Ryella soared through the air, maneuvering around the orbs of water in her path. Like giant bubbles drifting through the air, the pools of water moved steadily from side to side or up and down. Ryella's smaller, speedier form allowed her to quite easily dodge the obstacles. Reynard watched on with approval from his perch upon a massive tree. His magic allowed him to control water, which made teaching his sister flight maneuvers much simpler, especially in her early years when she was just learning how to fly.

With a flare of his wings, Reynard's liquid obstacles morphed into griffin shapes. They then began to pursue Ryella in an attempt to knock her out of the sky. One of them darted at her from the side. The white beast saw it coming though, and tilted to the side to swipe her claws at it, making it disperse into tiny droplets of water that fell to the land below. Another water griffin followed closely on her tail. She flew straight toward a tree before pulling up at the last second, causing her pursuer to crash into the trunk while she flew safely back into the sky.

Reynard suddenly let out a roar, earning her attention. He flapped his wings and left his perch, flying up toward Ryella. She was quick to duck under him as he sailed over, diving straight down into a small lake. The white beast stopped and hovered midair, waiting for something to happen. Water from several of the nearby waterfalls suddenly shot out like serpents ready to bite the lone dragon. Ryella was caught off guard and sloppily dodged or knocked them away. But while she was distracted, her brother shot up from the lake below and lightly headbutted her in the stomach.

The training was over. Ryella had allowed herself to get hit. The white beast huffed and whined, upset by her brother's cheap trick. But Reynard hovered in front of her, a deep, rumbling noise erupting from his throat, showing that he was laughing at her. Even though she had failed miserably at training in human form, in dragon form, she always did fairly well against her brother. They both suddenly fell silent, their heads turning toward the manor. Luna was summoning them, they could feel it.

The two flew back toward the manor. They saw Lunafreya down below in front of Fenestala with her Messengers at her sides. Ryella and Reynard carefully landed before them. Luna smiled at the dragons.

"Forgive my interruption, were you two preoccupied?" she inquired, being polite and considerate of them. They both swiftly shook their heads. "Then I require your aid. People in need of healing are arriving by train. I must go to the station. Can I ask you to take me there?"

They both nodded without hesitation. Gentiana stood by, leaning down to give Umbra and Pryna a gentle pat on the head. "We shall await the lady's return. Her safety is entrusted to the Guardians."

Luna gave a firm nod and a light smile of gratitude to the Messengers. Reynard crouched, allowing the Oracle to grab onto the short, blue bits of fur on his shoulder and climb up onto his back. She tucked her legs in to the side, gripping the soft fur under her to hold on. Reynard rose to his feet. The two Guardians both turned away from the manor and took off into the sky. They headed straight for the train station.

Luna's blond hair blew in the breeze and she took the opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery from the air. The numerous mountains all around Tenebrae were covered in lush forests that grew alongside the castle-like buildings. Rivers ended in waterfalls that fell from the mountains and to the lands far below. Lunafreya found her home to be quite the beautiful place, if only Niflheim wasn't in control of it.

It was quite a shock that they even allowed the Guardians to still remain with the Oracle, especially after the incident 12 years ago. Luna had feared many times that Ryella and Reynard would be taken away from her. Fortunately, the empire didn't seem too keen on angering the masses by tampering with the Oracle's lifestyle too much. Luna only assumed that was the reason her Guardians were able to stay with her.

It was a short flight to the station where the trio spotted a tent already set up for the Oracle to perform her healing. The people were always so eager to do something to help Lunafreya, especially after all she did for them. Reynard and Ryella descended and carefully landed away from most of the people that had gathered. Everyone was in awe at seeing the magnificent beasts, who were revered among citizens of Tenebrae.

Reynard lowered to the ground, giving Luna a way to easily climb down. "I am here to lend my power to those in need," she announced. "I will do all I can to ease the suffering of those infected by darkness' blight."

~~~~~

Clement bounded through the train cars, climbing out as swiftly as possible. He froze as soon as he stepped outside, scanning the surroundings. The train ride felt like it had lasted a week to him when it was actually only about a full day's trip. The view of Fenestala Manor from the station was breathtaking. He approached the railing, getting a better look. That's when he caught sight of two massive beasts off to the right in an open area full of people.

He gasped, a giddy grin spreading across his lips. The white dragon he'd first become enchanted with was there. Filled with excitement and eager for an up close encounter, Clement sprinted over, down the steps, and across the small bridge to the grassy area. The hunter only gave the Oracle and the other dragon a quick glance, his focus was mostly on the alluring white creature sitting on one side of the tent. He slowly walked closer and closer.

Both Guardians kept a close eye on every person in the area, making sure no one posed a threat to Lunafreya. Ryella suddenly noticed the young man approaching. She spied the weapons he had and began snarling threateningly at him, causing him to freeze. Reynard turned his gaze to the hunter, growling as well. People began staring at the young man while Luna found the threats from her Guardians highly unnecessary.

"Ryella, Reynard, that's enough!" she shouted, just enough to get their attention. Both beasts quieted at her command. Luna set her gaze on the receiver of the dragons' warnings and approached him. His focus finally shifted to her. "My sincerest apologies for their behavior. As my Guardians, it's their duty to be ever vigilant and wary."

"Oh, uh, no problem." Clement nearly forgot who he was speaking to and hurried to correct himself. "I mean, it's alright, Lady Lunafreya." He sloppily bowed.

Luna smiled kindly. "Are you in need of healing?"

"Oh, no, I'm just here to see the sights."

"Are you a warrior of some kind?" Luna asked out of curiosity, noticing his weapons.

"Actually, I'm a hunter from Lucis," he explained. "I guess you could say I'm on a bit of a vacation at the moment." He glanced over at Ryella again. "Would it be okay if I hang around a bit?"

"Of course," she answered. She watched the way his eyes moved between her and the white dragon behind her. "I see Ryella has captured your attention."

Clement smiled, chuckling nervously. "Yeah, I saw her fly over yesterday. I've wanted to meet her ever since."

"You're welcome to speak to her if you like. She's very sweet once you get to know her."

"Uh, will she...understand me?" the boy inquired.

Luna giggled a bit. "Yes, while she appears as a beast now, she's actually a person too. She and her brother both are. Neither of them can speak to us like this, but they'll understand. I must return to my duty, but feel free to come and go as you please."

Clement grinned and bowed. "Thank you very much, Lady Lunafreya."

The hunter made his way over toward Ryella. She paid him little attention as he carefully moved closer to stand by her. He wanted so much to just reach out and stroke her fur, but he refrained, noting the possibility of her snapping at him. Clement did realize the dragon stationed across from them was sending him glares and occasionally showing his fangs in a silent growl. But when the boy looked up at the white beast again, he found her vibrant green eyes locked onto him.

"Um, hi," he greeted cheerfully. "Your name's Ryella, right? I'm Clement." The dragon boredly turned her gaze back to the crowds of people. Despite her lack of enthusiasm, the boy continued talking to her. "So, do you live at Fenestala Manor?" She gave a single nod in response, glancing at him briefly. "That's cool, that place is really pretty. I bet it's like living in a dream. People back in Lucis can only imagine what life is like in a palace like that."

Overhearing the conversation, Luna could tell just how enamored the young hunter seemed to be of her Guardian. One of the things the young Oracle always prayed for the two siblings was for them to find happiness. She knew Ryella was a sweet but timid girl, and hoped making a new friend like Clement would help her open up more. She took a moment to rest between her healing and went over to the pair.

"Ryella, if you'd like, you're welcome to take Clement to the manor," she said. "I think a tour of Fenestala would be a lovely way to make certain he enjoys his visit."

Clement grinned, already exhilarated about the opportunity it would give him. He wanted to see more of Tenebrae, and maybe even Ryella's human form. The white dragon's eyes widened a bit and she grumbled in protest, prefering to stay put. But Luna only smiled.

"It's alright, Ryella. I'm relieving you of Guardian duty for the time being. Reynard can remain with me, he'll be more than enough protection. Go on, show the young hunter the sights."

Ryella groaned and sat up on her back legs. She reached down, scooping the boy up in her clawed hand. Before Clement could react, the dragon had already flown up into the air. Unafraid, the hunter looked around in awe, never being so high up before. Ryella's grip around him was firm, but it wasn't enough to hurt. She flew him through the air, swiftly making it back to the manor. She went straight to her balcony, perching on the ledge and placing the boy on his feet.

Ryella was quick to squeeze inside, leaving Clement standing on the balcony in confusion. "Is this your room? Can I come inside?"

Ryella immediately gave a small roar at him to keep him from entering. He stared at her, and she stared back. The beast finally shielded her face with her wings, peeking between the appendages. After a moment of watching her, completely perplexed, he finally guessed what she was trying to tell him.

"Oh! Do you want me to cover my eyes?" She nodded. "How about I just stay out here and face the other way? I won't turn around until you give me a sign to, okay?"

She nodded again. Clement turned the other way and leaned forward against the railing, taking in the view. He noticed a faint light coming from behind him, but he didn't budge. He kept his word, not turning around at all even though he was curious to know what was going on. Several minutes of silence passed when there was a sudden tap on his shoulder.

Clement straightened up and turned around, being met by a girl. She was shorter than him, had long, warm brown hair, and freckles across her nose and cheeks. She was dressed in an elegant white and blue dress. The only thing he recognized was her eyes. They were bright green---the exact same as the white dragon. Clement stared at her, looking over her appearance.

"Ryella?" he questioned. "Is that you?" She shyly rubbed her arm, humming in response and giving a quick nod. The boy smiled. "Wow, you're really beautiful."

The girl's eyes grew wide and her cheeks lit up. She glanced up at him before turning her gaze back to the floor. She smiled meekly and muttered, "Th-thank you.... Um, I-I'll show you around.... Follow me...please."

She gave him a simple tour of the manor, only speaking when necessary. She showed him the major areas of the building and finished up by taking him outside to the front entrance of the manor. They immediately saw Reynard flying their way with Luna on his back. The dragon landed, allowing Luna to slide down off his back. The Oracle smiled kindly.

"Clement, I hope you're enjoying your tour."

"Oh, absolutely," he replied, grinning happily. "Everything about this place is like a fairytale. It's spectacular. But I'm afraid I should go, gotta find lodgings and get a bite to eat."

"I'm certain one of the nearby villages will be happy to accommodate you," Luna told him.

Clement then looked to Ryella. "So, uh, would it be okay if I came back to visit? I'd really like to see you again."

Ryella stared at him, astonished by his words. Luna was the one to reply, "You're welcome here anytime."

The boy flashed her a thankful smile and bowed. "Thank you very much, Lady Lunafreya." He then turned his attention back to the brunette. "I'll come back real soon, Ryella. We can talk for hours, I can't wait!"

He turned on his heel and sprinted away. Reynard watched him with a slight glare while Luna gave a small laugh. "Looks like you've got an admirer, Ryella. He seems to really like you."

A small but joyful smile graced the girl's lips. "Y-yeah, seems so."

Ryella had never spent much time around boys. Growing up, she was only ever around her family, Luna's family, and the servants. With her job as the Oracle's Guardian, plus her shyness toward people she didn't know well, she never thought much about the concept of dating. Not to mention her brother had become overly protective ever since their father's death. The girl was inwardly excited to have someone with such a fun, friendly personality to spend time with. Maybe something good would come out of having Clement around.

(By the way, here's an image of how Clement looks)