：値段はつけますが最後まで全部読めます
：邦訳版はもうちょとお待ちください^^;
：文体をもうちょと工夫したかったけど、それやってると長篇になっちゃう＆他の作業が出来なくなるので英語版完成の段階で公開することにしました（＆物語工学的観点からは「結構大きな瑕疵がある作品」なのですが、まあこれも記録として重要なので公開します：「瑕疵」に気づかれた方は是非ツイッタのDMか何かで御指摘ください、物語工学博士号を進呈いたします^^;）

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NIMA OF THE WANING MOON, AN ANCIENT TALE

In ages past, the Lost City's tale is told,
Of Raven Queen, who supreme held reign;
The dragons bound to serve her, fierce and bold,
Young dragon-tamers sought her praise to gain.

I.

In bygone times, Azh-Zarbxanuh's legend is recounted of the Raven Queen who reigned supreme and the dragons bound to her command. Her dominion was wrought with awe and terror.

Azh-Zarbxanuh was a city-land that encircled the tallest mountain in all the world, a behemoth that scraped the heavens with its snowy peak. At its summit stood the grand palace where the Raven Queen made her abode. The streets of the city were paved with shimmering black stone, and the air was thick with the scent of dragon fire and the sound of mighty wings beating the air.

Nima was a dragon-tamer of rare skill, known throughout the land for her boundless courage and her deep kinship with her dragonette, a wondrous creature whose scales were as dark and unfathomable as the abyss. Her sharp wit and fierce compassion endeared her to all who knew her, yet also drew the watchful eye of the Raven Queen, who regarded her with a wary and envious gaze.

II.

"Take heed, Nima," warned her grizzled mentor, his long grey beard swaying in the wind. "The Raven Queen's dragon is no ordinary beast, but a winged demon that none have ever been able to subdue. It is said that even the gods themselves tremble before its fury."

But Nima stood firm, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "I will not let my clan fall to the Plains barbarians," she declared. "I will ride the Raven Queen's dragon and lead our people to victory, no matter the cost."

Her mentor let out a heavy sigh, knowing that his young protege was determined to carry out her plan. "Very well," he said reluctantly. "But remember, Nima, the Raven Queen's power is absolute, and her hold over Azh-Zarbxanuh is unchallenged. And the Plains barbarians... they are a fierce and bloodthirsty people, unlike any enemy we have ever faced."

Nima listened intently, absorbing every word of caution. "Tell me more of this city," she said eagerly. "And the Raven Queen. What is she like? And the dragons... are they truly as magnificent as they say?"

Her mentor shook his head gravely. "Azh-Zarbxanuh is a place of wonders and terrors, Nima," he said. "It is the oldest city in all the world, built by the gods themselves in ancient times. And the Raven Queen... she is a sorceress of great power, feared and respected by all who dwell within her realm. As for the dragons... they are majestic creatures, but they are also fickle and dangerous. Taming one will be a great challenge, even for you."

With those words of warning ringing in her ears, Nima made her way to the gates of Azh-Zarbxanuh. As she stepped into the bustling streets, she was greeted by a cacophony of sights and sounds. The city was a marvel to behold, with towering buildings made of gleaming white stone, intricately carved statues, and bustling markets filled with exotic wares from all corners of the world. The scent of spices and incense filled her nostrils, and the sound of music and laughter filled her ears. Nima had never seen anything like it before, and she felt a sense of wonder and excitement as she explored the city.

But as she walked through the streets, she couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the opulence of Azh-Zarbxanuh and the poverty of her own village on the outskirts. The homes were made of mud and thatch, and the people looked tired and malnourished. Nima's heart went out to them, and she knew that she had to do something to help.

Eventually, Nima made her way back to her village, which was located on the outskirts of the city. The contrast between the opulence of Azh-Zarbxanuh and the poverty of her village was stark. The homes were small and made of mud and stone, with thatched roofs that leaked when it rained. Children with hollowed cheeks and ragged clothing played in the dirt, while their mothers toiled in the fields to eke out a meager existence.

Despite the harshness of life in the village, Nima loved it here. These were her people, and she would do anything to protect them. And that was why she had returned to see the barbarian she had saved a few days before. She hoped he could give her some insight into the ways of Blood Whispering, so she could better understand the power she wielded.

III.

Nima had been on a scouting mission when she stumbled upon the injured barbarian. She had followed a faint scent of blood and found the woman lying in a small clearing, surrounded by dead bandits. The barbarian's skin was covered in strange scars, and she clutched a mysterious tool in her hand.

Approaching the woman cautiously, Nima noticed that she was murmuring in her sleep, uttering foreign incantations. Nima recognized the language, it was the ancient tongue of the Blood Whisperers, a tribe renowned for their mastery of the forbidden craft. Despite the danger, Nima couldn't leave the woman to die. She carefully removed the tool from the barbarian's hand and examined it closely. The artifact matched the strange scars on the woman's skin, and Nima knew it was an essential tool for the Blood Whisperers.

Lifting the woman onto her shoulder, Nima started the long journey back to her village. She was careful not to wake her, knowing that Blood Whisperers could be dangerous when roused from their sleep-speaking.

It took several days for the woman to recover from her injuries, but Nima tended to her every need, cleansing her wounds and feeding her nourishing herbs. When the woman finally awoke, she was surprised to find herself in a strange village with a dragon-tamer.

That night, as they shared a meal of roasted rabbit, Nima eagerly asked the barbarian about the forbidden craft of Blood Whispering. The barbarian hesitated at first, for it was a secret art passed down only within her own tribe. "I cannot teach you this art," she said firmly. "It is forbidden, and if the Raven Queen were to find out, we would both suffer the consequences."

Nima's eyes narrowed with determination. "I will do whatever it takes to protect my people," she said firmly. "If the Raven Queen is unwilling or unable to do so, then I will take matters into my own hands. And if that means learning the forbidden craft of Blood Whispering, then so be it."

The barbarian sighed heavily. "Very well," she said at last. "But know that the consequences of this knowledge are great, and the risks even greater. You must promise me that you will use this power only for the good of your people, and that you will never use it against the Raven Queen."

Nima nodded solemnly, her heart pounding with excitement and fear. She listened intently as the barbarian taught her the secrets of Blood Whispering, the power of words, and the magic of blood. As the night wore on, Nima's mind swam with possibilities and plans, and she knew that she had found the key to unlocking a power that could change the course of history.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, as Nima honed her craft in secret, practicing on small animals and insects until she was confident in her ability to control even the mightiest of creatures. And as her power grew, so too did her ambition.

She began to summon fantastical beasts from the depths of the earth, and soon the villagers began to fear her, believing that she was in league with dark powers. Nima knew that she was crossing a line, but the temptation of the power was too great to resist.

By then she had learned the ways of Blood Whispering and had many scars to show for it. The barbarian warned her that if she wanted to tame the largest dragon to guard her village, she would need many more scars. Nima was determined to do whatever it took to protect her people.

IV.

As Nima delved deeper into the secrets of Blood Whispering, her senses heightened, and she became acutely aware of the emotions and thoughts of those around her. One day, as she strolled through the village, she was unexpectedly confronted by Zigrun, the girl who always bullied her during dragon-taming sessions. Nima could feel an intense worry emanating from her, despite Zigrun's usual tough exterior.

With hesitation, Nima asked, "What troubles you, Zigrun?"

Zigrun recoiled, as if stung by a viper. "Nothing concerns me that a mere peasant such as yourself could understand," she spat.

Nima raised an eyebrow. She could sense the raw emotion behind Zigrun's harsh words, and she knew it wasn't just anger. "I may be a peasant, but I am also a Blood Whisperer. Your aura betrays your true feelings, Zigrun."

Zigrun's face contorted with a mix of fear and anger. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she lied, her voice betraying her true emotions.

Nima didn't press the matter, but she could feel Zigrun's intense worry emanating like waves from her body. "I sense that something is amiss. Perhaps you should speak your mind, and I can help you in any way I can."

Zigrun glared at Nima, as if daring her to uncover her true feelings. "You are always so reckless in your attempts to tame the dragons. You could get yourself killed, and who would protect the village then?"

Nima knew that this was just an excuse to push her away, but she didn't want to argue. "I understand your concern, Zigrun. But I am doing this for the greater good of our village."

Zigrun's eyes softened for a brief moment, but then hardened again. "You are so stubborn, Nima. You never listen to anyone else's opinions."

Nima couldn't help but chuckle. "You know me too well, Zigrun. But I promise you that I will be careful."

Zigrun nodded, but her eyes still betrayed her true feelings. Nima knew that there was more to this than just concern for her safety, but she wouldn't push it any further. She had her own mission to complete, and she couldn't let anything distract her.

V.

Nima climbed the steep mountain, her hair and clothes whipped by the wind as she ascended higher and higher. Her legs burned with exertion, and her heart raced as the air grew thinner, but she remained determined to reach the top.

As she climbed, the landscape transformed around her. The trees grew shorter and sturdier, and the rocks became sharper and more jagged. The sky above was a deep blue, offering breathtaking views for miles in every direction.

Pausing for a moment to catch her breath and take in the scenery, Nima gazed at the mountain range stretching out as far as the eye could see, the sun casting a golden light over the landscape. Despite the danger of the treacherous path ahead, she continued, in awe of the sublime beauty of the mountain.

Finally, after hours of climbing, she reached the summit. From the top, she could see tiny figures of people below, unaware of the danger that lurked just beyond the horizon. But Nima had come to tame the massive dragon in the distance, the one that would protect her village from harm.

Approaching the dragon with a sense of dread and awe, Nima unclothed her top garment and drew her Blood Whispering tool across her bosoms, feeling the sharp sting of the blade as blood began to flow. She knew that she needed to draw the dragon's blood to gain its trust and submission and was willing to do whatever it took to protect her village.

For hours, they battled, the dragon resisting her every attempt to gain control. Exhausted and in pain, Nima refused to give up. On the third night, she sensed a change in the dragon's thoughts, and suddenly, they were communicating on a level few could understand.

With the dragon's power at her disposal, Nima collapsed to the ground, triumphant. She had tamed the greatest dragon that had ever roamed the mountain and could protect her people for years to come.

VI.

As Nima continued to harness the power of Blood Whispering, she found herself losing touch with the person she once was. It was as if the darkness within her had taken on a life of its own, consuming everything in its path. She felt a stranger in her own skin, unable to control the desires that now drove her.

At first, the temptation to use Blood Whispering was easy to resist. She knew the risks of using such power, but as she faced greater threats to her village, the urge to use it grew stronger. It was like a seductive voice in her head, promising her the strength she needed to protect her people. And with each successful use of the power, the voice grew louder.

As the power of Blood Whispering grew within her, so too did her detachment from those around her. Her friends and family became distant figures, their needs and concerns fading into the background as she pursued her own desires. She no longer felt the warmth of their love or the comfort of their support. Instead, she felt alone and isolated, a victim of her own success.

Nima couldn't help but feel a sense of dread creeping up within her. She had always feared the darkness that lay within her, the same darkness that had taken her parents away from her. It was a power that could never be fully controlled, and now she found herself consumed by it.

She stood alone in her chambers, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were dark and haunted, her once bright spirit now dulled and cold. She let out a bitter laugh, realizing that she had become the very thing she had sworn to fight against.

"Is this what it feels like to be a monster?" she muttered to herself, her voice filled with desperation.

Nima feared that there was no going back from this path she had chosen. The power of Blood Whispering had taken hold of her completely, and she was helpless to resist it. She had always believed that she could tame it, that she could use it for the greater good, but now she realized that it was consuming her from the inside out.

Nima knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but she was resolved to stay strong. She would do whatever it took to regain control over herself and the power that had taken hold of her. Even if it meant sacrificing everything she held dear, she would fight to remain human and not give in to the darkness that threatened to consume her.

Nima climbed high up into the mountains again, seeking solace from the turmoil within her. She found a small pond nestled amidst the rocks and trees, its surface still and peaceful. She gazed into the water, seeing her own reflection staring back at her. For a long time, she said nothing, lost in her own thoughts.

"I can't let it take me," she whispered, her voice filled with determination.

VII.

Nima could feel the power of Blood Whispering coursing through her veins as she rode the Queen's dragon high above the city, feeling invincible and untouchable. However, something went wrong. The dragon bucked and threw her off, and she plummeted towards the ground below.

As Nima fell, she saw the city sprawling out beneath her like a glittering jewel in the sunlight. She watched in horror as the dragon went berserk and began to smash through buildings and homes, causing destruction and chaos.

Despite her attempts to regain control, the dragon was beyond her command. With tears streaming down her face, Nima drew the whispering knife, a weapon of immense power forged with her own blood and the blood of the dragons she had tamed. She knew that using it would come at a great cost, but she had no other choice.

With the blade glowing with an otherworldly light, Nima leapt onto the back of the rampaging dragon and plunged the knife deep into its heart. As the dragon roared and thrashed beneath her, Nima felt her own life force draining away. She knew that she had paid the ultimate price for her mistakes.

As Nima slipped into the darkness, she could see the city below her, bathed in the light of the setting sun. Despite the destruction wrought upon it, it was still a thing of beauty, a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its people.

VIII.

The people of Azh-Zarbxanuh stared in shock and horror at the decimation that had ravaged their city. The once-proud structures and streets were now reduced to ruins, the air filled with screams and cries. The Raven Queen descended from the skies, her wings spread wide and majestic. The Queen landed beside Nima's lifeless body, and the people gathered around her, eyes wide with shock and awe. They watched in silence as the Queen surveyed the destruction.

The Queen looked upon Nima's body with a heavy heart, mourning the loss of another dragon-tamer. She sang a mournful song, paying tribute to Nima's bravery and acknowledging the tragic outcome of her journey. The Queen, once a proud tamer herself, added Nima's name to her own, creating a legacy that would warn others of the dangers of misguided compassion and forbidden craft.

The people listened in somber silence as the Queen sang, grieving for the lost city and its inhabitants. They knew that the story of Nima and Azh-Zarbxanuh would be recounted for years to come, a cautionary tale for those who sought power beyond their limits and those who allowed their empathy to blind them to the repercussions of their actions.

As the sun began to set over the ruined city, the Raven Queen spoke once more, reminding the people of the cautionary tale of Nima and the lost city of Azh-Zarbxanuh. She warned them of the dangers of exceeding their limits and allowing their compassion to blind them to the consequences of their actions. The people of Azh-Zarbxanuh listened in solemn silence, knowing that they must learn from the tragedy that had befallen their city.

And so, the story of Nima and the lost city of Azh-Zarbxanuh lives on, of a girl with a talent and a doom, Nima of the Waning Moon.

In ages past, the Lost City's tale is told,
Of Raven Queen, who supreme held reign;
The dragons bound to serve her, fierce and bold,
Young dragon-tamers sought her praise to gain.

Among them was a girl, Nima by name,
A gifted tamer, bonded to a rare beast;
Her ambition, a spark that grew to flame,
Dared to claim the Queen's own mount, at least.

But reckless pride, her downfall it would be,
Forbidden crafts she learned to tame the beast;
And with that power, set the dragon free,
A dark path taken, and glory's price released.

The Raven Queen, once herself a tamer proud,
Adds Nima's name to hers, a legacy endowed.

THE END