• What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement would probably be being picked by a dragon. That completely changed my life. It was really… interesting at first but once you get used to having your thoughts read and looking after a baby dragon that’s twice as big as a large house that is prone to having temper tantrums, it’s pretty neat.

• What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Riding on my dragon is exhilarating. It’s something that you want to do again and again. Like Arianna once told me about hunting it’s the rush of excitement as you take off, the way your stomach drops with the sudden dips, and the beauty of the landscape and worries far below you. It drives everything else from your mind.

• What is your current state of mind?

Horrible. To be honest, I’m a mess. I’m not usually an emotional guy, but the warfare between my two sides- dragon and human- is pretty much tearing me apart. And my love life… I won’t even go there. Let’s just say… it’s a mess.

• What is your favorite occupation?

I’d say being a Rider, for all its faults.

• What is your most treasured possession?

My sword. I got it from Cuvier’s which is the best sword maker in Vulnaire. It was not cheap, but is beautifully crafted, with a green hilt that matches Jaydon’s scales. When I use it it is like an extension to my arm. Its saved my life a couple times. By the way… where is my sword? **turns to Jaydon who is looking rather guilty**

• Back on topic, Ralem. I’m sorry about your sword but we need to get this interview over with before you begin the race. Next question: What or who is the greatest love of your life?

That’s kind of private. **Jaydon leans his head in and whispers “Arianna!” earning a glare from Ralem**

• What is your favorite journey?

Jaydon, could you go and eat some pies or something? What was the question again? Oh yes. My favorite journey was probably when I was flying really fast…no wait that was Jaydon’s memory. Darn, this is really messing me up.

• What is your most marked characteristic?

I’m not sure… **Jaydon turns into a human and does a rather good impression of Ralem, although exaggerated, “Don’t turn into a dragon. Don’t hurt anyone. Don’t set anyone on fire. Be careful, I absolutely order you to.”** I do not do it like that! Hey, aren’t you supposed to be eating pie or something? Go on, this is my interview, you’re next.

• When and where were you the happiest?

When I was out on the field, talking to Arianna. It sounds simple… but it was amazing.

• What is it that you most dislike?

When my dragon side is trying to take over. It’s the worst feeling…

• What is your greatest fear?

Like I said, my dragon side taking over. I’m scared I could hurt someone. My dragon side is… evil. And even worse… where would I go? Would I just fade?

• What is your greatest extravagance?

Either my sword or my horses. Now that was lots of money…. And now they are both gone. **mutters** I need to have a talk with that dragon…

• Which talent would you most like to have?

I’d actually like to learn how to do the bow and arrow. I need to get Arianna to show me…

• Where would you like to live?

I’ve always wanted to visit Grunde since Arianna told me about it. The place sounds amazing.

• What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Not knowing… if you know what I mean.

• What is the quality you most like in a woman?

I like women to be more tough… but still have that ladylike quality to them. If that even makes sense… and blue eyes that just... uh.. next question?

• What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I hate my temper. I had a temper before I was a Rider. But now that I am one it’s even worse. Twice as worse.

• What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I don’t like how the rich automatically assume they are better than everyone else.

• What do you most value in your friends?

The ability to stand by your side even when things aren’t looking too good.

• Whose are your heroes in real life?

My mom was a real hero to me before she died. She was always so strong even in her disease…

• Which living person do you most admire?

I’d like to say Sir Gawain. He’s old now but his sacrifice to Sir Arthur is simply amazing.

• What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Being truthful. I think it’s important to be truthful but there is some situations where you need to lie or you die. It’s as simple as that.

• On what occasions do you lie?

Only when I absolutely have to.

What do you want? Really? Really?

I really just want to find a place where I can make a life for myself. Be accepted. I’ve always wanted to be a knight, and have a horse and all as a childhood dream. But now, I’ve got a dragon and I’m sort of a knight, but it’s nothing like I’d thought it would be. I thought it would be like all saving people and riding out to battle but it’s more like digging sand castles and taking your dragon out for a flight. This whole new lifestyle kind of overwhelms me at times. Just having to take care of a dragon is quite a job. Then you have to try to judge who is trying to help you and who is trying to use you. I want to feel safe here in Baroke, but sometimes I feel there’s something different about this place that I don’t quite like. What I really want to do is find a place, settle down with Arianna, and eventually maybe even have kids to tuck in at night and tell stories to. I’ve always loved my nephews and nieces, but I’ve secretly wanted to have some of my own. I have no clue why I’m telling you this…

Why did you turn out the way you did?

When I think about it I have changed a lot. It’s really tense to have a dragon and I think its really taken a toll on me. I’m usually really laid back and really devoted to my job, which used to be a soldier in charge of a small group of men. I took my country and my Queen seriously. But now… I see past the Queen’s mask and I really don’t feel much loyalty to my country. I wouldn’t be willing to die for it, and neither would  I be willing to die for this country. But I still will follow my orders. In a way, I will fight for you, but deep down I fight for myself. I’ve always been an independent thinker. I will question authority, maybe not openly. But I have suspicions and I keep an eye out. All these strange occurances have forced me to be a little more wary. I think my dragon has really shaped who I am now, though.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself tucking in my own children, by the fireplace. I’m not sure where I’ll be, probably here in Baroque. They’ll call Jaydon Uncle Jaydon and he’ll take them for rides and I will hopefully have Arianna by my side. I kind of go with the flow though. I have no clue where I’m going.

What would you change?

I would change people’s view about Riders. We are NOT vampires! I really wish my family would realize that. About myself… I wish that I wouldn’t have such a temper. I hate my temper.