Chapter Two: Dragon Girl
Daine ran outside, bow in hand. Even with her past experiences, she was caught off guard by the large reptilian creature flying low over the buildings. Almost twenty feet in length, the dragon was clearly not full grown, but impressive nonetheless. Dark blue, almost greenish, scales flashed in the firelight as it landed in the streets in front of Daine. —You are the one I felt- he said.
The girl stepped closer. "I’m Daine, Veralidaine Sarrasri, perhaps you’ve heard of me?" She asked hopefully. If the dragon knew her as Skysong’s guardian this might be easier.
He thought for a moment, then nodded his head. —The one who came to the dragon lands with the tall mortal. I saw you at the Dragonmeet.- he paused then added, -Jewelclaw wasn’t very nice. I’m glad Ancestor Rainbow got rid of him.-
Daine grinned, "So am I."
The dragon glanced up uncomfortably. Daine suddenly became aware of the other people surrounding them. Some of the braver hunters looked as if they were crazy enough to attack.
"Wait!" Daine said shouted, but it was too late. One of the men had already raised a spear and prepared to hurl it at the dragon. Before he could fling it, however, a hand reached out and gripped his arm tightly.
"Unwise of you, to think you can kill a dragon with a spear."
Daine recognized the voice, "Stryker!"
Stryker released the man’s arm and appeared in the crowd. "We meet again, Daine," he smiled, but his eyes were serious. Turning back to the crowd he ordered, "Go back to your homes and leave this to the Wildmage."
The men showed no sign of leaving. Stryker glared at them but the most he could get them to do was to lower their weapons. "Sorry about them."
"It’s all right, thank you for helping." Daine looked at the dragon who seemed nervous. "Are you okay? What’s your name?"
-I’m called Cobalt- he replied, shifting uneasily and digging his claws into the ground. —I should go now, sh-oh, here she comes.-
The sound of pounding hooves came from the north, becoming obviously louder in moments. Within seconds, the dark form of a horse and rider came into view.
Cobalt lowered his head and tried to make himself smaller. —I hope she’s not mad,- he muttered.
"Cobalt! Are you all right? Why’d ya fly off like that?" The rider was a girl, short with flame red hair and luminous green eyes. She stopped near them and dismounted from a coal black horse.
-I’m fine,- Cobalt said hesitantly. —I felt another mortal like you so I went to find her and…-
"Like me?" The girl repeated.
"He’s talking about me," Daine said. "I’m Daine, I’m sorry for causing any trouble."
The girl glanced at her then did a double take. "You’re Daine? The Wildmage?"
"Yes," she replied.
Her green eyes brightened. "I’ve always wanted to meet you! My name is Asteria."
Daine smiled. "It’s wonderful to meet you, Asteria. Where did you hear about me?" she asked curiously.
"My home village is just north of here, the elders there sometimes told me stories of you." Asteria faced Cobalt again, "Now then. Don’t think just because the Wildmage is present I’m going to go easy on you. I told ya not to go near the village, didn’t I?"
-I wanted to see what it was I was feeling- the dragon rumbled deep in his throat.
"That makes no difference. I don’t want you hunted down like an animal once word of dragons in the forest gets out but so much for that now." She sighed and patted his side, "I suppose we’ll have to move east."
Daine looked confused. "Is Cobalt the only dragon here? Or are there more?"
Asteria shrugged, "Only Cobalt as far as I know." She glanced around, "Aren’t they going to do something?" She gestured toward the others around them.
"Go home," Daine told them crossly, "He won’t hurt any of you so leave be." Reluctantly they obeyed. Daine searched the dispersing crowd for Stryker but he seemed to have vanished again.
Asteria nodded in approval. "Thank you for your help, I hope we’ll meet again." She turned to her horse.
"Wait," Daine said rapidly. "I would like to talk with you some more."
The redhead seemed surprised. "I, I guess it would be all right…" She looked at Cobalt, "But I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to stay."
The dragon understood and spread his wings wide, blowing up gusts of wind as he took off into the night sky.
"Will he be safe out there?" Daine asked, watching his dark shape grow smaller.
Asteria nodded, "He’s used to it. And I can call him back if need be."
It seemed the girl knew what she was doing so Daine left the matter alone. "Come inside," she offered, "I have a lot to ask you."
"As do I."
Daine carefully studied the other girl sitting across from her. Asteria Solonost said she had turned sixteen last month, she grew up in a small village at the northern border of Tortall, and had Wild Magic with dragons. Sure enough, Daine could see copper light threaded with silver flicker around her. The silver thread was unusual, Daine assumed it was because dragons were immortal.
Asteria told her how she found Cobalt, "Or rather," she said smiling, "he found me." Cobalt had been making short visits to the mortal realms, unbeknown to the other dragons, and felt Asteria’s power. "He says the others won’t even notice he’s gone, but I’m always afraid another dragon will come take him away."
Daine listened quietly while sipping some tea. She could tell Asteria and Cobalt were close. "Does anyone else know about him?"
Asteria shook her head. "I left my home when I was young to train for Shang and I never let him near the other villages." She made a face, "So much for that."
"You’re a Shang warrior?" Daine asked, interested.
"No, I’m still just a trainee," Asteria laughed, "But I dream of becoming the Shang Dragoness."
"That title would fit you," Daine grinned.
Luna C: Well… it's a *little* longer ^^; Eh, sorry I still didn't get to Stryker, but I will… Someday… ^^
I'm sorry, Buttercup! I know you were doing the editing thing and all, but I had to submit this before I forgot cuz I don't think I'll be working on this for a while. I'll still be writing it, but something new came up ^^;; gomen nasai!*
* Very sorry
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