Once the dragons were done catching up they swam towards me so I reopened the communication with them.

"Thank you for keeping your word and bringing my family back together. I owe you a great deal for this, but I don't really have much to offer. So instead allow me to give you my name, so if you ever need my assistance please let me repay the favor. My name is Xilyn," he said and I nodded. His parents also came over to talk to me as well.

"We're sorry we doubted you, even for a minute. We honestly didn't recognize what you were. Not until we saw The Midnight Dragon. I'm glad we gave you a chance, because now our family has been reunited," The female dragon said.

"It's quite alright. If I had to constantly be in fear of someone trying to kill me, I honestly would be just as skeptical so don't worry about it. I understand, you were only trying to protect your family. I have been wondering though, how is it these dragons came into your care?" I asked finally seeing an opportunity to question them about it.

"Well, the first one was right after we got separated from our son. We found an egg floating through the river. Eventually it hatched and we raised it, hoping the parents would come looking, they never did. Over time we had a few more lost children and word even got out about us so dragons on the run would ask us to watch after their kids. They didn't want anything bad to happen to their kids. Since we were in a secluded part of the forest it was pretty much the safest place they could leave them. We've been fostering many young dragons over the years," the dad said. I suppose that made sense.

"I see. Well it sounds like you've had your work cut out for you over the years. I'm sure it wasn't easy with them all being different elements and of different backgrounds. I'm sure you're grandkids will be thrilled to have more kids to play with, I hope you all have a safe journey. I'm sure someday we'll meet again," I said. I'm sure they want to get going soon and don't want me asking a ton of questions. They have a family to meet.

"Yes, we'd better be heading off. Thank you again, Prince, for all of your help. You have our son's name so if you ever need us, please do call on us," the father said. I nodded again and they finally all headed off to their new home.

And just like that it was quiet in my head again and I sighed. Lana came over to me and took my hand gently.

"Everything okay? You feeling a little lonely now that they're gone?" She asked as if reading my mind.

"Not lonely perse, but it's definitely much quieter now that they're gone," I replied and we walked back to the others. "So how long do you think it'll take for the supply chain to recover? When do you think we'll be heading out?" I asked Mitch.

"Probably a few days, a week at most, but I doubt it'll take that long," Mitch replied and The Chief nodded in agreement. So we'll still be stranded here for at least a few more days? Great.

"I know, why don't you head to the Hot Springs? You haven't been able to enjoy them since landing here. I'm sure you'd feel better after a warm, relaxing, soak," Mitch added. I suppose he had a point, I really could use some time to relax. Though, I somehow doubt the others will actually let me relax.

After heading to the ship to grab some things I headed towards the building surrounding the hot springs. The Chief stopped me about halfway to the building.

"Ah, taking Mitch up on enjoying the hot springs I see. You mind if we talk privately for a moment before you go?" he asked. I agreed and he led me to the restaurant across the street so we could sit.

"So what is it you wanted to speak to me about?" I asked.

"I do have many questions for you, but I'm sure most of them would be answered if you could just tell me your story," He said. I told him it'd be a long story and he insisted it'd be fine so I spent the next hour telling him my life story. "I see so you're figuring everything out as you go. It's impressive you haven't given up, honestly. With a gift like yours Dragonieering would be difficult for anyone, yet you're making the best of your situation," he said once I was done talking.

"It's not like my gift would be useful for anything else. Besides, the thing I like about this crew is that they ask questions and find answers before jumping straight in on an assumption. It's not always easy that's definitely true, but I honestly would be lost without them," I said.

"They are a good group and well respected among many people. Just make sure you don't do anything reckless and ruin their reputation," he said. His face was serious so I know he meant it.

"I wouldn't do that, not on purpose anyway. Though I can promise you I'll be careful," I said.

"That's good enough for bow I suppose. I've kept you a while, the hot springs will be closing soon. Though if you still want to go there is a spring in the forest that's safe to use. It's straight throught from the place we started our conversation. Not many people know about it so you shouldn't be bothered there," he said.

"I will keep that in mind. Thank you, for the chat and the advice," I said honestly. He nodded and motioned that it was okay for me to take my leave. I paused where he had first approached me and debated if I'd just try tomorrow or if I should follow his directions.