In the Embrace of Green Flame

FOUR

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣୧‿︵‿︵

The next day at noon, Vaella arrived at the Dragonpit, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nerves. She had chosen her attire carefully, donning a riding outfit that combined practicality with elegance, showcasing her commitment to mastering the art of dragon riding.

As she entered the vast expanse of the Dragonpit, her eyes scanned the area, searching for any sign of Aemond. The sunlight filtered through the openings in the roof, casting a warm glow on the ancient stones. The air held a faint hint of sulfur, a reminder of the dragons that roam these grounds.

And then she saw him, standing at the edge of the pit, his tall figure silhouetted against the backdrop of the dragon skulls. Aemond wore a dark leather tunic that hugged his form, emphasizing his strength and athleticism. He seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the empty expanse before him.

With a newfound determination, Vaella approached him, her steps purposeful and confident. As she drew closer, she could sense the tension in the air, the unspoken questions lingering between them. She stopped a few paces away from Aemond, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

"I'm glad you came," she said, her eyes meeting him.

Aemond turned to face her, his one visible eye holding a mixture of curiosity and guarded interest. He regarded her for a moment, as if studying her resolve. Then, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, "I had to see if Pyrothor lived up to how you described."

"I have no doubt that Pyrothor will impress you," she replied, her voice filled with confidence. "He's grown into a magnificent creature, fierce and loyal. But don't underestimate him; he may surprise you."

At that Vaella signaled to the dragon keepers to bring out Pyrthor. As they brought him out, Vaella bounced to him to stroke his scales.

Pyrothor, a dragon of vibrant hues, embodied the essence of untamed beauty. His scales shimmered in a myriad of shades, ranging from deep emerald green to iridescent turquoise. With every movement, his scales caught the light, creating a dazzling display that mirrored Vaella's own spirit. His wings, expansive and graceful, spread wide with an ethereal beauty. The dark green membranes, almost translucent in the sunlight, created a captivating contrast against the verdant hue of his scales. Each beat of his wings stirred the air, whispering a melody of power and grace.

As Aemond approached Pyrothor, he couldn't help but be drawn to his eyes, which mirrored Vaella's own green eyes. They were large and expressive, like pools of sparkling emerald, reflecting a sense of wonder and a genuine desire to explore the world alongside his rider.

"Impressive, he truly suits you," Aemond murmured.

Vaella nodded, a sense of pride evident in her eyes. "Pyrothor and I have been spend a lot of time together. I think I mostly just talk to him," she hesitated for a moment, "I haven't at all tried to fly with him."

Aemond's gaze shifted from Pyrothor to Vaella, his curiosity piqued. "You haven't flown with him yet? I thought you would have had some practice with how confident you seemed yesterday."

She lightheartedly chuckled, "Yes... well in truth I have been afraid about trying to fly for the first time, and I figured you would not help me train if I showed fear then." Vaella casted her eyes down, "I know. I'm a disgrace to our blood."