h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*the dragon lands and stretches its wings; Syian slides down and hugs it*

*Jumps down from the dragon's back, holding Kazinishi.*

Whoo!

*She sets him down for a moment, and hugs Syian.*

We did it! We pulled it off!

*looks surprised and then hugs back awkwardly*

Are we going to have a story to tell when we get back to Imardin! Wow!

*She releases Syian, and starts tending to Kazinishi.*

This is tough, but I think I know the counterspell...

I..I don't think I can go back to Imardin

*she turns and starts tending to the dragon who is obviously devoted to her*

*Lumien peels the layers of spell binding Kazinishi.*

Well, you can't stay here! Why not come back to Imardin?

I don't belong there; I was stupid to go there

*Lumien finishes with Kazinishi.*

You need to rest, and then we'll get on the road again.

*Turns to Syian.*

What makes you say that?

Just something my father said

I think we've established that your dad is not right in the head. Imardin could be the only place you're safe from him, anyway!

But what did he say to you?

He reminded me of my upbringing...did you know I have killed many mages like yourself with no second thought?

*she turns away and Lumien can see her shoulders heaving*

*the dragon steps towards Lumien and growls loudly*

*Lumien stands, and skitters away quickly from the dragon.*

Shhh... shhh...

When was this?

*she doesn't answer but the dragon moves closer and rears to its impressive full height, smoke curls out of its nostrils*

Syian, your mount doesn't like me very much!

Shh... take it easy...

Kala...calm down

*the dragon instantly drops to all fours and goes to Syian, it nuzzles her with its snout...comforting her*

He is just protective, that is all

*Sits down, wipes the sweat off her forehead.*

I'm sorry...

Get some sleep

*she walks a little way into the woods still avoiding Lumien's gaze*

*Lumien leans back against the wall of the cave.*

Just be safe. </>

*Lumien dozes off.*

*Throughout this, Kazinishi has been drifting in and out of consciousness, and overheard just enough to know that some {as opposed to all} is well. However, some of it may be mixed up with dreams. Suddenly he jolts upright.*#]

Ka, saima?! Kera samia?!

*Remembers.*

Nick...the dragon...

*Sees Lumien lying against the wall, and realises he feels great.*

Thank you, Lumien. Thank you, Syian. Were it not for you...

*Gets up to stretch his limbs. Goes outside and starts gathering berries from a nearby bush to serve as whatever meal is due to come next.*

*Lumien wakes, parched. She glances down at her hands and sees the bleeding has stopped, but the wounds are dirty. She looks to where she sat Kazinishi down, but he is gone. She stands and walks outside, and sees him at a berry bush in the last light of the day.*

Good evening, Lord Kazinishi- well, I suppose it's evening anyway.

*She moves to a stream a bit further down the hill from the cave, and dips her hands in. The cool water washes away the dried blood and dirt, and numbs the pain. Lumien closes her eyes, and focuses on healing herself.