Meeting the Dreamer

Mala'Reigh was too shocked to scream. She gave a strangled cry as the great beast grabbed her in its claws and in a flash of light they were outside, racing through the sky at breakneck speed.

She was grateful to feel the blackness encroaching on her vision and went limp in the creature's grasp.

She awakened to feel hard earth beneath her, and remembering what had happened, sat up and crawled slowly backwards. She kept her eyes on the pathway ahead, the waning light casting shadows in her periphery.

Oh gods, she thought fearfully. Please let this be some horrible dream and I will wake up in bed with Jaral on my chest.

Mala'Reigh's back bumped into something hard, and with a racing heart she looked up.

A massive head loomed above her, blocking out the light. The beast did not look at her, but its voice rumbled and resonated as it spoke, and to the half-elf it sounded quite angry.

"Kii tir wux torkta udoka, kosj munthrek?" Why do you summon us, small human?

Both horrified and fascinated, Mala'Reigh racked her brain and forced herself to focus and recall the multitude of tomes she had read on the draconic language. She had thought she was clever as a child, deciding to only speak in Draconic, until both her father and mother began to respond in kind without batting an eye. It ended her fun, and she only used the language to her pets thereafter.

What could she say to it? That she was enthralled by all dragon kind? That when she drew them, dreamed of them, burnt draconic incense, read draconic lore and spoke the draconic language her heart was filled with great love and admiration?

Father was right, she thought sadly. They are not creatures to be trifled with, and in my romantic blindness I was too stubborn to listen...now I will probably die for my foolishness.

Her parents had always taught her that the truth was the best choice in most situations, and this one, as awful as it looked was probably one of them.

"Darastrix isthasy," she blurted out. "Si wurunwa di wux tagoa si itov wux." Dragon brother, I dream of you because I love you.

The beast snorted and lowered its massive muzzle to within inches of her face. Mala'Reigh stared into the intense golden eyes and did her best to appear unafraid.

The beast tilted its head first one way then the other like an inquisitive dog.

"Wux tir ti l'gra ve." You do not fear me. It was a statement, not a question.

Mala'Reigh slowly got to her feet and dusted herself off. Well if it was going to eat her, at least she could ask it a few questions first. Wasn't this what she had dreamed of her entire life? To meet a real live dragon?

"Thric, jennu isthasy. Si huvena ihk nomeno kear. Svaklar re yth?" No, great brother. I wished for this day. Where are we?

The dragon didn't answer but lifted its head back up and looked around, then stretched its massive wings. When it brought its head back down, it breathed hot air over Mala'Reigh, air that smelled like the herbs in her father's lab. A comforting, familliar smell.

"Svabol re wux ominak, kosj munthrek?" What are you named, small human?

The girl smiled. Maybe the beast wasn't going to eat her after all.

"Mala'Reigh. Si mi vi silpefrenic." I am a half elf.

The dragon snorted again.

"Silpefrenic! Thric selgtarn. Si mi ominak Cailadin." Half elf! No matter. I am named Cailadin.

The beast stood up, turned, and began walking down the path.

Looking down at her shoeless feet, Mala'Reigh sighed.

Great, she thought ruefully. My greatest wish comes true, and I'm in bed clothes with no shoes!

Trotting to catch up to the dragon, Mala'Reigh called out.

"Cailadin! Wux yenta si torktada wux. Svabol tir wux jatil?" You said I summoned you. What do you mean?
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With many thanks to:

(background)

(model)

(dragon)

**Yes, draconic is an actual language!**