Drakonis

Recovery

Opening my eyes, I winced as a sharp ache pulsed through my head. I blinked, taking in the sterile, white walls of the infirmary. The sound of a faint beeping machine and the soft hum of activity filled the room.

"Glad to see you're awake," Grandmother's familiar voice broke through my groggy state. I turned my head, trying to orient myself. "I'm sorry about the shot," she said with a gentle smile. "But I told them you'd be fine."

I struggled to prop myself up, wincing at the pain in my side. "I got shot?" I asked, my voice hoarse.

Grandmother nodded, her expression a mix of concern and relief. "Yes, but don't worry. They managed to take care of you. Your brothers are just as stubborn as you, though."

Her words made me stiffen with curiosity. "My brothers?" I repeated, trying to focus.

Before she could respond, the door to the infirmary swung open. My heart leapt as I saw Uhroh, Eli, and Nymara enter, their faces a mixture of shock and joy. They stumbled in, their eyes wide as they took in the sight of me propped up in the bed.

"Loran!" Eli exclaimed, rushing forward. "You're awake!"

Uhroh followed, his face breaking into a relieved smile. "We were so worried. It's been too long."

Nymara's eyes were shimmering with unshed tears. "Loran, we didn't know if you'd make it," she said, her voice trembling slightly. She moved to the side of the bed, her hand reaching out to gently touch mine.

The overwhelming rush of emotions made it hard to keep my composure. Seeing my brothers after three long years, their familiar faces and worried expressions, filled me with a profound sense of relief and happiness. "I missed you all," I said, my voice catching with emotion.

Uhroh gave a small, teary laugh. "We've missed you too, more than you know."

Eli nodded, his expression softening as he looked at me with concern. "When Nymara called us we were just on our way over. Glad you're safe now."

Nymara squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and love.

The room seemed to brighten with their presence, the pain and uncertainty of the battle fading into the background. As I looked at my brothers and Nymara, the weight of the past years seemed to lift, replaced by a profound gratitude for their support and a renewed sense of hope.

Grandmother smiled, her eyes twinkling with affection as she observed the reunion. "Well, it's a good thing you have such a stubborn family to rely on."

As I looked around at the faces of those I loved, I felt a surge of warmth and a deep sense of belonging. I let out a laugh, trying to shake off the remaining tension. "I mean, how have you guys been? We have so much catching up to do!"

My brothers settled into chairs around my bed, visibly relieved and eager to share stories. Nymara and Grandmother exchanged a glance, and Nymara spoke softly, "Grandmother, let's head out. They need time to talk."

Grandmother nodded with a knowing smile and gently exited the room with Nymara, leaving us alone.

I turned my attention to Eli, who had grown taller and more mature. "Man, I feel like I've missed you grow so much," I said, reaching out to ruffle his head of hair affectionately.

Eli grinned and gave a mock scowl. "You sound like Mom," he joked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I laughed, the familiar banter soothing my soul. "How are they? Have you seen them?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern.

Uhroh and Eli exchanged a somber look before Uhroh spoke up. "At the beginning, we were with them in the southern forest. But then we got transferred when another clan needed support."

A pang of worry gripped me, but Eli quickly added, "They're fine, brother. They have each other. And you know Mom is a badass. Nobody can beat her in a fight."

His joke lightened the mood, and I couldn't help but smile. "I know she is."

Uhroh nodded, his expression softening. "They're tough, Loran. They've been holding their own. We've been trying to do the same here."

I looked at my brothers, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and relief. The worries and fears that had plagued me seemed to ease as I was surrounded by familiar faces. "It's just good to see you all. To know you're okay. I've missed you more than I can say."

Eli and Uhroh exchanged a look of understanding. "We missed you too," Uhroh said quietly. "And we're just glad you're back with us."

The room was filled with a comfortable silence, punctuated by the occasional chuckle or heartfelt comment. As I looked at my brothers, the weight of the past years felt lighter.

"How long will you be here?" I inquired.

"Two more days, then we head to the east border to help Ashley and Olympia," Eli answered with a bright smile.

"Now that you've finished your training, we'll be able to end this war," Eli boasted, his pride evident in his voice. I smiled softly, but a nagging thought tugged at me.

"I've been thinking," I began cautiously, "about joining the fight. I know I'm ready. I've trained hard and..."

Uhroh's smile faded into a frown. "That's not your place, Loran. The elders have their reasons for keeping you here."

"I don't care about the elders' reasons," I shot back, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "This isn't just about following orders. This is about making a difference, fighting for our people."

Before Uhroh could respond, the door swung open with a creak. Grandmother and the council entered, their expressions a mix of concern and authority. The air thickened with tension as their presence commanded attention.

"Loran," Elder Brannor said sharply, his gaze locking onto me. "I see you're already set on disobeying the council's wishes."

I straightened, my frustration boiling over. "I'm not disobeying anyone. I'm making a choice based on my abilities and what I believe is right."

Grandmother stepped forward, her eyes weary yet firm. "Loran, you have a strong heart. But this isn't about your personal will. It's about strategy and the larger picture. The council believes it's too dangerous for you to join the front lines."

"You don't understand!" I shot back, my voice rising. "I've trained for this. I've sacrificed for this. I'm not going to be kept here while my family are out there fighting for their lives."

Elder Brannor's face hardened. "And if you go now, what then? You risk everything we've worked for. The last thing we need is another headstrong fighter who thinks he's invincible."

"It's not about being invincible," I countered, my anger palpable. "It's about being capable. I've proven myself. I'm ready to face them, even if you're too afraid to see it."

Grandmother's voice grew more insistent. "Loran, you're too valuable here. If you leave now, we'll have no choice but to send you back to training. You're not ready for the battlefield, no matter what you believe."

"I'm done with your endless training!" I yelled, my voice echoing off the walls. "I've trained, I've waited, and now I'm being told I'm not fit to fight. It's the same as saying I'm not worth fighting for. I won't be a pawn in your plans. I will join my brothers. I will fight."

Elder Brannor's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and disbelief. "You're making a grave mistake, Loran. You'll regret this."

"I'll take my chances," I spat out. "I'd rather fight and fall than be caged by your fears and doubts."