Kah'lii: A Tale of a Girl and her Dragon

Chapter 2

After a pheasant, three rabbits and several fish had been shared by the two young companions, the unlikely pair began walking down the hill, although away from the city and any subsequent civilization. Baa'kot flew occasionally to observe the surrounding landscape, but quickly returned to the ground if he noticed any kind of movement. His companion teased him about his size and generally conspicuous nature, and in turn he teased her about her own unique appearance. Kindred spirits, unlikely siblings, and both exhibiting a similar intellect, the pair discussed philosophy, religion, life and death, and while both were basically in the adolescence of their individual species, they occasionally giggled as they spoke.

The wooded hills gave way to open plains, and Kah'lii found herself in the odd position of conversing with herself; or, at least that is how it might look to any passing travelers. Baa'kot had become invisible due to noticing a few shepherds watering their flock by the river, and as such he teased his companion by insinuating that most people might avoid her due to looking like a lunatic. She was at first embarrassed, and after realizing that he was most likely correct, she began to engage travelers in non-sensible conversations; sending most away within moments. The pair found the entire situation highly humorous, that was until they saw three armed men approaching them. The tiny elf and her scaly, yet unseen companion had purposely avoided the roads for precisely that reason, but as Kah'lii changed direction to avoid the men, they moved to intercept her.

Too obvious and well-dressed to be bandits yet bearing no official insignia of any city guard or militia, the young elf assumed them to be mercenaries; similar to the men in the tavern in Gallentowne. Since she couldn't avoid them, she simply stopped and awaited their arrival. Baa'kot stood perfectly still, although he craned his long neck skyward so his heavy breathing would go unheard.

"You there, elf-girl!" One of the men called out. "We would speak with you!"

Kah'lii stood stoic and awaited their approach. The first man, the obvious leader wore tanned leather armor, a mail shirt, and carried both crossbow and sword. His beard and upper-body were both full, and while his eyes carried the signs of many winters, they also betrayed the wisdom that those winters had provided.

She stood straight and proud, although she was still nearly a foot and a half shorter than him. "What would we speak of, good sir?"

"We observed you coming down from the hills. We had heard rumors..."

Her heart sank, but she didn't show it. "Rumors? Of me?"

"No," the man answered sternly. "A farmer and his wife saw... well, they both claimed that they saw..."

She allowed her brow to furrow in mock confusion. "Saw...?"

The man seemed almost embarrassed as he provided an answer. "A large winged beast. A dragon."

Kah'lii managed an absolutely incredulous expression. "I'm sorry... did you just say..."

"Yes, child, I said dragon," the man huffed.

"Methinks that your farmers have been hitting the ale a 'mite hard." Her sarcastic answer brought muffled chuckles from the man's companions; further aggravating him.

"Regardless, they weren't the only ones. Some shepherds saw a giant winged shadow looming overhead," he continued. "We were in the vicinity and they asked us to investigate."

Kah'lii shook her head. "I ascended into the hills yesterday to hunt and fish, and I descended this morning and have been walking all day. I have seen no, *ahem* dragon, nor will I ever... because they don't exist." Her perfectly acted response brought a sudden gust of cold air from above, giving her goosebumps. Although a black dragon couldn't utilize its frost attack whilst invisible, Baa'kot's breath was still incredibly cold.