The forest of Tarturas had a rhythm of its own. Days blended seamlessly into nights, and the power that thrummed through the land never wavered. For Aleanna, her days so far had been filled with curious exploration, learning to navigate her divine gifts while surrounded by her loyal beasts. But today, the air felt different—charged with something ancient and powerful.
As Aleanna perched atop the golden serpent, her self-proclaimed throne for the day, she noticed the subtle change in the atmosphere. The forest had gone silent. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
"Well, that's ominous," she muttered, her voice carrying a playful lilt despite the tension. She patted the serpent's head. "Looks like something big is about to happen. You ready?"
The serpent hissed softly, coiling protectively around her as a massive shadow passed overhead. Aleanna tilted her head back, her divine eyes catching a glimpse of the source—a dragon. But not just any dragon.
Descending through the thick canopy was a creature of awe-inspiring majesty. Its serpentine body was adorned with shimmering emerald scales that reflected the sunlight like a thousand polished gemstones. Its long, flowing mane sparkled like silver starlight, and its antlers curved elegantly, glowing faintly with an ancient energy. The dragon's golden eyes burned with intelligence and power as it landed gracefully in the clearing, its massive form coiling fluidly around itself.
The other beasts immediately bowed, pressing their heads to the ground. Even the golden serpent beneath Aleanna shifted nervously, its usual confidence replaced by submission.
Aleanna, however, remained seated, her gaze locked with the dragon's. A playful smile tugged at her lips. "Well, aren't you dramatic?" she said, breaking the silence.
The dragon's head snapped toward her, its golden eyes narrowing in disbelief. For a moment, it seemed unsure whether to roar in outrage or gape in awe. Then it truly saw her.
Her radiant beauty struck the dragon like a thunderbolt. It was as if the very essence of the heavens had taken physical form. The divine aura that surrounded her was impossibly pure, and her playful smile carried a warmth that made even the mighty dragon's heart falter.
"You…" The dragon's voice rumbled deeply, reverberating through the forest. "You are… not mortal."
Aleanna laughed, the sound light and melodic, cutting through the tension like a breeze. "Sharp, aren't you? I'd like to think my glowing skin and all the bowing beasts gave it away."
The dragon blinked, its expression shifting from disbelief to wonder. Slowly, it lowered its massive head until its snout was mere inches from her. Its voice softened, filled with reverence. "You are divine."
"Correct again," Aleanna said, hopping down from the golden serpent and walking confidently toward the dragon. Her movements were effortless, her presence commanding. "Name's Aleanna. And you are?"
"I…" The dragon hesitated, the words catching in its throat as it stared at her. "I am Longwei, a descendant of the primordial dragons and the guardian of Tarturas. But I have never witnessed anything… anyone like you."
Aleanna placed her hands on her hips, tilting her head as she regarded the dragon. "Well, Longwei, it looks like fate decided we should meet. I take it you're here because you sensed my arrival?"
"How could I not?" Longwei replied, his voice filled with awe. "Your presence shook the heavens themselves. I have guarded this forest for centuries, yet even I tremble before you."
Aleanna's smile widened. "Tremble? Oh, don't do that. I'm not here to rule with fear. I'm here to, well… figure things out." She reached out, her hand brushing against the dragon's snout. His scales were cool to the touch, but she felt the raw power that thrummed beneath them.
The dragon shuddered at her touch, his massive body trembling slightly. "You honor me beyond words, Saintess."
"Saintess?" Aleanna raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you're going to call me?"
"It is what you are," Longwei said firmly. "You are the child of the divine. The most holy. And I… I swear my eternal loyalty to you."
Aleanna blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the dragon's declaration. "Just like that?"
Longwei lifted his head, his golden eyes blazing with determination. "Just like that. My life is yours, Saintess. My strength, my wisdom, my very soul. I will guard you with everything I am."
Aleanna studied him for a moment, her playful demeanor softening into something more thoughtful. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"As the heavens themselves," Longwei replied.
A warm smile spread across her face. "Well, who am I to turn down a dragon as impressive as you? Alright, Longwei, welcome to the team. But one condition."
"Anything, Saintess."
"Stop calling me Saintess all the time," she said, crossing her arms. "Just Aleanna is fine."
Longwei hesitated, visibly uncomfortable. "But… your holiness—"
"Ah, ah," Aleanna interrupted, wagging a finger at him. "No 'your holiness' either. Just Aleanna. Got it?"
The dragon lowered his head, his lips curling into what could only be described as a sheepish grin. "As you wish… Aleanna."
"That's better," she said with a nod, turning back to the other beasts. "Now then, let's get moving. I've got a feeling things are going to get a lot more interesting around here."
As Aleanna climbed onto Longwei's back, the dragon spread his magnificent wings, their shimmering membranes catching the light. With a powerful leap, he took to the skies, carrying her above the forest canopy.
For the first time, Aleanna saw the vastness of Tarturas stretched out before her—an endless expanse of wild beauty and untamed power. A thrill coursed through her as she realized her journey was just beginning.
Below, the beasts of Tarturas roared in unison, their cries echoing through the forest as they acknowledged their saintess and her new, majestic companion.
And high above, Aleanna laughed, her voice bright and fearless, as she soared into her destiny.