-ON THE BACKS OF DRAGONS-

-Argument and New Apparel-

If anyone else received the same thing they'd probably just say "Oh . . . clothes," and be disappointed. But to Nerin, it was another dream come true for her. To her they weren't just garments to cover herself; it was an entirely new identity, an entirely new life.

The moment she found the necessary privacy, Nerin quickly changed abandoning her previous rags to the finely crafted and comfortable mage clothing; everything was soft but strong enough to last a while. Unlike her previous attire which was miss-measured and uneven, her new clothes were perfectly measured and sown together. Even her handler didn't have clothes this nice when he owned her and the farm.

Nerin smiled as she fitted her new boot on, her life as a slave on a farm seemed like an eternity ago, the only thing that hadn't changed since then was her name, not that her handler ever used it.

Finally Nerin opened the small chest that contained the smaller parts of her new clothes like her belt, satchel, circlet, and discovered a mirror, a hairbrush, and some soap, not enough to bathe with, but enough to at least wash her face and hair.

Finally finished changing into her new clothes, and new life, she rejoined the others back at the camp.

On the Backs of Dragons

"Did you get the saddle on right Fletcher?" Alpha teased the Oakhood as the two tried to prepare Nerin's Hobblegrunt for when she returned.

"Yes, just because Tricktrail's is blended into his back instead of secured with straps and buckles doesn't mean I don't know how." Fletcher replied, "You're sure her kit is complete? Don't want her short on something."

"Yes I'm sure, put it together myself, compass, spyglass, blank journal, handbook, dragon nip, First aid, camping knife, and dried food." The Alpha listed off. "Don't worry Fletcher, she'll be fine."

The Oakhood mumbled something under his breath before fastening the saddle bag on the Hobblegrunt.

"You care for her Fletcher, don't you?" It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

"She's a victim, not to long ago she was a slave. I've escorted hundreds more like her to safety and freedom. Every one had a life that was my responsibility, which needed to be part of my concern." Fletcher stated, "I'm concerned for her health and her safety, nothing more."

"Fletcher, stop lying to yourself." Alpha ordered.

"Well, it just feels wrong." Fletcher explained, "Even if I decided to continue, I wouldn't be able to support her. I live in the forest, my bed is a tree branch and I kill prey and hostiles for a living. She deserves a real home and bed, not a campsite."

"Well, I could arrange you to have ownership of a house," Alpha tried to reason.

"So I have an excuse to make her a wife in charge of cooking and cleaning a house I wouldn't use?" Fletcher interrupted, "My life is that of a predator, her life isn't; besides I'd just be taking advantage of her confusion right now."

"Fletcher, it can work, you just need to be willing to make it work." Alpha tried to reason, but to no avail.

"No Alpha, it may work for you, but not me." Fletcher growled, "I'm not going to love her, so she can have the best shot at life. Any affection she has for me is because I played a key role in a major positive turn in her life. If I retuned them I'd use three words to describe myself: Selfish, Manipulative, and Opportunistic. I will NOT be any of those."

"Fletcher,"

"No! We're done talking about this!" Fletcher raised his voice as he turned around and retreated up into a tree to take his frustration out elsewhere.

"No Fletcher, we're not finished, not yet." The human Alpha whispered before turning to join Astrid and the other riders. Nerin was there as well and thankfully seemed unaware of the argument.

Her clothes were a common style associated with Elves back in Corps territory, and it was easy to see why, it just looked right.

First was a blue tunic trimmed with kaki fur that stopped about halfway down her thigh, any lower and it would be difficult to sit in a saddle properly, the sleeves stopped at her elbows.

Next an O shaped piece of leather colored kaki as well was worn around her neck, covering her shoulders and about a third of her front and back, the v shape color around her neck would provide great protection from the cold air.

The last part of her Mage tunic was a larger over the shoulder style tunic matching the blue trimmed with kaki color scheme of the rest of her tunic, however the bottom ended in a diagonal, with the lower end touching her right knee and the higher end reaching about two thirds down her thigh.

Other then that she wore some rather tight grey pants, while at first Nerin found it uncomfortable, she soon learned that is was to help keep the blood in her head when out flying, so she decided to learn to live with it.

Her boots were made out of strong brown leather and was lined with fur on the inside as the adjustable straps and metal buckles ensured a snug and comfortable fit.

Her lower arms were summarily protected as her feet in the form of matching leather gauntlets, again lined with fur on the inside. Unlike her boots however, her gauntlets were held in place by a thin kaki cord wrapped and tied around her limbs.

Nerin had also taken the opportunity to wash and brush her reddish brown hair and let it hang freely while a copper Circlet fitted comfortably on her forehead like a small crown, the blue gem gleamed in the light, matching her light blue eyes.

However Nerin's face shined the most, being clean, beautiful, and positive all at once. Alpha could see immediately how she would be sought after by every young man this side of the Roman Empire for her appearance alone. But he already knew that someone had already won her heart, not through flirtations or Marriage markets*, but through actions, selflessness, and respect.

Only problem: that someone it being too stubborn to admit he wants it to happen. If he doesn't take her, someone else would, and chances are it would end badly. . .

Okay yeah, not the action I promised but these scenes took up more space then I thought, and I didn't want to leave anything important out.

Nerin's clothes are heavy inspired by the novice robes in Skyrim, I just liked their design.

Hopefully I just made the romance between Fletcher and Nerin a lot more interesting. Hopefully you can understand Fletcher's view on the situation, and what he's trying to accomplish.

* For those of you who are curious about that term allow me to explain. Back in Viking times (Yes I did research) "Love" was an insignificant factor in Viking marriage when compared to the financials and politics involved. Often times Fathers would set up booths at these Marriage Markets for their daughters to demonstrate their skills as a potential wife to suitors. If a suitor was interested he sent a proposal to the family, from their it would be refused or negations would take place.