Drakonis

Change

Kicking a few rocks across the lake, I sat alone today. It's been three days since Uhroh left, and I've felt pretty isolated.

Eli and Olympia have settled in with the tribe and made some decent friends. Ashley has been keeping my mother company, trying to lift her spirits after Uhroh's departure.

I threw another rock, watching it skip across the water. "You're pretty good at that," a light voice broke the quiet.

I turned quickly, not expecting anyone. Nymara approached and sat down beside me with a friendly smile.

"Just a trick my brother taught me," I said, trying to keep my tone casual.

Nymara nodded. "You must miss him a lot."

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. "He's my only friend."

Nymara took in the serene surroundings, her gaze thoughtful. "Did you have many friends back home?"

I shook my head slowly. "Not really. I was often picked on. I didn't really fit in."

Nymara's expression softened with understanding. "Well, since Uhroh is gone, how about you and I try being friends?"

Her offer took me by surprise. I hesitated, feeling a pang of uncertainty. "You really want to be friends with me?"

Nymara met my gaze with a reassuring smile. "Yes, I do. Is it wrong of me to say? I'd like to get to know you. I think we could be good friends."

I took a deep breath, weighing her sincerity against my past experiences. "We barely know each other."

Nymara nodded, her expression patient. "I don't bite, Loran." She laughed.

"I know, it's just you're very forward," I began, which made her laugh even more.

"And you're receptive and... kind," she whispered. "I like those qualities in a friend." I smiled at her words, feeling less sad now.

"I can't live up to your brother, but we shall get to know each other. I could use some change around here anyway," she added.

"You're odd, Nymara," I joked, causing her to look at me with a gummy smile.

"Odd is a new word. Most call me beautiful, smart, enchanting even, but never odd," she said as I began to feel bad, worried I might have insulted her.

"Don't think so much, Loran. I'm only joking," she poked my head playfully.

I managed a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I just overthink things sometimes."

"That's okay. I like that about you," she said with a grin. "Keeps things interesting."

I chuckled, feeling a bit lighter. "Thanks, Nymara. I'll try not to overthink it."

"Show me how you skip those rocks. I bet I can beat you," she challenged, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I'm not sure... I've been doing this for years," I laughed.

"Try me," she said, raising an eyebrow as I smirked.

"Okay, well, you take the rock and place it on its flat side in your hand, then push it far into the water gently," I explained. She nodded, picking up a rock and feeling it around.

She examined the rock with a curious expression. "Like this?" she asked, holding it out to me.

"Exactly," I replied. "Now, make sure you have a good grip and aim for a smooth throw."

She mimicked my stance, squinting at the water with determination. With a swift motion, she tossed the rock. It skipped once, twice, three times across the surface before sinking.

Her face lit up with excitement. "Did you see that? I did it!"

I laughed, genuinely impressed. "Not bad for a beginner! Think you can beat me now?"

"You're on," she challenged, picking up another rock. We spent the next hour skipping stones, laughing and cheering each other on with every successful throw.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the water, we sat down on a large rock, catching our breath.

"I haven't had this much fun in ages," she said, smiling at me.

"Me neither," I admitted, looking out at the rippling water. "Maybe you're a natural."

"Or maybe I just had a great teacher," she teased, nudging me playfully.

We grew quiet listening to the soft stream from the lake. I glanced a bit at Nymara as her gaze was fixed on the water.

"Being a dragon princess and all... what's it like?" I questioned, causing her to laugh loudly.

"A dragon princess? I'm far from that," she said softly.

"Then what are you?" I asked, genuinely curious.

She sighed, but her voice held a calm certainty. "I'm training to sit on our council, so I don't get much time to actually ride my dragon like my brother," she said, though there was a hint of something deeper in her eyes.

"You don't sound too excited," I observed.

"It's not about excitement," she replied, her tone steady. "I'm grateful to serve my people, and I understand the importance of my role. But I do love riding," she whispered, a wistful smile on her lips.

"My parents would be shocked to hear me admit that, but it's something I've always enjoyed," she finished, her gaze meeting mine with a quiet strength.

"Then why didn't you choose to be a rider? Nestor mentioned it was your decision to join the council," I asked, curious to understand her better.

"It was my choice, and I'm confident in it," she said, her voice firm. "Since we're friends now, I'll tell you this in confidence." She leaned in closer, her eyes serious.

"One of the elders had a vision that somebody would save our kingdom from destruction. Initially, I assumed it was me as the vision featured adragon rider. But it turned out to be a man. I chose the council because I believe I can help guide that future," she explained as I nodded.

"But what about what you want?" I asked gently, looking into her eyes.

She smiled, a calm and wise expression. "Sometimes, fulfilling our duties brings a different kind of satisfaction. I believe in Ohla's vision and in my role. Riding is a joy, but ensuring the safety and prosperity of our people is my purpose."

I reached out and placed a hand on hers. "Yeah... but what if you hate the council? You should do what you love."

She squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Thank you, Loran. But happiness can take many forms. I find mine in knowing I'm making a difference."

We sat there in comfortable silence, her wisdom and confidence leaving a profound impression on me.