Camilla awoke lying in the same bed as Aurora, despite having gone to sleep in separate ones. Well at least she isn't wrapped around me this time. Her thoughts drifted back to the night before, of how she had dropped her knees and said all those things. Oh god. She buried her face in her hands, her cheeks flushed red. That was so embarrassing!
She glanced at Aurora's peaceful expression, her lips moving as if speaking while asleep. Camilla's lips formed a thin line as she sat there just watching her friend. Wait friend? Are we still just friends anymore? I mean… we've even kissed each other. Doesn't that mean we've gone beyond that?
She ran her finger over her lower lip, remembering the sensational feeling of their lips against each other. She remembered the dark look in Aurora's eyes when she had teased her, albeit unintentionally, as if she had a possessiveness towards Camilla.
Rather than scaring her, it brought joy to Camilla, knowing that she cared was enough.
She reached her hand to brush her hair out of Aurora's eyes when she froze, staring at her own arm. Her once normal arm was now covered in patches of sapphire scales reminiscent of Tart's own.
So, you're finally awake. Tart's voice echoed within.
What the hell did you do? Camilla practically screamed. Why do I have scales now!? What is Aurora going to think when she sees me like this!?
Tart remained silent for a moment. I told you before that I would awaken your bloodline. I did exactly that. However your bloodline needs to be strengthened before you can control your appearance. That is what I attempted to do by giving you my blood before it was interrupted.
Camilla pondered her words, unsure of if it was actually true. While it was true the change wasn't anything bad it still felt weird to her. Can we do it now?
It's possible since your mind should have recovered overnight.
Then let's do it. Camilla slowly exited the bed and made her way to the sitting room. She moved the table out of her way and sat cross-legged in the center. She began to meditate and was soon pulled into her mindscape again.
~~~~~~~~~
Aurora awoke with a yawn to an empty bed again. I hope this is not a view of our future. She giggled inwardly, her gaze turning dark. Otherwise I might have to tie her down occasionally. She slowly slipped out of the covers, walking over to the wardrobe. She pulled out her adventuring outfit and began to change out of her nightgown.
Once she had put everything aside from her armor on she turned to look at Camilla, still meditating, and walked over. She decided to sit and wait for her to finish before they could go get breakfast.
Meanwhile in Camilla's mind a transfer was in progress. Tart was holding their wrists together with chains of magic while chanting a spell. As it went on Camilla began to feel her blood boil as if being set on fire, causing her to drop to her knees sweating profusely. After several minutes the pain began to become unbearable which made her scream in anguish.
"IT HURTS! PLEASE STOP! IT HURTS TART! IT BURNS!" tears were streaming down her face yet Tart continued. Her grim expression showing how she wished she could.
"Hang in there a bit longer. It's nearly complete." Camilla could only grit her teeth as her agony continued. Five minutes later Tart stopped chanting and released her wrist, which made Camilla flop to the floor, breathing heavily. She placed her hand against her head that was throbbing in pain.
"Huh?" She felt her hand brush against something hard coming out of her head. What the hell? She ran over to the edge of the lake, looking down at her own reflection, not recognizing herself.
Small dark blue horns rose out from her hair before slightly curving back. Her eyes had changed, her pupils now draconic in nature. The sides of her neck were covered in glistening sapphire scales that continued from her shoulders down to her arms. Her nails had grown sharp and pointed like claws.
She suddenly noticed the extra weight on her back and saw wings behind her in her reflection. She looked behind her and saw she also now possessed a short tail that barely reached the ground. After taking in her changes she stormed towards Tart, grabbing her by the shoulder straps of her tunic.
"WHAT THE HELL AM I NOW?" She let out an angry huff, steam leaving her mouth.
Tart grabbed her wrists gently, prying them away. "I awakened your draconic bloodline as I stated I would." Her grin widened as she looked Camilla over. "It was far more effective than I imagined it would be."
"Please tell me I'm not stuck like this…" The color drained from her face at the thought of Aurora seeing her like this.
Tart placed her finger against Camilla's forehead. "Relax, I'll give you the knowledge of how to control it." With this her finger began to glow as knowledge streamed into Camilla's mind. Once the info stopped Camilla instantly used the method, her body reverting back to its normal state.
She glanced back at her expression and let out a sigh of relief. Wait, Tart said i had a draconic bloodline… does that mean my parents have also been keeping secrets like Aurora's. Do they even know we possess it? I guess I should return home soon and confront them.
Tart let out a yawn as she leaned against a boulder. "Are you done fawning over yourself? I still have a task to assign you."
"Tch. Fine, what is it you want me to do? My agreement depends on the task." Her arms crossed, her suspicion evident that she was expecting something horrific.
"You humans are too wary of my kind. I was once a grand protector of life, not a mindless beast that slaughtered for sport." She scoffed. "Anyway, thou my Apostle, must unite the scattered tribes of dragon kin still in hiding. That is all for now. Once all seven have been gathered I shall give you further directions."
"HUH? You want me to perform an impossible task?! All the dragon tribes were wiped out centuries ago!" Camilla threw up her arms in irritation. I can't believe this. Find an extinct species? Who does Tart think I am?
"Nay, they still exist. I can feel some of them out there somewhere on this continent. You must find them before it's too late. Now go. Your companion awaits you." Tart gave Camilla a push that made her fall into the water and out of her mind, awakening in her body again.
"Finally back huh? Have a nice dream?" Aurora's silky voice entered Camilla's ears making her crack a small smile.
"That I did Aurora." She stood up from the floor, walking towards the wardrobe herself. "Let me change and then we can go get breakfast ok?"
"Alright hun. Sounds good." Aurora watched Camilla as she slowly changed her clothes. Her eyes focused on her back as she removed her gown. Seeing the dragon now completely blue only increased her worries.
"Camilla."
"Yes?"
"Did something happen to you? The tattoo has been changing ever since you got it. It makes me worried about you…" Her fist clenched as she spoke.
Camilla only responded with a look of admiration. I wish I could tell you everything but not even I understand it. "It's nothing, honestly." She said this but could tell Aurora didn't believe that from the way she looked at her.
"Alright, if you say so I will choose to believe in you. Hurry and finish so we can go eat. I'm starving."
"Ok ok." Camilla hurried putting on her clothes and freshened up quickly in the washroom. She stepped back out and saw Aurora next to the door ready to leave.
"Ready now?"
"Yes, let's go. I'll follow you." Aurora opened the door and the two headed down for a quick meal. Once they ate their fill they went back to the room, equipping their armor before heading to the guild.
"Are we doing another quest today?" Camilla asked.
"We need to meet Lord Blackwood first, but after that sure." Aurora walked down the road, hands behind her back. The duo continued walking down the street, Aurora occasionally glancing around for signs of the cult. However she spotted nothing, determining they were either hiding far better than before or simply stopped following them.
Deciding to ignore it for now she focused on enjoying her walk with Camilla, lowering her hand and using it to grab Camilla's, interlocking fingers. Camilla's hand flinched and tried to pull away but Aurora just tightened her grip. Camilla gave up and cracked a smile as her feelings relaxed. They continued walking until the reached their destination, making their way inside.