Together

I sat on the grassy, overgrown forest floor, listening to the peaceful sounds it makes. I'd stopped crying, now I just dreaded going back. Suddenly, I heard the snapping of a twig behind me. I swung around, my arms out. Standing behind me was Ferren, his eyes looked apologetic.

"Are you here to kill me?" I asked, my voice breaking.

He shook his head, and bent down to sit next to me.

"Oh, Kaida. They are confused by you."

I paused. "Me too."

"So far they've come to a conclusion of giving you at least one more year. It's to much to spring on someone without giving them time," He said, his eyes gleaming and beautiful. They matched the beautiful bright green of the trees, and I could see knowledge behind them.

"Do others know?" I asked hesitantly. I wasn't sure what I wanted the answer to be.

"Yes, most do. They consulted others to help make a decision," He paused to look at me, "They're leaning towards three years."

I didn't feel any overwhelming sadness from that, but I thought I should. Probably because I thought I was getting way less than that.

"That's better then some alternatives," I stared at the trees, wishing I could live here forever with nothing to bother me, and I could grow old. I wouldn't even mind if Ferren did it with me. I liked his company.

"We should probably go back," He said, moving to his feet. I dreaded this moment.

"Yeah," I stood, brushing off twigs and pine leaves.

We started walking back to the quarters together. He kept glancing to look at me, I think it was to make sure I was still there.

We reached the gate what felt like way to early. As we walked back through the camps to the meeting in the center of all the quarters, my stomach felt queasy. I saw Amaya, who watched me intently as I went over and sat next to her. There was something sad in her eyes.

"She's come to join us," One of the head nymphs said.

Everyone looked sorry for me. Even the demons. But they didn't want to be killed off just like the rest of us, so they're probably just glad they aren't me.

"Kaida of Dragoness. We have decided to give you three years," A nymph spoke.

I nodded, and Amaya gave me a squeezed hug.

"I couldn't imagine doing this without you," She whispered to me, "My time will come with yours. You should never have to do anything alone."

Tears welled in my eyes again and I could see they were already in hers.

"But, your child?" I said.

"The father and I have decided. The child will be old enough in three years to know how to be a dragoness and I won't have to teach her that anymore," She replied. Amaya was a couple months older than me, and had already had her child. It was almost old enough to start training, and in a few weeks, it would.

I hugged her tightly, people were starting to resume order.

"Together."