FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Guess I'm going to keep going with this while my motivation keeps going. I don't know what's with the formatting, but it's still readable, so I won't try to fix it. I'm lazy. =P

Cyrille returned from his training session with Erin, sweaty and exhausted. The cave's cool air was appreciated more so than normal. The human walked in alone; the elf had departed to the city to retrieve some belongings. When he entered their sleeping chambers, he found Vaelyn to be fast asleep, curled up in their pile of soft things like a cat. Slowly, her eyes opened, sapphire irises looking lazily at Cyrille.

"You've returned," she stated and yawned, her sharp, white teeth bared with her tongue curled inside her maw.

"Are you feeling alright? You're usually wide awake about now."

"Thanks for your concern, but I am fine." She sounded disturbed or perhaps she was still dazed.

Cyrille sighed and sat next to her. "You can tell me anything." He rubbed the smooth underside of her chin as she curled her neck into an S shape.

She smiled and said, "For one, I'd appreciate it if you didn't pet me like a domesticated animal."

"Don't lie, you enjoy it."

Vaelyn chirred and closed her eyes. "I do." After a moment of silence passed, Vaelyn said, "Neiron came to me again today."

"And?"

"He has taken notice of us."

"What is there to notice?"

"It's not difficult to notice when a couple has copulated, especially between dragons. You carry my scent."

"He doesn't know, does he?"

"I don't see how he would know for sure, but he is suspicious."

"What's the worst that could happen anyway?" Cyrille asked, holding her paw.

Vaelyn sighed and moved her head and paw away. "My family's reputation would be destroyed and soiled. Not much do I care for my own, but my siblings and clan mates. We've always been kind to your race and rather close, too close in some opinions. Dragons tend to think of humans as filth."

"Wasn't it your clan that attacked my village?" Cyrille asked with discomfort.

Vaelyn looked at him, concern glinting in her eyes. "I never did tell you, did I?"

"No."

She continued to look at him solemnly as she explained, her expression diminishing to gloom. "That day our highest leaders had given the head of our clan, my father, the instruction to raze your village. He had received reports that it was a major part of the underground organization we refer to as 'Egg-breakers'. They specifically targeted dragon homes, killing females and hatchlings alike--even the unborn. Despite my father's thoughts and concerns, we were forced to take action. It was more likely a slaughter."

"Why my parents?"

"Every adult was considered a threat and I- ... we had to finish the mission. Children were held safely, except for you who had managed to escape. I had watched you run away... I would have let you go, but... you wouldn't have survived." Tears formed at the corners of her eyes and soon fell. Cyrille felt pained. He hated to see her unhappy and he also hated reliving the memories; the vicious fires, the ear-splitting roars and shrieks, and the relentless claws that shred his parents. A part of him wanted to kill the dragon responsible, and a part of him knew he could very soon--once he completed his training. He felt that it was the wrong reason, that it wasn't just, but was the dragon just in brutally slaughtering his parents?

He did not know.

"I'm sorry, Cyrille," Vaelyn apologized.

Cyrille held her paw within his hands. "It's not your fault ... did you kill anyone?"

The dragoness was silent for a moment, pondering. "I try to forget these things."

Cyrille hugged her and replied, "Even if you did, you are still the same dragon I know and love." He waited for another response, but she stared blankly at the ground, so he continued, "I need to head for the village east of us to pick up some herbs and spices. You're welcome to come."

Vaelyn nudged his face with her snout. "I wish I could, but I know I'll be scolded for stealing those sheep."

Cyrille chuckled, seeing her smile warmed his heart. "I will be back tomorrow."

Before Cyrille had left, Vaelyn called out, "Cyrille?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

* * *

Cyrille walked through the streets of Cairn, a small village he visited more often than others because it was relatively close--half a day's travel by foot. Most of the time, Vaelyn would come to visit with him as well. She wasn't appalled by the people here, unlike most other towns. It was secluded, the inhabitants were nice, and it had everything they needed. Cyrille loved socializing despite the secluded lifestyle he lived. Though, he wished Vaelyn or even Erin had come with him to keep him company. Both were busy tending to their own needs while Cyrille looked for herbs and spices for the game they hunt.

The local butcher's shop had everything he was looking for, so that's all he visited this time around. The butcher greeted him heartily as always when Cyrille entered the small building. "Cyrille! What can I do ya' for?" Inside it reeked of raw, bloody meat.

Cyrille smiled, pleased to see the butcher again. "Hey, Rorin! I'll take the usual." He was a stout man with a large belly. His arms bulged with muscles, the fruits of his labor, and his face was covered by a brown, curly beard. The top of his bald head shined, the light of lanterns dancing on it.

Rorin nodded and quickly gathered what was needed. "Where's your dragon? I thought you two were inseparable."

"She had other things to do," Cyrille replied, a hint of gloom in his voice.

"Ah, but speaking of dragons, we have a dark-green scaled visitor stayin' at the inn. The fellow came in the other day and purchased some meat."

"That's peculiar. Dragons tend to avoid this area."

Rorin placed Cyrille's items on the counter, all within a tightly sealed leather bag. "Not only that, but I've noticed a golden dragon flying around the area as well!"

Cyrille paid the butcher, leaving an extra tip with it, and placed his things within his satchel. "I wish I could meet them. I wonder if they're just as bad as Vaelyn."

Rorin chuckled. "I don't think that's possible. That dragon of yours sure is something else."

A bright smile formed at Cyrille's lips. "I'd say so myself." Cyrille turned to leave and said, "Thanks, Rorin." He left with the butcher's acknowledgment and walked towards the inn just outside of town.

His curiosity wouldn't let him go anywhere else.

Near the end of day he left the butcher's shop and was soon at the end of town. He felt isolated as there was a lack of people. The town was too small to have a large crowd, but nevertheless he felt like he was alone. Soon, he exited through the gates and saw the inn in the distance. Once he neared, he could make out the rusty, metal sign with the picture of a dragon standing on two limbs, clenching what looked to be a sword. Beneath it was script humans used to write, but Cyrille could not read. Vaelyn had never taught him.

Before he could walk inside, the wooden door flung forcefully open, crashing against the wall it was attached to with a loud slam. Instantly after, a green-scaled dragon came running out.

"And stay out, you filthy lizard!" yelled a man from inside the inn. The door slammed shut, leaving the dragon outside. He looked back angrily, his teeth bared and claws slicing the ground. It reminded him of Vaelyn.

"Damned humans," he grumbled. Then, he saw Cyrille standing behind him, gawking like a child. "I apologize. Please excuse me." The dragon slinked past him. His scales were like darkened emeralds. They glinted in the evening sunlight, illuminating and catching Cyrille's wandering eye. Ivory horns protruded from his head like Vaelyn's, but one looked to have been broken or cut off near its tip. An even darker shade of green wrapped around his feet like socks and his underbelly was light-green. Around his torso was a leather satchel much like Cyrille's filled with who knew what.

The human couldn't help his curiosity and asked, "What are you doing here?"

The green dragon glared at Cyrille. "It's none of your concern, human," he stated with resentment and continued his path. His voice was lower than Vaelyn's, about as low as an average man's, though somewhat raspy.

"What's your name?"

He stopped, looked back, and asked, "Why would you care? I'm a dragon." Now, Cyrille had his attention.

"I'd rather know a dragon than a human."

"Curious..." he said, cautiously approaching Cyrille while eyeing him. "And why is that?"

"Dragons are a bit more interesting." Cyrille only knew two dragons his entire life, but they were almost opposites. He imagined that every dragon was just as complex as a human if not more so.

The dragon smiled, obviously pleased with his response. "My name is Hoem, and you are named?"

"Cyrille."

"I am pleased to meet your acquaintance, Cyrille." Hoem's nostrils flared and he appeared to smell Cyrille's scent. Suddenly, his eyes grew big and he shoved his snout towards the human's crotch.

"Hey!" Cyrille objected, quickly looking around to see if anyone was watching them. He gently pushed the dragon away and glared at him. "What was that for?"

"You... who are you?" His eyes narrowed to slits as the dragon drew closer again.

"Cyr-"

"No! I know your name. Where is your home?"

Cyrille tensed. He could smell Vaelyn's scent on him. "I- uhm..."

"I know it's hers..." The dragon seemed to be thinking out loud. "So you... You must be... You are her human hatchling!"

"What?" Cyrille asked, unsuccessfully playing off ignorance.

"Vaelyn. You are Vaelyn's human hatchling," he said, positive in his conclusion.

Hoem's voice hammered her name into his head. He wasn't sure what to do, whether or not to run. Then again, he was immensely curious--how did he know Vaelyn? Cyrille had never seen him before, not even heard of him.

"Can you take me to her?" Something clicked in Cyrille's mind as the dragon looked at him hopefully. It almost seemed as if he was desperate. Cyrille knew nothing about Hoem, but he knew that if he didn't agree, the dragon would find Vaelyn one way or another."

"She hates visitors."

"She will hate me more," he said grimly.

They looked at each other almost as if in understanding. "I will take you to her, but I can't promise anything good."

"When will you depart?"

"I depart tomorrow at dawn. I was looking for somewhere to stay."

"As was I," he said crossly. "But you saw what happened."

Cyrille spared a smile. "Come, I know a place that's dragon friendly."

* * *

Vaelyn lay upon her furs, her back on the soft padding and her legs spread. Her paw was still pressed against her slit, covered in her arousal with a claw still inside her entrance. She couldn't beat her insistent heat that only seemed to get more irritated when Cyrille was around. If only the human could satisfy her. It was bad enough that her scent was the only thing she could smell, but Cyrille had left her for a day's journey. Even if he couldn't fully satisfy her, at least he could alleviate her aches.

It was about mid-morning and she expected him to arrive in the evening. Until then, she would have to minister to herself.

Or so she thought.

Entering the cave, she heard the ruffling of wings and clacking of claws echoing to her chambers. Vaelyn cursed and quickly flipped right-side-up. Why must he come at the worst of times? The dragoness knew she was indecent and that the entire cave reeked of her pungent aroma. She grabbed her scarf and wrapped it around her neck. Perhaps that would draw attention away from her hind-end.

Neiron walked in, announcing his presence. She saw his golden-scaled hide and slowly approached him, stalling for as much time as possible.

Not that it really mattered.

"Good morning, Kaza. I do apologize for intruding so early." He placed himself upon a smooth rock to accommodate the both of them.

Vaelyn awkwardly returned the greeting and lay down next to him. She saw his nostrils flaring. She knew he smelled it--how could he not?

"I see that you are in the throes of your cycle."

Vaelyn blushed. "Sorry..."

"It's fine... it's a part of life." A long silent moment passed gracelessly. The dragoness could smell Neiron's scent. It was alluring... muskier than normal and it appealed to her nostrils. "I came to talk for a while, so I hope you're not too busy."

"No, I suppose not."

"Your human isn't around?"

"No, Cyrille went to retrieve some things," Vaelyn said, then quickly added, "He will be back before too long."

Neiron eyed the dragoness carefully, letting a moment of silence pass them. "Vaelyn, have you ever thought of raising a hatchling instead?"

Vaelyn looked at him, fearing what he was thinking. "Yes, plenty of times, but Cyrille is mine and will always be." The dragoness found herself wondering if things would have changed if Cyrille had been a hatchling instead, if what she did was just or fair to the human child.

"I understand that. You two have a strong bond as mother and child, despite your differences."

"Yes, we do." She hated how Neiron could play around with words. It made her think about what he was trying to plan and what she was saying. And still, her insistent heat irritated her. She didn't have the patience to think.

"Vaelyn..." He looked into her eyes. His expression softened, his eyes glistened and his maw was held slightly open as he fumbled for words. "Did you ever want a mate, someone who could have helped to raise him?"

She couldn't lie, he would know. "Yes, I did."

"I've been thinking a lot these past few days, and I'm still not sure if I should ask this..."

She knew what he was going to say. The dragoness pulled her snout away, averting her eyes from his. "Neiron, don't."

"...but I can't help but feel this way towards you. You're just like her." His cheeks gleamed from streaming tears. "Appearance and all."

"I am not my mother, Neiron! I will not follow in her flight and take on another ma-" She stopped herself, realizing what she about said. Her mouth dropped as she stared at him, feeling uneasy. Now she was at a loss for words and slowly retreated, inching to the side.

"So, my suspicions were correct then? You and the human..."

"Her head shook violently back and forth. "No, it's not like that... we're..."

"Lovers?" he finished. He stood up before her.

Vaelyn lowered her head and scraped the rock with her claws, leaving ruts in the softer areas. "No."

"Then why do you deny me?" He sounded almost as if she hurt him. A long moment of silence passed as Vaelyn battled against herself. "I have feelings for you, Vaelyn. I want to be with you and sire a clutch. I want Saerah's legacy to live on."

"All you care about is my mother. You love her, not me!"

"You two are the same, Vaelyn." Neiron slowly moved nearer, carefully caressing her cheek. "Your mother, my greatest love, lives in you. You are kind, sweet, and gentle, but yet your ferocity is unmatched by any foe. You're deemed vicious by your enemies, but tender by your lovers whom you would fight for and protect without a shadow of doubt. You and she make for the perfect mates. I wish to be yours, Kaza. Together we will be whole." His golden snout lightly touched the tip of her nose.

"You're rushing this."

"You know me just as well as I know you. We aren't strangers."

Vaelyn closed her eyes for a second, caught up in the moment. His scent was powerful within her nostrils and she could see his red length swelling between his legs as she remained on her belly. He didn't even try to hide it. What Neiron said flattered her. Only one other person had come close to the same words as him, and that was Cyrille. "No... Neiron...I- I can't. I..."

"Why can't you? You're free."

He kissed her. The dragons locked mouths, a fiery passion exploded in Vaelyn's mind. He broke her, just like Cyrille had. Slowly, she let herself go, giving in to the male. Vaelyn's heart beat quickly, her thoughts becoming clouded by lust. She delved into the kiss, feeling Neiron's tongue push past her lips. It was long and slimy like hers, twisting and intertwining passionately. The dragoness felt her cheeks growing hot and her sex warming, secreting her lubricating liquids. She lost herself and was soon caressing the golden dragon with sensual strokes while bringing her back to the ground. He loomed over her; his body between her legs. Vaelyn breathed heavily through her nostrils as he pressed against her, instincts driving her forward. His body moved with hers, gently rocking back and forth as their belly scales slid against another. Neiron ended their kiss and looked into the dragoness's eyes. She saw the glinting, golden gems peering down at her, filling her heart with warming love. Her chest felt fuzzy. With a paw, she caressed his cheek and ran her claws lavishly down his neck. Between their legs, she could see his hardened, red length protruding from his slit. She smiled and caressed him, holding his soft member. She felt its length, smearing his arousal over the fleshy skin. Slowly, she rubbed him up and down, feeling it twitch within her paw as he grunted lustfully.

The dragoness knew what came next. Carefully she turned her body around and stood up on all fours. Vaelyn lowered her torso, leaving her hind-end raised, presenting her wet, swollen sex. She felt no guilt. The white scarf around her neck touched the ground, its silken lengths intertwined with her neck. Yet realizing that it was a gift from her mate, the human she loved dearly, she still could not feel guilt. Behind her, she saw Neiron placing his forepaws near her wings as he brought his hips upwards. He grabbed her scarf and tugged on it, removing it from her body as he cast it to the side. Silly as it was, Vaelyn felt naked without it, but it was too late to feel guilty or shamed. He was mounting her.

Her long tail was placed over his side, dangling in the air as his tapered tip quickly found her entrance. His hips thrust forward and he penetrated her, sending a jolt of pleasure and pain through the blue dragoness. She blushed, feeling him slide through her sex. Neiron's member was much larger than Cyrille's and shoved its way deeper into her slick folds. Vaelyn winced and verbally exclaimed, feeling the golden dragon hilting her as he moaned words of encouragement. His hind-paw clenched the dragoness' hip as he slowly pulled out of her depths, claws digging into her scales. She felt ridges along his length rubbing against her tight walls, noticeably pleasuring her. When only his tip remained inside of her, he pushed against her again. Vaelyn winced and felt her body move with him. She could feel his soft flesh parting her folds and swelling within her. He was slow at first, enjoying the blissful pleasure the dragoness' moist, warm hole could provide.

The male was too eager and soon began a rough rhythm. The dragoness cried out below Neiron, her voice like a raspy growl. His hips met hers repeatedly, sending his tool inside of her forcefully. She followed his wishes, allowing him to crudely mate her. Inner ridges caressed him and pulled him deeper, her instincts desiring him to finish inside her body. She wanted his seed, and she wanted it to course through her. Vaelyn squarely planted her feet, feeling Neiron thrusting faster and harder. He was losing control just like the dragoness. Instincts drove them as they mated, their hips rocking back and forth with swift motions. Neiron rutted her, lifting her hind-end with every thrust. His claws tightened on her body. He bit her neck just above her shoulders, holding on with his teeth. Vaelyn cried out, feeling her pleasure bursting inside her head. She held out, enjoying every drive of the male's hips. He pounded against her, gripping and pulling her to him as he pushed forward. His red member slid in and out of her sex, its slimy length disappearing into her repeatedly. Vaelyn could feel how wet she was beneath her tail. The longer they mated, the more liquids came oozing out. The waiting was driving her crazy. Her ecstatic pleasure became too much and she felt her climax course through her. Undulating waves of her sex pulsated around the male, coaxing his seed to spew into her.

And it did.

The two dragons cried out as they were overwhelmed with pleasure. Neiron's length throbbed against Vaelyn's rippling walls and ejaculated his steaming seed into her. It poured into her sex in thick, sticky strings. He hilted her and moaned with her. Liquid spilled from their connected sex, dripping down Vaelyn's slick underbelly. She spread her legs a little more, moving beneath his weight. His seed coursed through her reproductive organs, filling her and satisfying her heat. The dragoness could feel the relieving pleasure and felt herself shaking and panting as she came down. Each throb of the male's sex sent a chill through Vaelyn. She had been bred. Neiron withdrew from her and released a sigh of satisfaction.

Vaelyn stared blankly at the ground, her glare unwavering. She lowered her tail and remained standing, motionless. Her thoughts quickly roamed to Cyrille, to her mother, then to Neiron. Horror gripped her and she whimpered, tears quickly falling from her cheeks. Guilt crushed her beneath its massive weight, so she lay down. Sorrow filled her and she felt remorse. How could she have been so absent?

"Vaelyn?" Neiron touched her shoulder, concerned for the fitful dragoness. He lay next to her and placed a wing protectively over the blue dragoness. The rest of his words were not heard.

She couldn't bring herself to look at him, not even to acknowledge him. She reached for the scarf next to her and whimpered once more. Vaelyn knew she was breaking and she couldn't stop it. Thoughts of her past relived in her mind. She saw her father, how upset, distraught, and disappointed he was. She saw her mother feeling the same emotions Vaelyn felt now. Never would she be able to take this back and never would Cyrille forgive her. She mated with Neiron. She betrayed the love of her life.

And it was her fault.

"Vaelyn... I'm sorry," Neiron said, softly caressing her. His expression was of concern, observing Vaelyn's sudden change of emotions.

"I should have never talked to you." Vaelyn watched him carefully, judging his feelings. She saw that she hurt him. She saw him cringe.

"Vaelyn?" he said, almost like a whimper.

The dragoness' expression did not change; she stared blankly at him, feeling soulless. "I don't love you." Neiron removed his paw from her, taken aback. His snout contorted and his eyes narrowed to slits as he heard the words, "I love Cyrille."

Neiron looked confused, a slight tinge of anger mixed within his voice. "What are you saying? That this was nothing?"

"Yes, and it will remain that way." Vaelyn stood, rising above him. The cold manifestation within her eyes stared him down, the twin sapphires like an icy storm. The words, "It never happened," echoed.

Glinting tears fell from the golden dragon's face. Vaelyn felt herself feeling pain for him. She saw his sadness and it made her heart ache. She devastated him as well as herself. "I thought we would be the perfect mates... I see now that I was wrong. Cyrille is your mate." He glared at her uneasily and said with distaste, "the human."

"Yes, now please leave me." She lowered her head, depression quickly overwhelming her. Her soul was burning, her emotions seething from spiteful regret. If only she could take it back.

"You betrayed me and your kind, Vaelyn. For the sake of your clan and what love I have left for you, I will say nothing. I hope you raise my hatchlings with the love they were bred with because it was all I had left." With that, he stormed out of Vaelyn's home and took to the skies. She ran out after him and watched him leave, perhaps for the last time. She looked up and released her built up emotions and began to cry profusely, sobbing and wailing beneath the uncaring sky. Her life was falling apart and she knew it all too well. She bore the hatchlings of another while she was mated to a human. She didn't know what to do.

"Vaelyn?" A female voice called out with concern.

The dragoness froze.

* * *

When Cyrille returned, he knew something wasn't right. Everything seemed so quiet and still that even a whisper would have been heard. Hoem walked beside him closely, sniffing and looking around.

"After all of these years of searching, she has been here," he said, almost in wonder. Cyrille still did not know much about him. He learned that Hoem had spent most of his time in the Nation of the Sand which was directly west about several leagues away. It was as Cyrille expected it: hot, dry, and little to no water. Hoem preferred it here where there were mountains, forests, and the greatest of hills rippling from the edge to the coast. Whoever he really was, Cyrille was soon to find out.

They entered the cave, slowly strolling inside. When Cyrille came into view of the sitting area, he saw Erin and Vaelyn close together. Both had tears in their eyes, Vaelyn more so than the elf. The dragoness looked at Cyrille first, her expression of dread and sorrow. Then, she looked at Hoem who looked at her with the same hopeful appearance he had with Cyrille. His mouth was slightly dropped as if in disbelief and he looked confused as well. Fear and concern gripped Cyrille's heart. The last time Vaelyn looked like this, something horrible had happened. And this time, Cyrille wasn't there to help her. He looked at Erin who looked back with a somber face.

Something horrible had happened.

"Vaelyn!" Cyrille called out as he ran to his dragon, to the love of his life. With no care in the world but her, he embraced her tightly. "Everything's going to be alright." He felt her shivering, her body reacting violently. She broke the embrace quicker than it had begun. With a shove to the side, Vaelyn sprinted passed the human, quickly exiting the cave. Cyrille saw the scarf on the ground next to her. His heart ached and pounded against his chest. He dropped his satchel and picked up the scarf. Cyrille glanced at Erin, who shared the same look of surprise, and then ran to Vaelyn. As fast as his legs could carry him, he sprinted after the dragoness. Pounding footsteps echoed across the cave as Erin followed behind him. Then, Cyrille saw the blue dragoness in the sky. She flew around wickedly. Only a few times before had the human saw Vaelyn do this, and that was when she was the angry and frustrated. Never had she been depressed.

Cyrille watched her, concern the only thing he could feel. "What happened?" he asked Erin.

"She must tell you herself. That's how it must be." Her voice was calm and collected despite how she appeared.

"I've never seen her so distraught." Cyrille could almost feel Vaelyn's pain. He didn't even have to know what it was to feel it.

"Cyrille," He looked at Erin and she looked dreadfully serious. She firmly gripped his arm and said, "What pains her is something that will pain you as well. Prepare yourself for this and do everything you can to forgive her and comfort her. If you say or act wrongly, you will break her heart and you will end her. "

Cyrille clenched his fists together tightly; his knuckles were bone-white. "I would never hurt her."

"If you truly love her, then you must guard yourself. Don't let other feelings distract you."

"You know, then?"

"What I know is none of your concern either. It matters not who you love as long as they love you." Erin gripped his clenched fist almost as tight as he did himself. "And she does love you. I've never seen a dragon--or a human, or an elf for that matter--contain so much emotion inside them. She's about to burst, Cyrille."

"I know."

* * *

Vaelyn threw herself at the mercy of the wind. Her body twisted and turned, the world spinning beneath her. From here, she could see the vast expanse of rolling, green land, though its beauty unable to surmount her poisonous emotions. She clawed the air, roaring viciously into the darkening skies. She cursed whatever Gods existed. Clouds rolled in from the West with the separation of dark and light. Light's lustrous rays illuminated the white, puffy tops while darkness was cast down below the base. The horizon disappeared with the encroaching storm, blocking the sun from view.

Vaelyn snarled and broke her glide, folding her wings against her back and sending her body like an arrow towards the ground. Wind roared in her ears like a malevolent beast. It tore at her, buffeting her body with sheer power. Her fear, anger, depression, and regret seethed from her; adrenaline filled her. She bared her teeth and continued to pierce through the sky until she suddenly flared her wings. Pain gripped her limbs, compelling them forcefully backwards. The thin, leathery membrane of her wings swelled and caught the wind and slowed her decent drastically until she surged forward, momentum carrying her faster as she neared the ground. Over tree-tops she flew, passing trees by the hundreds within seconds. Vaelyn gracefully twisted her body around and rose upwards, her wings spread to catch the dying light. For just a second, she felt free.

But the dragoness couldn't shake her emotions and she couldn't break free from her burdens. No matter what, these memories will haunt her for the rest of her life. She wouldn't be able to live knowing Cyrille wouldn't accept her. Vaelyn loved him with everything she had, but how could she tell him that now? How could she tell him that when she mated with Neiron? Cyrille would never forgive her. She was a disgrace to both dragons and humans.

She was nothing.

With another blood-curdling roar, she began the same reckless pattern of rising and falling. Her wings ached and she was near exhaustion, but she didn't care. She couldn't feel it. The dragoness had no room left to feel anything else. As she looked down, she saw Cyrille and Erin watching her. Tears came to her again, this time they were caught in the wind as they fell from her cheeks. Her heart ached for the human and she knew it would break before she could even speak. Just looking at him made her cringe with fear. She was afraid of what happened next. She wouldn't be able to live without him, he was her life.

Vaelyn was terrified of losing him.

They had been through so much together. Only recently had they come to realize their love and she had destroyed it before it could bloom freely. She took that chance away. Vaelyn winced and blinked away her tears. She had to end this, for her sake and Cyrille's. The dragoness knew he was concerned for her, so she needed to get this over with, to end the torment.

Vaelyn directed her course toward him and descended; the gaining storm at her back.

* * *

Tears welled up in Cyrille's eyes as he ran to his dragoness. She landed and stopped moving, seeming to be hesitant. The pained look on her face was too much for Cyrille. He could feel her agony as if it was his own. He cried out, "Vaelyn!" and warmly embraced her. His arms wrapped around her, but she still did not stir. She was dead on the inside. Whatever was killing her, Cyrille knew he had to stop it. He looked into her glistening eyes, seeing a blank stare returning to him. "Please... tell me what happened. I love you, Vaelyn. Nothing will ever change that." He felt his emotions raging like the ocean's vicious waves. "I love you!" he shouted. He did not care who heard, and he cared not for anyone but her. This was his all.

She heard him and peered at him with sullen eyes. "I... I'm sorry. I couldn't stop myself. I couldn't control it. I... I failed you as a mate." Her jaw dropped slightly and trembled. "I failed you."

Her words stung Cyrille. She was torn apart because she cared for him, because she loved him. "Tell me what it was. No matter what, I will love you. I just have to know. I want to help you, Vaelyn, like before."

She cried out and began to sob. Cyrille held her tightly, his chest pressed against hers with an unbreakable bond intertwining their souls. "I mated with Neiron," she said through clenched teeth. "I bare his eggs."

Cyrille cringed and felt himself hurting deeper than he had imagined. A spike was driven into his heart. He withdrew from her, shocked and appalled. She made love with another; she broke their pact forged by the fires of their passion. Fury welled up inside of him as he thought of the golden dragon on top of her, pleasing her. He wanted to kill him.

Then, Cyrille realized what he was thinking. Vaelyn's expression ripped deep into his emotions. She watched him, she saw that turning moment of fury. Vaelyn saw what she expected; she angered Cyrille. They were both sobbing, holding each other's hands. The human let go of her and gently held her head, leaning forward. His forehead touched hers as he whispered, "You silly dragon." He smiled and hugged her, coursing his hands down her scaly back. Warm emotions rose up within him as he held her gently. The pressing emotions of anger and disappointment fell from his soul to the void, leaving him with no trace. Slowly, he intertwined the scarf he held around her neck.

Vaelyn remained still as he dressed her, staggered by his reaction. Slowly, she reached behind him and embraced him. Hesitantly, she burrowed her snout into his neck, releasing a quiet whimper.

Cyrille had forgiven her. He shared the weight of her burdens.

They were both crying again and sharing their emotions with no shame. Once they finally came to, they looked at each other. Cyrille's cheeks were red and flushed and Vaelyn's eyes were slightly pink from irritation. Cyrille wiped away her tears with his thumb as she did the same to him. Vaelyn pressed her snout against his lips and they kissed. The human held her and felt his heart warming as their kiss continued. When they released, it seemed that their sorrows had come to an end.

For the first time that day, Vaelyn smiled. Weak as it was, it meant the world to Cyrille. Cyrille laughed and kissed her again. Happiness quickly replaced their hollow emotions and brought them joy; joy to be together, to be mates. Cyrille turned around and was thankful to see the elf missing. Though he felt like it didn't matter if she watched anymore, he felt like they could be free. Free to love and free to mate. Life seemed to be a dream.

Thunder roared behind them, the storm quickly gaining overhead. Small drops of rain fell from the darkened sky.

"Let's head inside, Vaelyn."

Another smile curled her lips. "I will follow." She padded alongside Cyrille and entered the cave with him. Cyrille saw that Hoem was there, patiently sitting and fiddling with his paws, but he did not see Erin. Hoem looked up with a curious expression and then ran to Vaelyn.

"Are you alright?" he asked immediately. Vaelyn stopped dead in her tracks and backed up. She did not growl, but she looked surprised. Hoem grimaced and retreated, slinking away. Cyrille was befuddled. Normally, Vaelyn would make all sorts of fuss, but not a single word was said.

"Where's Erin?" Cyrille asked.

"She went out there with you..." Hoem replied. "She didn't come back in." His stare wouldn't break from the dragoness.

"Oh." Cyrille shot Vaelyn and uncertain glance.

"She will be fine," the dragoness said comfortingly. She continually glanced at Hoem anxiously.

"She better come back soon. That storm looks serious."

Without hesitation, Vaelyn asked, "Why is he here?"

Hoem approached her cautiously. "I've returned, Vaelyn. I looked for you all over the Nation of the Sand, but that was obviously a mistake."

"Hoem... why?" Vaelyn obviously knew him, his name at the least.

The green dragon glimpsed at Cyrille then back to the dragoness. "I've missed you." He seemed to be holding something back, almost uncertainly.

"I... I don't know what to say." Vaelyn's mouth hung open. "I... I've moved on, Hoem."

"Please Vaelyn, give me another chance."

Cyrille slowly began to infer who he was. The dragoness backed off slightly and leaned against Cyrille. "I- I can't."

Hoem was an old mate. But when and how? She had been with Cyrille most of her life and the human knew she wasn't too old, not old enough to have raised him that long and had a mate before then. Not once had they visited the Nation of the Sand, so she couldn't have hid Hoem from Cyrille.

"Have you forgotten? Did you forget the love we shared together after all of these years?"

Vaelyn looked at Cyrille apologetically. This was something she had never told him. Cyrille nodded at her, understanding that she had a past love. He knew that she loved him and no one else, so he needn't be troubled. "No, I have not."

"Then please let me be with you."

"I am mated to another, Hoem."

Hoem sighed and lowered his head with sadness. "Just let me near you. I have spent most of my life waiting and searching for you just so I could stand next to you again. I missed you so much."

"Hoem..."

"Please..." he pleaded.

Vaelyn looked at Cyrille for an answer. Cyrille didn't see a problem with Hoem staying. He was perfectly capable of feeding and bathing himself. He also knew that Vaelyn's resolve was strengthened; she would never mate with him. She obviously still cared for him, but not like before. Hoem needed somewhere to stay and it would seem cruel if Cyrille cast him away after bringing him to his dream.

"You may stay, Hoem."

He smiled happily and ran to Cyrille. Vaelyn didn't back away this time and watched as the green dragon pressed his head against the human's belly. "Thank you!"

Cyrille patted him on the neck and replied, "Just don't make a mess."

Hoem backed off and said, "Someday, I will repay you for your kindness."

Cyrille and Vaelyn showed him to his sleeping quarters. It was the opposite side of the cave from their sleeping chambers and away from Erin's area as well. He curled up immediately with his thanks and slept. Their family seemed to be growing.

Together, Cyrille and Vaelyn entered their chambers. The human had the idea to apply a sort of curtain over their area to provide some privacy. With a few sheets of their bedding, a drape was crudely crafted, but effectively blocked them from view. They lay down together, Cyrille beside Vaelyn. Thunder continually crashed and rolled, echoing through the cave as the storm violently progressed. Howling wind resounded between the loud cracks and flashes of lightning.

"I'm worried about Erin," Cyrille stated.

"The elf will be fine." A claw traced the collar of the human's shirt. "She's been through these situations before, undoubtedly. Most likely she will return the next morning."

"What if it still hasn't passed?"

"Stop your worrying!" Vaelyn then removed his shirt, moving her paws to his pants. "Let's focus on something else," she said, feeling his crotch.

Cyrille pushed her paw away, scolding in a hushed whisper, "Hoem will hear us!"

Vaelyn smiled. "Not if we're quiet." She kissed him, letting it linger before rubbing him again. Cyrille's member hardened quickly, arousal setting in. His thoughts were quickly clouded by lust.

"Do you think he knows?"

"Does it matter?"

Cyrille rubbed his hand down her gracile body, grabbing her hind-end. "I suppose not." He felt her scales, feeling them slide across his palms. His hand lowered to her belly and he gently pushed against it. "What about the eggs?"

Vaelyn began to unbuckle his trousers as he caressed her. "It would be near impossible to harm them at this stage." Cyrille followed her belly down to her slit and touched her intimately, feeling the warm, soft scales around her sex. Vaelyn responded with a quick inhalation of air and shivered. She spread her legs, presenting her vent to the human. Cyrille cupped her crotch with his hand and rubbed her soft scales, pressing into them with his palm. Then, he assisted Vaelyn in removing his last pieces of clothing. With a soft smile, he held her paws, guiding them as she finished removing his pants and his undergarments, leaving the human naked before his dragoness. Vaelyn looked down, staring at his hard length and gently caressed Cyrille, her paws slowly tracing his body downwards until she rubbed her paws around his male sex. Cyrille grabbed her hind-end and moved closer so her chest pressed against his. He continued to fondle her around her hind-leg and between her legs as she rubbed his back. The soft leathery pads of her paws kneaded into his back with the occasional claw running his spine. The human lifted Vaelyn's leg and spread her, moving his hips forward. Her leg dangled over his side and his body was between her legs. He pressed his body against hers, feeling his length rubbing into her softly scaled crotch. It rubbed against her wet slit, slick with arousal.

Vaelyn hummed lightly and craned her head back, silently exclaiming her bliss. Her forepaws flattened against his chest as she lightly pushed against him. Cyrille gripped his member and looked between their legs, slowly guiding his tip into her vent. Vaelyn watched as well and gasped as he entered her, her claws digging into his bare chest. He pushed into her velvety depths, her soft, fleshy walls caressing him with every passing ridge. The dragoness whimpered a slight moan.

"You're going to have to be quieter than that," Cyrille whispered, smiling.

"You're asking the impossible."

"This was your idea!"

"It just feels so good..."

Hearing that made Cyrille chuckle. He held her cheek in hand and withdrew from her. Vaelyn's sex gripped him, pulling him back as he slid out. With another agonizingly slow push, Cyrille penetrated her again. Her folds parted for his length as inch-by-inch slipped into her depths. Vaelyn's claws held Cyrille, jabbing into the skin of his back. Once more he slid in and out of her until he began to speed up. He sped up until it was comfortable and quiet, but effective in pleasuring them. The dragoness' claws seemed to hold to him tighter than normal, but she was quieter than a whisper. Cyrille enjoyed the faces she made. They were all crunched up and looked as if she was wincing in pain, but her soft moans said otherwise.

Cyrille held her dangling hind-leg and thrust harder into her. Her tail curled around his legs and her wings covered them. Heat quickly surrounded him and he began to sweat as he mated her. The thin, leathery membrane felt odd against his skin. Smooth like silk, but tough and sinewy. Cyrille watched his member enter her and reappear from her sex with every push and pull. His rhythmic pattern built up pleasure inside them both, their climaxes seeming to be near. It was difficult to remain quiet and Cyrille found himself clenching Vaelyn's scales too tightly or biting his lip. His hips met hers repeatedly while he thrust into her on his side. Feeling her warm body pressed against his was comforting.

Suddenly, Vaelyn pulled Cyrille tight against her body and rolled him onto his back. She kissed him, pressing her snout against his lips, and mouthed at him. She placed both her hind-paws to the sides of his waist and quickly moved her hips back and forth. His length slid in and out of her with her fluid movements. Cyrille licked her invading tongue and grunted, feeling his member beginning to throb inside of her as she pushed her hips down on his crotch. The human grabbed her hips and rubbed them. Vaelyn broke the kiss and silently exclaimed her peaking pleasure. Her maw opened while she winced. The quietest whimper escaped her as it hit. The dragoness' sex pulsated around Cyrille's member which began to spew his seed into her. Liquids came oozing out of their connected sex, falling to the human's crotch as the dragoness sat on him. Vaelyn looked into Cyrille's eyes with a loving stare. She came down from her climax and kissed him again. He finished as well and held the back of her neck gently, caressing her with tender strokes.

They finished kissing and continued to cuddle each other, caressing their bodies. Vaelyn did not move from Cyrille's crotch, his length still penetrating her and succumbed to her warmth. Each minute passed slowly as they enjoyed each other's company.

"I missed you," Vaelyn whispered.

"I was only gone for a day!"

"It felt like ages." Vaelyn's expression saddened and she looked away. "So much happened..."

Cyrille noticed her changing emotions and quickly reached up and held her snout, moving it so she looked him in the eyes. "Hey... What happened is over with. It's in the past. What matters is here and now, and I still love you. Until the day I die, I can't imagine otherwise." Cyrille smiled and continued, "Maybe even after that!" Vaelyn smiled meekly back at him and removed her body from his. She lay next to him, holding his hand. Cyrille held her paw and curiously felt it. The bottom of her foot was soft to the touch while the top was lined with brilliant, sapphire scales that were smooth one way and rough the other. Her claws were pure white and sharp like a sword.

Vaelyn's head darted up and she slowly stood. "Someone is running outside, drawing nearer..."

Cyrille stood up with her and grabbed his clothes, quickly putting them on. "It must be Erin."

"But it's still storming. Why would she be running through it?"

"Maybe she didn't want to wait." Tension began to build within Cyrille. He knew Vaelyn felt it too. It was an odd feeling that welled up inside, making the worst thoughts come to mind. The human pushed them aside and walked out with Vaelyn. By then, he could hear the steps entering the cave. They echoed ominously across the walls between the cracks of lightning and roaring thunder. Hoem looked up, his drowsy head leaning to and fro. They all watched as Erin came sprinting into the cave, her matted hair loosely following her.

Cyrille gasped and saw blood coating her clothing and skin. Thick crimson splotches clung to her from head to toe, the largest on her chest and hands despite the fact that she was soaked and dripping with rainwater. She looked back, dreadfully terrified and worried with crimson eyes staring blankly past them.

Something horrible had happened.