**A/N: I'm sorry for the delay in updates! Life is a roller coaster, and I've gotten stuck on a crazy one. Anyway, here's the latest chapter and I hope you enjoy!**
Charlie helped make my porch gorgeous. It is now overrun by plants, a disorganized arrangement that makes my house look like nature is taking it back. I now sit on my chair reading a book that he gave me before leaving. He had to go assist another tamer with one of the female dragons. I sigh and close the book. Unsurprisingly, it is about dragons. It lists different breeds and provides information about each. The pictures appear to be sketched and colored by hand. I yawn from boredom. Not because of the book, but because I have been sitting for the last two hours waiting for Charlie to return. He said he'd be quick.
I don't meet with Shay until tomorrow. I have to find ways to occupy myself until then. My greatest irritation? Boredom. Wait, well, maybe being ignored, but that hasn't happened to me since I've been alive so far. Thankfully. We'll see how long that lasts.
The vibrations from the dragons can be felt even from my little hut, and they had begun to lull me into a tired state, much to my surprise. I stand and stretch. I could go and unpack the things I brought with me, but my curiosity about Charlie's whereabouts has slowly morphed into worry. I don't think he'd get injured so quickly after returning, but with a job as dangerous as his, it's always possible.
I make up my mind. I step inside my hut to put the book on the counter, slip my shoes on, and start the trek to the dragon reserve. I'll find out soon enough what task is taking so long. The tremors and growls intensify the closer I get. I finally round the last bend in the path only to stop in my tracks.
Massive creatures tower over the pebbly dirt that makes up much of the ground in the reserve. Huge arena-like pens are separated by spider-web paths and enclosed with magical barriers that shimmer when seen in the corner of the eye. Staff members litter the area, all moving with swift purpose. I think wardrobe plays a significant role in identifying individuals and their jobs. Tamers, some on brooms in the enclosures, others jogging to-and-fro, are wearing similar gear: heavy-duty tan pants, long-sleeved shirts of varying colors, and pocketed vests. Healers could be distinguished by the red crosses pinned to their biceps and backs. Other witches and wizards move about the reserve in other garb, but their job descriptions are beyond my knowledge.
I slowly make my way into the bustling center, not a clue as to where Charlie could be. Squat buildings are located randomly, weaved into the chaotic layout of the reserve. The other sections are definitely more organized.
"Emma!"
I nearly jump out of my skin. Turning, I see Charlie, scuffed pants and slightly burned shirt, jogging up to me.
"What are you doing here?" He sees my concerned look and brushes himself off. "I'm fine, no worries!"
"Well, what am I to think? If two hours is 'quick,' then I need to reevaluate my concept of time. I came looking for you. I didn't know if you had gotten into trouble so soon." I feel silly, having imagined the worst while Charlie looks unconcerned.
"I'm sorry, it was supposed to be quick." He scratches the back of his head sheepishly.
"So what took so long? Something obviously didn't go to plan, but it couldn't have been too bad since you're pretty much unscathed." He smiles conspiratorially.
"Come with me, I'll show you."
Just down the path, he turns into one of the many buildings. This one is oddly shaped, but larger than some of the huts I noticed earlier. I follow him in and let out a small sound of surprise at the significant temperature change. It is sweltering.
"Wait for it," Charlie draws out the statement.
"Amazing! They-they're- Charlie!" I turn from the sight before us to look at him in shock. "Can I?"
"As long as you don't mind getting a little burned. They can't help it." He is grinning from ear to ear, his arm extended in front of us like he is unveiling a masterpiece.
Walking past Charlie, I refrain from cooing at the baby dragons spitting sparks from a makeshift nest. I scan their features, noting at once the budding gold horns emerging from their heads. I run a finger carefully across one of the tiny horns on the smallest of the bunch. It clicks in response, tilting its head as if curious.
"Romanian Longhorns?" I laugh at his incredulous expression. "While you were off playing midwife for two hours, I was reading the one book you own. Are these a part of the breeding program?" He recovers quickly and nods.
"Yes. The mother wasn't due for another few weeks. She was unusually aggravated earlier, which was why I was needed. After one tamer was nearly barbequed on his broom, we realized she was in labor."
"They're beautiful." The one that I touched suddenly spits a couple sparks, making me jump and laugh at my timidity. I reach back in the nest and it leans into my hand, nuzzling me like a cat.
"That they are. That little mate seems to fancy you!" Charlie finally walks closer to the next. He reaches in and picks up the baby dragon, offering it to me.
"Really?" His only response is to raise his eyebrows and push the baby into my arms. It immediately latches around my hand, emits a few more sparks, and closes its eyes. All I can do is stare in wonder.
"There you are, Charlie!" A new voice calls out from across the room, causing Charlie and I to turn.
"Shay!" Charlie greets the tall woman.
"I have been searching for you! I meet my new intern tomorrow, and I've been told she came with you. I need information to finish filling out her file before tomorrow." Shay is tall, with unblemished, chocolate skin and matching eyes.
"Ask her yourself. Emma, meet Shay. Shay, Emma." Shay's eyes rest on me, filling with amusement at the sight.
"Well isn't that precious! It's not too often dragons take to humans, even that young. You must have one pure heart, that baby does not look like he's going anywhere anytime soon." Shay laughs merrily. "I know when to listen to the dragons. Emma, how would you like to work with the babes during your stay here?"
"Don't I need to take a test or something? Charlie said my skills would be 'evaluated.'"
"The good thing about my job is I'm the only one who does it. I make the rules, so it doesn't matter. What matters is what that little dragon has revealed- you'll do well with the hatchlings." She assures with a smile.
"Even if I didn't want to, I don't think this one will take no for an answer. I'd be delighted." I soothingly brush the dragon's temple as it rests.
"Great," Shay says. "You start tomorrow!" With a wave, she excuses herself and leaves the building.
"On that note, we should probably get home. We could both use some rest." Charlie attempts to unravel the baby dragon from my hand to no avail. It opens its eyes only to hiss at him and curl more tightly around my hand. "Well, you may be starting your job tonight," he laughs.
And so the dragon becomes my housemate.
"So the dragon will stay in here," Charlie points to a mini incubator he transfigured next to my bed. "It's important that he stays warm. He can be outside of the incubator for a little while, but the heat is crucial for his development. The babies instinctually go toward heat when they need it, so just take the signal from the dragon."
"Sounds good." The dragon, now awake, peaks through my hair from my shoulder. "I think I've got this." I scratch the dragon's head with a finger.
"You do. I'll see you in the morning!" Charlie leaves, leaving me with the dragon.