DragonTribes #1: RiverTribe

Chapter 4: Adult Ceremony (OG)

It has been almost 9 years since the GrasslandTribe attack. The RiverTribe had settled and adapted after a couple years in their new location closer to the ocean than the Amazon. They had discovered a new water dragon since their move. Tanu named the species SaltDragons, for they lived in the saltwater. On the downside, RiverDragons had become extinct in the wild. Why? No one knew.

Mother, once Mommy, had become hateful towards dragons. The last dragon she had ever approached was Alligator, whom died a couple years ago. After they had settled, Mother took up a new job as a blanket maker. She had taken up a flock of sheep from the former flock owner, who was now elderly. Mother was so paranoid, she wouldn't even let Alicia near dragons. It bothered Alicia greatly, she had a dream to become a dragon tamer like her father.

Let's try this again, shall we? "Mother?" Alicia watched Mother go through her usual blanket making routine.

Mother looked up at Alicia then continued working, "Hmm?"

Alicia sighed, "I'm almost 16, an adult. Don't you think I should train for what I want to become in the tribe?"

"Don't you want to take my place? It's quite a peaceful job in the tribe. It's fun working with sheep!" Mother replied with a sigh when she realized Alicia wouldn't fall for it.

She knows where this is going. "Mother, please just let me try to find a dragon!"

Mother shook her head. Alicia stormed outside and leaned against the stables for the sheep. Their newest edition walked towards her cautiously.

Alicia sat down and held out her hand. It approached her and sniffed her hand. She pet behind its ears.

"Can I complain to you a little bit?" Alicia looked the lamb in the eyes.

"Baaa."

Alicia continued petting it, "Mother can't let go of how Father died because he went to retrieve Pike! She won't let me do anything with dragons! To do something with dragons is my dream! Even when I'm 16, I can't leave my Mother's house, which also means her rules, until I get a job in the tribe."

Alicia sighed. The lamb came closer and Alicia pet down its back, "Sometimes I wish she'd just let me be a little independent, like your Mommy."

The lamb looked up at her then wondered off.

Alicia sighed once more and played with the loose dirt. Digging then filling the hole. Over, and over, and over.

Tanu bounced over the fence, "What are you up to, Daddy's girl?"

Alicia just shook her head.

Tanu slid down next to her, "How about we visit the pens?"

Alicia looked at Tanu in shock. He wasn't a rebellious type, in fact for a while he had agreed with Mother.

                                       ***

"There's a dragon I really want you to meet." Tanu grinned.

Alicia could hardly contain her excitement.

Tanu held a door open for Alicia. She walked in, not knowing what to expect.

A white dragonling hissed at her and curled its tail around its talons.

"She's an albino SaltDragon. A ferocious little one at that. I can't seem to tame her, but she has no chance of survival in the wild." Tanu looked at her with pity.

She stared at the dragonling, her red eyes staring back, "Have you been able to pet her? What's her name?"

"No, I havent pet her, and she doesn't have a name that's why I brought you." Tanu grinned.