The Taming

A Ceiling of Birds

They all soared for hours. As long as Sebastian could hold up the raised roof of their watery cloak. Eventually Elsabet, with her faster metabolism, tired and began dropping. Having to work hard to stay in the air.

Sebastian flew below her and nudged his snout under her. Letting her drop to rest over it as he fluttered down toward the top of the tower.

Just as he neared the roof he tipped into a dart, shifting her upward and moving his wings under her so as he landed on bare feet. He willed his clothing to return, as she fell into his arms. Bits of cloth wrapped around his body to conceal him while he still ran a few steps to gather his footing with her in his arms.

She was still laughing, her arms wrapped around his neck. Her cheeks suffused with a pleased blush. Her wings tucked against her back. Slipping under layers of skin under his hand. Like a hand shifting into a pocket. He felt the movement against his palm. A strange ripple under her flesh.

Like when my wolf fights to surface.

He set her on her feet, and she clung to him. Her head against his chest as she watched the birds zipping through the air above them.

"They're so beautiful."

"Do they feel like family to you?"

She tipped her head up to him. Pain written over his face.

"It doesn't have to hurt to admit you care for someone. Do you think they'd let you down?"

"No..." She said hesitantly.

"Do you think I'd let you fall?"

"Nev-No..."

Sebastian looked at her consideringly. Nodding.

"Thank you." She said. As if the words felt foreign on her tongue.

"For flying?"

"Yes. That too."

With that cryptic statement, she turned her head away and moved to leave his arms.

He held her fast. Lifting her chin to bring her eyes back to his. He found them filled with tears.

"Why are you hurting?"

"I'm not."

"Then why cry?"

"Because I fear one day it will."

"You'll never know true strength until you let go of fear."

"And what would that bring me?" She asked quietly. "Freedom?"

He swallowed hard. Looking away.

"Do you think I'd let you down?"

His head whipped to her. Searching her face. "It's a shame Sebastian, that as much as you love everyone around you, you doubt they care as much for you."

Those words cut him to the quick.

He felt her slip from his hands as she walked down the corridor.

A silver dragon dropped low and came in to land next to Sebastian. Wings splayed and feet oustretched as he came in.

Changing to human form as soon as his feet touched.

"Alazareth." Sebastian greeted.

"We were having so much fun, what happened?"

"She just took my feet out from under me."

"Why she always have to do that?" Alazareth moved to follow her, but Sebastian's arm shot out to block him.