Master of Dragons, Part 1 (complete)
Chapter 3

The small creature stretched its wings, the lavender skin looked like silk in its bat-like wingspan. It opened its muzzle, making a soft yip, before taking a careful step on the packed dirt. Its purple irises stayed on her, and she could not help but stare back in disbelief. How could a beast of legend appear here? In an egg she found in a stream of all places? She was so sure it was a decorative rock, or perhaps a gemstone left to the currents by the Ratna. The white innards of the shell glinted like the dragons scales, making her blink. The morning chill seeped away slowly as the dragon took small unsure steps toward her. It was as if the little thing was a fire of its own, filling the air around it with heat.

She held out her left hand, the unbloodied one. What did she think she was doing? She was about to lower it when the beast bounded at her, before pressing its forehead against her palm. Pain seared her as if she touched an open flame, but she could not move. She was frozen to the spot, eyes wide as the next events played out. Blinding flames emerged from the dragons scales, it was as if the beast had a sun inside its little body. It encased them both, and she felt something inside her shift, something deep, something buried, as the flame continued to grow. She could see nothing, not even an outline. Shouldn't she be burning alive? It was hot, but more like the suns rays encasing her. However, it was not the same for her hand. It burned as if she was touching an open flame. The flame in her hand began to trail up her arm, and across her chest, the beat of her heart seemed to make it pulsate. Each pulse was a wave of fire across her skin, and deep in her body. It grew to match her heartbeat, and then, suddenly, the fire dimmed, still beating to her heart as it faded.

Her hand, still placed on top of the dragons little head, was now covered in elegant lavender lines that seemed to glow. The swirling intricate design did not end there, but continued up her arm. She glanced down, the nouveau lines ran across her chest, before reaching across her breasts.

It simply couldn't be...

She and Elric used to hear tales from the travelers about Dragon bonds; people who were chosen by Dragons, and were gifted powers beyond mortal men. Many travelers spoke of the small refuge for magical beasts, Land-Born, Dragons, and Dragon bonds, in the Valley of Moon. It was said that the mountains surrounding the valley were sleeping dragons who protected the refuge from surrounding nations, a tall tale for those who listened.

The Land of Moon was known for its rare exports, and was nestled in the middle of the Four Great Kingdoms, in its own land. It was sovereign from the surrounding kingdoms greed.

The little dragon pressed its head further into her palm, making her blink. The scales were smooth, no longer hot like a fire. It was warm, but now, it was a comforting warmth. Any pain and fire she felt seemed like a dream, and if she had not felt the pain herself she would doubt it ever happened. Yet, the marks that spiraled across her skin were real, as was the little dragon who placed a small paw onto her thigh. It stared at her with huge adoring eyes, the lavender color seemed a close match to her own irises. She ran her hand down its back, its tail swished happily much like her dog.

The little dragon then crawled onto her lap, pressing its petite muzzle into the black cloth of her dress. She stared down at the little creature on her lap. It weighed less then her dog, which surprised her. She would have imagined it to be heavier. After all, it was a dragon.

She brought her hand to the little dragons head again, and to her surprise it made a soft purring sound. Dragon's purred?? It continued to purr, and she blinked owlishly. To think dragons, the mighty beasts of old, purred like felines. Slowly, she continued to pet it, the purring only strengthening in vibration.

How particular.

What now? If her brother found it, he would probably kill it for glory, or sell it for greed. Her brother was fowl, and now that her father was gone, he was free to his own whims. Worst of all, now that she belonged to him, the dragon would be his as well. Woman had no claim to ownership. A small shiver ran up her spine, making the hairs on her neck stand. That thought was absolutely repulsive. She could only imagine how he would take the news, and what he would do to them both.

Her scabbing hand caught on a spike, pulling the skin slightly. She could feel the scab break and warm blood bubble. She blinked as a droplet trailed across her palm where she made her pledge.

She would not let her brother have power over her. Her back was proof enough of what he thought of her. She was nothing to him. And her sister... Her poor little Lily who was away would be released when she turned 15, which was only a few years away. Then she would suffer the same gross disdain her brother had for all woman. No... That all men seemed to have.

Why were women treated like this?

Pretty little trophies, dainty and gentle. The bearers of sons, and the ones who would make the home. How dare a woman speak out of place in public? If she did she was liable to get a lashing from her husband. This was why she was glad she never had any suitors in the past. Elric would have been the exception, he always listened to her and respected her for how she was. But, he had no interest in marriage, being 20 and without a wife.

She thought she was spared from the homemaker fate, but her sister was still going to be subject to it.

She needed power.

The little dragon on her lap twitched in its sleep.

She would become stronger. E

She would gain so much power that she could go where she wanted, and without fear of being killed for her simply being a woman.

Even if it meant leaving everything behind.

Her eyes shifted to the men's clothing tucked away. She had to say her goodbyes.