Stonewings

The Winger Ledges

Both dragons seemed to be becoming slower and I saw as Caelum's mate nearly dropped from the sky before she corrected herself. I suppose not even a dragon, even a Winger, could fly forever. They turned and faced towards the mountain. They dived and I flattened myself against Caelum's back as we entered the tunnels. I could feel the cave roof only feet above me. It was slightly terrifying, knowing I could shift even slightly and lose my head. 

The dragons took a few turns before we entered the central cavern. The place was full again. Some dragons were eating, others were sleeping, one was licking at their scales. A Spiker was grating its spikes against the rock wall. 

The Wingers took us up to a ledge and landed. I was near vertical again before Caelum leaned down. I slowly and carefully slid off his back. 

My legs and exposed skin were not happy with me. When I got off Caelum, my skin was scratched and torn in places with my legs bleeding. I cursed lightly as I wiped the blood away. Caelum leaned down and sniffed at me as I held my dress up. I gently pushed his snout away as I flushed with embarrassment. 

I sighed. I didn't wanna ruin the dress by making pant legs. At the same time, there was no way for me to continue riding and living in this mountain with dragons meant riding on dragon back. It was either that or potentially lose a limb from being picked up. 

I also didn't have any sewing supplies to begin with. It's not like dragons needed clothes. 

I was suddenly wishing for home, for my old clothes and the tunic with the leather in it for Sticks. I missed my little pixie friend. Then it reminded me of something. Sticks had told me about how fae's spit mixed with plant leaves could create a kind of paste that could make almost anything stick together. 

I wished once more I was back home. Then I wouldn't be here, I wouldn't be a dragon's prisoner, I would be with my family. My parents, my little brother, my sisters, my nephews, Lark...I would be able to wear some pants as well. 

I looked over at Caelum. He sniffed at me once more, his giant eyes on my bleeding legs. He turned to his mate and warbled a little before he gestured to my legs with his wing tip. She leaned down and sniffed as well. I backed up, my face feeling warm. She recoiled, almost in surprise. She huffed and shook her head. I suddenly had the feeling like I was being scolded by my older sisters again. Caelum pushed me to the side as she launched off the ledge and flew into one of the tunnels. 

I furrowed my brows. "What was that about?" I wondered. I looked up at the Winger but he looked confused at the noises I had made. I sighed. Right. Dragons didn't understand words. 

I looked over the central cavern, watching the other dragons. I saw Monsters, Wingers and Spikers. But I didn't see any Chillers. Apparently they were pretty reclusive in their own home. I watched as a group of Monsters came in with dead mountain goats, birds of prey and other food. They flew through the cavern before going to the food pit. I shivered at the smell of fish oil and the darkness of that place. 

I watched as a pair of Spikers moved in the corner of the cavern. I moved to watch them, Caelum's head turning as well. The two dragons lowered both wings but only one lowered their head. The other sat down with their wings spread. The first one stood then shot a bolt of fire into the cavern. It didn't go too far. The other dragons backed off, each one watching like me. 

The first dragon dragged its claws against the stone floor, barely leaving scratches. The other dragon didn't even move. A little more enthusiastically, the first dragon spun and slammed their spiked tail into the floor, creating a new crack in the floor. Even I had to respect the power behind that move. The other Spiker seemed impressed as well.