Chapter 3: a surprise scare
Time passed, and I grew more comfortable under Aetherius's wings. The warmth and security they provided became a familiar sensation, one that I grew to rely on. As the days went by, I began to venture out from under his wings, exploring my surroundings with a sense of curiosity and wonder.
Aetherius and Thyriatrix watched over me, their eyes always vigilant, ready to swoop in and protect me if needed. But as I grew bolder, they began to give me more space, allowing me to learn and discover on my own.
One day, as I was exploring the cave, I stumbled upon a small, shimmering pool of water. The surface reflected the flickering torchlight, creating a dazzling display of colors and light. I was entranced, my eyes fixed on the mesmerizing sight...
I reached out a claw to touch the water's surface, and it rippled, creating a series of concentric circles that distorted the reflected light. I was fascinated by the way the water seemed to come alive at my touch.
Aetherius, who had been watching from a distance, approached me, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "Tharros, you're discovering the joys of water," he said, his voice low and rumbling.
Thyriatrix joined us, her scales glinting in the torchlight. "It's a magical substance, isn't it?" she said, her voice filled with wonder. "It can be calm and peaceful, or turbulent and powerful."
I looked up at them, my eyes wide with excitement. I didn't understand their words, but I sensed their enthusiasm, and it was infectious. I reached out again, touching the water's surface, and watched, entranced, as the ripples danced across the pool.
I remained by the pool, my eyes fixed on the water's surface, which had grown calm and still once more. The cave was quiet, the only sound the soft rustling of my family's scales as they settled in for the night. I was alone, but I didn't feel lonely. Instead, I felt a sense of wonder and curiosity that kept me awake.
As I gazed into the pool, I began to notice the way the torchlight danced across the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. I was entranced, my mind quiet and still, as I watched the gentle ripples that disturbed the pool's surface.
The silence was almost palpable, and I felt as though I was the only one awake in the entire world. It was a strange, but not unpleasant, feeling. And as I sat there, lost in the beauty of the pool, I began to feel a sense of connection to the world around me...
I realized it was time to sleep, but I was scared, so I saw Aetherius unfolding peacefully. I decided to sleep under his wings for the first time
I slowly got up and padded over to Aetherius, my heart still racing with a lingering sense of fear. As I approached him, I saw that he was indeed sleeping peacefully, his chest rising and falling with a gentle rhythm.
I looked up at his wings, which were folded against his back, and felt a surge of comfort and security. Without hesitation, I crawled under his wing, feeling the familiar warmth and protection envelop me.
As I snuggled deeper under his wing, I felt my fear begin to dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquility. Aetherius's gentle snores and the soft rustle of his scales as he breathed were a soothing lullaby, and I soon found myself drifting off to sleep, feeling safe and protected under the shelter of his wing.
Morning have arrived
Pov Aetherius
I wake up and look at the baby dragons who are sleeping, but i can't find Tharros anywhere
I (panicked) Thyriatrix, I couldn't find Tharros! I've looked everywhere.
Thyriatrix (calmly) Aetherius, calm down. Where did you last see him?
I (frantically) I...I don't know. I woke up, and he was gone!
Thyriatrix (soothingly) Okay, let's take a look. (walks over to me) Ah... (sees Tharros sleeping under my wing) Oh, dear.
(still panicked) What? Where is he?
Thyriatrix (laughing) He's right there, under your wing.
(I look down and see Tharros sleeping peacefully under my wing)
I (relieved, then embarrassed) Oh...oh dear. I was so worried.
Thyriatrix (teasingly) You should know better than to think he'd be anywhere else. (laughs)
I (laughing) I guess you're right. (chuckles) I'm just glad he's safe.
I (exhaling a sigh of relief) Ah, I'm just glad he's safe. (laughs) I was imagining all sorts of terrible things.
Thyriatrix (smiling) I know, I know. You're a worrier, Aetherius. (teasingly) But really, you should know Tharros by now. He loves hiding under your wing.
I (chuckling) I know, I know. It's just... (looks down at Tharros, who's still sleeping peacefully) ... being a parent is hard, you know? You always worry about something happening to them.
Thyriatrix: (softly) I know, Aetherius. But Tharros is safe, and he's happy. (smiles) And he loves his little hiding spot under your wing.
I (smiling back) Yeah... (gently strokes Tharros's scales with my claw) ...I guess you're right. (pauses, looking down at Tharros) You know, sometimes I think he loves hiding under my wing more than he loves flying.
Thyriatrix (laughs) Oh, Aetherius, that's probably true! (smiling) But that's okay. He'll grow out of it eventually. (teasingly) Maybe.
I (laughs) Yeah, maybe. (smiling, looks down at Tharros again) I'm just glad he's happy and safe. That's all that matters.
I gently smiled, feeling a sense of relief and joy wash over me as I gazed at Tharros sleeping peacefully under my wing. Thyriatrix's words of reassurance and teasing humor had helped to calm my worries, and I was grateful for her presence.
As I looked down at Tharros, I felt a surge of love and protectiveness towards him. Being a parent was indeed hard, but moments like these made it all worthwhile. I gently stroked his scales again, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me.
Thyriatrix leaned in, nuzzling me gently. "I'm glad he's safe too, Aetherius," she said softly. "And I'm glad we're in this together."
I smiled, feeling grateful for her love and support. "Me too, Thyriatrix," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "Me too."
As we stood there, basking in the warmth of the moment, Tharros stirred under my wing. He stretched his small body, yawned, and opened his eyes. Seeing me and Thyriatrix smiling down at him, he smiled back, his eyes shining with happiness.
"Good morning, little one," Thyriatrix said, gently nuzzling Tharros with her snout.
Tharros looked up at us, his voice still sleepy, and whispered, "Father...Mother."
I chuckled, feeling a sense of joy and contentment.
"I think someone's ready for breakfast," I said, smiling at Thyriatrix.
Thyriatrix nodded, and together we gently coaxed Tharros out from under my wing. The three of us made our way to the center of the cave, where a warm meal was waiting. As we ate, Tharros told us about his dreams and adventures, his voice growing stronger and more excited with each passing moment. We listened, smiling, happy to be together as a family.
Pov Tharros
I woke up to the warmth of my father's wing still wrapped around me. I stretched my small body and yawned, feeling a bit sleepy still. As I opened my eyes, I saw my parents smiling down at me. My mother's eyes sparkled with warmth, and my father's scales shone in the morning light.
"Good morning, little one," my mother said, her voice soft and gentle.
I looked up at her, still feeling a bit drowsy, and whispered, "Mother...Father."
My father chuckled, and I felt a rumble beneath his scales. "I think someone's ready for breakfast," he said, smiling at my mother.
I nodded, feeling my stomach growl with hunger. My parents gently coaxed me out from under my father's wing, and we made our way to the center of the cave. The smell of food wafted through the air, and my stomach growled louder.
As we ate, I told my parents about my dreams and adventures, my voice growing stronger and more excited with each passing moment. They listened, smiling, and I felt happy to be with them, safe and loved.
After breakfast, my parents suggested we go for a flight. I eagerly make dragons sound, excitement bubbling up inside me. I loved flying with my parents, feeling the wind rushing past me, and seeing the world from up high.
We made our way to the entrance of the cave, and my parents spread their wings, ready to take off.
As we settled back into the cave, my parents began to groom me, their gentle scales and soft breath soothing my excited nerves. I relaxed into their touch, feeling grateful for the love and care they showed me.
My siblings, who had been sleeping while I was out exploring, began to stir, their tiny eyes blinking open as they yawned and stretched. I squeaked a greeting, happy to see them, and they responded with their own little chirps and squeaks.
Our parents watched over us, their eyes warm with love and pride. They had taught us so much already, and we were growing stronger and more confident every day.
As the day wore on, we played and explored the cave, our parents keeping a watchful eye on us. We crawled and tumbled, our tiny claws scrabbling against the rocky floor. We chased each other, our little tails wagging wildly as we tried to catch up.
Eventually, we grew tired and settled down together, our parents wrapping their wings around us to keep us warm and safe. I snuggled into their warmth, feeling grateful for this loving family of mine. As I drifted off to sleep, I knew that I was exactly where I belonged.