Jumper

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, and Kailyn, perhaps for the first time in her life, was already awake.

“Gods only know what I’m doing up this early,” she muttered as she pulled her rust-colored student’s robe over tunic and breeches. “Stupid crazy dreams. Who dreams about miniature dragons, anyway?” Classes wouldn’t start for another two hours, so Kailyn decided to go for a walk to pass the time.

The park was a good walk from the mageschool, so by the time Kailyn reached it, the sun was fully up and shining for all it was worth. The golden light filtered through the new leaves on the trees, coming to rest on the light brown of Kailyn’s hair. She was standing still for a moment, enjoying the early morning sunlight and the smells of spring, when she heard a small sound.

It was a rustling, followed by a small, low whistle as if from a flute. Kailyn turned to discover what could only be a miniature dragon, bright green and about as long as her forearm. It sat on the low branch, regarding her with deep emerald eyes, clearly as puzzled as she.

“Well, aren’t you cute,” said Kailyn. “We’re allowed to have a pet at school, and I don’t have one yet. Would you like to come with me?” The dragon gave another whistle and jumped onto Kailyn’s shoulder, then curled itself up in the hood of her robe. Kailyn was only slightly surprised at how light it was. After all, dragons’ bones are hollow, like birds, so they can fly. She set off back to the mageschool, talking to her new pet as she went.

“You’ll need a name, of course,” she said. “I like the name Mithril for a dragon. What do you think?” The dragon replied by nipping at her ear. “Guess that means no. Well, what would you like to be called?”

Jumper, a voice in her mind said clearly. My name is Jumper.

“Jumper it is then.”