Welcome!

[Wilde]

Feijao opened his eyes to the dawn light creeping past the entrance to his caverns. His main bedchamber was near what served as his main entrance, and it faced a south-eastern edge to the cursed pine forests of the north, near the sea. Reddish-gray, they scanned his chamber, making sure that everything was in its place, as he had left it.

Few dragons could enter this warren, he knew, and none larger than himself. But many dragons were smaller than he, as were both humans and Dires. It had become habit over his occupation of this place to make certain that nothing was disturbed while he slept. With that purpose in mind, he rose to his feet and began a systematic search of the caverns and tunnels, checking each of his herb-stashes and secondary bedrooms, as well as the little tests he put near each secondary entrance to give away the presence of intruders. Finding nothing, he returned to the entrance that lay in the sun's light and settled there, letting the sunrise gild his green scales and set fire to the scattering of scales that were, instead, white.

It had happened again. He had dreamed of that face, that voice. Gray eyes that laughed with genuine pleasure, something he scarcely remembered. The face of a wrinkled, sun-worn, female human...a face that terrified him. And yet it was some comfort to wake with those eyes still in his memory. It felt right to remember them, though he didn't understand why. Nor did he understand why this and other things, other flashes, had come to haunt his dreams and waking life in the last few months. He knew only that a weight had been lifted from his mind, one that he had not truly realized was there at all.

Something had changed...and he thought perhaps it was a change for the better. He was remembering things...and they were good things to remember. The uses for the plants that he had kept so carefully and so well for so long without knowing why, for one. That he was no warrior, for another, though his tattered ear and scarred wing-sail might argue that point. That the crystal imbedded in his chest was, for a reason that remained elusive, very important. He had always ignored it.

That 'always' was far longer than he remembered it being...

Shaking his head to clear it, he rose and trotted into the open space in front of his caverns. He shook himself and spread his wings into the sunlight, baring the clean scar on his left wingsail that he had gotten from a Dire seven years ago. It gave him no trouble anymore, not so long since its receipt, not after having healed so well. He launched himself into the air and caught the wind beneath his wings, reveling in the good, clean feeling of the day's first flight.

Steering south, Feijao headed away from the forest that he often skirted the edges of. Only the edges, as getting nearer meant risking attack from plants that would heed not even a Forest dragon's power. Instead, he flew along the mountains and over ocean water for a time, past a small island as the sun continued to rise. By afternoon, he was over more wholesome forest, though not the pine forests he knew he preferred. Why he preferred forests that seemed to have a taste for his blood, he didn't know.

Perhaps that was one of the things that his memory was still hiding from him....

[Gothic Thylacine]

For the first time, depression had claimed Sarafina as well as her dragon. Although to Anala it was more of a severe disappointment mixed with fear and anger…along with some empty nest syndrome thrown in there. For the first couple days after the hatching, Sarafina had insisted on being alone to cry. This of course had enraged Anala that anything could do this to her rider. But Anala herself had been brooding and less than her usual happy go lucky self.
Anala’s turmoil came from several sources. Firstly Sarafina’s pain at being rejected by Leeran’s dragon. Followed by the empty feeling after her little Feuga had hatched and she and Buccinal no longer had a egg to tend to….She was still waiting for word from Buccinal what his next plans were as far as heading to the Desolation. She would be there for him without question. But she had to admit she missed him being at her side so much. He had proved to be a very good father and mate.
Ah. Mate.
The final reason was that. Anala had herself hoped in the possibility of Leeran’s bonded becoming her mate on a monogamous level. (She would actually enjoy Buccinal as a life mate but she knew he had his eyes on others) And this idea had unfortunately gotten stuck in her mind. So when his hatchling had tried to ATTACK her, that idea shattered. And it put fear of Sarafina’s safety into play. And it killed her to see Sarafina suffering so hard from the fear of loosing Leeran because of it.

Still….Sarafina still had healers work to do. So Anala was overly excited than usual to take her on a flight to gather more herbs and plants from the jungle. She was hoping it would perk her up and clear her mind…well, both of their minds. Anala tried to chat as they flew
“Love, we should gather some things for some mood or relaxation tea for you. This must stop. Hey perhaps we can visit Scythe…..oh and let’s get some of those pink fruits Kite loves so much”
This seemed to get Sarafina’s attention. She did love that gryphon!

“Yes….we’ll need to get some of those oily leaves for his feathers as well” She said softly

Anala sighed and saw a patch that she would be able to land in that was luckily in a very fertile area for her rider to gather her plants. She positioned now and began to descend. Landing gently Sarafina sluggishly began to dismount and prepare her bag to gather supplies.
Anala knew she’d have to go into the thicker trees where it was harder for herself to navigate. She knew she’d have to both give her space as well as check on her to be sure she was alright….

“Anala I’ll be right back. I’m taking that flowery path a ways to see if I can find something I need” Sarafina said softly.

“I should go with you” Anala said…even though Sarafina had navigated this place hundreds of times, she still worried

“You’d have trouble getting through the trees without knocking them down”
Anala looked at her rider. Yes, she would know instantly if her rider was in any danger or even afraid, but she’d rather prevent danger before having to fight it off. She watched as her rider departed and Anala knew she’d need to be ready to act on an instant…she worried Sarafina would have another breakdown.

[Wilde]

((Aw, poor Sarafina! -snuggles them both-))

Feijao noted the dragon in the distance, a speck of warm color against the cool sky. It landed somewhere amid the trees, and the Forest made note of where, but did not worry overmuch about it.

A part of him mind wanted to go and see if it was a Fire...Fires were his enemy, he hated them, all of them...and had no idea why. It had something to do with those grey eyes, but he didn't know what the connection was. He growled softly in frustration as he continued his flight, coasting this way and that, studying the ground to see if anything could be found that was new to him, or that his mind called out for.

Only in the last few months had his inability to understand why he did certain things begun to frustrate him. Why did he hate Fire dragons? Why did he hoard the herbs that took up three of the caverns in his warren? Why did he remember flashes of peace and happiness that seemed, at the same time, to have nothing to do with him, but to be central to his past?

The growl tapered into a soft humming as he noticed a human woman on the ground at the edge of a clearing, gathering herbs. Could she be a Healer? A dragon or Dire he would have avoided (except the hated Fires), but few humans could harm a dragon his size alone, at least before he could get out of their reach.

Backwinging carefully, he landed in the trees nearby, barely making the leaves rustle as he settled. Humans were notoriously easy to startle, and he didn't want this one running away. It had been a long time since he had spoken with someone, and he felt the want to do so now well up in him like a physical thing. Carefully, quietly, he made his way though his screen of trees until he could see her on the other side of the clearing. He settled with his forelegs and head in the clearing, though his tail and rump remained curled in the trees.

"Are you--" His voice rasped, and he coughed twice before regaining control of himself. It had been a long time since he had spoken at all. He softened his voice, though it was still pitched to carry across the brief empty space. "Are you a Healer, by chance?"

[Gothic Thylacine]

((No worries I'm sure they'll be fine I think Sarafina/Anala are experiencing their first relationship related rough patch and they hate it lol))

Sarafina did hear movement near by, but at first shrugged it off as local wildlife. She was well experienced with wild animals and did not fear them. But her senses began to urge her further as it continued. She stood up and listened and glanced around. Yes, something was definitely coming. But the question was it dangerous? She waited and watched as a shape began to appear.
Is that ....a dragon?..

Sure enough, a dragon began to appear. It was smaller so soon it became clear that it was a forest dragon. Still Sarafina remained alert. If Scythe carved out a living in this area no doubt other taints did as well. So she prepared to get to Anala if she needed to. But since this one didn't attack her outright, she decided to give him a chance.
She looked at the Forest dragon with a friendly expression and to her surprise he spoke to her. He coughed a bit and Sarafina worried he may be ill.

"Why..Yes I am a healer. I'm sorry if I'm trespassing..I was just looking for some supplies....Are...are you hurt dear? I could take a look if you would like me to"

Looking at him again it seemed probably he was indeed a taint. For her had peculiar growths and he looked ragged and worn....to top it off she saw no sign of a rider. She would have to be careful. Especially due to Anala. The fire dragon knew all too well there were many good decent taints out there but still plenty were just plain evil. So Anala was always un-trusting at first. Ready to attack and kill if needed be. She prayed the fire wouldn't come looking for her anytime soon

[Wilde]

((Can't say as I blame them. XD))

Her voice was pleasant, if hesitant. She looked worried and surprised when he spoke, but not frightened, and that gave Feijao faint pleasure. He did not like causing fear in any, save Fire dragons, who were his hated enemy. They had reason to fear! ...but why?

"This place is not my own," the Forest replied, tossing his head in negation, though he didn't take his eyes from the little woman before him. His voice was still hoarse from long disuse, but the words came easier now. "I live away north. Most of the day's flight north, for I left my caverns at sunrise, and it is now afternoon."

Her concern for her sparked an emotion in his chest that he could not place for a time, and he watched her for a moment, puzzled. He stretched his front legs, the still-green growths on them tapping the ground softly. The movement caused the afternoon sun to catch on the two paler scales on his chest, and the round crystal embedded in his sternum between and just below them. There was no way to mistake the crack in it as the sun faltered over its broken surface.

After a moment's silence, he realized that it was touching, for her to give concern to one she just met, one that she surely recognized as an enemy. He had not been shown such kindness, however small, in near a decade, he knew.

"I am not hurt," he rasped, trying a smile. He hoped it looked more natural than it felt on his lips. "Nor am I ill, but I thank you. It has been long since conversation was part of my day, for I have been long alone. My voice objects to the sudden return to use."

Having explained that, he returned to his original topic, peering curiously at the plants she had been gathering.

"You seek for herbs for your craft? I collect such things, and know many places were rare plants may be found, if you seek them. I have done little else for ten years."

Feijao didn't realize how much he was giving away of himself in these words, for he had had none to talk to save himself, who knew all he knew, for a long time. But much could be guessed and cobbled from his statements; that indeed, he was Tainted, if she had not taken that information from other signs, that he had been for a decade or more, and his rider dead for at least that span of time. Even near abouts where he lived, though not a precise location.

[Gothic Thylacine]

Sarafina smiled again. She could tell very easily that he hadn't spoken to another in quite some time and he must be lonely....poor fellow. When he sifted and she saw his cracked crystal she took note of the confirmation but did not feel afraid

Stupid girl...trusting a taint so quickly can get you killed Her mind told her, but she got a decent enough feeling from this one like she did Scythe. And this one could have easily killed her by now if he wanted to. Talking to him certainly wouldn't hurt.
"Well yes actually....I'm looking for Bluemist flowers, Honey root, and a Roan tree if I can find them....don't worry whenever I take anything I make sure to pollinate the other plants if I can."
It was true she was a very careful gatherer. She hated that humans took whatever they wanted and she herself felt guilty whenever she herself did (even if it was for a good cause) so she tried to give back when she did have to take.

She glanced back to make sure Anala wasn't approaching. She'd need to check back with her soon before she did come looking. With her recent mood Sarafina felt it best if she didn't meet this ex taint just yet. She then made a realization.
"Oh, so sorry I didn't mean to be rude. I am Sarafina Caelum....I often come to parts of the jungle to gather when I must"
She had mixed feelings about mentioning Anala....she would HAVE to soon it wasn't like she could hide the huge pink beast forever but many taints even the good ones sometimes held ill feelings toward Sekkian dragons. And it seemed Anala was looking for an excuse to kill lately...

"You've been here for 10 years? My goodness..." She wanted to apologize but she feared that would be insulting. "If you like I can try to come by more often to say hello as well.

Meanwhile Anala wasn't quite worried yet. She sensed no real trouble but she knew if Sarafina was taking TOO long she'd have to go fetch her...If all else was going terrible if her rider was safe then that was all that mattered.

[Wilde]

"Easy enough to find," Feijao mused at her list. His smile came more easily at her reassurance. "Though bluemist flowers can prove elusive. You are thoughtful, to take such care of your resources. Not all have such forethought, human or dragon."

For himself, he often replanted the plants he exhausted. He even had bits of garden scattered about the nearer edge of the wholesome forest near his warren, though that was north of this place, he knew. They were arranged in such a way that few would recognized them as tended places, though they were indeed.

Sarafina's glance around puzzled him anew, but then he remembered the pinkish dragon he had seen in the distance, and wondered if that beast was bonded to this woman.

"It is quite alright," he assured her in turn, "for I have been as lax. I have been called Feijao..." he frowned, and for a moment might have seemed frightening, his fangs showing past his lips. It was an unintentional affectation, however. "...though that was not always my name."

He did not know where the last of that had come from, but he did not doubt its truth. It was one of the flickers of memory, come to him here and now, in this place, facing this woman. Her offer to visit him touched his heart again, and his smile returned, fangs hidden again.

"You are kind...I have grown unused to kindness. Thank you for your offer. Perhaps I could show you my secret places, the hidden meres where the rarer herbs may be found, in exchange. I...would enjoy your company."

His mind traveled back to the dragon he remembered, and he fidgeted slightly. She was surely from the Academy, and so her dragon of that allegiance. Dragons, he knew, were less quick to forgive than humans. Even if this young Healer were kind to him, her dragon may not feel the same. One front paw absently covered the cracked crystal on his chest, though he hardly recognized the action for what it was, nor was it conscious.

"Are you a rider, Sarafina Caelum? Have you a dragon of your own that guards you, so far from home?"

[Gothic Thylacine]

"Well Feijao, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance" She saw the pain in his eyes as he seemed to remember or try to remember something. She knew many taints forgot their own names and pasts.
"Oh...I'm truly sorry....You know, now that Nidhogg is locked away it is being said that many who suffered from him will start regaining their memories... I think things will begin to get better for everyone soon."

She knew now she had to make a call. It was not wise to go ff with a strange especially a former taint...but he seemed kind and she didn't want to insult him....plus Anala WOULD come within seconds if she was in any danger. She'd just have to try to be quick
"Certainly I'd be happy to" She said
They began walking and she felt no real danger walking at his side. It was strange as far as size since she was so used to Anala's gigantic mass.
Then he asked the question. But it was nice having a reason to bring her up. She still wasn't sure why she felt odd doing so

"Oh yes...I am a rider. My dragon is Anala. She's actually waiting for me. But she'll be alright for now...She'd be with me but she'd too big to fit in areas like this....You know her and I have met a couple very decent taints that we are rallying for to get back to the Academy, I'm sure she'd be happy to support you as well Feijao...One of them is Scythe. He stays in the jungle as well you may have seen him. A big black and white air with a red crest."

She made small talk as best she could when she saw he seemed to be bothered by something. She felt very bad for him and could only imagine what he went through as a taint. She certainly knew better than to ask about his rider or anything else from his past for that matter, but she still wanted to offer him something even if it was just company.

[Wilde]

Feijao looked at her sharply when she mentioned Nidhogg as they began to walk. Well he knew that name, a shadow in his nightmares for a decade, though he had never met the dragon who claimed it nor been in his service. Was this the reason that his memories were so confused now?

"When was he taken?" he inquired, his raspy voice soft. He walked gingerly, careful to step upon as few plants as possible and careful not to let his long tail twitch into Sarafina's space.

"Anala..." he mused the name on his lips, but it was unfamiliar to him (not unsurprising), and sparked nothing in the fog of his memories. It was a pretty name, though, and told him that her dragon was female, as she was. Her other words told him that the dragon was not Rosemary or Forest, or perhaps Water, but one of the larger breeds, if she could not fit among the trees. "I am certain she is a great lady."

The mention of Scythe was a name put to feathers he had seen often, but never approached. Why take the chance that that dragon would attack him? And never in the times when he had sought battle had the Air been present.

"I have seen him now and again, above and among the trees," Feijao admitted, pondering that Anala would befriend one such as himself. Would she also take to him? Would he have...friends? "But we have never met."

Her silence seemed somehow uneasy to the Forest. Not uncomfortable or tense or frightened, but as if her thoughts were elsewhere, worried for some other thing. Her dragon, perhaps, or someone left at home, he thought, and wondered what it would be like to miss someone, for he had not had anyone to miss in a long, long time.

"Here." He paused at a place where bushes grew high between the trees, in what seemed to be a solid wall. "Here is one such place that I found upon a day, and I have come here often, though I do not tend it. It is hard to get into without foreknowledge, and I think one of my breed made it once. These thick bushes surround it, and the limbs of the trees are laced above it so that it cannot be seen from above. Let me show you the way."

With a gentle nudge, he pushed his nose into the bushes and, with his muzzle, he lifted a branch that he found there aside.

"Go in before me," he offered, transferring the branch to a forepaw so that he could look back at her.

When she had entered, he followed, allowing the branch to run along his wings and tail as he passed under it. Inside was small pond, littered with splotches of sunlight that trickled through the tree branches above, which indeed seemed to have been woven together to hide the little clearing. Circled around the pond were those thick bushes, though on this side they bore pale yellow flowers that glimmered in the dappled sunlight.

Lily pads littered the surface of the pond on the far end, and white and pink lily flowers blossomed in the scant light. Small fish flickered silver and black in the water, and the grass around the pond was smooth, as though tended. In places amid the grass grew other flowers, and other plants, here and there as though random, though there was an overall feel of having walked into someone's private garden. No trees grew within the ring of bushes.

"This is a place of peace," he murmured, and for some reason it pleased him to have shown it to someone else, for he was certain that no other had tread here save himself, at least for as long as he had been coming here. "And many things grow here that can give peace to others, if wielded by a knowing hand."

[Gothic Thylacine]

"Oh Scythe is friendly trust me. And He'd probably be happy to chat with someone who went through...similar experiences and offer support"
She saw the area he was leading her to and she smiled a bit. She knew she was in for a treat.
She slowly entered as he pushed aside the foliage....and gasped with wide eyes.
This was a place she had always dreamed of in her mind as a perfect escape from the harshness of the world. A reminder that there was still beauty and peace and perfection still in existence.

"Oh Feijao....it's beautiful! I promise nobody will know of this place....I rather distrust other humans you see."
She stood taking it all in and carefully went and sat on a nearby log. She did feel bad because even Anala probably couldn't fit in here without some damage. And Sarafina would never want that. Poor Anala. For once she felt her beloved dragon may regret her size (She had always taken pride in her larger than average measurements)

"Wow, I must thank you so much for bringing me here. You understand the preciousness of nature for sure...and it's so refreshing. Thank you again dear!"
She was happy to have another kindred spirit in her life now. Anala was too of course but she had a tad more aggression and fire within her than Sarafina herself....well, more than Sarafina anyway.

Anala herself was relaxed as she sunned herself in the clearing. The scent of the forest soothing her. But she couldn't help but worry that Sarafina wasn't back yet. She felt for any oddity on her riders half and although nothing bad...she DID feel a surge of emotion...Oh dear was she crying again? It wasn't sadness but it was strong. Anala forced herself up and called out to the tree line

"Sarafina!...Sara? Are you alright hun you've been out there a while!" She peered in the treeline but saw nothing. Sometimes she did envy forest dragons for their ability to travel through thick trees like this....

[Wilde]

Feijao smiled at her assurances of the Air's friendliness. He didn't doubt that, if she told it to him. It was he who had ever been unfriendly and aloof, these last nine years.

"Perhaps you could introduce us, one day."

The woman's reaction to his little haven was perfect, exactly as he imagined hers would have been, had she ever seen it. He blinked at that thought, and tried to retrace it, to find the other woman that was referenced in it in his memories, but he got only a flash of the now-familiar grey eyes and nothing else.

"Both humans and dragons may wreak havoc on the loveliness of the earth," the Forest replied, though his voice was a bit strained from his frustration. "You are quite welcome, and perhaps there is one you might bring...a...companion from home, perhaps? Someone you miss... It is good to find another that favors such beauty as I do. It has been a long time ..."

There was more to that thought, too, but it was cut off from him, buried in the mess of his memory. A long time since what? Once again, habitually now, he searched his memory. He did not really expect to find anything, but he had to look, to try, to search.

He was jolted from his search and from his enjoyment of Sarafina's wonder at this place by a faint voice through the trees, come more to his keener ears than to Sarafina's duller human senses. It called her name. Surely it could be none but her dragon.

"Someone calls for you," he said softly, sweeping his gaze around the little clearing as though expecting her to pop from between the trees. "Your dragon? Perhaps we should return to her, lest she worry."

His own worry returned in force. She liked the Air, Scythe, but would this dragoness take to him? Another worry, quiet, soft, as yet unbidden to his conscious mind, fluttered in the back like leaves in the wind. What if she is a Fire...?

Would he attack her as he had every other sighted Fire for near a decade's worth of life, not really knowing why he had done it, merely that he must? Or would he put aside that decade's worth of unknowing hatred to soothe this woman, this new...friend? Would he be able to set it aside?

[Gothic Thylacine]

Hearing his suggestion, Sarafina's mind was flooded with thoughts and memories of Leeran. yes, more than anything she would love to bring him to this place, to have him hold her in his arms, to hear his voice along side the songs of the birds, to kiss him in the dappled light peeking between the leaves.....
"Yes" She said softly "I know just the one to bring here..." Tears formed in her eyes again but she did not want Feijao to see. She also felt herself swoon a little. If Leeran WAS here with her, she'd probably completely loose herself to emotion....
She had to struggle to pull herself back from the pleasing images

"And yes, I would love to introduce you to him. You two would probably be a great comfort to each other"
She then heard Anala's calls. Curses she HAD been away a while. No doubt she was worried about her yet again. Especially with the surge in feelings she just had....
"Ah yes that would be Anala, I suppose I should go and stop her worrying. Do feel free to come with me if you like!" At the moment she couldn't see anything bad happening. As they walked she explained
"I do apologize, you see I've been in a bit of a depression lately. The man I feel deeply for has just bonded to his own dragon...but this little fellow seems to have a disturbing violent streak. Anala is worried for my safety because of it so while they train she prefers I not get close until he has a handle on his dragon's outbursts...but it is very difficult. I fear his dragon will always dislike me and I won't be able to be close to him ever again..." The fear in her voice was clear now.

Anala herself now felt fear and longing forming in her rider. She was almost panicking
"Sarafina I KNOW you are feeling pain now, You must come out or I'll have to knock down trees and I know that will just make you cry!" The fire dragon was desperate now...but she sense Sarafina coming closer. In that second a scent hit her nose. A dragon's scent! Another dragon was near or with Sarafina, and it was unfamiliar. This sent Anala on high alert. Sure the dragon may be harmless but what if?....
She braced herself, preparing to attack if needed be. She wasn't sure why, but her instinct was screaming at her to do so...
Be ready....Be ready....

[Wilde]

Feijao was content to listen to the woman's words and ignore her tears, as she seemed to wish him to. He did follow at her invitation, and listened to her words concerning her love.

The mention of a new bonding sent a surge of confusing emotions through the Tainted Forest, anger and fear and loneliness, as well as a giddy happiness and a flash of memory, of a girl younger than Sarafina, standing among other humans on a sandy floor, her grey eyes catching his as she glanced between the crystal in his chest and something in her hand. Her face was full of hope and wonder, and he felt naught but joy at the sight of her.

Cursing the holes in his memory, Feijao pulled himself back to the present and smiled kindly at Sarafina.

"I am sure all will come right in the end," he said, though the words were empty. He hoped for her, but knew nothing of young dragons. Or did he, that he just didn't remember? His memory did not extend to when he himself had been young. Why had that never struck him as odd before? "I cannot see how any could dislike you for long. You are kind and gentle."

That was when he heard Anala anew, and caught the scent of her. The sure placement of his feet on the forest floor faltered for the merest moment as he registered that she was a Fire, one of his hated enemy, and she was upset.

For once, I will master the toxins in my mind, he told himself firmly, watching Sarafina as they drew, finally, to the clearing where Anala was. Feijao was cautious, sticking to the edge of the trees as Sarafina went forward, and he kept his eyes on the woman, not on the dragoness. Until I know why I attack them, I will not do so again!

It was hard. Every bit of his instinct called for him to lunge, to spit his acids and poisons and vanish into the trees again, to maim this Fire whom he hated. But why did he hate her? No, he didn't hate her, not really. There was something about Fires that he hated, but it was not this one Fire. She had done nothing. He disliked the breed, not the dragoness before him.

Still hovering on the edge of the trees, he looked, finally, cautiously, at Anala. She was far bigger than he expected, certainly too large to catch him in his home terrain... Noting that line of thought, he banished it, and resumed his study of her, his reddish silver eyes steady, though his body trembled from the subconscious wish to attack her. She was a vibrant color, with contrasting stripes. She was young and lovely, her eyes striking against the color of her scales.

She is the dragon of a healer, he reminded himself forcefully. That eased his trembles a bit, though not entirely. He had always been fond of healers, he knew, though he couldn't remember why. He would wait for Sarafina to introduce him. He did not know that, if he spoke first, he would not say something to provoke the dragoness. She may not be able to catch him herself, but her flames might.

[Gothic Thylacine]

Appreciating his words as they neared her dragon's location she responded honestly
"Well Feijao, You certainly seem gentle and kind as well. I am thankful I've met you" She smiled up at the forest before looking ahead and seeing the pink through the trees. She was relieved to see her own dragon so she didn't noticed Feijao's sudden change in expression and posture.

"Anala, I-" She began but noticed her Dragon's stance. She was preparing to attack. Frantically she looked back at Feijao...and to her horror she saw he was fighting the urge even more than Anala. Anala was just preparing....Feijao was fighting the urge to do it at that second.
"Anala no! He's ok! I met him in the forest he's a good one like Scythe!" She pleaded

"Then...why is he looking at me that way?" Anala said quietly yet severely between her teeth not moving a muscle. She could see and smell clearly that this dragon wanted to attack her. She wasn't worried, she could VERY easily overpower him but she was all too aware of Forest dragon's venom and abilities. She would need to be careful. Still....this dragon hadn't harmed her rider, and he seemed to be battling the urges he was having.

Sarafina was flooded with fear and confusion "I...I don't know....Please, just hang on, don't hurt him!"

"You know I will have to if he-"

"Please let me talk to him" Sarafina pleaded before going towards Feijao but not getting too close. For she could also see he was having some form of mental attack....would he listen to her?
"Feijao....Can you hear me?....listen I can see you are in a bad place right now....but i swear Anala won't hurt you unless you give her a reason....and that would only be if you tried to hurt her or me...and I KNOW you wouldn't hurt me. You're a good dragon. I know you are...so please tell me....why are you upset by my Anala?"
The more she looked at him the more Sarafina feared he may be having an oncoming Flashback. Surely a bad memory from the war...oh if that was the case this may be very bad...The poor thing!

((Bah I am disappointed in my post length but hopefully it will kickstart the next ones ))

[Wilde]

A distant part of his mind--a part that was not urging him to attack the Fire before him--noted that she held her peace at her rider's urging. That was interesting. Some dragons would. Some responded to a threat immediately and without care for their rider's opinion.

He relaxed a moment as his thoughts swept him quite away from the situation again. Weren't all dragons supposed to have riders? If so, where was his? A flash of those gray eyes and a meadow in the northern pine woods were the only answers his memory gave, and they only confused him more.

"I can hear..." his voice rasped as he was again pulled back to the present situation. Luckily, he had kept himself locked in place. Now he pulled his eyes away from the sight of the dragon that made him so unreasonable, to the woman who had been so kind. It was easier to relax looking at her, though he could still see the young Fire on the edge of his vision. "No, I would not harm you."

He shook his head, a slow motion, trying to clear it. He didn't understand, and so couldn't explain. He went on in a soft voice, though it crackled with frustration borne both of not understanding and of fighting the urge to hurt, to kill. He was no fighter! He had remembered that much quickly in the last few months.

"I hate them...all of them..." he sighed and slowly lowered himself to the ground, though he still trembled slightly. He would not harm the bond of one who had shown him such kindness, Fire dragoness or no. "Fire dragons. If I had known your bond was such, I would not have come back with you. I do not desire to hurt you by harming her... ... ...I do not know why I hate them so. My memory...it has so many holes. So much I do not remember. So much I do not understand."

((blegh, same here))