"Nathan. What in the Five bloody dragons are you doing!" The girls Voice rings out, loud and steady. Nathan looks uninterested in her direction. "I went on a walk. Not dead. No worries." He rolls his eyes. "Nathan we have been looking everywhere for you. You can not just run off as you please."

Ophelia retorts sharply, pointing her, Caramel brown, finger in his direction. "I fight for our Village. Am I not allowed to Take a few hours of Peace now?" Voice sharp and annoyed he shrugges the Black leather jacket off of his shoulders. Shaking out his burgundy hair like a dog. Nathan's face is light tan, his eyes a forest green with lovely specs of Celurean Blue. "You know thats not the Problem here Nathan. You have to let us know."

He pushes past her with one swift motion dismissing her. Ophelia reaches for his arm but misses it by barely half a second. "Dont just walk off like a child Nathan. Talk to me. Talk to us, we are your friends." Ophelia's voice is soft, unbelivably Gentle. She is nowhere near a soft or Gentle person. she may have turned 18 this year, But she is A drake. Firespitting Drake that hords her emotions like nothing else. His voice drops the Sharp edge but his feet continue to move. "It's Nothing Ophelia. I just needed a Break of guarding the Vally."

A soft sigh leaves Ophelia's rose full lips. She falls into step beside Nathan. They make their way to the small wooden house of Nathan. Upon entering the structure Nathan's little sister Awaits them. Alyssia is seated in a Ash brown chair. The Back rest of the chair is a mix of Spirales and swirls carved into the wood. A few Lilys carved along the many swirls are painted into a beautiful coral pink and Crimson. Her eyes are cold. Watching them with eyes that shouldn't. No couldn't be that of a seventeen year old. "Alyssia?" She blinks at him, the cold gaze drops to a softer, rather familiar gaze. "Nate, Lia" Alyssia stands from the chair. "lys why are you here? Shouldn't you be with the dragons?" Nathan glances between the two girls. He crosses his arms at the silence from his sister. "Lyssa, 'phelia asked you something."

She huffs at her older brother. "I came to speak with you but couldn't seem to find you." A sharp edge to the voice sends shivers down Nathan's spine. "Don't talk to me like that Lyssa" her answering scoff is a petty retort but does the charm.

"Alyssia I am your older brother show me some respect!" She looks at him unimpressed. "Brat" he mumbles under his breath, Ophelia watches the scene with slight amused. "Alright, that's enough you two. Lys what did you need Nathan for?" Alyssia's eyes fix on Ophelia. "I got a report from Rea, it's about the ash veil, they were sighted about a two days ride north." The room stills.

"You have got to be kidding me. They haven't been sighted in almost nine years!" His body goes rigid. Alyssia purses her ruby red tinted lips. She doesn't confirm his words. The tense silence ticks by for several seconds. "Give me that report." Alyssia hands him the paper. Nathan looks over the paper. "Bloody dragons..." Worry flickers in Ophelia's eyes. "Is it without doubt them?" "Yes" silence.

Alyssia let's herself fall back into the chair. "I suppose I'll head back to the hatchlings." Both snap their heads into her direction. "hatchlings?" She hums at Nathan's one worded question. "How old?- since when?" "A few days ago, five hatchlings" Ophelia claps her hands together "that's amazing news! We haven't had any in years" Alyssia hums "Yea" "Who are the parents Lyssa?"

"solar and ruby had two eggs that hatched, Emerald and Galaxy have a beautiful velvet hatchling and Ryker and somerie got a prescious Azule hatchling." They wait patiently for her to finish, but nothing else comes. "And the fifth?" Alyssia looks at Ophelia. "We don't know" "what?" She sighs. "We have eight eggs this year, four hatched. But there are five hatchlings" Nathan furrows her brows. "But where does the fifth come from?" She shrugs. "Why didn't U inform us about this? Not only one hatchling but five." "Well I didn't think u would care about something such trivial. U are after all quite busy" Alyssia stands back up stretching her arms over her head. "Well that was that, I'll head back to the dragons." Her steps are almost silent while walking to the door. Nathan grabs her by the back collar. "Yes Nate?" Her voice is sugary sweet. "You can't just drop these informations and leave." "Actually I can. After all you are the Village head no?" He smiles tightly. "Doesn't mean you get to walk out on this responsibility. Lyssa" she tilts her head back looking up at him. "I can, I ain't the adult here." "Ain't a adult. My ass. You complain about being left out and now you try this bullshit?" She huffs and takes her leave. Ophelia just sighs once Alyssia is out the door. "I'll go talk with her." Nathan shakes his head. "Leave her. She will come around eventually. She always does"

Alyssia walks along a rough stone path, the narrow Gorge rises above her and further up. Her steps slow as she gets to a clearing, the path widening. The grass is a lush green and rises to her knees. Admids the wide space are patches of all kind of flowers, greenery and herbs. Her knees slowly sink to the floor. She could lay there for hours on end. The grass, a soft material, used for many different objects. Giant trees rake at the outer skirts of the clearing. The huge stone walls spread from the path. multiple cave entrances scatter along the walls. Some larger then others.

Her head stays hidden withn the grass. A small smile thugs at her lips as soft thudding comes closer into her direction.

A small orange wing appears in her vision. Without time to react heavy weight flings atop of her. A small scaly snout appears inches from her face. The smile splays wide on her lips. Withn minutes are three more small creatures around her. All barely visible through the grass. One particular pulls at her cloak, she tries to wave off the hatchling but without victory. Her cloak tears slightly from the pulling. She sighs.

Sitting up the orange hatchling rolls off of her landing face first on the floor.

"Little devils" the smile doesn't dissapear.

The Hatchlings scurry off back into the clearing, little wings are peeking over the grass and squeels can be heard as they roll around on the floor. Her Gaze drifts, it lands on the fifth hatchling. The white hatchling sits at the edge of the clearing. its eyes focused on her. No curiousity or playfullness. Just watchig her. Its wings are folded neatly against its sides.

Nathan and Ophelia aproach the clearning. She puts a hand on Alyssia's shoulder. her head turns. "They are the hatchlings right?" His voice is quiet, the hatchlings perk up at the sound and scurry off. "yea, they are, little devils." He tilts his head "What'd they do?" A soft sigh leaves her lips. "They tore my cloak." Ophelia chimes in. "Didnt you say there where five?" Alyssia Blinks "There are." Nathans eye brows furrow. He glances around the clearing. "I saw no fifth, only the four" She doesnt turn back twoards the clearing. "Hidding maybe" He shruges. he walks to the small stone path. the other two following behind.

Nathan steps into the busy market street. Ophelia and Alyssia right behind him. He weaves through the small crowd with ease. Ophelia and Alyssia stop at a fruit market stall. Ophelia reaches for a few coins in her pocket and pays for three apples. She hands each of them one. Their steps continue steadily. Nathan takes a big chunk of his apple. Their steps slow to a halt due to commotion. In the middle of the marked lay a huge man. Mid-forties maybe. Two figures loom over the man, a female and male. The female scowls down at the unconscious male. His feet move on their own, within a hearth beat he halts in front of the two. Ophelia and Alyssia share a glance, then fall in step behind him. The female tilts her head at Nathan. "who may you be miss?"

He flashes a smile. Alyssia and Ophelia scrunch their faces at that. Both snicker at the scene. He throws a short glare over his shoulder. "Its lovely to meet you" the female tilts her head down in respect. "My Name Is Avery." Nathan studys her for several seconds. "The pleasure is all mine, I am Nathanial." Averys cheeks tint a soft pink. His Grin widens, "You are very pretty miss Avery." The pink depends into a deep shade of Crimson. Behind Nathan the two girls snicker and cover each other's mouths. "Look at that fool he is trying to charm her" Alyssia musses quietly to Ophelia. Nathans eyes narrow briefly but doesn't react to the taunting. "What is the pleasure of having you in our village?" The male beside her watches their moves closely. His eyes never straying far from Avery. "We are..." her words trail off. Avery Leans closer to her male companion. His voice low. Her eyes study Nathan while listening. "My Apologies. We have a strict schedule." Nathan nods, his lips slightly parted. "Will you stay long in the village?" Her eyes meet those of her companion. "We will stay for a little while, maybe we could talk sometime over lunch?" Alyssia and Ophelia glance at one another. Weird. "Of course, that sounds lovely" His eyes crinkle. She returns a small smile.

The three finally got back to Nathans Tiny House they sit down in the living room, on a low lying slightly worn out sofa. It's a light mint Fabric. In Nathan's usual spot are Little tears along the armrest. His Eyes twinkle. "so pretty..." The girls look at one another supressing a laugh. "Don't tell me u are already swooned" Ophelia, the one with dirty blonde hair says. Nathan's cheeks flush. "I am not swooning over anyone" Alyssia grins at him "sure\~" He groans at her. "I just met her quit being a nuisance" They both chuckle at him.

The Door Swings open. All heads turn. A Female, Realynn. She has her black wavy short hair in a half bun. Her eyes a stunning Amber. Alyssia stands, walking to Raelynn. Realynn's breaths are quick. Nathan Follows after his sister. "Raelynn? Whats the matter?" Her eyes dim. "Another Ashborn-" Her chest heaves. Ophelia watches from the couch. Worry flickering in her eyes briefly. "Explain." His voice has a sharp edge to it. "The others caught a Ashborn." she stumbles over her words. Ophelia speaks gently. "Rae sit down, calm your breathing and then explain. slowly" The female sits down in a chair in the dinning room. The Group is silent while Raelynn catches her breath.  Alyssia studies Raelynn's form. "Where was the Ashborn found?" She glances sideways at her. "They caught Him by the river." Nathan clears his throat. "Where is that Ashborn now." He paces infront of her chair. "They threw him in the comunity house" Alyssia raises her brow. "In the cell?" Raelynn nods. "That Cell is not able to close." Nathans Eyes harden. "what." She shrugs. He Turns to raelynn. "Rae did he have weapons." Quite for a few sseconds. "Yes" He tenses. "What kind of weapon" Ophelia listens carefully. "A bow, i think-" His movements pause. "Did you guys take it." A slow nod. "Where is it now." Alyssia chimes in. Rea's voice is tight. "The weaponry" Ophelia stands. her steps are soft on the wooden floor. She stops beside Alyssia. "Are *you* okay?"  Raelynn blinks. "Yes, just..." Her eyes dart to the floor. "Lia, i apreciate that you want to help. But wrong moment." Ophelias eyes narrow. "Excuse me?" He sighs. "You heard me" Her brows almost hit her hairline. "You are joking." He keep his eyes on raelynn. "Did you guys gather any information?" She shakes her head. "I went here straight after the others got him." a slow nod. Ophelia looks at alyssia. "Did he seriously just do that?" her head tilts at ophelia. "Ignore you? or dismiss you?" she just shakes her head. Raelynn lifts off the chair. "Lets pay a visit to our unanounced guest." His voice leaves no room for discussion.

The Four enter the Comunity house. Raelynn leads the way. Flinching slightly Alyssia keeps pace with Ophelia. The Other female complaining about her brother. "I can hear you, you know?" he says over his shoulder. "Good!" Alyssia chuckles. Nathan and Raelynn stop. two guards stand at each side. the cell not completely shut. Both bow to the group. Raelynn and Nathan head inside the cell. A male, about 19 or 20 sits slumped against the right stone wall. His head lifts slightly. Silence fills the room. Nathan Studies the males dark clothes. „Is he dead?" Alyssias Voice asks from behind. "No you idiot." Nathan replies. A groan carries its way over to them. "Don't be dramatic" Her huff is answer enough. His eyes focus on the male. "So why exactly are you in our village." Silence. He raises a brow. The males head tilts higher. He spits infont of nathans feet. Raelynn scoffs. She steps closer to Nathan. "Rae ill be fine." The females tension eases.

"Didn't realize children were hiding beasts." Alyssia tenses. The males almost black shirt shifts. Ophelia glances sideways at her. "You okay?" Nathan turns back. "Lyssa?" Her eyes are fixed on the tattoo.  She stays rooted in place. He follows her gaze. His breath catches. "Oh lys..." The male grins at ayissia. "Scared little girl?" Her eyes don't sway. "Watch it." Nathan growls at the male.

They slowly make their way back out. "Lyss are you okay?"  Alyssia hums softly in response.  Ophelias gaze softens. "you know, you can talk to us..." Lyss averts her eyes "I don't need pity"

The boy flinches at the raging heat. His gaze lands on his little sister. His airway constricts. She is crying out for their parents.

Everywhere is red and orange. People are screaming and shouting. The village is in complete chaos.

"Alyssia!" Nathan yells out. The girl turns to her brother. "Brother! I can't find Mommy or Daddy!" He grabs his sister's arm.

"We have to go." She resists. "No! Mommy and Daddy!" His eyes dart around the fire-lit village. He grabs her arm, pulling her with him. In big strides, he makes his way along the tree lines. They soon reach a small clearing. The treetops are so high up they form a thick veil around it.

A middle-aged man with deep navy blue eyes and wholly black hair awaits them at the far end of the clearing. The boy keeps his pace up as he makes his way across. A woman stands beside the man. She has emerald green eyes. Her shoulder-length hair is a beautiful, bright red. Worry is etched onto her face. When her eyes land on them both, she rushes forward, embracing them in a tight hug, checking with rough and calloused hands for any harm. The little girl stares up at her mother.

The woman sighs at the sight of no serious injuries. Nathan holds onto his sister a little tighter. With all the loud noises around them, the panic and fear, the older boy speaks. "Mom, what is happening? Who are they?" His eyes focus on her. "These are the Ashborn—They are here to hunt the dragons." His sister's gasp is drowned in all the terror-filled screams.

"Felicity." The man rasps in a low voice. The woman turns with pleading eyes, the emerald catching in the dawn's light. The boy's burgundy hair falls into his forest green eyes. He pulls the girl into his chest.

"Mom, we have to go. They can't get to the Valley." His voice is rushed. The woman turns back to her children. "I know, my fierce arrow." Footsteps sound loudly on the mud and duff they run among. The steps are quick. Hurried.

Shouting erupts behind them. The boy turns his head back. Picking up the pace, their parents' footsteps quicken along with his. "They are by the clearing." Felicity glances back at the clearing at those words. "Zayn..." The word is a tickle of breath among heavy pants. The man mutters words, inaudible for the two children. "Go."

The family comes to an abrupt halt. The girl stumbles into her older brother. "No." Her eyes are wide. "No. Zayn, I won't leave your side." Her voice is thin—thin from all the running. "Felicity, we don't have time for this. Take the kids and go." Shaking her head, the children watch her. The boy's eyes dart back and forth between their parents. "Mom..." Worry seeps into his voice. "No," she breathes out quietly. "Bloody five dragons above," Zayn mutters under his breath. "Go. I won't repeat myself again." Sharpness edges the words. Several seconds pass in silence, their eyes on each other. Alyssia slips out of her brother's grip and hugs her dad. Zayn breaks his wife's stare. He kneels to his child's level and hugs her tightly. The boy hesitates but copies his sister. He hugs his dad tightly. Caught in the moment, they do not hear it, do not see it coming.

An arrow, swift and delicate, soars toward them. The arrow's tip finds flesh and pierces through the back of Felicity's right thigh. The boy turns his head to look at his mother. Felicity feels the gaze of her son fall upon her. She turns her head, locking eyes with him for a short second before she glances at her injured leg. The boy follows his mother's dropping gaze. His face contorts into horror. He stumbles away from his father, not sure what to do. "An a-arrow..." Zayn's eyes slide to Felicity at those words. Panic sets in. "Mommy...?" Alyssia peeks from behind her father. Nathan snaps out of his trance and grabs Alyssia's arm, pulling her into his chest. He buries her face into his clothes, hiding her view. The smell of blood rises into the air.

Zayn crouches in front of his wife. His touch is precise but gentle. He rips a piece of long, deep green fabric from his tunic. His navy eyes soften, his gaze fixed on his wife. "Felicity, stay still. I will remove the arrow now." Another arrow flies past. She snaps out of her frozen state and looks away from the arrow to Zayn. After a shared nod, Zayn's focus returns to the arrow. The pain is sharp and hot. Now in two pieces, the arrow lies still, coated in shimmering scarlet red. Around the thigh is now a green strap of tunic, slowing the bleeding.

A pained expression crosses Felicity's face as she shifts her weight. "Can you walk?" Her leg pains from the sudden movement. She stands straight. "Yes."

Feet hit the ground, hurried. They weave through the forest. Nathan picks up the girl. The world passes by in a blur. Zayn pauses at a cave entrance. He urges the kids in, then his wife. An arrow whizzes past and grazes him. He glances back. Zayn's eyes narrow. "You knew all along." Nathan only hears a deep voice, the words drowning out in the cave's echo. A shadow looms over his father. Alyssia buries her face in Nathan's chest. Without hesitation, the figure strikes. Their father, drawing his sword, parries the attack. The girl tightens her grip on her brother's shirt. The mother watches hesitantly. She reaches into her boot, palming a small dagger. It all happens so quickly. He slips. The dance breaks. The figure takes its chance.

A clunk is all he registers. Then the thud. Blood pools under the deep green tunic. He freezes. His eyes dart. Blood. Everywhere. Nathan's breathing picks up. The figure stands tall at the entrance, shadows still in their favor. His body goes rigid. The girl looks up at her brother. He pulls her closer. "Keep your eyes shut..." Nathan mumbles to her.