Torin the dragon rider (TOME 12 of the TIAMAT'S WARS SERIE)

Life goes on

Alf, Saphie's little dragonet, was growing fast. And, with some magical boosts and especially the absence of a submission collar, he managed to develop his intellect.

Rubix, Saphie, and finally all the dragons put themselves in Anthro simply to save on food and also to enter school.

It was mostly night classes and skill validation teachers.

Ragul did an agronomy course with me, a driving course and I followed him.

Esme trained for the textile industry and Rubix took up computer science.

Valtrax and the dragons were trained in hunting, flying and rules, and many worked to become forest rangers and civil protection rescuers.

Exodus excelled as a soldier.

At our draconic council, it was recognized that we were in fact "babies" and needed to adapt.

Mom Valtrax begged Dad not to have any conquests in mind.

The original plan was to stay together, form a community and have descendants, gather summoned monsters and form a draconic kingdom.

But the idea was discarded.

People and tourists were flocking to see us, and rather than put on a freak show, Rubix and I took the initiative to take our fate into our own hands.

In the meantime, we activated the forge with three ovens, and did forest clearing, hunting and preparation in front of the amazed tourists. We weren't exactly putting on a show, but we were showing that we were working and could be productive.

Saphie ran the forge with the help of her dragonet, and next door I had my farm where I raised horses.

And my wife was busy shoeing, selling forged souvenirs and other decorative objects.

Slowly we gained our financial independence and kept our gold secret. The one of Britannia, its treasures and the numerous magic objects taken away by the dragons. It must have been a raid there.

Dad still had the manacom to talk to Lord British, but Valtrax closed her husband's paw as a sign to "let it go".

And so, we dispersed over the territory.

Some of us went to the coast as coast guards, others as port technicians.

Little by little, we remained a close-knit community and we met sometimes in the Ardennes, sometimes at the sea, sometimes at the museum of natural history.

In the places where we used to go, courtyards and sometimes a hall were installed and we became part of the population.

We finally got our nationality after many observations and our restraint and respect for human life and the laws paid off.

The fact that we participated in the religious community opened doors for us and little by little our medieval life became a distant memory.

Soon, jewelry for us appeared, belts and professional harnesses were developed, but none of us needed a car. We flew, but we were also cautious and none of us dared to set foot outside the country.

We wanted to explore the world, but we were wary. Not everyone recognized us as equal to humans. Some even put a fatwa on us.

Other great nations were also trying to "take us down". The cowboys were dreaming of a Jurassic hunt... Members of Big Pharma... interested in our blood and our regenerative abilities.

That's why we stayed together as best we could and actively participated in species protection associations like the WWF.

But on my side, Frizor had put his pieces in place and confronted Rubix and Saphie.

"I understand that you are married, but if you are not in pieces, it is me who "freezes" the entrails of Torin.."

Saphie and Rubix were angry.

But Frizor of its 24 meters had nothing to fear from half-portions...

She licked them and they shivered with cold. Just a few drops of saliva, giving the impression of liquid nitrogen but greasy.

"I love you too, but let's just say Torin will be my man when he's big to rest and I'll leave him to you when he returns to his human or half form... It's a fair deal."

Rubix wanted to rebel, but Frizor reminded her that it was also unfair for her to have no one. There was only one male for every four females after all. And she winked at Alf.

"When you're older, Auntie will teach you some dragon stuff."

Saphie turned around clutching Alf from her body to protect her but he was already bigger than her.

Then I came over and Frizor purred, showing her kindness but also her well forged ice dragon character.

She was white like mom and really smart and sexy.

We decided to live together in Arlon. I helped on the farm but I often went to the university with Rubix and, by word of mouth, I was also a healer. That is to say, in the section of the great burns or traumas, the anaesthetists sometimes call upon "helmsmen" of fire. Individuals with gifts to limit the damage of fire and relieve pain. Their effectiveness has never been in doubt.

For my part, I blew mana to heal people. This gave me a side income that added to my income.

A year passed and our training and abilities were recognized and we were able to buy our land and hunting rights and thus, we integrated into society.

Mondain and Minox were making moves, but our presence amplified their powers and the financial investigations on their fortune disappeared as if by "magic. But we kept our distance, not wanting to get involved.

The last draconic council was the most peaceful of all. We had managed to place and install the last of us and the media calmed down except that from time to time journalists specialized in other nations came to visit us once a month, to report on our way of life but we integrated well. Well, almost, because once the surprise effect was over, the conflicts started and the racist discrimination started in some places.

Farmers were sometimes jealous of our strength. The livestock was always in great shape, the vegetable gardens were literally exploding around us. They weren't fooled. They knew we had powers that be. But it was like everywhere. We didn't turn around, it wasn't worth it. Some tried to provoke us but we had the last word.

The most astonishing thing was Frizor who was called a giant white maggot, a big worm by some drunkards.

She told them that she would pee on their grave... That when they were old and dying, we would still be here in good shape...

The answer was hard and bitter.

At the Chu, I was doing miracle after miracle by imposing my paws, but I wanted to limit myself but how could I react when I saw a mother crying her condemned child and imploring me on her knees.

I was frightened on purpose. At least the sorting was done between those who wanted to live and the comedians.

Then I was called to an examination room where Saphie had just moved in and she showed me a stick with two crosses on it.

But the doctor was more reserved for Rubix.

We could not delay her growth any longer. She risked serious complications if she continued in anthro all the time.