To Make a Memory

Interlude One : Inhale/Exhale

He spirals through the air, the night disguising his figure as he lands gracefully on the sand, his wings flapping majestically before they are folded close to his body. Other dragons will be gathering around the area over the next few days. He always liked coming earlier though, before his fellow allies would swarm the area in attempt to gather more food for the queen.

He walks over to the dark cave, lighting and padding the sand briefly before settling down, and waits. He slowly takes in the atmosphere. The familiar sound of water washing against the shore, the smell of the sea and salt against the cool air of the night, the distant sounds of clanking and mindless chatter he can not quite understand slowly filter through the calm silence. He likes this beach, far enough from the queen's roar for it to slightly fade into the background and enough distractions for him to mostly ignore it.

At the very least, he is allowed to visit a friend while he is here. And that is already enough of reason to visit.

He closes he his eyes to the starry sky against a nearly-as-dark ceiling, and sleeps.

He wakes to the shadow cast over his form by a figure at the entrance of the cave.

He bounds up happily, warbling out a greeting. His friend sends a similar greeting, a croon that contrasts sharply to the usual loud roars his friend makes. The sun has risen for a few hours now judging by the direction of the shadows against the bright sand. The air is still bitingly crisp, and his friend smells like the deep sea salt. The elder dragon is old enough for him to consider his friend as kin, but has been more of mentor to him.

His friend's charges suddenly tackle him, and a mock fight ensues. Small, playful roars mix with his violet-colored blasts, the sand taking the brunt of the fire only to be washed away by the rhythmic beats of the tide. They play through the day, secluded from other dragons where it is just the two of them and the young ones. They fish together, the elder dragon easily gathering more fish than him. He does not hold it against the other. His friend is built for the sea, while he has and always will be for the sky.

They let the small ones eat first, catching up and enjoying the presence of each other. When the young ones are off to squeeze a little more play, he and the elder dragon feast on what is left. A portion is saved for when he will return to the dragon's nest. He is lucky to reliably receive food, though he helps those who are not so fortunate. He has already seen his share of other dragons swallowed whole by the queen and tries to minimize the chance of the event occurring. Only a one more night left.

When the heavens blacken, his friend brings over another treasure. A gift that the elder dragon always gives on the first day of their time together. He keeps all the treasures he received so far in the cave: a gold coin, a cleaned bone of something large from sea afar, a sea rock that made for a great back scratcher among other things. He has tried to return the favor, but the elder dragon has been frustratingly obstinate, patting his head into submission until he feels like a hatchling all over again. He tries to push a gift of his own, some wool of the elusive small, black animal he sometimes spots in the human nest. The… 'sheep', he once heard one of the humans shout. He is blocked before he even gets it out. Of course he feels like he has the right to pout. It does not help that his friend laughs good-naturedly.

This time, he brings a pile of human furs. Warmed by the sun, he can smell the faint scent of something foreign and the heat of the sunshine. He thanks his friend, nuzzles against him, and bids his family farewell as they retreat into the sea. After they have left, he brings the furs into the cave, carefully lights a circle around it, and wraps himself around the pile.

It is surprisingly warmer than he originally thought.

Sleep comes easily. And the stars shine brightly once again. Another night passes.

The next day alternates between play and flying across the sea, his friend just underneath the surface of the water. The pile of fish set aside grows larger. He longs for the day when he will not need the pile anymore. When night falls, the family returns home until the next time he visits.

He curls around the pile of furs once more and breaths out.

He lets everything out, calming his thoughts and tuning into the queen's voice that he has been ignoring the past few days. He empties himself, a blank slate, and lets the focus come instinctively. He opens his eyes to the night sky. The stars seem dimmer now, fading against the pitch-black expanse. It will be his field, his specialty.

Tomorrow night, he will hunt with the others.

[Author's Note]: Been a While. Sorry for the Lack of Updates. Finals were Rough, But Here is a Christmas Update.