-ON THE BACKS OF DRAGONS-

-Finding Her Freedom-

It took a few days for Nerin to adapt to traveling and her new freedom, and it was an experience she didn't want to forget as the three journeyed to their objective. During the long treks Fletcher had told her many of the same things he told Alpha when they first met, but expanded to include the Dragon Rider Corps.

To say so much rich knowledge was overwhelming to Nerin at first would be an understatement, but Fletcher took time, and helped to open up the knowledge for the world to her.

The elven farm girl was amazed at how little she knew about the different cultures, how much of the world had been withheld from her. On one hand the revelation excited her, and she couldn't help but dream of these far off places and people. On the other, it made her feel small and worthless.

Her whole life until a few nights ago she had one purpose which was to work on a farm and grow crops for her Handler and maintain his fields as well as pay taxes for the land she worked on. No questions asked, she wasn't supposed to have an opinion or rights. If she failed to meet her handler's quota or pay taxes for any reason such as a bad harvest or in her case being held captive against her will, she became an outlaw for several crimes.

These crimes were unfounded, ranging to Tax evasion to practicing Witchcraft and treachery, but at that point her true innocence didn't matter. As far as the law's concerned, she had two hands and if their not working and reaching quotas, then her handler is losing profits still having to supply her food while not getting anything in return, like a cow who can't give milk anymore, it was just cheaper and simpler to put a price on her head and get a replacement.

That's why most of her childhood, her parents loved her with all their hearts but their handler called her "Worth no more then a cow, no, a cow is protected by law more then elves like you." The words had haunted her for years, whispering in her mind in her most private moments.

And now she is free, but more importantly, she's being treated as an equal by a young man she hardly knows, but already trusts with her life. Gods what was she thinking? That sounds like something ripped out of some bard's romantic tale.

But are such similarities a bad thing?

-On the Backs of Dragons-

"Ah, Customers!" The merchant greeted as the pair entered the trading post while Tricktrail hid outside to avoid a panic. "What might I interest you two in? Food? Tools? Or are you looking for anything specific?"

"Maybe later," Fletcher replied, "But first I'd like to sell a few things." The Oakhood sold what became of the last deer he hunted excluding its hide and some meat that he already turned into jerky. The leftover meat alone was valuable, and the antlers would make excellent cheap ivory as other parts would fetch quite a bit of value to various healers and potion breweries as ingredients.

Now with gold, Fletcher browsed what the trading post had to offer, and almost left when a glint caught his eye. Hidden in a corner behind a self was an old barrel holding some various tools like a shovel and rake but in the back Fletcher spotted a worn mage's staff. The handle was made of wood and definitely showed signs of prolonged use as the paint was faded, and while the staff's conduit was nearly depleted he could see it would last a few more uses, so he pulled it out of the barrel and took it to the merchant.

"Alright, you interested in buying your elf a staff?" The merchant asked,

"No, I'm buying my companion a staff." Fletcher corrected, "60 gold."

The merchant paused for a moment, caught off guard by the statement but soon grinned, "Good to know not everyone has the same views on elves," He commented, "The wizard who sold me that also sold me a spell tome let me find it and I'll throw it in for free."

"Deal." Fletcher agreed, truth be told he only came here to sell the deer so it didn't weigh them down, not to buy anything but getting Nerin a staff would give her something to focus and improve on, just so she doesn't feel like dead weight.

The spell tome was a lot newer then the staff, its front cover imbedded with the conduit in the center, fancy when compared to the cheap wooden staff. Nerin watched with growing excitement, watching the transaction with the same fascination a dragon hatchling would a snack.

Once the gold had traded hands, Fletcher gestured to her to collect her new possessions. She didn't waste any time doing so earning a pleased chuckle from both the Oakhood and the merchant.

Once the two were out of sight and on their way again with Tricktrail, Fletcher stopped at a clearing so Nerin could test her magic for the first time in her life.

To their luck, the previous owner of the tome had written additional notes about casting on the inside of the cover, explaining the basics and materials needed to cast.

As you may or may not already know, elves have an organ in their bodies known as the Magicka, the source of an elf's magical energy. This is why normal humans can't use magic, they lack Magickas.

However, the energy by itself is useless to the Elf unless they have a conduit in their possession to channel it through, however conduits are fragile in nature and it takes little to break them with physical force. Different methods to counter this include sealing the conduit inside another object such as a staff or gemstone which can lead to different effects.

Different casting items may be designed to encourage a certain type and form of magic or last longer depending on the caster but there are no direct guarantees without trying and finding what works best for you.

With a deep breath Nerin clutched the tome tightly against her chest and tried to picture something, anything as she closed her eyes and waved her hand in front of her, she heard a slight hum, soon followed by Fletcher's chuckle. She peeked her eye open, and soon stared at what manifested in front of her.

It was a barrier that looked as thin and fragile as glass but moved around like flowing water, Fletcher walked up and knocked on the surface causing ripples to form.

"That's a ward," Fletcher explained, "I've seen them used before, they can absorb any fire or magical attacks without problem and can serve as a shield against weapons with enough practice."

"What can the staff do?" Nerin wondered out loud, a huge joyful grin between her ears.

"I don't know but I'd think a target could help you," Fletcher admitted, "I've seen it help others in the past."

Soon Nerin casted with the staff at an apple in the clearing and a magical tether extended from the tip of the staff and grabbed the red fruit before bringing it to Nerin. While she couldn't put her own weight on the tether it was perfect for retrieving or grabbing objects from long distances.

Convinced she had found her true calling in life, magic, Nerin decided to continue on her quest. Once it was finished she'd find herself a real teacher to help her explore her abilities but first: Fort Azgul

Pop quiz! What do you think the best dragon for Nerin would be? Tell me your answer in a review!

PS: Thanks for over 100 faves, that means a lot to me and I don't know if I can keep the chapters coming and keep up with all of you!