The Ash Mountains are basically huge heaps of black, barren rocks. They irregularly tower above the flat Raynosian soils, blocking out the hazy sunlight above.
Cynder whimpered on the edge of a large peak a quarter ways up the steep slope of rock. Her mind was racing with a multitude of thoughts. She wished for the feeling to cease, so that she can move on and rejoin her journeying companion.
Her claws scratched hard on the stone as she felt a stabbing hotness in her loins; she roared out lightly, and then panted as she felt the feeling dissipate slowly.
As Cynder regained a steady breathing pattern, she stretched out her wings, trying to retrieve a normal feeling. Her legs suddenly ached, and she longed to rest. The dulled sunlight radiated off her black scales as she leaped strongly with her legs and soared into the air.
The dusty wind echoed through the mountains as Cynder flew and reflected her current situation to herself.
Like every female dragon does after a season and a half, Cynder had gone into heat. She had already gone through a day of horrible anxiety, although not alone, she had concealed her problem. She was now going through the latter stages of the cycle, which consisted primarily of rises in body temperature and stiffening of her legs but she knew that she would soon face some cramping, coupled with odd, irrational thoughts.
She tried incredibly hard to drown out the worry from her mind, but it was no use. Although Cynder had been in this state many times in her life, this time was much different. Her family had always been with her; her mother especially during these specific periods. But now...
It had only been two weeks since Cynder had to leave her family behind. She had been roaming ever since through the endless flatlands of Raynosia, but certainly not alone...
Cynder
?
Upon hearing her name, the black dragon swung her wings back and raised her head up. She took an opportunity to scan her surroundings quickly before landing on her hind legs.
Cynder, are you alright?
The voice rang out again.
Where are you?
Cynder squinted, gazing ahead, looking for the familiar shade of blue.
Her companion spoke a bit playfully,
Behind you!
Cynder turned fast, and huffed, kicking slightly at the dirt. She eyed her friend nicely, and he strode up to her.
Torrent was just only slightly older and slightly larger than Cynder was. However, he had a very grand muscle tone, common to males of the Ocean Family variety. His scales shone the color of a vibrant aquamarine, which only increased in intensity as he walked into the odd-toned sunlight.
You know not to sneak up to me,
Cynder scolded him.
I apologize,
he said.
I sensed your discomfort. I guess I didn't want to alarm you.
Cynder cursed herself for allowing Torrent to read her ravaged emotions. The last thing she wanted to do was get him involved.
Well, it's alright, I really don't mind. I guess I have been a little on-edge lately.
Torrent came up to her, and spoke to her relaxingly,
Only on-edge? I'm sure I felt you in pain!
No! No, of course not!Cynder shook her head hastily. Torrent winced as she spoke again,
No, I'm fine! Please don't worry about me, I'm alright, I promise. I just exaggerate things a little...
Cynder heard Torrent laugh mentally. She held her breath somewhat, to which Torrent spoke,
Cynder, please, don't try to deceive me. You're not very good at it.
Cynder sighed,
Alright, I won't lie to you, I haven't been myself, but please back off. You won't understand.
Torrent made as much of a frown as a dragon could make, and spoke more sternly,
Why wouldn't I understand?
Because, I...she paused, and looked down at the ground.
I've been... Not in pain, but just...
Torrent was confused at first, but it only took a minute for him to understand. It wasn't what she said that clued him in, or the way she said it. It was her eyes.
Ah,
he spoke. Cynder looked up at him again.
I understand now. I apologize... I'll leave you now. The last thing I'd-
No,she interrupted him as he began to turn away from her, and she reached out with her arm and placed her hand on his shoulder.
I want your company, Torrent, it's just... I wanted you to know why I'm the way I am right now.
He grinned,
That's fine, I understand. Well, at least as much as I can. I see now why you've been awkward towards me lately.
I'm sorry,Cynder said.
I'll get through this. It's just I've never actually been in this situation with a male as my only companion.
Torrent's face lightened up again,
Yes, I suppose that must be an odd new feeling. But you don't need to feel uncomfortable with me. I'm happy to help you with anything you need, after all.
Cynder breathed deeply,
I really appreciate that. I've been feeling a lot worse than usual lately and I'm hoping I'll be back to normal in the morning.
Torrent looked up into the sky and said deeply,
Well thankfully dusk is arriving. If we fall asleep fast enough, morning will be upon us in no time.
***
It was deep into the night. Torrent lay curled next to two large boulders quietly, but he was not asleep. Through the whole night, he had had one of his deep, blue eyes always looking towards Cynder. The black female was stirring all through the night, constantly whimpering and writhing.
Torrent was genuinely worried for her; they had spent most of the dusk hours flying and speaking to one another, only for Cynder to call it quits and ask for him to rest alone without her.
Cynder began to breathe rapidly as a burning pressure in her sex organs began to build. She laid on her back with her wings outstretched as she held her eyes shut, trying to ignore the cramping that overwhelmed her, but just for a moment. Afterwards, the feeling quickly subsided, and she was left panting on the ground. She peered slightly towards Torrent, whom she had in her thoughts through the entire ordeal. She prayed that the next time he talked to her, it wouldn't be awkward.
Torrent didn't want to see her alone any longer, and he gathered the courage to stand up and walk up to his whimpering companion.
She sat up, seeing his movement from the corner of her eye,
Torrent! You're... You're awake!
Don't stand up,Torrent told her as she started to roll. Please, Cynder. I can't stand seeing you like this. He laid down on the ground beside her, his head leaning slightly on a stone.
She sniffed,
I... I'm usually not this bad. Not at all. I guess... being away from my family is affecting me in strange ways.
I suppose that's understandable,Torrent said.