Mother's determination was palpable as she pored over ancient tomes and scrolls, searching for any mention of a way to help Father's slime-induced affliction. I watched her work, admiring her dedication and resourcefulness.
As the hours passed, the cave grew quiet, with most of the children settling in for a rest. I stayed awake, keeping vigil beside Father, who slept fitfully. Occasionally, he'd stir, his eyes fluttering open as if searching for something.
Mother finally looked up from her research, her eyes red-rimmed from fatigue. "Tharros, I'm afraid we're at a loss," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. I leaned forward, concern etched on my face. "What do you mean, Mother?"
She sighed, frustration evident in her voice. "I've found nothing that can help your Father. We're on our own with this. We'll just have to wait and see how his body reacts to the slimes."
I nodded, feeling a sense of uncertainty and worry. "We'll take care of him, Mother. Together."
Mother's gaze met mine, and I saw a glimmer of determination and love. "We'll do everything we can to support him, Tharros.
As the night wore on, Mother and I took turns keeping vigil beside Father, monitoring his condition and trying to comfort him. The other children slept fitfully, sensing the tension and worry that filled the cave.
At one point, Father's eyes opened, and he looked at me with a mixture of pain and gratitude. "Tharros...thank you," he whispered, his voice weak.
I nodded, trying to reassure him. "We're here for you, Father. We'll get through this together."
Father's gaze drifted to Mother, who was sitting on the other side of him, her eyes fixed on his face. "Thyriatrix...I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice filled with regret.
Mother's expression softened, and she reached out to gently touch his scales. "There's nothing to apologize for, Aetherius. We'll face this together, as a family."
As the night wore on, Father's condition remained stable, but the uncertainty of his future hung over us like a shadow. Mother and I exchanged a look, our determination to support him and find a way to help him growing stronger with every passing moment.
I walk towards Father with my wolf-fox ears folded back in worried and concerned.
I approached Father with my wolf-fox ears folded back, my eyes fixed on his pale scales. His eyes were closed, but I could sense the discomfort and pain emanating from him. I gently nudged his scales with my snout, trying to comfort him.
Father's eyes flickered open, and he looked at me with a weak smile. "Tharros...I'm okay," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
I whined softly, my ears still folded back in concern. Father's hand reached out, and he gently stroked my head, his touch soothing. "Don't worry, Tharros. I'll be fine," he said, his voice filled with reassurance.
I nuzzled his hand, trying to absorb his words and calm my own worries. But deep down, I knew that Father wasn't fine, and that worried me even more.
As I nuzzled Father's hand, he continued to stroke my head, his touch gentle and soothing. Mother watched us with a warm smile, her eyes filled with love and concern.
"Tharros, why don't you try to get some rest?" she suggested, her voice soft. "I'll keep watch over Father."
I hesitated, not wanting to leave Father's side. But Mother's words were gentle, and I knew she was right. I slowly backed away, my ears still folded back in concern, and settled down nearby, keeping a watchful eye on Father.
As the night wore on, Father's condition remained stable, but the uncertainty of his future hung over us like a shadow. Mother and I exchanged a look, our determination to support him growing stronger with every passing moment.
I look at Father, still in deep worried about him and Father trying to calm me down. "It OK Father here don't worry, I'm still here Tharros! See, I'm right here!"
I gazed at Father, my eyes locked on his pale scales, and he smiled weakly at me. "It's okay, Tharros," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm right here. Don't worry."
I whined softly, my ears still folded back in concern, but Father's words brought me a small measure of comfort. I leaned forward, my snout inches from his face, and he reached out to gently touch my nose.
"I'm here, Tharros," he repeated, his voice filled with reassurance. "I'll be okay."
I looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of pain or discomfort, but all I saw was love and concern. Father's gaze held mine, and for a moment, everything else faded away, leaving only the two of us, connected in a moment of understanding and love.
My eyes slowly filled with tears and was about to cry soon.
My eyes welled up with tears, and I felt my throat constrict with emotion. Father's gaze softened, and he reached out to gently wipe away the tears that were about to fall. "Don't cry, Tharros," he whispered, his voice full of love and compassion. "I'm here for you, and I'll always be here for you."
I sniffled, trying to hold back the tears, but Father's words only made me feel more emotional. He pulled me into a gentle hug, and I buried my face in his scales, letting the tears fall. Father held me close, his warmth and love enveloping me, and I felt a sense of safety and comfort in his arms.
As I cried, Father's scales absorbed my tears, and his warmth seemed to seep into my very being. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close, and whispered words of comfort in my ear. "You're not alone, Tharros. We're all here for you. We'll get through this together."
I clung to him, my heart heavy with worry and fear. But as I felt his love and warmth, I began to feel a sense of calm wash over me. Father's presence was a balm to my soul, and I knew that as long as he was with me, everything would be okay.
As I slowly pulled back, Father's eyes met mine, and I saw a deep love and concern reflected back at me. He smiled weakly, and I smiled back, feeling a sense of connection and understanding between us.
The slime squirming inside Father again, and it is getting violent every second.
Father's body tensed, and his eyes widened in pain as the slime inside him began to squirm and writhe more violently. He gritted his teeth, trying to endure the agony, but it was clear that the slime's effects were growing stronger.
I felt a surge of fear and worry, seeing Father's suffering. Mother rushed to his side, her eyes filled with concern. "Aetherius, hold on," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Father's face contorted in pain, and he grasped my arm, his grip tightening as the slime's movements became more frenzied. I held him firmly, trying to provide what little comfort I could as he rode out the wave of agony.
Father's face twisted into a strained smile as he looked at Mother, trying to reassure her. "It's fine, Thyriatrix," he said, his voice gritting through the pain. "It's not the most painful experience I've felt."
Mother sighed, her expression a mix of concern and skepticism. She knew Father well enough to recognize when he was downplaying his pain, but she also knew that he was trying to spare her worry. She nodded slightly, her eyes locked on his, and I could sense the unspoken understanding between them.
As Mother nodded, Father's smile faltered for a moment, and he winced in pain. I could see the slime's effects intensifying, causing him to struggle to maintain his composure. Mother's gaze never left his, her eyes filled with a deep concern and love.
"Let's get you more comfortable, Aetherius," she said softly, her voice gentle and reassuring. "I'll get some more cushions to support you."
Father nodded weakly, grateful for her care. As Mother moved to gather more cushions, I stayed by Father's side, holding his hand and offering what little comfort I could. The cave was quiet, except for Father's labored breathing and the occasional soft murmur from the younger siblings, who were still sleeping fitfully.
As I am still crying on his scales and father still trying to calm me down.
As I cried on Father's scales, he continued to whisper words of comfort, his voice soft and soothing. "Shh, Tharros, it's okay. I'm here for you. Don't cry, little one."
His gentle words and warm scales seemed to envelop me in a sense of safety, and I slowly began to calm down. Father's arms wrapped around me, holding me close as I sniffled and wiped my nose on his scales.
"I'm sorry, Father," I whispered, feeling a bit ashamed of my tears.
Father's voice was gentle as he replied, "There's nothing to apologize for, Tharros. You're scared and worried about me, and that's okay. I'm here for you, and I'll always do my best to take care of you."
Father smiled. "It OK, Tharros, it sll ok"
As Father held me close, the slime's effects seemed to surge again, causing him to wince in pain. But he didn't let go of me, holding me tightly as he rode out the wave of agony. I felt his pain and discomfort, but his love and presence were a comfort to me, and I held onto him just as tightly.
Father's arms tightened around me, and he held me close as the slime's effects continued to cause him pain. I could feel his heart beating rapidly, and his breathing was labored, but he didn't let go of me.
I felt a surge of love and admiration for Father's strength and resilience. Despite his pain, he was holding onto me, keeping me safe and close. I buried my face in his scales, feeling the warmth of his body and the gentle hum of his voice as he whispered softly to calm me.
The cave was quiet, except for Father's labored breathing and my own sniffles. Mother watched us with concern, her eyes filled with love and worry. She reached out and gently stroked Father's scales, offering what little comfort she could.
Mother sighed "Aetherius I'm going to sleep alright if you feel so much pain just tell me alright!"
Father's response was weak but firm. "No, Thyriatrix. I'll be fine. Don't worry about me." His voice was strained, but his eyes locked onto Mother's, filled with a mix of determination and reassurance.
Mother's expression was skeptical, but she knew better than to push Father when he was in this state. She nodded softly, her eyes never leaving his. "Alright, Aetherius. But promise me you'll tell me if it gets too much."
Father's gaze held Mother's, and he nodded slightly, his eyes filled with a deep affection. "I promise, Thyriatrix. I'll tell you if it gets too much." His voice was barely above a whisper, but the sincerity in his tone was unmistakable.
Mother's expression softened slightly, and she reached out to gently touch Father's scales. "I'll be right here beside you, Aetherius. We'll get through this together."
Mother walked away and then went to sleep, and I looked up at Father, still crying.
Father's eyes met mine, and he smiled weakly, his gaze filled with love and compassion. He gently wiped away my tears with his thumb, his touch soft and soothing. "Shh, Tharros, it's okay," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm here for you. Don't cry, little one."
I sniffled, feeling a bit more comforted by Father's words, but my tears continued to fall. Father held me close, his warmth and love enveloping me, and I felt safe in his arms, despite the pain and uncertainty that surrounded us.
Father smiled "it only a matter of time before the slime gets fully digested. Don't worry!"
I looked up at Father, my eyes still red from crying, and saw the faint smile on his face. His words were meant to reassure me, but I couldn't shake off the worry and fear that had taken hold of me. The thought of Father's body digesting the slime was both a relief and a concern, and I didn't know what to make of it.
Father's eyes seemed to sense my doubts, and he pulled me closer, his voice soft and gentle. "It will be okay, Tharros. I've been through worse."
I got on his belly and lay down as Father wrapped around his wing around me to make me calm down a bit.
The warmth of Father's scales and the gentle pressure of his wing around me began to soothe my frazzled nerves. I felt safe and protected, wrapped in his loving embrace. As I lay there, I listened to Father's steady heartbeat and felt his gentle breathing, letting the calmness wash over me.
The world outside receded, and all that mattered was this moment, with Father's love and warmth surrounding me. I closed my eyes, feeling my eyelids grow heavy, and let out a soft sigh, beginning to relax in Father's gentle grasp.
My eyes felt sleepy, and I went to sleep.
As I drifted off to sleep, Father's gentle hum filled the air, a soft vibration that seemed to resonate deep within his chest. The sound was calming, and I felt my body relax further, my breathing slowing as I slipped into unconsciousness.
Father's wing wrapped around me tighter, holding me close as he watched over me, his eyes filled with love and protection. Despite his own pain and discomfort, he remained vigilant, guarding me as I slept.
The gentle hum of Father's chest continued to resonate through me, a soothing melody that lulled me deeper into sleep. I was safe, wrapped in his warmth and love, and nothing else mattered. As I slept, Father's gaze never wavered, his eyes fixed on me with a deep affection.
Time passed, and Father's breathing slowed, but he remained awake, watching over me with a steadfast devotion. The cave was quiet, the only sound the soft rise and fall of Father's chest, and the gentle hum that seemed to emanate from his very being. In this peaceful atmosphere, I slept, surrounded by Father's love and protection.
As the night wore on, I slept peacefully, surrounded by Father's warmth and love. The gentle hum of his chest continued to soothe me, and I didn't stir until the first light of dawn crept into the cave.
As morning arrived, I slowly opened my eyes, feeling refreshed and calm. Father's wing was still wrapped around me, but his posture had changed. His belly, once swollen from the slime, was now flat, and his breathing was steady and relaxed. The slime's effects had clearly passed, and Father looked more himself.
I looked up at Father, and he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good morning, little one," he whispered, his voice low and gentle. "How did you sleep?"
I smiled back at Father, feeling happy and relieved that he was feeling better. "I slept well, Father," I replied, my voice still husky from sleep. Father's wing unwrapped from around me, and he gently helped me sit up, his eyes scanning me with concern.
"Are you feeling okay?" he asked, his voice filled with paternal worry. I nodded, and Father smiled, seeming to relax a bit. Mother stirred from her sleep, stretching and yawning, and soon the cave was filled with the sounds of morning activity.
As Mother woke up, she smiled at us, her eyes still sleepy. "Good morning, Aetherius, Tharros," she said, her voice gentle. Father replied, "Good morning, Thyriatrix. I feel much better now. The slime is fully digested."
Mother nodded, relief evident on her face. "That's wonderful. I'm glad you're feeling better." She looked around the cave, taking in the morning scene. "I think it's time we got some breakfast going. The others will be waking up soon."
Father nodded in agreement, and I slid off his lap, stretching my legs. "I'll help, Mother," I said, eager to assist. Together, we began to prepare breakfast, while Father watched over us, his eyes filled with warmth and contentment.
The cave was soon filled with the savory aromas of roasting meats and steaming vegetables. Lyriath, Vyraxys, and Nyxoria began to stir, stretching and yawning as they woke up to the enticing smells. "Mmm, what's for breakfast?" Lyriath asked, his voice groggy from sleep.
Mother smiled, "Good morning, Lyriath. We're having roasted venison and steamed greens. Tharros is helping me prepare it."
The younger siblings started to wake up, rubbing their eyes and joining in the excitement. Kaidorix and Kieraxys, despite their young age, were already arguing over who would get to sit next to Father, while Niamon giggled and babbled in her sleep, unaware of the commotion around her.
As I finished eating, I went outside and looked back. "I'll be outside for a while, but I'll be back soon enough!"
"Be careful, Tharros," Father called out after me, his voice filled with concern. "Stay within sight of the cave, and don't wander off too far." Mother added, "And don't forget to stay hydrated, dear. It's going to be a warm day."
I nodded, waving at them as I stepped out into the bright sunlight. The fresh air and open space felt invigorating, and I took a deep breath, feeling the breeze fill my lungs. I walked a short distance from the cave, taking in the scenery and enjoying the peaceful morning atmosphere.
As I walked, the warm sun on my scales felt pleasant, and I lifted my face to soak up its rays. The landscape stretched out before me, with towering trees and rolling hills as far as the eye could see. A gentle brook babbled in the distance, its melodic sound a soothing accompaniment to my thoughts.
I wandered closer to the brook, feeling the cool mist on my skin as I approached the water's edge. The clear water sparkled in the sunlight, and I watched as fish darted back and forth beneath the surface. The peaceful atmosphere and the sound of the brook were calming, and I felt my worries slowly drift away.
I drink the water, and when I finish drinking, my wolf-fox ears perked up, hearing something nearby.
And when it revealed itself, it had dark scales and muscler, and it was Throkos, my element mentor.
Throkos emerged from the trees, his dark scales glistening in the sunlight. His muscular build and stern expression were unmistakable, and I could sense a hint of intensity in his gaze. As my formal element mentor, Throkos was known for pushing me to my limits and helping me master my elemental abilities.
"Tharros," he greeted, his deep voice firm but not unkind. "I see you're enjoying the morning. I trust you're prepared for our training session?" His eyes narrowed slightly, as if daring me to say otherwise.
I stood up straight, feeling a surge of determination. "I'm ready, Throkos. Let's get started."
Throkos's gaze sparkled with expectation as he looked at me. "Alright, Tharros! Today, we're going to practice controlling your elements. You've been doing great, and I'm excited to see how well you can do." He smiled slightly, his stern expression softening for a moment.
"Let's start with something fun. Can you show me a little lightning bolt with your thunder element? Just a small one, like we practiced before." Throkos held out his hand, and a tiny spark of electricity danced across his fingers.
I grinned, feeling a surge of excitement. I focused my energy, and a small lightning bolt crackled to life in front of me. Throkos nodded, his eyes shining with approval. "Good job, Tharros! Now, let's try to make it a bit bigger, but still controlled. Can you do that for me?"
I slowly increased my thunder magic, opened my jaw wide, and released it with a loud bang.
The sound of the thunderclap echoed through the valley, causing birds to take flight and small creatures to scurry for cover. Throkos's eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and approval. "Well done, Tharros! Your control is improving, and your power is growing stronger."
He nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "However, let's work on precision. Try to contain the blast to a smaller area, and aim for a specific target." Throkos pointed to a nearby boulder. "See if you can strike that rock with a smaller, more focused blast of thunder."
With a nod, I focused my energy, taking aim at the boulder. The air seemed to crackle with anticipation as I prepared to unleash another blast of thunder.
I took a deep breath, feeling the energy build up within me. My eyes locked onto the boulder, and I focused my thunder magic, trying to contain the blast to a precise point. The air around me seemed to vibrate with electricity as I held back the power.
With a swift motion, I released the energy, and a sharp crack of thunder boomed through the air, striking the boulder with pinpoint accuracy. The rock shook, and a small chunk broke off, sending dust and debris flying.
Throkos nodded, his expression serious but pleased. "Excellent work, Tharros! Your precision is improving, and you're getting better at controlling the power. Keep practicing, and you'll become one of the most skilled elemental users I've ever trained."
Throkos's words of praise made me feel proud and motivated. I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you, Throkos," I said, trying to sound calm despite the excitement coursing through me.
Throkos nodded, his gaze scanning the surrounding area. "Now, let's try something a bit more challenging. I want you to use your tech element to create a small shield around yourself. Not just any shield, but one that can absorb and redirect energy-based attacks."
He raised his hand, and a stream of ice shards shot towards me. "Defend yourself, Tharros. Show me what you've learned."
I focused my tech element, and a shimmering barrier of light erupted around me. However, it was slightly unstable and flickered more than I would have liked. The ice shards hit the shield, and while it managed to absorb and redirect most of them, a few slipped through, causing minor scratches on my scales.
Throkos nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Good effort, Tharros. Your tech shield is decent, but let's work on making it more consistent. Try to stabilize the energy flow and maintain a steady barrier."
I gritted my teeth, trying to focus my energy better. With another attempt, the shield held up better, but I could sense its limitations. Throkos seemed to notice too, but he didn't comment on it, instead offering constructive feedback on how to improve.
When he mentioned trying something new, I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. What would be the next challenge? Would it be something that would play to my strengths or expose my weaknesses?
"Let's work on your light element," Thorkos said, his eyes sparkling with a hint of challenge. "I want you to try and create a simple light orb. Just a small, steady glow will do."
I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. However, as I focused my energy, I couldn't help but feel a sense of doubt. My light element had always been a struggle for me, and I knew it was my weakest suit.
The light orb flickered to life, but it was dim and unstable, pulsing erratically. Thorkos's expression was supportive, but I could sense a hint of disappointment. "Good try, Tharkos...I mean, Tharros," he said gently. "Let's work on stabilizing the energy flow and increasing the intensity. Maybe try channeling your energy differently?"
I nodded, feeling a bit frustrated but determined to improve. With Thorkos's guidance, I tried again, experimenting with different techniques to see if I could coax a stronger, steadier light from my element.
But when I forcus, it shattered only 8 seconds, and I sighed. "I feel like my light element is getting worse every time Throkos let be real that my light element is just trash!"
Throkos chuckled and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don't be too hard on yourself, Tharros. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Your light element might not be as strong as the others, but that doesn't mean it's useless. We can work on improving it, or we can focus on developing your other elements further."
He smiled. "Remember, being a master of elements is not about being perfect in all of them, but about mastering the ones you excel in and learning to compensate for the ones you don't. Let's try a different approach. Instead of pushing for a strong light orb, let's see if you can use your light element in a more subtle way."
Throkos thought for a moment before continuing. "How about we try using your light element to enhance your other abilities? For example, you could try infusing your fire element with a bit of light to make it more radiant and intense."
Throkos smiled. "Remember that there are Light and Death and Life and Time and Tech and Fire and Water and Earth and Wind/air and Dark and Ice and Lightning elements, and I have 11/12 of these elements!" Throkos said.
Throkos smiled. "There are 12 elements in total: Light, Death, Life, Time isn't one of them by the way, Tech, Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Dark, Ice, and Lightning. And I have 11 out of the 12 elements at my disposal. I'm missing the wind element, but that doesn't hold me back from being a formidable elemental user."
He looked at me with a serious expression. "Now, let's get back to your training, Tharros. We've covered a lot of ground today, but there's still much to be done."
Throkos smiled. "I'm missing the wind element," he said, his voice matter-of-fact. "But that doesn't hinder my abilities as a formidable elemental user. Now, let's get back to your training, Tharros. We've covered a lot of ground today, but there's still much to be done."
With that, he gestured towards a nearby clearing. "Let's work on your combat skills. I want to see how you handle yourself in a simulated battle scenario."
Throkos smiled, and with a wave of his hand, the clearing around us began to shift and change. The trees seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a misty, ethereal landscape. In the distance, a figure emerged from the fog – a shadowy duplicate of myself, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly energy.
"Your opponent," Throkos said, his voice low and serious. "Defeat it, and you'll prove your skills."
The shadowy duplicate began to move towards me, its movements eerily similar to my own. I could feel the air charged with anticipation as Throkos watched, his eyes evaluating my every move.
I raised my hands, and a burst of flame erupted from my fingers, shooting towards the duplicate. The shadowy figure retaliated with a blast of ice, and I leaped to the side, avoiding the attack by mere inches.
The battle had begun, and I was ready to give it my all.
The shadowy duplicate charged towards me again, its movements swift and precise. I summoned a wave of thunder, unleashing a loud crack of energy that shook the ground beneath our feet. The duplicate stumbled back, momentarily disoriented, and I seized the opportunity to strike.
With a swift motion, I conjured a wall of earth, blocking the duplicate's next attack. The earth wall shattered under the force of its strike, but it gave me the time I needed to prepare my next move.
I focused my tech element, creating a burst of energy that surrounded me. The duplicate attempted to attack me with a blast of dark energy, but my tech shield absorbed the blow, allowing me to counterattack with a blast of fire.
The battle raged on, each of us exchanging blows and testing the other's defenses. Throkos watched with a keen eye, offering occasional words of advice and encouragement. I could feel my powers growing stronger with each passing moment, and I was determined to emerge victorious.
The shadowy duplicate charged towards me again, its movements swift and precise. I summoned a wave of thunder, unleashing a loud crack of energy that shook the ground beneath our feet. The duplicate stumbled back, momentarily disoriented, and I seized the opportunity to strike.
With a swift motion, I conjured a wall of earth, blocking the duplicate's next attack. The earth wall shattered under the force of its strike, but it gave me the time I needed to prepare my next move. I focused my tech element, creating a burst of energy that surrounded me.
The duplicate attempted to attack me with a blast of dark energy, but my tech shield absorbed the blow, allowing me to counterattack with a blast of fire. The battle raged on, each of us exchanging blows and testing the other's defenses.
Throkos watched with a keen eye, offering occasional words of advice and encouragement. "Good use of your tech shield, Tharros! Now, try combining your elements to create a more complex attack."
I nodded, taking his words to heart. I began to weave together my fire and lightning elements, creating a powerful blast of energy that crackled with electricity. The duplicate attempted to dodge, but the blast was too fast, striking it with incredible force.
The duplicate stumbled back, its energy waning. I sensed victory within my grasp and pressed my advantage, unleashing a flurry of attacks that pushed the duplicate to its limits. Finally, with a burst of light and thunder, the duplicate dissipated into nothingness, defeated.
Throkos nodded in approval, a hint of a smile on his face. "Well done, Tharros. You're progressing faster than I expected. Let's end the training session for today and review what we've covered."
I nodded. "Thank you Throkos you have been my mentor way longer than both my formal combat and fire element mentor! And I didn't say to my parents that I was training with you since I didn't think it was training time and it been a while since you mentored me!"
Throkos apologize "sorry Tharros it just that the demon lord Vorgath has been something!"
I laughed "yeah you should be in the break with that guy!"
Throkos chuckled, a hint of relief in his expression. "Indeed, dealing with Vorgath is a challenge unlike any other. But I'm glad we could finally catch up on your training. You're making excellent progress, Tharros."
He paused, his expression turning more serious. "However, we should discuss your secrecy regarding our training sessions. While I understand your reasons, it's crucial that you know how to handle situations that may arise from your dual mentorship."
I shrugged, feeling a bit sheepish. "I just didn't know today is our training sessions!"
Throkos's expression softened, and he smiled. "I suppose I didn't exactly follow the traditional schedule, did I? Don't worry about it, Tharros. I'm just glad we could spend some time training together."
He clapped me on the back, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Let's just say this session was long overdue. Now, how about we call it a day? You've had a good workout, and I'm sure you're eager to get back to your parents."
I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. "Yeah, thanks, Throkos. I appreciate your guidance and... everything."
I smiled. "I should hold back to the mountain cave, I told them I be back for a while so we can do our training session again later!"
Throkos nodded in agreement "Yes we'll do our training sessions in the future since I don't know when the demon lord Vorgath will older me later, so see you later, Tharros" I bow my head low.
Throkos returned the gesture with a slight bow of his own. "Until next time, Tharros. May your journey be safe and your elements be strong."
With that, I turned to leave, making my way back down the mountain. As I descended, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Throkos's mentorship and the skills I had gained under his guidance.
The journey back was quiet, with only the occasional bird call breaking the silence. I lost myself in thought, reflecting on the training session and the progress I had made.
As I approached the foot of the mountain, I picked up my pace, eager to return to my parents and share stories of my adventures. Little did I know, the road ahead would bring its own set of challenges and surprises.
As I walked towards my home, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The village seemed quieter than usual, and the streets were empty. I quickened my pace, my heart beating slightly faster with anticipation.
As I approached my home, I saw my parents standing outside, their faces filled with concern. My siblings were nowhere to be seen, but I could hear their chatter and laughter coming from inside the house.
"Tharros, where have you been?" my mother asked, her voice tinged with worry. "We've been looking all over for you."
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. "I was just out for a while," I said, trying to downplay the situation.
My father's eyes narrowed slightly. "We've been worried sick about you, Tharros. You know Throkos has been busy dealing with the demon lord Vorgath. Is everything okay with your training?"
I shook my head, feeling a bit guilty. "Everything's fine, Father. I just lost track of time."
My parents exchanged a look, and I could sense their concern. But they didn't press the issue further, instead inviting me inside to join my siblings for dinner.
As we sat down to eat, the atmosphere was lively, with my siblings chattering and laughing. Lyriath was teasing Vyraxys about his latest mishap, while Nyxoria and Lyrixa were giggling about something. Kaidorix and Kieraxys were arguing over a toy, and Niamon was babbling away, trying to get everyone's attention.
As we finished the meal, my father cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. "Tharros, we need to talk about something," he said, his voice low and measured.
I felt a sense of trepidation, wondering what was coming next. What did my parents want to talk to me about?
My father leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "Tharros, we've received a message from one of the elder dragons. They want to discuss something with you in private."
I felt a surge of curiosity, wondering what this could be about. "What does the elder dragon want to talk about?" I asked.
My mother shook her head. "We're not entirely sure, but it seems it's related to your growing abilities and potential. We'll accompany you to the meeting, of course."
I nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation. What could the elder dragon possibly want with me? And what did it have to do with my abilities?
As we finished dinner, my father stood up. "Let's get some rest. We'll head to the meeting with the elder dragon tomorrow morning."
I nodded, already looking forward to the next day. What secrets would the elder dragon reveal? And what did the future hold for me?
I went to bed that night with a mix of excitement and anticipation. What would the elder dragon want to talk to me about? And what did it have to do with my abilities?
The next morning, we set out early, making our way through the winding tunnels of our mountain home. We reached the designated meeting area, and I could feel a sense of importance emanating from the elder dragon's presence.
The elder dragon greeted us warmly, its eyes shining with wisdom. "Tharros, we've been watching your progress, and we're impressed. Your unique abilities and potential are remarkable."
The elder dragon paused, collecting its thoughts. "We believe it's time for you to learn more about your heritage and the secrets of our kind. We'll be sharing some important information with you today."
I leaned forward, eager to learn more about my heritage and the secrets that lay within. The elder dragon began to speak, its voice filled with ancient wisdom.
And so, my journey into the unknown began, filled with discovery and revelation. I was ready to learn, to grow, and to uncover the secrets of my kind.