He looked at her, his eyes thoughtful. He seemed to sense her curiosity but didn't mind. "For now, they're under control. The immediate threat has been dealt with, but we can't be certain they won't regroup and return."
Isabel nodded, pretending to adjust the bandage on his arm. "It's strange how so many of them came at the same time, don't you think? It almost seemed like they were determined to enter Valareath."
His eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing her subtle attempt to get more information. "Yes, it was unusual. Almost as if they were being driven by a common purpose or force."
Isabel looked up at him, feigning innocent curiosity. "Do you have any idea why that might be?"
His lips twitched into a slight smile, appreciating her tact. "We have some theories, but nothing concrete yet. There are whispers of a dark power rising, something that might be orchestrating these attacks."
She nodded thoughtfully, her mind racing with possibilities. "That sounds... ominous. Do you think we'll be able to hold them off if they come back?"
He met her gaze, his expression serious. "We'll do everything we can. But we need to be prepared and vigilant. Every bit of information and every capable hand will be crucial."
Isabel's eyes brightened with determination. "I'll be ready to help however I can. We all will."
As they were discussing, a giant dragon circled the sky above them. Its shining blue color and scales, sharp as blades of ice, marked it as an ice dragon. Isabel even forgot to breathe as she looked at the magnificent creature in front of her, her awe unmistakable. She muttered, "What a beautiful dragon."
He smiled as he watched her, noting her almost love-struck expression, but he didn't say anything. The dragon circled the sky and then flew towards them. Isabel couldn't help but shout, "Oh my god, it's coming towards us!" She almost squealed like a little girl.
He noticed her youthful excitement and realized that she was actually a teenager, not a grown-up lady. Her mature behavior had initially caught him off guard, so he hadn't noticed these small details. Her small mouth was fair as jade, and her unique purple eyes mesmerized him for a moment.
As the dragon descended, its massive wings stirring the air, He spoke gently, "Don't worry, Isabel. This dragon is a friend."
The dragon landed gracefully nearby, its icy blue eyes scanning the surroundings before settling on He. Isabel's eyes were wide with amazement. "A friend? This dragon?"
He nodded, stepping closer to the dragon and placing a hand on its snout. "Yes, this is Frostwind. He's been an ally to our forces for many years and my bonded."
Frostwind lowered his head, allowing He to pet him. Isabel's mouth formed an "O" of awe, and she was really shocked. Now it seemed her guess was true. He must have a high rank in the military because everyone who is a dragon rider is mostly powerful and at or above the commander level.
Isabel, still in awe, took a hesitant step forward. "Can I... can I touch him?" She didn't know where she got the courage to ask, but she just said it. Maybe it was because she didn't know his rank or because he was a stranger. Even if he refused, it wouldn't cost her anything at all.
He looked at Frostwind, who did not show any disapproval or behave unusually. "You may," He said with a smile.
Isabel stepped closer, her hand trembling slightly as she reached out and touched the dragon's cool, smooth scales. "He's... amazing," she breathed.
Frostwind let out a low, rumbling purr, almost as if he enjoyed the attention. Isabel's eyes sparkled with joy. "I've never seen a dragon up close before. This is incredible."
He watched them with a smile, his eyes softening as he took in the scene before him. Frostwind's reaction was nothing short of astonishing; it wasn't the first time someone else had touched the dragon, but this was the first time Frostwind had ever displayed such visible delight. The dragon's eyes were half-closed in contentment, a low, rumbling purr vibrating through his chest.
As He shifted his gaze to Isabel, a sense of awe washed over him. There was something incredibly moving about the way she gently stroked Frostwind's scales, her fingers trembling slightly yet exuding a warmth that even the dragon could sense. Dragons were not just majestic creatures; they were deeply intuitive, capable of sensing the subtlest nature of human emotion and inner character. They could effortlessly distinguish between the virtuous and the deceitful.
The fact that Frostwind was not only allowing but clearly reveling in Isabel's touch spoke volumes. It meant she possessed a heart of exceptional purity and kindness. He felt a surge of admiration for her, realizing that she had passed an unspoken test that very few ever did.
Isabel continued to stroke Frostwind's scales, feeling a profound sense of wonder and connection. "Thank you for introducing me to him," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
He nodded, still captivated by her youthful enthusiasm and unique presence. "You're welcome, Isabel. It's moments like these that remind us of the beauty in our world, even amidst the chaos."
He took a step towards Frostwind, his expression turning serious. "It's really good to meet you here, but now we have to go. The war is not over."
Isabel immediately let go of the dragon and took a step back, a pang of disappointment flashing in her eyes. She looked up and met He's gaze. With a soft smile, she said, "Oh, I won't keep you waiting. You can go. I'm also glad to have met you and Frostwind."
She spoke with a hint of charm in her voice, wanting to convey her gratitude for the rare opportunity he had given her. She would never forget this moment. Reaching into her dress coat, she took out a small bottle and handed it to him.