Master of Dragons, Part 1 (complete)
Chapter 11

The dirt and rock grinded under her feet as she treaded forward, the shadows of the trees beginning to reach their lengthy arms into her path. The sun was getting lower, the sky coloring to a light blue with hues of fall. Her dog whined, and her dragon shuffled impatiently in its cradle. Around them was a road, trees, and the birds and bees. Soon they would replace shelter, as should she.

"Alright, I get it." She hummed, watching the sky slowly turn into a plethora of color. She loved sunrise, and sunset. That aside, to camp in the woods, or at the roadside? She had not yet felt the ice of the northern wind, so she felt there was no need for a fire. Night fires brought men of no honor, and vulgarity. But, so did being a traveler alone.

The road was well traveled, she could already hear the loud rumbling and song of a Caravan making its way behind her, which meant more likelihood of highwaymen, but less of a wild beast.

Her dog could always be a good warning for those who wanted to rob her, but at the same time he did not deter those who were more desperate. After all, alone she probably looked like an easy target.

The Caravan was closer now. She looked behind her, watching as the line of wagons made its way. She moved to the side, as to not to take the road. Her dog sat at her feet, watching intently as the first wagon passed.

There was the possibility of joining a Caravan for a short while. It was safer to travel in a group. The issue was… Her dragon. It made a soft mewing sound in the pouch. She wrapped the beast in her arms, hugging her close. Other than the odd sounds, most would not really think about it.

Most of all, did she need to exercise the beast? She seemed to sleep most of the time, and only woke to eat. But she probably needed exercise, right?

She really wished there was more information on them.

"Traveler?" She blinked, looking to where the voice had come. A few feet from her stood a petite girl, wearing the intricate clothes of the western Caravan, the same as the one who bought the shell.

The girl kicked the sand, her locks of pink bouncing at the action. Big apple eyes looked around, then landed on her once again. The girl was talking to her? She blinked when the girl's petal pink lips opened, her cute nose scrunching when a hand landed on her shoulder. The girls eyes followed the arm connected to the hand, all the way up to the man who had purchased her egg shell. Hell. She knew it! There was more then one western Caravan, but they never visited all at the same time.

The girl seemed to pout at him, but he did smile rather awkwardly at her. Why? He also seemed to be rather different then earlier. His shoulders were more tight, as if all to aware of things going on around them. The one she met earlier had no care in the world, and could care less about the happenings around him. Odd.

She shifted from one foot to the other, her arm around her dragon. She had really hoped not to see him again, let alone so soon.

The red-haired man nodded to the pink haired girl, as if saying it was okay. But what was okay? The said woman then beamed, and offered a short curtsey to her. She bowed in return. "What could I d-do for you?" She asked, eyes trailing to the red-haired man behind her. The Caravan seemed to move steadily, their cohorts taking peeks at her as they passed.

"My Caravan was wondering if you would care to join us for the night. We believe in offering hospitality to travelers, it is considered good luck." The cute pinkett said. Was the true? She looked to the red-haired man, who simply shrugged. What happened to his earlier charm? His mossy green eyes seemed to graze over her with disinterest, and perhaps a tad bit of suspicion. Just like earlier, she felt he could see everything. "My brother here says we could host you!" The girl sounded so excited, yet the male seemed apathetic. It was almost as if he didn't recognize her? Perhaps that was it- or... It was a sales tactic?

There were a number of people in the city during the day, it was rude to think he could remember her. That made her relax a bit. She did not have to think about how he… She blushed, looking away from the man.

It would still be safer to travel alone.

Yet, she felt a little tug.

Do it.

She blinked. It was the inner voice again. But why?

Danger close.

Danger? Then she could smell it; the fur, and the blood. She blinked, turning to the forest. With her improved eyesight, she could see the shifting of fur. It was a huge pack of wolves. Her dog whimpered, and she knew it was best to be in a group. At least, unless the pack moved on. Alone she would be an easy target.

She turned back to the girl, who seemed to be still as excited as before. The man looked over her shoulder, into the trees. It was like a whole other person from the man she had met.

"We couldn't leave a traveler alone in such a heavy forest." His voice was deep, rumbling, and it brought memories of his lips on her skin. She fought the goosebumps. He obviously did not remember, so she didn't need to be as cautious. The wolves looked hungry, after all.

"I will accept your offer." She said, offering a polite smile. Mossy eyes turned to her, and she felt goosebumps prickle her the back of her neck. The dying light seemed to dance across his hair, making it look like fire in the sunset. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Great!" The pinkette exclaimed, clapping her hands together. She tore her gaze from the man, as difficult as it was. Something about him screamed for her to be aware. "We are planning on stopping very soon. There is a small clearing ahead that we use." The girl then grabbed her hand, and started to pull her hastily. "We usually camp earlier! Today we are late, due to the leaders order." The girl looked apologetic, but she didn't understand why. She was the one imposing on them.

"I can help you s-set up camp, if you wish." She offered to them, it was the least she could do. The front of the Caravan was now pulling into a small clearing. Ah, it was really close, hardly a short walk from where they were. But the wolves? Well, she didn't see anything. But, being in a large group would usually scare the beasts off.

The girl smiled at her, her small hand tightening around her larger one. How friendly! "That would be kind." That tone, she knew it well. It was the tone her friend used to flirt with Elric. Oh.

She offered the girl a smile, but pulled her hand from her grip. Hurt flashed across the girls face briefly. The girl recovered fast, and instead pointed to the last two wagons. "That one is Athelstans, I share the one ahead of it with my sister. I will let her know you will be joining us." She yelled as she hurried away, leaving her alone with the red-haired man. He seemed to be a man of few words, he simply ignored her as they caught up with their Caravan.

Awkward. She tried to slow down, but he kept pace with her. When she slowed more, so did he. When she sped up, so did he.

How awkward. It was going to be a stressful night. Her dog yipped happily, oblivious to her predicament.

Good thing her dragon was sleeping again, it made one less thing to worry about.