Spirits of the Earth

Alerri wasn't used to being on her own. She kept her mind closed not wanting to hear again how this was all a bad idea. She hated it that the other dragons didn't understand her, but oh well. Sighing she turned on a road that looked like it hadn't been used in awhile. She wasn't sure where she was going as she had no idea what the world was.

Just as she was about to make a turn around the bend she found herself ambused! She thought about shifting into her other form, but didn't want word to get out that there was a dragon wandering these parts. Last thing she needed was someone trying to hunt her down or be afraid of her. She sighed waiting to see what these guys wanted.

"Well well, looks like we have another purse here. Give us all you own now!" The man in front of her said. She wasn't sure what he wanted these for.

"All I have are my clothes. You want those?" She asked scratching her head. She was hoping he didn't mean that, but the smile on his face looked like it meant otherwise.

"No fool just your money I can't spend your clothes. You lie like the rest. Get her!" The main man said. It wasn't long before they had her pinned down and were searching her empty pockets. One of the men sighed.

"This one is a poor fool. No coins pay another price," the main man said shaking his head. She wasn't sure what they meant by that. One of them took out a knife and rolled up her left sleeve. She was still held down while the man cut a the shape of a coin into her arm. He also cut poor soul above and below it. They laughed and left her there.

Alerri couldn't believe someone would do this. Her arm ached beyond anything she had felt before. Getting up she moved onward thinking perhaps someone else would help her instead of hurt her. She wasn't sure what the odds were on that though.

Another twenty minutes of walking she found another path one that looked like it was well used. She sat down by a tree thinking a little rest would be a good idea. She closed her eyes only for a second.

The young noble loved days like today. She loved teaching her students and taking them into the forest of the fears to teach them of its wonders. Things were not so scary in the light of day and with a helping hand and a watchful eye close by.

Today's lesson was on edible and poisonous bush berries which led Primrose and her small group of children down one of the well-trodden paths of Draconi Forest. She taught them of the dangers and heavily reminded them that she advised against going around and eating berries unless completely desperate. Then and only then could they could they risk their lives on the hard to tell apart berries. There were red ones on plants with serrated leaves that were safe while similar looking berries on plants with double serrated leaves were extremely poisonous. Primrose could not stress enough how much care she wanted the children to take.

Right now they had been sent off to bring back leaves that could be used for healing from their last lesson in the forest the week before. Remaining on the path, Primrose paced back and forth to keep watch over the fearless children as they climbed trees and jumped over logs. She was not going to be negligent and return an injured child to his or her family on her watch.

"Miss Primmy, Miss Primmy! Come look!" called one of the older boys. "Someone died!" In that moment her heart seemed to stop as she took to her feet and raced towards the voice, commanding the younger children to stay on the path, even as she knew they would follow her anyway.

Leaning against a tree was the body of woman who looked worse for wear. Primrose fought to shoo away the gawking children but only managed to get them out of her way as they circled closely around the two women. "Miss?" she called softly, laying a gentle hand on the woman's knee. "Miss can you hear me? Do you need help?"

Alerri hadn't realized she had dozed for more than a couple of minutes. The bleeding had slowed down and stopped pretty much but her arm didn't ache any less. She heard someone saying something.Reluctantly she opened her eyes.

"I was just sleeping. Help would be nice I met some unfriendly men in the woods they decided to do some, I think its called carving. It hurts a lot," she said wanting to cry. She wasn't sure crying was allowed. She left her arm be figuring touching it would be a horrible idea. For the first time she noted those around her. She had never seen such small ones before.

"Who are they? Who are you?" She asked only a couple of the questions that came to her mind. She figured that was a good start. Somehow that didn't seem like enough questions though. She had way too many questions floating through her mind.

"Why are they so small? Are they dangerous?"

"I'm sorry for disturbing you then dearie, you just seem to look like you could use some help. My name is Primrose and these are my students. They are some of the children from the village. I assure you that none of us mean any harm, they are just a curious bunch and not dangerous in the least."

A nod of the noble's head sent some of the older ones out to gather the proper plants for treating the bleeding female's injuries. Offering a gentle smile, Primrose delicately took the stranger's hand within her own. "Forgive me Lady, but may I examine your injury? I don't have to if you do not wish me to although it would be easier if I could so that I can treat it. However, I would not go so far as to go against your wishes and I assure you that I will not cause you any harm, at least none that I can prevent. I only wish to examine the extent of the injury. Would you permit me to? I mean it doesn't have to be me, I could perhaps find someone else although it may take much longer before I can and-"

The children's laughter cut the noble off from her long speech. Primrose's nervous nature had caught up to her again. Without fail it always served to amuse the children as she stumbled her way through conversations and desires to help others.

"It's okay I didn't mean to sleep long. I'm Alerri," she said giving her name after this lady did. She seemed to be worried about Alerri, which wasn't something the childlike woman was used to. She was glad that none of them were dangerous. She didn't feel like eating the short ones.

Alerri wasn't sure what to make of this. Nobody had just taken her hand like this before. Then again she didn't really have a hand to take before she left home it was mostly claws. She wondered what this was for. Alerri listened to the woman and then heard the children laugh.

"Why are they laughing? If you can make it stop hurting I would like that. Go ahead it can't get any worse than what it is now," she said figuring that she was wrong in this, but hoped she was right. How much worse could her injury get?

Primrose patted Alerri's hand gently and blushed. "It is not you they laugh at, but me. I talk a lot when I first meet someone. My apologies in advance if I annoy you to death. I'm just going to lift your sleeve and take a look at how bad it is. Does anything else hurt, Lady Alerri?"

The moment her eyes caught sight of the words carved into tender flesh, the noble's eyes narrowed to thin slits and her lips turned white from pressing into such a fine line. She gritted her teeth in anger but she kept her tones soft and kind. "Did you know the one who did this to you? Could you recognize him or her if you saw the person again? I don't want to upset you Miss Alerri."

One of the boys returned, a large handful of freshly picked leaves clutched firmly in his hands that he quickly passed off to Primrose. Working quickly, she crushed one of the smaller fern plants and began pressing it into the cuts with precise and gently care. "I'm sorry I know it hurts, probably even stings. This will keep it from getting worse. Afterwards I can bind it with the bigger leaves and if you are willing, take you home with me. Can you walk?"

"If one does not talk how do we get to know each other? No it's just my shoulder," she answered not sure what to say to being called a 'lady'. It had never happened before she wasn't sure if she should respond the same way or not.

"There were several of them I don't know if I could recognize them again. I do know they were men. I'm not upset just a little tired," she said thinking this was maybe the longest day of her life yet. She sat still even though it stun a bit when Prim was trying to help her.

It wasn't the only time something hurt for a few moments before relief came. When she was really young not even able to fly yet, Alerri had done the one thing that she couldn't believe - had a thorn embedded into her paw. She couldn't help but wimper every time she stepped on it. Eventually she had someone older dig it out of her paw for her. She was very careful on where she stepped after that.

"A little, but if it helps then okay I don't want it to get any worse than this. Will binding it help? What's your home like? I might be able to walk I walked here from where I this owie," she said watching this woman. Alerri wanted to ask this wise female more questions, but she didn't feel like getting yelled at for being too curious just then.

"Of course," Primrose replied with a rose tint to her cheeks. "Forgive me again, nonetheless. I tend to run at the mouth before I am able to stop it. From my assessment I would say that binding and some herbs will help in the interim. More attention will be needed in the future, preferably sooner rather than later. I can do this, unless you know someone else and would prefer to work with him or her. You are more than welcome to stay with me for the time it takes for you to heal. I live in a manor and have more than enough room to accommodate another guest. Have no fear of being an imposition dearie."

The noblewoman was unhappy to hear about the attackers but right now the wounded girl in front of her took priority. Even as she spoke she was working at make her as comfortable as possible. The leaves were left on the wounds to soak some while the larger ones were torn into long strips and wrapped firmly around the arm as a makeshift bandage.

"As you can see children it really does work. Now, class dismissed for today. Harvest time is coming soon and your families will be wanting you home. Off you go now. I will see you soon. Stick together! Sheig don't leave without your sister again. Good-bye!"

Primrose laughed and sent them on their way, watching until the last had disappeared from sight. "Now my lady, shall we see about getting you on your feet again?"

"I don't know anyone in these parts except you now," she admitted blushing a little. She listened to what Primrose had to say glad someone was doing something. Her arm did hurt a little more when the medicine was applied, but then the sharp pain dulled which she was grateful for.

"Thank you," she said not sure what else to say. She listened as Prim turned her attention back to the little ones around her. Alerri heard the children were leaving and it saddened her. She wanted to watch Prim interact with them some more.

"Okay, how far is it we have to go?" She said bracing against the tree trying to slowly rise to her feet. She had been sitting there far too long.

"A manor? What is that?" She asked having never heard of such things. If anything she felt she had too little knowledge on humans and hoped to change that very soon and very quickly.

Primrose smiled at Alerri, even as she kept a hawk-eye on the other woman's movements. It would not due to injure herself further. The noblewoman was also watching for signs of any other injuries she did not already know about. She was anything if not an astute healer. She was not going to let this woman be in any more pain than was necessary.

"May I help you?" she questioned even as her hands reached out to help steady her patient. Remaining close to her side, Primrose began to slowly lead them through the forest, trying to pick a path that would allow for the least amount of jostling about. "It is not too far to my home. I live just on the edge of the forest. I prefer to stay out of town for the most part. People sometimes feel uncomfortable around me. As for a manor," the teacher scrunched up her nose in thought at how to explain it, "I would say a manor is like a house. Except it's big enough to hold my enormous library of books!"

Her eyes twinkled in mirth at such a description. "Where are you from Alerri if not from here? Do you have any family, someone we can write to perhaps about today?"

"Thanks any help is greatly appreciated," she said trying to be polite and appear as if she was what she seemed. The last thing she wanted was to scare some human half out of her wits. They usually didn't take well to her type, but she was glad she seemed to be making a new friend or at least she hoped that's what she was doing.

"Why do they feel uncomfortable around you? How many books do you have? What is a book? What is a house?" She said not being able to help the questions. She was always wanting to learn. It seemed this woman was just the person to help teach her too.

"Not anywhere around here. They wouldn't really appreciate a letter. I think they were a little relieved I left no more questions to answer. My family is very vast," she said keeping the answers general on purpose. She didn't want Primrose to run away so quickly.

"If I'm asking too many questions just let me know. I can keep some of them in," she said looking around at the forest as they walked along. She was glad it wasn't far away.

"Well perhaps uncomfortable is not the proper word. But, then again I don't know what the appropriate word would be then in that case. I mean to say that many of the people in town feel....uncomfortable. There is a status difference between them and I and well while I have no issues about it and really wish to make no fuss, many wish to observe it and my disregard of it makes them feel out of place as it were. I have tried everthing I can think of to make it less as obvious but, there is only so much one can do in situations such as these. I am just the odd duckling that has set ripples that are making waves in the proverbial pond. What can I do?"

The young noble shrugged her shoulders before chuckling at the list of questions that were quickly accumulating. Some of them were odd but on second though they were not that different than ones she had been asked by her students. Perhaps the young woman with her was also another underprivileged individual. Primrose that the farther out from major cities one got, the higher the possibility that education became less available.

Taking a deep breath she steeled herself to try and remember them all and began to answer each question in order. "To be honest I have never counted the number of books I actually own however I have so many that they fill an entire room from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. The room itself is five rooms tall. The library, the room I keep my books in, always makes me feel so tiny," she giggled.

"A book is a written collection of words. They often contain stories, both real and imagined. But they can also contain other things like," she paused to think of something simple before smiling excitedly, "cooking instructions. As for a house, well it's a place that people call home. It is a building with rooms in it for various activities including cooking and sleeping. Some houses only have one room for everything while others have several individual rooms, like my home."

Primrose gave Alerri a quick friendly squeeze and shook her head. "No worries dear, I am perfectly alright with asking any questions you have. There is no harm in being curious. Although would you mind if I asked you some of my own in turn?" The noblewoman was concerned about the injured woman's talk of her family. She wondered what drove the girl away and if there were ways she could possibly help right the situation.

Alerri listened while Prim answered her questions. She loved learning and was glad someone could answer her questions. She knew there were many more she wanted to ask, but wasn't sure if this was the time or place to ask them. She understood status differences as she saw that among the dragons back home.

"Well I would think that is their problem if they feel uncomfortable. We are similar in that. I was the odd one out where I came from," she said glad to know someone else like her. She knew there were differences, but she didn't care. Alerri smiled when Prim giggled.

"How do you get the information from the books?" She asked figuring maybe that was a way to answer most if not all of her questions on humans. She heard other words she didn't understand still. She heard the okay to ask questions it was something she wasn't used to at all.

"Curiosity doesn't kill then? I was told it did. Ask away after all its only fair since I'm asking so many," she replied with a smile. If anything she was honest for the most part. She wasn't very good at lying anyways.

The noblewoman smiled and nodded her head as she picked her way through the forest. It would not be long before they reached her home. "How about," she offered, "I show you my library, where I keep all my books, and you can see for yourself? Of course that would be after I make sure you're all patched up. Wouldn't want you bleeding all over the place. Not, of course that it's about the blood everywhere. I'm more worried about you. Nor do I mean blood should be everywhere and I don't mind about that either I-uh-am doing it again. Sorry, I'm just concerned about your well-being.

Now where was I?" Scrunching her face in concentration, Primrose attempted to remember what she had been meaning to say when she started talking. Slowly she worked her way back through the past couple of minutes and finally recalled the elusive topic. "Ah yes, I remember now."

A look at Alerri though, changed her mind from being direct and blunt in her approach. The other woman had been through enough today without Primrose's prying. "Is there anything you would like to eat for dinner? I can have Jolie my cook whip something delicious up for us when we get home."

Alerri listened when the other woman talked. Not because she had to but because she wanted to. It seemed that all human's said had to be figured out. She liked puzzles and hoped she would find a way to piece this together.

"I would like to see it. I appreciate your concern for me I should be fine soon enough," she said wondering if perhaps someone could teach her some magic as well. She knew she could do some things, but being as young as she was she had yet to learn other things. No one had taught her yet just how one healed themselves.

"I am not accustomed to your ways and am also not finicky when it comes to food," she said wondering if that was all Prim wanted to ask about. She seemed to be holding back. Alerri tried to remember all that was said wondering what else that might have been about. She couldn't think of it though.

"There was something else too, wasn't there?"

She cast her eyes downward, blushing heavily at being caught. "Well there was something else, you are quite right. However, perhaps it is best spoken at another time? I would hate to pry and it is quite personal, what I wish to ask that is. I would hate to upset you when you have had quite enough of that already today, don't you think?"

Primrose smiled and breathed a very small sigh of relief when they at last broke the forestline and were in view of her home. It was a beautiful piece of masonry, not too large but not too small either. A quaint little fence enclosed the property while still giving off an inviting air to it all.

"Well what do you think Miss Alerri? Is a manor what you thought it would be?"

Alerri watched what Prim did wondering why she did that. She wasn't used to seeing one blush or show any emotion on their faces.

"Is there something wrong with your face? It has turned red. If you wish that then okay I don't mind though. Is it going to upset me?" She said still very inquisitive.

Alerri's attention went from their conversation to the place they had come to. She was in awe of such a place having never seen one like it before. She wondered if all human's lived like this or if they were like her and came from caves. She had a feeling most of them lived in something similar to what Prim had though.

"No it's nothing like I've seen before. It's amazing," she said smiling. This day was one she would never forget that was for sure. She had met her first human friend and now she was getting some answers. What would be next?

Primrose's cheeks darkened further at having her embarrassment brought to attention by the other woman. Using the house as a further distraction, she did not bother to answer Alerri's other questions, too embarrassed for the first and too concerned for the second.

"Come along dear. Let's get you cleaned up and taken care of. How does a nice bath sound?" she asked sweetly as she led the girl through the front gate and towards the front door.

Alerri noticed that Prim ignored her questions. She was used to this and thought nothing of it. After all most of her curiosity stemmed from not having questioned answered by those trying to teach her how to be a proper dragon. She wondered if that was why she didn't know how to properly heal she was too concerned with humans to be a proper dragon.

"What's a bath?" she asked knowing sooner or later the questions would get on Prim's nerves just like they had with her other instructors. That actually came sooner rather than later though. Alerri was getting nervous heading closer to the mansion. She wondered if going inside was a good idea after all. It looked like something that would eat you.

Alerri hesitated slowing their progression toward the big place. She had been inside a mountain before and that was bigger than this, but there was something about this place that just didn't sit right. She felt strange realizing this was her dragon training coming back into play.

As a young dragon she had been trained never to go inside strange places. This certainly was strange enough.

"Come along dear, just a bit further now. I know you're hurting," Primrose encouraged, mistaking hesitation for weariness. The young noble began to wonder further about the place from which Alerri had come. To not know what a bath was, was not unheard of but distanced the young woman even further away from Ketra than Primrose had imagined.

'However did she make it all the way out here?' she pondered as her small hand fumbled with the doorknob. From the inside the door finally swung open and out of the noblewoman's hand as an elderly man quietly greeted them, revealing the large foyer and staircase on the far end of the room.

"My Lady, how may I be of assistance," the soft bass uttered, his eyes kindly falling on the woman standing close to his mistress as Primrose quickly led her in.
"Jain, this is Lady Alerri. She had a bit of a run-in with some thieves on the road. Would you mind informing Jolie of another at dinner tonight and have a room prepared for her?"

A slight incline of the man's head before he left through a door on the right signaled his acquiescence. Sighing, Primrose turned once more to her companion and looked her over. "Forgive me, Alerri I did not answer your question. A bath is water put into a bowl big enough to old a person and then used to clean oneself. I'm sure you'll feel better getting all the grime of the road off as well as cleaning any other injuries you may have. Do you think you can walk a bit further? I don't want to stress you but I also feel you would be more comfortable upstairs."

Alerri kept looking around not sure what to make of this new place. Prim seemed okay with it, so she moved forward letting the woman help her. If anything she was very much pleased at seeing something new instead of the same old stuff she came from.

Without saying anything she noted that Prim put her hand around some strange object and then pushed the large wooden thing out of the way. So many words and wonders. I wonder if I'll be able to learn them all. Time perhaps will change things. She thought glad for once she had ventured away from home.

The gal just kept looking around taking in everything. She noted the strange things going upward wondering not only where they lead but what they were. For once she felt she had too many questions and not enough answers. She was about to ask a question when she heard a voice she hadn't heard before. It brought her attention to the man standing there. Alerri let them go on without a word figuring they would say something to her if they needed to. She wondered if she would look like him some day - so many wrinkles.

"It's okay I figured you were too busy to answer it. Grime of the road? Yes I can walk, but what do you mean by upstairs? I know this word up, but stairs?" Alerri said feeling more confused. She wondered if all this confusion could have been avoided if she had just stayed at home like a good little dragon.

It was a testament to her patience that Primrose still continued to answer the other woman's questions with the same calm and happy tone as always. "The structure in front of you are stairs. They are used for going up and down floors, levels of the house. If you look up you can see the other levels, see? Those go to higher places within the house. We are going to go up the stairs to my room and then you are going to get a bath and clean clothes and then we are going to eat. How does that sound?" she queried leading Alerri across the lobby.

Alerri listened to what Prim was saying. She wondered if she was still asking too many questions. She had a feeling she was as Prim missed a question. Usually when someone skipped answering one it usually meant for her to shut up. She knew this all too well.

Following Prim, she just kept looking around. The questions kept coming but she kept them to herself. Time would help her learn the words to know everything. She remembered that she hadn't answered the questions Prim asked her when they were just walking toward the stairs.

"Yes, that sounds good," she said placing one foot on the first stair trying it out. It seemed strange, but then again everything would. She knew there was no way she could learn how to be human in one day. If anything she wanted to know all of this, but wasn't sure how to ask without telling all.

Primrose was glad to have at last gotten them both upstairs and headed towards the guest room. The brief blur of Janus exiting the room informed her the room was ready but also gave her reason for caution. While having a sweet face, the young boy still had a taste for mischief and she would not have put it past him to try and prank her guest. After all, Primrose was not known to have many of them and she had gotten quite good at not only catching the child's pranks but also turning them against him. It was about time he found a new victim.

'Behave Janus, or I swear I'll tan your hide myself. She's hurt,' she mentally reprimanded the boy, knowing he would never hear it but still hoping against hope that Kia herself might make the boy be on his best behavior.

"Alerri dear, if you do not know what is a bath is, do you know how to clean yourself off? I do not wish to embarrass you or intrude on your privacy but I do not want to cause you anymore upset either. I am not opposed to helping you if you desire it. Not of course that you need help. I'm sure you are quite capable. Not to say though that you are in perfect health or extremely poor health either, mind you. I just would like to provide the best I can for you. Sorry," Primrose blushed yet again as she fumbled over her words.

Alerri was more and more amazed by what she saw. She didn't ask any questions figuring she probably had asked more than she should have. She saw something moving around, but wasn't sure what it was let alone who.

"Yes I do know how to become clean. Usually involves water and soap," she answered remembering when she last had her scales cleaned. She wondered if her skin would be like scales. Of course she couldn't ask unless she wanted to tell her big secret.

"It's okay I'll be able to manage. I'm glad you want to help me. I'm more curious about things around here and such, but I know too many questions are not a good thing. My education is lacking because of where I'm from," she said not going into detail. She wasn't sure how anyone would take a dragon living with them.

She hated keeping secrets. This woman had been really nice to her. Taken her in was going to let her stay, and she couldn't even tell her the truth. This wasn't good. She didn't want to blow everything the moment she was inside. Maybe she will take it better than I'm thinking. I highly doubt that though. Humans are afraid of dragons. That's basic Dragon 101. Now what will I do? She thought moving to go look at this 'bath'. She found it to be just something filled with water.

Once alone she took this 'bath' and got dried. She wasn't sure if she was suppose to put her old clothing back on or if there was something new she was to be covered up in.[/icpost]

The lady of the house bowed her head out of both respect and embarrassment. She hoped she had not offended the other woman by asking if she knew how to bathe. But, the idea of having more questions to answer made her smile.

"Oh Alerri, do not worry about the questions. I am a teacher, I have devoted my whole life to teaching and answering questions. I am more than willing to help you, that is if you so desire. You do not have to of course. I would not be offended if you did not. But, I would be honored if you did. Not that that means I wish to force you to chose to. I just want you to do right by you, no matter what that means.

"Now then," she cheerily stated opening the bathroom door and moved aside to allow a view of the slightly steaming tub and the warm fire crackling in the hearth. "Why don't you relax and get cleaned up dear. Afterwards we can have dinner and if you are not tired after that we could go for a walk in my garden and talk if you so desire. How does that sound?"

Alerri wasn't embarrassed in the least. She knew there were things to be learned on both sides. She was looking forward to being clean again. If only she could make sure it was her scales too and not just this skin. She wasn't sure how that worked.

"I just don't want you to get tired of me. I asked too many questions of my elders back home and they got tired of me quickly. When they saw me coming they tried to hide. Choose? Choose what? I don't understand what you are saying," she said wondering what was going on here. Choose to stay and learn? Is that what she means? Or to choose her for my teacher? Oh well I'll find out shortly. She thought then saw the room she would be bathing in.

"That does look inviting," she said going in to take that bath. She wasn't sure if she would fit but felt silly asking. Surely the tub would grow larger if she needed it to. Wasn't magic everywhere after all. She thought so.

"It all sounds wonderful. Do I put the same clothing back on then after the bath?" She asked trying not to be trouble.

"Oh you poor dear," Primrose sympathized, reaching out to squeeze the woman into a one-armed hug. "I can understand the feeling. However, I assure you, you will never be cast out of my home for asking too many questions. I commend your thirst for knowledge. In that we are kindred spirits my dear."

She smiled warmly and gave the other woman one more squeeze before letting her go. "As for choosing, well you have the choice to do whatever you wish Alerri. If you wish to be helped, to learn, to stay, whatever you wish, you need only ask and you shall receive to the best of my ability. I hope perhaps that we may become friends. It would be nice to have someone to share stories with. But, really don't you worry about it right now. Just hop into that tub there and relax. I'll bring you some clothes when you're done if that is alright with you? Also if you need anything at all, just give a shout. I'm just across the hall."

The noblewoman smiled warmly at Alerri. It felt good to be helping someone in need again. Primrose loved working with the town's children but there was something good about having another woman, if a bit young, in the house with her. No matter how hard she tried, she still was a bit alienated from the rest of the town. As long as she was of nobleblood it would remain that way. Their classes did not mix beyond certain points. They humored her in allowing her to teach their children, but little more at times. There were a rare few exceptions but for the most part, everyone left her alone and she in turn let them alone. So it had been and so it would seem to remain for some time to come.

Alerri wasn't sure what to make of the one armed hug. She didn't know how to respond either. She didn't feel poor, and yet she was somehow. She brightened at the fact she had a place she might learn something. It wasn't every day she found a place to quench her thirst for knowledge.

"Kindred spirits?" She asked having never heard the phrase before. She liked how it sounded though and hoped it meant something good.

"I don't know too many stories, but I'll share what I can. I would like to stay for awhile and learn," she said not sure how she would be helped. She felt so young so unlearned and didn't like it one bit. In due time and I should learn some patience. It's one thing my elders hated was my lack of patience. She thought feeling very welcome here.

"Yes that is fine with me. Okay I will," she said waiting for the other woman to leave. Once she was alone she hopped into a bath feeling the warmth of the water. It felt really good to just relax there like sunbathing on the rocks. She wasn't allowed to do it often since it might dry out her scales, but she liked it any ways.

Will this dry out my skin like my scales? Prim is very nice nicer than those men. Why is she being so nice to me? She thought at first. She closed her eyes letting the warmth take over.

Perhaps I can do this often enough. Boy the things I've learned already. I wonder what she'll teach me next. Friends? I don't know I've had a friend before. She thought.

Awhile later...

"Prim? I think I'm done in here," she said wondering if the clothes would just appear out of thin air. She wanted to ask about magic being all around, but wasn't sure if that was a good idea. She hadn't seen the water being put into the tub so she had no idea how it got there or how it would be removed. It all just fascinated her.

Like many of the questions that Primrose was sure to miss, the young woman did not catch the questioning of her choice of words. She would have learn quickly to catch the questioning of even this if she planned to assist Alerri properly. It had been a long time since she had worked with an older student. The noblewoman had forgotten that age does not always reflect the number of years of book-learning one has had.

It heartened her though and brought a radiating smile to her face to see the hesitance of the young girl with her. Primrose swore she could see the love of learning just bubbling inside Alerri, waiting to burst forth and take in everything it could. After all, it was the same thing she saw within herself when she happened to glance into the looking glass.

She left the other girl be, choosing to gather a fresh set of clothes for the young lady so that she may have something nice to change into before dinner and then to sleep in afterwards. Primrose almost giggled with delight. She was tickled pink at having another young female in the house with her. Hopefully Alerri would not mind staying longer than to just recover. Her only concern now though was in not overwhelming the poor child.

'The dear has been through too much already. I mustn't disturb her or scare her off. She needs rest and healing. Everything else can wait.'

With a firm nod she headed back to wait outside the room after doing a brief search of the guestroom to make sure it would be ready for Alerri when she was completed her relaxing bath.

The muffled call from within caught Primrose's attention, causing her to move towards the door and rest her hand on it. "I have some fresh clothes for you if you would like them Alerri. You don't have to though, they might be a bit big, but of course I'm sure we can get them to fit. If you want that, that it is. Also I do not recall if I pointed it out earlier. There is a cloth towel next to the tub you can use to dry off. Careful you don't catch a cold, my friend!"

Alerri got out of the tub and grabbed the towel. She felt the brisk air around her wondering how one caught the cold. It seemed like something that wouldn't be able to be caught just like heat. She had a feeling there were many things she was bound never to understand. She dried off and kept the towel around her.

She opened the door with the towel around her. She wasn't sure if she was suppose to just take the clothing or if she was to let someone help her. She noticed they looked as if they wouldn't fit as well. She didn't mind.

"Better than too small," she said taking the clothing. She closed the door and dressed finding it was a tad bigger than she was used to. She sighed wondering if she shouldn't try a spell or something. She thought maybe it not wise to show she could do magic it might scare the other woman. She didn't want to jinx her chances of having a real place to stay even if it was brief. She just wasn't sure how long her stay would be nothing had been decided.

She opened the door again fully dressed this time. She knew she looked pathetic in the clothing as they were several sizes bigger. She didn't mind though. She wanted to ask questions again, but wasn't sure that was wise at the time. She waited to see what was next.

Primrose winced slightly at Alerri's appearance feeling quite bad that she did not own something better to offer the young woman. "I really do apologize. Tomorrow we can get you something that will fit you better. I am just not prepared to clothe one your size, it has been far too long since I was close to you in height my dear. I'm truly sorry, allow me to adjust your sleeves for you and then you must watch your hem. It would be terrible if you tripped and fell especially on the stairs."

The noblewoman chattered on as she quickly reached for Alerri's arms and rolled up her sleeves several times over, knowing that they would continue to slip and fall back due to the nature of the dress' fabric. There was a price to be paid for wearing nice things, sometimes they just would not do what you wanted unless they had been made just for you.

"But as I was saying, are you ready to eat? You must be famished! There are all kinds of yummy things to partake in, soups, breads, hearty ales, and tender meats. I hope you'll like it. What kinds of things did you eat in your town?" Primrose spoke rapidly, not even letting herself breathe as she took Alerri in hand and began to lead her back to the stairs.

"It's no problem this works fine," she said not minding it. There had been a time when she didn't have to worry about what she wore. She missed the simpler life of the dragons she left. Here she knew clothing was a must. It wasn't something she minded. One thing she hadn't been thinking of was the next day. It would be her first real day in this new place with her new friend. She wondered what that day would bring what she would learn. She could hardly wait for it to begin.

"I'll be careful not to slip," she promised knowing it was important to Prim. She wasn't sure why it was important, but one thing she knew was that she didn't know everything especially in the Human world. The gal let Prim roll the sleeves up watching while she did it. That way she would be able to roll them up again later if necessary.

Before Alerri could reply about the food she heard her stomach growl loudly. She was sure Prim had heard it too and felt her cheeks getting hot. She wasn't sure why her stomach had decided to voice its own opinion, but there was nothing to be done about that now. She heard what Prim said about what types of food there was.

"I guess you know my answer," she said then heard the question. She wasn't sure how to answer that without it sounding appalling. She was glad that Prim was in the lead here. She had no idea where to go, but planned to learn and remember for later.

"That all sounds wonderful I'm always up for trying something new. We ate whatever was caught for the day mostly some unlucky animal," she said still not giving too much detail. She heard the word but it was foreign to her still.

"What's a town?"

She blinked once, twice and then a few more times while opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water. The only sounds escaping it though were the soft popping sounds of her lips touching each other quickly in her surprise.

Collecting herself again, she cleared her throat and began again with a small. "The place you lived in, was it just you and your family or were there other families around as well? A town is gathering, a group that is to say, of families, or people in general, that live in their own homes but close together. So," she waved around her to the building they were in, "is my home. Your home if it was not far from here as well as my servant's homes, would qualify us as a town. Does that make sense? I'm sorry I keep using all these words Alerri, it must be so frustrating for you," Primrose despaired, feeling quite guilty about her higher education for the first time in a long while.

She had always striven to use her knowledge to help others. Now though when so much of her knowledge surpassed that of her student, the noblewoman was reminded just how far she had come and just how far humility could go. It was as much of a good lesson for her as her work with Alerri would be for the other woman.

"What are your favorite foods then Alerri? Perhaps I can go out with you and we can catch some tomorrow and have a feast of our own? Would you like that? I do not wish you to miss your home too much. I can understand what that is like," she whispered the last softly, thinking of her time in Jadenshine and her longing to be back here in Ketra.

"It was just my large family," she answered being truthful. She was glad that Prim was explaining things to her. She thought she understood what Prim meant about the town. She looked forward to seeing it soon enough.

"No need to apologize. If you don't use those words then I won't be able to ask you what they mean," she said smiling. It was simple logic, but that was what Alerri liked. She liked keeping things as simple as possible.

"I don't have any favorites really. Food was just part of the day for me where I didn't have to listen to my stomach complain. I don't miss that place it wasn't really home," she said admitting for the first time. It shocked her she could say that. It was true though that wasn't home for her. She was just there because it was where she hatched out.

Alerri knew she had to be careful or Prim might figure out where she lived. She was already trying to. She didn't want to offend the woman, but she thought the truth would only scare her. It usually did with humans.

The simple logic of Alerri's reasoning made Primrose smile brightly. This girl, not much younger than herself served to make her heart light. She loved how interested the other was in learning new things and how unabashed she was by it all. 'Such bravery. Such courage. Dear girl, you are a jewel to be loved and treasured,' she thought warmly, wishing she could wrap her arms around the other young woman and hold her close.

But, then the smile faltered slightly. It saddened the orphaned noblewoman to know that this girl would view 'home' as 'not home.' All Primrose wanted was to have her home back again. Or rather that people that made it home.

Trying not to press her own emotion on the other though, she continued their conversation as best as she could. "Perhaps you can find a home here, if of course it is not too presumptuous of me to say. You are always welcome here though, should you find yourself itching to travel but are passing through again. I want you to know that Alerri. My door will always be open to you, no matter what. You are welcome here. Does that make sense?"

Alerri was watching the older woman. She saw the smile and smiled too not sure why they were smiling. She had no idea she had just said something that might be humorous in any form. She the saw that Prim wasn't as happy. Something she said she guessed made the woman upset. She wasn't sure what it was, but was curious.

"I said something to upset you?" She asked then heard what Prim said about this place maybe being home for her. It was already starting to feel more like home than any place she had been so far.

"It does make sense. I'm glad I haven't worn out my welcome here. With all my questions I usually do if I bug you let me know. It's the first place actually that someone actually wants me to stay," she said and smiled a little not realizing she had stopped before. She hugged Prim glad that she had someplace where someone wanted her.

"Didn't you mention food?"

"No, no, no dear. You didn't say anything to upset me. I just...I remembered something...about myself. It had nothing to do with you. I'm sorry if I worried you. I didn't mean to." Smiling weakly again, she tried to appear her normal cheery self. But, her heart felt heavy with the past weighing on her mind.

The sweet hug Primrose received, both surprised her and brightened her mood considerably. The heaviness remained but did not seem quite so suffocating with someone else there to shine a light on her. 'Perhaps a friend can be gained out of this,' she though, filled with great hope. 'A real friend. I haven't had one in so long. Not since...well not in a long time.'

She squeezed back fiercely and warmly before blushing. "I did, didn't I! Such a horrible hostess. You're probably famished by now. Come, I'm sure there are some good warm rolls and juicy meat with hot soup we can warm our aching bellies with."

So saying, the noblewoman took Alerri's hand in her own and tugged her to the already set dinning table, filled with the very things Primrose said it would be. Perhaps, things were not so bad after all.

"I'm glad you are okay," she said still a bit worried about her. Alerri didn't have someone to worry about before now, nor anyone to have fused over her like this. It was a strange new setting she had stepped into something she knew she would have to get used to.

"You are not horrible food just helps to get your mind off of that you were thinking about. They call it something starting with a 'd', but I can't remember the word," she said shrugging. Alerri wasn't sure about that hug, but guessed it had been the right thing to do. She was at a loss still in human customs.

"That all sounds wonderful," she said having no idea what any of it was. That didn't matter though what mattered was getting something in her stomach. She felt Prim's hand taking hers leading them down to the table.

Seeing such a table set and all the food, Alerri had so many questions. She knew she couldn't ask them though. Doing so would set forth Prim's curiosity on where the girl came from again. She couldn't bear the thought of losing a potential friend like this. She didn't like being alone in the world, and yet she knew she was. At least until she met Prim.

'Something with a 'd'?' Primrose mused, her nose crinkling slightly as she tried to ascertain what Alerri was taking about. When it still did not come to her though, she resolved to worry about it later as she had been rude enough a hostess already of late. It would not do to persist in that manner.

The noblewoman assisted her guest into her seat and with placing food on her plate. Part of her felt it rude to for the other woman while the other was just eager to help. She made sure to point out each dish and explain what was in it as she went.

"Now if there is anything you don't like please don't force yourself to eat it. Honestly I'm not fond of potatoes myself so I can't fault you for disliking something. If you want more you are most welcome to it. Really Alerri I want you to feel right at home. Also if there is anything more I can do to make you more comfortable, please don't hesitate to ask. I sometimes forget what others may need. I get a bit distracted I suppose. Not that I'm intentionally doing that of course. I just...forget? It happens you know? Oh you must think me so spoiled! I'm sure you worked very hard back home where you come from. Forgive me. I meant no insult."

Alerri couldn't believe all the food. She hadn't seen a feast like this ever even when they were hunting for food as children. She was taught it wasn't right for so much food to be at one sitting as some might go to waste. She wondered why humans needed to eat so much in one sitting when dragons didn't.

"What's wrong with potatoes?" she asked not sure of them herself. She took a few things not understanding what they were by words alone. She remembered which was called which though. Not being in her dragon form she didn't have to worry about just eating meat. This was getting more and more interesting for her.

"I can't think of anything. I've never felt more at home than I do right now. Nobody really fussed over me at home. Worked? What's that? What's spoiled?" She asked having not heard those words before. She was from a strange different world where words like these never came up. She's asking about my home again. Will there ever be a time when she isn't curious where I came from? Would she accept me if she knew where I came from?

Primrose blushed and bit her lip. "It's not that there is anything wrong with potatoes. They're not unsafe to eat of course. I wouldn't serve them to you if they were. It's just that I don't find them tasteful. Um...most people do, my father loved them. But I just find them to be very bland, um without taste. Putting lots of herbs and spices on them to make them taste better just seems a waste to me."

The woman sighed and smiled, playing with her food a little bit as she remembered things of the past. It was true that her father loved potatoes. Primrose could still remember the tricks her father would play sometimes to get her to eat them. He was always convinced that she would like them and it was just a phase. Decades later and she still did not find the agreeable.

The thoughts made her smile as did Alerri's words. Despite her perceived failings, her guest was happy and claimed to feel right at home. That was at least a pleasant relief for her. Being asked more questions only made her feel better on top of it and she was eager to answer them.

"Work is...what...people do...to get things...done. And," Primrose spoke slowly as she tried to figure out how to explain concepts that to her just were. It was not something that she ever really found herself having to explain and that fact actually intrigued her. She had a feeling that she would have more of these talks and could not wait for the future, whatever it might hold.

"As for spoiled well...there are two meanings. Generally it means that something has gone bad. When it's food, then it is too rotten to eat. When it is a child though or a person then spoiled means that the individual was never punished for doing anything wrong or they did whatever they wanted and were given whatever they wanted without consequence. For myself I meant that I was never made to work. I had a...good life, a privileged life," the noblewoman said with bowed head, her fork furiously stirring her food around her plate without regard to the actual mess she was creating.

"I'm sorry Alerri."

Alerri listened fascinated by all of this. Potatoes could be good it was all in the person's opinion. This was new to her. Dragons didn't have opinions about food. She liked having learned this.

"Why do you push your food around like that?" the girl said observing Prim. She had wanted to do exactly as the humans did, but knew she still had tons to learn. This was her first sit down dinner after all. She saw Prim smiling thinking that was good. She wasn't sure though getting a vibe that something was wrong.

"Oh we did have work at home just different," she said shrugging her shoulders. She wasn't sure she could put a spoiled label on just one dragon back home. There had been the bullies, and then there were the unhelpful ones.

"Why are you apologizing to me? Did you do something wrong?" She asked realizing she hadn't taken one bite of any of the food on her plate. She placed a piece of meat and potato in her mouth and slowly chewed it savoring the food. This was no where near anything she had eaten before, and she was finding she liked it better this way - cooked at any rate.

"Uh!" The woman could not believe how much hotter her cheeks could feel. Just how embarrassed could she get? It certainly was not Alerri's fault yet some how the younger woman had managed to remind Primrose at every turn just how lonely she was. It had been so long since she had been able to spend such time in another's company that was not servants who had raised and cared for her.

With her childlike innocence Alerri had allowed Primrose to come to so many realizations about herself lately in such a short manner of time that it greatly shocked the noblewoman. She knew that come bedtime she would have a great deal to mull over but before then Primrose needed to hold herself together long enough without breaking down in front of her guest and scaring the poor girl away.

"It's a nervous habit, something I do when I don't know what to do, when I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing. It's been a long time since I had someone to spend time with and talk to like with you Alerri. That's why I'm apologizing to you. I'm afraid of..." she trailed off, head bowed in shame.

"I'm sorry Alerri. I'm being very polite to you." Small hands reached over and plucked a steaming bowl from the center of the table and offered it towards the other woman. "More stew?" the noblewoman asked, hoping to deflect the conversation away from herself.

Alerri was enjoying her stew. She noticed when Prim's cheeks turned color. She wanted to ask about that but wasn't sure it was a good idea. This new world overwhelmed her at times. This was one of them.

"Afraid of what?" she asked knowing she had her own fears. She wondered if Prim was just as afraid of not being accepted of being tossed out. She had a feeling that's exactly what Prim would do if the truth came out.

"That's wrong then? One is not to be very polite to another? No thank you, I'm still working on what I have," she said liking that she didn't have to be so fast to have food. She didn't have to grab for food instead she could relax and just savor what she had. It was a first for her.

"Silly things," Primrose whispered, staring into her stew as if it had all the answers to the universe in it. Alerri's thoughts though were correct. Primrose greatly feared rejection. She had suffered enough loneliness to desperately want to not lose a new friend. She had gone without friends for so long that she was heart-weary with sadness. It was a pain she wished on no one, not even her worst enemy.

"Oh no! One should be polite. I mean I've not been polite. Oh dear. What a mess I'm making of myself today," she sighed while laughing nervously. "Enjoy your food, dear. Don't let my sour mood ruin it for you."

"Oh," was all she said before enjoying her stew more. She also drank some water glad that this wasn't a 'grab and go' sort of thing. It made her wonder if perhaps dragons had meals all wrong. This seemed easier and better.

"You helped me out when I was hurt. You've taken me in, clothed me, and fed me. I don't understand how you've been not polite," Alerri said thinking she would ever understand humans.

"Moods can be sour?"

Primrose smiled, looking over to the other young woman gratefully. Alerri's words were a balm to her uncertainty and insecurities. She made the noblewoman feel needed and wanted, which is more than she had felt in a very long time.

"You are very kind then Alerri. You see good intention and turn a blind eye to the rest. Thank you."

Letting the moment pass, Primrose became a bit bolder in her speech and manners in order to answer the other girl's question. She decided that she had done enough worrying for one day and should just try and enjoy her time with her new friend and let fate handle the rest. She would be more likely to scare Alerri off by not trying to than by just being herself.

"Moods are not sour in the way we taste our food but in this case it means a bad mood or a mood that upsets others. I've decided though to stop worrying and to just be myself. I hope that you feel the same. You must not worry about upsetting me Alerri. You are my guest and quite welcome here. I hope that we may become good friends, if you are willing that is."

"That can get a being in trouble though. Today I learned not everyone is as kind as you are," she said remembering her shoulder. She hoped no one else was harmed because of them. It made her wonder if there was anything she could do to stop them. She put thee thoughts aside for the time being.

"Ah I think I understand. Moods are funny. Why were you worrying? What is this friend? I've heard the word, but nobody ever explained it to me," Alerri said showing again part of the world she came from. She wanted to make sure the word was the same in human terms as it was dragon. She too worried and wondered what Prim would think about dining with a dragon.

"What do you think of dragons?" She asked not being able to help her curiosity.

"Happens to the best of us Alerri. There will always been some nasty person who takes advantage of our kindness. Our job though is to pick up the pieces and not give up. Giving up lets them win and we're stronger that, you and I, Alerri. We're much stronger than that."

Primrose winked and gave a reassuring smile. "I was worried that you would dislike me, hate me even because I was not being," the woman shrugged, "proper? I was worried I would lose a chance to have a friend, a person that you feel close enough to, to share secrets and life stories with, a person that you share a part of your life with. A friend is kind of like family but not related by blood. Instead you're related by choice. Does that make sense?"

The question about dragons had the young woman smirking slightly and her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I am fond of them, but perhaps if you're interested I can show you just how fond. Once you're done eating of course. There's no rush."

She listened as she finished off her dinner. She wasn't sure if she was suppose to just get up or if humans had some kind of custom for when one was done eating. She wasn't sure what this strong business was, but she was glad she wasn't the giving up sort.

"I couldn't hate you. I don't know what you mean by proper. I think I understand this friend thing. One can't choose their family, but friends you can," she said feeling a little bad that she hadn't shared her secret with this friend.

"I'm finished eating could't eat another bite it was wonderful," Alerri said curious now about how Prim would show her how fond of dragons she was. This very much interested the girl.

It made Primrose smile to see the light in the other woman's eyes as she began to struggle through complex ideas and begin to understand them for what they were. The noblewoman always loved seeing that kind of light as people came to such realizations. It was beautiful and quite rewarding. It made her remember all over again why she loved what she did and gave her the strength to stand up to the disbelievers one more day.

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. My cook, Jolie, really is a treat. She makes the most delicious foods I have ever been lucky enough to eat. Not even in the finest cities have I ever had a meal that could come close in comparison," she boasted joyfully, knowing that the older woman was in the kitchen most likely eavesdropping as she always was when it came to the young mistress.

"If you are feeling up to it why don't we go on a little walk through my family gardens? I think you might enjoy them," Primrose suggested, her eyes alight with secret delight that seemed ready to burst from her tiny frame.

"Yes, I've never tasted something that good. This Jolie of yours, she is a wonder," Alerri said not realizing that the cook might be listening in to the conversation. Something like that wouldn't have occurred to her. Dragons didn't eavesdrop.

"I am definitely feeling up to it. I've heard this word before, but I don't know it very well. What is a garden?" She asked her curiosity in full form again. She was trying to learn as much as possible knowing that understanding humans meant that she didn't have to be afraid of them like her elders were trying to teach her. She wished humans were the same that they would learn of dragons and not be afraid. She wondered if there would ever be a time when both lived in peace.

Primrose blinked at the other woman in shock. She would have expected even a small village to have a garden. Perhaps Alerri's people were more nomadic then. It certainly would explain her lack of knowledge about basic housing things.

Instead of explaining though, she smiled softly. "Why don't I just show you?" she offered, holding out her small hand for the younger woman to take. The young noblewoman was practically bouncing in place with restrained excitement. It was not often she got to show someone her private gardens, yet she had a feeling Alerri would greatly appreciate them.

Alerri wasn't sure what to expect. Things were definitely different when it came to humans. She wasn't sure which way was up just then. It felt strange standing there with a human. She had a feeling she would always be in uncharted waters unless she gave this up and returned home. That wasn't something she was ready to do though. She'd had enough of those dragons.

The young lady took Prim's outstretched hand not sure what this was a gesture of. The smile was reassuring. It was a good question instead of just explaining it might be easier. She wondered if there were more human things that could be shown better than explained.

"Okay," was all she said not sure what else to say.

She gently tugged the younger woman along, unable to contain her secret smile of joy and excitement. Step by step she led Alerri to the outdoors and her main garden. The more private one was off to the side in one of the hedge walls and would take a bit of walking through the rest of the garden to get to. Primrose dared not rush things though in case Alerri had more questions.

"This," she proclaimed, sweeping an arm out to show off the flowers and trees surrounding the cobblestone path, "is a garden. Over there," Primrose continued pointing to her left "is our vegetable garden where we grow the foods we eat. The rest of these are herbs and plants for healing as well as for beauty. Now most gardens are not as elaborate as this one," she informed Alerri with a prideful blush.

"However, this is mine and I love it. Do you recognize any plants from your homeland dear?"

Alerri went with her seeing her excited. They went outside again something she hadn't expected. She wasn't sure what to expect really with a garden. She listened as Prim talked about her garden looking around trying to spot anything she knew. Unfortunately dragons didn't pay much attention to herbs but rather to game.

"Herbs can heal? Are there any dangerous plants?" She asked those the only questions forming just then. She knew more would be on the way soon enough. The question about her knowing any plants made her worry. It might show more of what she was, and she wasn't certain it was time for sharing something that big.

"I can tell you love it. Your garden looks wonderful.  No I don't recognize any of the plants. We don't pay much attention to the plants around us at home. We keep more tabs on the animals," she said wondering just who was going hungry at home. Shaking it off though she was trying to stay more here than there.

"Are gardens a normal part of life here?"

"Aye," Primrose replied, feeling her heart sink. She knew quite well just how deadly some plants could be. The memory of a dear friend foaming at the mouth caused a chill to race down her spine before she was able to shake it away. "There are indeed some dangerous plants that are poisonous, meaning they could kill you if eaten or some if you simply touch them. I don't have many of those here in the garden. Those that are deadly are in a far off corner and are specially gated so no children get in there and try to eat them."

The noblewoman led her companion further through the garden, letting one of her hands fondly brush some of the petals of the flowers she passed along the way. "Thank you Alerri. I am very proud of it. So your people are hunters then?" she queried, still trying to understand about Alerri's upbringing and village.

"As for gardens though, they are a part of life here in the sense that many in town use them to grow food. Those with more money or in the city use them more for beauty like I do. Healers also have herb gardens if they do not buy herbs."

Alerri listened truly interesting in the topic at hand. She hadn't thought about learning what plants were for until now. She didn't like the idea of a plant killing someone. She was glad when she heard those were locked away.

"But why have them at all, Prim? If they must be locked up and are dangerous wouldn't it just be better not to have them around at all?" She asked still not understanding. She was glad that she was learning more and more. She heard the questions about her people. She did her best not to laugh knowing they couldn't be considered that. She couldn't just say it.

"Yes hunters," was all she said. It made her nervous to reveal things about where she came from. She was glad when the attention turned back to more about gardens. It was amazing that plants could help and kill. She wondered if they thought of that back at home. If plants could kill by just touch it would be best not to fly or hunt near them.

"Could you teach me which are the bad plants? I'd hate to come in contact with one," she said and then cocked her head to the side. She wondered if she should ask this next question. It had been plaguing her. She looked away from the garden and over at Prim, "why do you keep asking about my village?"

"Your question is exactly why I keep them around. I use them to teach the children in town about which plants are poisonous and not good for playing with or eating. Also there are some plants that while dangerous can also save lives if used in the right ways. Perhaps tomorrow I can teach you a bit about them. There is something else I want to show you tonight though," she told Alerri with a smile that lit up her entire face with the excitement of a child.

This same smile faded quickly though at the other woman's question as it caused Primrose to worry. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you by asking about your village. I was just curious about you and wanted to try learn more about you dear. If you don't want to tell me anything you don't have to. I understand. I mean if you want to tell me then you will in your own time and I shouldn't ask so many questions and bother you. And you must be tired anyway given how you have been traveling and then were attacked today to as it is. I must be bothering you. Please forgive me. I understand if you wish to retire, er-go to bed for the night. I can show you the garden tomorrow, Alerri. I am so sorry I hope you can forgive me for my thoughtlessness, making a guest uncomfortable and all. Oh dear, I can't believe how rude I have been!"

"Oh I suppose that's a good reason to keep them then," she said and smiled a little as well. She was looking around at the garden happy by all the pretty things around her. She figured that was why Prim had it as well. She saw the other woman not smiling any more and heard what was said. This made Alerri frown a little.

"You haven't offended me I was curious why you were asking is all. I ask all kinds of questions some might even think they are dumb. I'm just a little worried about what you might think of me if I told you all about my village," she said blushing. Alerri was alert now though feeling like she should be on her guard. She didn't want to leave. She wasn't sure how Prim would take this.

"You aren't bothering me at all though. I ask so many questions I expect others to. My curiosity sometimes gets the better of me. I should have asked that differently I think. I'm not too tired I'd like to see more if that is okay?"

Primrose smiled softly and turned to look Alerri in the eye. "I would think no differently of you dear than I do now. You are a sweet and adorable young woman who I am delighted to have met in the short time we have known each other. I know I come from a very privileged background with many things that others are not so fortunate as to have. I would never judge you though, Alerri. You are as human I am after all. Inside we are no different."

Taking the other woman's hand once more, the noblewoman tugged it gently to lead Alerri further back into the garden. "Come! I'm sure you're quite curious to see my answer to your earlier question." That being said, Primrose pulled out a key from around her neck and opened an ivy-covered oaken door before leading her new friend into her personal garden.

Within the stone walls lay the family cemetery. There were only two graves each marked by a stone statue of the buried individual. The larger of the two was that of a she-dragon. Behind it was the second statue of a man sitting on a rock holding his sword and staring out in front of him.

Primrose let go of Alerri's hand and stepped forward to brush a hand along the stone scales of the dragon's breastplate. "Ustskel, my father's greatest companion. My father was a dragon-rider before he died and she loved him dearly." She smiled a sad little smile, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Does this answer your question dear?"

Alerri wanted to tell her that they were different. She wasn't human. She nodded and blushed at her friends words. It was amazing how they connected in so short a time. She just couldn't bring herself to utter those words and show Prim just how different they truly were. In one second she could have changed and showed her true colors. She was just too scared to.

She followed Prim as the woman lead on. An earlier question mentioned made her more curious than ever. She didn't say anything though trusting that Prim knew what she was doing. It was curious still that a key would be around Prim's neck. She didn't understand why she would be safeguarding such. It was answered though and quickly too.

Before her she noted not only the cemetery but the statues there. Her eyes widened as she took it all in. She felt Prim let go of her hand and move forward touching the dragon statue. It was magnificent to look at.

"Yes this does answer my question. You don't fear dragons your father was companion to one. How did he die?" She said not sure what else to say. She was in complete awe that Prim once knew another dragon one who seemed noble to have a rider. She didn't think she would ever be that way.

"Prim, something you said before coming here is bothering me. You said we are the same. We are not though. I hope you don't think ill of me for not telling you its natural I guess to be afraid when it comes to what we are. There's a reason I'm so curious about humans. The truth is I am not one of you. I can change my form to look human, but in truth I am a dragon," she said watching where her friend stood. She hoped she didn't make a mistake in sharing this, and then looked at the statue of the dragon. She knew then it wasn't a mistake to share this, and that she should have done so sooner.

The noblewoman looked sad and her voice took on an extremely quiet tone as she answered the difficult question. "Dragon-poachers," she said simply while wiping away a lone tear. Primrose could not believe what she was hearing though.

The idea of a dragon being able to change its form was like a fairytale to her. She had only whispered in legends. Even sweet Ustskel who had been her father's best friend and born them both had never changed her form to a human. Could it be real?

Breathlessly and almost reverently, Primrose spoke only two words. "Show me." Then as an afterthought she added a hesitant, "please."

Alerri listened. She wanted to hug Prim hearing how she lost her father. She was furious for a second that someone would want to harm not only a dragon but another human. She wanted to hunt them and make them pay.

She heard the words and nodded a little excited to be able to show Prim. She moved a little bit back not wanting to squish the human that would be bad. She blushed a little and sighed knowing this was not going to be the best thing. She could just change but it would ruin the clothing, but she wasn't one to undress in front of another.

"Give me a second please," she said blushing. She went behind the dragon statue and took off the clothing not wanting to ruin them. She hoped the woman would understand. She moved her head into view so that Prim would be able to see something. She changed then showing off her beautiful scales and walked out from behind the statue.

Sorry I didn't want to ruin those clothes. She thought into Prim's mind. She hoped she didn't scare off a friend. She stayed back not sure how this would go.

Primrose viewed the dragon before her with silent awe. She had been a small child when she had see Ustskel. Now a grown woman she found herself filled with the same emotions she long ago. Bowing deeply at the waist to the beauty before her, the noblewoman formally greeted her.

"It is a pleasure to be honored with your true presence Alerri Dragonborn." Straightening though, she giggled at the dragon's words. "Don't worry dear. I can understand. I'm sure you would go through a lot of clothes if you allowed yourself to be careless enough to always tear them with your shifting.

"May I say though that you are incredibly beautiful."

Alerri was waiting for some kind of reaction. She stayed back not sure if she would be able to stay or if she would have to leave. She wasn't sure exactly, but thought maybe she would be able to stay. She wasn't the first dragon that Prim had been around after all.

She hadn't been expecting the bow and blushed a little. Thank you I'm honored as well to be able to change in front of you so to speak. There isn't really a need for the bowing I'm just your average dragon. She thought smiling after that.

That I would, and such a gift from you should not be torn to shreds. I value what you have given me so far not only in food and such, but also in knowledge. Thank you. She thought hoping this wasn't a problem. There wasn't another way for her to communicate unless she changed back. Prim didn't seem to indicate it bothered her. She blushed hearing the compliment. She wasn't sure how to react as she didn't have those before. Another new thing.

Prim, will you still teach me about humans though? I still would very much like to learn.

"I would be most honored to continue to be your friend and teacher, Alerri. I made a promise to you before and regardless of what you are, I intend to keep it. Your heart is still the same, dragon, human, or otherwise," Primrose informed her with a bubbly smile.

Her blue eyes danced about, leaving not a single scale unobserved. She desperately wanted to take a step forward and feel them beneath her hands, yet worried she may startle or offend the already nervous young woman.

Instead, she chose to query after the dragon's well-being. "Are you comfortable enough Alerri? Is there something I can get you, or do for you? I am afraid I do not know which form is more natural-feeling for you and I would hate to keep this way if you do not wish it. Not that it matters, but I am fine with you in whatever beautiful form you so chose, my dear."

Alerri was relieved to know she hadn't lost a friend. She was most anxious to continue her lessons. At least now Prim would understand why she was asking all these questions. She thought this was wonderful having shared. She noted that Prim was taking in her form.

It is not uncomfortable in either form. Are you anxious for me to return to being human? I am good in this form for a little longer. Do for me? No I don't require anything. Is there anything I can do for you? She asked hoping there was something Prim would want. She had already given her so much. She blushed a little hearing how her friend thought her beautiful. It was something else new to her.

Primrose shook her head. "No, no. I am not bothered by either form you choose. I just want to ensure your comfort. I have never met one with your gift, though I admit that you are only the second dragon I have ever met. Or at least I believe you are only the second. If there are more like you it is quite likely I have met others and never knew it."

Smiling fondly at Alerri, she gave the dragon a wink. "Is there something I may ask of you dear friend?"

That is quite true, but I think I'm the only one like me. None of my kind is really interested in learning more about humans like I do. I'm sure they too could change, but most like staying in dragon form. She thought remembering the world she had left behind. It was one she wouldn't return to unless necessary.

Of course you may ask. I ask so many questions I don't mind answering them either if I can. Some things I still don't understand being as young as I am. What can I do for you, Prim? She thought back watching her friend. It wasn't easy showing people this as most would scream and run. She was intrigued by Prim more and more.

"May I have the honor of touching you?" Primrose asked shyly, terrified of offending the other woman. She wanted so desperately to run up and hug the dragon, after having met the woman that resided in the heart. Alerri seemed so lonely and now the noblewoman was starting to understand why.

Mentally she wondered whether Alerri was considered a runt and a reject of her society. The very thought broke Primrose's heart, as she too knew the scorn of those supposed to love and care for her. She offered an honest smile albeit a shy one as she gazed the taller being in her garden in the eye.

The request took her off guard. She wondered why it had though Prim was a wonderful lady. She had seen that already. So simple a request one so easy to grant. She had been expecting something bigger.

Of course you can. Is something bothering you? She thought. She thought she saw something in the woman's eye to indicate that. She couldn't be sure though. If anything she could have read Prim's thoughts. She didn't though knowing that would be an act against privacy. If anything she wouldn't ever take that away from anyone.

Primrose's smile grew larger as her question was accepted instead of rejected. She bowed again to her friend, thanking her before slowly moving to step forward and place a gentle hand on Alerri's side. The noblewoman was worried about being inappropriate where she placed her hand but she was not tall enough to place a hand on a shoulder or upper arm as a friend might.

"No, no, nothing's wrong. I just don't want to overstep boundaries with you. You are my friend first and a dragon second to me. And you are very beautiful," she repeated herself, moving here hand slightly to rub the smooth scales beneath it. "Is there anything you wish to ask of me?"

Alerri watched as Prim bowed and smiled larger. She heard the gratitude and smiled as much as she could without the teeth. She didn't want to seem scary. She felt the hand on her side and jumped a little. Cold hands. She thought not wanting Prim to feel she had done something wrong.

Prim, relax. Its not easy to offend me believe me you couldn't. I was offended by other dragons when they refused to answer my questions. I was offended when those men hurt me. You are too nice to open to ever do anything to offend. Thank you, you are beautiful too. If I think of a question you'll know. She responded chuckling a little with the last thing she said.

Alerri felt an itch, but was ignoring it. She would have to get really low for Prim to reach it. It always sucked itching between the shoulder blades. She couldn't reach if she wanted to, and there was no way she was going to use one of those statues. She didn't want to offend Prim.

"Sorry," the noblewoman chuckled back. Then as a spur of the moment thing, Primrose wrapped her arms around the dragon and gave her the biggest hug she could with her small arms. "I swear, Alerri I will never refuse to answer a question. If I don't know the answer then I will find it for you. But I will never treat you like that. You have every right to know."

It's okay there are worse things than cold hands. I wonder that thing those men did to my arm is it also on me. It should be the front let other side. If you wouldn't mind looking for it. She thought not sure if things that happened in her human form would show up in her dragon one. She would have the answers though.

Alerri felt the arms wide on her realizing what was going on. She smiled and dipped her neck low enough. It might be easier to wrap around my neck than my shoulders. I'm not exactly small there. She thought the humor heard in her thought voice. She heard what Prim said knowing how much she meant it.

I know you would. You are wonderful. Hey, would you be interested in a ride? Perhaps see the stars a little closer? She thought not sure if Prim would be scared by the idea or intrigued.

Primrose giggled and blushed. "Ah but there is more of you to love here," she teased back, even as her arms slid up to hug the dragon around the neck. Her arms dropped away as she moved to look closer, just as curious to see whether the injury had transferred over as Alerri was.

"Well, I can tell you that it is still there," she said gently reaching out to touch around area. "It is much smaller though, does this hurt?" The noblewoman gently prodded at the area, mindful to stress the dragon out unnecessarily. "Also I am not so sure it is a smart idea for you to be flying if you're injured. Not that is to say I would not be honored to fly with you. I wouldn't want you feeling like you had to though or that you should because you may feel indebted to me, because really you have no reason to feel in such a way. And if you don't then more's the better and all is well! Right?"

Very true there is more of me there. She thought chuckling a little. It was good to joke again. It was something she would have to get used to. It felt good being with Prim she didn't judge and she was just there. She couldn't explain it any better really. One would just have to know.

Smaller is better. At least now I know what is done in human form appears on dragon scales. It had me wondering. Don't worry it doesn't hurt me any more. I was lucky you came along like that. True landing might be a problem with that leg I hadn't thought of that. Perhaps another time then when I'm not injured. We do have plenty of time for that. She thought to Prim. It was then she realized about the indebtedness that had been talked about.

But I do feel a little in debt to you. Where would I have been and what would have happened to me if you hadn't come along? I'd still be out there hurting badly and in need of help. For that I feel I owe you.

She rubbed the Alerri's back comfortingly. "You would have done the same for me had our roles been switched, dear. For that reason I believe you are not indebted to me. I did what any good person should have done, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. You shouldn't worry about it dear, honest.

"But yes, we can fly another night if the offer is still open. For now though I do believe some rest would do you a lot of good. Would you be more comfortable sleeping in this form or your human form? I don't believe Ustskel's old roost is in the shape it should have been but if you would like to use it, I'm sure I can have it made ready. It is entirely up to you though. I just want my guest and friend as comfortable as possible," Primrose informed her with a warm smile.

Alerri smiled feeling Prim rubbing her back. It was a long time since anyone showed such friendliness toward her. She rather liked being among humans rather than the coldness of dragons. She wasn't sure she would ever go back.

You're right I would have. Okay. Um, well that sounds nice, but what do humans sleep in? I've never slept in human form so I have no idea if that would be better. It would be new to me, and I love learning something new. I think I'll switch back. She thought and moved back to where her clothing had been discarded. She returned to human and put her clothing on again before stepping back out where Prim was.

"Of course it's still open. Always if you want to fly around just let me know I'll gladly go up. Eventually I'll have to stretch my wings as well. I've done so recently so it might be a bit. Rest sounds good," she said happy to follow Prim where they might go. She hugged Prim glad she had a new friend.

Had the other woman not already done so, Primrose would have pulled her close in a tight hug. She was just too sweet for the noblewoman to not want to embrace her and hold her close out of desire to protect and care for her.

"Perhaps it is best if I show you," she excitedly said, taking Alerri by the hand and hurriedly leading her back into the house and back to the guest room where the young woman had bathed. "This," Primrose pointed out, "is a human bed. These are called covers or blankets and go over the body to keep us warm and these," she added, scooping up a feather pillow," is a pillow to lay our head upon. Or attack a friend!"

Laughing, she carefully thumped Alerri on her uninjured side, mischief dancing in her eyes and upon her lips.

Alerri enjoyed the hug and was smiling. It was the best day she had in a long while. She hoped her following days would be just as nice. She had a feeling Prim would be busy and not always around, but when she was the drago girl would be there.

"Alright," she said letting Prim lead her to the house. They were upstairs again, which surprised her. She listened and looked as Prim showed her a bed, covers, and hit her with a pillow. She got this big grin on her lips.

"I don't know its wise to hit a dragon," she chuckled and picked up the other pillow. She lightly whacked Prim in her free arm. She didn't want to use all of her strength last thing she wanted was to hurt a friend.

"Is that a fact?" Primrose playfully challenged, going in for another strike. "Guess I never was wise to begin with. Always did like to walk on the wild side. Think you can handle that?" The noblewoman laughed and bopped Alerri again, this time on the head. "I'll have you know I'm a champion pillow-fighter!"

"That is a fact," she said chuckling. She didn't care for the pillow to the head but it didn't hurt. She had a feeling that wasn't the point to this. She went on the defensive not sure when the next hit would come. She picked up a second pillow one for a shield the other to strike with.

"Wait there is such a thing?" she asked curious about being a champion pillow fighter. She hit Prim in the leg with the pillow keeping the other up for a guard. She didn't want to be caught unaware.

"Yeah I think I can handle that."

Primrose laughed as they began to play. Her lone pillow smacked repeatedly against Alerri's "shield" as she danced about the room in an attempt to make contact with the young woman. "There is such a thing among children. It seems I never grew up past that age though," she joked, attempting to sneak in an extra attack under the pillow.

Alerri heard the laughter and couldn't help but smile. She remembered not to use her full strength when hitting Prim with the pillow. It was one thing to have fun, but another to maim someone. She wasn't sure it could be done with a pillow, but she didn't want to find out.

"Who wants to grow up?" she said chuckling. This was more fun than she considered. She found that her friend was trying to attack under the pillow and saw an opening. She used that chance to lock the pillow under her shield and hit Prim in the shoulder.

"Are you sure you are a pillow fight champ?" She said teasing her friend. She couldn't help but chuckle at that and hit her in the other shoulder lightly both times.

"Now what?"

"I've been hit! Nooooo," Primose declared melodramtaically, dropping the pillows as she staggered to the bed and flopped back on it. "This is it. The end. A new champion has been declared. Bear the title well Alerri, may it serve you well!" So saying she shut her eyes tightly and stuck out her tongue, playing dead for but a second before she was peeking an eye open and giggling.

Alerri watched what Prim was doing. She wasn't sure what to make of it. Shaking her head at the silliness she waited to see what would happen next. She was a little surprised to see her friend play dead.

"Oh I will. Do you do stuff like this often?" She said laying down on the bed next to Prim. She had chuckled the pillows right on top of her friend just before she laid down. It was something new and nothing she had expected.

Primrose grunted at the impact of the pillows across her torso and opened her eyes, the act now over. "Have fun you mean? Yes, of course. Although it's been a long while since I've had a pillow fight. Why I'd say I was quite overdue for one. Thank you for that, you made my evening," she told the woman cheerily.

She rolled to her side to talk to Alerri better and smiled warmly. "I didn't wear you out did I? Make you tired? I don't want to keep you awake if you wish to be resting. There is no reason to be worried about offending me. Everyone has to sleep sometimes, even beautiful dragons such as yourself."

"Thank you the pleasure is mine as well. I've never done that before. Dragons don't need pillows so its hard to fight with one," she said wishing her mind wouldn't drift to her old home. She wasn't even sure it was that.

"Wear me out? You're the human are you sure you aren't worn out from being with a youthful dragon girl? Don't worry you'd know if I was ready to sleep I'd probably just fall asleep on you really. If anything I've learned today is that you don't offend easy. I'm not worried about offending you," she said blushing a little. It was one of the few times she could ever remember feeling relaxed like this.

"Don't let me stop you though if you feel you need to rest do so. I've been known to entertain myself in hours alone before, and no I'm not trying to make you feel bad or guilty. I'm enjoying your company though. What you did today, well except the pillow fight and seeing me in my dragon form, is that a normal day for you?" She asked not sure what tomorrow would bring. She was finally excited by it though.



@GoblinFae

"Worn out? Me?! Never! I am the epitome of strength and energy! Why you'll never meet a more youthful human if you live to be 1000!" As if on cue though, Primrose yawned widely and loudly. Sheepishly, she blushed and buried her face into a pillow.

In a muffled voice she agreed that it was indeed a normal day. "If you wanted we could sit here and talk until one of us passes out...more likely me. Or I could go. I don't want to keep you up. You might need time to take in everything."

"I might do just that. I have no idea exactly how old dragons get. If you ask a dragon their age most of them just scoff and tell you that age isn't important that its the wisdom a dragon gains that truly counts, or some other hogwash," she said chuckling. It was true though. She never could get a dragon to answer how old they were. She also didn't know how old she was either. It was strange.

"I saw that," she said and then yawned herself. It was intriguing being here. She loved every second of it ready to do it all again tomorrow if allowed. She wondered how long it would take Prim to become tired of her though. It worried her.

"I would love that. You don't know that it might be me. It's not every day I meet humans, get hurt, go to school, see gardens, and well you know. Time to take everything in? Did I miss something?" Alerri said not sure what this meant. She was learning, but it would take time for her to understand humans in full. She didn't think she was doing a good job of trying to pass as one.

Primrose giggled and shook her head. "It means to come to terms with what you have experienced. As you said it has been quite a big day for you. Sometimes for humans we have to think about everything and reflect on it all. I don't know about dragons though. You're the first I was able to talk to really," she added with a warm smile. "Do you have any questions about what you have seen today? I can do my best to answer them if you do."

"Oh," she said and blushed a little. She knew about reflecting. It was part of being a dragon she hated. They always took time out of her training so she could reflect on what they should be learning. It had bored her to tears. She never understood why one had to reflect on things.

"Dragons like doing that too. I personally never understood why though. Do you have any questions on dragons? I'll answer what I can," she said then heard the part about her having questions about their day together. She chuckled.

"Oh don't worry if I have a question I'm not stranger to asking. I think its one of the few things that annoyed the other dragons. I had so many questions and no answers."

Again the noblewoman laughed, this time until her sides hurt. "I never understood it much either though I think I get caught in my fair share of reflection. Comes with all my worrying I suppose though. That is awfully rude of them not to bother with your questions. Such fools be they that refuse the passing of all the learning of the ages."

Primrose gave a heavy sigh imagining all the things such old creatures must know and then hearing they are as greedy with it as they are with their gold. Her face brightened though with ideas for questions. "Oh such a treat you entertain me with, Alerri. Why I don't know what to ask or where to begin. Tell me something of your homeland. What is it like? What was your favorite place to go?"

"What do you worry about? I got used to it, but it never stopped my questions. I found it easy to annoy them," she said a big grin on her lips. Alerri figured that was just reward for not sharing the information they had.

"I also thought that maybe they didn't have the answers. If they didn't know they probably didn't want someone like me know about a lack of information. They were suppose to be wise beyond all years," she explained having thought about it some.

"Well we lived in the mountains so lots of trees. There was this lake not far from our caves. I loved going there although I couldn't swim. I just looked at it so beautiful," she said missing that part of her home. She didn't miss the rest.

"I'm sure with time you'll think of something to ask. The offer is always open."

"Everything," Primrose admitted. "I'm just a big worrywart. But I think you're right about them. Old men are all the same no matter the species. They think they have all the answers and then get mad when some young female challenges them. Simply ridiculous if you ask me."

She listened happily to Alerri's description if her homeland, imagining it for herself and wishing she could see it for real. "It sounds perfect. Do you think you'd ever go back to see it again? Once you have all your answers of course," she added quickly with a wink.

"Is that a good thing? Being a big worrywart that is," she said then giggled at what Prim said about old men. It felt good laughing and enjoying the moment. If she had been at home they would have ushered her into learning some dragon trick that she felt was boring and beneath her. She could learn the dragon stuff any time, and she did know the basics already. She could hunt and fly. What more was there?

"I don't think there will be a time when I have all of my answers. Maybe someday I might go home for a visit or something, but to stay? I don't know if I could do that. I also don't know if they would accept me back after my wanderings. I didn't exactly leave with permission. I just up and left figuring nobody would miss me," she said seeing nothing wrong with that. Nobody seemed to want her there with all her questions. She was just a big pest to them. She wanted to find a place where she could be accepted for who she was.

"Why? Is that someplace you might want to venture someday?"

Primrose laughed and shook her head. "Quite the opposite, in fact. Worrywarts rarely get to have any fun because they're too worried about getting hurt," she answered truthfully. The noblewoman blushed before slyly responding to what she believed was Alerri teasing her.

"Why, are you offering to take me?" Her little tongue poked out for the briefest of seconds before she pulled it back in. "Truthfully though your family must be so worried for you if you just ran-er flew off, dear. Even if they don't seem to care I'm sure they do. Are you sure it's not a good idea to go back and at least let them know you're alive and well?"

Alerri had no idea she had just teased her new friend. She was still learning. She nodded learning more every second. She saw the reddening of Prim's cheeks, but didn't ask about that one. She thought it odd that this woman would stick her tongue out like that.

"What did you sticking your tongue out like that mean? Yes, if you would like to go I would take you there for a visit. I can't promise I would stay too long though. I doubt anyone even notices that I'm gone. They usually told me to go away and stop bothering them any ways," she explained frowing a little. It was true though.

"Nobody would worry about me. At least not at home. Here though I do believe there is at least one person who would worry about me if I disappeared," she said then smiled at her new friend.

"It means I'm teasing you, joking with you. You don't have to take me sweetie I was only fooling around. However, if you really did want to go back and take me with you that is I would be more than honored but that doesn't mean you have to feel like you are obligated or required. Please don't feel like you have to do anything or that I don't want to go. I really don't want to insult you." Primrose gasped for air before shaking her head. "I did it again. Sorry, dear. I don't mean to."

"If I do go back I'll make sure to take you with me. I don't know it will be any time soon though. I still have so many things I want to learn about humans. I think spending time with you and those you teach might help or at least start me in the right direction. I would ask questions about being human, but I'm not sure what to ask honestly," she said being honest and straightforward about this.

"Oh, will I learn in time how to tease and joke like you do? Did what again? I'm not insulted. It's hard to do so as I am still just a child in your world," Alerri said knowing how true it was. She still had so much to learn and was glad she had someone like Prim around. It would be easier to learn to be human if she knew one who would teach her.

Primrose hugged the girl tightly, resting her head on Alerri's shoulder as she did. "Of course you will dear. It just takes time and practice. You just need to learn to laugh more. I think being cooped up with too many old dragons has squelched some of the fun of life from you. But, perhaps bed is best for you now. You've had such a long day. Not that you need to go to bed now if you're not tired. I just meant with your injuries and all. But that is completely up to you of course. How are you feeling by the way?"

"Time we have and I don't mind practicing things. I do think you might be right. Perhaps being around fun loving people like yourself will help remind me I am a youngling," she said knowing it was getting later. She wasn't feeling tired yet though. If anything she was used to staying up late considering her dragon training. Soon though she knew the fun would end and they would sleep.

"Soon, but not yet. I am feeling much better than before. The bath, food, and fun worked wonders for me. Don't let me stop you though if you need to be heading in that direction," she said figuring she could explore the house a little if she grew too bored with exploring the room. She knew how to keep herself entertained.

The noblewoman blushed at being told to go to bed herself. She giggled shyly before giving Alerri one last hug and a reminder that should she need anything to just call for her. Primrose then bid her guest a good evening filled with pleasant dreams before tiredly retiring to her own quarters where sleep claimed her quickly. It had been a long day indeed.

Alerri watched as her new friend left for her own bed. She got settled and found it a very nice place to be. She found herself more relaxed than she had been in awhile. Nobody would do anything to her here. She closed her eyes drifting off to sleep. It had been one of the longest days in her life.

The next morning she found herself awakening startled. She didn't know where she was. It slowly came back to her, and she smiled glad of the day before. She sighed and stretched before getting out of bed. She went downstairs and into the place for food wondering if it would just appear. She wasn't used to that. She turned and found she wasn't alone.

"Good morning, Prim," she said not sure what else to say or do just then. It was all so new to her.

"Good morning, Alerri!" the noblewoman crowed with delight. "Are you hungry dear? You slept in and I didn't want to disturb you. OH! Did you sleep well? Are you feeling any better? Please sit," the woman urged as she spoke all in a nervous jumble, flitting from place to place about the room like a hummingbird. "Food should be ready soon. Is there anything you want in particular? I'm afraid I wasn't sure what you would like."