Kaelan, only hearing the dragon's grunt, looked at Eamon with confusion. "Did I say something wrong?"
Eamon, still processing the dragon's words, shook his head. "No, it's just... you didn't understand what Onyx said?"
Kaelan frowned, perplexed. "No, I just heard a grunt. Did I miss something?"
Eamon paused, then heard Onyx's voice again. "Stupid human, only you can understand me because we share a connection."
Eamon chuckled nervously, trying to steer the conversation away from Onyx's sarcastic remarks. "Oh, no, Kaelan, you didn't miss anything. Onyx was just... um, welcoming us in his own unique way."
Onyx's eyes gleamed with amusement as he continued, his voice echoing in Eamon's mind. "Yes, welcoming you with open claws and a charming personality."
Kaelan raised an eyebrow, still puzzled. "Is he always like this?"
Eamon tried to suppress a laugh. "Uh, yeah, sometimes. Onyx has a... colorful way of expressing himself."
Onyx snorted again, his scales shimmering with amusement. "Colorful? I prefer 'eloquent.'"
Eamon grinned. "Eloquent indeed. You know, Kaelan, you might need some time to get used to Onyx's sense of humor."
Kaelan nodded slowly, eyeing the dragon cautiously. "Right. Good to know."
Onyx interrupted, his tone dripping with mock sympathy. "Ah, the poor lad. Unacquainted with greatness, it seems."
Eamon stifled a laugh. "Onyx says you're just not accustomed to greatness yet."
Kaelan shot Onyx a glare. "Oh, I'll get accustomed to it. Just you wait."
Onyx chuckled softly, his eyes narrowing with amusement. "I'll make sure to give you a proper dragon education, then."
Eamon shook his head, amused. "I think you two are going to get along just fine."
Kaelan grinned. "As long as Onyx doesn't turn all my clothes into ashes or something."
Onyx's laughter echoed in Eamon's mind. "Oh, that would be far too easy. I prefer more... creative methods."
Eamon translated with a smirk. "Onyx says he prefers more creative ways to keep you on your toes."
As they stood on the ground while bickering, a majestic frost dragon casted shadow on them as he looked over them, its crystalline scales shimmering in the sunlight. Kaelan's eyes lit up with pride and excitement.
"There's Glacius!" he exclaimed, pointing eagerly at the approaching dragon. "That's my bonded dragon, Eamon."
Eamon's breath caught in his throat as he beheld Glacius, a creature of sheer beauty and grace. "Wow, Kaelan. Glacius is so beautiful."
Onyx, meanwhile, rumbled with amusement at the sight of Glacius. "Ah, big brother is here too. Looks like I'm going to have some fun with him."
Ignoring the warning glare from Glacius, Onyx spread his wings and launched himself into the sky, heading straight for the frost dragon. "Glacius, my big frozing brother! Ready for a little competition?" Onyx called out cheekily.
Glacius huffed, his icy breath forming mist in the air. "Onyx, must you always be so... enthusiastic?"
Eamon watched in amusement as Onyx and Glacius circled each other in the sky, exchanging banter that only they could understand. Eamon chuckled nervously, knowing how mischievous Onyx could be.
"Its look like they already know each other," Kaelan remarked to Eamon. "We didn't have to worry about being them dissatisfied with each other."
Eamon grinned. "Seems like it. Your Glacius and my Onyx are quite a pair."
Below them, the courtyard buzzed with excitement as more dragons and their riders arrived, each presenting a unique bond and formidable presence.
Duchess Beatrice leaned over, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Look at them, Duke Drakemont. Our sons, embarking on a journey that will shape their futures."
Duke Drakemont nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Indeed, my dear. They have grown into fine young men, ready to face whatever challenges come their way."
Gareth clapped Kaelan on the back. "Well, little brother, looks like you've finally found your calling. Who would've thought you'd become a dragon rider?"
Kaelan smiled, watching Onyx and Glacius playfully sparring in the sky. "Neither did I, Gareth. But I wouldn't have it any other way."
~~~~~
The next day dawned bright and clear, the sun casting a warm glow over the bustling chamber of castle. The anticipation was palpable as more dragons and their riders were expected to arrive. Kaelan, Eamon, and their families gathered early, eager to welcome their friends.
The first sign of dragon's arrival was a gentle, rhythmic splash, followed by a serene, melodic roar that seemed to soothe the very air around it. The crowd hushed as a magnificent water dragon, Lyra, emerged from the nearby river. Her iridescent scales glimmered like liquid silver in the sunlight, and her movements were as graceful as a flowing stream. Alaric sat atop her, his posture composed and his face lit with pride.
The crowd murmured in awe at Lyra's beauty, and the king himself leaned forward, his eyes shining with approval. "A magnificent dragon, indeed."
The Grandmaster stepped forward, his voice resonating across the courtyard. "Welcome, Lord Alaric of House Andros, and your bonded dragon, Lyra. Your presence enriches this assembly."
Alaric bowed deeply in gratitude for the king's praise and the Grandmaster's well wishes. He calmly accepted the cheers of the crowd and walked gracefully from the platform towards his friends, already waving at him eagerly.
"Eamon! Kaelan!" Alaric called out as he approached, Lyra following closely behind him.
Eamon and Kaelan came forward, eyes wide with awe as they took in the sight of the magnificent water dragon. Without blinking, they were snapped out of their reverie when Lyra gently tapped their heads with her wings. Both chuckled, realizing they had been caught staring.
Lyra smiled gracefully at them and said, "Alaric, your friends are just as pure of heart as you," her melodic laughter enchanting the crowd. Many in the audience found themselves stealing glances at the beautiful dragon.
Alaric turned slightly pink, recalling how he had also lost his composure the first time he saw Lyra. "I remember being just as entranced when I first met her," he admitted sheepishly.
Kaelan laughed. "I don't blame you. Lyra is truly breathtaking."
Eamon nodded in agreement. "You really lucked out, Alaric. Lyra is something special."
Lyra dipped her head modestly. "Thank you, Kaelan and Eamon. It is an honor to be among such noble hearts."