Ranek's Story

Heavy breath misted in a continuous pant in the early morning air. It was still in the chilly hours of dawn, the forest still dark and grey as the sky slowly started to soak in the sun's light, producing colors of pink and orange. The heavy hooves on the leaf litter below followed a strong constant rhythm, like the beating of a huge heart as the dark brown mare galloped in and out of the thin trees. The horse heaved in breaths, snorting in anticipation as she threw back her head with a whinny. The rider on her back kicked with his boots, urging the mare even faster as the terrain gradually started to slope up. There wasn't much time left, if they were to make it to their destination before it was too late, they'd have to step it up. The horse rider was growing anxious and kicked in to the mares sides, clicking his tongue.

"Hurry, hurry." Sven murmured softly under his breath.

A low hanging branch came in to view and he had to duck swiftly to keep from getting a mouthful of pine needles. He looked back at the branch and laughed arrogantly, a smile creasing his lips. Sven snapped the reigns, the ground now steep beneath them. The terrain was rocky and getting treacherous, but still they sped on and up the cliff without hesitation. The horse was losing steam and starting to tire easily, but they were right where they needed to be. The entire world held its breath as they reached the rocky peak, the horse coming to a sudden and abrupt stop. She reared, flailing her front legs in the air before the hooves slammed back down in to the rock. In the distance, across the rolling green valley, the sun peaked above the horizon. The first wave of precious golden light washed over the valley in seconds. The beautiful warm rays touched Sven's skin, wind caressing his hair as his eyes closed and he simply absorbed the morning's first light.

A moment passed, his skin buzzing with warmth, before his eyes opened. The young farm boy took a lingering look at the sun washed valley, memorizing every graceful curve of the hills and each color that reflected in to his eyes. He tugged hard on the reigns, clicking his tongue as he steered the horse back down the ridge they had come up. It was a much slower descent, one wrong step and the mares hoof could slip, sending both down to a premature death. The horse was exhausted from the run and snorted exaggeratedly as she carefully picked her way past sharp rocks.

"Whoa." Sven pulled her reigns, the mare stopping.

The horse nervously shook out her mane, stamping the ground with an impatient hoof as the rider dismounted. Something had caught his eye, an uneven texture among the rocks. A stone, the size of a curled up barn cat, sat on top a pyramid of other rocks, a thin layer of white dust coating its oval shape. Kneeling next to the pile, Sven cautiously picked up the stone with both hands, standing with it. His befuddled gaze tried to make sense of its odd shape and foreign texture. Actually, as he thought about it, the stone wasn't cold at all, it was warm. There was a pulse that was felt through his fingertips, startled Sven dropped the rock as he backed away quickly.

There was a soft thud, followed by a thick crack as the stone rolled a few feet away. Sven was breathing heavily, too scared to move. He had felt the stone move, as if it had a heart beating inside of it. His breathing hitched as the first crack was followed by another and the another until the whole stone looked as if it were about to shatter into a hundred different pieces. The top heaved, a thin crevice opening to reveal a slate grey colored eye, it blinked slowly. The slit pupil focused on Sven and without warning the egg burst opened with life, pieces of shell flying everywhere as a slimy white creature rolled from its back and to its legs.

"Ah!" Sven shouted, scrambling back.

His foot caught a rock, causing him to fall back on his rear with a gasp. The white creature, still trying to find its feet, wobbled after him. Sven squeezed his eyes shut and threw his arms out in front of him, waiting for the tiny monster to attack him. Seconds seemed to tick by, maybe even minutes, before the half elf opened one eye skeptically. Sitting at his feet, the tiny white dragon wiggled with excitement, hardly able to control himself. Sven opened both eyes, arms slowly dropping in to his lap as he held eye contact with the creature. It stood on all fours and creeped closer, a small chirping sound emitting from its throat as it happily looked up at this nervous man.

"What are you?" Sven asked softly.

Ranek...My name is Ranek

The small white dragon bounded forward, rearing on his strong back legs as his front paws rested on Sven's chest. Like a puppy, his hind quarters wiggled in excitement and his tail wagged back and forth happily. Sven, still unsure of what to do, nervously moved his hand to touch the dragon's neck, his knuckle brushing the small white scales. The dragon chirped softly, seeming to smile up at him with an open mouth. Growing more brave, Sven moved his hand up the dragon's neck, eyes unblinking as he gingerly rubbed Ranek's head.

"You can speak?" Sven asked aloud.

Yes. The hatchling responded with a small coo.

"Extraordinary." Sven breathed softly.

Ranek nuzzled his hand, eyes closing in comfort. Lifting the dragon in to his arms, Sven stood, still cradling the baby reptile. The newborn yawned, stretching out his long toes before curling up against his chest. Holding Ranek there with one arm, Sven used the other to grasp the mare's reigns. The horse was nervous and snorted loudly, unhappy with the new companion.

"He's not going to hurt you. Does that look like the face of a killer?" Sven inquired.

The horse was unamused and flicked her dark tail in to Sven's face. How's that for an answer? The farmer chuckled softly and mounted the mare anyways. She easily picked her way down the rest of the ridge until there was flat ground under her hooves. Sven coaxed her in to a trot, kicking at her sides. She knew the way home and it would give Sven time to admire the snoozing dragon curled on his arm. What a blessing it was, especially for somebody of his background. Half human, half elf, with no right in either world. That was why he lived so far out in the country, where judging eyes couldn't belittle his mixed blood. The dragon shifted in his arms, stretching out more comfortably.


The horse was out if the thin trees, walking now, heading up a grassy hill. At the top the mare paused and snorted. Down in the small valley was a simple brown house and next to it a small barn. A man was working in the fields behind the barn and a woman was guiding a horse around a small wooden pen. Sven whistled and lifted up his hand in a wave. The woman, his mother looked away from the horse and to her son coming down the hill. She waved back as the mare Sven rode trotted down in to the farm valley.

The young farmer lead the mare in to the barn, sliding out of the saddle and on to the hay strewn floor. The dragon stirred awake, blinking his large grey eyes as he took in his surroundings. Sven smiled as the white dragon scrambled out of his arms to sit on the wooden fence separating the horse stalls. The mare was put in to one of these stalls, the reigns and saddles being taken off. Ranek gave a playful growl at the mare, baring his tiny little teeth. The horse snorted, billowing air at him. The dragon cooed but suddenly screeched as the large black stallion in the other stall whinnied loudly. Ranek leaped off the fence and on to Sven's shoulders.

"It's okay, they won't hurt you." Sven comforted, petting his head reassuringly.

The dragon growled softly as the stallion nickered, pawing the ground. Sven chuckled and let his fingers run over the four tiny bumps on Ranek's head where there would soon be sharp horns. What did a dragon eat? Bugs? Rats? Sven didn't know, but he had to find out soon. Already Ranek was back on the fence, prowling across it as he sniffed the air. He scrambled up a wooden beam and in to the loft. Uh oh. The chickens let out shrill squawks and clucks of fear, scattering out of the upper floor and down to the barns hay floor, fluttering their wings frantically as they ran out in to the fields. Sven heard crunching noises and started up the loft ladder, as he came to the too he saw the white dragon muzzle deep in to the fat chicken's flesh. His white mouth was stained red as he looked up from his meal to acknowledge Sven's presence.

"Savage little thing, aren't you?" Sven chuckled as Ranek swiped a soft pink tongue over his maw before diving back in to the fresh chicken.

Ranek and Sven were still in the loft, the young man laying in the soft hay. His chest rose and fell evenly as he slept, an arm covering his eyes to keep out the sunlight that had shone down on him from the old holes in the rafters. Ranek laid on top of the boy, curled up between his shoulder blades on Sven's back. They were both exhausted from the day's events and all they wanted to do was sleep until they had their energy back. Ranek lifted his head upon hearing footsteps from below. He stood and nuzzled Sven's arm, trying to wake him. The hatchling chirped and pulled at a strand of Sven's hair. The footsteps were closer and started up the ladder.

"Sven?" It was a man's deep voice.

Ranek chirped fearfully and pawed at Sven's shirt, using his mouth to pull on it. Sven groaned and dismissed Ranek's behavior as playfulness. The man got to the top of the ladder, eyes narrowing on the dead chicken. It was obvious to Ranek that he was angry. The man looked to Sven and the dragon, stepping in to the loft and walking towards them with heavy footsteps. Ranek screeched again as Sven's father reached down, grabbing Sven by the back of his shirt and lifting him up.

"What is this?" His father demanded angrily, pointing to the cowering dragon and dead chicken.

"Oh, uh dad, I can explain." Sven stuttered.

"You bring this monster to my house, tell no one, and kill a chicken to feed it?" His dad snarled.

"It's a dragon dad, just a baby, he would've died out there!" Sven tried to reason.

"Dragons are no good and I will not have it here causing destruction." The man said with finality. "Take it back in to the wild and let it go."

Sven knew there was no arguing and freed himself from his father's grasp. The boy scooped up the dragon and hurriedly climbed down the loft ladder. Swiftly he tacked up the mare again, climbing up in to the saddle once it was secured, kicking her in to a gallop out of the barn. Ranek sat securely on his shoulders, eyes squinted against the wind. Overhead it was no longer sunny, but instead cloudy. Fat rain drops started to fall slowly, then faster and harder as thunder cracked overhead.

"Yah!" Sven yelled at the horse, keeping her at a gallop.

Sven looked over his shoulder at the farm and then looked forward, looking in the distance at the mountains that rose up dauntingly. He wasn't giving Ranek up, he had a responsibility now and he wouldn't just abandon him. This was a dragon, not a deformed monster. His father had said that the hatchling would cause destruction, but Sven could only see all the amazing possibilities of raising Ranek.

The ground started to slope up the mountain side and Sven tugged on the mare's reigns to slow her to an easy trot. They started their ascent with the wind and rain battering down on them as the lightening and thunder danced overhead. The cold rain stung his face and arms and after a few minutes he could feel Ranek shivering on his shoulders. They needed to find shelter...and soon before they both froze to death out here. Ranek burrowed under his shirt, seeking his body heat.

"Hang on just a while longer." Sven reassured as they came up the mountain side slowly.

Ranek whimpered softly and only curled up closer against Sven's body. There had to be caves around here somewhere, a place to wait out the storm. A gaping darkness caught his eye and Sven breathed a sigh of relief, kicking the horses sides and guiding her towards the opening. Lightening struck the top of the mountain's peak, the mare rearing out of fear. Sven was thrown from the horse, hitting the wet ground with a thud as the mare took off blindly down the mountain.

Sven's head hit the wet rock as he landed on the ground, a cry of pain escaping his lips. Ranek scrambled out of his shirt with a cry of shock. He nuzzled the boy's cheek, urging him to get up. Sven moaned in pain, staring up at the dark clouds and the pounding rain. His dragon chirped and screeched, hoping to get a response from him.

Come on Sven, get up Ranek pleaded.

Upon hearing the voice in his thoughts, the boy blinked, looking to the hatchling. His breath came slow and deeply as he sat up, his hand going to the back of his head. He was a bit dazed, but there was no blood. Ranek chirped, glad to see the boy only stunned and a bit out of breath. It took him a moment to collect himself, but Sven stood, picking up Ranek and staggering towards the cave.

Sierra watched as the fire began to crackle, it's soft glowing embers burned at the bottom of the sticks. She sighed and noticed her mice were getting rather toasted. She grabbed one of the sticks, and made a discussed face at it, she took a small bite and soon she hungrily consumed it. She licked her lips at the greasy fat from the mouse, she began to chew slower on the second one, trying to savor every bite. Ryuu watched her with his melted butter eyes, he snorted and settled near the fire, Sierra watched with fascination as the fire danced at his shiny scales. With a sigh she finished the second mice. She reached her hand to grab the third when a huge boom of thunder nearly scared her to death. She felt her heart race and felt adrenaline pumping into her veins. She looked around, wide eyed and saw a distant shadow moving towards her cave. She gulped and narrowed her eyes, setting the mice down on the ground. Ryuu blinked an eye open, curious as to why Sierra was tense all of a sudden. What is it? Ryuu asked curiously, moving his head so he could see better. Sierra didn't reply, her first instinct was to quick make the fire go away, but she knew they had already seen the cave. Sierra swallowed and quickly rummaged around for her curved dagger. She found it laying next to one of the pointed sticks and quickly grabbed it. However when Sierra looked back the shadow had vanished.. Must have fallen back down the mountain...well good riddens. Sierra growled to herself. Ryuu snorted and curled back up in a ball, humming himself to peaceful sleep.

Sierra watched the lightning flash, she still couldn't figure out what that shadow was, nor did she want to find out. She reached for her sharp stick when a yell of pain startled her, she looked back out the cave and saw a man stumbling towards the cave, he reached the cave and practically fell in, he was in pain that was for sure. But Sierra didn't hesitate when she reached for her dagger and came upon the man in a split second she had the man pinned, the knife at his throat. Sierra let out a squeal as she felt something sharp bump into the back of her head. She rolled over and tried to shake the creature off. When it finally let go, she noticed to her surprise that it was a small baby dragon. Ryuu growled and appeared at Sierra's side within seconds of the dispute. Ryuu eyed the small dragon that was about his height with distain. Small puffs of smoke appeared at his nostrils, a warning sign. Sierra winced as she felt a small trickle of blood flow down her neck, the dragon had gotten ahold of some skin and made her bleed. She narrowed her eyes at the young man and his dragon. "Who are you and what do you want?" She stood and towered over the young man, aiming her dagger at his throat. Ryuu bared his fangs at the other small dragon, preparing to spring at him before the dragon got a chance to hurt Sierra.

Sven looked up at the demanding girl with shocked silence, unable to find his voice. Ranek bounded over to Sven after his defensive attack, landing on his chest and standing on him. Drawing in a deep breath the hatchling gave the loudest roar he could muster, which sounded small and quiet pathetic. Ranek growled protectively, flattening his body on Sven's chest. The boy was still dizzy and nauseous from hitting his head on the unforgiving rock. His vision blurred for a moment, Sven letting out a groan. It was then he realized he had been knocked over by the girl and on the ground. It had taken his brain some time to catch up with the rest of his body.

The man rolled on to his side, coughing painfully. He shivered violently and curled up to lamely protect himself from this armed girl. He had felt a knife at his throat before Ranek had bitten her. She was dangerous, but then again, so was he. That is of course when he wasn't seeing stars and fighting a huge headache. Sven could be wicked fast and being so much taller and heavier than the girl, he could've easily disarmed and restrained her. However, Sven was a lover not a fighter. He only resorted to violence when absolutely necessary or if someone angered him.

"I want no trouble," Sven breathed out finally. "I got bucked from my hor-" He stopped suddenly as he spotted the other small dragon.

Sven sat up slowly, hands raised in surrender as he stared at the girl and then the dragon. His eyes went to the girl and he opened his mouth to speak to her again. Wait- was that a dragon?! His eyes focused on the hatchling by the girl and his pupils went wide with disbelief. It was pure luck to have found Ranek and now he had found another dragon and what seemed to be its rider. What were the odds of that?

"Y-you have a dragon, too?" Sven asked in bewilderment.

The young rider picked Ranek up from where he had slid in to his lap. The dragon hissed at the girl, front legs flailing as he tried to go after her once more. Sven held him back easily, pressing the distressed baby dragon to his chest, soothing him with a soft hand.

"My names Sven and this is Ranek." The farmer introduced. "I-I thought that if I had a dragon... That there would be others, like in the old days." His voice trailed off.

Sven was fascinated now, leaning forward cautiously to give the other dragon a through look over. Ranek seemed to be calmed down and Sven set him down. The hatchling stood next to the young mans legs, sniffing curiously at the other dragon. They were similar in size, though the girl's dragon looked a bit taller. Sven smiled and laughed at the coincidence of finding another rider and dragon.

"What's your name?" Sven looked up at the girl, a warm and inviting smile curving the corners of his lips.

The wisps of the cold wind outside blew Sierra's hair slightly, she narrowed her eyes cautiously at the dragon. A curt nod was sent Sven's way as he mentioned something about her being a rider as well. She noticed him relax as he realized that she was a rider and probably wouldn't hurt him. Her eyebrows raised as Ryuu sniffed at Ranek curiously the two dragon's circled each other and Ryuu even let out a surprised squeak, happy to have a new friend. Sierra didn't completely relax but she tucked her curved dagger back into her boot, she rubbed the back of her neck and glanced around, looking back over the warm fire. After a few brief seconds of thinking she strode over to the fire and began to warm her hands, watching it with distant eyes. She beckoned him to come sit by the fire as well, once he did she let out a small breath she had been holding in for some strange reason. "I'm Sierra, and my dragon is Ryuu." she murmured softly, when Ryuu heard his name he sprang into her lap, making a small smile appear on her soft lips. Sierra glanced over at the other two mice that Ryuu had gotten her, she handed one to Sven and the other she threw over for Ranek. Do you think we can trust them? Sierra asked, looking down at Ryuu. Ryuu was content and curled his tail, not replying as a small smoke appeared from his nostril. They don't seem to awfully dangerous.. he replied after a few moments of silence. Sierra sighed, she figured she wouldn't get many answers from her dragon. Her dark melted chocolate eyes met Sven's for a moment then she looked down at the fire, the flame danced in her eyes. "That's quite a nasty cut you got there..Thrown by a horse huh? Mind If I take a look at it?" she asked calmly, meeting his gaze and she studied his wound for a moment, she noticed a small trickle of blood flow down his neck. She remembered to that she had gotten bit, she reached over and grabbed a cloth, placing it on the back of her head.

"Oh uh, it's just a scratch..." Sven muttered as he took a seat in front of the fire.

Ranek was padding along after Ryuu, chirping as he went. The other dragon jumped in to Sierra's lap and Ranek cooed softly with disappointment. The playful young hatchling flattened himself against the rock, hind quarters wiggling as he prepared to pounce. Now that him and his rider were out of immediate danger, the young dragon wanted to play with his new friend. Another chirp came from him as he jumped from his spot, bouncing forward but not in the girl or Ryuu. Sven watched with an amused smile as he watched Ranek try and convince Ryuu to play with him. His eyes went to Sierra and the smile vanished as he watched her press a cloth to the back of her head.

"Ranek," Sven said sternly. "You owe Sierra an apology." The rider scolded with his brows drawn together.

Ranek's playfulness came to a sudden stop and he crouched shamefully where he stood, crawling forward slowly towards Sierra. The hatchling gingerly touched her foot with his nose, looking up with apologetic eyes. He had only been protecting Sven and hadn't meant to hurt her. Ranek cooed softly, lifting his head towards her arm, nuzzling the side of it. Suddenly he scurried away, bounding back towards Sven and hiding behind him, peering out. The rider sighed and looked down at Ranek scornfully.

"I'm sorry about that," he apologized to Sierra, looking from his dragon and to her. "Hope he didn't rough you up too bad." Ranek chirped from behind Sven, voicing his apology once more.

Im sorry Ranek thought to Sven, pressing his face in to the fabric of his shirt.

"He is sorry about biting you." Sven told Sierra aloud. "Won't happen again." He assured, looking down at Ranek to make sure he had heard him.

Ranek chirped in agreement and settled down in Sven's lap, head resting on the boy's knee as he watched the flames dance. The fire created long shadows on the wall and the cave radiated with warmth. Ranek sighed softly and closed his eyes. What a whimsical chance it was to find another rider and dragon, luck must've been favoring Sven. If two dragons had appeared, there must've been more. Did it mean the forsworn had failed and were gone? What if they weren't? Sven wasn't strong enough to fight off a dragon slayer, neither was Ranek. It got Sven thinking about how fast dragons matured and when they started flying. Hopefully it was sooner rather than later. Maybe Sierra knew. Why was she out here by herself in the first place? Was she hiding from the forsworn, perhaps?

They would be stronger together rather than on their own. Sven had decided then that he would ask to accompany Sierra to wherever she was going and train alongside her. But blurting it out right then would've been inappropriate and instead he tried to think of a way to befriend her. Sven wasn't used to being around strangers, especially girls, and he wasn't sure of how to bring the topic up.

Just be yourself, Sven. You're doing fine. Ranek thought encouragingly.

"So, uh Sierra, how'd you find Ryuu?" Sven asked. "I found Ranek on a rocky ridge a few miles away from my home." Sven explained, hoping it would get her to share her story. "Only a few hours ago, too." He added.

Sierra smiled gingerly as the young male dragon had approached and nuzzled her, Apology accepted She murmured into Ranek's mind. She was of course a mind reader as well as had telekinesis making her able to communicate with both of them in her mind. She preferred not to use it, but it was better for her to communicate with Ranek more. She nodded in Sven's direction when he murmered that his dragon was sorry. She listened to his pondering thoughts about whether she had been escaping the Forsworn, a wicked smile curved her lips when she heard this but pretended nothing happened. She continued to listen to his thoughts when it registered that he had asked her a question. "I was trying to get into a shelter before this storm happened." she said with a nod over at the cave entrance, lightning still continued to flash and thunder shook the cave. "I found Ryuu in the back of this cave actually..I couldn't see very well and found a small dark object, almost making midnight cower with fear with it's color black. It was then that Ryuu hatched for me..Also only a few hours ago.." she murmered, looking down at Ryuu. Ryuu became bored with the talk and bounded off Sierra's lap, he playfully tackled Ranek, avoiding Sven as he did so. He didn't want to cause trouble with both. Ryuu and Ranek and Ryuu disappeared into the back of the cave, wondering for things to play with. Leaving Sierra and Sven alone.

A shallow blush naturally occurred on Sierra's check, she glanced up at Sven, also noting his slight pointed ears. "Your half elf, have human arn't you?" she murmured, keeping her melted chocolate eyes on his for a moment before she mentally pulled herself from staring at him. While waiting for his response Sierra placed the rag into the fire, watching it burn before she took a glove off of her slender hand and after a few brief moment's she found the wound with her hand, she closed her eyes and concentrated, feeling the warmth of the magic flow within her palm as she released it, the small blood flow stopped and a small scar appeared where the wound had once been. Already Sierra was out of breath, her mind swirling slightly.
Sierra sighed and looked back into the fire, in search of the embers. She had prayed that the fire wouldn't go out, otherwise it would be the death for both rider's.

"That'd be correct," Sven said with a small smile. "My mum's a human and my dad is a pure blooded elf." He explained.

His hand went subconsciously to his ear, finger outlining the smooth curve if it until it came to the point. His father's ears were much taller and had a more dramatic point, a sign that he was indeed a pure blooded elf with a noble bloodline. Though his father didn't act like a noble and no high esteemed elf would marry a human, it was considered social suicide to the prideful race.

"And you, undoubtedly, are a human." Sven pointed out with a charming grin. "You know, come to think of it, I've never met a human other than my mum." Sven admitted.

It was a rare occasion for Sven to leave the farm and go in to town, but when he did, they had been of strictly Elvin heritage and culture. So not only had he seen not one-but two dragons- he had also met a human for the first time. What a fantastic day it was turning out to be, despite his father's harsh words and the raging storm outside. Ranek squealed loudly from the back of the cave, alarming Sven out of his thoughts. The white dragon was in no danger though and had merely made the noise to signal his surprise attack on Ryuu from the top of a rock, jumping down and wrestling the other hatchling to the ground.

"This morning I woke up and it was just an ordinary day," Sven said softly, tone becoming somber. "And now I'm here and I'm so utterly lost."

Sven rubbed his forehead and let out a deep breath, allowing elbows to rest on his knees as his hands held up his head. He stared in to the fire and laughed softly at his situation. The half elf was glad he had found Sierra though so he didn't have to go through this troubling first day alone.

"I know absolutely nothing about dragons, only that they had gone extinct along time ago and that's obviously not true." Sven looked across the fire and at Sierra, noticing she had a far off look in her eyes.

The rider stood and walked to her side, wondering if she was okay. Evidently he had missed her small healing trick and worriedly place a hand on her shoulder, hoping to steady her. Sven sat next to her hesitantly, looking over his shoulder to make sure Ryuu didn't attack him for being so close.

"Are you okay, Sierra?" His tone was genuinely worried and his eyes searched hers for a sign that she was going to be alright.

It had been a traumatic day for all of them and he didn't blame her for getting a little lightheaded from all the overloading information she had had to absorb over the corse of a few hours. Even Sven felt that this whole day had been just a surreal dream and that at any second he would wake up in his bed and go back to being just a regular teenager again.

"Y-Yeah. I'm fine sorry. Just had a little spell, that's all." Sierra murmured, she turned her head and in surprise found him right there. Her face was inches from his and she cleared her throat and scooted over a bit as he sat down beside her. She nodded her head as he talked about not knowing what to expect with being a rider an all. "I know how you feel. I woke up this morning a normal blacksmith's daughter, now I'm a bloody dragon rider." she mumbled, proud of herself for speaking more than a few blatant words. Sierra herself had never heard of a half elf, half human before. Nor did she think it was possible. She had seen some other elves buying her father's fine crafting but never actually met one. Sierra sighed as her hand slipped down from her head, she felt a small electric tingle when a few of her slender fingers brushed Sven's hand, she cleared her throat and reached her hand back. She then grabbed small metal object from her pack. It was something that reminded her of home. With a sigh she placed it in the fire, letting it warm until the temperature was just right to bend. She played with the small sparks as it waved and danced in the air. Sierra turned her face towards Sven. "Have you ever written in flame?" she asked with a small playful smile on her face. Without waiting for his reply Sierra stood and began to wave the small metal rod around, writing her name in the smoke. She laughed slightly a smile curved her lips as she danced around waving it to and fro.

Ryuu let out a squeak of surprise as Ranek leaped atop him, he dug his claws into the soft earth and rolled, springing Ranek from his back. He bared his fangs and lashed out his tail playfully. Come get me if you can Ryuu taunted to the other male dragon, with the taunt still hanging in the air Ryuu disappeared into the darkness of the cave, with his scales so black it was hard for anyone to see him. When Ranek's back was turned towards him, in pursuit. Ryuu sprung from the ground and tackled the other young male, squeaks of surprise continued to go on in the back of the cave, Sierra rolled her eyes at the two hatchlings.

Sven watched her with fascination as she picked up a burning stick and started twirling around, waving it in the air. He sat back, laughing as she moved fluidly around the fire, the stick waving in her hand as she went. He couldn't recall ever writing with flames before. Quite frankly he couldn't recall writing anything at all. Sven had never learned how to read or write, he had never had the need, a farmer didn't need those skills to watch over his home. Though he didn't care much that he couldn't, instead he only watched Sierra with admiration filled eyes that glimmered from the soft reflection of the fire he sat in front of.

"You said you were a blacksmith's daughter." Sven pointed out. "Was that dagger you have made by him?" He asked, stirring the conversation away from his illiteracy.

The rider rubbed the spot on his throat that she had pressed the extremely sharp weapon to. There had been no damage but it still had been a close call, or at least that's how Sven had seen it. Close combat was not his forte and he was rather lame at it. However, if he had a sturdy bow and a few arrows he could be a silent, yet deadly, force to be reckoned with. Stealth was one of his best friends and the cover of night, cloaking him in shadows, made him an excellent hunter. Sven was more of the soft treading trickster than the sword swinging brute, but he had a hell of a pack to his punch and wouldn't be afraid to leap blindly in to a fight.

"Excellent craftsmanship was put in to its design and creation, a fine blade indeed." Sven commented with a grin, tongue clicking against the back of his teeth on the last word.

Ranek cooed from the back of the cave, rolling away from his play fighting with Ryuu to let his long snake like tongue flick out. Take it easy Romeo, I can smell your testosterone from here. Ranek teased with a snicker, bouncing back to Ryuu with a small battle cry. Following his nose he pinpointed Ryuu and tumbled back in to their friendly wrestling match, rolling around the cave's floor.

Sierra listened to Sven for a few moments as he spoke before she replied. She glanced up at him her melted chocolate eyes met his. "The blade I made by my own hands.." she murmured calmly. She took the sharp blade from her boot and gazed at it's unnatural light touch. The silver blade gleamed from the fire. "I used an unnatural elven metal and some other ingredients to make this fine blade..There are only 2 or 3 more like it in the world.." she murmured with a smile. She smiled at Sven as he murmured her excellent craftsmenship and bowed sarcastically. "Why thank you Sir Sven." she said with a small laugh, she made a weird face as she laughed for she hadn't ever laughed in a while, especially after her brother...She cleared her throat and smiled at Sven. "So..your a farm boy eh?" she said teasingly. She was actually more curious about him being a farm boy than she realized. "Do you work a lot on the farm?" she asked, she'd never really seen a farm much likely work on one.

Ryuu peeked out from the darkness, watching the two with his yellow orbed eyes. [i"]You like him, don't you?"[/i] Ryuu said with a charming hum. Sierra shot him a warning glance, Do not, and will not. I've only just met him. Even if he is a charming farm boy.." she grumbled back. Ryuu's deep laughter of amusement followed as well as a squeak as he tackled Ranek once again, playful smoke arose from his nostril.

Sven was impressed by the fact she had crafted the blade herself and found himself admiring her more for having such a fine skill. He had only made one thing in his life: a bow and arrows from the wood of a dark elm tree growing beside his barn. It had taken him dozens of times to get the curve right or the string the right tautness, the arrows were feathered from pheasants and quails he had snared in traps. But making a dagger such as the one she had was way beyond his skill set.

"Born and raised farmer." Sven confirmed proudly, chuckling as he did so. "It's a sixteen hour work day and its all nonstop." Sven told her.

The boy was boasting now, proud of his farm and hardworking demeanor. All the years of his life had gone in to the well being of his family's farm and it was the only thing he had accomplished. Now that he had Ranek though, the farm wasn't the only thing he could be proud of. The baby dragon was gnawing on Ryuu's tail, growling softly as he rolled on to his back.

Sven chuckled at their play and glanced towards the back of the cave. His eyes searched the dark for the black and white dragons, though they played in complete shadows. The halfbreed looked back to Sierra, the tips of his ears burning as a blush crawled to his cheeks upon meeting her chocolate colored gaze. He cleared his throat and looked away quickly, hoping the darkness of the cave hid his pink cheeks. The boy rubbed the back of his neck and shivered slightly as a cold breeze whipped through the cave harshly. Rubbing his arms he tried to regain the warmth the wind had taken from him, looking back to Sierra.

"Why are you out here alone, Sierra?" The question had been bugging him for a while now and he had finally blurted it out after gathering up some courage. "You don't seem like the type to go wandering up a mountain for no good reason." He added more softly.

Sierra cleared her throat uncomfortably, "It's my place to..get away from everything..Stress, My mom and the whole world. Sometimes a girl just needs a break..." she murmured calmly. She met his gaze and then sighed, "My...My brother passed away a few months ago..It's been hard on all of us. My dad...he's never home too often. And my mom....ever since Archer passed she's never spoken but a few words and barely looks at me. I think she mostly blames me..." she murmured. Sierra sighed, unsure why she trusted a stranger such as Sven. She practically jumped when another thunder clap scared her half to death. "I hope this storm ends soon..." she grumbled, glaring outside. Sierra didn't want to talk much anymore and so she grabbed her small sleeping bag from her pack. She began to lay it out and then curled into it without another word. She gazed over at Sven for a few brief seconds then soon realized that Sven would be without something to keep him warm. A small blush appeared on her cheeks as she was about to ask whether he wanted to share the sleeping bag. She reached into her pack and threw a small cotton blanket at him. The fire crackled and danced keeping her warm. Sierra lay awake for a bit longer, her mind reeling.

Ryuu pounced on Ranek for a bit more than he himself grew tired from so much playing. He yawned and bounded back over to Sierra, the warm sleeping bag looked inviting and he crawled into it and curled up beside Sierra. Ryuu sent a warning glare to Sven and then hummed and soon fell asleep.

Sven caught the blanket by reaching up over his head, he winced slightly as he brought the blanket to his chest. His ribs ached along with his head from the fall he had taken earlier. Nothing was broken but as Sven lifted up his shirt to see the damage, a dark black and yellow bruise stretched from the top of his hip to just under his left pectoral. The farmer would be sore for a few days but the damage was minimal. Sven pulled the blanket carefully around his shoulders, Ranek crawling in to his lap and falling asleep almost instantly. The boy stayed sitting up, poking at the fire and keeping it alive as Sierra and Ryuu slept.

Sven found himself watching Sierra, his head lying across his arms which were propped up on the tops of his knees. He was tired, but felt it was his responsibility to keep guard while she was resting. A smile curved Sven's lips and he let out a content sigh as he admired the sleeping blacksmith. She was beautiful with her dark hair strewn in a halo around her face, the way her nose wrinkled as she dreamed, and how she seemed completely at peace. Sven lifted his head suddenly, looking towards the cave entrance as his softly curved and slightly elongated ears pressed forward at a small rock rolling down the mountain and landing at the front of the cave.

The young man dismissed it, assuming the rain had loosened it from its spot. Sven used a stick and stirred up the fire, relaxing back in to his calm state. There was no point in alarming Sierra unless there was something or someone actually outside. Sven rested his head back on his arms, forcing his eyes to stay open as he waited for morning to roll around.

Sierra woke to another small rock falling from the cave entrance, she blinked open her eyes and glanced over. She saw Sven fast asleep, curled up in the small blanket. Sierra had to admit the guy was kinda cute, he had bedhead and so his cute blonde hair stuck up in assorted places. Sierra sighed and snuggled deeper into the sleeping bag, Ryuu's warmth provided good heat for her. She closed her eyes and was just about to fall back asleep when suddenly the cave began to shake. It was slow and steady at first like a soft vibrating hum but then it started to get louder. Sierra sat up, stiffly looking around. Her eyes grew wide in terror, her first reaction was to grab all her stuff and quickly pack it. Ryuu grew confused when she woke him from his lovely dream. He suddenly grew wide awake and looked around with his wide yellow orbed eyes. What is the shaking, Sierra? he asked, looking over at her. "Avalanche!" Sierra yelled out loud, she woke Sven and told him to quickly hurry.

Rocks, the size of boulders began to crumble and fall near the cave entrance. She quickly grabbed her stuff and brought it towards the cave entrance. She grabbed Ryuu in quick enough time to save him from being smashed by a rolling rock. Large rock's began to fall and cover the entrance. She grabbed Sven's t-shirt by the collar and quickly pulled him back to save him from being smashed. He was a bit heavier than she imaged and when she pulled him back she used her blacksmith strength (Which was quite a bit) and he practically landed on top of her when she pulled him back. The cave entrance was fully blocked as the rock's continued to fall and soon their was nothing but pitch blackness. Sierra felt a warm blush for on her cheeks when she heard Sven's breath so close to hers, she cleared her throat and quickly stood, letting Sven fall from resting on her. She sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. Sierra quickly felt around for some of the rock's she had used earlier to create a fire, she grabbed a small dry stick from the pile she'd been using for the fire and after a few frustrating tries finally lit the small torch. She handed it to Sven to hold and quickly grabbed her pack. Looking back over at Sven, Sierra sighed. "Look's like we will have to find another way out of the cave.." she murmured quietly. Ryuu shivered and kept warm in her small leather jacket pocket, keeping warm and letting smoke arise from his nose.

Sven blinked dust and grit out of his eyes, coughing as the earth and tons settled. Sierra handed him a torch and he slowly stood up, brushing the dirt and grime off his shirt and pants. He was breathing hard, heart pounding as he tried to swallow. His throat and mouth were dry and he felt dizzy. The nausea passed after a moment and he shook the grey dust out of his hair, using a hand to disturb the particles. He was covered in dirt and Sierra didn't look too differently, both looked like cave children. A slow laugh started from him, growing louder as he counted his blessings.

"That was close," he breathed, smiling towards the girl. "Isn't that right Ranek?" Sven looked around for his dragon.

His heart sunk and his breathing hitched as he looked around more frantically. In all the confusion of the rock slide, Sven had lost track of the baby dragon. Moving rocks and dropping the torch he frantically looked around the cave's floor, finding nothing but dust and rocks.

Sven! A weak voice entered his mind.

Relief swept over him as he felt the dragon's presence in his thoughts. Sven picked up the torch from where he had dropped it, looking around for the white dragon. Still he saw nothing and his eyebrows knitted together in confusion. Where was he?

"Ranek!" He called both aloud and in his mind.

Sven, I'm cold. The dragon responded, voice quivering in fear.

"Ranek, where are you?" He was panicking now, feeling alone and lost without the dragon right at his side.

I ran outside when the rocks started falling, I got scared. Ranek replied.

Sven looked towards the entrance where there was a wall of rocks, blocking their way out and keeping Ranek from getting back to his rider. The rider exploded with energy, once more dropping the torch he held as he charged at the rocks, desperately trying to make them budge. On the other side he could hear Ranek screech in fear as thunder clapped overhead. It was useless trying to move the rocks, they were heavy and didn't move. His hand slipped on the wet rock, palm slicing open on the sharp edge of a jagged boulder. Sven snarled in pain but didn't stop, using his shoulder to push all his weight and strength on a dog sized rock.

Sven stop! You're hurting yourself! Ranek thought to him as he clawed at the smaller rocks on the outside.

"I won't leave without you." Sven promised, leaning against the rock as he squeezed his eyes closed.

I'll be fine, go with Sierra and find a way out, I'll wait here for you. Ranek urged.

Sierra glanced over at Sven, she watched as he began to try and dig and her heart sunk as she realized his dragon, Ranek was on the other side. Sierra hesitated but after a few brief seconds walked over and bent down, grabbing Sven softly by the shoulder. "Come on, Sven. If you want to save him then we have to get going. Staying here and waiting isn't going to help.." she said softly, she helped him to his feet and quietly put her pack over her shoulder, she narrowed her eyes and turned her head, beckoning Sven to her side. After the torch began to show some light in the dark cave Sierra proceeded forward. Sierra reached her hand down and quickly grabbed the small curved dagger from her boot, she didn't trust this dark cave. Especially with no likely way out. After a few minutes of searching Sierra found herself at the end of the cave, it was a dead end and Sierra let out a frustrated grumble. She sat down near the back wall and placed her cold hand on her head, rubbing her temples before she got too frustrated. She closed her eyes and began to focus, searching the minds of the cave creatures, she found a small cave mice running towards a small hole, she could smell the fresh air that it had also smelled. Sierra then blinked open her eyes and glanced over at Sven, noticing his bleeding hand she stood and walked hesitantly over to him. "D-Do you want me to heal that?" she asked softly.

Ryuu let out a sigh, he missed his playmate and wanted him back. Frustrated smoke puffs blew out his nose as he lay somewhat patiently in Sierra's pocket.

Sven numbly shook his head, curling his cut hand in to a fist. He deserved the pain, or that's at least what he thought after losing Ranek. It had been his responsibility to protect and nurture the baby dragon and he had failed. Now they were at a dead end, trapped in the cave with no food and little water. If Sven didn't make it out, he hoped Ranek would be okay on his own. Blood dripped from his closed hand, splattering in a small circle on the cave floor. There was nothing a simple farm boy like him could do.

Sven, you are not just a simple farm boy. You are a dragon rider. Ranek thought to him as he sat with the pile of rocks, unfolding his wings to keep the rest of him dry.

Sven shook his head, squeezing his eyes closed before they opened, looking to Sierra. Slowly he opened his bleeding hand, showing her his cut palm. Getting an infection wasn't going to help them one bit and he needed to be at his best.

"So, you're a healer?" Sven asked, cracking a smile.

Atta boy. Ranek encouraged, knowing Sven wasn't going to sulk anymore.

"I wish I could use magic." Sven muttered as she gingerly examined his injury.

Being half elf his father had expected him to have some sort of magical abilities, but even after hundreds of lessons and tests, there was no sign of magic. Sven hadn't cared much back then, but now he wished he was more than just...well Sven...he was so ordinary and plain. Ranek was the only thing magical about him and he couldn't even save the hatchling.

Magic is about believing in yourself, Sven. Ranek pointed out. [Not everybody has enough faith. But it's not bad to be...just Sven.[/i] There was a smile in Ranek's thoughts.

Sven sighed and frowned, knowing that he wouldn't ever be able to control magic. It wasn't him and would never be, he had finally accepted that fact. Sven would help Sierra and Ryuu out by just being himself and he would be reunited with Ranek.

Sierra cracked a smile slightly, "It's something I taught myself.." she murmured calmly. She smiled slightly as he said he wished he could use magic. Sierra smiled and rested her slender palm on his cheek, "Don't worry. you'll have potential.." she cleared her throat and took her hand away. She examined his wound calmly, making sure none of the rock had gotten in the cut. She picked out a few small pebbles, wincing herself as she made him flinch from pain. With a sigh Sierra lifted her hand to the wound, her palm glowed slightly as she concentrated the energy, she let her fingers brush Sven's palm and the wound began to heal. Electric shiver's ran down Sierra's spine as her slender fingers brushed his cold skin. She blinked open her eyes and looked down at the wound a small scar appeared where the wound once was. As soon as the magic finished Sierra felt light headed, she sat down and rubbed her temple. "Sorry...I'm still working on it.." she murmured calmly with an apologetic look. Ryuu nuzzled her hand as he poked his nose out of the pocket. [iYou did good.[/i] he murmured softly, humming softly. Sierra smiled but continued to rub her forehead, trying to get the headache away.