Father had always told Nanni never to go the old temple in the badlands, but never explained why to avoid it. It was common knowledge in the village that the Temple was a product of a Darker time, when the gods had to be appeased to ensure a good harvest. Nonsense, Nanni thought to herself, more than probably it was simply some creature that had long ago moved on since then. There would be hazards, of course. The area was Arid, and little grew in way of vegetation. Water was generally stagnant, and it was known that the Men of the North entered their valley by that rout. Curiosity many times outweighed Common sense however, and late at night, she packed herself food for several days, and Meat Paste for Keno for when he couldn't hunt. Keno was a Strider, and Nanni's closest friend. His egg had been deformed, and would be useless to be sold as a Strider to the Lords Militia.. The seven summer old Nanni rescued the egg from her Father before it was destroyed and cared for it. He hatched later that winter, with only two running legs instead of four as his brothers and sisters. Her Father decided to allow the girl to keep the deformed beast, seeing how well the girl had cared for the egg. Surprising everyone, he had turned out to be the fastest of the brood, and was a stout fighter as well. They had arrived at the old site a day later, and she discovered artifacts from that by gone era. Swords and Helmets, Jeweled Bracelets and Necklets. Scrolls and Phylacteries. A true treasure trove. The Lord would be very interested in what she had found here, but knew that she would have to take proof of what she had found... She gathered what Keno could carry, and prepared to return to the Village the next morning. She bedded on the Old Temple steps, Keno staying close by. He was Skittish, hissing at the shadows when she saw nothing there. Ghosts, perhaps... She was awoke to the ground shuddering, and the spitting growl of Keno.... It turned out that it was no God that was being appeased so long ago, but one of the Great wyrms... Their belongings could wait here until they could return with the Lords Militia, if they were able to get away from the great wyrm..... _________________________________________ Here is my entry into the FCC Contest, and I hope you all enjoy it! Good Luck to all of the Contestants, and enjoy. Comments are welcome as always!! Credits..... Shori for V3 by Zephre. Helmet, Fantasy Top and Belt by Maveris HysTemple and Ground Plain by Awful Soul Hair by Kozaburo, maker of the best hair ever! Old Wym by DNA Creatures Wrist Straps by DNA_Accessories Slippers by IGM Skeleton and Raptor shipped with Poser 4