Elwyn and Eira

Peering into the shadows on either side of the narrow path I was on, I could not see anything in the darkness that was beginning to gather. The cries of several crows echoed against the forest trees. Across the trail ahead, a shadow darted from one side to the other of the forest trees with just a whisper of sound. Fear traveled up my spine as I glanced behind me to see if there was anyone following. Trembling, I felt as if eyes were watching me but could not tell from whence the staring came from.

"You should never wander alone in the Black Forest Elwyn. There are dangers you cannot see." My mother's voice echoed in my heart. "You are precious to me."

In the forest to the left of the small traveler, a pair of amber eyes glared out from amongst the shrubs. A low growl emitted from the blue scaly throat of the wyvern. Her nostrils flared and her mouth opened showing the sharp glittering white canines and serpant-like tongue. The blue dragon stealthily crept forward, her tail brushing softly back and forth as she stalked her prey. Silently, the dragon moved slowly forward watching the small child.

At the sound of the screech of a crow, I turned quickly clutching my cloak around me. For a moment, I stared into the darkness where golden eyes glowed from behind the leaves. From behind me, a cry of vanquish echoed. A warrior came rushing out of the darkness of the path wielding a spear. Swinging the great lance, the warrior took up stance to throw it. Glancing behind me the golden eyes moved closer and the body of a silvery blue dragon appeared. Awe struck, I gasped at the beauty of the powerful creature behind me. Glancing back toward the soldier, I saw that he was taking aim. With a cry, my hands moved to protect the dragon. Icicles materialized shooting forth and covering the warrior before he could release the spear. Startled, I watched as the soldier became completely frozen. Turning, I watched the wyvern move slowly towards me. Her eyes were a bright amber that glowed as she watched me and her scales glittered and sparkled like diamonds as the shafts of light falling through the curtain of the forest fell on her. With a grunt the blue dragon lowered her head. Her nostrils flared drinking in my scent.

"You are lost child," a soft voice echoed gently around me. "What is your name?"

"My mother called me Elwyn." I answered "I became lost after we went to the castle to deliver robes to the ladies and I went exploring."

Glancing back at the frozen soldier, I pointed at the icy mass

"How did I do that?"

"You will understand once you are older. Right now you must return to your mother until you are of age." the soft voice issued from the blue throat. "I can take you to her."

"Oh would you please?" I answered gratefully. "I was so scared before and that man almost hurt me."

"Of course, it would be a pleasure to help you." the dragon answered.

I began walking away from the warrior frozen in the path. Glancing back at the dragon for a moment, my foot became entangled in a mess of vines and branches causing me to trip and end up upside down. Swinging slowly from my perilous position, I saw the dragon move softly towards me. Her movements were as elegant as she looked and there was humor in her eyes.

With a swipe of one of her claws, the dragon broke the vines trapping me. I was from people of short stature and being a child made the height of the dragon even more pronounced. She lowered her head. I leaned forward, reaching out unthinkingly and stroked her nose. She purred softly before lowering her head further.

"Climb on my neck child. You will be safer there."

I climbed up the scaly neck and rested between two spikes at the base of her neck. I had ridden ponies in my hometown but never any as tall as her. She began to lope forward.

"But what is your name?" I asked

"My name is Eira" she answered.

Suddenly, a rush of air heralded the spreading of Eira's wings. With a gasp of delight, I clutched tightly to the spike in front of me. Eira's wings were longer than her body and scooped at the air as she rose high in the sky before leveling off. It was colder up here so I pulled my cloak even more tightly around me as I enjoyed the thrill of flying.

Stillness hung around us except the soft beating of Eira's wings. Whenever I tried to talk, the wind grasped my words and threw them back into my face. I gave up trying to talk. Instead I watched the sky around me. The hue of yellows and pinks began to the east as the sun began to rise. I saw the shapes of fields and trees rush by below us and for a moment the scenery began to shake and shimmer. I looked up to the sky to lose the dizzy feeling.

"We're almost to your home child," Eira stated.

Glancing down again, I saw the outskirts of the village and a field that I played in with my friends.

Gently, Eira glided down until she had landed softly in the field of tall grass lowering herself to a kneeling position. I dismounted from Eira reluctantly, wishing that the journey was further as I enjoyed the quiet stillness of the flight.

"This is your home, young Elwyn." Eira said. "Someday we will meet again."

"When will that be?" I asked.

"You will know" Eira replied before spreading her great silvery blue wings again and taking flight.

I watched Eira disappear in the distance. Turning to the village, I felt a great door had suddenly opened before me showing me wonderful things that needed to be explored.

"Elwyn!" Mother called excitedly, as I walked up the road to our hut. "where were you? How did you find your way back? I was so worried about you."

"I was on an adventure, Mother." I answered as she pulled me into the warmth of the cottage.

Glancing back out to the field, I realized that I wanted to find Eira again and learn more about dragons and their lives.