Shades of Orange

Mountain peaks tipped in white, valleys and rivers snaking in between, orange and pink glows accenting the clouds, crisp fall air smelling of snow with a hint of pine, these were my favorite mornings to fly. Lazily stretching my wings to their full potential, I continued to glide carelessly. I gazed ahead at the mountains covered in an array of colorful trees and breathed deeply, not a care in the world. The sun was quickly turning the pale hues of pink and orange in to a more vibrant orange and yellow. Sighing, I angled my body toward the small lake glittering below tucked in the middle of the mountains completely secluded. Home. Mom would want me there to make breakfast for my six younger siblings, seventh on the way. She was due any day now, with her large swelled belly it was hard for her to move, let alone make breakfast. With my father away on business it fell on my shoulders to teach my siblings to hunt. My eldest sister Mia and I were able to find two large bull moose the day before. Along with my younger brother, Tyr, we three were the only able to conjure fire within us, the rest still too young, so we took the responsibility of meal time.

With the lake nearly doubled in size since I had last glanced, I inhaled one last gust of fresh air before descending. My brothers and sisters were already running and jumping around playfully, some in the crystal clear water, some through the fields of purple daisies. I could just make out Mia's aqua scales chasing down the twins while Tyr started the fire, his red scales glistening from a recent swim. In the water were the next youngest, Cal and Evy, both a blue color, one dark and one light. I swear those girls were made for the water, they hardly left it even to go flying. The twins, although only 8 years old, were the trouble makers. Jet and Nik still hadn't been captured by Mia. Jet was older thank Nik by a whole 3 minutes and she never let him forget it. They were almost identical to mom. Their amethyst coloring shining brightly as if covered in glitter. I, on the other hand, resembled our Father. With iridescent orange scales overlaying the deep onyx. My eyes much the same.

Letting out a breath of laughter at watching Mia and the twins race around, I released an earth shattering roar. That got their attention long enough for Mia to scoop them up and cart them towards the fire with what looked to be scolding words. I landed with a thud and all my siblings came galloping over, talking a mile a minute. Relaxing my muscles so I could ease back in to my two legged form was a chore with all the chattering.

"Quiet!" I bellowed. "Give me a minute to transform and then one at time." They all stared but had listened and the silence allowed enough peace for me to change. One could argue in our two legged form we very closely resembled the human race. Not in my mind. They were so bland and uninteresting. Naked, in a sense. Us dragons were unique, our personalities showing through the tough exterior of our extraordinary armor of scales and colorful eyes. Humans detested us, probably from jealousy. They had to build machines to fly inside of and were different shades of the same colors on the outside of their skin. Dragon scales were sought after to build armor for humans. Some dragons sold their sheds for hefty amounts. As tough as our scales are, they were also as smooth a silk to the touch. Impenetrable to the bullets humans enjoyed fighting with.

No matter. They had their territories and we had ours. No intermingling other than at the trading posts located between each territory. Usually off in a clearing of trees where dragons and humans both set up decorative displays of the goods they were selling or wanting to trade with. The rules: no fighting, no flying. The booths were set under a clear dome to contain the flying rule. Ridiculous in my opinion. We were much more sophisticated and could follow simple instructions. I can't even count on one foot how many brawls I'd seen between humans who had to be tranquilized and escorted to the Queen herself for punishments. Barbaric creatures.

Refocusing my thoughts, I caught the eyes of each of my siblings in turn. Ending on Mia I nodded my head, giving her the chance to speak first since she was only 1 year younger than I.

She scowled at me before barking out, "Your morning flights are absurd when I need you here to wrangle these monsters for breakfast before Mother wakes and has all of our hides!" You could barely see the aqua coloring of her irises her pupils were so dilated with anger.

Chuckling I shook my head back and forth dramatically. "I'm here now, let's get cooking." With a smile and a nod at Tyr who returned my smile with ease, he moved back over to the fire he had already started. He was 3 years younger but had an air of zen surrounding him that never ceased to amaze me. I was generally calm and collected, but Tyr was on a whole other level. He'd never raised his voice in the 16 years I'd known him. It was the two of us that always went to the trading posts, Mia would end up biting someone with her spitfire temper. She grunted her disapproval of me and she sauntered away to the cave.

Cave being a general term for dragon homes. As far as homes go, I'd never seen one built with such craftmanship and love as ours. From the carved stone pillars at the entrance, to the curving staircase that circled around the inside of our mountain to the multiple levels. Each level had it's own purpose. The main floor of course was the master room. A football field sized open room with an oval black leather couch in the center big enough for twenty people to sit comfortably around the large stone coffee table. The kitchen table was off on one side of the room. Also made of stone and big enough for our family times ten if needed with grand high backed chairs whos black cushions you could die in for all the comfort they offered. When Father was home, there were many times the space was used for his company meetings. Even with the dark colored furniture, Mother had managed to spruce things up over the years with colorful flowers and blankets. From the center of the master room, one could transform and fly clear out of the top of our home. I normally just jumped from the balcony of my room, but as I had never had trouble transforming, Mia, Cal and Evy needed minutes of silence and calm to do so and therefore needed the space the master room offered. Mother was the same way, not that I'd ever seen her transform, but I was told that's why Father built it that way. Once they started having children, Father explained to me that Mother would not go flying with me until she was done birthing my siblings. I still don't understand why, but something to do with the babies health was quietly mentioned.

Mother and Father's room was off the master room through stone doors that had been intricately designed with swirling patterns of gemstones. Over the years, every color of their children had been added. That was where mother lay resting now, but us kids never entered their room. It was private to them only, just as our rooms were all private to us. Similarly to our parents door, each of our rooms, each on a different level, had doors adorned with our respective gem. My door was the only one inlaid with both onyx and natural sunstone. Mother blames herself for my love of morning flying to see the sunrise as she picked the stones for my door. My siblings doors were only a single gemstone color made in to different shapes and patterns. Jet always glared at my door as she passed. She hated she not only had to share a gem color, but only got one where I got two. I was hoping she'd grow out of that stage.

Past the bedroom levels there were the gym, the pool, the game room, and library, respectably. The library was my favorite with the floor to ceiling shelves carved from the darkest onyx stones. It's filled with every book from old lore and history to fantasy. Knowledge, they say, is power. Any chance I had, I was either flying or reading. When I wasn't teaching my siblings to hunt or cook of course.

I made my way inside behind Mia to get the meat sliced for Tyr to start smoking. Mia was already cracking ostrich eggs in to a bowl when I caught up to her. Jet and Nik had followed me. "You two start getting the table set." I instructed. After a dramatic eye roll from Jet, they got to it.

Raising her brow comically, Mia said, "I'm not sure I remember having that much attitude at such a young age." Smiling to each other we both chuckled. "I'm still mad at you." She made a point to remind me. She always said as much but she could never stay mad for long. In order to get back in to her good graces, an idea came to me, not that Tyr or Mom would probably approve.

"Hey Mia," I started slicing meat next to her, "what would you say to heading to the trading post this afternoon with Tyr and myself followed by a hunt?"

I glanced to wear she stood frozen staring at me in shock when Jet hollered from the dining room, "Mia doesn't go to trading posts and she hates hunting but I will gladly take her place and do exactly what you say pretty please!" She was practically begging.

"I didn't ask you Jet. You have a few years yet before you're ready."

"It's not fair!" She wailed. "I actually want to go and I know I'll be a great hunter if you would all just give me a chance!"

"Jet, I said no. Not yet." Catching her pleading eyes with mine I hardened my gaze so she would know I meant business.

"Fine." She sighed as she turned to finish setting the table.

I looked back to Mia who was still as immobile as a statue. "Mia?"

Finally, she looked at me with her aqua eyes flaring in delight, "You mean it? The trading post?"

Grinning, "Yes, I mean it. With conditions," meeting her gaze I added, "Absolutely no fighting, you do exactly what I say and follow behind Tyr. No wandering. If there is any incident, Mom will never allow it again. Understood?"

At that, she jumped at me looping her arms around my neck to give me a near death squeeze. "I'll be on my best behavior." She whispered. Once she had untangled from me to continue with breakfast prep, I swear the exuberant smile she wore would never fade.

"It's settled then."

After the chaos of getting everyone fed, I escaped to the library while the youngsters went of to school. Meandering through the aisles, I gently ran my fingers over the spines. Deciding on an old favorite, I snagged it and collapsed on the plush red sofa by the stained glass window. Mom never understood my love for the human novels, good thing Father convinced her they were good study. Even if I was always enraged after reading the way they depict their history books, the current book I cradled was a romance. Did they actually love and feel as we did? If this book was any indication the answer was yes. So why all the hate and fighting? Why couldn't they all live like Elizabeth Bennet? I know, Pride and Prejudice seems like an odd choice, but I was a sucker for inconvenient feelings, even when I scarcely showed mine. Settling in, I was catapulted to Jane Austen's world.

*BANG*

Launching from my seat, my heart hammering through my chest, Mother stood having a hysterical fit of laughter at my expense.

Frowning I said, "Mother. Good of you to drop in with such grace."

"Oh darling," she was gasping for air now, "how you get sucked in to those silly books really is quite hilarious." She straightened and coughed then, as I picked up the carelessly discarded book she had dropped. Laying a hand on my shoulder, she searched my eyes intensely before asking, "You're really taking Mia to the trading post today aren't you?"

Sighing I rested my hand on hers. "I know what you're going to say. I've played out all the possibilities in my head. Trust me when I say I know what can go wrong and I will do everything I can to not let that happen."

"I suppose so. Just get my children back to me safely." And with a tug of her hand she was descending the stairs as a snails pace.

Catching sight of the sun through the window, I realized it was time to gather Mia and Tyr to start the journey to the trading post. Gripping the railing, I launched myself over it and transformed in a flash, ripping towards the roof and roaring in delight as I burst out of the cave. Spiraling through the sky with my wings tucked in, I roared again to alert Mia and Tyr that we were leaving. Stretching my wings back out to glide, moments passed before finally an answering roar reached me. Their dragon forms weren't as large as mine, but still impressive nonetheless. The aqua and red colored scales sparkled as they pumped their wings to trail behind me, Mia letting out screeches of excitement off and on. Turning in the direction of the trading post, I pushed my wings harder, the muscles moving with gratitude, as Tyr and Mia caught up to flank me, our flight formation made with the ability to see and hear clearly around us and provide protection to one another.

What was normally a three hour flight only took us two. Probably due to Mia. Her overly excited demeanor caused her to pull ahead several times, making Tyr and I speed up to keep formation. We had all landed quietly and shifted as we waited silently off by the trees for the post to open. Keeping my eyes on the growing crowd I discreetly watched my siblings. Tyr leaning on a tree completely at ease was no surprise, it was Mia glaring that caught me off guard. I followed her line of sight, spotting Francis. The bubbly flirt, with her pink scaled chest pressed dramatically up against someone was laughing exaggeratedly as she flipped her ridiculous looking hair that was decorated with flowers and gems. Most dragon females I paid no mind to, and then there were pushy ones like Francis that made me nauseous. If I recalled, Mia's last year of schooling was full of Francis stealing her boyfriends, hence the glare.

Gripping her arm lightly to turn her towards me I said in a quiet yet stern tone, "Get yourself calm before they open or Tyr will babysit you outside."

She visibly shivered and then shook her head. "Sorry Cal. I'm calm now." She lowered her head to me, the show of respect. Satisfied for now, I continued to monitor the crowd around us. Finally, I spotted Dax. My best friend since I could remember. In all his silver and black glory he grinned and jogged over to embrace me. Where I was lean muscle, he was mean muscle, the agile and the strong, we always made the best team.

Smiling he pulled back just far enough for those silver mischievous eyes to catch mine, "Glad you made it Cal man!" He said in all fun, before moving his gaze to land on Mia. "And Mia," moving swiftly he kissed the back of her hand before she could swat him, "I can't believe your time has finally come to enjoy the festivities!" As she rolled her eyes he was back to me, "You must let me show her the ropes, after all, I know where all the good stuff is hiding." And with a wink and his arm slung over my shoulders the front glass doors flew open, announcing the trading post was in session.

True to his word, Dax caught Mia by one arm and pulled her off. Chuckling, Tyr moved to my side and we headed towards our normal booths. Once we were loaded down with different spices, eggs, flour, milk, we decided to see where Dax had stolen away to. Meandering through the booths I kept my eyes peeled. I was large in dragon standards, but to humans, I was monstrous, as was Tyr, so they kept a large berth around us. I caught the tinkling sound of Mia's laughter as we got closer to the large wooden structure in the middle of the trading post. The tavern. I was going to have to have words with Dax.

Legally, we could all drink human beer, but with Mia's temper that was the last thing she should have been doing here. Glancing at Tyr, who looked as carefree as ever, I nodded towards the tavern and he just grinned. Once inside it wasn't hard to spot them. Where I was large, Dax stood a half foot taller and slightly wider so he stood out like a sore thumb.

"I'm going to grab a pint, you a want one? Looks like you could calm down some so I'll get you one anyway." Tyr said as he sauntered lazily away with that goofy grin still in place. Coming closer, I could hear Dax telling some outrageous story with Mia clamped to his side and a group of dragons forming to laugh and tell tales together. Sighing, I rubbed a hand down my face to compose myself before I came up next to Dax clapping my hand on his free shoulder.

"Dax," I nearly growled. "You thought this the best place to take my sister did you?" It was then I noticed the crowd around them were mostly males, all drooling openly at my sister who had glassy eyes and a triumphant smile on her face and she threw dice.

"Oh come now brother, enjoy the festivities! We don't get to see each other every day anymore, no sense wasting good time! Mia has made herself quite at home if you haven't noticed, and no harm is done. I've made sure to stay right at her side, no one will come near her." As he said this one of the men moved to shake her hand. "Well, at least not with any ill intentions." Dax laughed. "She's a shark at dice!"

Mia beamed at me. "Cal this is the greatest! Dax has been nothing but a gentleman." I swear I saw a blush grace her cheeks as she looked back at him. Groaning, I closed my eyes a moment to breathe in deep. Tyr came up on my other side shoving an overflowing pint at me.

"Clean 'em out sister!" He hollered. Seriously? Was I the only one thinking this was a terrible idea? Everyone surrounding us was smiling and laughing, music was going in the background, and clinks of glasses and random cheers were also heard. Fuck it. I took a long pull from my pint, enjoying the cold bubbles flowing down my throat. "That's better!" I got from either side of me, Dax and Tyr high fiving around me. If you can't beat them, join them.

After Mia played ten rounds of dice, winning each round I should add, she was a math wiz after all, I decided some fresh air was needed for me as the tobacco smoke at gotten increasingly thick. Dax quickly agreed and again guided Mia by the arm as we all strolled out the door.

Once the fresh air started to clear my head I said, "Well, as much fun as the afternoon turned out to be, I think we should start to head home. The littles will be back from school and dinner will need made."

Mia groaned dramatically, "Always such a party pooper."

"No he's right, the sun is already going down Mia. But I think since you handled yourself appropriately Cal will have no reason to make you stay home anymore." Tyr winked at me. Oh the nerve.

"That sounds fine, as long as you listen when I say it's time to go." I pointed out.

"Fine." Now she was pouting at Dax. "See you next time?"

"Oh most definitely gorgeous," He kissed the back of her hand again, but instead of being annoyed like normal, she giggled and had sparks in her eyes.

I clapped Dax on the back harder than normal, "Until next time." Before I could glare daggers at him he was wrapping me in another brotherly hug.

Speaking where only I could hear, "Don't worry Cal, I mean no harm to come to your sister. I'll protect her always like my own." He wore an easy smile when we parted and waved as he began to walk off backwards with parting words, "Great time as always Tyr! Keep those two in check!" And with another wink, he disappeared in to the crowd.

Tyr, Mia, and I gathered all the supplies and walked to an opening outside of the trading post. "You two change first and I'll follow this time." I decided since Mia shifted slower. They both nodded, Tyr shifted and took off, Mia was a moment behind him, and I followed both shifting quickly. Once above the tree line, we got back in our formation. The sun was due to set in about an hour. We had stayed much longer than I intended. Mother would be furious. Tyr must have noticed as well because he upped our pace.

The three of us had been flying for just over an hour when Mia started to descend slightly. Tyr followed her lead so I stayed close also. She landed us in a patch of blue flowers that were glowing in the light of the moon, before she shifted. Tyr and I landing and shifting in the next instant.

"What's going on?" I checked over Mia urgently to see if she'd been hurt.

"All these supplies are weighing me down and you guys have much more stamina than I when it comes to flying. I just need to rest." She tossed the supplies to the side and laid in the flowers.

"Mia," I scolded. "We don't have time for this."

"Cal," Tyr gently grabbed my shoulder. "She's right. She isn't used to flying for such long periods. Just let her rest, I'm sure we could all use a break if I'm being honest." Looking to Tyr, it was like he instantly calmed my mind.

"Hmph, fine. But no more than fifteen minutes. I'm going to do security check." I shoved away from Tyr and began walking a circle around the clearing Mia had decided to nap in.

Walking through the pine and aspen trees, I circled the area we were in as quietly as possible. As a hunter, it wasn't hard for me to go unnoticed, I'd practiced for years. Stopping every so often to listen, I heard owls starting to chatter as the squirrels and other small animals skittered off to their burrows and nests. I hear a snake hiss far off as it climbed a tree, a wolf howling to it's pack. Keeping my pace slow I kept moving and listening.

Making my way back to the clearing, I heard something strange. Like a gasp of air. Stalling, I strained my ears to see if it happened again. This time I heard labored breathing, as if someone was covering their mouth to keep quiet. I slowly scanned the area around me, and then I saw her. A human girl. Her eyes were as big as saucers as she looked right at me, her hands over her mouth. Long black hair that hung past her waist, looked as thought it hadn't been washed or brushed in months. And her clothes were no better. Holes in the knees of the jeans and covered in so much filth I had no idea what color her shirt was supposed to be. She was crouching behind a fallen log, her tiny frame curled in to a tight ball. I caught a good look at her eyes then, where I thought they were all black, her pupils were just inflamed from being in the dark, and there was a sliver of the amber color shining around them. I'd never seen a human with such eyes. How were they that color? Where did she live? We were in the middle of the Teton Mountains and dragon territory. She shouldn't be here. Especially by herself. Wracking my brain, I tried to recall the course of action when finding a human in dragon territory. Ah, yes.

Very carefully, I lifted my hands in the air and began walking towards her. "I mean you no harm. Where is your family?"

She continued staring, her hands had fallen to her lap and her mouth was making a comical "o" shape causing one side of my lips to rise. She stood then and even with her frame being smaller than it should have, I was figuring she was around 6 years old. Strange her parents wouldn't have shown her the territory lines. As we stood analyzing one another, I waited for what seemed like hours but was only a minute or two before she uttered one word, "Dead."

Well, wasn't that just my luck. "Do you know where you are?" I hoped she said no, in which case I could take her to the dragon counsel in our territory, if she said yes, I still took her to the counsel but it was automatic death for crossing in to a territory you know belongs to dragons.

"No." She said even quieter than before somehow.

Closing my eyes, I released the breath I'd been holding. "My name is Cal Cooper. You are in Blood Ridge dragon territory. Per our custom, I must ask you to accompany me to see the counsel." She didn't break eye contact the entire time I spoke. Instead of responding she just walked slowly to my side. Glancing down, she reached for my hand. As I grasped her tiny fingers, I swear the smells got sweeter, stars brighter, everything seemed more colorful. But that was insane. Staring at her I was barely able to get the words out. "Two of my siblings are with me, we will walk back to meet them and you will ride me to the counsel auditorium. Okay?" She looked back up at me with those ridiculously bright amber eyes, smiled and nodded. When she smiled, I suddenly had a glimpse in my mind of her being much older, breathtakingly beautiful, and butterflies erupted in my belly. I tore my eyes away from her shaking my head. I needed to get a grip right now. She was a little girl, and I had to get her to the counsel immediately. Then this strange night could finally be over.

Having to walk slower with her small strides, it took a while to get back to Mia and Tyr finally, crossing through the edge of the trees in to the clearing.

"There you are! You've been gone forever!" Mia exclaimed.

"We were getting ready to come find you. Any trouble?" Tyr asked, as calmly as he usually does.

I realized then, the small human was hiding behind me. "It's alright, come on out." I whispered to her. To my siblings, "Unfortunately, we have to make another stop. To the counsel." Mia gasped and Tyr's eyes widened ever so slightly when the girl stepped next to me.

"We better get going then." Tyr said, not missing a beat.

Mia shook her head, looking between me and Tyr as though we'd both grown extra heads. "Are you serious? Do you know what they do to kids who cross in to dragon territory?" Her face was starting to turn red.

"In fact I do sister," I replied calmly as to not frighten the girl who had grabbed my hand again. "They will simply talk to her as she had no idea of her whereabouts. Shall we?"

"I'll take lead." Said Tyr.

"Perfect. Mia take the rear so I can carry her in the middle." Mia was speechless for the first time ever. "Let's go." Tyr nodded to me and shifted. The small girl gripped me hand slightly tighter. I realized I didn't even know if she had a name.

Crouching in front of her I asked, "Do you know your name?"

She smiled again as she lifted her hand to place her palm on my cheek. I was thrown in to another time in my head. She was racing down a hill in front of me laughing with her dark hair sailing in the wind behind her. I realized I was also laughing as we both went tumbling and ended up tangled together in the soft grass. Jolting back to reality, I was searching in to the depth of those eyes, trying to find answers, to understand what was happening. She just continued smiling softly as she announced, "Isabella is my name. I'm ready to go when you are Cal." She stated matter of fact.

Standing, I quickly shifted to my dragon form and I tried to remember if I'd told her my name. Looking towards her to get on, she was jumping up and down clapping and laughing. She jumped towards me and climbed up to settle between my shoulder blades, all the while making these happy squeals. Once she was settled, I could sense her excitement and joy as she slowly ran her tiny fingertips over the scales on my neck causing a shiver to run through me. Focus Cal. I needed to get my head straight, it's a long flight to the counsel. Just as I was scolding myself, Tyr took off in front of me. I was right behind him and I heard Mia take flight behind me. It was going to be a long night.

With the moon right above us now, Isabella lightly snoring on my back, we crested the top of the mountain and I could make out the circle of stones outlining the auditorium. Glad I had read as much growing up as I did, I knew we had to alert the counsel of our arrival with a short roar followed by a burst of flame. Not wanting to shoot fire at Tyr's tail, I bolted forward with a push of my wings, roared and shot fire quickly. Even with it being the middle of the night, lights began flickering on around the outskirts of the stones and I could just start to see the counsel houses. All counsel members were required to live next to the auditorium to be available at all times, even the middle of the night. Some had their families with them, while others lived alone, their families in their original homes.

Isabella must have woken when I roared as she was grasping my neck now. A deep roar bellowed from below as a dark navy blue dragon made it's way towards us. Orin, I remembered his name from my studies. Closing the gap quickly, he turned in front of me so we could follow him to the auditorium. Once we were close, Orin whooshed fire from his mouth to light up the braziers, spaced out every couple feet on the top of the tall stones surrounding the auditorium. With the fires going strong, I could see the other 9 members forming a half circle in chairs that were a step taller than the main auditorium floor. It was nice that the roof was left open so we could land straight in the center and shift. Following Orin's lead, we did just that. Of course I waited for Isabella to slide down my tail with a muffled laugh. Mia, struggling to shift as I'm sure her nerves were going haywire. Tyr strode over to her and whispered something in her ear before she suddenly shifted. I raised an eyebrow at him and he just shrugged before coming to stand at my right side, Mia slightly behind him. Isabella had taken up the left, with her hand clutching mine again.

Orin had shifted, and he was even more magnificent than in the history books. A mountain of a man, he stood at least 8 foot tall, muscles on top of muscles. That must be why he had the position of guard, when unannounced visits such as ours occurred. He slowly turned to take each of us in, one by one. Starting with Mia, his eyes casually moved to Tyr and then me. As they shifted to look at Isabella, it was as if his blue irises were suddenly rivers flowing. My head jerked to Isabella as I watched her, watching Orin. After a minute, she tilted her head to look up at me and smiled gently. "No need to worry Cal," she whispered, "They mean well."

I had no idea how she could tell I was worried, but Orin cleared his throat before I could ponder any more, as he turned and took his seat next to a regal looking female. Sawyer was her name. She was the original counsel member. And she was stunning. Her long brown hair was in an intricate braid over her shoulder, the sparkling white and green irises had me in a trance. She wore a colorful dress in a paisley pattern. Other than her eyes, she looked human. That should tell you how old she is. We stopped transforming to humans hundreds of years ago. Now we keep our scales on full display with honor. Before the Stone War, dragons kept them selves hidden in plain sight, like chameleons. No chance of being found out. Until, Derek Gravin decided he wasn't just done hiding, he wanted to end the human race altogether. A brute of a man, causing more harm than good. Sawyer finished the war he started, and created the counsel. Bringing peace between all creatures, or as much as she could anyway. According to our history lessons, there were faeries, and other animal shifters, back then too, some with powerful gifts, like Sawyer. There were whispers of what her gifts were but no one knew for sure. I always wondered what the world would have been like back then. Now, looking to Isabella, I realized she was right. If no one else, Sawyer would make a just decision for her.

From the middle chair, a woman with ice blue scales rose and directed her voice to me, "What is the purpose of this late hour visit?"

Keeping my voice as steady as possible, I answered, "This young human girl, Isabella, was found by myself and siblings in the middle of Blood Ridge territory. She informed me her parents are dead and she did not know where she was."

Those ice blue eyes were piercing my soul, I'm sure deciding if I was a liar or not. I presumed she was Clarice from my history lessons. Her pale blonde hair shifted slightly in the breeze, the straight locks mimicking wispy clouds. Turning to the rest of the members, she began talking in a voice too low for me to pick up. Some were nodding their heads, others listening intently with no sign of whether they agreed or disagreed. Sawyer suddenly rose, causing a hush over everyone, and descended the couple of stairs gracefully, striding towards Isabella. She crouched so they were eye level and smiled the most brilliant smile I'd ever seen. I was frozen in place, gawking at her.

Holding her hand to Isabella she said, "Hi Isabella, my name is Sawyer." Good lord I think I was swooning, and quickly realized I was holding my breath as Isabella giggled and squeezed my hand again, using her other hand to shake Sawyer's.

Moving her hand to place it on Sawyer's cheek as she had done to mine earlier she said, "You're beautiful. Cal agrees." With quite possibly the cutest smirk ever directed my way. Still my eyes widened as I waited for a reprimand.

Sawyer looked at our clasped hands before rising to look me in the eyes with a blank stare, "Well thank you Cal. I'm sure my husband would agree as well." Then she began laughing. I cursed myself internally while trying to smile with her although I'm sure it looked like more of a grimace. "Isabella is quite taken to you Cal." She continued. "Might I have a word with you alone for a minute?"

Standing there like a fool, I knew my words were become jumbled and incoherent, so I resolved to a head nod. Looking over to my siblings they were also immobile, but Tyr had a slight smile, then I glanced down at Isabella again. She gave me the biggest toothiest grin, before releasing my hand and walking over to grab Tyr's. That woke him up and he lifted his eyebrows to me.

"I'll be back before you know it." I told him. And with that Sawyer was walking back towards the other counselors with me in tow.

"Counselors," She started, "This is Cal Cooper. He found Isabella in Blood Ridge territory. She is very taken with him and seems to have no family or any ties of any kind. Thoughts?" She met the stare of each counselor.

A short chubby man with faded gray scales stood and walked towards us. "Sawyer, I don't believe this is protocol." I couldn't believe he was trying to reprimand the original counselor, but I'd never been to a meeting so what did I know.

"Ah, counselor Tearny, I'm pleased you mentioned this." Sawyer smiled calmly. "I don't believe a young dragon such as Cal here has ever found a small human child in a dragon territory before, which means, there is no protocol. Not this time." She turned to me. "I need you to repeat what I say now." I nodded again. "What is said between counsel, stays in lips sealed tight." I began repeating and realized the rest of the counsel had circled us and were also repeating them. "What is heard from the counsel, stays locked in my head." We repeated again. Turning with a flourish and her hands outstretched she released a short laugh. "Ladies and gentlemen, my proposition is this, we let Isabella stay with Cal and his family and learn all she can of our customs, once she is of age she can choose to return to the human territory if she wishes. I would like to initiate and welcome Cal Cooper to our counselor ranks, and as Isabella's guardian. Before we vote, I will have you know," Her tone became dangerously low. "she is showing signs of an extraordinary gift, and though Cal doesn't realize it yet, I believe they have life matched."

Suddenly 10 sets of eyes were scrutinizing me. Life matched? That didn't happen anymore. Those were all stories our grandparents used to tell us about the ultimate love and connection with one other dragon for the rest of your days. And Isabella wasn't even a dragon, right? Wait, a counselor? Me? Would I have to move here? I wasn't ready for that!

"Cal," a light touch on my arm brought me back from my spiraling thoughts and I made myself stand straighter. "You will live with your family until Isabella is of age. Teach her everything you can. At which point, we will reconvene the counsel to discuss the next step. Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course your Honor," I replied hastily.

Smiling wider she asked, "Has Isabella shown you anything? In your mind? Do you feel any different when she's near?"

Her asking the questions out loud made me think about how I felt when Isabella was close. I felt happy, and everything looked brighter and smelled better. Her smiles made my insides flop around. I felt like a damn teenager thinking those silly things. And then there was the vision of her as an older woman. Breath taking. Her laughter making my heart feel lighter. Everyone on the counsel was still staring at me as I answered, "Yes."

Grinning triumphantly, Sawyer turned back to the other counselors. "Shall we vote now?"

Some grumbled while others were smiling but they all agreed to the vote.

"All those in favor of Cal Cooper becoming the newest counselor and taking responsibility of Isabella until she is of age and we reconvene, raise your hand."

To my astonishment, everyone raised their hand. Every single counsel member. Clapping her hands together, Sawyer spun a circle with her arms wide and cheered loudly, "Counsel has decided." She was pulling me off the stage back towards my siblings and Isabella before I'd even begun to process. Halfway to them, Isabella broke free of Tyr and took a running leap to catapult in to my arms. I haphazardly caught her as she tightened her little arms around my neck with more laughing. I couldn't help but smile, feeling the little laughs vibrating through me.

"I believe my work here is done. Don't mind me, I'm quite old you know, and I wish to retire to my bed, however, you've all had a long day of travels, please grab your siblings and follow me the guest house. You'll stay until you've rested enough to travel home safely." Sawyer said very matter-of-factly.

"Yes ma'am." I replied.

Carrying Isabella, I told Tyr and Mia to follow us to the guest house. Mia hadn't said a word since we arrived. Tyr seemed as comfortable here as at home and he strode next Sawyer casually.

"My home is just next door, please don't hesitate to knock if you need anything. Enjoy your stay, and no leaving without a goodbye." With those last words and a bop on Isabella's nose, she disappeared in to her home.

Up close, the guest house and counselor homes were much more extravagant than they seemed. The largest boulders I've ever seen were put together in a sort of dome shape. The stone doorway carved with ancient words and symbols. As we entered, there were colorful rugs and couches, bean bag chairs, pillows, all over the living area space. I could just make out several rooms through different doorways, some with bunkbeds and some with large king beds. There were at least ten rooms in the house. There was a table for four in a corner with playing cards and dice on it, but no kitchen. Isabella began squirming in my arms, I set her down just in time for her to run to the biggest bean bag and jump on head first laughing hysterically.

"This is magical!" She yelled.

"Oh yeah, just magical." Mia sounded exasperated. She had her hands on her hips and she looked at me quizzically. "What are you going to do with a human child Cal? You suck at helping me with the youngsters we already have, now we're adding another, not even dragon, to the mix? This is completely insane!" She threw her arms up and stormed off to a bedroom with a king bed, slamming the door shut before I could even respond.

Still staring at her door, Tyr clapped my back. "Cheer up mate." Ever the zen. "She'll come around. Although, I am mighty curious how this happened, but I imagine it's something you can't share, so just know I'll help how I can. Plus, she's a breath of fresh air no?" Gesturing towards Isabella I followed his line of sight to see her bundled up in a mass of fluffy blankets and pillows smiling as she slept. Who knew kids would fall asleep that fast. But I couldn't deny he was right.

"Yeah Tyr, she really is." I walked to the couch opposite her, deciding I should stay close to protect her. Wait, where did that come from? Crap. I was her protector now. A human in a dragon territory definitely needed protection and that was my role, and as weird as this day had ended, I knew I'd never let anything hurt her. Lying on my side I watched her sleep soundly, her being the last thought on my mind as I drifted off.