Originally: Tundra/underbelly
After Saya began describing her reason for leaving her own clan, Zana led her to an archeological site where a bright young dragon was digging. She was so entrenched in her work she didn’t notice the pair at first, and jumped slightly when Zana spoke. “Natela, I have a young gal here looking for a place to learn. Could you please guide her in the direction of finding a class that suits her. The young dragon, who was apparently Natela, smiled and said excitedly, “of course!” Zana then abruptly turned to Saya and began speaking firmly, startling her. If you wish to be a member of this clan, you are required to attend the academy and graduate in at least one course and then proceed to be a productive member of our clan. This is not an issue I presume?” Ummm, uhhh, n-n-no Saya stumbled. Good, Zana said curtly. You must meet with me this evening to receive your official welcome to the clan. She turned and walked away. Next thing Saya knew the dragon Natela was sweeping her in her arms with a big hug. Welcome! You must tell me all about yourself, please! she said enthusiastically.


Saya approached slowly with great hesitation, she had always been the best of her class, but this was nothing like she’d ever done before, and she didn’t know many around the clan other than Zana and Natela. They seemed friendly, but she had always been shy, especially since she was so different from the other dragons in her clan. That didn’t seem to matter here though. She knew she wanted to be a cowgirl, she always had, but what if she couldn’t do it? Saya tried to push it out of her mind, but could not shake the thought; she had never failed before, and didn’t want to start now. Especially after leaving her clan to follow her dreams. Her old clan didn’t believe in dragons choosing their own path, rather they were chosen for their role in the clan and if you refused you were out. She was chosen to care for the younger dragons, but it’s not what she wanted and she finally spoke up. They didn’t like it and told her to leave. She was shunned, and the worst part was when her own parents turned their backs on her.

The clan told her no one would want a cowgirl, especially since there wasn’t much use for them anymore. She tried to forget everything by changing herself completely, but she couldn’t help but be reminded about the family she once had. What if she let her new clan down too? What if her parents were right? No, she wasn’t going to give in to those thoughts. She pulled herself together and stepped into the arena with her head held high. She noticed a group of dragons gathered off to the side and a snapper male setting up in the middle of the arena, “That must be the instructor” she thought. She walked over and told him cheerfully, “I’m Saya, and I’m here to be a cowgirl!” She heard the other dragons snickering, Ha, a cowgirl?! “Oh, no her clan was right she panicked quickly.” Where do you think your going to see a cow around here? We rope beasts not cows! It’s much better, trust us you’ll love it they grinned. Saya let out a breath as she realized they weren’t trying to be mean, and the dragons started walking towards her happily. They excitedly chatted with her about what they call a “Roper” and welcomed her with open arms.

Before Saya knew it, her fears melted away, as her instructor Daichi started class. “Welcome students, today you start a journey into one of the most important roles of this clan. You will work harder than you ever worked before. You have to be brave, you have to be strong, you have to be dedicated, and most importantly you have to have passion. Passion for what you do, and passion for the ones you are doing it for. Ropers are one of the highest roles in this clan, because we are the ones who stop the beast clans from encroaching on our clan’s territory.
Saya had to admit, she was a little frightened at what she heard, but she knew she right where she belonged.

Saya hurried home after the day’s work. It had been one of the most tiring days of her life, but worth it. She loved the class, but everything hurt. As she raced home, she stopped to watch a bumblebee flying for a moment. She only stayed for a moment before continuing to race home. She saw bumblebees all the time anyway.

The sun shined on Saya's face. She was going for her last day of training. She was nervous, as the time for her final test approached. What would she do if she failed?

Written by midnightstar and dragonfire