Of Dragons and Wolves

There she stood, her prey on the other side of the great chasm, as she calculated how exactly to get to it. All she could see was a great pair of horns through the thick wood, which, understandably, she mistook for antlers. It was not very far; she could easily leap across. After all, her hind legs were strong enough to send her over and, if necessary she could use her forelimbs to climb up, but the slightest mistake could send her falling to her inevitable demise.

She had not eaten in days after her pack had forsaken her. So? She had challenged the Alpha's logic, nobody else was going to. Now, after the rest of the pack had decided that the Alpha's decisions were best, she was left to fend for herself. She swore she would do far better than any wolf could dream of accomplishing. First, she needed dinner. Next, a mate...

She moved a few paces back, turned to face the chasm, and ran, her paws pounding the earth, kicking up a trail of dust behind her. As she reached the edge, she jumped, leaping brilliantly over the chasm. In that brief moment as she crossed, she felt amazing, as though she, and not her momentum, was bringing her across. The wind whipped through her fur, which would be sensation that she would never forget. Finally, she landed and did so much less gracefully than she had begun her "flight" as she landed, tumbling into a bush. Hoping that her prey had not gotten scared off by the noise, she froze and listened for fleeing hooves. Upon hearing no such sound, she stood, shook off the landing, and crept toward where she had last spotted the "antlers."

The smell of the forest around her sent shivers through her body. The earth beneath her paws was soft and moist. She could make her den right here, right now, but, she had to keep reminding herself that she needed to eat something before sunset at the latest as she could not afford to go another night without food. Thankfully, she could now see the clearing ahead where the creature possessing the "antlers" would certainly stand.

She could now see that it was most certainly not any mere buck, but an awe-inspiring dragon standing before her facing away, unmistakably male as well. She was ashamed to have been so foolish in thinking he was such a common, weak, and pathetic creature. She could not take such a beast down. Yet, she felt compelled to move closer and find out more. She could not describe the feeling even to herself, but she wanted to touch him, to be held by him, and so much more...

***********

He lay there, watching this small, white wolf in amusement, not afraid, just intrigued. The wolf seemed to not notice that he was aware of her. That amused him even more, since he had been tracking her approach for miles.

He had often seen them, as he flew through the clouds, and had come to appreciate their grace and teamwork. Being a solitary creature by nature, he often wondered what life would be like, having a large family or group to help with the hunt. This little wolf seemed all the smaller without a pack behind it.

How odd for one of your kin to be out alone, has something separated you from your family? The bemused dragon asked.

The wolf stared up at him with something akin to wonder as he addressed her. The dragon chuckled, A deep rumbling sound, which emanated from somewhere within his chest.

What brings you to this desolate area? Surely not food, I would hope, there haven't been any deer here for months. Idly the dragon examined his claws, making sure no grime had accumulated, it wouldn't do for such a grand creature to be marred in such a fashion.

I'll tell you what, if you would like, you may stay here with me until I can find your kin, I always have food, and you shan't suffer the cold while in the company of a fire-breather. The dragon raised a wing, offering what seemed to be a heated cavern fit to house a half dozen wolves.

You are more than welcome to share in my warmth, though I must warn you, I tend to snore. The dragon chuckled, waiting to see her response.

It gladdened him when she took a few tentative steps forward. He wasn't aware of how lonely he had been until she had made up her mind to stay. The truth was, he admired the wolves for their tight families, something which he never had as a dragon.

The night passed slowly for him as he wondered what had brought this small female to him. Why was she not with her pack? What had driven her so far into this desolate land? He vowed then to help her find her place. It wasn't right for such a creature to be alone.

The next morning brought clouds and wind, not enough to prevent a morning hunt, but enough to warn of greater dangers later in the day. The dragon decided to grab an extra deer, just in case.

Much to his surprise, the wolf lay nearly dead to the world, obviously exhausted from her ordeal.

I suppose I should let her sleep, who knows what she has faced in the past few days. The dragon thought. She will wake up when she is ready.

That day passed as so many others had, the hunt was fun, but over much too quickly, the prey never even knew he was there until it was too late. He had eaten his fill, and had enough to last a couple days if need be.

Upon returning to his roost, he noted the wolf had moved. She had disappeared from the area, though she was not far away. Her scent was still heavy in the air, and something about it seemed to be almost... Intoxicating...

***********

As she walked away from the seemingly kind dragon's clearing, she contemplated exactly what had made her stay with him last night. She had to admit that, try as she might, she would not be able to resist him even as much as she had then. He was brilliant: the way his coppery scales glistened in the light of the moon, his large silvery wings clearly powerful enough to decimate an entire village of humans with a single beat, and his eyes... The thought of them boring into her: wild, black, and gleaming, sent shivers down her spine, filling her with a feeling unmistakably known as lust.

This cannot be. She thought. A wolf and a dragon? Impossible. He would never lower himself so. He probably only sees me as a pet, or worse, food.

It was with this thought that she kept moving. She could trust no one. Nothing was safe unless she could destroy it without destroying herself. She could still smell him, though, and felt an almost overwhelming urge to turn back and stay with him, but she knew that it would be foolhardy and wrong. She would now not only have to fight the elements, but herself as well.

She started to run. The only way, in her mind, to keep herself from going back and getting hurt was to run as far and fast as her legs would carry her and hope that nothing would bring her harm along the way. Her heart pounded, her paws striking the ground in spite of her wildest desires, as tears began to stream from her eyes. This was the last thing her heart wanted her to do and she knew it, but her brain was telling her that nothing but pain would issue forth from such a union.

It was at this point in her thoughts that she skidded to a halt in front of a great grizzly bear. The overgrown bitch was too powerful and angered by the young wolf's presence, sending her flying into a tree with one swipe of her paw. The wolf staggered to her feet and ran at the bear, sinking her teeth into its paw, only to be flung away again, tumbling to the ground.

***********

When he first heard the angered grizzly, He was unconcerned. It was not uncommon for some foolish human, wandering in places they did not belong, to run across a female with cubs. He was mildly confused, for he had not heard any of their clumsy, crashing footsteps, but he let it go instantly, knowing how his mind was distracted by thoughts of the wolf who was not long gone from his roost. He could almost hear her low growl from the night before as she was stalking him... Wait a minute... I CAN HEAR HER GROWLING!

Racing to the sky, he instantly located the sound of the fight, diving through the trees without thought of himself. He came upon a sight that turned his blood cold, the bear was standing above the bloodied wolf, ready to end the fight. His mind went numb, and his sight narrowed with laser intensity on the bear. He knew the bear was only acting in defense, but he could not allow it to kill the wolf. He loosed a jet of flame toward the bear, just enough to make it pause.

The bear looked up in bewilderment. Where had this dragon come from? Why was it concerning itself with this fight? The bear turned back to the object of its anger, raising its paw to strike the final blow.

Do not harm the wolf, I would not enjoy killing you and risking your cubs, just so you can protect your pride. She caused you no harm.

The bear grew worried. She had never known a dragon to talk to a lesser creature like herself. More troubling was the thought of her cubs, alone, barely able to leave the den.

I have no quarrel with you if you leave now. You have proven your might. Now go.

The bear wisely left, though not before expressing her displeasure at being so easily rebuffed by the dragon.

The dragon, though showing no fear to the bear, nearly tore its wings racing to the wolf's side. Upon closer inspection, He noted only slight injury, though she was breathing heavily, obviously near exhaustion, and weak from undernourishment.

In this state, she still tried to take on a grizzly? The dragon thought. Even I wouldn't attempt something like that in this condition.

Well, I had better make sure she makes it... If I let her wander too far, she will end up getting herself killed.

The dragon pulled her into his arms, and flew back to his roost, burning the ground with his flame to turn the fallen leaves and branches into a fine mound of soft ash. Laying some fabric from his hoard, he made a makeshift nest, soft as a king's bed.

Preparing a minor spell in his thoughts, he worked on mending the more serious of the female's injuries, while leaving the lesser ones to heal naturally.

It was a few days before the wolf awoke, and he was glad to have hunted more than he needed; as always, preparing before he knew why.

Over the days he had cared for her, he had noticed that the only thought in his mind was of her, this small, delicate looking wolf, who had taken on a grizzly, even though it knew the fight could not be won. He admired her, the inability to back down, even though the fight couldn't end well. It reminded him of times when he was but a wyrmling, trying to take on a larger, more able opponent. The only thing he had to boast was his pitiful smoke, having not yet been able to breathe fire. Oh how he had used it though, often blinding the larger opponent at key points.

Though this wolf, having only tooth and claw, had dared to take on a full grown, enraged female. She is either really brave, or really foolish. I can't decide. The dragon made up his mind to make sure she wouldn't kill herself in the time between now and her reunion with her pack.

Many moons passed, and the dragon could not pretend he wasn't caught in the enticing snare of this wolf. She seemed so vulnerable, so out of place. He knew he was falling for her, but he couldn't understand it, she was so different, not even of the same species... Yet... He could not deny his need to be nearby.

She would be safe, and he would be sure of it, no matter what it took.

Each night, he would leave her something to help her get by, watching over her, but not letting himself get too close. Uncomfortable as he was with his feelings, he knew where they would lead if he let them.

She would often invite him to stay, nothing too overt, but enough to signal her willingness, yet still, he stayed away, wrestling with himself not to give in to this wonderful creature, something he had wanted to do ever since he felt his heart flip the moment she chose to sleep by his side.

***********

Disappointed as she was by the dragon's gentle refusal to mate with her, she moved on. She was, however, thankful for his assistance when she really needed him. She never wandered too far from his lair, but allowed him to have his desired space, for the most part. She had finally accepted that he wouldn't harm her, although she still held some suspicions. She had also decided that she needed to explain to him exactly why she did not roam with her pack. So, she frolicked, for a time, pouncing on tiny rabbits and squirrels, when she happened upon a few.

Around the afternoon, she loped back toward the dragon's lair and laid in the soft pile of ash and fabric he'd built for her after her unfortunate encounter with the bear. She noticed that he was not yet back from his hunt and lay there until his return, which was not long after she had arrived. He looked down at her and she up into his deep black eyes.

I have something to tell you and something to ask as well. She said as calmly as she could.

What might that be, Little One? The dragon inquired.

The question first: What would be your name, if I may be so privileged to know?

Would you like my name in a form you could understand? Or are you asking my draconian name? The dragon asked.

I'll take my chances with your draconian name, first, Lord Dragon. She responded as politely as she could.

The ancient ones call me AlaeNymVoar. It means quick watchful death, though the translation is loose, I prefer its alternate meaning, Watchful protector. I have always preferred to protect life, rather than end it. I got my name during the Great War, when the ones of pointed ears saw me in a great rage, after I lost one close to me. The great dragon fell into a brooding reflection of that long ago time.

She moved closer to him, though far enough away to respect his wishes. Do not dwell on such things... Is there another name for you? I know that there is no other that would award you so grand a christening, but... I fear I may offend should I ever let it passed my lips mispronounced. She chuckled a little.

You may call me Alex; it is close enough to the sound of my Draconian name. The amused dragon smiled, showing gleaming fangs.

Alright, then. The young wolf smiled, nervously. You can call me whatever you wish, though my name is Aeron. It means "war goddess," bestowed to me by a rather silly human who believed me to a sign from some deity or other that they would win their battle. They didn't; the poor creatures. Although, they may have won the war, I am not certain.

At any rate, I wanted to tell you the reason behind my wandering alone without my pack. You see, I had challenged the Alpha's decision to lead the pack to the northwest, knowing that there would be even less food on that side of the mountains, as I had heard of a famine in that region from the trees. As you may know, to challenge the Alpha is to invite death or banishment. Thankfully, he chose to simply send me away as a lone wolf and not rip out my throat. And so, here I am before you, after wandering for days without food, I saw your horns through the trees from the opposite side of the chasm, thinking you were food.

She smiled up at him and then looked down at her paws, waiting for his response. She knew he was going to be displeased with her. Everyone knows that no wolf challenges their Alpha and that trees can be mistaken...

I suspected something had sent you away from your pack; it seemed unlikely a creature as capable as you had lost their way. Alex shook its head, recalling the fight with the bear. I couldn't help but notice the bear left with a limp. He flashed a questioning look at the small wolf. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you?

Well... I did bite her paw hard enough to keep me hanging on to it until she threw me, but... She pondered aloud to the dragon, wondering how much damage her jaws could have dealt in that condition.

Seems, she won't be forgetting you for a while to come. Be wary of the bears territory, it doesn't stretch overly far, but she won't be letting that grudge die for at least one hibernation... should you choose to stay near here, that is. Alex mused.

Why would I leave? There is nothing for me outside of your forest... Aeron blurted.

Well, I thought maybe you would want to go find a mate, after all, the wolves have left my woods, knowing there is no food for them here. I myself have to travel far from here to find meals. replied Alex.

Honestly, as you know, I want you. I have wanted you for some time and I will never leave unless you banish me, kill me, or otherwise. She boldly, if foolishly, exclaimed.

I had suspected that you wanted me for a while, though I thought it just gratitude for saving you from the bear. Is this truly how you feel? asked Alex.

Yes... I have never felt more strongly of anything or for anyone in my entire life... Please... Let me be yours. I'll never leave your side... Just promise that you will never forsake me... She cried, running to the dragon's side, but stopped short, waiting for his response.

Let me think about this, I want you, but you are so different, I would be afraid of accidentally causing you harm, for now though, I can promise that you will never be forced to leave this forest. Extending his wings to their full span, he loosed a jet of flame nearly 50 yards long, roaring a challenge to imagined enemies.

Chapter 2

Aeron did not sleep well that night; she was in awe of both the sight of Alex's flame and the words that he spoke to her. He might actually be hers and she would never be forced to leave his forest. She was safe, for the first time in a long time. She wanted so desperately to know his answer or to at least hear his thoughts on the matter. She knew, though, that waiting was best and that pushing for the answer would only push him away from her. If she pressed too much, he would surely never touch her, never hold her.

She quickly shook these thoughts from her mind and went forth. She had to occupy her mind somehow, without letting thoughts of the great dragon resurface. She started at a loping pace, not too fast or too slow, as she listened for any sounds of small rodents to play with. Overhead, she could hear the dragon flying to the south for his daily hunt and flocks of fowl scrambling to get out of his way. Now, that is a creature which deserves respect... The king of the skies, ruler of the sea, and overlord of the earth... She thought to herself. The fact that he is even willing to think about my offer... She shivered. Oh, it makes my heart flip and my stomach feel as though it is full of butterflies...

It was at this point that she grew tired of being so far from Alex's clearing and started to head back, but not before she heard a few rabbits hopping about in a thicket. She crept up to their thicket slowly, trying to make as little noise as possible, and pounced. It was not long before she could taste the poor rodent's blood, trickling down onto her tongue. It was warm with an almost metallic taste to it. It splattered on her fur around her lips, a little down her chest, and on her forepaws. She began to eat the unfortunate creature, now that its life had ended, pulling off the fur bit by bit to get at the meat beneath. She tore at its flesh, devouring the muscle tissue, and began to go at its entrails, but eating only the organs that she knew would not leave a horrid aftertaste.