by
Long has spent months recovering from an encounter with dragonsbane. When Nia recalls him to her service, they try to return to the life they knew.
But the dragonsbane has permanently weakened Long. Can he find a way to serve his lady, or does Nia's life have no place for her broken dragon?
Genres:
Tropes: Person in Distress, Pseudo European Society
Word Count: 2500
Languages Available: English
Tropes: Person in Distress, Pseudo European Society
Word Count: 2500
Languages Available: English
A dragon dances on the winds. For the first time in over ten years, he has reclaimed his true form and held it. He revels in the wind rushing over his wings, the taste of the high air. In a few days, this brief freedom will be over. Red wings tuck in, he dives from a half mile in the air to splash in the deep mountain lake that fills half the valley he once called home. Bubbles tickle his stomach and as he surfaces, his neck snakes out to grab a trout. The delicate flavor would do better with some butter over a hickory fire. But raw isn’t bad.
His wings shake as he climbs from the water. Only a short flight, but he is exhausted. The elders warned him that he might never fully recover. His eyes refuse to leave the beckoning sky. His feet, more sensible, turn to his cave. Curling up on the sunny ledge, he falls into a light doze.
READ MOREHe wakes to the sound of hoof beats. Far down the valley, a rider approaches. The rider is downwind, but the dragon doesn’t need her scent to know her. Nia. He climbs down from the ledge. It would have been so simple—so easy—to leap into the air and fly the short distance. He walks.
Walking down the valley takes longer than flying, but he has pushed himself already today. His patience is hard pressed when he sees the figure riding towards him. She leans forward and her horse breaks into a canter. Long resists the urge to run, holding to a steady walk and taking the time to soak in the sight of her. Hair pulled back in a warrior braid, quiver and bow hanging from the saddle, she is little changed.
Just before he reaches her, he changes, obedient to a command she laid on him years ago. His body flows into a human male with golden eyes. He goes to one knee and beams up at her.
She eyes him appreciatively. The magic transformed his body—but didn’t supply any clothes. “It’s been a long time, Long.”
He grins at the old joke. “Too long.” The words stick in his throat, but that doesn’t matter. He basks in her presence.
Nia slides off her horse and grabs Long’s hands, pulling him up into an embrace. “Demons, I’ve missed you!”
He returns the hug, resting his head on her shoulder. “Same. I’m sorry I wasn’t waiting for you. I must have lost track of time.”
“Not your fault. I’m early.”
They remain holding each other for long minutes. Finally, Nia steps back and looks Long over. What does she see? His muscles are returning slowly. His wounds are healed. Does his constant exhaustion show? “Let’s gather your things and hit the trail,” she says. Her voice is cheerful but her brow creased with worry. “There’s several hours of daylight yet, and I passed a good camping spot on my way in.”
Long opens his mouth. Closes it. I don’t want to fail you and I’m still sick battle for space on his tongue.
“I... I can try, Ma’am. I’m afraid I overdid it flying. And—I’m still sleeping large parts of the day.”
COLLAPSE
