[Statistics] [Bonder] [Hatchling] [Adult]

He had hatched at the same time as the other black of the clutch, but in Talashai's mind he had been standing on the sands alone with her. Nothing else had mattered. His hide was pure black, with a sort of silver shimmer to it, and he was the biggest and most magical of his clutch. All new dragoners say it, but he was perfect.

Since arriving on Alskyr, and at Caer Paniya, Talashai had made more friends than she thought existed. Everyone welcomed her - embraced her for her gifts instead of rejecting her. She felt more at home than ever she had on Earth. It seemed hardly more than a dream. Some lost civilization where cement skyscrapers rule and children are cruel and unaccepting. Where racism and sexism and politics and greed have so much power. Here... Alskyr was amazing. It offered her everything she'd ever dreamt of having, and more. To some, the thought of actually working for your keep - cleaning and cooking and running errands - was a horrible prospect. But it was the way of life at Paniya, and not only did she not have a choice, but if she did, she wouldn't have it any other way. For the first time in her life, Talashai was proud of who she was, what she did and what she could some day become.

And now - now that some day had happened. Her life, it seemed, could not get happier. Now, she had Raisimak.

"Rai?" she called from her cot. They had completed their lessons for the day and the now two-week old Raisimak was pooped.

"Unngh," replied the black, not moving.

Talashai grinned blissfully. "You sleeping?" She poked him.

Yes. Go away, returned Raisimak groggily, inside her mind. The hatchling could not only telepath to his rider, but also to other people with ease. His teleportation and telekinesis skills were also highly developed.

She poked him again. "You sure?"

Raisimak groaned, rolled over and opened sleepy eyes at his young rider. Despite this, he smiled as soon as he saw her. He may be grumpy, but he was also a huge softy, and he loved Talashai more than life. No, you're right, he said softly. I'm awake. I must have been mistaken.

Talashai reached across and scratched his headridges, which were becoming increasingly itchy as he grew at an incredible speed, shedding bits of skin as he went. "Love you." She leaned over and kissed his nose.

If he wasn't black - and a dragon - Raisimak would have blushed. Instead, he made a ridiculously human 'daw' sound and flopped his head down on Tal's lap. Love you too, babe.