Arlo and Landon had been friends for centuries, Arlo was one of the first dragons Landon made a connection with during his times traveling the medieval era. Landon was also the one who taught Arlo how to control his aura and magics so he could learn to take human form. 

“It is good to see you awake my old friend.” Landon couldn’t help smiling at his dear friend.

“Old my ass Arlo, you're not much younger than I.” He heard the deep chuckle of Arlo’s laugh.

“Aye, but I do not need centuries of sleep to recuperate during my growths.”

“You also do not gain the amount of power that I do during these growths.” Both men smiled from the witty banter.

Landon was about to say more but the smell of jasmine filled the air around him. Looking up into Lana’s cerulean eyes he grinned at her. He watched the fake smile leave her gaze as she recognized him.

“Oh, um, sorry may I take your drink order?” Arlo watched the two before him, Landon had his grin still in place but the sparkle in his eye was new, to a human female no less. Maybe he was more like his grandfather then he made out to be. The woman on the other hand showed surprise. He wondered how they knew each other since Landon has only been awake for hours.

“I will have a shot of whiskey and water please. Arlo?” Landon faced Arlo’s direction waiting for him to order.

“Get me your best ale.” Lana nodded to both men before walking off to get their drinks. Arlo snickered when he caught Landon watching the woman's hips.

Landon turned his gaze back to his laughing friend, giving him a glare and a flare of his new stronger aura. He watched the grin turn into a fullbourne smile, before a deep chuckle was heard.

“Oh sweet prince, do not get your panties in a knot over being caught looking at a woman.” Landon scoffed at the man before both began to chuckle a bit. Shortly after Lana returned with their drinks, she placed them upon coasters to not ruin the wood table.  

“Are you two ready to order?” Both nodded their heads.

“What Can I get for you?” Landon spoke first, drawing her gaze to his.

“I will have the filet and lobster, and soup not salad. Surprise with which one.” He gave her a flirtatious smile and enjoyed the spice of arousal that began to tint her scent. He watched as her cheeks stained a bit with pink before her gaze shifted to Arlo. 

“I'll take a King cut of your Prime Rib, mashed potatoes and soup, you can surprise me as well dear.” Arlo also enjoyed how her scent spiked with the natural spice of her arousal. Landon let out a subliminal growl only Arlo could pick up. After Lana left Landon all but stabbed Arlo’s hand with his steak knife.

“Bit protective are we?” Landon glared at his friend across him. 

“Until I know your intentions on the upcoming war, yes.”

“Ah, all business, you are becoming much like your father.” Landon scoffed at the comment.

“I will never be my father, it is not my place, I have been brought up to ensure the realms do not clash and start wars. I will be straight with you Arlo, where does your allegiance lie?” His gaze hardened, Arlo’s as well.

“Straight to the point, obviously you have heard about my kin lurking the wood of this realm. I for one couldn't care less about the humans. I will however inform you, our lands have been filled by drought. Many have died from lack of food and water. Sources that have not dried are being rationed.” Arlo’s voice was tinged with anger, Landon could feel the heart ache in Arlo’s aura, bringing on a wave of emotion.

“What of your elemental demons and spirits?” Arlo shook his head.

“Our water spirits and elemental’s have been killed off by the turning fae. Though the trickster bastards have our King convinced it's the human races doing.” Landon watched Arlo shake his head in his hands, the dragon distressed.

“How was it you were able to meet so soon? It takes days to conjure enough magic to open a portal on whim, only royal bloods can make portals to the realms so easily.” Landons gaze scrutinized over his friend. He was looking for any signs of lying. 

“I come to this realm to gather as much water as I can before my magic portal closes. I gather water for a small rebellion within the dragon realm, their allegiance still lies to you. I make it so we need not depend on our king.” Landon could tell Arlo was genuine, which meant the problems within the dragon realm were larger than anticipated. Had someone awoken him earlier he could have been able to bring  the elementals from the eleven realm to cross over temporarily, helping the forest regain its former glory.

“I promise to help your realm Arlo, friend. Please allow me to venture to your realm to bring the rebellion to my mansion.” Both men nodded their thanks to each other, both happy to know they still had a friend to count on.

With Lana’s scent coming closer both men turned their gaze to their food that was now arriving. With the hard conversations done both began eating. Lana did as she was told, Landon got french onion soup, while Arlo got a potato chowder. Her cheeks stained pink as both men thanked her in kind. Both smiling at each other at her reactions to them.

“So how do you know the woman?” Arlo spoke in between bites of his steak.

“She was the first house I stumbled upon when I first awoke, she let me borrow male clothing she had and make use of her shower. “ Arlo gave him a look, clearly he was expecting more.

“Sorry to disappoint, she gave me some tea before I took off, the woman is more perceptive than we think.” Landon took a deep sigh before continuing.

“Though I do not sense any magic from her I can not help but wonder, with her being so perceptive she would make an incredible changeling.” Arlo’s eyes hardened.

“Landon you speak of a dangerous thing, your father did such a thing and now look where that has gotten him. No offence.” Landon eyed him momentarily before he laughed.

“None taken, my mother is a bitch, a demon with human morals. Though my mother had horrible morals for a human. Why do you think she was thrown from the gardens, she should have never listened to my father during his teenage years. He always loved messing with his father's play things.” Arlo laughed at this. 

Landon was different then most demons. He had more angel in him then even Landon knew. His father may have fallen but Landon's grandfather knew Landon was not his parents. That is why he is allowed to cross realms without strain on his being. This is why he holds more power than most. Landon is the keeper of all the realms, he sees everything and knows everyone worth knowing. 

“So you have already established a meeting, how are we going to bring me into the mix without getting myself killed? As strong as I have become over the years I am still no match for the king of the elves.” 

“I agree, though I have summoned Lihill, with my new found strength he will be able to take human form, he will be with you at all times throughout the mansion.” Landon heard Arlo huff at this.

“I do not need a babysitter.” Landon smirked at the man before him. His eyes lit with amusement over his older friend being watched by a pup.

“This I know but shall anyone wish you harm, you will have my own personal guard dog.” Landon chuckled as Arlo shook his head dramatically.

“When he is not with you Arlo, he will be sent to search for leads on my mother's whereabouts. I fear she may be the start of this war.” Landon watched Arlo’s gaze widen to the news of his mother. 

Both heads snapped quickly as Lana approached their table. Replacing their serious faces with the perfect happy facade as they watched her clear their plates from the table. The check being placed upon the table between them. Both men pulled out the bills for their food, plus a rather large sum for the tip. Landon was the first to stand and head for the door, Arlo quickly following. Though Landon made sure to brush against Lana as he made his way to the exit. Smiling when her curious gaze met his slightly flirtatious one. 

The polluted air occosting their noses made both men cringe as they exited the building. Jaris was already pulling the limo up to the entrance as they made their way to the curb. The sound of the car engine turning off ringing through Landon's ears. He could hear Arlo make a distinct noise of approval before he allowed Jaris to usher him into the waiting vehicle. Landon paused to look at the evening sky, night would be upon them shortly. He gave a glance back at the restaurant before getting into his limo. Something felt off.

The car engine roared to life as it took off towards the mansion, though Landon couldn’t seem to shake the ominous feeling. He looked to Arlo to see if he was feeling the same thing only to be met with the worried hazel gaze of his friend. 

“Is there something wrong Landon?” Arlo’s voice sounded concerned, obviously he had picked up on Landons distressed signals.

“Something doesn’t feel right, the council is not until later tonight. I do not understand why I feel such trepidation.” Landon felt Arlo push his aura out and around, shaking his head as he confirmed his assumption, he felt nothing. 

Which only meant that this was his guardian intuition speaking to him. Someone was about to be in trouble, reaching over he placed a hand upon Arlo’s shoulder. The slight influx of his power brushed against and clung into Arlos own aura. He felt Arlo startle a bit at the sensation of such strong power rolling throughout his own, it was an interesting mix of power. Trying to pinpoint the exact difference though would be hard from an unknown outsider. Landon had marked him in a way that would signal him if Arlo were to be under attack. The scent of Arlo’s distress reaching his nose from the implication of a threat to his person. Unease filled the small space they occupied.