A Tiny Foundling


Orlesaen! Come, look what I found wandering the savannah to the south!

The Dream Shaman raised his head from his paws and looking towards the doorway that led out to their ledge. All he could see, though, was the beating wings of his bondmate as she came in for a more delicate landing than usual. That spiked his curiosity as nothing else -- Vicae was never delicate, especially when she was excited.

Orlesaen rose to his feet, moving towards the door, even as he sent a question her way, What have you found, love?

A baby dragoness! Vicae carefully placed the tiny indigo hatchling down, then spread her wings and arched her neck proudly, Isn't she beautiful? I couldn't find anyone around who looked like her bond or even her parents, so I took her.

Orlesean chuckled at his mate's enthusiasm, then sprawled himself out again, bring his head near the hatchling and giving her a good once over, And who are you, little one?

I'm Jaelithasia... who are you? the little dragoness looked from one to the other, tiny wings folded tightly to her back.

I am Orlesaen, bondmate to Vicae, the dragoness who brought you here.

And where is here?

"Here" is Clan Akelara, where we live now. Come inside, and I'll tell you more, Jaeli.

Orlesaen rose to his feet once more and, with Jaelithasia trotting between them, he and Vicae walked slowly back into their den, Vicae already deep into her tale-telling.


Earning Her Wings


Jaeli trotted through the tunnels as fast as her small legs would go. Today was the day Vicae had promised to teach her how to fly! Finally! Living in the den of two adult Myrsilkains was difficult for a child, especially one so much smaller than them.

Panting slightly, she finally reached the ledge where Vicae was reclining, and cautiously ventured towards the edge, looking down. Heights didn't bother her -- her adoptive parents lived in one of the highest levels in the complex, after all! -- and this ledge was only, perhaps, twenty or so feet off the ground. But faced with the knowledge that she was going to eventually jump from this ledge...

Don't worry about that, Vicae's mindvoice was filled with warm humor, Come here, Jaeli. You've watched Orle and I take off plenty of times, haven't you?

Of course I have!

Good! Vicae grinned brightly as she rose from her reclining position and spread her wings, flapping them slowly, I want you to try a bit of that, then. You need to strengthen your wing muscles before you can take off.

Jaeli nodded, spreading her wings and flexing them, trying a few experimental flaps. Seized by a sudden urge, she gathered herself and leapt straight up, as high as her legs would push her, and pumped her wings as hard as she could.

Slowly, ever so slowly, she felt herself rise, then hover, then, rather abruptly, land. Jaeli squeeked in surprise as she landed on the ledge with a hard bump.

Better than I did at first, Vicae gave a self-mocking grin, Just ask Orle at some point... I'm told the tale is quite amusing. Go ahead, try again.

Standing up once more, Jaeli shook herself off, Alright. I will.


Guardian of the Gate


"Vicae told me that you're looking for a position."

Jaelithasia tried not to fidget under the cold golden gaze of Sorcerer Revent'akel, struggling to remember Vicae's advice on how to speak to the massive Myrsilkain.

Finally, realizing that the Sorcerer was awaiting her response, Jaeli bowed her head as she'd seen Vicae do, Yes, Sorcerer. I'd like to repay you and yours for the kindness you've shown in raising me from a hatchling.

Revent nodded, "I have been considering where you could be placed. The front entrance has need of a guardian who won't over-awe human visitors, and who can give them accurate directions. Would you care to take that position?"

Jaeli nodded, Yes, sir! I like meeting new people all the time. If I may ask... am I permitted to carry the visitors to where they wish to go?

"You may do whatever do desire, so long as you do not leave your post for too long." Revent dipped his head slightly, "You are dismissed. Report to your post tomorrow morning."

Thank you, Sorcerer. I will not disappoint you.