Lily's perception of the taste of food is not solely dependent on the spices her mother cultivates in their garden. She's not in the mood to eat, her mind consumed with thoughts of her parents, but her stomach grumbles otherwise.
When she indulged in a savory roasted beef dish, the flavors were so exquisite and unparalleled that it left her in awe. The tenderness of the beef, the richness of its juices, and the blend of spices left a lasting impression on her taste buds.
'I missed my mama's dish,' she thought; her mother's cooking skills were top-tier. Every dish was prepared to perfection, and the flavors were nothing short of amazing. She could now understand why her father had praised her cooking so highly - it felt like home.
"So, Lily. Did you like the food?"
She looked up to see Amaria's face smiling at her.
Lily lowered her gaze and nodded in response, her lips pursed tightly. The silence between them stretched on, broken only by the clinking of utensils on the plate. Her body language clearly showed that she had no desire to speak, and her eyes reflected a hint of sadness or perhaps frustration.
Leon cleared his throat and took a sip from his goblet. "By the way, we haven't properly introduced ourselves. My name is Leon, and my partner, Amaria, accompanies me." He paused momentarily, continuing, "I'm sure you must be wondering why you're here."
As Lily turned towards him, her eyes were drawn to Leon's striking appearance. He wore a pristine white suit, contrasting beautifully with the silver dragon headpin adorning his chest. As she looked closer, she noticed his pointed ears matching his fair skin and dark blue eyes.
Amaria's attire is also stunning. She wears an exquisite white-colored gown made of a lightweight fabric that flows gracefully as she moves. The dress is tailored to cinch tightly at the waist, accentuating her curves and creating a flattering silhouette. The sleeves are long and flowing, adding an ethereal touch to her mesmerizing appearance.
"I just want to go home," Lily said as she again lowered her gaze.
"We understand that you may not fully comprehend everything yet, but we are here to assist you in your journey at Dragonscale Academy," Leon explained. "We will endeavor to provide you with all the necessary information about the academy and why you were chosen to be here."
"I am pleased to meet you, Lily. Leon will be responsible for your physical combat training. He will teach you how to wield weapons properly, engage in hand-to-hand combat, and ride your dragon confidently and skillfully." She paused. "As for my part, I am assigned to your magic training. My role as your trainer will involve coaching you in magic, teaching you spells and incantations, and helping you develop your magical abilities to their fullest potential. In addition to magical training, I will ensure you have everything you need to succeed. I will provide support and guidance throughout your training and ensure you are always safe and comfortable."
Lily looked at her with confusion written all over her face.
"Amaria, take it slowly. She will not fully understand you in one go. You know that," Leon said.
"Right, I'm sorry."
"How about we check the garden after we eat, Lily? I know you will love it." Leon asked him confidently.
Lily did not respond, staring into space, lost in her thoughts. Amaria had placed a plate of food before her, but she did not touch it. As the minutes ticked by, Amaria grew concerned. "We can check the garden tomorrow. You can take some rest for now."
After they ate their lunch, Amaria led Lily into her chamber. She allows her to rest and take her time to settle her thoughts.
"What were you thinking, Amaria?" Leon exclaimed the moment Amaria left Lily's chamber. "You shouldn't tell that to her yet. She's in shock at what is happening in her life, and you added everything to her burden."
"You said we should properly introduce ourselves, so I did." Amaria walked to the hallway as Leon followed her. The hall was adorned with grandeur, and every detail was exquisite, from the intricate chandeliers that hung from the ceiling to the ornate carpet that ran along the floor.
"I know. But at least say it simple for her to understand, right?"
Amaria stops walking and faces Leon. "What's the big deal, Leon? I'm helping her understand. Plus, what I said is simple."
Leon pointed to Lily's chamber and exclaimed, "Look at the kind of egg she has! It's the legendary dragon egg that hasn't been seen in centuries. It's said that the majestic beast inside defeated Talos!"
"Do you think I didn't know that? I saw it with my own eyes, Leon. You don't have to tell me. I'm not blind." Amaria rolled her eyes and continued walking.
"I don't think you understand my point. We need to give her time to rest before providing that information. She's just a child."
"Yes, a powerful child. I get you. I already apologize, which I always do. So stop whining this time."
Leon, feeling exasperated, responded defensively, "I'm not whining!" His voice conveyed irritation, and his facial expression betrayed his frustration. Clearly, he was not complaining but instead attempting to express his thoughts and feelings directly and honestly.
Amaria laughed at him while leading her to her chamber. "You better go to the academy right now and send your reports before the headmistress blasts you at the window again with your stubbornness." She smirked and closed the door.
"I hate you!" He screamed.
"I can't hear you!" Amaria replied, coming from her chamber.
"You got me this time, Amaria!" Leon, feeling a sense of trepidation, clicks his tongue and steps outside. As he emerges, a large shadow covers the land from above. He spots a majestic green-scaled dragon descending from the sky and landing directly before him. The force of the dragon's mighty wings creates a gust of wind so strong that he is forced to shield his eyes with his arms. The dragon's scales glisten in the sunlight, and its eyes seem to adore Leon's soul.
"Alright, Nessa. We will go to the academy."
With a low, rumbling growl, Nessa turned her head to look at Leon and extended her wings. The shimmering scales on her back glinted in the sunlight, and her powerful muscles rippled beneath her skin. She beckoned him closer, her eyes locked onto his, and he felt excitement and anticipation.
As he climbed onto her back, he could feel the heat of her body and the strength of her wings. "Fly!" Leon commanded. They lifted off the ground with a powerful beat, soaring into the sky.