Oriana, Girl of Legend

Chapter Seventeen

Drakon stood under the tree at the base of Artilak Mountain as he felt his bond with his rider grow. He never thought he would feel as impatient as he did then. He was desperate for his rider to arrive and to start on a journey that would change them all. He only wished he knew if she would be the same woman when it was all over.

Styl, in her human form, walked up the the Dream-Giver as he stared out into the twilight. She linked her fingers with his and felt his strong grasp as he returned her affection before turning to face her.

Drakon had known she had taken on a human form and was nervous to say the least on how she would look. It would never diminish his love for her regardless but there was always some uncertainty to the changes they were all going through.

What he saw took his breath away! Styl still had her glowing red eyes that still had depth and love in them as before. She had waist length golden hair that curled ever so softly around her shoulders and cascaded down her back and seemed to glow like a halo around her in the dim glow of the sun and moon.

"Are you pleased?" Styl asked, her voice was soft and had a small rasp as if she was adjusting to talking in her new form. Her bright eyes looked hesitant as if she was unsure how he would answer.

Drakon brought their joined hands up and kissed her finger tips softly and brought his free hand to caress her pale cheek to which she closed her eyes and gave a soft sigh at the touch. He smiled softly and wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and gently kissed the top of her head and breathed in her scent. The smell was intoxicating to him and he couldn't get enough of her scent.

"It wouldn't have mattered, my love." He whispered as she wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. "I will always love you no matter what form you are in."

Styl sighed happily and felt in the back of her mind that Tristan felt her nerves and could feel his need to make sure she was okay.

I am fine, Tristan. Styl told him through their bond. But thank you for your concern. We are all anxious for your arrival.

We are making preparations and will be leaving by sunrise. I have a sense that we will all be surprised when we arrive.

Styl chuckled as she pulled back from her mate and saw the amusement in his silver eyes as he knew she was reacting to her rider and the obvious conversation they were having.

Lets just say everyone will know just how affectionate dragons are when you arrive.

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The sun was rising and Oriana could feel the warmth of it on her face as she opened her eyes. She was nervous yet excited for their journey to Artilak. She wanted to see her dragon and finally be able to make a plan for whatever may lie ahead of them.

Pushing the warm quilt off of her, Oriana slipped out of the bed and reached for her tunic so she could start getting dressed. Rustling behind her told her that Vera had awaken, but she typically took longer to wake up than Oriana did.

"Is it that time already?" Vera asked as she sat up and rubbed her eyes then blinked up at her friend who now was pulling on her vest and sheathing her weapons.

"I am afraid so, Vera." Oriana answered as she pulled her long hair over her shoulder and began to braid it. "We have a long way to go and I am sure it won't be an easy journey to get there."

Vera pushed the quilt off of her and began to get dressed herself. She tucked her daggers in her boot and at her waist before she turned to face her friend who had maneuvered her braid into a bun at the back of her head. "Nice battle hair, Ori." Vera commented with a smile and squeaked when a pillow came at her head.