Jasper was mid-sniff when she suddenly froze, unable to move.
“What a find!” a voice said behind her. “A young female dragon with fine coloring!” The speaker walked around to Jasper’s front so she could see. It was a middle-aged man with blond hair. A witch. “What is your name, dragoness?” the witch asked. He snapped his fingers. Jasper was able to speak again.
“Jasper.”
“Jasper? No, that will not do. Your scales are not the color of Jasper! Your sire and dam must have been colorblind.” The witch stroked his chin idly. “You shall be Pearl! Your scales shimmer like nacre, and I have seen pink pearls, though they are rare.”
Jasper, now Pearl, grumbled, but accepted the new name. She didn’t really feel like going by Jasper until she was back to her male human self, anyways.
“You are probably wondering my name,” the witch said. He straightened his back proudly. “I am Karltin Tenorstone. And I have been searching for an opportunity such as this.”
“What do you mean?” Pearl asked.
“Why, stumbling across such a fine young dragoness!” Karltin said. Pearl narrowed her beautiful eyes.
“What do you intend to do with me?” she asked. Karltin smirked evilly.