Think before Speaking (11)

For a moment, the dragon remained still, its eyes scrutinizing them. The tension in the air was almost unbearable, every second stretching to an eternity. Then, slowly, Bone's snarl softened, and its eyes lost their hostile glow. It straightens up, retreating slightly, as if acknowledging the similar presence. Then, to everyone's surprise, the inspection conducted by Bone took an unforeseen twist. As his warm and moist tongue delicately caressed Starfania's face, an overwhelming sense of calm washed over them, instantly dispelling their fear. The gentle caress of each lick filled Starfania with a profound sense of affection emanating from the incredible dragon. She let out a sigh of relief and took a deep breath, a smile forming on her lips.Confusion engulfed the atmosphere when Aeron, in a state of shock, couldn't help but voice his concern and disbelief at the unexpected turn of events that had just occurred. Truly the situation was anything but ordinary. Despite the imminent danger they faced, Bones's attitude changed into that one of a puppy, proving that dragons aren't dangerous. Starfania found herself, in the presence of Bone's love, the peril they had faced a moment ago. Filled with a newfound sense of assurance, she gently strokes the dragon's neck in an attempt to calm Aeron's confusion. He soon caught on that there was something more about this meeting than at first glance. With a mix of curiosity and confusion, Aeron asked about the relationship with Bone, and how he is connected to Starfania." How do you know this dragon? " Aeron asked, his voice filled with bewilderment.Starfania smiled, her hand continuing to stroke Bone's metallic scales, which gleamed in the dim light of the cave." It's a long story, " she began, her voice soft and reminiscent. " Bone had been in my family for generations. Every time I would go out to play in the garden he was the one I used to play with. "Aeron listened intensely, his eyes never leaving Starfania." Over time, " she continued " after my mother passed my father forced him to stay in this cave. Even though he despised dragons he couldn't hurt Bone because he was my mother's dragon. He was a friend and protector. During the ambush, he tried rushing to our aid but he didn't make it in time. "Bone let out a soft rumble that sounded almost heartbroken as if acknowledging Starfania's words. Aeron's expression softened, the initial shock fading away to that of understanding." I never knew, " he said quietly, his eyes reflecting the emotion in his eyes. " It has been so long since we last saw each other. After Lady Lyria's death, the kingdom changed drastically. I remember how the soldiers came into the town and were slaying every dragon on the spot. "The past had seemed never too far behind them as they recalled the event of that night. Some of the citizens did their best to protect their beloved dragons but if they did not comply with the demands they were put behind bars. Even though most of them were slain that night. Cesar knew that he still needed them to maintain his power. He had many restrictions on them and were only used as tools when it benefitted them.Starfania nodded her head, understanding every word that Aeron was saying as she experienced it firsthand in the palace." I remember that day so clearly, " she said. " It was as if the gods had come to set an example for us. The very land we stayed on changed along with it even though everything went south. We're still standing and that's all that matters. "