alternate title :: so yes, ya'll get a traditional, fairly trope-y dragon riding school story because why the heck not. anyways now for the actual story :: For thousands of years, the creatures of the Umbra Realm had hunted the humans and creatures of the Luminesce. Dragons were mostly aloof creatures back then, keeping their distance from humankind, who they saw as weak and feeble. But then the dragons started being hunted, almost being wiped off the face of the Earth. And then Ravenfeather was formed. A school where humans learned to care for, and ride, their assigned dragon partner. With that school formed, the graduated dragon-human teams fought the creatures of the Umbra Realm, driving them deep into the shadows. But now the monsters are coming back. Chapter One :: "Arghhh-" Valley attempted to hit the bullseye on the target with an arrow, in vain. The arrow kept flying off-course, hitting the trees next to the one the target was mounted on. Valley collapsed onto the ground, panting. Ugh. She had been out here in the blazing sun for...what felt like forever, though in reality it has probably only been a few hours. She tucked her long, shoulder-length blond hair behind her ears, getting ready to try again, when her older sister, Jenna, barreled out onto the porch. Valley didn't bother turning around-she could tell it was Jenna from the heavy pounding of combat boots on the wooden porch. "Jenna, what do you want?" "Let me just say you'll need to up your archer skills if you want to get a passing grade in archery at Ravenfeather." "WHAT-I got accepted? No way-" Valley spun around, emerald eyes wide in shock and disbelief. "Yes, small one, you got accepted. You leave in three days, better get packing!" Jenna thrust a small scroll into Valley's hands. Valley fumbled with the scroll, managing to not drop it. She scowled. "First of all, I told you to not call me "small one"! It's not my fault I'm only 4'8-and get over yourself, you're only 5'3-and what's this?" she asked her sister, nodding to the scroll. "Alright, small one." Jenna smirked. "And it's a list of supplies you'll need for the academy, acceptance letter. Hey, want me and Cinnamon to fly you to the town? It's a long walk, and the old mare, August, is lame still, right?" "You'll let me ride?" Valley gasped. "Sure. Why not? It's not like it's against the rules or anything, especially since you'll be an academy student soon. Cinnamon, c'mere! Please!" Jenna hollered, following the yell with a loud whistle. A small dragon bounded out onto the porch, with a nod to both Jenna and Valley. Cinnamon was Jenna's bond, but they were different in every way-right down to their personality. They were both beautiful, though. Cinnamon had orange-brown scales and bright green eyes, and she wore a simple leather saddle and no bridle. "So, we're flying Valley to the market?" Cinnamon asked, inspecting Valley. "Yes! Come on, let's go!" Jenna hopped on Cinnamon, beckoning with one hand for Valley to follow. [end of prologue/chapter 1]
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