Here we are folks, chapter six. I'm SOOOO SORRYYY for the delay! I've been stuck down with writers block for months and I just finished this tear jerking chapter yesterday. Chapter seven is underway but it may take a while to complete.

6

Dawnstar

The next two days of preparing went by quickly and soon the double party was at hand. The womenfolk had made Xena a dress for the occasion and some flying clothes with help from the tanner that resided in the village. Elian felt a case of déjà vu as he watched Xena receiving her Dragonrider gear. Sharpcry was fitted with a comfy looking saddle that he was struggling to get used to. The last gift to be given was a short sword made of strong but lightweight steel so that Xena could use it with ease. After that everyone drank and ate the night away. Elian even got cuddly with Sable, making her blush deep crimson. When the morning came the villagers could hardly move for they had all eaten too much. Elian woke with a yawn, rolling off the bed with a loud yelp of pain and a heavy thud. Surprisingly his fellow riders had not been woken by the noise. Elian got off but i the floor with displeased grumbles only to fall back on his rear quarters. In his bed lay Sable, fast asleep with a smile on her face. 'Please don't tell me I slept with Nolita's sister.' "Relax Elian." Ra's imperial tone soothed, her presence strongest in the forefront of Elian's mind. "Sable is still pure. You were a bit frisky with her though. There are bruises on Sable's neck." "I gave her those?" "Yes Elian. Such a thing has never happened in this world before I don't think. It would appear that Karin rubbed off on you in more ways than one."

Stepping outside, Elian was assaulted by the fresh air. Ra greeted him with a gentle nuzzle, her eyes filled with worry. Elian wasn't exactly sturdy on his feet, swaying a little from side to side. Once again Sable was successful in scaring Elian just by rounding his waist with her arms. "Good morning Elian. Did you sleep well?" "Um…sure." "What's wrong? Don't you want me anymore? Last night you couldn't keep away from me Elian." All of a sudden Elian sobered up, pushing Sable away gently. "Sable, I'm sorry. I was drunk and didn't know what I was doing. You were too." Sable understood what Elian was saying despite still being under the influence of drinking too much spiced wine. "Whatever happened between us last night was not meant to happen. I never wanted to hurt you Sable. There's somebody waiting for me in North Racafi." Sable drew away from Elian feeling hurt but she understood that he had no feelings of affection for her. Unfortunately for Elian, Ballard saw him and Sable. He was not pleased to see his sister in tears and Elian trying to wipe them away. The South Racafian teen stumbled back when Ballard's fist met his cheek. "I knew you were too good to be true." "Ballard, please. It wasn't Elian's fault." "Hush now Sable you don't know what you're saying. I don't want to see you anywhere near my little sister again Elian." Ballard's voice dripped with venomous hatred that Aurora did not like, baring her teeth at him. Elian lifted a hand to stay Aurora's fangs. "As you wish Ballard. Fear not, Sable wasn't plucked by me. That honour belongs to somebody else." Elian turned on his heel to go back inside. He looked over his shoulder to see Sable walking away. 'Goodbye, Sable.'

At the Day Dragon Enclave, Karin was standing in a lush field that served as a garden. She had not been able to communicate with the other people at the Enclave for without their Dragons, they could not understand her. Barnabas approached Karin with Wiseheart at his side. He'd noticed how upset the girl was without Elian. "Do not fear, Karin. Elian will come back. He's not the type to just ditch a pretty girl. How are you liking the Enclave?" Barnabas was trying to brighten the mood and Karin couldn't blame him. "It's very peaceful here. Does this world not suffer from wars?" "Not often. One almost started three season rotations ago because of the Night Dragons and their leader, Segun. You're not the first person from Earth to come here Karin. A man named Jack Miller returned with Elian and Kira. From what I understand he was from the First World War, or so he claims." "Yes there was a man by that name in the history books. He took down the Red Baron. But we don't know how." Barnabas had a knowing smile on his face that told Karin the answer. Wiseheart suddenly turned to the archway behind them, grumbling slightly. "What is it Wise?" "A Dragon has arrived seeking refuge. He claims to be searching for his rider and feels her presence here." Both Barnabas and Wiseheart turned to Karin and she flinched backwards. "W-Why are you both looking at me like that?" "Karin, a Dragon has come looking for his rider. The only female human here without a Dragon…is you Karin. Will you come with us to meet him?" Karin gave a meek nod, her legs turning to jelly. Barnabas led the way through the winding tunnels and Karin lost track of where they were.

Upon arriving at the cave mouth, Barnabas, Wiseheart and Karin were struck with awe. In the gaping window stood a Dragon with gleaming scales of the most marvellous gold, eyes of entrancing amber peering into Karin's soul. "At last I have found you." The voice only sounded for Karin in her minds' ears. The smooth, rolling masculine voice sounded familiar to her but she had not met any men with such a beautiful soft voice as the one in her head. "W-Who are you? What do you want from me?" The Dragon lifted his head high upon his long neck, portraying a look of refined royalty. "My name is Dawnstar, Karin. And I am your Dragon. For years I've called out to you but got no reply. Only after a journey to Earth did I learn of your location." Karin's eyes were wide when a familiar face appeared from behind the Dragon named Dawnstar. It was none other than Bastian but he looked far older than she remembered. His face was starting to wrinkle, eyes slowly losing their shine. "N-No. Bastian, why?" "Karin, there are some things I never got to tell you about Penelope. With a stroke of luck, this fine fellow appeared fifteen years after you left." "But…here it's only been about a week." "This world's time does not run parallel to Earth's. Thus I have lived alone for fifteen years. Nobody believed me when I told them you had gone to another world. It took me a few days to earn this Dragon's trust. And I eventually convinced him to bring me here to Areth just so I could see you and pass on the knowledge Penelope never had the chance to give you. She was not born on Earth, Karin. Penelope was a Dragonrider. A rider of a Dragon most rare. A Dawn Dragon."

Karin stepped back, unable to believe what Bastian was telling her. Barnabas was a little perplexed at the situation, but he still invited Bastian inside. He wanted to hear more of the story Bastian had to tell. They returned to the garden so that nobody would disturb them. Karin helped Bastian to sit on a beautifully carved stone bench fitted with cushions. "Thank you Karin. I've aged faster over the years because I've been worried about you. Who might this fellow be? And if I'm not mistaken, this is a Day Dragon." "Yes Bastian. Wiseheart is a Day Dragon. Isn't she beautiful?" "Startlingly so. I take it this chap is her rider?" "Yes. Barnabas, this is my adoptive father, Bastian." "Adoptive?" Karin nodded, sitting herself beside Bastian. Dawnstar curled up beside the bench, wanting to be close to his rider. "I was an orphan. Disowned by parents who did not want me. Bastian and his wife, Penelope, adopted me when I was about ten. Maybe a little older." "Are orphaned children common on Earth?" "I'm afraid so Barnabas. Not all of them are lucky to find new homes. Vashyron was orphaned too." "What a horrible place it must be." "Barnabas, Earth is a wonderful place to live it's just that some people live in poverty and cannot afford to raise the child. Just like in Areth, there are rich people and poor people. It's not often the rich will give their money to help those who need it." "I…see. So a person from Areth was stranded there?" Barnabas's question was directed at Bastian who nodded. "Getting through to Penelope was not easy. She and her Dawn Dragon had been attacked whilst going through a portal to Earth. From what I remember, Penelope said the Dragon had scales of the darkest black."

"Night Dragons. Segun would've been in power. How long was Penelope on Earth for?" "Hard to remember. She was young when we met. About twelve years." "Hm. No more than six season rotations have passed here. It would've been three season rotations before the last Great Quest." Bastian fell silent as a chambermaid brought drinks out for everyone. He continued his story after taking a sip of his drink. "I came across Penelope by chance whilst walking through a field. It was hard to spot her Dragon, Autumn Warrior. Just like Star here he was a magnificent Dawn Dragon but he had been gravely wounded. As a result, he'd crashed and broken a fair few bones. At first I could not believe what was before my eyes. I earned Penelope's trust by bringing her food everyday, finding a place where she could rest with Autumn and doing my best to help him recover. I'm aware that Dawn Dragons are fast healers but Autumn Warrior had been robbed of his energy. The pain he felt stopped him from regenerating. Despite all my efforts, Autumn Warrior passed on. Penelope was distraught from losing him. Before scientists could discover Autumn's body, I gathered some friends and had him buried inside a large stone circle that still stands to this day. With her Dragon dead, Penelope had no hope of ever coming back to Areth so she went home with me. I taught her how to read, write and speak in our language on Earth. Nobody would've guessed she was from another world by looking at her face." "On behalf of Penelope's family, I thank you. They live near here and are good friends of the Enclave." "I'm afraid that Penelope is no longer with us."

Bastian had fought hard to keep his tears back but now they fell thick and fast down his old cheeks. Having heard what a human had done for one of his brethren, Dawnstar pitied Bastian, wiping away the tears with a sharp claw. "Thank you, Star. If only Penelope had held on a little longer she could've come home. Karin, I know that I rejected the evidence you presented to me at first. But deep down I knew you were being truthful. It just hurt to think that Dragons were back on Earth. Penelope chose you because she knew a greater destiny was waiting in this world for you Karin. Her very life depended on that knowledge. She sensed the same for Vashyron. Where is that spitfire of a boy?" Bastian's question answered itself when Vashyron and Marcus stepped out into the garden. If it was possible, Vashyron would've gone white with shock. "No way. How'd you get here?!" Dawnstar took to his feet and towered above Vashyron. "That's one big Dragon. Hey wait. You're…a gold Dragon. I thought Dawn Dragons were rarer than Dusk Dragons." Barnabas stepped forward with a smile on his face. "They are. Dawnstar here was predestined to be with Karin. It's a good job Elian brought you all here." "What I don't understand is why a wrinkly Bastian is here in Areth." Dawnstar took offense at Vashyron's words, snarling at him. "Whoa down boy! I meant no harm!" Karin was able to calm Dawnstar before he could rip Vashyron to pieces. She gently stroked his chest with a soothing circular motion and he sat down. "There's a good boy. Vashyron meant no harm, Star. And Bastian knows it." "Aye. That kid is often too cocky for his own good."

Once Vashyron and Marcus sat down, Bastian told them what he'd just explained to Karin and Barnabas. They too were shocked to hear that Bastian already knew about Areth. And also a little jealous of Karin for being bound to a handsome Dawn Dragon. Bastian soon remembered the riders that had accompanied the Dragons who had brought Karin and her friends to Areth. "Where is Elian? And Kira?" "They had to take care of some business for the Oracle." Bastian turned to Barnabas as he had been the one to speak. "Elian, Kira and their comrade Pell were part of the Great Quest twelve seasons ago. A fourth Dragon and rider was with them." "If I recall correctly Elian had a Dawn Dragon, Kira rode a Dusk Dragon and Pell was bound to a Night Dragon." "That's right. The fourth pair was a Day Dragon called Firestorm and his rider Nolita." "So…what happened to them?" "Come with me and I'll show you." Barnabas led Karin, Bastian, Vashyron and Marcus to a statue adorning the middle of a vast hall that reached high into the heavens. Even as a statue, Nolita was beautiful and Karin couldn't blame Elian for having fallen for her. "So this is Nolita?" "Yes. She and Firestorm sacrificed themselves to save Areth twelve seasons ago. Now they are one inside the Oracle, a greater being that gives purpose to a Dragons' life. Even after that it can still call upon us. And it did call upon the remaining members of the successful Great Quest. They were asked to carry a statue like this one to the village where Nolita once lived. I'm guessing the elder arranged a party in Nolita's memory. It's probably why Elian has yet to return."

Karin spent the rest of her day bonding with Dawnstar, getting to know more about him. Vashyron and Marcus left them alone, not wanting to ruin the moment. Dawnstar would not let Bastian out of his sight. He was worried about the old man and sensed something would happen to him fairly soon. Barnabas kindly gifted Karin and Dawnstar with a saddle for the journeys they would go on together. Dawnstar had taken Karin for a little test flight to get her used to flying solo. She was petrified and held the pommel with a deathly tight grip. Over the next two days, Karin's bond with Dawnstar grew strong as she waited for Elian to return. On the third day of Dawnstar knowing Karin, Barnabas reported good news. Two Dragons were approaching the Enclave. One gold and the other greyish blue. By early noon, Elian and Kira arrived at the Day Dragon Enclave. They looked tired. Karin was in Elian's arms faster than he could blink. "Elian! You came back!" "Well of course I did. Looks to me like you've settled nicely here, Karin." "It didn't feel the same without you, Elian. Where is Pell?" Kira stepped forward, happy to see the girl looking well. "He's gone to Isaa with a new Night Dragon and his rider. They're going to be introduced to the Enclave there." "Enclave?" Karin inquired with a raised eyebrow. "You mean a place like this?" "Yes but much larger." Barnabas came out of the shadows with Bastian in tow. Dawnstar was also with them. Elian and Kira couldn't believe their eyes. "Whoa. A Dawn Dragon, here?" "He arrived two days ago. He came with Bastian to our surprise." Elian and Kira's eyes strayed to said Earth dweller, further stunned by how old he looked. "Dang you grew old fast. How many years have passed on Earth, Bastian?" "Fifteen years, Elian. But you haven't aged a day."

"So why did you come here Bastian?" The man in question covered his mouth as he started coughing severely. Dawnstar was quick to rub the old mans' back with care not to harm him. Since Bastian seemed ill, Karin explained. "Elian, Kira, it turns out that my adoptive mother was born here in Areth and she was paired with a Dawn Dragon. They had been attacked while going through a gateway to Earth by a Night Dragon. Penelope's Dragon died despite Bastian's best efforts to help him. After that, my adoptive mother lost hope of returning home. She chose to adopt me because my destiny was bound to Areth. Vashyron's is too." "When did she go through the portal?" "It would've been three season rotations before your quest, Elian. Barnabas says her family lives nearby. If possible, I'd like to go and see them. To know what kind of person she was here in Areth." "Then I'd be happy to go with you, Karin. So…is the Dawn Dragon yours?" Karin smiled warmly and snuggled up to the handsome beast who set Ra's pulse racing. "What's up Ra?" Elian inquired through their bond. "I am…not sure. Is your pulse racing, Elian?" Questioned rider shook his head mentally. "No, Ra. Despite having a nice view of Karin's rear quarters. Why? Is your pulse running wild?" "Well…yes it is. Only when I look at Dawnstar." "That my dear girl is called attraction. I told you Dragons were capable of loving each other." Elian's mental voice held a hint of laughter earning him a growl from Ra.

With Dawnstar introduced to the quartet, they ventured down to the glade where Penelope's parents lived. Bastian rode with Karin while Marcus and Vashyron hitched a ride with Elian and Kira. Of course, Barnabas went along with a gift of herbs. An elderly woman opened the door, her ginger hair fading in colour, eyes a weary green. She recognized Barnabas easily. "Well hello Barnabas. What a lovely surprise to see you. How is the Enclave these days?" "G'day Miriel. The Enclave is doing well. We've recovered from the fight twelve seasons ago. I come bearing horrible news I'm afraid. Is Valdar home?" "Yes he's just herding the cattle with Cecheo. Who are these people, Barnabas?" "I'll explain everything inside, Miriel I promise. They are friends of the Enclave I assure you." Miriel seemed wary, allowing everyone inside. The little farmhouse reminded Elian of his home. Marcus, Karin and Vashyron were bewildered at how medieval the place looked. "Wow. It looks just like the medieval buildings in our history." "Yeah it sure does. I thought it would be cold but the air is pleasantly warm here." Miriel returned not long after journeying to the yard. With her were a brown haired grey eyed man and a boy who had probably seen no more than seventeen summers, his hair brown and eyes green. Of course the man was displeased at seeing strangers in his house but calmed knowing Barnabas would not bring harmful folk. "Barnabas, what is going on my friend?" "Sad news, Valdar. Very sad news. It's best you were all sitting down." The family did as they were told, sitting around the large table. "I'll start by introducing my companions. On the far left is Elian. He's one of the three remaining members of the Great Quest twelve seasons ago."

The family looked at Elian with awe and confusion. He was hardly even a man in their eyes. "But Barnabas, he's just a boy." "I know Miriel but it's the truth. He rides a very beautiful Dawn Dragon named Aurora. Next to him is Kira, also a member of the quest. Her Dragon, Longfang is a wise and very strong Dusk Dragon. The third and final remaining member of that task is on his way to Isaa with a newly paired Night Dragon and rider." "And the others?" Barnabas prepared himself for what was to come next. "This might sound unbelievable but they are from an alternate world called Earth. And they knew your daughter, Penelope." The words Barnabas spoke caused a heavy silence but he continued. "On my left is Bastian. He found and looked after Penelope during her time on Earth. Karin, to my right, is their adopted daughter. The youngest man beside her is Vashyron and by him is Marcus. From what I've heard he was a healer in their world." "Where…where is my daughter, Barnabas? Where is Penelope?" Miriel was already close to tears, fearing the worst. "I'm afraid she's gone, Miriel. Bastian can tell you the rest. I only know that she passed into spirit." Bastian took the hint and took in a deep breath, readying his explanation. "Despite the technology we have on Earth, Penelope died during child birth…taking our son with her. I'd found Penelope and her Dawn Dragon, Autumn Warrior by accident in a wheat field some distance from town. We would've been no older than fourteen or fifteen at the time. Sadly, Autumn Warrior passed away due to grievous injury."

The news pained Penelope's family but it also hurt Bastian and Karin to remember. Valdar was angry that his daughter had died in a foreign place but also felt happy that she hadn't been alone. Miriel had similar feelings. "When we turned twenty one…" Bastian continued, swallowing the massive lump in his throat with moderate difficulty. "Penelope and I decided to try adopting a child. We weren't ready to go that far at the time. At the orphanage, we found Karin and Vashyron. They would've been around nine or ten years old. Or summers, in your way of speaking. Penelope chose Karin because she sensed a greater future was waiting for her. And she was right. Karin came here a week ago, Areth time. On Earth it has been fifteen long years. Penelope also felt that Vashyron had a similar fate waiting here." "And what destiny was awaiting Karin?" It was Cecheo to ask and so the family was taken outside. They couldn't believe their eyes at the sight of two Dawn Dragons. Elian took his place by Ra as Karin did Star. Bastian's voice was brimming with pride when he spoke again. "She was bound to the rarest of all the true Dragon Breeds, a Dawn Dragon. Penelope told me all about the creatures of this world. How the Griffins were brought here to avoid being wiped out on Earth. She spoke very highly of her family. I'm just sorry I couldn't bring better news." Tears were now falling thick and fast down Bastian's cheeks, unable to hold his pain back any longer. The last thing he expected was to receive comfort from the family he never knew. "We understand, Bastian. It must have been very hard for you and Karin to live so long without Penelope. She was a good girl. Always respected her elders. We're glad that she found happiness with you."

Miriel's words lifted the heavy weight from Bastian's shoulders, a weight he'd been carrying around for a long time. Dawnstar suddenly started acting up as did Ra, Fang and Wiseheart. The reason became clear soon enough. Bastian fell heavily to the ground, gripping at his chest. "Bastian!" Karin was beside Bastian in seconds, his head resting in the crook of her arm. "Karin…it's my time now. Before Penelope died…she asked me to make sure you met your destiny. And that if I had the chance…let her family know how much she loved them and that she was sorry she couldn't make it home." "You can't go. There's so much here to see and do. Please Bastian…" "It's okay…Karin. You have Elian and his friends…to look after you now. And Star will protect you from harm. Penelope would be…so proud to see you now. You've come…a long way." Elian and Kira fought back their tears as they watched Bastian slowly slipping away, a series of coughs assaulting his already heaving lungs. Vashyron and Marcus just let their pain show. It even wounded Penelope's family to watch Bastian die. "Although I…never told you this as you grew up…Karin. I love you very much. We might not be…related by blood but you're still…my little girl. Elian…if you hurt her I swear I'll come back for you." "I'll keep that in mind, Bastian. May the maker guide you to rest. He's just got himself one fine Angel." Everyone lowered their heads when Bastian stopped breathing. The Dragons all bowed in respect before unleashing a mighty cry to heavens filled with anguish.

It was decided that Bastian would be cremated by the Day Dragons of the Enclave in honour for his deeds towards a fellow Dragonrider. No matter how they tried, Elian and Vashyron could not calm Karin. Not even Dawnstar could get through to his distraught rider. A few days after the cremation, Elian decided to pay his parents a visit. He would take Karin with him. Having seen how wounded the girl was at losing her only relative, Elian worried for his own parents. Barnabas offered Marcus a place at the Enclave to study the herbs and remedies of Areth while Kira had been landed with looking after Vashyron, to teach him how to survive off the land. It took a day to get over the mountains separating North and South Racafi. The sky grew dark and Elian prepared a camp to rest in for the night. Dawnstar stayed near Karin as she sat in a tranced state. Ra helped Elian to gather some wood for a fire and hunted for their supper. A large deer dropped from her polished talons near the fire. Ra and Star would have whatever Elian and Karin did not eat. The riders had a leg to themselves and some extra strips to roast for breakfast. Elian was careful while seasoning the meat that fried slowly in the pan. The smell wafting through the air woke Karin from her daze, eyes locking on the embers that danced and crackled before her. "Almost done, Karin. You'll be okay, I promise. Okay, Ra, the rest is yours and Star's." Said dragon lifted the carcass high and carried it to where she and Star would eat. They settled a small distance from the riders so not to cause any discomfort as they ripped the deer apart. Elian glanced over his shoulder when he heard a scuffle but relaxed at seeing Ra and Star having a tug of war.

The battle didn't last long between the Dragons. They'd torn off a leg each and once those had been devoured, they moved onto the main body which had surprisingly stayed in tact. Dawnstar ripped open the stomach with one claw and allowed Aurora to take the first bite. "So how is it Ra?" "I haven't tasted a deer this good in ages. Do not fret, Star. Elian will look after Karin." "He's a good kid. Boys like him are hard to find. Does his village lie far?" Ra took a moment to swallow the mouthful of deer innards before answering, a bit of blood dribbling down her chin. "From what I recall, it lies west of the Haleen Rift Valley. It's not far from here. About two hours south of our current position. It's rural so we'll have to land in the fallow field by Elian's house. It's on the edge of the village." Ra's Amber orbs met with Star's as they bumped heads whilst both attempting to bite at the deer at the same time. It was then Star noticed the trickle of blood on Ra's chin. "Here." Ra sat nervously as Dawnstar's head moved closer to hers. She relaxed upon feeling his tongue sliding across her scaly jaw. "You had blood on your chin you messy girl." "Quite the gentleman aren't you, Dawnstar?" "I try. I think Karin is ready for bed now. She's been through a lot these last few days." "Yes." Ra nodded in agreement both mentally and physically. The Dragons finished the deer quickly and moved to curl around their drowsy riders. Dawnstar kept close to Aurora, not wanting Karin to be far from Elian should she want his company. As she slept, Ra couldn't help but think about Dawnstar's affectionate ways.

Not much to say really other than I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Now I can see Elian in the distance holding that deadly sword so I'm off. Toodles!