Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 24 – A Dream Come True

Chapter 24 – A Dream Come True

Nae had been living with Taku Tan Sané for months now, and she had learned a great deal since her arrival. Taku Tan had been teaching her about patience and other values, which were very important to him. Nae had to admit that she had always been a bit impatient in the past, but she was slowly learning to be more patient and understanding.

In addition to these lessons, Taku Tan had also been teaching Nae about combat. She was becoming more and more skilled with her staff, and Taku Tan was impressed with her progress. He had also taught her about the history behind the Ninki Nanka, a dragon-like creature that lived in the surrounding area.

But despite all these lessons, Nae couldn't help but worry about her sister. It had been months since she had seen her, and she missed her dearly. She couldn't help but wonder what had happened to her and if she was safe.

Today, Nae decided to ask Taku Tan when she would be ready to meet and ride a dragon. She had always dreamed of flying on the back of a dragon, and she knew that this was her only hope of finding her sister.

"Taku Tan," Nae said tentatively as they sat in the shade of a tree. "When will I be ready to meet and ride a dragon?"

Taku Tan looked at her thoughtfully for a moment before answering. "Today," he said simply.

Nae's heart leapt with excitement. "Really?" she asked, hardly daring to believe it.

Taku Tan nodded. "Today, we will go find a dragon. But you must remember, Nae, that dragons are not pets. They are proud and powerful creatures, and we must treat them with respect."

Nae nodded eagerly, her impatience temporarily forgotten. She was finally going to meet a dragon, and perhaps even ride one. She couldn't wait to see what the day would bring.

As Nae packs her bag, Taku Tan explains that the dragons usually reside in caves near the waterside. They must travel a few miles to reach the location where they can find a dragon. Nae nods, feeling the excitement and the nervousness building inside her. She had always dreamed of seeing a dragon, and now, it seemed like her dream was about to become a reality.

Before leaving, Nae says goodbye to Adisa, who has adjusted well to the simple way of life in Soudj. Adisa tells Nae how much she loves the customs and traditions of this kingdom, including spending time with the elders, drinking tea, and the agriculture and farming. It's a peaceful way of life without the politics of royalty, just like living in a giant village.

After bidding farewell to Adisa, Nae and Taku Tan begin their journey towards the waterside. Along the way, Taku Tan shares more knowledge with Nae, telling her about the history behind the Ninki Nanka. He tells her that it's a legendary dragon-like creature, said to have a long neck and a horse-like head.

Nae listens intently, her eyes wide with wonder and fascination. She never imagined that her journey would involve learning about dragons and legendary creatures. As they near the waterside, Taku Tan instructs Nae to be careful and stay alert. He tells her that the dragons are known to be fierce protectors of their territory.

Nae followed closely behind Taku Tan as they entered the cave. The dimly lit space was filled with stalactites and stalagmites, creating eerie shadows on the walls. As they rounded a corner, Nae saw a large dragon curled up in a corner. The dragon lifted its head and stared at them with intelligent eyes.

"Taku Tan, my old friend," the dragon spoke, its voice deep and rumbling.

"It's good to see you, my friend," Taku Tan replied, walking towards the dragon.

Nae watched in awe as the two exchanged pleasantries. She couldn't believe she was witnessing a conversation between a human and a dragon.

"What brings you here, Taku Tan?" the dragon asked.

"We seek your help," he said, turning towards Nae.

Nae stepped forward nervously. "I...I want to learn how to ride a dragon," she said.

The dragon regarded her with interest. "And what makes you think you're ready to ride?" it asked.

Taku Tan stepped forward. "She has trained with me and learned much about the ways of the dragon and their riders. She is ready," he said.

Nae couldn't believe her eyes as she looked at the dragon before her. The creature was enormous, with scales that shimmered in the light like precious gems. Its wings were vast, easily spanning the length of a horde of horses, and Nae could feel the heat emanating from its massive body. The dragon's eyes were an intense shade of amber, and they seemed to be examining her just as closely as she was examining them.

As Nae looked closer, she noticed that the dragon had a few scars on its body, evidence of battles it had fought in the past. But despite these marks, the dragon exuded a sense of power and strength that was almost overwhelming. Nae felt a sense of reverence as she looked at the creature, realizing that she was in the presence of something truly extraordinary.

The dragon named Xhosan The Wise looked at her thoughtfully. "Taku Tan went through three trials to prove his worthiness before he was allowed to ride me. You, on the other hand, will only need to allow me to see into your heart before I can allow you to ride any dragon."

Nae nodded, feeling relieved. "Thank you, Xhosan."

Xhosan leaned forward, and Nae felt a rush of heat as the dragon's breath washed over her. "Then, let us begin," he said. "Close your eyes and allow me to see into your heart."

Nae took a deep breath, and closed her eyes as Xhosan leaned his snout towards her chest. She could feel a tingling sensation spreading through her body as if a warm light was being shone into her heart. Xhosan's eyes were closed, and his breathing deepened as he delved deeper into her soul.

Nae felt exposed and vulnerable, as if every secret she ever held was being laid bare before the wise dragon. Her heart raced, and she couldn't help but wonder what Xhosan would find there. Memories of her past, her fears, and her hopes all seemed to flash before her mind's eye.

After a few moments that felt like eternity, Xhosan slowly pulled away, and opened his eyes. His gaze was intense, and Nae couldn't help but feel a little unnerved.

"Your heart is full of passion and courage," Xhosan said in a deep and wise voice. "But it is also burdened by fear and doubt. You must learn to control these emotions, in order to trust yourself and the dragons."

Nae nodded, feeling humbled by the dragon's words. She knew that Xhosan had seen things in her heart that even she had not fully acknowledged. But she was determined to overcome her fears and doubts, and to prove herself worthy of riding with the dragons.

Nae and Taku Tan exited the cave and were met with the bright sunshine and the sound of the nearby river. As they looked up to the sky, they saw Xhosan and another dragon soaring through the air.

Nae couldn't help but stare in amazement at the sight before her. She had never seen such majestic creatures up close. The two dragons circled above them a few times before Xhosan landed gracefully on the ground in front of Nae and Taku Tan.

As Xhosan approached, Nae could feel the ground shake beneath her feet with each of his steps. He bowed his head to her and spoke, "I have brought my companion, Lirena, you will be her rider if she finds you worthy."

Nae looked at Lirena, the greenish dragon, and felt a connection almost instantly. She could see kindness and curiosity in her eyes. Nae slowly approached Lirena, extending her hand to touch the dragon's snout. Lirena nudged her head into Nae's hand, making her smile.

After a moment of connection, Lirena spoke to Nae, "I sense a kind heart in you, Nae. I will allow you to ride me, but you must treat me with respect and kindness."

Nae nodded, "I promise to always treat you with respect and kindness, Lirena."

She was about half the size of Xhosan, perfect for a young girl like Nae. Her wings were proportionally larger than Xhosan's, with an elegant curve to them. Her eyes were large and expressive, with a gentle intelligence that seemed to communicate her willingness to be ridden. Nae couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and awe as she looked at the majestic creature before her.

Lirena asked Nae to climb on top of her. Nae felt a thrill of excitement as she climbed onto Lirena's back. The dragon's scales were cool and smooth under her hands, and as Lirena unfurled her wings, Nae felt the power of the dragon beneath her. With a mighty leap, Lirena launched into the sky, and Nae felt the rush of wind as they soared higher and higher.

As they climbed, Nae looked down at the world below her. The landscape was spread out like a patchwork quilt, and the people and animals below looked like tiny specks. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden light over everything, and the sky was painted in shades of orange and pink. It was like nothing Nae had ever seen before.

Lirena flew with grace and ease, and Nae felt completely safe on her back. She leaned forward, feeling the wind rush past her face, and let out a whoop of joy. Lirena responded with a joyful roar, and Nae felt the dragon's pleasure and excitement through their bond.

They flew for what felt like hours, exploring the skies and taking in the breathtaking views. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Lirena began to descend, and Nae could see the campsite where they had started to the west. Lirena landed smoothly, and Nae climbed down, her heart full of wonder and gratitude.

"Thank you, Lirena," she said, patting the dragon's scales. "That was incredible."

Lirena let out a contented purr, and Nae felt a deep connection between them. She knew that she and Lirena would be lifelong partners, and she felt a sense of purpose and belonging that she had never experienced before. She looked up at Taku Tan, who was watching them with a small smile on his face, and felt a surge of affection for her mentor and friend.

As they settled in for the night, Nae felt content and at peace. She knew that her journey was far from over, but she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With Lirena by her side and Taku Tan as her guide, she knew that she could do anything.