Xaedyn woke up to the feeling of a soft nest of blankets around her, and her chest felt tight, as if bandaged. Her mane of fur along her spine was slick, as if just washed, and as she shifted slightly, she could tell her back right leg was also bandaged. She didn't open her eyes, rather sat there thinking, one thought predominant in her mind.
I hate wings. Was that thought. If it weren't for wings, then I wouldn't know about teem and I wouldn't hate wings. I mean, seriously? Make a species that has wings and then, suddenly, start breeding them without wings, too? That's just wrong. I don't even have wings and I hate those sixth limbs.
She opened her rainbow-colored eyes, and took a look around. She was lying in a pile of soft blankets, curled up, as far as she could tell, in front of a fireplace, which was lit. To her left she could see a blue plush chair, and beyond that, a door, the only brown against the teal wall. To her right was a medium-sized couch, also blue. Behind that was a hallway, leading to the rest of the building. The fireplace was gray brick, and as Xaedyn watched, the fire seemed to move in patterns.
The silver dragon closed her eyes as footsteps could be heard behind her. They stopped beside her, and a hand on her shoulder made her growl mentally. She hated being touched by anything but the trees. Other than her prey, and her hunters, she had never encountered another creature of flesh and blood. She almost gave a start when a soft voice spoke beside her ear.
"Sweetie, stop faking, I saw you looking about."
Xaedyn cursed to herself, she should have known. She opened her eyes, to see a kind-looking girl meeting her gaze. Her eyes were a soft green, and her skin was fair. Her brown hair fell around her face, framing it almost. Xaedyn growled, and shuddered slightly to show her disdain for the human's hand on her scales. The girl drew back, understanding, and Xaedyn gasped. As the girl's hair fell back, it revealed not the rounded ears of a human, but pointed ears.
Xaedyn flicked an ear in surprise, and watched the girl curiously. She looked no older than 25, and with the way she walked, she was important. Then again, she was an elf, all elves were important. But, what was an elf doing in the world of humans?
Xaedyn turned the best she could to watch the elf as she returned to the room she had been in. Xaedyn had been unable to see so, but the kitchen had been right behind her. The silver reptile inhaled deeply. The scents were mouthwatering. Mainly meat, too. Beef, pork, chicken…you name the meat, and she could smell it. The girl walked over with a plate of food and set it in front of the dragon. She looked at it curiously, then looked at the girl. Her clothes were simple, just a short sleeved shirt and pants, but she was too fair to be a peasant. She glanced back down at the food as the girl sat in the chair. Xaedyn's hunger was great, but her suspicion was almost greater. The girl spoke again.
"Go ahead. I didn't do anything to it. You can eat."
Xaedyn gave her one last look before flicking her forked tongue out over the food, tasting it. Then she flicked it out again, using it to grab a sausage, and pulled it back into her mouth, swallowing it whole. She repeated the process until the plate was licked clean, quite literally. Xaedyn again watched the girl, who was cleaning, until she sat down again. Xaedyn gave a start as the fire went out, causing pain to shoot through her chest, and down her spine. That girl…she'd just used magic. She winced, and she saw pity in the girl's eyes. Growling sharply, she watched in satisfaction as the girl's pity disappeared. Xaedyn was about to tuck up and fall asleep, when the girl spoke.
"My name's Yemna. Yours?"
Xaedyn debated on answering. This elf knew how to use magic, and could slay her at any time, especially in her weakened state. But she hadn't. Yet. But still, the question remained, what was a creature of fantasy doing in a world of reality?
"Xaedyn. My name…is Xaedyn."
"Xaedyn, eh? Nice name."
Xaedyn watched Yemna carefully, trying to see if she held any weapons. Other than her clothes, she had on fur-lined boots, which could be holding a dagger, or even worse—a gun. Xaedyn hated to think of it, but this stranger could have a gun, and could kill her.
"So, what's an elf, daughter of fantasy, doing in reality?"
"The same thing you are, dragon, daughter of imagination."
