A Dragon's Tale

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

"I haven't seen Aetha since that night," Ms. Welkin said.

"Why did she leave me with you?" Rain asked.

"Your mother was deeply involved in politics and she only trusted me to raise you. We both grew up here and were close friends."

"Is she still out there?" Rain wondered if maybe she could meet her mother someday. Ms. Welkin shook her head.

"I'm not sure. But don't spend your life looking for her, you should focus on other things." Ms. Welkin pulled out a blue box with golden etchings resembling clouds. The clouds formed a circle, surrounding a sky blue stone. "She wanted you to have this when you grew out of the orphanage."

When Rain took the box, the stone began to glow. She tried carefully opening the lid, but it wouldn't lift. She gave Ms. Welkin a puzzled look.

"Use your palm and release Breath into the stone. It will only open for you." Rain did as she was told.

The stone stopped glowing and the lid came off easily. Inside the box was a neckpiece. It was made of silver with many beads of differing colors. The beads were arranged so that they depicted a sunset: yellow, to orange, to purple, and then blue. In between the beads were swirling layered lines forming clouds, just like the box. A stone just like the one atop the box lay at the bottom. It glowed in Rain's presence.

"What is it?" She asked, amazed.

"It comes from a long line of royalty," Ms. Welkin explained. Rain turned her head away from the neckpiece.

"You are heir to the throne, Queen Rain."

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

It was a warm autumn night. The howling wind accompanied by the pelt of rain almost covered the knock at the door. Ms. Welkin wasn't expecting anyone but when the weather was bad like this, travelers would come looking for a place to stay.

She opened the door and saw a hooded cyan scaled dragon. Their diamond eyes seemed to glow in the night. Wrapped in a damp blanket was a baby dragon.

Ms. Welkin ushered them inside. The dragon lay the baby dragon on a cushion near the fireplace, it appeared to be asleep. Ms. Welkin handed a blanket to the dragon and they removed their hood. Immediately she recognized the dragon.

"Aetha?" Ms. Welkin hadn't seen her since she left for the capitol all those years ago, "Why are you here?" She was happy to see her old friend but, didn't she have more important things to do?

Aetha looked at her, tears welling up. Ms. Welkin went in to give her a hug as she cried softly.

"There was a coup and we had to run away," Aetha said once the tears slowed, "Einan was killed."

Einan.. was killed? She had recalled the name from the letters they used to send.

"I don't know what to do or where to go, and I'm afraid they'll come after the drake," Aetha grabbed her hands and pleaded, "Please take care of her, I want her to be able to live the life she deserves." She began to cry again.

Ms. Welkin held her head as the tears rolled down.

"What's her name?" She asked.

"We weren't able to hold a naming ceremony, so she doesn't have one." Aetha explained.

The baby dragon's blue scales seemed to glow like mist from the light of the fire. The tap of water droplets outside and the cackle of fire inside, the dragon seemed at peace despite all that's happening.

"What about Rain?" She suggested.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

Black stone jutted into the sky. Ice bleeding from the tips grazing the clouds above. Why the stone was black, Slate didn't know, as any rock taken away from the mountain turned a dark gray.

Being this close, he understood all the mysticism and fear about the mountain. The stories say that it didn't used to be this way. Further north there were other more accessible peaks that allowed dragons to reach the archipelagos in the sky, though the Black Blade is the only one to pierce the clouds.

Small trails from melting ice flowed into the valley, forming a stream that trickled across stones and boulders. This was the source of the Neter River down south. This water also flowed into the Lake of the Moon.

Alongside the stream were patches of grass and other plant life breaking their way through the rocky landscape. As the water joined other streams and grew in size, the plant life grew. After making his way across slippery slopes and meandering valleys, Slate finally came into an opening.

Like solid glass, the azure blue sky reflected on the surface. White clouds underlined with grey streaks slid across the lake. Small trees and surrounded the lake providing rest and safety for animals.

It was a paradise, fortified and hidden. Slate sat down on a rock and drew the scene in his journal.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

Rain was making her way to the orphanage when she saw Ms. Welkin sitting on a log by a tree.

"Hi, Ms. Welkin! I'm heading to the orphanage," Rain waved at her.

"Sit down dear," Ms. Welkin said. Rain paused for a moment, and then nodded. She sat down on the grass.

It was a sunny spring day. Flower pedals flowing peacefully, settling softly on the grass. Birds chirping and critters skittering, the distant sounds of children laughing.

"How are you?" Rain's attention went back to the old dragon.

"I'm doing great!" She chirped. Ms. Welkin smiled.

"That's good. Have you thought more about what we talked about?"

Rain felt conflicted. The more they had this conversation, the less sure she felt about what to do. She nodded in response.

"I understand that you are conflicted, but I am just doing what your mother asked."

Rain turned her head. Did she mishear?

"What?" She asked.

"Sixteen years ago I received a knock on the door in the middle of the night," Ms. Welkin began.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

"It appears that Tillen is making its push further under cover of the night," Arden marked off more villages on the map. "The occupation in the north has extended by several miles."

For the past ten years, Tillen has been engaging in skirmishes with Legdlan, most of which happening on the northern border. Since the skirmishes began, Tillen has occupied several villages on and off until more recently where they secured territory and pushed the border more south.

"If they go east they'll take Beigner Port, so we should try to intercept them there," Arden explained.

"It will be difficult to intercept their troops without any fortifications to fall back on," Scor said, "What we really need is the king to get off his ass and send more troops out."

"Well that likely isn't going to happen any time soon, so we'll have to find a way to set up as quickly as possible."

"Maybe we can see if there are any warriors willing to defend the port?" Garen suggested, "It doesn't hurt to try to get some aid."

"I agree, we shouldn't forgo any help." Arden began rolling the map up. "Which means that we should get going as soon as possible. Should we pack up and leave tomorrow morning?"

Everyone in the group nodded. With that, they gathered their belongings, though it wasn't much, and began packing the containers and set them by the Soaray. Garen went with Scor to the market and gathered food and other travel supplies while Forzena and Arden organized and stored away their maps and weapons.

Obsidian sat on the roof of the building, his mind occupied. That mist dragon could lead me to him, he thought. He could track him down and find the dragon who made him this way. But he felt conflicted about just leaving them. They left their homes and joined him on this mission to take action on their own. If he left, they would die. But now he was afraid that they may die either way.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

Skyla was alone. Slate and Dander had gone out to get some materials for the garden, as well as anything to help experiment. Rain went out for a walk, saying she wanted to be alone when Skyla asked to go along.

Skyla couldn't help but feel like her relationships were slipping away. She was excited to see her friends again but it didn't feel the same.

Back home, she would spend all day with Rain, exploring islands, walking around the village, talking about their dreams. Skyla loved the archipelago but she felt trapped being there.

Sighing, Skyla stood up and went out to the garden. She needed to do something to clear her mind.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

Slate didn't know what time it was. Books lay open all around him and his desk was littered with page after page of notes about the different kinds of dragons and concepts of Breath.

There was a lot of information about fire dragons, earth dragons, and ice dragons, which seemed to be the most common form. Observations were made about these dragons even in the oldest texts, which were often filled with myths and stories.

The old texts talked about mystic dragons just as much as the others, as if they were commonplace. According to the stories, mystic dragons could heal, cast curses, and do magic. All of which seemed unlikely until Slate began reading of more recent studies.

The abilities unique to a mystic dragon seemed to be traced back to artifacts that could transform a dragon into another kind. This seemed to line up with the most common myths about mystic dragons, that claimed their ability to change the Breath of a dragon.

An ice dragon turned into a water dragon. An earth dragon turned into a nature dragon. A sky dragon into a cloud dragon. This seemed to suggest a correlation to a dragon's Breath and these artifacts that the mystics held. Where the artifacts are now aren't exactly known, but their disappearance coincides with when stories of mystic dragons slowed.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

Laying on his stomach, Bey eyed the Treil as it stuffed its nose into the branches. Its long, twig like legs, and jagged striped brown fur lets it blend into the forest. Its torso looked a little out of proportion compared to its legs. Kind of like balancing a rock on four sticks.

The Treil pulled its nose from the tree and clumsily turned around to another. Bey had no idea how these things manage to survive in the wild. Though maybe that's why nobody ever saw them.

Old Rheil always told stories about the Treil, how they are divine beings that protected our ancestors from Dragon Eaters, though Bey never really believed those stories. He almost didn't even believe that Treil were real but now there was no denying that.

After watching it struggle to eat leaves for a while, Bey thought about trying to approach it. Slowly he crawled around the bush, careful to not make much sound. With the wind and the birds chirping, it seemed like the creature didn't hear him.

He stood up and stepped out into the open where the Treil could see him. It didn't seemed to care that he was there. Bey grabbed one of the leaves off the ground and released Breath into them. The stem grew longer and outward, causing more leaves to appear and grow bigger. This seemed to entice the animal.

It trotted over to him and began pulling at the leaves. Bey had to pour more Breath to keep up. It ate very sloppily.

Could this creature really be a divine being, Bey thought. It didn't really seem all that threatening, or even powerful. It barely was able to feed itself and predators would have an easy and filling meal.

As Bey was considering leading it back to the village, he heard commotion above. A dragon flying very fast being chased by an earth dragon, flinging rocks at the fleeing one. Bey flew up to the top of a tree to see them headed north. He wasn't sure if he should pursue.

Eventually Bey decided he should return to the village first and tell the elder what he saw. And I can also bring back this Treil-

When he reached the floor the creature was gone, a knotted tree stump where it stood.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

That's why he couldn't see a heat signature, a mist dragon could turn their body into gas, meaning they didn't have a physical form. But Obsidian could see the heat signature now, it was faint like an ice dragon, but still strong enough that he could affect it. If he wasn't careful, the dragon could turn into a flammable gas as he tried to burn it, though with Forzena around.. 

Forzena focused on the mysterious dragon and tightened her grip on her sword. She attacked first, charging directly at the dragon. As she approached them, they suddenly turned to mist and moved right through her. They reformed behind her and sliced her in the back. She tried to catch herself, but fell into a table stand.

Obsidian charged at the dragon, but they dissipated and he went through them. Immediately Obsidian dashed back where the mist dragon had reappeared, but to no effect. He grunted, this wasn't going to work. I won't be able to do anything if I can't reach him, Obsidian thought. 

The mist dragon reappeared in front of him. They attacked Obsidian with their swords, alternating slashes. Avoiding each thrust, Obsidian began looking for an opportunity to attack. As the dragon lifted up both swords, Obsidian threw a fist at them, but they turned to mists and appeared next to him. 

He rolled to avoid the attack, giving them some distance. The dragon continued pursuing Obsidian. This time he was prepared and the scales on his arm began glowing red. Expecting the attack, the mist dragon vanished and reappeared behind him. 

Obsidian quickly turned around and grabbed one of the swords, applying his energy to it. The heat went through the sword and burned the dragon's hand, causing them to drop the sword. They vanished at the instant of pain and reappeared above him. Obsidian dodged out of the way. 

As the mist dragon landed, Forzena formed an ice wall around them. Obsidian retreated to where she was. 

"He’s quick, I can't get a hit in." Obsidian tried to steady his breathing. 

"We need to get the others so we can surround him." 

Just then, the ice cage broke. The mist dragon lunged towards Obsidian. Obsidian barely flashed out of the way. At the entrance where the mist dragon stopped was Scor. He attacked with his flaming gauntlet, surprising the dragon. But their reflexes were too quick and they turned to mist, escaping the building. 

As they reformed outside, Arden and Garen appeared. They had the dragon surrounded. 

"So who wants to take this one down?" Scor remarked. 

Suddenly, an explosion of mist pushed them back. When it had cleared, the mist dragon was gone. Obsidian scanned the surroundings for heat signatures, but didn't see any. He didn't like how this encounter went. It felt as though the mist dragon was.. waiting for him.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

Welcome to the continent of Alfa, resting place of the Alpha dragons. Within this continent are many communities, split between the north and south. Legdlan is full of rocky hills, windy pastures, and home of East Peaks, the tallest mountain. Next to Legdlan is Fowlan, home of West Peaks. With shady forests and flowing rivers, Fowlan is smaller than its sister in population, but has a much closer community.

Off the shore of Fowlan is the Iisher Sea, where the Iisher Archipelago lays. This region is populated mostly by water dragons who have built their cities in the waters. They are mostly secluded from the other countries as entry isn't possible for most dragons.

Further north is the Auro Queendom, the furthest north and biggest region in the land. While most of the country is frozen tundra and covered in ice, it is the only connection to the rest of the world. Auro tries to stay neutral in the conflicts between their sister and the Peaks for they need to engage in trade to get resources not found here.

The sister of Auro is Tillen, who lies to the east and just north of Legdlan. Tillen was once the largest country in the land before Auro became their own and the Empyrean Kingdom conquered the Peaks, forcing Tillen to the corner of the continent. The southern part of the land is very fertile and the most developed, having several strategic ports to allow for trade across the Menit Ocean. The rest of the country is filled with beautiful forests, lakes, and natural mountains that are sparsely populated due to the heavy winter.

In the skies above is the Empyrean Kingdom. The capital situated above the Peaks. The kingdom is home to many floating isles and is split into several archipelagos. Most of these islands have small villages and farms and are spread quite far apart. A series of routes flown on the back of Soaray allow for resources to get between archipelagos as well as transport for dragons that can't fly as far. The Capitol, Empyrean City is one of the largest cities and serves as the hub for scholars and society as a whole.

South of the Peaks is a large arid plain. Despite the names, East Peak is more north than West Peak, as the continent is situated at an angle. The west side has a small desert followed that turn more subtropic on the east side, which is more north. This land is referred to as Neter, but hosts several small communities that are independent of each other.

South of Neter is a peninsula with a tail of islands going into the Menit Ocean. This is the Kingdom of Taria, which is the smallest country. Most of the population is concentrated on the Ceilan River as the rest of the land is wet and swampy.

While the continent contains some natural elements, the resting Alpha dragons beneath East and West Peaks are the cause for the mountains that split the land and the islands that cover the sky, giving Alfa its unique geography.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

The smell of smoke had not left the area. With the size of the fire, it wouldn't leave for at least another week. Soon the wind will carry that smell to the surrounding villages, letting them know that something bad has happened. This attack only confirmed Obsidian's theories; the time was drawing near. He turned away from the village and headed down the hill towards the others. It wouldn't be a difficult mission, since they didn't have to worry about survivors; Tillen never kept prisoners from these attacks. 

Arden had a sketch of the village laid out on her tablet, the others gathered around her. It wasn't a large village, there was a main road through the center with a small market place for merchants and travelers. In the east section was the town hall and public areas. The west section had houses and schooling. This town would be a small population center in the immediate area, meaning it's not big enough for the king to notice but has access to main roadways. 

"As usual, my flyby suggests that they're making usage of the town hall and school for their storage, and the marketplace as posts in case anyone passes through," Arden explained, "The fires they started seemed to deal most damage to the northern side, so most of the troops will be situated in the south. 

"I think the best plan would be to block off the south exit and enter from the north. Forzena and I can fill in the village walls while Obsidian and Scor enter from the north. Garen will fly above and drop his seed pouches down the center road. When he raises them, we'll split the area in two and handle it that way." 

They all nodded in agreement. As they gathered up their weapons and prepared to put the plan in action, Scor approached Obsidian. 

"So do you want to take the school or the hall?" Obsidian didn't respond, he didn't see a need to. "Would probably be best for you to take the hall, it probably has more troops to deal with." 

Scor liked to show off, but he knew his limits.

They landed on a hill north of the village. Obsidian scouted the village walls. They weren't too big, and didn't have any towers. Two guards stood on the walls and two others stood in front of the gates. 

"We need to attack without drawing any atten-" Before Scor could finish, Obsidian flashed towards the gate. 

"Hey!" Scor took off after him. Obsidian landed beside one of the guards on the walls. His arm began to glow red as he prepared to attack. The guard had noticed him just as his fist punched a hole in his stomach. Immediately the guard fell, embers emanating where Obsidian's fist connected. 

The guard on the other side of the wall noticed him, and before he could shout, Obsidian flashed towards him. The guard fell to the ground, where the other two in front of the gate had turned to see Obsidian. Scor came flying and sliced both of them in the back. He flamed his claw and cut through the guard as Obsidian jumped down onto the other guard, crushing them. 

"I get that you're practically invisible but you can't be reckless like that all the time." Scor said as they walked into the village. Obsidian tilted his head forward where large thorns filled the main road. Scor just scoffed. 

A band of Tillen troops appeared in front of them, trying to escape. Scor smiled as he flamed his claw and struck the ground. Four lashes of fire darted towards the group and struck them down as Scor dashed towards them. Obsidian left Scor to take care of his side and he flashed down one of the side roads. He was surrounded by the darkness of the night. The darkness didn't affect him, as he was able to see the heat emanating off the dragons. 

There were three dragons hiding in the house in front of him, they likely ran away from the thorns Garen had dropped. They were all earth dragons, since they gave off a moderate heat signature. One of them had their earth armor put up, so that one should go down first.

The flash tore through the wooden wall as he plunged his claw into the dragon with the earth armor. The armor didn't protect him, of course, but the armor would allow the earth dragon to make contact with Obsidian. The other two earth dragons ran outside the house. Their heat signature dimmed a little as they put up their armor. 

Obsidian backed out the hole in the wall, keeping an eye on their signatures. In the distance, he saw more heat signatures approaching. The troops were trying to get away from Forzena who was slowly making her way towards him. Obsidian waited for the troops to get in close proximity. 

He steadied his breathing. He could feel the Breath pour through his scales, filling them with energy. As the Breath spread, his scales began glowing a bright red. His closed his eyes, though he could still see the heat emanating around him. 

The dragons were closer. He could hear them shouting and trying to figure out what to do. They approached the two earth dragons that had their armor up, and he listened to their words. 

"...It was nothing like I've ever seen before. He just burst through the wall and punched right through his chest." 

"We need to get out of here, but we're trapped!" 

"If we can get to the wall, we can go underground." 

Obsidian opened his eyes. Instantly all the Tillen dragons in his radius disintegrated. Their screams cut short as they vanished completely. There were no heat signatures. He walked through the street filled with ash and embers.

Forzena was fighting a small group of troops. She used her element to freeze their feet in place, then attacked them with her sword. She sliced through all three dragons with her elemental sword, leaving ice shards in their scales. Forzena extended her blade's ice, stabbing all three dragons at once. They dropped on the ground. 

"Now they really have cold hearts!" She laughed.

Garen hovered above them, looking over their side of the village. There were no Tillen troops left, so he flew back to the other side. Forzena and Obsidian walked towards the town hall, which was just around the corner. Obsidian scanned the building for any heat signatures, but he didn't make out any. 

He suspected that there were around 40 troops in the village, but there had to have been more during the initial attack because of the large weapons they hauled. They likely went underground soon after the attack to connect the tunnels. As they walked into the town hall, he felt a cold presence. 

Obsidian stopped Forzena from going any further and looked around. His heat signature wasn't picking anything up, but the cold air meant someone was there. A wet mist began forming around them. Acting fast, Obsidian flashed towards Forzena, pushing her out of the way. Right where they were standing, the outline of a dragon appeared in the mist. 

The mist dissipated and a dragon with blue gray scales stood by the entrance. They had a small stature, though they did not appear to be young, and wielded two swords. 

"What is that?" Forzena said as she awaited an attack. Obsidian knew exactly what they were. 

"Mist dragon."

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

Skyla sat on the edge with her back to the tree. The amber and violet colors of the sky reflecting on the top of the clouds, outlining their shapes. Where the sun didn't shine there was sinking grays revealing the depth of the clouds, inviting her to dive in to find what secrets they hold.

The cool, sweet air gently brushing her hair, seeping into her scales and filling her with breath. Not the kind of Breath that gave her control over the winds, but the essence that collects within her soul and spreads throughout every fibre of her being. The kind of breath that makes the surroundings glow with color, the sounds become more clear, and the grass softer. She cherished this feeling.

Above, the night sky began its show. Slowly but surely the stars reveal themselves, filled with joy as they dance and sing, inviting others to join them.

It is beautiful to be alive, they say, and together we can create something beautiful. The sun paints the sky, a work done by a single entity, but it too is a star. You have seen the sun's art, now look up and see our art. Individually we each have our own work, our own masterpieces contribute to a magnificent piece that is continually being created and ever changing.

That is what the stars must be saying. So why then, must she be alone?

The light from the sun has gone, revealing more details in the canvas above. The clouds with their depth and vibrant colors have become flat and dull. The air no longer sweet. It was a brief moment of bliss, but they can't all last forever. After all, how can one know perfectection without discomfort?

This would be the last sunset here. She experienced bliss and now it is no longer comfortable. It's time to move on.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

Skyla and Rain walked through the village market. Saiden served as the center for the local archipelago where vendors sell their goods and dragons got their food.

Skyla had just finished sending her letter to the university and didn't have to make any deliveries today, freeing her up. It had been a while since she went to the market with Rain.

A vendor had a tent with ceramics in the shape of exotic animals. Rain excitedly ran into the tent and called after Skyla.

"Look! A frog!" Rain pointed at one of the ceramics on a shelf.

The creature was in a sitting position, though with its long front legs and shorter back legs it could also just be standing. It was very shiny, even in the shade. Dark green blended into a much more white green as it reached the belly. Along its back were tiny black spots. It was incredibly smooth to touch, feeling almost like glass.

"What a cute frog," Skyla smiled as she handed it to Rain. She giggled as she held the frog up to her face and lightly tapped it on the head. She's so cute, Skyla thought.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

Skyla entered the den Slate got for them. How they managed to rent it for the summer she didn't know. Apparently it was a new kind of building making its way through Legdlan that had multiple dens in the same building.

This one had a central room with a raised walkway around the perimeter, leading to sleeping dens. The roof was slated and had wooden panels that were opened to let in the fresh air. In the lowest part of the room was the hearth, surrounded by short wooden stools.

"Wow this is quite fancy," Rain said as she walked around the hearth.

"Yeah, where did you even get the money to pay for this?" Dander asked.

"They're actually letting us stay here free of charge since we're going to be helping implement some new features," Slate explained. "I've done research on ways dragons can use their elements with technology and this place is perfect to try it out."

Slate has been very successful in their research and has been given a lot of opportunities at the university, and it seems they're starting to get some work outside of school.

At the back of the den was a community garden surrounded by other dens. The plants were organized in small sections with signs detailing their upkeep.

"Working in a garden is more cumbersome when you're not a nature dragon, so I've been trying to think of ways to make the process easier for other dragons." Slate takes a device out of a bag. It was a thin tube with smaller points sticking out of it.

"You put seeds in the top and close the lid. A wind dragon can send air through it and make the notches spin which will scatter seeds." Slate twisted the different segments in demonstration, "And a water dragon can also use it to water the soil. Those are just two examples, but I'm hoping that with the simple design we can find uses for other types of dragons."

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

"What's that?" Clera pointed at the strange glove on the dragon's claw. The dragon glanced at her with a confused expression. After a moment of silence, the dragon acknowledged her.

"This?" He raised his claw, showing the glove. It was made out of leather, with holes to allow the claws to extend. In the center was a small rock inside some kind of see-through material.

"It allows me to use my element on my claws," He said. Clera watched as his red scales began to glow. Breath flowing down his arm into the glove giving the stone a red hue as flames wrapped his extended claws.

"Woah, that's so cool!" Clera exclaimed. She was obsessed with the elemental capabilities of dragons, and couldn't wait to get her own. If only she could have cool powers like fire or ice, instead her powers were supposedly based on nature. Which was lame.

"I want one of those, can I have one?" Clera asked.

"I think you are a little too young to have an elemental glove," the dragon laughed, "but try asking your parents for one."

Clera didn't find this amusing. She had asked her parents for one, many times. But they didn't listen to her. Saying things like "oh you're too young," or "it's too dangerous," or even "you can't even use your element," which was preposterous.

A dragon her age should be able to use her element. At least, all the dragons in the stories were able to. Why should she have to wait? What did she even have to wait for? Frustrated, she stomped off.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

There was a strong gust today. Bits of grass and flower pedals blew south. These kinds of winds were more dangerous, and that's what made them fun. Though, Skyla wasn't worried that much, she was meant to fly in this.

Standing on the edge of the island, she couldn't see the ground below. The base layer of clouds was still quite a ways down, but some of reached up further. A mountain of cloud flew by in front of her. Despite its size, the wind still tugs at the same speed.

Skyla steadied her breathing. She felt the Breath pour through her body, making her feel lighter. Her cyan scales turning lighter and more reflective. Wind blew from behind, pushing closer to the edge. She let go.

Despite feeling lighter, she still plummets downward. Right before the lower cloud layer, Skyla opens her wings. Immediately they catch the wind. With one mighty push, her trajectory tilts upward, her wings tilted forward to give additional lift.

Small adjustments in the direction of either wing allows for tighter maneuvers, though the strong gust makes that more difficult. Being a sky dragon, Skyla is able to use Breath to steady the wind around her wings for stabilization.

A large cloud approaches. With a swift swipe of her arm, the air cuts through the cloud, revealing an opening. She lets out a strong push and closes her wings. Twisting her body creates a whirlwind that propels her through the opening with great speed. Steadying herself, she slowly begins opening her wings to gain control.

Using her arms she redirects the wind and brings it closer, fully opening her wings. The opening she made begins to close, the pressure rushing upwards. It pushes the air surrounding her, catching her wings and launching her above the cloud.

Skyla lets out a yell as she flies high above the peak. After a brief moment floating in the sky, she begins to fall back down. With her wings slightly open, she gains speed while tilting herself forward. Right when she's parallel to the ground, she thrusts back, launching with incredible speed.

Various islands pass by, most of them wild. She dives down into the clouds, then jumps back out. Flying at these speeds can dry out her scales.

Suddenly Skyla loses control. The air becomes bumpy and she is unable to stabilize it. Looking ahead, she sees a massive thundercloud in the distance. Landing on a nearby island, she feels the wind moving more chaotically.

Something about this thundercloud feels off. This one is much bigger than any she's seen before, and it has somewhat of a dome shape. Perhaps she should check it out.

[jascas]

A Dragon's Tale

Rain looked into the oven to check on the bread. It was beginning to brown, but not quite ready. She chopped up various fruit into small bites, and put an equal amount on each plate.

"Alright everyone, it's time to come in!" Ms. Welkin called out to the drakes in the field. The younger ones rushed in and sat at their tables, shouting and playing. As Rain pulled the bread from the oven, the older drakes came in.

Once all the drakes were settled, the oldest dragons handed out all the plates that Rain had assembled. It made her happy to help out in the orphanage. Most other dragons her age would start taking on apprentices and looking for places to live. But she felt her duty was to the children.

"Thank you for helping with dinner, Rain," Ms. Welkin said. She was getting old and there were so many drakes in the orphanage lately.

"No problem! I'm just doing what I can to help!" Rain gave a smile.

"And I appreciate you for that, dear. Though you really should be thinking about taking an apprenticeship. You are very smart and capable and I wouldn't want you to miss those opportunities." This was something Ms. Welkin brought up to Rain a lot. And she wasn't sure what to make of it. She really couldn't see herself being useful anywhere but the orphanage. And she hadn't really been given any opportunities to do anything more.

"While you're still here, would you do me a favor and deliver the leftover bread to the Colum family?" Ms. Welkin handed her a straw container with the warm loaf inside.

"Of course! And then I'll be back here after that," Rain started.

"Actually, I would like you to take a break, dear. You have been very kind to lend me your time, but I want you to take some time for yourself," She gave a smile. Rain nodded and then headed out.