The days passed quickly as we took turns keeping watch over the egg. It was a big responsibility, but we were all eager to help.
I sat beside the egg, my silver scales glistening in the soft light. I gently reached out with my claws, carefully turning the egg to ensure it was comfortable and secure.
As I sat there, I couldn't help but wonder what our new sibling would be like. Would they have any special talents or abilities?
Just then, Lyriath appeared beside me, his navy-blue-and-blood-red scales gleaming in the light. "Hey, Tharros," he said, his voice low and gentle. "How's the egg doing?"
I answered, "Doing get, and I still placed my bet that it is a girl! And what do you think the gender our new sibling?"
Lyriath chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, I don't know, Tharros. I'm starting to think it might be a boy. But I'm not as confident as you are about your guess."
He grinned at me, his navy-blue-and-blood-red scales seeming to gleam with amusement. "But hey, only time will tell. And whoever it is, I'm sure they'll be amazing."
Just then, Vyraxys appeared beside us, his dark-bronze scales looking almost black in the dim light. "Hey, guys, what's going on?" he asked, his voice curious.
Lyriath filled him in on our conversation, and Vyraxys's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ooh, I think it's going to be a boy too!" he exclaimed.
I laughed, shaking my head. "You guys are just trying to gang up on me, aren't you?"
I look at Lyriath. "Hey Lyriath, do you know what the next week will be?"
Lyriath's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded. "Actually, I think I do. Is it someone birthday next week?"
I nodded. "Me and you and Vyraxys and Nyxoria and Lyrixa and Kaidorix birthday!" I smiled wide
Lyriath's eyes widened in surprise, and then a huge grin spread across his face. "Oh man, I totally forgot! Our birthday is next week!"
I pumped my fist in the air, excitement radiating from me. "Yes! We're going to have the best birthday celebration ever! And with the new egg about to hatch, it's going to be an amazing week!"
Mother voice is behind me "actually the egg will be hatching the next month and a half." I yelp in surprise "Mother how long have you been standing there?"
I spun around, my silver scales catching the light as I faced Mother. She was standing there with a gentle smile on her face, her light green scales glistening softly.
"I've been standing here for a little while, Tharros," she said, her voice warm and amused. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation about the egg and your birthday."
I felt a slight blush rise to my cheeks, realizing that Mother had been listening in on our conversation. But she just chuckled and shook her head, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Don't worry, Tharros. I'm not going to tease you about your excitement over the egg. But I do have to say, I'm looking forward to celebrating your birthday with all of you next week."
I smiled, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. "Thanks, Mother. We're all really looking forward to it."
Lyriath, who had been quietly observing our exchange, spoke up. "Hey, Mother? What's the plan for our birthday celebration this year?"
Mother's smile grew wider. "Well, I was thinking we could have a big feast in the main cave, with all of our favorite foods. And maybe some games and competitions to keep things interesting."
Vyraxys, who had been lurking in the background, suddenly perked up. "Ooh, can we have a treasure hunt? I love treasure hunts!"
Mother chuckled. "We'll see, Vyraxys. But I think that's a great idea. We can work out the details later."
I grinned, feeling happy and excited for our upcoming birthday celebration. It was going to be a great day!
A week later, and it is now our birthday
I woke up early, feeling a surge of excitement. The warm sunlight streaming through the cave entrance illuminated the familiar rocky walls, and I stretched my wings, letting out a joyful roar. "It's our birthday!" I shouted, jumping up and down.
Lyriath, Vyraxys, Nyxoria, Lyrixa, and Kaidorix all tumbled out of their sleeping areas, rubbing their eyes and grinning from ear to ear.
"Happy birthday, everyone!" Mother exclaimed, emerging from her chambers with a huge smile on her face. "Today is going to be a fantastic day!"
Father appeared beside her, carrying a large, ornate box. "We have a special surprise for you all," he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
I couldn't wait to see what it was. I bounced up and down, my silver scales shimmering with anticipation.
"Open it! Open it!" we all chorused, gathering around Father and the mysterious box.
Father smiled, clearly enjoying the suspense. "Okay, okay. But first, let's get everyone gathered around." He nodded to Mother, who gestured to the large, open area of the cave.
We all moved to the center of the cave, our scales glinting in the sunlight. The air was filled with the sound of our excited chatter and the rustling of our wings.
When we were all settled, Father opened the box, revealing a trove of glittering treasures inside. There were shiny rocks, glittering crystals, and even a few sparkling bits of metal.
"Wow!" we all breathed in unison, our eyes wide with wonder.
Mother smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. "We wanted to give you all a special gift to celebrate your birthday. Something to remind you of this special day and the bond we share as a family."
Father nodded, his expression serious. "And to help you remember, we've prepared a special ceremony. One that will mark this important milestone in your lives."
I exchanged a curious glance with my siblings. What kind of ceremony could Father have planned?
Father smiled, "but first, let me take a picture. Send it to everyone I know!"
Father's eyes twinkled with amusement as he focused his gaze on us. A glowing, ethereal circle appeared around him, adorned with intricate, swirling patterns that shifted and shimmered in the light.
"Say cheese, everyone!" Father exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.
Suddenly, a mental image of us all appeared in my mind, captured in a perfect snapshot. I knew that Father had just used Draconic Resonance to take a picture and share it with all of his friends and family.
I grinned, feeling happy and excited to be a part of this special moment. My siblings and I all smiled and waved, basking in the joy and celebration of our birthday.
Father's eyes twinkled with amusement as he focused his gaze on us. A glowing, ethereal circle appeared around him, adorned with intricate, swirling patterns that shifted and shimmered in the light.
"Say cheese, everyone!" Father exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.
We all looked up at Father, our big, round eyes shining with excitement. I tried to make a funny face, but ended up just making a silly squeaking noise instead. My siblings all giggled and chirped in response.
Father chuckled, his pencil moving quickly across the paper as he captured our likenesses. "Hold still, hold still!" he teased, trying to get us to stay in one place long enough for him to finish the drawing.
Mother laughed, shaking her head. "Good luck with that, dear," she said, smiling at Father. "They're not exactly known for their ability to sit still."
Father grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know, I know. But I'm a professional," he said, winking at Mother.
Just then, Vyraxys wiggled free from the group and made a beeline for Father's sketchbook. "Ooh, ooh! Can I see? Can I see?" he chirped, his little claws grasping for the paper.
Father laughed, gently lifting Vyraxys up and settling him on his shoulder. "Not yet, little one. I'm not finished yet," he said, continuing to draw with one hand while holding Vyraxys in place with the other.
Father grin, "and by the way, you won't be able to see it until you are in the juvenile stage!"
Vyraxys's face fell, and he pouted, crossing his little arms over his chest. "But whyyyy?" he whined, his voice full of disappointment.
Father chuckled, scratching Vyraxys behind the ears. "Because, little one, your eyes aren't developed enough yet to see the details of the drawing. But don't worry, you'll be able to see it soon enough. And I promise, it'll be worth the wait!"
I looked up at Father, curiosity getting the better of me. "What's the drawing of, Father?" I asked, my eyes shining with excitement.
Father smiled, his eyes twinkling. "It's a special birthday portrait of all of you. I want to capture this moment, when you're all still little hatchlings, before you grow up and become big, strong dragons."
Lyriath, who had been quietly observing the scene, spoke up. "Can we see it when we're juveniles, Father?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.
Father nodded, smiling. "Of course, Lyriath. I'll make sure to show it to all of you when you're old enough to appreciate it."
Mother spoke up, her voice warm and gentle. "Now, let's not focus too much on the drawing. Today is a special day, and we should celebrate. Who's ready for some birthday treats?"
We all cheered and chirped, our eyes shining with excitement. Mother smiled, nodding. "Good! I have some delicious dragon-sized cupcakes prepared, with scales made of sugar and flames made of caramel."
Father set Vyraxys down, and we all followed Mother to the big, open area of the cave. The table was filled with all sorts of tasty treats, and we dug in, savoring the sweet flavors and textures.
Mother and Father have us for a race to fly around in the mountains and go around until we hit the 50 lap
I stretched my little wings, excitement coursing through my veins. "I'm going to win!" I roared, bouncing up and down.
Lyriath grinned, his eyes sparkling with competition. "Oh no, I'm going to beat you, Tharros!" he exclaimed.
Vyraxys, Nyxoria, Lyrixa, and Kaidorix all let out loud roars, each one determined to emerge victorious.
Mother and Father looked at each other, smiling. "Alright, kids! On your marks, get set... GO!" Father shouted, and we all took off, our little wings beating rapidly as we soared into the sky.
The wind rushed past me, whipping my scales back and forth. I banked and turned, following the winding path through the mountains. I could see my siblings flying all around me, each one determined to win.
We flew lap after lap, the sun beating down on us. I started to get tired, but I refused to give up. I gritted my teeth and kept flying, my wings aching with exhaustion.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I saw Mother and Father standing on a rocky outcropping, holding up a big sign that read "50 LAPS!" I poured on a final burst of speed, crossing the finish line a hair's breadth ahead of Lyriath.
I collapsed onto the rocky ground, panting and exhausted. "I... I won!" I roared, triumphant.
Mother and Father rushed over to congratulate me, their faces beaming with pride. "Well done, Tharros!" Father exclaimed, nudging me gently with his snout.
Mother smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "You all did fantastically, but Tharros managed to edge out the rest of you. Congratulations, dear!"
Lyriath grinned, clapping me on the back. "Good job, Tharros. I didn't think you had it in you."
I smiled, feeling happy and relieved. "Thanks, Lyriath. I couldn't have done it without all of you pushing me to fly faster."
Vyraxys, Nyxoria, Lyrixa, and Kaidorix all gathered around, their faces flushed with excitement. "Can we do it again?" Vyraxys asked, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Father chuckled. "Maybe later, Vyraxys. For now, let's just enjoy the rest of our special day. We've got plenty of food, games, and fun activities planned."
We all cheered, eager to see what the rest of the day had in store for us.
Kaidorix looked up at me. "Ha ha," and he muttered, "Even know you, this is your 2nd win in our 3 years of our life"
I laughed, feeling a bit of pride. "Hey, that's right! I'm on a roll!" I exclaimed, nudging Kaidorix playfully with my snout.
Kaidorix grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah, yeah, you're a regular champion," he teased, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I chuckled, taking Kaidorix's teasing in stride. "Hey, someone's got to keep you all on your toes," I said, winking at him.
Lyriath rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "You two are impossible," he said, shaking his head in amusement.
Kaidorix, look at Vyraxys. "Didn't Vyraxys win last year too?"
Kaidorix's grin faltered for a moment, before he looked over at Vyraxys with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh yeah, Vyraxys did win last year, didn't he?" Kaidorix said, his voice dripping with mock innocence.
Vyraxys looked up, a proud smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, I did! I'm the reigning champion of last year!" he exclaimed, puffing out his chest.
I chuckled, feeling a bit of good-natured rivalry. "Well, I guess I'm the new reigning champion now," I said, grinning at Vyraxys.
Vyraxys grinned back, his eyes sparkling with friendly competition. "Don't get too comfortable, Tharros. I'll be back, and I'll be ready to take the title back!"
Kaidorix looks at me and Vyraxys with a shock mix with an angry face. "Can't I get 1 win?!" I look at Kaidorix."Calm down. This is our 3rd birthday!" I said
Kaidorix's face turned a deeper shade of indigo, his scales ruffled with agitation. "I don't care about our birthday! I care about winning! And I never get to win!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration.
I held up my hands, trying to placate him. "Kaidorix, calm down. It's just a game. We're all winners because we're having fun together."
Kaidorix scowled, his tail twitching back and forth. "Easy for you to say, Tharros. You're the one who always wins."
Vyraxys stepped forward, his expression conciliatory. "Hey, Kaidorix, don't be mad. We're all friends, and we're all winners in our own way."
Kaidorix's scowl deepened, but he didn't say anything else. Instead, he turned and stalked away, his forest green scales glistening in the sunlight.
I watched Kaidorix go, feeling a pang of concern. I knew he was frustrated, but I hoped he wouldn't stay mad for long.
Vyraxys turned to me, his dark bronze scales glinting in the sunlight. "Don't worry, Tharros. He'll come around. He's just really competitive."
I nodded, smiling wryly. "I know. But it's hard not to feel a little bad when he's so upset."
Just then, Mother stepped forward, her light green scales shining with warmth. "Okay, kids. Let's not focus on the competition. Let's focus on having fun and celebrating our special day."
We all nodded, smiling, and began to make our way towards the big feast that Mother and Father had set up for us. The delicious smells of roasting meats and fresh fruits wafted through the air, making our stomachs growl with anticipation.
As Father announced the presents, our eyes widened with excitement. We loved birthdays, and the presents were always the best part.
Mother smiled, her light green scales shining with happiness. "Okay, kids, gather around! We've got a special surprise for each of you."
We all gathered around, our scales quivering with anticipation. Father began to hand out the presents, each one carefully wrapped in colorful paper and tied with a ribbon.
I received a beautiful, leather-bound book about the ancient history of our people. Lyriath got a new sword, one that shone with a fierce, ember-like glow. Vyraxys received a set of intricate, bronze-colored puzzles that would challenge even his clever mind.
Nyxoria squealed with delight as she unwrapped a beautiful, delicate necklace made of glittering, moonlit crystals. Lyrixa received a new set of Dragonfire Skewers, her favorite food, carefully prepared by Mother.
And Kaidorix... Kaidorix's present was the most surprising of all. Father handed him a small, delicate box made of a strange, glowing wood. Kaidorix's eyes widened as he opened the box, revealing a beautiful, shimmering scale that seemed to match his own forest green scales perfectly.
"What is it?" Kaidorix breathed, his eyes shining with wonder.
Father smiled, his albino scales glinting with pride. "That, my son, is a Scale of the Ancients. It's a rare and precious gift, one that will grant you great power and wisdom."
We all stared at Kaidorix in awe, our minds reeling with the implications of such a gift. What did it mean for Kaidorix, and for our family? Only time would tell.
Kaidorix's eyes were fixed on the Scale of the Ancients, his expression a mix of wonder and awe. He carefully reached out a claw to touch the scale, and as he did, a soft, pulsing glow began to emanate from it.
Vyraxys leaned forward, his dark bronze scales glinting with curiosity. "What does it do?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Father smiled, his albino scales shining with knowledge. "The Scale of the Ancients is a powerful artifact," he explained. "It's said to grant the bearer immense power, wisdom, and agility."
Lyriath's navy blue scales seemed to darken with interest. "That sounds amazing," he said, his voice filled with envy.
Nyxoria's amethyst scales sparkled with excitement. "Can we see it in action?" she asked, her voice bubbling with curiosity.
Kaidorix looked up, a hint of a smile on his face. "I think I need to practice with it first," he said, his voice filled with determination.
Mother's light green scales shone with warmth. "Of course, dear," she said. "You'll need to learn how to harness its power."
As we watched, Kaidorix carefully placed the Scale of the Ancients on his chest, where it seemed to blend seamlessly into his forest green scales. A soft, pulsing glow began to emanate from the scale, and Kaidorix's eyes seemed to gleam with a newfound sense of power and confidence.
As the day went on, we celebrated our birthday with games, laughter, and plenty of Wyrmsteak - or in my case, Starlight Steak. But I couldn't help sneaking glances at Kaidorix, who seemed to be radiating an aura of quiet confidence.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over our gathering, Father stood up to make a toast. "To my wonderful children," he said, his albino scales shining with pride. "May this new year bring you all joy, wisdom, and adventure."
We all echoed the toast, our voices ringing out in unison. As we drank, I caught Kaidorix's eye, and he smiled - a small, enigmatic smile that made me wonder what the future held for our family.
As the night wore on, we settled in around the fire, our scales glistening in the flickering light. Mother began to tell a story, her voice weaving a spell of enchantment over us.
"It was a time of great darkness," she said, her light green scales shimmering with an otherworldly glow. "A powerful sorcerer had stolen the fabled Crystal of the Ancients, plunging our land into shadow."
Lyriath's navy blue scales seemed to darken with interest. "What happened next?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mother's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Our ancestors, the great dragons of old, banded together to retrieve the crystal. They flew across mountains and valleys, braving treacherous storms and treacherous foes."
Vyraxys's dark bronze scales glinted with awe. "And did they succeed?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder.
Mother nodded, a proud smile spreading across her face. "They did indeed. The dragons fought bravely, using all their strength and cunning to defeat the sorcerer and reclaim the crystal."
As Mother finished her story, the fire crackled and spat, sending sparks flying up into the night air. We all sat in silence for a moment, our scales glinting in the firelight as we absorbed the tale of our ancestors' bravery.
Kaidorix, still wearing the Scale of the Ancients, stood up, his forest green scales seeming to shimmer with a newfound sense of purpose. "I want to be like our ancestors," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I want to be brave and strong and to defend our land against any danger."
Father's albino scales glowed with pride. "You have the heart of a true dragon, Kaidorix," he said. "And with the Scale of the Ancients, you will be a powerful force for good."
I felt a surge of admiration for my brother. Kaidorix had always been a bit of a mystery to me, but now I saw him in a new light. He was no longer just the quiet, reserved brother I had grown up with. He was a young dragon with a noble spirit and a great destiny ahead of him.
As we settled in for the night, our scales glinting in the fading light of the fire, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for Kaidorix and for our family.
When I woke up, I was under my father wing
As I stirred, Father's wing shifted slightly, allowing a sliver of sunlight to peek through. I blinked, taking in my surroundings. We were perched on a narrow ledge, high up on the side of a mountain. The wind whipped through my scales, sending a shiver down my spine.
Father's voice rumbled above me. "Time to get up, Tharros. We've got a long flight ahead of us."
I stretched, feeling a bit stiff from sleeping under Father's wing. As I emerged from the shelter of his wing, I took in the breathtaking view. The mountain range stretched out before us, peaks and valleys as far as the eye could see.
Kaidorix was already up, his forest green scales glinting in the morning light. He gave me a nod, and I returned it, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. Today was going to be an epic adventure!
Mother voice can be heard. "I think it is time for you little ones to learn Dragon hierarchy!"
I perked up at Mother's words, my ears twitching with interest. Dragon hierarchy was a mysterious and complex topic, one that I had always been curious about.
Kaidorix's eyes lit up with excitement, and he took a step forward, his forest green scales glinting with eagerness. "Yes, Mother! We're ready to learn!"
Father's wing settled around us, drawing us closer. "Very well," he said, his voice low and rumbling. "The time has come for you to learn about the ancient traditions of our kind."
Mother's voice took on a serious tone. "In the dragon world, hierarchy is everything. It determines our place in society, our role in the community, and even our relationships with one another."
I leaned in, my scales tingling with anticipation. I had always known that our family was part of a larger dragon society, but I had never really understood how it all worked.
"Who's at the top of the hierarchy?" Kaidorix asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Mother's eyes gleamed with a hint of pride. "The Dragon King, of course," she said. "The ruler of our kind and the most powerful dragon in the land."
I felt a shiver run down my spine at the mention of the Dragon King. I had heard stories of his legendary power and wisdom, but I had never seen him myself.
Father's voice rumbled in agreement. "Yes, the Dragon King is the pinnacle of our society. But there are many other roles and ranks within the hierarchy, each with its own unique responsibilities and privileges."
I nodded, my mind racing with questions and curiosity. I couldn't wait to learn more about the intricacies of dragon hierarchy.
I listened intently as Mother began to explain the dragon hierarchy. "You see, children, our society is structured in a specific way. There are higher ranks, middle ranks, and lower ranks."
I exchanged a curious glance with my siblings. We had never heard of this before.
"The higher ranks include the Dragon King and Queen, who rule over our realm," Mother continued. "Then there are the Dragon Lords, who govern territories and clans. And of course, there are the Dragon Elders, who advise on matters of state and tradition."
I felt a surge of excitement. This was all so new and fascinating!
Father's deep voice chimed in, "And then there are the middle ranks, which include the Dragon Knights, who protect our realm, the Dragon Mages, who wield elemental magic, and the Dragon Guardians, who safeguard sacred sites and treasures."
My siblings and I looked at each other, our minds racing with questions.
Mother smiled. "And of course, there are the lower ranks, which include the Dragon Clansmen, who are members of dragon families or clans, the Dragon Apprentices, who are training in magic, combat, or crafts, and the Dragon Hatchlings, who are newly born dragons under the guidance of elders."
I felt a bit overwhelmed but also eager to learn more.
Father's wing settled around us, drawing us closer. "And then there are those who don't fit into the traditional hierarchy," he said. "The Outcasts, who have been banished or shunned, the Drakes, who are young or smaller dragons, and the Wyrmkin, who are dragon offspring with mixed heritage."
My siblings and I looked at each other, our eyes wide with wonder. There was so much to learn, and we were eager to explore this new world of dragon hierarchy.
I question ask, "And what rank are we on?" Mother answered with a calm tone "well we are in the dragon clansmen rank."
I nodded, taking in this new information. "So, we're all part of the Dragon Clansmen rank?" I asked, looking at Mother for confirmation.
Mother smiled, her light green scales shining with warmth. "That's right, Tharros. As members of our family, you and your siblings are all part of the Dragon Clansmen rank."
I glanced at my siblings, and we all nodded in understanding. Being part of the Dragon Clansmen rank made sense, given that we were a close-knit family.
Lyriath spoke up, his navy blue scales seeming to darken with interest. "And what about Father?" he asked, his voice curious. "Is he also part of the Dragon Clansmen rank?"
Mother's expression turned gentle. "Yes, Lyriath. Your father is also part of the Dragon Clansmen rank, just like the rest of us."
I felt a sense of comfort knowing that we were all part of the same rank. It made me feel closer to my family and more connected to our dragon heritage.
Mother smiled. "It may not be much, but it is fine no matter what!"
I smiled back at Mother, feeling a warmth in my heart. She was right, of course. Being part of the Dragon Clansmen rank may not have been the most prestigious or powerful position, but it was ours, and it was special in its own way.
My siblings and I all nodded in agreement, our scales shimmering with a sense of pride and belonging. We may not have been Dragon Lords or Dragon Elders, but we were happy to be who we were, and to be part of this wonderful family.
I question ask mother, "So who is the dragon king name?"
Mother's expression turned serious, and she glanced around cautiously before responding in a hushed tone. "The Dragon King's name is... Arkonix," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I heard the name. Arkonix was a legend, a powerful and wise ruler who had been on the throne for as long as anyone could remember.
My siblings and I exchanged awed glances. We had heard stories of Arkonix's greatness, but to hear his name spoken aloud was a rare and special thing.
I question ask "Wait, was he used to be a dragon prince?" Mother nodded
I felt a surge of curiosity. "So, Arkonix was once a Dragon Prince?" I asked, my voice filled with wonder.
Mother nodded again, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Tharros. Before he became the Dragon King, Arkonix was indeed a Dragon Prince. He was the eldest son of the previous Dragon King, and he was groomed from a young age to take the throne."
I leaned in, my ears perked up with interest. "What was he like as a Dragon Prince?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Mother's eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in thought. "Arkonix was... charismatic," she said, her voice filled with a hint of nostalgia. "He was brave, wise, and just. Even as a young Dragon Prince, he had a natural leadership quality that inspired loyalty and devotion in those around him."
I felt a sense of awe wash over me. Arkonix sounded like an incredible dragon, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the mighty Dragon King.
I questioned my mother, "How old is arkonix now?" Mother answered "well if I'm not wrong about..... 126 years old!" I was shocked of how old he is now, and he seems very young for a dragon king
I look at Mother. "I expected he be more older then that!"
Mother chuckled, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Yes, Tharros, Arkonix is indeed younger than one might expect for a Dragon King," she said, her voice filled with amusement. "But, you see, dragons age differently than other creatures. We mature slowly, but our lifespan is much longer."
I nodded, intrigued. "So, 126 years old is actually... young for a dragon?" I asked, trying to wrap my head around the concept.
Mother nodded. "Yes, that's right. For a dragon, 126 years is still considered relatively youthful. Arkonix is actually still in his prime, despite being the Dragon King for many years."
I felt my mind reeling with the implications. I had always thought of the Dragon King as an ancient, wise, and powerful ruler, but now I was beginning to realize that he was actually much more dynamic and vibrant than I had imagined.
Mother mumbled, "Even know that he is in an ancient stage"
I looked at Mother in surprise, my ears perked up with interest. "What do you mean, Mother?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity. "You just said that 126 years old is still considered young for a dragon."
Mother's expression turned serious, and she leaned in closer to me. "I know what I said, Tharros," she whispered. "But the truth is, Arkonix is... different. He's been alive for so long, he's seen the rise and fall of civilizations, the birth of new ideas and the death of old ones."
She paused, her eyes glinting with a hint of mystery. "Arkonix has reached an ancient stage, one that few dragons ever achieve. He's transcended the normal bounds of dragon aging, and has entered a realm of wisdom and power that's beyond human comprehension."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I listened to Mother's words. I couldn't even begin to imagine what it would be like to live for so long, to see so much, and to possess such wisdom and power.
Mother continued explaining, "Yes, dragons, body age, slowly, but the dragon stage is fast, then you think!"
I nodded, trying to understand the distinction Mother was making. "So, you're saying that while our physical bodies age slowly, our dragon stage - our level of wisdom, power, and magical ability - can advance rapidly?" I asked, seeking clarification.
Mother nodded, her light green scales shimmering with approval. "Exactly, Tharros. A dragon's physical body may take centuries to reach full maturity, but our dragon stage can progress much more quickly. It's not uncommon for a dragon to reach a high stage of wisdom and power in a relatively short period of time, at least compared to our physical aging process."
I thought about this for a moment, trying to wrap my head around the concept. It was a lot to take in, but I was determined to understand the intricacies of dragon aging and development.
Mother sight "let me explain!
The hatchling stage is 0-21 years old
The juvenile stage is 22-42 years old
The Sub-adult stage is 43-63 years old
The adult stage is 64-83 years old
The elder stage is 84-104 years old
Finally, the ancient stage is more than 104 years old"
I listened intently as Mother explained the different stages of a dragon's life. I committed each stage to memory, fascinated by the distinct age ranges and the progression from one stage to the next.
"So, let me make sure I understand," I said, repeating the stages back to Mother. "The hatchling stage is from 0 to 21 years old, which is when we're first born and growing rapidly. Then comes the juvenile stage, from 22 to 42 years old, when we start to develop our skills and abilities."
I continued, "Next is the sub-adult stage, from 43 to 63 years old, when we're almost fully grown but still refining our powers. After that comes the adult stage, from 64 to 83 years old, when we've reached our prime and are at the height of our strength and wisdom."
I took a deep breath before finishing. "Then there's the elder stage, from 84 to 104 years old, when we've gained immense wisdom and experience. And finally, there's the ancient stage, which is more than 104 years old, when we've transcended even the elder stage and achieved a level of power and understanding that's beyond most dragons."
Mother smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "That's correct, Tharros. You have a good understanding of the different stages of a dragon's life."
I question ask that I will regret "how old are you mother?" Mother looked at me in shock, and she seemed to hold all her anger, but she answered, "66 years old!" She smacked my head gently."Don't ever question a female age again, Tharros!" She looks at me with death glaring
I rubbed my sore head, wincing at the gentle but firm smack. "Ow, Mother! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you!" I protested, trying to appease her.
But Mother's expression remained stern, her light green scales seeming to bristle with indignation. "You shouldn't have asked, Tharros," she said, her voice low and even. "A female dragon's age is not to be questioned. It's a matter of respect and courtesy."
I hung my head in shame, feeling a twinge of regret for my thoughtless question. "I'm sorry, Mother. I won't do it again, I promise."
Mother's glare softened slightly, and she reached out to gently stroke my silver scales. "See that you don't, Tharros. Now, let's just forget this little incident ever happened, shall we?" Father laughed
Father's deep, rumbling laughter filled the air, and I couldn't help but smile. "Ah, Tharros, you've learned a valuable lesson today," he chuckled, his albino scales seeming to glow with amusement.
Mother shot him a mock-stern glance, but a hint of a smile played on her lips. "Don't encourage him, dear," she said, her voice teasing.
I grinned, feeling a bit relieved that the tension had been broken. "I'll try to remember, Mother," I promised, rubbing my sore head again.