Bagel | Light Dragon | Male | 81 years | M: Murkburim (ind?)

Bagel serpentined through the light fog of fluffy white. His body waggled in and out like a fish or an eel swimming as he pierced further into the sky. The sunlight glistened off of his pearly-scaled back which was a subtle blue hue, a color that was similar to the kiss of a koi fish and the moon herself. Or at least that was what he liked to think of it. It wasn’t his favorite color (he had none), but he always named his usual colorations something poetic instead of just calling it ‘content’. He had been flying south for several months and the weather’s sweet wind was a blessing. The warmer temperature caused sweat to bead on the skin under his uneven mane, and the uncomfortable sticky sensation caused him to question if it was even worth traveling down yon.

Of course tis! He reminded himself, I gotta a rider t’pick up and we’re gonna be the bestest of friends, and we’re gonna go shop’n for earhoops toge’er. Maybe pick up some fried dumpl’ns on our way t’the Wonder’s Cavern where we’ll watch ‘em bats dance. He gave a stiff nod as if to insure that that was what was going to happen. He’d need it, as the air slightly clouded together, causing a humidity that he was foreign to.

He quickly found out that humidity was his bane. It was an absolute menace and would’ve curled his whiskers if they weren’t so stubborn to hang low like a catfish’s. His scales slipped into a hot rosy hue of annoyance, similar to that of a fire crisping a rose. Like the charring petals, he was getting sick of this irrational treatment. Who in their blatant mind would want to live in such horrid conditions? If his new heart-to-heart bestie appreciated, and Skies forbid, LIKED this toxic hoard of pure death, he was out of there. That human would be a psychopathic maniac. Bagel knew better than to tangle with one of those things. Not again.

Still determined to have his evening watching bats do the hoola, he pressed on. After all, what if he came late and there weren’t enough humans to go around? Who was going to help him eat an entire ten-pound bag of fried dumplings? With a brave heart and desperate, teary eyes, he continued through the billows of uncomfortable warmth. His heart was bound to give out, his brain was probably being fried in the sulfuric heat, and he really had to pee. However, there was no way he was going to land to find a spot. If it was this hellish up here it was the downright flames and torture down below. He also knew his manners, and no fool of his Baba’s was going to be so rude to pee while flying. That was downright disgusting and wrong. Cruel and unusual punishment right there. Only the most disrespectful lizards ever did that (which meant half of his hometown, but that’s a subject for another time).

He wish he was born with his Baba’s bladder, that thing could fly for the entire day with only one potty break. Unfortunately, he got his Mama’s average little thing which meant that he was forced to land so he could relieve it. However, that didn’t mean that he couldn’t choose where. While it wasn’t the most polite thing to do, he particularly looked for a lake to do it in. After all, the fishies did it in there too. As he descended, he didn’t even notice the business of the clearing. His brain kept on chanting, hold it, hold it, hold it. He shouldn’t have waited so long. Barely missing the head of the ugliest creature he had ever clapped eyes on, he skipped across the lake twice before submerging in both his shame and relief.

Juniper | Demi-boy (he/they) | 17 | Rider

M: Desmodus (Dir), Ainarīkaz, Rhyhor, Dragons, + Riders (Ind)

Henry had told him that there would be a possibility that the dragons would get violent but Juniper had barely been there for more than a few minutes and one dragon was already trying to intimidate the ground and a different dragon had pinned a student to the ground before roaring once he made contact with another student. As the problematic actions of the dragons only increased in number, Juniper narrowed his eyes to study those nearby, trying to find a linking aspect to their behavior.

The dragons there were all different breeds and species yet they all interacted with each other as if they were one in the same: the stronger of the group, or the more stupidly bold of the groups at least, seemed to be the ones who were on the ground, trying to threaten and scare off the humans. Dragons were territorial, sure, but they were also smart enough to know that humans were dangerous. If the dragons were truly worried about their territory, more of them would be down and there would probably be a lot more growling and actions of direct threats. What else did Juniper know about dragons? Closing their eyes, Juniper thought of any little bits of information that Juniper could think of that related to dragons. Well, dragons could be herbivores, omnivores, or carnivores depending on their species, they generally either live in flocks of the same breed or on their own with maybe one or two other dragons of different breeds, and dragons were the only species, known as of all of the books that Juniper has ever read, that are able to form a ‘bond’ with a human.

Wait.

Dragons could bond with humans, yes? That was a well known fact that everyone had to know especially if they lived anywhere in Ederia. Dragons could live for hundreds of years as free creatures and suddenly grow bonds with humans, feeling a connection pulling on them until they make contact with their human or their human dies. There are hundreds of accounts of this from the human’s point of view, the choosing process and the linking between the two species, but there were never any stories told from the point of view of the dragons. Did the dragons not want to bond? I mean, of course they would not want to bond. They lose their autonomy and for what? For humans, they receive access to the skies and whatever abilities their dragons have, but for dragons?

These dragons were most likely the few who are the most skeptical and wary of bonding, trying their best to fend off any true companions.

This was just a theory that Juniper had literally just developed, of course, and there were no studies that supported or denied their claims, but it was worth keeping in mind as he interacted with the dragons, right? While the dragon who released a vicious scream seemed to not be harming or threatening the people near him, Juniper thought it best to go to the dragon who ate a rabbit to attempt to intimidate the people. Though that dream dragon had so far committed to more offensive acts, it would probably be better to start smaller since Juniper had never interacted with dragons that had not been with a human for over a year first.

“You!” Juniper barked loudly as he stomped over to the dragon in a tone of voice that was stern and demanding like a general. A voice that dared for the dragon before him to disobey. Juniper held out his hand and pointed down to the ground as Juniper kept eye contact with the dragon. “Drop. It. Making meaningless threats by killing rabbits to intimidate people who are just looking to befriend you is a waste of energy and good food. You are trying to act all big, scary, and tough, but it just makes you look like an impolite slob.” Juniper placed their hands on their hips and their eyes softened as they looked at the dragon. “I get that you are uninterested in bonding with humans, but that is no excuse for your behavior. It is okay to feel whatever intense emotions you are feeling right now, but acting on those feelings without acknowledging the people around you who you affect can lead to some bad consequences.”

Juniper sighed before his voice began to cool, simmering down from boiling, bubbling-hot words to a gentle smoothing voice as a gentle smile appeared. “Regardless of all of that, you look incredibly strong! I would love to bond with you, but I don’t think we are bonded together, huh?” Juniper released a breathy chuckle before cautiously approaching the dark dragon with his hands up in a passive, non-threatening manner so the dragon would not lash out at him. Juniper could feel the breath of the massive dragon on his hands and face as he approached at a steady pace. “I know you probably hate being here, but I am sure I can help you have a relaxing time or a fun time or a whatever time if you are okay with letting me help you.” As Juniper stood right next to the dragon now, the giant head of the dragon looking more furious up close, Juniper’s eyes and smile grew wider as he did his best to contain his giddy excitement, slowly reaching up to the dragon while trying to keep his hands visible at all times. “Wow. Your fur is very incredible and soft-looking. You must keep it so well cleaned to keep it this pretty!” Something Juniper had noted was that, of all of the two dragons he had been given a chance to meet, his mother’s dragon, Juje, and Henry’s dragon, Rhyhor, of course, both seemed to enjoy being scratched behind the ear so maybe— Reaching higher, Juniper gently placed his hands behind the dragon’s ear and began to pet them. “You are just such an amazing cutie! I hope that you’re happy with whatever happens today.”

Desmodus continued to chomp his fangs into the rabbit's fur until he heard someone say something. He angled his piercing red eyes down at the small human. You want my food, huh? Well you're not getting it. He snarled defensively while leaning down to look at the small human closely, clutching the rabbit tightly in his jaws. It was way to big for him to pick it up. This may be a hard fight if it attacks. He watched them as they pointed their finger at the ground and started barking demands at him. You want me to drop it? Fine! But I'm much more dangerous when my mouth isn't full! He chucked the rabbit behind himself and then looked back at the human with his bright red eyes striped aggressively, showing that he was defending his food.

Desmodus listened to the human, who started talking more, and he just stared, and stared. But still, who does this human think they are? Telling him what to do? No one is his boss! They're lucky he actually dropped the rabbit before. He should've just eaten it right in front of their face! Then they would think twice before getting near him! He slowly inched closer to it, hissing, and flicking his ears around. Then, they suddenly reached their hand up towards his ears, and before he could react, they started to gently pet behind them.

Wait... How did they know my favorite spot..? That feels really good... Desmodus made a rumbly purring sound and slowly laid down in the grass, allowing the human to continue. He was glad he didn't eat them before! He did a slow blink, really wanting a nap now, and did a small yawn. I hope I can get this more often while I'm here... He ran his tongue gently over his two top fangs that were always sticking out of his mouth, and then opened his eyes and continued to watch the human, suddenly not wanting to eat them anymore.

At the ear drum shattering screech from the dream male, Kyros felt his jaw drop slightly. His heart also picked up a pace with which he wasn't entirely comfortable. If he was lucky, he'd have a heart attack to get him out of this situation right about now. Yet, his suddenly unsteady heart refused to cooperate with his wishes.

What a strange creature. What a dramatic creature.

Unnerving yellow eyes stayed focused on him, and he wasn't sure he really wanted a bond at all anymore. If creatures like this were in the mix, perhaps he was better off sticking to his own species.

A strange aching formed in his joints, and he took that as a sign his instincts were looking out for him and indicating that he should vacate the scene before he wound up in a dark, stomach acid-filled place. Yet, before he could make a move to find a more comfortable place to stand, a jolt went through his entire frame. He wanted to scream, jump in the lake to put out the sudden fire, roll on the ground agony, or all three - in that specific order. However, before he had a chance to even fully register the pain, it was gone, and only that strange bodily ache that had been moments earlier remained.

Then, the most horrifying thing happened. It spoke. In his head. And another, even more horrifying, thing happened. He realized that meant this terribly eerie and uncomfortable dragon was his bond. Now he was really wishing on that heart attack.

Unfortunately, he remained very much alive, meaning he had to talk back.

"Only the entertaining ones," he responded out loud and mentally at the same time. He had no idea how this worked, but, since the dragon had understood him before, it was probably good? Besides, he needed to move his mouth. It felt wrong to just think things.

He risked a glance around to see some other bonded pairs were sharing gentle touches and even physical items, but he didn't really feel like copying, for fear of losing a limb.

"You wouldn't eat me, right? Seeing as we're bonded and all. I'm pretty sure it's against some rule." Or he sure hoped it was, as the dragon didn't look very happy with the pairing. It's not like Kyros was totally down with it, either.

"I'm also guessing you're not up for a scratch behind the ears, cuddly as you look. Also, my name is Kyros. Yours?"

Was Maeleth a physical dragon? No. Never. Or, rarely ever. Nira had always been an exception. She rarely fought others, but swiping at anything, dragon or other creature, that dared get too close was not unheard of, but Nira had always had a place in her heart. They cuddled every night, she grabbed his face and made him trinkets, and the casual touches he shared with her had always left her with a feeling of peace.

So, of course, it was no wonder to her that, in this extremely uncomfortable situation, she all-but melted when his tail made contact with her, wrapping around her as he often did. They often wrapped around each other, and she would cover them in a blanket that wasn't really there - an illusion of being hidden, the ability to appear invisible if only they were not touched or approached. If she could, she would do the same thing now, disappear into the forest and drag her companion with her, away from this crowd and away from these bastardly humans.

Maeleth blinked slowly, studying the human male, watching the way he moved, even studied the way he presented the necklace to her. It was something she would enjoy, jewels were a keepsake of hers. If she cast her mind back, she could picture her own space in Nira and hers cave, where she'd kept all the jewels, trinkets, interesting things and skulls that her friend had found for her, just as his own corner had all the things she'd made, the shells and the gems she had retrieved for him.

'You picked well, Tatsuya,' she said into the bond, blinking down at the necklace for a moment longer. Her attention shifted to the human once again, reaching into the space between them and flashing an illusion for only him to see. A large cavern, a tree inside the walls, roots twisting and turning over themselves, reaching towards the pieces of light that had been allowed in. She shifted the illusion, bringin up a picture of her own corner for her hoard, filled with all manner of interesting things.

The illusion snapped away as quick as it came when Tatsuya mentioned Nira, and she placed a paw on her companions tail. 'My companion is more than anyone could ever be to me.' She said, finality in her voice so sharp it could have stung. 'He has been there from when I was but a hatchling to now, and we have never been truly apart. If you expect any such things from me, this will not work.' She paused, frowning when the warmth and familiarity of his body receeded, and she turned her face.

Ah.

Ah.

The scream met her ears a few moments after it began, and she knew what had happened. Nira had found his human. Of course he had, it was why they were here. It didn't stop the pang of loss that nestled in her chest, and she took a few steps forwards him before turning partially back to Tatsuya.

What an ugly thing Nira's human was. Why was he so... fleshy? Is this what Nira had felt about her own? He seemed like a loud-mouth, and it would be difficult to mix him in with their little... group that had apparently formed.

She reached forward, then, to gently take the necklace, before stepping back to where she had been. She rested her weight on her tail and her back four legs and one foreleg, holding the necklace in the other.

'The hoard I showed you. He got them for me.' Maeleth said, knowing she need not gesture who she meant, but jerking her head in Nira's direction anyway. 'His name is Ainarīkaz Dýrbiǫrn. I call him Nira. Only I may do so. If you wish to call him something different, ask.'

She looked down, considering the necklace again, and nodded, as if she had come to a conclusion. She would keep it. Keep it apart from Nira's gifts, of course, but keep it nonetheless.

To say Kuno was slightly overwhelmed would be just a bit of an understatement. But, really, could anyone blame him? He'd grown up on his family's farm, with his brothers, sister and parents, on the edge of a small village on the outskirts of the kingdom. He wasn't used to large crowds. His older brothers had, in fact, mentioned to him how big the crowds got, but they had really under-explained how loud everything was.

Generally, he had a pretty high tolerance for most things. Heat, cold, pain, he could handle those. He'd been kicked, stomped on, charged at, bloody pecked, more times then he could count, worked days in sweltering head and freezing cold with less complaints the older he got. But crowds? Oh no, that was a weakness. He sighed, pushing the thoughts of the humans out of his mind and focusing back on the dragons.

Some seemed more aggressive than others, an a lot of rarer or uncommon dragons were there that day. Or, rather, he figured they were uncommon or rare, as they hadn't shown up in any of the, very limited, books he had read. His little sister was much more into dragons, though, and had all-but shoved information down his throat while he worked.

The subtle shift in the crowd grabbed his attention, and the tall man turned, watching the crocodilian water dragon rise from his position, snapping at another dragon, of a type he didn't quite recognize but managed to fly without wings? Gods forbid these things teach their chickens how to fly without the actual ability to, worse than bees.

He shook his head, again zeroing in on the water dragon, who was... approaching. His area. Him? At quite a steady pace. He didn't move, despite the step back that those around him seemed to take. Was it stupid? Yes, probably. It was like staring at a charging bull and daring him to tango, hoping you could jump out of the way in time.

And yet, the dragon stopped in front of him, and spoke. To him.

"Uh-" He stuttered for a moment, blinking, and then shook his head again. "Kuno. Kuno Mondo," did dragons care about surnames? He would guess not, but maybe it was a pride thing. Were dragons as prideful as people said they were? Some, maybe.

"What's yours?"