Eric Vang's Quest of the heart

Eric Vang's Quest: The Festival of Unity

Eric Vang woke to the sound of leaves rustling outside his window. He stretched, his fluffy white hair standing on end for a brief moment before settling back into place around his black dragon horns. The early morning light painted the room a soft gray, hinting at the promise of a sunny day. He sat up in his bed, the wooden frame creaking slightly under his weight, and took a deep breath. The scent of the forest outside washed over him, a blend of dew-kissed leaves and the faint hint of distant campfires. It was a scent that never failed to invigorate him, and today was no exception. He felt the familiar stirring of his dragon wings, eager to break free from their confines within his body.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed, his bare feet landing on the cool stone floor. As he stood, the tips of his wings poked out of his back, briefly grazing the wall before retreating again. It was a strange sensation, one that had taken him years to learn to control. His mother, Rose, had taught him the art of concealment, due to his wings being bigger than most kids his age.

Having big wings as a dragon-kin is a source of pride but also a daily challenge for Eric. He has learned to tuck them in tightly, especially in the bustling streets of the city. The scales along his spine shimmered in the early morning light as he stretched, reminding him of his true nature. He pulled on his black tee-shirt and dark sage pants, adjusting the hip pouch and ensuring his messenger bag was secure across his chest. He had to be careful today; the market was bound to be crowded with all sorts of people, and he didn't want to draw any unwanted attention.

Walking over to the window, Eric pushed aside the heavy velvet curtains, letting the light flood in. He looked out over the rooftops, his eyes drawn to the towering trees that surrounded the town. They whispered secrets to each other in the breeze, secrets that only he and the animals of the forest knew. He felt a pang of longing to be out there, to feel the wind in his hair and the sun on his scales. But today was not a day for flight. He had a task to complete.

The annual Festival of Unity was approaching, a time when elves and dragons alike would come together to celebrate their peaceful coexistence. Eric's mother had been chosen to create the ceremonial garland, a symbol of their unity. It was an honor, but it also meant long hours in the garden, tending to the delicate plants that would be woven into the intricate design. Eric was eager to help, not just to spend time with his mother.

With a final look at his reflection in the polished silver mirror, Eric stepped out of his room and into the bustling house. His mother was already in the kitchen, a flurry of activity as she prepared breakfast. The smell of sizzling bacon and freshly baked bread filled the air, making Eric's stomach growl. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, her cheeks flushed with the warmth of the hearth. She looked up and met his gaze, her own eyes sparkling with the excitement of the day ahead.

"Good morning, Eric," she called out, her voice a sweet melody in the morning air. "You're up early today."

"I Couldn't sleep," Eric replied, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Too much on my mind."

His mother, a picture of understanding, nodded. "Well, come give me a hand. It'll help take your mind off things."

They worked together in a comfortable rhythm, the clanging of pots and pans punctuating their easy conversation.

"So, what's the big plan for today?" she asked, flipping the bacon with a practiced flick of her wrist.

"The Festival of Unity, I've decided to find the rare unicorn flower," Eric said, his voice filled with determination. "It's the perfect way to contribute to the celebration."

His mother's expression grew thoughtful. "That's quite the challenge, even for someone as resourceful as you. But I know you can do it," she said, placing a warm hand on his shoulder.