What was that ghost saying about me in a prophecy? For that matter, what were they talking about me being able to defeat that monster? I dont think I could possibly defeat that thing. She sat down on a rock, which she used as a chair. She put her hand on her chin making it a fist.

Xi swayed with the motion of her dragon, Hedge-Hoppers awkward gate a familiar comfort after all these years. She had heard tale of a monster in these parts, snatching children away in the night. The notion seemed unlikely, but the safety of these lands was foremost in her responsibilities as a scout.

Not many places to hide... she murmured, half to herself and half to her dragon. Perhaps a beast has taken refuge in the cave north of here.

Xi guided her dragon northward and marched on. Before long the mouth of the cave came into view between the trees, and with it a young girl. An elf? No, not quite. Still, might this be the rumored missing child?

A gentile pat to the back of her dragon sent the command for a the massive toad like creature to spring into the air. Unfurling his wings as the apex of his jump to soften his landing to a quiet gentle breeze beside the girl.

Are you alright? Xi asked the half elven girl.

Aya, we should go hunt. Its almost noon and we dont have food. She got on Ayasholidas back and they took off. Flying over the forest was so calming for her, and it helped keep her anger at her parents at bay. She spotted another dragon far off. She readied her bow, not daring to hurt another dragon, but to shoot the deer below her.

I jumped back my serpentine eyes narrowed as I shot bacm in surprise and fear, I hissed like a warning "what in the 7 moons are you doing! Your going to alert them!" I hissed lowly my eyes narrowed untrusting to the new people sitting in front of me.

The girls eyes narrowed in a clear expression of distrust. Still if Xi intended to save this girl, expediency may prove to be more valuable than trust.

Xi held a finger to her lips. In hushed tones she responded Are you the child Ive heard has gone missing? Come with me, I can take you back to your family.

Xi gave a quick tap to Hedge-Hoppers back and the large creature dropped to its belly to allow the girl to climb upon his back. His scales a dull brown and the shape of leaves made him nearly indistinguishable from a pile of dried leaves with his pale underbelly hidden in the dirt.

She landed in a field, her bow and quiver on her waist. She strung her bow and got ready to shoot their deer. As quiet as she could, she pulled the string back and let go. The familiar twanging sound filled her ears.