For hundreds of years the dragons have protected the humans that lived in the shadow of their mountain of intruders. However after five hundred years, the black dragon was forced to leave his perch, to choose a sacrifice and make sure the deal of his ancestors was kept between him and the priestess as it had been all this time. The sky was bright and sunny in the mid hours of the morning, though the smell of rain threatened to change that sometime in the later part of the day. Still it seemed for now the perfect chance to see the town that he protected, with his own eyes instead of through the priestesses.

Standing nude in his human form in the field at the bottom of the mountain, Emery realized that before he could even start looking, he would need clothing. Humans loved their clothes after all it seemed, had he thought of this ahead of time, he would have found some unapparent way to tell Ella for some to be left for him. When looking through what was left by the priestess and the people provided no clothing, Emery’s gray eyes turned to one of the human buildings that looked as if they were getting rid of their clothes. Quickly he grabbed a shirt with buttons and slits down the two open sides, and a pair of pants as well.

It was only after he had brought them back to his field that he noticed the tags and piece of plastic attached to the shirt with numbers written on it. He studied it for a moment before using his teeth to chew the plastic off. How did that work? Was he meant to trade something for the clothing? That was something he never thought to talk to the Ella about. Oh well so he had taken something that didn’t belong to him, the humans should have watched their things better.

He shrugged the shirt on quickly realizing that the buttons were to close the open middle of the short sleeved button down shirt, it fit him a little tightly in a way that showed his muscles slightly, though didn’t look bad. The pants fit him perfectly well however, it was strange the idea of this cloth covering his body, though he needed to fit in with the humans as much as possible for today until he could chose his answer of who. After dressing Emery began to wonder through the streets of town.

Looking at the buildings he only saw from either above or through the eyes of his priestess. As well as watching the women, men, and children he protected. Well mostly looking at the women, after all tonight he would be picking one to take with him to the mountain. Soon he found his way to a park full of women and men playing with their children, pushing them as they sat on pieces of wood attached to metal chains. How interesting those humans could find such interest in useless things like that.

Emery found a place to sit and watched them for a while, before noticing a few people watching him closely. Yes he likely looked strange watching the children play, but at least they were smart enough to be careful of people watching their younglings. He was getting more attention than he wanted now, Emery got up and started looking around the town once more. Though instead of going to where he could find more places full of people he was unknowingly heading the way of the building that was his temple and the priestesses.

Outfit

Ella couldn’t help but have a restless sleep the night before. Her mind was racing with questions. She knew very well that the 500 year mark was tomorrow; therefore today he would make his choice at any moment, when she didn’t know. She rolled over in her bed, staring at the window to see the rising sun. Why did they take a human? Why did she have to be the one to tell the town that there would be a human sacrifice. If only she had been born two years later her mother would still be priestess. The oldest daughter shall always take her mother’s place on the day she turns eighteen, thus making her time as priestess short. She had only been acting as priestess for a year and a few months, although that did not take into account of the many years before being trained ruthlessly by her mother iron fist. She sighed softly letting her hazel eyes fall close, the morning sun warming her body through the window. “Today’s going to suck.” She couldn’t help but mutter softly, just as her mother burst through the door.

“Ella!”

“I know, I’m awake.”

“Get up and get dressed, we have to start setting up for the ceremony tomorrow and you have to hold two worships, two cleanses, one sacrifice and see the people today.” She said her body towering over Ella.

“I know mom, I’ll be out in a minute.”

“Good if you’re not, I’ll drag you out.” Her mother said sternly before leaving the room. Ella sat up still looking out the window down on the town. The priestess was not allowed to leave the temple, they only got a chance once a month unless requested by the dragon. Usually when the dragon made such a request, the two were connected visually so the dragon could see the town he was protecting.

It had been a crazy day for Ella she had to first do the cleanse ceremony, followed by a privet worship prayer, before running around in her priestess uniform setting up for the announcement tonight after the sacrifice followed by tomorrows festival and ceremony and that wasn’t an easy task. Her uniform was much like a Japanese kimono but to a whole new extreme. There were flowing fabrics all over, dancing around her thin from in a bold light purple with simple golden geometric pattern and a softer see-through silk vial around it. Red rope like ties started at her shoulders connected at her chest before flowing down to her feet. If working around all that fabric wasn’t an art there was the golden head piece to also deal with. It stretched pass each side of her head, two dangling pieces, matching on each side and design in the middle to add balance and high. When in training you’re given a metal one to wear, most of the time it was on the floor. Since becoming priestess she had dropped the head set three times, only once in the eyes of someone else.

The town held this festival in the dragon’s honor each year as thanks for another year of protection. It was a big thing for the people not just of the town but the surrounded villages who were also under his protection. Even people from distance cities came to see the festival, for it was known far and wide. Little did the world know that this year a riot was most likely to break out in protest. The human sacrifice would be taken and chained to the alter and left there over night. Even the priestess would leave the temple that night and return the next morning with the human gone.

Late day had come far too quickly. Her mother was still busily working on set up, her sister the Dragon Nun was at the front gates greeting guests, as Ella sang one of the hymns, dancing as she did a public cleanse. The temple sat above the town, the town at the bottom of the mountain, the temple almost a twenty minute walk up the mountain. The temple was almost as big as the town, surrounded by white marble gates that stood twenty feet high. The only entrance was the gate at the front, which was gold work, images of vines and dragons. On top of each walls beside the gate were golden twin dragons breathing fire.

Lailaa was standing slightly off to the side, wearing black cap with a white hanging cloth reaching the middle of her back. The top of her grown was black, with a matching section that ran down the front of her, followed by a flowing white skirt and a pale yellow under skirt. She was on the shorter side, showing her age to be younger. She smiled at the locals as they made their way in, before noticing Emery. She smiled at him and made her way over to him. “Welcome to the Dragon temple, I’m sister Lailaa, I guess you are in town for the festival?” She asked before glancing back towards the large open court yard, were the people gather around Ella could be seen. The scent of herbs mixed in the air, as the smoke from them burning could be seen drifting upwards. Softly in the background could be heard Ella singing.

“Take my hands, lord our protector, take my gifts and take the beauty of the world we have created for you. In a distance past you saved us and here I cleanse your grounds so scared to all, so wondrous of all. I will forever be your caretaker, your servant, your voice. La la ah, Dragon of fire, god of might you are so wondrous we are not worthy of your life. So let this dance and prayer bring you joy in the world that is yours.” It was then that the flute started up along with bells of different pitches. Ella hummed and sang as she danced within the circle of people.

“The cleansing is almost over, but after that she is taking confessions and messages, in about an hour she’ll start the worship prayer.” She said still smiling before glancing back at Emery. “If you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask myself or Mother Margaret if you’re unable to have a chance to talk to Priestess Ella.”
Ella Lailaa/Margaret

Soon Emery made his way up the mountain that sat above the town, once he saw the mountain he realized where he was. After all every now and then he would send his priestess down from the temple to see the town he was watching from the skies. Though sometimes it was really out of the want to see the town than the people, now getting to see it with his own eyes, the priestess’s eyes did not do it justice. Especially the eyes of this new priestess. It made him wonder now little justice her eyes gave his temple, it was enough to make him waste the twenty minutes of his only day in town to look at it.

Upon seeing the white walls of the temple it was quite clear that she gave the sight of the temple a great injustice, through her eyes it wasn’t nearly as beautiful. Though what could he really expect, this was the place she could never leave without his request, her very own white marble cell. Of course she would not do it justice, after all he would be unable to do his cave justice if asked, it was boring to him after all these years.

His eyes scanned over the white walls and the golden twin dragons breathing fire on the top of each side. Ignoring the people who walked past him going into the temple, even though some of them were staring at the stranger fixated with the white walls. This was all for him? It hardly fit, he was black not golden. Was the first dragon golden? Over years of the deal little things like color were forgotten, he was unaware that gold was meant to mean something more to the humans. To him it was just ore gold, silver, and crystal all grew in his cave, and gold was just a rock to him.

Emery moved on from the golden dragons to the gate, running his fingers softly along the vines craved into the gate. Other than the fact that he wasn’t golden, he could find nothing that he disliked about the temple, so far. His thoughts were interrupted by the blonde coming to him and welcoming him to the temple, the youngling wasn’t his priestess, she was just a child even for the humans. He almost brushed her off as a waste of his time, until she introduced herself as a sister.

Lailaa as she named herself was so young though, it was the reason he didn’t even thinking of taking her. When she asked about the festival, he titled his head and little before smiling softly at her. “Yes, I’ve heard your festival beautiful, this is the first year I’ll get to see it myself, sister.” He answered Lailaa brightly, though in truth he forgot about the festival with all the other things he had running through his mind. Every year they held this festival, he was able to see it through the priestess’s eyes, but the last few years he didn’t watch it. It was the last few years being by himself, the thought had made him uninterested in watching.

Hearing the singing and the smell of herbs, he looked past Lailaa to the circle of people around Ella who was singing though because of the crowd he couldn’t actually see her from here, just hear her singing. Lailaa said that the cleansing was almost over and then Ella would be talking to the people and taking confessions and messages, and to ask her or Margret any questions if he couldn’t talk to Ella.

Emery nodded to her with a smirk bowing his head to her a bit before moving past her towards the circle of people. If he wanted to ask her a question bad enough he would be able to anyway. Looking though the people around him, it was interesting how they were all calm, as if they didn’t know that soon one of them would be left here tonight for him? Moving through the crowd he got to where he could see Ella dancing around singing in her uniform, even she was more beautiful than he had believed. Emery quickly pushed those thoughts from his mind, surely he could find someone else than his priestess to take.

“Oh wonderful, I’m so glad you’re able to make it this year. Hopefully after tomorrow you’ll want to come back and visit.” She beamed brightly her smile reaching up into her blue eyes before she gave a small bow. “Enjoy the events and give thanks to the mighty Dragon.” She said before straightening up the same time he did, and watching him go by. Lailaa could only wonder what distant place he was form. For even the villages in the surrounding area where able to stop work for the one day in honor and thanks of the Dragon.

“Sister!” She heard a voice call and the wonder was gone as she turned away from him and towards the next person who desired to talk to her. If only she knew that she had been talking to the Dragon himself.

“La da la da, in the fire of our hearts, la da la da, we become one with your immortal heat.” Ella sang softly letting the notes slow and soft leave her lips as the song came to an end. She had one foot pointed forward, her toes pointed in her flat shoes as she bowed her head down, her hands stretched out to either side, the golden dangles on her head piece touching the grass before claps could be heard echoing around her. She was slightly out of breath, as she took in deep breaths through her nose and slowly out her lips as she held her pose, only a sight shaking as she tried to hold herself up pretty much on her one foot. One, two, three, she thought before she raised her self up, letting her toes glide along the grass before her feet came together her hands coming together in front of her chest, her hazel eyes closing her short blond hair falling into her face a little as she gave a smaller bow. “Thank you my people, but do not thank me but our great savour the Dragon. All I do is for him.” She said before finally raising her head and opening her eyes to look at the rather large crowed that had gathered.

It was then that a hand placed on her shoulder, Ella wanted to jump, as a flicker of surprised entered her eyes before it faded. She didn’t look up as her mother said. “The priestess will be taking confessions and messages for the Dragon , inside the shrine, please line up there. We will make sure that all of you have a chance to speak to her before this evenings sacrifice.” Ella couldn’t help but feel a little sad, she wanted to greet some of the people on their level. Being held as something divine was. . . so lonely. So she smiled gave a small wave of her hand letting her eyes connect with a few of the people before her mother ushered over into the shrine.

“Would it kill you to let me talk to them like a human?” She said to her mother as she was getting pushed into the shrine.

“It is your duty to be above them, because if you fail, everyone will die in his fire.” She said angrily before closing the sliding door. Ella sighed, looking out the back window, to the small garden pound in the backside of the shrine. As much as she loved what she did, she hated it at the same time. Maybe it was because she never got the chance to really live. Even Lailaa had spent more time in the village when they were younger, she had less hours of training and she even got to go to a normal school. It was then that the door slide up and she took in a deep breath before turning and smiling at the first person to come to her.

“Please take a seat.” She waved her hand at the pillow on the ground a lovely bright red, matching the one of her side of the table before she herself sat down. “What can I help you with today?”

Emery couldn’t help the fact that his smiled widened a little bit when the youngling Lailaa said to give thanks to the might Dragon. It was rather amusing to be told to give thanks to himself. If only he was as reckless as he wished he could be, it would be so fun to play with the youngling and see her reaction when she realized it was the dragon that she was talking to. “Indeed I shall.” He answered the young sister almost cheerfully, before passing her and joining the large group crowded gathered around his priestess as she sweetly sang her song.

It was actually nice to see the girl dance around and perform, last year he hadn’t even watched the ceremonies last year. However it was always through the priestesses’ eyes and thus more dizzying, as well of just the people and grass when they bowed. Ella’s voice was much softer and calming though then the voice of Margaret, and he actually found himself almost sad that it had come to an end.

“That was lovely Ella.” He softly spoke telepathically to her as Margaret pulled her away from the people, and he followed them all to line up with the other humans. Though it severed more of a purpose than just that of a compliment, it was also to let her know that this year he was actually listening. While in line waiting he studied the people around him, one thing was really clear, as much as he tried to watch on humans carried themselves; he clearly looked like the odd one among them. While the people around him almost seemed to walk around lazily, Emery’s body was on complete alert, eyes watching every movement around him. Though maybe it was his realizing this, which caused him to be on such high alert.

Instead he let himself relax as he looked around him at the women from whom he could choose; still it seemed none of them could catch his eye. Instead of seeing the good that they could offer, he only saw the faults of them. This woman was too short or too tall. Too large or too thin. Not pretty enough, too pretty, had a husband, or had a few children with her. He was almost half way through the woman around him before he heard one of the women he said was too short was giving their confession, that the link between him and Ella was still open and she could have heard him judging the humans around him.

It wasn’t that he was as cruel as he likely sounded; he was just extremely picky about the woman who was going to be his mate. Finally he came into the room which his priestess waited and talked to his humans. He gave the woman a soft smile, before bowing lowly to her, even though some humans didn’t bow anymore. It was a sign of respect still to dragons. He sat down on the pillow when she told him to. “I am unaware of how this works, I have no confession to give the dragon. May I ask questions instead?” He asked the priestess playing dumb outsider, as he wondered if she was as so foolish to believe she was above her people as her mother. “What do you do as the priestess exactly?”

Her mother’s hand grasped her tiny wrist and started to pull her way. A flicker of sadness appeared as she was pulled away as she let her eyes run along the group that had been watching her before starting to turn to follow after her mother. However, as she walked her mother’s grip till tight on her wrist as if she was about to run away. She stumbled a little when Emery’s voice entered her head without warning. Even know she couldn’t help by use her other hand to reach up for her head piece as she looked up to the sky wanting to see him flying through the air. Knowing he wasn’t up there. “Ah, thanks.” She thought her voice still sounding like a whisper, before almost tripping again before she gasped a little, her mother saving her from taking a face plant.

“What are you doing Ella? Something so trivial as walking shouldn’t be such a hard task.” Her mother said harshly as they arrived at the shrine.

“Well sorry, random voices appear in your mind can do that when you’ve only been hearing them for a year.” She said back to her mother before sighing.

Her mother looked up quickly at her, the door being held half open. “Has he already chosen.”

“No, he commented on my dance, for once. Usually he gets annoyed with being so dizzy.” She shot back at her mother crossing her arms.

“Don’t speak like that or you could have the villages destroyed by your lack of thanks for all he has done.” Her mother finished before walking out and closing the door. It would have pleased Ella to have her mother slam the door. Stop acting like Miss Perfect. She brought up her hand to her face and rubbed it a little trying not to totally rub away all the make-up she had worn for the festival. Hearing the door slide open as her mother let the first person in, she started confessions.

Ella loved but hated this. She got the chance to interact with the people on a more personal level but she knew Emery hardly cared about what all the people said, if he cared he listened, she really didn’t have to retell all the messages to him. However, by the third person that came in, Emery’s voice came into her head again. She tried to ignore it as if he hadn’t realized he was letting her listen, however, she quickly became distracted by the voice. “Ah sorry, umm could you give me a second?” She said the man nodding and leaving before she sighed softly. “Emery, I can hear you. As much as I need to know who you are picking I don’t need you to list your dislike for the woman you are watch-how are you watching them?” She asked before the door opened again her mother come back in. “I know! Emery is talking with realizing it. It’s hard to focus on both voices at once. Give me a second.” She said her mother watching her. “No he still hasn’t picked.” She said before listening for a second. “Okay send the man back in.” She said and carried on until Emery came in.

To her it was just another man another person wanting to confess, give message or really just ask about how things works. It was like teaching a religion. When he bowed she smiled at him, her hands rested in her lap, her legs wrapped around her side as she listened carefully to the man before her. “Oh don’t worry, there are many who don’t fully understand the who I do or the many priestesses before myself. So ask away I’ll answer as best as I can.” She reassured him as she would anyone else she smiled a little more her eyes drifting off to the side for a moment before looking back up to him. “Well, I do many things. I think for you to fully understand why I do what I do, I must make sure you know the story of the dragon. I’m more than willing to tell you it? Or maybe you can tell me what you know and we can go from there?” She finished still smiling softly, not a true smile, but not a fake one either.

Emery rolled his eyes hearing what Ella told her mother about his complaining about dizziness and what Margret’s response to it. He could have been happier when he had heard Ella’s voice in his head and knew there was another priestess taking over for Margret, though his father would have liked her. She was too high and mighty for him, holding herself a little too highly for a human. For some reason he felt it was better to stay connected with Ella today and though he could hear the messages, he simply was ignoring most of them, while he ran over his choices of human women. Hearing Ella’s thoughts towards him, Emery quieted, he hadn’t realized that she would be able to hear.

”I was unaware; trying to listen to your humans messages and decide is not a completely easy feat Ella.” He answered, almost as if it was a complaint, like it was partly her fault that she could hear him, in truth the choice should have been a private matter for him. If he had noticed he would have stopped to close the connection between them before now.

Now she asked questions that he honestly couldn’t answer without endangering himself. At her question he laughed lightly in his mind at her, as if blowing her off completely. ”I was mostly watching them through your mother, as when she stepped out to let them in. I assure you that you humans are not the only ones that have ways of seeing what you wish to.” He told her sounding as if he thought she was foolish for asking, a defense tactic.

When she mentioned he hadn’t picked still he let out a growl, not just in his mind but out loud. “Tell Margret when I decide I will bother to tell her as well! My choice cannot be pushed along, no matter how many times she asks you nor I!” He yelled angrily in Ella’s head, before cutting off the ability for her to hear him. The people close enough to hear him, stared at Emery until he took his hand to his mouth forcing a cough. He had seen humans do that before, when they said something they shouldn’t to one of the priestesses, the people stared for a minute longer before looking away from him slowly.

Ella wasn’t the only one whom she had been bothering with questions about his choice, she had tried to link to him this morning before waking Ella, and since she first asked Ella if he had chosen. He simply ignored her, not wanting to speak to the annoying and rude woman. How was he to choice if the woman wouldn’t leave him alone, perhaps she was jealous that her daughter had such a huge honor and job while she simply wasn’t wanted anymore?

Soon he was the one in front of the priestess and it brought the idea to his mind again just to take her, quickly being pushed aside. He bowed to her before sitting down in front of her, noticing her looking off to the side he looked himself, wondering if someone was listening to the human’s messages. Was her mother watching something that was supposed to be private? He was still looking to the side when she looked back to him, after a second he looked back to her and asked what she did as priestess. He smirked at her question and shook his head slightly looking at his hands.

“I know the version my father told me, but I figure that it is vastly different and harsher than the story you tell. I do not wish to offend you priestess. Perhaps I should hear yours, instead of telling mine.” He answered truthfully before his gray eyes looked back up at her. He knew the dragon’s version, how the humans had been a weak excuse for beings; they were always being attacked and could not fight for themselves. An egg was brought to the mountain, when it hatched it chose a human to speak within Ella’s family, making a deal to protect them when they couldn’t defend themselves, in exchange for their worship, everything it desired, and every 500 years a human sacrifice. It was hardly a version the priestess would care for, nor that he could actually tell.

Ella sighed softly to herself. She didn’t want to get snappy with the dragon but she felt the need to lecture him. “Now” She paused for a second. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but. . . shouldn’t you have already pick someone by now? You’ve only had umm a while to pick them out.” She pointed out before shaking her head. “Just never mind.” She said softly through their connection. Before her mother opened the door, her finger coming up to hold off her mother as the two talked things out. She had her little fight with her mother before Emery started to angrily yell at her. Ella flinched a little at the sound. “Could you, NOT, yell in my head?” she inquired before sighing again wanting to rub her face from the stress of today but couldn’t. “If you want to be angry, please yell at my mother and not me if you can still connect at her.” she finished before her hand finally dropped.

“Mother please, I am doing my job, back off. Emery is not happy with your impatient and taking it out on my head, so please.” Ella said to her mother, her mother’s lips pressing into a thin line of unimpressed emotions, but she didn’t say anything and the man was brought back in. She worked her way through the people, surprised Emery had quieted down. However, that didn’t stop Ella from being slightly distracted as she worked. She wanted to know how things were coming along and how Emery got so distracted that he connected without realizing it. When Emery came in herself she was glancing out the window before she smiled at him and greeted him like any other.

They got onto the topic of the story, the tale that everyone knew. She couldn’t help but title her head slightly as her brought up a different version then the one she knew, or many others. Having titled her head in the curiosity, her head piece almost fell over, her eyes flickered with panic for a section as her hands came up to steady it as her head became straight again. She couldn’t hide the soft blush of embarrassment of her mess up. She hoped the man didn’t say anything or bring up her mistake to others. It would really hurt her as not only a person but as high priestess. She pressed her lips in a thin line of worry before forcing a smile on her lips. “I’d love to hear the tale your father told you. But perhaps you’re right and I’ll begin with mine.” She said trying to get herself back on track.

“A long time ago, this island was always being attacked by those of the mainland. We had many things which they wanted; they also wanted to control this little island for political control. The people did all they could to fend off the invaders, but quickly we lost our own home. However, that did not stop the battles and deaths. The different powers of the mainland fought for control of our island, until one day a dragon came from the top of the mountain . There was an old woman who lived were our temple stands now. When the dragon appeared before her , she did not show fear. She got down on her knees and bowed before the dragon. When the old woman raised her head she looked to the dragon who had yet to say anything. The dragon’s voice boomed into her mind startling the old woman. He said ‘this island has been my home for many years, if you choice to worship me forever I shall save your people or shall destroy everything and keep any from returning to my home.’ The old woman started to cry and spoke out loud to the dragon. ‘Please, save our lands and I shall make all the people remember you as a hero of this land. We will build you a shrine and forever worship you.’ In that very moment the dragon connected with humans for the very first time and agreed to the woman’s terms. Ever since that day my family line has acted as high priestess’ for the dragon and their kin.”

Ella left out the part about the deal the old woman had to make. That every 500 years a human must be given to the dragon, a human of their choice. Ella started to title her head again before remembering what happened last time. “I’d like to hear your story now if that is okay? I promise it will not offend me and I’m sure if our mighty hero of our lands is listening it shall interest to hear other version then the one that has been passed to priestess to priestess.”

"Had you a choice between hundreds to take. Would you find it an easy one to make?" Emery answered Ella back with a question rather than an straight answer. The fact that she was lecturing him for not picking yet, made it quite clear that she had no clue the importance of this choice., though that was as it should have been. "Besides why would I pick beforehand? Shouldn't you just be pleased I am listening, instead of making you repeat the messages to me?" He continued in his head softly. His mood still rather calm and easy going as it had been most of the day. Even though that changed with the fight between Ella and Margret which annoyed him enough to yell in Ella's head. When Ella told him to connect to her mother and yell at her, Emery didn’t answer her words.

When he was in front of the priestess, he foolishly let slip something he should not have. Emery knew as soon as he said that he knew a different version of the story that he shouldn’t have. Still there was something about the priestess, which made him almost want to break the rules and tell her. The fact that he knew another version of the tale seemed to peek her interest, seeing how she tilted her head enough to make her head piece almost fell off her head. Emery couldn’t help but smirk watching her catch her headpiece, a soft blush on her face from embarrassment, as the thought of taking his priestess came back to his mind. Technically it wasn’t the first time she had dropped it in front of him, though it was probably the first time she had known it.

Ella’s version of the story wasn’t that far from the version that his father had told him. The fact that Ella left out the part that every 500 years a human of his choice must be given to the given to him tonight, was surprising. Why would they not inform their people of this? He would think that, that realization being kept of them would cause an up roar. Emery gave a quiet sigh looking at the window when she asked for his tale, it might have seemed like he didn't want to tell it, and it was true. "I don't really wish to hear whatever this mans father came up with." Emery piped up in her head suddenly, though he had a feeling that it wouldn't stop her from wanting to hear it.

"Well, in the story I heard. It wasn't only the people from...I guess as you called it the mainland that were attacking your island but the people on the island as well. Your dragon had made this island it's home since birth, and when it saw the damage your people were doing, it aimed to take back its home and wipe your people out. However it took pity on your old woman and gave her a choice. Crying she took the choice to worship the dragon and give it everything it wanted. In exchange it would protect your island from the mainlands and other dragons. In some ways it is the same but very different." Emery finished with a shrug of his arms.

"If you are done listening to this foolish story! I have made me choice" Emery said in her head before a knock came from the door behind her. Margret stick her hand in the door gesturing for her daughter to come. "I told her first as you refused to listen that I did not wish to hear the story. She is....most unpleased with my choice." Emery waited until she had left him alone in the room to go to her mother before he told her the choice he made. "I chose you Ella." He explained in a soft whisper.

“You could always NOT, take someone?| She pointed out to him before rolling her eyes at his stupidy. As much as she knew the importance of the dragon more than anyone else, didn’t mean she thought he had stupid moments. It made him almost seem human at times. That could also be the fact that she could hear a dragon’s voice in her head. The idea of the dragon being even close to human like was silly and laughable. “I don-” It was then that their conversation was finally cut off by her mother making her way into the room before Emery yelling at her, and she telling him to fuck off as nicely as possible. The whole thing was then over before, Emery was finally before her in person.

She was interested in the idea of another story and let her more un-priestess like nature show for a moment before she became totally embarrassed by the whole thing. Even more so since it was in front of someone and he clearly saw what just happened making her blush even more. So she tried to distract him by the matter by starting her story, only to jump a little when Emery’s voice appeared in her head again. She didn’t realize that he was still listening. “Well too bad, I would like to hear it” She said back to him before apologising with a smile at her little jump before she blocked Emery out as she listened to the story. It was really close to her own story but honestly sounded a little more believable. After all, why would a dragon want to share their land with anyone else? They were the most dangerous known creatures on the face of the world.

“Very interesting.” Ella said with a bit of a smile, “What village do you come from? I’d love to make a trip there and tell the story that is known by those close to the temple.” She said smiling a little bit more. “I could even do some of the rituals there for the day so you and your people of the village don’t feel so out of sorts with what I do here.” Ella said loving the idea of a day trip. However, before the man could reply Emery’s voice cut in again and the door opened her mother’s face a mixture of horror, anger and something else. Sadness?

Ella was confused, she glanced back at the man. “Sorry if you’ll give me a second, something important has happened and the dragon is currently needing me.” She said as she stood up before bowing before the man before starting to head towards her mother. “Mom?” Ella said softly worry in her eyes. “Wh-“ That’s when he told her. Her whole body froze her hazel eyes wide in total shock. For a moment she just stood there unable to believe what she just heard. “Wh-what?” She whispered out loud. Her eyes turned to her mother as her eyes started to water. “He-he-he can’t do that right mom! Mom! Don’t let him take me! Mom look at me!” Ella said starting off softly still in shock before the panic set in, her mother unable to look at her daughter her jaw set in a tense matter, her lips pressed together.

“I’m sorry Ella but I here by renounce your title as priestess and shall take you and prepare you for the alter tonight.” Her mother said softly but sternly the pain in her voice there. The tears started to spill down her cheeks.

“YOU CAN’T DO THIS! AFTER EVERYTHING I’VE DONE! ALL FOR NOTHING!” Ella screamed at her mother as she sobbed softly.

“Ella! There is nothing else to be done! His word is law, now give me your head piece!” Margaret yelled back at her daughter looking up with angry and distant eyes. Ella backed up a little shaking her head before she tripped over the pillow she had been sitting on. She had totally forgotten the man was in the room. She looked to the man across from her, the make-up she was wearing now staining her cheeks in the streams of her tears. “The part of the story I’m not allowed to say. . . is every 500 years a human sacrifice is needed.” She closed her eyes and sobbed softly for a second. “The dragon just. . . chose me.” She whispered.

It was slightly sweet how some a little thing as almost losing her head piece, could make his priestess blush so much, his smirk even made her blush more. “My lips are sealed” He muttered softly before she started to tell her story, which did indeed distract him from what had happened. Hearing her completely argue with his not wanting to hear the story, Emery couldn’t help but smile has he looked back at her while she apologized for jumping suddenly. Emery smiled closing his eyes and nodding calmly to her before he started to tell the version of the story he knew, though he left out the part were the dragon needed a human to breed with so that there would be another to keep their promise. Or destroy everyone if the deal was broken.

When she asked about the village he was from and talked about going there to do the rituals, Emery wasn’t quite sure how to respond. The villages he did know were the ones he protected on the island, however he could not answer with those as they all came together to worship him, none of these villages would know the story he told only the priestesses version, so before he was forced to answer he informed her that he had made his choice. Nodding quickly as she got up to go to her mother.

The reaction to his choice in picking Ella was….not really what he thought would happen, after all he didn’t spend any actual time around humans, not to mention that Margret had always been so emotionless when he was connected to her as his priestess. So the panicked yelling that came from the quiet priestess truly was surprising, realizing she most have forgotten he was here when she started screaming at her mother he thought of leaving. It sadly seemed that his father was correct, that the humans were the weaker race.

When she tripped over the cushion in front of him, Emery’s body flinched slightly to catch her before she hit the ground. However he changed his mind, he was quicker than humans, and if he was able to catch her from across a table it might raise suspension. The surprise on his face as Ella told him, who she thought was a complete stranger of another land, that he had picked her. Was not faked however

“Damn it Margret! She is going to end up hurting herself, get control of your daughter!” He yelled angrily inside of Margret’s head all calmness gone, something she of all people was likely used to after all these years.

“I am working on it Emery. Being told you’re about to die doesn’t sit well with humans.” Margaret hissed to Emery in her head before she walked into the room to grab her daughter’s wrist tightly. “Ella come now.” She said sternly to her daughter as she started to pull Ella to her feet.

“No! Emery can go to fucking hell! I am not going to die!” Ella screamed at her mother before her foot came up to kick her mother in the gut making her mother stumble back into the wall holding herself as she winced in pain. Ella who had been pulled half way up then feel back down on the large pillow. Rolling over she started to get up.

Margaret looked over to the man in the room. “Grab her quickly before she gets away! Unless you want the whole island to burn.” She said as Ella stood making her way to the door of the confession room. The man got up and made his way across the room and caught her just as she made it to the door. She gasped as she was pulled back in.

“Let me go!” She screamed as she struggled in the man’s overly strong grip. Her foot then came up to hit him in the shin but that didn’t help her at all.

“Ivan!” Margaret called, Ella’s eyes going wide as she stilled. She had no idea Ivan was even up here. He hated coming up here. Her brother walked into the room with dead eyes before a flicker a surprise came into his eyes as he looked at his sister.

“Please don’t listen to mom! The-The dragon just picked me for his sacrifice!” Ella yelled at her brother as her mother took a hold of her making her struggle all the more.

“Wh-what?!” Ivan roared looking to his mother in horror.

“Ivan get over her and help me remove her and get her ready for tonight.” Margaret same firmly.

“But mom!”

“Ivan!” his lips pressed into a firm line before her looked at his sister sadly but came up behind her and pressed two fingers hard on her neck making her gasped in pain before her knees gave out and she black out.

Looking up to his mother as he took his sister from his mother and the man, the head piece hitting the floor and rolling away. “This isn’t right.” Ivan said angrily at his mother.

“We have no choice Ivan. It’s part of the deal the very first priestess made with the dragon.” Margaret said to her son. “I know you don’t care for all of this and with age you’ll come to understand. But for now you must listen to me as your mother and your high priestess.” She said to Ivan before waving to the door and having him carry Ella out into the open. Ella lay in her brother’s arms much like a bride being carried. Margaret had picked up the head piece and placed it back on her head before walking outside to the people lined up for confession.

Her hands clutched in front of her body a she stood up tall. “Sadly there will be no more confessions today. I welcome you to come to the rest of the festival that shall be ran by myself.” Margaret paused for just a second her body tense. “For the dragon has requested High Priestess Ella as his only human sacrifice.” The people were quiet for a moment as the information they had just been given sunk in. After that long moment of quiet a mix of horror and fear roared through the crowd before finally falling to anger. “Enough!” Margaret boomed over them the people falling quiet. “I know this does not seem fair, but the dragon has been protecting our island for a long time and asks for little in return. I promise this shall not happen again and I wish for you to all behave yourself unless you want your homes inflamed.” She said and the crowd in a mixture of uneasy fear over taking the people. Margaret new this would be hard on the people for the next few years, but with time they would forgive and forget. Then in 500 years that priestess would have to deal with the same emotions that she was currently dealing with. Glancing to Ivan she said with no emotion. “Get Lailaa to help get her ready.” Margaret said softly before glancing back at the crowd before her. “I hope you’re happy our saviour.”

~~~

Groaning softly Ella’s eyes fluttered open, she was laying on her bed. She went to move her hands to rub her face but felt the heaviness of chains wrapped around her wrists. Sitting up the rattle of the metal and the touch on her wrists and ankles could be heard. Following the chain links, she realized she was chain to her own bed. Her eyes went wide with panic before she started to pull, knowing no one trusted her not to freak out again. “Ella please stop! You’ve hurt yourself enough.” Came the voice of Ella’s younger sister Lailaa. Ella stopped to glance over and see her sister rushing over to place her hand on Ella’s cheek. She could see that Lailaa had been crying, Ella glanced away in shame from her sister. It was quiet between the two of them for a long time. “I’m sorry.” Lailaa finally whispered. A tear rolled from Ella’s cheek.

“Me too.” She said and that was the last word that came from Ella’s lips as she pulled away from Lailaa and rolled over on to her side facing away from her younger sister. Looking at her wrists she could see that she had already been changed into the long white sacrificial gown. Her hair had been brushed and her make-up retouched. She closed her eyes and cried softly to herself until it was time for the final ceremony to begin.
Four men came in as her mother came in and unlocked the chains that were connected to the bedposts, before each man took hold of her chains. There was one on each foot and one on each wrist. Sitting up her mother looked over her one last time without a word before walking from the room. Ella then stood herself and was guided from her room that was within the Temple itself. She moved from the side rooms and into the Temple room where her mother started to speak to the people. “Welcome, I’m glad that you could all make it. I know that many of you have mixed feelings about what is happening tonight but I reassure you that this is for the good of all of us. Tomorrow I shall be holding confessions for the whole day for those of you who wish to question and speak with me. Do not fear the idea of experessing your true emotions, the dragon understands them and welcomes your thoughts for all he wishes for is our loyalty and devotion.” She said standing in front of everyone, as Lailaa stood in the background her head hanging low. Margaret glanced back at her daughter before finally starting the offering.

After two long hours the offering finally came to an end. Margaret bow low to the people before standing up and letting her hands clasp together in front of her body. Starting forward between the pathway between the large group of people, Ella felt her chains tug slightly on her wrists before she finally let her head rise. She took in a deep breath and started to walk forward, all she could hear was the rattling of the chains that held her. She walked through the large crowd that had shown up for the night with head her head up high. She did not let her pain show, she didn’t want everyone to see the fear and hurt she was feeling. It was already lingering in the air around her. Any bad reaction from herself more then she already had would result in a roit. However, as much as she tried not to see the people or hear them as the men walked her through the crowd, their soft prayers being made could be heard. She took in a deep shaky breath as her eyes close trying to hide how her eyes water a little. She let out a slow breath through her slightly parted lips as her hands which had been held in front of her fingers laced tightened. Letting her eyes flutter back open the group paused as she looked up at the large staircase leading up to the alter. The sides of the marble staircase had fire light lighting the railings. Her sister came up to her and hugged her crying softly before bowing before Ella. Next came Ivan, as he did the same as Lailaa before the two left, slipping back into the crowd that watched. Now only the four strong men to control her and her mother walking up the staircase to the alter. Two men were in front of her, she behind them, another two behind her followed by her mother.

When they came to the top of the stairs, there was a large open space outside. A large golden shrine in the middle with designs of dragons flying in the sky engraved all along it, the top flat like a table. Along the edges of the area were trees and flowers, a marble tiled floor leading as a path to the alter. Behind the alter was a wall of the mountain. It was a symbol of their connection to the dragon. The alter being a direct link with the home of the dragon. Looking at it she couldn’t help but let her silent tears roll down her pale cheeks. She used to think this place as so beautiful and now, all she could see was her blood staining the gold and white colours in the flicker of the fire light. The men then walked her around to the alter having her turn around to face the staircase, looking down on the temple and the town. The alter light up well just like the rest of the temple, in the light of fire. The chains on her hands were then connected to hooks on the floor by the alter, her feet being unchained before the men left. Her mother stood before her, still not having let a single emotion show. Margaret looked at Ella for a long time without saying anything and Ella could only return the cold look to her mother.

“I wish it didn’t have to be this way. I love you my daughter.” Margaret whispered the pain finally showing in her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks for the first time. Ella looked away from her mother her hands sitting on her lap as she sat on the edge of the alter, her feet dangling as they were unable to touch the ground. Margaret held the key in her hand to Ella’s chains. “I’ll miss you dearly.” Her mother finally said before walking around to behind Ella before placing the key on the hook left in the wall of the mountain behind Ella where she could not reach it. Her mother then walked out in front of Ella her head bent down her hands clutching together in front of her. “In thanks to our mighty saviour the dragon of the land, the master of our island, I give you Ella Zahn your priestess as your human sacrifice.” She said before bowing her head down low almost touching the floor with her nose. Her hands came out beside her as she shook them bells in her hands making the alter space echo with their soft sound before Margaret sung softly. It was a lovely song and her mother had a wonderful voice, but Ella could only close her eyes from showing her mother how much she wanted to cry.

As the song came near its end Margaret had danced her way back to in front of Ella before bowing to her daughter. “And thanks for your sacrifice.” Margaret said before the bells were set to the side, well she lit the incenses and waved them around Ella making her smell of the wonderful smell of flowers and herbs. Placing two more in the holes on either end of the alter, Margaret touched the forehead of her daughter with her thumb. Humming in the ancient tongue of their people ,she slowly started dragging her thumb down Ella’s forehead to the bridge of her nose and over her lips before leaning forward and kissing Ella’s forehead. With that the ritual was finally finished and Margaret turned without another look or word to her daughter and made her way down the staircase.

Once her mother was gone Ella let her head fall down as she started to sob softly to herself, her hands coming up to her face to hide her tears. “Why, why, why! What did I do wrong to deserve this.” She said whispering the last part to herself. The whole day she had blocked Emery from her mind so he could not talk to her. That would be all he got from her after his betrayal to all she’s done for him. This was no honor as it should be, this was betrayal. She had no life and now this lack of a true life was going to end before it really started. She was raised in this temple and she was going to die in this temple. She would never find love, she would never have her own family, she’d never get to teach her child the ways of the priestess. She never got to be the better mother then her own mother. She never got to really meet the people and she never really got to see the land she was pretty much ruling.
Outfit

Emery fought the urge to growl as Margret hissed at him in her head, but she should have better control over her own youngling. A youngling who had pointed out that he didn’t have too pick one of the towns people, and in a sense he hadn’t, he picked his priestess, someone who in his mind was already his. Ella was quite the fighter it seemed as she cursed at the dragon to go to hell and kicked her mother in the gut. Margret yelled at him to catch Ella, frowning Emery’s gray eyes looked up at Margret not liking the idea of being told what to do, before quickly getting up catching Ella just as she got to the door. An arm wrapping around her tiny waist and pulling her back as the other wrapped around her arms as well to keep her from punching him or anything of the sort.

He let out a soft grunt when Ella kicked him in the shin, more out from instinct than actual pain. To him Ella’s kick felt like a child pushed on his leg to push him over. His hold tightened a little more than it had been before to stop her from struggling in his arms, but he was careful not to hurt the woman that was to be his mate. Margaret yelled for some man named Ivan and Emery looked at the door, eyes narrowing just slightly when the man came into the room.

As Ella yelled at her brother a quiet growl escaped from his throat luckily being covered by the yelling, Emery’s body was tense and his eyes never really left the man other than to shift to Margret so that he didn’t seem to be staring. Emery didn’t like other males, even human ones, after all dragons were just like any other animal. The men were the ones that fought of resting places, land, food, and above all else women. The fact that this man was Ella’s brother MIGHT have made the dragon feel a little better, if it wasn’t for the fact that Ivan touched her. Ella was already his, more so than before when she was just his priestess. This male had no place to even touch her.

Ella’s knees gave out on her, and Emery tightened his grip a bit more to keep her from falling through his arms. Hesitating a bit he let the man take Ella from him, this wasn’t the time or place to fight the human as he would another dragon. After Ella was out of his hands he left the room letting out another growl as he passed Ella’s brother joining the group of humans outside. Soon Ivan was bringing Ella out to where everyone could see her, and Margaret started talking to the people. Of course the humans were upset that such a huge thing had been kept from them, after all had Emery not picked the priestess, than he would have picked one of them.

At least he was hoping that the humans were smart enough to realize this. Many of the women had been saved by his choice to pick Ella, and she was far too entertaining to only be a priestess to Emery after talking to her. As the people started to get angrily as Emery had figured they would be Margret spoke up quieting the people in the crowd. “I am, though perhaps my priestess should do better at controlling her people, let alone her own youngling.” Emery answered Margret voice happy yet soft and actually kind to the priestess for once in the years since she first became priestess. Despite pointing out her small flaw in today.

There was some time before night fall for Emery to look around the town a little more before he went to the festival and took Ella from the alter where she would be chained to wait for him, and before he went back to the temple he stopped at the offering spot at the base of the mountain. The smaller things that he thought might be useful were stuffed into the pockets of his pants and leaving the larger or useless stuff untouched on the wooden pallet that lay among the ground.

~~~

Emery stood mixed in with the crowd of people waiting for Margret and Ella to come into the temple to address them all, the crowd was muttering to their families and friends. The element of fear still there as it should have been, though it seemed for a small group of people centered around two of the human males, there was more anger than there was fear of what was going on. For the youngest male by the name of Christopher this was anger that was directed more so to who was picked, than the fact this could have happened to someone that was none the wiser, as the others were.

Margret and the other men holding Ella's chains came out in front of the waiting people who clearly were in want of answers that the priestess would likely never in her lifetime be able the fulling give.

However unlike everyone else, Margret wasn't the one that Emery was watching but Ella. Who looked so truly beautiful in that clean white dress, that all the looks of the women in the town put together, would fail and cry compared to that of her beauty. Though Emery would deny he was as shallow as his human half, this was one of the reasons he had picked her.

The two hour offering was beautiful but it took much to long for his tastes and he was whether bored by the time that Ella started to move, having been watching the people he almost missed it at first. Then there were soft prayers from the crowd and the Dragon Nun and the male, Ella's brother hugged her before then men, Ella, and her mother ascended the stair case. Emery moved quickly away the crowd to a shadowed part of the courtyard against the wall of the mountain. Closing his eyes he connected to Margret so that he could see what was happening.

There was beautiful singing and ringing softly of bells that echoed and he could hear with his own ears from where he waited, followed by humming in a tongue that him father used to speak and taught him before the one he was speaking now. The smell of sweet flowers and herbs flowed down from the alter with the wind, it was all very calming to him, and has the smell filled his nose he leaded his head back against the rock. Hearing Margret talking the people before they left, he waited just a while longer before heading to the temple and with no one there he looked around about an hour until the early morning in an attempt to make sure he had no one seeing him shift. The fact that half of him was human as well as the fact he could shift at will was a secret amongst his breed.

Even though Ella had blocked him out where she could not hear him, he had not done the same to her. The priestess believed that he had betrayed her, that he was going to kill her, but in truth Ella couldn’t be farther from the truth, how sad it was that she had so quickly just given up faith that he didn’t see all she had done for him. As he began to ascend stairs to the alter the still quietness made his footsteps echo, and the walk seemed to quite easily take forever going at the human rate. As Emery got to the top of the alter he closed his eyes as he took a deep of the lovely scents that still lingered in the air around the alter, before opening them once more a giving a small bow to Ella of respect.

At first the dragon didn’t speak or even answer any questions that she asked, and why should he have? If she was going to say he betrayed her and not listen to him, block him out where he couldn’t explain. Why should her questions be answered at first? Instead he simply moved behind her, picking up the incenses he rubbed the burnt part along the ground making a path of burn marks leading towards Ella. As his father had always said the main part was to make it let like he was there, ate the sacrifice, and simply left. Scratching one of his teeth along one of his veins, he moved around behind Ella, dropping enough blood to make it look likely that she was gone, before licking the blood from the wound so that it could quickly heal.

After that was done he got the key from the back wall and came up behind Ella, no longer completely ignoring her. Gently he moved her blonde hair from against her neck where her brother pressed, his fingers softly rubbing against the spot before pressing his nose against it to smell for a wound or bleeding inside the skin. The smell of flowers blocked out the stick of the human male luckily, Emery let out a soft breath letting his breath tickle skin a little. Moving beside her he put the key into the lock, though didn’t turn it.

“Tell me Ella, my young priestess. Why must you ignore me, when I try to tell you why I picked you, but you believe I should answer your silly annoying questions? As well as listen to your human’s prayers?” He asked with a deep growl, looking from the chain up at her with an almost cocky smirk watching for the surprise in her eyes when she realized that she had already spoken to him in person. "Though I guess you have changed your mind and now wish I had ignored your clear want for me to quickly pick someone who isn't a towns person?" He added softly.

As Ella’s head hung as she sobbed to herself, she didn’t listen to how slowly the night faded into totally silence. Just her soft sobs echoing through the air around the alter. It took her almost an hour to finally calm herself. She rubbed her eyes a little the whites of her eyes red from crying so much. She brushed her cheeks next trying to remove any wetness that would remain. Letting her hands fall back into her lap she glanced around the alter space realizing that she was totally alone. Her mother would have left the temple grounds with everyone else. It was forbidding for anyone to be here tonight. Normally the priestess could stay in the temple grounds for that was not just her place of work but her home. But giving up a human life was very different. Ella would have left tonight with her family after leaving some other soul up her not a care in the world. She would have gone home with them to their little house half way up the hill and had a nice dinner with her family. They would have laughed and enjoyed themselves. She was sure Ivan’s friends would have come over. She had met them once or twice in confession, but when Ella was being trained Ivan would tell her all about the town and all the trouble he’d get in with the boys.

Ella glanced up to the night sky above her, the dark sky filled with stars a large almost full moon in the sky. She let her hand slowly reach up the chain rattling as she did so as she traced out the constellations of stars. She couldn’t help but wonder who she would have ended up being paired up with. Another task in which the dragon did. He’d pick one male for the priestess to mate with to ensure strong children. How many children would she have had? Letting her hand fall to her lap she glanced down at her hands a breeze wiping by making her hair fly up in the wind for a moment along with her dress. She took in a deep breath and pushed all those thoughts away. However, after sitting there for some time she couldn’t help but glance back at where the key was hanging on the wall. Frowning at it, she placed her hands on the cold alter before bring her knees up to her chest so her bare feet could touch the top of the alter. She was able to stand on it even with the chains still on her wrists. She walked back only hunching her back a little as she got to the other side of the alter. She glared back at the key before putting herself on one foot testing out herself before seeing how far her other foot would go towards the wall. It was much too far. Sighing to herself in disappointment she put both feet back on the alter before sitting back down in her ordinal spot. She started to think of other ideas on how to get out of the chains before she noticed something coming up the stairs.

Why would someone be coming up the stairs. “Hello!?” She called out, a slight hope Ivan had come to break her out. Only it wasn’t Ivan. She looked at the man confused trying to recall who it was. But it was the man from before in confession the guy with a different story. “Wh-what are you doing here? Getting my hopes up that I’-What are you doing?” She finished confused. He had just bowed at her before coming closer but keeping out of reach as he grabbed the incenses and dragged them along the ground. The whole time she watched him totally confused as to what was going on. “Th-this isn’t funny. Wh-what are you doing!?” She finally stuttered out when he started to drop the blood on the altar. “Trying to trick the dragon is not going to work.” She said shifting as if to get away from the man feeling very off about what was going on. But she twisted in her spot on the alter to see him grabbing the key. “Would you talk to me damnit!” She finally yelled at him as he started to walk back towards her. When he came up behind her she jumped off the alter her head coming to touch her shoulder where his nose came along her neck. “Don’t touch me please!” She said really starting to panic now. This guy was crazy! He was going to kidnap her?

When he finally pulled away her hand came up to cover her neck where he had touched her, smelled her as if it was some weird arousal thing. He put the key in the lock but didn’t twist it, she could feel the hope of getting away from her own death before he glanced up at her and finally spoke. Her eyes went wide as she stood there in front of him her body frozen. Her mind didn’t want to understand what was happening but when he finished growling at her at first, she took a step back her back hitting the alter making her hands grip the edge of it. She couldn’t speak thus giving him a chance to watch her emotions run through her system as she tried to wrap her mind around what was happening and who he was. He finally spoke again. “Em-Em-Emery?” She whispered softly. “Th-th-that’s impossible. You’re a person, you can’t be a dragon. I’ve seen that dragon you are not the dragon. This isn’t funny.” She said before glancing up as if looking for the real dragon.

How had this man known how she had blocked out the dragon, how had he know that she or well her mother had rushed the dragon to pick a person. Her eyes were still wide and wild, showing how her mind was racing. “Emery, I-I’m sorry I freaked out but some crazy person is here, please help.” She begged the dragon to listen to her after she had blocked him out for hours. “I won’t fight you when you show up I promise.” She whispered that last part to him.

Ella was clearly confused by what he was doing and though it would have been easy to explain, he didn’t. Emery ignored her completely as she had him almost all day. He simply bowed to Ella as she started going on about him getting her hopes up about something, he wasn’t really listening to what she was saying. Instead he went about one of the normal parts of tonight he was supposed to play, which was making what was supposed to happen, look like it did. Though it was a bit hard to remember what he was supposed to be doing with Ella asking him so many questions to pretend he didn’t hear. When he dropped blood on the ground around her, Emery couldn’t help but smile at Ella’s words about tricking the dragon. Really though who would try to trick a dragon? The idea that someone would be stupid enough to even try was laughable. She wasn’t asking for his help or unblocking him yet either, so in his mind it was perfectly fair not to answer her.

When the priestess yelled at him as he walked back towards her with the key, Emery closed his eyes for a moment letting out a slow breath, before he came up behind her. Fingers softly rubbing against Ella’s neck in the spot Ivan used to knock her before pressing his nose against it to smell for a wound. Only for a wide smile to spread on his lips as Ella asked him not to touch her, it was adorable for her to say please, even though she was uncomfortable with Emery’s closeness and touching her. Pulling away from her, he moved to the lock smile being forced from his face, putting the key in but not unlocking it. After he had awhile to actually talk to the priestess before they had to leave and it would be fun to play with Ella a little, talking from his mouth instead of in her head.

The reaction to his words was….priceless. From her backing up after he growled and her to the look on her face. Surprise, confusion, and lastly disbelief because here he knew things, only things the dragon should know, and he was clearly a human in her point of view. He added the words about being rushed to make his pick earlier. When Ella whispered his name the wide smile reappeared on his face. “Yes Ella?” He replied his tone both happy and amused by her disbelief of what he was.

Why was the idea that he could become human as well? Like having a dragon speaking to you through her mind could have been the strangest thing she had heard of. “You humans have such a little imaginations my young priestess. It really is one of the sad problems with your race.” The dragon commented frowning up at her as she glanced up to the skies looking for him. Though with her never getting to leave, it probably was the strangest she had ever heard of. Did Ella even think it was strange that her family was the only ones? “I’ve never flew where you could see me, Ella. And even if I were to, the color of my scales wouldn’t let you see me in the night.” He pointed out to her.

“Emery, I-I’m sorry I freaked out but some crazy person is here, please help.”

Emery let out a soft laugh at Ella, finding it funny that she thought he was crazy now but not before in the confession when he told her a different story. The story from the dragons point of view instead of the humans that she was raised to believe. Then he was interesting and she wanted to go to his village with him to tell the story how she was taught. Even do some of the rituals there for the day. However only now that he claimed to be the actual dragon, he was some crazy person?

“I won’t fight you when you show up I promise.”

“Ah! See that…..was what I was waiting for you to say.” Emery spoke up loudly and cheerfully as he looked back down at the lock and turning the key so that the chain came loose from the ground. “Truly Ella I would have thought that you would think I was crazier when I told you the side of the story I was told.” Emery started talking through their connection.

“Though I guess that was more believable than the fact I have more than one form?” He finished through his lips as he stood to where he no longer had to look up to look at her. His eyes washed over the dress she was wearing slowly before he took a quick step towards her, hand laying softly on her face. Not even thinking of the fact she asked him not to touch her a few moments ago, boundary issues were not something he was used to having been alone for his whole life. “That dress looks beautiful on you.” He said softly before digging into the pocket of his pants for something he had gotten from the offering place. “It is missing something though.” He added thoughtfully before pulling something out and holding it to the light of the fire for a moment to make sure it was the right thing before giving it to Ella. After all part of mating he was taught was counting and giving gifts.

Gift

When she finally whispered his name in disbelief he smiled up at her a smile that sent Goosebumps all along her skin and not for a good reason. This wasn’t possible, this wasn’t happening. She could have honestly dealt better with coming face to face with a huge creature that were rare to spot. She wouldn’t have showed fear and would have stood up to the dragon before her life was taken, but this. This she couldn’t wrap around her. It was like her whole life was crashing because of all the lies it was built up on. So the only way she could deal with that was say this man who claimed to be her dragon that spoke to her in her mind to call him a liar. However, that just got him speaking like he was the dragon again, something unhuman. When she looked up for Emery in the sky and the man in front of her catch her in her lie she glanced down at him her mouth hanging open in surprise. She was speechless. It was like he had broken her mind.

So she did the only thing left she went for the very thing she hated most right now begging for help. The man started to laugh softly just creeping her out all the more. However, after she begged Emery to help her and she wouldn’t fight him the man spoke loud making her jump hitting her back hard along the alter. The chains then came loose from their connection from the ground now only clinging to her wrists as the chains swung towards her body dragging along the ground. But that didn’t matter because she didn’t get a second to realize what had happened before the same voice in front of her then appeared in her head before he switched to speaking out loud. That was the final proof that what the man in front of her claimed was the truth. “Oh my god.” She whispered just standing there for a second staring at him still gripping the edge of the alter totally frozen in fear, confusion and some other emotion that froze her.

She didn’t even move as he came forward closing the space between them and then letting his hand come up to touch her cheek. She took in a slow breath her heart racing as she looked up at Emery’s face. It wasn’t until he spoke about the dress that she snapped back into reality her hands coming up and pushing him away. “Get away from me!” She screamed at him before glancing towards the stairs, he was a dragon but her mind and body just screamed run. And before she realized she was running towards the stairs the chains on her wrists slowing her down before she was pulled back. She gasped her eyes going wide before she let out a scream of pure fear. She winced as she was pulled back but she didn’t feel any pain. Slowly she peeked an eye open to see Emery just holding her back. She took in a shaky breath before he told her the dress wasn’t complete. Yeah with her blood. She closed her eyes waiting for the blow but it didn’t come her one eye slowly peeked open through her blonde hair to see something dangling in front of her face. Seeing the necklace she looked at with surprise then confusion before she glanced away scowling up at Emery. “I-I-I don’t understand.” Ella finally said “aren’t’ you going to kill me?” She said before pausing and taking in a deep breath. “Just get it over with you’ve already ruined my life by making me train to be your priestess to only ripe it away. I could have had friends, I could have gone to a normal school, I could have done things normal people do.” She said harshly.

Emery watched as Ella hit her back roughly on the alter and shook his head at the fact the priestess only kept hurting herself. Before proving to her that he was indeed her dragon that protected the island, this island, his island. She didn’t seem to take the truth well either, which surprised him a little, having thought that would be an easier thing in this form than to shift from the other in front of her. Perhaps it was not though. Emery looked at her as she whispered seeing the sighs of fear and confusion, though there was something else he could place. He believed might have be anger, though he couldn’t quite tell what it was. He closed the gap between them and lay a hand on her face, before she was pushing on his cheat yelling at him to get away. Emery took a step away letting out a sigh.

Despite the fact Ella promised not to fight him, she clearly was lying, as soon as he moved she took off towards the stairs. A light annoyed growl came from Emery’s throat as he caught a hold of the chains still connected to her wrists. Using them to hold her back from running, a easily using them to pull her back towards him as Ella let out a scream, loud enough he was sure that the others would have heard. “Keep your promise, Ella!” Emery said loudly in her head knowing it was the only way she would hear him over the screaming, before she opened her eyes to see him holding her back. Emery really was trying his best to nice to the priestess even bringing her a gift, which it wasn’t a strong suit for him, kindness. However, Ella was making it rather hard to stay kind.

He flashed an amused smirk at her question despite the glare she was giving him. Emery had never actually said that he was going to kill her, it might have seemed like it, and he had never pointed out he wouldn't. However, he had never said that, it was the humans that believed that was what he was going to do. Which he honestly never understood. Why would he kill someone, let alone from a race, that he was sworn to protect? He shook his head slowly still smirking at her. "I actually never pla..." Emery started to answer her, before Ella started blaming him for ruining her life, making the smirk disappear and be replaced with an annoyed frown. Much of what she blamed him for he didn't see how it was his fault.

He wasn’t the one that made her train to be his priestess, her bloodline made Ella do that. If anything it was her ancestor’s fault, just as it was his ancestor’s fault he had to deal with those humans. That he had to have people talking in his head all the fucking time. He had no idea what she was talking about with school, because dragons didn’t have things like school as the humans did. What Emery learned, it had been from his father, hunting, and living on his own all been the first hundred years of his life. However, he was sure that he hadn’t ever said she couldn’t go to whatever it was. It was her tone though which angered him the most. He was trying, she was simply being a bitch! Growling softly he pulled on the chain in his hands to make her come closer to him.

“I am not the one to blame for your sad little problems Ella. If you wish to blame anything, blame the deal we are both being forced to abide by. Do you think I’ve wanted to live the last five hundred years of someone else in my head?! But I have kept to the damned deal I expect you to do the same!” He said matching her harshness the volume of his growl only growing, until he sighed closing his eyes as he tried to control himself. He couldn’t kill the priestess, he couldn’t kill the priestess, that was what he repeated in his head over and over again. Ella had somehow gotten under his skin already in a way he hadn’t expected when he picked her.

He held the chain in his hand up to where it was up to her face. “I am keeping these on for now, because you lied and ran from me.” He stated matter-of-factly rather or not she had done so not of the fight or flight instinct, she still proved in his mind that she couldn’t be trusted right now. “I never said that I was planning on killing you Ella, I did not said it wasn’t true, however, I never said it was. Such is something you humans started, why would I kill a breed I protect? Let alone something that is a sitting target, where is the fun in that?” He said calmly pointing out the flaws in her belief that he would kill her.

Dear Readers,
This role play has been moved to another site. If you desire to keep reading please PM me for details.

Touch of Insanity