#feat a

The sky was always bright in the desert. Day or night, it was always easy to navigate. I had no fear of getting lost.

I didn’t really fear the little creatures scampering around either. With my toes in the sand and the breeze in my hair, it made me feel untouchable. Or maybe he did.

Just like every trip, it was time to return home, and the best way was in the last dark hours of the morning, strumming my lyre and skipping along as geckos and scorpions twitched and ran beside me.

On my hip bounced my shoes, a small bag of jewels and a painted dragon charm. Its soft red metallic tint made it look like a real copper dragon.

It reminded me of him.

I hummed to myself softly, feeling the rays of the sun climb the exposed skin of my legs, back and shoulders. My body buzzed with warmth, and I spun around, the tassels from my clothes jingling.

“There’s my little dancer,” purred a voice from above.

He always loved my dancing.

I couldn’t help but smile. “Where else would I be?” I shrugged a shoulder and rocked on my feet; my fingers wrapped around my lyre behind me.

The rising sun made his copper scales sparkle, his elegant wings waving to keep himself afloat. He looked so weightless.

He chuckled, a smile warming his face and my own more than the sun. “I never know where I might find you.”

I giggled. “Don’t be silly, Nerhuthan. I’d never be far from you.” I held my hands up to him, hooking my lyre on my belt.

He lowered himself down gently in front of me, his head in my hands. Nerhuthan pushed his face against them and hummed. “I’ve missed you.”

My face softened and I pecked his snout. “Well, I’m home now, Tan.” I scratched under his jaw, just where he liked it. His rear leg tapped on the ground quickly. I giggled softly and removed my hand.

Nerhuthan hummed, deep and loud. “With plenty of time to give me affection and tell me all the tales from your travels.” He sat down and set out his forearms for me to sit in.

I took my spot in his hold, and he took off towards his lair, hidden behind an outcropping of stone in a cool canyon. He tightened his hold on me gently and landed in the cave, warm candlelight replaced the dull orange of the rising sun.

I jumped out of Nerhuthan’s arms and looked over the cave. Not much had changed; the hoard was its usual size of gold, gems, and burnished metals, catching the light in its most beautiful way, adding red, blue, green, and silver hues to the cave. Hung above the hoard, and opposite our nest, was the portrait he’d had made of us; me stood in front, Nerhuthan behind me, head over my shoulder and claws around my waist caringly. My purple outfit complimented his copper scales well; similar to the teal one I was wearing now. I’d gotten used to the portrait, even if I thought was a bit over-the-top originally.

Nerhuthan slithered up behind me and put his claws around my waist. “I really like when you wear these dancer outfits.”

Heat rose to my face and lifted my head to look at him. “And why’s that? Because there’s a lot of skin on show?” I teased.

He shook his head. “No. Though I do like that too. Dragons are all natural, after all.” He winked. “But I like it more because I met you in an outfit like this.” He licked my bare shoulder delicately.

“Well ain’t you a sweet sentimentalist?” I smiled and pecked his cheek. I slipped out of his hold and made my way over to my wardrobe and dressing screen.

Nerhuthan followed me over. “How could I not admire my greatest treasure of all? And the tale of how I found her.”

I spun to look at him when I was beside the wardrobe. “Well, you have a lovely portrait to admire, don’t you?” I smirked and reached to grab my nightwear.

“Do you not like it?” his voice was soft, wounded sounding.

I looked at him quickly, feeling bad that I’d upset him. “No, I do. I like it.” I shuffled over to him and reached to pet his face. He pushed his head into my hands. I sighed softly and kissed his forehead. “I was just teasing. I just meant that when I’m not here you can still admire me.”

Nerhuthan looked aside. “It’s not the same,” he said.

My face softened, and I lifted his head in my hands. “I know it’s not. I wouldn’t want to stare at a portrait of my handsome guy over you being here.”

His lips lifted into a curl, and he licked my face, chuckling. “Knew you cared.”

I gasped and crossed my arms. “How dare you?!” I turned my back to him.

Nerhuthan nudged me with his snout. “I’m sorry.”

I sighed and touched his face softly. “It’s alright.” I went behind my screen and grabbed my nightwear. “You’re sentenced to not seeing me ‘all natural’, though.” I stuck out my tongue and got changed.

“You wound me!” he said dramatically, but he didn’t come any closer to look over the screen.

I came out in a vest and shorts, stretching and striding towards the mass of blankets and pillows. I jumped into it, sinking right in.

Nerhuthan chuckled and joined me, the bed bowing and shifting under his weight. “So, tell me, little dancer, what news have you brought?”

I rolled over, curling up as I faced him. “Well, as you know, I went to the Arn Forest, not far from here really, but the rest of the performers were eager to stay. The audiences tipped well and were very uh, friendly towards us.” That was the best way to put it, but my skin crawled.

Nerhuthan narrowed his eyes at me. “What does that mean?” a growl rose in his voice.

I chewed my lip. “They uh, were very touchy-feely. I handled it though… no thanks to any of my co-workers,” I huffed.

He was silent for a moment, contemplating my words. “Well, maybe next time I should come with you. Those that touch a dragon’s treasure—"

“—lose a finger.” I finished. “I know. And usually, I’d disagree with you, but… I think that might be needed.”

He reached a gentle paw to my face and touched his nose to my hair. “I will protect you. You know that.”

I nodded and touched his face. “Anyways. Other than that, it was fine. Heard some folktale, sang some songs. Danced a lot.”

Nerhuthan tilted his head. “Oh? And would you like to share?”

I nodded. He always enjoyed hearing about all the cultures and stories I heard about. If he could’ve been there himself to learn, he would’ve. Talking about all I’d learned always brought me back to the night we’d met, all thanks to the party hosted in Zlinding, at the hand of the ruler of Alberaad—the state we lived in.

*~*~*~*

The night was young and lively; the moon lit the courtyard and music filled the air. I was dancing on the raise floor, hips swaying quickly. Our partnering band played behind me and the other dancers.

The crowd in front of me was joining in the beat and offering coins into the purses hanging on our belts or at the tips of our feet. They encouraged the music, and the music encouraged us. The rhythm possessed my mind and body. Nothing could break the connection.

Until I saw him.

An elegant slender body of copper scales, topaz eyes fixated on the stage. On us. on me.

My face heated up and my thoughts paused completely. Time seemed to drag on for the couple of seconds we locked eyes. His lips curled and before I could pull myself out of this trance and talk to him, he slipped a large gold coin into the purse on my lip.

I knew I was thankful, but no words came out of my mouth. It took the dancer beside me, Miley, nudging me to speak.

“Thank you!” I shouted over the music.

He bobbed his head and remained with the crowd, and even when we tidied up our stage, collecting the dropped coins, roses and gemstones, he lingered in the courtyard.

While the musicians and dancers packed up the wagons, he was sat patiently by the archway, talking with some of the passing musicians, my boss, Jarmid, included. I glided my way over to them, curious about the gathering.

Before I reached them, Jarmid came to me. “He quite likes you. He could be a good patron. Entertain him for a bit.”

I glanced at the dragon; he looked as warm as his scales did. I wiped my sweaty brow and fixed my hair. “I’ll try.”

“You will,” Jarmid pressured, and pushed me in the dragon’s direction.

I stumbled into the ring of people and bowed to the dragon. “You’ve been of great support tonight.” I smiled as bright as I could and lifted my head.

He acknowledged me with a nod and shifted his position to see me better. “You were quite the artist up there, my lady. I enjoyed your performance.” His voice was warm and soothing, like honey, aged but not too old. He seemed trustworthy, and the bag on his chest and the jewellery he wore on his horns, neck, legs, and tail all showed he could be quite a wealthy client.

“Why thank you. You tipped ever so generously up there,” I gestured my head towards the stage.

He chuckled. “I had to. Such a masterpiece such as yourself needs to be donned with gold!”

I smiled widely and played with my hair to ease my thumping heart. “Th-That’s very sweet of you, sir.”

He waved his bejewelled paw. “Please, call me Nerhuthan.”

I nodded. “And I am (Y/N).”

*~*~*~*

Nerhuthan nudged me with his snout. “It’s good that you got home safe, and that the trip wasn’t too awful, even with the local’s… interest.”

I nodded and massaged Nerhuthan’s claw. “Me too. Also! I found the art so interesting there. The wood sculptures were wonderful!”

He nodded and hummed. “Maybe I should commission one of you.”

I laughed. “Don’t go too extreme, Tan.” I kissed his claw. “What about you? What has my pretty mate gotten up to?”

Nerhuthan smiled widely and reached behind him. “An old friend got in contact with me!” He presented a scroll with a broken seal.

“Oh wow. Who?” I took it from him and opened it up to scan through.

“Haamafaat, my old Djinn friend.”

The name bounced around in my head. Nerhuthan had won his lamp in a wager before he’d returned to the Elemental Plane. They had been friends for a number of decades by now.

“And he wishes to meet up with you?” I looked up from the letter. So far, it had been full of briefings of events in Haamafaat’s life; the reuniting of him with the other Djinni, some summoning he’d had at the hands of a distant king, and the finishing of his palace.

He shook his head. “Not just me. Us. He invited me to bring my partner if I had one. And I’d like to bring you.” He beamed.

I looked at the letter. “I wouldn’t want to impose on your boys’ day. You’ve not seen him in so long!”

Nerhuthan shook his head. “Nonsense! He’s invited you. Us. Plus, he’d call me a liar if I raved about you and not bring you—” he rolled his eyes, “—how embarrassing would that be if I blabbered on about you only for him to laugh.”

I giggled. “Alright. Let’s sleep on it. Let him know later to expect me to be with you.”

He nodded and touched his snout to my forehead. “That sounds perfect, (Y/N).” He gently took the scroll from me, and I yawned. “Let’s rest.” With a clap of his paw, the cave went dark, and I snuggled in under his wing.

*~*~*~*

Haamafaat was an eccentric guy. No major details or detailed instructions followed. Just a note saying to be ready on the evening of the full moon and “someone would be sent for us”.

I sighed and put the letter aside as I made a small pack for us. I was nervous about this and confused. Haamafaat was so strange, but Nerhuthan trusted him, and I trusted Nerhuthan.

“Do not worry, little dancer,” Nerhuthan hummed and touched his snout to the back of my neck. “We will be safe. All is taken care of.”

Nodding, I turned to look at him. “I know. I just don’t understand any of this. We’re travelling to a whole new plane! This isn’t like travelling a bit south and popping in to see some gathering of nobles in a city. We’re going to be around a bunch of Djinni and-and pixies and stuff!”

He chuckled. “We’ll be just fine, (Y/N). You’ll be fine.” He looked out the cave mouth. The sky was a dark orange, and the air was cooling. “Let’s head out, shall we?” He recommended we stay in a large, open space.

I stood up and grabbed my shawl to slip on. “Let’s.” I nodded. Nerhuthan reached to pick me up and place me on his back.

Nerhuthan kept his pace slow so I wouldn’t be thrown about as he walked out of the canyon and out into the dunes. He stood still with me and counted down to the moment we were supposed to join our guide.

When the sun and moon shared the sky, seated on opposite sides of the horizon, a portal opened in front of us from thin air. A blast of air and a glaring blue light hit us, causing a whirlwind of sand to swarm around us. I hid behind Nerhuthan’s neck and shut my eyes; the shawl caught in the wind and slapping my body.

Nerhuthan straightened his neck and watched the portal. “Haamafaat?” he questioned. I peeked an eye open. A dark figure was stepping the portal. As she emerged, we could see her better. She appeared young, with a slim sky-blue face, cracked with pale lightning bolts, and white long curly locks framing her looks. She wore a short loose white blouse and beige pantaloons, but her legs weren’t very solid looking. They were like a thick whorl of smoke curling and dancing towards the ground. Looking over her, she wasn’t much taller than me.

Nerhuthan jerked. “You’re not Haamafaat.” He bared his teeth, wings stiffening.

She shook her head. “No, Haamafaat is my father. I am Celeste. He sent me to bring you, the finest of his children.” She bowed. “It’s an honour to meet you, Master Nerhuthan.”

Nerhuthan bobbed his head, hastily. “Yes well… none of this ‘Master’ business Celeste.”

Celeste nodded and raised her head. “As you wish.” She peered over Nerhuthan’s shoulder. “Father said you would have company,” she smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too.”

I nodded, squinting at the harsh light. I could feel a migraine forming. “Ye-Yes. Thank you. Great to meet you too.” I shifted on his back and rested my forehead to his neck. The pain was eyewatering. I hugged my shawl closer to me as the wind tugged on it.

Nerhuthan hummed with concern. “Can we travel, please? I’ve waited a long time to see Haamafaat again.” He reached to touch my body, and I put a hand on his paw. He knew.

Celeste agreed. “Of course. Father is eager to see you.” She turned around and floated towards the portal.

I kept my face hidden as I felt Nerhuthan step forward. Even with closed eyes, the bright portal light seeped through to hurt my eyes. A harsh chill hit me as I gripped Nerhuthan. And as soon as the shock passed, I felt warmer, and the area was calmer. A whoosh sounded behind me and all I heard was my breathing.

Nerhuthan twisted his neck to look at me. “You can open your eyes, little dancer,” he said, touching his snout to my head.

Gingerly, I opened my eyes, warm sunlight greeting me. The ground beneath us was green and lush, grass wavering in an easy breeze. A quick glance around was overwhelming. Countless islands were floating in a waterless blue sea of air. No two were the same. Some large some small. A few close ones had palaces and towers built on them. I saw a couple of shimmering blue dragons glide between the masses of dirt and green. I must have gawked because Celeste was giggling. Nerhuthan and I looked at her.

“Mortals always have the funniest reactions,” she grinned.

It was then that I saw that the portal she had opened and led us through was no longer there and had been replaced with a tall white and blue palace, clouds taking the place of hedges and steam bubbling out of a fountain, tumbling down as water would.

Feeling Nerhuthan breathing on my neck made me turn my head, slowly as my headache faded. He looked quite impressed, jaw hanging slack and eyes glistening in awe. He looked quite cute, like a stunned little dragonling.

I smiled softly at him and kissed his snout so get his attention.

Nerhuthan’s gold eyes darted down to me and cleared his throat. “This place is lovely, Celeste. May I ask, though, where does Haamafaat live?”

Celeste gestured her head towards the palace in front of us. “He’ll be in there waiting for you.” She placed something small and dark blue on her shoulder. It scampered across her chest and onto her opposite shoulder, white tipped sticky feet padding across. It was a tiny salamander. I thought it was cute.

Nerhuthan nodded. “Thank you, Celeste.” He turned his body around and made his way through the parted cloud-hedges.

“This place is wonderful,” I whispered to him, gaze moving constantly. A few swift Arrowhawks flew past Haamafaat’s island, and a large Crystal Dragon passed over us, shadowing us for at least a couple of seconds.

“It is, (Y/N),” Nerhuthan nodded, eyes following the Crystal Dragon long enough to pass through one hedge. With a jolt, he looked at his glistening legs, layered in condescension. “Oh no.” He tried to gather some of the neighbouring clouds to make a new hedge, but poor Nerhuthan just enlarged the gap.

“That’ll fix itself, Master Nerhuthan,” came a calm, respectful voice.

Nerhuthan spun around to see the owner of the voice. He was a dark blue djinn before is, dressed in a dark sapphire robe. He bore a tray in his hand and a silver torc on his neck. The tray suggested he was a servant.

Nerhuthan cleared his throat. “Thank you. I was looking for Haamafaat?”

The djinn bowed his head. “Yes, Master Haamafaat will be with you soon. He asked that I prepare tea for you while he deals with business.” He turned, dark blue mist-tail trailing behind him. “Come with me, please.” He started off down a path to the castle.

Nerhuthan felt tense beneath me as he walked, glancing back at the hedge. I pet his neck. “I’m sure Haamafaat will understand it was a mistake. You’re hardly the first to do it,” I assured.

He nodded nervously. “Yes. I hope so.”

The djinn servant led to a covered patio with a set of cream chaises set out with a table beside each. “Please, have a seat.” He went over to a nearby tea station.

Nerhuthan lay on one of the chaises and sighed softly. I slipped off and sat by his head. The servant gave use a couple cups of tea—a large cup for Nerhuthan, and a selection of tea scones, queen cakes and macarons. This place felt too fancy for me.

I slowly pulled off my shawl and looked at Nerhuthan. “I’ve never been in a palace like this.” I said, not willing to grab my tea yet, nervous to spill some on the seat.

Nerhuthan was about to respond when a voice cut him off; “It’s one of a kind!”

We quickly lifted out heads, Nerhuthan grinned. “Hello, old friend.”

Haamafaat stepped onto the patio, glass of wine in hand, contrasting with his dark blue skin and purple robes. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.” He settled down opposite us. “A last-minute meeting was arranged with the caliph.” He rolled his eyes. “So, I had to send Celeste. I hope she wasn’t too… much.” He tilted his head and smiled.

I found myself shaking my head before I could stop myself.

“No. She was a wonderful guide.” Nerhuthan smiled. “It’s good to see you.”