Well I have about 75 pages to post before I get caught up, but not all at once

Well I have about 75 pages to post before I get caught up, but not all at once. Hitomi is traveling with Nathen to his village in search of answers along the way she makes a new friend, please read and review I hope you enjoy this.

The sun is still low in the morning sky over the forest. Dew is clinging to the leaves and a light mist hugs the ground. Hitomi is wearing a hooded cape against the chill still in the air. The cape is for more than warmth though, Hitomi has insisted on wearing it in case they happen on any strangers. In Astoria Hitomi saw a lot of different peoples, but no one that looked as she does now. And from Nathan's first reaction to her, she believes there are no others like her.

They have been traveling eastward for three days now. Several times Nathan has halted to hunt. Drying the meat on the fire at night. He has told her all about the village hunters, gathering food. It is honorable for a beast to die, to be killed as food. But to kill for sport is not.

Nathan: "I can see you are still hurting over what happened. If the dragon had not killed, those men would have killed me for sport, and hate."

Hitomi: "It's not easy to forget, Nathan. I could feel their hatred of you. I know you only want to make me feel better, but please…"

Noises in the sky gain Hitomi and Nathan's attention. Looking up in the sky they see several small bird like creature come into view. Two of the bigger ones are circling and attacking a single smaller one. The small creature lets out a cry. Hitomi stops, and still looking up at they creatures, extends her hand. A small, thin streak of fire shoots out and across the path of the two larger creatures. They break off their pursuit of the smaller creature, at what could only be a warning. Chattering loudly they fly off leaving the other alone.

Hitomi shrugs looking over at Nathan.

Hitomi: "He called for help, and it just happened."

The small creature circles Hitomi and Nathan, spiraling downward to land lightly on Hitomi's shoulder, wrapping it's tail around her neck to steady its perch. He is a beautiful creature, a dragonet golden in color with emerald green eyes

Hitomi: "I can hear him in my head, not words, but impressions. I think we have a new friend."

Nathan: "He is a splendid dragonet. There are prides of these creatures all over Gaea, but mostly here in the East. They eat bugs, and it is good fortune for a farmer who has them living near his lands. When they are happy they sing. I have never heard one, but they say the song is from the Heavens themselves."

Hitomi: "He seems to think you are talking too much. He needs to sleep and you are keeping him awake."

At that Nathan just rolls his eyes, but doesn't speak again. In late afternoon they stop to make camp for the evening. The forest is not as dense now and they are by a small pond fed by a stream, with a waterfall at one end. The water looks clear and very inviting.

Hitomi: "Nathan, are you going hunting again?"

Nathan: "I was but if you are uneasy I can stay here, I have my packs about full now."

Hitomi: "No, It's not, It's just that… Well, I need to bath, and I was hoping I could while you are gone."

Nathan: "I'm sorry, I should have guessed. Wearing that cloak must be uncomfortable. Take a blanket with you. I promise not to return too soonHitomi: "Thank you."

Nathan leaves throwing a glance back at the small dragonet on Hitomi's shoulder.

Nathen: "You keep Hatomi safe, hear me."

The dragonet chirps and scolds Nathan as he leaves.

Hitomi: "You tell him Goldie, well little one I think you just found your name. Come on the water looks wonderful."

Hitomi removes the cloak and after hanging it on the branches of a bush, takes off the tunic and sash. The water is still warm from the day's sunshine. It feels wonderful. Hitomi floats around and then dives under the water coming up in the middle. Goldie chatters at her for being under too long. She could stay in the water for hours, but after a short while, Hitomi leaves the water and wraps the blanket loosely around her. Extending her wings to dry, she sits alone by the pond and tries to sort out her feelings. How could this have happened? Part of her wants so badly to find Van, while the other sees over and over again Van slaying the dragon on earth and removing it's energist.

Hitomi: "Oh Goldie, I hope the Elders in the village can help. I feel the pull of the dragon inside me getting stronger. I must maintain control or I may be lost forever."

Nathan has finished the hunt and is heading back to camp. Although he is still far off Hitomi can hear him. She gets dressed and returns to camp. The fire hasn't been started for the night, so Hitomi busies herself by stacking the wood. She's been thinking a lot about her problems, but what about the new things she can do. " If I can shoot fire out of my hand without thinking, can I do it when I want and control the amount. Maybe I can make a small fire on purpose."

She puts her hand under the wood and concentrates. Nothing. She tries several times. Then she remembers her pendant; she pictures it in her mind along with a small flame. Again she sees the pendant it begins to glow a soft green color. Hitomi opens her eyes to find a very small flame in the palm of her hand starting to set the wood on fire.