#ugauc

“And remember what hangs in the balance; your path in life!” Shouted the elder elf. His luscious silver locks wavered in the snowy air as he paced in front of us, giving us the speech every new hunting elf heard when they went on their first hunt. “Come back with a dragon’s head, you become one of us; fierce hunters who feed our clan! Come back empty-handed, and you will have to make another life for yourself!”

Every firstborn heard this speech on their 800th year of life, when we come of age to be adult elves. And now it was my turn.

I stood with my team of five other elves, we all wielded a weapon; a bow, an ax, a sword or a dagger, along with hunting knives on our belt. I held a bow, a quiver tightly strapped around my torso. I set my face hard, but I wasn’t ready for this.

The elves beside me absolutely were; they were ready to be hunters for our clan.

The elder faced the group, his speech finished. His silver robes wavered in the breeze. He scanned all of us, his ancient gaze pausing on me. I gulped.

“Go forth! And find yourself a beast to kill!”

The surrounding elves raised their fists. “Ho!” They shouted.

“Ho,” I mumbled with them.

The groups dispersed. I followed mine to the north of our village. We already had scouted to the north, and there we found hints that a dragon lived nearby; shed scales, large animal carcasses, large dung piles, all remanents of a dragon.

Our leader Bracken, an elf three months older and taller than me, ran over our plan quickly; I would release some arrows to distract the beast, three others would charge at it and our leader would drive his sword through the dragon’s chest. Straight forward, but hard to time and even harder to find the dragon. We all nodded, to show that we understood the plan. He gave a quick nod back, and we started our way out of the village.

We trekked for a long time until we found the dragon’s main feeding spot; he littered it with carcasses from recently to bones from years ago. I looked away, disgusted; how could any creature eat another creature? It was barbaric.

“Search for tracks,” our leader ordered. We split up.

I made my way over to the freshest carcass and circled it. Large five-clawed talon marks were pressed in the ground. I followed them out of the clearing to the east. I turned around.

“Bracken!” I called. But they were gone, the four of them had just disappeared. “Bracken, Arya, Nima, Flinn?” I called one by one. Nothing.

I thought for a moment. Perhaps they found tracks and wanted to investigate? I’m sure they’ll be back soon. 

I went over to one of the wider trees around the clearing and leaped up into it, and sat in the branch's crook, leaning against the trunk. I looked at my bow, plucking the string as I waited for my team to come back. After a while, I stopped and looked up through the leaves at the pale blue sky above. I was getting sore from sitting on the branch.

I sighed and listened to my surroundings, so I could try to hear where my teammates were. I closed my eyes and focused on my ears. I pushed aside the close sounds and focused on the smaller ones. I could hear some grasshoppers nearby, two squirrels scurrying up a tree and a mother moon phoenix calling to her fledglings to come back for dinner. But no adolescent elves.

I sat like that for a long time. When I opened my eyes, the sun was setting and my legs were asleep. I stretched, dangled out of the tree, my hands gripping the branch as I hung there.

“What am I going to do?” I whispered. I walked over to the tracks I had found earlier. I had no team, no way to bring back a dragon’s head, and I had no way to get back safely without my teammates.

I looked at the long line of tracks ahead of me and drew in a breath. I’d have to stay silent and hope that the dragon and I didn’t cross paths.

I stayed to the edge of the tracks, walking beside them as I looked around. The forest was getting dark, but my Elven sight allowed me to see in the growing darkness.

My heart raced as I walked, I was so scared about coming across the dragon; I forgot about the tracks and wandered off course.

I stop in my stride as I came out of my thoughts.

Where am I?

I spun around and looked at the ground; no tracks in sight. I whipped my head around again, my breathing quickening.

I’m lost and alone.

I don’t know where the village is from here.

No one knows where I am. I’m going to die here at the talons of a bloodthirsty beast and no one will ever know where I died.

A picture of my parents and siblings flashed before my eyes.

They’ll never know...

Tears spilled from my eyes, and I heard heavy wings flap above me.

Mama and Papa will never know because I’m a coward and a fool

Something landed behind me rather lightly.

“It’s all right, little elfling,” soothed a male voice. “I won’t hurt you.”

I spun around, tears spilling down. In front of me stood a muscular male with broad shoulders and chest. His skin tone was much darker than my own pale complexion and had dark green scales on his jaw and neck. He had scaled dark green wings on his back and dark horns protruding from his dark shoulder length hair. He wore a pair of brown trousers and nothing more.

A dragon? I questioned. They have more than one form?

He came closer, his expression soft. “You’re lost, aren’t you?” He asked, he sounded like he will bundle me up and take care of me forever. I wanted to trust me.

I nodded my head, my lips quivering.

“Oh, little elfling,” he pouted. He came closer and wrapped his arms and wings around me. “Those elves were wrong to abandon you.” I sobbed into his chest. How was I doing this? I’m supposed to kill him, not sob uncontrollably in his hold.

“I know just what you need,” he said. He opened his wings and looked down at me. His bare chest was getting soaked by my tears. “Come with me, little elfling,” he whispered.

I nodded, even though it wasn’t a suggestion.

He put a wing around me and walked me away from where we were. I slowly gathered myself as we walked.

“What’s your name, little elfling?” He asked.

“(Y/N),” I stuttered.

“A pretty name for a pretty elf boy,” he mused. I smiled, blushing. “I’m Ugauc.”

I smiled at him. “Nice to meet you, Ugauc.”

We stopped in front of a curtain of leafy vines.

“Welcome to my home,” he greeted before moving me through the dew dusted leaves. On the other side was a bed made of animal hides, a few loose bones, a tiny stream of water and glowing crystals in the walls, ceiling and stalactites, illuminating the cave. There were no gold or gems, no Elven warriors strewn on the ground. No blood spattered on the walls and floor. Maybe we had everything wrong about them.

Ugauc walked forward, leaving me by the entrance.

“This... This is beautiful,” I gasped, focusing on the glowing ceiling.

Ugauc shrugged. “I suppose so. I guess I wanted to find a simple home, having figured out my mate is an elf.”

I looked at him. “Who?” I stiffed as my nose cleared up.

Ugauc hesitated and looked at me. “You, (Y/N).”

I looked back at him, frozen. All this comforting was just so he could—

—No, there must be more to it. He said figured out, remember.

“How do you know that we...?” I put my forefingers together.

Ugauc looked down, thinking about how to explain this. “When dragons come of an age to find a mate, an invisible string pulls us towards each other, so we may find each other. My string led me to your village. I was confused at first, but when you went on a scouting trip with those ‘teammates’ of yours, I knew it was one of you. So I observed all of you—I liked you the most—but when you spilt up to follow my tracks, it was easier for me to figure out which one of you is my soulmate,” he explained. He looked at me, golden eyes shining.

I looked down. “So, we’re—?” I pointed from me to him.

He nodded.

“And you’re sure it’s not any of the others?”

“(Y/N), what I feel with you is like nothing I have ever felt with anyone else.” He moved closer and cupped my cheek.

I swallowed saliva. “Do—did you scare off the others to figure this out?”

Ugauc stepped back. “By the howling winds, no,” he said, sounding insulted. “No, I didn’t. As soon as you turned your back, they walked off, little elfling. I promise you.”

I sighed, disappointed. I looked back at the vines behind me. No light passed through them. I looked back to Ugauc.

“I will walk you home,” he made his way towards the vines.

“Could—,” I started. He turned around. “Could I stay the night? I’m not ready to go home and everyone will be asleep.”

Ugauc smiled. “Please do, little elfling.”

“I’m not an elfling, Ugauc.” I crossed my arms.

“I know. But you’re my little elfling.”

I smiled, and he smiled back. I was so happy he had found me.

“Ugauc?”

My call echoed around me in the foggy, snowy woodland as the cold prickled my neck. Without Ugauc by my side, I felt completely vulnerable to whatever the creatures Ugauc had smelled earlier.

Where has he gotten to?

My nervousness was making me impatient, and I just wanted to get out of these freezing temperatures.

Ugh! I miss the rainforest! It was so much warmer there, and there was tasty fruit to eat, instead of these bitter berries and hardly ripe apples.

My mind wandered to the warm sunshine and green canopy of the rainforest, leaving behind the bare trees and gloomy scenery around me. I could almost feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, replacing the cool dampness around me.

I miss home. And Festolgit is coming up soon... I wonder if dragons have anything to celebrate at the end of the year.

I looked around the little clearing I was in, scanning the fog for a muscular dragon-shifter in his humanoid form.

But I couldn’t spot him.

“Where are you, Ugauc?” I whispered, irritated. I wrapped my arms close to my torso under my cloak, trying to not feel warmer than my anxiety was allowing me to be.

I tightened my jaw, glancing around again, my anxiety only getting worse.

I heard the crunching of leaves and spun around, pulling out a dagger from beneath my dark cloak. I eyed the fog in front of me, keeping as stern of a face as I could, as my heart bet in terror.

I silently stood there in my battle stance, scared for my life.

Ugauc! I called out to him.

No response.

He couldn’t be that far away, so why isn’t he answering?

Has he run into something?

Is he hurt?

My mind raced, thinking of the worst thing that could have happened to him.

I stared at the spot, hearing only my breathing and racing heart as I watched for movement.

“Rah!” Shouted a voice, as his fingers dug into my sides as he launched himself from behind me.

I yelped and spun away from his grasp, cutting him with my blade. I stopped, eying my attacker from the opposite side of the clearing.

He seethed, holding his hand to his wounded face. “It’s nice to know your reflects are sharp.”

“Ugauc?” I looked to my blade, navy dragon blood dripping from the metal. I felt my heart drop.

“Ugauc... I am so sorry,” I apologize, stepping closer to his dark figure.

Ugauc came closer to me, dark blood seeping through his fingers as he held his hand to his cheek. “I’ll be fine, little elfling.” He removed his hand from his face and spit into it, before returning it to the slash of his face. “It’ll heal quickly.”

“You still shouldn’t have scared me like that!” I scolded. “I was so worried when you were gone for so long and didn’t respond.”

Ugauc’s lips lifted into a cruel smile, and he chuckled.

“What’s so amusing?!”

“How much you care.” I saw a scab already forming on his wound. “It’s adorable.”

I glared at him. “And what about the creatures you were tracking?”

“A couple of manticores who fled as soon as I got close to them. We’re fine... until they smell my blood.”

I rubbed my arms. “Then can we get going before they do that?”

Ugauc nodded his head calmly, ignoring my apparent irritation and distress. He smiled and pecked my brow. “Relax, little elfling. I’m fine. And I’m sorry for scaring you, I thought it would be funny.”

“And it clearly wasn’t,” I said, gesturing to his now sealed scar and dried blood around the wound.

Ugauc inclined his head. “I know.” He snapped his head around, scanning the foggy surroundings for whatever he heard.

“Let’s get going.”

*-*-*-*

“If you keep scratching like that, you’ll tear off your scales,” I called from the snowy shore of the lake. Ugauc crouched by the water, trying to rid his face of whatever blood was left around his wound.

“My dam will not bee happy seeing me without a shirt still, nevermind with dried blood on my face also,” Ugauc replied, glancing up at Mistpeaks. We had arrived a little while ago, after a few hours of flying.

I smiled. “She didn’t raise a barbarian dragon,” I quoted, watching him as he finished washing his face.

Ugauc chuckled. “No, she didn’t.”

“And yet you attacked me.”

Ugauc looked over his shoulder, looking hurt. “I thought you said we were ok now? That you had forgiven me?”

“You are, I’m just looking forward to hearing the story you’re going to tell your parents. You couldn’t have got it naturally.”

“Sometimes I really dislike you, little elfling.” Ugauc rose to his feet and walked over to me.

I simply smirked. “And yet you still whisper in my ear how much you love me every night.”

Ugauc chuckled and pecked my cheek. “Very true.” He kissed me on the lips.

“Ugh! Get a room!” Called a feminine voice from above. Ugauc and I snapped our heads up. Above us perched in a tree was a dragon-shifter, crouched and looking down at us. Ugauc stood between me and the tree, eying her in the bright winter sun.

Ugauc snarled at her.

“That’s no way to greet your sister,” she responded.

“Hey, Udauh,” I said, walking in front of Ugauc.

Udauh laughed and jumped down from the tree. “Hello, (Y/N).” She tossed my hair with her hand and looked at Ugauc.

“Udauh,” Ugauc disdained.

Udauh made a playful face at Ugauc. “Hello to you too, parvus frater.”

“Para what?” I asked.

“Little brother,” Ugauc translated.

I eyed Ugauc. “Dragons have their own language?”

“Apart from growls and grunts? yes, we do.”

Udauh giggled. “But even in this form, some males chose to not use their snarls.”

*-*-*-*

“So, Ugauc told me that not every dragon has a second form. Do you know why?” I asked Udauh. She was trying to keep me occupied—I just didn’t know why.

“There’s a bet it’s to do with genetics and magic. But some think it might have to do with some of us being bound to elves, or other non-draconic beings—like werewolves. Either way, its magic.”

I nodded. “At least you had an answer.”

Udauh giggled. “Ugauc likes to give an answer that he’s absolutely certain about.”

I smiled and nodded. “Yeah.” I glanced around, making sure none of the dragons in the canyon saw me. “So... do dragons have any festivals? Or holidays? Or feasts?”

Udauh shook her head. “No, nothing annually like elves have. We celebrate personal successes; like our trial to become clanmembers—like your hunt; or when we find our soulmates. It’s usually a family feast with the best of prey to eat.”

I nodded, hiding my disgust as best as I could; the thought of dragons eating other creatures still made my stomach churn, even after eating with Ugauc for almost a year.

I saw Udauh glance up at her parents’ cave, which was where we were staying for the time being since a draconic found Ugauc’s old cave and had made themselves at home in it.

Udauh’s lips curled into a smile. “Right, let’s get up there; I’m getting cold.” She lifted herself into the sky and flew off.

“Udauh!” I hissed. She turned around, looking down at me in the vegetation of the rocky valley. She elegantly flew done to me.

“Sorry,” she whispered. She shifted to her turquoise dragon form and took me up in her talons, keeping me as best hidden as she could; it was a very unnerving experience; sitting in her claws.

But after a few heart-racing minutes, Udauh landed in the cave's mouth and gently placed me on the cold stone. I got to my feet.

“Thanks, Udauh,” I said with a bow and slowly walked in. The chamber was lit up with tiny candles on the ledges in the walls. On the floor, there was a nice spread of fruits and cooked pieces meat all sitting on pieces of bark or stone on a blanket I had brought from my home. It reminded me of of of our winter festival, Festolgit.

“Merry Festolgit, (Y/N),” Ugauc said, smiling widely and wrapping me in a hug.

I smiled into his now covered chest. “Merry Festolgit, Ugauc,” I said, pulling away from him. “But I didn’t get you anything—that’s what Festolgit is all about.”

“I’ve already got the best gift ever,” he smiled. “You.” He pecked my nose.

H/C = Hair Colour

I felt warm. It was a nice warm. Like it was the iciest winter, and I was snuggled up under my coziest blanket.

But that didn’t make any sense. It was spring and my mattress didn’t feel like my mattress. It felt more like I had sunk in a giant pillow that in. I could also hear water gurgling softly nearby.

Where am I?

My eyes snapped open in a panic. I could see dimly glowing blue and white specks on a grey rippling canvas above me.

Stars?

Yellow light streamed in through a opening, a green hue added by the leafy vines draped over the opening.

As I looked around, I remembered where I was. I was in his cave... the dragon’s cave. The dragon’s cave whose name I couldn’t remember.

And then there was the warm feeling that was wrapped around me. I looked down, a giant scaled wing delicately wrapped around me. I looked over my shoulder. More green scales.

So, he does have a beast form. I noted.

I propped myself up on my arms and looked behind me. His large green head was curled in around me, as if to provide some sort of border between me and the rest of the cave.

His breaths were deep and long, grumbling softly in his throat as he slept. I smiled at his snoozing body.

I crawled closer to him, feeling the ruff behind his horns. It was so smooth—like a petal. I ran my hand over the ruff, feeling my hand run over the cartilage fingers in it.

Then a new rumble came from his throat.

Was he... purring?

He was purring as I stroked his scales. His lips curled up into a smile. His smile made me smile.

I moved my hand down to his head, running my hands over the rougher scales of his cheek and forehead.

His smile grew bigger.

Good morning, came a masculine voice. The same voice I heard from the dragon the night before.

But he didn’t move his lips. He hadn’t moved at all.

I froze and retracted my hand.

I was enjoying that, he complained.

“How are you doing that?” I asked.

Talking in your head? He seemed amused by my confusion. He opened his eye, an amber gem staring right at me.

“You’re—you’re in my head?!” I exclaimed. I forced myself to my feet and backed up, only to have his wing hit my back.

The dragon raised his head, green scales shimmering in what morning sunlight came into the cave. He looked down at me, sympathy in his eyes. He lifted his wing, and I stumbled off the cushion of animal hides.

I’m sorry, but I have no other way to communicate with you in this form... and either way you’re the only person I can communicate with like this.

I looked straight at him, trying to look hard. 

Just give me a moment to shift and find my clothes.

I glanced aside and turned around.

A flash of light came from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see his bare back as he rummaged around for his trousers.

I quickly whipped my head around, face flushed bright red. Some explicit thoughts rushed through my head before I stopped myself and calmed down. I tapped my bare foot on the ground to distract myself.

“I’m sorry, (Y/N). I didn’t realise elves kept their thoughts to themselves,” He apologised.

I turned around, surprised he had apologized. “It—It’s fine, um—“

“Ugauc,” he reminded me.

I blushed, embarrassed I had forgotten his name. “Ugauc,” I repeated, “I’ll try to remember that.”

Ugauc gave a small nod and knelt by the stream. He cupped his hand and drank some crystal clear water.

“So, um, what did you mean by you’re the only person I can communicate with like this?” I asked, looking down at the meandering stream beside me.

“The bond that connects us, as soulmates, allows me to communicate with you through words, rather than through pictures or emotions with other dragons,” he rose to his feet. “Over time, our bond will strengthen so we can communicate even when we are apart. And after we... officially bond, that’ll be our first step to strengthening our bond... if you wish to do so, I mean. Or we could just spend as much time as we can together,” he finished, looking at me.

“Officially bon—oh... yeah, um,” my cheeks flushed bright red again. Ugauc chuckled.

“It’s all right, little elfling, I’m not ready for that either,” He strolled closer to me, eyes shining.

I smiled back at him.

Then a hungry gurgle came from my stomach.

“Shall I walk you home?”

*-*-*-*

“Here’s fine, Ugauc,” I said, stopping by the last line of trees that surrounded our snowy village.

Ugauc looked from his perch in one of the lowest branches in the tree beside me. He eyed every part of the village. “Are you sure I can’t deal with those elves for you?” He seemed to be annoyed by the fact he wasn’t allowed to take care of his ‘little elfling’ and deal with the elves who had abandoned me.

“If you do ‘deal with them’, you will be found and killed. They will hang your head in our great hall!” I said. “please, just stay safe and away from our village,” I pleaded.

Ugauc looked down at me, his narrowed pupils relaxing. He nodded his head.

“Now, please go before someone sees you. I don’t want to lose you before I’ve even gotten to know you.”

Ugauc slowly nodded his head again. “I’ll see you soon, (Y/N),” he whispered. He turned around and hopped through the trees, gripping onto tree trunks with his sharp nails.

I sighed sadly as he leaped away, before starting forward, staring at my boots. My stomach gurgled again as I walked on the path to my home.

“Oh! (Y/N)!” Called my mother in a relieved cry. I could barely see her before she wrapped her arms around me in a firm hug.

“Mama, please,” I said, trying to sound embarrassed, but it relieved me to see her again, especially after almost thinking I was going to die at the claws of a dragon last night.

She let go of me and looked me over. “Oh, my son! You look famished and filthy!” She scowled. “Come home. I’ll make a big breakfast for you and you can have a hot bath straight after,” she decided with a firm nod. I would not fight her—not that I would have won.

Mama walked me home. As soon as she opened the door she exclaimed, “Look who’s home!”

*-*-*-*

So they’ve been dealt with? Ugauc asked as he tore apart a boar’s carcass, blood splattered against his emerald scales. It had been a week since the hunt, and Bracken and the rest of his team had not brought back a dragon, but they had brought back a dire wolf, which was enough to have them as part of the hunting squad. But our clan leader—who was Bracken’s father—had found out they had abandoned me mid-hunt, so they have been suspended from joining the hunting squad.

I flinched; I had yet to get used to Ugauc’s fierce eating methods. “For now,” I said ruefully.

Ugauc continued to tear the boar apart. We usually send traitors of dragon clans to the Queen’s arena to fight the fiercest of the clan; most don’t make it out alive.

I gave him a horrified look and thought of the best response. “I’m afraid we’re not dragons.”

Ugauc smiled as he ate. That is true. He swallowed his food. What about you? What are you going to do? Seeing as you weren’t part of the hunt.

“They gave me the option to join the squad, but I think I’d like to help teach young archers of our clan, or I might try out some new trades,” I said, nibbling on my snack; a pomegranate I was digging the seeds out of; one of the few fruits that grew in our harsh, snowy climate.

Ugauc dug around the carcass for the last of the meat left on the boar, before rolling it away and licking the blood from his chops and mouth. I will never understand how a creature can live their entire life eating plants and seeds. Meat is so tasty! You should try it sometime.

I shook my head. “Have you ever even tried plants?”

Ugauc paused. I’ve tried apples, mangoes, raspberries, blackberries, dragonberries and dragonfruit.

I stopped eating my seeds. “And what did you think of them?”

Apples, raspberries and blackberries are much too bitter for my taste. And dragonberries and dragonfruit have nothing to do with us! We barely even eat fruit! He raised his head snootily.

I laughed. “Well, at least you tried them,” I sighed. “I’ve never even seen most of them.”

Haven’t been around much, have you?

I shook my head.

Maybe we could do that in a while? Do some travelling together, I mean.

I thought for a moment. My parents sometimes talk about when they went travelling, when they were younger. I had always wanted to do the same with my future mate.

I smiled. “I’d love to do that.”

*-*-*-*

“Can you put me down now?” I asked. Ugauc held me firm in his grip. I had snuck off yet again to meet my boyfriend after almost a month of secretly dating.

Ugauc smirked. “No,” he replied smugly as he continued walking to his cave. Clouds were gathering above us. Blizzard clouds as I learned growing up in a village constantly being battered by snow.

“But I need to get home, Ugauc.”

“You’ll get caught in the storm if you go home now,” Ugauc said. “I’m not letting that happen.”

He was right; I knew he was, but I still had to get home.

“Ugauc,” I scolded. He let me go, and I stood in front of him. “I need to get home to my family.”

“You’ll freeze before you get to the village.” Ugauc said, trying to stay as calm as possible. “And I’ll be spotted if I fly to there, if the wind wasn’t already picking up.”

I sighed and turned around, walking towards his cave.

I rubbed my arms as I passed through the leafy vines hanging in the cave's mouth.

“I’ll gather some wood and start a fire for us,” Ugauc said, leaving the cave again.

“Stay safe!” I called after him. I was met with the sound of running water from the stream.

I moved over to the bed of animal hides, pulling a bison hide over my shoulders to keep me warm.

It wasn’t long before the wind howled outside, sending the vines into a swirling frenzy. I shivered, thinking of Ugauc out there. And with his wings... It’d be a long fight for him to get back.

Then I heard someone approach.

“Finally, you’re back,” I said, jumping to my feet.

But Ugauc wasn’t who came into the cave.

It was a female elf with long (H/C) hair and silvery robes.

“There you are, (Y/N),” she said.

“Eda?” I asked.

My sister smiled. “Yeah, of course it’s me, dummy,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. She looked around at the cave. “Woah! How did you find this place?” She turned to me. “And who were you waiting for?” She poked at the bison hide on my shoulders. “And how did you get this?”

“Eda, you—we—have to go,” I said, grabbing her wrist.

She furrowed her brow. “But you were here, so why do we have to leave?”

“(Y/N)! I’m back!” Ugauc shouted over the wind. Eda peered over my shoulder as he walked in.

I spun around, Ugauc dropped the wood in his arms. Eda stepped back, a horrified look on her face.

N/T = New Trade (the one from previous chapters)

I walked around the white clearing as Ugauc and his family shifted, the snow beneath me crunching as I walked. I looked over at them, all dressed in their tunics. It disappointed me that Ugauc now had one because I really enjoyed seeing his muscles every time he shifted—and I could never tire of seeing them.

Udauh spotted me looking at them and slid over. “So... You and Ugauc got busy last night, huh?” She raised her eyebrows twice with a smirk.

I froze in my stride. “You heard?!” I hissed quietly. I thought we had snuck far enough away to ‘enjoy ourselves’ the night before.

Udauh burst out laughing. “You two weren’t the quietest... Then again, I did wander off to find you... and Mother and Father said they didn’t hear anything during the night.”

I held my face in my hands, embarrassed. I groaned audibly and Udauh giggled.

“I won’t tell anyone.” I looked at her as she placed a hand on her chest. “I promise, little elfling,” she smirked again. I crossed my arms, unimpressed.

Ugauc walked over to us. “What have you done to upset my boyfriend?” He said, exasperated.

Udauh raised her head smugly. “I’ve done no such thing!” She insisted. Ugauc cocked a brow at me, I looked away.

Ugauc shooed his sister away and stood beside me, placing a wing on my back.

“She heard us last night,” I whispered, twirling a lock of my hair sheepishly.

Ugauc chuckled. “Udauh,” he sighed, “Always nosey.”

I smiled and turned towards the faint outline of the snowy valley filled to the brim with coniferous trees and three elven villages. I couldn't believe it had been almost two years since I’d left here.

My home.

Ugauc pecked my head. “Are you ready to go down?”

I nodded. “Absolutely.”

Ugauc looked back to his family. “We’re trusting you all to stay quiet and out of sight. No shifting, no roaring, no growling or snarling and no fire-breathing,” he told them sternly. One thing I had noticed about them was that the cold didn’t really bother them much. It had for their hour of being in the snowy northern region, but they quickly adapted to the cold. I, on the other hand, had gotten so used to the warmth of the rainforest and the temperature change was a shock to my system.

Epho and Koro inclined their heads. “Udauh?” Ugauc asked warily.

His sister looked at him with a pouting expression. “You’re no fun!” She accused childishly.

Ugauc sighed, exasperated. “Udauh...”

“We’ll make sure she doesn’t do anything to ruin this meeting,” Koro said, touching Ugauc’s shoulder. “Go, we’ll be fine, and careful.”

Ugauc nodded and turned around. “Alright, let’s go.”

*-*-*-*

I peered around a tree, looking at the village I called home. Every elf was walking around, doing their business and going about their day. I knew these faces; there were a few I wanted to run up to and ask how they had been.

But I couldn’t.

I pulled up the hood of my cloak and got ready to step out into the street.

“Will you be all right?” Ugauc asked, crouched above me in a tree several feet behind me.

I nodded. “As long as I don’t draw attention to myself, I’ll be fine.” I blew him a kiss, and he blew one back.

“Stay safe,” he breathed. I smiled and started down the cobbled street.

Not much had changed; there were a few new potted plants on buildings, but business was still booming, even at Fírning’s shop—Fírning was my (N/T) mentor two years ago, after I had failed the hunting test.

I strode through the street, keeping to the side with my head down. I focused on my thoughts:

Have they missed me?

Will they be happy to see me?

Are they all right? Has anything befallen them?

What if something has happened, and I wasn’t here?

What if they won’t want to meet Ugauc’s family?

As I was getting worked up, I had bumped into someone, knocking their books, scrolls and some arrows from the quiver to the ground.

I yelped in surprise. “Sorry, didn’t see you there.” As I helped to pick up the scrolls, books and arrows, I noticed that the someone was in fact two someones. As we bundled up everything, I noticed that one of them wore a pair of boots I had before I left—but that could be anyone as there were very few shoemakers in our village.

As we stood up, I handed over what I had gathered.

“Thanks,” said a male voice, one that I knew.

I looked at their faces. “Eda? Eldrin?” I whispered.

“(Y/N)?” Eldrin asked, smiling.

“What are you doing back here?” Eda hissed. “Did Ugauc abandon you?” She accused, pulling a dagger from her belt as she put away the arrows in the quiver on her back.

“No!” I hissed. “No, nothing like that has happened. But I do need to talk to you all. Are Mama and Papa home?”

Eldrin nodded. “We’re just heading back now.”

“So what’s so important you came back from your fabulous travels to see us?” Eda asked. She glanced at my stomach. “Are you pregnant? Did Ugauc somehow get you pregnant?”

I furrowed my brow as we walked, disturbed. “What? No! That’s not even possible. I’m a cisgender male elf—What!” I was so confused by what had come out of her mouth.

Eda burst out into a wild laugh. “I’m joking,” she hollered as we neared our home. “But seriously; why are you home?”

*-*-*-*

Our families got on surprisingly well when they met. Our mother’s talked a lot about what we did when we were young, our sisters enjoyed sharing similar stories; except these were when they would beat us at fighting or spill our very embarrassing secrets. Eldrin sat with us as we eavesdropped on the groups, paying more attention to what our fathers were talking about; impressive hunts they had and hunting and stalking techniques they had picked up.

But no one ever mentioned a single thing about attacks or massacres or elves or dragons they had killed.

I looked around at them all, talking and getting along; if only every elf and dragon could get along like this. It was a gathering of murmurs and stories around the campfire in the snowy clearing.

Eldrin tapped me on the shoulder, bringing me out of my thoughts.

“Hm?” I asked, turning to him. He seemed nervous, pressing his sleeve-covered hands together.

“Someone’s watching us, and I... I... I’m bound to him,” he whispered, fiddling with his covered hands. I tilted my head to him.

“(Y/N),” Ugauc hissed.

“His name is Vostrasz,” he continued, “and... he’s a dragon... and my soulmate.”

I looked to Ugauc. “Was that what you were gonna tell me?” He nodded as I saw a set of glowing yellow eyes come from the surrounding darkness.

Ugauc and I weren’t alone.

All I could see was blue. Just blue. Solid sky blue, to be precise.

I felt a warm breeze blow over me as I lay on my back as Ugauc flew through the sky. We were soaring above the clouds, hence why all I could see was blue. The sun was high above us, warming our bodies.

How are you feeling, (Y/N)? Ugauc asked. It was the first time he had spoken all day; which I found to be very out of character.

I brought myself back to the actual world as he spoke to me. I’m all right, now. I replied. I had woken up feeling homesick after dreaming about being with my family again.

Ugauc hummed in response. It had been a few days since we had mated, and I could feel the difference in the strength of our bond already. His emotions were usually easy enough for me to assess, but today he was keeping them hidden from me, and what I could feel seemed to be worry or fear of some sort.

I sat up on Ugauc’s back, seeing the expanse of fluffy clouds beneath us, each one looking like waves on the sea as we flew passed them.

Why are you hiding your thoughts from me, Ugauc? I asked.

Ugauc hesitated, thinking of the best response. I—I’ll tell you when I need to.

I frowned. Ugauc? What is it?

It’s nothing you need to worry about, little elfling. Ugauc said, blocking his worries again. I will tell you when I need to, I promise.

I wasn’t completely satisfied with his response, but I nodded. All right then, if you say so.

We stayed silent for a while as we continued to pass over the sea of white.

I think we should land soon, little elfling, Ugauc said. Up ahead I could see a split in the clouds, and I could see something sparkling below the clouds. There’s a lake nearby, we could wash ourselves off there?

Thoughts of being clean filled my head. I had never felt so dirty in all my life! Some other erotic thoughts ran through my head as well.

Sounds good. I responded, pushing aside my thoughts. I heard Ugauc chuckled, and I smiled, embarrassed.

Ugauc descended slowly below the clouds, water droplets brushing against his scales and my skin, many of which stayed on us.

As Ugauc descended, the lake came into view. The sparkling I had seen was the waves of the water reflecting the sun. Off in the distance, I could make out several large rocky hills, in almost two straight lines, making up a canyon. All around us was green with forest; I had yet to get used to seeing this new colour constantly.

Ugauc continued his slow descent, landing on the opposite side of the lake as the rocky hills. I braced myself for one of Ugauc’s rough landings, but this time he softened the landing immensely. I opened my eyes, surprised I hadn’t fallen from Ugauc’s back.

Ugauc turned his head around to look at me. You all right?

I nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.” I slid off his back, dragging my rucksack and bison hide with me and dropping them on the ground.

I stretched my entire body upward. As my bones cracked and popped, I heard Ugauc’s heavy feet go thump, thump, thump. I turned my head around as he jumped into the lake, sending an enormous wave to splash me and the grass.

“Hey!” I yelped in surprise as the cool water hit my skin, but the water submerged Ugauc, unable to hear me.

A flash of light came from beneath the water surface, and Ugauc rose to the surface in his humanoid form. “Come on in, little elfling, the water’s great.”

I quickly removed my clothes as Ugauc swam around, enjoying himself. I ambled up to the water before stepping in. I expected the water to be an inch deep, not a whole foot. I yelped in shock. Ugauc swiftly swam over to me as I caught myself and shakily moved my other foot slowly into the water.

Uguac stood beside me. “Are you alright? Are you hurt?”

I shook my head. “No, no, I’m fine. It was a shock, that’s all... and it probably doesn’t help that I don’t know how to swim.”

“You didn’t learn to swim when you were an elfling?” Ugauc asked. “I thought all creatures learned to swim when they were hatchlings.”

I shook my head. “Ice constantly covered any lakes we had, or they were so cold you’d die within minutes,” I said, slowly relaxing again, my body no longer shaking.

Ugauc inclined his head and took my hands in his. “Then let me teach you.”

I gave him a worried look. That didn’t sound like the best idea.

“We won’t go too deep, I promise, little elfing,” Ugauc comforted, bending down to catch my eye. I hesitantly nodded, and he walked backwards into the water, leading me in slowly, the water rising to cover more of my skin with each step.

Ugauc stopped when the water was halfway up my stomach. I was feeling a little uneasy at the height of the water and with how I was almost floating off the bed on the lake.

I pushed aside my unease and looked to Ugauc, having him to focus on calming me down. We stood there, stomach deep in water. Ugauc let go of my wrists and dove under the water, swimming gracefully just below the surface, circling me and doing figure eights in the water. He reminded me of a winged merman, so graceful.

I smiled as he swam, inching my way deeper into the water as Ugauc swam further away. He finished another figure of eight before standing in front of me again and pulling me to lie on his cheats as he floated on his back. My heart raced at the sudden motion that caused my face to be just over the water. I froze in place. My face was hard with worry.

“Hey, it’s alright. I got you,” Ugauc comforted. I breathed shaky breaths and calmed down. (I) Trust him, (Y/N)! I scolded myself.

Once I was calm again, Ugauc swam through the water, using his wings and legs to propel himself.

I slowly relaxed in his hold as he swam around. It kind of reminded me of flying, just with a lot more water.

Ugauc pecked me of the head as he made his way back over to the shore before standing me back up. “I’m sure you want to get properly washed,” he mused. I smiled, slightly disappointed that our swim was over but happy to be clean. I got out of the water as Ugauc kept swimming, rummaging around in my bag for my bar of cream soap and a cloth.

I quickly returned to the water as I washed, my eyes catching the two lines of rocky hills on the opposite side of the lake. I stared at them as I wet my bar of soap wrapped in the cloth. “Could we fly through there when we’re done?” I asked Ugauc. He was drying himself off on the shore with one of my towels.

“Through where?” Ugauc asked, draping the towel over a low branch and pulling on his trousers. I looked back at the hills. Ugauc followed my gaze.

“Through those hills. They look interesting, don’t you think?” I looked at Ugauc. He seemed to look uneasily at the hills. “Ugauc?” I asked; he didn’t look to be entirely here(I).

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to go through there,” he responded, eyeing the hills.

“You know this place, don’t you?” I implored, finishing up in the lake and walking back up to the shore. Ugauc didn’t respond, but I saw his pupils flex wide and thin; he was scanning the trees for something. I got dry and changed and looked to where Ugauc was looking, but I couldn’t see anything. My eyesight was sharp, but his was sharper.

“Ugauc? What is it?” I asked, worried.

“You’re right; I know this place. I grew up here, (Y/N). Well, I grew up in those hills. I was planning on going around—to avoid familiar eyes—but I don’t think we’re going to get that lucky.”

I gulped. “What do you mean?” I asked slowly, putting our things away and edging closer to him.

“A dragon from my home-clan is lurking nearby, and I think they can see us,” he whispered.

“I could hide if you want to talk to them?” I offered.

Ugauc shook his head. “No, think we’re better off leaving.” He stepped forward, unbuttoning his trousers to remove them so he could shift.

“But—,” I started, Ugauc turned around to face me. “But you’ve never told me anything about your home... does your family even know where you are?... Do you have a family?” I asked. I was disappointed in myself for not pressing him on details about his family earlier. And even then, he had only mentioned how far his home was from mine, never anything about his family.

“Yes, (Y/N), I do have a family... But that’s besides the point.” Ugauc glanced back at the trees. “We need to go, just in case this dragon thinks you’re a threat.”

I clenched my teeth. He was right, again. We had to go. I inclined my head in agreement and Ugauc removed his garment, placing it in the bag and shifted to his beast-form. I quickly pulled myself and my belongings up onto him before he quickly took off.

Ugauc landed about a league away from the lake, satisfied that the dragon who was watching us would not give chase. I lurched forward with the rough landing. I quickly got off and brought my belongings with me. Ugauc continued to scan the trees. All the while I was glaring at him, wishing he had told me something(I) about his family.

“Why are you being so secretive?” I asked accusingly.

To keep you safe, Ugauc stated in an obvious tone.

“I meant about your family, your home.” Ugauc stayed quiet. “Ugauc!” I demanded. He looked down, I sighed, irritated.

Ugauc glanced at me and I turned my back on him; it hurt that he had kept secrets from me when I had been so honest with him.

My emotions must have flown through our bond to Ugauc because within moments he stood beside me, clothed and quiet.

“I’m sorry,” he breathed, “I just... I knew you’d get curious and want to go. But dragons are a ‘kill first, ask questions later’ type of species.”

“But you’re not,” I replied, looking at him.

“That’s because I knew my soulmate was an elf,” he reminded me.

We were quiet again. It made sense that seeing his home was foolish, but I just wanted to see it, even if it was from a distance.

Finally, I asked, “Are you embarrassed?”

“About?”

“Me... Being your mate.” I saw Ugauc’s face drop.

“No, of course not!” He placed a hand on my cheek. “Meeting you has been the most amazing thing to ever happen to me... But our species... The lives lost because of the hatred between them... The world just isn’t ready to leave that feud behind.”

I nodded and kissed his palm. “So what’s your family like?” I asked.

“They... They’re an OK family, compared to other dragon families. My sire is one of the lead hunters for our clan; much like yours was; my dam is the sister of our clan queen, and I have an older sister who is always teasing me about something,” he dropped his voice down to a mutter, “usually about bull I liked.”

I giggled. “Sounds nice,” I commented.

Ugauc gave me a small smile. “And I think the dragon who was spying on us... may have been Udauh, my sister.”

I thought for a moment. “Is she a ‘kill first ask questions later’ type of dragon?” I asked.

“Actually… no. My family wanted to study elves, like their—your behaviours and such, to see why exactly your people were killing us... And now I know it’s because of fear.”

“So... Could we try to find her?”

Ugauc hesitated, glancing down. “I... Don’t think my family wants to see me; I left in a rush to avoid them following me and finding out about my soulmate.”

“How long have you lived near our village?” I asked. I heard a rumble come from above. It sounded like thunder.

“A few months, but before I moved into my cave, I travelled there from time to time to make sure I was bound to an elf and to set up my home. I guess my family presumed that I was trying to meet up with my mate, rather than trying to find them in an elf village.” I cocked a brow, confused. “Usually our bond guides us towards each other; so I thought if I travelled during different times of the day, perhaps I’d meet my mate; who I presumed was a dragon.”

I raised my head and nodded, understanding what he meant.

The sky was growing dark and thunder rolled above. I shuddered; a forest wasn’t the best place to stay during a storm. I looked up uneasily as I heard a sound similar to thunder but nowhere near as bassy.

“Dragons,” Ugauc breathed. He smelled the air. I saw a look of recognition on his face, but no fear or panic.

“(Y/N), we should go to the cave I used to live in, while the storm lasts. It’s not far,” he said, pushing aside what he had felt before. I quietly agreed and followed him.

The rumble I could hear above us followed us, even as a yawning cave mouth came into sight.

“Who’s following us?” I whispered as we got nearer.

Ugauc hesitated. “I think...it’s my family,” he admitted quietly.

My breath hitched; was that good or bad? Ugauc added nothing to his statement, he just walked into the cave.

“Welcome to my old home, (Y/N), where I would have brought you the first time we met, had I not found that other cave.”

This cave was pretty similar to his cave in the snowy forest, it just didn’t have any vines outside, or a huge nest of animal hides as a bed. It was small, with a tiny stream gurgling through the stone floor. There was a large stone slab off to the side—big enough for two dragons—with sheep's wool and a moose hide on it for comfort and warmth. It didn’t appeal to me as much as the other cave had.

Ugauc released a slow sigh. “Are you mad at me?” He asked, looking down at the stream.

“A little,” I responded. I could hear the wingbeats get nearer. “But I guess I understand what you’d didn’t tell me. It just... hurts that you didn’t tell me about your family.”

Ugauc nodded. “Can’t blame you.” He swung his head up to look out the mouth of the cave. Three dragons landed outside, shaking the ground. I backed up. They were all bigger than Ugauc. The largest was a dark green, even darker than Ugauc; a deep blue dragon stood beside that one; and a slightly smaller turquoise dragon, who was a little bigger than Ugauc.

I moved behind Ugauc, observing him. He looked to be fighting with himself.

I) Should I snarl?

Should I shift?

Would they attack (Y/N)?

Would they attack me?

He eyed the dragons carefully, as did I. The largest one—the green one, had many similar features to Ugauc; the same horn shape, same eyes and same body shape. The blue one was slimmer than the green one, with the same face shape and ruff behind their head as Ugauc, along with similarly shaped neck and back spikes. The turquoise one was a combination of both; the same pale blue eyes as the blue dragon, the same skinny spikes on their back and neck as the green dragon, and had the same body shape as the blue one. They all had the same wide stripes on their backs and necks as Ugauc.

Ugauc was thinking to himself; though it sounded more like arguing with himself.

Ugauc? I panicked. What are we gonna do?

Ugauc looked from me to the dragons. “What do you want?” He demanded, stepping forward. His voice faltering slightly.

The three dragons shifted. They all had long dark hair like Ugauc did, horns and wings that matched their beast forms and similar complexions to Ugauc. They all wore shimmering tunics and dark leggings. I could sense magic on them, which allowed them to keep them on while in their beast forms. the green and blue dragons were older than the turquoise one, much older, with paler, wrinkled skin and silver strands of hair. The green one was male, the other two were female.

The elderly female, the blue dragoness, stepped forward. “Ugauc, my hatchling, you’re home!” She greeted, wrapping him in a hug. I stepped back as Ugauc let out an embarrassed sigh.

“Mother, please,” he insisted quietly, but I could feel he was happy to see her through our bond. His dam let him go, looking him over.

“You could have at least come home looking descent,” she scolded. “I didn’t raise you to look like a barbarian dragon.” She brushed his scaled shoulder as if it were filthy.

I couldn’t help but giggle; they were much more civilized than I had expected, and it was humourous.

Ugauc’s dam peered over Ugauc’s shoulder to look at me. I stopped laughing as the other two came nearer. Ugauc bowed his head at the male.

“Ugauc, it’s been a while.” Ugauc’s sire started, watching how his mate looked at me. “It’s good to see you, especially after your sudden disappearance.” Ugauc gave him a small smile as his sire touched his shoulder; he hadn’t enjoyed leaving them.

And then there was the other dragoness. She wasn’t much older than Ugauc and was about the same height as him. They smiled at each other; this had to have been the sister who spotted us. They continued to look at each other as Ugauc’s dam came closer to me, Ugauc’s sire was close behind.

The look on her face made me nervous, and I ended up walking backwards.

“Epho, leave him be,” Ugauc’s sire said, taking her by the arm and leading her away. I slowly made my way towards Ugauc’s side, nervous at so many scaly predators in the same cave as me.

Help me! I broadcasted to Ugauc. His sister looked at me, curiously.

“How did you get him to trust you so much?” She asked, moving aside a loose strand of (H/C) hair from my face, which I flinched away at.

“Udauh, please, leave (Y/N) alone,” Ugauc said. His sister ignored him, continuing to poke at me with a turquoise-scaled finger.

Udauh looked to her brother. “Not keen on sharing your pet, ay?”

I scowled. “I am not his pet!” I shouted. The other two dragons came closer again. I gripped Ugauc’s hand.

It’s alright; I’ll protect you.

“Ugauc, how did you find him?” Epho, Ugauc’s dam, asked him.

Ugauc glanced down at me. “This is, (Y/N)... he’s my soulmate... that’s why I left suddenly; to figure out why I was led to an elven village by our bond.”

Udauh cocked her head at me. “He’s cute, and those ears are adorable.” She flicked my ear with her finger. I shuddered; elf ears are very sensitive.

Ugauc was looking at his parents, waiting for a response. They seemed to smile.

Ugauc’s sire spoke first. “Welcome to Mistpeaks, (Y/N). I am Koro, though I’m sure Ugauc has told you that already.”

Ugauc glanced aside, I nodded falsely and smiled.

“This is my mate, Epho, and my daughter, Udauh,” Koro continued.

I cleared my throat quietly. “It’s great to finally meet you all. I’ve heard lots.” I lied.

And then the heavens opened, hail and water spilled from the sky. The others looked out the mouth of the cave as this new sound came from outside.

I sighed softly, leaning on Ugauc; it was oddly cozy in the cave, hearing the hail and rain outside.

We stayed in Mistpeaks for two days; Ugauc spent the first day catching up with his family, we spent the second near the lake. Ugauc’s family asked me plenty of questions, curious about elves and our society. I didn’t mind the questions, but it surprised me how inaccurate they’re rumours were about us.

Spending time with them reminded me of my own family and how much I missed them.

It was early the third morning when Ugauc came back into his old cave. I was curled up under the bison hide, staring at the fire in the middle of the cave.

The morning was fresh. Dew covered each blade of grass and each bud on every tree.

“Good morning, little elfling,” Ugauc whispered, kissing my head. He sat beside me.

I heard three heavy thuds outside of the cave. I looked in their direction and then to Ugauc.

“Are they here to see us off?” I asked.

Ugauc nodded. “Yeah,” he sighed sadly.

“We could stay longer if you want?” I offered; I was quite enjoying seeing how dragons lived.

Ugauc shook his head. “We have to go soon before others from my clan pick up our scent… But we could always come back when we’re done in the central region… or my parents will visit,” He added with a mutter.

I giggled. Ugauc smiled and smothered the fire. I finished packing up our belongings.

We walked outside, getting a furious hug from Udauh the second we emerged.

“I’m gonna miss you!” She said gravelly. “Especially you,” she said to Ugauc.

Epho wrapped me up in her arms and rested her head on my head. I gave Ugauc an unsure look, which he smiled at. “Oh, I’m gonna miss you, little elfling!” She said, squeezing me. It annoyed me that the nickname had passed from Ugauc to his dam, but I would not ruin the moment.

Koro came closer and gave me a smile. Epho released me from her hold. “It was great to meet you, (Y/N). I hope you’ll pay us a visit when you're done in the central region.”

I nodded. “Absolutely. And it was great to meet you too. All of you.” I looked to all of them; they had been some great hosts, and dragons I was happy to have them in my family.

After a few more goodbyes, Ugauc shifted, ready to leave before the rest of the dragons awoke.

“See you in a few months!” I called from Ugauc’s back, just as he took off.

We were flying for a few minutes before Ugauc spoke.

(Y/N), he started.

Yes, Ugauc.

I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about them… my family.

I—it’s fine… but you have to tell me some stories from your chi—hatchling-hood to make up for it. Your mother could only tell me so much in the space of two days.

N/T: New Trade (Blacksmithing, carpentry, writing, sculpting, etc.)

“Who is that?!” Ugauc and Eda exclaimed in unison.

I froze, glancing from one to the other.

Eda scowled and placed her hand on the hilt of the sword she carried. “Get away from us!” She warned, removing the blade from its scabbard and stepping in front of me.

Ugauc’s lips lifted as he growled, sharp canines flashing. He looked from me to Eda, unsure what to do.

“Eda! Wait! Please,” I pleaded, stepping in front of her.

“(Y/N), what are you doing?!” Eda called.

I stood firmly between her and Ugauc; I couldn’t let them hurt each other.

I gave Ugauc a small smile and his stance slowly loosened, but he didn’t take his eyes off of Eda.

I looked to Eda; she was still gripping onto her sword. “Ugauc won’t do anything, I promise, so please, put down your sword, Eda,” I begged.

Eda looked from me to Ugauc. “If I do, you need to explain everything.”

“I will, I promise.” I glanced to her hand. “Please, just put it down and give it to me.” I held my hand out to receive the sword.

Eda looked away and drew in a breath. She put her sword back in its scabbard and slowly removed it. She looked to Ugauc as she held the scabbard between both her hands. “You better not try anything,” she warned. Ugauc didn’t respond. Eda finally placed the sword in my hand.

“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling somewhat relieved she had handed it over. I took a step away from them both.

“Ugauc, this is my sister Eda,” I gestured to her. Ugauc inclined his head. “Eda, this is—“ I caught myself, unsure what to tell her. “This is my soulmate, Ugauc.” I gestured to him this time. He smiled.

I looked to Eda as a wave of emotions contorted her face. Surprise, confusion, anger and fear were some I saw.

She stayed quiet for a long time, trying to hide her emotions as much as possible.

I backed up towards Ugauc, perhaps out of fear. He moved towards me and put an arm and wing around me.

“How are you so sure?” She asked.

I explained to Eda about the ‘invisible bond’ that led Ugauc here, how we met and  our secret meetings—which happened to just spill out of my mouth.

Eda sat down on the bed of animal hides. She sighed and put her head in her hands.

“This... explains a lot, like where you were during the hunt and why you didn’t come home, why you haven’t been focused on (N/T), and why you disappear for so long every day.” She sighed again.

The wind howled outside. I sat down beside her and shared the bison hide on my shoulders.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you, but Ugauc really cares about me.” I held his hand as he stood beside us. “And I really care about him.”

Eda smiled softly and tugged on the bison blanket. “I won’t tell anyone, I promise, but people are noticing your disappearance. And soulmates are such a huge thing among our people. You’re going to need Mama and Papa soon before they push you to find someone you’ve already found.”

“That’s not going to be for years. But if I do that...” I started. Ugauc placed a hand on my shoulder.

“How about we just survive this snowstorm first, and think about that later,” he suggested. I smiled softly and nodded.

Our father had been one of the fiercest hunters for many years for our clan. If I told him about Ugauc, he wouldn’t live to see another sunrise—and he knew this.

Ugauc gathered the wood he had dropped and set up a fire. Once he had built a pyramid shape, he shifted to his beast form. Eda was taken aback and almost reached for her sword. I took her hand in  mine, reassuring her it was alright.

Ugauc blew a small yellow flame onto the pyramid of sticks. They caught fire after he held the flame for a few moments. He studied the flames before shifting back to his humanoid form and settling on the hides beside us.

Eda slowly relaxed and focused on the flames.

“Let’s just hope we don’t run out of firewood,” Ugauc whispered, running his fingers through my hair.

*-*-*-*

No POV

“Where do you think you’re going?” Eda asked (Y/N) as he walked passed her in the streets, heading towards the woods. It had been over a week since the blizzard and most of the snow had yet to melt.

“Mama needs some apples to make a pie, so I said I’d go,” (Y/N) replied, tapping his satchel.

Eda sighed. “We both know you’re not just going to do that.”

(Y/N) sighed. “Of course I’m going to see him,” he replied, agitated. He and Eda walked towards the woods together. “He’s my boyfriend, and I enjoy spending time with him.”

Eda sighed this time. “You’re going to get caught, eventually.”

“That’s why I’m visiting him as much as possible.”

“No, I mean... Someone might follow you, and you know how people feel about—“ She looked around and lowered her voice, “—his kind.”

They stopped in front of the line of trees.

“I know, that’s why I take a route no one will ever find, or be able to follow.”

Eda was now extremely agitated at her brother’s cheeriness, and quite possibly, idiocity. “Just... make sure no one follows you.”

(Y/N) smiled. “I’ll be fine, Eda.” He placed a hand on his sister’s shoulder and walked off.

Eda watched him leave before starting back towards their house.

***

All the while, Bracken had been listening.

His kind? Is (Y/N) seeing someone from a different clan?

With his new trade, perhaps he wanted to meet someone from the (N/T) clan from the south?

But he’s supposed to be training here, as Fírning’s apprentice. So why contact that clan?

And father has never been keen on their leader. Perhaps this is an act of vengeance for abandoning him during the hunt.

But if he’s doing that, he’d be a traitor to the clan!

He needs to be stopped.

Bracken nodded his head firmly and followed (Y/N) through the trees, shouldering his crossbow and griping the hilt of his sword.

*-*-*-*

Y/N’s POV

I hummed softly as I picked apples from one tree. I often hummed while doing tasks; it was just my way of getting through them.

As I put another apple into my satchel, I heard wingbeats above me. I looked up to see Ugauc hovering over me. He landed softly beside me.

“Good morning, little elfling,” he hummed, planting a kiss on my forehead.

“Good morning, fierce dragon,” I replied, testing out a new nickname for him.

Ugauc chuckled and held me in his arms. “I like that one.”

“You say that every time,” I said, smiling.

“That’s because I love everything your creative little mind comes up with and everything you say.”

My cheeks flushed bright red.

“Ugauc!” I scolded, hitting him on the shoulder.

“But it’s true,” he said defensively. I shook my head and went back to picking apples.

“So, why do you need so many?” Ugauc asked, picking apples from a higher branch and putting them in my satchel.

“Mama is baking today, so I’m here to collect apples for her pies. They’re delicious,” I added.

Ugauc smiled. “They don’t sound very appealing to my tastebuds, but to each his own.”

“I could bring you some tomorrow... if any survive that long.”

“All right, I’ll give it a try, if you can save it from the savages you have as a family,” Ugauc joked.

I laughed. He smiled.

But then his face dropped, and he whipped around, his face hard and his eyes scanning the bushes behind me.

Before I could ask anything an arrow came from the shadows and hit Ugauc in the shoulder. Another one came from the same spot, but he caught it just before they embedded a second one in his thigh.

My breath hitched; someone had found us.

Ugauc growled and shifted to his beast form, emerald scales glistening in the sun. The arrows that had been embedded in his flesh fell from the wounds onto the ground as he shifted.

“No!” I shouted as he shifted. I heard a crossbow being loaded again, but with a different arrow; a slaying arrow. An arrow that could kill a dragon if aimed correctly; usually for the artery in the dragon's neck

“Don’t!” I called, but they had loosed the arrow. Time slowed down as I saw the four-pointed broadhead arrow slice through the scales on Ugauc’s neck. Navy blood spilled from the wound as the arrow embedded itself in a tree behind Ugauc.

Ugauc fell to the ground with a heavy thud(i). I rushed over to him as blood trickled around the front of his neck.

“No. No. No. No. No!” I begged, frantically thinking about what I could do. Tears spilled from my eyes, I had to stop the bleeding.

I lifted my knee-length grey tunic off my body and wrapped it around his neck.

As I studied where the wound was, I knew the arrow had missed the major artery to the brain, but there was still so much blood and I had no way to heal him quickly.

“Just hang in there, ok, Ugauc? Please, just hang in there!” I pleaded, putting pressure on the wound, my tunic already turning navy.

“Fraternising with a dragon. Who knew you would be the one to do such a thing?” Came a male voice, one I knew.

“Bracken,” I seethed, whipping my head around to him.

“You were supposed to kill the dragon! Not kiss him! How could you betray your own clan like this?” Bracken yelled.

I wiped away my tears and got to my feet. “I didn’t betray anyone, and he has done nothing!” I yelled back.

“If we thought like that, and waited for them to attack us, we wouldn’t be standing and our village would be ruins!” Bracken stepped closer to me and punched me in the nose. My head exploded with pain as I fell to the ground.

“Bracken!” Called Eda’s voice. “Step away from him!” She ordered. But before he could move, Eda hit him across the head with the hilt of her sword, knocking him out.

She rushed over to me. “(Y/N)!” She shouted as I lost consciousness.

My head was throbbing, and a bright light was shining onto my face. I really didn’t want to open my eyes.

But then it all came back to me; Ugauc getting attacked, Bracken assaulting me, Eda knocking him out...

Ugauc bleeding out.

Ugauc!

My eyes snapped open. I was in my room, lying in my bed, a sheet and duvet draped over my body. Evening sunlight shone in through the window into my eyes and the room, reflecting off the glass of the small terrariums on my writing desk.

I pushed myself up slowly and rubbed my head; Bracken had hit me hard. I winced and edged towards the mirror on my wall. Purple rings surrounded my eyes and my eyes were bloodshot.

I groaned, I felt awful.

I slowly made my way out of my room and downstairs to the kitchen-dining area. My family sat around the table, my father leaning on the solid oak, my mother fiddling with a plaited bracelet, and my brother, Eldrin, was folding a corner of parchment from his spellbook anxiously as he skimmed over the words. Eda was staring at her sword, looking at its dull metal as she bit the inside of her cheek. They all looked so tense.

I gulped and made my way down the stairs. All eyes were on me as soon as the wood creaked beneath my feet.

I looked down, focusing on the knots in the wooden boards as I stopped by the table and sat beside Eldrin, as I do for every meal.

Everyone was eerily quiet. I wanted to ask about Ugauc, and how long I’d been out, and what had happened, and where Bracken was, but I held my tongue.

Mama looked to Papa, I watched as the two exchanged looks.

I have never been this nervous.

Mama put her hand on Papa’s and gave him a soft look. Papa drew in a breath and sat down at the head of the table.

“(Y/N),” he started in a soft tone.

I glanced aside and drew in a breath. “Yes, Papa?” I breathed.

“Who were you with in the woods?” He never took his eyes off of me.  

I looked across at Eda.

“I promised you I wouldn’t tell anyone,” she replied, her hand stroking the blade of her sword.

“You knew about this?” Mama hissed, whipping her head around to Eda.

Eda inclined her head. “Yes.”

Mama gave both of us a look of distrust.

“I was with Ugauc, the dragon Bracken shot,” I answered, studying dark knot in the oak table.

Papa looked down at the wood. “That much was obvious.” He looked up at the lanterns hanging above the table. “How did you meet this dragon?”

“He—He’s my soulmate.” I saw my parents exchange worried looks. “Please, believe me! He has done nothing!”

Mama looked from me to Papa. “Calm down, (Y/N)” she soothed. “Just—“ she cut herself off to glance at Papa. “Just start from the beginning and leave nothing out.”

I released a shaky breath and started the thrilling tale of how I met my soulmate.

*-*-*-*

Eda and I peered around the corner of the smithy, looking across at the clan leader’s house. It was five storeys tall, with three sublevels below the ground—the biggest house in the village. And in one of those underground rooms, was Ugauc. The only light was from the windows of the houses and the torches lit in the streets.

“What if the others don’t believe Mama and Papa? What if they know it’s an illusion?” I thought aloud as we hid behind the wall.

Eda put a hand on my shoulder. “They won’t. Eldrin’s illusions are the most realistic ones you’ll ever see.” She poked my the tip of my nose.

“Ow.” I hissed. Eldrin had healed most of my bruising, but my nose was still tender.

“Sorry,” Eda whispered. She looked back around at the house. “C’mon, let’s go.”

She grabbed my wrist and jogged towards the house. I jogged after her, glancing over my shoulder from time to time.

We knelt by the steps up to the front door. Eda looked up at the windows, trying to spot an open window. I looked around, making sure no one was spying on us.

“You said you could communicate telepathically with each other, right?” Eda asked.

“Yeah, but I have no idea how to do that.”

“Well, at least try. Just think about him or something. That might do it,” Eda suggested as she dug her fingernails under each window on the ground level to prise it open—but none of them budged.

I did as she suggested and thought about Ugauc, focusing on his features; his green scales, his dark skin and hair, his horns, his wings, his eyes, his face, his firm jawline, his muscles.

My expression melted as I thought about his muscles.

Soon I felt as though my soul had left my body and was just floating in nothingness. But then I can across a wave of energy, almost as if Ugauc’s soul had come close to mine.

(Y/N)?

It was Ugauc’s voice. He sounded tired, but it was his voice.

My heart raced. He was alive! I quickly calmed myself down.

Yes, Ugauc, it’s me. We’re here to rescue you. Do you have any idea where you are?

In the biggest house in the village... They brought me down three flights of stairs... I’m at the very end of the corridor.

We’ll try to get to you as soon as we can, Ugauc, I promise.

See you soon, (Y/N).

Ugauc? I asked, trying to hold on to the connection.

Yes? His voice was fading.

I love you.

Pink and red tones came into my vision.

I love you too, (Y/N).

His presence faded from my mind. I brought my mind back to my body and opened my eyes.

“He’s weak,” I said ruefully. “he says he’s on the third sublevel, in the room farthest away from the staircase.”

Eda nodded.

And then chaos erupted. First came screams and cries, then shouts; “Dragon!” “The beast is angry that we took its brother!” “Kill it! Quickly!”

The large door of the house opened suddenly.

“Father!” Called Bracken. “They have spotted another beast!”

Moments later, Bracken, his father, and several members of the hunting squad rushed out of the house. Eda and I curled up among the bushes beside the stairs. The elves ran off to the south of the village, leaving the door open.

I looked up, noticing the light streaming down from the doorway. I swiftly ran up the stairs, Eda behind me.

We ran down the corridor towards the leader’s study, which was where the stairs to the basement were. A long time ago, Bracken and I had been close friends, and one time when I was over, he had shown me the staircase to the lower levels of the house—before his father made us leave.

In front of the doorway was a map of the village and the villages nearby. I lifted the map and opened the door behind it, looking down at the dimly lit spiral stone stairs ahead of me.

“(Y/N)! Wait up!” Eda hissed. I waited for her before starting down the stairs.

“Since when have you been a ‘run first, think later’ type of elf?” Eda asked, staying a step behind me.

“Bracken nearly killed my soulmate, and he might die now. I’m not waiting around for that to happen before I can say goodbye,” I whispered. “Or even get to introduce him to my family.”

We faced a long corridor, with about a dozen barred cells on either side—they seemed small from the outside. I ran forward, to where I saw another staircase, running passed the green flames from the lanterns hanging on the wall—one one colour dragons can’t see. I heard Eda race after me.

We worked our way down the spiral staircase and rushed passed more cells. Those were bigger than the ones on the previous floor.

I dashed down the last staircase and was met with the fresh smell of blood. I gagged and forced myself to keep going. At the end, I could make out a large shape lying on the ground in a huge cell. There were four others on this floor.

“Ugauc!” I called, running up to the bars. He was in his beast form, held down by chains that were bolted to the ground. There were several cuts on his neck, back and wings, all of which were oozing with navy blood. His breathing was shallow and raspy.

“Oh! Ugauc!” I fell to my knees and pressed my head against the bars. I reached through the bars and touched the rough scales of his snout. “I’m so sorry.”

A gurgle came from him. It was very different to his shallow breathing and raspy breath. His amber eyes slowly peeled open. I smiled sadly at him and he released an aching whine.

Eda came up to the bars. “Stop being so dramatic. It’s not locked.” She slid the latch open. I got to my feet and followed Eda into the cell.

Eda went to rummage around for the key to remove the bolts from the ground so we could remove the chains. I grabbed the hunting knife from my belt and cut the rope tied around Ugauc’s snout.

“Just hang in there!” I whispered to Ugauc. Eda went around and removed the bolts from the cell floor.

But then I heard something. Footsteps. Echoing footsteps that were getting closer.

I whipped my head around and got to my feet.

“It’s probably Papa,” Eda said, removing the last bolt from the ground. “He figured we might need some help getting Ugauc out of here.”

I looked from the spiral staircase, to her, to the staircase again. And sure enough, Papa came into view, running down towards us.

“How fairs the escape plan?” He asked, stopping in front of the cave.

“So far it’s going alright,” I responded.

Papa looked down at Ugauc. He slowly blinked back up at Papa.

Papa got down on one knee and looked at Ugauc. “Can you move?” He asked.

I... don’t think so... Ugauc said, exhausted of all his strength.

“He doesn’t think he can,” I repeated.

“Can you change to your other form?”

Ugauc breathed deeply and was wrapped in a cocoon of light. His human form knelt before us, leaning on his arms. His trousers were now shorter, ending above the knee from being on him when he was in his beast form. I knelt beside him and cupped his cheeks, placing a kiss on his forehead. He had wounds where the arrows had been embedded and he had several bruises on his abdomen.

“Let’s get you out of here,” Papa said, taking Ugauc under the arm and supporting him as we left for home.

*-*-*-*

I ran my hand through Ugauc’s hair as he slept on the living room couch. It was early the next morning—the day after Bracken had attacked us.

After we had gotten Ugauc home, we ransacked the leader’s home. To make it look like he had escaped or that the other ‘dragon’ had helped him.

I rested my arm on his chest and nestled my head on my arm and listened to his breathing. It wasn’t as shallow as it had been the night before. Eldrin had restored some of his strength so he could make it through the night... but it took a heavy toll on Eldrin—he almost passed out last night after performing the spell.

I looked out the lounge window behind the couch as the first few rays of sunlight shone through the trees onto the street outside. I yawned and relaxed my head back on my arm. I had slept very little during the night, worried that Ugauc might have forgotten where he was or what had happened, and so I slept in the living room.

I heard the floorboards creak behind me. I swung my head around.

Papa stood at the bottom of the stairs, stretching.

I turned my head back around, watching Ugauc again.

“How long have you been down here?” Papa asked, making his way over to me.

“A few hours,” I replied drowsily.

“In other words; you’ve been awake all night.”

I looked down at Ugauc.

Papa sat down beside me. “I understand that you care about him, but it’s not safe for either of you if he stays nearby.”

“I know. But I care about him too much to see him walk away... I don’t think I could ever be happy if I was away from him.”

“So, what are you saying?”

“I think—I think maybe we should leave... I’d have to talk to Ugauc first, but I think it’s our only option.”

*-*-*-*

Ugauc entered his cave, the leafy vines brushing against his bare chest, shoulders and wings. I could smell Elven blood on him and I could see some stains splattered on to his new brown trousers.

“Ugauc... what have you done?” I eyed him suspiciously. He had healed quickly since they imprisoned him; it had only been a few days since we had hid him in our home.

“I’ve dealt with Bracken,” He replied smugly. I felt my stomach twist into a knot.

“I wasn’t the only one who ‘dealt with him’,” he said defensively, seeing my expression. Eda, Eldrin, Mama and Papa entered the cave. I could see that Mama was ringing her hand and that Eda’s sword had some red droplet stains on it.

“Oh no,” I breathed.

“He’ll be fine, (Y/N),” Mama reassured.

“He just won’t be able to join the hunting squad, ever(i),” Eda added. Ugauc smirked at Eda. She smiled back.

“That’s reassuring,” I muttered. I glanced to the rucksack beside me.

This is probably the last time I’m ever going to see them. I thought to myself.

Mama came up to me first and wrapped her arms around me. I sunk into her hold. Papa joined next, and then my siblings.

I felt a lump form in my throat. “I’ll miss you all so much,” I forced out.

“I’m sure you’ll be much too busy to even think about us,” Eda said as we released each other.

I wiped away a tear and smiled.

“But you can come home whenever you want,” Mama said, kissing my brow.

“As long as you don’t bring trouble with you,” Papa added.

I laughed through my sadness. “I’ll try not to.”

Eldrin looked to the vines in the cave's mouth. “You should get going soon before Bracken’s father comes after Ugauc; no one can misjudge claw-marks.”

Ugauc scratched the back of his neck nervously.

I smiled and nodded. “Thank you for everything,” I said to my family. Ugauc came closer to us.

“I’ll never be able to repay you for what you have done. Thank you,” he said with a bow.

“Just keep, (Y/N) safe and that will be enough,” Papa said. Eda reached for her sword falsely, threateningly.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Ugauc replied with a nervous laugh.

I smiled; at least my family knew where I would be and that I was safe. Ugauc and I planned on heading south, to a warmer climate so we could try some of those exotic fruits we had talked about.