Turning slightly again to shout up at Eclipse, Neoma said, "I can keep it down. But can you keep up?" She gave a harder flap of her wings, knowing she was probably not being smart. But honestly, it might be best to make someone let loose for a moment.
Of course, if they let loose too much, they could end up in the same afterlife as Kyler... Neoma sighed and slowed herself, ascending again to fly next to Eclipse. "Look, I don't know why you're so uptight honestly. I know I kinda messed up when I attacked you, but I'm willing to put that aside right now. I thought you were someone else, and at the moment, the main bitterness I hold against you is for wounding me." She laughed dryly.
"So I'm going to place it in the back of my mind if you will too. For now, let yourself do something you haven't in a long time. I'm willing to work together for what you need, as long it doesn't pose a threat to my life or to the lives of others. And in return, I could use a little help tracking someone down. Namely, the dragon I thought I was attacking when I went after you. Deal? And when you answer, remember this deal also makes us equals, not a prisoner and keeper."
Before Eclipse could respond, something caught Neoma's attention in the corner of her eye. It looked like the figure of a large dragon flying after them nearby.... But it was gone almost as soon as she saw it. Must be a heat mirage, she thought, shaking her head slightly.
Eclipse stared silently out toward the horizon for a long moment, building a response in her mind. It was hard to open up to other dragons, especially new ones, and she felt like she practically had to drag the words from her mouth. It would be so much easier to just nod and not say anything at all. But these dragons disliked her enough already. Responding might earn her a neutral relationship at the least. And maybe she wouldn't have to worry
quite as much about them backstabbing her. Although in the case of Sunspot, that was probably always going to be a concern. But then again, it was still a concern with just about every dragon.
"I am always, as you said, "uptight", she started. "I have always been this way, and it's not necessarily because you attacked me. I survived. You survived. My worst issue now is I'm missing a claw." Eclipse glanced down at her injured talon somewhat irritably.
"To be fair though, I wounded you to defend myself. I'm not the kind of dragon who hurts others just because I know I can. I use my strength and training only when I need it."
She paused a moment longer and then let out a sigh.
"You can enjoy yourself out here if you want. I couldn't relax and unwind if I wanted to. At least, not out here, around other dragons. It's just the way I am. You don't have to travel with us," she nodded toward Sunspot. "You don't owe me anything, and my mission
is dangerous. I'm tracking someone as well--a Nightwing hunter whom I've wanted dead for years. I understand your... aggression."
She turned to look at Neoma, holding her gaze. "By all means understand--you are not my prisoner. We are the same tribe and Lunarwings need to look out for each other if we can. Whether or not you follow me, help me, or pursue your own goals is not my say. Besides," she turned to stare down at the Solarwing flipping around through the air below. "I have enough to deal with at the moment, I would be going in over my head trying to manage two dragons at once."
Sunspot turned to look up at them, slowing to fall in line with their wingbeats.
"Did you guys see that?"
Eclipse felt her spines rise in alarm and she stopped, hovering mid-air. She raked her gaze over the dunes, trying to see whatever had caught the other's attention.
"See what?" she said tensely watching the sand anxiously.
