Story - Sea Dragons

"It's getting late," Eldronu reminded Lumider as they floated lazily in the warm water of the lake. "The sun's setting."

"I know, isn't it beautiful?" he answered, squinting into the evening sky. Abruptly, he turned and dived underwater, scaring several fish swimming below.

Eldronu swam towards the lake's shore, grabbed a robe and waited for Lumider. Finally he splashed ashore and towelled off. They both sat there watching the last moments of sunset.

"I wish I could go see the ocean. I've heard it's huge, and even better than this little lake," Lumider said wistfully.

"I'd like to see the ocean too. We can go there once we've saved enough money. Anyway we're both old enough to travel on our own," Eldronu said.

"Maybe we'll have enough money by next year."

"Probably. Come on, we've got to go home."

They packed quickly, and were on the verge of leaving when a voice called out, "Hey, don't leave so soon! I've got an offer for you two." A young woman walked out of the forest, followed by a pale blue dragon.

The two elves watched the dragon carefully, but the blue dragon seemed to be quite peaceful. The woman continued, "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Do you really want to see the ocean?"

Lumider nodded and replied, "Yes, that's right. But who exactly are you?"

"I'm Laikana, rider of Inolith, this dragon here. We're from the planet Alskyr, searching for bonders. It's a long story, but we're helping the Cove find bonders for their clutch."

The explanation only confused them further. "I'm sorry but I don't quite understand. What bonders?" Eldronu asked.

"I guess I should start at the beginning," Laikana said. "We're from Serpent's Reach Caer, where the air dragons like Inolith live. A while ago we were asked by Innascor Colubra Cove to help search for bonders for their sea dragon clutch. Here's what a sea dragon looks like." She pulled out a folded paper from a pocket and handed it to them.

Lumider gazed at the sinuous creature on the paper admiringly. "Looks really sleek and strong."

"Yes, it's a very beautiful colour. This sea dragon's lovely," Eldronu added.

"Since you both love water and the sea, and Inolith finds you suitable, would you care to come with us to try bonding a sea dragon?" Laikana asked hopefully. "Amoriss, the mother of this sea dragon clutch, hopes that all her children will bond. Will you help her fulfil her wish?"

"I will," Eldronu said with a smile. "After all, it's a great chance to travel, and it's always good to help others. Bonding a sea dragon sounds fine to me, and I can even help Amoriss fulfil her wish. We can't let you return empty-handed after travelling so far."

"Count me in too!" Lumider added. "I certainly won't pass up the chance for an adventure, especially if it's off-world. I'm sure these sea dragons look even better in real life than on paper, and I'd love to bond one."

"Wonderful! I'm glad both of you agreed. Now we'll take you home to pack your belongings, and we'll be off to Serpent's Reach in no time," Laikana said, helping them to mount Inolith.

- - - - -

Lumider and Eldronu reached town in a few minutes, thanks to Inolith. Upon reaching home, they packed their luggage quickly and bade farewell to their families. They returned to where Laikana and Inolith were waiting, and took off, heading to another world.

"We're going between now. Don't be afraid, it won't last long," she warned them just as Inolith entered the cold darkness of between.

They were trembling both with cold and fright as the dragon reappeared over Serpent's Reach and glided down towards the beach. "I'll drop you off at the Cove," Laikana said.

An older woman was at the beach, with an indigo sea dragon. Laikana waved and said, "Covelady Odaera, I've found two bonders for you."

"Thank you Laikana, and Inolith too. Please convey my thanks to the Caer for their help," replied Odaera. Once they left, she turned to the two elves. "Amoriss and I would like to warmly welcome you to Innascor Colubra Cove."

"Thank you," Eldronu answered. She turned to watch Amoriss closely. "The real sea dragon's even more beautiful than the picture."

Lumider was staring at the sea. "I can't believe we're finally seeing the ocean! I'm sure we'll have a great time here, whether we bond or not."

"I'll show you to your quarters. Just follow me," Odaera told them. The elves picked up their bags and followed her to a building near the beach.

- - - - -

Eldronu bonded Indigo Siness

Lumider bonded Green Zadillass