As soon as Mother was out of sight, Father's eyes lit up, and he quickly snatched a few more pieces of dried meat from the leather pouch lying on the cave floor. Kieraxys and I exchanged a knowing look, and I could see the amusement dancing in his eyes.
Kieraxys whispered, "Told you he'd sneak some more."
I chuckled quietly, trying not to draw attention to ourselves. Father was so engrossed in his snacking that he didn't even notice us watching him from the soft, fur-lined bedding in the corner of the cave.
As Father continued to indulge, the flickering torches casting shadows on the cave walls seemed to dance in time with his happy munching sounds. I couldn't help but think that maybe Mother's efforts to reign in his eating habits would never succeed. But despite his love for food, Father was still the same loving and caring parent we knew.
Kieraxys leaned in closer, "Do you think we should tell Mother?"
I shook my head, "I don't think so. It's not like it's hurting anyone. Besides, Father seems happy."
Kieraxys nodded in agreement, and we both continued to watch Father with amusement, enjoying the lighthearted moment together in the warmth of our mountain cave home.
Kieraxys smiled. "I will be outside and play! You can talk to Father!"
I smiled back at Kieraxys, "Sounds like fun! I'll stay here and chat with Father. Have fun playing outside!"
Kieraxys nodded and slipped out of the cave, leaving me alone with Father, who was still happily munching on his dried meat. I settled in for a nice chat with him, enjoying the warm and cozy atmosphere of our mountain cave home.
As Kieraxys disappeared into the bright sunlight outside, I turned my attention to Father, who was still savoring his snack. I padded softly over to him, my silver scales catching the warm glow of the torches.
"Father, what's your favorite kind of dried meat?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Father's eyes lit up, and he held out a piece of dried venison. "Ah, Tharros, I think I have a weakness for venison. It's just so tender and flavorful."
I chuckled, "You and your love for food, Father. Mother's always scolding you about it."
Father grinned, "I know, I know. But what's life without a little indulgence, right?"
I sighed. "You will get a stomach ache again!"
Father chuckled and patted his stomach, "Don't worry, Tharros. I've got a dragon's stomach. It can handle it."
I raised an eyebrow, "That's exactly what Mother doesn't want to hear."
Father smiled mischievously, "Maybe so, but I'm willing to take the risk for good food."
When Father finishes eating, he leads down at his back in the stone wall and patted his belly, which it jiggled and bounced.
I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Father's belly jiggling and bouncing as he patted it. "Father, you're really enjoying yourself, aren't you?"
Father grinned, looking pleased with himself. "A good meal is one of life's simple pleasures, Tharros. I'm just appreciating the moment."
I shook my head, smiling. "You're going to give Mother a heart attack one of these days."
Father chuckled. "Don't worry, I got used to your mother wrath!"
I chuckled, "I'm sure you have, Father. You've had plenty of practice dealing with Mother's scolding over the years."
Father's expression turned affectionate, "That's true, but it's all worth it for the love and support we share as a family." Father burp a little.
I giggled, "Excuse you, Father!"
Father chuckled, "Sorry, Tharros. Can't help it after a big meal."
I teased, "I think Mother's going to kill you if she hears that burp."
Father smiled "well she is out to go and train your little brother Lyriath today, so she will be back at night!"
I nodded, "Ah, Lyriath's training is going well, isn't it? He's been working hard."
Father's expression turned proud, "Yes, he has. Your mother is doing a great job with him. I'm sure he'll become a skilled warrior like her."
I smiled, feeling a sense of pride too, "I'm sure he will, Father."
Father rubbed his big belly, and it made a growling sound.
I burst out laughing, "Father, that's so embarrassing!"
Father chuckled, "Oh, I think it's just my stomach's way of protesting Mother's diet plans."
I giggled some more, "I'm sure it's just that."
As Father rubbed his big belly, he burp.
I doubled over in laughter, "Father, really?!"
Father laughed too, "Sorry, kiddo. I guess my stomach's just happy about the food."
The sound of our laughter echoed through the cave, and I couldn't help but tease him some more, "I think Kieraxys was smart to go play outside."
He gets both of his 4 legs to the ground and said "let go out if you know what I mean." he grin.
I laughed even harder, "Father, you're such a goofball!" The image of Father getting down on all fours and grinning mischievously was just too much. I couldn't help but imagine what Mother's reaction would be if she saw him like this.
"Let's go outside and get some fresh air, huh?" I suggested, still chuckling. Father's grin widened, and he nodded enthusiastically.
As we stepped out of the cave, the warm sunlight and fresh mountain air enveloped us. Father stretched his wings and let out a contented sigh.
I smiled, watching him. "You know, Father, you're really something else."
Father chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Hey, someone's got to keep things lively around here."
We walked together, enjoying the scenery and each other's company. The sound of Kieraxys's laughter carried on the wind, and I smiled, knowing he was having fun.
Father glanced at me, "You know, Tharros, I'm glad we had some time together. Just the two of us."
I nodded, feeling a sense of affection for my goofy father. "Me too, Father. Me too."
Father grin, "Now let go what we came out for!"
I laughed, "You mean, let's go find some more food?" Father's grin turned sheepish, "Well, maybe. I might have a bit of a craving left over."
I chuckled, "You're insatiable, Father." Father chuckled, "Hey, someone's got to keep the food traditions alive."
We walked through the forest, Father sniffing the air, his eyes scanning for any signs of edible delights. I followed him, enjoying the adventure.
Suddenly, Father's ears perked up, "Ah-ha! I think I smell something delicious!"
I raised an eyebrow, "What is it?"
Father's eyes sparkled, "Let's go find out!"
As we flew my wolf-fox like ears perked up hearing, a massive creature could be bigger than father.
I instinctively tensed up, my silver scales glistening in the sunlight as I positioned myself slightly behind Father. My wolf-fox-like ears remained perked up, alert to any further sounds.
Father, however, seemed undeterred, his eyes fixed on the creature. "Ah, looks like we've got some company," he said, his voice calm and curious.
The massive creature emerged from the trees, its size indeed larger than Father's. I watched warily, ready to defend myself if necessary. The creature's scales glinted in the sunlight, and its wings spread wide, casting a shadow over the forest floor.
But Father simply smiled and said, "Well, well, well. Looks like we've got a visitor." He took a step forward, his eyes locked on the creature.
I followed Father's gaze, trying to gauge the creature's intentions. It seemed to be studying us just as intently as we were studying it.
The creature's gaze shifted to me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. But Father placed a reassuring claw on my shoulder, "Don't worry, Tharros. I think our new friend is just curious."
Father flew down fast and smashed it, heading to the ground, breaking it skull and killing it.
I watched in shock as Father swooped down, his massive body propelling him towards the creature with incredible speed. The impact was immense, and the creature's body crumpled under the force.
As we landed nearby, I saw that the creature was indeed lifeless, its skull crushed from the impact. Father stood over it, panting slightly from the exertion.
"Father, why did you...?" I trailed off, unsure of how to finish the question.
Father looked up at me, his expression serious. "It was a threat, Tharros. I protected us."
I nodded slowly, understanding Father's instincts as a protector. But a part of me couldn't help but wonder if there might have been another way.
I sighed. "Let be guess, you going to eat that all for yourself again?" Father nodded.
I raised an eyebrow, "Of course you are." Father's grin returned, "Hey, someone's got to keep my strength up."
I shook my head, chuckling, "You're impossible, Father." Father chuckled, "That's what makes me lovable, right?"
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, "I suppose." Father's love for food was legendary, and I had grown accustomed to his antics over the years.
As Father began to devour the creature, the sounds of tearing flesh and crunching bones filled the air. I walked away, shaking my head in amusement.
I couldn't help but smile as I thought about Father's eating habits. He was a force to be reckoned with, and his appetite was just one aspect of his larger-than-life personality.
As I walked, the sounds of Father's meal grew fainter, replaced by the rustling of leaves and chirping of birds. I found a nearby rock and sat down, watching the forest come alive around me.
After a while, Father joined me, his face smeared with juices and his belly looking satisfyingly full. "Ah, that was delicious," he said, contentment written all over his face.
I laughed, "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Father." He smiled, "Thanks for understanding, kiddo."
As we sat together, Father leaned back against a nearby tree, his eyes half-closing in satisfaction. I watched him, feeling a sense of warmth and affection for my eccentric parent.
The forest around us was alive with sounds, and the scent of blooming flowers wafted through the air. I breathed it in deeply, feeling at peace.
Father suddenly spoke up, "You know, Tharros, I've been thinking about your training."
I turned to him, curious, "What about it?"
Father's expression turned serious, "I think it's time you learned some new skills. You're getting older, and it's time you started preparing for your own path."
I nodded, feeling a thrill of excitement mixed with a bit of nervousness. What new skills did Father have in mind?
Father continued, "I've been talking to some of the other elders, and they agree that it's time you started learning the ways of our people."
I leaned forward, my ears perked up, "What ways?"
Father's eyes sparkled, "The ancient traditions, the old magic. You're old enough now to start learning the secrets that have been passed down through our family for generations."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Father's words hung in the air, full of promise and mystery. What lay ahead?
As I looked at Father, "Um, I'm 7 years old, and hatchlings that are 10 meters now!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with excitement and a hint of curiosity.
Father's grin returned, "Ah, yes, you're growing up fast, kiddo. And speaking of growth, I think it's time we started working on your skills." He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
I nodded eagerly, my mind racing with possibilities. What new skills would Father teach me? Would I learn how to hunt bigger prey or master the art of navigation?
Father's face lit up with a warm smile, "First things first, we need to work on your strength and agility. You're getting bigger, and it's time you learned how to harness your power."
He stood up, his movements fluid and effortless. "Let's go find a suitable training ground. I have just the thing in mind."
With that, Father set off, his long strides eating up the distance. I followed closely behind, my heart pounding with anticipation. What lay ahead?
As I followed Father, the trees seemed to blur together, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. We walked for what felt like hours, the sun beating down on us, until we reached a clearing. In the center of the clearing stood an enormous structure made of massive stone pillars, covered in intricate carvings.
Father gestured towards the structure, "This is the ancient training grounds of our people. The pillars hold the energy of our ancestors, and the carvings depict the secrets of our power."
I gazed up at the pillars in awe, feeling the weight of history and magic emanating from them. Father began to circle around the structure, his eyes scanning the carvings.
"Today, we'll start with a simple exercise," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "I want you to run between the pillars, feeling the energy coursing through the air."
He turned to me, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Are you ready, Tharros?"
I hesitated "I don't know!"
Father's expression softened, and he took a step closer to me. "It's natural to feel uncertain, Tharros. But trust me, this is an important step in your training. The energy between the pillars will help you tap into your own power."
He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I'll be right here with you, guiding you through it. You can always stop if you feel uncomfortable."
I looked up at the pillars, feeling a mix of trepidation and curiosity. Could I really tap into my power? What if something went wrong?
Father's encouraging smile helped ease my doubts. "Let's take it slow," he said. "We'll start with small steps. Just walk between the pillars with me, and we'll see how you feel."
With Father's guidance, I took a deep breath and began to walk towards the pillars...
As we walked between the pillars, I felt a subtle hum of energy emanating from the stones. It was like a gentle buzzing in the air, and it seemed to be resonating with my own heartbeat. Father walked beside me, his eyes fixed on the carvings above.
"Feel the energy, Tharros," he whispered. "Let it flow through you."
I closed my eyes, focusing on the sensation. The humming grew louder, and I started to feel a tingling sensation in my fingers. Suddenly, visions began to flash before my eyes – images of our ancestors, powerful and strong, wielding their powers with precision.
The visions faded, and I opened my eyes to find Father watching me intently. "What did you see?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
I took a deep breath, trying to process the images. "I saw our ancestors," I began. "They were powerful and strong."
Father nodded thoughtfully. "The pillars are revealing our history to you. You're connecting with the energy of our people."
He smiled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's try something more. I want you to touch one of the carvings and see what happens."
After the training session, Father and I returned to our dwelling, exhausted but exhilarated. I couldn't stop thinking about the visions and the energy I felt between the pillars.
As we sat down to rest, Father leaned forward, his eyes serious. "Tharros, I have something important to tell you. Your training is just the beginning. There's a greater purpose ahead, one that requires your unique abilities."
I looked at him curiously, my heart racing with anticipation. What could this purpose be? What lay ahead for me?
Father's expression turned grave. "The balance of power in our world is shifting. Dark forces are stirring, and our people are in danger. You have a crucial role to play in this conflict."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. What did Father mean? What kind of danger were we facing?
Father's words hung in the air, filled with an ominous tone. I felt a surge of fear mixed with determination. As a Western dragon, I knew our kind was known for their strength and fierceness.
"What kind of dark forces?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Father's eyes seemed to cloud over, his gaze distant. "The Shadow Scale," he replied, his voice low and serious. "A group of rogue dragons who seek to overthrow the current order and claim dominance over our lands."
I felt a growl rising in my throat, my instincts reacting to the threat. The Shadow Scale? I'd heard whispers of them, but I never thought they'd be a real danger.
"What do I need to do?" I asked, my voice firm with resolve.
Father's gaze snapped back to mine, his eyes burning with intensity. "You need to be prepared, Tharros. Your powers are still growing, but you have a crucial role to play in this conflict. We'll need to gather allies and strategize our next move."
I nodded, determination burning within me. I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead and protect our people.
Father smiled "alright I will go and eat something and I be right back, or may be I will get a stomach ache again!"
I raised an eyebrow, amused by Father's comment. "Again? You're really prone to stomach aches, aren't you?" I teased, chuckling.
Father playfully rolled his eyes. "Hey, it's not my fault! I just love food a bit too much, okay?"
I laughed, knowing that Father's gluttony was legendary. "I'll make sure to remind you to eat in moderation," I said with a grin.
Father's expression turned mock-serious. "Don't you dare! I enjoy my food too much."
With a chuckle, Father headed off to get some food, leaving me to ponder the weight of our conversation earlier. The Shadow Scale, dark forces...it all seemed so serious.
But for now, I was content to simply enjoy the moment, knowing Father would be back soon, hopefully without overeating too much.
As I watched Father head off to get some food, I couldn't help but notice the striking contrast of his albino scales against the dim light of our dwelling. His scales shimmered like polished pearls, a trait that made him stand out among our kin.
I smiled to myself, feeling a mix of affection and amusement. Father's love for food was as vibrant as his scales were radiant. I settled in to wait for his return, my thoughts drifting back to the serious conversation we had earlier about the Shadow Scale and the dark forces threatening our world...
As I sat there, lost in thought, I heard the sound of my siblings' laughter and playful roars coming from another part of our dwelling. Lyriath, Vyraxys, and Nyxoria were engaged in a heated game of chase, their scales glinting in the dim light.
I sighed as Father finished eating. He ended up having a stomach ache again, and my mother scolded him again while I watched and heard from a distance, and Father seem doesn't care at all.
I chuckled to myself as I watched the familiar scene unfold. Mother's scolding was as predictable as Father's gluttony, and I knew that Father would just smile and apologize, only to repeat the cycle again.
As I approached them, I could hear Mother's exasperated sighs and Father's sheepish grins. "Aetherius, you're going to give yourself an ulcer one of these days," Mother said, shaking her head.
Father rubbed his stomach, wincing slightly. "It's worth it, my love. That was one delicious meal."
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, knowing that Father's love for food was a never-ending battle between him and Mother. Despite the chaos, I felt grateful for the warmth and love that filled our home.
Father giggled "well I got used to your wrath, Thyriatrix!" He gently rubbed his big bulging belly.
Mother's expression softened slightly at Father's words, and she couldn't help but laugh. "I'm glad you find this amusing, Aetherius," she said, shaking her head. "But seriously, you need to be more careful with your eating habits."
Father's grin never wavered. "I'll try, my love," he said, patting his belly contentedly. "But it's hard to resist good food when it's made with so much love."
I smiled, watching the exchange between my parents. Their banter was a familiar and comforting part of our daily life, and I loved seeing the affection and playfulness between them.
Father patted his belly, and it jiggled and bounced.
Mother playfully rolled her eyes. "Aetherius, you're going to turn into a ball of scales and belly one of these days, eating all that raw meat like a wild dragon."
Father chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Hey, raw meat is the best! None of that cooked nonsense for me."
I laughed at the sight of Father's jiggling belly, and Mother couldn't help but smile. "You're a barbarian, Aetherius," she teased.
Father grinned, his albino scales glinting in the dim light. "Guilty as charged. But someone's got to keep the meat-eating traditions alive in this family."
Father belly growled, and mother turns face to Father, and she doesn't seem happy.
"Seriously, Aetherius, you need to slow down on the raw meat consumption," Mother said, her voice laced with concern. "Your stomach is going to pay the price if you keep eating like that."
Father winced slightly, his belly growling again in protest. "I know, I know," he said, rubbing his stomach. "But it's just so... delicious."
I watched the exchange with amusement, knowing that Father's love for raw meat was a constant source of debate between him and Mother.
I can see Father seem thinking in his eyes, wanting to eat again, and it seems Mother sees the same thing that I see in Father's eyes.
Mother's expression turned stern, and she pointed a warning finger at Father. "Don't even think about it, Aetherius. You're not having any more raw meat for a while."
Father's face fell, and he looked at Mother with a pleading expression. "But just one more piece?" he asked, his voice hopeful.
I chuckled, knowing that Father would never learn. Mother's gaze was unyielding, and Father knew better than to push his luck.
Suddenly, Lyriath arrived with his caught prey. "So who should I give this meat for?" Lyriath, ask.
Father yelled, "OH ME! ME! ME! ME!"
Mother sighed, shaking her head. "Aetherius, you're going to be the death of me."
Lyriath looked at Father with amusement, then at Mother, before deciding to hand the prey over to Father. "Here you go, Father," he said with a grin.
Father's eyes lit up, and he eagerly devoured the raw meat, his albino scales glistening with satisfaction. Mother just rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath about Father's eating habits.
As Father finished eating his belly, it is now even bigger.
Mother threw up her hands in exasperation. "Aetherius, your belly is going to burst one of these days!"
Father patted his now even larger belly contentedly. "I'm just perfectly satisfied, my love," he said with a smile.
I chuckled at the sight, knowing that Father's appetite was insatiable. Lyriath and the other siblings watched with amusement, used to Father's antics.
Father patted his belly even more, feeling happy as his scales belly jiggling and wobbled and bounced with each patted.
Mother shook her head, laughing despite herself. "You're impossible, Aetherius."
Father's grin grew wider as he continued to pat his belly, the jiggling and wobbling of his scales making him look like a happy, scale-covered blob.
I couldn't help but laugh at the sight, and even Lyriath and the other siblings were giggling. Father's joy was infectious, and for a moment, we all forgot about the Shadow Scale and the dangers that lay ahead.
As we laughed and enjoyed the lighthearted moment, Father suddenly let out a contented belch, and Mother's expression turned mock-stern. "Aetherius, really?" she said, trying to hide a smile.
Father chuckled, his belly jiggling with the movement. "What? I'm just expressing my appreciation for the meal."
Lyriath and the other siblings burst out laughing again, and I joined in, feeling the tension and worry about the Shadow Scale momentarily lift. For a brief moment, we were just a family enjoying each other's company, without the weight of the world on our shoulders.
But as the laughter died down, Mother's expression turned serious, and she glanced at me. "We need to talk about the Shadow Scale," she said, her voice low. "Their influence is spreading, and we can't ignore it forever."
Father's grin faltered, and he nodded, his belly no longer the center of attention. "You're right," he said, his voice serious. "We need to be prepared."
Mother sighed as he looked at Father large bulged belly. "So what will you get yourself gluttony next time?"
Father answered "actually I don't know what next, but I think it will be good!"
Mother rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I'm sure it will be, Aetherius. Just try to pace yourself, okay?"
Father grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'll try, my love. But no promises."
I chuckled, knowing that Father's love for food was a never-ending battle between him and Mother. Lyriath and the other siblings laughed, used to Father's antics.
As we continued to tease Father about his eating habits, I couldn't help but feel grateful for these moments of normalcy in our lives. Despite the looming threat of the Shadow Scale, we found joy in the simple things – family, laughter, and Father's never-ending appetite.
Mother sighed. "I heard there is a lot of slime nearby. I'm going to check, and you all stay right here!"
Father's grin faltered for a moment, and he looked at Mother with concern. "Be careful, my love. We don't know what's out there."
Mother nodded, her expression serious. "I'll be fine. Just stay here and keep an eye on the young ones."
As Mother headed out to investigate the slime, we all watched her go, our faces filled with a mix of worry and curiosity. Father's belly, which had been the center of attention just moments before, was now forgotten.
I walked towards father "are you going to plan to eat a slime?"
Father smiled "Oh Tharros you got that right!"
I chuckled, knowing that Father would eat just about anything. "You're going to eat the slime, aren't you?"
Father's eyes lit up with excitement. "Of course, Tharros! Slime is a delicacy! I'll just have to make sure it's prepared properly."
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "I'm sure Mother will appreciate that."
Father winked at me. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to clean up after myself."
Father grin "May be tomorrow since I don't think there will be room for them since slime can make your belly bulged outward insanely if you try to eat them!"
I laughed at the thought of Father's already-large belly expanding even further. "That's true, Father. Your belly is already quite... impressive."
Father chuckled, patting his belly. "Yes, well, I think I'll have to make some room for the slime. Maybe I'll skip dinner tonight."
I raised an eyebrow. "You think that's possible?"
Father grinned. "Well, maybe I'll just have to make dinner a little earlier tomorrow, then."
I shook my head, laughing. "You're impossible, Father."
Father beamed with pride. "That's what your mother says."
We both chuckled, and for a moment, the looming threat of the Shadow Scale was forgotten. Father's love for food was a constant source of joy and amusement in our lives.
Just then, Lyriath spoke up. "Father, do you think the slime will taste good?"
Father's eyes lit up. "Oh, I'm sure it will be delicious! I'll have to season it just right..."
Father grin. "And what is the best today is slime mating season, so there will be so much slime there this month!"
I face-palmed, laughing. "Father, you're really excited about this, aren't you?"
Father's grin grew even wider. "You have no idea, Tharros! Slime mating season is like a feast for us dragons! The slime is at its most tender and flavorful..."
Lyriath and the other siblings were giggling, entertained by Father's antics. "Father, you're a slime connoisseur," Lyriath teased.
Father chuckled, his belly jiggling with laughter. "Hey, someone's got to appreciate the finer things in life!"
As the night fell, Father settled in for a well-deserved rest, his belly full of anticipation for the upcoming slime feast. I snuggled under his wing, feeling safe and cozy.
"Goodnight, Tharros," Father whispered, wrapping his wing around me.
"Goodnight, Father," I replied, drifting off to sleep with a smile on my face.
As I slept, I could hear Father's gentle snores and the soft rustling of his wings. It was a peaceful night, and for a brief moment, the Shadow Scale and its threats seemed far away.