The Tale of Drayden

Chapter 2: Calm Before the Storm

Eight years later, in the tranquil village of Windmere, the rhythmic clang of hammer against anvil echoed from a house on the outskirts. "Tang! Tang! Tang!" The blacksmithing noise was a familiar backdrop to the laughter and shouts coming from the backyard, where a spirited game of tag was unfolding.

A 17-year-old Serpentis girl with scales that glimmered in the sunlight chased after an 8-year-old human boy named Kael. Her laughter was infectious as she called out, “I’m gonna catch you, Kael! Once I catch you, you’ll have to spend the rest of the night with me!”

Kael, his hair tousled and cheeks flushed, darted away, his small legs pumping as fast as they could. “Noooo! I want to sleep with father tonight, sis!” he protested, his voice high and full of playful defiance.

The Serpentis girl, who was not Kael's sister by blood but by the bond they had formed, grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Not until you win, mister!” she challenged, her tone both teasing and affectionate.

Kael dodged and weaved through the yard, his laughter mingling with hers. The grass beneath their feet was soft, and the late afternoon sun cast long shadows, making the game feel like an adventure in a magical realm. His heart pounded with the thrill of the chase, but he was determined not to lose.

Their father, a sturdy Serpentis man with strong arms and kind eyes, paused his work at the forge to watch them. Leaning on his hammer, he smiled, pride and love evident in his gaze. He marveled at how Kael had grown, how his daughter had embraced her role as an older sister with such grace and enthusiasm.

“Kael, watch out!” the Serpentis girl called, her voice tinged with laughter as she nearly caught him.

Kael twisted and turned, narrowly escaping her grasp. His laughter rang out, clear and joyous. “I’m not going to lose!” he declared, his determination as fierce as his laughter was free.

Their father chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. “You two, always full of energy,” he muttered to himself, though his tone was full of warmth. He was grateful for these moments, these simple joys that brought light to their lives.

As they ran, Kael's sister reached out and almost caught him, but he slipped away at the last second. “You’re getting faster, Kael!” she praised, her voice breathless but happy.

Kael grinned over his shoulder. “Of course. I practiced a lot ya' know!” he shouted back, his eyes shining with admiration for his sister.

Their father’s smile widened, and he called out, “Alright, you two, it’s almost time for dinner. Better finish up your game!”

The Serpentis girl laughed, “Hear that, Kael? Last chance to win!”

Kael put on an extra burst of speed, his small legs moving as fast as they could. “I’m going to win, just wait!” he shouted, his voice full of determination.

Finally, with a playful roar, his sister pounced, wrapping her arms around him and lifting him off the ground. “Got you!” she declared triumphantly, spinning him around as he giggled uncontrollably.

Their father watched them with a tender smile, his heart swelling with love. The bond between Kael and his sister was a testament to the strength and resilience that had carried them through dark times. As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the village, the sounds of their joy filled the air, a beacon of hope and happiness in a world that often seemed dark and uncertain.

As the afternoon sun began to sink lower in the sky, painting the village of Windmere in hues of gold and amber, Kael's laughter filled the air. "You're a cheater, big sis! No fair!" he protested, his face flushed from the exertion of their game.