In a region of Aphelia a young woman jumped and climbed to a rough looking nest with a burlap bag tied onto her back from around her neck. She smoothed out her tunic and pushed back strains of her long soft brown hair, gently slipping it behind her ears which held three small points along the top. "I'm here with lunch~" she called out towards a darkened cavern while removing the bag. There was silence as she got the knots undone but as she was opening the flaps, the ground began to rumble and she turned her leaf green eyes from the now exposed meat to the cave. Nearing the mouth was a large older looking dragon whose blue scales shimmered in the partly cloudy sunlight. "Good day, grandmother. You are looking well."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgWIXfz7OR
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"Thank you dear." The old dragon replied with a smile as she came out and sat down, taking a deep breath. "That smells wonderful." She began eating as the young woman sat down watching before grabbing a small piece for herself. "So tell me how things be with your father." The elder dragon requested with her mouth full of food.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ycNo7qz7y
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Lira sighed thinking after taking a bite, then to demonstrate better manners she swallowed before answering. "Father is doing well. The guards have been listening to him as expected." She took another bite to mull over other thoughts for a moment before swallowing and continuing. "I've been doing good there but I still ask questions as to father's logic."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbUKKyZhyY
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"Oh?" the elder blinked, "what logic is that human putting out now? Is it still the thought of fear of what his majesty might do?"338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmL4tZGhkD
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"I haven't a clue." Lira responded with a sigh before taking another bite. "I think at times he is ashamed of my few features of a dragon." She expressed while gently touching up along one of her ears. "He has explained many a time at night to ensure I wear the covers made for me and to fix my hair just so...it's tiring."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtnVb5t7Cd
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"If he dares to wish to express any embarrassment or dissatisfaction in my granddaughter then I shall give him a good weight lifter," the elder dragon snarled while her spikes shifted to almost try spiking up along her neck. "I'll lift that weight right off between his shoulders."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJdamGibMp
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Lira finished her meal and shook her head while wiping her hands off on her pants. "You know that would upset mother if you killed him." She explained as she stood and dusted herself off. "She seems to enjoy living amongst the humans and thus I wish not to see her saddened."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthHZwa1QTW
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The dragon inhaled deeply then exhaled heavily before taking a very rough bite out of a large piece of meat. "Very well! Only for you will I not remove his puny stub." This brought Lira to smile then her smile returned to an expression focused on her duty as her grandmother continued. "Tell me if the King had betrayed our agreement to not feast on his fleshling hoard."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiWlYY5U51
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"His Majestry has not yet broken the agreement between the clan and theirs. They are housing but twelve dragons with six having riders." She explained calmly, "the one with riders are treated properly with respect as I ensure this to be true." A sense of pride came to her voice. "You needn't worry. There was but one incident of harm to a new dragon who was brought to us and mother took care of that rouge." That news brought the dragon to chuckle deeply in her throat with an amused smile on her scaly lips. "They allow me full time with the new dragons and the rest already there to speak and council them."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu35ZwMMsN
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The elder dragon snorted out a small bit of flame. "That be the only good they have done without being told more than thrice a time."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wNwdl5HVT
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Lira nodded in agreement. "I was given a break to update you and bring you two kills of the Moudird."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5hiuLyImb
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The dragon swallowed its meal and gave a pleased grin. "I find it impressive mere humans can truly take down a beast such as that bird of nightmares."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL0AX2Um9R
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"Humans are making strides with weapons and some with magic."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8vNSZZZrh
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"Perhaps time has come for you to study your dragons magic coursing through your veins. I be sure your mother would love to see her kins knowledge is not dwindling away to only learn the human ways." Lira's grandmother offered before starting to finish up the meat.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvQ6wUeqtu
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"Be as sure you do not lie and speak the truth of mother's wish, I know father would despise me for trying to learn and practice such things whilst near the humans."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVrnt5UbUu
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An exasperated sigh shot out the beasts nostrils as she swallowed in a large gulp the rest of the meal. "You are becoming as disappointing as my daughters mate choice. Alas I love you more than hate your poor decision making."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gsK9Gxo4D
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"Thank you grandmother." Lira began to collect the bag, pleased to hear her grandmothers approval of her still remained.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC8943oEKj
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"But," this new start caught Lira's attention, "you should be learning how to summon forth your wings. It would make bringing me and any others a free meal easier on your unscaled body." The dragon gave a heavy sigh, "oh how I wish you had inherited some scales from your mother. You could do with more dragon features as compared to all the humans ones you carry."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNMnZ4OO1Z
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Lira lightly chuckled as she finished folding and began to tie the bag around her waist. "You must kid, grandmother. You know the fewer dragon features showing the more the humans trust me." There was a slight bit of amusement now in her voice, "and that trust is what brings this peace. They trust me to continue speaking on behalf of the dragons to them and on behalf of the humans to the dragons. Would you truly care for that to be shattered to bits?" she questioned as she placed her hands on her hips.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc4fuNY5ne
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"...if it means ripping up a few of them fleshlings...yes." The elder dragon muttered with her lips barely moving as she didn't make eye contact with her granddaughter. Eventually she did meet the young woman's glare and groaned. "You may cease with your mother's look. Damn I swear you are much too alike for my taste."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4tv32WrA0
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Lira smirked and approached then gave the dragon a hug around her neck. "I love you too grandmother and I will tell mother you send your love for her and father."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb069L4XCr0
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"Heh, you may wish to leave out the greeting of love for both. She knows well I do not much care for the human union she choose over a dragon mate I found for her years back." The dragon gently hugged the young woman back with one front claw before she got an idea. "Say, you are of eighteen so mind you to meet a suitor? I could find one much to your liking." The dragon offered with a lighthearted and almost mischievous chuckle.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxatYbyl6P
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Lira quickly jerked back and gasped with a puffing out of her cheeks. "Grandmother! No!" she retorted quickly and sharply at the elderly dragon who was simply grinning at her granddaughter's disapproval at the thought of an arranged marriage.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaRBGEzQZt
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"Oh posh now, why deny it? I mean I can surely and may have already found you a wonderful dragon."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ojbxpQncF
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"No thank you, grandmother. I think I will take my leave." Lira said defiantly and stormed off to the edge of the ledge and began to climb down carefully yet as quickly as she could. She wanted space and wanted it as soon as she could possibly get it. Even without looking up she could still feel her grandmother's plotting eyes on her and it made her skin crawl. How could she possibly think I would desire someone picked for me? That's ridiculous and just...ick! she thought to herself as she made her climb back down to the ground.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbhpya2DIl
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It would be later that day when Lira would return to the town surrounding the castle. She had been muttering and complaining about her grandmother to vent off steam which had done its job to calm her down. She had also placed the curved covers over her points of her ears and pulled her hair back so the sides hugged the top half of her ears. The people in the market and street were focused on their tasks with a few acknowledging her return. Same as ever, she mused silently as she continued on her way towards the castle. She turned her head to admire the fountain in the town square and enjoyed taking in the sight of the rainbow brought on from the droplets of water in the sunlight.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHA9TRDsw9
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"Lira of the Beasts?" this question came as she neared the first outer gates of the castle which drew her attention up from the stone ground. Wordlessly she nodded her head at the General of the Guards. "We are having control issues with one of the newer dragons. You are needed in the west stables to calm that wild creature."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQTZ16SztX
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"Of course, I shall be right there and might I add," she paused whilst dipping into a polite mix of a curtsy and a bow. "If you would refrain from calling them names then perhaps they would better listen to your mortal tongue." Her words were sharp and a bit heated as she lifted her head to glare at the General who had a deep frown on his face.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHOJjf3DBU
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He folded his arms with a rough huff. "You would be wise to watch that tongue of yours, lest you wish to lose it."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ9CKCKUq5
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She stood upright and straightened her clothing. "Big threats from one who fears speaking to me within the castle's second walls." She countered and felt a smirk on her lips as he didn't bother to come at her with anything else. He instead turned on his heel and returned inside the walls to his post to check on the men under his charge. A sigh escaped her and she made her way inside as well, passing through the second gate and made her way into the western stable area of the castle grounds.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejOtyR4jej
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Pushing open the metal door she entered and pushed her way into the closed holding stall of the dragon in question. She sighed shaking her head when she saw the youthful dragon pulling against the reinforced chain and steel collar. "You know that won't work, right?"338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMvyRKZAMG
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The dragon shot her a look with a snarl. "And what manner of creature are you who smell of both human and dragon?" he hissed.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzttWAOAQS
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"I," she touched her chest with her hand, "am Lira Syrin, daughter to Commander and head tamer Gale Syrin. My mother is Rosary Vil Syrin." Lira then extended her hand out towards the dragon with crimson scales. "Who are you whose attitude is as heated as the hue of his scales?"338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Va403nBXE
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The dragon growled and tried to ruffle up his scales in offense to her comment about his temperament. "My name is Blaze but I doubt your feeble human mind will remember." He commented rudely.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMFwWJSlvu
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Lira snorted while placing her hands on her hips. "Trust me, I will remember a direct name as that." She took a step closer to the beast. "Now explain to me why you went out of the orders of your rider or handler."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wsGJVCbjP
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"Like I'm telling someone who has been muddled and isn't of the full honor of not being tainted."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSgpGh23BX
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"You will tell me or you may be going without a decent supper as well as not seeing outside this stall." She pointed out sternly to him.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMXp5bA5za
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He rolled his eyes as he sat down hard to make her lightly stumble from the tremble of the ground. "They can't and they won't. They don't want to anger Lady Dragon so I'll be out in no time." He opened his eyes to glare down at her as she began to mess with one of his wings. "Hey!" he roared, "what are you doing?!" sharply he yanked his wing roughly out of her hands.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5QkDUSohU
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"I was looking for any mark and since I saw none then you were disobedient to your handler." She worked to keep a level tone with the youth.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37YLYhZ9OR
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"So?" he questioned with a growl. "I don't need to listen to no stupid human."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq3LFFaxhH
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Lira released a frustrated breath before closing her eyes. "You must listen to the human. It is the agreement between the dragons of this section and the humans of this section." She opened her eyes to meet his angered yellow orbs. "The agreement states his Majesty may house up to twenty dragons for a small army of dragon riders. Any eggs to be laid are to be brought to the mountains and cared for by the dragon clans so the infant does not think of itself as a pet." She saw the annoyance growing in his eyes as she decided to continue. "The humans are to show the dragons respect as are the dragons to the humans. The two are to work together to keep our land safe against any evil that may wish to do it harm." Blaze yawned as she finished with a strong tone. "Does that not make sense to your mind, Blaze, or are you being dense due to your current age being known for its bullheadedness?"338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRYy6Ix5Me
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"I'm not being bullheaded!" he snapped his jaws coming close to Lira who didn't flinch. "It was that stupid human! He kept ordering me around and I won't take being ordered by something I could swallow whole!"338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOEq42VSYa
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"Then why aren't you showing me you do not need ordered around for you to behave and listen?" her calm, softer yet still firm tone shocked the dragon youth who began to slowly back his face away from her. "If you are in no need of training and learning how the humans phrase their orders, then why do you defy your handler to make his job that much harder?" Blaze didn't have an answer and quickly looked away from Lira while a scowl came to his scaly face. "It's not easy taking orders but you need to listen to your handler. If you learn to listen and follow commands given then the sooner you will advance to other training studies."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NhoFxzHKT
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"...It's still not fair and is annoying..." he grumbled with his head lowering in a pout.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4IXYS4TBt
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"I know it is not fair but fair comes with age. You are allowed to defy the humans should their instructions be made for ill intent or would bring harm to yourself or someone nearby of either species." Carefully she neared and softly touched his side with her hand gently. "I'm sure you know right from wrong but you need to learn or the Majestry will not allow you much freedom. You know the strength of the hunters and sages he has in his court."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmaRBFlFLj
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Blaze slightly turned his head to glance at Lira. "That is a cheep move on his part to collect dragons." He muttered.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHyKKxMk82
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Lira gave him a sympathetic nod. "I know but it is as it is and the agreement is as it is. We must follow it or there will be unrest as well as possibly worse danger for both sides." She released a breath and gently began to stroke his scales. "Now...are you willing to give your handler another chance?" Blaze was silent as he considered his options. It didn't take long after looking around for him to nod in silent agreement. "Thank you and I shall be there to make sure things go smoothly for you." She began to step away, "I will get one of the sages to release you then we will return to the training field. I will want to see what you can do as I am curious to see if you are as good as your body language boasted." She commented with a small smirk before turning and heading out.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1PkStxcar
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Blaze straightened up and adjusted his wings as well as a few scales. "She so wants this piece of a fire breather." He softly remarked to himself confidently with some smugness in his tone.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD29ozqhu4i
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Lira returned shortly with a well dressed female sage as well as Blaze's assigned handler. She moved her hands when they glowed with magic and watched as the metal collar unlatched. Carefully moving the restraint to the side, she kept one eye on Blaze as the dragon stood and was tense with her stance while lowering her arms. Lira dismissed her and she with Blaze and the handler went to the training field. The handler began the training with Lira at his side to help with Blaze's behavior.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2ZifZUihX
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Minutes went by and this trailed into half an hour before Lira dismissed herself, feeling confident Blaze would listen well. As she stepped away she lifted her arms to stretch while closing her eyes during a yawn that had crept on her. "Um excuse me, I'm seeking the lady who shares a tongue with the dragons." This male voice drew her eyes open as her body came to a stop and her arms lowered.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4JowtutzZ
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"I am she who is sought. Who seeks my audience?"338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOShnOwWove
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The young mans eyes lit up as he lowered the hood of his travelers cloak. "Ah, Lady Lira, it is an honor to meet you. I am Ryzor and have come seeking your hand."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkahOtaTRiW
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"My...hand?" she felt one twitch as thoughts of this being her grandmothers doing came to mind. "You don't say?" her tone had flattened before she cleared her throat. "Tell me how you learned of me and to who sent you."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7a9TzzbQ3
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"Ah, that would be the fine and grand Lady and Elder leaders of the dragon's mountain!" he exclaimed excited with glee.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FRq3FrJFh
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It was needless to say Lira's expression did not share this same enthusiasm. "I see well...it was very nice to meet you but I will pardon myself and leave." She gave a polite bow then turned and began to put distance between herself and Ryzor. Unfortunately for her he had begun to follow after. I wonder if mother could scare this guy off for me.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmuhetIa51
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"Where do you go? Perhaps I could escort you and we could get to know each other more to honor the Elders wishes." Ryzor suggested as he came to step in time at Lira's side.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu9Mn4jR7q
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"No thank you." She tried to politely say through lightly gritted teeth. "How about you go and look about the castle grounds and allow me some peace so I may partake of my job to its fullest?"338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Eny5f1eUg
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Ryzor smirked and quickly bowed at the waist while taking her hand into his to place a kiss on it. "As you wish and later during dinner when work has concluded we may get to know the other better." He looked to her with a hopeful smile. She forced her own smile but wasn't looking forward to this on any level. "Should we have dinner here or go out to eat? I had seen a wonderful selection of eateries on my way here."338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUzvai0kbW
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"Um...whatever you want...I guess." He smiled at her answer and gave her hand another kiss before stepping back and bidding her goodbye as he took his leave. She watched as he left then began to wipe her hand off on her pants with her face twisted with some disgust. "Great, just what I didn't want to deal with." Lira grumbled agitated before looking towards the mountains with a glare. We are so going to discuss this when I next come up grandmother. I will not be having some dragon roaming around trying to win my hand that you already promised him. She hissed in her thoughts before quickly making her way to another area of the grounds to check on the other dragons, taking calming breaths as she went to disperse her tension and ease her heated emotions.338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkaI1AyabB
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