(Umar's POV)
The realization that I was in the presence of a dragon - a being from the legends and stories I had grown up with - completely shifted my perspective of Aelarion. His unusual features, which I had initially attributed to the shock and confusion of my arrival, now made perfect sense. He was a dragon, a creature of immense power and mystique, and I was sitting across from him, sharing a meal. The thought was both exhilarating and surreal.
Aelarion, seemingly unfazed by my astonishment, continued to eat while observing me with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Why do you look so surprised?" he asked between bites. "I know there aren't many of us dragons around. Master Drakarion told me that. But I've always known a dragon all my life, him, so I'm used to this. But I'm not used to seeing others wonder at me." His eyes sparkled with a childlike delight at the idea of being a source of fascination.
I tried to gather my thoughts, still reeling from the revelation. "It's just that... well, dragons are considered legends where I come from. In Elarian, we have many races and cultures, but dragons... they're something from ancient stories. To meet one in real life is... it's incredible."
Aelarion's smile broadened, clearly enjoying the impact of his identity on me. Then, with a gleam of excitement in his eyes, he asked, "Would you like to play 'mage' with me after the meal?"
The invitation took me by surprise, but it was a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions I was experiencing. "Mage" was a popular game among children in Elarian, a mix of pretend-play and basic magic practice. The idea of playing it with a real dragon, especially one as enthusiastic as Aelarion, was too intriguing to pass up.
"Yes, I'd love to play 'mage' with you," I responded, a smile finally breaking through my astonishment. The prospect of engaging in something as normal as a childhood game, despite the extraordinary circumstances, was oddly comforting.
As we continued our meal, the conversation between Aelarion and me blossomed, transforming into an exchange of questions and stories about our respective worlds. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
"By the way, if you're not used to going out, how do you know 'mage'?" I asked Aelarion, genuinely curious.
"Oh, Maria taught me a lot about the outside world's games and practices," he replied with a bright smile. "She would even play with me sometimes."
Maria, the sylph cook who had prepared this magnificent feast, seemed to be more than just a culinary expert. Her role in Aelarion's life appeared to be that of a teacher and a playmate, a vital connection to the world beyond their hidden sanctuary.
Aelarion, his eyes shining with interest, then turned the conversation toward the outside world. "How is the outside world really?" he asked eagerly.
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, realizing that to Aelarion, the world I took for granted was a realm of fantasy and wonder. "Well, Aelarion," I began, "the world outside is like stepping into a storybook. In Elarian, where I'm from, the streets are a kaleidoscope of cultures and races. You'll see elves with their graceful movements and ancient eyes that speak of long-lost tales, bustling alongside dwarves who are stout and strong, their laughter as hearty as their craftsmanship."
"Beyond Elarian," I continued, Aelarion listening, with wide-eyed wonder "there lies a world teeming with magic and wonder. Take, for instance, the Sankore Academy in the Empire of Mande. It's where my brother Isma and I study and are about to start our third year. The academy is a marvel, a sprawling complex of ancient sandstone and towering spires that seem to touch the sky. It's situated in the heart of a lush and immense oasis, the main building levitates, surrounded by the vast, golden dunes of the Great Desert. At night, the stars above the academy shine so brightly, it feels like you can reach out and pluck them from the sky."
I described the classrooms, filled with students of various races and backgrounds, from the nimble forest elves with their deep, insightful eyes to the sturdy mountain dwarves, their hands as skilled in crafting runes as they are in smithing metal. "In the academy's great halls, the air is thick with the scent of old books and the buzz of magical energy. Here, young mages learn to harness the elements, to decipher ancient texts, and to explore the mysteries of the arcane."
Turning my attention to the vast oceans, I shared tales of the deep blue waters, home to creatures as marvelous as they were mysterious. "The oceans are like a world unto themselves. Mermaids with shimmering tails and captivating voices glide through the underwater cities made of coral and pearl. Schools of luminescent fish light up the depths, creating a spectacle of colors."
"In these waters, you'll find the Leviathans, enormous creatures that are said to be as old as the sea itself. Sailors speak of their encounters with these gentle giants, describing them as an awe-inspiring blend of grace and power."
The conversation then drifted to the bustling cities, a melting pot of races and cultures. "The cities are alive with a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells. Marketplaces bustle with activity, where one can find exotic goods from every corner of the world. Vendors sell spices that can make your taste buds dance, silks that change color with your mood, and potions for every ailment imaginable."
"Imagine walking down a busy street and hearing a dozen languages, seeing faces of every shape and color. There are the Avians, bird-like people who fill the skies with their vibrant plumage and melodious songs. And the Naiads, water spirits who bring life to the city's fountains and canals, their laughter as clear as the streams they inhabit."
"The food," I continued, "is a celebration of diversity. There's the spicy Tundran stew that warms you to the core, sweet Syrenian nectar that tastes like liquid sunshine, and the famous Nivaran fruit pies, their flavors an explosion of sweet and tart."
Aelarion listened, his eyes reflecting the wonder of a child discovering a world of endless possibilities. "It sounds like a dream," he whispered, almost to himself.
"It is," I agreed, smiling. "A beautiful, ever-changing dream. And one day, I hope to explore every corner of it."
I then delved into the mage world, a subject that made my eyes light up with passion. "Being a mage is the coolest thing," I explained. "We learn to harness the energiy of the universe, mana, convert it and to bend the elements to our will. Some mages can even talk to animals or travel through shadows."
Aelarion's eyes widened with each word, hanging on every description as if it were a precious gem. "And I want to become an ascender," I added, my voice filled with determination.
"What's an ascender?" Aelarion asked, leaning in closer, his tail swishing with excitement.
"Ascenders are the coolest of the mages," I said with a hint of pride. "They go on adventures, face the greatest dangers. They're strong, smart, and the bravest of all mages. They explore unknown lands, battle fearsome creatures, and uncover ancient mysteries."
Aelarion's excitement was palpable, and he began to shake with enthusiasm. "Tell me! Tell me! How do you become one?" he asked, almost breathlessly.
"To become an ascender, you first need to be certified by the Great Hall," I explained. "It's an organization that oversees everything mage-related. But before that, you need to specialize in one of the mage paths. Like a warlock, if you want to be a warrior mage, combining magic with combat skills. Or a gearmancer, focusing on building magical devices and delving into the engineering side of magic."
Aelarion listened intently, his fork pausing mid-air as he absorbed every word. "And there's the arcanist path," I continued, "for those who love research, studying magical and non-magical phenomena. My father is an arcanist, and it's one of the paths my brother and I want to take as well. the last one is the lifeweaver, if you're into healing and medical magic. Only after mastering one or more of these paths can you apply for the ascender exam. And if you pass, you become an ascender."
The idea seemed to ignite something within Aelarion, his imagination running wild with the possibilities. "That sounds amazing! I want to do that too! Imagine, me, Aelarion, a dragon ascender!" he exclaimed, his excitement causing him to accidentally knock over a glass of cocoria milk, which we both hurriedly tried to catch, ending up in a comedic scramble that left us laughing.
The conversation continued, with Aelarion asking more about each path, his curiosity insatiable. I found myself describing the intricacies of each field with growing enthusiasm, painting a picture of a world where magic and adventure were part of everyday life.
As we talked, the meal became more than just a feast for the stomach; it was a feast for the mind and soul. We were two beings from vastly different worlds, sharing stories and dreams over a table laden with the most exquisite food. In those moments, the barriers between legend and reality, between human and dragon, seemed to blur, creating a bond of friendship and understanding that transcended our differences.
Aelarion's enthusiasm was contagious, and his declaration of wanting to become an ascender like me brought a sense of camaraderie and excitement. His eyes sparkled with the prospect of adventure, a world beyond the confines of his known surroundings.
"I have decided! I want to be an ascender like you, Umar! And then we can go on adventures together!" he exclaimed, his tail swishing animatedly.
The idea struck a chord in me, igniting a similar excitement. The thought of journeying with a dragon, exploring uncharted territories and facing unknown challenges, was exhilarating. I laughed, swept up in the moment, and said, "That would be amazing! Just imagine the adventures we'd have!"
We began to brainstorm what our crew would be like, each suggestion more adventurous than the last. "We should name our crew something grand, like 'The Celestial Voyagers' or 'The Dragonheart Explorers, we could decide on the name together,'" I proposed, my imagination running wild.
"Oh, I like 'The Dragonheart Explorers'! It sounds so brave and strong!" Aelarion agreed with a wide grin. "And I think you should be the captain, Umar. You know so much about the outside world!"
I felt a sense of pride at his words, but I quickly added, "Only if you're the co-captain, Aelarion. After all, every crew needs a dragon's wisdom and strength."
Aelarion's chest puffed up with pride at being named co-captain. "We would be the best team! Traveling across the world, discovering hidden places, and maybe even finding treasure!"
He then continued "Oh! How about the straw hat ascenders? That sounds so cool!"
"Hmm, it is cool, aelarion, don't get me wrong, but I think that name is already taken," I then replied.
Aelarion, no less excited, added, "Really? they must be so cool, I bet their captain has a straw hat and his crew is great!"
"I think so too!" I said, getting infected by his excitement even more.
Our conversation spiraled into a delightful array of possibilities. We talked about sailing across the vast oceans, delving into ancient ruins, and soaring through the skies. The freedom and joy of such a life filled our thoughts, painting a picture of a future filled with adventure and camaraderie.
"We would meet so many different people and creatures, learn about their cultures, and maybe even help them," I added, the prospect sounding more and more enticing.
After finishing the extravagant meal, Aelarion's excitement was palpable as he invited me to follow him to the glade, a place where we could play 'mage' to our hearts' content. My own excitement mirrored his; the prospect of playing a childhood game in such a magical setting was thrilling.
The glade was a serene expanse of lush grass, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to touch the sky. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground. The air was fresh and filled with the gentle sounds of nature, creating a perfect backdrop for our game.
As we arrived, Aelarion, with a twinkle in his eye, asked if I wanted to start first. I paused, considering his earlier admission about his limited exposure to the outside world. "Wait a minute, you told me you never went beyond the river and didn't know many people beside your master, so do you know all the rules?"
Aelarion stretched his arms, a look of amusement on his face. "Well, I play often with Maria. She says the outside children do it by turn. Everyone can only do three spells in their turn, and when you cast the first one, your adversary's turn starts then."
His understanding of the rules was spot on, and I nodded in agreement. "Sounds like you've got it down," I said with a smile.
"I'm warning you, though, I am pretty strong at 'mage,' ya know?" Aelarion boasted, his chest puffing up slightly.
"Oh yeah? How strong? Have you ever won against Maria?" I asked, a playful tone in my voice.
Aelarion's confident demeanor faltered for a moment. "Well, that's not fair! Maria is an adult! Plus, I almost won like three times."
"Hehe, right, almost, huh? So you never won a 'mage' game, did you?" I teased, unable to resist the opportunity.
His cheeks flushed with a tinge of embarrassment. "W-well, I will today! You never fought me, ya know? I'm a tough guy!"
I chuckled at his determination. "Haha, okay then, tell you what, I'll let you start first, Aelarion. Come at me!"
"Fine! Don't regret this later, okay Umar?" Aelarion retorted, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
I nodded, and we both took our stances, ready for the imaginary battle. Aelarion closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in and out, focusing his energy. Suddenly, without warning, I found myself on the ground, flat on my back, completely taken by surprise.
"Hey! I didn't cast my spell yet, why did you not react?" Aelarion exclaimed, equally surprised.
Flabbergasted and struggling to understand what just happened, I quickly got up, my cheeks warming with embarrassment. "Hum hum! I-I did it on purpose to see how fast you were... that's it, I'll be serious now! Let's go again." I did not understand what just happened but I was determined to get my revenge.