Crackerjack II

Chpt. 2: Newbie (Again)

^Lorrie

Kristen woke slowly. The sunlight teasing her face helped her along. When she sat up, she was momentarily disoriented. She put a hand to her head when she remembered.

She peered out the window, wide eyes traveling along the towering buildings and already-busy streets. How was she going to fit in here?

"What're you doin'?"

Kristen sized up the stranger. She looked older than Kristen, and she had bright red hair curled about her head like a towel.

"I'm 'posed to show you around. But we can just report that I did."

Kristen shook her head. "I'd like a tour."

The girl sighed, then shrugged and waved. "Let's go, then."

Kristen paid close attention to all the girl pointed out, soaking in the few words she did say. She was pretty sure she wasn't going to get this kind of help again. Not here.

"Everything a newb like you needs is gonna be over in this section. Except maybe the stables and med tent for the animals on the other side."

Kristen and could barely make out a white tent between all the buildings.

"Can I ask you somethin'?"

The girl rolled her eyes. "What?"

"How are there so many, you know, permanent buildin's? I thought this would be more like–"

"A circus?"

Kristen blushed.

"This is a safe place. The only reason the med tent is a tent is because the animals keep tearing it up when they're hurt or confused." She glanced up at the sky. "I'll drop you off."

"Sorry, what?"

She rolled her eyes again. "Thought you were gonna lay around? You're helping in the med tent."

"F'r how long?"

She shrugged.

Kristen frowned. "I mean, is that all I'll be doin'? How many days, weeks, months? When am I going t' train?"

The girl raised an eyebrow. "You don't go near your dragon until the heads decide whether you're here to report us or not."

Kristen opened her mouth, but the girl was already walking away. Besides, she didn't think there was much to say.

The tent was much bigger than Kristen had thought. When they lifted the heavy flap, the girl glanced around and beckoned the closest person.

"Where's Lorrie?"

He shrugged with a glance at Kristen and then returned to his work.

The girl huffed. "Wait here."

Kristen stood awkwardly by the door as she strode away. After a moment, Kristen heard something behind her. She noticed the ground was jumping and dove out of the way just as a giant dragon shoved its head through the flap. While she brushed herself off, a boy stepped through and glared at her.

"Whaddaya think you're doing? Why're you just standing in the doorway? You think we wouldn't run you over?"

"That's enough, Samuel."

A beautiful brunette wiped her hands on a blue and gold robe and came to stand by Kristen. "You can take him to the back, I'll be there in a minute."

Samuel scowled at Kristen once more. The dragon stared at Kristen then followed the boy. Kristen wrapped her arms around herself. This place wasn't particularly friendly.