Rala wished her night had been peaceful; tucked safely away in the crevice of the ridge out of danger. Her sister was by her side and they were accompanied by two strong males.......but that did not deter the dreams....

  One moment, she lay in a bright meadow amidst a patch of wild flowers, but hunched down as though ready to pounce on something. Moments like eternity passed before she moved, and when she did she leapt out and tackled what looked to be a tiny dragon. 

   Pinning it to the ground she leaned back to examine her catch, which looked back up at her with innocent eyes. It was a hatchling......barely 5 years old.... 
  The tiny thing was a young female with dark blue and black mixed scales; colored like her.....and...with the same characteristics. 

Rala stared with wide eyes as if she was looking in a mirror....yet from long ago. 
 The hatchling made a small purr, but spoke easily, as though she were older, "Stick together Rala; they're coming." 

  As sudden as prey bolting in fright the little one's face flashed to one of horror, and she screamed; a sound that made Rala jump back in fright. 
 Falling back on her haunches she watched her younger self thrash about for a moment of ear splitting cries, then heard the sharp whistle of an incoming arrow. Whoever had shot it aimed true, and it came with a dull thud into the panicking child. But in that moment all went black, and Rala awoke with a sharp cry in the crevice of the ridge.....in reality. 

  Panicking for a moment she tensed and glanced about with stricken eyes; talons ready to slash any foe to come near her and lips curling up in a quick snarl.  

  But eventually she noticed her surroundings and the other dragons sleeping nearby. Sunlight hung at the corner of her vision signaling the start of a new day. 
 Rala began to relax; breath quickened and heart pumping with the lasting effects of her nightmare.