#half-dragon

Wellis didn’t take much interest in you and left you to the nursemaids. He wasn’t cruel to you, just… indifferent. When you were a year old, however, Count Wellis married and in short order had a daughter of his own, which he doted on. Leina would always say that this new baby born into the household marked the end of your childhood.

The new countess of the house did not take to you at all and seemed to see you as a threat. She was cold, harsh, and scolded you often over trifles. Over time, she began to implement new rules that you were to follow and no one was to question her. You were no longer allowed to sit at the high table and were made to take meals with the maids in the kitchens. You were to dress plainly; most of your wardrobe was secondhand and did not fit properly. You were not to play with her daughter or ask for anything, even on your birthday. You were moved from the room that the count had given you and your nurse when you first arrived to make room for the new baby’s playroom. You and Leina were to share a room in the servants’ quarters instead.

Wellis did nothing to stop his wife and let her treat you how she pleased. Allia, their child, watched her mother’s treatment of you and followed in her footsteps. She was five years old when she demanded a personal handmaid, and she chose you for the job. Countess Kina agreed, saying that you already spent all your time with the servants so you might as well become one. You obeyed the order. It’s not like you were in any position to refuse.

Where the countess was cold, Allia was cruel and had a mean streak. Disobeying her orders would earn slaps and kicks. She would pull your hair if you didn’t do things quickly enough. You were seven the first time she punched you full in the face, and it was because you pulled a snag in her hair too hard by accident.

She also had odd rules for you, too, like her mother. You were to be her shadow and follow her wherever she went in anticipation for her orders, but you were not to walk too close to her or too far behind. The exact distance changed constantly, so you were never doing it right no matter how hard you tried. You were meant to dress and undress her every day, but she grew angry whenever you touched her clothing, so fulfilling your duties properly was next to impossible. You were never to be thinner than her, but she was the one who approved your meals, and she never offered you enough to satiate your appetite and you were always hungry, therefore you stayed thin as a rail and it infuriated her. You started wearing several layers of clothes to seem bulkier. It had the added bonus of being cushioning against the abuse.

Leina could do nothing to help you. You were officially the foster child of the count, and therefore his property. Unlike Leina, you couldn’t leave your position because you were dissatisfied with the work or environment. You were stuck in this place until you came of age, possibly longer. It wasn’t as if they were paying you, either, as they did the other servants. You were technically family, and they were not obligated to pay family.

“Leina,” You had asked her once. “Can you tell me about my real parents? What were they like?”

“Kind,” Leina had said with a sad sigh. She had chosen to stay in the employ of the count, if only to do what she could to protect you. “Your parents were many things, but they were kind above all. They would weep and rage to see you treated this way.”

“But, I’ve always been treated this way,” You said in confusion. “Is it very unusual?”

“It is grotesque and monstrous,” She said, her face hardening. “I wouldn’t treat a cockroach the way these people treat you. They should be on their knees, begging you for forgiveness, especially that count. Some friend he was to your father.”

“You shouldn’t speak so, Leina!” You said, looking around your room. “His Lordship will be angry.”

“Then let him be angry. I’d say it to his face, had I the chance. Sadly, I feel like it would not be me who was punished, but you, dear child. So for your sake I hold my tongue.” She tutted and stabbed her knitting with her needle. “I wish there was someone I could speak to about it. Someone above his head. If I could go to the king and speak on your behalf, I would.”

“That’s kind of you, Leina,” I said. “I doubt the king would care much about the circumstances of a servant.”

“You’re not meant to be his lordship’s servant,” Leina said. “You’re meant to be his daughter.”

You had no answer to this, so you fell silent.

When you were ten, Leina was dismissed suddenly and without cause, much to the dismay of both of you. The countess said that you were well past the age to still need a nanny, so there was no reason to keep Leina. Leina had been the only mother you had ever known, and you didn’t know how to cope without her, but you had no choice. There were many tears shed the day she left and for many days after. You were promptly moved to the attic. The room was large but sparse, with only a straw mattress on the floor and a single table on which to place a candle. There was no place to keep your clothes and few belongings. You resorted to keeping them neatly folded and tucked at the foot of your mattress. The attic also had no fireplace, so it stayed rather cold. It was hard to sleep in a new place, alone and freezing, but this was simply how it was going to be from then on. You would just have to get used to it.

The only joy you experienced at all was working in the stables when Allia took her afternoon naps. The stable master was happy for the extra hands, despite you being so young, and you loved taking care of creatures who actually appreciated you for doing it. You became friends with all the horses and the stable dog, and the stablehands were all like silly uncles who looked out for you and taught you funny, if a bit unsavory, jokes. 

Countess Kina and Lady Allia hosted parties and balls quite often throughout the years, and you were not permitted to attend any of them, not even as a server. You were locked in your attic room for the entirety of the events, though you weren’t sure why. Honestly, you had no wish to go, even if you were allowed. It seemed to you that all nobility were terrible and unkind, and you simply did not wish to be near any more of them than you absolutely needed to be.

Lady Allia had her debut party when she turned eighteen. She spent the weeks leading up to it more agitated and fussy than normal.

“The queen will be there!” She was telling you during her fitting. You were helping her keep her balance on the stool while the seamstress took her measurements for a new gown. “Can you believe that? She’s in the county for some humanitarian nonsense, so my father sent her an invitation! She just replied that she will attend! Oh, I’m so excited! I’ve only seen the queen in passing, but I’ve never met or spoken to her!”

“How wonderful, my Lady!” You replied automatically. You were well aware by now of what responses would earn you the fewest abuses.

“Isn’t it?” She replied, looking herself up and down in the mirror. “She’s a beautiful woman, the queen. If getting a bit old, I daresay.”

“She surely is not as beautiful as you, my Lady,” You said.

Her hand came around and smacked you on the side of the head. You took the hit without a reaction, and the seamstress kept her head down as though she hadn’t noticed.

“Don’t speak ill of the queen!” Allia snapped. “Though you have a point,” She mused, continuing to look at her reflection. “You know the king and queen have never had a child. Isn’t that sad? They have no heir to inherit the throne. Well, other than some distant nephew of the queen’s that no one’s ever met, but he’s old, too, I’ve heard.”

“He has elven heritage, I believe,” The seamstress said. “They don’t age as we do. If he’s of a similar age as the queen, he’d still be considered quite young.” 

“That’s true. He keeps out of the public eye for some reason, so not many people have met him. But he’ll have to show himself in high society eventually if he does end up becoming the heir.”

“The queen has not passed her child-bearing years yet, my lady. She has elvish ancestry as well, after all,” The seamstress said. “She may yet conceive.”

“Don’t be absurd,” Allia scoffed. “She’s only a quarter elvish, if that. She and the king have been married for what? Forty, nearly fifty years? If they were to have had an heir, they’d have done so long before now.”

“Perhaps so, my lady,” The seamstress said, straightening up. “Well, I shall get started right away on your debut gown.”

“Good,” Allia said shortly, then turned to you. “All this work has made me hungry. Go and make me some biscuits and tea, and do it quickly.”

“Yes, my Lady,” You said, curtsying, and followed the seamstress from the room.

As you walked together to the kitchens, the seamstress looked at you sidelong.

“You alright, dearie?” She asked.

“Yes, I’m fine,” You replied. “Not to worry.”

“Hmm,” She hummed. “See to it that you get yourself some tea, too, eh? No reason to go rushing back.”

“I’ll be punished,” You replied simply, and walked more quickly to the kitchen, passing her and leaving her behind you.

The evening of the debut came and went, and you spent it alone in your cold attic, as always. There was a shutter window with slats that you could look out from and watch as all the guests arrived.

You spotted a carriage that had to have belonged to the queen. It was resplendent, painted white and red with gold gilding. Out of it hopped an armed guard and a well-dressed, demure woman who held a gilded box. Lastly, a woman of great beauty stepped down from the interior. Her clothes were fine and well-fitted, and simple yet tasteful jewelry adorned her neck and ears. She wore a thin band of gold around her head with a single teardrop ruby hanging down her forehead that matched her garments perfectly, her hair carefully plaited around it.

Despite yourself, you held the slats open slightly so that you could see her better. She carried herself with an air of import, but not obnoxiously so. She stood straight-backed and with confidence, walking with her entourage toward the house and out of sight.

The ball went on well into the early morning hours. Afterward, Allia was unusually quiet and reserved during her undressing. It wasn’t until the late breakfast the next morning that you learned why as you were pouring mulled wine for the table.

“It’s an honor to be asked!” Wellis said.

“And so what if it is?” Allia sniffed. “A lady-in-waiting is nothing more than a glorified servant. I am the daughter of a count; it is beneath me.” She frowned thoughtfully. “Perhaps I could have my own lady-in-waiting, if I were to accept.”

“What sort of servant has their own servant?” Wellis mused.

“Exactly my point!” Allia retorted. “You’re alright with the notion of me being a servant, are you, father? The idea!”

“Really, Wellis, the thought is unseemly!” Countess Kina said disdainfully, staring down at her plate as she sawed into her lamb. “No child of mine is to clean up like some common maid, even if it is the queen.”

“So what will you tell her, when you attend the ball?” Wellis asked neutrally, setting down his cutlery and peering at his daughter across the table.

“Must I go?” Allia replied, her voice becoming wheedling. “I don’t want to.”

“You’ve always said it was your dream to attend a ball at the castle,” Wellis said.

“That was before,” She said, her voice growing increasingly shrill. “I don’t want to have to tell her that I don’t want to be her lady-in-waiting. Can’t you just send her a letter?”

“No,” Wellis said firmly. You were shocked; this was the only time you’d ever seen him put his foot down against his wife or daughter. “If you don’t want the position, that’s fine. But this is the queen. A letter isn’t good enough; you must tell her in person. I don’t care how or when, but you’re going to tell her yourself.”

“Mother!” Allia said, turning to Countess Kina.

“I’m afraid I have to agree with your father, darling,” Countess Kina said. “After all, what would people say if you hid away after the queen had the grace to be present during your debut? It would be shameful.”

“What’s so shameful about it?” Allia pouted.

“You know how people in our circles gossip, dear, and we have a reputation to maintain. For women of our station, reputation is everything. You wouldn’t want the wrong things to reach Her Majesty’s ears, would you?” Countess Kina took a sip of her wine and gave her daughter a calculated look. “Make up whatever lie you wish: you’re getting married, you’re studying abroad, you’re doing charity work, whatever. But you must tell her yourself.”

“This isn’t fair!” Allia said, folding her arms angrily. “You can’t make me do it.”

“Sit up straight and stop acting like a child!” Countess Kina replied sharply, and Allia abruptly sat up. If there was one thing Allia feared, it was her mother’s anger. “You are going to the castle, you are attending that ball, and you will tell the queen herself that you do not want the position. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes, Mother,” Allia said in a sullen undertone.

“Good,” Countess Kina said, satisfied. “You have two months to come up with a story that’s believable. I’ll help you make it as convincing as I can, of course. And we’ll have plenty of time to have new gowns made worthy of the castle.”

Allia perked up at the sound of new clothes. “Very well, Mother. Who knows? Perhaps I’ll meet a suitor there. Maybe even the queen’s nephew! Isn’t he a duke? I don’t care if he’s old; I could end up giving birth to the next heir to the kingdom! Wouldn’t that be something?”

“We shall see,” Countess Kina said coyly, winking at her daughter. You tried very hard not to roll your eyes. “He’s an elusive fellow. There’s not much in the gossip circles about him. I’m not even sure whether or not he even lives in the castle. His mother was a much older half-sister of the queen and he’s only slightly younger than she, that’s all I know. But if anyone could catch his eye, it would be you, my darling.”

You didn’t immediately realize that if Allia was going, you would be going as well as her handmaid. You had never even dreamed of being able to leave Comisor Manor, let alone ever see the royal castle. The idea was both daunting and exhilarating. In two months time, both Countess Kina and Allia had an entirely new wardrobe fit for the royal castle. You felt sorry for the poor seamstress; her hands had been worked to the bone to finish them in time.

A new set of rules had been imposed upon you for when we were at the castle: you were not to speak to anyone above your station. You were to stay inside the castle and not leave for any reason. If anyone asked you if you needed anything, you were to say no and excuse yourself immediately. Under no circumstances were you to go anywhere near the ball as it was occurring. If you even thought about talking to the king or queen, you could expect a sound beating when you got back home. The new rules weren’t much different than the regular ones, so you didn’t expect you’d have much trouble following them.

The day arrived when Countess Kina, Allia, and you were to embark on the three day carriage ride to the castle. Wellis had county business to attend to and wouldn’t be going to the castle, and instead hired on a guard to escort you there and back. You had no luggage, so the cook lent you a flour sack to put your clothes in. You were also to ride on the coachman’s box and not the interior of the carriage, clutching your bag. Honestly, it was preferable.

You slept at inns on the way to the castle, though Countess Kina did not want to pay for a room for you and Allia hated the idea of the two of you sharing a room, so you slept inside the carriage. The guards and carriagemen had brought their own provisions and were kind enough to share them with you, so you ate with them in the stables.

“A woman shouldn’t be eatin’ with the livestock, miss,” One of the guards, Collier, said as he shared his bread with you. “If this is how your people are treatin’ you, you should find new employment, if you’ll pardon me sayin’ so.”

“They’re not my employers,” You replied, smiling. “They’re my family.”

He frowned in confusion.

“It’s alright, sir,” You said. “Thank you for your concern. I’m used to it.”

He didn’t ask further and you didn’t elaborate.

You reached the royal castle just before evening on the third day. You were sitting on the coachbox with the driver and were able to see it first. It was lovely. White and black marble towers rose high against the mountains, casting shadows over the city. Colorful banners waved energetically in the wind and gigantic stained glass windows were splashed here and there, catching the eye. It was the most beautiful thing you’d ever seen.

The carriage pulled up to the gate of the wall and stopped to show the invitations to the gate guards before the large doors were opened to allow you passage. Another ten minutes of travel brought you to the large double doors, at least twenty feet high, guarded by four knights. The carriage stopped and you jumped down as the footman opened the door for Allia. You went to the covered cart with the bags and began collecting the luggage with the coachman and Countess Kina’s personal maid, who had also made the trip. She had ridden in the covered cart with the luggage out of the elements, a luxury not afforded to you.  

Allia was met by a lady-in-waiting who was flanked by six maids. 

“Greetings and welcome, Countess Kina and Lady Allia,” The lady-in-waiting said. “I am Lady Rhianna, daughter of Marquess Donan. I’m here to take you to your quarters at Her Majesty’s request.” 

“We thank you,” Countess Kina said, curtseying respectfully. Allia followed suit. 

“This way,” Lady Rhianna said, turning. 

The six maids stepped back and allowed Lady Rhianna, Countess Kina, and Lady Allia to pass them before falling in line behind them as if they were a marching company of soldiers, precise in their movements. None of them offered to help you carry the bags. You and the others waited a moment before carting the luggage inside, following the group at an appropriate distance. You could hear Lady Rhianna giving Allia and the countess some history of the castle as they passed notable areas, though you were too busy schlepping bags to absorb anything she said. 

 When you finally made it to the rooms in which the countess and Allia were to stay, you took the luggage into the room and began unpacking while Allia made small talk with Lady Rhianna. 

 “The ball will be held tomorrow evening at twilight, following the banquet,” Lady Rhianna said. “Please be sure to notify the maid assigned to you when you are ready and they will escort you. It is not recommended that you go anywhere in the castle alone. Elliana will be assigned to the countess,” She motioned to one of the maids, who stepped forward and bowed. “Carrie will be assigned to Lady Allia.” A second maid stepped forward and bowed, and the two rose in unison. They were both middle-aged but obviously had been well kept, as their skin was clear, their hair was clean, and their clothes were pressed. You felt a twinge of envy.

“We understand,” The countess said. “Please thank Her Majesty for her consideration.” 

“I shall do so,” Lady Rhianna said, curtseying. “I’ll take my leave. Have a pleasant evening.” 

“And you as well,” The countess said, curtseying in return. 

Lady Rhianna left the room, and the maids began lighting the candelabras, as dusk was fast approaching. 

“My goodness, Mother,” Allia said, looking around the room, which was quite a bit more opulent than the count’s country home. “Have you ever been any place this magnificent?” 

 “No, my dear,” She replied. “There are few places that can compare to the royal castle. I’ve only been here on a few occasions, but it amazes me each time.” 

Allia snapped her fingers at you. “Finish unpacking and get us dinner.” 

“But I don’t know where the kitchens are,” You protested. Allia responded by slapping you. 

“Then ask someone, you nitwit,” She said, sighing in frustration. “Gods, you’re as stupid as you are ugly. Do you really need me to tell you such things?” 

“No, My Lady,” You said, bowing your head. 

“If you’ll pardon me, My Lady,” Carrie said. “Your supper will be delivered after sundown.” 

“Good,” Allia said, plopping down into one of the chairs in the dining area. “At least some people know how to do their goddamn jobs.” 

“Language, dear,” The countess said. 

Dinner was delivered as promised, and afterward you dressed Allia down and bathed her. She was chattering on about how she needed to look her best the following day if she was going to catch the queen’s nephew’s eye. You swore you heard the other maid snort, but her face was completely neutral when you looked at her. 

The following day, you helped Allia choose a dress for the ball. She cycled through the twelve dresses she brought, suddenly convinced none of them were good enough. She finally chose a bright red dress, and you spent nearly an hour getting her into it. She chose her largest, gaudiest jewelry to wear and shoes that were too small so that her “feet would look dainty.” It took another hour to put her hair into an acceptable style that she was happy with, and she ordered you to festoon it with feathers and jewels. You applied a bit of makeup to her face, but she wasn’t happy with it and took it over. Eventually, after nearly the entire day had passed, she deemed herself ready and flounced out of the door where her mother waited. 

You sat heavily in a chair, exhausted. Nothing could quite take it out of you like Allia could. 

“Are you alright, child?” The maid, Carrie, asked. 

“Yes,” you said with a heavy sigh. 

“Why don’t you go down to the kitchen and get your supper?” She said to you kindly. “It’ll be a long night.” 

“I think I might,” You replied, heaving yourself out of the chair. 

“Come with me,” She said. “I’ll take you there.” 

You ate quietly in the kitchens alone, as all of the other maids were attending guests in the ballroom. Afterward, you made your way slowly back to the quarters that had been assigned to Allia and waited. You were so tired. You couldn’t help but let your eyelids droop, and without meaning to, you dozed off in the chair where you sat.

“I can’t believe this!” Allia said angrily, snapping you back to consciousness. She stomped into the room and threw herself, fully dressed, onto the bed. You jumped to your feet and waited to be called, worried about Allia’s mood. She was more violent when she was distressed. “He didn’t even show up! I waited all night for the queen’s nephew to arrive, and he never came! On top of that, the queen was disappointed in me for turning down the lady-in-waiting position! I can never show my face in high society again!” 

“It’s not as bad as all that,” The countess said, following her into the room. “She just said it was a shame, that’s all. It’s not like you insulted her.” 

“I may as well have!” Allia sobbed. “I turned down the queen! That’s social suicide! What was I thinking?!” 

“This is what you wanted,” The countess replied in exasperation. “You said you didn’t want to be a servant.” 

“And I don’t!” Allia said, her voice muffled against the bed. “But I also didn’t want to lose her favor, either!” 

“You can’t have it both ways, dear,” The countess told her, sitting on the bed next to her. “You decided to not accept her offer. That has consequences.” 

“It’s stupid!” Allia raged. She sat up and folded her arms, pouting. “Why couldn’t you have just sent her a letter?” 

“Because you are an adult, dear,” The countess said. “I can’t always be there to fight your battles. What happens when you get married and something like this happens?” 

“Then my husband will take care of it,” She sniffed. “That’s what a husband is for.” 

“Dear, really,” The countess said with a sigh. “It’s over now. The ball is done. We’re leaving tomorrow. There’s no reason to cry over what’s passed. We look to the future.” 

“What future?” Allia said, wiping her face and smearing her makeup. “I was supposed to become a duchess, but he didn’t even come to the ball.” 

“There will be other opportunities,” The countess said reassuringly. “I’ll make sure of it.” 

“How will you do that?” 

“I’ll think of something,” The countess assured her. 

“This is all because I didn’t bring my favorite fan,” Allia said. “It’s good luck. Remember when I received it and that baron who said rude things to me got his title revoked? I should have had it with me.” 

“Where is it?” The countess asked.

“I left it in the carriage,” Allia said. “You!” Allia leapt off of the bed and strode up to you, pushing you to the ground. “You were responsible for my things, so it’s your fault! Go and get it right this instant!” 

You didn’t tell her that you didn’t know where the carriages were being stored, or that it was late in the night and most people were either cleaning up after the ball or asleep and you couldn’t ask anyone where they were, or ask how you could have known her fan was in the carriage if you weren’t allowed in it, and you didn't remind her that she had told you that you weren't allowed to leave the castle. Instead, you got to your feet, bowed, and left the room. 

It took you nearly an hour and asking the few late-night workers in the castle, but you eventually found the place where the carriages were being kept. Crawling into the carriage that the countess and Allia had taken, you found the fan on the floor. Snorting derisively, you picked it up and tucked it into your belt. So much for being good luck. Stepping down and closing the door, you turned and made your way back to the castle. 

As you were passing the stables, though, you heard groaning, as if someone were in pain. Cautiously, you inched closer to the open stable doors and looked at the stalls. Most of them were occupied with nervy horses, but one of the stall doors was wide open. It was late and there were no horsemasters or stable boys around you could call on for help, so that just left you.

“Hello?”

“Go away!” 

The groaning got louder as you approached, and the horses were stepping anxiously. 

“Are you alright?” 

“Don’t come closer!” A voice said, gravelly and strained. “Just go!” 

“You sound unwell,” You called. “Should I fetch someone to help?” 

“No!” The voice cried out, and then moaned as if they had strained themselves. “Please, just leave me be.” 

“But…” You said, rounding the corner and peeking into the open stall. “You really sound hurt. It wouldn’t be right of me to–” 

“Leave!” They roared. You looked in and saw a large shape in the darkness, writhing. Carefully, you went in, your worry overtaking your better judgment. It looked like a man, large and hulking, hunched on the ground on his hands and knees, holding his stomach. You couldn’t see his face or much of his body, as he was facing away from you and wearing a large cloak, but it seemed like he was in great distress. Tiptoeing, you walked up to him and reached out, laying a hand on his shoulder. 

“Sir?” 

Instantly he reacted, flinging your hand away from him and pushing you, throwing you against the walls of the stall. You squeaked as the breath escaped you and you slid down the wood to the ground. Opening your eyes, you saw he had fallen on his back and had skittered away from you to the opposite wall as if you were threatening him. It was only then you were able to see him more clearly in the moonlight. 

He was tall, much taller than you, perhaps even twice your size when standing, and his skin glittered, as if covered in gems. It took a moment to realize they were scales, not jewels, and the person was not wearing a shirt; just the cloak, a blue jeweled pendant around his neck, and a pair of muslin pants as if readying for sleep, though they strained against his thick digitigrade legs which ended in very sharp talons. Perhaps it was because of the low light, but his scaled skin looked pitch black save for the glittering of his scales. He was bald and there were several rows of horns jutting out of his head, and his hands ended in curved, sharp claws. His eyes were yellow and slitted and had no sclera, and his teeth were all needle sharp. 

You knew you should be afraid, but… perhaps it was his demeanor that gave you pause. He looked like he could rend you to ribbons, if he wanted to. In truth, he looked like nothing you’d ever seen before, truly fearsome, though he stared at you as if you were the one to be feared. His breathing was fast and his posture defensive. His eyes showed more than just apprehension: he looked terrified of you, as absurd as that sounded. 

You stood up slowly and held out your hands to show you weren’t carrying anything. “Are you alright? Are you hurt?” 

He blinked, looking confused. It took him a moment to reply. 

“...what?”

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My Masterlist

i realized i never posted this; my half-dragon for a dragons of the stormwreck isle game. i am a coward and did not go full reptile with her but wanted to have something a bit dragon-y considering the subject matter.

in my mind, although to others she is obviously more man than dragon, and certainly more so than the average half-dragon, she herself sees herself as indistinguishable from her mother, who is a white dragon. she has spent her entire life in the northern part of faerun, in the frozen Regheld Glacier, mostly without contact with anyone except her mom.