Spring, 1423

That night, for the first time in decades, Kharriana returned to Meratezatgh.

The green dragon gracefully landed on the smoothed granite outcropping and walked up to their home, proud and self-assured as she always was, with that warm smile that the bronze dragon missed so dearly.

The moonlight cast a glow upon the arriving figure, and also through her.

He knew she was coming. Watching from the entrance of his cave, Mera smiled back.

The bronze dragon knew he was dreaming, but he did not want it to end.

*Kharriana.*

The green dragon went right up to Mera before stopping and sitting on her haunches. *My love…*

*My mate. It’s been a while.*

Kharriana leaned over and gently cupped the bronze dragon’s snout, guiding him to look at her directly. *Let me see your face again, Meratezatgh.*

For a minute the green dragon studied her mate, now old and worn and scarred, with eyes betraying a deep sadness. Her smile never left her muzzle.

*Your beautiful bright eyes, I always loved their eagerness. Your lovely dragon eyes. I’ve missed them. Please never lose it.*

Overcome, Mera leaned over and embraced his deceased mate.

*Oh Kharriana, I missed your warmth.*

For what seemed like hours, Mera clung to Kharriana, who tenderly hugged him back. There was none of that heat, that fire that the bronze dragon had once gotten comfort in. It was but a shadow of the warmth he once loved.

But it was enough.

Mera hoped that this moment could last forever.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Kharriana gently broke her grip and stepped back, nodding.

*You have changed, Mera, but there is still all of what I loved in you in there.*

The green dragon bent over and tenderly brushed a tear from her mate’s eye.

*I remember a young dragon, trying to find his place in the world, yet striving to make things better. He’s still in you somewhere, though so much baggage has accumulated over the years.*

Mera’s head drooped, but he never broke eye contact.

*It has been difficult without you, Kharriana.* He confessed. *I have gained many scars in your absence. But I did my best to make sure to raise our children without sadness and shadows in your honor.*

Kharriana’s lip twitched and she nodded.

*You were always an honorable and sweet mate, Mera. Thank you. It’s all I could ever ask for. How are Rargesteyae and Asaewath?*

*They are both doing well. A few years back Rargesteyae found a bold young blue wyrm named Werasmfe, and their children Qewewgec and Khariafacs are about a year old now. Fhewetgh and Pvegsdras are also strapping little whelps, and Asaewath and Jagewaoyia will soon be teaching them to fly.*

Tears started rolling down Kharriana’s eyes as well, but still she was beaming. *That’s good, that’s good. I’m so proud of them all. They are all I could hope for from them. Tell them that.*

*I will. I am proud of them as well.*

*They can do well without us now.*

*They can. I am glad.*

The two were silent for a long time. Then Kharriana leaned over again and nuzzled Mera- who returned the gesture- before resting her head on his shoulder.

*Why did we meet tonight? It has been ages since you accessed the realm of the dead.*

At that Mera sighed. *There is a human. A granddaughter of my old Forester friend from Stanton. She came to me looking for help. I turned her down, but it’s been on my mind.*

*You could try helping her if you wish.*

At that, Mera was taken aback. He stopped and looked at her dead mate in shock.

*You were always suspicious of the humans I was friends with. You were right, and I lost you because of that. Why would you have me trust them again?*

Kharriana laughed. *Because you were also right, silly.*

She patted Mera’s head.

*Your human friends stuck with you even after my death, even after you burned down their homes and abandoned them. They didn’t need to, but they went to help defeat the cultists and avenge me. There are good ones. You knew your friends the best. And if some of them could defend your friendship, then perhaps there’s hope for those squishy pink things yet.*

*I don’t know if I could even stand being around them anymore.*

Kharriana looked deep into Mera’s eyes, the way she once did when she wanted him to be absolutely sure that she was serious. *I know you want to help, so do it. I am dead, and humans can’t harm me or our children anymore. Follow what your heart says, not your cholecyst.*

The bronze dragon’s jaw dropped.

Kharriana stroked his muzzle in appreciation. *You were always kind and caring. I’ve missed that.*

*That part of me died the night you did.*

The green dragon shook her head sadly. *Please don’t let it. That was the part I loved the most of you.*

*It couldn’t save you.*

For the first time during this visit, Kharriana’s peaceful demeanor changed. That familiar flash of mettle and spirit came, and the green dragon leaned back, shaking her head in indignation and perhaps disappointment.

*Lord Feral, I died to save our children- I did not die so you could follow me to the other side. You can join me in the not too distant future, and we can be one again.* Then she turned and again those blazing eyes stared deep into Mera’s soul. *But if you love me, promise me this: you will not die before your time. Got it?*

Mera nodded. Then he slowly broke into a laugh.

*Yes, my love. I promise you. You were never one put up with any of my foolishness.*

As quick as a gust of smoke, the anger passed, and Kharriana returned the humor, leaning over to gently stroke the side of Mera’s cheek.

*My kind, gentle, caring, but proud mate. Lord Feral. You always liked playing the fool. And I always loved you for it.*

Kharriana embraced him again. Mera immediately embraced her back, holding on with all the desperation of a drowning man clinging to flotsam. Tears dripped down his face. The bronze dragon knew he would eventually have to let go, but he could not make himself do so.

*I miss you so much, Kharriana.*

*I miss you too, Meratezatgh. We will meet again soon enough, in another, better world.*

*I can’t wait. But I will, in your honor.*

*I’m glad of it.*

---

Bruce Springsteen - Paradise

One of the most important scenes from the final part of Mera's story.

From  TheDinosaurMann! Thanks!

Original: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/54074389/