**Cabin Stories 1 (Max's Perspective)**
The first night of our travels was a peaceful one. Inside the makeshift cabin on Matterinna's back, I looked out at the stars and turned to our dragon housemaid, curiosity bubbling within me.
"Matterinna, don't you need to sleep or take a break?" I asked, concerned. "You've been on the move all day with this giant cabin on your back."
She glanced at me, her eyes glowing with wisdom, and shook her head. "Dragons have incredible durability, stamina, and even greater mana pools, Max. I don't need any breaks."
I stared at her in wonder, then up at the night sky. "Being a dragon must have a lot of perks, doesn't it?"
Matterinna sighed, her eyes turning distant. "There are more negatives to being a dragon, Max. Dragons are often slain, captured, or enslaved by mankind."
"Why?" I asked, confusion and sadness in my voice.
"People often react negatively towards something they don't understand," she explained, her voice soft. "They also often have tendencies to control everything that destiny presents before them."
I slowly reached up and patted Matterinna's large reptilian head, making her purr. My hand trembled, and I felt my face flush with embarrassment and confusion. "Did my parents enslave you, Matterinna? You're a dragon, our housemaid, and a giant mount for our usage. Tell me the honest answer."
Matterinna's eyes softened, and she smiled gently. "Don't worry, Max. I'm not doing all of these things because I was forced by Antrodos and Laussinna. Many years ago, everyone hated me because I was a dragon. I would often get captured or enslaved. But three people saw me as their equal, not a tool or a trophy. They saw someone who needed saving."
I gasped, realizing what she meant. "Father, Mother, and Agnes?"
"Correct," she replied, her voice filled with warmth. "Ever since that day, I joined the group not as mere comrades, but as family members. Hence to this day, I've stayed by Antrodos' and Laussinna's side, which now extends to you and Illyanna."
I rushed to hug her giant fluffy ears, tears welling in my eyes. "I'm so glad you feel that way, Matterinna."
She looked at me with love and pride. "You and Illyanna are kind-hearted people just like your parents. I'm glad they raised you well."
I snapped back, my voice fierce with affection. "But you helped too, Matterinna! While our parents were away, you filled our yearn for parental love. You've been raising us with tender love and care, as if we were your own children."
Matterinna's movement slowed, her voice breaking. "You have such a way with words, truly like your mother the bard. It's been a pleasure to be your surrogate mother, and I'm thankful you never pushed me away."
I grinned and nudged her playfully. "We're both biological dragons, Matterinna. We have to stick together, right?"
She laughed, her whole body shaking, and agreed. Our bond was deeper than that of a servant and master; it was a connection of family, love, and mutual respect. Inside that cabin, under the twinkling stars, I realized how lucky I was to have Matterinna in my life. Her story was one of courage, trust, and loyalty, and it was one I would carry with me always.
**Cabin Stories 2 (Lucianna's Perspective)**
The second day of our journey dawned bright and clear. As the sun peeked through the cabin window, Max turned to Matterinna with concern. "Do you need to rest or eat anything, Matterinna?" he asked, his eyes full of care.
"I'm not hungry or tired yet, young Master Max," Matterinna replied, her voice gentle but firm.
Sitting in a corner of the cabin, I couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. Unlike Max, Illyanna, and Matterinna, I was not a member of the Fiora family. I tried to fill my time by practicing magical spells from some of the books scattered around the cabin.
The craftsmanship of the books was impressive, and the intricate spells inside intrigued me. I often found myself marveling at the detailed illustrations and complex incantations. My hair, not tied in its usual asymmetrical twin tails after dressing up earlier, fell loosely around my shoulders. I had misplaced my rubber bands.
Sitting on a comfortable couch, I immersed myself in the magical books again. The late afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on the pages. I was thankful for the breakfast provided by Laussinna, Max's mom, even though I felt a twinge of guilt for not helping her cook. Next time, I resolved, I would be more active in assisting her.
As I read, I noticed Max by the window, constantly talking and sharing laughter with Matterinna. They seemed so close, so connected. A pang of curiosity struck me as I recalled the revelation that Max was a dragon. The family had not explained it fully, and I didn't want to pry. It would be considered a breach of their privacy. But I was surprised to find out that Illyanna was as clueless as I was.
One of the magical books caught my attention. It explained that using the combination of two magical blank cards was considered a beginner's method. My cheeks flushed with disappointment. That was the method I had been using, and now I realized it often made the spells less effective.
I decided right then that I wanted to master the incantation method, using my voice to cast spells. This method, the book explained, would make the spells more powerful.
I was taken aback, however, when I realized that I had used healing spells last time without the magical blank cards. Gripping my chest, I knew something more profound was at play. It must have been the essence of the Goddess inside me. After all, I am an Aasimar, a mortal touched by divine beings.
As the cabin continued to move, the sound of laughter and conversation filled the space. I looked up from the book, feeling a strange mix of confusion, determination, and longing. I knew I had much to learn, both about magic and the mysterious Fiora family.
But for now, I was content to be a part of this adventure, to witness the love and camaraderie around me. I had my magical books, the comfort of the cabin, and the knowledge that I was on a path to discovery.
The journey was far from over, and I knew that the coming days would bring new challenges, revelations, and growth. But I felt ready for it all, eager to embrace the unknown with courage and grace.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over everything, I closed the magical book and smiled. I was exactly where I needed to be.
**Cabin Stories 3 (Lucianna's Perspective)**
The third day dawned, and the realization hit me: Matterinna was still carrying our cabin. I marveled at the sheer stamina of dragons. How did they sustain such strength?
Rubbing my eyes, I rose early to join Laussinna in the kitchen. Her adorable pajamas, adorned with cartoon animals, seemed out of place on a grown woman, but it only made her appear even more endearing. She looked just as sleepy as I felt, her hair tousled and her eyes only half open.
"Lucianna!" she exclaimed, a touch of surprise in her voice. "I didn't expect to see you up at this hour."
My cheeks warmed with a blush. "I wanted to thank the Fiora family for welcoming me. I thought, perhaps, I could help you with breakfast."
Laussinna smiled, stretching her arms in a yawn. "That's sweet of you, but it's usually Matterinna's job. Though, since she's... otherwise occupied," she chuckled, glancing toward the moving world outside, "I could use a hand."
We started preparing the meal, and amidst the chopping and stirring, Laussinna began to share more about her family's life. "We're often away at Tarvernia, where Antrodos and I work. We've strived hard for Max and Illyanna," she said, her voice laden with emotion. "Yet, the one thing that weighs heavy on my heart is the time we've missed with them."
I hesitated, then asked, "Do you regret being away so much?"
She sighed deeply. "Yes, but this journey on the Dragon's Road, it's been a blessing. We're together now, as a family. Whatever comes our way, we'll face it side by side."
As we added the finishing touches to the breakfast spread, Laussinna playfully nudged me. "You know, having you here with us, it's like you've become part of our family's tapestry. You've felt the Fiora family love, haven't you?"
Tears blurred my vision, and I nodded. "I've searched for a place to belong for so long. Now, I feel like I've found a family. I'll do everything in my power to stand by all of you, especially Max. I believe in his dream."
Laussinna pulled me into a warm embrace, her heart beating strong against mine. "Thank you, Lucianna. We're glad you're with us."
I hugged her back tightly, whispering a silent promise to protect and cherish this newfound family from any harm that might come our way.
**Cabin Stories 4 (Laussinna's Perspective)**
The fourth day had dawned, and the warmth of breakfast still lingered in the air, thanks to the hard work Lucianna and I had put into our cooking. As I stood at the sink washing the plates, I couldn't help but notice the change in scenery. The outside world was becoming colder, and the creatures less numerous. Aurastia was close by.
But my attention was soon drawn to something much closer to my heart. My little daughter, Illyanna, was not herself today. Her usually bright eyes were dim, and her cheerful bounce had turned into a slow, thoughtful pace.
"Is everything all right, sweetheart?" I asked, as she handed me her plate.
Illyanna's face held no smile, no sparkle. My heart ached to see her so downcast.
In the living room, Max and Lucianna were sharing a laugh, their faces glowing with joy. Watching them, I was transported back to my younger days, when Antrodos, Agnes, and I would lose ourselves in laughter and tales of adventure. How I cherished those memories.
But Illyanna's blank expression drew me back to the present. I approached her by the window and teased, "Was breakfast not to your liking? Did Lucianna and I mess up the pancakes?"
She turned to me, her arms flailing in a gesture of reassurance. "No, no, Mom, it's not that!"
Her panic gave way to concern in her eyes, and I took her small hands in mine. "What's bothering you, sweetheart?"
Illyanna's voice trembled. "I think Father hates me."
My heart stopped. "What? Why would you think that?"
She explained how Antrodos had been acting strangely, avoiding her, retreating to the Training Room. "Did I do something wrong?" she asked, her eyes brimming with tears.
I hugged her close, my hands cupping her cheeks. "No, my love, you did nothing wrong. Perhaps something is troubling your father's mind. I'll talk to him later."
Her eyes, now wet with tears, met mine, and I wiped them away, smiling. Then, noticing the magical book she kept near her, I asked, "Have you been training secretly, trying to become stronger like your big brother?"
Her nod was accompanied by a shy smile, and she told me how she had been working on conjuring a cherry blossom sapling. But she was frustrated and sad; nothing was working as it should.
"Magic comes from emotions," I explained, touching her heart. "If your heart is sad, your magic will struggle."
"Is that why my conjuring failed?" she asked. "Because I was sad about Father?"
I nodded, reassuring her once more that I would speak to Antrodos. We hugged again, both of us grateful for the closeness that our family now enjoyed.
Illyanna's happiness shone through her tears. "I'm so glad you and Father are here with me now."
"Me too, my love," I whispered, my heart swelling with emotion. "We're more united than ever before."
The world outside might have been growing colder, but inside our cabin, the warmth of family love was stronger than ever.
**Cabin Stories 5 (Antrodos' Perspective)**
In the cool dimness of the Training Room, I swung a wooden sword, my muscles flexing, and sweat beading on my bare chest. Scars crisscrossed my skin, reminders of a past I wished to leave behind. Though I relished the thought of adventuring again, my heart pounded like war drums at the fear of my family coming to harm.
My grip tightened on the hilt, a grimace twisting my face, until I forced myself to calm down.
As I took a refreshing drink, the door creaked open, and Laussinna entered. My heart leaped in my chest, and nervousness washed over me. Her eyes, usually so gentle, were filled with anger.
"Antrodos, why are you avoiding Illyanna?" she demanded, her voice sharp. "Did she do something wrong?"
I could only lower my eyes in shame, my hands trembling as I sat down. Laussinna's tone softened as she approached me, concern now in her eyes.
"Tell me what's wrong," she urged, her hand reaching out to touch mine. "You must have a reason for acting this way."
The words tumbled out, halting and filled with pain. "I don't know how to confront our children anymore, especially Illyanna. I'm ashamed of myself. They know I'm a demon, Laussinna. Max seems fine with it, but what about our little girl? Unlike you, an angel, I come from a race hated everywhere. How can she not hate me too?"
The memory of Agnes trying to kill me surfaced, the terror and the betrayal. But Laussinna had seen me differently, loved me despite what I was.
Laussinna sat beside me, her arms wrapping around me. "She doesn't hate you, my love," she whispered, her voice breaking the silence like a soothing melody. "She's been seeking your affection, not fearing you."
"Is that true?" My voice was a mere whisper, filled with hope.
Laussinna nodded, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion. "All this time, you thought she would resent you. But we must leave those memories behind, focus on what's in front of us now."
I looked at her, confusion in my eyes. "What's that?"
"Our family," she replied, her smile warm and reassuring.
I felt a weight lifting from my shoulders, my hands steadying. Laussinna's quick kiss on my lips was a promise of things to come, and her whispered words, playfully seductive, brought a blush to my face.
"I'll make things right with Illyanna," I vowed, my voice filled with determination.
I knew then that whatever the past had held, our family's love was strong enough to overcome it. My demonic heritage might never be forgotten, but in the eyes of those I loved, I was human, a father, a husband. That was all that mattered.
**Cabin Stories 6 (Illyanna's Perspective)**
The evening had settled in, marking our fourth day on the road. Matterinna, usually so tireless, took her very first break. From where I sat, I watched Mom, or Laussinna as everyone else called her, chatting with Matterinna. Even though Matterinna was a majestic dragon, she wiggled her tail like an excited puppy. It was so silly and heartwarming that I couldn't help but giggle.
From the window, I saw Mom giving Matterinna some of our dinner leftovers. The dragon seemed to really enjoy the roasted beef, fried eggs, and vegetables. Who would have guessed dragons had such tastes?
My eyes wandered, searching for Max. I wanted to share the fun moment with him. But as I caught sight of him, I noticed he was deep in conversation with Lucianna. They looked so happy. A twinge of jealousy and hesitation gripped me. Should I join them? But I didn't want to be the annoying little sister, so I held back, settling on a couch nearby, feeling a bit lonely.
Suddenly, Dad's familiar, warm voice broke the silence. "Hey there, sweetie. How's my little star doing?"
I was still a bit upset about the past few days, so I just turned away, letting out a soft, dramatic sigh. Dad gently took my hands into his, drawing my attention.
His eyes held so much warmth. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"Why did you avoid me, Dad?" Tears threatened as I asked the question, "Do you hate me?"
He looked shocked and hurt. "No, no, never. I thought... I believed you might hate me when you found out about my... heritage. Many don't like demons, and I feared your feelings might change."
"Dad!" Tears blurred my vision. "I just wanted time with you..."
He looked down, regret etched on his face. "I should've listened. I've been so foolish. I'm so sorry."
"You're my dad, demon or not. Love isn't about what you are, but who you are. To me, you're my hero," I said, my voice firm.
His eyes filled with tears, and he hugged me tightly. "I love you so much, Illyanna."
Wiping away my own tears, I tried to lighten the mood. "Dad, can I train my sword fighting skills with you? I want to prepare for the Dragon's Road, just like Max. I want to help people and make them smile."
Dad chuckled, ruffling my hair. "That's a big goal for such a young girl. But I believe in you."
Giggling, I mentioned Max's 'date' with Lucianna. Dad laughed, and together, we headed to the Training Room. He handed me a wooden sword, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Show me what you've got, champ," he challenged.
Grinning wide, I readied myself, eager to learn from my hero.