Big Elf Tiny Human

Chapter # 5

Argenta glared at the sea. The waves crashed angrily against the hull of the ship they were in as if feeding from her rage. She could relate to the ocean at that moment.

They had found a vessel heading south and a captain willing to take them to their destination, though Argenta noticed Rowan never mentioned what they sought there. She supposed if he did, no amount of gold would get anyone anywhere near those caves.

You know...I sense that you're still a bit mad." Rowan approached her wearily from behind, keeping a small distance between them.

"A bit?"

"Ok, yes, maybe more than a bit, which I get."

"Do you?"

"I have done my share of reading, and I know of the elves' history with the great drakes from across the sea and...why you might especially hate them so much."

"It's because dragons are sexist, insufferable, assholes!" Argenta said, emphasizing each word.

"Yes, they are well known as the greatest dicks in all the land...figuratively and literally, I suppose.

"Fucking don't!" Argenta exclaimed, exasperated, and Rowan was wise enough to drop it.

"We killed most of them centuries ago, and good riddance," Argenta went on when Rowan said nothing.

"Most crossed the ocean again, but a few are still around," Rowan said, feeling safe to do so. "Suria's people spotted this one by accident, and most died doing so."

Argenta was hardly surprised, few had ever been known to have killed full-grown dragons. The elves had a nasty history with them, back in the days when men were still young and Orcs tribes warred with everyone.

The dragons had spread like a plague back then, and whatever they set their sights on, they took. Entire cities were lost overnight when they took over, and that was the reason the elves had moved into their leafy kingdom in the first place. When they tried to take that as well, they finally had enough.

The human called what followed the hundred-year massacre, as the elves tracked down and mounted coordinated attacks to take down each of the dragons. It was a bloodbath on both sides, but like a home overrun with termites, eventually, you just decided to move. And none had been seen in the last three centuries.

"I'm not mad with you...anymore," Argenta said, softening her voice. Rowan moved to stand a bit closer, side by side with her. She could sense his hand hovering next to hers.

"You should be," Rowan said. "I mean, it is a ridiculously dangerous plan; a bit suicidal even."

"But smart," Argenta acknowledged. "A blade bathed in the blood of a dragon's heart can kill anything. Even a great demon like Maragoth."

"Sure, we just have to slay the dragon first."

"Would you rather try your odds against Maragoth instead?"

"I think I can be a tad sarcastic when those are our two only choices," Rowan said, grimly.

"That's more my thing," Argenta said, smiling. "You're supposed to be the optimistic one, cheering me on."

Argenta wasn't sure what compelled her to, but she grabbed Rowan's hand. She wasn't one for couples things, usually, her lovers were more people she fought with and then parted ways without any bonding, much less any sort of cuddling. But in that moment, she wanted to reassure Rowan: to let him know she would be with him, and keep him safe even from a dragon.

Rowan squeezed her hand, grateful. "You think we have a chance?"

"Oh yes, it's been a few centuries, but I think I can kill another of them again with the right inspiration, and they usually provide more than enough to do so."