Life is good. I take part time jobs to help out with money. It bring smiles at dinner with my Mom and sister. Mom got sick, so I focus more on working. When Mom died I coped day by day. When my sister got married she suggested I move away. It...
I am washed in warm mists that waft from a close by fire.
I have joys in each wash and wave.
One wish. One request. One demand. Live.
The dream ends, and I awake to another clear day.
I hear the movement afar off. The dragon is stretched out completely relaxed.
A man in armor approaches. A polished breastplate, a skirting of leather segments, and a helmet with a "brush" of black bristles on the top. In some ways, the way he is dressed is like a famous cartoon Martian.
Facing him at a bit of a distance, I am shocked to see two knives flying towards me.
The knives cross in front of me. It did distract me. The fighter was running towards me and pulling out his sword from over the shoulder.
I guess that is what is called "getting the initiative".
I plan to try a feint. Avoid a strike and get behind him.
I launch at top speed. In just three steps I am moving very fast and am right in front of him. He is still pulling up his sword.
I change my plans.
I lift my head and see his face (inches away). His eyes are showing shocked surprise. His hands struggle with the sword. He is tempted to pull his hands down. He regains the grip on the sword, but pulls downward.
He plans to hit me with the hilt.
I rotate my body and plant my feet in a sidelong line.
I put my palm on his breastplate.
I will throw him and transfer my momentum to him.
As I start pushing, I use my finger tips in the breastplate. It dimples as I push with fingers. I am surprised. Armor should be light, but deforming at finger push. That breast plate would be no help against a good arrow strike.
He flies some fifty feet away, and tumbles over as the rock dome we stand on curves downward.
He stands up. The knives he threw float gently back to him.
He puts all weapons away and says "Thank You. I was under orders to test you."
He bows deeply. Then, spends some time looking over his bent helmet and inspecting the impressions on his breastplate.
He holds his helmet and kneels.
"Should you ever want me. Call. I will travel further to reach you than I have travelled in all the years of my life."
He gets up and leaves. A bit later I hear the sound of hooves leading away.
After a few minutes to calm myself, the dragon tells me in thought.
"That second statement was an offer. Should you ever want the company of a man. He would travel quickly to be there. He has travelled much in his life. He would travel very far for you (a warrior like none he has ever met)."
A little while later the dragon sends me the thoughts.
"Take ease from your wonderings. The body you are in (warrior women of that body type) naturally suppresses reproductive concerns. That warrior will be the unusual case while you are here. Most will not even mention the idea of keeping you company. Not in your presence."
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