Bonehunter

Late November, 2015


Bonehunter sauntered into the clan gathering place in front of the main entrance to the cave system that was in the process of being expanded to accommodate the new arrivals. She slowed her pace to let the others arrive before her. The splotchy ones, Chestnut and Aspen, were already being greeted by an ice-colored female while an azure colored male looked on. They each exuded power, but in different ways. Glacier and Marianas strode ahead, eager to get the introductions over with.

"Heh," the male beside her, Sandshimmer he'd called himself, snorted with amusement. "Like so many eager children running to see if there are sweets."

"Indeed," she replied, shortly. Most of her attention was absorbed with noting every nuance of these new clan leaders. Bonehunter wanted a home. Somewhere she wouldn't be asked to leave. Wouldn't be subject to polite conversations about how perhaps she'd be more comfortable somewhere less . . . tame. As if she were some ravening beast to be treated with careful claws, lest she bite the hand that fed her.

"I know that expression," Sandshimmer said knowingly, his voice a low rumble only she could hear. "My last clan wanted me gone, too. And some of us won't fit in here, either. That's the way it goes. We're Guardians, after all. We're all Searching for something."

"I thought I'd found my Charge," Bonehunter replied bitterly. "But those I thought were my Charge didn't agree."

Sandshimmer huffed in sympathy, the force of his breath scattering leaves and pine needles from the stones they passed. "Well then I hope the Glademother smiles on you. It's no easy thing, that."

Bonehunter mumbled a quiet thanks as he went ahead and introduced himself to the icy female. She already wanted free of this place. Didn't want to start over. What dragon enjoyed being passed from lair to lair, never having a home, never having a place to claim and keep?

"You are my Charge now," the azure male rumbled, his voice deeper than Sandshimmer's, like distant thunder. "Here you will be free to fly."

"And what makes you say that?" She snapped at her new elder. "How can you be so sure?"

"It is my Charge. Those two tree-names. They won't stay long. They've got the Glademother in their veins. But you? You will stay just as long as you want to. If you leave, it won't be because we want you to go. Because you are always welcome here. You are home."

The azure dragon grinned at her, though his eyes were solemn. "Say your hellos to my mate. Let her know your needs. My name is Gloaming. Welcome home, sister."

She watched him nod to his mate, they exchanged a brief and tender look. Then he strode from the clearing. The thunder of his wings as he took flight just before the tree line was deafening. The scent of magic coated her tongue along with the dust his flight raised.

It was her turn before the ice-colored female.

"My name is Icicle," the Guardian said warmly, giving lie to her name. "If you wish to change yours, we will honor whatever you want to be called or can pick something for you. You have a choice of lairs. There's a lake in the cave that many enjoy watching. There's a cavern lit by phosphorescent fungus. There are lairs that look out at the sky and over our forest territory. What ever you need, just let me know."

"My name is Bonehunter. It is a good enough name for my needs. I'd like a lair that looks over the forest."

Icicle smiled. "Excellent. Come with me and we'll get you settled."

"Lead on, Lady," Bonehunter said. Willing, at least for now, to give this place a chance.