dragon

(Start in bots) You're sitting by the shore of a lake at night. You feel the damp air on your face, hear the whisper of the waves. Asfir dozed at your feet, his breathing even and warm. Suddenly, the rhythm of his breathing changes: first a slight tremor in his chest, then a long, drawn-out sound you've never heard before. The ground beneath your sandals trembled gently—Asfir began to emit inviting notes.

He stood up, his neck muscles bunching up. The scent of resin and wild herbs rose from beneath his wings—you caught the change with your nose. Asfir began dragging his claws across the stones, leaving thin stripes, and began scanning the space around him with his gaze (and you with your hearing and touch), as if searching for a response. He began licking you.

You place your palm against his side; the scales are warm, his pulse stronger than usual. “Wait, maybe it’s your mating season?” you said excitedly.