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The Long Awaited Gift

Christmasnightmare

Christmasnightmare

Bones the Mad
Joined
Jun 17, 2011
Location
Arkanasas
It was nearing Midnight on the first night of the new moon. Winter was fast approaching blanketing the earth with its white coat. The many animals of the forests around the mountains were finding caves and burrows to hibernate for the long winter. The wolves would gather into large packs to help one another survive in the cold harsh weather as the bears would sleep and burn off the fat they had built the earlier summer before.

The earth would sleep for a time until awaking when spring called.
Though at the wee hours of the night most of the worlds animals would be slumbering in their dens as the predators of the night hunted. Most of the creatures should have been resting but this was not the case for the large creature that loomed over the earth moving through the air toward a small platform to the far East.

The only features of the large creature that could be seen was a large looming shadow. Hidden by the Moon’s Light high within the sky flew an ancient and wise creature. Old, powerful, and full of rage as it flew onward.

The many animals below would not hide in fear, they would not pause to look toward the sky as it flew over. The large looming shadow would not frighten the birds, it would not scare the skittish mice or Rabbits from their burrows. For all creatures of the earth knew there was nothing to fear. The creature grew ever closer to the human platform in the distance, miles and miles disappearing within minutes.

Soon the creature would reach the humans. Soon the price long over due would finally be given.
 
At 21, Ruksanna was an old maid for her kingdom. Most girls married at 19. But Ruksanna was cursed. As she paced the small railed platform high above the trees, she marvelled at the beauty of the clear night sky. The full moon eerily bright cast light in all directions unfettered by trees or objects.

Cursed.

She was certain that was the first word ever spoken from her lips.

Over two hundred years ago, a blood price had been asked of her fathers’ family. The next noble daughter of that bloodline born would be bequeathed to the Dragon Lord, as a sacrifice, to maintain peace and balance between the kingdoms. For decades, and even a century, arts were practiced to ensure the blood born children of the King were men and men alone.

They married women from Kingdoms far away, ensuring none had heard of the curse, and that they were naive enough to mistake dark magic for honest healing care. Ruksanna’s mother, had not been so naive. She had known after the first miscarriage that the ‘healers” her husband had for her, were nothing of the sort. So she had taken pains to hide her next pregnancy, until it was too late to change fate, and Ruksanna was born. Little had her mother realized the extent of the curse she had born a daughter to.

Ruksanna had been an outcast from her people, and her father, from birth. Tutors hired to teacher her, never lasted more than two years less they become attached to her. She had a lonely existence over the scant 21 years of her life. But she was prepared. She had skill with a needle, and crafted many beautiful quilts, dresses and tapestries. She could read and write, and knew enough figures to be a proper chatelaine of a Kingdom. She was also a quiet beauty, tall with a full hourglass figure, rounded hips, tapered waist and flaring breasts. Dark caramel hair fell in waves about her face and shoulders. She was breathtaking, but in an unconventional way, entirely too tall for a woman, and thick, from years learning to fence, something women, noble women, were not and did not do. But Ruksanna had been groomed to be this sacrifice, to be everything ever desired by the Dragon Lord.

As she looked to the sky for the sign of her doom, she hoped her small gift of a handmade quilt, would help ease the Dragon’s ire. He’d been waiting for payment of his blood price for two hundred years, a long time for even a Dragon.
 
The large creature of the night knew it was growing ever closer. Closer to The Long Awaited Gift. After centuries of waiting, plotting, planning, the day had finally arrived. Time was unimportant to the large creature. A century was a mere blink of an eye. Humans ran about their lives too busy to truly enjoy themselves as they ran about like Ants. Absorbed within their own lives to pay attention those in need, to help their fellow human being, going to wars over simple females and petty disagreements, the creature had seen all of this and much more.
It’s looming shadow grew every large as it began to descend to the earth slowly approaching the lone human female. Though she could not see it, the creature had enough time to get a good look at her appearance as it circled the area. Before descending rapidly pulling its shoulders back as its larges wings slowed its descent.

Ancient and old was the Black Dragon that began to lower its hind legs to embrace the earth its forearms held to its chest until the last moment. Large black wings filling the night sky creating large gusts of wind as it slowed its descent. Creating a gentle breeze to blow out to the female and the nearby earth as if in greeting both of them, Ocean Blue eye’s narrowed at the female as the dragon finally touched down to the earth with a hard thud causing the earth to tremble.

Adjusting its large weight to the earth the dragon held its large wings open so the female could get a full view of its self. Standing upon four thick legs the Black Dragon was extremely large in size. It’s large black wings being twice its size extended. Made of a soft thin skin and strong bones to make flying through strong wings fairly easy, its wings like the rest of its body was midnight black, its scales seeming to absorb the moons light as the Dragons inner wings were dotted with many odd shapes which seemed to have an inner glow. Making the illusion of being stars within the dark sky, within the middle of its head rested a crescent moon shape. The dragon had a rough shape sprinting spikes along it’s spin and head. Spikes curved around its large eyes and upon its chin, a single large horn sported from its forehead where the crescent moon appeared to be. The moon seeming to curve around the horn, its large tail curled around the Night Dragon, the tip of its tail resting by its right foreleg. A spear like shape resting t the end of its tail, it rested for a moment from its long journey.

The Dragon waited for the female to react or speak. Ancient wisdom could be seen within its large eyes as it stood in front of the female. Standing between her and the cliff that lead to a small forest before, the Dragon almost seemed to be waiting for the Human to speak out of some sort of honor or respect.
Humans believed Dragons were a simple minded beast being mere brutes that robbed farmers of cattle and burned their fields. Demons they were called, hunted were they, what humans did not know was Dragons were a noble creature by right. They were few and far in between. Feared for their power they were often hunted down and killed outright. Though in reality Dragons were gentle by nature unless urged to be otherwise, the dragon standing before the female was unlike any dragon of its species.
 
Ruksanna, at her mother's request had been schooled in Dragon lore. An art nearly dead, but practiced by a few underground scholars who gladly came above ground, for the right price. She had learned the legends, and the fanciful stories of these creatures. She knew of the regal nobility they seemed to hold themselves to. She smiled, she had always been odd, maybe she had known from early on this would be her fate, as dragons often filled her dreams. She looked to the sky, a soft gentle breeze caressing her face. She felt as though time was near. She picked up her offering, folding it over her arms. She stood still listening to the night, and picking out the soft whomp of wings on the air.

Ruksanna was in awe as the Night Dragon descended. His form perfectly blended to the clear night sky, so much so that if you were not aware of what you were looking for you would see nothing amiss. Her forest green eyes widened as the beast came to rest on the land below the platform, his wings open and on display. He was magnificent. She had long dreamt of dragons, but none of her imaginings could compare to the harsh beauty of the creature in front of her.

Ruksanna, dipped low in a deep curtsey extending her gift out so he could smell her, her head bowed slightly, eyes lowered waiting for him to decide if she was worthy.

After weeks of days of hours working on the blanket she now held, it was saturated with her scent. She’d been fierce about being the only one to touch the blanket, and to work at putting it together. Lore spoke of being true of heart, and how Dragons could smell such on any human they came in contact with. She had known this gift, would help break the ice and show him she was not a deception.

Ruksanna felt the snuffle of air about her, as it seemed her gift was drawn away from her body. She raised her eyes, a soft gasp escaping her lips as she saw clearly for the first time the extraordinary color of his eyes. Had he been a man their color alone would have made him hunted by mothers and daughters alike. She smiled tentatively as she held out the blanket for him. She was still yet breathing, this had to be a good sign, did it not? She looked at him and softly whispered.

“Hello, my Lord.”
 
The Night Dragon lowered his large head downward slightly to match the female’s gesture. Raising his head slowly as to not frighten the female away, for the dragon knew how skittish humans could be. Though small and frail humans proved to be a large threat when grouped together, though alone they were skittish creatures much like Rabbits and Mice were.

The Dragon could see the human female extend a small object of some sort. Though it seemed to float from her toward the creature, The Night Dragon reached out with his right for claw to grasp the small gift she had prepared. He tilted his head ever slightly to glance upon it, Dragons were not none for receiving gifts from Humans. Though they did enjoy giving gifts to one another a large shiny rock, or shiny things attracted Dragons. They were not thieves as the stories told.

The Night Dragon turned his attention back to the Female upon the large wooden platform. Making it so she could look him within the eye when he drew near, narrowing his eyes when she spoke. He was a bit surprised by this female. She had been taught well it seemed. Folding his wings to his body The Night Dragon stood upon all fours once more. The gift nowhere to be seen as he addressed her, speaking with a loud deep voice much deeper than any human’s yet pronouncing each word perfectly despite his large jaws full of sharp teeth and fangs.

“Are you the Sacrifice that has been promised?” The Dragon asked. He knew this female was indeed the one promised him. “Are you prepared to lay down your life for the service of your kingdom?”
 
Ruksanna trembled as his voice boomed out over her. It was deep and low, full of power one could only associate with such a majestic creature. She nodded slightly as she discreetly licked her lips.

“Yes, I am the chosen one, and I am prepared to do what I must for my home and to fulfill the promise long ago made to you.” She smoothed an errant strand of hair behind her ear as she looked at him. The white crescent moon on his brow seemed to glow in the moon light.

Ruksanna had the strangest desire to touch him, to let her fingertips trail over his thick black skin. She clasped her hands in front of her, not wanting to offend him or overstep herself accidently. She took a deep breath and raised her eyes to his, marvelling at how the ocean blue faded into ice against his large pupil.

“I am yours, my lord to do with as you please, my Lord." She sounded so small as she spoke after the lasting and deep reverberation of his own voice.

She shivered against the slight chill that seemed to crawl into the night air. She knew this private exchange was being watched by the King, her father from the safety of the watch tower of the castle. She wondered if his looking glass was trained on her or the dragon before her, she knew that answer. Her father was likely in awe of the Night Dragon, and contemplating a thousand different ways to breach the pack that would finally be sealed by the Dragon Lord’s acceptance of her.

She held her composure together with a thin thread, as the Dragon Lord seemed to contemplate her worth.
 
The Dragon could see courage within this small female. Though to her kind she appeared to have much height, perhaps taller than most females, all of this did not much matter to the Dragon. Beautiful, or ugly. Skinny or fat the sacrifice’s appearance was unimportant. Though the purpose of this sacrifice was perhaps a secret to the female, for the reasoning was not said when the pact was made. Only the price that had to be paid in full, the ruler of old did not ask many questions which had suited the Night Dragon.

“Then it is done.” Said the Dragon as it slowly unfolded its large wings. Not wishing to waste precious time. Speaking as he turned to look within the direction of where the King sat upon his large horse. Merely glancing within his Direction, no doubt the Human had wanted to catch an glance at the Ancient Dragon. Or perhaps the Human King had wanted to be one of the very view to ever see the living Myth.

“Long have I watched over these mountains and the kingdom within them. Long have I protected these lands from thee enemies whom would do harm. These lands have grown fat with bounty, lush with green, the winters filled with joy instead of sorrow as is common in many other regions.”
The Night Dragon was saying to the human female. Moving his gaze and attention to her once more, his large eyes focused entirely upon her watching for her reactions. She did not perhaps know the true reason her father had tried to prevent her birth.

The Night Dragon had been the guardian of her homelands for centuries and often reviewed as a deity or godlike creature. It had safe guarded the Kingdom within the mountains from plagues, conquers, and war. Within its domain peace had dominated all else.

Though nothing could last forever and the Human King probably knew this quit well. The Night Dragon looked to its left at the Ancient carriage that had been made for the Sacrifices long trip to the Dragons Laree. Made from simple stone and plain to the human eye the stone carriage did not appear to have wheels or any means of moving upon the earth. Instead the carriage indeed possessed a hand on top seemingly so a large creature could carry it.

“The time for patience is at an end.” Said the ancient creature as it turned back toward the human female. “It is time we depart.” It began but shortly after It seemed to pause as a thought crept through its mind. It slowly closed its large wings once more, resting them against its upper back and sides as it once more turned its large skull side ways as to put its eye close to the female.

“Three Questions” It began “may be asked before we depart. While you still reside upon your homeland.”
 
She was startled. Such a boon was rarely granted by such creatures. She raised her eyes to his, as she marvelled again at how stunning they were in color.

“I have no questions, my lord. But would ask to use them at a later date, for now, I am happy to be yours.” Ruksanna bowed her head to the Night Dragon.

She was now in his service to use as he pleased. She had the distinct feeling that the main role she was destined for had been hidden from her. But no matter, this was her destiny, and she had known from a young age one day she would belong to him.

She ducked into the stone carriage, surprised to see the blanket she had made already awaiting her. She folded the soft fabric on to her lap, and braced herself. Her heart fluttered as she felt the carriage groan under the shift in its weight. She was leaving behind all that she had known, but she couldn’t help but feel excited at the unknown in front of her. Perhaps if she’d been loved as a child this would be harder, but given her upbringing, leaving was more a sense of relief than dread.

She tentatively looked out the small window of the carriage, the land below fettered by shadows as they flew.
 
The large dragon watched the human enter the carriage remaining still as she did so. Not wanting to spoke the small creature. The dragon knew how skittish humans could be. The dragon was a bit surprised the female did not wish to ask her questions right away. Humans as all dragons knew, were a curious race. Though they were also a cruel species but Dragons knew there were different humans among the species. It was unfair to judge an entire race based upon one individual’s actions.

The ancient creature spread its large wide wings quickly as it began to move toward the platform. It was time, the time for patience was at last to end. It was time for action. These were but a few thoughts the swam within the large creatures mind as it began to flap its large wings creating large gusts of wind and dust across the earth.
The Night Dragon suddenly pushed its upper body from the earths embrace to stand upon its hind legs, its large wings opening up wide for balance as it lifted its large skull toward the heavens. Seemingly frozen in place for a mere moment before its hind legs gave a hard push lifting the creature from the ground into the air, its large wings now moving in a slow steady rhythm keeping its large body afloat within the air. The dragon appeared to be moving rather slowly as it grasped upon the carriage gently with its two front claws. Lifting the carriage into the air quit slowly gaining speed the higher the two rose.

Turning its large skull within the directions of the human King the large Dragon watched him for a moment seemingly trying to decide upon something. Turning toward the direction of its arrival the Dragon began its long journey home. Gaining speed and height as it flew through the night air, leaving the human platform within a matter of seconds. Moving toward the vast ocean as behind the two invisible walls began to become solid as they crumbled around the Human Kings Kingdom. A large dome like figure harmless falling apart around the humans within the region the pieces that fell crumbing into dust before they touched the earth.

Unconcerned with the failing of the magical barrier the Ancient Night Dragon, the only one of its kind, flew toward an distant land with the small human within the stone carriage. Blending within the night sky as it flew.
 
Ruksanna felt the air change as they seemed to burst through some invisible field. She felt the slight pressure in her core and then it gave way, to a sense of freedom, as if some sense of doom had been crushing her and was now gone.

She marvelled at the power of the Dragon as he flew. She ventured a look out the small window and a slight gasp escaped her lips. They were above an ocean, the moonlight refelcting off the gently swaying water. She could heart the beat of his wings, and could only imagine the strength needed to complete such an extensive journey.

She leaned back, careful to not shift the weight of the carriage lest it become more difficult for him. Her heart was filled with excitment, she would see the home of this Night King, and no matter what lay ahead, she would met it without fear. She wanted to show the creature there was honor yet among the humans. She would not cry or begrudge the fate she was born into.

She closed her eyes for what seemed like only a moment, but when she opened them, they were descending.
 
The Night Dragon had made this long Journey many times within its long life span, more so in the last two centuries. Like all dragons it had a large endurance for traveling large distances for large periods of time. Its large wings specially made to catch the wind currents so it could glide through the air as it flew. Though their many species of dragons within the vast world. The Night Dragon was one of the few which had the ability of flight. Though that was not it’s only ability. There were dragons which lived within the oceans of the world, some whom felt at home within the earth, and those rare dragons which dwelled upon the earth.

The Night Dragon could see a large collection of islands within the distance. Each island being surrounded by the oceans embrace taking many shapes and sizes. If the human were to pay close attention she would notice that each island took on a different symbol. There was no doubt the human would not comprehend what each symbol stood for the creature assumed, though it could be mistaken.

Out of the many islands that floated within the vast Ocean the Night Dragon began to descend toward one of the larger islands though as the two started to descend it would become noticeable that not all of the islands shared the same season. Some of the islands were blanketed with snow as others were scotched with black ash, as others were covered with green.

The Night Dragon was slowly flapping its large wings over one such island blanketed within snow. Causing large gusts of wind as it began to land, fluffy snow blowing within many different directions. The Night Dragon laid the stone carriage upon the earth before it touched the earth its self. Unlike the time when the creature landed upon human continent, the Dragons landing did not cause the earth to tremble. The earth did not tremble beneath its heavy body it simply appeared as if to absorb its sudden arrival.
The Night Dragon began folding its large wings to its body as it turned its large head toward the carriage. Awaiting the human female to depart the stone carrying case and see her new home. The Dragon was unaffected by the cold that filled the air, nor the snow beneath its claws.
 
Ruksanna sighed with relief and anticipation as the carriage was set down on the ground. Her breath was visible on the cool air as she calmed her nervous heart, with a deep breath. She gathered the quilt in her arms, and stepped out of the open door on to the snow. The ground was blanketed in white powder, the air crisp and horror frost was developing on the trees. She looked around her, the eerie clearness of the night lending a ghostly glow to the landscape. Ruksanna smiled as her eyes stumbled upon the Night Dragon, his deep ebony a stark contrast to the white crispness of the land. The steam from his nostrils forming tight tendrils that snaked into the night air. Ruksanna shivered slightly.

“It is beautiful, I have always loved the peacefulness of Winter, and the simple beauty of the snow.” She took a step into the snow, it wasn’t so deep, but given the length of their journey, her legs still wobbled. Her hand reached out to brace against falling, and touched warm, galvanized scales. Ruksanna gasped slightly as her hand made contact with the Night Dragon. This was not how she imagined how a Dragon felt. Her fingers played over the thick scale on his side, absently stroking it as she took in her surroundings. She turned to look at him, her hand falling back to her side, a slight blush rising in her cheeks.

“You have me here, now, what are you going to do with me?” She lowered her gaze, bowing her head slightly, she knew her life was a sacrifice to this magnificent beast, but his true intentions, she was still unaware.
 
The Night Dragon watched the human female exit the carriage after their short trip but long trip. What took a matter of minutes would of token human made ships, years to make. The humans would have to battle the harsh winds, and the raging ocean where the Dragon merely flew. The Dragon could clearly see such a quick journey over such a large distance was having harsh effects upon the female. Watching her wobble around before she steadied herself by leaning upon the dragon, whom merely glanced down upon the female.

The Dragon didn’t mind the female touching him, nor did he mind her feeling his scales. Dragons were a gentle race of animal within the world. Dragons were gentle at heart but could become Fierce if the need arose. They were extremely protective over personal objects, and their young.

Watching the female compose herself as any Human Noble would, the dragon listened to her request for an answer. The answer that probably had haunted her for her entire life time, the questions of questions, The Night Dragon had promised to answer any question she might have had for him. He had presumed the she would ask this question first, having prepared for it the Night Dragon lowered his large bulky body to the ground, to get comfortable.

The Night Dragon did not hesitate in answering the females question so it was settled. Watching her face for reactions, prepared to move to prevent escape if needed, speaking within dragon lore instead of her human tongue. Testing to see the depth of her knowledge on dragon tongue.

“You are the only human, and last human that will survive the great war.” The Night Dragon began “for centuries we have watched your race crawl from the muds of this world to become the creatures you are now. We have watched, secretly guided, and protected your race throughout the years. Our payment for doing this has been cruel , and unjust. Hunted down as mere animals my race has been forced to the vanishing from this world.”

Looking upward towards the sky, the Night Dragons eyes began to fill with deep sorrow as it continued its tale not wanting to look at the female.
“Some of my kind had token it upon themselves to begin a war. To seek revenge for fallen brothers, lost soul mates. A war is coming.* The Night Dragon moved its focus upon the female again. Small flickers of flames dancing from his nostrils, as he continued.

“I have brought you here to these islands, to preserve your species. As well as to fill the void that has gripped these islands for so long.” The Dragon finished, not telling the female the entire truth. Merely giving her enough information to salsify her curiosity.
Waiting to see if she had anymore questions for him.
 
Ruksanna took a deep breath as she listened to him speak in his own tongue, his voice even more enchanting than when he spoke English.

Thankfully, his dialect wasn’t obscure; she had managed to translate everything to its relative meaning. She watched him intently as he told of a coming war, of brothers and soul mates lost. Ruksanna saw the anguish that seemed to light his eyes with that statement, and she felt her heart break. To know the kind of loss that put that look there was something she never hoped to endure. She reached out and touched him again, her fingers light on the scales near his heart.

“I’m so sorry for your loss." she murmured softly in his tongue, as he continued. Ruksanna shivered. As she’d known from early on she would be the sacrifice, she had felt it difficult to get attached to people, since she knew at some point she’d never see them again. His words had a finality to them she’d not expected, and it sent a small ripple of sadness through her heart.

But as she raised her eyes to look at him, she knew her sorrow was nothing compared to the anguish in his eyes. Ruksanna stepped closer to him, her body small and insignificant compared to his, but as she gently pressed to his side, her hand still resting above his heart, she hoped the gesture conveyed her sympathies, and acceptance.

“I cannot speak for the thousands of humans, but know I am different. I will try to always be someone you can be proud of saving.” Her words were soft and slightly disjointed as she strung together a longer sentence in his language. Translating spoken word had always been easier for her than speaking the language itself.
 
The Night Dragons heart beat was strong and steady underneath the females small hand. Though its chest did not raise and fall as a normal humans would, instead like most animals of the world, its sides moved with each breath he took. Large lungs inhaled and exhaled large amounts of cold air, blowing the air out as hot air as it exited his body. The Dragon was unaffected by the cold air, and the snow beneath its claws. The reason the dragon wasn’t affected by the cold was because he admitted a large amount of heat in his own right. Seemingly a large oven within a freezer, dragons enjoyed the hot sun within the summer, but they also enjoyed the harsh winters as well. Absorbing large amounts of heat, in return admitting large amounts of heat.

The Night Dragon didn’t know wither or not the female was feeling the harshness of the snow as of yet. He was content to where they were talking. Although he did not want the female to grow sick upon him and grow ill. Her concern over him was heart touching, but the Dragon felt she need not concern herself with such manners. She was in a large land, with a large predator whom could devour her any second as far as most humans we concerned. She might of heard the stories, some were true, as others were not.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, the Night Dragon considered the females words a moment before speaking himself. Choosing to use her language once more as to make things more easy for her.
“Your purpose is to preserve your kind young one” He said, trying to keep his thoughts collected while trying to keep the firmness out of his voice. Rolling the human langue around with his tongue, not used to speaking very often.

“If you fail at your task, your race will fade into the darkness to never be seen again within this world. Most would prefer this, others do not wish this fate to befall your species. Some believe a mixture of breeds would be the best choice. I disagree.”

(Sorry for the late late reply. Works been kicking my ass.)
 
((family drama going down here, surprised there's not been reports of atomic fallout, so totally get it ;)))

Ruksanna listened to his voice, the heat emanating from his large body, keeping the harsh cold at bay. She’d not yet moved away from him, her small frame still nestled against him, her hand on his scales. She nearly laughed. She was not small by human standards, she was tall and had a lush figure, standing beside males of her own kind she was usually evenly matched, next to females, she felt as delicate as an ox. However, here in this moment, she was nothing more than a diminutive human female. She took a moment to pause, not sure she had heard him right.

“A mixture of breeds?” she asked, a slight frown creasing her brow. In all the studies she had taken on Dragonlore, nothing had ever been mentioned about this coming war, or the factions it had created within the Dragon world. She was curious how it could be possible to mix breeds as he so put it, when she knew that it was an impossibility. she would press that question later, once she was more comfortable with him and how freely he accepted her natural curiousity.

She stepped away from the warm of his body, her hand falling away from his scales, to better see his icy eyes. There was no deception in them, just a resigned complacency, and possibly interest in her reaction to her situation. She wondered.

“My name is Ruksanna, daughter of the King of Loiren,” she stated softly, dipping in a bit of a curtsy for him. Her eyes flicked over his body, then back to his, waiting for his response. She knew Dragons were a secretive line of creatures, but also had learned that by giving ones name it meant trust, and was the highest honour to be bestowed on one of their kind. She wanted him to know that while she was his captive, she trusted him. She'd respected Dragons from a young age when she first started learning more about them, but this one, made her learnings look juvenille. He was a lord, more regal than any human kings she'd been exposed to.
 
The Night Dragon was unfazed by the human females appearance for it did not matter what form the sacrifice took. Most of the humans looked the same to the wiser beasts, and Dragon Kind. To the Dragon, the human female was no more a babe, barley taking its first steps into the world. Though to humans she was perhaps middle aged or fairly young. The Night Dragon was unsure of the exact age of this female before him, it did not matter in either case.

The Night Dragon raised his large skull to better his view upon the female when she asked her question. expecting the sudden boldness she had shown when her curiosity override her human custom. Although she ruined the moment of surprise by bowing, offering her name and the male whom sired her. Giving ones name was an sacred act of trust among dragons. Names were only given to those whom were worthy or had given such trust themselves. Dragons were a race whom valued trust and secrets, although there were many difference races of dragons. All of whom had different values, morals, and opinions on the world.
The Night Dragon tilted it’s large head to one side baring its throat to the female as it addressed her.

“I am the Night Dragon Zarx. Sired by the great Goddess who has created all of this world, and the many worlds beyond this one.” Turning back towards to female, Zarx allowed his narrowed eye’s to relax as his focused upon the female cleared.

“I am the last of my kind, the last Night Dragon.” Zarx said swaying the end of his tail from side to side. “As I have said before, there is a war to come. The King of the Dragon race does not wish to see a war between Dragons and Humans. Therefore the third option has been brought into play. You are that third option, Young one.”
Zarx did not answer her pervious question and knew he had left many questions unanswered. He had done this purposely to see wither the human females curiosity would act up once more, or would her teachings and upbringings chain her tongue and mind.
 
Ruksanna offered her palm to him allowing him to inhale her scent. It was another sign of submission and acceptance of him.

“Zarx,” She said softly, trying his name on her lips.

Somehow, it seemed to suit him, and she was honoured he had given her the same sign of trust and respect in kind. She looked up at him, and then around the frozen land they were standing in. It registered he was choosing to answer some of her questions but not all, she wondered at the game he was playing at, but chose to ignore it. She shivered. The cold had begun to seep into her bones, and was no longer being offset by Zarx’s heat.

“If it would please you, would you show me around. I would love to learn more about this place I am to call home.” She smiled softly at him. She was curious to see the lay of this island, and learn about it in more depth. She had read that Dragons could control the climates within the sphere of their layer. The larger the layer the larger the area under control of the Dragon who lived there, she knew, and given his age, he would be one of the more powerful.

Ruksanna tilted her head listening, a far off sound caught her attention. She looked at Zarx, to see if he had heard the noise. Of course he had, his hearing was incredibly more sensitive than hers. She wondered what it meant, as it was unlike anything she’d ever heard before.
Ruksanna wandered several feet in front of him, still listening to the strange sound as it seemed to approach closer to them.

The air seemed to be changing she took another step away from Zarx, and faltered for a moment.
 
Zarx watched Ruksanna offer her hand as if he were some wild animal. She offered her hand in a sign of submission, showing she was no threat to him, though he did not view it as a sign of acceptance. It appeared more of an insult to Zarx than anything else. He knew all too well of the level of ignorance that human beings all shared. When they did not know of another’s culture they tried to insert their own in the hopes it’d ease things over.

Bowing his head in the human fasion, Zarx agreed to show Ruksanna the rest of the island. Not every dragon claimed islands as their homes. Mostly the largest and more ancient dragons claimed islands. The smaller and younger dragons normally found small caves to make their nests. Digging tunnels and caverns within the mountains they made their homes. Far above the ground from any human or predators below. Dragons tended to make traps within their nests and dens to keep other dragons form intruding. Dragons were not a very social species preferring their solitude over company. Mothers pushing their young from the nest as soon as the offspring could fly, forcing the young dragon into the world at a young age.

Zarx was beginning to turn to lead the human female towards his den before something caught his attention. At first he did not notice any sound, only noticing the change in the air by the way the females sudden change in behavior. Raising his large head into the air, as far as it’d extend, Zarx tilted his head within the direction of the small faint noise. All the while watching Ruksanna.

Zarx wasn’t concerned about the human females safety, he knew whatever it was that was approaching them was no threat to either of them. Zarx had lived a very long life indeed, teaching him that patience was better than action in some cases. There were few creatures within the world that could reach the island where he dwelled.
Now turning toward the direction of the growing noise Zarx widened his pupils to widen his point of view. Where most dragons hearing was much higher than that of a humans, Zarx’s was not. His hearing was little better than the human female before him. Due to an old injure from a long forgotten war. Some considered this to be a weakiness, to Zarx he considered it to be more of a blessing.

The moment Ruksanna faltered was when Zarx lowered his large skull tensing. Preparing himself for an attack of any sort.
 
Ruksanna was still unsure of what was coming towards them. Her heart was racing though; she looked to the sky to see a dark winged shadow swoop from the sky and land in a perch far enough away to not be overly threatening to Zarx, but close enough to unsettle her.

Ruksanna moved unconsciously closer to Zarx. This new comer was an interloper, but the beast seemed more interested in conversing with Zarx than acknowledging her. She strained to listen to the conversation, the smaller dragon’s dialect different yet again from Zarx’s. She positioned herself close to him, as he answered the smaller beast.

Nearly as quickly as the smaller Dragon had come, it was gone, leaving Zarx and Ruksanna alone. She looked at him. Whatever had been said seemed to have weighed heavily, given the tones exchanged, but she’d not ask. She knew to do so would intrude on the semblance of respect they had formed for each other.

She laughed nervously. "So, where were we?" She knew the exchange between him and the other had been important, but she also knew given Dragons, he'd not talk about it with her unless something forced his hand. And at the moment she wanted to see his home.
 
Zarx was surprised to see the other smaller dragon come so urgently to his island within the collection of Royal islands. Though it was what the smaller dragon had to offer in the form of information that unsettled Zarx to a degree, with a short discussion it was off again. In a urgent rush to rely the information that It carried. News, Information, Dread, and a bit of information that caused Zarx’s large claws to dig into the earth before he turned toward Ruksanna rather quickly, addressing her within her own tongue his loud voice booming within the forest blanketed by white snow.

Ruksanna’s nervous laugh fell upon death ears as Zarx began moving towards her as he spoke.

“How did the humans of your lands travel so quickly to this place.” Zarx asked as he drew closer to her. His large nostrils inhaling large amounts of air from her direction, taking in her scent, trying to get a sense for anything a miss. All dragons knew that humans have been searching for their nesting grounds for centuries. Hoping, plotting, and searching for it desperately in an attempt to wipe out the entire dragon race. Now a large human fleet were heading towards them, somehow having a guiding light.

Raising himself as straight and high as he could, Zarx spread his large wings as his long tail began curling around Ruksanna surrounding her. The human that sired her had probably had a tracking spell cast upon her at birth. Or soon after, knowing she would be offered as a sacrifice. Which would lead him to the dragons nesting grounds, which would make him a hero, becoming part of human legend, although what he failed to realize was the dragons were not defenseless, their numbers few, but when something had something to protect numbers became unimportant.

Zarx asked no other questions, merely waiting for the female to reply. He would go to extreme measures to find out the information he needed. Though it was his duty to protect the balance of life, of all things that shared the spark of life, small or large.
 
Ruksanna’s breath caught, as Zarx wrapped his tail about her body, enveloped her in his wings and inhaled. The experience was nearly sensual, accept she perceived his anger thinly veiled under the movements of his body. Her hand fluttered to the hollow of her throat where a red garnet lay nestled on a think golden chain.

Her father had given it to her the night before the sacrifice, placed it about her neck. He had looked at her for the first time she could ever remember. Held her cheeks in his palms and told her, “You will always be remembered as my Daughter.” Ruksanna had thought it odd, but then, given the lack of attention from him ever, she had been swept up in the perceived sincerity of the moment. Now she trembled, rage sadness and furry all boiling beneath her surface. She tore the chain off and held it to him.

“It’s this isn’t it? There must be a spell on it to track me with,” she paused, nearly starting to cry. She should have realised such a gift would have come with a blood price, considering in her twenty one years he had never never given her anything. She held the chain up for Zarx, her green eyes dark with tears and sadness.

“I should have known, I am so sorry.” Ruksanna waited for him to destroy the stone, her heart heavy. She had never meant to bring danger to his door. She took a deep breath trying to steady herself.

She raised her eyes to his, hoping he knew this had not been her doing.
 
Zarx’s eye’s could easily see the magical aura that surrounded the small trinket. Such a small thing was the entire problem. Destroying the stone or even the entire necklace wasn’t going to solve the issue at hand. It wouldn’t fix the problem that was thrown into Zarx’s path. He was responsible for the human sacrifice, whatever she did was upon him to deal with. Therefore the human ships, the fleets that had departed would have been Zarx’s problem to handle, but the fact was they weren’t facing one kingdom. They were facing the entire human population that had token home near Ruksanna’s own Kingdom.

No destroying the magical device would serve no purpose. The humans had already put their plans into motion, they had made the first move. The Dragon King had wanted to wait and see if the humans would act first, wither or not a peaceful solution could be found before resorting to war. Zarx had token great efforts to prevent such a thing from happening, yet it seemed his efforts for not.

It was obvious this female knew nothing of the coming attack, she was innocent. She had been sheltered most of her life, unable to experience anything but the walls that surrounded her. Being forced into a life of schooling, always knowing that her own life was not hers to life. All of this was necessary, or so Zarx had thought.

Releasing the female Zarx folded his large wings with a loud snapping noise that caused a few hires to dash for their dens. The eyes of the Night Dragon slowly become cold and dark, dark as the ocean depths, cold as the ocean floor, where no light reached. Lowering his large head, lowering it to become level with the female, Zarx turned his head to the side so he could view the human with his right eye.

“I give you a choices, Ruksanna. The fate of the human fleets is within your cable hands. The fate of your race is up to you to decide. Your life from here is yours to do with what you wish. Though you are faced with choices, which are as following. Will you serve your fellow humans, and rule as Queen, or will you condemn the human race to their fate.”

Still watching her, unmoving, Zarx swayed his tail back and forth with impatience.

“You’re second set of choices are as following. Will you watch your fellow humans die and burn, or will you spare them? There is a price for both choices. The last choice is freedom. Freedom to live your life, to ignore the burdens of royalty, the burdens of war, honor, duty. To live the rest of your life in peace. The choice is yours to make.”
 
Ruksanna saw the change in the dragon’s eyes as he watched her, and dropped her eyes. She shivered slightly at the loss of heat from his wings about her body. There was no way she could stand by and watch as people or Dragons were slaughtered, even though the humans had not given the same consideration to her.

Life without expectation or honour, that didn’t really sound like a life at all. She had been staring at her feet, her round toed shoes making holes in the snow. She took a deep breath and looked back up at him. She answered slow and in his tongue.

“You know I cannot live in honour if I choose to sacrifice the lives of the men on those ships. They all have mothers, wives and children. People who love them, who are innocent.” She paused trying to think of the next words in his language and failing, she sighed, muttering to herself in English.

“I have lived my life on the outskirts of the human world, never fully accepted as theirs because of what I was. But that does not mean I do not share sympathy with them, I know nothing of being a Queen, but we all have fates that must be acknowledged.”

She shook her head gathering her thoughts before speaking again back in his language.

“I will do what must be done to avert bloodshed, dragon or human. Fates are inescapable, though they manifest themselves differently.”

She raised her eyes back to him. She could only hope she had the strength to bear the responsibility. A smile tugged at her lips. She had always been the responsible one, the one who knew her life was forfeit the moment she turned twenty one, if she needed more strength than that, she supposed she would find it.
 
This female was infuriating thought Zarx as he patiently listened to the human’s constant ramblings. A quality all humans shared with one another despite it causing them to get into trouble and danger most of the time. They never knew what they wanted until the discussed their options out loud. Another bad habit humans shared was living within their minds instead of reality. Some humans choose to live in the fantasies of their own mind, rather than face true reality and its problems.

It appeared that Ruksanna had chosen to follow the path that prevented deaths on both sides of the war. Eyeing her for a moment, Zarx tried to consider what the best solution was to be had. Zarx continued to watch Ruksanna trying to understand this brave human before withdrawing himself from her personal space, but still keeping his head level with her.

“The only solution for either of our species to coexist will be for a hybrid to be brought to this world. As it stands now.” Zarx said looking towards the direction of the ocean, towards the many fleets of ships that were now sailing towards their ancient breeding islands. “Many of these hybrids will be required in order to stop the war. The reason the hybrids are needed is not something that needs to be discussed right now.”

Turning back towards the Princess of a human kingdom, Zarx straightened himself.

“Your duty to protect the human race is to be the main key in creating the hybrid species. Your purpose is to serve me to until your dying breath. Your duty is to serve me after death, your spirit being bound to me until I deem otherwise.” Raising his head to stand at his full height, Zarx looked down upon the human as humans tended to look down upon creatures they considered below them.

“Your purpose is to walk this world, and the others that condensed with it. You are my tool to use as I see fit. Do you understand human?”
 
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