The resonding roar from the incoming dragons shook the very hilltop itself as they descended upon the training field. Dragons of almost every color known to man started to circle above, many doing acrobatic tricks, while those with riders did a few ariel drills and formations in the sky to show off their training and ability to keep a rider on their back.
One dragon caught my eye, a dragon I hadn't seen since she become the age of maturity five years ago... Lilasia. Bellisama and Solvon's daughter. She was no longer a youngling. By the looks of her, she had finished growing to her full size and beauty. With her beautiful lilac coloring and startling deep blue eyes that saw everything. And she was riderless!! Did that mean that she had come to hopefully choose a partner. Oh please let it be me!!!
One by one, the partnerless dragons circled around the training field before coming in for a landing in a wide circle surrounding the hopefuls. Each dragon took their time making themselves comfortable, probably expecting that they will be here for a while. The dragons with riders continued with their ariel stunts, making sharp twists and turns, flips and dives. Showing off their training and ability to keep their riders on the backs. The riders dared greatly, showing great trust in their partners ability to keep their to keep them aboard.
Alas, all great shows must come to an end. The partnered dragons formed an outer circle around the unpartnered dragons. As if practiced a million times, the riders got off their partners backs, stood up straight, and saluted in unison to my mother while the dragons gave a slight bow of their heads. In return my mother returned their salutes and invited the riders to stand in honor guard while the ceremonies began if they wished or could enjoy the refreshments and food on offer by the vendors. Not one of them moved from their spots.
"So lets get started." She says as one of the riders comes and hands her an envelope that holds all of the dragons names. "We will begin with..."
And so it began. One by one, dragon after dragon stepped forward and did their song. I stepped forward for three other dragons, those I heard the song of but was not chosen. Some of the dragons decided not to choose from the selection that was presented in front of them, but then again we are not the only village or town that holds these ceremonies, so they will try in other places.
The dragon's song itself is hard to describe. The song holds all of the dragon's hopes and dreams in a partnership. You also have to hear it deep in your heart as well. I assume this is how the dragons choose. They choose the person that deeply resonates within their heart. So my mother has told me time and again.
I also see that some of the hopefuls have their dreams fulfilled when the dragon chooses them above all others. Many are known to shed tears of joy for many it is childhood dream come true.
"Lilasia!" My mother says with a hint of pride in her voice.
I hear the thrum of the dragon's song deep in my heart and step forward. To my dismay so did Seth Pillard. Last year, he came of age and participated in the ceremony. He had stood up for a couple of them but was not chosen. But he had been teasing me recently that Lilasia should choose him. For the most beautiful dragon in the land should have the most handsome warrior. Lilasia had seen how he had bullied a lot of the younger children growing up, so I doubt she would never choose him.
"Hello big sis." She said in my mind, using the nickname she always called me growing up. "So you do hear my song in the deepest depths of your heart. I had a feeling this would be so."
"So who would you choose, Lilasia?" My mother asked.
Without responding, Lilasia took care of looking us both over from head to toe. Gave us a couple of sniffs. Then said to all:
"It is with a great heart and joy that I choose Melissa Berkshire as my partner and warrior for as long as the gods will allow. I hope starting today, we can overcome any obstacle in the protection of our shared home and land as the gods have foretold."
"This is outrageous." Seth Pillard declared. "The only reason that she wants Melissa is because they are sibblings. I demand that she rethink her decision."
The crowd and spectators gasped at his declaration. It was practically sacrilige to speak such words. It was basically a good way to get banished from the kingdom for going against a dragon's decision and choice.
"Seth Pillard, you know as everyone else that once a dragon has chosen, the decision is final. There is nothing you can say or do that will change that." My mother says, with a look of displeasure on her face. "Not only have you interupted a ceremony that has gone on for centuries, but you have done it for my own daughter's ceremony. For this, you are banished from the village." To the warriors that were nearby she says, "Please take him back to his home and make sure he packs up his things. Then please escort him outside of the village."
"You cannot do this! That is my son that you are banishing!" John Pillard came racing from the spectator stands. His face was tomatoe red as he watched his son is grabbed by each arm and dragged away kicking and screaming from the training field.
"I can and I will Mr. Pillard. So unless you want to join your son in banishment, I suggest you go back to your seat." My mother said while turning her back to him. "Lilasia, my dear, I am so glad you have found a rider at long last."
"I think there was no question about it since the day I hatched, Mama Julie. I always felt a closeness to Missy that was always more than mere siblings. Even if she was human." Lilasia said with a smokey chuckle.
"Lili dear we are so proud of you. Same goes for you Missy." Bellisama says "I am just so sorry that the Pillards had to ruin such a beautiful ceremony."
"I say good riddance." I said.
"With it being so late already, we are going to adjourn for the day and continue the ceremonies tomorrow." My mother announced to the crowd. "I thank everyone who came and I am sorry for the disturbance. Those that have been chosen will have the customary two weeks to settle their affairs at home and prepare their homes and families for their long absence. Please enjoy the rest of the evening. I believe that some minstrels have been brought in for dancing and celebrating that will commence here on the training field after the feast that has been set up for our visiting dragons and riders."
Fortunately, once we left the schoolhouse, some of the village families went to set up the schoolhouse with cots for the visiting rider's comfort. All families that live in the village will pitch in to help with the riders lodging, food, and laundry, as is custom in most villages. Our village doesn't get enough traveler for us to have a permanent hostel, but for big events like this we convert the schoolhouse for a short time. Some of the single permanent riders that reside in the village usually have extra space for the occasional traveler and make a little money. No miscreant would dare try anything with a dragon in residence.
"I am afraid that Mr. Pillard will try and cause an uproar about his son's banishment. Unfortunately for him, only the king can overide it." My mother said walking over.
"Missy, Lilasia come to my workshop tomorrow, please. I have something for you that may need to be adjusted." My father said as he took my mother's hand to lead her to the festivities.
"Sure thing Pa." I say as I look toward the setting sun think to myself. What a wonderful day!