Chance woke to a light rain falling on his face and rock sticking in his back. Standing up, he stumbled and almost fell. When Alyssia yelped, Whoa! Stop that! His memory came flooding back to him. Looking around for the small demi-dragon. He found her curled up inside the pocket of his tunic. She still wore the ring around her neck. She looked quite cute curled up in there.

I am sorry Alyssia. I lost my balance standing up.

Ok… I was afraid you were going to fall on me and squish me. He could almost feel her smile as she said it.

Glancing around the small hollow he noticed his satchel was laying off to one side and there was a demi-dragon size hole in one corner. Alyssia what happened to my satchel?

He could feel her embarrassment as she responded, Well… I was still hungry. I could smell some more of the bread in there and you were asleep. I am sorry.

It is ok. I am sorry that you were still hungry and that I passed out and was unable to help you. Chance tried to comfort her.

Looking around Chance spotted the items from the magically protected room. He picked up the belt with the pouch and dagger attached to it. It was a finely crafted black leather belt with a beautiful silver buckle, silver stitching, and a few small gems set at intervals down the length. Engraved on the buckle was a dragon head that had two small amethysts for the eyes. Laying it over his shoulder he removed his belt and dagger, placing them on the ground. Taking the new belt, he slung it around his hips, it seemed a bit too large for him at first, but by the time he went to buckle the belt it fit him perfectly. How very odd. He thought to himself.

What is odd Chance? Alyssia asked poking her head out of his pocket.

Nothing Alyssia, it is just that this belt at first seemed to be too big for me but by the time I went to fasten it, it fit perfectly.

Well, it is a gift from a mage. So maybe it is enchanted. That might account for it changing in size. Alyssia offered.

Could be. I had not thought of that. Chance answered in awe. Running his hands around the belt he could have sworn that he felt a small tingle when his fingers brushed each of the small gems or touched a pattern stitched in silver thread. You are very smart Alyssia. I can feel something in the belt when I run my fingers over it.

Realizing that he had not checked the items attached to his new belt, he glanced down to inspect the pouch. It was smaller than his satchel by about half. It was made from the same material as the belt with silver stitching and the clasp was silver as well. There was only one gem on the satchel and it was a large amethyst that was set on the flap above the clasp. He undid the clasp and looked inside. The light was too dim to see what was in it. He reached into the pouch to see what was there and he could not feel the bottom or the sides. Glancing down quickly he realized he was elbow deep in the satchel and had yet to reach the bottom, but the pouch was only about a span deep. How was this possible? He had two spans of his arm stuck into a pouch that was only a span deep and had yet to reach the bottom. He pulled his arm and hand out to make sure that they were alright and was glad to see that there was no damage that had occurred. He would have to think on this later.

It was at this point that he happened to glance up into the trees and noticed that the moon was up. Wait what? That is the moon that is in the sky and yet I can see as clear as if it was full day. How is that possible?

Suddenly it hit him. It was night and he was still in the woods! Oh goodness his mom and dad were going to be upset with him! Oh man I am in so much trouble. Chance quickly removed the enchanted belt and put his old one back on. Then he picked up his satchel and placed his new belt in the bottom of it. He glanced around and noticed the scroll that Alyssia had carried out and the bag of gold, gems, and silver scalite. Picking them up, he placed the bag of coins into his satchel on top of his belt. The silver scalite he placed inside his tunic on the opposite of Alyssia. Can I take your jewelry Little One? I would like to put it in my satchel. The demi-dragon took the ring from around her neck and handed it to him. He then placed it and the scroll in an outer pocket on the satchel. With one last look around he started to head out of the hollow toward home.

Where are we going? Alyssia asked as he started walking.

We are going to my home. My parents will be worried as I have never been out this late without letting them know of my intent to do so. I left a note telling them I would be home after dinner but it is much later than that.

Wait! Wait! Alyssia exclaimed as she realized he was leaving the hollow. We can’t forget my egg. From what my Dam told me it is very important that we take it. I also feel it is important that we take the remains of my Dam. We demi-dragons are magical creatures so the bones could have magical properties as well.

Reaching into a small outside pocket he pulled out a small leather pouch and carefully scooped the bones into it. The bones did not look or feel like normal bones at all. Upon inspection they felt metallic and had the same silver coloring as Alyssia and her egg. After he had gathered all of the bones that he could, he placed the pouch in his satchel with his belt and the bag of gold and gems. Next he went over and picked up Alyssia’s empty egg and placed it in his satchel as well.

We ready Little One? Anything else we are forgetting? Chance asked affectionately. He was growing quite fond of the little demi-dragon.

Nope! That is all Big One. Alyssia replied. Laughing, he began the walk back home.

They followed the trail that Chance had come down earlier in the day. Had it only been that morning that he had walked this trail concerned about what to do with his time as a Journeyman Blacksmith. He realized that he could still see clearly as he walked in the dark forest. Actually, he could see very well, even better than on the brightest day. Remembering his unanswered question, he asked Alyssia, how is it that I can see so much better right now?

Well Big one…she giggled, it came out as little audible grunts to his ears though… from what my memories tell me, it seems that you are already reaping some of the benefits of the dragon bond. All of your senses should be heightened far beyond what they were. I already told you of the increase in how long you will live, but you will also heal very rapidly. Our bond is very strong indeed if you are experiencing these things in the first day of the bond.

Is the bond as strong as it will ever get or will it get stronger as time goes on? Chance asked.

It will get stronger with time but will eventually reach its maximum strength. She responded.

As they came out of the woods, Chance could see someone headed their way with a torch. They were still over two hundred spans off so normally he would have only been able to see the moving torch but his eyes adjusted quickly and he could tell that it was his father. “Oh man… I am in trouble. That is my father coming to look for me.” Keep low Little One as I try and figure out how to explain what has happened and why I am late, he thought.

“Father! Over here!” Chance yelled as the torch had started to go down another path into the woods. Chance stepped up his pace as he hurried to meet his father.

He could see the relief wash over the big burly smith even from a hundred spans off. “Chance! Where have you been boy? Your mother and I have been worried sick. We found your note about being late but dinner was passed hours ago. You should know better than to stay out this late without telling us.” His father’s angry tone was more from worry than from actual anger at Chance.

“I am sorry Dad, but something happened and I,” Chance paused to think, “Well, can I just say for now that something happened and I will explain it all to you and mom when we get home. I am alright. It is nothing to worry about. I will tell you that much. Alright?”

“If it is not something wrong why not just explain it as we walk to the house?” Harold asked.

“It is a long story and there are some things I need to show you. It would be easier at the house and in private.” Chance tried make his father understand.

“I trust you, son. You know you can tell me anything.” Harold responded and shook his head, “I don’t understand the need for secrecy but if you give me your word that you will explain and that there is no danger then I will wait.”

They walked on in companionable silence, each in their own thoughts but glad that they were together.

Chance was trying to figure out what to say to his parents. He knew they trusted him but to lay it all out on the table was going to take a LOT of trust on their part. Alyssia?

Yes, Chance?

Could you stay down in my pocket for now? You will need to stay still so that they do not notice you moving around. I do not want to scare them. He asked tentatively.

Yes, I will lay still. I know I am fierce looking and can be very scary. A mental image of Alyssia snarling viciously and breathing fire suddenly popped into his head. If he had not known how small she actually was he would probably have been terrified as it was he had to try very hard to keep from laughing out loud.

Alyssia did not have to worry about that and he could hear her laughter in his head. Did you just send me that image of you snarling and breathing fire? He asked her.

After she finally overcame her fit of laughter, he could feel her mentally nodding her head. I wanted to see if it was possible. My memories say we should be able to do that at about the same time as your senses start to heighten.

Chance decided to try to do the same thing only this time he added an image of his foot next to her to put her size in perspective. Chance started laughing and ended up having to attempt to cover it in a coughing fit. Alyssia was laughing so hard that she was grunting from his pocket. Luckily that too was covered in his coughing fit.

His father stopped and looked at him puzzled. “You ok boy? Need a drink?” He asked, offering Chance his canteen. Chance took it and took a swallow of water. “Thank you. I think a bug flew in my mouth or something.”

Before long they reached the house. His mother was sitting in her rocker by the fire when they walked in. “The wayward son has returned!” His father boomed as they walked in the door.

His mother leapt up and ran to him, throwing her arms around him she laid her head against his chest. Luckily she laid it on the side that had the pouches not the side that held Alyssia. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and bent down toward her. “I am sorry mom. I did not mean to stay out so late. I have a good reason, I promise.”

She stepped back and held him at arm’s length. Looking him over starting at his feet, “You do not look like you have been hurt. No blood and everything still looks to be attached.” She paused. She reached up and grabbed his chin. Tilting his head so that he looked down into her eyes, “Chance Warrenson Smithe! What has happened to your eyes?!”

Stunned, Chance did not know what else to do but to pull away and step over to the piece of polished metal that his mother used to see her reflection when she was fixing her hair. His eyes, normally a dark brown were now a bright silver grey!

Alyssia? Can you explain to me why my eyes are silver? He asked somewhat panicked.

It is a result of the bond. The demi-dragons affect eye color while the elemental ones affect hair color. Just imagine if I had been a full size fire dragon. You would have red hair. Besides I think your eyes are wonderful. The silver goes well with your skin color. Alyssia responded.

“Chance! Would you care to explain what happened to your eyes?” His mother asked him again.

Harold stepped up. “He said he had some things to tell us that would explain everything. He asked to wait until we were home to explain so he could tell us together. Well, Chance, we are here. Care to explain?”

“Let’s go sit down at the table and I will explain everything.” Chance gestured toward the kitchen. As his parents turned to lead the way he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Mom, you would not happen to have any dinner left. I am very hungry and since we are sitting down at the table…” Chance smiled innocently.

Laughing his mother walked over to the hotbox his father had made for her many years ago, she pulled out a plate of chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans. “Here, I kept this warm for you knowing that you did not pack enough to eat.” She said as she set the plate down at his spot.

He sat down and inhaled deeply. It smelled delicious. As he reached for his knife and fork he heard in his head, FOOD!! He felt a jerk at his pocket and his pocket got lighter all of a sudden. Alyssia NO!! He shouted mentally.

Next thing he knew he had a span long demi-dragon leaping out of his pocket. She let out a tiny roar followed by a cute little growl as she dropped onto the chicken on his plate and proceeded to attack it.

Both of his parents jumped back suddenly. His mother shrieked and moved behind her husband. Harold pulled out his dagger, prepared to protect his wife.

“Dad! Stop! Please stop!” Chance begged. “Mom and Dad, not how I would have preferred you meet her but this is Alyssia and she is the reason I was late.”

Nice introduction Little One… you gave my parents quite a shock. Chance admonished Alyssia gently. The look on his face was not too happy.

I am sorry Chance. I was just so hungry. Alyssia dropped a bite of food out of her mouth and ducked her head. Pulling her tail up under her she turned to leave the plate. Chance could feel how embarrassed she was as well as how hungry she was.

With a trace of reproach in her voice, his mother asked, “Did you just scold her?”

“Somewhat, I told that she scared you and should not have done that.” Chance replied.

“Chance Warrenson Smith! She must be starving to have acted that way. You apologize or something and let her know she can eat as much as she wants! She is such a tiny thing. She looks like a lizard but not like one I have ever seen. She has wings.”

LIZARD! LIZARD! Kindly tell her I AM NOT A LIZARD! Alyssia fumed. Her head jerked up as well as her nose. Turning she lay down with her back to Chance’s mom and proceeded to inspect her claws.

Chance could not help himself, he burst out laughing. His mom glanced at him, “Why isn’t she eating? You tell her she can eat and why are you laughing.”

Between laughing and wiping the tears from his eyes he said, “Mom, she is a demi-dragon, I think you offended her by calling her a lizard.”

“You mean she can understand me?” She asked somewhat in awe. At this point Alyssia turned and nodded her head. His mom’s eyes got wide and she stepped forward and returned to her seat.

His dad returned as well, his dagger having long since been put away. He wore an amused look on his face. “Dear, I do believe if you want her to eat you might want to apologize.” The burly smith said lovingly.

“Oh! You sweet beautiful little thing, I am so sorry to insinuate that you are a lizard. Please eat Alyssia. Please forgive me.”

Alyssia stood slowly and with queenly grace and, from what Chance could tell through their bond, an incredible amount of restraint, walked toward his mom. Stopping just short she bowed her head low. Once she raised her head though, all restraint was lost. With her fiercest growl she turned leapt back toward the plate and returned to attacking the piece of chicken.

All three of them broke out in laughter at her antics. It took a bit but finally after eating about twice her weight in chicken she waddled back over to Chance and climbed into the crook of his arm and promptly fell asleep.

Glancing up he could see the questions in his parent’s eyes. “Well now that you have met Alyssia, let me tell you how I came to meet her.” With that Chance began telling of his day starting with heading into the forest. When he got to the part where he realized that he had Ard and that there was a bond that had formed between he and Alyssia. His father and mother both paled.

He continued on with his story up until the point where he got to the things left to him by the Bond partner to Alyssia’s Dam. At this point he stopped and realized he still had yet to eat. “Mom, is there anything else left over? No need to cook anything.”

At this point his mom took charge, “Oh, I am sorry son. I totally forgot that she ate your dinner. We have some bread, some sausage and some cheese. Harold go get the boy a mug of milk from the well too. Then we can retire to the living room to discuss the days’ events.”

After Chance had a chance to finally enjoy a late dinner without it being attacked by a small dragon, the family moved into the living room. Alyssia left Chance’s arms and went to lay on the hearth almost in the bright cherry red coals.

Chance’s dad lit a pipe and settled back into his chair, while his mom pulled a basket of clothes that needed mending over to her rocker before she sat down with a needle and thread in hand.

Chance took up his normal spot between the two of them. He had carried his satchel over with him.

“There is more to the story. Alyssia’s dam was bonded as well. The mage was supposed to have gone to do a very important task and then was to find her someone for Alyssia’s egg to bond to. I am guessing he was not sure if he would return or not, so he left a few things, for whomever would bond to the egg that was to become Alyssia.”

“There was a scroll, a ring, a belt with a pouch and a dagger attached, and another larger bag.” He reached into his satchel and pulled the belt out from under the bag of coins. “Here is the belt.” He handed it to his mother. She gasped as she looked the fine workmanship. She opened the satchel and closed it back. She handed it to her husband to look at it.

As he took it his eyes lit up. “Chance, do you realize that this is enchanted?”

“Yes I did, Dad, but how did you?” Chance responded startled at his Dad’s statement.

His dad responded with a wave of his hand to put off the answer to the question. He then returned to inspecting the belt. He opened the pouched and glanced inside. Then out of curiosity stuck his hand inside. His arm kept going into the pouch as Chance’s had. His mother gasped, “How is that possible? That much of your arm should not fit in that pouch.” His dad pulled his hand and arm back out of the pouch and handed it back to her. She opened the satchel and stuck her hand inside but it was as if it was an ordinary bag. “See. That is as far as my hand will go.” Chance could see the bag changing shape as her hand pushed on the bottom of the bag. Frustrated she handed it back to Chance. “It is an enchanted bag from what I can tell. I am not sure of the purpose of it yet.” Chance told her.

“You said there was dagger attached to the belt Chance. I am not seeing it. Did it come off in your satchel?” His dad asked.

“Do you not see the dagger on the belt?” Chance asked puzzled.

“Dagger?” His dad asked him puzzled. “There is no dagger that I can see. Is it in the pouch?”

“No it is right here.” Chance said as he pulled the dagger from the scabbard.

“Well… yes there is a dagger there. I can see it in your hand now but it was not there until you drew it out.” His Dad responded. “Amazing. Simply amazing!”

“Then there is also the matter of this bag and one smaller one.” Chance stood smiling. He reached into his satchel and pulled out the large back of gems and coins. In one swift move he dumped the contents onto the floor between his mother and father’s chairs.

“By the dragon’s teeth! Chance this came from the mage as well?” His dad exclaimed as he jumped up out of his chair.

“That and this.” Chance said as he pulled the pouch of silver scalite from his inside his tunic and handed it gently to his father.

His father’s puzzled look changed to one of awe as he hefted the bag and then reached inside for a pinch of the material inside. “Son, do you know what this is?” he whispered.

“Yes Dad, it is silver scalite and a lot of it.” Chance replied.

Sitting down slowly, his dad gently retied the string on the pouch and handed it back to Chance.

After sitting there for a bit Harold stood and said, “I think that is more than enough excitement for one evening. Chance will you pick all of these coins and gems. I am going to lock up for the night. Then we will put the gold in a safe place.”

With that he stood and walked out the front door to make sure that the smithy was locked and that the forge fire was banked properly so as to remain be easily relit in the morning.

His mother stood. “Where do you think she will want to sleep dear?” she asked indicating Alyssia.

“I would think either here by the fire or with me. I think that if she is with me I will have to sleep carefully as I would not want to hurt her in my sleep.” Chance replied. “Mom, how are you with all of this? I know that it is a lot to take in. To be honest with you some of the reason I was so late was because I fainted when I started to understand just some of all this.” Chance admitted. “You and dad seem to be taking this all rather well. I was scared when I first learned I had Ard, but you both seemed to be taking it in stride.”

“We will discuss it later dear. Good night Chance. I love you.” She gripped him in a fierce hug. “Always remember that. No matter what I love you.”

“I love you too Mom.” Chance responded and hugged her tightly in return.

At this point his Dad walked in and promptly joined the hug wrapping his arms around both of them. In a rare show of emotion, he whispered softly, “And I love you both.” They just stood there for a moment.

Hey! Don’t leave me out of this! Alyssia yelled from the fireplace. With that she ran over and Chance bent down to pick her up and placed her on his shoulder. She hesitated a moment then moved to put one foot on Chance’s mom shoulder and looked in her eyes. “Come on sweetheart you are part of the family now.” His mom said softly. Alyssia gently crawled over to her shoulder. Her tail wrapped gently around Harold’s bicep and her head rested on Chance’s chest. She let out a big deep sigh. Chance?

Yes Little One?

I love you.

I love you too dear. I love you too.

They separated after another moment. His mother banked the fire for the night, he and his dad took the bags of coins, gems and silver scalite and stored a portion of it in the lockbox located on the back of the hotbox in the kitchen. The scalite, gems, and less than half of the coins is all that would fit there. The rest was placed into a more common hiding spot, in a lockbox hidden under a tile in the kitchen floor. “We will move it all to a more secure location tomorrow. This will do for tonight”, his Dad told him.

With that they all retired for the night. Alyssia and Chance went to the small bedroom off of the living area and his parents to their room off of the kitchen.