Nightfall

I

Part One - Rising Moon
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In the center of a large, hidden valley, tucked away from the inquisitive eyes of humans and their destructive tendencies, a group of dragons discussed their fate.

These creatures could definitely be considered dragons: four powerful legs, equipped with gleaming, sword-like claws. Spikes running down their spine, from the base of their angled heads to the tips of their whip-thin tails. Their backs adorned with giant wings, perhaps just as large as them, the claw by the wing fingers on the ground, as though they were supporting them on the ground as well as being able to carry them through the air.

The moon was full, but dark, ominous clouds floated toward the glowing celestial body, casting the surrounding mountains in shadow. The valley itself was well lit, mist curling lightly around the talons of the five dragons. They were perched on five large, flat rocks, knowing tonight would be the best night to discuss the topic at hand.

The fading rays of moonlight made their crystal-like scales glimmer lightly, which made them seem quite noticeable to the dragons spying on the discussion. Actually, they weren't spying: they were simply listening to the conversation against unspoken rules.

A sigh escaped the largest dragon's nostrils. "The more we stay quiet," he said quietly, "the higher the chance this topic will be avoided yet again." The other four glanced over, nodding with reluctant agreement, and began to actually talk. Midnight's influence was powerful: all of the dragons in their settlement would listen to his words.

"I don't think we should migrate," the smallest dragon stated bluntly, his voice raspy from three hundred and five years of use. "It may be dangerous, but it could cost us our lives if we leave this valley."

"We can survive the winter," a blue dragon agreed. "If we go south, there are far more dangers, by our own kind. Humans can't do much; it is much easier and safer if we stay where we are. We've survived the cold before. We can continue doing it."

"Not with hatchlings to defend," Eagle, the third dragon, snapped, her black tail lashing angrily. "My dragonets and hers." She nodded to the fourth dragon, who had yet to speak. Jade lowered her head, understanding what she meant, her eyes betraying the deep-set confliction she felt on this topic.

"I mean," Jade began, "on one talon, the dangers and threats here might grow in the next year, and prevent us from ever migrating again. If we move, then everyone is safe until we reach the tribe, where who knows what will happen. Leaving is our best option if we think of the future."

She drove on, not allowing the others to voice their objections. "On the other talon, if we do stay, then the other tribe won't be a problem at all. Humans might not expand into our valley. We may be safe. The problem with this is that we can't defend our hatchlings from the freezing temperatures, and we are leaving our hopes on several possibilities. No certainties."

"And, Lagoon," Jade added, "humans are a threat. You've heard the rumors too, and we've lost contact with the settlement that they say was attacked. The scout we sent never returned. They are a threat."

Eagle sat back smugly. Their argument was much stronger than Grove and Lagoon's one, and they were stuck in the past, anyway. It took a lot to sway their minds, but by the expressions on their faces, it was clear they were at least getting there.

She looked over at Midnight, who was at least two heads taller than her. His green eyes were unfathomable, even to her, his mate. His wings opened slightly, his weight entirely on his hind legs as he watched the proceedings. It took a moment for the other three to fall silent, many pairs of eyes now resting on him, from both the other council members and the "hidden" dragons inside the numerous caves.