124 Undercurrents (1/2)
”Don't make that expression. No one wants to deal with this stuff anymore than you do. Especially our grandparents, they are exhausted. We should try to help as best we can.” Rosalie sympathized with her younger brother, but that did not mean he could just stay in the background. They both should try helping their grandparents control the situation.
”No, I'll help. I just don't know how much assistance I can provide. These types of situations are not exactly my forte.” Greyson just shrugged feeling he truthfully did not have much to offer.
”You're intelligent. You will be fit to help if you really apply yourself instead of avoiding uncomfortable circumstances.”
”Alright, let's not fight about it. Did I say I was not going to help?” Raising his hands in surrender, Greyson did not go on with the debate.
”Fight? It's not a fight when you only stop because you know I'm right.” Rosalie teased flashing him a smug grin.
Rolling his eyes with a sigh, Greyson did not grace her with an answer. He merely indicating with his chin for her to lead the way back in. Knowing this was his way of yielding, Rosalie stopped poking fun and escorted him back through the mountains. The closer they were to the Snow Peak, the more Greyson could feel the situation had escalated more rapidly than he previously assumed. Stationed guards stood all around the borders of the familiar mountain. From what he could discern, they were keeping the Snow Dragons locked in. Not even the children were capable of taking a step out. Furrowing his brows, Greyson could see some of the guards were even acting out violently towards the Snow Dragons. Obviously victimizing them, the guards kicked around the weaker dragons and beat up the Beastmen who were still out working. Provoked, Greyson moved to defend them and beat off the oppressive guards. However, Rosalie jerked him back with a vise-like grip. Shaking her head almost imperceptibly, she warned him off.
”You will only just make the situation worse. Know your actions now reflect on our grandparents. Whatever you do, the dragons will assume you are acting on the will of our grandfather and grandmother.”
”How can you merely watch? Don't you want to help them?”
”No one will die. Even the injuries are mostly superficial. Place away your mistaken sense of heroism. Exacerbating the conflict would be what really causes our tribesmen to die.” Speaking with a much harsher tone than usual, Rosalie assumed a hard stance and lectured Greyson firmly. Undoubtedly, her heart ached with every punch; much more so than Greyson could ever know. But she was equally clear that her not doing anything was better than any form violent vengeance. Clenching his fists until their loudly cracked, Greyson managed to hold himself back. Scanning around, he noticed that most of the other Snow Dragons were also passively watching just trying to set about their business. Everyone knew that right now was not the time.
”Our grandparents sent out the order to not fight back.”
”I'm guessing that did not go over well.”
”Not well at all. But they are influential and respected, the majority still listen.”
Greyson went silent afterward and continued to quietly follow his sister towards his grandparents' cave.
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