New Story

Intro:
This is Kati. First of all, I've had alot of people ask why I write about Dragons so much. And for those of you who did ask, I merely decided my others about DRagons weren't the best work. I had a case of Writer Block then. If you are one of them, and dont think you'll like it, please read no further. Secondly, those who haven't feel free to read. This is only the 1st chapter, and I am planning on posting ch. 2 later. Thirdly, as for comments, please nothing negative. I will accept suggestions to how i can improve, but nothing all the way negative. Thanks!

Chapter 1: Lorya meets the Dragon

Lorya had always heard the legends of Dragons. She had heard of the numerous heroes who would slay the creatures and be titled brave, honorable, and courageous. She was the one who most often wandered down to the Cave and pondered the legends, over and over, while the others played and ran in the forest. She was the one who had dreams of these mysterious creatures. She was the one they nicknamed the Dragon Girl. She was the last one home when mothers called, for she took her time and thought. She thought until it was time for bed, and time to sleep. But one day, this pattern was broken by something Lorya had thought could never possibly happen. A Dragon appeared.
When that day came, everyone was terrified. Everyone, that is, except our Lorya. She was calm; she acted as if nothing was happening. The strong winds blew at her, but her feet were planted firmly on the ground. She was going to do the unthinkable. At least, she was going to try to. She was going to ride the dragon.
Lorya waited for the right moment. The Dragon was not too near, but it was swift and coming at this place with great speed. Lorya scanned the area for a tree; a tall tree that was easy to climb. Her answer was found to her left, and up she shinnied. She waited patiently; something that proved a challenge for the girl. After several minutes, the Dragon was upon the village. The meat Lorya had set as bait attracted the beast, and it flew down to it. The rope Lorya had picked up was ready. This Dragon had no horns, so she must try to lasso it around the creature’s neck. The hole was big enough for his head, surprisingly, and slipped right on. She tightened it and waited for the Dragon to finish. How long would it take? After a while the carcass was still there, and Lorya eased her way down and toward the dragon. “Steady, now, steady. Just lie still and I’ll be on in a second,” Lorya said softly. The Dragon’s teeth were visible, and it was tearing into the flesh. Lorya made sure the rope was not tangled, and she climbed onto the back of the Dragon, just between the wings. She could hear it breathing, and she tried to peer over the shoulders. It was not possible. But it was through shortly, and took flight. Lorya dug her knees into the scaly skin and held tight. She couldn’t believe it! She was riding a dragon!

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When they reached the Dragon’s Lair, Lorya was surprised to find it so close by. Why, they had only flown over the village and 10 fields, and were approaching the Snowy Mountain! The Dragon flew into a crevice in the mountain and stopped abruptly at a cave entrance. The beast snarled, and Lorya suddenly remembered that this really couldn’t be happening. No one could possibly ride upon the back of a Dragon. She clung to the rope and dug her knees deeper into the Dragon’s side, and clenched her teeth. If she fell off, the beast would surely kill her! The Dragon roared hideously. It snarled and slashed its teeth and stout claws into the air. ‘ I wonder why,’ Lorya thought, and then realized she was hurting the creature by digging into its skin. She softened, and the Dragon was again calm. It checked for any intruders, and walked into the dark, dank, cave. Lorya could see nothing.
Soon, the walls were illuminated by a soft glow. It could not possibly be the Dragon; for it would have breathed fire that would light the whole mountain up. But the glow stayed near to the beast’s body, and Lorya could not see but 3 yards ahead. They were going through a corridor; the Dragon was crouching so as not to hit the ceiling. Presently it opened into a dry cavern; very bare save some bones strewn about and hollowed bowls where the water had dripped to form little puddles. The Dragon heaved and sighed, and lay down. It took its claw and snapped the rope, and Lorya slid down onto the ground with a *thud*. The Dragon stood up; towering above the girl. She didn’t move; she couldn’t move. She closed her eyes, awaiting the fire that would come forth and devour her in a burst of bright flames. It never came. Instead she heard the Dragon say, in an inquisitive voice, “Why do you fear me?” Lorya was awestruck. “B-b-because you are a Dragon, and
you may have smitten me with your fire and I would be no more,” Lorya said in a quivering voice; partly because she was still alive and also because the dragon had a voice. Then it laughed, and Lorya backed up some. “What made you think that? Oh, no, with creatures that can also speak and use their minds wisely, we do not scorch them; nor harm them in any other way, unless they harm us first. But I am only speaking of the kind Dragons; for though few Dragons remain, some have good hearts and others have bad hearts,” It said, and gave another laugh. Lorya stumbled in her mind; she groped for the right words. “But you are still a Dragon, and can do with me whatever you choose,” Lorya said, and jutted her chin out. The Dragon seemed amused, and asked her, “Pray tell me what you are named,” the Dragon said, and the girl stuttered, “It’s... it is... I mean... it’s Lorya.” The beast stroked its chin, as in deep thought, and said, “ Are you familiar to the Tale of the Dawn?” In truth, Lorya had never heard this Tale, and said very quickly, “No.” The Dragon (who was standing up at the time) sat down and said, “well, with the title Lorya, you must hear it,” the Dragon paused, “And I will tell it.”
“Long ago, in the time before your grandfather, or even his grandfather, Dragons and Human Folk dwelled together in harmony. Those who were titled in Dragon Speech were destined to be Dragon Riders of the Dawn. In that time, many were given Dragon Names, in the Dragon Speech, for the Riders of the Dawn were greatly needed. Many a time Dragons and their riders went to war; appearing as the first finger of Dawn crept through the chill and darkness of night. And the Dragons died victoriously, and if their riders remained the Dragons were wept over and greatly missed by the true Dragon Riders of the Dawn. This was the time of great fortune.
“But as the time passed, people named their sons and daughters carelessly; and soon the Majesty of Dragons was forgotten, for their riders were not worthy of their names. Then begun the rumors of Dragons turning on their riders, and the beautiful creatures were forgotten and avoided. Although the pure and true Riders stayed loyal to the Dragons, talk began that the Dragons were dangerous and only creatures to be slain. The Knights began to search out the poor, misunderstood creatures and slay them; only for their own glory and for the riches of a Dragon’s hoard. It was then that the Dragons parted into two groups; those who would fight back the Human Folk and steal of their livestock; and those who roamed only the wilds; for they knew of which Human Folk were of the ancient Dragon Riders of the Dawn.
“As time passed the Knights were finding less and less hoards, and less glory in the slaying of a Dragon. They ceased slaying the beasts, and they became legends in Tales of the Old Times. But the descendants still named their children in the Dragon Speech; though seldom did the bearer of the name find the Dragon they were to ride. But those who did sometimes rode out with their Dragons to war when the first finger of Dawn crept through the chill and darkness of night.”

Lorya was amazed at this legend. How come she had never heard it before? “Well,” She stammered, “That was quite a good story. But why did I need to hear it?” The Dragon tapped its foot impatiently, as if the answer was obvious. “You are destined to be a Dragon Rider; and that is your fate,” then it added, “Your name ‘Lorya’ means Dawn, or in Dragon Speech, Dregin. SO it is your duty to awaken the Dragons.” Lorya’s eyes were wide with amazement. She must awaken the Dragons? How could this be possible? The only reason she had ridden this Dragon who was talking to her was for thrill, not to take up this deed! “B-but, where are they?”Lorya said, for she did not know what else to say. The Dragon stroked its chin again, and then finally said, “I have something for you. Stay here.” It hustled into another hallway and came out with a small chest in its claws. “What’s this?” Lorya said. “This,” said the Dragon, “Is the Account of Old King Gwondolyn. It includes a few papers you will need for this mission.” Lorya just hoped she wouldn’t have to carry around a big chest filled with papers. “Well... what do I need?” The Dragon answered, “You need a map, a poem, a list, and a...” Lorya cut it off. “What kind of list?” She was beginning to get bold again. “And a piece of information. The list is of the ingredients of a special medicine that will awaken the Dragons. Also there is a valuable mirror of Dragon scales. You will be able to talk to me whenever you look at it and say, ‘I wish to be with Yanril.’” Lorya nodded her head.

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“Thank you for your help,” Lorya said. She had stayed with Yanril for a time and must be off on her quest. The sword, dagger, an old book of poetry, her Shrouding Cloak, the Mirror, and the papers were the only things she would take, save a few quendils. Yanril showed her a path down the mountain, and said, “Oh, there’s one more thing. Before your first stop, the Faerie Dome, you will find an Oak Tree with a crystal embedded in the bark. Take it out, and you will know what kind of Dragon you will ride. Now, be quick, and on your way. I have some other business to see to.” Lorya waved, and stared on the trail. She was in high sprits, for Yanril had taught her much of the Dragon Riders of the Dawn. She had also taught Lorya of the Dragon Ways and much more. But now they must part, and Lorya was feeling brave and heroic. Who would have ever thought that she would be on such a quest?
Along the way, Lorya found a berry bush. These were common in her village, and she ate as many as she pleased. They were raspberries, her absolute favorite. ‘Today,’ she thought, ‘My life is wonderful.’
By nightfall, Lorya was getting weary. Maybe this wouldn’t be so great after all. Suddenly, she understood. This was not some silly little quest that began and ended in a short time. This would be hard, tricky, and dangerous. It was going to be like the Tales Yanril had told her. “Oh, I miss you, dear Yanril,” she sighed, for the She-Dragon had grown to be her friend. In fact, the Dragon was her only friend, except for her twin brother, Daigan, and he was away at the palace learning to be soldier. Lorya already knew how wield a sword, for Yanril had taught her. She lay down, and soon fell to sleep.
In the morning, Lorya was rejuvenated and ready to continue. She walked for a ways, and listened to the birds an felt the sun on her back. She stopped abruptly at the edge of a forest, amazed fully. For there, right in front of her face, stood the Oak tree Yanril had spoken of on that day not so long ago. For embedded in the bark of the tree was a crystal. She was on her first step to becoming a Dragon Rider of the Dawn!