-1Chapter 1:

Blue

"Rosealia, what are you doing? That's dangerous. Stop!" I yelled as I ran to catch her. I was almost too late. I had just enough time to throw myself to the ground and snatch up her hand. When I pulled her back over the edge she started to cry.

"Rosealia, did I not tell you to stay away from Fallgor's Mouth? This place is dangerous especially to a child." I scold her. "I'm sorry, Nidalily, but I forgot we were near the mouth." Fallgor's Mouth is a cliff that drops off abruptly in a straight line. Our kind has been falling into that hole since it was formed. "Well don't tell mother about this and we'll be fine, Rosealia." "Ok. Nidalily, my ear hurts." I turned her head so I could examine it. "Now we have to tell her you cut your ear." I took the hem of my apron and a flask of water and cleaned the wound. When I was finished, I traced the outline of her ear from rounded bottom to the pointed tip.

"There we go that should do till we get back." I said as I put the flask away. I stood up and helped Rosealia to her feet. We started walking back upon the hidden trail. We turned around a tree and out of the corner of my eye; I saw a flash of blue. I bent down and whispered in Rosealia's ear," Run on ahead. I'm going to collect some herbs." she nodded and ran ahead. I got down on my hands and knees searching for elmias, a plant for numbing pain. There was the flash again and it was closer. My ears picked up the sound of rustling leaves. All of a sudden the person lunged at me and grabbed me around the neck and waist. "Leianine, nora limmi." I yelled in my native language. It basically means "Stop, let go!" I shoved my elbow into the person's stomach. They grunted and relaxed their grip on me. I slipped out of their hold and started to run. Then there was a sharp pain in my back as the stranger slammed into me. I fell to the ground in a crumpled heap. The person flipped me over. It was a human. Not just a human, a man.

"I'm sorry, are you alright." he asked me as he picked me up. "Am I alright? You just tackled me. Let go of me, are you insane?" I asked as I struggled with him. He clapped his hand over my mouth before I could say anything else. "Hush, I'm trying to help you. Your people must leave this wood. The war is heading this way." After he finished speaking, he took his hand away from my mouth and let me speak. "A war? What war? Our people knew nothing of a war. If you are telling me the truth then I will lead you to our lord." I said as I reached for his head. "What are you doing?" He said, trying to pull away. "This will feel strange." I warned him as I pressed his forehead to mine. In a flash I had what I needed and probably more. "Okay, come with me." I said distractedly. For a moment he stood there and then he flinched and started walking. I led him to my lord. Our lord is called Ironleaf. I entered the dwelling first, leading the man by the hand.

"Sir, I have brought a man with me that has something very important to tell you." I turned to the man. He stepped forward and told Ironleaf what he had told me. 'Who fights in this war?" Ironleaf asked. 'Mostly humans, sir, but there are a few in both groups who hold the hearts of dragons." He answered. I had been listening to him and watching Ironleaf's expression, but when I heard the word dragons, I turned to look at the man.

When I was young, I had met with a dragon. Contrary to belief, most dragons are very peaceful and hate fighting. They normally only kill if they feel their young are in danger. I couldn't believe that people were using them to harm other people.

'That's horrible, why would you do such a thing to a dragon." I said, disgusted. "You're more worried about the dragons than the people? He asked. "The people inflict the war upon themselves; the dragons are forced into it." I retorted. "That seems very wise, but the dragons should have known better than to leave their hearts where they could be found." He replied. I stared at him in disbelief. "Who are you?" I asked, just realizing that he had never told us his name. "I am Prince Advan. I was wondering when you would ask." he said, smiling. 'You are a prince, unbelievable." I said. "And who are you to talk to me that way?" He said, irritated now. "I am Nidalily, chosen princess of our kind. I have every right and more to talk to you however I choose." I replied blank faced. "You do not look like a princess." He said as he studied me. "To be a princess is not to look like one. And besides, we were out gathering berries. Should I dress extravagantly just to do that? I do not think so." I replied pointedly.

Ironleaf cut into the argument, "We? Who was with you?" "Rosealia was with me, but I told her to run ahead home. She did make it, did she not?" I asked worriedly. "I made it back right before you did. You hit her hard, you know." She added, turning to Advan. "I didn't mean to, but I couldn't think of any other way to stop her." he said blushing. "It is okay. I'll have Ullbud treat my wounds." I said, trying to seem neutral even though my body ached. "Now follow me, I will show you a place you rest." I added as I turned and began to walk towards the door. He began to follow me when Rosealia ran up and grabbed his hand. He paused for a moment, but when she started walking he followed.

AN: Soooo, what do you think? I hope you like it. This story was inspired by a very intelligent, talented new friend of mine. Thanks Zach. I accept all comments, though I do not see how you could send me flames over a story that I created. Any who.

I await your any and every remark. For your entertainment,

Meko-chan.