It was a simple choice really; one that hardly even needed time to ponder over. To her right laid the path to her family’s lair, warm and loving. To her left was her own hole in the ground, much too underdeveloped to be considered a lair. This time however the dark blue hatchling took the path to her left. Her anger sparkled behind her ember eyes, it was time for solitude and contemplation.
It worried her, to feel anger as often as she did anymore. The more she saw the less she enjoyed. Watching Selarth being scrubbed down like a horse by a naka inflamed her sense of draconic dignity and pride. She watched the hatchling become less aggressive towards all around him, which was good. Yet a part of her felt perhaps his soul of fire was nothing more then a tiny flame, placated by given food and crystals and now being scrubbed down by humans.
Instead of hiding herself within her sequestered cavern she climbed the grassy hill looming overhead. The foliage felt cool on her belly and brought some comfort. Looking overhead she gazed upon the millions of glistening stars.
“Star Dragons…” she whispered but soon laid her head down upon her talons, “even the sight of you burning brightly in the heavens does little to lift my spirit.”
Atlanna tried desperately to open her heart to them, to feel as one with her surroundings. To let her sense of pride and happiness for her kin envelop her soul, creating a bright aura of comfort and serenity. But her anger remained, like a slithering dragon of malice it dug its talons into her; preventing her from clearing her mind.
What does it mean…to be a dragon?
The little blue thought she understood the answer, but now she questioned it; questioned everything. To make matters worse she hardly slept anymore. The less she slept, the less likely of horrid nightmares: the indescribable fear she felt as she ran from her pursuers, yet her heart feeling betrayed and broken. Always she found the cliff, the sea below offering her a second chance. But she never made it. No, the dream only offered one ending: Her flesh being ripped apart while her bones were ground into bleak nothingness. The pain was unending.
Yes, needless to say, peaceful rest was becoming harder and harder to obtain these days. A comforting breeze danced through the grass and caressed her scales. She wrapped her tail against her body and lifted her head to the sky once more.
Please Lord Drulkar, I need…something. Guidance, wisdom, comfort, a sign…anything!
Her ember eyes stared intently into the heavens, she felt in her heart that he was listening. She did the only thing her nature compelled her to do: sing. Atlanna let a haunting melody fill the air, singing well into the night as her heart and soul emptied her fears and desires into the sky.