Meanwhile…
Winter circled above the vast expanse of the ocean, scanning the waters below with keen eyesight. He was on a mission not just to deliver a message not just to Lumis, but to appease Solara with a gift that would signify a peace offering.
Spotting a school of silvery fish darting just below the surface, Winter angled his descent. With a swift dive, he plunged into the cold depths, and snatched a few fish in his talons, ensuring they were of the finest quality.
Emerging from the water, Winter shook off the droplets from his sleek scales and examined his catch. Satisfied with the bounty, he secured the fish in a makeshift pouch made from woven seaweed strands, ensuring they remained fresh for the journey ahead.
With the fish safely tucked away, Winter took flight once more, the ocean breeze whipping through his wings. His destination lay ahead: Lumis's temple, a place of elegance and power, where every decision carried weight and consequence.
Meanwhile…
Solara was resting on her cushion playing with a human object. "I wonder what humans do with these things," Solara wondered.
"Mommy!" A dragonet called out.
Solara glanced at her dragonet with mild annoyance, setting aside the human object she had been inspecting. The dragonet, with her small stature and tiny wings, dragged a shiny gem into the temple.
"I found something shiny!" Tiny Wings chirped excitedly, standing on a glittering piece of polished gemstone.
Solara's interest piqued for a moment as she examined the gemstone, her gaze lingering on the play of light across its surface. "Hmm, not bad," she muttered nonchalantly, though a small part of her was genuinely intrigued by the shiny find.
Tiny Wings beamed, pleased with herself for capturing her mother's attention, even if it was just for a moment. "Can I keep it?" she asked eagerly.
Solara sighed dramatically, her patience wearing thin. "Oh, very well. Just don't get into any trouble with it."
Tiny Wings nodded eagerly, before grabbing it with her jaws and dragging the gemstone away to show it off to her friends. Solara watched her struggle to drag the gemstone around.
Solara reclined back on to her cushion. She thought about the latest reports from her spies and messengers. Lumis's movements were becoming increasingly bold, and the news of the adventurers seeking the Dragon's Heart only added to her concerns. She needed to ensure her grip on Draconia remained firm, no matter the cost.
Just then, Winter approached, landing gracefully before Solara's temple. His arrival interrupted Solara's thoughts, drawing her attention away from the intricate human object.
"Winter," Solara greeted with a nod, masking her irritation at being disturbed. "What brings you here?"
Winter bowed respectfully. "Solara, I bring urgent news from Lumis," he announced, presenting the pouch of fresh fish as a gesture of goodwill. "He has taken decisive action against the adventurers and requests your preparations for what comes next."
Solara's eyes narrowed as she accepted the pouch, her mind already racing with strategies and countermeasures. "Thank you, Winter. You have served Lumis well."
Winter dipped his head in acknowledgment, his unease briefly flickering across his expression. "Is there anything else you require?"
Solara waved a dismissive claw. "No, you may leave."
Winter hesitated for a moment, then turned and took flight, leaving Solara to her thoughts once more. She opened the pouch and examined the fish, thinking about the possibilities of Lumis's latest moves.
Behind her, Tiny Wings returned, chattering excitedly about her shiny discovery. Solara listened with only half an ear, her focus already consumed by the unfolding drama that threatened to reshape the realm of dragons.
"Mommy—" Tiny Wings started.
"Whatever it is you can tell me later. I'm too busy," Solara interrupted.
"I want to see what the travelers look like!" Tiny Wings chirped.
Solara glanced down at Tiny Wings with a sigh, her patience wearing thin from the weight of her responsibilities. "Fine," she said reluctantly, motioning for Tiny Wings to follow her towards a large, shimmering crystal ball nestled in the corner of the chamber.
Tiny Wings fluttered eagerly beside her, eyes wide with anticipation. Solara gestured towards the crystal ball, channeling her magic into it with practiced ease. The surface of the orb shimmered and rippled before clearing to reveal a distant scene.
In the image, the travelers appeared huddled together in a cave. Snow drifted gently outside the cave entrance, casting a serene yet treacherous ambiance over the scene. Cole, Aurora, Elanor, Shadow and the two sea dragons, Splash and Reef, were visible, their forms illuminated by the soft glow of a fire burning nearby.
Tiny Wings gasped in excitement, her tiny claws clutching at Solara's scales. "Look at them! They're so brave," she exclaimed, leaning closer to the crystal ball as if she could step into the scene.
Solara's gaze remained fixed on the travelers, her mind calculating their next moves and how they might disrupt her plans. "They are on a dangerous path," she remarked coolly, her tone betraying none of the admiration Tiny Wings displayed.
Tiny Wings glanced up at Solara, puzzled by her lack of enthusiasm. "But mommy, can't we help them? They look like they need it."
Solara sighed again, her thoughts momentarily drifting from strategy to a flicker of maternal concern. "No, Tiny Wings. They have chosen their path, and we have ours. Our duty is to protect our realm and maintain our power," she explained patiently, though her words held an edge of dismissal.
Tiny Wings nodded solemnly, though her eyes remained fixed on the crystal ball with a mix of wonder and concern. Solara watched her for a moment longer before gently guiding her away from the orb. "Enough distractions for today," she declared, her tone final.
As they moved away, Tiny Wings cast a longing glance back at the crystal ball, her mind still filled with thoughts of the brave adventurers braving the dangers of Draconia. Solara, however, returned to her cushion, resuming her focus on the intricate human object before her, her mind already plotting the next move in the game of thrones that governed their world.
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