Chapter 11

A Tender Heart

Despite a disappointingly brief campfire tale, the group had no trouble getting a sound rest that night. At morn, everyone was instantly refreshed by the misty dew that had collected overnight, and after some freshening up they continued their trek, unawares of the great shock awaiting them around the bend.

(Our heroes going along through the woods as normal)

Squishy: Four days into this wilderness and still no sign of our end goal.

Jo: Patience, Squish. Will said it's a far ways away.

Will: By my reckoning, we're likely over halfway there at this point.

Squishy: Oh whoopee: Just four more days of walking.

Rick: No need to be so grumpy, Dad.

Cope: Let him. I've seen enough positive out of him for this lifetime.

(Suddenly Gray stops and looks around)

Sara: What's wrong?

Gray: I smell blood. Fresh.

Jo: Really? Well that could solve our food situation for the day.

Gray: No. Something's off.

(He runs off in another direction, followed by the others. They soon reach a downward slope, where they see a disturbing sight. At the bottom is a clearing, and lying drenched in blood is a prone human figure. Crimson streaked its white clothes and flowing black hair, as well as its fair face)

Sam Jackson: What the...? Hey, ain't that that elf thing we saw a few days ago?

Stan: What!?

Lann: Oh crap, that's the song dragon!

(In an instant he leaps onto the slope and slides down. At the bottom he breaks into a run and gets to the fallen dragoness. The others soon catch up to him. It becomes clear that the elf-form dragon has plenty of gashes on its body along with its clothing)

Will: Gosh dern, she's all torn up.

Lann: She's only unconscious, but her breathing's faint. We need to do something fast.

Cope: Not to be the downer voice of realism (yet again), but it, she, looks pretty far gone.

Stan: (Worry, worry)

Sylvia: We should still try, Alex.

(Sara gets up close to the elf/dragon)

Sara: The lacerations are still fresh, and not very deep, so she shouldn't have lost much blood. It could just be momentary shock, but we're going to have to close these wounds. Bandages or gauze should do.

Squishy: We used up all the absorbents yesterday!

Sally: Could leaves help?

Lann: Probably, but not with these conifers.

Stan: We have to do something! Sam, you played a doctor at some point didn't you?

Sam Jackson: Not a field surgeon from what I recall.

Grey: Hate to say I'm equipped to do the opposite of patching up a dragon, Stan.

Stan: Oooooooooooooh!

Lann: Calm down, Stan. We'll work something out.

Cope: (Sigh) I guess if we're being insistent here. (Pulls out a big med box from his robes)

Jo: Where'd you get that?

Cope: I took this from the crash site when we first headed out.

Anna: You mean you've been hoarding medical supplies this entire time? For shame, Alex!

Cope: We're on a foreign world and we could have wound up really hurt! I was just being a good scout by coming prepared.

Sally: And now's the time for you to tell us this? (Snatches box from him) Shame, indeed!

Sara: (Gets handed box, and looks inside) Alright, that should have everything, assuming human treatment can work.

Lann: For this type I say it should.

Sara: Good. The wounds will need to be cleaned first, and I'm afraid there aren't enough antiseptics for this.

Sally: Would water work? I saw a stream a ways back.

Sara: Could you get some?

Sally: Sure! (Runs off)

Sara: We should have it sanitized to be safe, meaning we'll need a fire to boil it.

Gray: I'm your man!

Lann: I can go grab some wood for it. I'll be back quick.

Sara: Gotcha. (Gray and Lann leave) Stan?

Stan: Y-Yeah? (He joins Sara)

Sara: You take this gauze and press it down on the wound right there. (Stan does so)

Stan: Like this?

Sara: Yeah; hold it just like that.

Rick: Uh, what about us?

Jo: We should set up camp. Who knows how long this may take.

Anna: Probably a good idea. I'm feeling a draft coming on.

Sam Jackson: In that case, she might need a blanket. (Takes off jacket and holds it out) Fur-lined leather. Perfect for all shooting locations.

Sara: Thank you, Sam. If we keep this up, she may pull through

(Everyone goes about doing more things)

Without a moment's hesitation the group worked on the delicate operation to preserve life. Hours passed by, and any further chance to provide aid were dashed with the setting sun and the end of day four. Would all their efforts turn out to be in vain?

(The very eve of nightfall. A fire is going and everyone's standing around. Lying before them is the song dragon, bandaged, covered with a jacket and still unconscious)

Will: How is she?

Lann: She should be good at the moment. With that gauze helping, her natural restoration abilities should handle the rest. All that's left is to let her recover at her own rate.

Sara: I hope it's enough.

Sam Jackson: (As Lazarus from "Black Snake Moan") We done broke her fever. D*** lucky she had no fits in her sleep, otherwise we'd have had to break out some chains to hold down this wicked child.

Cope: (Mutters) This character, really?

Lann: Looking on the brighter side some more, if and when she wakes up she's bound to be completely famished. Though she's small in this form she'll still have the appetite of any regular dragon. With that in mind, we're gonna need provisions to accommodate her.

Squishy: But we ate all the rations and dumped the left-overs.

Rick: Probably wouldn't have been enough, anyway. Or possibly to her liking.

Lann: So we go hunting. If we hurry we should be able to round up some decent grub for us and her before nightfall.

Will: I say most of us should go. Cover more ground, improve our chances of finding food.

Lann: Good idea. Although it should be our best hunters, Gray being an obvious choice.

Gray: Yup.

Jo: It'd be best to leave a few of us here to watch camp. Volunteers?

Stan: (Sticks up arm quickly) Me! I'll stay and keep watch!

Rick: I can stay and watch you.

Sam Jackson: I ain't gonna be moved. Not with this miss needin' careful watch.

Lann: So there we have it: A party of three should be plenty. I suggest you guys take position around the perimeter and keep your eyes peeled for trouble. If you see something really nasty, give a holler for the rest of us to hear. I'll leave that job to you, Sammy-boy.

Sam Jackson: Ohhhh, you'll be hearin' the depths of my soul should Judgment come.

Will: Let's head out then. You guys take care now.

Stan: We will!

(The hunting party leaves the three sentries)

Sam Jackson: If you boys don't mind me, I'm going to get in some practice. (Pulls out slick guitar and walks off, with bittersweet blues filling the air shortly after)

Stan: Hey uh, Rick? I'll stay here and look over the, uh, song dragon for a bit. Close watch, ya know?

Rick: Alright. I'll be over there if you need anything, bro.

Stan: Sure thing.

(Rick leaves him. Stan then takes a stiff guard stance looking out toward the clearing's edge. Yet every few seconds he'd look behind him and gaze at the song dragon, but just as quickly look away into the forest)

Stan: (Thoughts) She looks peaceful enough, despite all those cuts. Who would even do that to her? Well, a lot of things, really. This place isn't exactly teeming with fuzzy bunnies. Although they can be pretty vicious at times too. But what about dragon bunnies? Are those a thing?

Wait, getting sidetracked. I'm here to keep watch. Can't let anything else bad happen to her. Gotta wonder, was she attacked as an elf or as a dragon? I can only imagine how strong or nasty the thing would have to be to tussle with her as a dragon. Bet she must've put up a good fight. She seemed strong. With real powerful claws, and majestic wings. Surprising she could hide all that in something so small and seemingly frail…

Getting distracted again. Guuhhh! Focus. She wouldn't appreciate having me looking back when I should be watching for danger.

Song Dragon: Who are you?

Stan: WAAAAHHHAH!

(Stan spins and springs up, stopping in a silly pose facing the dragoness. Realizing she's awake and looking at him, he quickly assumes a refined stance)

Stan: Ummmm, hi there. Good morning, er night. Evening? Feeling okay?

Song Dragon: Kind of woozy, and these bandages are a little itchy. I'm sorry, but who are you?

Stan: Uhhh, the name's uhhh Stan.

Song Dragon: Stan, huh? What are you exactly?

Stan: Me? I'm eh, a Ssi-Ruuk. Actually a Jaa-Ruuk, which is half Ssi-Ruuk and half Jawa, but I mostly look Ssi-Ruuk for the most part.

Song Dragon: Ssi-Ruuk?

Stan: Uhh, yeah, the Ssi-Ruu are kinda like dragons, except they don't have wings or breathe fire like real dragons do. (Chuckles nervously)

Song Dragon: So like a dinosaur? Odd. (Looks around) Why am I in a camp?

Stan: Oh uh you were attacked and we found you here so we gave you some bandages and let you rest and it's been awhile and so that's why we have a campfire set up and it's dark.

Song Dragon: That's right: Something attacked me and I lost consciousness. And they weren't exactly gentle from the feel of it. (Looks over to Stan again) You said "we", meaning you and some others helped me?

Stan: Uh yeah! Gray sniffed ya out and Sara got everyone to pitch in and help. She's our field nurse and knew what to do. I helped put on those bandages, but not all of them.

Song Dragon: Then where's everybody else?

Stan: Hunting for food. Lann thought you would be hungry the moment you woke up, so he got most everyone to help him.

Song Dragon: That's awfully considerate. And I suppose you're standing watch?

Stan: Yeah. Uhh, not like a prisoner or anything just, uh, to protect you, from whatever attacked you, or such. There are two others looking elsewhere.

Song Dragon: I see. Guess I'm incredibly lucky to have some wanderers as kind as you to find me.

Stan: Yeah. Just the uh, decent thing to do. Lann definitely would've wanted to help you, because he studies dragons and you're one so—

Song Dragon: How did you know I was a dragon?

Stan: Uhhhhhhhh—

Song Dragon: Was I transformed while asleep? No, then I wouldn't have woken up like this. Wait, have you spied on me?

Stan: No no no no no! (Waving claws) Just uh, a few days ago we were walking and happened to see you through some bushes and stopped to listen to you sing because it was a very nice voice and then got to see you transform and take off and… That's basically spying, huh?

Song Dragon: (Sighs) I felt like I was being watched a few days ago, but I guess that's fine. You seem nice enough, taking the trouble to look after a total stranger. Otherwise you'd have chained me up or something.

Stan: Heheheh, definitely not something we'd do. That'd be terrible. (Distant strum of a guitar)

Song Dragon: My name is Sentina, by the way. Should've mentioned that sooner.

Stan: Sentina? That's a pretty name.

Sentina: You think that sounds pretty?

Stan: Well, not as pretty as you. Uh Uh er I mean yeah it's a nice-sounding name. Like how nice your scales look WAIT I meant uh oh…

Sentina: Hmph, I guess I'll take those as compliments.

Stan: I'm sorry that I'm sounding weird. I'm just not used to talking to, er…

Sentina: Pretty ladies?

Stan: Erk, eh, yeah.

Sentina: (Giggles) I'm flattered you think so. I don't really get out often, so I'm not entirely used to having niceties thrown at me. Well, aside from "you look charming" or "most excellent".

Stan: You, don't get out?

Sentina: Yeah. For my own good, so mother had told me lots of times. Sure I could go out every now and then but I always have these escorts and it's a bit suffocating. So imagine my surprise waking up in this big wild forest with no one around. Others like me would be worried, but I felt relaxed and energized.

Stan: You did?

Sentina: A chance to just wander about and do whatever, fly wherever, sing as loudly as I want any song I want. Though I probably should've been a little more wary if my current state is any indication. I honestly don't know what attacked me; something shadowy, like a blur. It all happened so fast.

Stan: But you're okay now.

Sentina: Thanks to you, and your friends. (She looks down, then up again) So you heard one of my private sessions?

Stan: Y-Yeah. Again, not meaning to spy.

Sentina: What did you think of it?

Stan: Think? I thought it was beautiful. Everyone did.

Sentina: Truly? I don't get real input about my singing quality: just a bunch of servants that praise whatever comes out my mouth. They'd even call a sour note sublime, like I'd appreciate how fancy that word sounded.

Stan: Servants? As in, you live in a mansion?

Sentina: Sort of. Massive living space, for sure. My mother is always out on business, so nothing to do but while away my time, keeping out of sight.

Stan: Huh.

Sentina: Sorry I'm blabbering on. I don't get the chance to talk with strangers, either.

Stan: No no, it's fine. Better then me talking weird or, uh, stumbling over my words.

(A louder giggle from Sentina)

Sentina: You're alright. Definitely a breath of fresh air from all those stuffy butlers, maids and "handlers" as I call them.

Stan: Well, then I'm happy to keep things fresh. Say, are you feeling okay? You've been up a bit and your wounds—

Sentina: They're practically gone by now. Being a dragon means I heal quicker, just a little.

Stan: Yeah. Lann mentioned.

Sentina: Oh. But otherwise, I'm just feeling hungry. The talking's helped clear my head some, so thanks for that.

Stan: That's good.

Sentina: (After a pause) What about my singing did you like most?

Stan: Huh?

Sentina: I'm just curious. Some honest feedback from a stranger, like I mentioned.

Stan: Oh. Well, it made me feel relaxed. Almost meditative. Like I could just fall asleep on the spot.

Sentina: So, boring?

Stan: Not at all! It was really really stellar!

(Sentina laughs)

Sentina: I'm just kidding. But that's sweet for you to say.

Stan: I'm being honest. Just listening to you that day, it made those bushes we were in feel like home.

Sentina: That's some serious flattery you're laying on there.

Stan: Uhhh, well, like I said, it's honest.

Sentina: Thank you for that. I have to say, Stan, just talking it out with you, it's helping me feel at ease. While liberating being out on my own for once, it's also overwhelming. I've never seen so many natural trees before, and so many other strange dragons. And the most I've ever been hurt was a nasty cut from falling off the stairs. But having someone friendly to talk to, especially someone genuinely nice, makes handling all this a bit easier.

Stan: I'm glad I can help out in that way a bit. And I certainly would like you to feel safe out he—

(Rick walks in)

Rick: How ya holding up, Stan?

Sentina: Eep!

(Suddenly a large pair of leathery, silver wings sprouts and shoots straight up from out of her back)

Stan: Whoa!

Rick: He-llo.

Sentina: Who's that?!

Stan: Uh, that's my brother Rick. Rick, this is Sentina. Uh, she woke up awhile ago and told me her name.

Rick: Naturally. (To Sentina) Hey there. Real quick, they supposed to be like that? (Points)

Sentina: Huh? (Notices wings) Oh, sorry! My wings tend to pop out when I'm startled. A reflex I've never been able to stop, I'm afraid.

Rick: It's no bother to me. Must mean you're doing alright, eh Stan?

Stan: Y-Yeah! She's good. Just hungry.

Sentina: So you're Stan's brother? Like a Ssi-Ruuk?

Stan: I, uh, told her. Conversation topic.

Rick: (Nods) Yeah, exactly.

Sentina: I honestly couldn't tell with that cloak of yours on. Why are you wearing that anyway?

Rick: (Sighs and crosses arms) Personal look, among other things. Long story.

Sentina: Oh. No deformities or anything like that to hide?

Rick: Not in the traditional sense.

Stan: He used to be all broody about his appearance, but he really only covers up for show.

Rick: I'd prefer you didn't share private aspects of my past, Stanley.

Stan: Heh, sorry.

Sentina: You're very different from your brother, but I guess not all siblings have to be the same. And you seem nice enough yourself.

Rick: I appreciate the sentiment, ma'am.

(Sam Jackson walks in, normal and holding guitar)

Sam Jackson: Can someone tell me why I'm holding this sweet-a** guitar?

Sentina: Aie! (Her wings spring back up)

Sam Jackson: Waahh! (Falls back onto ground) Oh hey, you're awake. Where'd you get those wings, girl?

Lann: (Distant) You hear that: That was the signal!

Jo: (Distant) Back to camp!

Squishy: (Distant) Ku-Blah!

(There is a lot of rustling. The rest of the group burst in from the bush and stop before the other three and Sentina, whose wings are still out. Some of them are holding wild game, with Will decked out in dead squirrels and Squishy smattered in sap, pine combs and one struggling opossum. After some exchanged glances)

Lann: What do we have here?

Thus the remainder of the group introduced themselves properly to the recuperating Song Dragon. This lasted for a time, ending only when the moon and stars filled the sky and night had set in completely. Once the meet-and-greet and journey summation had concluded…

(The camp again, only now everyone is sitting around the campfire, eating cooked meat and conversing with Sentina)

Jo: And that's just about everything leading up to now.

Sentina: Wow. Quite the adventurous lives you lead.

Squishy: Sorry if you got bored a little: my rambling usually gets the better of me.

Sentina: That's okay. It's fascinating hearing about all these things. I didn't know there could ever be a job as hectic as that of a Jedi.

Will: Only every couple of years. You still enjoying the food?

Sentina: Yes, it's really good. (Takes a bite out of cooked vermin) Never had meat this perfectly cooked outside my home.

Gray: (Smug) I'm quite the expert with camp-side cuisine, little lady.

Sentina: I can tell. (Another bite) Awfully nice of you to share, given what I am and what your profession is.

Gray: Well, the last few days have been rather eye-opening to say the least (yesterday especially).

Sentina: And the rest of you, I really can't thank you enough for the kindness you've shown me, caring for me like you did. Not to mention telling me about yourselves.

Sylvia: Think nothing of it. We're always ready to help those in need.

Sentina: With that said, I think I'm feeling good enough to go. I don't want to take up more of your time or eat more of your food.

Will: We got plenty, so that's no problem.

Anna: And you're swell company. Right, guys?

Cope: Yeah I guess.

Sam Jackson: Mm-hm.

Sally: Really swell!

Sentina: Still, I feel more comfortable traveling alone. I thank you again for the wonderful treatment, though I have no way of repaying you. Maybe if we meet again I'll have something to give.

(Tries to stand, but winces and flops back down in pain)

Sara: You don't need to push yourself if you're not fully recovered. Those wounds were numerous, so they're likely to be sore for a while.

Sentina: Eh, only a little.

Gray: All those dragons out there, a little can mean a lot in hindering you

Lann: You ought to bunk the night here until you've fully healed. I'm willing to give it until tomorrow morning, or possibly noon.

Sentina: (Sigh) I guess I may have to, if none of you mind.

Sylvia: Not at all.

Sara: Take all the time you need to rest.

Squishy: Exactly.

Stan: Your good health is all the thanks we need.

Sentina: Very well, I'll take up your offer. (Hesitates a bit) Ummmm, well, if it's alright, ummm—

Jo: Yeah?

Sentina: Would it be fine if I slept in my dragon form? I'm a little constrained having been in this form for so long, plus I always feel more comfortable sleeping in my natural state.

(The group looks around curiously)

Lann: I for one wouldn't mind. In fact, I'd say it would be a crime for dragons to sleep uncomfortably for no reason.

Sam Jackson: I'm fine so long as you don't go gobbling us up while we're asleep.

Sara: Samuel, honestly!

Sam Jackson: While sleepwalking I mean. If dragons do sleepwalk

Sentina: I don't, I assure you. And with all the food I had, I won't be craving anything the rest of the night.

Lann: Then it's settled: Sentina sleeps in the scales, and we're all okay with it. Capisce?

(Some nods and mumbles of agreement)

Sentina: Thank you, Lann.

Lann: No need. Anyway, I say we hit the sack. Good night, people. (They all tuck in)

(Hours later. Dead quiet in the camp. Sentina's slender elf-form is now that of a large cobalt steel dragon. Everyone else is in La-La Land, except one. Stan tosses and turns in his blanket, trying to get comfortable but to no avail)

?: Can't sleep?

(Stan's eyes opens and he sits up, then looking to the side he sees the large crystal-clear eyes of Sentina gazing at him)

Stan: Oh, it's just you. You're awake?

Sentina: I've always been a light sleeper. I just noticed how you kept rolling around.

Stan: Sorry. Sometimes my brain gets all excited and it makes it hard to sleep. Happens out of nowhere every once and a while. My dad has the same problem.

Sentina: Still hard to believe he's your father. He's so small compared to you, or your mother. I can't not find that funny.

Stan: Real peculiar. That's something they always described themselves as whenever they told us how they got together.

Sentina: They still see each other for themselves and not by their appearances. It's no wonder how you, your brother and your sister are so kind.

Stan: Yep. They've been wonderful. Still are.

Sentina: Wish my mother was more like them. Or at least around more of the time.

Stan: Sorry to hear that.

Sentina: It's fine; just my own little bother to live with. (A pause) Hey Stan, you know how you sorta said my scales were nice?

Stan: Y-Yeah?

Sentina:...Would you like to feel them?

Stan:...What?

Sentina: Just a touch. If, that isn't too off-putting.

Stan: N-Not at all. But, why are you offering?

Sentina: The times I had a hard time sleeping, I'd cuddle with a toy or a warming stone. Maybe if you touched something cozy you'd feel more relaxed. And my early caretakers always told me how gentle I was to the touch.

Stan: Okay. Sure, worth a shot.

(Stan gets up and walks quietly over to the dragoness. He raises a claw and reaches out, but holds it as he looks over to those watching eyes. After getting a nod, he gently lays his palm on her broad side)

Stan: Whoa. It's so cool. And smooth. (Rubs around it)

Sentina: My scales absorb heat. Really helpful when the heating breaks down.

Stan: I bet. This just feels… incredible.

Sentina: Hm, glad I can amaze just by being myself.

Stan: Yeah.

(After a few seconds Stan withdraws his claw and steps back)

Sentina: Feel more relaxed?

Stan: I am, weirdly enough. Thank you.

Sentina: The least I can do, for talking to me after I woke up. And the compliments.

Stan: Of course. (Some awkward standing) Well, good night, Sentina.

Sentina: Sleep tight.

(Stan returns to his blanket and lays down under it, looking to the starry sky above. He looks over to Sentina to see her head tucked away to resume sleeping, then looks back up. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he smiles as sleep overtakes him)

Dawn of

THE FIFTH

DAY

After a decent slumber, our heroes awoke to find the fire long extinguished, and Sentina absconded most stealthily. Other then a small pile of discarded bandages there was nary a sign of the Song Dragon. Eventually the team disembarked for another day of hiking, one among them feeling rather lighthearted.

Sally: We're leaving, Stan!

Stan: Right sis, I'm coming.

(He takes one quick look at the clearing, then joins Sally and starts talking with her as everyone departs. A short ways from the clearing, Will has stopped with fists on his hips looking at something. Sara comes up to him)

Sara: What are you waiting around for, Will?

Will: I don't recall seeing a shrine here.

Sara: Huh?

(She looks. Before them is a large dome-like mound with stairs set into the front face of it. At the top is a flat circle filled with tiny rocks and shrubbery, and hanging over this little garden is a great bell hung up by red lacquer planks, bearing the look of an altar with considerable grime build-up on parts of it)

Sara: Looks old.

Will: And big. Dunno how we missed something like this when we went hunting.

Sara: It was pretty dark, and who had time to notice with what was happening?

Will: Still, something about it—

Jo: Pick up the pace, lovebirds! There's walking to do!

Sara: Coming! Let's catch up to them, Will.

Will: (Shrugs) Alright. Still think it's a little strange.

(The two leave the area, the bell atop the shrine gleaming dully with the light of the rising sun. The foliage around it begins to rustle)