The figure shifted in her saddle, her apprehension as clear as the summer sky. She ran her fingers through her mount’s mane, and glanced around at the jungle surrounding her. Getting lost seemed to be a favorite habit, but getting lost where demons liked to play was dangerous.

"Well, Sandy" she said to her unicorn, "What do you think?"

The young elf did not truly expect an answer; thus far not one of her animal companions had ever spoken to her. She would have been delighted if they could, and the young, ball-of-energy, get into everything white wyrm showed some promise, but of actual speech there had never been a word.

The unicorn neighed softly and took a few nervous steps. Fira let the steed have her way, barely controlling the direction they went by subtle, oblivious body movements. Morning wore into afternoon, with the sun high in the sky, and its light filtering through the dense canopy in a sparkle of light around the travelers.

Without warning the unicorn bucked, thrashing about and throwing her surprised rider. There was crash and a large red blur appeared in between elf and unicorn. Almost simultaneously as Fira recovered her fall, the horse-kin’s scream sounded through the clearing as it boldly assaulted the attacker. It was a mismatched fight, and the bloody remains of the unicorn were soon dropped from the mouth of the crimson dragon.

Fira stared in horror at the mangled body of her companion. There was a brief moment that lasted an eternity as the dragon turned to her.

The ranger ran. Creaking and breaking branches sounded behind her, signaling the dragon’s pursuit. Thoughts of anger and revenge plagued one while the other took to the sky for an easier chase.

The jungle became thin, and suddenly stopped. The island seashore abruptly began where the jungle ended, and the elf looked for an easier escape than the ocean. The dragon landed behind her with an audible crash, and folded its wings upon its back.

Fira strung her bow, ready to make a stand if necessary, and began singing softly to herself. The song was menial, simply something to calm her nerves. She turned around, having expected to be dead by now and not having anticipated a dragon to simply sit there and watch.

Almost as though it knew what she was thinking, the dragon rushed forward. Maybe a teleport spell would have been the better choice, but Fira notched an arrow and pulled back the string. She did not look very threatening, but the dragon did stop before it reached her.

"Will you be my friend?" Fira could only blink at the dragon as it asked the too familiar phrase taught in books and by learned trainers. It sounded strange to her ears; the dragon’s accent was something she had never heard before.

"Are you kidding?" the ranger lowered her bow, "You killed Sandra!" She sheer thought of making friends with this murderous beast angered her, and if it understood her, yelling at it made her feel better.

The dragon snorted, and tried again, "I can protect you from the dangers of this world."

"You’re a fool!" the smaller creature shouted, "If I were gonna be your friend, you’d have had to been friendly, y’know, and not kill my already-friends!"

"It would be mutually beneficial for us to join forces," the dragon was getting annoyed. Somehow this seemed like it should have been easier.

"Look you!" Fira stammered on the edge of the outburst, "I’ve already got companions."

"I’ve always wanted a pet like you,"

Fira grumbled a response and the dragon flexed its wings.

"I’ll be your friend, but I won’t be your pet," The ranger stated irritably. The dragon’s amusement was clear.

"You may be my first human, but if I don’t like you then I’ll probably kill you in the morning," the larger creature replied. The elf glared at the dragon.

"I’ve got a better proposal…"