The Golden Years of Milim – A Childhood of Love and Power

The years passed like fleeting whispers, yet within them, a child grew—a child unlike any other.

Milim Nava, the daughter of Veldanava, the Star King Dragon, and Lucia, was no ordinary being.

She was born of divinity.

She was born of love.

And she was cherished by all.

The halls of the Eastern Empire had once been solemn, their grandeur wrapped in an air of absolute authority.

But now?

They echoed with laughter.

Milim's tiny feet pounded against golden floors as she ran, her pink hair flowing behind her.

Her childish giggles shattered the quiet halls, much to the frustration—and amusement—of the imperial guards.

Velzard and Velgrynd often found themselves in a tug-of-war, each claiming they were Milim's favorite aunt.

Even Rudra, ever the composed emperor, softened in her presence, indulging her mischievous antics.

Velzard, the White Ice Dragon, was the calmest of Veldanava's siblings.

Yet, around Milim, her icy composure melted into something uncharacteristically warm.

She would summon blankets of snow just so Milim could play.

When Milim pouted, she would carve delicate ice sculptures, whispering tales of ancient times.

And if anyone so much as looked at Milim the wrong way, a chilling frost filled the air—a silent warning.

Velzard was protective, yet nurturing.

And Milim adored her for it.

Velgrynd, the Scorching Red Dragon, was far less subtle.

She was fire and passion, a force of nature in herself.

And Milim was her little warrior.

"A Dragon's strength must never be questioned!" Velgrynd declared one day, lifting Milim onto her shoulders. "You, my dear niece, will be the strongest of all!"

Training sessions often ended in complete disaster, with entire training grounds reduced to craters.

When Velzard called Milim her "sweet little niece," Velgrynd huffed. "She's a warrior, not a doll!"

Milim, of course, just enjoyed the chaos.

Rudra, the great ruler of the Eastern Empire, was a man of order.

Milim was his only weakness.

When she first waddled into his throne room, he froze.

When she climbed onto his lap without permission, his generals gasped.

When she stole his golden crown and declared herself "Emperor Milim," he only sighed.

"She's got the spirit of a conqueror," Rudra admitted one day, watching her chase palace attendants with an oversized sword.

Lucia smiled. "She takes after her father."

Veldanava only laughed.

For Veldanava, Milim was his greatest joy.

For Lucia, Milim was her entire world.

They had watched their child take her first steps, speak her first words, and unleash her first accidental explosion.

Milim was growing stronger.

Stronger than they had ever imagined.

But she was also loved.

And that, more than anything, mattered the most.

"Papa! You said you had a surprise for me!" Milim's voice rang out, filled with excitement.

Veldanava chuckled. "That I did."

He waved his hand, and the air shimmered as powerful magic distorted space itself.

A massive golden portal opened before them.

And from within, a young dragon emerged.

The creature was breathtaking.

Its scales gleamed like emeralds, reflecting the sunlight in mesmerizing patterns.

Its eyes, a brilliant gold, met Milim's with an intelligence that went beyond mere instinct.

Its wings, still developing, flapped hesitantly as it took its first steps onto the palace grounds.

The moment Milim saw it, her eyes widened in awe.

"A… a dragon?! For me?!"

The dragon tilted its head, studying her just as curiously.

Lucia gasped softly. "It's beautiful…"

Velgrynd smirked. "She won't let it out of her sight."

Velzard sighed. "As long as she doesn't destroy the palace again…"

Rudra chuckled. "I'd bet against that."

Milim stepped forward, unafraid.

The dragon lowered its head slightly, sensing something special in this child.

She reached out, placing a small hand against its snout. Warmth spread through her fingertips—a connection.

A bond was already forming.

"Papa, does it have a name?" she asked, not taking her eyes off the dragon.

Veldanava shook his head. "No, my little star. That is for you to decide."

Milim blinked, stunned for a moment. She got to name it?

She looked deep into the dragon's golden eyes, as if searching for the right word, the right feeling.

And then, suddenly, she grinned.

"Gaia! Your name will be Gaia!"

The moment she spoke, power surged.

The name engraved itself into the dragon's very soul, sealing their bond.

Gaia let out a small roar, the golden glow of its eyes intensifying.

Lucia placed a hand on her chest, sensing the connection. "It's perfect."

Velgrynd arched an eyebrow. "Gaia… the ruler of the land. Fitting."

Velzard gave a small smile. "It suits her."

Rudra whistled. "Well, now she has a dragon to match her temper."

Milim wrapped her arms around Gaia's neck, laughing.

"We'll be best friends forever! You and me, Gaia!"

The dragon nudged her gently, as if to say, Yes, always.

From that day forward, Milim and Gaia were inseparable.

They flew through the skies, with Milim's joyous laughter echoing through the clouds.

They tumbled through the fields, causing earthquakes that terrified the palace attendants.

They trained together, their bond growing stronger with every battle.

Wherever Milim went, Gaia followed.

She had been gifted more than a pet.

She had been given a lifelong companion.

A piece of her father's love, eternal and unbreakable.

And for now—before the tragedies that would shape her future—

Milim was just a happy child, loved by all, with her dragon by her side.