Myia and Senorith

Myia sighed and rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she strained to finish this last bit of work before she could relax. Her pupils burned and it felt as if every bit of moisture had been sucked from her body. The summer heat of the Warren was excrutiating and she was immensely thankful that Mystic had found some way to circulate cool air through the stuffy dens. Her own den sat on the edge of the cavern's vast tunnels, providing her with two windows and the respected status of one of the first Warren riders. Senorith, her large and very regal bond, was out sunning herself with a few of the other dragonesses. Myia bent back to her work with the wistful thought that she would soon be done.

A glint of light danced over dark bronze wings as one of her three firelizards flitted to the small, wooden desk where she worked and picked curiously at her pile of completed reports.

"Gaze!" Myia called out in warning. Her hands quickly gathered the precariously perched papers into a somewhat scattered pile, moments before the clumsy bronze knocked them all to the ground. From Myia's shoulder chittered another of the flits, golden Nenia. She scolded her brother with angry chirps and squeaks, retaining her perch with deeply dug claws. Myia whinced but barely had time to dislodge her companion before the last of the trio made an appearence and began a fierce argument with both of his siblings.

"That's it!" Myia interrupted their conversation with a sharp command. She shooed Nenia from her shoulder and prodded Gaze and Norix away from her work. "All of you, out!"

The flits obeyed with a sad coo, launching into the air and disappearing between to go bother someone else. Myia sank back in her chair with a long sigh. She envied her flits the ability to fly off to their friends anytime they wanted.

Myia was an integral part to how to Warren managed to stay together. All those in the Lead Wing were part of Mystic's 'council' and, therefore, helped her with paperwork and other matters that needed a person of high rank. She had started out as nothing more then a farm girl, happy to live and toil in the earth beneath her feet. A night of terror and capture at the hands of slavers started her on a long trek that would eventually lead her to the Warren. She had been strong willed, determined, and intelligent. Her only goal had been to save herself and her brother from torment at the hands of men. Myia smirked ruefully.

For a long time in her life, she had hated the opposite sex. True, her father and brother were wonderful people, but every other man in the world seemed to think with their... privates. The slavers had boasted and cajouled about how she was a 'fine catch' (even if she was a bit short). She would've sold for a fair coin, if they had managed to hold her long enough to get her to market.

Myia had escaped from the slaver's camp in the dead of night with her younger brother, their canine and the three flits in tow. She would have come away scot free... if one of the guards hadn't heard the twig snap. Her subsuquent flee for freedom had resulted in a dash down the beach that had nearly ended with her re-capture.

Myia peeked out from below a lowered eyelid and spied the still unfinished tithe report. She groaned inwardly, brushing away the fond memory of her salvation for more important matters.

Her position as Mystic's 'right hand woman' gave her a fair bit of leverage among the other riders. She and Ren were responsible for most of the greuling work that the other's couldn't handle just yet. Unfortunately, it also detailed a great deal more paperwork for herself. That big, golden lug of hers got away with only a few diplomatic appearances and offering her opinion on the High Council.

I am not a 'big, golden lug'. As you so fondly put it. The silky rumble of Senorith's voice invaded her rider's mind with a accusing chuckle.

You're big, mostly gold and all you do is lay around all day while I have to fry my brain over these stupid Lord's numbers. Myia returned with an absent thought. She and Senorith had been together so long that bespeaking had become no more then a whispering thought. She continued to add numbers and adjust fractions while maintaining the conversation.

It's not my fault they can't read draconic script. The words Myrah'Care has taught to us have been very useful. Myia 'heard' her bond yawn as she returned the comment in aloof tones. No one had ever accused Senorith of being meek.

So modest about your talents. The short statured rider chidded. Like Senorith was known for her gigantic size (50 ft. from head to tail), so too was Myia known for her lack of it. She stood only 5'2", barely a few inches more when she wore high heels. If she ever chose to wear them. Flat bottomed rider's boots were so much more comfortable.

What need have I to be modest? The golden beauty was smiling as she spoke. The sun made her freshly washed hide glow with an inner warmth, dazzeling spectators with glints of white hidden beneath the silky strands of pale gold. I am the largest, strongest, smartest and most beautiful queen that has ever graced the Warren. You should be proud to be my bond.

Myia laughed out loud at the smug glimmer of mischief in her bond's voice. You must be getting proddy again. You're starting to over estimate yourslelf. The thought was only a joke, ment to inspire more laughter. Senorith's reply stopped the chuckle short.

Yes, I think I will fly soon.

What?! Myia shouted, mentally and vocally. She half stood in her chair before remembering that the mostly full ink well was balanced quite close to her work. Any sudden movement might jar it too much and send it toppling all over her careful hours of writing.

Oh, come now. It was Senorith's turn to dominate the conversation. She did so with a smug grin and elegant flap of her wings. It's been months since my last flight and I am starting to miss Dharnath's company a great deal. Senorith smiled at the waver in her rider's mental anxiety. I'm sure you wouldn't mind seeing R'tek again too.

Thought of the tall, well muscled man brought a smile to Myia's lips. Her mate, the only man she had ever loved 'in that way'. R'tek was a strong, handsome man with the build of a forge worker and the soul of a gentleman. When she had first seen him at the Healing Den frenzy, she had been somewhat overwhelmed. Never before had she been told that she must find a mate somewhere among the riders, just as her bond did in the sky. In the end, while Senorith and Dharnath did their arial dance to the amazement of all below, something about being in his arms felt right. His bond was as dark as Senorith was light and fiercely protective of the queen. R'tek, in turn, was kind and sweet to a still edgy Myia. Together, they made quite an interesting couple.

Myia didn't notice Senorith's soft rumble of laughter until she was happily absorbed in the daydream. "What?" She asked with a start and tone of indignance.

Maybe we should pay them a visit right now. You won't be getting any more work done with that stupid grin plastered to your face. The gold's voice was throaty and teasing, hiding a certain thread of intelligence that gave her the same air of mystery Mystic used so much.

I should really finish this. Myia sighed wistfully, gazing down at the scribbled notes with a hint of annoyance. Though greatful for her position in the Warren, there were times where she wished she could just let loose and have fun like the younger ones did.

Mystic will understand. Besides, if you don't come out this instant, I'll leave without you. Senorith announced with an authorative air. The haughty gold was all set on seeing her first mate and would do so with, or without, her rider.

Alright! Myia hid her laugh beneath a stern air. She cast the worksheets one last glance before scribbling a quick note to whomever was to pickup the sheets and grabbing her riding jacket.

The air outside was clear with barely a hint of a cooling breeze rising from the nearby ocean. Scents of salt water and tropical spices wafted through the trees, mingling with the bodily smells of numerous dragons and humanoids. The sky was blue and dotted with a few wisps of fluffy, white clouds. Overhead hung the sun, like a golden gem, beating down warm rays of light with all it's might. Birds twittered through the trees and the occasional dragon call could be heard from various points around the Warren. Myia breathed deeply of the familiar scents and basked in the splendor that had grown here. When she had first arrived, there was not even half this number of dragon riders and the forests were still somewhat empty. She enjoyed the life that bustled around her now, many of the people looking to her for leadership and advise. Mystic had created quite a haven out of her hole in the ground.

The soft fur lining the inside of her jacket itched her back and shoulders with each movement. In this sweltering atmosphere, most riders went without the heavy gear, even when flying. It was only when a trip between was neccessary that they donned the heavy jacket and boots. Myia could already feel the prick of sweat forming on the back of her neck, insulated by the heavy fall of her amber hair. She ignored the uncomfortable heat as the trees parted and the sight of her magnificant golden-white queen brought a smile to her lips.

Senorith yawned and stretched her wings to their full extent. Pale, almost transulcent areas of pure white slowly soaked up colour until they became a deep, antiqued shade of gold. The light reflecting off her metallic hide speckled the shadows beneath her wing tines with points of brillance. Smooth threads of white twined into her pale gold hide, making it glitter like a wall of flecked stone. Around her muscles and beneath the curve of her sleek torso swirled the cool tones of a darker gold. She was a rainbow of light and dark, from the tip of her diamond shaped head to the very point of her slender, whip-like tail.

It is rumoured among some of the older riders that when two dragons choose to mate for life, a bond is made between them. Some say that the bond stretches over time and space itself. Others claim that upon the death of one, the other will feel it, no matter where they are. Senorith and Myia had been happily oblivious to this old wive's tale.

The giant queen rose and stretched impressively, a contented rumble rolling over in her throat at the taut pull of her muscles. She paused for a moment, studying an absence in her mind that shouldn't have been. There was a nagging sensation that she should be worried. That black hole tugged at her heart and filled her with a sense of dread.

Quickly, she sought for the ever present sense of Dharnath, her mate and twin soul. Over time and space and the vast expanse of the Nexus, she had always known of his existance. Now, that deep, dark void filled the place where he had nestled next to her heart.

It's not possible... She whispered softly, stunned to the core by her mate's absence.

"What's not, dear heart?" Myia murmured outloud, most of her attention focused on the surrounds of her home. Her quiet contemplations stopped suddenly as she watched her bond lift her head to the sky and let off a glorious, ominous keen. The trumpeting notes rang far and wide across the Warren grounds, and chilled Myia's blood to ice. There was only one her bond would mourne so deeply. Only one that deserved the deeply respected and ancient call that now rose from Senorith's pulsing throat.

Myia knew, with the cold knowledge that came with such a call, who had abandoned her. And in that instant, her life shattered.

The hot day and cheery atmosphere had inspired a desire to have fun in many. Some of the riders chose to go down to the ocean for a swim while others preferred to head into town. K'lter was not one to be left out on fun and games and had spent the last hour or so laughing and splashing with his companions. Now that the sun was nearly at it's peak and his stomach grumbled with a vengance, it was time to leave the cool waves and meander back towards the Warren and food. Penorith had happily taunted his rider about his lack of wings before betweening himself back to their den for a snack. By the time K'lter emerged from the long, twisting path leading through the forest, Senorith had just begun her call.

He paused mid-step, noting the peculiar notes that the dragoness sang and the obvious fact that Senoith was his sister's bond. Then a second cry went up. One that came from a human thoat but had no place at such high, anguished tones. He looked in time to see his sister's mad dash towards her dragoness and his heart lurched.

Rapid, intense thoughts burst through his mind like white hot stars while his feet began to move in an unconscious sprint across the field. There were so many things that could happen with his sister and her bond being in such a state. They were heart broken, heedless of concequences, simply wanting to be with whomever had departed. What if Myia got hurt somehow? What if Senorith was too disoriented to get to their correct destination? What if she didn't come out at all? He couldn't risk losing his only sister.

"Myia!" The young man called out in a surprisingly strong voice. He tore across the ground, covering the distance between himself and his sister in mere seconds. He was helpless to stop Senorith if she decided to leave, but at least he could save his sister. "Myia, stop!" He called again, knowing the shout was in vain as she ran on.

By this time, others were beginning to crowd around the disparing scene. A few ran forward to stop Myia while the dragons attempted to offer comfort to Senorith. Neither would hear them.

Strong arms encircled Myia's mid-section and lifted her off the ground. She shrieked defiance, struggling and fighting against her captor. She had to see R'tek. To see R'tek, she had to get to Senorith. Her bond was going to leave without her! She cried out again, tears of anger and anguish drifting down her face in long streaks. Her hair clung to her dampened cheeks and flew wildly about her face as she struggled with all her might. The arms holding her pinned against a broad chest were too strong. She couldn't escape.

"Myia! It's me, K'lter." A voice floated through her fogged mind with vague familiarity. A soothing 'shhhhh' followed the words, brushing past her ear with tender gentleness. She could smell the ocean on him and recognized the arms around her waist as belonging to her younger brother. Her frenzied shrieks ended in a heart rending moan that shook her to the bone. Myia went slack in K'lter's arms, her breath choked with hiccuping sobs.

"Shhhh..." K'lter soothed, slowly kneeling on the ground with his sister clasped tightly in his arms. Worry strained his young face and he refused to loosen his grip, even as other people came up to him and offered their help.

At the same time, Senorith let off a final, keening note before snapping her wings wide for flight. Her facetted eyes had turned gray with loss and sadness, swirling like a mist that could not be lifted. Low, worried belts of noise rose in her throat as her head weaved back and forth in a sinuous dance. There were too many dragons blocking her path. They just wanted to keep her from her mate. Her eyes blazed red in an instant of rage. With deadly grace and speed, she lashed out at the nearest dragon, barely missing sinking her needle sharp teeth into his neck.

Senorith! That's enough! The voice was familiar though not normally used for commands. Senorith hissed, immeidately turning her termoil of emotions on Penorith. The small, agile blue barely avoided her raking claws as the golden queen sought escape. He side stepped her crushing tail and nimbly folded her wing against her side, pinning it there. While the queen lashed out angrily, his jaws closed gently over the back of her neck and held her still. Senorith, you can't go. You know that. He's gone. The words repeated over and over in her mind until Penorith felt a slack in her taut muscles and dip in her arched neck. He released his hold slowly, watching as the dragoness crumpled to the ground in much the same way her rider had.

"R'tek." Myia sobbed into K'lter's shoulder. He stroked her hair and murmured words of comfort into her unhearing ears. His light shirt was drenched with her unending tears. And yet, the amber haired Search Rider still hadn't released his protective hold of her. As the single name was spoken, he too swallowed a knot of sadness at the loss. To avoid tears, he looked to the group of dragons surrounding a berieved Senorith. The dragoness still glittered with golden sparks. She would always glitter, but the aura of power was gone. She was no longer fierce and proud, and he could see the age that lined her pale face. Age that shouldn't exist on a dragoness of her bearing.

As he watched, Senorith lifted her muzzle once more to the clear, perfect blue sky and let off a piercing howl. For the first, last, and only time in his life, K'lter saw a dragon cry.

A year later...