Let Me Show You My Inner Dragon

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Emelith stood leant over her oak desk laid out before her was a map of the land, a map that was decorated with red pins. Red pins that signified where hunters had been sighted. And green where her kind where situated. Her light eyes scanned over the pins, they were becoming more and more bold. They were moving out from their protected areas and seeking them out.

The dark haired dragon knew she would have to seek out her fellow brethren and tell them of the humans movements and how much danger they were in. Emelith was one of the few dragon shapes shifters left in the land. Most had been wiped out from constant hunting and some were even poisoned. However Emelith was sure that in a short time there would be a war between the Dragons and the humans. However the one thing she was scared of what the possibility that they would all perish. The elder had been discussing another war declaring that it was time the human race was shown what comes of people who provoke and anger them. Emelith could understand where they were coming from but the small niggling feeling of fear inside her was beginning to grow.

"I pray to the gods of old that war does not break," she whispered to herself before straightening herself out and walking out of the room she stood in. Her skin hardening into black scales and her eyes becoming a iridescent as she transformed into the other side of her.

---

Felix Killenger stood before his King several of his men stood behind him waiting patiently for the King to finish with his advisor. Once he was done the elder male wished to know what Felix had planed for the several Dragons that were scattered throughout the land. The dark haired male had been on the tail of the Dragons for months seeking out their dominion. Felix was certain that he had narrowed them down to a few caves scattered around the edges of the woods.

"Well what news do you bring?" the King asked getting to his feet and walking over to Felix.

"I bring good news your highness. My men and I have narrowed down three to five caves where we believe the Dragons dwell. They are situated around the border of the Enieth woods. We believe there may be one more but I have men seeking it out and we should know within the week." The King nodded his head happy with the answer he had received from his most trusted warrior and famous Dragon slayer.

"Master Killenger what makes you suspect there is another den?"

"My men told me they had a sighting of a Dragon flying over one of our encampments, however it came from a part of the wood we had yet to explore. So I sent them out on a search as soon as I got word of it. Don't worry your Highness we will have them destroyed before they can cause any damage to your wonderful kingdom."

The King grunted in approval before bidding the raven haired male ado saying that was all he needed and walking off into one of the other rooms going about his business. Felix and his men turned and began to walk out of the castle as he made it to the door he saw Azana Blathest.

"Good evening Azana," he greeted shooting a smile in her direction.

@ Bangarang!

Camdon pushed the branches to the side as he tried to get through the rough part of the forest. He knew there was a dragon encampment just on the other side of the river, and that was exactly where he was going to need to go. A dragon was exactly what he needed, and Camdom hoped that they would be willing to help him. Though it was likely that they would treat him hostilely at first. After all, humans and dragon shifters did not get along well that often. But this was going to be the only way to complete his quest.

After crossing the river and going a bit deeper into the forest, buildings rose in the distance. It took him another hour or so to get to the dragon town. It looked a lot like a human town, except some of the buildings were huge in order to fit their other forms. And the streets were much wider in case someone needed to land suddenly. Camdom let out a nervous sigh before walking into the camp with his hands out to his side. All of his weapons were visible and put away. And the moment the guards saw him, they pushed him to the ground and tied his hands.

With a lot of talking and a little bit of explaining, Camdon managed to convince them to bring him to the leaders of the camp. The two guards pulled him through town to where the leaders were already joined. Though he was forced to wait outside as one of the guards went in to tell them what happened.

---

Azana stopped walking as she heard Felix speak. She turned to him, giving Felix a soft smile. "Good evening Felix. How are you?" Her voice was warm and her features were soft. It had taken her the last few weeks she had been here to act this way to the dragon slayers though. When she first ran into them, Azana had been a panicked mess. After all they would kill her without a moment of hesitation. Though she learned they were something she needed to get used to, especially Felix. He seemed to always be in the castle and she ran into him a lot.

She held her music books a bit closer to her chest. Still being near a dragon slayer drove her heart crazy. Though she was quite surprised that they were so bad at realizing who were dragons among them. There were dragon shifters throughout the town that these slayers hadn't been able to sniff out. But they were always seen in their human form when around the city. As long as they were careful, they wouldn't be caught by them.

"Did you find any dragons nearby?" Azana asked him curiously. She had gotten in the habit of asking the dragon slayers that. After all they just thought that she was some scared woman who wanted to know if they were under threat. Though in reality, Azana liked sending a warning when she was able to. It had only taken her a week or so at the court to realize she could help her kind.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Emelith was coming in to the town once her feet hit the ground she transformed back into her human form and headed toward the castle where she would seek out the King. She weaved through seas of people that had gathered around the 'castle'. The dark haired shifter was curious as to why her people were crowded around the building however as she got closer she could smell a scent that caused her hair to stand on end.

It was a human.

As she got to the entrance of the 'castle' she saw that he stood outside of it waiting, his hands were tied yet his ankles were left free making it possible for him to run away and go back to any of the encampments that were scattered throughout the woods. Emelith wanted to speak to him but she knew better instead she walked passed him her eyes looking over him before walking toward their King.

"Your Highness," she began "I have news."

"My dear it will have to wait there is a human here and I wish to know his business." the King rose to his feet and walked passed her and out to where the human waited. Emelith followed behind wanting to see what was going to happen.

---

Felix nodded his head a hard smile spreading across his face, "Yes there is but there seems to be another cave that we have missed so my men have gone in search for it. There is no need to worry though, we will get them before they can cause any harm to us," he stated. His light eyes trailed down to the paperwork that she held close to her chest.

"More music?" he questioned. Felix had often heard her playing when he entered the castle in order to seek an audience with the king. She had a gift and he could not deny how talent the woman was. He had stolen few glances and he could see the happiness radiating from as she played yet there was a fierce concentration as well. Something he respected about her.

@ Bangarang!
Camdon was pulled up onto his feet once the King came out of the the building to speak to him. They let him go so he was standing in front of the king, but stayed close behind him in case something happened. For a moment he hesitated before bowing his head respectfully to at least acknowledge his position that he had for his people. "Hello...uh your highness." It was clear he had never been in front of royalty before.

Camdon shifted slightly, trying to move the rope that bound his wrists in a more comfortable position. He was nervous, considering the relationship that dragon shifters and humans currently had. Though he honestly meant no harm to them and he hoped that the King would realize that. "I have a request for you. I wish to recruit one of your subjects to go on a mission with me. You see, your highness, I am on an adventure to find a gem that could assist me in healing my dying town, which has been run over by the plague. I know that a town of humans dying may sound like a good thing to you... but I assure you that we are only a farming village and do not participate in the war between the King and you. They are good people and I want my village to live."

He cleared his throat a little. "And the only way I might be able to get this gem is with the help of a dragon. If you will allow one of your subjects to help me, I can bring back a gem that consists of other magical properties for you to use for apparently the place I am going has many."

---

Azana gave him a small nod when he told her about the other dragons. She felt no need to say anything else on the subject. And she knew better than to try and get the exact location of the caves he was going to. Though she could send a letter to the dragons close by. Perhaps she will be able to help one of them. But it was always hard to tell, after all Felix and his men traveled all over the countryside and there was really no way of knowing which way they were going without putting her own life in too much danger.

When Felix asked about the music, she couldn't help but brighten up a bit. She was thankful for the change in conversation, and she always loved talking about the subject anyways. "Yes! It is actually new music from one of the neighboring countries. They have a composer who is a musical genius. It should be absolutely beautiful so I am quite excited to play it." Azana said as she leafed through a couple of the pages. "I am sure you will be able to hear some of it when you come in to speak to the King again.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Emelith followed her king back out to where the human waited for them. He stood there even though he looked nervous he spoke clearly and got straight to the point. The dark hair shifter couldn't take away his courage especially for the tensions between the two. They listened to him. There was no denying that Emelith was skeptical about his request however when she looked at the royal standing beside her she saw that he was calm and she could see in his eyes that he trusted the male. That he believed his story.

"I believe you," the king spoke his voice was deep and calm. No one voiced their disagreement, no one dared. "You see young man I have been to the place you speak of. I have seen the many gems that you seek. And I see in your heart that you are telling the truth therefore I will grant you this request. I am too old to make the journey but I will entrust you into the hands of one of my most trusted brethren." with that the royal stopped speaking and turned his silver eyes onto Emelith.

"Me... but your Highness I am watching for any..." she began but was silenced by him.

"I have others who can keep watch. This is your duty Emelith. I choose you because I know you can do it and you will not let me down." the dark haired shifter closed her lips and nodded her head, even though she felt slightly sick to the stomach.

"And what is your name young man?" the King asked.

---

Felix picked up the way the brunette brightened when he mentioned her music, it was something she was passionate about. As she began to talk about it he couldn't help the smile that gradually spread across his face as she told him about the neighbouring countries and how they have a composer who is a 'musical genius'. Felix honestly wouldn't know he had no musical bone in his body.

"I am excited to hear it. You are very talented Azana. I believe that one day you will make a wonderful performer. I can see you now upon a stage, wreathed in light and dressed in one of the kingdoms finest gowns as you play your music and move people to tears." Felix stated truthfully. It was true he could and he would be in the front row of that concert cheering her on.

@ Bangarang!

"My name is Camdon, your highness." He said before his eyes looked over at the female. She seemed strong and very capable. And it was more than likely that she would be a good companion for this journey if the King was the one to pick her out. Besides, it wasn't like he would send this girl off to kill him later when he could just do it now. So it was likely that she would be able to be trusted.

Camdon then looked down for a moment before letting out a sigh of relief. He was glad that the king believed him, and even more so that the man did not immediately kill him. It meant that he had a chance to still save his village. Though he was concerned that the woman obviously did not want to come alone. But if she could get something out of the deal too, hopefully she would actually help.

Lifting his head back up, Camdon looked at the girl. "What is your name?"

---

Azana let out a small, satisfied hum at Felix's words. She did hope to one day be a great performer, to be able to have a theatre full of people in front of her...For them to adore her playing and maybe-one day- to love the music that she had composed. It was a nice image, and it was even better that someone was able to see that for her too. Though it was too bad that it had to come from the Kingdom's Dragon hunter.

"I hope that I will be able to do that one day. Thank you for saying that, Felix." Azana said softly, a smile on her lips. Though even if she was ever that good, Azana was unsure she would ever be able to see that dream realized. After all, she would need to go back to the dragons in a year. She then slowly took a step back. "I shouldn't keep you occupied though. It looks like you and your group are heading out. I wouldn't want to be the reason why you show up late."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
"My name is Emelith," the dark haired Dragon greeted her light eyes locking with the males briefly before she turned back to her King. However from the way the elder was looking at the human she knew there was no way she was going to be able to get herself out of this. Instead she had to come to terms that she would not be keeping a look out for her kind instead that would be up to Azana and Emelith would be sent on this 'adventure' with the human.

"When do you wish to leave?" The King asked and Emelith hoped it wasn't too soon but knowing humans, and the fact that he had turned up meant that it would be within the next twelve to twenty-four hours. The dark haired shifter looked at Camdon awaiting his answer so she knew how long she had before she would need to be ready.

---

Felix turned his head and saw that several of his men were waiting for him outside the castle door, a small laugh left his lips before he nodded his head. "Yes we are, there is talk of another Dragon hide out," a smile spread across his face at the new information. "We plan to attack one month from now, once more men arrive from across the sea. Anyway Azana I must be off cannot keep my men waiting for too long otherwise they become restless."

He went to walk away but before departing he turned back to her remembering the ball the King was throwing in honour of Felix and his men. The Dragon Hunters. "Three nights from now the King is going to throw a ball, it would me an honour if you accompanied me."

@ Bangarang!

"I would like to leave as soon as possible, so tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, with the way my village is, we don't have a lot of time." A deep frown came over Camdon's face as he spoke. While he was beyond joyous that the dragons were willing to help him, the thought of his town worried him greatly. There was no telling how they were doing, and who was still alive. He didn't even have a way of knowing how much time he had to get the gem. Though this was something that he had to try to him them all. Besides, there wasn't much he could do at home. It was not like he was a doctor.

Turning back to the king, Camdon gave his head a small bow. It was respectful, but not necessarily subservient. "Thank you." He then looked to Emelith. "To both of you." With that, the guards behind him took a few steps back. Especially now that it was clear that Camdon was not a threat and seemed to have no plans against them. Camdon then too took a few steps back. "Where should I stay tonight?" He asked them both. He had no idea where they wanted him to be.

---

Azana's breath caught in her throat, and her eyes widen at Felix's sudden invitation. She looked like a deer in the headlights, and she felt like one too. Too shocked to be able to think, or even move before getting smashed into. Of course, Azana had never expected the dragon hunter to invite her to anything. Especially not to a ball that was being thrown in his honour. For her, it had been too outrageous to even thing about, a dragon hunter courting a dragon. Though Felix did not know she was dragon. He just thought he was just asking out some normal, human girl.

With her mind basically wiped of any thought, Azana felt as if she had lost any ability to come up with an explanation or lie as to why she couldn't accompany him. With it basically being his ball, she couldn't simply say no. So of course, a startled "Sure?" came from her lips. Though once the first word came out of her lips, Azana began to get her mind back and recompose herself. And she was quick to realize just how strange she was acting. So she forced her body to relax as another small smile came across her lips. "Sorry, you just surprised me a bit. I just never thought that you would ask me." Azana's smiled widen as she looked up at him brightly. "Though, yes, I would like to accompany you."

@ BearGirl
Just as Emelith had known she had little to no time to ready herself for this travel she simply sighed quietly to herself as she looked at the male, she noticed the way his features crumpled with a deep frown, he seemed deep in thought, she couldn't help the small feeling of sympathy that washed over her. He didn't seem like most of the humans she had come across he genuinely didn't seem interested in killing her kind. All he wanted was to retrieve this gem and return to his village to save his people.

She watched as he bowed at the King before asking where he would stay, there really was now where to stay so she spoke up, "He can stay with my your highness, considering I will leave with him tomorrow morning and my cave is big enough."

"Very well," the royal bowed his head at her before his attention turned back to Camdon. "You will stay with Emelith here, and at dawn you shall set off in search for the stone," with that everything was settled and the king turned walking off leaving just the two alone. "Well come. But foot it is a two hour hike." she wasn't sure if he would want her changing form and flying the two back to her abode.

---

Felix noticed he had caught the female by surprise but the way she went rigid his light eyes stayed locked on her and he watched as she slowly came around. Her body relaxed and she agreed to accompany him to the ball.

"Perfect, I will be waiting at the stairs to greet you," he smiled exposing his perfectly whitened teeth before turning and walking off, outside to where his men were waiting for him and his battle plans. He was going to be accompanied by one of the prettiest women in the land and he was going to let everyone know that. He had always been one for flare and lived for attention. Having the beautiful and talented Azana hanging off his arm was definitely one way to get all the attention he desired.

@ Bangarang!

Camdon looked back at Emelith before giving her a nod. Despite the fact that the king had said that Camdon was welcomed, he still could not help but feel nervous about the dragons. After all, they were undoubtably stronger, and faster than him. Well at least in their dragon form that is...There was no doubt that Emelith would be able to kill him at any time. It wasn't like he was a trained soldier. Though still, he felt gratitude to her. Whether or not she wanted to, Emelith would be helping him and his village.

"Thank you for letting me stay with you tonight. And if it is two hours, we should start walking now?" Camdon had never considered that Emelith could change and bring them both to her place. After all, Camdon knew that dragons were rather noble creatures. Besides, they didn't like humans, so why would one ever offer a human a ride? No, he would imagine that would be embarrassing or something along that matter. Besides, Camdon was not quite comfortable being around the dragons yet. Therefore riding one would have been quite the shock to his system. So when Emelith started to walk, he was quick to follow her.

---

Azana watched Felix walk off before letting out a small sigh. Why the hell could she not think of a reason to say no? This was just putting her in a more dangerous situation than she wanted to be in. After all, Felix was a dragon hunter! And surely, sooner or later, he would be able to figure out that she was a dragon. Especially, if Azana continued to get close to him like this. She pressed a hand to her forehead as a headache started to set in and worry started to pierce her heart. At this point she had to go to the ball. But Azana did need to find a way to end Felix's interest at that.

When the night of the ball did finally come around, Azana was receiving much help from her friends. All of her kind had different thoughts about the current arrangement. Some wanted her to continue forward, in order to find out more intel from the dragon hunter's leader. Especially since it would save many lives of her kind. Others considered it too dangerous for Azana, and wanted her to somehow back out of any relationship after tonight. Though everyone agreed that the ball had to go well. Azana had to ensure not to raise suspicions. Which meant she had to be charming, and kind. As well as appear as if nothing was wrong.

So, her friends helped Azana get ready for the night. While giving her conflicting advice, they helped her with her hair, her make up, her clothes and her accessories. By the end of it all, Azana looked amazing. Thank the goddess that one of her friends came to the city to become a seamstress! So with a deep inhale, Azana then made her way to the front stairs of castle to meet Felix.

@ BearGirl
(I am going to jump forward a bit with Emelith... so we're on the same kind of timeline)

Emelith nodded her head, "Of course. If we are to go on this adventure together it is simply easier," agreeing she began to walk back to her home, it was going to a little difficult for him to get inside with out her transforming as it wouldn't be safe for him to scale the mountain side her cave had been carved out of.

---

Emelith and Camdon had been searching for this gem for four days now, for most of that time Emelith had been restrained to her human form not wanting to give herself away to any possible hunters that could be lurking through out the woods. Most of the travelling had been made in silence as the dark haired dragon really didn't know what to talk about. Her whole life she had been taught to fear humans but she was beginning to realise that not all humans were bad. Majority probably were but Camdon wasn't perhaps there were more like him. More that didn't want to hurt her kind. Instead they just wanted to live in peace tending to their farms.

As Emelith walked her she came to realise the shoes she were wearing did little to protect from the sharp rocks, and add twigs and other objects that were strewn across the forrest floor so to keep her mind off of the annoyance of it all she decided to finally talk to Camdon

"So, where is it you are from Camdon?" she was curious, there were many small farming villages throughout the Kingdom. She wondered if he had made a long journey to find her and her coven. The day was fading to night and Emelith knew that the two would soon have to stop and set up camp.

---

It was the night of the ball and Felix was feeling good, he was dressed in his best suit and he had made sure his appearance was good enough for the King. Women had helped him to get ready making sure he scrubbed clean, his nails manicured and free of dirt. He looked like a different person, no one would have guess he was a dragon hunter, that he slayed some of the mightiest beasts in the land. However tonight he had one goal.

Azana, he wished to spend the night talking, laughing and dancing with her, enjoying her company and winning her affections. Ever since she had arrived in the Kingdom, a timid, shy woman with a magical ability to play some of the most beautiful music on a piano he had been fascinated by her. Whenever he could he would talk to her, if he was in seeing the King and he could see her playing in the other room his gaze would always wander to her. She was beautiful. So very beautiful and tonight she was his date to one of the biggest celebrations the Kingdom has had for a while.

He stood at the stairs in front of the castle greeting guests and shaking hands. All the while a smile was plastered across his face. As he stood there he was treated to one of the most magnificent sights walking toward him.

Azana.

She looked beautiful. She wore a dress the colour of a rose, her hair fell down her shoulders and he noticed he wasn't the only one awestruck. He walked toward her taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips.

"Azana," he began flashing her a smile, "You look beautiful." he drank her in, also making it a spectacle for others to see that he had the best looking date for the night. "Do come in," with that he wound her arm around his and the two entered the castle that was echoing with music, laughter and celebrating.

@ Bangarang!

Camdon looked up at Emelith, slightly surprised when she started to speak. For the most part, their journey had been relatively quiet. While he was unsure of what stopped Emelith from wanting to speak to him, Camdon did it out of concern. He knew little to nothing about dragons, and therefore didn't want to piss Emelith off. Though after the last four days, his fear has ebbed off. And he stayed quiet since it seemed like the right thing to do. If she did not wish to speak, who was he to try and make her?

"I am from Aldannia." Camdon answered. "Close to your coven, which was lucky for me when I realized I needed your help. Though, fortunately, I live to the north of the country, so we do not see many dragons." He gave her a sheepish smile. "I just say that because I know what happens to the lands on the East, due to the war. I am not sure how my village would survive if our lands were consistently burned down by dragons and then taken over by the army."

Camdon honestly did not have any problems with dragons, but he was not stupid. He feared them. Though in the same way he feared any army or kingly decision. They were unstoppable forces, that could either raise him up or destroy everything. Though still things to be respected.

---

Azana wrapped her arm around Felix's as she followed him into the ball. "Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself Felix." She said with a warm smile. It was hard not to notice that Felix had cleaned up quite a bit. And even when he was covered in nature from his hunts, Felix was an attractive man. Though the smell of the forest that normally covered him was gone and replaced with an air of cologne. Though, if Azana was honest, she missed Felix's normal smell, since it reminded her of home.

As they walked into the ballroom, Azana looked up in wonder, a large smile crossing her lips. Since she was new to the castle, this was the first time that she was seeing a full scale ball like this one. And it was simply amazing. The room was covered in flowers, fabrics and lights. There seemed to be an endless supply of food and drink for everyone. And everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, laughing and dancing, eating and chatting. "This is amazing!"

Azana looked off at the orchestrate to the side, taking a moment to listen to their playing. She would have been up there, if she had not needed to request the day off. Though she was sure the only reason the leader gave it to her, was because she had been asked by the guest of honor. "The King must think highly of you and your men."