13 August 2012
Small green eyes narrowed to examine the heavy clouds above. The broad, muscular man stood in the shadows of the trees, peering out into a small clearing where only grass and bluebells grew.
He flexed his great muscles impatiently, the black-eyed raven on his shoulder nipped at his ear.
"Stop that, Uradt," He absentmindedly flicked the ravens ebony beak.
At the centre of the clearing the air shimmered as if hot. It seemingly bent light around itself in an orb, emitting a gentle, surreal glow. Limestones and pieces of chalk were laid out in swirling, protective patterns in the short emerald grass.
With an air of caution the man edged forward from the cover of the trees. Here it was - the portal! Finally found and unguarded. Excellent, thought the man, this location must be unknown.
Anticipation traced a cool finger down the man's bare back underneath his leather vest.
But within two steps a dark, blue shape descended from the sky, landing hard on the ground; sending out a faint tremor. Uradt squawked and flapped his dark wings, gripping tightly to his human's shoulder in his surprise.
A growl ripped through the damp air from clenched pearly teeth. Deep blue scales rattled angrily as the beast took a step towards the man. The dragons's slender, wingless body coiled upwards in an arch. His long whiskers flicked outwards, twitching menacingly - threatening to pounce.
The man's expression was unreadable, "Ah," he murmured, "Ryu, the great dragon-image of Mónne himself. I knew you would come."
The Image Realm | 16 • Opuss № I