Arayna's Journey

Strangers

 “Arayna, this is is Alec.” Mastine Callia said as she introduced them. “Arayna, your job will be to teach Alec. He does not know all the words in our language. He has no former experience with dragons, save the one who brought him here. He does not understand our culture, the system of how we award ranks, how we are governed. He has much to learn. We wish you to patiently teach him. He is to live within your home, learn about your family and life. In two weeks you both will return. Alec will go before the council and they will ask him what he has learned, a quiz of type. If we feel you are doing well at teaching him you will continue. He will go to new assignments with you when we deem him ready. Do you understand?”  

“Yes ma’m.” Arayna replied stoically.

 “Aryana, no need to be like that. Do you have any questions?” Callia smiled. 

Aryana paused, looking over at Alec. “Just one. Why me? Why not have one of the elders or teachers or council men? I don’t understand.” 

“Because Arayna, we see great potential in you. Your mind is young and you can teach him how to see our world through youthful and beautiful eyes.That’s why. We also thought you’d appreciate the chance to move up ranks quicker. If you feel the challenge is too great just come find me here anytime and we’ll reassign it.” Callia rested a hand on Arayna’s shoulder.   “I have faith in you.” 

“Thank you Mistine.” Arayna said, breathing a little easier knowing she could give him away when she needed too. “

“Where are we to go now then? What am I to do with him for the next two weeks?” Arayna asked to avoid standing there awkwardly any longer. 

“Why don’t you show him around here first? Get to know each other. The town. In a few hours come back and I’ll have Master Daunglar fly you home. Your family is already expecting him, so there should be no problems there. Like I said, when you’re ready to go I’ll sign a note for you to give to Master Daungless.” Mastine Callia nodded to Arayna and as soon as the reply nod came she turned to leave. 

"But once I take him home?" Arayna asked. 

"You'll both have free days and time to be alone and do as you chose. You may seek council from your fmaily on more details but you get to chose where to take him and what to show him. He'll help you too. I'm sure Alec has many questions that will help guide you both." She smiled and the gap between them made Arayna refrain from more questions. It seemed childish to shout out more insecurities. 

Arayna stood awkwardly across from Alec. Dayis broke the stillness as she left Arayana’s head and circled around Alec a few times. She then took a seat on the railing in between them glancing between the two people. “Well Dayis?” Arayna asked quietly. 

Dayis shrugged. “Thrrrruuummm.” She wagged her head back and forth and kneaded the railing with her front paws.

“Is she talking with you?” Alec asked, his eyes curious. "Can you hear her thoughts?"

“No. Dragon’s can’t speak with words or thoughts. Not our language at least, although they can communicate with each other. But when you’ve lived around dragons your whole life you begin to understand some things. Sorta like body language.” Arayna answered avoiding eye contact. 

Alec knelt down to Dayis’s level. He examined her with a smile. “So what was she telling you? Does she like me?” 

“Not exactly.” Arayna hesitated. 

“So she dislikes me. That’s what she told you?”

“Well no,” Arayna looked over at him, unsure of herself. “She’s not sure what to think. Dayis is impartial. She’s restless to find out what your like. But look she’s warming up. See how her tail is swishing back and forth? That means she’s growing comfortable. She’s not afraid or tense. Just as curious about you as you are about her.” Arayna summarized.