21st day of the season of the sun 2448

- Come Azena, said Fingäar. She will not show.

Azena looked up at Storm Boulevard, the main road leading directly from the main gates to the castle. Concerned passers-by blocked the way, but the young dragon rider had no interest in them. She was looking for her older sister. It was going to be a long and difficult year and she wanted to see her one last time.

- Please, Argent, she begged in a whisper.

Fayne sat next to her and watched the first sun rise slowly, but still too quickly for the two teenage girls. It was time to leave and their escort, Fingäar and Dogan from the academy of Archlan, were waiting for them. The elf was stern and pressed them while his companion seemed rather carefree.

- I'm sorry, said Fingäar, but we have to leave. We have a schedule to follow.

- Let her breathe, Dogan said between bites of his sandwich. It won't kill us to be a little late. She wants to see her sister. It's a long time to be in Atgoren without seeing your relatives.

- There are emergencies that need to be dealt with. We need our trainees to be prepared.

He stood in front of Azena and helped her to her feet and then set off.

- Karia went on a reconnaissance trip. We should be able to advance without surprises.

Azena's heart was tight. Argent had broken her promise. She never broke her promises.

- Tyrath and Buhrik are waiting for us at the Red Forest, Fayne encouraged. I'm sure Argent didn't want to break her word. The Lemmar will be here soon and your father must be keeping her close.

Azena turned around, readjusted her backpack and set off behind Fingäar.

- Damn royal business is still in my way. Even mother couldn't come to see me off.

Azena had little sympathy for her whole family, but she had managed to forge strong bonds with her mother and even more so with Argent. She was terribly disappointed by their absence. She already missed them.

- Sucks we have to leave so soon, she mumbled, kicking a small rock to release some tension. Stupid High King... even more so, that damned betrayal...

Dogan finished his huge sandwich overflowing with sauce in one bite and hastened to catch up with them, Fayne at his side.

- Wait!

A man ran towards the small group, a letter in his hand. He hastened to hand it to the archer, bowed and left without an explanation.

- Who was he? asked the elf, his hands folded, his facial features stretched by irritation.

Azena didn't listen to him and read the letter. It was addressed to her and came from Argent.

- You're right... She won't come, she said, defeated.

- You know it wasn't her intention to break her promise, Fayne tried to comfort her.

- Mmmm...

- Well, it's time to go, Fingäar said.

The group followed the main road to the Red Forest and then to Gilat, a village that Azena remembered all too well. The villagers watched the group with big, frightened or suspicious eyes.

- Go away, you filthy scavengers, shouted a farmer. We're in enough trouble as it is, we don't need more! You can't fool us with your nice clean clothes. No noble comes here!

- As welcoming as ever, Azena grunted sarcastically.

Her passage was blocked by a skinny girl with pale grey skin and silver hair. She couldn't have been more than six years old.

- Ummm... can I help you?

- Please don't stop, said Fingäar who was waiting with Dogan.

Fayne approached.

- What is a gray elf child like you doing in this village?

She noticed the hazel eyes of the grey elf and corrected herself.

- Half gray elf. You have human eyes, don't you?

The words "human eyes" bothered Azena in a strange way that she couldn't quite explain.

The child ignored Fayne; she was only interested in Azena.

- You are different too, she said, slightly moved.

She put her little hand on Azena's forehead and immediately took it off.

- You're adopted like me, amongst other things we share.

Azena took a step back, uncertain of herself. She felt extremely disturbed, lost, and at the same time she felt as if she had found herself.

- How do you know that?

- I saw it in your memories. I've seen many interesting events, many you've completely forgotten, buried deep in your subconscious.

- W-what are you? the dragon rider questioned nervously.

How could a little girl scare her so much? She didn't see the connection between her fear and her interlocutor. Was it her subconscious mind that was reacting? She wanted to ask her several questions, but she was terrified, anxious. She felt as if she was stuck in a bad nightmare, but she knew it was real.

- The Great Owl told me not to tell anyone, but since you're similar to me, I guess I can make an exception.

She leaned over to her caller's ear and whispered:

- A walker of the twin worlds.

Azena frowned, confused.

- What's that? What do you mean by twin worlds?

The girl giggled. She was so adorable that Azena smiled despite her aversion to children and her nervousness.

- I'll explain it to you, but I don't think it's my place to do so. Maybe one day you'll find out.

She started to frolic in the direction of an old, rudimentary house. Azena wanted to follow her and question her, but a voice rang:

- Let's continue our way, Fingäar insisted, irritated.

- Come on, chickens, Dogan joked and giggled. Follow the big macho rooster in front, he continued, referring to their captain who led the way, standing proudly upright as a pole.

- Dogan, could you show a little bit of... Ah, screw it. I give up, grumbled the lunar elf. I'm not macho! I'm exasperated by you!

- What does "exasperated" mean?" replied the chubby man.

- Exactly, sighed Fingäar who didn't know what to answer.

Azena, who normally would have been offended to be called a chicken, ignored the two adults who were bickering and motioned to them to be patient.

- Who are you? Azena shouted, observing the little girl who was moving away with a light step.

- Shaan'da No-Name. Be careful, there are bad guys on the other side of the village, on the roads.

She smiled and entered the house, leaving Azena to her thoughts.

✦×✦

For long hours, Azena remained silent. She searched deep within herself to figure out why she felt this strange heat. A sense of biological belonging grew stronger since their time as Gilat.

- It's not the village or Shaan'da, she thought. I have no connection to her or Gilat.

Then she looked at her little feminine hands, more precisely at the beige skin, common among the people of Daigorn.

- Among the people of Daigorn, she continuing thinking.

She repeated it over and over again. A lock of hair slipped in front of her face. Its color, a shiny silver, shocked her, as if she had just discovered it. So perfect and smooth. And her eyes... She realized how her eyes we're a shade of brilliant blue that was not found in any human.

- All these compliments and insults..., she thought.

A series of memories flashed before her, more bad than good. Her mother telling her how beautiful her eyes were as the clear sky, the drunkards that called her an anomaly and the time she was beaten for having stared at a girl renown in the city for her aggressive behaviour.

- Stop looking at me, damned witch! she had screamed.

Not an anomaly, not a witch but of elven blood she realized. She must have had an extravagant facial expression because her best friend reacted immediately.

- You just figured that out, didn't you? I overheard your conversation with little Shaan'da.

Azena gasped. Fayne was next to her and seemed as much worried as she seemed happy.

- Figure what out?

- Your origin.

- Did you know about this? asked the elf girl, with a lump in her throat.

Fayne nodded. Her eyes were warmer than ever. They were overflowing with acceptance and understanding. That suddenly attracted Azena who had to blink to shake herself from the feeling. She didn't think anything of it, focused on her discovery of elven heritage within her.

- I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it, continued the blue dragon rider. I wanted to let you find out at your own pace, without hurting yourself. I figured it out a few years ago when you two were coming together. You were play fighting with my father and somehow you always managed to escape his grasp despite his refined techniques. Your movements were fluid and fast, too much for a human being. It was like watching you dance, simply guided by instinct. Since that time, I paid more attention to your physical reactions and you often amazed me. No wonder you managed to bring me your family's private books despite an entire platoon of guards after you. You're not very subtle and a little silly, but your superior agility served you well without you realizing it.

She's smiled. Her sincerity touched Azena's heart. She couldn't have asked for a better friend. Even so, she remained unsure if this discovery would change their friendship. She put her arms behind her head and faked a smile, pretending that everything was fine.

- Don't worry, Fayne continued, knowing her too well to be fooled. It looks good on you. And, that explains a lot, like your better vision in the dark. You've always been different, but it's a peculiarity I've always liked. It doesn't matter what ethnicity you are. It won't change anything.

- Thank you, replied Azena, clearing her throat. Do you think I'm a half-elf ? What kind would I be ?

- Your silver hair and sparkling blue eyes are definitely from your elven heritage. Wood elves and humans don't have those colors. Grey elves can inherit silver hair, but only moon elves have such pure blue eyes. If anything, you at least have moon elf blood, but... you have human ears. You're a half-elf, for sure.

- So, I'm a half moon elf, concluded Azena.

Suddenly she felt more comfortable in her skin. She imagined the mixture of human and moon elf blood flowing through her veins. She felt her heart more powerful.

- See, that explains your agility and superior speed too. It's great for fighting. You took the human side for magic, though. Commonly, moon elves are really good at magic, and you... well... you can't do any of it.

They both laughed.

- Ah, I know, said Azena. Umm, by the way, I have something for you.

She handed Fayne the bag of coins she had received from the nobleman.

- It'll probably help you buy your equipment for the academy.

Fayne looked surprised, but grateful.

- Thank you, but where did you get this? asked the herbalist, who stared at her friend with suspicious little eyes.

- Quiet! Fingäar suddenly ordered.

The moon elf motioned for the group to stop and drew his sword from its sheath.

- What is it? Dogan asked.

- Listen.

Dogan obeyed, but after a moment of nothing, he shrugged. Fayne was attentive, but didn't seem to detect anything either. Azena heard boot sounds coming from the woods to the left of them.

- I can hear it too, she said.

A roar interrupted the silence that followed. Out of the woods came a dozen armed barbarians. They rushed towards the dragon riders with rage in their eyes.

- Karia! Fingäar screamed.

A roar, far more powerful than those of the barbarians, echoed and then a breeze became violent under the pressure of the ferocious movements of the wings of the dragon. The first barbarian was eaten with a bite, the second was broken with a wing slap, and then the slaughter continued.

- Shit, Tyrath and Buhrik still haven't returned from their hunt with Gengra'ü, Azena hissed.

- It's better this way, said Fingäar. They are members of the Blood of the Dragon, professionals in the art of slaying dragons. Tyrath and Buhrik are still young. You don't want to lose your dragon, trust me.

Azena watched as the barbarians were killed one by one by Karia.

- They don't look that dangerous.

- They're just their pawns, apprentices trying to prove themselves worthy of becoming trusted members. The real test is the one who supervises.

He turned his gaze to a tall man with square shoulders as broad as an ox's. His long goatee and the paint markings on his body distinguished him as a member of his faction.

- Stay here. I'll take care of this while Karia finishes her dinner. Dogan, watch them.

Fingäar and the barbarian met at the heart of the battle. The elf's thin sword was no match for his opponent's gigantic hammer, so he had to concentrate on dodging rather than parrying. This was no problem; Fingäar was fast and his reflexes were excellent. The barbarian, too slow, quickly lost his patience and became more and more ferocious and dangerous. His rage fed his performance.

- It's too dangerous, Dogan said worriedly. If this barbarian's rage continues to grow...

He didn't finish his sentence.

Azena heard footsteps coming from behind and then a warcry:

- Die, Dragon rider!

Dogan turned just in time to parry the attack. His mace met one of his sisters.

- Another lookout. Azena, Fayne, stay away. Grand Master Terenas would never forgive us if you fell.

He swung and the barbarian took a step back. Dogan's fight was much more brutal than Fingäar's. Dogan was a bit barbaric in his fighting style; he focused his efforts on strength and emotions rather than dodging and survival. In a few moments both were dominated by instinct and were hurt, though not severely.

Azena nicked an arrow and aimed. Her target was moving too much and she didn't want to hit Dogan. Frustrated, she kept concentrating, trying to find the perfect moment.

- Don't provoke him! Dogan shouted.

As soon as he was distracted, the plump dragon rider paid with a blow to the head that knocked him out and then a kick that knocked him down.

Azena shot his arrow, but the lookout ducked, avoiding it and laughed.

- Look clos' at wha' happens to an apprentic' tha' doesn't learn fast enough.

He ran towards Azena and Fayne, his muscular legs pushing the earth behind every step.

Azena tried to notch another arrow, but the barbarian was already too close. His mace in full swing, he aimed at his victim's head, his eyes stained in red.

A dry hiss. A scream of agony. Then a sea of glittering scales caught the attention of the two apprentice dragon riders. Both shouted their dragon's name, but realized that their savior was far too small to be Buhrik or Tyrath. The humanoid creature had beige skin covered with purple scales in certain places. It mutilated the barbarian's face with its long black claws, but did not kill him. Instead, it whispered something in his ear.

The barbarian, enraged, spat on the creature and fled, leaving his blood in its wake.

The wild eyes of the newcomer stopped on Azena. The liquid gold in his irises, as if he were alive, flowing, was like a dragon's except for his round pupil.

- I am not an enemy. I give you my word.

His voice, a strange mixture of humanity and beast, was soul striking. He was as tall as one of his six-and-a-half-foot barbarians. On the other hand, his powerful but light musculature made him look a bit like an elf. No hair grew anywhere except his ebony hair, which he styled into a rat's tail. A series of small spikes ran along his jaw, reminiscent of a thin beard.

- I can finally see you in the light of the suns, where you can't hide, said Azena. How can I trust you when I don't even know who or what you are. You're clearly not human.

She inspected the two front horns arching towards the back of the creature with suspicion.

- You're not completely human either, he replied with perfect patience and control.

As he spoke, his canines glowed under the rays of the two suns.

- Why did you help us?

- I'm an ally, not an enemy. Give me a chance, Lady of the Storm.

He bowed his head in respect and then raised it with ease, as if the weight of the large horns did not affect him.

- Be careful, he continued, addressing Azena and Fayne.

He turned, his cape dancing in his movement. A bump deformed his back on each side. His reptilian tail lazily whipped the ground. He sprang forwards, following in the footsteps of the lookout he'd wounded.

At the same time, Fingäar and Karia came back. The moon elf helped Dogan get up while Karia searched the surroundings for something.

- Where did the creature go? she asked.

- Don't waste your time, Azena said. He helped us. We have other more important duties.

Karia sniffed deeply, smelling the air around her.

- Let's get out of here before reinforcements arrive.

- I think he'll take care of it.

- Let's not take any risks, said Fingäar. Can you walk?

He slowly let go of his companion.

- How many times do I have to tell you? Stop being so reckless. You are lucky to be alive.

Dogan regained his balance easily.

- Yes. He'll be fine. But, uh...

He turned his attention to Azena and Fayne.

- What happened to them? I didn't dream when I saw that strange creature, did I? My vision was blurred and my concentration wavered.

- You were right, confirmed Fayne.

Fingäar looked surprised.

- Weren't those two barbarians who escaped?

- No, it wasn't. The second one was something completely different. He was neither elf nor human. Well, not entirely. He shared features of a dragon and a humanoid. But a half dragon, that's impossible, isn't it?

- I don't think so, said Fingäar, who pondered for a moment before continuing. In this world of magic and elements, sometimes the impossible becomes a reality. We moon elves have long studied the mysteries of this world and we have often been surprised by what we have discovered. In any case, I've never heard of a half-dragon. Perhaps our sages would know more.

He turned around.

- Let's get going. We still have to stop at Agmeath for your equipment.

Behind him, Azena stayed near Fayne.

- What do you think?

- About what? Fayne asked.

- What did the half-dragon say? Do you really think he's half a dragon? That would be crazy.

- Let's keep the possibility in the back of our heads. If he's half-dragon, his scales are purple. Did you notice that?

Azena was speechless. He was possibly a half purple dragon.

- About what he told us, Fayne continued, I won't trust him. Stay alert. We shouldn't underestimate him. He's a predator, did you see how he went wild on the lookout?

- At least he didn't kill him.

- Who knows? He followed him, clearly.

✦×✦

At Agmeath, the group visited several stores and updated their equipment and supplies. Fayne took her time, looking for the best offers since she was very limited on the money she had saved during the holiday season. Azena, on the other hand, chose the best for her and Tyrath. This year had been generous.

As usual, Vhargg watched over the small village. He watched the horizon for danger and patrolled frequently. Edredon measured Tyrath with attention to detail.

- A warning, the saddle will have to be changed next year.

- Fair warning, said Azena. Thank you very much.

She gave him a few coins needingless. The last stop was at the Arm of Meleriar, home and forge of the famous Melanh'tash. From outside, you could hear her hammering iron and, through the ruckus, two voices nearly shouting.

- Busy, Dogan chuckled.

- As usual, Fingäar continued.

The group entered. Sparks flew through the shop, it smelled like sweat and iron. Melanh'tash focused her attention on the work she was making while Vigoth tried to talk to her. Finally, she gritted her teeth, swallowed her impatience and took a break.

- I have clients. It's time for you to leave.

- At least answer me, Vigoth said imploringly. Take a vacation for once in your life. Come with me.

The blacksmith walked around her giant anvil, pushed Vigoth out of the forge and closed the door.

- Sorry about that. Men, sometimes it's as hard to get rid of them as it is to get rid of the plague.

Azena smiled. She was familiar with the irritable temper of the moon elf, but for some reason, she liked this side of her.

- Beautiful, as usual, Fingaar said politely in Elvish.

- Don't you start either! barked Melanh'tash pointing her hammer at Fingaar.

The blacksmith swore and continued her reply in the common language.

- I know it's a silly custom of my people, but I'm fed up with all this fake politeness. Sheesh, how silly you moon elves are! Why don't you let your souls live instead of following the path you're told? It's pathetic.

She lowered the hammer and her temperament seemed to soften.

- Besides, I'm not beautiful. Look at me, I look like a bum full of dust.

She went back behind her anvil and leaned on it.

- So, what can I do for you?

She looked at the newcomers one by one waiting for an answer. Fingaar, traumatized, eyes wide open, remained silent. Dogan held back a laugh. Fayne was too shy in the face of such a flamboyant personality, as usual.

When Melanh'tash's gaze fell on Azena, she tried not to react. Still, she felt her cheeks turn pink.

- And you, have you lost your tongue like the others? asked Melanh'tash.

- N-no ma'am, answered Azena.

- Cute little girl. Call me Mel.

- All right, Mel, Azena continued a little more confidently. We've come for an inspection of our weapons.

- That's fine. Give me your weapons and I'll go inspect them in the back.

She waited for Fayne and Azena to hand over the weapons.

- It'll be quick. You can wait here.

She disappeared in another room. Azena followed Mel and listened at the door. When the blacksmith's footsteps stopped, she slowly pushed the door open.

- I advise against it, warned Fingaar. She has a very difficult temperament when she wants to.

Azena, stubborn and curious, ignored the moon elf and entered. Inside she found herself in a sort of small warehouse. Mel was nowhere to be found in this mess. Piles of boxes, mountains of ingots, weapons hanging on the walls, armor on mannequins, barrels of liquid, and finally, strange stones shaped into runic symbols resting on shelves.

Azena got lost in this labyrinth. She explored, examined, touched everything she could.

- Smart girl you are, Mel said.

Azena was jumped, startled and dropped one of the strange stones.

- Good thing they're not fragile, Mel continued.

- Sorry, said Azena.

She put the stone back where she found it. Mel stood there behind her, a blade of grass coming out of the corner of her mouth and a nearly full bottle in one hand. With her messy hair, her dusty apron and her nonchalant expression, she looked like a peasant, unlike others of her race. Despite all this, she still had a ferocity that made her attractive.

- Are you interested in the art of blacksmithing or are you just curious? I hope for your sake that you're not a thief.

At the last word, her voice grew a little more impatient.

- Not at all. I was just curious, but I didn't expect to find all this.

- So, what were you curious about?

She took a sip from the bottle. A strong smell of alcohol tickled Azena's nose.

- Would you like some rum? It's good, it's spicy.

She smiled warmly, her blue eyes sparkled.

- Ummm... aren't you angry?

- Rum calms me down, the blacksmith confessed. It's a long time friend, loyal too.

She waited for a reply for a moment and then continued:

- Come on, come here. Let's sit down for a moment. I'll give you a bit so you can taste.

Azena followed her. She looked nervously around her and spotted a painting. That piece of art caught her attention, enough to make her forget about Mel.

- Do you like it? Mel asked who had followed her to the painting. Different isn't it?

The painting was big, too big for Azena to lift. On it were two exquisite women, one a blonde human, the other a wild wood elf. The two embraced each other with love in their eyes and passion in their bodies. The elf undressed the human who touched her lover's cheek. The image struck Azena in the heart. She felt herself blush, warmth rose to her head and her lips trembling slightly.

- What are they doing?

- What do you think? Mel asked, rolling her eyes.

Azena felt stupid. She regretted her question.

- I mean, I mean...

She couldn't go through with it, so Mel finished for her.

- They just love each other.

- Two women, Azena whispered. Is it possible?

- Why can't it be? We're all victims of our feelings. We all have different preferences.

- Do you?

- That's not important. I'm just an elf who's hard to please.

She offered a sip of rum to Azena and she accepted it willingly.

- So... you... you're an accomplished future dragon rider, the blacksmith continued.

- That's the plan, Azena replied.

- That's it? Mel asked with a hint of disappointment in her voice. That's all? Well, that's... I have to work up your appetite a bit. What are you going to do with this education and more importantly, this power?

- I don't know. Fight for a better world, so people can prosper.

- A noble goal, she said, scratching her chin. But that's what the dragon riders want you for. Who are you really? Not just some puppet who follows orders, right?

At that moment, she fixed her eyes towards the half elf's. Azena felt as if she expected more from her. A grandiose answer. She began to question her destiny. Was it enough just to be a soldier in the army of Guardians of Aerinda even though she found the role to be fulfilling? Part of her was satisfied, while a small voice deep inside her did not seem completely assured of that choice.

- This is insane! thought Azena, a little shocked by her own thoughts. What more could I ask for? It's already a great honor to be a dragon rider, even more so to be an apprentice among the Guardians.

She reassured herself by recapitulating her meeting with Zorn who had announced a war that threatened Aerinda. She was going to be a part of that war and she was going to make a difference. It was bigger than the entire lives of many people, and it was enough for her.

She stayed with Mel while she finished her inspection. The two women laughed, talked and drank. When they returned to the others, they were half drunk.

Fingaar looked at them repulsively, his face slightly aged by the folds of his anger.

- Seriously Melanh'tash! he barked. Don't you take your work seriously at all? Besides, Azena is a minor and my responsibility.

- Hey, it's all right, answered the blacksmith. Calm your tits. The weapons are alive. They don't need to be repaired anymore. So it'll just be the inspection fees.

She reached out her open palm towards Fingaar.

- It's you who will pay because you need to relax. Money is going to your head.

She smiled, a mocking smile.

- The connection is...? And keep your insulting smile to yourself.

Offended, he persisted, but Mel defied him, a stubbornness that impressed Azena and won the blacksmith a victory. Fingaar exited the forge with a few silver coins less and a sick teenage girl in his arms.

- I hope you had fun, he said with a tone of dark sarcasm.

Azena nodded weakly.

- I think that...

She ended her sentence by vomiting.

✦×✦

The next day, Azena's head was spinning. Fingaar had refused to let the group sleep late. They set off at sunrise of the twin suns.

- That'll teach you, Fingaar grunted.

Azena walked like a zombie behind the group, with only Tyrath to keep her company.

- So, what happened? asked the silver drake.

- I think I like girls, she confessed.

- Is that all? he asked, looking at her in confusion.

- What do you mean, that's all? It's not easy. It's generally not accepted.

- The dragons never had this problem, but it doesn't seem so bad to me. You humanoids are strange. The only thing I can tell you is that you're young and you have a life ahead of you. Your choices are yours. Accept the moment and go your own way.

- Typical of a gray dragon. Don't bother with others and savor the moment without worrying about the consequences, but in a better way.

She giggled and looked at him.

- But, I'm glad you don't mind the possibility.

- It suits you, I think.

The two laughed and Azena squeezed Tyrath's paw.

- You're the best dragon a dragon rider can have.

Tyrath purred, happy with the compliment.