As they exchanged greetings, another distinct roar echoed through the air, this time deep and rumbling. All eyes turned to see a massive, lumbering figure approaching. Mirael and her dragon, Zorath, made an imposing sight. Zorath was unlike any other dragon present, with his huge, leathery hide and sturdy, tortoise-like legs. Despite his formidable appearance, there was a warmth and gentleness in his eyes that captivated the onlookers.
The Grandmaster raised his hands, commanding attention. "Welcome, Lady Mirael of House Elara, and your bonded dragon, Zorath. Your unique bond adds strength to our gathering."
The spectators clapped and cheered, their excitement growing with each new arrival. The king stood, his regal presence commanding silence. "It fills my heart with pride to see such noble bonds forming. Each of you brings honor to your houses and strength to our kingdom. May your dragons be your guiding stars and your bonds unbreakable."
Mirael bowed deeply, feeling the weight of the honor bestowed upon her. As she walked towards her friends, Zorath lumbered behind her, his massive form causing the ground to tremble slightly.
"Hey, Mirael!" Kaelan called out, waving enthusiastically.
Mirael smiled and quickened her pace, joining the group. "Hello, everyone. Meet Zorath."
Eamon and Alaric greeted her warmly, and Kaelan couldn't help but stare at Zorath in awe. "Zorath, you look incredible," he said, his voice filled with admiration.
Zorath's deep voice rumbled with amusement. "Thank you, young rider. It is good to be among friends."
Onyx, circling above, couldn't resist a quip. "So, Zorath, how did you come out of your muddy bath? I thought you'd pass your old age there."
Zorath looked toward Onyx and said in a deep voice, "Don't be jealous, Onyx. Next time, I'll give you a muddy bath too," Zorath said with a creepy smile that made Onyx shudder.
Just behind them, a melodious laugh rang out. Onyx looked behind Zorath, his eyes widening, and he quickly flapped his wings toward the melodic voice.
"Oh, my goddess is here too! You fat Zorath, get out of my way! You're blocking such a beautiful view," Onyx said, nudging the big dragon aside. He gracefully landed beside Lyra and started grooming his nonexistent fur on his head.
With exaggerated flair, he said, "Lyra, my dearest water jewel, have you ever seen a dragon as dashing as I am? Your beauty puts the stars to shame, and your voice—oh, your voice—it's like a symphony that plays in my heart. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, my scales have tingled with admiration.
You must be the reason the ocean tides rise and fall, the moonlight glistening on the water's surface. I, Onyx, your humble admirer, would be honored to bask in your radiant presence. Will you, my enchanting aquatic angel, grant me the favor of your company on this fine day?"
Lyra chuckled her laughter like tinkling bells, and replied, "Oh, Onyx, you certainly have a way with words.
Onyx puffed up with pride, "I knew my charm would win you over, Lyra. Together, we shall dazzle the skies and make every other dragon green with envy."
Kaelan almost spat out the water he was drinking, listening to the cheesy lines Onyx had just delivered with such shamelessness.
Eamon couldn't have found it more embarrassing; he just wanted to dig a hole and hide himself. The only ones who seemed confused were Alaric and Mirael, who could not understand what Onyx had said.
Kaelan and Eamon could understand it because they had been given a potion by the Grandmaster the previous day to help them understand the language of every dragon, whether they shared a bond or not. It was one of the perks of being a dragon rider.
Mirael, noticing their funny reactions, asked, "What happened?" Zorath, with a deep rumble, explained the cheesy lines of Onyx to her, while Lyra translated it to Alaric.
Mirael, wiping tears from laughing so hard, said, "Just whose bonded dragon is this? I really pity him."
Eamon's face turned a deeper shade of red, and he hurriedly walked towards Onyx, exclaiming, "What are you doing, expressing your thoughts in open daylight? At least find a suitable place and time!"
Onyx gave Eamon a bored look and replied, "Human, don't come between my confession of love. How would a single dog like you know the importance of every moment of courting?"
Kaelan and Alaric exchanged amused glances. Kaelan said, "Onyx sure knows how to make an impression."
Alaric chuckled, "Seems like he has a flair for the dramatic."
Mirael, still giggling, added, "Well, at least things won't be dull with him around."
Lyra, with a serene smile, said to Onyx, "Your enthusiasm is... refreshing, Onyx. But perhaps Eamon has a point about timing."
Onyx sighed dramatically, "Very well, Lyra. For you, I shall be more discreet."
Eamon breathed a sigh of relief, though he couldn't help but smile at the situation. "Thanks, Onyx. Appreciate it."
As the next riders and dragons arrived, each one was greeted with cheers and admiration. The courtyard was filled with the sounds of dragons' roars, laughter, and the chatter of excited spectators. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation, but as the hours passed, the initial excitement started to give way to concern. It was now dusk, and there was still no sign of Isabel.
Eamon, Kaelan, Alaric, and Mirael gathered in a small circle, their faces shadowed by worry. Onyx, Glacius, Lyra, and Zorath hovered nearby, their presence a comforting reminder of their bond.
Mirael glanced at the horizon, her expression tense. "Isabel still hasn't arrived. Do you think she's in some kind of danger?"
Kaelan shook his head, trying to stay optimistic. "She must be fine. There are many challenges in the Keep, but from what Glacius has told me, none of them are life-threatening."
Eamon nodded in agreement. "Glacius said the same. The Keep is meant to test our abilities and our bonds with our dragons, not to endanger our lives."
Alaric frowned, his brow furrowed in thought. "But still, it's not like Isabel to be late. She's a healer, but she is just as capable in combat too."
Mirael sighed, looking down at feets. "I just hope she's okay. She only has time until dusk tomorrow, and then all of the remaining candidates will be summoned back from the Keep."