Rebirth (A WoF fanfic)

2

      Bloodspiller didn't understand how Sandstorm could handle the heat. While it was stifling and unbearable to her, the strange hybrid seemed to be quite comfortable despite how dry the air made a dragon feel. And not to mention the sand!

      She was already tired of this mission. Not only was the desert miserable, but Sandstorm was a bit much for her to deal with as well. While she was quite nice, there was something about her that rubbed her the wrong way; something she couldn't quite figure out. Maybe she was jealous about how the dragoness was so carefree. Or maybe she found her upbeat attitude annoying. Either way, she didn't care for her.

      Despite the obvious tension in the air, Sandstorm chatted away as they traveled, most of it nonsense such as a camel passing by or some cool cacti she had once seen. Bloodspiller kept silent; it felt like a waste to speak about things that had little importance. She just didn't see the point in wasting her breath. 

      Eventually, Sandstorm gave her a friendly smile before asking, "So, why are you wanting to go to Queen Thorn's palace, anyways?" 

      Bloodspiller hesitated for a brief moment, unsure of what to say. Eventually, she came up with a vague, "I dunno, I just felt like seeing how different the SandWing palace is compared to the other tribes. And the desert in general. It definitely is...something."

      Sandstorm tilted her head for a moment as she sent a glance her way, and Bloodspiller tensed for a moment, wondering if she had caught her bluff. After a few heartbeats had passed, the hybrid gave a small chuckle, returning her gaze to the horizon. 

      "I never imagined a RainWing would have such lofty goals. You're so different from the others I've met...it's interesting. It's almost as if you've lived a totally different life than the others."

      Bloodspiller gave a soft hum as she heard this, choosing her words carefully. "I guess you could say that. I've definitely had a different upbringing than the others...probably because the dragon who raised me wasn't a RainWing."

      "Oh?" 

      "That's all you need to know. My past isn't relevent." She knew she had already revealed too much, though it wasn't enough to give Sandstorm an idea as to why she was on her way to the SandWing queen's home. 

      "Okay, okay! No need to get angry; I was just curious."

      Sandstorm fell silent for what felt like the first time in forever. She cocked her head to the side as if listening to something, her tail flicking back and forth. Every once in a while she would send a glance Bloodspiller's way, causing her to become agitated. What was going on? Why was she looking at her?

      After the third time she glanced her way, Bloodspiller gave a small huff and said, "If you've got something to say, then say it. Quit staring at me."

      Sandstorm blinked before dipping her head, looking embarrassed. "Oh, sorry about that! I was just...thinking."

      "About what?"

      Bloodspiller felt a faint pang of nervousness. What if Sandstorm had figured out what she was traveling through the desert for? What if she figured out that she had been lying about why she was here? She was prepared to fight if that was the case.

      "Oh, just how beautiful you are." Bloodspiller didn't relax at all as she heard this, though her words stirred up some unfamiliar feelings within her, a strange fluttering in her chest that made her worried for a brief moment that she was sick. "You're just so...unique. I mean, just look at the beautiful colors you've chosen for your scales! It reminds me of the night sky. And the contrast you provide to the desert is a nice touch. Don't get me started on your eyes...they're absolutely breathtaking."

       Bloodspiller opened her mouth to respond, before closing it again, unsure of what to say. Pink began to appear on her scales, but as quickly as it appeared it was gone as she took a deep breath, regaining control over her scales. 

      "I don't know what game you're trying to play, hybrid, but flattery is getting you nowhere. Tell me what you were really thinking about."

      A look of confusion crossed Sandstorm's face, making Bloodspiller believe for a moment that she wasn't pretending. "I don't know what you're talking about...I really was admiring you." Sandstorm lowered her gaze towards the ground. "Sorry--just forget I've said anything. I'm sure I made you uncomfortable."

      Bloodspiller scoffed at this. "You think? I hardly know you, and now you're calling me beautiful? Save it for your mate. It's not going to work on me. I'm not a dragon you can win over with some compliments."

      Sandstorm was silent for a moment, a sympathetic look appearing on her face, one that Bloodspiller wished would go away. She didn't need her pity, nor did she need her flattery. All she wanted was silence. 

      "Listen, Bloodspiller, I really didn't mean anything malicious by it. There's no double meaning. I'm sorry that I made you feel that way...I'll try harder to seem more sincere next time. I know you may not want to talk about it, but did something happen to you in the past that made you this distrusting?"

      Bloodspiller couldn't tell if Sandstorm was being serious or not. Finally, she breathed a small sigh, turning her gaze ahead, wishing this journey would be over with already. 

      "Whatever. Don't worry about it. And like I said before, my past doesn't matter. You have no reason to know; as soon as we get to the palace, we're never going to see each other ever again." Bloodspiller's voice was gruff as she spoke, trying to imply that the conversation was over, Luckily, Sandstorm seemed to take the hint and fell silent. 

      Hours passed, and the sun began to set, the temperature starting to fall. Sandstorm, deciding it was best to settle down for the night, led them to an oasis, giving a soft yawn.

      "We've made some good progress: I expect we'll arrive at the palace tomorrow. Get some rest, okay?"

      Bloodspiller didn't respond and simply settled down near the water, curling up and closing her eyes, knowing that she needed rest before the task she was going to carry out the next day. After all, it wasn't often you had the chance to kill a queen.

      She couldn't afford to fail.