Natalie

The sound of the river is a dull, constant roar, another patch of this miserable, green world. I circle once, the wind a familiar comfort under my wings, and spot a flicker of movement on the trail below. A humanoid, alone. A fool. A part of me wants to warn it away, but the part with the brand itching on my shoulder is just tired. I bank sharply, descending toward the riverbank. The transformation is violent, painful wrenching as I reshape into my human form, landing with a soft thud that belies the agony. I sit by the water, hoping the creature just moves on. But of course, it doesn't. I hear the crunch of leaves as it approaches. I turn my head slowly, my eyes locking onto it. So fragile looking. I let the silence stretch before I speak, my voice flat. "You're either very brave or very foolish to approach a dragon, even in this form. So, which is it?"