The Crystal Mines

53 Nik

I couldn't make a decision to save my life. The dress shop was a wonder, and the girl was a genius with her designs. My heart ached for my brother at the sight of her. Then, my mother and Ahren. I wondered how they were and if they were safe and eating well. Ryelle walked up to me. Her wild curls as bouncy as her personality. I wished for a second for her to have another life. She was tucked away at the back of the market when she would be the most sought out dressmaker in the city. But society didn't trust halflings. Rustbloods as they were sometimes so rudely called.

"Can I help you find something that matches your vision miss?" she sweetly asked bounding to her tiptoes.

I smiled at her, thinking for a second. "I'm not sure. Do you have anything silver or grey?"

She gasped, covering her mouth much like Trife did. I nearly laughed. We couldn't bring him tonight. He was not a creature of this world and if word got out, we may be discovered.

"You're the silver dragon we saw the night the aura lights appeared in the middle of the day."

All blood drained from my face. No one should have been able to see, the wall of the courtyard hid everything. Not unless... gods above. I flew. Not very high. A couple flaps of my wings, but I had been so focused on releasing the magic that I hadn't realized. I shook my head in a panic. Ryelle, the brave thing, rested her small hand on my arm.

"It's alright. Your secret is safe with me. I can see things I shouldn't sometimes. I could tell it was you because you felt the same as the magic in the sky. But something is missing." She tilted her face as if searching for something. "There is another magic that is not here with you tonight. A twin to yours." She must have been speaking of Callion and Ameer. They released their magic that night too. Shaking her head, she squeezed my arm and said, "I know just the dress for you. I just made it last night, seeing you inspired it so it could only be meant for you."

When she returned and the dress was on, she couldn't have spoken more truer words. It was perfect. As if it was what I had been searching for the whole time. My brother had a similar talent to Ryelle. Able to predict little things and carry a type of knowing within. I searched the girl, with just us in the changing booth and she nodded proudly. The silent speak that my brother and I have always been able to do came rushing back. She was proud and sad. It was her greatest work and like any good artist, was sad to never see it again. Meeting her eyes, I communicated to her that I would pay her well and make sure that everyone knew exactly such a masterpiece came from. Proving my hunch correct, she welled with hears and ran to my side, wrapping me in a large hug. She had understood everything. I hid my own tears, as my brother again, crossed my mind.

Us girls bought jewelry and shoes for the coming festivities and headed to the sweet shop as planned. Sera was talking to Emyr about the joys of flying and I was curious of their freedom. They noticed me listening in on their conversation as we sat at some tables to snack on some treats. "Have you flown yet, Nik?" Emyr asked kindly.

I shook my head. "No. Not more than coming just off the ground. There can't be many dragons out there and Erix will know exactly where I am if I do. Besides, I'm not sure I'd know how anyways." I tried dismissing the subject, not wanting to delve further into still having vivid memories of torture each time I shifted. They were my friends, and I trusted each with my life, but they didn't need to be burdened by the horrors of the prison.

They exchanged glances, Zither smiling too. Emyr took a bite before saying, "We can teach you. If you'd like. It'll be in the middle of the night, and I know a place we can practice in private."