Eli

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Eli had an obsession. That was the only way to describe it. Since his youth he would feverently try to blind himself, to cover every gleaming eye on his body. There was a fear to it, an irrational tick, something in the back of his head that told him there was something he couldn't allow himself to see. Simply closing his eyes wasn't enough, and thus he lived much of his life with various linens and bandages wrapped around his body and face.

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It was a warm day. Uncomfortably so, even if the trees above him kept the rays of the sun from beating down too harshly on his wings. The humidity made his fur tangle in an unfortunate way, and though he knew his part of the woods by heart, he found himself getting lost amongst the bushes and ferns.
"The heat must be getting to me..."
He murmured to nobody but himself, something he did often, if only to remind himself how to speak. He wasn't often in the company of others. As he turned himself around, he found himself feeling somewhat forlorn at the thought. Even I could use some company every now and then.
He wandered slightly longer, searching for the signs he usually left. Piles of rocks, a broken branch, anything to signify the proximity of his home. Nothing. He was beginning to worry. Would he have to unblind himself momentarily? To untie his blindfold or unwrap the long strips of cloth from around his scales? He shuddered at the mere thought of it, of light hitting his retinas, and felt himself begin to shake slightly.
No, he thought, I can surely find my way back on my own, eyes or not.
And yet something tugged at him from the back of his mind.
It wouldn't hurt to take a glance at the world. A little peek. That thing you've been running from your whole life certainly isn't here. Waiting behind you. Silent. Patient. Hungry.
He needed to dispel the thoughts. He needed to rid himself of his own biting conscience lest he do something he would regret. He began to run. He didn't care in which direction, he just needed to go.
He ran far, he ran until he thought his lungs would give out and his throat would catch fire, until-
He felt something graze one of his claws. He stopped.
A rock... No, an entire pile of the things. A sign. Something he himself had left. But.. why was it so far in this direction? He could have sworn he was only a few feet away-
He took another step.
Another unruly stack of rocks. Taller, this time.
He never placed his markers so close.
Nor were his ever so tall.
Where was he?
He could hear water running.
A creek? A stream?
He took a step towards it.
Suddenly a gasp, a shout, a resounding sound he wasn't sure he would ever hear again.
There were other dragons here.
"M-m-m-mister Azel, somebody's here!"
The voice sounded like it belonged to someone young, a child even.
"Well, who could this be?"
Eli assumed this voice belonged to Azel. His voice was deep and smooth, it almost put him at ease. Were he not possibly in danger, he probably would have appreciated it.
"Who are you? Where am I?"
"Can he not see? Poor boy, have you been blinded?"
Azel again. He didn't have to answer any questions.
"Tell me who you are and then maybe we'll talk."
Eli had adopted a rather offensive stance, with his claws facing towards the direction of Azel's voice and wings slightly raised.
"Do not fret, blinded one. I am Azel, and I assure you we mean no harm. We are a peaceful bunch."
"Where are we? Why do you have these markers set up?"
Eli didn't relax his stance, remaining ready to lash out at whoever was closest.
"Ah, so that's how you found us. The truth is, we've been waiting here for someone, and we thought those might help bring them to us."
"What? Waiting for someone? Until now I thought I was the only dragon who lived around here, who could you possibly be waiting for?"
"Well, nevermind that. I do hope you'll come inside. I'm sure the others would like to meet you."
Eli, despite his every instinct, felt his worries eased by that voice. He slowly relaxed his muscles. He hoped this wasn't a mistake, and if it was, that it wouldn't be his last.

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He let Azel, a dragon who's breed he couldn't quite yet determine, guide him to what he was assumed was a doorway. Cool air seeped out from within it, and upon stepping inside the grass and dirt gave way to something that felt polished and cold. Fitting, he thought, of course this place is made of the same stuff Azel's voice is.
He found himself ushered through what seemed like a maze of halls. The air seemed to get cooler and cooler as they walked, and he hoped their trip would be over soon. Something had him kept on edge, and his muscles were starting to tense on their own. He could hear the echoes of the sound of his own claws scraping against the floor.
I thought he said there were other dragons here... this place is quieter than a grave.
As Eli counted his doubts, and wondered how hard it would be to escape if need be, he was startled back to reality.
"We're here."
Azel had stopped, and Eli nearly ran into him.
"You could give me some warning before you stop."
Eli was practically growling, his patience wearing thin.

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