Private Imagine, Dragons!

[Colette]

A warm wind swept through the forests as the duo ventured forth from the base camp. Colette didn't exactly know Braze, but she knew of him which was almost rather ironic given just how many people they had in common. Well, there would be no more of that. Colette might not have been a very social person, but she wouldn't let people slip through her fingers just because she couldn't find it in herself to actively reach out sometimes.

Today was mostly about some sort of wildlife that Braze had talked about. Colette herself had never heard of it, but given the fact that 'dragon' seemed to be amongst the descriptions used she simply couldn't afford to stay away for her own curiosity's sake.

"So, this dragon…" She said and shuffled her backpack for comfort. "What exactly should I be looking out for?"

She didn't mean to come across as stiff or rigid in how she talked, but the habit had settled back in ever since she had become able to focus entirely on her studies again without interruptions, no matter how welcome said interruptions had been.

"Eating habits. Size. Have you seen one before?"

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette

Centerra was a massive, lush, and verdant world situated on the outer edge of the unknown regions of space. It lay far beyond a cluster of treacherous nebulae formed from imploded star clusters, making typical navigation difficult and often obscuring the planet. The Aetherium Prism, a prismatic gem used for memory storage and integration into starships, assisted in navigating the nebulas. The trip here had been interesting, to say the least. Braze didn't mind going along with Colette. He'd never met her before, but he knew about her from various friends, including perhaps most prominently Shan Pavond

Exploring the rich forests of the Moonshade Glade in search of Draconis , "Dragons" would be a thrilling adventure in his book. He had fond memories of when he and Jasper Kai'el were stuck on this planet during the Convergence. He had an idea of what was safe and what was dangerous here.

"Well, the Sunstar Order and the Sangutorians both have relationships with Draconis. But from what I've learned, there are many bands, clans, and wings depending on what kind you're hoping to find.

Frostwings, with their glacial blue scales and icy breath, might be hiding in the coldest regions, while Pyroclasts, with their molten lava eyes and inferno breath, prefer volcanic areas.

They all have different general preferences. I suppose each one then has their own likes. The fiery ones, like Pyroclasts, are known to eat people, so we should probably try to avoid them," Braze said, trailing off. He looked up to the skies.

"You can try watching the skies for their silhouettes. Some of them, like the Galecrests with their light and feathery scales, are shiny and reflect light really well. Maybe if we're lucky, we'll even hear some dragon song."

The forest was alive with vibrant colors and the sounds of nature. All throughout the flowering forest, small, curious creatures flitted about. Their elongated bodies shimmered with a pale blue hue, and their wings, delicate and transparent, refracted the sunlight into a dazzling array of colors. Many of the wildlife here seemed to have wings, from tiny iridescent insects to large, graceful creatures soaring overhead.

The rich oxygen in the atmosphere supported an abundance of life, making every breath feel invigorating. These luminous insects glidded from flower to flower, their gentle hum blending with the rustling leaves and distant calls of exotic birds. As they visited each bloom, they seemed to be performing a vital, ancient ritual of pollination, ensuring the forest remained a thriving, verdant paradise.

Among these creatures were the Glidarra, bioluminescent beetles with intricate patterns on their carapaces that glowed in hues of emerald and sapphire. They moved slowly, their light pulsing gently as they communicated with each other in a silent dance.

Another fascinating species was the Syrikens, large avian creatures with wingspans reaching up to ten feet. Their feathers shimmered with a metallic sheen, shifting colors from deep violet to shimmering gold as they soared gracefully through the canopy, their haunting calls echoing through the forest.

Finally, there were the Flirvets, tiny, delicate beings resembling a cross between butterflies and hummingbirds. Their wings were adorned with petal-like structures in vibrant shades of pink, orange, and turquoise. They flitted around rapidly, sipping nectar from the flowers and spreading a sweet, floral fragrance as they went, leaving a trail of glittering pollen in their wake.

 

[Colette]

Braze

The local order had a relationship with them. Was it symbiotic? It remained to be seen. Colette slowly nodded and began to look up towards the skies that were hidden behind the leaves of the trees. From the sound of it they were predators that had adapted to their environments. Keeping a cautious eye on their surroundings at all times felt warranted.

Perhaps she should have kept it up at all times, but there were far too many interesting sights and sounds around for that to really strike her as possible. Colette slowed down to observe the way the beetles pollinated the nearby flowers and the way that the birds flew above.

"I don't often find myself in places like these." She said and looked over at Braze. "Too busy running errands across Coruscant, or fixing disputes in distant homesteads."

Colette let in a deep breath to have the moment linger a bit longer.

"Anyway, you seem familiar with the area. I'll follow you on this one, if you feel comfortable taking the lead."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette

Braze and Colette walked through the forest, the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, casting a serene glow on the moss-covered ground.

"I went camping here with Jasper Kai'el ," Braze chirped softly, his voice carrying a note of nostalgia. He paused for a moment, as if reliving a distant memory. "I think the dragons speak too... So you might be able to make a deal with them." He added, a hint of hope creeping into his tone.

" Loomi and I caught a bunch of wish lizards near here," Braze said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. The memory of simpler, happier times seemed to lighten his mood, if only slightly.

"I've seen some at the Sunstar Order's Temple of Radiance," he continued. "I mostly saw feathery ones there. Matthew told me they like riddles and pretty things as gifts."

The forest around them seemed to hum with ancient magic, and as they ventured deeper. Up ahead, some languid, long-limbed creatures craned their heads up, their large eyes blinking curiously at the pair.

A small pack of fuzzy critters emerged from burrows, their noses twitching as they sniffed at Braze and Colette in a shy manner. The tiny creatures had round, button-like eyes and soft fur, their cautious curiosity making them endearing.

 

[Colette]

Braze

Colette exhaled a weak chuckle as Braze explained that the dragons can talk and that they might be open to some sort of deal.

"In the stories we told when I was a child, you don't want to make a deal with a dragon." She said and shook her head. "Either they had some other rule they forgot to mention, like eating your firstborn, or you just got set on fire when the dragon got bored."

The forest was for all intents and purposes a bit overwhelming. There was a lot of new shapes of life here that Colette hadn't ever expected to see. But then again, she had grown up in a desert. Her reference for life was mostly confined to things that thrived under the ground or inside of caves.

"Well," She said and smiled at Braze. "I am not at all good at riddles. So, you might have to do those if we come across any."

And then… The cutest thing (other than her cat Nibbles) came up to them to begin sniffing at their feet which caused Colette to come to a complete stop. Her eyes went wide as she slowly began to kneel down to get a closer look. However, something must have spooked the little fellas and they quickly began to scatter once she reached the ground.

A disappointed frown spread on her lips. She knew better than to force a creature to go against its habits. This cautious nature was how they had survived for this long after all.

"What are those little creatures called?" She asked and looked up at Braze. "I almost want one."

"... Almost."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette

It was overwhelming. The first time Braze had come to this planet with Shan Pavond and Corazona von Ascania, he found the crystal caves far too overpowering. This planet was positively teeming with life force, and everything here was amplified to an extreme level of Force sensitivity. Now that Braze was struggling to connect with the Force, he could better enjoy the serenity and beautiful nature.

Braze smiled at her, seeing the familiar fuzzy critters. "Those are Purfoxes. There's troves of them typically around Celesteri homes," Braze explained. The small, fuzzy creatures looked like a hybrid between a cat and a fox, with big bushy tails, plush fur, small noses, tiny snouts, and massive ears. They had different kinds of patterns across their coats, and several of them peeked out before one chirped. It made a squeaking yip-like call that sounded more akin to a bird, high-pitched but not painful to the ears. The others started to mimic the sound.

"Because if you have shoelaces, they will want to bite them," Braze warned her as he moved a little away from the yapping fur balls.

"The Celesteri use them to help know where prey is and to know when there are people in their territories."

 

[Colette]

Braze

Purfoxes, kinda like purr and fox put together. Interesting that it wasn't named after both sounds, but she supposed that the cause for that came down to the general understanding of each creature. After all, most people knew that a cat would purr, but just exactly what was it that the fox said? That was not something that Colette herself was all that sure of given how she had grown up in a desert where such creatures were as rare as the water they all lived off of.

"It seems like these people are very connected with their environment." She noted and looked back at the creatures at the scurried around. "That's gotta be worth something, right? The Jedi could do with more things like that."

Things? What things? No clue. Colette figured it was a good word to use when she was unsure so that whoever she talked to would get the general idea of what she meant. Hopefully.

"And don't worry about the shoelaces." She grunted as she stood up again. "I don't think I've seen a single boot out here in the galaxy that used them."

"Which kinda makes you wonder what people do when a pair of boots don't fit them. Or how they keep them from falling off. Like, do they just… Hope for the best? Use the force, you know?"

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette

Braze lifted his foot and placed the toe of his knee-high boot on a tree to elevate it. The boot was made from dark-stained leathers and laced all the way up. It had a military-style sole and a small two-inch riding heel on the back. "I have laces. I kinda need them considering the kind of things I put my feet through. A smaller shoe would fall right off if I ran up a wall or got loose." He lowered his foot but kept the ends of his shoelaces tucked into his boots, with his outer pants covering his hakamas. "It keeps my hakamas out of the mud and water puddles too, if it rains."

He pondered her words for a moment.

"You mean like shamanistic practices to get in touch with nature?" Braze asked. "Well, tribalism is more about group loyalty and social customs. Shamanism focuses on spiritual practices and connecting with nature through rituals. The Jedi Code is more like a creed—it's a set of ethical principles that guides our actions and use of the Force. It's not a religion in the traditional sense, but it emphasizes peace, knowledge, and self-discipline."

Braze paused, thinking for a moment before continuing. "You could compare it to the Mandalorian creed. Both serve as guiding principles for their respective followers. The Mandalorian creed focuses on honor, combat, and loyalty to their culture and people. The Jedi Code emphasizes serenity, wisdom, and using the Force for good. Both creeds shape the identity and actions of their followers but prioritize different values and practices."

He trailed considering his next words before continuing. "The new Jedi Order is still a knightly order, meaning it's a group of individuals dedicated to a cause, much like knights of old. They follow a code of conduct, undergo rigorous training, and are organized in a structured hierarchy. Their mission is to maintain peace and justice in the galaxy, guided by the Jedi Code."

Braze seemed like he could talk for hours about almost anything. He paused and asked, "I never asked, Colette, but where are you from? What was it like? When did you join the Order and how was that for you? I was pretty much left with the Order by my parents when I was younger. I didn't really get a say in it."

The small purfoxes yipped and scampered about, watching them from a distance with curious eyes. Some of the younger ones pounced on one another, their playful tussles creating a blur of soft fur and bushy tails. They didn't seem too wild nor too tame, maintaining a balance of curiosity and caution. Despite their playful antics, they showed no fear of people, moving with a confidence that suggested a familiar coexistence with humans. They followed along after Braze and Colet keeping a curious eye on the pair. One smaller cream and golden colored one padded up to Colette's side and yipped at her and Braze looking at her some what expectantly as they walked and talked for a while.

Suddenly, the air grew still. A low, melodic rumble began to resonate through the trees, a sound unlike any they had heard before. It was a dragon song, a harmonious blend of deep, resonant notes and high, electrifying pitches that seemed to reverberate through their very bones.

At the first note of the dragon's song, the forest creatures reacted almost instinctively. Birds took to the sky in a flurry of wings, their calls abruptly silenced. Deer like creatures and other ground-dwelling animals darted into the underbrush, seeking shelter from the impending presence. Even the insects seemed to hush, creating an eerie silence between the powerful notes of the dragon's melody.

 

[Colette]

Braze

Ha- haka-whats? Colette's mouth opened for a second as the confusion became all the more obvious on her face. She looked at Braze's boots and then his pants and slowly felt the pieces begin to connect, or at least she hoped so. Did he mean to say pants? Pants were pants! He could have called them—

Okay, deep breath, it didn't matter. She understood him eventually. Besides, the conversation had already moved on by the time she would have had the chance to bring it up and she had no desire to rip it back up just to prove a point.

A strong urge to reach down and grab one of the purfoxes clung to Colette's nerves like a vice, but she knew better than to mess with nature like that. Look, but don't touch unless asked. That was always the motto.

"I didn't know my home's name until I left and came back." Colette mused as she turned her attention back to the road up ahead. "Ophus Five. It was an old imperial outpost before the plague."

"I joined… I don't really remember, but it can't be more than two years." She shook her head. "My fam- cla-..." Colette frowned. "My old people are nomads. So, we— they— I don't believe in ownership, or find it hard to understand."

"I didn't even know what a credit was until I was brought to the order. I didn't know what death and decay looked like until I saw Coruscant. I only knew the road, the way the stars guided our paths across the desert, and the migration of humpback nerfs across the savannah."

"I foraged to survive, I hunted when I had no other option, and I always gave back in equal part what I took from nature. My people understood the value of living together with our environment, not claiming ownership or mastery over it as if it was something that could ever truly be tamed."

"I miss—" The kid was cut off by the thunderous sounds coming from above. Fight or flight kicked in and Colette found herself instinctively moving towards the trees to seek cover. "What do we do?"

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette

Ownership? What did that mean? He didn't quite understand. She had never experienced death? He wondered what happened to the sick and old as he listened to her talk. Equal parts? He wondered how someone could keep track of that in perfect balance. He understood that there were cycles and fluctuations throughout the seasons naturally. He wondered what that looked like but painted a picture in his mind of a tiny Colette managing all of this in the hot grassy landscapes.

Braze paused and listened to the dragon song, going very still. The haunting melody filled the air, resonating through the landscape and sending shivers down his spine. He blinked, watching her move towards cover, briefly confused by it, and then smiled at her. The little psycho just shrugged and winked before padding towards the sound.

"Let's go take a look; this is why we came, isn't it?" he called back. "And what is it you missed?" he asked, seemingly happy to go towards the sound of what was likely an apex predator in these parts.

The dragon song was unlike anything he had ever heard—a deep, reverberating call that seemed to carry the weight of centuries. It was both beautiful and terrifying. As they moved closer, the song grew louder, filling the air with its majestic presence. Braze felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a tinge of fear, knowing that they were approaching something truly extraordinary.

 

[Colette]

Braze

Just head there? Really? Colette kept her eyes to the skies as if she expected the dragon to just pounce down and face them. Could she take it? Probably. Would it be easy? Not at all.

"Right." She muttered as she cautiously got back on the trail again. "I miss how easy life was. It was just people who I thought were my friends, the open road, the spreading of seed, and a daily struggle just to live."

Colette sighed.

"No greed, no violence. Everyone got along because they had to. Out here, in the galaxy, people kill just to survive. They value themselves over the rest. It's… Infuriating."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette

Braze listened to her... Struggle to survive? He wondered why that was easy but continued to listen to what else Colette had said. Animals would kill one another and sometimes even cannibalize each other for survival... He had to wonder what her homeland was like. It certainly sounded like an interesting experience that he supposed you just had to be there to understand. Perspectives were just that, and different angles offered different views.

"A wise man once told me... it could be better... but then again, it can always be worse." Braze offered the little comment, which was perhaps not the most helpful thing.

"I just try to make the best of what I have now," Braze added lightly as the sounds of dragon song grew louder the closer they got, more little forest critters scurrying away from it.

"I think always trying for some dream might take away from focusing on the present and what we do have that we can enjoy now. It's very easy to get wrapped up in desires or wanting something you don't have... It's not a lesson I've really learned myself."

 

[Colette]

Braze

"I'd rather die a dreamer than live as a cynic." Colette mumbled in response to Braze. "One of the things people keep telling me is that I'm an 'idealist', almost as if that's a bad thing."

The kid kept her eyes on the skies at all times as the dragon's song got louder. A somewhat palpable sense of fear had tensed her up as she slowly built up an expectation of what it would be like based on the stories she had heard as a child.

Those stories were, however, not even of this world but for someone that had grown up without space flight it was easy to forget that.

"If you stop chasing dreams or a goal, you might as well kill yourself. Dreams are desires. Desires are what keeps us alive." She exhaled an uneasy breath. "Like for example: right now, I have a strong desire to hide or at least keep myself hidden from the dragon. In case it's not a particularly friendly beast."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette

Braze smiled softly, though there was a heaviness in his eyes. "Idealism isn't a flaw, Colette. It's a strength. Without dreams, we lose the essence of what makes us human. It's the pursuit of those dreams that shapes our reality."

He paused, scanning the forest as the dragon's song echoed. "Fear is natural, but remember, courage isn't the absence of fear—it's acting in spite of it. We'll face this dragon together. Trust your instincts and stay close."

Braze stepped forward, his demeanor calm but alert, ready for whatever lay ahead. "Dreaming and goals can be fun," Braze offered simply, his snowy white brows furrowed with confusion or bewilderment. "I get the idea you view things in extremes, huh?"

He stopped moving forward, considering her words more deeply. "Logically, ending pain and suffering by giving up is tempting when dreams are ripped away. But there can always be new dreams, new goals."

Braze felt such actions were cowardly. It was much easier to give up than to push through the pain of change and losing one's spark. He wondered if this was Colette's personal belief or if Valery Noble or Kahlil Noble taught such things. Perhaps he was just misunderstanding their communication.

"It's understandable to be scared," Braze trailed off, looking at Colette. "I thought you were made of something stronger. You don't have to continue with me if you're frightened."

He headed onwards, the forest's snare giving way to the opening ahead.

 

[Colette]

Braze

"I'm not saying you should actually kill yourself if you lose your dream." Colette said frowned. "And I am not scared, I am cautious."

"We're talking about a creature I have only heard stories about and have no real idea how it will respond to our presence." She frowned and shook her head. "And don't refer to it as being 'made from something stronger' as if you think of yourself as some kind of superhuman."

"I have my beliefs because they have helped me survive. I am in a situation where my gut says I need to observe and learn more, not just walk into danger without questioning what I do." The tone of her voice betrayed her frustration. Braze had hit a nerve. "Dragons are dangerous. At least from what little I have heard, so don't make fun of me."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette

Braze bounded into the open field, letting Colette have her own opinions about his thoughts. He knew it didn't matter much to him, as he had been learning to worry less about how others perceived him. He was an unapologetic brat, after all.

As he entered the clearing, he was shocked by what he saw and stopped in his tracks. Not one, not two, but three young dragons lay ahead.

The first dragon, named Tempest, was a young Stormclaw. His scales crackled with electricity, and his eyes glowed with a fierce, stormy intensity. Lightning danced along his silver and blue body, illuminating the area with flashes of blue and white. Tempest stood proudly, displaying his power for the other two. His personality was bold and confident, always eager to show off his strength.

The second dragon was a young Pyroclast named Wildfire. Her obsidian scales glowed a deep, fiery red, with veins of magma pulsing beneath the surface. Plumes of smoke rose from her nostrils, and her eyes burned like molten lava.

The third dragon was a young Galecrest named Mistral. Her scales shimmered with a pearlescent sheen, reflecting hues of green and gold.

Tempest was perched on a plateau of a mountain up ahead, putting on a grand display of song for the two ladies. His chest puffed out as he called out, his roars echoing across the lands. The electric arcs around his body danced in sync with his powerful, resonant calls, creating a mesmerizing light show.

"Tempest, always the show-off," Wildfire teased, her voice a playful growl. "Do you ever tire of your thunderous displays?"

"Not when I have such an appreciative audience," Tempest retorted with a grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, you seem to enjoy setting things ablaze whenever you get the chance."

Wildfire narrowed her eyes, a challenging glint in her gaze. "At least my flames have purpose. What good is a storm without rain, just a lot of noise and light?"

Tempest's eyes flickered with annoyance, the lightning around him intensifying. "And what good is fire without control? Just a destructive force waiting to burn everything to ash."

Mistral chuckled softly, her voice as soothing as a gentle breeze. "Both of you are so full of energy. Sometimes, it's nice to just enjoy the calm and let the world be as it is."

Wildfire rolled her eyes, a small burst of flame escaping her nostrils. "You and your calm, Mistral. One day, you'll see that a little fire can be exciting."

"And one day, you'll see that a little calm can be just as thrilling," Mistral replied with a knowing smile.

The dragons... they were... they were talking? Well they were making sounds at one another but the sentiment was understandable some how.

 

[Colette]

Braze

The roars, they… Began to make sense somehow. Colette's fear gave way for a brief moment of confusion as she slowly approached the site behind Braze. The dragons were talking about their temperament? Whoever this 'Mistral' was, Colette found herself agreeing with that one.

Calm was good. Calm was caution. Caution was good.

"Three." She whispered to Braze, hoping the dragons wouldn't hear. "What's the plan?"

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette

Braze was drawn from his awe-struck daze by Colette's words. "Well, if my experience with Thelma Goth has taught me anything, it's that 'eavesdropping,' even if unintentional, is bad news. We should introduce ourselves properly. You go first, Colette. Show me how to cautiously introduce oneself!"

Tempest aimed to impress his friends, Wildfire and Mistral, and had decided to take a lighthearted approach. Tempest called out, a playful lilt in his voice. "Alright; What's something incredible you've always wanted to see? I bet I can conjure it up for you."

Wildfire raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Oh really, Tempest? Can you make a star fall from the sky for us?"

Tempest chuckled, with a sly grin, "A falling star? Maybe not, but how about I light up the sky like one?" He summoned a bolt of ball lightning that arced skyward, weaving through the fluffy clouds, creating a spectacular, shimmering display against the brilliant blue trying to mimic a falling star.

Mistral laughed softly, her tone airy and gentle like a warm breeze. "That's quite a show, Tempest. But don't you think something more… personal would be better? Can you create a rainbow with your lightning?"

Tempest paused to ponder the challenge, his excitement igniting again. "A rainbow, huh? That's a tough one! But I'll give it a shot!" He concentrated, focusing his electric arcs in an intricate pattern of varying heat, aiming to refract the sunlight just right. A shimmering effect showcased his effort, but it fell short of a full rainbow.

Wildfire shook her head, amusement in her eyes. "Nice effort, Tempest. You definitely get points for creativity!"

Tempest chuckled sheepishly, then his expression shifted, an earnest glimmer sparking in his eyes. "Alright, how about this: What if I could summon a thunderstorm just for us? Picture it—the rain pouring down, thunder rolling in, lightning crackling all around—what a dramatic scene that would be! And after there would be a rainbow across the whooooole sky!"

Mistral's eyes sparked, her interest piqued. "That does sound beautiful, though I can already hear the thunder echoing with all that work it would require."

Wildfire smirked, leaning in playfully. "Just don't wear yourself out, Tempest. We wouldn't want a repeat of that little incident with Stormwing."

Tempest winced at the memory, a hint of embarrassment creeping in. "Come on, Wildfire! That was ages ago!"

Mistral joined in, her voice soft yet teasing. "Oh Tempest, you mean the day you tried to impress old Stormwing with the biggest thunderstorm ever and ended up flooding half the valley instead?"

Wildfire burst into laughter. "Right! And the cleanup took days! Everyone still talks about it at gatherings!"

Tempest felt his cheeks warm, yet he couldn't help but laugh along with them. "Okay, fine! I admit, that was a mishap, but I swear I've improved since then!"

 

[Colette]

Braze

Colette pointed at herself with a very questioning stare sent Braze's way. She wasn't exactly a diplomat, and these creatures were no mere beasts of habit, they were actual individuals. Beasts and pests she could handle, this was NOT her strong suit.

But, nonetheless she relented with a sigh and stepped out of the brush.

"Hi, uh, excuse me." She tried to get their attention, but it was difficult not to be drowned out by the booming of a dragon. "If you could-"

"We'd like to-"

"Hello?"

She exhaled a frustrated sigh. There had to be a way to make herself louder or something, a way to get these dragons to hear her, and if not hear her, then see her. She looked around the area, there were a few rocks she could stand on. She climbed on top of one of them, dug her feet in and:

"HEY! WE'RE TALKING TO YOU!" Her voice boomed across the field with a loudness she had no idea how she had managed. It bounced against the walls of the plateau and then back to her with an impressive echo, and Colette quickly covered her mouth in panic.

To have three dragons look at her at the same time was… Suicidal. Almost, or so it felt like. This was certain death, but her desire to show someone wrong had gotten the better of her. If Braze didn't come up to the rock next to her she would point him out for the other three.

"We're curious about your people." She explained and licked her lip in trepidation. "Right, Braze?"

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette

By the time Colette glanced back, she couldn't see Braze where he had been. In fact, she couldn't see him anywhere nearby. It was as if there were nothing but a dashed outline of where Braze should have been. However, three dragons had all turned their attention to the comparatively small girl.

High up in a tree, Braze, who had somehow managed to find the perfect perch, grinned down at the scene, barely containing his laughter.

Wildfire, rumbled, "She doesn't look like much of a meal. More like a toothpick."

The second dragon, Tempest, leaned in closer, its nostrils flaring as it sniffed Colette, the smell of ozone washing over her in a warm wind as he sniffed. "Or perhaps a tiny, squeaky toy?"

The third dragon, Mistral rolled her eyes at Wildfire and Tempest. "That's not funny, you two. You're scaring the poor thing half to death."

Wildfire and Tempest exchanged amused glances but backed off slightly, allowing Colette to breathe a little easier. "Speak up, little one. Why are you here?" Mistral asked, her tone gentler but still commanding.