Their daughter was solely their own for only a couple years after the incident at the pet shop.  For afterwards, the young Trinity began exhibiting much less subtle magical abilities. 

And the cursed dragon, Roseweed, seemed to know.  But instead of insisting on traditional training at one of the magical havens, Roseweed, with the aid of a few Dra’Sorrian masters who were in the know, decided on a more sequestered approach.  Trinity's training would be done secretly, at the lair of the cursed dragon; which was in her mountain territory, a cave system high in the mountains.  The west Nigchus Mountains were close to the Tragon lands, which allowed Trinity's parents to visit and vice-versa.

It was easy enough to realize Trinity had 'Speaker potential, but it wasn't as easy to pin point her primary element; the element that would be her magical class. 

Unbeknown to anyone, Trinity's first magical use had been healing, a rare and potent power that was not seen within the ranks of Dragon Speakers for many, many centuries; nor was classified in any of the four elements.  In Crystals and Hadrec's recollection, every time their daughter was in a "stressful situation" it never manifested as the same, single, element; in fact, they'd seen her spontaneously use all four.  Something that never happened. 

Which seemed to convince the involved Masters that Roseweed had predicted true; this was the Destined Child that had been prophesied.

Beyond the cursed dragon Roseweed, her instructors were four Master Dragon Speakers; also known as Dra'Lorrani, one each for the four elements.  The Earth Dra’Lorrani was a man called Tuath, his dragon was a wiry male called Mojintha.  Jak and his Lady Silva were Trinity’s Air Dra’Lorrani; the fire instructors were Swentha, a whip thin woman who was stronger than she looked, with her female dragon Kandelle.  Then there was Ceda and Vanthor; Ceda was an older woman with an amusingly ornery male dragon.

Of them, two Masters had additional students, Dra'Lorra, of their own.  The 'Lorrani of water had a 'Lorra named Ranen; and the 'Lorra of the air 'Lorrani was named Dion.  Ranen was older and already a few years into his apprenticeship.  He was friendly, with sharp but kind multicolored eyes of one who had used magic. 

Dion was a bit younger than Trinity; though always seemed completely confident in whatever surroundings she found herself in, even as a child.  Dion was also one of the few air element magic users who could use music and melody to weave her magic.  She had a flute as well as an intricate reed pipe.  Her 'Lohorrani and she were experimenting with the ability through her whole adolescent training.  Air was the most likely element to connect with music, with earth not far behind.  Fire was the least likely element to have the music as a magical ability.

Dion also had a younger brother, though she said they looked nothing alike.  Except where Dion's magical calling was as a 'Speaker, her brother, Lauroran's calling had been as a mage.

Each Dra’Lorra was gifted with a pendant denoting their sect and element.  One was usually presented after their first year of training was compete.  Dion and Ranen had already been given their ‘Speaker pendants when they first came with their Dra’Lorrani to be trained alongside Trinity. 

Dion had been under ten, only months younger than Trinity herself when brought to Roseweed’s secret system of caves, and Ranen approximately twelve. 

Knowing a gem was coming for Trinity made the Dra'Lorrani nervous and speculative.  They felt Trinity's uniqueness presented a conundrum.  They could not deny the cursed Roseweed’s assurance that this was the Destined Child.  Trinity was powerful in all four elements; something unheard of in itself within Starza’s element based magic’s.  They wondered if the Crafters, as they were known as, would know of her existence and be able to make her stone. 

Normally ruby or carnelian was used for fire element users; sapphire or lapis lazuli for water; tourmaline or angelite for air; and emerald or jade for earth, was used to represent each element.  They could think of only a few stones that could represent them all, but would the Crafters know?

It seemed that they needn't have worried.  After Trinity had been taught how to actively access her magic; which she did quickly to a few peoples surprise, a few days later the egg sized and shaped pendant appeared.  Normal pendants had a larger primary elemental stone with the other two elements represented in much smaller stones in a unique and elegant fashion; to the wearers taste.  They always seemed to know.

Trinity's was different.  The stone was one that had never been used to represent any element before: a fire opal with rainbow labradorite backing which framed the gem decoratively.  Despite its name, the opal had all colors within its crystalline depths.  A small sharply cut ruby was embedded in the twisting setting at the top.  There were smooth stones of angelite and lapis lazuli; the former was sphere shaped and the latter teardrop shaped, set at the sides.  There was also a jade stone in a smoothed out diamond shape on the bottom. 

Crafters weren't known to do anything without reason.  With that in mind, Trinity's teachers assumed the setting arrangement meant she was drawn more to fire.  Water and air seemed set as her secondary’s with earth as her tertiary element.  The idea of teaching a fire-class student water magic as a secondary was new to them, but they already knew Trinity was special.

In the ten years, Trinity was taught many things.  She had to go through history lessons about magic as well as of the races and factions of magic and of Starza.  Roseweed made sure she was knowledgeable on dragon society.  The lessons that were done in sequence; allowing her to absorb the information in stages her young mind could handle; as well as remain age appropriate. 

Trinity was taught magical theory and ethics.  These being some of the more time consuming and dry topics of her magical education.  They of course made sure she could read, write and do her numbers; and in lieu of discovering her healing talents, anatomy, first aid and herbology as well.  Eventually they would also teach her about common ailments, but those studies didn't start until she reached a more mature adolescence. 

As it was, her days were filled with lessons, discoveries and many wonders.  For along with her other subjects, Trinity was also to learn martial combat in as many forms as she had talent for; and of course magical practicum.  These were her two favorite subjects.  She had a gift for her magic, and Trinity usually had sparring lessons with Ranen.  Trinity was most adept with a bow and staff.  She also had a knack for short swords and daggers.  After a few years of training, her 'Speaker weapon with her four element stones, would be presented to her as a short sword; that was all the ‘Lorrani would tell her. 

Early on, the teachers didn’t wait long before experiencing Trinity’s blend of powers.  After a rudimentary lesson on all the elements, they gave their three pupils a challenge.  Incorporate as many elements they could in one conjured object they could carry in their hands. 

Dion was able to trap a flame in a bubble of air; Ranen was able to trap a seed with a leaf in air much the same way, but was also able to surround the bubble with an undulating water casing.  Trinity was able to go even further.  In the center was a strong flame and around it, curling around it in a caressing dance, was a vine sprouting from a tiny seed.  The two elements were in cased in a bubble of air which was trapped within a globe of water.  The water was crystal clear, displaying the lively dance of fire and earth in the bubble of air. 

While the teachers were impressed that they each had chosen to keep the elements separate while putting them together; the strength and stability of each object also baffled them.  Most students needed to learn concentration when using their elemental powers; and learn that the more they tried to incorporate, the more effort was needed.  Trinity was able to create the globe, put it down, and leave it, and it would stay intact until she called it away. 

When, years later, they gave the three of them the same assignment, Dion was able to integrate the vibrations of music to which her entrapped flame danced to.  Ranen altered his design simply by making the globe of water rain down on the seed; the air and water allowed the seed to sprout.  Instead of casing the elements in water, Trinity surrounded the elements in a globe of thin diamond-glass; something only possible with magic.  With beads of water dripping from the top, down to the bottom, feeding the plant much like Ranen’s did.  While the heat of the fire made the water condense, the plant renewed the air the fire consumed, and the water kept the fire from overcoming the plant.  As Trinity’s was the only one which was self-sustaining, it was the only one that could be displayed in their common room. 

Growing up together, the three Dra'Lorra grew close.  Dion and Trinity were like surrogate sisters.  They didn't always see eye to eye, but they were loyal to each other.  Trinity's relationship with Ranen was vastly different, which the Masters, while not discouraging, kept close chaperon on.  Of course it was a slow progression of feelings.  When they’d first met, Ranen wasn’t sure about the small ten year old girl who Roseweed claimed was the Destined Child.  He was inclined to look down on her because he was the older, more experienced apprentice.  That seemed to change a few months later, after the three of them got lost in the mountain tunnels they were exploring.  They were lost for three days, in which Trinity was the calmest of the three.  In the span of those three days, not only did she fill the role of leader, but also displayed the ability to work all four elements.  She made flames to light their way; brought a breeze to cool their skin; made moss grow so they had a comfortable place to sleep and plants to eat; as well as brought water to them so they had plenty of water to drink.  Ever since, Ranen and Dion were convinced, and were in bit of awe of the girl; even though Trinity was more of the thinking that it was their teamwork that got them through. 

Trinity has also met Lauroran a few times, Dion's mage brother, but wasn't as close as they didn't see much of each other. 

Her peers and instructors found Trinity to be made up of the best qualities of their sect.  She didn't let her special abilities go to her head, nor held her status over Ranen's or Dion's heads.  If anything, it made her feel more responsible; Trinity felt had to work harder to make sure she was worthy.  It resulted with Ranen being more protective of her as their relationship grew. 

Even with so much to learn, especially in Trinity's case, the Masters insisted on giving their students time to themselves and their families.  They were given a month in the beginning of the Starza Lunar calendar, which started after the start of spring.

Luckily for Trinity, her birthday was after the beginning of spring, during the time she had off; so she could spend it with her family.

Twisting as quickly as possible, Trinity tried to get the sparring stick past her opponent’s quick reflexes to hit and score a point.  When all she met was his own wooden sparring weapon, her moves became more and more elaborate to try to throw him off.  But then he got passed her own guard and quickly had her back pressed up against him while the stick trapped her arms to her shoulders.  "Master Jak would not be happy to see you waste your energy on such elaborate moves." her opponent commented, his voice deep, mature, and thick with amusement.

Trinity made a rude noise.  "He's not here.  And he's not going to find out." she claimed stubbornly; though no malice in her tone at all. 

Her captor laughed, she could feel the vibrations through their contact.  "I don't know.  It's going to be hard not to spill the beans without some sort of incentive." he replied, lowering his lips to her ear. 

"Ranen!" Trinity gasped, spinning easily within the circle of his arms to look up at him with a pout.  "Blackmail does not become you."

With a smile, Ranen dropped both their sparring sticks.  "Really? Is one kiss so much to ask for my silence?" he asked teasingly.  As he spoke, his arms drifted around her waist.  If the sun hadn't gone down an hour ago, she would see the colors of his eyes deepening, with blue-green becoming dominant. 

Relaxing, Trinity wrapped her arms up around his shoulders and neck.  "Oh, well.  If it’s just one kiss." she teased back.  She pushed herself up on her tip toes but held herself a good couple inches away from Ranen.

Unable to resist her, especially when she teased, Ranen closed that small amount of space between them.  Their lips met and their arms tightened around each other. 

The kiss was just starting to get deeper when there was a deliberate cough from the porch.  Both Ranen and Trinity separated automatically; even though Trinity was now old enough to court and be courted. 

Hadrec, Trinity's father, stood on the porch of his ancestral home.  His family had tended the hilly farmland for generations; which lay between the mountains and the expanse of the Shayha Plains to the east. 

Trinity and Ranen had been sparring slightly away from the house, but close enough so that the lights from inside provided enough to see by out in the clear, crisp spring night.  With an inner sigh, Trinity started towards the porch, stopping to pick up the training sticks on the way.  She gave her father a large smile.  "What is it, papa?"

Suppressing his parental reflex to scold the both of them, Hadrec uncrossed his arms.  "Your aunts and uncles are getting ready to leave.  Go say goodbye and then you can say goodnight to Ranen." he said pointedly.

Nodding, Trinity made her way into the house and spent the next ten minutes enduring good natured teases and "coming of age" advice.  That age was twenty-one; where the individual gained the ability to vote, drink, marry, own property or otherwise make their own way in the world.  Starzian's were long lived humanoids in their own right, though definitely not as long lived as others, thus the reason for prolonging "childhood".  Lifespan could be further lengthened by dragon ancestry and dragon bonding.  Thus they had the time. 

The fact that Trinity was training to be a Dragon Speaker was not a well-known fact among the rest of her family, though they did know she was magically inclined.  She had an uncle and a few cousins who were also in magical training, so they knew the signs.  Nonetheless, they knew long ago that Trinity didn't want to make a deal of her gifts until she was done training; surprisingly, they didn't pry. 

Soon enough, the last of her family departed in a flurry of familial activity; the overcrowded stables and front road slowly emptied of horses and carriages.  Trinity's father hadn't any siblings, but he had young uncles with children; most of her family consisted of her mother’s side; her mother had eleven sisters and five brothers which made for a big enough family, once one also counted Trinity's cousins.  Trinity's extended family was devoutly involved in everyone else's lives.  Her birthday soon became the yearly reunion for her mother’s side of the family.

Thus it took a while before the house and grounds were empty of said family.

When the last cousin had been tucked into a carriage and their parents finally took them home, Trinity took a short walk with Ranen; walking hand in hand.

In the clear sky just north of the setting sun, the north skylights danced with the wind.  Its blues and green’s curving and waving to the hum of the softly blowing wind.  As they watched, another color appeared in the dance, dark red.  It streaked with the blue and green.  Making the night seem more alive than ever before.  It glowed with the many other streams of colors.  White, green and blue lights weaving against the dark blue-black of the night sky.  The Lights were spotted all across the western horizon, with the darker colors of purple and blue right behind it.  Above the skylights, a shooting star made a quick appearance, making a streak of bright white, and vanished.  Leaving awe.

They stood watching them for a few minutes before they heard Trinity's parents calling.  Reluctantly, the two of them walked back, heading to the stables to Ranen's house. 

Ranen had already gone through his quest for his dragon partner, and the result had been unexpected and dramatic.  He'd found his dragon; which had been a couple of years older than Ranen already, but still equally as young.  His name was Skiflin’takier, or Skyflyer for short, and he had been in trouble when Ranen found him. 

As a young adult water dragon, Skyflyer's emotions ran deep and tended to be on the torrential side.  As the old crotchety Mage explained, Skyflyer had let those emotions rule him, leading him to endanger the life of the Mage.  The old man wouldn't get into details about the incident that resulted in his own actions, but he did tell Ranen that, in response, the Mage thought to teach the dragon a lesson.  Until the young water dragon could control his deep emotional tide and found some balance, Skyflyer would be in a helpless form.  Which meant the young dragon became the size of a dracoete; a very small cousin of dragons about the size of a house cat.  Though dracoetes were more lizard-like flyers than dragons, Skyflyer still retained physical dragon attributes, just in miniature.  Such as chest and spine scales, strong and wiry upper and lower limbs as well as head ornamentation usually absent in the smaller species. 

Ranen had come upon them just as the Mage cursed Skyflyer, but had been too late to stop it.  Skyflyer had already done his reckless act.  After the dragon’s transformation, the first thing he saw was Ranen, looking worriedly over him.  One look in each other’s eyes and their bond was made.  Even with the curse between them, Skyflyer was quick to realize Ranen was his just as much as he was Ranen's; they would do anything for each other.  His emotional tides didn't seem so important, but he still struggled with them.  Even so, he was never very far from his ‘Speaker. 

Unless Ranen was with Trinity's family; then he kept a respective distance so not to startle the relatives.  Which was why Ranen mounted a horse that night instead of his dragon.

Trinity stood on her tip toes while steadying herself against Ranen's hay colored horse.  "Give Skyflyer my love." she whispered to Ranen after pecking his cheek.

"Don't I get any?" Ranen asked with a small grin. 

Grinning back, Trinity stepped away to give him more room to maneuver.  "You already have it." she told him, blowing him a kiss to accentuate her words.

Ranen caught the kiss and wheeled the animal around.  With a wink, he was off down the darkened road.

Still smiling, Trinity made it back in to her house, kissed and bade her parent’s good night, and tiredly climbed up the stairs to her room. 

With a warm blanket over her and in a comfortable bed, Trinity was asleep quickly.

As the three immediate members of the Tragon family sat at the breakfast table, reliving the merriment of the night before, there was a loud tap at the door.  They all looked at each other, wondering who it could be this early.

Hadrec cleared his throat.  “I’ll go get it.” He stood up and made his way through the other room between the kitchen and the door.  Hadrec hesitated just as he reached out for the doorknob.  He knew without really knowing who was on the other side; he couldn't say how, he just knew.  As he straightened his shoulders Hadrec sighed and pulled the door open.  On the other side of the door stood a small girl in simple clothing.  She had straight silver-blond hair and deep blue eyes that seemed to change within the rim of her irises.  They showed a maturity many years beyond the age she looked.  Hadrec’s shoulders drooped; this wasn't good; Trinity still a few more weeks of her holidays left. 

“Hello Hadrec.” The girl greeted in a mature voice.  It made his skin crawl even though he knew she was a good young dragon.

Hadrec grimaced.  “Hello.”

Footsteps creaked on the floor behind him.  “Honey? Who is it?” Crystal called.  A few seconds later, Crystal and Trinity walked into the front hallway.  “Well, hello Roseweed.” Crystal welcomed with a smile.  Seconds later she narrowed her eyes, and the smile faded.  “You don't look happy.  What’s going on? Why are you here?”

Trinity looked from her parents to the cursed dragon that was her fifth teacher.  “What’s going on? You usually like having your home all to yourself during our holidays.” She crossed her arms and scrutinized Roseweed.  Unlike her other instructors, Roseweed didn’t stand on ceremony. 

The child/dragon let herself in and crossed into the parlor.  “Bad news last, I think.  First…” she gave Trinity an impish grin.  “I would like to wish you happy coming of age.  I have something for you.” She closed her eyes and concentrated while she brought out her arms as if holding out something.  In a flash of light, a sword appeared in her hands. 

Trinity recognized the style as the ones given to Dragon Speakers after they were bonded with their dragons.  Looked like another exception would be given to Trinity as her dragon was a prisoner some place unknown.  It wasn’t as long as Ranen’s was, but it wasn’t quite a short sword either.  The hilt looked as if it had been tightly bound with dark gold cloth with four gemstones embedded at different levels of the grip.  The pommel had a large opal crystal which was echoed in a smaller opal in the guard.  The blade; that peeked from the black and gold wrapped sheath, looked to be forged from the finest metals and looked well balanced and sharp. 

Roseweed presented the sword to Trinity.  “As you know, there is a group of magic users within a secretly acknowledged sect who craft magical items for magical sects.  No one knows how, but they always know when a magic user comes into their own and needs to be presented with a sword or staff.  It’s attuned with the intended person.  I have been tasked to also give you the name of this blade, for if you ever find yourself away from its reach, all you need is to call it and it will find its way to your hand.” She explained.  “This is Maradia.  May she never fail you in battle and always come easily from her sheath to protect you and others.”

When Trinity took the sword, it immediately began to glow fiercely in welcome and she felt deep in her core that this sword was hers.  She smiled as she tested the balance and inspected the small gems that represented her four elements; the opal representing her core element which she was simply told was “spirit”.  “Thank you.” She told Roseweed, meaning more than just the words.  Trinity knew Roseweed understood that there were complex emotions running through her protégé’s mind.  Trinity sighed.  “Okay… now for the bad news.”

With a nod, Roseweed went straight to the real reason she had to come by.  "Some things have come up.  The Dra’Lorranii will be in Dra’marii indefinitely.  Trinity, Ranen and Dion need to come back early to continue their training because we don't have much more time." Roseweed eyes flashed, she seemed put off and worried.  “Come now.  Time grows short… for us all.” She insisted, casting a meaningful glance at Hadrec.

Trinity picked up on the dragon’s urgency and sprinted up the stairs to quickly pack her things and grab the weapons that she was told to always carry.  With a nod to Roseweed, Trinity gave her parents hugs and smiles; all the while trying to give them reassurance.  This turn of events had them worried as well.  Then both Trinity and Roseweed left the house and got into Roseweed’s small, goat drawn cart.  Hadrec had taught the cursed dragon how to handle a pull cart with animals as small as goats; as she couldn't handle anything bigger. 

Trinity was suddenly struck with the knowledge that this departure had a slightly different feel.  It felt more permanent somehow.  Nevertheless, not once did Trinity look back, for she feared that sudden, unwanted tears would blur her vision and would never stop coming.

Roseweed looked up at her.  “You’ll see them again.” She reassured.  “But ...now...  if you go and see them before your work is finished, you may endanger them.  It is one of the reasons your holiday has been cut short.”

“Why...  would seeing them again now endanger them?” Trinity asked, looking down at Roseweed.

Roseweed looked back at the trail with a sigh.  “The journey you’ll be going on after your training is finished is a dangerous one.  And it may come soon.  I cannot fill you in on the details yet, but as you know there are people who fear the Destined Child.  You also know those people have stolen my child in hope to keep the prophecy from carrying itself out.”

It was a few years ago when Trinity had asked why Roseweed’s egg was so important and about the Prophesy.  Roseweed's egg was a Golden Egg.  The first in many, generations.  It will bond with a human, like many other dragons.  The human will be the strongest Dragon Speaker since the Darcalist.  When the human and the hatchling inevitably found each other and bind their strength, the most miraculous things could happen; hopefully even bring down evil that seems to ever seek to destroy this world as it was known.  Or at least, that was how the Oracles prophesy had been interpreted.  There were signs that such evil was lurking, waiting for the right time to act.  The existence of the Golden Egg and Trinity were proof that there was credence to the Prophesy.

It was why Roseweed’s egg had been stolen while she had been hunting.  And cursed as a result.  When she had tried to stop the abductors, she had been shot several times with crossbow bolts.  The bolts had been dipped into a potion that activated a dragon’s latent shape shifting power.  It was a very ancient power that had died out in some dragons who did not practice magic craft; similar to the dream jumping in enchantresses.  Like many curses, it had to have a cure.  The cure dealt with the receiver’s unfinished business.  In this case, Roseweed's unfinished business was finding her child and making sure she found her Dra’Sorrian. 

Trinity ruminated on the training that would be coming the next few months.  The Dra’Lorranii had mentioned that after the holidays there would be more advanced teachings; it was getting closer to the end of their training and Trinity still had the element of Water to finesse and get to an advanced level as well.  Even with Water being secondary to her, Trinity was still warned that Water would be the hardest elemental magic she’d learn, as Fire and Water were opposites.  They could potentially cancel each other out.  Though since Trinity is Draeluni: a Destined child, she had to find a harmony between them, as well as with the other two.   

One of the ‘Lorranii found that on the night of her birth, the stars and other celestial bodies had shifted so that the four signs were all distributed equally in the night sky.  Added to the presence of the meteor shower, the masters knew the moment she was born that the Destined Child existed.  It was the first time it had happened in hundreds of years.  Her Dra’Lorranii agreed with Roseweed that training away from the politics of Dra’marri or Thranjraha would be best for the Destined Child.  It would also be safer if her identity was not known for the protection of herself as well as her loved ones.

Looking over at Roseweed, Trinity asked, “You said the masters are away indefinitely, yet you want to continue training.  …Does that mean more ‘Lorranii are replacing them?”

Roseweed paused and shifted beside Trinity.  “No… not masters.  There have been some things that have alerted the Dra’Sorrian ‘Lorranii from all over and they’re in discussions and preparations, so none are available.  But… there are ‘Lorra who are of similar levels to you, Dion and Ranen being two.  I have also asked an additional Water ‘Lorra to be sent to us.  Not ideal, but they’ll be more than enough to help me train you as best they can.  I’ve chosen Ranen to be the one to continue to teach you to fight with your powers and sword.” More than that, Trinity wasn’t able to get out of Roseweed; the cursed dragon promised to elaborate when she could speak to everyone.

They continued down the trail that would take them almost the entire day to trek on.  Meanwhile, Trinity carried on asking questions about what to expect in training and Roseweed answered and explained as best she could.  She had the feeling that the next few months were going to be even busier than the rest of her life had been.

Meanwhile, deeper in the woods miles away, a young man with a comparably young, very small draconete, slowly made their way along a well beaten path.  They were going to the mountain cliffs almost forty miles away. 

The little dragon was green and aqua-blue with black-tipped wings and bright intelligent eyes.  Its chest and spine scales were bigger and darker than the rest.  It also held itself a little differently from how one would expect from the small creatures.  The young man was of medium muscular build with short, wild, earthy brown hair and multicolored eyes that was once dark blue.  His skin was tanned from being out in the sun while in the mountains; which also could explain the condition of his dirty trousers and tunic.  The only thing out of place was the shinning clean hilt of the blade strapped to his back and a sparkling pendent encircling a sapphire stone on a thin silver chain around his neck. 

The young man was Ranen and had been told that Trinity's training was about to be accelerated, along with Dion's, in response to some unexpected events surrounding the pall of menace that had Dra’Sorrian all over Starza edgy and waiting.  Roseweed wanted him to continue training Trinity in the arts of sword fighting and all kinds of hand to hand combat styles.  He’d received word the moment he got home, and had been traveling since first light, knowing it would take just few hours before the evening stars started to glow to get to where Roseweed’s cave lair was.

His draconete flew alongside him; sometimes flying ahead or falling back to eat some fruits.  Right then, the draconete was buzzing around, diving, twisting and turning around the young man and his horse.

The young Ranen soon became agitated by his companion’s antics.  “Skyflyer, settle down.  You’re giving me a headache.” His horse snorted, seeming to agree.  Since the dragon’s transformation, Skyflyer confided that he felt more playful, and energetic.  The cursed dragon tried to enjoy the positives of being smaller while accepting the negatives. 

Skyflyer flapped along beside him.  But I’m having fun.  It is a great day! Skyflyer spoke within the man’s mind and did a cartwheel in mid-air.  Come on, Ranen!

Ranen rolled his eyes.  “We have to get to Roseweed’s cave by tonight.”

Oh, I know! We’ll get there with plenty of time! Let’s stop and enjoy the day.

Ranen stopped his horse and looked up at the position of the sun.  “Fine, we’ll stop and rest.  I am a little hungry anyway.”

Skyflyer let out a shrill of joy and came down to land on Ranen's shoulder.

After Ranen feed his horse, he got out his own rations, giving Skyflyer tidbits of it as he ate.  They rested and he let Skyflyer rid himself of excess energy.  When they set off once more, through his magic Ranen gave his horse a boost of energy so that it would go faster and not become tired for some time; a trick he learned as a ‘Speaker trainee.  It could make any animal or person go faster.  But it didn’t last forever, and doing it repeatedly risked heart failure.  He was too excited to see Trinity not to use it regardless; anything to get there quicker and see her.