Serathor: A World of Magic and Dragons

The Heart

The size of Novaryn became more apparent the closer they flew to the ground. Citizens in the streets looked up in awe as the celestial dragon passed overhead, their faces a mix of wonder and reverence. Even from this height, Valira could see how tiny the people looked compared to the dragon's enormous bulk. Where Rokkan could dart between towers and tight spaces, Novaryn flew above, casting a shadow that stretched across entire blocks of the city. Valira felt a sense of quiet pride as Novaryn flew with unmatched elegance and strength, her presence as ancient and powerful as the stars themselves.

Joren pulled up beside them, Rokkan darting around Novaryn like a swift shadow. Though his drake was quick, Valira could sense the strain it took for Rokkan to keep up with Novaryn's massive strides through the air. Rokkan's wings beat with furious intensity, his smaller frame cutting through the sky with precision, but it was a task that required focus and energy. Novaryn, by contrast, moved with an effortless grace, every beat of her wings slow and deliberate, carrying them across vast distances with a single stroke.

"Rokkan's trying his best," Joren shouted over the wind, though the humor in his voice was evident. "But I think he knows he's outmatched."

Valira laughed. "Novaryn's not even breaking a sweat." She glanced down at the dragon's broad back, feeling the deep, steady rhythm of her breathing. It was like riding the heartbeat of the world itself.

They flew over the grand palace of Silvenne, its ivory walls and crystalline towers reflecting the soft glow of the setting sun. The city stretched out around them, its streets winding like rivers of stone, dotted with courtyards and lush gardens. From above, Silvenne looked like a living map, its people moving like specks below, unaware of the immense power soaring above them. Valira could see the rivers that cradled the city, their waters glistening under the last light of day, snaking through the landscape like silver threads.

As they flew, Valira leaned into the flight, feeling the cool wind whip through her hair, the sensation of weightlessness and freedom filling her soul. They soared over the wide-open plains beyond the city, where the landscape turned wild and untamed. Here, in the vast fields dotted with rolling hills and ancient trees, Valira could sense the pull of nature, her connection to the world around her deepening. The bond between her and Novaryn felt as natural as breathing, their souls intertwined with each gust of wind, each rise and fall of the dragon's wings.

Rokkan darted around again, cutting in front of Novaryn with surprising speed. Joren grinned as they flew side by side, the two creatures a stark contrast in size and presence.

"Want to test our limits?" Joren called, his eyes glinting with challenge.

"Always," Valira answered, her heart racing with anticipation. Novaryn rumbled beneath her, sensing the excitement building within her rider.

Without warning, Joren leaned forward, and Rokkan dove, wings tucked close to his body as he plummeted toward the ground. Novaryn roared in response, a sound that shook the very air around them, and Valira barely had time to tighten her grip before the dragon followed suit. They plunged through the sky, the world rushing up to meet them as the ground came closer and closer.

For a heartbeat, it felt as though they would collide with the earth. The wind roared in Valira's ears, her breath caught in her throat, but she trusted Novaryn with every fiber of her being. At the last moment, Novaryn's wings snapped open, catching the air and pulling them into a sharp rise, their speed turning into a graceful arc as they flew back up toward the sky.

Valira's laughter echoed through the night air as they soared above the plains, the thrill of flight surging through her veins. Joren was just ahead, guiding Rokkan with ease, but Valira could see the exhilaration on his face as well.