Master of Dragons, Part 1 (complete)
Chapter 10

Her stomach dropped and twisted so harshly, she was questioning if it was ripped from her body. She swallowed hard, forcing back the sour feeling in her throat. The room seemed to shrink, and get hotter.

She loved Elric dearly, and it was not the thought of marriage to him that made her sick. In fact, she had always dreamed of this moment. But why was it so sour now? Was it because she had given up the idea of marrying when she realized Elric was not interested in her that way? Or was it the rumors?

She was aware of the rumors that surrounded her. It was why she gave up on the thought of marrying him years ago. She was strong, more so then the average man. She was smart, always had been quick to understand what was taught to her. That was why there were whispers of her being part LandBorn. That did not bother her, but she knew LandBorn were on an even lower status then woman.

Now, here she was, presented with the option to marry her best friend. It both excited her, yet she just....

She looked over to him. He seemed aghast, his hands stuffed deep into his pockets, his face turned away, but his reddened cheeks were still visible. He did not protest the idea.

A flash of cute lavender eyed children with locks of raven ran past her in the hallways. She wore a long, frilled dress of brilliant color, she was smiling and holding a baby to her bosom. She no longer had her muscle, and wore makeup to match with her dress. There was no dragon, and no sword in site.

That was not her. She sighed, the vision dissipating as fast as it had taken her.

She placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, eyes meeting Mr. Finch’s. The agony of her back, the face of her sister, the eyes of her dragon, were in her mind.

“I am sorry, Mr. Finch.” She said as she took a step towards him and wrapped an arm around him in an awkward hug. “You have been like a father to me, and I thank y-you. But, I have to do this.” She stepped back, and looked to Elric. He was frowning, deeply.

“I want to come with you.” Elric’s tone was low, disappointment clear on his face. He looked tense as a snake, muscle wound and lips taut. She shook her head. He had a future here as a scholar, not out there. She would not take his future from him.

“You cannot-” She paused. “You need to be here with your f-father.” It was drawing near her time to go. She wanted to get on the road before midday. Time was going fast, way too fast.

“Stay here, Ver, with us.” The pleading in Elric’s voice made her choke on emotion. She blinked back the tears it brought, forcing her hand to grip her swords hilt tighter. She needed to go.

Now.

She strode past them, dodging Elric’s outstretched hand. Elric yelled after her, but she continued. She could hear Mr. Finch stop him, and she took this opportunity to rush farther down the hall. She had to gather her belongings from Elric’s room fast as possible. She needed to go before he could attempt to bring reason to her staying.

She left the house, how she managed to escape so fast, she did not recall. The humid air in her lungs awoke her from her panicked haze.

Her dog rubbed his head against her hand, and she patted him absently. It would seem she swaddled her dragon to her chest at some point, as well as packed her bags on her. She was smart in her panicked haze, at least.

The street looked far to normal, almost like nothing had happened. But, that made sense. The turmoil was no one else’s but hers.

The first steps were painful, her heart aching with each foot away.

She would come back for them. When she did, she hoped Elric had a beautiful wife, and children whom she could play with. He would be happy, and she would be happy for him.

Before she knew it, she was at the city gates.

She could do this.

She exited the gates.