Cordura

For the first time since their arrival in the lair, Cordura and Velvet were apart, assigned to different gathering parties. They had been together for so long, first as friends and then as lovers.. It struck a nerve in Dura’s very core to not be spending the day with her beloved Coatl. The rest of the lair had never seen such a ferocious Ridgeback looking so uncertain in all their lives.

Cordura was impressive in stature, beautiful and absolutely fearsome in the coliseum. Yet there she was.. Looking like a timid hatchling, unsure of what to do with herself as Velvet’s group receded further into the distance. Her partners tried to be supportive, as odd a sight as it was, nudging and reassuring her. They’d be reunited as soon as the gathering was completed after all. There was no need to worry. No need to fret.

But nothing soothed the dragon. Having grown up in unwanted isolation.. Cordura had a certain number of anxieties and insecurities beneath her fierce, prideful demeanor. Velvet was the first and only consistent support she had, the only source of confidence that enabled her to come out of her shell. All seemed well when they were together, Dura appearing as the capable fighter and doting mate that was expected of her. But alone.. The Ridgeback nearly fell apart. Even the comfort of her close friends- her and Velvet’s own breeding partners- just couldn’t cut it.

“Dura? What’s wrong, darling?”

Her heart leapt a mile up her throat when the voice sounded behind her. Soon as Cordura whirled around, there was Velvet, patiently perched on a tree limb. She smiled down at her mate with nothing but patience, understanding and adoration- a smile that nearly brought tears to Dura’s eyes. That was Velvet for you. Speeding through her tasks to ensure her big hatchling of a mate could accomplish her own.

Anxiety couldn’t hold a candle to Velvet’s embrace.