We set out early, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the landscape. Father led the way, with Mother and me following close behind. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass.
As we walked, Father pointed out different landmarks and features of the terrain. He taught me about the different types of plants and animals that lived in our valley, and how to identify them.
Mother added her own insights, sharing stories about the history of our family and the valley. I listened intently, soaking up every word like a sponge.
After a while, we came to a clearing, and in the center of it was a beautiful waterfall. The sound of rushing water filled the air, and the sunlight created a misty veil around the falls.
"Wow," I breathed, my eyes wide with wonder. "This is amazing!"
Father smiled, pleased with my reaction. "I'm glad you like it, Tharros. This is one of my favorite places in the valley."
We sat down together, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the sound of the waterfall. It was a perfect start to a new day, surrounded by nature and my loving family.
As we sat there, I noticed that Mother seemed a bit distracted. She kept looking over her shoulder, as if she was checking to make sure we were alone. Father seemed to notice it too, and he leaned in close to her.
"Everything okay, my love?" he asked softly.
Mother nodded, but I could tell she was still a bit concerned. "Yes, everything's fine. I just thought I saw something moving in the trees over there."
Father's eyes narrowed slightly, and he glanced over at the trees. "Let's keep a close eye on Tharros, just in case," he said.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Father's words made me realize that maybe this beautiful place wasn't as safe as I thought. But with Father and Mother by my side, I felt protected and ready for whatever might come our way.
Suddenly, I heard a rustling in the bushes behind us. I turned to see one of my younger brothers, Lyriath, emerging from the trees. "Father, Mother," he said, his voice low and serious. "I think we should get back to the nest. I've seen some strange tracks nearby, and I'm not sure what they belong to."
I looked at Lyriath, and then at Father and Mother. Something was going on, and I wasn't sure what it was. But I trusted my family to keep me safe.
I ran to check what it was.
I ran towards the trees, my heart beating faster with excitement and a hint of concern. Father called out after me, "Tharros, wait!" but I was already moving.
As I approached the trees, I saw the strange tracks Lyriath had mentioned. They were large and looked unlike any tracks I'd seen before. I followed them, curious about what could have made them.
The tracks led me deeper into the trees, and I could hear Father and Mother following behind me. Lyriath was right beside me, his eyes fixed on the tracks.
Suddenly, the tracks stopped at a large boulder. I looked around, wondering what had happened to the creature that made them. That's when I saw it - a large, unfamiliar dragon, hiding behind the boulder.
I question, "Who are you, Mr?"
The unfamiliar dragon looked at me with a hint of curiosity, then nodded its head in respect. "I am Ryker Stormbringer, a traveler from a neighboring valley. I've been tracking a strange energy signature and followed it here."
Ryker's voice was deep and calm, and I sensed a hint of determination beneath. I introduced myself and my family, and Ryker's expression remained neutral.
"What brings you to our valley?" I asked, trying to sound friendly.
Ryker hesitated, then replied, "I'm searching for answers about a... disturbance in the land. I've sensed that it's nearby, and I hope to find its source here."
I nodded, intrigued. "I can take you to meet my parents. Maybe they can help you find what you're looking for."
Ryker nodded, and I led him towards my parents, who were watching us from a distance. As we approached, Ryker's eyes lit up with recognition when he saw my father.
"Aetherius!" Ryker exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth. "It's been a while. I see you're doing well."
My father's expression softened, and he smiled. "Ryker! What brings you here?"
Ryker chuckled. "Just passing through, Aetherius. I saw you and your family from a distance and thought I'd say hello."
Father smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ryker, always good to see you. Come, join us for a bit. Thyriatrix, Tharros, this is Ryker, an old acquaintance."
Mother nodded in greeting, and I watched as Ryker settled in beside us, his eyes scanning the surroundings with interest. "It's been too long since I've visited this valley," Ryker said, his voice relaxed. "How have you all been?"
Father leaned back, his wings relaxing as he settled into the conversation. "We've been well, Ryker. Just enjoying the peace and quiet of the valley. Tharros here has been learning a lot about the land and its creatures."
Ryker's gaze turned to me, and he smiled. "Ah, Tharros is growing up fast, isn't he? I remember when he was just a hatchling."
I felt a surge of curiosity. "You knew me when I was a hatchling?" I asked, intrigued.
Ryker nodded. "Yes, I've visited your family a few times over the years. You're quite the adventurous one, aren't you?"
Mother chuckled. "Tharros does love to explore and learn new things."
The conversation flowed easily, with Ryker asking questions about our lives and sharing stories of his own travels. As we talked, I felt a sense of comfort and familiarity with Ryker, despite not seeing him in a while.
Ryker looks at me, "and I believe this is one of your hatchlings, and to be fair, I have been seeing him under your wing every our clan starlight gathering and I got to say it really cute!"
Ryker's comment about seeing me at the clan's starlight gathering brought back fond memories. I smiled, remembering the times we'd all gather under the stars, sharing stories and laughter.
As we continued to chat, Lyriath returned with some fresh berries he'd found nearby. "Hey, I brought some snacks!" he exclaimed, holding out a basket filled with juicy berries.
Ryker's eyes lit up. "Ah, berries! My favorite. Thank you, Lyriath."
We spent the next hour enjoying the berries and each other's company, the warm sun and gentle breeze making it a perfect afternoon. But as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the valley, Ryker's expression turned serious.
"Aetherius, I should probably tell you why I'm really here," Ryker said, his voice low and urgent. "I've been sensing some strange energy in the area, and I think it might be connected to something bigger."
I question "what do you mean bigger?"
Ryker's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. "I've been tracking a series of anomalies in the land, and I think they might be connected to a larger issue that could affect not just our valley, but the entire region."
Father's expression turned serious, and he leaned forward. "What kind of anomalies?" he asked.
Ryker hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "Unusual tremors, strange lights in the sky, and whispers of a dark energy spreading through the land. I've been trying to understand what's causing it, but so far, I haven't found any answers."
Mother's voice was laced with concern. "That sounds serious. Do you think it's a threat to our valley?"
Ryker nodded. "I do. And that's why I wanted to warn you all. I think we should work together to figure out what's going on and how to stop it before it's too late."
My wolf-fox ears perked up hearing something coming towards us.
My wolf-fox ears perked up, twitching with every snap of twigs and rustle of leaves. I tilted my head, listening intently to the approaching sound. It was getting louder, and I could sense that whatever was making the noise was moving quickly.
Ryker's eyes narrowed, and he turned to face the direction of the noise. "What is that?" he asked, his voice low and cautious.
Father's wings spread slightly, a subtle movement that indicated he was ready to defend us if necessary. "Let's be careful," he said, his voice calm but alert.
I watched as the trees parted, and a figure emerged from the underbrush. My ears continued to twitch, tracking the movement and sounds around us.
And the anomalies that ryker is talking about appear, and it was big, but it was smaller than Father 75-meter tall body.
A massive, glowing entity emerged from the trees, its presence radiating an otherworldly energy. The entity was about 50 meters tall, its body a swirling vortex of colors that seemed to shift and writhe like living flames.
The air around us seemed to distort and ripple, as if reality itself was bending to accommodate the entity's presence. Ryker's eyes widened, and he took a step back, his voice barely above a whisper.
"It's one of the anomalies I've been tracking," he said, his gaze fixed on the entity. "I've never seen one manifest like this before."
Father's wings spread wider, and he positioned himself between the entity and our family, his eyes fixed on the glowing form. "Let's be cautious," he said, his voice firm and protective.
Father's eyes narrowed, and he unleashed a powerful blast of icy breath, striking the entity with a concentrated beam of frosty energy. The entity let out a piercing shriek as the ice enveloped it, and in an instant, it froze solid. The icy shell encasing the entity cracked and shattered, and it collapsed to the ground in a thousand pieces, defeated.
The air seemed to relax, and the distortion dissipated. Ryker's eyes widened in surprise, and he nodded in respect. "Well, Aetherius, it seems you've taken care of that anomaly."
I watched, still cautious, as Father surveyed the area, ensuring no further threats emerged. Mother and the others seemed relieved, but Ryker's expression remained thoughtful. "That was indeed an anomaly," he said, "but I'm not sure what caused it or if there are more like it nearby."
Ryker's words hung in the air, and Father's gaze met his, a silent understanding passing between them. The silence was broken by Lyriath, who spoke up from behind me.
"Is it safe now?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Father nodded. "It seems so, for now. But Ryker's right; we don't know what caused this anomaly or if there are more like it. We'll need to be vigilant."
As Father spoke, I noticed that the area around us seemed to be returning to normal. The plants were no longer distorted, and the air felt clearer. But Ryker's expression still seemed troubled, and I wondered what he was thinking.
"Let's head back to the nest," Father said, his voice firm. "We'll discuss this further and decide what to do next."
We began to move towards the nest, the silence between us filled with unspoken questions and concerns. What was the nature of these anomalies? And what lay ahead for our valley?
As we walked, the silence was punctuated by the sound of leaves crunching beneath our feet. Ryker's eyes seemed to be scanning the surroundings, his gaze lingering on the trees and rocks as if searching for something. I wondered what he was looking for, and whether he had any idea what was causing these anomalies.
Mother walked beside Father, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. She seemed calm, but I could sense a hint of tension in her posture. Lyriath walked beside me, his eyes darting back and forth as he scanned the surroundings.
After a while, the nest came into view, its familiar shape a comforting sight. We settled in, and Father began to pace around the perimeter, his eyes scanning the horizon.
"I think we should send out scouts," Ryker said, his voice low and serious. "We need to know if there are more anomalies like that one, and what might be causing them."
Father nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I agree. Tharros, Lyriath, I want you both to scout out the surrounding area and see if you can find any signs of what's causing these anomalies."
I nodded, feeling a surge of excitement and responsibility. Lyriath grinned, and together we set off on our mission.
I question before I leave. "So what are the anomalies creatures?"
Ryker's expression turned serious, and he hesitated for a moment before responding. "The anomalies aren't exactly creatures, Tharros. They're... disturbances in the fabric of reality. They can take many forms, and it's unclear what causes them or what their purpose is."
I frowned, intrigued. "Disturbances in reality? What do you mean?"
Ryker's eyes seemed to cloud over, as if he was recalling a painful memory. "I've seen anomalies that can warp space and time, create portals to other dimensions, and even manipulate the elements. They're unpredictable and can be incredibly powerful."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I listened to Ryker's words. The anomaly we had just encountered had been powerful, but the idea that there could be even more powerful ones out there was unsettling.
I look at Father "seriously Father you are sending your 7 years old hatchlings to something that can kill us! Are you seriously Sacrifice with us? I thought you loved us!" I yelled.
Father's expression softened, and he took a step closer to me. "Tharros, I know it's a risk, but you're not just any hatchlings. You're my children, and I trust you to be brave and resourceful. Ryker and I will be monitoring the situation from here, and we'll do everything we can to support you. We'll also provide you with guidance on what to look for and how to handle any situations that might arise."
He looked at Lyriath and me, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and concern. "I know you're both young, but you're also capable and clever. I have faith in you, and I know you'll do your best to stay safe and gather the information we need."
I sighed "alright if I died or Lyriath, I won't forgive you both in living and death!"
Lyriath chuckled and nudged me with his elbow. "Don't be so dramatic, Tharros. We'll be fine. We're a team, remember?"
Father smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I have every confidence in you both. Now, off you go. Be careful, and don't hesitate to call for help if you need it."
With a final glance at Father and Ryker, Lyriath and I set off on our mission, our hearts pounding with excitement and a touch of trepidation. We moved swiftly and silently, our senses on high alert as we scanned the surroundings for any signs of anomalies.
As we walked, the landscape shifted from lush forest to rolling hills and then to rocky outcroppings. We climbed over boulders and descended into narrow valleys, our eyes scanning the ground and the air for any signs of disturbance.
After a while, Lyriath stopped suddenly, his head cocked to one side. "Do you hear that?" he whispered.
I listened intently, and after a moment, I picked up on a faint humming noise. It was low and vibrating, like the sound of a hundred bees buzzing in unison.
"Let's investigate," I said, my heart racing with excitement.
Lyriath nodded, and we crept forward, our senses on high alert. The humming grew louder, and we followed the sound to a small cave entrance hidden behind a screen of rocks.
Suddenly, the anomalies appeared out of nowhere and slammed me to the ground, and i was knocked out unconscious.
Pov Lyriath
I look at Tharros and see he is bleeding. I ran towards him and looked at the anomalies creature, and it left.
I sprinted towards Tharros, my heart racing with fear. "Tharros! No, no, no!" I cried out, dropping to my knees beside him. He was lying motionless on the ground, a trickle of blood seeping from his forehead.
I gently turned him over, checking for any serious injuries. His eyes were closed, and his face was pale. I felt a surge of panic and anger towards the anomaly that had attacked him.
The anomaly itself had vanished, leaving behind only a faint humming noise that seemed to linger in the air. I looked around, but there was no sign of it. I was alone with Tharros, and I had to get him back to Father and Ryker.
"Tharros, please wake up," I whispered, shaking him gently. But he didn't respond. I knew I had to get him to safety, and fast. I carefully lifted him into a fireman's carry and began to make my way back to the nest.
I look up to our mountain home, and I have to drag him up to the mountain and into the cave where our nest is located.
I gritted my teeth and adjusted Tharros' weight on my shoulders, my legs straining as I began the arduous climb up the mountain. The path was steep and rocky, and I had to navigate through dense foliage and over loose scree. I stumbled once, my foot slipping on a patch of loose gravel, but I managed to catch myself before falling.
As I climbed higher, the air grew thinner and the wind picked up, whipping against my scales. My navy-blue, dark, and blood-red scales glistened in the fading light, and I squinted against the gusts, my eyes fixed on the cave entrance above me. Tharros was a dead weight on my shoulders, and I could feel his silver scales glinting dully in the dim light.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I reached the cave entrance and stumbled inside. The sudden silence was a welcome respite from the howling wind, and I collapsed onto the nearest rock, gasping for breath. Tharros was still unconscious, and I gently lowered him to the ground, checking his breathing and pulse.
Just then, I heard Father's voice echoing through the cave. "Lyriath! Tharros! You're back!" He rushed towards us, concern etched on his face. "What happened?"
Pov Aetherius
I rushed towards Lyriath and Tharros, my heart racing with concern. Lyriath was panting, his chest heaving with exertion, and Tharros lay motionless on the ground. I could see the faint glow of Lyriath's scales, navy-blue and dark, with streaks of blood-red, and Tharros' silver scales seemed dull and lifeless.
"What happened?" I repeated, my voice firm but gentle as I examined Tharros' injuries. Lyriath looked up at me, his eyes filled with worry.
"The anomalies," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "They attacked Tharros. I didn't see it coming. I had to drag him back here."
I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. I gently touched Tharros' forehead, and a soft blue glow emanated from my scales, enveloping his body. The glow pulsed with a soothing energy, and I could feel Tharros' wounds beginning to heal.
"Ryker, come quickly," I called out, not taking my eyes off Tharros. "We need to figure out what's going on with these anomalies."
I look at Tharros bloody body and see a lot of blood coming out fast.
I felt a surge of panic as I saw the blood flowing rapidly from Tharros' body. I quickly applied more pressure to the wound, trying to stem the bleeding. "Lyriath, hold him still," I instructed, my voice firm and urgent. "We need to stop the bleeding."
Lyriath nodded, his eyes wide with worry, and gently held Tharros' body steady. I continued to apply pressure, trying to slow down the bleeding. Ryker rushed over, his face set in a concerned expression.
"What's the situation?" he asked, his voice calm and professional.
"Tharros is bleeding heavily," I replied, my voice tight with concern. "We need to stop the bleeding and stabilize him."
Ryker nodded, and together we worked to stem the bleeding and stabilize Tharros' condition.
As we worked to stabilize Tharros, I couldn't help but feel a sense of desperation creeping in. I knew I had to focus on saving him, and I poured all my energy into the task at hand. Ryker's calm and professional demeanor helped me stay grounded, and together we managed to slow down the bleeding.
Just as we seemed to be getting the bleeding under control, Tharros' body began to shudder and convulse. I felt a jolt of fear as I realized he might be slipping away from us. "No, no, no," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Ryker's eyes locked onto mine, and he nodded. "Let's try to stabilize him further," he said, his voice steady. "We need to get him to a stable condition before we can assess the full extent of his injuries."
I nodded, and together we continued to work on Tharros, our hands moving in tandem as we tried to save his life. I focused all my energy on healing him, and to my surprise, my blue glow began to shift to a light green hue, indicating a more advanced level of healing magic. The light green glow enveloped Tharros' body, and I could feel his wounds beginning to respond to the treatment.
As the light green glow intensified, Tharros' convulsions slowly subsided, and his body began to relax. The bleeding slowed to a trickle, and I breathed a sigh of relief as I realized we might be able to save him after all. But I knew we weren't out of the woods yet; Tharros' injuries were still severe, and we needed to monitor him closely to ensure he continued to heal properly.
I nudged Tharros unconscious body in deep worried "Tharros I'm so sorry for sending you and Lyriath on the scouting of those anomalies I shouldn't have sent you there!" Tears slowly coming out.
I felt a lump form in my throat as I gazed at Tharros' pale face. Tears streamed down my cheeks, and my voice cracked with emotion. "Tharros, please forgive me," I whispered, my words barely audible. "I was so blinded by my desire to protect our valley that I didn't think about the risks. You're my son, and I should have been more careful."
Lyriath's eyes met mine, filled with understanding and compassion. He gently placed a hand on my shoulder, offering what little comfort he could. Ryker watched us, his expression somber, but he said nothing, allowing me to process my emotions.
In that moment, all I could think about was losing Tharros. The thought was unbearable, and I felt like I was drowning in my own fears and doubts. I leaned forward, gently wrapping my claws around Tharros' limp form, holding him close as if I could will him to wake up. "Please, Tharros," I whispered, my voice shaking. "Don't leave me. I need you."
I held Tharros close, my heart heavy with worry and regret. Lyriath's hand remained on my shoulder, a comforting presence in the midst of chaos. Ryker's somber expression didn't change, but I could sense his concern for Tharros' well-being.
As the moments ticked by, I couldn't shake off the feeling of helplessness that had settled over me. I had always been the strong one, the protector of our family and valley. But now, I felt like I was failing Tharros, and that thought was tearing me apart.
Thyriatrix entered the cave, her light green scales glowing softly in the dim light. She took one look at Tharros and rushed to his side, her eyes scanning his injuries. "Aetherius, how is he?" she asked, her voice calm and professional.
I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "He's stable for now, but... I don't know if he'll wake up." My voice cracked again, and I felt Lyriath's grip on my shoulder tighten.
Thyriatrix nodded, her expression understanding. "Let me take a closer look," she said, gently examining Tharros' wounds. As she worked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her. She was the one who usually handled the healing, and I knew she would do everything in her power to save Tharros.
But even with her expertise, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Tharros might not make it. The thought sent a chill down my spine, and I held him closer, willing him to wake up, to come back to me.
Ryker sighed. "I will go now, and I will let you know if the anomalies appear once again!"
I nodded, still holding Tharros close. "Be careful, Ryker. We don't know what those anomalies are capable of." My voice was laced with worry, and I couldn't help but think about the risks Ryker would be taking by going out there alone.
Ryker nodded, his expression serious. "I will be careful, Aetherius. I'll keep watch and report back to you if anything changes." With that, he turned and left the cave, leaving us to tend to Tharros.
Thyriatrix continued to examine Tharros' wounds, her light green scales glowing softly as she worked her healing magic. Lyriath stood by my side, his eyes fixed on Tharros' pale face. The silence in the cave was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of Thyriatrix's gentle humming as she worked to heal Tharros' injuries.
I held Tharros close, my heart heavy with worry, and prayed that he would recover soon. The thought of losing him was unbearable, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was running out of time.
I lay on the ground, my body wracked with guilt and worry. Tears streamed down my face as I thought about Tharros' fragile state. I thought to myself, 'Why did I send him there? He's still so young... he can't die now. It's my fault, all my fault.'
The weight of my responsibility as a parent and leader crushed me. I couldn't bear the thought of losing Tharros, and the fear of what might happen to him consumed me. Lyriath's gentle touch on my shoulder didn't bring me comfort this time; instead, it only served as a reminder of my failure.
Thyriatrix's soft voice broke the silence. "Aetherius, this isn't your fault. We all knew the risks when we sent Tharros and Lyriath out. We'll do everything we can to save him." Her words were meant to comfort me, but they fell flat, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt and responsibility that had settled over me.
I looked up at Thyriatrix, my eyes pleading for reassurance. "What if it's too late?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "What if we can't save him?"
Thyriatrix's expression softened, and she knelt beside me. "We'll do everything we can, Aetherius," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "We won't give up on Tharros. He's strong, and he'll fight to get better."
Lyriath's grip on my shoulder tightened. "Father, don't lose hope," he said, his voice filled with determination. "We'll get Tharros back, I promise."
I nodded, trying to draw comfort from their words. But the fear of losing Tharros lingered, refusing to be shaken off. I leaned forward, gently touching Tharros' forehead with mine. "Please, Tharros," I whispered, my voice cracking with emotion. "Don't leave us. We're here for you."
I keep on crying, worried and scared that Tharros might die all because I send him there to scout the area.
Tears continued to stream down my face as I lay beside Tharros, my body wracked with sobs. I thought to myself, 'What if I never get to see him smile again? What if he's gone forever?' The weight of my guilt and worry threatened to consume me, and I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair.
Thyriatrix's gentle hands stroked my back, trying to offer what little comfort she could. "Aetherius, please," she whispered. "You have to stay strong for Tharros. He needs us now more than ever."
But I couldn't shake off the feeling of responsibility that had settled over me. I thought to myself, 'I sent him out there. I put him in harm's way. What kind of father does that make me?' The questions swirled in my mind, fueling my anguish and self-doubt.
I get up and walk to Tharros unconscious body and lay there and began to licking gently.
I gently lay beside Tharros' unconscious body and began to tenderly lick his wounds, my tongue carefully tracing the edges of his injuries. The warmth of my breath and the gentle motion of my tongue seemed to bring a sense of calm to the cave, and Thyriatrix and Lyriath watched with concern as I tended to Tharros.
As I licked his wounds, I could feel the bond between us growing stronger, and I poured all my love and energy into healing him. The cave was quiet, except for the sound of my gentle licking and Tharros' labored breathing. I hoped that my actions would somehow help to speed up his recovery, and that he would soon wake up and be okay.
Thyriatrix sighed. "I understand you are so worried, but we are here for you Aetherius!"
Thyriatrix's soft voice brought me comfort, and I looked up at her with tears in my eyes. "I know, my love," I said, my voice cracking with emotion. "It's just... he's my son, and I feel responsible for his injuries. I keep thinking about what I could have done differently."
Thyriatrix nodded understandingly and gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "We all feel that way, Aetherius. But we can't change the past now. All we can do is focus on helping Tharros heal and getting him back on his feet."
I nodded, taking a deep breath as I tried to calm myself down. Lyriath watched us with concern, his eyes filled with empathy. "We'll get through this together, Father," he said softly. "We'll take care of Tharros and make sure he's okay."
A few hours had passed, and Tharros was still not yet awake.
The hours ticked by at a glacial pace as we waited anxiously for Tharros to wake up. Despite Thyriatrix's continued healing efforts and my own tender care, he remained unconscious. Lyriath sat beside us, his eyes fixed on his brother's face, willing him to stir.
As the sun began to set outside, casting a warm orange glow over the cave, Thyriatrix gently examined Tharros' wounds again. "His injuries are still severe," she said softly, "but I think he's stable for now. We just need to keep a close eye on him and make sure he doesn't develop any infections."
I nodded, my eyes never leaving Tharros' face. "I'll stay with him," I said, my voice firm. "I'll watch over him and make sure he's safe."
Thyriatrix nodded, her expression understanding. "I'll stay too," she said. "We'll take turns resting and keeping watch."
Lyriath stood up, stretching his long body. "I'll go find some food and water," he said. "We need to keep our strength up to take care of Tharros."
I nodded, grateful for Lyriath's thoughtfulness. As he left the cave, I turned my attention back to Tharros, willing him to wake up and smile at me again.
Suddenly Tharros eyes slowly opened, and he looked at me.
Tharros' eyes fluttered open, and he gazed up at me with a mixture of confusion and disorientation. Our eyes met, and I felt a surge of relief and joy wash over me. I smiled, my heart racing with excitement.
"Tharros," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "You're awake."
Tharros' gaze locked onto mine, and he seemed to be trying to focus. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was struggling to remember something. Then, his expression softened, and he whispered, "Father..."
My heart swelled with love and relief at the sound of his weak voice. I gently reached out and touched his face, my claws tracing the contours of his cheek. "I'm here, Tharros," I said, my voice filled with warmth. "You're safe now. You're going to be okay."
Tharros' eyes seemed to hold a hint of recognition, and he whispered again, "Father... what... what happened?" His voice was weak, but it was music to my ears.
I smiled, relief washing over me once more. "You were injured, Tharros," I explained gently. "You and Lyriath were scouting the anomalies, and... something happened. But you're safe now. You're going to be okay."
Tharros' gaze drifted to Lyriath, who was standing nearby, a look of concern etched on his face. "Lyriath?" Tharros whispered, his voice filled with worry.
Lyriath stepped forward, a smile on his face. "I'm fine, Tharros," he said. "I'm just glad you're awake."
Tharros' eyes returned to mine, and he asked, "What about the anomalies? Did we... did we find out what they are?"
I hesitated, unsure of how much to tell him. But Thyriatrix intervened, her voice calm and soothing. "We'll talk about that later, Tharros. For now, let's focus on your recovery."
Tharros nodded, his eyes drooping slightly as exhaustion began to take over. I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Rest now, Tharros," I said. "You're safe, and we'll take care of everything."
Pov Tharros
I slowly came to, my mind foggy and my body aching all over. As I opened my eyes, I saw Father's relieved face staring back at me. I tried to focus, but everything seemed hazy. Father's voice was like music to my ears, and I felt a surge of comfort when he touched my face.
I whispered his name, and he smiled, his voice filled with warmth. I tried to remember what happened, but my memories were fragmented. I recalled Lyriath and I scouting the anomalies, and then... nothing.
As I looked around, I saw Lyriath standing nearby, concern etched on his face. I felt a pang of worry, but he smiled and reassured me he was fine. I tried to sit up, but a wave of pain washed over me, and I winced.
Father gently pushed me back down, his claws firm but gentle. "Rest, Tharros," he said. "You're safe now. We'll take care of everything."
I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. I wanted to know what happened, what we discovered about the anomalies. But Mother's calm voice intervened, telling me we'd talk about it later.
As exhaustion began to take over, I closed my eyes, feeling grateful for my family's presence. I knew they'd take care of me, and I'd be back on my feet soon. But a part of me wondered what secrets the anomalies held, and I couldn't shake the feeling that our journey was far from over.
Later, when I woke up, I was under Father Wing.
I slowly opened my eyes to find myself nestled under Father's wing, his warm feathers enveloping me in a cozy cocoon. I felt safe and protected, the gentle rise and fall of his chest a soothing rhythm that seemed to lull me back into a peaceful slumber.
As I lay there, I realized that Father must have moved to cradle me in his wing while I was asleep. I felt a surge of love and gratitude towards him, knowing that he would always be there to care for me.
I stayed still for a moment, savoring the warmth and comfort of Father's wing. The sound of his gentle breathing and the beating of his heart were like a lullaby, calming my own racing thoughts and worries.
Eventually, I stirred, and Father's wing adjusted to accommodate my movement. I looked up at him, and our eyes met in a warm, tender moment. "Feel better?" he asked softly, his voice a gentle rumble.
I nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. Being under Father's wing was like being in a sanctuary, a place where nothing else mattered except for the love and protection he offered.
As I nodded, Father's wing wrapped a little tighter around me, holding me close. He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. For a moment, the world outside didn't matter – the anomalies, the unknown dangers, none of it seemed important.
All that mattered was this moment, right here, with Father's warmth and love surrounding me. I felt like I was home, like nothing could touch me as long as I was under his wing.
Father's voice rumbled softly as he spoke, "Sleep some more, Tharros. You're safe now. I'll watch over you." His words were like a gentle breeze on a summer day, soothing and reassuring.
I felt my eyelids growing heavy again, and I let myself drift off, lulled by Father's warmth and the sound of his heartbeat. As I slept, I knew that Father would be there, watching over me, protecting me from harm.
The world outside might be uncertain, but with Father by my side, I knew I could face anything. And in that moment, surrounded by his love and protection, I felt truly at peace.
As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of trust and security wash over me. Father's wing remained wrapped around me, a constant reminder of his love and protection. I knew that when I woke up, we'd face the challenges ahead together, as a family.
The cave grew quiet, the only sound the gentle hum of Father's breathing and the soft rustle of his feathers. I slept peacefully, knowing that I was safe, and that Father would always be there to watch over me.