Introduction

There was a small road in a large forest, where some could find a place to stay during their expeditions. Trappers and traders alike would frequent this small inn deep in the woods. It was quiet outside of the fowl that were kept for their eggs. A breath of fresh air compared to the cities they would take their pelts to.

MeiAnne loved when new visitors would come along. She would bug them for stories of cities and villages all across Luaecia. Despite being an adult of 20 years, she had never been allowed by her single mother to see any of it. She yearned to know what life was like for the rest of the world, but she was needed at her quiet place beside her mother.

One evening when rain was pelting their roof a young man came through the door. As was usual he sat at a table and waited to be served a warm beverage. Water dripped from his dark hair and beard onto the table. MeiAnne rushed over with a towel and drink for the man. She had never seen him before, and he didn't look much like any trader or trapper that came through these woods.

"Sir, may I ask for your name?" Her voice came out over the rain. She didn't get a verbal response but she did receive a wave to look out the door. The man didn't look up, or even seem to mind as she left him to his drink. She cracked open the front door just enough to see why she was directed this way without letting in too much of the rain.

Cramped in their stable just down the road from the inn was a colorful being she never thought she'd get to see in her lifetime. She cast aside worry of getting wet to run for a closer look. Before her stood a large creature, bright violet despite the dark lighting. MeiAnne was witness to a dragon in her stable.

It's eyes seemed almost golden, orange and yellow flaking out from its narrow pupil. A low rumble emanated from its chest. MeiAnne noticed it was lowering its head, careful to keep its head under the cover of the stable. She felt compelled to reach up to meet it, but right when she was about to feel it's tough scalehide under her fingertips there were footsteps in the mud behind her.

"I'd prefer if you didn't."

She whipped around, some of her wet hair sticking to her face. "I'm sorry." She was quick to apologize as she fumbled to wipe the hair from her face.

"Follow me back inside. I'll need another towel and one for my boots." The man waited a moment for MeiAnne to start to move back towards the inn before turning to do the same.

MeiAnne made sure the man had the towels he needed before allowing herself to worry about her own soaked figure. No longer dripping she topped the man off on his beverage. She wasn't sure if she should try to talk with the stranger or not. Hesitating, she waited to see if he would give any hint as to what choice she should make.

He looked up at her and seeing that she hadn't moved away yet, sighed. "Ask away."