It seemed like it wasn’t so long ago that Trinity’s magical training went from theory to practice. How to create each element from a pre-existing source; to holding a fragment of them in her hands. Each element had its challenges and areas where one was easier than another. She had to learn each element in its magical essence until she knew each one intimately, in all their forms.

At present, Ranen was helping her train in how to use them in combat.  As was often the case, they started with fire. Even though she was a quick study, Ranen needed to use his water abilities to stop many miss-aimed fire offensives and defensives from hitting him.  It took a while to help her with her aim, but soon Trinity was hitting the practice re-malleable targets dead on.  As fire was one of her primary elements, Trinity wasn’t surprised at her progress like the others were.  Trinity had felt stifled in that very slow, traditional teaching, but now that there was need to learn more quickly, her studies truly became difficult.

Of course, while learning defensive magical techniques, there was still need to learn and practice practical combat and self-defense.  Trinity and Ranen often started right after offensive magic when they were both warmed up.

There were sometimes whole afternoons of the actual combat training.   It had been a while since Ranen had given Trinity true sparring lessons, but Trinity didn`t remember them being so arduous.  Ranen was no longer teaching her basic defense or sparring playfully with her.  She was seeing a much more serious man; a side of him Trinity hadn`t seen until now. 

All the while, Aspen would watch in the shadows, sometimes laughing when Ranen was knocked to the ground when teaching basic mortal combat to Trinity.  Aspen wasn’t used to living with so many people.  It was very disconcerting and the cave walls felt like a cage.  She was used walking within the forests or trudging the roads.  Or even flying on her master’s dragon with Nemesis close by.  Nemesis and Aspen were also known to explore the lakes and oceans of Starza a lot.  She often brooded to herself when she thought no one was watching.

When Trinity had some spare time, Dion took an interest in learning from her on how to use Fire herself; as Dion was primarily an Air element and still needed to learn how to use most fire abilities.  She also told Trinity what to expect when Roseweed started teaching her more advanced Air powers.

Lauroran often helped her with the things that Trinity had a difficult time on, though, they were very few moments.  He told Trinity more about the spirituality which can be involved in making magick as well as better inform her about the other magic users on Starza.  Giving more specific information on the history, traditions and even culture of each magic user sect.

Mages and witches were one and the same, just two different words for the same class of magic users.  Most often women mages were the ones referred to as witches.  They were a very spiritual magical class, worshipping a God and Goddess and all their aspects.  The seasons were observed and celebrated.  They not only practiced the elemental magic’s, like Dragon Speakers, but also sympathetic magic to influence their world and the betterment of their lives in a more spiritual method.  It was slower, older, magic, but not any less powerful.

The Mystic Knights themselves were the magical dragon riding Calvary of Starza.  They defended the Royal House of Starza and could be commanded by the King in times of need.  They also backed up the Dragon Speakers when more force was required for peace.  They were created by many magical sects who wished to create a new class dedicated more too martial magic and fighting techniques.  Mystic Knights styled themselves after the Kings knighthood in their combat training and adjusted riding horses to aerial dragon riding.  Magically, they practiced the elemental magic’s as well as the lost art of dream walking.  Where Dragon Speakers were magical peace keepers, the Mystics were magical martial forces focused on the protection of Starza.  Though even with their popularity, both dragon descended sects did not have the numbers to qualify as actual armies. 

Then there were the three of one sect: the Three Circles of Magic; which consisted of enchantress’s, wizards and Sorcerers.  There were three primary schools within this sect, also called Circles.

In the Circle of Secrets were primarily Enchantress’, who were more focused on the workings of a person’s mind.  They practiced enchantments, mental healings and even illusions.  The good ones were like psychologists and councilors.  In ancient times they could also dream jump into together people’s dreams.  An ability that the Mystic Knights inherited from the comingling of different types of magical blood.  The Enchantress’s ability to dream jump eventually faded from their abilities, though no one knows why; some say it was the price for creating the Mystic Knights.

In the Circle of Knowledge: Wizards were much like mages, using natural and elemental magic’s, but also utilizing herbs and artifacts more often to augment their magical abilities.  Wizards practiced alchemy and even dabbled in the sciences.  They were also keepers of knowledge and lore. 

In the Circle of Power, or Enlightenment, depending on which Inner Circle one was a part of, mostly consists of Sorcerer’s and Sorceresses who utilize elemental magic’s but are not bound by them.  They specialized in history and study.  They were historians and made the study of magic their role.  They were diverse in their interest and had almost unlimited potential—a potential that could become dangerous if the Council of Three Circles weren’t regulating their kind. 

After the Council, and after the three “Outer Circles”, each Circle was split into three smaller Circles.  A White Circle, a Gray Circle and a Black Circle.  White was dedicated to betterment magic’s and studies that could relate to the whole world.  The Gray Circles dealt with the mental component of magic as well as the more sedate magic’s within their world, such as natural magic’s.  They also studied the magic’s of other sects.  Practitioners of the Black Circles were dedicated to studying the darker and destructive forms of magic; though most were not evil, sometimes a powerful Sorcerer in the Circle of Power thought they were above it all and used their studies for selfish purposes.  The Council was to make sure this group of magic users didn’t become the evil Starza fears most.

Lauroran warned Trinity that during the Darcalist, it was a Sorcerer who had become Emperor and drowned Starza in a dark age that everyone hoped would never happen again.  She figured he was from within the Outer Circle of Power’s Black Circle.

They both found themselves discussing the inter relationships within and without the magical sects; how they were with each other, with other magic users as well as the relationship with the non-magically classed people of Starza.  It was agreed that the Dra’Knyll had much more experience dealing with the upper class population while Dra’Sorrian’s tried to help the nation as a whole; settling disputes in all classes, professions and climates.  The Circle of Three, the society that Sorcerer’s, Wizards and Entrantress’ were under, had the least experience dealing with others, as they were famous for their secretive and secluded ways.  While Mages were just as secluded, they were not secretive; they just preferred uninhabited or sparsely populated areas. 

Talking about the other sects often drew the opinions of the others as well, so full on discussions and sometimes arguments would arise. 

After the mornings of meditation and learning her elemental powers with Roseweed and some of the others, and a whole afternoon with Ranen and Aspen, learning the many ways of combat, Trinity would often be exhausted by evening; usually resulting in sound sleeps.  Even though Dra’Sorrian are Peacekeepers, they were still expected to be able to fight just as well as Knights—Mystical and mundane.

Roseweed tried to keep her charges up to date with the general atmosphere of the populace of dragons and Starzanians.  The Prophesy was still foremost in many `Speakers` mind.  They feared another Darcalist overcoming their world and swore to protect it and the Destined Child when the time came. 

Eventually Roseweed had a harder and faster element and combat regimen began for Trinity.  Many times Trinity felt the fall of the wooden swords when trying to defend against Ranen’s sudden onslaughts.  She feared her skin would remain bruised and tender.  Then Aspen would come out of the shadows and have her turn.  Her style of fighting was far different from Ranen’s.  Where Ranen was strong and quick, Aspen was quicker and far more agile.  She used her slender figure to her best advantage to deal quick jabs and slicing blows to her opponent, then to dart away quick as can be and flank Trinity before Trinity could recover herself and look to see where Aspen went.  Trinity often felt slow and bulky when she sparred with Aspen, but soon found herself using similar techniques against Ranen and getting the upper hand more often.  Aspen also showed her some exercises to help increase Trinity’s agility and speed while Ranen showed others to help with precision and technique. 

Each evening for weeks, Trinity came to the supper table sore and tired; afterwards she would fall right to sleep once her head hit the pillow.

There was no respite even on Rest days; on Rest days she and the siblings went hiking through the mountain passes in Roseweed’s Territory.  Ever watchful on these outings were Bluemoon and Vamana, who practiced flying in the territory for the cursed dragon, meanwhile watching for other wild dragons who shared the mountain range.  Spring was also Clutch season for many female dragons who’d had their musk the winter before, and were either clutching their eggs or standing vigilant over their cave and cliff nests; a female with eggs and/or young was not a creature to trifle with.  The two very young female dragons would ensure they didn’t appear to be a threat.

Over the course of the season, Trinity got stronger, quicker and more resilient.  Her fire element powers became easier to do and were stronger in potency.  She was soon moving on to advanced Air powers; then she would go on to Water.  Earth would be last as they were still waiting on an Earth primary ‘Speaker to be selected and sent.  Until then, Trinity would have to do with the basic knowledge from those which earth was not a primary element. 

The sparring lessons and exercises soon became easy as her body became used to the movements.  Trinity was soon able to put Ranen on the defensive and bested him outright more often.  Aspen was still tricky, but Trinity was now able to follow the quick movements of her more slender teacher and block her blows with her own agile movements. 

She no longer had to worry about bruises. 

Trinity didn’t mind too much, others often commented on the strenuous pace of Trinity’s training, especially recently.  “By the accounts I have heard when conferring with Dra’Sorrian, usually their apprentices; or ‘Lorra as they like to call you—it means something like youngling or unlearned in the ancient tongue,” the cursed dragon was explaining for Lauroran’s benefit, “only learn a few key powers a week and strengthen their ability to do them throughout their training.  Most youngsters are brought in at around ten years old or so.  If they show magical talent, their tested on the Hatching Grounds.  If they don’t bond within three goes, they’re sent to meditate on where in the wilds their dragon could be.  If magically induced meditations are not successful, they are sent to another magical guild that interests them.  If they do bond, they learn their powers as well as how to care for their dragon.  Then they learn to work with their dragons, mix their elements as well as how to combine powers with their dragon.” Roseweed continued to explain in length.  “By the time they come of Age, at twenty one, their considered Trained and full Dragon Speaker Dra’Lorria.”

“You learned all that with a chat with the four Dra’Sorrian?” Aspen asked with a raised eyebrow.  Of course, everyone knew how the training of a Speaker went, besides Lauroran who still had a similar experience with the Kedemia Circle of Magic for Mages and Witches.

Roseweed sighed in displeasure.  “When I told them I was the mother of the Golden Egg and very adamant about helping in the training her rider, they gave me many a lecture of what Trinity would be expected to learn.” She looked at Trinity shrewdly.  “If it weren’t for the bastards who stole my egg you would have been a ‘Speaker ‘Lorria by now.  We’ve had to tweak your training to compensate for… your lack of a dragon.” The cursed dragon huffed.  Then she turned grave and silence fell.  “We do not have much more time.” Roseweed looked imploringly at Trinity.  “I fear if you are not united with your dragon soon… it may be too late.”

The silence in the room was deafening.  It was some time before Roseweed broke it.  “Now get to bed, all of you.  Tomorrow in another busy day.”

After that, nobody complained about the pace; the dire situation was brought to brutal light and everyone put work into their own abilities when not helping the Destined Child.  Brought home was the fact that they would all have a hand in saving their world.

After many more tiring weeks of training, when Trinity finally was able to get to her room to rest after a hard day’s work, she took the time to examine the pendent she now always wore.  When Ranen showed his to her, she saw that it was very different from her amulet.  It was a deep blue with a black silhouette in the middle.  The Air Dragon Gem, that Dion wore, looked slightly the same as the Water Gem, but lighter with more of a mist look; angelite. 

After a long day of learning more techniques with her quartet of abilities, Trinity sat down on her bed, slipped her pendent off and dangled it in front of her.  As it spun, she couldn’t help think of the Golden Egg.

Everyone else’s dragon was about a few years out of the egg, both which by dragon standards was young.  Nemesis being the oldest, she was a couple years old already when Aspen went in search for her.  Dion found Bluemoon at the hatching grounds after her last birthday.  Vamana, of course, was the youngest, having been found by Lauroran within the last year, after his sister had bonded with Bluemoon.  Her dragon was still in its egg.  She was told hatchlings who could go into a sort of stasis in their egg and after hatching would grow very rapidly until it caught up with its original age and reverted to its normal growing rate, as if it was hatched on time.  It sometimes happened on the Hatching Grounds.  Many speculated on why it happened sometimes, as some bondings could happen after a dragon hatched.  Trinity felt sorry for her dragon and herself.  They would be the only pair that would be still trying to anticipate each other after the fact.

Trinity put the amulet down on the bed.  “If only we could speak to each other, no matter of the distance and shell that separate us.” She whispered to herself.

“It’s a shame we all couldn’t do that.” Aspen’s voice interrupted.

Trinity looked up towards the entrance of her room, where Aspen was standing.  “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

Aspen shrugged.  “Can I come in?”

Trinity nodded.  “Sure, what brings you by?” She slipped her pendant back around her neck while shifting over to give Aspen room to sit down.

“Besides boredom? Nothing.” She answered, sitting next to Trinity, clearly having just finished exercising.

“Oh… well, I’m willing to listen if you ever want to talk.” Trinity told her, sincerely.

After hesitating, Aspen nodded.  “I’ll remember that.” She paused.  “You know, when I was heading over here to meet you, I thought I’d meet the most self-centered, bossy snobby brat in the world.” She said.  “I thought you having a destiny and being told of your potential, would make you smug about it.”

Trinity smiled and held in a chuckle.  “Well? Am I a self-centered, snobby and bossy?” she asked.

Aspen smirked.  “Practically the opposite, Trinity.  You’re considerate and a very caring person.  But most of all, your just …odd, perhaps.” She admitted.  “All the likeability freaks people like me out.”

“Gee, thanks.” Trinity replied, making a face that was both confused and amused at being complimented in such a way.

Aspen smirked.  “No problem.  Not that it’s a bad thing, though.  I’m just not used to it.  To tell you the truth, this world needs people like you.” She said grudgingly.

Trinity nodded.  “Well, being brought up in a farm and being ‘home schooled’, I was pretty much sheltered away from most of the nastiness in the world.” Trinity told her.  “When I was with them, my parents, they didn’t want me to go anywhere without them or later on Ranen.  I always thought they were over protective.” She added.

Aspen looked down.  “My parents never cared.  They never took the time to put me in any kind of schooling.  The most that they would do was give me a new set of cloths once a year to replace the ratty old ones.  The rest of the time they mostly abused or ignored me.”

Trinity exhaled and shook her head, taken aback that a parent could totally disregard and abuse their child.  “I’m sorry.” Was all she could think to say; suddenly understanding what it took for Aspen to open up like she just did.

“Don’t.  It’s okay.  I hated my parents anyway.  My mom would always bring home strangers and sleep with them.  She made me sick.  My dad …well, who cares? He was pissed drunk most of the time.” She wasn’t sure why she was telling Trinity all this, but somehow it seemed to take the edge off.

“How did you live through all that?” Trinity asked.

Aspen shrugged.  “Ran away when I was about eight or nine.”

Trinity sighed.  “Is that why you live the way you do?” she asked, gripping her pendant.

With another sigh, Aspen nodded.  “I guess so.  But I’ve helped a lot of brats that had sick families like mine.  Some were worse.  I never want other kids to go through what I had to.  I have no regrets.  Even my master said that I’d be a great hero one day.”

“Maybe he’s right.” Trinity told her.

Aspen looked up at her.

“You want to change the subject?” Trinity asked.

Aspen sighed.  “Hell yeah.” She replied and shifted into a more comfortable sitting position.  “So, how long have you and Ranen known each other?” she asked.

Trinity crossed her legs.  “Oh, so we’re going into girl talk, are we?”

Aspen smirked.  “Hey, I asked the same from Ranen and he wouldn’t answer me.  So spill.”

Trinity laughed.  “Okay.  Well… I guess we’ve been… more than just friends for about three years or so now, but we’ve known each other for most of our lives.  His ‘Lorranii was also helping train me.”

“Did he make the first move?” Aspen asked, curious, as she could well imagine a guy like that would have been shy and evasive even while being completely infatuated. 

Trinity shrugged.  “Well, I wouldn’t say he made the first move.  It was more like a progression of our friendship.  I actually can’t remember the moment that we both knew we were in a relationship.  We just were.” She said.  A smile came to her lips at the good memories Ranen and she had shared.  Trinity shifted in a more comfortable cross-legged position, facing Aspen.  “Tell me more about the Council… were they really upset with my ‘Lorrani for not telling them about me?” She’d been wanting to ask this since they’d all go here, but didn’t seem to be able to find a moment to broach the subject. 

Aspen leaned back against the door frame and shrugged.  “Mine implied so.  It is why they can’t be here, and why Roseweed wants to finish your training quickly.  Jak and Silva suggested that I should be the one to come here.  As you know, my master supports them, but has the trust of the Council.  And Ceda doesn’t trust the Council to be gentle with you, nor to allow you to go save the Golden Egg.  Most have been around since the end of the Darcalist.  Some more than that, being the first Generation, and they are not so quick to believe you have come.  They do not wish to be part of two magical wars in their one lifetime.  No matter how long it’s been, or the truth.” Then she added anecdotally, “Hell, even just living, they’ve seen more of their descendants die of old age by now, and they don’t even live as long as the Dra’Sukren’na.”

Putting a few questions aside at that last comment, Trinity didn’t want to go on a tangent just yet.  “And the others?”

“The others… and this is from eavesdropping, is that the younger generations that still live believe that these conflicts are why they exist.  Without them, Dra’Sorrian-and Dra’Knyll, have no purpose.”

At that, Trinity scoffed.  “We are the bridge between dragons and man… we have allowed peace and prosperity to bloom for both species.  Because of this, we both can live together in the same land.”

Thrusting her hands out, palm out, Aspen halted Trinity’s ranting.  “Yes, I know the score.  These riders are just restless.  Even with so few of us, and even with Dorgan-Sindal as our own island… they see the toll their dragons make on human society.  Whole herds are raised just for dragons of Dra’Sorrian alone, so they don’t devastate cattle meant for the people.” Aspen paused.  “We are a people of two bloods and overwhelming responsibility.  Defeating this new menace will be like earning our keep.”

“Though, as you say, we have overwhelming responsibility already.  We already earn our keep.”

Aspen shook her head.  “A lot of humans don’t see that.  They outnumber dragons even though they are shorter lived.  After the Darcalist, there was at least one human revolt.  Not sanctioned by their King or course, but it still happened.  Another can come again; though hopefully not for a long while with this new menace pressing in on Starza.”

“I see your point.” Trinity relented.  “But dragons… and Draskena, could easily wipe out mankind.  It nearly happened before the Dra’Sukren’na were cursed.  They didn’t, and we haven’t.  We know we cannot control the populace of either; if we did, there would be a Drakolae government instead of a human one.”

“That’s something to think about.” Aspen smirked.

“I’d prefer not.” Trinity retorted.

Just then, Ranen came in.  “Oh, I didn’t know you already had some company.” He said in surprise.  “I’ll come back later then.” He added as he turned to go.

“Don’t go!” Trinity called and eagerly ran up to him.  She pulled him back by the hand.  “What is it that you wanted?”

Ranen smiled and wrapped his hand around her waist.  “To spend time with you.  The stars are out tonight.  I thought you’d like to share the view with me.” He said.

Aspen got up and to the doorway.  “Go.  I’ll just find Lauroran and see what he’s up to.” She said and left, giving Trinity a saucy wink as she went.

Trinity giggled.  She was glad Aspen had spent some time with her, even for a few moments.  She was beginning to worry about Aspen spending all her time alone; separated from the rest of the group. 

“So… what were you two talking about?” Ranen asked as he led her through a hallway.

“Oh, just stuff.” Trinity answered.  “I’m just happy she’s warming up to me.” Though Aspen’s words resonated discordantly within her mind. 

“Oh.” Ranen smiled.  “I guess that’s a good sign.  Not going to tell me what she wanted?” Even after weeks of training Trinity by her side, he was still uncertain why he was so guarded around Aspen.

Trinity looked up at him.  “Do you really want to know?”

Ranen chuckled at her look.  “Not anymore.” He said and helped Trinity through the small back entrance that came out near a small plateau on the mountain.  “Come on.  I found a perfect spot.  You’ll be able to see for miles.” He told her, leading her to a gently sloping hillside.  At this height it was more like a clearing of rain and snow smoothed stone slabs, sparse vegetation and trees.  But it was a lovely place nonetheless. 

“Are you sure we’re allowed to be out here?” Trinity asked cautiously.  “Did you ask Roseweed?”

“Sure I did.  Don’t worry, if anything happens I’m sure the both of us can handle it.” He told her.

When they entered the meadow, Trinity could see, in the middle of the glade, a large blanket with carefully placed candles and a picnic basket.  A bottle of champagne stood beside the basket.  “Oh wow… you set all this up?”

With a pleased grin, Ranen nodded.  “We haven’t been able to spend some quality time alone together for a while.  So I thought I’d set up a little moonlight picnic.  Just the two of us.” He seemed delighted with her surprised expression, he lifted the hand he was holding and gave it a light kiss. 

Trinity looked the picnic over with the surprise still written on her face as well as a blush.  “It’s perfect, Ranen.  I love it.” She told him, embracing him.

“Only the best for my beautiful Destined Child.” He said and gave her a long, passionate kiss.  Afterwards, Ranen scooped Trinity up into his arms and carried her to the blanket and let her go to sit.  Ranen sat close beside her and took the champagne and opened it.  When their glasses were filled, he took one of her hands.  “I see you’re wearing the ring I gave you.” He said, taking her hand and turning the ring around her finger.

Trinity nodded, watching him fiddle with the ring.  “Why wouldn’t I wear it?”

“We haven’t exactly told Roseweed yet…” He gave her a look from behind his lashes.  “You afraid she wouldn’t approve?”

“No.  It’s just… so little of what I have is just mine.  I’ve had to grow up with you and Dion.  I just want to enjoy this little secret… and you… for a little while longer.” she replied wistfully and took a drink of her wine.  Trinity brought him closer and they shared a quick kiss.  Trinity looked down at the slopping foothills that bled into the Tragon Estates.  “Now this is a view.” She said leaning her head against his shoulder.

Ranen kissed her hand before letting it go.  “I told you.  You can even see the lights of Verderon along the horizon on a night like this.”

“Oh yeah.” Trinity said, noticing the very small twinkles of lights in the distance.  Then she looked elsewhere, at a single light in a vast area of farmland.  “There’s my house.” She pointed out and sighed longingly.  “I wonder why my parents are still up.”

Ranen looked at the direction she was looking.  “Talking about you, maybe.  They’ll be missing you a great deal, more then you miss them.” He said.

Trinity took a deep breath and waved her hand in a circular motion until a crystal ball formed.

“You’re getting good at that.” Ranen praised.

Trinity gave him a smile in thanks for his compliment.  She looked into the fist-sized crystal.  “Show me my parents in present time.” Trinity ordered the sphere.  After a moment it went cloudy and cleared to show Trinity’s parents in her father’s den.  Her mother was pacing the room, looking as if she were talking excitably, although it looked like she was having trouble telling him what she wanted to say.  “My mom seems anxious.” Ranen nodded as they watched her mother pace around the room, gesturing with her arms.  Then Trinity’s mother put both of her hands on her lower stomach; she was smiling.

Trinity’s mouth dropped open.  “By the Stars...” She said as her father jumped up and embraced her mother.

“What is it?” Ranen asked.

“I think my mom’s pregnant.” She answered.  Neither of them said anything for a long while.  Without a word, the crystal sphere vanished.  Ranen took her in his arms to comfort her.  Trinity shook her head disbelieving.  “After all these years… they finally get another child.” She laughed half-heartedly.  “I finally get a sibling.”

“You should tell Roseweed and see if she had anything to do with it.” Ranen suggested.  Encounters with dragons are rare enough among the mundane populace.  Who knew if Roseweed had anything to do with events in Hadrec’s life even now?

Trinity shrugged.  “Maybe I will.” After she let out a long sigh, she started getting up.  She suddenly found herself fidgety and tired all at once.  She wasn’t sure why she wasn’t the happiest person in the world; her mother was going to have another baby.  But that happiness seemed dim, and there were other emotions in its wake.  The view didn’t have as much appeal as it once did.  “We should get back.  Tomorrow is going to be a tiring day.”

Ranen got up after her, sensing her mood and knowing their outing was abruptly done.  “When aren’t they?” he commented, a little put off himself.  He put everything back into a basket before they started back to Roseweed’s lair.  If he was worried how Trinity was taking this unexpected news, he tried to not show it.  It couldn’t be a coincidence that the Destined Child’s parents had become pregnant again months after she came of age.

The next day before she and Dion sat for their morning meditation session, Trinity decided to tell Roseweed the news about her parents.  Roseweed assured her that it was mostly likely a gift from the Powers to her parents for raising Trinity as they did.  Though it was clear the dragon had some reservations about the news. 

“I don’t understand.  Why now?” Trinity asked.  “I didn’t even know they could still have children.” She commented, not knowing why this agitated her so much.  She should be happy for her parents; she’d always wanted a sibling.

Roseweed smiled; her childish dimples showing.  “I’m sure you will know in time, child.”

Although she was getting sick and tired of being told that, Trinity nodded. Perhaps it was too soon to figure out the purpose of her mother’s pregnancy –for she felt in her bones there was one. What she felt was almost like premonition, but more feeling than worlds or images.

Maybe meditating would clear up this vague feelings. Trinity sat cross legged and took a breath before closing her eyes.

After hesitating, Dion did the same; she was Trinity’s meditating partner for the day.  She sympathized with her foster sister; rarely did things just happen when magical blood was involved.  There was more for the Destined Childs parents to do; she could feel it.

Trinity looked within, to find her current emotions, of curiosity and agitation creating a head wind, making the task of emptying her mind more challenging. 

Going deeper, she cast aside her feelings about her family; the excitement and guilt, and her feelings towards her situation and not being able to be with her parents.  Trinity breathed rhythmically, slowing her heart rate and relaxing her body and mind.  The emotions slowly disappeared, leaving only white; Peace.  She was floating among calming ocean of white.

Then, in the distance, out of nowhere, an object could be seen.  It started out as a black dot.  Trinity watched it as it came closer and got bigger.  Soon she could see that it was a silhouette of a dragon.  When it came close enough, Trinity saw color start to show on the dragon.  Gold was the first color and immediately she knew what the dragon was; it was her dragon.

Moments later, dark stripes appeared all over its hide.  But it seemed oddly opalescent.  One moment it was red, the other, a startling violet.  The colors seemed to stripe across the dragon’s body, giving it an individual identification.  Its eyes were big and swirled with many colors; mostly there was turquoise, which was either anxiety or fear.  Its wings were large and were colored like its body, gold under the stripes.

The site awed Trinity.  The dragon was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen.

Then it spoke.  Help! It shouted, and then everything began to shatter.  The dragon disappeared.  Trinity was forced out of her white void and back to the physical world.

When she opened her eyes, she saw that everyone was in the small cavern, sitting along beside her for usually they’d join her after their morning chores were done, before they started their combat lessons.  “I saw her!” she told them, jumping into her sitting position as she’d fallen onto her back during her meditation.

“Who?” Aspen asked.

Trinity slowly got to her feet.  “My dragon! I saw her.” She repeated then looked over at Roseweed.  “She was the most beautiful thing I ever saw.”

A smile tugged on Roseweed’s lips, but her eyes sparkled with sorrow.  She swallowed.  “Was she?” She didn’t even think about doubting Trinity.  When Trinity nodded, she smiled widely.

 “I was wondering if that would happen soon.” Aspen said in a low voice.

Lauroran looked over at her.  “What?”

Aspen looked at the determined yet contentment in the eyes of Trinity.  “Its how ‘Sorrian –and Dry’kyll, know how to find their dragon; whether wild or at the Grounds.  Eventually the dragon makes contact, but only if they have been at least clutched.  Can’t make a link with a partner that doenst even exixst yet.”  Aspen smirked at her comment.  “She made contact with her dragon.  Regardless of the distance that separates them and of the eggshell that holds the hatchling.  There is already a connection between the two of you.  Your dragon already knows you and is waiting for you, Trinity.” She said.

Who smiled and nodded.  “I know.  She wants me to help her.”

Dion had an amazed look on her face.  She shook her head.  “Usually it happens with the rider’s intent, rarely by random.”

Trinity grumbled.  “Maybe since I know she’s out there, and wanted to be with her so much, the dormant dragon felt it and reached out.”  She lay back down and rubbed her forehead.

“But you weren’t even thinking about that when you started meditating.” Dion pointed out.

 “What was she thinking about then?” Aspen asked, folding her arms across her chest.

“About…how she’s…going to be a sister.” Dion answered slowly.

“What!” Lauroran asked.  “How? When?”

Trinity rolled her eyes.  “Ranen and I found out last night.  My mom was telling my dad when we checked to see what they were doing up so late by scrying on them.”

Lauroran smiled and clasped his hands together.  “So you’re going to be a sister.  That’s great!” he said and impulsively hugged Trinity; who had gotten used to how touchy-feeling Dion’s brother was.  Everyone there took turns giving their congratulations and sharing their theories on why it has happened now.  Eventually the talking died down into contemplations and jittery anxiety.

A sigh from Roseweed got every ones attention.  She seemed to be momentarily distracted, and then looked up at them with intense eyes.  “Perhaps today is not a good day for meditation or training.” She looked at each of the young magic users that were present.  “I don’t suppose you’ll be able to concentrate with this turn of events?” When each one of them shook their heads, Roseweed sighed again.  “Alright.  But this isn’t a day off.  There are several things that could use doing today, so draw your slots and get moving.” She told them and abruptly sauntered off.

With the Masters called off to where ever they’d been called to, and Roseweed looking like a prepubescent child, it was up to her charges to travel to the small town near the northern most tip of the mountains and near the western edge of the Shayha Plains.  As Trinity was relatively unknown, Roseweed decided that the girl would not be readily recognized as the Destined Child, especially if she concealed her pendant, so Trinity was one of the people who went regularly when not training.

Though Roseweed often sent her with equally unbeknown Ranen, for this trip, Aspen would accompany them as well as added safety, though she was slightly more known.  She did make them wait until she could arm herself. 

As the trip would take a few hours there and back, Trinity didn’t mind making the trip with the other two.  Needless to say, Trinity enjoyed the relatively short trip with them to get supplies.  They traveled by cart as Nemesis was too young to carry her rider, much less three people; especially not their supplies.  A cart would also be less conspicuous, and allowed for more items to be bought.  She knew the other two were edgy as they entered the nearby town, but didn’t let them spoil her mood.

Aspen clenched her jaw.  “I can sense a dark presence, Ranen.” She informed; her eyes becoming an uneasy storm of color.  She eyed the boundaries of the town with suspicion.

“Stand down, Artica.  I mean it.  We can’t have you drawing attention to us.  We’re trying to remain somewhat anonymous.” Ranen tried to keep the scolding tone out of his voice but it leaked through nonetheless.

In response, Aspen huffed but willed herself to try to ignore what she felt.  That she couldn’t pinpoint it was disturbing, but it was potent.  Whatever it was would be too much for her current abilities, though she would try to remember this sense for when she was advanced enough to do something about it.  Unfortunately Ranen had a point, though he wouldn’t hear her say it.  They didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention.   

Trinity just shook her head at the silent interplay between these two.  She couldn’t understand why they didn’t like each other.  They tried to keep Trinity from noticing, but they were less subtle than they thought.  They squabbled almost like siblings; pushing each other’s buttons.  Perhaps it was that they shared the element of water, with one salt and the other fresh water, so to speak. 

Then they reached their destination: a small supply store where Roseweed and the Masters’ maintained a discreet contact.

Ranen parked the cart and tied off the horses as the two young women scrambled off.

“Roseweed choose well. I know this place.  I’ve dealt with this guy before.” Aspen piped up, recognizing the sign.  “How ‘bout you take Trinity window shopping while I bargain for our supplies.”

With a sigh, Ranen scrutinized Aspen.  “Seriously? Tell me true, are you good at haggling?” he asked.

Aspen stood up straight at that, brisling slightly.  “In fact, I am.  Master Terrence taught me how and we found I had a knack for it.  She assumed it was because of my background.” Aspen spoke abruptly and didn’t offer any other words of explanation.

Ranen looked over at Trinity; who was trying to let them resolve their differences privately by looking curiously at the bazaar and other shops.  Yielding, Ranen dug into one of his tunic pockets and brought out Roseweed’s list of items she wanted them to get.  “You sure you don’t mind us leaving you to it?”

“I’m sure.  I’ll let you know when to come back to help load though.” Aspen smiled wickedly, reaching for the parchment, which Ranen gave up after a moment of hesitation.

“Alright.” Ranen ceded, turning fully to Trinity.  “Would you like to take a walk with me?” he asked, holding out his arm. 

Trinity smiled broadly, showing off her pearly whites.  “I’d love to.” She answered, looping her arm with his.

They checked out the outdoor farmers market first, which took much of their time.  There was lots to see and many shiny and wondrous trinkets and items to distract them.  They eventually found themselves in one of the buildings.

It had hunting gear and leather equipment, at which Ranen’s eyes lit up.  He was in need of more good arrows and a new sheath for his hunting knife. 

While he and the store clerk talked, Trinity wandered through the store, looking over other items.  She was so engrossed at looking over a display while walking that she bumped into one of the only other patrons in the store.  “Oh! I am so sorry!” she apologized reflexively, looking up as the man she walked into was a good foot or more, taller than her.

He was also a lot darker; jet black hair was tied back, and he had dark swirling eyes.  Those eyes pierced into her when he turned to see who bumped him.  Upon seeing Trinity, his eyes sharpened but his ingratiating smile made his overall expression much more approachable.  Though wearing a black cloak, she could tell he was wiry; however his pallor suggested he didn’t spend much time out in the sun.  And there was something else about him that made him seem… more, though she couldn’t pinpoint it.  “No.  No apology necessary my dear.  I shouldn’t have been dawdling.” He replied; his voice deep and cultured, he also used his hands to accentuate his words.  The man noted her age, dismissed it; noted her rough cloths, dismissed that as well; and her colorful, swirling eyes, and filled that information away.  “I would ask what brings you to Stoneshot, but with the farmers market, seems silly to ask.” He commented lightly.

Trinity smiled; she couldn’t help it.  “I guess.”

Turning fully, the man took the opportunity to assess her completely.  She was young, yes, but held herself high, and he could sense a well of potential that ran deep.  He knew age didn’t factor in an individual’s ability to use magic; being only several years older than she seemed and advanced in his studies.  “You study close by, or do you travel abroad?”

“Excuse me? What do you mean?” Trinity started, she took a step back, finding his scrutiny a bit intense, but at the same time didn’t want to seem rude. 

The dark man smiled slightly; his hand came up and he pointed to her eyes.  “You know magic, my dear.  Like knows like.” He chuckled.

Ranen came up behind Trinity just then.  One arm went around Trinity’s waist while the other held his new sheath and quiver of arrows.  He gave the stranger a once over.  “Sorcerer.” He greeted; a small chill in his voice. 

Placing a hand on his chest, near his heart, the stranger; and Sorcerer, nodded at the young man.  He gave Ranen one of his scans as well, catching hints and nuances doing so.  “’Speaker.” He replied, his smile both charming and icy.

Trying to suppress his surprise, Ranen tightened his grip on Trinity.  He urged her towards the doorway.  “Come on, time to go Trine.”

Trinity was only too happy to leave, given the excuse to.  “Goodbye.” She said to the Sorcerer.  Now she could explain the feeling she got; Trinity was used to the feel of Dra’Sorrian.  This was the first time she had met a Sorcerer, and they had a very different aura than the other magic’s.  It was much sharper; almost opposite of Lauroran’s magical aura.

They found Aspen loading their cart with barrels and sacks with the supply proprietor.  Trinity and Ranen helped with the rest, wanting to get underway sooner than later. 

Unknown to them, while the cart was being loaded, they had an observer. 

The tall, dark man snickered as the three young people loaded up before heading back down the road.  His black abyssal eyes followed the young girl with the long brown-red hair of their own violation.

“What are you thinking, Master?” He was joined by a shorter, and younger, man who was also dressed in dark clothing and a black hooded cape.

The older one shook his head.  “I don’t know, my dear disciple.  But that girl, the one with the long hair, has just come walking into my interest.  Her eyes have that tell-tale sign of being magically inclined, but she bares no symbol of her institute.  And there’s something… more… about her.” He smirked and shook his head with a grin.  “I may just be seeing that prophesy in the eyes of any I see.  This search may be useless.  Perhaps I may need to wait for this ‘Child’ to present himself.”

The other lowered his head.  “The other girl was kind of cute.” He said, having looked over at the shorter young woman before they went beyond their sight.

His master chuckled.  “Don’t let that distract you during our mission, my young ‘Knight.  Most good magic users are peaceful, yes, but can be cunning and sly.  Don’t trust them.  Turn them, if you can.  Patience and perhaps we’ll cross paths again and they’ll end up serving us.” He said and motioned that they should leave.  They had a long journey a head of them; and labors to see to.

Back on the road, Trinity looked back at Stoneshot just before it was lost from sight.  “That man was very off-putting.” She commented with an air of apprehension.  When Aspen asked who, Trinity looked at her.  “Oh, just a guy with tall dark hair, he was at the leather shop Ranen and I stopped in.  Apparently he was a Sorcerer, though I don’t know why he would have been in such as small town unless he lives nearby.” Trinity’s shoulders rose one by one and sagged back down.  “I don’t know.  I got a weird feeling from him.” She said and shuddered as the foreboding included a few flashes of an abandoned castle.

“I think I know who he is; though it’s hard to know for sure as he is usually seen with a younger man that is apparently his ward.” Ranen put in, “I remember overhearing my master talk about them to one of the Speakers of the High Council; of course I was eavesdropping so I didn’t hear everything they said.  But I do know that this guy’s own sect warned the other magical sects about him after he went missing.” Ranen continued, gathering the reigns in one hand as he got into a more comfortable position for the ride home. 

“What?” Aspen and Trinity both asked.

Ranen looked up from the road he was concentrating on.  “Not many people know of them.  They’ve kept pretty quiet.  My master had a run in with them once; barely survived the encounter.  The Sorcerer is the dark haired fellow we met.  He’s a Dark Sorcerer who was disbanded from the Sorcerers Council because he delved too deeply into one of the Black Circles; started using the black magic’s… and has done much more.  He started a rumor that he was the apprentice of a long line of apprentices of the Evil that we warred against during the Darcalist.” He smiled.  “That’s what my teacher says anyway.  He found himself someone who is sort of his apprentice.  He’s being trained to be a Dark Mystic Knight, though.  How this guy is accomplishing that is any ones guess; would have been easier training him in his own magic’s.  Though I hear Andre has a soul almost as black as his Masters.”

Aspen thought for a moment.  “What about his heart?” She didn’t know why she asked that.

Ranen just shook his head, trusting the surefootedness of the animals to follow the road.  “I wouldn’t go looking for them just yet, Aspen.  But I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of them.  This guy knows of the prophecy, but then, most do.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he also knows of the Golden Egg’s existence.  It may be a good bet that he may even be the one trying to keep the Prophesy from happening.  We need to keep an eye on them on either case.” He glanced back at the girls.  “If I’m right about who he was.”

“I agree.  Stay clear of both of them.” Trinity said.  “I have a bad feeling about seeing him there, and I don’t want you going off to hunt them or anything, all right Aspen?”

Aspen hesitated.

“Please, Aspen.” Trinity said in a pleading voice.  “Promise you’ll stay away from them.”

Aspen sighed, and then nodded.  “I promise, Trinity.  But if they come to me, I cannot hold myself responsible for my actions.” She added with a firm note.

Trinity smiled.  “Thank you.  That’s all I ask.  Though hopefully Ranen’s wrong and it wasn’t this character.”

Ranen cleared his throat.  “Yes, hopefully.” He agreed absently as he urged the pack beasts faster towards the far off mountains that concealed Roseweed’s lair.  The girls weren’t the only one feeling troubled about the presence of the Sorcerer. He had no doubt that it was the dark presence Aspen herself had felt.