Part 2 - The Lesson
#2 of Reincarnation: Dragoness
Recap - In our first part we met Anna, a young dragoness. All the other hatchlings have been murdered; her father cloud brings her to a forest that is refuge for all creatures escaping the destruction humans have brought to their peaceful world. Here she meets her first friend Gwen the Faun...
I liked having a friend, I finally felt as I had when my brothers were alive. She was my first friend, and that was a special bond. My father was distrustful of her at fist, since she looked human at fist glance, wearing human clothing. He did warn up to her, after meeting her parents and learning that they were not human but fauns, half human in form and they used these articles of clothing to hide themselves from human until they were far enough out of the human reaches. Gwen was used to wearing her human dress, so they did not press her to leave it off. After their differences were sorted out, out parents agreed that Gwen was the perfect companion for me, as I was for her.
We would adventure through the forest, exploring every nook and cave. There was one place, and spring of cool dark water that we liked to explore. We never stayed long enough to swim in the water. I hadn't learned how and Gwen wasn't really the right build for teaching a dragon. So after we rested at eh water's edge Gwen would climb upon my back and we would ride off, exploring more of the forest.
Some times when she was riding me, she felt very warm, where her body met mine, I didn't understand, and the first time I felt it I was scared that she might be sick. I didn't say anything because Gwen didn't seem to notice. Also, the longer she rode the hotter the feeling became, and sometimes a pungent must would arise... but I ignored it, best I could, for I did not understand what it was. I would wait until she said something, or ... until something else moved me to speak.
As time went on, we heard more rumors of Uncle Seth, but never more than rumors. There was one that he had been seen shifting to the form of a human to walk and even live among them, telling them where other dragons were hidden. The rumors always said he was looking for my father, they never said anything about me. I think my uncle believed I was dead... I don't know, I wasn't sure if my father had told him I had survived where my brothers didn't.
At this latest rumor I approached my father. He was lying beside a pool of crystal water, the sunlight shining off his scales like a diamond. He was a great sight to look upon, and being still a child I was in awe of him. I think it amused him, for he chuckled as he greeted me.
"Well my daughter, I don't usually see you not at play with you friend the faun. Is anything the matter?"
"I wanted to ask you a question father. I know that not all rumors are true, but there is one I have heard repeated often... It is about Uncle..."
"Oh what is he supposedly up to this time? Eating a princess and making a gift got her father from the bones?"
"No father, I heard that uncle could... change his form. That he could appear to be human in the eyes of those around him. Is that true? If it is can you and I do it as well? And if we can, why can't we use that to hide from those who would hunt us?"
Again my father chuckled, moving from his position by the pool. He beckoned me to follow as he moved into the deep woods, were there were no other creatures around. We stopped in a clearing, shaded by trees. Father sat, making himself comfortable.
"Father..." I began again, only to be cut off by the movement of his wing.
"Our line is one interwoven with magick. From the days of old our ancestors have been able to use the magick of the world around them. Mainly to cast a fiery breath for protection.
"Your uncle and I can use this magick, though your uncle was always stronger in this aspect, where I was stronger physically. Most of his magic is in his voice, being able to ensnare others into doing what he wishes them to do.
"I had not told you about this, because I did not think you were old enough to beguine learning these things. I am not the most skilled in the ways, and being so young your powers may not have developed yet. You may have no powers at all. Your mother was from another clan, so we were not sure if any of out children would show this power.
"I believe that is why your uncle destroyed your brothers. He believes that if no other dragons exist who can use the power; he can use it all for himself. Which is not the case. Dragons are born with their magick inside of them. It is how you grow and learn to use this power that gives you strength.
"When you are a little older I will teach you how to use your powers, if any you have. I will show you a little about controlling them. For sometimes they manifest in dragons of a young age with no warning, and those around them may get hurt if that happens."
So it was that my father started training me in Magick. It left little time for me to adventure with Gwen, and I wasn't allowed to tell her what I was doing with father. She always made a joke about it, something about a male and female alone together. I didn't understand it...
We still adventured to our pool now and then. There was one day when, as we were sitting Gwen got up, and put her foot in the water.
"It feels nice, maybe we should go for a swim."
"I don't know how to swim Gwen, father never showed me..."
"I wouldn't worry about it. This pool is not deep. It's enough for me to swim in, but for you, it would barley come up to your wings."
I thought a moment, and agreed to it. Seeing as it wouldn't hurt just to sit in the water. I did not know how that adventure would change me, or Gwen... but you never see the important changes until they happen...
To be continued in Part 3...