In this world, magic is a normality. It's as natural commodity, almost as natural as breathing. It's a part of life, it's a part of death. Some excel at magic; some are average and others are against using it completely. Despite being able to use it, there are others against it. Opposing forces, magic at the hands of everyone and someone who doesn't wish to use it. What's in store for them
Vanderwood gave him a little pat, glancing towards MC and giving her an approving look.
MC sighed in relief, thinking that this wouldn't be too hard.
Two down, one more to go
...
MC watched as Vanderwood made his way over to her, with the little embers not far behind him.
Shooting a small smile towards the little ones, MC looked for their third sibling who wasn't anywhere in sight.
"Yeah, can't find her huh?" Vanderwood said finally making his way to her
Confused MC looked at him "Her?"
Vanderwood looked around him, searching for a ball of black "Yeah, I came to give you some advice. This one might be a bit different from the other two."
"How so?"
Temporarily giving up his search Vanderwood explains "Well, she is more shy than the others. With them you can at least get some immediate attention from them, whether it is from material things or things that interest them. With her you get more cautious attention, she'll pay attention to you but she'll hide behind things, or won't get close to you at all."
"…"
Taking note of MC's anxious silence he tries to reassure her "Of course they all were like that, that's how dragons are by nature."
"That could be a problem"
Looking down at her he crosses his arms "There is some good news though."
MC's eyes light up at the good news "Really?" she asks enthusiastically
Vanderwood nods "Mmhm, although she doesn't necessarily care for material things, it doesn't mean she doesn't like them. She likes things that have a lot of feelings and thoughts put into them, she also doesn't like to be left out, which is why she is probably sulking. She does warm up to women a lot quicker than men though."
Confused again MC gives Vanderwood a look "…?"
"But you're a man.." she says with a glance
right?
Not knowing about her ridiculous thought he starts to explain "Well for one thing…"
"…"
Vanderwood pulls out his ponytail, showing it to MC.
"This thing makes her a bit confused.."
"Ah, that makes sense." MC says nodding
Vanderwood smiles "And for another thing, I have an affinity with dragons, most dragons tend to warm up to Dragon knights and the like quicker than they would any other person."
"ok, I'll keep that in mind."
"Good luck" he gives her a small pat on the shoulder heading back over to where Zen is, beckoning Seven to follow and leaving MC alone with the other two dragons.
MC sits down in the grass, smiling at the two dragons running around her as they throw their bodies against her and play with each other. As she glances around and she notices a pair of eyes staring back at her from behind a rock.
It's starting to get dark.
The sky is giving off rays of orange and red, signaling the end of a day as the sun sets. MC anxiousness appears on her face as the first day comes to an end.
Zen makes his way towards MC nudging her with a smile
"Don't worry too much, how about trying again tomorrow, bright an early." he says his eyes showing hints of worry and reluctance
Sighing MC shakes her head "...I can't…"
"?"
Zen walks up behind Vanderwood, sighing. "She must be very anxious about her admission."
Seven nods in agreement "Yeah."
MC stands up, trying to inch her way closer to the baby dragon, but as she gets closer, the baby dragon becomes more aware of her. One step closer for MC, a step back for the baby dragon.
MC didn't want to back her into a corner so she stopped. Sitting where she stopped she crosses her legs.
I think I should approach this differently.
Putting a small smile on her face she talks to the dragon "Let's try bonding one on one hm?" MC asks
The baby dragon still hides behind the rock, peeking out at her every so often.
"Is it okay if I give you a name?" MC asks
The baby dragon peaks from behind the rock again, staring at her and hides again, this time her back turned towards MC and behind the rock. Her tail barely seen from where MC was sitting.
MC observed the baby dragon, noticing she was very different from her brothers.
She's all black.
"…"
"As black as obsidian…" she mumbled to herself
Looking up, MC noticed the orange of the sky and the light of the setting sun bounced off of her scales. When they did, her scales were almost golden in color. Like a gold reflection.
MC mumbles again "Skin that absorbs the sun"
"...How about the name Ariya?"
Her tail moves. It sways back and forth once and stills once more.
I don't know what that signifies but it is more than what she was doing at first so it's progress.
"Ariya? Do you not like me?" MC asks with a small frown, trying to appeal to the dragon's emotions
She peeks from behind the rock. Coming out a little more than she did, but not by much, you could barely see her head.
As the day went by with the little ones playing with their new treasures, Kenna sleeping the day away, Seven and Zen playing around with each other and Vanderwood keeping an eye on the dragons and the village, the day continued to go on without leaving a single trace of daylight.
"…"
Seven crouches down "Let's call it a day, we should get some rest if we want to pick this back up tomorrow. The village head has allowed us to stay the night, dinner and a bath are also included."
Zen excited about the bath rushes to gather his things. Seven not too far behind him.
"How about it?" Zen asks with his bags on his back
"Can one of you bring me back something to eat, I'll wash up and come back after eating." MC asks
"MC.."
Looking up at them she pleads "Please, do this for me?"
Sighing, they all glanced at each other and back at MC, with an understanding nod and a couple pats on the shoulder they head off.
MC sighs, getting up and grabbing her bag from by the fence.
Sitting down, she opens one of her books. Her bookmark falling out of her book catches the eye of the little dragons, including Ariya.
She picks it up, not noticing the eyes following her movements and sits back down. Seconds go by, minutes go by and as she continues to read she hears familiar voices.
They yell "Foods here!"
"Ah thanks" MC closes her book, keeping the bookmark in her hand. "It looks good, what is it?" she asks eyeing the food and sniffing it, loving the way it smelled.
Vanderwood sat down "It's meat stew"
Glancing at the dragons who stared at the food she asked "What about the dragons, they must be hungry as well."
"For them, since they are fire dragons, we must feed them something of the same component as them." Vanderwood explains while eating his stew
"...Fire?" MC asks
"Fire." he confirms
"Although they can also eat ash and lava rocks and other foods as well. Fire is their main diet. For tonight though, we won't start a fire until they are full or they'll just eat it out and we won't get any heat from it."
"So what did you bring them, I doubt they can eat stew."
"We just bought back the meat used that was used for the stew. Since various meats were used in the stew it should be fine. Although there is a fair amount of beef for some reason." Zen explained
"...Will cows be going extinct soon?" Seven asked staring at his meat stew as it sat in front of him
Zen rolls his eyes "Not funny"
After making sure the dragons had something to eat, MC drooled at the sight of the food and tried hard to compose herself, losing sight of her mission she inhaled the food as soon as she could.
"You must have been hungry, taking care of dragons is no easy feat and naming them is even harder." Vanderwood watched her eat
Zen nods "I agree with that".
They all finished their food and started chatting around the campfire. Noticing the baby dragons had worn themselves out, all three embers had crowded around their mom and slept for the night.
"So, how is everything?" Vanderwood asks leaning on the palms of his hands
Thinking back MC recalls the time spent here "Hm, well it started out extremely difficult in a sense that I really didn't know what I was doing...and actually I still don't know what I'm doing, but it has gotten a bit better. I enjoy that I'm experiencing something like this. I also like that I'm able to make connections with dragons by giving them names. I'm very fortunate I was able to meet someone like you who is so experienced with Dragons." she explains
"I'm also lucky that these dragons are so friendly and understanding."
"Right now, they kind of understand that they are being moved somewhere else, although they are so attached to this field, but they're giving me a chance to earn their trust and really that is all I can ask from them at this point".
"That's true".
MC smiles, enjoying the comfort they boys provided and taking in the small heat from the fire. Smoke and fire sparks the night as MC looks aimlessly around her.
Picking up some random vines she found, she makes a vine crown. Something a little girl taught her back at her village just to cure her boredom.
"What is that?"
"Ah this?"
"It's a vine crown. I'm not that fond of flowers so I made this instead." MC says holding it up so that Vanderwood could see
"It looks nice."
"Thanks.."
A comfortable silence permits the air as they all take in the scenery.
Coming back Zen and Seven smile "We've washed up already, you can go on ahead, one of us will stay here and keep the fire going until you come back."
"Thank you, I won't be long." MC says, gathering her things
"Vanderwood, how about you stay here, the dragons are more comfortable around you". Seven suggests
"Sure." Vanderwood says shrugging
"Zen and I will go get some rest." Seven says pointing towards the village
Zen and Seven walk MC to the village, taking her bag she leaves her book and the bookmark behind.
The three of them move out into the distance leaving Vanderwood alone with the crickets chirping as his company.
Dozing off for a while, Vanderwood wakes to the small sounds beside him.
Cracking one eye open, he notices a baby dragon circling around MC's things.
Ariya? That's what she named her right?
Vanderwood notices that Ariya is circling around the book and the vine crown and is taking a particular interest in MC's bookmark.
Her bookmark? But wh-
"Ah...it's a phoenix feather."
That's cool.
Arya takes notice of Vanderwood waking up and looks back and forth between the bookmark and him. She runs over to him nudging his hand and going under his arm.
He shakes his head trying to nudge her away "No, no, no. If you want it, you need to ask the owner for it. I can't just give it to you without her permission. She's trying hard to be friends with you and even gave you a name. You should return the favor instead." he explains to her softly
The baby dragon chitters, making Vanderwood laugh at her antics.
"I'm back!"
Arya's ears perk up, dashing out into the blackness of the field, she's nowhere to be seen now.
Vanderwood shakes his head turning back to look at MC waving at him. Sighing he gets up, dusting off his pants and giving MC a small wave.
"Just something before I go. It seems that Ariya likes your bookmark."
"My bookmark?"
MC glances down at the bookmark she left by her book.
"You mean the phoenix feather?" MC asks giving it a look
"Yeah, she seemed really interested in it. When I woke up after dozing off she was staring at it, she even tried to get me to give it to her." he said giving a small chuckle
MC laughing, gave the feather another glance, getting an idea.
"Ok, thanks for all your help Vanderwood."
"No problem, get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow." he said giving her a small ruffle on her head
"Sure, night!"
Glancing back down at the feather, MC squinted her eyes, trying to make out Ariya in the darkness of the field. Noticing the reflection of gold bouncing of Ariya's scales from the firelight she smiled.
Well at least I know she's there.
MC sat down by the fire, continuing her vine crown and adding a little something to it. Putting it into her bag, she set up the small tent.
Giving Ariya a glance, she headed to bed, praying that her gift be the key to unlocking this little embers heart.
Throughout the night MC could hear little pitter patters of feet, softly giggling she could only assume that little Ariya was looking for something interesting, especially according to Vanderwood she seems to really like it.
Waking up to birds chirping and a little chatter from the guys, MC wakes up to see Vanderwood and Kenna playing with the dragons while Zen and Seven talked with each other.
Waking up, they all greeted her. As she moved to get out of her tent two little dragons came running towards her, knocking her back.
She laughed loving affection from the little ones.
Laughing she gave them each a little pat "Morning Archion, Adias."
Nudging her sides they rubbed their bodies against hers, Archion's gold nugget necklace glistening in the sun, while Adias pushed his ash stone towards her.
Giving Adias a pat and picking up Archion they exited the tent.
"Where's your sister?" she playfully asked the little fire dragon
Archion squirmed out of her grip running over to Vanderwood. MC noticed a body hiding behind Vanderwood's legs.
Smiling MC yelled "Ariya!"
MC waved at the dragon, the dragon taken aback stood up ,staring at MC confusingly.
Smiling, she packed up her tent. She wanted to approach this a bit differently from the others. The others, although cautious were unexpectedly easy to handle once you gave them something to focus on. Ariya is a bit different because she's so aware, so something to focus on isn't an object but MC instead, and that was a problem.
Sitting down MC grabs her bag and beckons Ariya over to her. Although cautious, Ariya inches closer to the girl but not close enough.
"Ariya. I have something for you, but I can't give it to you unless you come closer. I promise, after this, it'll be all over ok?" she pleads
Ariya cocked her head to the side and inched a bit closer.
MC could tell she was trying her absolute best to overcome her cautiousness and worry. She appreciated such determination and effort which is why she really wanted to bond with these embers on a more emotionally deeper level. More than getting them into the cave, more than making friends with dragons, she just wanted to develop a bond. Something that would last a lifetime.
After getting Airya close enough within arms reach, MC reached into her bag, causing Arya to freeze up.
Silently apologizing for scaring her she pulled out a vine crown with a phoenix feather hanging from it.
Ariya's eyes lit up. It was something MC's never seen before. The sun was so high in the sky the golden color bouncing off of Ariya's scales seemed even more dazzling than before. Like her emotions dictated the dullness of her shine, like her happiness made her glow.
The vine crown was a vibrant green, the leaves adorning the crown in an almost calculated way. The phoenix feather hanging by a black silk thread almost enchanted Ariya to the point where she was sitting right in front of MC, Ariya's front legs touching MC's.
Smiling in the background, Vanderwood crosses his arms and nods in MC's direction. Seven and Zen give her a thumbs up and MC blushes sheepishly. Proud of her work she disregarded the fact that she even had the audacity to think that this would be easy.
Looking back down at the little dragon staring back at her she carefully places the crown on Ariya's head. The dragon knowingly shakes her head, loving the way the phoenix feather knocked against her head. Running around in circles she breathed out small puffs of fire letting everyone know her happiness.
MC smiles widely, tears forming in her eyes. She loved how happy these little dragons were with her gifts. Both the names and the gifts were important and she loved the way it made them feel.
Ariya ran up to MC, running around her legs and throwing her body against hers. Picking Ariya u,p she laid her forehead on hers feeling the warmth from the little dragon.
I hope you're able to tell how much this means to me. You and your brothers are so timid and shy, so cautious and worried. You haven't even explored the world yet you're so well guarded. It's in your nature, it's in your blood, and I'm glad that you let down your walls long enough for me to come in.
The other two dragons run over to MC circling her legs and looking up at her. While sharing a moment with them, an enormous shadow takes over MC. She looks up quickly, startled at the red dragon staring down at her. MC puts Ariya down, staring up at Kenna.
Kenna leans down, closing her eyes as she bows down. MC cannot hide her surprised expression as she doesn't know what to do.
Looking around for Vanderwood he knowingly nods to her and mouths to her to hold her hand up. Following his instructions he then tells her to get down on one knee.
MC is confused but as she follows his instructions she begins to feel like this is a thank you from Kenna. Still staring at Vanderwood for the next instructions he doesn't say anything. He doesn't do anything.
Confused by his actions MC starts to internally panic. Looking back down at Kenna she is overcome with an emotion of thankfulness. Sighing MC gets down on both knees, slightly touching Kenna's head and putting her forehead on hers.
No, I want to thank you. Thank you for allowing me to form a bond with your children.
Kenna leans forward into MC's hand and stands up.
Clapping Vanderwood speaks "Ok everyone, let's get on to the next part. We need to get them into the cave down there. Kenna will be helping this time around."
Kenna slammed her foot down quickly, making the earth rumble. Birds fly out from the trees and the little embers all run to their mother.
Kenna looks at MC and MC steps in front of them, leading them down into the cave she marvels at its atmosphere. The cave was quite dark but it was light enough for the dragons to see. It's deep and sturdy, balanced with enough magic particles to maintain their magic and their forms, the little embers run around.
"It's pretty spacious here" Seven says
"Yeah, I guess they won't really have any trouble playing around in here." Zen says looking around in amazement
"Yeah, plus I'll be able to keep a better look out for them here. Whether it's training the babies or taking care of them, here they won't be able to harm the village but they also won't be put in harm's way themselves." Vanderwood nods
"Well, I think it's time we head on out." Vanderwood says
"Really? So soon?" MC whines
Smiling Vanderwood gives her a small pat "You must have gotten attached to this dragon family"
MC stares at the little dragons jumping around "Yeah, it almost feels like I've been with them my whole life."
"I understand. You even named them so you must feel a sense of longing and attachment."
"Yeah, but she isn't the only one." Seven said pointing to them
Looking behind MC, the little dragons all sit in a line staring back at her.
She smiles sadly taking a knee and opening her arms. Running into them, they all nudge her and rub their bodies against her. She takes in their warmth and their scent. They smell of burning wood and fire. Of smoke and ash. It's a comforting feeling, she'll miss them.
"It's fine. I'll come visit a lot, I promise. I don't live far, I don't work far. I'll be back." more or so reassuring herself, she makes a silent promise to come visit them whenever she can
She leans back, looking them all in their eyes. She's seriously contemplating on staying here with them. Their giving her big shiny pleading eyes. They won't look away from her.
"This is really getting to me Seven, they're seriously making me want to stay." MC says never looking away from the baby dragons
Seven smiles, getting down on a knee and giving them all a little pat.
"She's gotta come back with us, but we'll come play with you guys."
"Yeah, we'll make sure we come back and visit. I'll even bring some food back." Zen says
The dragons look at each other and back at the group of friends standing before them. Circling them, they rub their bodies against everyone's and step back.
MC gives them sad eyes and goes to hug them one last time, Vanderwood stops her by pulling on her backpack, dragging her out the cave.
"Vanderwood! Just one more hug." MC says reaching out to the embers
Vanderwood tightens his grip "No, it'll just make it harder to leave them. Don't you know that, it's Dragon Knowledge 101."
"No! I don't know that! I don't know anything about that nonsense." MC
"Come on, just one more. They're my babies!"
Vanderwood sighs "You'll see them again...although they probably won't be that small."
"You say something?"
"No, not at all."
MC stops struggling still being able to see Kenna and the little ones shadows as she was being dragged away she gives up letting vanderwood drag her back to the field.
Sighing she plops on the ground and looks at the empty spaces that the dragons once occupied.
"They ain't dead. They're just down there" Vanderwood points towards the cave
"You'll see them again." He smiles
MC sighs again, tuning out Vanderwood's comforting words.
He shakes his head and talks to Seven while Zen helps MC pack her things. Minutes go by before they are all packed and ready to head back to the guild.
"Well it was nice meeting you MC." Vanderwood holds out his hand
"Yeah me too, take care of em' for me." MC says shaking his hand
"I will, I always do. Plus I was kinda here before you." he says with a smile and an eyebrow raised playfully
"...that's true." she hangs her head
Sighing again, MC turns around to look back at the cave one last time.
"There is some good news though."
"What is it?"
"You passed your admissions quest." Vanderwood says
"…"
Silence settles in the air and moments go by as MC is frozen.
I forgot all about that…
"I forgot…" Mc says blankly
the shine coming back to her eyes, she confirms again "I passed?"
"Mmhmm." Seven says beside her
MC can't believe it for some reason "Seriously?"
MC jumps down with joy, hugging Seven, Zen and Vanderwood in her happiness.
They all smile knowingly and give her their congrats.
Vanderwood bids them farewell and they all make their way back to the guild to share the good news.
