The Fall

The hum of the lush forest reverberated in Azora’s mind as she glided just above the treetops, skimming the soft, green leaves with lazy talons. She could almost taste the crushed leaves on the dew-soaked ground and the moss-covered stones of the small river that wound below. It was intoxicating. She dipped lower, now completely submerged by the trees that whispered their welcomes. The water glistened with the first light of dawn shattering through the canopy, taunting her. She dove, no longer able to resist, snout first into the cool liquid rushing along in time with the rhythm of her beating heart.

Hundreds of water droplets danced along her now glimmering scales as she resurfaced. Her steady breathing creating small puffs of mist with each exhale into the cool autumn air. She had turned to study the refracting light from the pools that blanketed her emerged wings when the new scent hit her, so strong that she swam right into the embankment. Hints of powder, iron, and salt filled her nostrils. She had only ever met one other that shared a similar scent, a sister creature to the human she knew now lingered nearby. Human. The word reverberated throughout her entire being. Moments later, she was out of the water and ducked behind a large cropping of orange and brown foliage that lined the riverbank, water droplets still flying through the air. Her midnight blue eyes scanned her densely wooded surroundings, keenly aware of all. There, on the other side of the river, was a mortal girl. Half hidden by trees and wild grass, she stood in a dirty and frayed plain, yellow dress. She wore black boots that came no higher than her ankles and had a black bear fur jacket loosely hanging around her small frame. Tear stains ran down pale, flushed cheeks, contrasting against her dark brown shoulder-length locks. Despite her seemingly frazzled state, she stood silent but severely alert, watching Azora’s every move right back.

Stories eddied around in her thoughts as she recanted all she had ever learned of the world that was so unlike Azora’s own. She had always been told that humankind was much simpler and more gluttonous than those in her land, in Eery. They were savages, only taking what was useful to them and discarding the rest. They fought, pillaged, and caused chaos wherever they went. She did not see how such a tiny mortal could be capable of such a thing. Azora could sense her warmth, even from the other side of the river, and felt drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

But how did she get here? Human existence was strictly forbidden and, as far as she knew, impossible. The magic barrier that separated them all ensured it. Humans were too emotional and dangerous to any that they viewed as other. Still, as a youngling, she had been fascinated with the mortal world. Her favorite story had always been that of the dragon with the human heart who would one day come and be capable of crossing the barrier placed by unwise rulers, shattering the magic that had kept them separated. The barrier keeping their lands apart would fall away, instead leaving communications open for peace and negotiation between newer, just rulers across the lands. Her younger self had secretly always hoped the tale was true and that she would one day get to cross into the mortal lands.

“Fly. Leave. FLY!", her instincts screamed. She knew better than to interfere. Yet, despite the warnings from within, Azora stayed rooted. Her eyes were still focused on the child who was seemingly just as perplexed as she was at this unexplainable meeting. She was rushing across the space between herself and the girl before there was time to change her mind. Azora held out a large amber taloned claw as she lessened the space dividing them and with one confident motion had the child tucked away beneath her, concealed from sight, for the trees did not keep secrets well. To Azora's surprise, the child did not protest or attempt escape, as if she too knew that this was necessary. With soft, breakable skin against hard, impenetrable scales, they soared toward the only hope Azora had to get out of the mess she had just created for herself.

She could smell her destination before she could see it. The aroma of sage and mint was the first to hit her followed by honey, decay, and salt. As she angled closer toward the familiar orange and white flower-speckled hill a small log cabin came into view from up above. It was a simple dwelling, with a dark pine front porch and a-frame roof, and stripped birch wood walls. A small stone chimney breathed out puffs of grey smoke, releasing the tantalizing smell of cooked pig. Its muted tones made it easily blend into the surrounding woods. Azora had stumbled upon the dwelling decades ago as a youngling while exploring, hoping to find the barrier between realms. She had stopped to rest at the edge of the hill lands of Aureen one afternoon after sensing the thickened magical current indicating the barrier's nearness. The sun was high as she’d begun to doze off to the hum of insects and birdsong when the unfamiliar scent of another reached her. Iron and salt muddled with fresh smoke flooded her senses. Another smell lay beneath the iron and salt, as if it came directly from the core of whatever the creature was. Curiosity got the better of her and so she decided to track the scent. After only a few dozen steps, she’d broken free of the treeline, realizing that the other fragrance she had detected was that of sickly-sweet decayed flowers and rancid blood. The scent clung to the young woman that entered Azora’s vision. She was kneeling in the grass, tending to one of many gardens, this one containing carrots, that ran along the side of a small log cabin. Her pin-straight, unbound hair was the same brown as wet dirt, cascading over her shoulders and falling to just above her waist. Her green eyes shone like emeralds against her milky skin as she turned toward Azora. A necklace with a yellow stone no bigger than a dewdrop lay gently against a spotless, flowy white tunic she wore under a deerskin vest. With her matching white pants tucked into knee-high brown leather boots, she looked forged from nature itself. The pulse of pure magic emanating from her indicated that she could not be human, as humans did not possess magic. “Do not be fearful little one, I intend no harm”, said the nonhuman woman as she had stood, out loud as well as directly into Azora’s mind, “I am Jessalyn, the witch of Aureen.” Azora had understood immediately. Witches were found throughout all the lands before the barrier was placed and had resided in both Eery as well as among the humans. They were human akin, but, if legend rang true, could only come to be if god-touched by the giver of magic himself, Valeer, while in their mother's womb. Since mankind could not possess magic, witches were viewed as other and shunned by their families early in life, often choosing to either live alone or with other witches. Because of their magical abilities, they were permitted to live in Eery but most still chose to live among humans, selling special herbs and potions to those brave enough to buy. Crossing paths with a witch was exceedingly rare and considered a blessing if you were lucky enough to do so. She had sensed Azora’s curiosity and jumped into explaining of how she was traveling in Eery when the law was decreed and was not able to make it out in time before the barrier was put into place. She had told of her beloved friends back home, her village, her childhood, and of how she had made sure to build a home close enough to the barrier to ensure her escape if it were to ever come down. Azora had listened to her until the stars were bright in the night sky and her eyelids were too heavy to carry on.

With the child still securely tucked in her arms, Azora sailed toward the front porch of the cabin that had not once changed in all the years she had been visiting. A thin, black netting hung loosely around the outer rim of the porch, keeping out unwanted bugs. There was a single chair carved from a thick, light-brown tree stump next to a small, rickety three-legged table made from the same wood. Azora had asked many times why Jessalyn didn't use magic to fix the roughly made furniture. She was always waved off and given the same answer, something about how magic shouldn't be a solution to all their problems.

As she landed, Jessalyn was turning the corner with a basket full of ripe, red apples from a small grove she kept behind the house. She appeared the same as she always did, with the same spotless white outfit accompanied by the same boots and vest. The only thing that ever changed about Jessalyn’s appearance was her hair. Today it was braided back with baby’s breath and small silver hoops that glinted in the sunlight. She never seemed to age, witches could live as long as the magic inside of them continued to burn. A wide smile spread across the witch’s pale face as she crossed the small yard to where Azora stood. The hoops in her hair gleamed with each step. “Hello little one”, Jessalyn gleamed, “what a pleasant surprise!” Azora rolled her eyes at the nickname. As she returned her greetings the child let out a small laugh. It was the first time she had made any noise since their meeting at the river. As the crisp, clear noise rang out, Azora started to realize the gravity of what she had done. She knew Jessalyn missed her home in the mortal realm and Azora knew if anybody could sympathize, it would be her. She also knew that she had placed them all in grave danger by coming here. The basket Jessalyn was holding plummeted to the ground as the child was shifted into view, the apples bouncing off the grass, no doubt bruising their perfect exteriors. Jessalyn blinked a few times, her mouth opening and closing in speechlessness. “That is a child. A real, human child.”, she said out loud to nobody in particular. She scanned the tree line, realizing that she had just spoken out loud, as Azora once again hid the child from sight. Jessalyn had assured her long ago that she had made friends with the trees when first choosing this spot to take up residency, however, harboring a human was punishable by death and the trees had nothing better to do with their time besides gossip. “How?”, she asked directly into Azora’s mind, sounding a bit breathless. Azora quickly recanted the events that had taken place that morning. If she was being honest with herself, the youngling part of her that had been fascinated by the humans was thrilled by the adventure and danger of her actions. All she had wanted back then was to interact with a human. She was determined to stick with this journey, no matter where it took her. She also couldn't help but feel connected to the mortal child that was pushed into her side and now tapping each scale within her reach. Azora let out a breathy chuckle.

“She has to go back to her own kind”, asserted Jessalyn. “She will be killed if she continues to stay here, or us. It’s only a matter of time before she is noticed and word reaches the enforcers”. Azora huffed. She had not considered until that moment how exactly she was going to return the child to the mortal realm since she, a dragon, was not able to cross. Jessalyn stood silent for a few moments, seemingly pondering their options. Never before had either of them heard of any human, especially a child, breaking through to Eery. Only by permission from the barrier keepers could a human cross into Eery unharmed. Even then, permission was seldom given and often only given during times of great need. Once permitted entry, a human could freely cross out of Eery at any guarded location.

While Azora had been lost in thought, she had not noticed Jessalyn’s disappearance into the cabin. She reappeared a few moments later, arms empty, clutching a small vial filled with velvet magenta liquid. She had an air of excitement about her that Azora knew meant a reckless scheme was brewing. Azora didn't know whether to be fearful or giddy. "What if there was a way for you to get close enough to the guards to speak with them? A way for the barrier to allow you to cross because it believed you to be human, not a dragon?" asked Jessalyn, adventure gleaming in her eyes. "A friend of mind, Dani, gave me a transformation potion before I traveled here to Eery. It cannot work on a magic-wielding individual, but for you Azora, as a creature that does not contain magic in their soul, it would." The revelation of what Jessalyn was saying made Azora stumble back a step. She would be able to be human? She sent the question into the witch’s mind. "Yes and no.", came the mental response, "Your body would be that of a human, but your essence would remain your own. It is not permanent, you would have until sunset to complete the task. The barrier is 7 miles north. The potion is complex and all the ingredients for it do not exist in these lands, you would only have one chance." Azora's mind was made up before all the details had been presented. If there was even a small chance that she could step foot into human territory, she would take it. Jessalyn presented the now uncorked potion to Azora who gingerly took it between two talons. The magenta liquid swirled within the small glass at the motion. She held the potion up to her snout and sniffed. Notes of cherry and burnt wood filled her nostrils. She brought the vial up to her open mouth, poured it in, and swallowed. The last thing she saw was Jessalyn's triumphant grin before blacking out.

She came to minutes later, now alone with the child in front of Jessalyn's dwelling, the witch nowhere in sight. The sun was just past its high noon position which meant a quarter of an hour had passed since she had taken the potion. She lifted a hand to shield her eyes from the sun. A HAND. Azora stared up at the deep caramel-colored skin covering the hand still shielding out the too bright sun. Her eyes traced the arm connecting to the hand down to its shoulder, stopping to admire the white tunic with midnight blue threading that was tucked into black pants stitched with the same needlework. The pants lightly billowed in the soft breeze and could not be seen beyond her knee, which was where her black leather boots began. She stood on shaky legs. She did not doubt that the muscles in this body would support her, it was the fragility of her limbs that she would have to get used to. As a dragon, everything was thick, tough, and densely packed. This new body made her feel as though she could be snapped in two. A small pack over by the tree line caught her attention. She grabbed the hand of the infant that now stood beside her, no higher than her knee. Three springs back, Azora had seen a fawn be born and had watched with amusement at how clumsy and unsure of himself that fawn had been. It took hours for him to walk up straight without his knees caving in or stumbling over the forest floor. As Azora made her way over to the pack she imagined she knew exactly how that fawn had felt.

It took just under five hours to make it to the barrier. Azora could no longer feel the electricity of magic in her human body so she had to rely on Jessalyn‘s word that the barrier was directly north. All of her senses were dulled as a human, including her sense of direction, which caused them to occasionally lose their way. As time passed she got more and more used to her new legs but still frequently stumbled, earning her a quickly growing collection of crimson-red cuts along the exposed skin of her palms and forearms. She also tired much faster and needed to stop much more frequently. The child never spoke, only letting out small grunts when stepping over logs or giggling at squirrels that chittered nearby. Occasionally Azora would carry her when she would begin to fall behind. There was no concealing them from the trees or other creatures now, getting to the barrier as fast as possible was the sole solution. The pack that the witch had left out for them contained cheese, apples, and roasted pig, all of which they both happily devoured during their numerous stops.

Even in her human state, she could sense the barrier when they, at last, broke free of the forest. Roughly 200 feet from where they stood began another tree line of dense forest that couldn’t be anything else other than the mortal world. Running directly in the middle as far as the eye could see was a small creek roughly 5 feet wide. Its musical gurgling was the most beautiful sound Azora had ever heard. Silver and orange fish swim in small schools, avoiding the sunbathing turtles on rocks and any tree branches that had fallen into the stream. In all her years, Azora had never been this close to the barrier. The law made no exceptions for curious creatures and strictly forbade getting too close. A quarter of a mile to the right was a small wooden bridge branching over the stream with half a dozen armed guards standing on the human side. No longer needing to conceal themselves, they hesitantly headed over to cross the barrier.

As they approached the bridge, a single guard broke rank and walked over to them. His face was sunkissed and heavily dusted with freckles. He had a mop of red, curly hair with a neatly trimmed beard to match. His brown eyes were hard and unyielding, watching Azora and the child’s every move. He was dressed in all black, everything from his large jacket to his shoes were the color of darkness. His shirt was tight, revealing the outline of taunt muscles underneath, and tucked into baggy trousers that allowed him to move around freely. Even the bow and arrows across his back and the belt of daggers at his waist were black, made of a metal Azora had never seen before. “Hello ma’am. Good evening little lady”, said the guard, a slight draw to his voice. He dipped his head in greeting. Azora returned the gesture. She knew enough to know the guard's greeting was out of politeness and that he would not hinder them from crossing. Still, her heartbeat quickened and a bead of sweat began to trickle down her neck despite the crisp air. He crouched down in front of the child. “You aren’t secretly an elf trying to cross the barrier are you?” He mused, tugging lightly at her ear. He let out a loud chuckle at his own joke as he stood. “No matter, all enchantments fail once you’ve crossed the bridge!” Azora froze, her step faltering. She had rehearsed this a dozen times in her head, each scenario running smoothly. She had not accounted for this. The guard stepped to the side, motioning for them to pass. Surely the guard could hear her heartbeat now. Her mind raced. It would not take long for the guards to wonder why she had not moved yet. She took a single step forward, her feet becoming heavier by the second. She might as well have been walking through mud. “Don't worry ma’am, it doesn't hurt”, assured the guard with a slight smile. A few of his comrades let out a short laugh. In a matter of moments, her cover would be washed away by magic. They’d know she was a dragon. The tale from her youngling years of the dragon with a human heart suddenly came to mind. Her heart seemed to stop at the memory. Her human heart. She knew then what she had to do.

Azora scooped the child into her arms and confidently took another step forward. She'd told herself she would see this through and that's exactly what she would do. She began to run, feeling the barrier slip over her skin like silk, welcoming her in. Then, the barrier seemed to falter. Azora’s skin was instantly cold as ice. She remained calm. She felt her back begin to tingle and the familiar weight of her wings start to settle back into place. Muscles shifted as they began to accommodate the changes her body made. The guards fell back as amber scales started covering her fingertips, talons growing from fingernails. A loud crack reverberated throughout the air as the bridge they had been standing on moments before split in two. As the noise still rang in the air, the child began to cry as the guards drew their bows. Azora’s wings were now fully formed as she took off towards the sky, her still human legs shaking under the growing weight. She had to get away, had to get the child to safety. Her ascent was slow but steady, instinct taking over as she dodged arrows now whistling by. Scales were now halfway up the arms that tightly clutched the tiny human. As Azora looked down into the infant’s face, she smiled. The child’s quivering lips halted and slowly returned the smile. She put a tiny hand up to Azora’s still human face. They paused, mid wingstroke. The child opened her mouth to speak. “Thank you”, she said in a familiar voice. A lightning bolt of pain shot down Azora’s back from her left wing, droplets of both black and red blood instantly raced toward the ground below. Another arrow made its way into her right shoulder blade, causing them to begin hurtling toward the earth. She felt as though she was being ripped in two. Azora looked back down to her arms and her astonishment, the child was gone. In her place, Azora was clutching a necklace adorned with a yellow dewdrop sized stone. It seemed that more than one spell had been broken when they had crossed the bridge. Jessalyn knew Azora would be willing to help a human so she created one, giving Azora a reason to cross over into the mortal world. A blast of magic and energy catapulted from the barrier, rattling the bones of the very earth itself. Contentment settled over her. Her human lips settled into a smile as she fell, scales now racing up her chest and neck. Arrows continued to race by, but she paid them no mind. She was the dragon with a human heart. Peace now stood a chance. She closed her eyes as her wings settled around her, embracing the fall.