𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 10

Meanwhile, in a quieter part of the Red Keep, Laena was on her way to visit Vaerla. Laena knew the castle well because she had been there many times with her family. She found Vaerla's study room and knocked on the door.

Vaerla looked up from her books and smiled. "Hi, Laena!"

"Hi, Vaerla," Laena replied, returning the smile. "I hope I'm not bothering you."

Vaerla shook her head. "No, you're not. I needed a break anyway."

Laena sat down next to her, looking at the books and scrolls spread out on the table. "What are you studying?"

"History and our family tree," Vaerla said with a sigh. "Sometimes it's interesting, but sometimes it feels like it will never end."

Laena laughed. "I know what you mean. My teachers can be really strict too."

They started chatting comfortably, talking about their studies and what they liked and didn't like. Soon, the conversation turned to dragons, which was a favorite topic for everyone in their family.

"I wish I had a dragon," Vaerla admitted sadly. "Everyone else in our family has one, but not me."

Laena nodded. "I feel the same way. My brother Laenor has a dragon, and my mom talks about flying on her dragon all the time. But I don't have one either."

Vaerla's eyes lit up. "It feels like we're missing out on something really special, doesn't it?"

"Yes, exactly," Laena said. "I feel like if I had a dragon, I could show everyone that I'm important too."

Vaerla nodded. "I feel the same way. Having a dragon would make everything different, better somehow."

They sat quietly for a moment, thinking about how amazing it would be to have their own dragons. Even though they came from powerful families, they both felt left out without a dragon.

Laena broke the silence. "You know, even without dragons, we can still do great things. We can find other ways to show how special we are."

Vaerla smiled. "You're right. We'll find our own paths."

As they continued talking, they found they had a lot in common. Both were smart, determined, and wanted to make their own mark in the world, even if they didn't have dragons.

Eventually, their conversation became lighter, and they laughed as they shared stories and dreams for the future. By the time Laena had to leave, they had become good friends.

"Thanks for visiting," Vaerla said as they stood at the door. "I hope we can spend more time together."

"Definitely," Laena said. "I'll come by again soon."

With a final smile, Laena left, feeling happy. Her dad had told her to be friends with Vaerla, and now she was glad she had. She had found a real friend.

As Vaerla went back to her books, she felt hopeful. Even though there were many challenges ahead, she knew she had a good friend in Laena. Together, they would face whatever came their way, supporting each other as they grew up in their complicated world.