FIRST FLIGHT
Aelwyn woke to the warm feeling of Arian curled around him. He softly murmured as he curled closer to the dragon. He could hardly remember when he had slept better than beside the silver dragon.
Good morning, little one. Aelwyn started and sat up, blinking sleep from his eyes as he glanced around, searching for the voice.
"What in the-?" Arian's head swung around to look at him.
Ever have you been slow in the morning . . . said the voice with humor. Aelwyn blinked rather owlishly as his sleep-addled mind struggled to comprehend what it was hearing.
"You . . .Arian, you . . .You can talk . . ." he finally said, a stunned look adorning his face. Arian's face seemed to reflect the mirth of the dragon.
Quite obviously. Have you always been so slow in the mornings, or is this a recent development? the voice teased. Aelwyn spluttered at this. As he was about to find a retort, something clicked in his mind. His eyes were wide as he stared.
"Wait a minute. That voice . . .You're a girl?!" Arian snorted, a puff of smoke exiting her nose, her eyes seeming to crinkle with mirth.
My, how observant . . . Aelwyn was dumbstruck. His mouth moved for a few moments, but no sound came forth. Arian made a long, coughing growl that took a moment to register in his mind. She was laughing. In truth, he had never asked, nor been rude enough to try to see. My, you certainly are entertaining. With a sigh, he rubbed his temples. Arian nuzzled him, growling softly. He chuckled and looked up, smiling at her.
"I'm glad. It's nice to really have a two-way conversation." Arian nodded. He reached up and softly stroked her cheek. She closed her eyes and hummed, enjoying his touch.
Thank you, Aelwyn. For everything you've done for me. He smiled sadly at her words.
His heart felt a little heavy, and he voiced his concern.
"So, are you going to leave, now?" he asked. The reply was Arian nuzzling him and humming.
Never! I'm staying with you as long as we draw breath. Aelwyn was relieved, and hugged her around the neck. She was so much a part of him, he couldn't fathom being without her. He now wondered how he had lived without her. He smiled as he softly stroked her on the nose.
"I'm glad, my dear friend."
From then on, they had true conversations, and enjoyed every moment of it. They got along so well, it was as if they were meant for each other. She knew him more fully and deeply than even his own family had. Despite what they shared, he was very careful and selective on what he showed Arian of his past, as some wounds were still fresh. She respected his choice, and didn't force the issue. From what he did share, he came from a land far across the sea. A land of mountains higher than most clouds, with thick forests, misty lakes and grassy hills. Despite the beauty of the land in his memories, there was always a touch of dread in them, as if being outside were dangerous in the extreme. He also never talked about his family. Arian was very curious, but left it alone. She could feel it was a very sensitive thing.
Their newfound ability to speak to each other only bonded them that much closer. Apart from select things of his past, he shared much with Arian. He taught her songs and stories from his lands. Poems and epic sagas, legends and lore. She was delighted to hear how his people venerated dragons as deep friends and benefactors of mankind. They enjoyed each other's company and were glad for where they were and the bounty of the seas.
However, a day soon came that changed things.
That day, Aelwyn was walking along the rocks, his cloak fluttering in the wind as he made his way towards the southern shores, when he heard a thunderous roar. He turned and ran back towards the cave. His link with Arian was strong enough to reach about a league, and growing each day. He thought he could hear yelling as he approached the cave.
Arian! he mentally yelled.
I'm all right.
What happened?
Two humans came. I think they were thieves . . . Aelwyn panted as he returned and sighed in relief at the sight of her guarding the cave. She barely fit in it anymore. He looked down the shore and could vaguely see two forms running away. He huffed, having been worried about other humans. Thus far, they hadn't seen any, but he knew that would probably change.
He was hesitant for other people to see Arian, as he doubted they would see her as anything more than a monster. He looked up at her as she gave a soft growl.
I think we should leave here . . . she suggested. He nodded, knowing that she was right.
He gathered up what he could and fashioned a crude pack from spare sailcloth. He packed some dried meat and anything else he thought necessary. He knew that when the men returned, and they would without a doubt, they would likely have others with them.
"When do you think we should leave?" he asked her. She looked down at him.
As soon as possible. He nodded as he walked next to her. He took the moment to admire her.
Arian's shoulder was now over a foot above his head. She had certainly grown well. Their diet of seafood had sustained them well. He believed that it had helped Arian not only to grow so fast, but was part of what made her so healthy. Indeed, her scales shined like polished silver, sparkling in the light. She was truly the most beautiful creature he had ever beheld.
As he was about to set off, she stopped him. She stooped low and looked at him. Climb on my back. He looked at her back, where her wings and neck met, where there were no spines. She felt his apprehension and softly nuzzled him. Trust me. I won't let you fall. He nodded as he climbed up and grabbed one of her spines as she stood up. Hold on, my little one! she cautioned as she spread her wings and sent them skyward. Aelwyn held on tight as the salty wind whipped past as Arian soared above the sea. He stared in awe at the beautiful sight. He could see high mountains lining the coast for as far as he could see. The feeling of the wind rushing by was nothing short of amazing. Arian could feel his wonder at the feeling. What do you think of flying, little one? He smiled as he looked down at the ocean sailing by under them.
"This is fantastic!" he shouted out. Arian felt great pride as she took them closer to the mountains. Aelwyn watched as the treetops flew past at speeds he couldn't imagine. She flew faster than the fastest horse could run. He laughed in wonder and glee at the amazing feeling.
I've wanted to take you flying with me for a long time . . . she said fondly as she banked and flew around a high peak. He spotted a lake and pointed.
"Let's land there and camp!" he instructed. She circled a few times before she finally landed next to the lake. Aelwyn chuckled as she landed. He hopped down and looked around as she folded her wings. The grass that covered the ground was soft and cool. Flowers were blooming and the smell of the fresh water of the lake was wonderful. He looked up at her and smiled. "That was amazing!" he said as his smile grew. Arian hummed with pride at his praise.
I'm glad, little one. It's how we're going to be traveling from now on.
Aelwyn looked excited by the prospect.
"I hope I wasn't too heavy." Arian laughed, both physically, and in her mind.
Hardly! You're no more burden to me than a pebble would be. He smiled, feeling wonder and awe at her, which she felt through the link. She cleaned one of her claws as she laid down, slightly embarrassed. Shouldn't you get a fire going? He nodded and set to the task as Arian watched. Soon, a stout campfire was going and there was some venison roasting above it on a wooden spit. Arian had found she liked the taste of deer, and proved an adept hunter. He smiled as he leaned back against her side with some venison. The deer around the mountains were far larger than those he was used to back home. That meant plenty of dried smoked venison for his pack. He sighed as he finished the meat and relaxed.
"You're a fine hunter, and a wonderful friend." he said fondly. Arian hummed at his words. With a sigh he stood up and walked over to the woods, looking at some of the downed trees. He drew the short sword as he looked at some of the trees thoughtfully.
What are you doing? He looked back at her.
"Looking for something to make you a shelter." Arian laughed in response, much to his surprise and confusion. She looked at him with great silver eyes, sparkling with amusement.
I appreciate the thought, little one, but I have no need of it. The look on her face could only be described as a smile. He walked back to her and touched her nose.
"But I don't want you to be cold." She nuzzled him at his kind words.
I'm never cold when I have you, little one. Aelwyn smiled at her. She extended her wing, inviting him under. She hummed as he settled under her wing as she closed it over him.
He snuggled against her warm scales and quickly drifted off to sleep, safe under her wing.
The next morning, Aelwyn awoke to a world tinted by gray. He looked up at Arian's wing, which covered him like a warm tent. It was wonderfully warm and comfortable there. He smiled as he reached out with his mind.
Good morning. How did you sleep?
Very well. With that, she opened her wing and let the sun shine in. Aelwyn blinked as his eyes readjusted to the light. He rubbed them as he stood. Behind him, Arian yawned and stretched, rather like a cat. He looked out at the small lake and gave a soft sigh. The surface was very calm, making it look like a mirror that reflected the skies and the treetops. It reminded him of several places back in his lands. He quickly put the thought out of his mind as he turned back to Arian, who lay on the ground, tail curled around her, her head resting on the ground. Deep, silver eyes regarded him. So, little one, where are we going to? He ran his fingers through his auburn locks as he walked over to stand before her.
I haven't really thought about that, he admitted. He looked up at the trees. The forests here were quite unlike those back home. He looked down at her, her great eyes never leaving him. Despite her near-unblinking stare, he never felt intimidated by her gaze. He looked up at the clouds that drifted overhead. I guess we should learn more about where we are, the lay of the land . . ., he mused. Arian gave a soft snort in response as she lifted her head.
Very wise. Aelwyn shook his head.
Just common sense. I don't even know what these lands are called. There is so much I don't know, so many questions that need answers.
Again, where are we going, little one? she repeated. He smiled at her.
Anywhere we wish, my friend. Arian hummed at his response.
They traveled southward at a leisurely pace for several days, camping at night in the mountain forests or on the sea cliffs. As they traveled, a new development arose.
When they landed in a small meadow, Arian suddenly flared her nostrils, sniffing the air. Before Aelwyn could ask, she swung her head around and sniffed him. He was startled when she sniffed his legs.
You're bleeding. Her voice sounded worried. Aelwyn dismounted and removed his trousers. The insides of his thighs were a little raw, but not too much. He was used to riding a horse, and had gripped her back as he normally would when riding. Given her hard scales, he wasn't too surprised. He grunted as he pulled them back up, aware of Arian's gaze and concern. He was glad that he wore underbreeches, otherwise it would have been a little awkward at best. He looked up at her and smiled.
"It's not bad. Just a few scratches." he said as he set his pack down.
You should make a saddle or something to protect your legs, little one. He looked up at her as she stood over his knelt form. She nuzzled him gently. Her head was now as long as his torso. I'm sorry I've hurt you . . . He rubbed her nose in response.
Nonsense! I'm tougher than that! Besides, you can't help your wonderful scales being hard as links of mail. They protect you, and I'm glad of it! His words comforted her as he took out items from the pack.
I still want you to make something to protect you, she insisted. He smiled gently at her.
Well, I'm afraid I don't have any leather to make a saddle, nor am I a saddle-wright.
Arian looked at him with her great, shining eyes.
I have faith in you, little one. Before he could speak further, she gently shoved her nose against his chest. Nevertheless, unless you find a way to protect your legs, I'm going to carry you in my claws! Aelwyn blinked at that. He was still for a moment before he smiled his usual, soft smile.
"All right, all right. I'll see about trading or buying some leather if we see a village." he chuckled as he stood. "But, you'll have to stay out of sight, I'm afraid." Arian growled softly, but agreed.
That night, as they sat by the fire, Aelwyn looked up at the stars, as if searching for answers.
What are you looking at, little one? He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye before returning his gaze to the heavens.
"The stars," he said simply. Arian craned her head upward and looked at the sparkling dots in the sky.
They are beautiful on such a clear night. Aelwyn smiled softly as he watched her gaze at the stars, the light of the fire dancing in her scales.
Not nearly as beautiful as your bright scales. She looked at him. He hadn't intended her to hear that thought, but she had. He felt her warm gratitude for his words wash over him.
Thank you, little one. Always have you been kind with your words to me. Aelwyn felt his face heat up as he blushed ever so slightly. Arian curled her tail around him, pulling him closer as they watched the stars together.
