See first chapter for disclaimers.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This actually started with a bit of dialogue that popped into my head. It's not the first story that started out that way, not even the first in this series. See if you can pick it out. If you have any comments or preferences, please don't be shy. RandR.

PREVIOUSLY: Dresden Files

Here There Be …

It was big, very big, and it was looking at them with what Xander thought must pass for a startled expression among its kind. After all, one didn't see two strange humans pop out of a hole in the air every day. Or maybe it's a common occurrence in this dimension, Xander reflected. No way of knowing, and I should really learn to prioritize, he scolded himself, looking up at their unexpected host.

"Faith?"

"Yeah, Xan?"

"That's a dragon."

"Oh? I thought it was a bunny." The creature in question had barely moved. It appeared to have been settling down for a nap when they arrived and aside from turning its head toward them slightly, it hadn't moved. "Options?"

"Portal's gone," he said after a quick backward glance.

"Natch." By unspoken agreement they were speaking softly and backing away from the large golden-scaled beast that was still watching them with what Faith thought might be curiosity. "I don't want to fight it."

"I got no problem with running away."

"It isn't attacking us," Faith noted. "What are the odds it's friendly?"

Xander considered the question for a moment. "Slightly better than the odds it's a vegetarian."

The creature stirred at this comment and raised its head a bit. The two demon hunters began to back away a bit faster. "Good dragon," Xander called soothingly, "pretty dragon. You're a lazy dragon, aren't you?" Faith shot him an incredulous look, but kept pace without comment. "We're not even a mouthful, after all."

"Xan," Faith gritted, "I doubt it understands you. Might be worse if it does. Just keep backing away."

"Sorry Faith, I've often been accused of bad taste." The dark-haired Slayer winced.

A loud thump from behind made them both jump and turn around. They had an audience. A human boy of about 16 and what appeared to be an elf were watching another dragon, this one smaller with bright blue scales, lying on its side shaking with apparent mirth. Words suddenly echoed through their minds. Good dragon… pretty dragon…accompanied by a strong impression that the source of the voice was laughing.

The elf sighed and turned to the larger dragon. "Perhaps, Glaedr, a review of the lessons in stealth might be in order."