The storm was over. The Kraken had been defeated by the efforts of the Dragonblades and their associates, as well as those who had come together to ward away the storms and keep pirates from trying to take advantage of the storm-bound ships. Tales of the kraken and temples and ghost ships travelled throughout all of Torensten in a single night, but that wasn't the biggest surprise to come out of all of this. It had begun when Caius, Sabin and Keimusho had arrived with the remaining sailors and Vordun. The dragon was exhausted after powering through the storm to get them back to shore, but Caius had been surprised to find the King himself awaiting them at the shore. Vordun was too tired to defend himself, and when spears had been drawn on the drake, Caius had immediately stepped in front of Vordun and drawn his sword. It didn't matter that he had only managed to recover a bit of magic in the trip back, Caius would defend Vordun with his life.

But it wasn't needed. King Hremit had waved off his soldiers, recognizing that Vordun had been the one pulling the sailors to safety. It didn't take long for it to be cleared up, as while they were still flabbergasted by Vordun's presence, the sailors quickly stuck up for the lizard who had saved their lives. The story was quickly told of how they had felled the Kraken and had only been saved by the quick thinking of Caius, the efforts of Mu and Sabin and then the strength of will that possessed the drake to get them to shore. Then there was sorrow, as the ones who didn't make it were mourned by their families and fellow sailors alike.

But the surprises did not end there. King Hremit approached the two Dragonblades and Mu to ask them to attend a ceremony within the next few mornings once the people were safe. The rain had already settled down and all that was left was to save anyone who might have gotten caught up in all of it. But to Caius' surprise, Hremit himself requested that "this time", a wording that puzzled Caius, he should bring Vordun to be honored along with them. It seemed that in the midst of their talks and mourning, Hremit had met with the Council of Torensten and quickly made a decision regarding Vordun.

The drake was now under Torensten's protection, by law. The dragon was not to be harmed under any circumstances. While Torensten had a terrible history with dragons after the attack that had devastated the city all those years ago, Vordun had distinguished himself as a hero just as much as the others, and was the main reason that so many had survived this horrible night. If Torensten was to uphold its traditions, then even a drake should be allowed to be celebrated for its accomplishments in service to the Torensten Dukedom.

It was quite the surprise, to say the least. But it took a burden off Caius' shoulders as well. The mercenary no longer had to shadow Vordun's existence. Not that he could have anyway considering the sailors had all seen him. But to know that it had gone this well had removed a wall of stress from Caius' mind. While the people of Torensten would still be wary of him, Vordun had distinguished himself and no longer needed to hide like a monster.

Vordun had also distinguished himself amongst the Dragonblades. Something that Caius was wholly aware of, and intended to do something as a leader for later. He would go shopping for materials later, for he had something in mind. But for now... He needed to sleep. As did Vordun. Vordun deserved a vacation, first and foremost. Which he would have after the ceremony.

Caius had sent Vordun home and retreated to the Wyvern's Rest where he soon collapsed from exhaustion. After reporting to Celes, Caius had spent the next few days recovering, before preparing for the ceremony. They were to be heralded as slayers of the Kraken, and he had to represent the Dragonblades well. Despite how tired he was, he still managed to at least look presentable. His long hair had been tied back, and instead of his armored jacket (Which was soaked to the bone and wouldn't be usable without a good and long drying out) he wore a blue dress shirt with a collar and buttons, and a pair of black pants. He looked far from the mighty mercenary that he had been the night of the Kraken's attack, but he did clean up nicely at least. This was far from his most comfortable attire, but it would do.

He had then spent the rest of the morning getting Vordun ready. He had polished his scales, trimmed his claws and washed off the grime from the battle. Vordun hated it, but Caius understood that if they were going to earn the trust of Torensten's people, Vordun needed to look like he was more than a wild beast. And ever the intelligent beast, Caius had the impression that Vordun understood when Caius explained this to him. Otherwise he probably wouldn't have actually let Caius do it with so little of a fight as he gave. To further emphasize the impression, Caius borrowed the flag hanging inside of the Wyvern's Rest, the one he'd commissioned to make it feel more like a home for the Dragonblades inside. It had their logo, which made it a perfect fit. Caius had draped the Dragonblades flag over Vordun's back where his saddle would typically be. It was far more comfortable for Vordun than the saddle, and much less heavy. While also stressing the message better than the saddle would -- that Vordun is a Dragonblade. And Vordun was a proud citizen of Torensten just as much as the Dragonblades were.

Now the ceremony had arrived. Even after all the tragedy, all of the pain and suffering they had endured... Upon seeing all of the people gathering in the square, dancing, singing, socializing, eating, drinking...

He understood.

He understood exactly why he had been called here. The people of Torensten needed this. This was how King Hremit had ruled for years, giving people hope and happiness even when things turned bleak. For all the years he'd lived here, he had never truly lived here. Never truly experienced Torensten for what it was. This was its secret. The secret of how no matter the disaster that befell it, Torensten's people seemed to always stay alive and proud, and always willing to help each other out and rebuild again. It was King Hremit himself who fostered their spirits, who encouraged them to keep that pride and that energy alive. There was a life to this city that felt a world apart from the state it had been not long ago. Even Caius, who had only been a spectator for so long... Walked through Legend Square and felt his own face light up. His look of surprise faded into a light-emboldened smile.

This was Torensten. This was the secret to its life. A people who kept it going strong... And a leader that kept its fire burning bright even in the face of adversity.

People nervously parted as Caius led Vordun through the crowds, some seemed cautious, some fearful... Others curious as they squinted to look closely at the dragon's gentle features, some of their gazes moving to the flag draped over his back. Caius looked around for Sabin and Mu. He would take more comfort in their company.