail of steam to the main hall where they arrived the other day. Her scales glowed like torches in the hallway. It was almost iridescent. Glow followed the SkyWing downstairs to the main hall. Her drowsy mind dulled her attention span so she didn't notice that she almost bumped into the SkyWing on the way down. She was only snapped out of her groggy illusion by the SkyWing surprising her. "Hey! Who are you and why are you following me!?" Glow jumped back in surprise as she stood in the presence of the strange SkyWing before her. Her scales were a bright almost glowing copper and there was steam radiating out of her scales. Her eyes were striking. They were an eerie blue colour, like the hottest part of a flame like Frigga showed her once. She even felt that warm, not like Corona, but far hotter. Not that she really minded.

       To her relief, the SkyWing didn't really look angry as much as surprised, though that might just be the sleep deprivation getting to her. In a second, the SkyWing put on a peppy face and stood proud. "Well, anyway. My name's Peril!" She said chipper. She smiled bright but Glow didn't really know how to react. Peril tilted her head to the side inquisitively. "What's your name?" Glow wasn't really sure whether she should answer or just play dead. "Come on, I won't bite. Hopefully!" She piped up.

       Glow had a double take. What an odd thing to say to someone you just met. Finally, she  swallowed the lump in her throat and answered. "H-hi, I'm uh...My name is Glow. I'm the IceWing's apprentice." Peril looked confused and almost unimpressed. "The IceWing that Scarlet was talking to today." Glow clarified. Peril eyes flashed open in realization.

       "Oh, THAT IceWing! I've seen her! Didn't really talk to her, but she seemed really cool. Not quite blazing, but still pretty cool!" Glow cocked her head to the side confusedly. She's really weird, not sure if I'm comfortable with her yet.

       "Um..." She said uncomfortably. Peril stalked around Glow, observing her and scanning her figure. Glow's scales were crawling uncomfortably.

       "You look my age." When Peril was back to looking Glow in the face, her facial expression was completely different, as if she suddenly lost whatever emotion she was feeling at the moment. She looked her up and down and whispered threateningly. "How old are you exactly?" She said in a monotone voice. Glow didn't really respond before Peril's chipper expression returned. "Well, I guess it doesn't matter anyway." She paused and her expression looked forlorn. "Her Majesty never really let me talk to or hang out with any other dragonets my age anyways."

       Glow felt more interested than sympathetic in Peril. She clearly has a special connection to the queen, which means that she might have some valuable information. "So, are you one of the queen's daughters or something?" Glow asked. Peril looked surprised and then nervously scratched behind her head with a chuckle.

       "Great fireballs, no." She paused, her lonely expression returning again. "She raised me since I hatched. My mother was going to kill me for accidentally killing my brother when I hatched, so Queen Scarlet killed her and saved me." She looked back at Glow and gave the kind of smile that Corona gave Glow whenever she was trying to hide when she was upset. "She's all I really have, but that's okay." She said simply.

       Glow shifted on her talons a bit awkwardly before Peril broke the silence. "So, are you going to go to back to bed now?" She asked, looking out of the corner of her eye. Glow narrowed her eyes at her.

       "Why?" She said suspiciously.

       "Because if you're not, then I kind of want to show you my favourite place to go at nighttime, if that's okay." Glow paused for a moment. Am I really going to get any sleep tonight? I mean, there's no point going back to bed. Who knows? She looked at Peril's eager expression and smiled. I might get some useful information out of her.

       "Eh, I don't think so. I probably couldn't sleep tonight if I tried." She yawned quietly, trying not to wake anybody. "Alright, sure. Why not?" She shrugged. Peril looked more than happy; thrilled as Scarlet would probably like to put it.

       "Yay! I promise you're really going to love it!" She said eagerly. Peril stopped and turned to Glow. "It's nice meeting you, by the way." She said quickly.

       Glow awkwardly stuck her talons out. "It's nice meeting you, too." She said. She noticed Peril fidgeting with her claws nervously. She looked sadly at Glow's friendly gesture.

       "I'm really sorry, it's just..." She paused. "I...don't really like being touched." She said. 

       Glow merely shrugged it off and retracted her talon back to her side. I have a strong feeling that this is a dragon I don't want to make enemies with. "Hey, that's fine. Not everyone has to like doing the same things as everyone else." She said, trying to make Peril feel more comfortable. Peril smiled and walked towards the exit. Glow followed closely behind her and they lifted into the night sky.

       Only two of the moons were visible, one of the two half full, and the feeling of the cool night breeze felt so refreshing on Glow's scales. Peril led her towards the other side of the arena. It seemed like the city extended here, too. Though this side of the city had less class, it had more than enough charm to make up for it. There were more gruff SkyWings, laughing uproariously, toasting their mugs and drinking without restraint. These SkyWings reminded her of Ore, Combustion, Flashover, and Charcoal. Glow felt much more comfortable here than on the other side of the arena.

       Peril veered towards a particular establishment near the end of what looked like the barracks. She read the sign hanging from the entrance.

       "'The Sky City Tavern'?" Glow read confusedly. Peril cocked her head at her companion.

       "Yeah, Her Majesty wouldn't really like me going here every night, but it's blazing!" Glow kept getting more and more confused each time she said that.

       "Why do you keep saying blazing? Is there a reason for that?" Peril looked hurt. "I'm sorry, I'm just confused is all." Glow quickly said. Peril shrugged it off.

       "It's kind of like saying cool or awesome. I say other things like that too. Not sure where I picked it up or why I say it, but I guess it makes me feel...I don't know, special maybe? I guess?" She explained. Glow didn't understand that feeling, but understood Peril a bit better. She walked in when she was stopped by the gruff SkyWing just outside.

       "Sorry Peril, your friend isn't allowed in. No minors allowed in here." Peril glared at him with the sharpest glare Glow had ever seen. The SkyWing was unmoving, clearly unaffected.

       "Oh, come on, Brick. She's my age, and I'm technically of the legal age, aren't I?" She cooed. Brick still didn't move. Peril's face was soon plastered with a devious smile. "Ooooor, I could be extra nice and give you a biiiiiiiiiiig hug!" Brick's eyes immediately widened in fear. "How does that sound, tough guy?"

       Brick shifted uncomfortably off to the side of the door, allowing them passage into the tavern. Peril awkwardly moved to let Glow go in first. "After you." She said cheerfully. Glow was just confused. She opened the door and let Peril through. They went inside and Glow couldn't help but comment.

       "So, I take it you're a regular?" Glow remarked.

       Peril averted her gaze before nervously saying "Well, you could say that, I guess." Glow found that suspicious, but still didn't comment. She did mention she sneaks in here, so who am I to judge? This was neither the time nor place to cause a scene. Glow looked ahead to the inside of the tavern and her eyes widened in wonder.

       There were small tables where there were what looked like soldiers sitting and drinking. It was loud, but not deafeningly so. There was a deep red SkyWing sitting at what looked like a musical instrument with keys that could be pressed to make sound. It was a rich and reverberating sound and the SkyWing playing it was very talented. Glow remembered seeing it in one of her scrolls. Evenstar explained it to her while they were reading together. I think it's called a "harpsichord." Peril was looking at Glow expectantly.

       "Told you it was blazing!" She said cockily. Glow chuckled, taking in the sight.

       "Yeah, it's really quaint." She responded.

       "This is where most of the soldiers hang out after a long day out on the field." She paused, scowling comedically. "Well, the ones who aren't uptight and no fun, anyway." Her eyes looked towards a dull orange SkyWing with a scarred and patched eye at the far table sitting by themself. Peril darted toward them and Glow followed. She cheerfully greeted him. "Heya, One-Eye. How's the drinking?" The SkyWing chuckled.

       "There's the attitude I like t' see in a young champion." He said, looking curiously at Glow. "Who's your friend? I haven't seen her around before." Glow piped up, the SkyWing looked slightly older than her SkyWing companions she met on the way to the kingdom.

       "I'm Glow! I'm the apprentice to the leader of the White Capes." She paused, his searching gaze grazing her. "I was selling things in my own stall back at the Merchant Plaza earlier today." His face lit up in understanding.

       "Ah, that would explain it. I was on duty all day, so I barely had the time to do any kind of shopping." He said, laughing. He took a large gulp of his drink, the tangy scent of fermented organic liquid filling her nostrils. "Yep, I remember buying some really good weapons from the White Capes. Hah! They've still lasted since then, I've even named my helmet Old Trustworthy." He cackled. Intoxication beginning to dull his speech. "Consider it an honour to meet ya, o' Glow of the White Capes!" He toasted.

       Glow laughed with him. "Well, if there was still any honour in this world, there wouldn't even be a war to fight in right now, would it!" She joked. One-Eye howled with laughter.

       "I like your friend, Peril. She's got spirit!" he said in good-heartedly. Peril smiled and rushed to the counter behind her. Glow dipped her head toward One-Eye in respect and followed Peril. He carried on drinking his beverage.

       Peril looked up at the bartender, who was a lean red SkyWing with dark lidded eyes. "Heya, Rojo. Get me the hard stuff, alright?" Peril said enthusiastically. Glow was slightly concerned for her new friend.

       "Are you sure that's a good idea?" She asked worried. Peril shrugged.

       "It's fine! I've had this stuff before." The bartender looked down towards her skeptically.

       "That will be ten gold pieces." He said dully. Peril then looked panicked.

       "Oh no! I forgot my money at home!" She looked crestfallen. "I'm sorry, Glow. I wasted your time." Glow simply smiled and chuckled.

       "It's fine, don't worry. I'll pay for you." She offered. Peril's eyes lit up.

       "R-really? W-wow!" She hopped excitedly. "You're amazing! Thanks a bunch!" She said happily.

       Glow fished out ten gold pieces from her pouch and placed them on the wooden counter. The bartender took them and addressed Glow directly. "Anything for you?" He said. Glow thought for a moment. Do I want anything? She looked at Peril, who was staring at her expectantly. I'll get something light. I mean, what's the point in going to a tavern and not ordering anything?

       "Get me the easiest drink. I haven't drunk anything like this." He smiled at her.

       "So, this is your first time. Well, I am personally delighted that it's at my tavern." He leaned over to look Glow in the eye directly. "How about I give you a discount for it. The softest we have is our Desert Delight." Glow thought it sounded exotic.

       "What's in it?" She asked, thinking it was a reasonable question. Rojo smiled fondly.

       "It's made from the juice of the fermented cactuses in the Kingdom of Sand. It's a really easy drink for a first time consumer." He recommended. Glow thought it sounded delightful and decided to order it.

       "I'll take it." She said decidedly. Rojo smiled and commented.

       "Excellent choice. That will be twenty silver pieces." He said. Glow fished in her pouch and scrounged up the required money and handed them to the kind bartender. He then went to the back to prepare their drinks. Peril turned to her joyfully.

       "Wow! I thought going to a tavern was fun. But doing it with someone to share a drink with is even better!" Peril's smile was the most genuine smile she'd seen. Glow felt a bit more comfortable being with Peril.

       "Yeah, it's no problem. And in response, going to a tavern for the first time is better with someone who knows the place." She remarked. Peril flashed her a toothy grin and looked over at the SkyWings over towards the harpsichord player playing a game. Peril turned to Glow and explained.

       "They're playing Flint Shooter. It's a game where you set a piece of flint covered in Dragonfire Fireball on fire and try to get it in a bunch of mugs. You have thirty seconds to get as many in as possible, and the dragon with the most points wins." She explained. Glow thought it sounded fun. "We should ask if we can go play after we have our drinks!" Peril suggested. Glow smiled and nodded in agreement.

       Rojo soon returned with their drinks, Glow's in a wooden mug and Peril's in a stone one. "A Desert Delight and a Dragonfire Fireball for Peril and...dear patron, I don't recall getting your name." He said to Glow. She piped up taking her drink and smelling the rich aroma.

       "Glow. My name is Glow, sir." She responded. The gentle bartender smiled and chuckled.

       "Please, you may simply call me Rojo." He said gently. He pointed towards the dragon playing the harpsichord. "Your seat is over there by my wife, the one playing music." He said. Peril led the way towards it and Glow followed, calling back to Rojo.

       "Thank you so much, Rojo!" Glow said.

       "Anytime, young SkyWing!" He called back.

       Peril and Glow took their seats near the lovely SkyWing playing the music. Peril quickly downed her drink, Glow was desperately telling her to slow down. "Easy, Peril! You're not gonna like the feeling tomorrow morning if you go on like this!" She reasoned.

       Peril put her mug back down in the table and looked at Glow laughing. "Relax, Glow. It's impossible for me to get intoxicated. My metabolism doesn't let me." She said. Glow found this odd and suspicious.

       Glow rolled her eyes and looked away with a scoff. When she looked back, Peril was looking at Glow, waiting for her to do something. Glow looked at her confused until Peril said something.

       "Go on, try it! I want to see your face as you taste it!" She realized she hadn't tried any of the beverage she had just purchased and chuckled nervously. She took a good whiff of the drink. It smelled rich and strangely sweet. It was a pleasant smell and it was enticing to Glow. She took a sip of the soft drink, and recoiled a bit. It was rather bitter, but after a bit the aftertaste settled in and she could properly taste the drink. It tasted like a fruit almost, and it was slightly spicy. Glow found it tasty, though an acquired taste.

       "So, how is it?" Peril asked. Anticipation was fluttering in her eager gaze as Glow nodded.

       "Definitely needs some getting used to, but other than that, it's pretty good." She said, taking another sip, getting accustomed to the bitterness. She hadn't even noticed that the SkyWing sitting at the instrument next to them had stopped playing.

       "Well, I thought I heard a familiar voice." She said to them. "Hello, Peril. What a pleasure to see you again." She said. Peril piped up and greeted her.

       "Hiya, Rouge. It's nice to see you, too." She responded smiling. Rouge. What a lovely name. "Learn any new songs to play?" She asked. Rogue chuckled softly as she responded.

       "No, my dear. Just simply improving on my current few." She turned to Glow and addressed her. "By the way, if you have any song suggestions, I'm more than open to any you have in mind, um..."

       "Glow. My name is Glow." She responded. Rouge smiled and sighed.

       "Ah, Glow. Such a lovely name for a lovely SkyWing like you." She commented. "Any suggestions?" She asked. Glow really only thought of one song as she took another sip of her drink. It's risky, but...I mean it is a bar song, so.

       "The Dragonets Are Coming?" She suggested. Rouge's eyes grew soft, like a mother witnessing her child hatching out of her egg.

       "I can see the flower of hope blossoming in your eyes, my dear." She said, endearment flowing through her voice. "For you, I will sing this song." She said softly. She began playing the song (and it was almost nothing like Tsunami's singing, thank the three moons.)

       It fit so well for the instrument and the entire tavern was singing so enthusiastically, both coherently and intoxicatedly. Her head was filled with the sound of the joyful singing of grown adult soldiers, and she was sipping her drink peacefully. Even One-Eye was singing along, and he had a rumbling baritone voice to go along with it.

       When the war has lasted twenty years, the dragonets will come.

       When the land is soaked with blood and tears, the dragonets will come.

       Find the SeaWing egg of deepest blue, wings of night shall come to you.

       The largest egg on mountain high will bring to you the wings of sky.

       The dragonets are coming, they're coming to save the day.

       They're coming to fight, for they know what's right, the dragonets hooray!

       For wings of earth, search through the mud for an egg the colour of dragon blood.

       And hidden alone from the rival queens, the SandWing egg awaits unseen.

       Of three queens who blister blaze and burn, two shall die and one shall learn

       If she bows to a fate that is stronger and higher, she'll have the power of wings of fire.

       The dragonets are coming, they're coming to save the day.

       They're coming to fight, for they know what's right, the dragonets.

       Five eggs to hatch on brightest night,

       Five dragons born to end the fight.

       Darkness will rise to bring the light.

       The dragonets are coming!

       The dragonets are coming, they're coming to save the day.

       They're coming to fight, for they know what's right, the dragonets.

       The dragonets are coming, they're coming to save the day.

       They're coming to fight, for they know what's right, the dragonets hooray!

       By the time the song was finished and laughing filled the tavern, her drink was gone and Peril was staring in awe. "Wow, I never realized how influential music could be. It really stirred up these soldiers." She remarked. Rouge turned to them and smiled.

       "Well, that's how many dragons believe in the prophecy. Scarlet wouldn't approve, but we still believe." She said.

       Glow looked down in contemplation. "Well, Frigga always said that there's no such thing as a good war." She said.

       "Frigga's right, my dear." Rouge praised. She went back to playing her usual tunes and Peril looked over at the dragons behind them playing Flint Shooter.

       "We should ask if we can play with those guys." Peril suggested. Glow nodded and got up, though her vision was slightly impaired, and she now had a slight case of hiccups, she managed to turn around and address them. She suddenly recognized her friends from the other day.

       Flashover rushed over and greeted her. "Hi, Glow! Didn't think we'd see you here. Hey, Ore! Get over here, it's Glow! And she's got a friend!" Flashover called. Ore walked over from their game and dipped her head to them.

       "Heya, Glow. It's nice to see you here." She shrugged towards Peril. "Oh yeah, I recognize her. That's Peril." She said. Peril's eyes lit up in recognition.

       "Oh yeah! I remember you. I haven't met him, though." She said, pointing towards Flashover. Ore laughed.

       "That's Flashover, my younger brother." She said. Flashover waved sheepishly and smiled. Ore turned back towards Peril. "Wait, aren't you fighting in the arena tomorrow?" She asked.

       Peril lifted her head up proudly. "Yep! No doubt I'm going to win, though that gets kind of boring after a while." She said.

       "Well, good luck anyways, Peril." She said. Peril smiled at her enthusiastically. Wait, I thought the matches were for prisoners. Glow thought, confused. Then it hit her, and she felt like a colossal idiot when it did.

       "You're Queen Scarlet's arena champion?!" Peril jumped back at Glow's question.

       "Well, yeah...kind of. I mean, I always win in the finalist rounds, so I guess I am." She said. Glow couldn't believe it. THIS is her feared champion? Wow... "Is that a problem?" Peril said, almost accusingly. Glow recoiled.

       "No no no no, I just wasn't expecting..." Someone as small or scrawny as you. "You, really. It's just kind of shocking is all." Peril shrugged and scoffed nervously.

       "Well, anyways. Where's Combustion and Charcoal?" She asked Ore. Ore pointed towards them playing Flint Shooter.

       "Over there, playing. Though they might not be for long, since it should be about time that–" As if right on time, Cinnabar burst through the door and Glow and Peril immediately shrunk back trying not to be seen. "Aaaaaand how." Ore said unsurprised.

       Cinnabar roared in the tavern and smashed a table. "ALRIGHT, YOU MAGGOTS!" She roared. Rouge leaned over and motioned towards the door to the side of the bar counter.

       "I'd suggest hiding yourself in there. You won't be seen and she won't dare look in there." She suggested.

       Peril dipped her head and uttered a thank you before Glow snuck them inside. They looked out from behind the door at what was happening.

       "I'm looking for two SkyWing dragonets. They're not sleeping in bed like they're supposed to." Cinnabar threatened.

       Glow rolled her eyes. "Ugh, doesn't she ever have a day off?" She groaned, rolling her eyes.

       Peril snickered. "Tell me about it. All she ever does is boss everyone around, make fun of everyone, beat and threaten them, and suck up to the queen." She stamped her talons in the ground angrily. "She's practically her pet and she takes advantage of that just to bully other dragons!" Peril turned to Glow. "She's the worst out of all of them." She said definitively.

       Cinnabar crawled in and while almost all of the dragons didn't take her seriously, Ore, Flashover, Combustion, and Charcoal did. Rojo and Rouge looked very uncomfortable. "Has anyone seen them? One of them is coppery gold and has blue eyes, you can't miss her. She's Her Majesty's arena champion." Peril shrunk back and rolled her eyes. "And the other is a red SkyWing dragonet. She was participating in the Gypsy Festival or whatever earlier this morning." Glow started burning with fury. How dare she?

       Although Glow wanted to lash out at the cruel captain in front of her, she didn't have to – the other patrons were already calling her out. One-Eye in particular was starting to get angry, even in his drunken state. "No, we haven't seen anyone like that here." He said simply. Glow silently thanked him, though Peril still looked incredibly uncomfortable. "And even if we did, we wouldn't tell you." He added defiantly.

       "Quiet, you drunken fool!" Her eyes were like daggers staring right at Glow's four companions. "I wasn't talking to you." She whispered threateningly.

       Flashover looked absolutely terrified while Ore was shielding him. Combustion was keeping Charcoal concealed behind the other SkyWings. Cinnabar instantly pinned Flashover by the neck while he wheezed for help. Ore roared trying to pry Cinnabar off, but Cinnabar threw her across the tavern, crashing into a table. One-Eye immediately got up and revealed his true size. He was a third bigger than her, and he pried her off easily and pinned her to a table.

       "Don't forget, captain– I'm the General of Queen Scarlet's Army. I have the power to deport you if you step out of line." He threatened her. "So don't think you're special just because the queen treats you like you are." He said. He released her and she got up, still glaring at her. She begrudgingly raised her talons to her forehead and saluted him.

       "Yes, sir." She muttered angrily.

       "What was that? I didn't quite hear you." One-Eye said, trying to get her to earn his acknowledgement.

      Cinnabar said it again, more angrily, but clearly audible. "Yes, general, sir!" He dipped his head dismissing her. Rojo walked up to her and addressed her unappreciatively.

       "I think you should go. You are violating this establishment, and our security can easily and happily escort you out." He said. Brick and another large and gruff SkyWing walked in, glaring at Cinnabar. She dipped her head towards him and walked off. Just before leaving she turned to Rouge and huffed at her.

       "Her Majesty doesn't care for that song." She angrily snarled.

       One-Eye rebuffed at her. "Well, too bad."

       She stormed out and Glow and Peril came out of their hiding place. Rouge went back to playing her music and everyone else went back to what they were just doing. Peril and Glow walked towards Flashover and Ore. One-Eye was already consoling them. "Are you alright?" Peril asked.

       Glow was holding Flashover up while Ore supported him from the left side. "U-um, yeah. I'm fine." He stuttered. He looked towards One-Eye gratefully. "Thanks, One-Eye. I owe you." He said, sheepishly.

        One-Eye shrugged and patted him on the back. "Ah, It's alright. I was just doing my job." His facial expression was stern. "If Queen Scarlet didn't insist on Cinnabar staying in the army, I'd have deported her by now." He said, his speech only slightly slurred. "Come to think of it, if my son hadn't insisted on staying with her, I'd have killed her by now. I'm certain that she's responsible for his disappearance." He grumbled angrily.

       Glow turned her head towards him interested. "You're Condor and Charcoal's father?" He turned to Glow and laughed.

       "Well, yes. They're my pride and joy. As well as their friends, and Combustion is already like a son to me." Glow smiled at him but concern reflected in his only eye. "I'd go back to where you're staying if I were you. If Cinnabar is angry with your disappearance, I don't think she'll have good things to say about you to Queen Scarlet." Peril started to panic.

       "Oh no! What am I going to tell her? She'll be so angry with me tomorrow morning!" She shouted. One-Eye waved his talon to calm her down.

       "Don't worry about that– I'll take care of it. I'll provide you both with an alibi to use in case the queen asks." He said. Peril dipped her head towards him in thanks. "Now, you'd better go. Before she gets more suspicious." He suggested.

       "We'll both escort you back to the palace. Safety in numbers and all." Ore offered.

       Glow dipped her head to Ore graciously. "Thank you so much. We appreciate it." One-Eye waved them off and Rojo patted her on the back. Brick dipped his head towards the four of them as they departed.

       They flew by the arena, taking note of the prisoners at the top of the towers in the arena. Peril hung back and Glow went back to get her. Glow saw where her gaze was and she suddenly remembered why she was here. "What's that MudWing doing here? I thought the MudWings were on our side of the war." Peril said. A reasonable question Glow thought.

       She contemplated how she should respond. How much should I tell her? Should I tell her who he is? Or should I act ignorant. Glow remembered the song that Peril listened to at the tavern. She remembered the hope in Peril's eyes and decided that Peril should at least know what he is. She wasn't dangerous to them. "I heard he's the MudWing in the Dragonet Prophecy. Apparently the queen captured them all and brought them here." Glow wondered if her decision was just, but strangely, even though Peril has made her suspicious and uncomfortable, she trusted her somehow.

       Peril looked dumbfounded. "Really? Wow." She said dully. "Maybe I'll talk to him before the match tomorrow. You want to come with me?" Peril asked.

       Glow looked confused and concerned. "Wouldn't that get you in trouble?" She asked.

       Peril laughed. "Hah, don't worry. Her Majesty lets me hang around the arena before matches, so I won't get in trouble." She let out a huge yawn, steam streaming out of her mouth.

       Glow shrugged. "Thanks, but no thanks. I'd rather stay on Scarlet's good side and not get in any more trouble than I probably already am." She responded. Ore hurried them impatiently.

       "Come on, we only have so long to avoid punishment."  Ore said irritably. They moved on and flew towards the palace, trying to keep the thought of a punishment from Cinnabar, or possibly worse, Queen Scarlet, out of their heads until they got back.

       It didn't take long before they returned to the castle. Ore and Flashover said their goodbyes and Peril and Glow silently walked back up the stairs of the palace towards their dorms. Glow and Peril stopped before going to bed. "Um, Glow?" Peril whispered. Glow turned to her and saw the loneliness finally showing in Peril's blue eyes.

       "Yes? What is it?" Glow asked.

       Peril circled her talons nervously. "I just wanted to say that..." She paused. She smiled at Glow graciously. "This is the most fun I've had in a long time, even though we almost got busted." She admitted.

       Glow smiled at her. "I had fun, too. And I made a new friend." Peril turned her face away embarrassed. "I hope I can see you tomorrow, Peril." She said hopefully.

       Peril's expression lit up. "Yeah, you will! I'll be fighting in the arena. You'll watch, right?" Peril said excitedly. Glow wanted to say no. She really didn't want to see dragons being killed for sport, but Peril was her friend now. Besides, she had a feeling Queen Scarlet wouldn't let her miss it.

       "Of course." She said. She dipped her head and wished her goodnight as Peril walked further down the hall towards what Glow assumed to be her dorm. Glow slunk back into her own room and curled up next to her pack. Her eyes felt heavy, the intoxication finally getting to her until she allowed drowsiness to take hold. She suddenly wasn't looking forward to tomorrow, and especially not looking forward to watching whoever was next die at Peril's talons.