Drakonis

Distant Memory

"Nymara," a deep voice called my name as I gazed across the balcony, lost in thought.

Footsteps approached, and I turned to see Kairos. "You've been sitting here for days," he remarked lightly, his tone laced with concern. I nodded in response.

"Sorry," I whispered, my gaze returning to the sky.

"Are you perhaps thinking of something?" he pressed, sensing my distraction. I nodded once more.

"Clouded thoughts," I replied softly.

"You know, a good ride always clears your mind," Kairos suggested, a hint of persuasion in his voice. I shook my head.

"I'm not supposed to be riding. Council rules," I reminded him, though I usually didn't let such rules dictate my actions. But riding with Kairos felt different. It wasn't the same as being with Loran.

Kairos stepped closer, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Maybe that's the problem. You're too preoccupied with your rules. Perhaps a change in company would be more beneficial."

Before I could respond, Kairos reached out as if to touch my arm. I pulled away, a flicker of annoyance in my eyes. "Kairos, I'm not in the mood for your games."

His expression shifted to one of hurt surprise, but I barely noticed. My mind was elsewhere, still haunted by thoughts of Loran. The sky above seemed to stretch endlessly, much like the distance between us.

"I'm not the one playing games," he scoffed, causing me to furrow my eyebrows in frustration.

"Games? Is that what you think this is?" I snapped, my voice tight with irritation. "I'm not here to entertain you, Kairos."

"I don't know what you're playing at," he said, his frustration evident. "One minute you're distant, and the next, you expect me to understand you. What am I supposed to do?"

"I'm not asking you to understand me," I shot back. "I'm asking you to take this seriously. We are at war and all you care about is yourself."

"Is that it?" he said, his tone laced with disappointment. "You're just going to brush me off? I've been trying to be there for you."

I shook my head. "I don't have time for this. There are more pressing matters at hand and you're disturbing my peace."

Before he could respond, a council member burst in, breathless. "Nymara, we have urgent news. Trouble has erupted at the southern border. The humans have taken over several key positions. We're trying to assess the situation, but we fear for the safety of those who might have been caught in the chaos."

My heart skipped a beat instantly thinking of my father and Loran's parents. "Did they make it out? Are the others safe? Where is Vorian?"

The council member shook his head, clearly troubled. "We don't know yet. We're working to gather information, but your brother is there... with Uhroh."

Without hesitation, I turned to Kairos. "I'm heading to the southern border. We need to get there quickly and see what we can do."

Kairos looked taken aback. "You can't just go charging in without a plan!"

"I don't have time to wait for approval," I said firmly. "Every moment I delay could mean more lives lost. I'm flying out now."

As I strode towards the exit, Kairos called after me, but I was already determined, focused on the task at hand. The personal conflicts were insignificant compared to the urgency of the crisis.

I stormed through the corridors of the council chamber, my mind focused solely on getting to Orinth. As I neared the stables, I heard hurried footsteps behind me. I turned to see Kairos rushing to catch up.

"Nymara, wait!" he called out, his voice filled with urgency. "You can't just fly out there without any support. It's too dangerous!"

"I don't have time for this," I snapped, quickening my pace. "The situation at the southern border is critical. I need to get there now."

Kairos caught up to me, grabbing my arm gently but firmly. "You don't understand how bad it is. If you go out there alone, you could be putting yourself in serious danger. We don't know what we're facing."

I pulled my arm free, frustration boiling over. "And what am I supposed to do? Sit around and wait while people's lives are at risk? I have to do something!"

"I'm trying to protect you," Kairos said, his voice softer now but still filled with concern. "I care about you, and I don't want to see you get hurt."

I looked at him, the weight of his words sinking in. "I appreciate your concern, Kairos, but I can't just stand by and watch. My brother and father are out there!" I shouted.

He sighed, frustration and worry etched on his face. "Fine, but if you're going, then at least let me come with you."

I hesitated, looking into his earnest eyes. "Alright," I said finally.

Together, we approached Orinth, who was already waiting. I mounted her swiftly, and Kairos climbed up on his dragon behind. As Orinth took off, a wave of apprehension swept over me. Something was amiss, and we needed to act quickly.

"I got updates from the council," Kairos shouted through the wind. "They're sending a fleet by nightfall, but we don't have the full details yet."

I nodded, trying to process the information. "Do you know what's going on at the southern boarder?"

Kairos's face was grim. "Not entirely."

Nymara, sitting just behind me, clutched the saddle tightly. Her eyes, usually so steady, were filled with worry. She turned to me, her voice trembling slightly. "I have this awful feeling that something terrible is happening."

As we soared through the sky, my thoughts swirled. I couldn't help but wonder about the distress, about the bond we had rekindled after so many years. She worried not only for the danger we faced but for what it might mean for us—what might happen if things went wrong.

Nymara's grip tightened, her mind racing through the possible outcomes. If something happened, would she ever get the chance to understand the feelings she was developing for Loran? The weight of her unspoken thoughts added to the growing tension of the moment.

Kairos leaned in, breaking her reverie. "We should contact the scouts ahead. They might have more information."

Nymara nodded, her expression resolute despite the turmoil within her. "Yes, we need to know what's ahead."

As Orinth cut through the clouds, the uncertainty pressed heavily on both of us, each of us grappling with our own fears and unspoken worries about what lay ahead.