Yedril sat cross-legged, eyes closed, and deep in meditation. At least, that was what he was supposed to be doing. Instead, his mind was once again racing with all kinds of fantastic ideas…

We’re going to leave our mark. We’re going to show the world we exist. Something nudged his legs before a voice entered his mind.

We get strong! We show them all! It was Zarrina, and she felt just as strongly about it as he did.

Cracking open his eyes, he peered down at the quartz-like dragon. She had her head resting across his legs. One of her frosted eyes was peering back at him.

A smile crept upon his face as he reached down and slid his hand under her snout. A sudden purr escaped from Zarrina as Yedril began scritching her favorite spot.

Yedril took the peaceful moment to really look at her, something that he often did…

Zarrina had a cloudy, white appearance, with her scales looking like they were shards of quartz. However, towards the base of each of her scales, were hints of black specks that were almost invisible unless one were paying attention.

Physically, she was lean. Well toned muscles and sharp angles gave her appearance a certain elegance. One that suggested she could make the air split to make way for her…

No! Don’t stop! Zarrina complained. Yedril hadn’t even realized he’d stopped giving her scritches.

Sorry! he said, quickly getting back to it. Her purring came back and he let out a relaxed sigh.

Honestly, I love this… He muttered, more to himself.

Mhmm…

Yedril let out a chuckle at her response; she was perfectly content. An idea suddenly came to him…

He stopped his scritching, much to Zarrina’s annoyance.

What? No stopping! she whined.

Hang on a second, I’m going to do something… He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her chest.

What you– She let out a sudden yelp as Yedril lifted and pulled her towards his chest. The next moment, he fell backwards onto the ground.

There, he said, releasing her.

She blinked and stared down at him, confused.

He smiled back up at her.

Let’s take a nap…

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Solanna took a deep breath, quickly bringing her bow up while nocking an arrow. A moment later, she let it loose and watched it soar through the air… It struck true, hitting dead center in her makeshift target.

Exhaling, she smiled as a green streak suddenly sprinted off heading straight for her target. In a blink of an eye it was there and tearing the arrow out.

The green streak returned to her…and spat the arrow at her feet.

I help! A voice called to her. It belonged to her bonded partner, Falzan.

The dragon was a brilliant emerald color, his scales sparkling like the gem they mimicked. They were nearly flawless, save for faint smears of gray and black. Still, he looked striking. Sleek and fast, there was almost no one who could catch him.

However, that did make him a bit smaller than others. He wasn’t that far behind in weight or height, but it was noticeable and it was something that he was conscious of…

“Good job!” Solanna reached down and petted an emerald-colored dragon. That only made the dragon look even more proud. “However…” She picked up the arrow and inspected it with a slight frown. “I only wish you would be more careful.”

The arrow shaft was marred and ruined with obvious bitemarks from the dragon. Her partner almost deflated from the comment, letting out a whimper in response.

It’s okay! Solanna quickly added, switching to speaking with her thoughts. These are just practice arrows anyways! They’re not… She trailed off as she kneeled down to the dragon.

Falzan, she tried again. He looked completely dejected now. Look at me, please. Solanna waited until he did so. You are fine. I know you just got too excited, it’s fine. I’m not mad.

She gave him a warm smile and pulled him into a hug.

Really? he asked, apparently not believing her.

You tell me, do I feel mad? she asked.

There was a moment of hesitation before she felt his mind brush up against hers. It sent a shiver down her spine, but it wasn’t exactly unpleasant…just strange.

The tension melted as Falzan pulled back into his side of their bond. Solanna kept him close for a little while longer, making sure the little dragon understood.

Eventually, though, they separated and she stood up. “Right… Perhaps we’ll try it again?”

Yes!

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Felix and Zira soared through the air. The sun was well and truly out now, and the sky was clear of any clouds. It gave them great visibility as they practiced aerial maneuvers.

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Yet, they were struggling.

Felix was finding it difficult to stay seated upon Zira’s back as she practiced diving, turning sharply, or anything that would pull him away. The issue itself wasn’t a surprise, however, but the two of them had hoped that their practice on the ground would've prepared them more for the sky…

What should we do? he asked, frustrated by the seeming lack of progress.

I’ve told you, we should get a harness or a–

Stop, I know… Look, I don’t mind getting a harness or saddle made but not yet. I want to master this.

Zira let out a grumble, causing her entire body to vibrate. You are being stubborn.

He couldn’t help himself and laughed. I know, I’m sorry. But I want to do this, I don’t want to be forced to only fly with a saddle and harness. I want to be able to fly…with nothing between us. Felix hesitated on the last part, feeling embarrassed.

Zira went quiet, even her mind felt distant…

I…understand, she finally said.

Thank you. Now, let’s think of how we can solve this problem– Outside of getting a harness…or saddle or…whatever.

Over the course of a few minutes, both pondered on how Felix could more easily remain on Zira’s back. One idea was obvious, combine their minds. However, that wouldn’t necessarily solve their problem.

Both Zira and Felix had gotten rather good at reading each other's moves. Simply knowing how one another thought made that almost trivial by the point. Having their minds combined wouldn’t offer them anything more, other than a shared experience at this point.

The issue wasn’t coordination, it was purely about Felix holding on. They needed something else.

Maybe magic? Felix thought almost aimlessly. I’m sure there is a spell that could help us… If I could use magic properly, that is.

Hmm, what about Fea’s magic? That seems to work, Zira offered.

Felix closed his eyes and let out a sigh. Maybe? But I feel like I shouldn’t rely on it too much. It’s… Well, you’ve seen it, felt it even. It’s potent.

That it is. Its taste is…unique as well.

They both fell silent again. However, neither one had truly given up. In fact, the thought of magic made both of them think about Felix’s mana manipulation.

He thought back to all the things he’d learned about his unique…gift. Let’s see, I can move and contain mana… I’ve even used it as a poor healing spell– Wait, the fight with the dire wolves!

He nearly jumped out of his seat but quickly caught himself.

What did you remember? Zira asked, a little concerned he would fall.

It was… I think it was actually before the fight– Or maybe right after it started… I can’t remember exactly, but that doesn’t matter, he said excitedly, almost overwhelming her.

Mana manipulation… An anchor! I wouldn't have to hold on!

Zira turned her head and gave him an annoyed look. Would you slow down, I’m barely following and your emotions are leaking through like a hatchling.

He stopped, and looked away bashfully. Sorry, I just think it will work.

It was her turn to sigh. And, what exactly, do you think will work?

Oh… I think I can use my mana manipulation to anchor myself to you, much like how I can use it to strengthen my body.

She studied him a little longer before turning back to what was ahead of them. I see. So then…

Do you want to try it?

***

They came streaking over the village, low and at a blistering speed. From the ground, onlookers watched with astonishment. Zira was no doubt smiling a big toothy, dragon smile.

Felix definitely was.

It’s working! he shouted, giving in to the thrill and excitement.

Zira didn’t say anything and instead folded her wings as she suddenly tilted to her right.

What are– His words were cut off as she began spinning through the air.

The force of it should have thrown him off… His mana was the only thing keeping him attached to her.

Felix’s vision spun as he begged for even more mana to come to his rescue. It responded, and soon even the force of the spin dampened.

There was a problem, however. With all the constant motion and adjustments, it was becoming harder for him to guide his mana.

Zira… I–

Again, he was cut off by her. This time, Zira threw open her wings, almost instantly ending the spin. To make it worse, it rapidly bled speed.

For a split second, his mana wavered. It was enough for his face to smack directly into her neck…

“Ow…” Felix moaned, pulling his head back. He could feel blood quickly running from his nose.

Are you okay?! Zira asked, only now registering what happened. She whipped her head around to see him.

I think– He winced as he tried to wipe the blood away. I think you broke my nose…

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Aluin let out a sigh as he left yet another meeting. This one was to decide which elves Chief Yorlen would be sending back with Felix. The resulting plan was to have the group set out tomorrow and get to the manor as soon as possible.

There was a hint of urgency, as it seemed that everyone wanted to race off and be the first to make it there. This was despite the fact there was still much to prepare. The promise of dragon scales was motivating people to rush…

A shadow passed over him with the sound of air whipping by. A moment later there were shouts as people pointed up into the sky. Screaming past the village was a familiar purple dragon…

Shaking his head with a smile, Aluin continued onward. There was one more person he wanted to speak with.

The last elven architect.

He traveled slowly through the village, heading for a rather small hut near its edge. The building itself looked rough and poorly maintained, yet the elf who resided in it was a master in his craft…

Making it to the only door, Aluin simply knocked and waited.

There was a commotion inside before the sound of rushed footsteps could be heard. A second later, the door cracked.

“Gillador, it’s Aluin,” he said with a slight bow.

“Aluin, eh?” An old and tired voice asked with a snap. “What do ya want?”

“I have a new proj–”

“I’ve already told the others, I’m not interested. I’m retired, go find someone else.” The door slammed shut.

Aluin kept his expression neutral, he had a feeling this was going to happen… “Wait,” he said, speaking up. “I have a proposal for you. One I think you will want to hear.” He took a step back and bowed again, this time more deeply.

“On my honor as a Sage, I promise you will want to hear me out.”

The door cracked open once more, this time a silhouette of an elf could be seen. “The Sage staking his honor for something so petty? Why?”

He straightened himself and shook his head. “Petty? Not at all, this is important.” He let his conviction speak for itself.

The door cracked open further, revealing an old elven man.

“Fine then. Tell me, whatcha’s proposal?” Gillador asked, narrowing his eyes.

Aluin’s neutral expression fell away as his smile returned.

“A palace.”