It Was A Very Special Thing To Bond With A Dragon. Whilst Bonding With A Dragon Provided Benefits For

It was a very special thing to bond with a dragon. Whilst bonding with a dragon provided benefits for both parties, it was still a very rare thing. Dragons were powerful, and by the time they were ready and willing to bond, considerably older than humans. They also had to be a lot more picky with their chosen bonded, than any human did.

Whilst a strong bond with their dragon would extend a humans life considerably, the stronger the bond, the longer their life, the dragons still have to face the possibility of their bonded growing old and dying. Since bonding with another is an incredibly emotionally vulnerable experience for both dragon and human, many dragons are wary about their choices as they get older, not willing to face such heartbreak again. 

Most children go through life boasting about what kind of dragon they think they will bond with, some claiming their strength will ensure them the best dragon, others claiming their wit or looks. For you, it had never been so clear. 

You just like any other child, would constantly daydream about bonding with a dragon and the knowledge and adventures you could share together, preferably away from this horrid town. However, other kids, and even adults, were always keen to remind you how impossible that dream would be.

“Their deaf! What use would a dragon have for them?” You remember seeing one teacher say to another.

It was true, you hadn’t heard a single sound your entire life. Sometimes, it did upset you, but you had long since learned to love what you did have. Mainly, your sight. The world was so beautiful, and without all the chatter to distract you, you were free to admire it as you wished. You could spend hours drawing the flowers and enjoying the swirling sea and shimmering stars. Perhaps it is that which had driven you to becoming a photographer and artist.

Still, when the day came that those your age were finally allowed to try to bond with a dragon, you found yourself joining them. You knew the chances were low, and could see the looks you were getting from those who knew of your disability. Despite this, you wanted to try, at least then you would know for sure.

You waited for the rush to finish, before slowly making your way onto the grounds. Dragons and humans alike stood preening and attempting to gain attention, eager to find the best possible bonded, in hopes of a strong bond. Not feeling the need to rush, you walked calmly amongst the magnificent creatures, slowly wandering deeper and deeper.

Suddenly, something made you pause. With an air of curiosity, you took a few steps back and peered at the impressive dragon before you. It was a massive thing, strong and tough, baring the scars of many a battle, and obviously quite an ancient creature. It was beautiful and you could feel the power rolling off of it in waves, which is why you were confused to see no one walking its way.

It wasn’t until you drew closer, that you realised why. 

Over its eyes where deep ragged scars, long since healed but having well and truly done their harm. As you stepped even closer, you watched as the dragons eyes slid open, baring to you oceans of milky white, confirming your suspicions. They were blind, and had been for quite some time.

Thinking of never being able to see the world as you did, caused your heart to clench and unthinkingly you moved closer. The powerful beast was obviously still highly aware, as it easily followed your progress with its head, slowly lowering it to meet you as you drew close.

For a moment, the two of you simply remained still, taking in each others presence in your own unique ways. Something about this moment was special to you, and you found yourself unwilling to break it, knowing you would carry this moment with you till your final days. With an empathetic pang in your heart, you reached out, smiling as the massive beast pressed its giant nose against your tiny palm. 

And with that, Everything Changed.