"Kayden, I've been thinking..." Charlotte's voice was soft against the rush of wind, but that didn't seem to bother the Dovaa man who leaned beside her. He quirked an eyebrow at his companion, urging her to continue. "I want to fight Dragons." Char said, gazing out over the water. The two of them leaned against the wooden railing of the ship. The wind roared around them, tousling the blond girl's lusciously messy hair. They were docked, currently, and much of the crew had already gone out exploring, but Char had little reason to venture onto land. It's not like she knew anyone or had anywhere to go. Instead, she'd been thinking for a while. Out in the middle of the ocean, you didn't see Dragons as much as you did on land, but that was no reason to be unprepared, Char had decided. The Peisio that had wrecked her father's ship had been a surprise. It had caught everyone off guard, and they'd all paid for it. She'd been completely helpless then. Looking back, she knew any effort she'd made would have been futile.
But no more. If she trained while they were on land, instead of trapped out in the ocean, maybe she'd have a better chance. An overwhelming sense of obligation washed over her. Kayden just smiled at her, in that calm, reassuring way he always did. The way that made Char's heart leap. She wanted to jump at him and let him wrap her in a hug, but she restrained herself. She was trying to be adult-like, after all. The Dovaa shook his head with a chuckle. "Yer a brave little lass, Char. With a strong heart. I bet you could do anything you wanted."
The Orderite girl's spirits were instantly lifted. Beaming, she ran to her cabin to grab a small pack with a bit of water and a snack in case she was gone a while. "I'll be back soon!" She promised cheerily and set off. Charlotte had neglected to ask her Captain where they had docked, but the land was green and grassy, the tall blades swayed pleasantly in the breeze. Char wasn't sure way, but she felt utterly peaceful here, not like she was about to go Dragon hunting at all. She turned and looked over her shoulder. Her ship was rocking safely in the water, appearing relatively petite for the distance Charlie had traveled.
Huffing in determination, Char hefted her pack and continued along until she couldn't see her vessel when she looked back. The sun was bright and clear and inviting, hitting the blond girl's locks and turning them golden. Suddenly, she ran. It felt like a bolt of energy had just shot through her. The girl's legs were short but moving quick. Her heartbeat elevated, her breath started coming out a little quicker, her wings fluttered in the wind.
And Char saw a flash of green scales.
She didn't know how it happened. One minute, she was enjoying a carefree run, something she couldn't do within the confines of her ship. The next second, it had turned to fearful fleeing. The Ysali dragon must have caught sight of her frantic movement and instantly chosen to give chase, flying quicker than Charlotte could run. All her bravery disappeared in the wake of the creature behind her and she screamed, a high-pitched noise of fear that cut abruptly short as her foot snagged within a thick bramble of roots and she went crashing to the ground.
She turned in time to see the creature's eyes on her, large snapping teeth bared. Desperately, she tried to claw her foot free. What had she been thinking?! She didn't even have any knowledge of dragon fighting! What was she supposed to do now?! No weapon, no help, no information. Her bright fuchsia eyes stared up helplessly, fearfully.
And then an arrow lanced through the heavens, like Seren herself had shot it down to protect her. The dragon roared and thrashed, and then another arrow pierced it and another. A sound in the grass beside her had Charlotte sharply turning to see that she'd been saved by someone even better than Seren. Her crewmate, Kayden stood next to her, his gaze fierce on the creature as he shoot it down without even breaking a sweat. When at last it fell, the dragon disintegrated into nothing but a small orb.
Charlotte leaned back, gasping, her eyes widened as she stared at her Dovaa companion and the small treasure he collected. "Kayden!" She squeaked in alarm. Her heart was pounding and her limbs were shaking. She was no better now than she was the last time! If Kayden hadn't saved her... again... All she could do was look up helplessly at him.
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