Introduction

- Several Years Ago -

The Dravdamen Queen stared in wonder and softly traced her talon over the weathered, crackled piece of parchment set before her. As she gently held it between her talons, she watched as eons unfolded before her - the greatest thing to ever occur in her thriving kingdom. The mere fact that it was existing was astounding, and her unique ability had never sensed such immense, raw power and strength of magic. The most incredible thing of all: it had been found by two children - siblings, no older than two or three. Their caretaker, Enma, had allowed them to wander in the meadow under her careful watch. When she found the two tossing around an old scrapped up paper, Enma had thankfully confiscated it. The scroll in question was delivered into Queen Alabaster's superior authority soon afterwards. If she remembered correctly, the younglings were Spiri and... something starting with an A?

Alabaster dismissed the thought and diverted her attention to the words once more. Most people would not, indeed, could not, comprehend the significance of the paper - but Alabaster did, and she intended to keep it safe at all costs. She would protect this with her life, as would the generations ahead of her. For two small children had just found the source of all future, a prophecy that would decide the fate of her entire community, and the worlds themselves. She could practically see the pure essence of possibility wafting off the ink, and it materialized in her palm. Indeed, this was the future, and Alabaster was the chosen one; the guardian whose purpose was to protect and guide until her final breath. All this would be done and more - this was Alabaster's decision.

The Queen's amber eyes swiftly flitted around the majestic throne room before whisping off the stone perch.

The Dravdamen palace was beautifully structured. The throne room was a broad rectangular shape, with Greek Doric columns reaching down from the entrance. Although plainer than Ionics or Corinthians, Alabaster admired the simplicity. On the far side of the room there was a lengthy hall wide enough for two full grown dragons to comfortably walk side by side. Several entryways branched off from the corridor, draped with white silk curtains. These were the bedrooms for the royal family or significant visitors.

As the Queen turned the corner, her only daughter, Pan, rushed by in a squealing whirlwind of scales. A blur of blue was quick to follow. Alabaster smiled weakly as they chased each other around the throne room. Pan and her Darmoc, Icardence, had recently uncovered their new dragon forms, and were eager to test their wings and talons. As Alabaster watched them frolick, she could not help but feel a twinge of sadness. Pan hadn't realized yet - that she was, for lack of a better word, different. Special. Unique. Those adjectives. Pan looked perfectly fine in her human form. She kept her ragged black hair short and messy, and although hard to communicate with at times, was obviously kind and generous to her close circle of friends.

The dragon was a different story. Midnight scales were normal enough - many dragons prized them - but the patterns were far from it. Bright red and blue zigzagged across her entire body. Her wings were scarlet with blue particles, and her sapphire tail fanned brilliantly. On top of this, the princess' eyes were mismatched, starring one sky and the other crimson.

Perhaps this was why Pan's dragon refused to share her name, although it was never certain. Dragons were odd and unpredictable in this way, and few holders ever truly discovered their meanings or intentions.

Some dragons slid right into their place, immediately becoming fast pals with their new owners. Others resented their holders' commands. You could receive a strong, powerful dragon, or a skittish whisp. The only determined similarity; your dragon always, always matched your personality.

Pan hadn't noticed the strange looks she received when venturing among others, and Icardence, with his white-blue scales and bushy neck floof, was too sweet to mention it. Either way, Alabaster doubted he really cared. Pan obviously meant the world to him.

Icardence in question was small and lithe. Mainly white with a scattering of blue speckles, he took on the appearance of a turquoise lion with a large, blue, fluffy mane. He came from a seemingly average family, with two kind, loving parents. However, Alabaster had her own suspicions that there was a bit more history to their heritage than it seemed...

Alabaster shook her head, scolding herself for becoming distracted. This was too significant to delay any longer. She rounded the corner and took another left, surprising two guards. They quickly morphed into dragon forms, a bright red Chinese and a musky green Western. Alabaster understood why they had been selected for this duty. Recognizing her, they stepped aside with an awkward shuffling of feet and plenteous apologies. She smiled forgivingly at them, though she could see nothing to forgive for, and continued on her way.

The Queen reached for her necklace, a beautifully crafted piece made of silver and formed into a flower. Three unnoticeable buttons resided on separate petals, and she pressed each in a certain order. After a few seconds, the lid popped up, revealing a small, unimpressive key. It was slightly rusted, with a few scratches on the top and no design. However, this was purposeful. If anyone were to come across the key, they were doubtful to think anything of it. That way, even if it was lost forever, the treasury was safe.

She unlocked the wide door and stepped inside, not bothering to shut it. Piles of gold littered the floor. Unique designs swirled over dusty stone walls, brown with age. Alabaster weaved her way to the back, where a slab came about one foot off the ground. Three items housed it - a white stone speckled in blue, a tiara with a glittering ruby placed in the middle, and another scroll.

Alabaster's gaze caught on the curled paper lying on the stone. She hated herself for even keeping it. The Queen shook her head once more to clear her thoughts. It had to be false! Pan was an incredible daughter, and would never hurt anyone unless in the midst of battle. Even so, Alabaster could not bring herself to burn it. She sighed. Slowly, she uncurled the new scroll to read in one last time before locking it away.

Alabaster groaned as she sat upon her throne, pondering whether or not it was time to send out another hunting squad. She missed the old days of chasing prey and flying with friends. Now all she got to do was solve the problems of the Dravdamen tribe. Not that she regretted becoming queen - she wouldn't put anything above the safety of her people.

Alabaster perked up as a beautiful sunset dragon barreled through the entryway and swiftly bowed before her Queen. Alabaster recognized her as Enma, the children's caretaker. "My Majesty," she gasped, "The researchers, they're attacking!"

Alabaster was immediately alert. "Where? Is everyone safe?"

Enma coughed lightly, and Alabaster noticed large bleeding gashes across her neck. Those were dragon marks - but what dragon would attack another?

"We have a majority of the children accounted for, but everyone is panicking. We were not prepared for battle!"

Alabaster cursed herself. It had been so long since an attack. She had allowed her kingdom to believe itself safe, and the warriors weren't ready for war. "What do you mean, most of the children?" She asked nervously, thinking of her own daughter.

Enma flexed her talons guiltily. "We - we lost one." Seeing Alabaster's concerned expression, she added quickly, "Pan's fine, though."

Alabaster exhaled in relief. "All right. Don't worry, we'll regain our losses. I promise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Alabaster couldn't help but notice the trembling of Enma's voice, or her flickering eyes. With a single flap of her large wings, the Queen sprang from her throne and faced Enma. "We need you out there. The Dravdamens need my guidance, and the children need you. I know you're scared, but I also know you have a firm spirit and fierce protectiveness of those you love. Push through. For them."

Enma wordlessly stared at her for a moment. Before she could respond, an explosion shook the entire palace. Both Alabaster and her comrad sprang into the air, trying to keep their balance. Dust fell from the ceiling, and with a groan, the building collapsed inward. Alabaster ducked her head and folded a pair of tough wings protectively over her spine as chunks of stone fell.

After a few minutes, she opened her eyes warily. All that could be seen was a thick blanket of darkness. It took a second for the Queen's sluggish brain to work properly again, and only then did she process what had just occurred. The palace must have collapsed, burying her underneath multiple layers of rubble. The all-too familiar sound of crackling flames roared around her, helping to drown out the muffled screams coming from above.

Ignoring the pain aching all throughout her battered body, Alabaster slowly but surely clawed her way through the rocks, using her large wings to push aside any boulders she couldn't grasp with her talons. By the time Queen Alabaster reached the light, she was panting heavily. Checking quickly, she was pleasantly surprised that nothing was broken. She took to the air, scanning the ground for any sign of Enma. It could be anything — a movement of rocks, a bit of a russet wing blending in with the fires. The screams outside attracted her attention. Alabaster hovered for a moment in uncertainty. She hated these moments — making a difficult decision for the benefit of the tribe.

The security of many must go over the safety of one. Alabaster turned and flew to gather her people. As she bolted upwards, a final chunk of granite fell. Time seemed to slow down as it aimed directly for her face. It had broken as a pointed cylinder, resembling a spear, and was hurtling downwards. At the last second she turned and swung her wings around. Alabaster shrieked as it went right through the leathery surface. Before she knew it, Alabaster was hurtling back towards the ground helplessly. The Queen closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. She had wasted too much time already — who knew what was happening out there?

With a grunt, she swooped up at the last second to avoid leaving her body crushed and mangled on the sharp rocks below. Every time she flapped her wing, pain shot through it. The tear wasn't bleeding much, but the pain still flared. She struggled to ignore it and flew away, more watchful this time.

Outside was chaos. Dragons scattered in a frenzy, trying to find family or friends. Mothers were demanding they had their children with them instead of in the hands of the caretakers. It was obvious the warriors had given up and were just focusing on not getting caught. Alabaster groaned when she realized the only few still fighting were those in her High Council, using their different animals to try and gain an advantage.

Alabaster could immediately see that they weren't going to win this battle. The researchers — strange people who seemed intent on capturing Dravdamens — were powerful and mysterious. No one knew where they came from or what happened to the dragons they imprisoned. None returned or were heard of again. Alabaster shuddered.

She bellowed loudly, calling all the tribe to come. As frightened dragons swirled around her like a blizzard of scales, her eyes searched desperately for Pan. If her daughter had been taken, she would never forgive herself.

The flash of bright scales on black relieved her. Pan swooped up to her side, looking irregularly calm despite the screaming around her. She was holding a scroll.

Alabaster had to yell over the crowd to be heard. "How many have we lost?"

Pan stared down at her scroll. "Well, as far as I can tell, three are missing so far — Aris, Quelf, and one of their children."

Alabaster frowned. "Did they seem to be targeted?"

"They were in a group," Pan informed, "So it makes sense."

Alabaster sighed. Losing a child was one of the most horrid tragedies. "Which one was it? They have three, correct?"

Pan nodded. "I can't remember now — it started with an A, I think. Maybe named after her mother?"

Alabaster did feel she remembered something like that, but she didn't have time to think about it. Several dragons scattered as a net was launched from the ground and ensnared two unlucky common warriors.

"Rorrim!" Someone screeched from the crowd of gaping dragons. Alabaster recognized her as Tcelfer, Rorrim's Darmoc and wife. Two children clung to the base of her wings, eyes wide with fear.

Pan scratched a name off her list.

Alabaster winced, every second feeling more and more like she was failing as Dravdamen queen.

"Is there anyone left other than those already accounted as captured?" she murmured to Pan.
She shook her head. "There was a hunting party, but they returned right before the attack."

Alabaster nodded, then raised herself up a bit higher than the suffocating crowd of flapping wings. She was about to yell but caught herself.

The scroll.

"Pan, take charge for a minute. Make sure no one leaves."

Pan nodded seriously, and Alabaster felt the smallest flutter of pride creep among the dread in her heart. Pan was going to make such a wonderful queen.

Swooping back towards the ruins, Alabaster twisted, struggling to avoid the various projectiles and dragons hurtling through the air. The treasure room (it don't have an official name, but that was what it was always called) wasn't hard to find. The stone supporting it had held up for as long as anyone could remember — it looked rather odd, being the only chunk of the palace that hadn't collapsed. Alabaster was amazed to find that everything was perfectly intact inside. Perhaps it was enchanted long ago.

Quickly Alabaster gathered the stone, tiara, and scrolls,then fled the scarred remains of the palace. As she hurtled back towards the main group of Dravdamens, she blinked down at a particular scroll in her talons - Pan's scroll. A devious thought began to creep into her mind. What if she just.. dropped it into the flames? It wouldn't be her fault, exactly...

No. A prophecy was a prophecy, no matter how much she disagreed with it.

Pan had kept everyone together, but she was looking abnormally flustered. Frowning, Alabaster swooped down to her daughter. "Did something happen while I was gone?"

"No, no," Pan answered distractedly. "It's just..." Alabaster was fixed with mismatched eyes, azure and crimson holding her in an agonizing plea. "Icardence is gone."

Alabaster jolted. If Pan's Darmoc was missing, she wouldn't be able to transform until she was queen. "I'm sure he's somewhere," she murmured soothingly to her frantic daughter. "It'll be fine."

Pan nodded sadly, but when Alabaster turned her back, she noticed another name had been scratched off the scroll.

"Everyone follow me!" She bellowed to the tribe, who seemed to look a bit calmer now that their queen was in their midst. Heading west, she felt a mixture of excitement and fear run through her spine. Despite the horror and slow shock of the attack, the coming journey seemed so adventurous and new. Alabaster couldn't help but be a bit thrilled.

They flew all day until the sunset became unbearable to look at. Alabaster glanced at Pan flying behind her. The young dragon looked determined, but her wings beats were slower, and she was drooping slightly, as if she might fall asleep. Children crying and elders panting could be heard behind them. Queen Alabaster was considering possible break points before Pan flapped up beside her.

"We need to land. No one can go on much longer," Panted Pan, near collapse.

Alabaster consented grudgingly. The tribe took quickly to a field — everyone was eager to switch out of dragon form and rest. Alabaster assigned Dewby to lead a hunting patrol.

After everyone was sufficiently fed (there had been a herd of deer that were fat and easy to catch), the tribe bedded down for the night. The faint sobbing finally quieted down and soft snoring took its place.

The next day, the welcome heat of sunlight flooded the morning air. Some of the children romped about in the scattered flower patches, splotches of paint against the green canvas.

"It's time to go," Alabaster ordered to Pan, who quickly spread the word throughout the still-sleepy Dravdamen families. Parents gathered their children, ushering them onto the safety of their wings. The tribe glided into the air, ready to search for a new place to call home. They flew for several hours before Alabaster spotted a steep cliffside. As they neared it, Alabaster noticed a unique detail of the mountain. A large cream structure rose out of the ground. The architecture struck her immediately - swirling designs reached over the highest peak, and the entire cylinder was seemingly rising straight out of the mountain, where it was supported by large columns. Carvings of dragons stuck out from the sides around the top, all breathing quartz flames. When the sun hit the right spot in the sky, everything seemed to glow as if welcoming them. Alabaster knew immediately that this was where they would stay. It was almost as if it had been made for them - with a bit of fixing up, she could place a firmer hold on the training of the army, rebuild her kingdom, and regain the trust of her people.

Then all she could do was sit back and keep an eye on her new kingdom to make sure her people were safe. Once her daughter became queen, she knew for a fact that she would be magnificent...