The Universe Of Tomorrow

Scales of Love and Destiny

As Lysandra swung her greatsword through the last of the goblins, I raised my holy symbol, channeling a healing spell to mend her wounds. "We should be nearing the heart of the dungeon," I said, my eyes catching the glint of her grateful smile.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she grinned, her teeth sharp and menacing, even in a smile.

Finally, we stepped into an enormous cavern. Stalactites hung like chandeliers from the ceiling, and a pool of water mirrored the ethereal glow of the fungi. The sight that arrested our attention, however, was the immense golden dragon lying at the center of the cavern.

"You dare trespass into my sanctum?" the dragon rumbled, its voice echoing throughout the chamber.

Lysandra stepped forward, her draconic heritage apparent in her unflinching gaze. "We seek only passage and the spoils of the dungeon, Great One. We mean you no harm."

I clutched my holy symbol tightly. "We come in peace but will defend ourselves if need be."

The dragon studied us, its eyes like molten gold. "Hmm, you carry the blood of my kin, Dragonborn. And you, cleric, your aura is pure. So, I offer a choice: Leave now, or answer my riddle for a boon."

Driven by a mix of curiosity and perhaps a touch of divine foolhardiness, I asked, "What is the riddle?"

The dragon poised its riddle, and after a shared glance with Lysandra, I whispered the answer: "An echo."

The dragon grinned. "Correct. As promised, a boon." It gently nudged a glowing egg toward us. "This is one of my eggs. Care for it, and when it hatches, the dragonling will be bound to you."

We were stunned into silence, the weight of the gift settling upon us. "Thank you, Great One," I finally managed to say, my voice tinged with awe. Lysandra bowed deeply, echoing my sentiments.

With utmost care, we wrapped the egg in our cloaks and placed it in our sturdiest sack. As we retraced our steps through the dungeon, I felt a new sense of purpose envelop us. This wasn't just another loot-filled expedition; we'd been entrusted with a life.

"We've got a bigger adventure ahead of us now," Lysandra said, her eyes meeting mine.

I smiled. "And an incredible responsibility."

We emerged from the Rivenhall Caverns carrying not gold or gems, but a promise for the future in the form of a dragon egg. As we stepped into the sunlight, I realized that sometimes the greatest treasures aren't the ones you can hold in your hand, but the ones that nestle deep in your heart. And as we walked away, the egg secure in our pack, I felt certain that the most incredible part of our journey was just beginning.

As we entered the bustling town, the noise of chatter and the clatter of hooves filled the air. The smell of freshly baked bread and seasoned meat wafted from street vendors, but we had other priorities. A sign caught my eye: "General Goods."

"Let's stock up here," I suggested, and Lysandra nodded.

Pushing open the creaky door, we were greeted by a sudden change in atmosphere. The outside noise became a distant hum, replaced by the musty smell of old parchment, leather, and various trinkets. A gnome, his nose almost buried in a feather duster, was the only other presence, diligently cleaning a shelf near the back.

"Excuse me," I called out, my voice echoing slightly in the quiet space.

The gnome turned around, his face brightening at the sight of potential customers. "Ah! Welcome, welcome! What can I do for you lovely travelers today?"

"We need supplies," Lysandra said, her eyes scanning the shelves filled with vials, herbs, and adventuring gear. "Rations, healing potions, and perhaps something to keep an egg warm."