Wade stood at the precipice, looking inland to the settlement she felt
much trepidation. She glanced back to the sea, its presence reassuring.
The wind gently blew her hair, and the sun warmed her face. It was the
same every day, the two would come to this spot and stand for hours in
silence.

They had talked about every aspect of going to the city long ago. Jismin
was determined that one day they would go there. Wade, while wanting to
fullfil Jismins dream, was not so sure she wanted anything to do with
anyone, she was happy how things were. Aside from her parents her
experiences dealing with people where difficult to say the least.
Granted she had no person experiences of dealing with "and overs", but
did not see how they would be any better than her own people.

~No, I am not ready, Jismin~ she thought, knowing the Dragon could hear
her.

As always Jismin simply nodded, but rather than moving to the edge of
the cliff as was her routine the Dragon stood there. Wade had moved,
reading herself for her dive back into her own world, but stopped when
she noticed Jismin.

Today was to be different. For months now Jismin had been patient, she
finally came to the conclusion that if she did nothing they would never
get to the city. So the previous day she telepathically contacted a
Dragon from the city.  Alicynth was the Dragons name. Jismin had been
somewhat surprised at how amicable the Dragon had been, all the other
Dragons Jismin had had any communication with had been somewhat hostile.
But then Alicynth was a joined Dragon, like Jismin herself. Perhaps that
was the difference, the other Dragons had all been wild. Alicynth and
its human companion where waiting just inside the tree line, giving Wade
one last time to choose to go to the city. When Jismin telepathicaly
told Alicynth that Wade had again chosen not to brave the city they came
from their hidden spot to meet the two sea dwellers.

~What is it, Jismin?~ Wade asked as she went to the Dragon.

Before Jismin could answer Wade saw the approaching Dragon with its
rider. Wade instinctively rushed back to the edge of the cliffs, hands
clinched in fear. She looked back and saw no movement from Jismin and
realized that it was a set up. Drawing her self up she unclinched her
fists. She took a few tentative steps to the approaching pair.

"Greetings," the woman said as she dismounted. She strode forward with
an outstretched hand, Wade did likewise, but was alarmed when the "land
over" grabbed her hand. Water breathers would touch finger tips in
greeting, but to grab someones hand was a sign of aggression and
domination. The woman was smiling though and so Wade reminded herself
that it was probably just a difference in cultures.

"Greetings to you," Wade said and reciprocated the smile.

Respectfully Submitted
Renee Lewis-Grothe
a.k.a.
Renelle Amandine/CSciO, USS Discovery
Jismin & Wade/Jasra, Dragon Lands

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting form you now,
This much let me avow-
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;

Poe