Chapter 14: Winter time
Lore chapter....
Snow has started to blanket Elyaisa, signaling the arrival of winter. Lyra is filled with joy, reveling in the delight of playing in the snow, while her younger sister, Mira, prefers the warmth of indoors, opting to steer clear of the frigid air.
Over the months, snow cascaded from the northern lands to the southern territories, transforming vibrant green landscapes into a pristine white wonderland. In the realm, people reacted with a mix of joy and discontent. Meanwhile, the dragons and their kin fell into a deep slumber for several months. However, Kue, Yue, and Kamui remained awake, the sole guardians of consciousness amid the snowy stillness.
In fact, Kue found himself navigating June's heightened excitement about the snow, while his twin, Yue, kept a vigilant watch with Lyne in the library. Lyne was diligently researching Soren's mark. At the same time, Kamui monitored the portal near the lake, while his mate, Erika, stayed inside their hut, presumably either sleeping or absorbed in a book.
In the grand, echoing halls of the northern castle, Lyra zipped around with an infectious energy, her laughter reverberating off the ancient stone walls, while Ryan trailed behind her, wearing a weary expression that clearly conveyed his exhaustion from her seemingly endless enthusiasm. At the same time, Shard continued to playfully pester Yuki, who was completely absorbed in the pages of his book, attempting in vain to ignore his bother’s relentless and cheerful interruptions. As he watched his princess and Ryan, Kai shook his head with a gentle sigh.
Kaorun and Sirius joyfully dashed through the thick, fluffy snow, their laughter echoing in the crisp air as they energetically patrolled the expansive northern lands. Their spirited runs not only provided a delightful outlet for their boundless energy but also served a more profound purpose: to maintain the tranquility and serenity of the area, ensuring it remained a peaceful sanctuary for Lyra to thrive. The bond they shared during these escapades strengthened their friendship while contributing to the harmony of their surroundings.
Lyne devoted countless hours to the snug and welcoming atmosphere of her library, fully immersing herself in extensive research about Soren's brending mark, hoping to uncover its mysteries.
Meanwhile, Yue and Kiba took it upon themselves to ensure that Lyne was well nourished and that all her essential needs were attended to, demonstrating their unwavering support.
Aware of the importance of maintaining Lyne’s focus and concentration, Yue made a conscious decision to either lend a helping hand to Kiba in his intriguing dragon studies or savor the precious moments they shared together amidst their busy lives. Their thoughtful consideration created a harmonious environment that allowed for both productivity and companionship as they navigated their respective pursuits.
While in the enchanting southern lands, deep within the castle's stone walls, Mira found herself standing by a window, gazing out at the striking sight of Mathias in his true, majestic form as he engaged in a training session with Heei. To Mira, however, the display appeared more like an energetic game between the two rather than a serious endeavor. As she observed the lively scene, she cradled Nall, who had come to visit and was peacefully asleep in her arms, adding a sense of tranquility to the joyful chaos outside. The contrast of the serene moment indoors with the spirited activity beyond the window filled her heart with warmth and wonder.
Soren quietly approached her from behind, careful not to startle her as he gently draped a soft, warm blanket over her shoulders. He felt a strong sense of responsibility for her well-being and couldn't bear the thought of his beloved princess falling ill due to the chilly air that surrounded them. In that tender moment, he hoped she would appreciate his gesture and feel wrapped not just in warmth, but also in the care he had for her. It was his simple yet heartfelt way of showing how much she meant to him.
She gazed up at him, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, Soren."
He offered a slight smile. “I’d do anything for you, Mira.”
She giggled softly, the sound light and melodic, filling the air with warmth. “I know, Soren,” she said affectionately, a gentle smile spreading across her face as she lovingly petted the sleeping dragon that nestled comfortably in her arms. The little creature stirred slightly, seemingly content and at peace in her embrace.
In the southern lands, the inhabitants were serene and accustomed to the snow, although some were more familiar with it than others. The castle staff moved about their duties with ease, unfazed by the frosty weather. Meanwhile, Sinta ventured outside for some exercise, untroubled by the snow in his fox form.
Ice crystals started to form around the cave, shimmering in the light and crafting a surreal, almost enchanting atmosphere. This phenomenon was an unmistakable sign that something ancient and powerful was stirring from its slumber. Despite the palpable excitement and anticipation that hung in the air, the true nature of what was stirring in the depths of the cave remained an intriguing mystery. The sense of uncertainty only heightened the curiosity of those who dared to approach the enigmatic site.
Sinta stood nearby when a crystal suddenly emerged from the ground before him. Understanding its significance, he quickly pivoted and made his way back to the castle.
Crystals continued to emerge around the cave entrance, visible from the southern castle. Mira, bundled in a thick jacket to shield herself from the biting cold, stood outside, her breath visible in the brisk air. Nall, in his humanoid form, stood beside her as they gazed at the shimmering landscape of crystals. Sinta had informed them that he was awakening, which explained the sudden appearance of these magnificent formations.
Nall hummed softly, “I suppose he’s finally waking up... but how long has it been?”
Mira paused to reflect before responding, "I believe it's been around 53 years now."
The two fell into silence, lost in their thoughts—until Mira broke it with a soft cough, followed by a sudden, thunderous roar. Nall recognized the sound immediately; it was Sakyrrainth, the mighty creature the princess affectionately referred to as Snow. In that very moment, he hurriedly ushered her inside, determined to prevent her from falling ill. He couldn’t bear to think of what her ‘knights’ would do to him if anything happened to her.
