“Oh my god, is that a dragon!?” Michael stared in shock as the girl struggled to adjust the saddle. The creature was roughly the size of a small house, embedded all over with glittering red and gold scales, and colossal wings folded at it’s sides. In the light of the setting sun it’s every move was reminiscent of the flicker of a flame. The girl looked to be around his age, sixteen or seventeen. She spun around at the sound of his voice, startled, her green skirts swirling around her ankles. She registered his presence, and immediately turned back around, so her back was to him. He began walking over to her. “Is he yours?” She stood still for a moment before facing him again. “Can I help you?” She ground out. He shook his head. “I was just admiring your beast. He’s beautiful, how long have you had him?” She crossed her arms. “I just purchased her today. She’s female, by the way. I named her Ember.” He nodded once. “That’s a great name, but he’s not female.” He walked forward and stroked the dragon’s side. “See the pattern of the scales? They’re diamond-shaped. Female dragon scales are typically more triangular.” She looked from him, to the dragon, and back to him. “Are you some sort of expert on dragons?’ He laughed. “No I just read a lot of books on the subject, they’re really incredible creatures.” She nodded slowly. “They are,” she agreed. “But if you don’t mind, I’d like to finish saddling mine up.” He looked at her. “Oh,” He realized. “Oh, of course, I’ll be on my way then.” He had made his way back to his horse, when he paused just to marvel at Ember one more time. The dragon looked content in the middle of the meadow, just bathing in the intense sunlight. Likely becoming just as warm as it’s name warranted. As his eyes took in the scene, he found his gaze repeatedly drawn back to the girl in the center of his veiw. Her short curly brown hair was pinned back in a sloppy bun as she attempted to properly saddle her dragon. She clearly had the right idea, but the seat was crooked, the buckles were mismatched, and she couldn’t get Ember to lower his head again so she could secure the bridle. He watched a few seconds longer before shaking his head and jogging back to her. He stopped behind her. She was trying to coax the dragon into lowering his head. She clicked her tongue. “Come on, you want a treat? You want a treat? Lower your head. Come on Ember, come on—” He cleared his throat. She stopped midsentence. “Why are you still here?” She asked without even turning around. He shrugged. “I thought you could use some assistance.” “I didn’t ask for your help.” He rolled his eyes. “You’re saddling him up wrong.” She turned to him. “And how would you know? Have you ever saddled a dragon before?” “No, but I’ve seen enough pictures to know that this isn’t that.” He moved closer so he was just behind her, and started gesturing. “You should start with buckling it properly, it’s all crooked, that’ll probably correct the saddle misalignment.” He moved over to the front of the dragon. “And despite popular belief, dragons don’t speak English, so if you want him to lower his head, you’re going to have to actually offer him meat.” Before she could respond Michael reached into a sack on the ground that he’d assumed held meat, and pulled out a sparkling ruby bracelet. “What the…” She snatched it away from him. “Keep your hands to yourself, peasant,” she spat. He held both hands up, palms out in surrender. “I didn’t know—” She cut him off. “I asked you to leave. I bought the dragon on my own, I can train him on my own. I don’t need your help!” He looked at her again. From the newly purchased dragon, to the the bag of jewels, to the emerald green dress that hinted at nobility while still maintaining practicality. He looked into her eyes and finally asked, “What are you running from?” She clenched her jaw. “Pardon?” “I said ‘what are you running from?’ I’ve never heard of a noble girl purchasing a dragon on her own.” They locked eyes. “You don’t seem okay,” he concluded. She looked away. “My parents are in the southern kingdoms arranging my wedding this very moment. My betrothed, he is...well, I can assure you we won’t be together in the afterlife.” She smiled again, but weakly, and looked back at him. “I was told that Ember was bred to fly long distances, but I was also told he was female, so I’m not sure anymore if flying to the capital is the best course of action, what do you think?” He blinked. “Well, whoever your dealer was, they were right about that much, but even the strongest dragons couldn’t make it that far. However, you could likely travel two or three towns in that direction.” She nodded, and wiped her eyes. “Thanks.” He nodded absentmindedly. He was gazing at Ember. He was struggling to make the decision, and finally he said, “Ten years.” She frowned. “What?” “Ten years. I’ve been studying dragon since I was six, and I’ve never seen one personally. He’s beautiful.” They stared up at Ember for a long moment before he spoke again. “You can get to the capital in one night, if you let me fly him.” “I told you I don’t want your help.” But she didn’t hold the same conviction. He scoffed. “You’re a sixteen year old girl traveling alone with an untrained dragon and a sack of jewels. It wouldn’t hurt to have my company.” After a moment she asked, “ What’s your name?” “Michael,” He responded. “Well, I left my betrothed for a variety of reasons, all stemming from the fact that he didn’t respect me. Do you respect me, Michael?” “What’s your name?” “You may call me Lady Atwater.” He bowed his head. “Lady Atwater, I assure you, you hold my respect more than you realize.” She was quiet. “One night?” “One night.” He confirmed. “How will you return?” “There is nothing for me here.” She held out a hand. “Then, I believe we have an agreement.” He shook her hand. “That, we do.”