Northern Grass Saga

3 Tharros

Tharros inclined his great head, his eyes warm with friendship. "I'm happy to speak with you, Everstone. You've become a dear friend to me and my family."

Everstone smiled, feeling a sense of joy at the dragon's words. But before he could respond, Tharros continued, "I must express my deepest gratitude to you, Everstone. You found my young ones and led them back to me. I was frantic with worry, and your kindness has eased my heart."

Everstone's eyes widened in surprise, remembering the dragon hatchlings he had stumbled upon in the forest and led back to the mountain. "Oh, Tharros, it was nothing! I'm just glad I could help," he said, feeling a sense of wonder at the dragon's gratitude.

Tharros nodded his great head, his voice filled with emotion. "It was everything, Everstone. You have no idea how precious my children are to me. I owe you a debt of gratitude, one that I can never fully repay."

Everstone hesitated, feeling a sense of nervousness. "Tharros, I wanted to ask you a favor," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Tharros's expression turned curious, his ears perking up. "What is it that you want to know, young one?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Everstone took a deep breath, his heart racing with excitement. "I was wondering... if I could claim one of your kids as a pet," he asked, his eyes locked on the dragon's face.

Tharros's expression changed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "One of my children?" he repeated, his voice cautious.

Everstone nodded eagerly. "Yes, I promise I'll take good care of them! I'll feed them, protect them, and love them like they're my own. I'll be the best dragon owner ever!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm bubbling over.

Tharros regarded Everstone for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to Everstone's surprise, the dragon chuckled, a low rumbling sound. "You are bold, I'll give you that," Tharros said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But claiming one of my children as a pet is no small thing. It's a big responsibility."

Everstone's face fell, disappointment washing over him. He had been so sure Tharros would agree.

But then, Tharros's expression softened. "However, I can offer you a compromise," he said, his voice gentle. "You can choose one of my children to be your companion, and if things go well in the future... maybe, just maybe, they can become your pet."

Everstone's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?" he asked, hope rising in his chest.

Tharros nodded. "But you must understand, Everstone, in the world we live in, kingdoms can't have pet dragons. Dragons are considered dangerous, and the kingdom would kill any dragon they found."

Everstone's face darkened in understanding. He had heard stories of dragons being hunted and killed by kingdoms, simply because of their existence.

Tharros continued, "But as a companion, my child would be protected. They would be seen as a noble steed, a symbol of power and strength. And who knows, maybe one day, things will change, and dragons will be accepted for who they are."

Everstone nodded eagerly, his heart racing with excitement. He knew it was a risk, but he was willing to take it. "I'll do it," he said, his voice firm. "I'll choose a companion, and I'll protect them with my life."

Tharros led Everstone through the winding cave, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. They turned a corner, and Everstone's eyes widened in wonder. Before them was a small clearing, filled with three baby dragons, each one unique and adorable.

The sky blue dragon, with scales shimmering like the brightest summer sky, was named Azure. She was playful and curious, chasing after a small rock as it rolled across the ground.