Ren emerged from the cavern shadows with the golden dragon hatchling cradled gently in his arms. As sunlight bathed its shimmering scales for the first time, the dragonling trilled with excitement.
Carefully, Ren climbed back up the cliffside path, the infant dragon snuggling safely against his chest. Reaching the top, Ren headed for the Dragon Order's fortress to present his new companion.
"I name you Astra," Ren said. The newly christened Astra chirped happily.
Along the road, Ren fed Astra strips of dried meat. The curious dragon peered around eagerly, sniffing the air and observing all the strange new sights of the world it had entered.
Arriving at the fortress gates, Ren was greeted by Master Jian, head of the Order. The wise old rider's face lit up upon seeing the golden dragon.
"You have succeeded, young Ren," Master Jian said. "Now begins the true work - rearing and training your hatchling into a mighty dragon."
Ren and Astra were escorted inside, where hundreds of rider-dragon pairs lived and learned together. Seeing dragons of all colors and ages, Astra whistled with wonder.
Their real adventure was just beginning. Ren would have to care for and teach young Astra until they could fly into battle side-by-side. The challenges ahead would forge an unbreakable bond between rider and dragon.