Unbound

UNBOUND

"How does that feel, Cal?"

The silver draconid looked over his shoulder. "Fine\x85"

"Truly?" The healer, older and sapphire blue, put a little bit more pressure on Arcalanon's wing. "No pain? No stretching or binding?"

Cal shook his head. "None, Etamnakon."

"Tam, please." She eased the first span back and applied a bit of forward pressure on the second, then backward. "No twisting\x85 Does the joint feel stiff?"

"Not at all."

Tam let out a thoughtful purr. "Tell me when you feel contact," she advised, running her hands close to Cal's wing. After a little while, she crooked one finger enough to bring a clawtip in contact with the membrane.

"Now."

"Good\x85"

After ten touches at random points she gave his shoulder a pat and moved around to sit opposite him. "Well, Arcalanon van d'Har, I have good news. Your wing appears to have fully healed \x96 not only that, it's in better shape than many who've had full use of theirs."

A pause. His obsidian eyes widened. "Really?"

The healer nodded. "'s truth. So long as you don't try storm runs for a while, I'd say your ready to start flying again. It might be sore for a while, but see me again if there is any sharp pain." She leaned forward and took his hands, touching her snout to his, before standing. "I pray you will not need my services again soon, Cal, but you will always be welcome in this House. Now go live as a Storm Dragon ought. I'll drink a toast of fine amberwine to your recovery after I see to Horon's leg." She gave his hands a squeeze and darted off toward the inner caverns.

Bemused, Cal wandered outside. It was noon as he emerged from the rock face; the sun was shining as brightly as it could in winter, and the bridges and walks of Stormspike were full of people from all seven breeds. Here and there, the air between them glimmered as someone took a shortcut across.

To fly again\x85

It had been so long; three years of toil and strain. Early on, the pain had kept him from sleeping at times; even after that, he lacked grace.

Could he really be ready?

Claws tapping on the stone walk brought him out of his reverie in time to see someone come up beside him; scales of slate-grey, a female by the lack of horns, and a long-familiar one at that. "Heavy thoughts, Cal, I can tell. What have you learned today, that you are so moody?"

"Mer." He bobbed his head in greeting. Anmerali had hatched from the same nest as he, and of that lot was the only one to crack shell on the same day. After nineteen years together, it was no wonder that she could read him so well. "Etamnakon told me my wing is healed."

"You mean you can fly again? But that's wonderful news!" Tilting her head, black eyes brimming with concern, she touched her fingertips to his jaw. "Why do you not seem happy?"

He turned his face down, staring at the worn granite walkway. "What if I really can't? What if I haven't healed quite right? What if I've forgotten how? I had to re-learn how to use my wing at all, what if I try to use an old reflex, and it doesn't work? I don't have the extra wingspan of youth anymore\x85"

"Perhaps not, but the way you've been exercising, you're probably stronger of wing than those who have been flying for twice our lifetime."

"Mer\x85"

"Cal." Pressing her fingers under his chin, she lifted his head up and looked straight into his eyes. "You can't let your fears hold you back. You taught me that lesson, remember?" She smiled gently. "I was so jealous of you, and without my saying a word about it, you taught me to fly\x85"

That was the truth. Storm Dragons gained flight faster than the other breeds, even the grey Wind Dragons, and by the time Mer had been ready to learn, he was already a confident storm-rider. She had loved him too much to make an issue of it, but it had been driving them apart \x96 until the day that he, having trained her out of a love to match, had shown her the skies. Nine years to the day after their hatching\x85

"Besides," she went on, bringing him back to the present, "it's for my sake you got slashed in the first place, so that's two reasons to get you flying. Come on." She took his arm and half-led, half-dragged him over to the Grand Stair and up its spiral expanse.

"Mer," he protested as they passed the middle tier, "I'm not ready\x85"

"Oh, you. You've probably been ready for some time," she shot back, "but Etamnakon wanted to make sure nothing developed during your exercises. Don't worry, you'll do fine."

Up to the highest level they climbed, and around the mountain peak that was the foundation of Stormspike. This high, the walk did not take long, and on the north face, even at this time of day, there was scarcely another person in sight \x96 the few that could be seen were giving the mountain a wide berth as they went around to the south face and the city.

"Mer, you don't have to do this\x85"

"Debts are debts," she replied. "And besides \x96 I want to. You are my nest-mate, and more importantly you are my friend. Helping each other is just one of the things friends do."

He leaned back against the rock. "It's not that I don't want to\x85"

She nodded, crouching down beside him. "I know, Cal. But here's something else \x96 if you fly with me to my loft, I have a gift for you\x85"

A gift? But she couldn't have known Etamnakon was going to give that verdict today, she couldn't have had time to get something. It had to be something she'd already had, that was precious to her. "No, no, I couldn't \x96 "

"Hush." She tapped his snout with a finger. "It's something I've been meaning to give you for a while, I just thought it needed the proper occasion. You flying again would be ideal."

He blinked at her, peered over the edge where he knew the currents would be swirling and chasing about, then looked back and blinked again. All excuses were gone, only the true hurdle remained. It came out in a hoarse whisper. "I'm scared\x85"

"Don't worry." She traced one of his horns lightly, from his skull, along the S-curved length, to the tip. "I won't let you fall."

He swallowed. "You promise?"

A solemn nod. "I promise. The wind will be my hand to catch you if you fall."

On something like that, a grown Wind Dragon could be trusted. His fear ebbed. It was still there, but it was quiet now\x85 Standing, he started to stretch out muscles which, while not exactly unused, had not been used in this way for quite some time. Three years.

Her own routine was faster, if just as thorough. Grinning, all fangs exposed, she hopped up onto the ledge, reaching down to give him a hand up. "You'll do fine," she repeated. "You know how to do it, and this is something no dragon can forget. Just let yourself go\x85" One final caress to his jaw, and she was off, leaping down, diving, then sweeping up again, barely visible, grey against grey\x85

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. His wings, almost of their own accord, lifted up from his body and mantled. Time seemed to slow, the beats of his racing hearts spreading farther and farther apart. Each tiny swirl of air was felt and registered. He crouched down, wings lifting high, waiting, needing to be used once again\x85

He leaped.

Falling, rushing air\x85 no control\x85 wait\x85 His wings stayed high and close. Speed first, then flight\x85

It happened gradually and almost automatically, his wings lifting themselves up, spreading out, aided by the air rushing under them. There was a moment of vertigo.

Then he was rising, wings at full extension, buoying him up with such force as though they were grateful to be used again, and such response as though he had never stopped.

The lightness in his head now was not fear or vertigo. It was pure, unadulterated joy. At long last, he was living again as a dragon ought.

A tingle swept across his silver scales. He let it come, let it build until he felt his body thrumming with energy. Sparks leaped from his wingtips and trailed from the tip of his tail. Jagged shards of light coruscated all about his long, slender body. He wanted more, needed it, called to it. Electricity encased him in a crackling shell.

He felt himself reach apogee, hanging weightless in the air for an instant. The energy surged and was loosed with a rumble of thunder, radiating out from him in a flickering globe that streaked his eyes for an instant\x85

\x85and was gone.

He dove for a moment to pick up some speed again, and took a look around. Mer, who had risen above him by the time he jumped off the ledge, was below him now, climbing up to meet him. He crooked one wing just so and keeled over to the side, slipping sideways and down toward her. She waggled her wings at him and started veering around the mountain. Still scarcely believing the ease with which all the little movements came to him, he followed, behind, above, and slightly to the side, as she rounded Stormspike Mount and headed toward one of the many balconies jutting out from Evenspire in the west of the city.

Looking back to make sure he knew which one to go to, she started slowing down to land. He dropped down a little and flared his wings, deliberately shedding speed. The strain made him quiver as he held his wings steady, but he was slowing down just enough\x85 As the rock face loomed before him, he turned upward to an almost total vertical, drifting slightly closer even as his speed grew less and less\x85

Just as he stalled completely, his outstretched foot found purchase on the balcony. Three steps forward and he was at a full stop, winded but elated, wings almost reluctantly settling against his back.

Immediately he was seized in a fierce embrace, pulled against a body just as vibrant as his own. "That was marvellous!" Mer exclaimed, giving his shoulders a squeeze and grinning. "And you doubted yourself\x85"

He grinned back at her, breathless but exultant. "I guess you were right," he panted. "You can never really forget\x85"

She hugged him close again. "Most dragons only get one first flight," she murmured, tracing along his left wing's third, outermost spar. "And they don't have elemental control at the time. That was quite an impressive sight, Cal."

His grin turned a little sheepish. "I'm just glad you weren't too close; I hadn't checked\x85"

She nuzzled under his chin. "It's all right. I expected it."

Oh, that felt so nice\x85 His eyes closed to slits, and he purred with delight.

"Now." Her finger stopped at the crux of his wing. "As I mentioned, there's something I'd like to give you\x85"

He wrapped his arms around her, held her near. "No need to rush\x85"

She purred and leaned into his arms, caressing his second spar. "Oh, but I really do want to give this to you. I think you'll like it."

"Well\x85" He pressed his snout against her neck. "What is it?"

With her free hand she undid her thong and let it fall. Her answer was simple, but very profound: "Me."

He blinked. "Urrrrh\x85?" He hadn't known what to expect, but that certainly wasn't it.

"I desire you, nest-mate," she purred, bringing that hand back up to slide along his well-muscled collarbone and keel. "I have since I saw the way you fought that cougar \x96 doubtless before, as well. In everything you do I find beauty. I want you as a mate, and I want to be yours." Her hand was low on his belly now, quivering in palpable desire to reach lower still; the other kneaded the muscles around the anchor of his wing.

"Mer, I\x85" Part of his mind whirled in confusion, unsure of what to do or say, while another part was screaming Yes, yes, yes!

"So." She touched her snout to his, gazing into his eyes. "Will you accept my gift, Arcalanon?"

"I \x96 " He swallowed. No. I will not delay. Fear has no power over me now! "Yes," he hissed, squeezing her lithe body against his own. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! We've three years to make up for and no time like now to start!

"There's something I'm curious about, Cal\x85"

"Hmm?"

Her clawtips came to rest on the edge of his thong. "Are you as shiny inside as out?"

He blinked. Um\x85 "You're full of surprises today," he managed.

"What, embarrassed? You? Where's your Storm spirit? I've seen your kind mating in flight when nobody else dares go outside, much less fly!"

"Well, yes," he admitted, "but not near anyone else!"

She chuckled. "True \x96 that's more the domain of Fire Dragons \x96 or I'd have my answer already. Still, it'd be intriguing if you are, a fine contrast if not. Either way, you win."

"Errrh\x85" How was he supposed to reply to that?

She tilted her head, stroking one of his horns. "Show me?"

Well\x85 that would work, yes. "All right."

She gently disengaged from him and took a few steps back, crouching down, running her tongue over her teeth with her wings slightly mantled. He swallowed, hands at his hips. She tilted her head. "Still a virgin, beautiful?"

"Y-yes."

"Oooh." Her eyes widened. "That precious thing is rather unexpected. I've seen so many females doting on you, I never thought we could share our first time together."

"D-doting? On me?"

"Don't mind that now, lovely."

He closed his eyes. I can do this. I just did something much harder. I can do this.

The thin wisp of cloth fell free.

Mer leaned forward, on her knees in front of him, her wings curling around his legs. Nuzzling his belly, she stroked his groin a few times, one finger lightly caressing the scales on either side of his slit. The sweet, tender touch made his breath catch in his throat and set his blood racing. Trembling with nervous anticipation, he put his hands on her shoulders, kneading and rubbing them, moving down to the anchors of her wings.

She purred against his belly, rubbing harder, kneading his hidden flesh that stiffened at her touch. Bending her neck, she licked along his slit, wetting it, then shifted and pushed her tongue inside it, into his body.

The world spun around him, reorienting itself in the space of an instant. He gasped and would have fallen, were it not for the grip of her hands and the embrace of her wings.

"Steady," she purred into his body, exploring with her tongue, caressing his growing shaft and coaxing it out into the open. Thus engaged, words were impossible, but her gentle, supporting hands spoke as clearly as any voice: "Let it happen."

It didn't take long at all before she got what she sought.

"My," she murmured, leaning her head against his belly and stroking his still-growing length. "Silver scales over pearl skin. Quite a treasure you are."

"Mer\x85" He ducked his head. "Doesn't it seem a little silly? Discussing the colour of my penis\x85"

"There's nothing wrong with silly," she shot back, standing. "But yes, it is, I suppose. If you'd rather I didn't do that, I can think of something better to do\x85"

"Hmm?"

She leaned in close, curling her fingers around his shaft. "Put it to use."

That was something he could readily agree with.

They managed to make their way into the back room without tripping, each of them running their hands all over the other. Once there, they grabbed each other and just fell into the nest of pillows with a single solid thump, purring and licking. They rolled and tumbled among the soft cushions, rubbing their bodies against each other and feeling all about.

Eventually, Cal ended up with his face against the slate scales of Mer's belly, and paused. So close\x85

Sensing his hesitation, she looked down at him, and caressed his cheek. "Yours for the taking," she breathed. "Do as you will."

It only took him a moment, this time, to push back his fear. He flicked out his tongue, curling it just above her slit, drawing in her scent. It was intoxicating, compelling. He needed more. He took another taste of the air, the tip of his tongue actually touching the tiny scales this time. Mer shivered and clutched at his shoulders, pushing him closer, so that the next stroke of his tongue ran right along her slit. Startled at the feel and the taste, he licked again, more firmly, only to be surprised once more as it opened up and he found his tongue inside her.

Once that was begun, the only option was to continue. He pushed his tongue in deep, exploring every curve and cranny, inhaling the heady scent of arousal. Mer wriggled above him, driving him on, her warm, moist tunnel quivering against his tongue.

It was wonderful. It was the most delicious taste he had ever experienced. It was not, however, enough.

And yet\x85 when he lifted away and gazed upon her slit, moistened and still slightly parted, he felt a quaver of uncertainty.

She reached over and gently pulled him up toward her. "Go on," she breathed, caressing his still-rigid shaft. "Do it."

He closed his eyes. Things had been going so well, why was he having trouble now? But then he felt her hand on his hip, guiding him, and that was enough to spur him on. He buried his snout against her neck and moved his hips according to that light pressure, down, just a little bit inward, surely he had to be close by now? Then he felt it, the brush of smooth, tiny scales against his tip, and gasped.

"Just a bit more," she purred, nudging him to the side. "There\x85" His tip lodged against her slit, and she pressed down on the base of his tail. His member, consequently, pushed against her slit, which suddenly parted to allow him in. He would have screamed from pleasure as those warm, tight confines encased his shaft, save that his throat had tightened and locked shut.

Then he was inside her, their hips pressed together, as close as any two could be.

"Verrrry nice," she drawled, tracing a clawtip along the spars of one of his wings. "My nest-sisters weren't kidding when they told me how good this was \x96 in fact I think they greatly understated the matter. Mmmh, but it feels so good to have you against me, in me\x85"

"'s truth," he mumbled, rolling onto his back and bringing his wings up and around her.

"Well, you're the healer's apprentice\x85 Tell me, if you know, can the different races cross-breed?"

"W-what?" he stammered. Was she suggesting\x85? "Errrh, y-yes, though with less success than those of the same breed." Training took over, and he went on. "The offspring will be one breed or the other; there can be a mix in the same clutch, but the traits don't blend. They tend to be less robust than those of a same-race pair."

"Ah. So no hematite hatchlings\x85" She chuckled at his sudden shocked expression and squeezed his shoulder. "No need to take it seriously, I'm not breeding." After a moment's pause, she added, "\x85Yet. So go right on ahead and finish, and don't worry about turning eggs just yet." She wiggled against him for emphasis.

What followed was much like what hat come before, twisting and tumbling among the cushions. The difference was that this time, they stayed locked together \x96 his member sliding in and out of her sex, but never pulling out completely. They started out quiet, but gradually grew more vocal with their purrs and murrs and groans, their convolutions becoming ever more complex.

All else was forgotten; their proximity was all that mattered. The tighter they pressed together, the better it felt, and so they twisted and turned, rolling about in a tangle of arms, legs, wings, and lashing tails.

Her sudden gasp and stiffening body caught him by surprise, but not half so much as what followed: she yowled out loud, bucking against him, her sex squeezing and tugging hard on his aching shaft as her tail whipped all about. Puzzled, not knowing what could transform her so, he just tried to hold her close \x96 then he felt it to, building in his loins and spreading throughout his body, a fire, a driving need to make two people one. He ground his body against hers, each pulse of her sex sending a surge through his body, until suddenly it flared up and consumed him whole, a howl ripping from his throat, born of pleasure so strong it became sweet agony, as his member twitched inside her and gave out jet after fierce jet of his hot, thick seed.

Neither of them could say how much time had passed when they finally stirred again. Cal's hearts were still racing in the aftermath of that awesome climax. It felt like he'd given enough of his seed to feed a whole nest of ravenous hatchlings.

"Gods," he moaned, barely able to summon the energy to speak, much less disentangle himself. "I've experimented on my own, but that\x85"

"I'm told," Mer gasped, "first time is strongest ever. After that\x85 there's time to savour it."

"I hope so. I don't think I could take many like that."

And yet, as his body cooled, he found himself, not exhausted as he thought he should be, but strangely refreshed. Enough energy to call a full storm's worth of lightning fairly hummed in his veins.

"\x85But I could handle at least one more," he added. "Shall we see if your nest-sisters were right?"

Her ready grin was all the answer he needed.