"Yes, we should," she said as she arched her back and yawned. She lay down next to her in front of the fire. Mariah's hand was inches from her shoulder, and Bryn looked at it in simple fascination. The desire to kiss her was still strong in her and fighting it was of little use. She bent her head down and kissed her fingertip gently. Her eyes never left Mariah's though, and as she pulled away from her, Mariah's cheeks were a dark red.
Mariah tried hard to stifle her giggling and increasingly flushing cheeks. Smiling down at her, Mariah lightly ran her fingers through her soft curls. Her golden hair flowed easily though Mariah's fingers, and Bryn was glad she hadn't flinched away. "We will see it one day, Bryn. We will run around in the streets and forget all of our cares. You will soar high in the sky, more beautiful than any eagle that shared it with you." Mariah smiled down at her and slowly relaxed her fingers out of her delicate hair.
Bryn blushed and rose gracefully to her feet. "Goodnight, Mariah. See you in the morning."
She picked up the cream and cups and left the room. Bryn put the cups into the sink and then walked into the bedroom. She crawled between Mariah's sheets and snuggled into the most luxurious bed she had ever been in. Really, the only actual beds she had spent time in were Franklin's or one of his guests, so Mariah's bed was a welcomed treat. She pulled the sheet up around her body and folded her wings against her shoulders for the night. Bryn lay awake in the bed listening to Mariah and the crickets outside. Rain beat against the window and she was glad to have a place to come inside away from it for once.
Chapter Five
Bryn's piercing scream woke Mariah like fire through her mind. Mariah fell to the floor and slammed face-first into its hard, cold surface. She quickly recovered to her feet, and the sound of her sword being drawn rang through the air like thunder. Mariah quickly snapped her head back and forth, looking for the invader that had frightened Bryn. There was no shadowy form in the room, no gnarled murderer or massive beast. Only a pair of frightened eyes stared back at her, eyes that belonged to a Strytas huddled and crying on the floor. The rage in Mariah's heart quickly rescinded as she returned her sword to its scabbard.
Bryn backed away from her. "Mariah, you were floating."
Mariah took a step toward her and she again backed away from her. "There are things you do not yet know about me, Bryn, and I am not so sure if you are ready to hear them."
"But how… how were you floating Mariah? You have no wings…"
"Magic, of course. Could you not feel it as you entered the forest?"
"What… what is magic?"
"Magic is the force, the energy that exists within certain creatures that inhabit this world, among those creatures are Strytas."
"You mean… I have magic?"
"Yes, Bryn. Perhaps you have never used it before, but you must have sensed it within yourself, especially during times when strong emotions overcame you."
"Could you possibly show me how to use magic one day, Mariah?"
"I am not sure I can, Bryn. The gift within each creature is different, and it may be that only another Strytas could help you learn to control it."
"How did you come to possess magic, Mariah? I have not seen any other human with the ability to float."
"I was born human, Bryn, but I have… changed over time. One day, I will explain it to you, but for right now all that I can ask is that you accept me for who I am."
*~*~*
Bryn nodded at Mariah and left the confines of the cabin and disappeared from her vision. The cool morning breeze swept against her bare legs in the short dress. It fluttered around her like a sheer white sail as goose bumps started to form along her skin. She knew that the day was destined to be hot, though so she brushed off the mild discomfort. Besides, she had weathered winters outside during blizzards, so a chilly breeze was nothing. The grass was wet from the rain, and the ground was still soft. Soon she was covered in mud up to her ankles, and she sloshed through the wet ground to the banks of the river. Bryn cleaned off her legs and spotted a batch of dry grass near some wildflowers along the bank of the river. She went to them and sat on the mound, her back resting against a large apple tree.
Bryn hummed softly to herself as she played with a small yellow flower in her hands. A few drops of water fell on her from the leaves above, and she laughed as they ran over her bare arms and back. She looked her wings over and ran her fingers through the soft feathers. Overnight they had become softer and longer. She decided to go to town later on and ask Angie what she had put in the cream. She felt warm breath above her and smiled up into Rishi's golden face. "Hello," she called happily to the dragon.
Rishi smiled at Bryn and lay down next to her. "What are you doing out so early, Bryn?"
Bryn shrugged. "I never sleep very long. And besides, after a rain like last night, there are so many flowers to smell and animals to talk to. I couldn't bear to be in bed with so much life everywhere."
Rishi chuckled and drank from the cool river. "Speaking of last night, was there some reason that you were out so late?"
Bryn looked away and draped her wings around her body. "I got scared of Mariah and had to get away," she said quietly.
Rishi turned Bryn's face toward her with one golden claw. "Why were you afraid of her, Bryn? Mariah would never hurt anyone."
She nodded and sighed. "Mariah tried to touch me last night."
Her nostrils flared red with the fire that burned inside of them. "Mariah did what?" she asked darkly.
Bryn quickly shook her head. "Mariah didn't try to touch me like that. She has never tried to do that. Mariah tried to touch my shoulders, and I got the wrong impression and jumped to conclusions and got very scared."
Rishi nodded and smiled. "Mariah will never hurt you child. You have nothing to be afraid of. Mariah isn't like other humans."
Bryn nodded. Looking to change the topic, she said, "Are all dragons as big as you?"
Rishi laughed. "Am I really that big?"
Bryn paused. The only dragon she had ever seen was a baby, and he was no taller than five feet. She imagined that there were bigger dragons than Rishi in the world, though, since she herself was only twenty feet or so tall. "I've never seen a dragon as big as you," she said shyly.
Rishi nodded. "There are bigger than me and there are smaller. How big was your friend?"
Bryn laughed as she thought about Damascus's goofy grin and the way he always seemed to be happy to see her, despite what was going on in their lives. He had been only a youngster the last time she had seen him though. "He was much smaller than you. Of course, he was only a baby then. Now though, he could probably kick your big golden butt," she teased.
Rishi gasped and tickled Bryn with her claws. "Well, some cultures think a nice round back end is a sign of great wisdom and power."
"Or lots of cake." Bryn said as she stuck her tongue out at the dragon. Rishi laughed and ruffled Bryn's curls with the tip of her tail.
*~*~*
Mariah walked to the library and sat down at her reading desk. She opened the book with the faded red cover and flipped to the first page. The words were written in old Elfish, though Mariah could easily understand the text. The book told of ancient battles and valiant heroes, many of whom Mariah had once met in her travels. Mariah looked out the large window and saw that the sun was centered in the sky, so she decided she would go outside and possibly try to find Bryn.
The day was proving to be fairly warm, so Mariah decided to change out of her white uniform into something lighter. Mariah chose a very light, sleeveless black shirt, adorned with a golden dragon and black pants. Mariah decided to take a pair of wooden swords with her as she ventured outside so that she could practice her swordsmanship if she could not find Bryn. The once swampy ground had dried with the warm sun and was now firm. Mariah strode across the field toward the river and dipped her hands into the clear water. Mariah drank the cooling liquid and splashed some on her arms and face before taking up one of the wooden swords. Mariah made the an
cient and traditional sword salute and begin performing a few simple cuts. As her muscles warmed up, she moved to advanced techniques and lost herself in the flurry of her blade.
*~*~*
Rishi and Bryn watched as Mariah came up to the river. Bryn had never seen her in anything but her white suit, and her new choice of clothing excited her.
She climbed up to the first branch of an apple tree to get a better view of her. Mariah had not seen them yet, so she jumped effortlessly to a nearby oak tree.
"Bryn, come back here," Rishi hissed at her.
"I just want to get a closer look," Bryn softly said back as she navigated the gnarled branches. Rishi shook her head.
"Get back here. You should not spy on Mariah."
Bryn rolled her eyes and ignored the dragon. She teetered across a narrow branch before finally jumping to a branch directly above Mariah's head. She was well out of reach of her swords, and she still hadn't noticed her presence. Rishi grumbled to herself and disappeared into the field. Bryn stifled a giggle as she watched the sun bounce off Mariah's well-muscled shoulders. She hung her legs over either side of the branch and leaned forward over the branch. Her chin rested on her hands as she continued to watch Mariah. Her toes could just barely reach her, and she stretched one out to brush her short hair. Mariah moved away, out of her vision, and Bryn frowned, wondering where she would have gone.
Her body froze, and she looked over her shoulder as something touched her. Mariah had startled her, but this time she was able to control her reaction and just smile. She carefully turned around to face her, but lost her grip and fell screaming into the cool water. The water was deep enough that she did not hurt herself, and as she came up to the surface, she spat a stream into her face. She stood up and shook out her soaked wings. Her whole body was completely drenched, and she looked mournfully at her new dress. "Well, I guess I should go change." She paused and smiled up at Mariah. "Was it your plan all along to get me naked again, Mariah?"
Mariah gasped loudly. "Absolutely not!" With that, she dove into the water after Bryn and surfaced right in front of her body. Mariah drew back her hand and sent a wave of water directly at Bryn which completely soaked her wings and hair. She gave a polite little chuckle and dove into the water to avoid any possible counterattack.
Bryn laughed and dove in after Mariah. She caught up to Mariah quickly and rested her hands on her hips. She swam to Mariah's back and wrapped her arms around her stomach as they swam together. Her hands found the bottom of her shirt and slid under it. Soon they were on the top of her pants. In one quick motion, Bryn pulled her pants down to her knees and swam to the shore.
By the time that Mariah came up to the surface, Bryn was standing on the grass, shaking the water from her wings.
"Well, it was a fun swim, but now I need to go get changed. Goodbye, Mariah," Bryn called merrily to her as she took off in the direction of the cabin. After a few minutes, Bryn yelled back over her shoulder, "You're welcome to join me if you wish!"
*~*~*
Mariah readjusted her clothing and stepped out of the river. She thought it was odd that Bryn had touched her, but at the same time, it strangely made her happy. Mariah retrieved her swords and made the walk back to the cabin. Her light clothing had dried quickly, though her skin was still somewhat moist, so she went into the bathroom to obtain a towel. Mariah gently tapped on the door to insure that room was vacant; no answer was received, so she stepped into the doorway.
Bryn laughed and smiled as she pulled a clean, dry gown over her body. She walked up to her and ran a finger over her chin before disappearing into the bathroom. She returned with a silver hairbrush and sat softly on the bed. The brush untangled her wet hair as she continued to watch her intently, a small smile curving her lips.
Mariah dried her arms and hair and looked over at her curiously. Bryn's eyes followed her movements, so she decided to simply put the towel under her shirt to dry her stomach and chest. Mariah hung the damp fabric on a rod and walked over to her. Recognizing the brush she was using, a small wave of sadness washed over her. Mariah ran her finger over the brush lightly and walked out of the bedroom.
Bryn quickly stood and followed him into the living room. She grabbed her hand in her own and turned her around to face her. "What is it, Mariah?" she asked as her hands went to Mariah's hips.
"I'm glad you seem to feel more comfortable around me."
Bryn smiled warmly at Mariah. "Rishi thinks very highly of you, and I have never second guessed a dragon's opinion of anyone. As long as she says you are a good person, I will think so too."
"Rishi is very kind. I am glad you are getting along well with her. She has been a very good friend throughout the years. Anyway, I apologize for acting a little sad… it's just that the brush you were using belonged to someone special, that's all."
"Why did you come to Franklin's?" she asked as she led Mariah onto a fluffy couch. She pulled her legs up under her and watched her intently.
"Well, I was due for some more of the unicorn powder, though I suppose that is not the specific reason I had come that day. For a while now, I have been sensing a deep… sadness emanating from the manor and knew that Franklin was mistreating some of his creatures. Of course, I had never directly witnessed his atrocities; otherwise, I'd have come a long time ago. When he laid his hands upon you that day at dinner, I knew that you were the soul that felt so much pain. I am glad he was willing to sell you. I simply could not let a creature such as yourself stay in the hands of that wicked man."
Bryn smiled at Mariah and blushed. "You're lucky. There isn't too much Franklin wouldn't sell for the right price. You are about six years too late for unicorn powder, though. Yarrow was sold when I was thirteen."
"I am not worried about the powder. I still have some left and, besides, I am much more worried about the happiness of that poor unicorn." Mariah placed her hand softly on her shoulder and was glad to see that she did not shy away from her. "I hope Yarrow has found a better home. No creature should have to endure a person like Franklin."
Bryn shrugged helplessly. "I honestly wouldn't know. I was locked in a room when he was taken away because I was making such a scene. Franklin came to me as soon as Yarrow had left and—" She stopped herself sharply and looked away. "There are other unicorns in the world to get your powder from, but I guess he was the only one that was in captivity anywhere near here. Someday I'll find him again, and the dragon too, hopefully."
"I hope to really meet a unicorn someday. Perhaps even ask one for their powder personally. I have heard that it is quite a sight to see him produce it from their horn. Anyway, the day is still young. Is there anywhere you would like to go or anything you would like to do before we lose the sun?"
Bryn laughed at the memories of Yarrow releasing a small amount of powder into her hands and thinking that it tasted like powdered sunrays. "I would like to go to town and ask Angie what is in the cream that makes it work so well," she said.
*~*~*
"That sounds good to me; I could stand getting a few supplies anyway." Mariah smiled at her and went into the bedroom to change. Mariah slipped into her golden wrist and ankle bracers and retrieved her black cape. The material always weighed heavily on her shoulders when she put it on, though in reality it was fairly light. The darkness would ever be a part of her, a splinter of black in her otherwise shimmering soul. She secured the cape around her body and walked out of the bedroom to rejoin Bryn. Mariah took a small purse from a plain chest located in the corner of the room and tied it to her belt. The leather bag held various coin denominations, including gold, silver and copper. "Let us depart then, if you are ready."
Bryn nodded and wrapped her cloak around her shoulders. She tied it in the front and pulled her hair out over the back of it. Her white shoes were in the corner, and she slipped her feet into them. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Mariah. She was amazingly beautiful in her uniform, and she couldn't help the small smile that crossed her lips. Mariah opened the
door for her and they left. Bryn matched her stride perfectly as they crossed the field. As they reached the forest, though, she started to slow down and soon she was a few feet behind Mariah. The strong sensation of being watched was back. But more than that, she could feel the eerie feeling again. "So according to what you said, that weird feeling that I am getting right now is magic right?"
*~*~*
Mariah smiled and nodded at her. "Yes, what you feel now is magic. There are… wards that protect this forest. Some are of Elven make, and some are of my own." Mariah reached out her arm and encircled Bryn's wrist with her hand before guiding it to her heart. "What you are now feeling is the magic that exists within me, just as I feel it within you. One day, you too will be able to reach inside of yourself and direct your gift, and when you do, you will not be afraid of people like Franklin any longer."
Bryn took her hand back quickly and pulled her cloak around herself. She matched Mariah's pace again and pulled her hood over her head. It concealed her perfectly, allowing only her mouth and chin to be exposed. She was frightened by Mariah's words. Bryn walked faster through the forest and was quickly ahead of Mariah. The gate opened for her before she had a chance to tell it to. The urge to run away from Mariah and her domain was strong within her. Her fear willed her legs to walk faster than before, and soon she was almost running.
Bryn did not stop walking until she was safely inside Angie's shop. As she door closed behind her, she let out her inhaled breath. The chair that she had been in before stood empty and she quickly ran to it. She could hear Angie and a customer talking behind an opaque screen.
"Oh no, this just won't do. I want to impress her, make her melt for me, not scare her half to death. I look like a prize pig in this dress," the customer whined. Bryn felt sorry for Angie as she heard her rifling through fabric in an attempt to please the customer.
"How about this one? Purple would look so nice on you," she heard Angie offer.
The customer uttered a muffled response that was too low for Bryn to hear. Angie again tried to appease the woman, but it was no use. Finally, the customer emerged with a dark blue dress folded in her arms.
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