The Five Realms

Chapter 10: Steven II

### Chapter: The Path Forward

The gravity of the revelations they had just received was almost too much for Steven to process. The world he thought he knew had suddenly expanded into a realm of dragons, magic, and ancient history. *This is a lot to take in,* he thought, struggling to align his sense of reality with the fantastical elements now part of his life. His mind raced with questions: *How many people are aware of this dragon rider lore? And how does Arya fit into all of this?*

The recent days had been a whirlwind of emotions and revelations. The group had learned that they were not just ordinary teenagers but dragon riders, destined to journey to the mysterious realm of Alagaësia. The once familiar world was now a tapestry of magic and myth. Chyna had been deeply affected by the news of her family's ties to this hidden world, while Joey grappled with the emotional weight of his recent breakup. Beanca's usual composure had given way to visible frustration and concern. All were united in their uncertainty and awe at the prospect of leaving their homes behind.

Then there was Arya. *Damn, she's something else.* Arya's entrance had been nothing short of dramatic. Clad in form-fitting dark green leather that seemed tailored to her every curve, she moved with an effortless grace that commanded attention. Her presence was magnetic, and Steven couldn't help but admire her. Though he kept his observations to himself, aware that the girls were shooting him cold looks, his thoughts were anything but subtle.

Arya appeared to be somewhere between 17 and 21 years old, though her exact age was hard to pinpoint. She carried herself with a maturity that suggested a life rich with experience and enigmatic depth. As she walked into the room, Steven's initial shock turned into a mixture of awe and curiosity. *Wow,* he thought, captivated by her presence.

When Arya met his gaze and offered a soft, inviting smile, Steven's heart skipped a beat. Her expression was warm, almost as if she could sense the effect she had on him. His cheeks flushed involuntarily, and he tried to compose himself, but it was clear to everyone, especially Joey and Beanca, who exchanged knowing glances and hushed comments. Steven shot them an irritated look, which only seemed to provoke more amusement. *Seriously?* he thought, annoyed but slightly embarrassed by their reaction.

Arya's soft giggle seemed to suggest she was aware of the undercurrent of their conversation. Her demeanor was effortlessly charming, adding to the sense of intrigue surrounding her.

"So... How much do they know about—" Arya began, her voice smooth and inquiring.

"No," Mrs. Jackson interjected abruptly, cutting her off. The sudden interruption left Steven feeling even more puzzled. *What's going on here?* he wondered, trying to understand the dynamics at play.

"Know how much about what?" Steven asked, his voice tinged with confusion.

Beanca spoke up, "We've been briefed on the basics of being dragon riders, but it seems like there's more we don't know."

Arya turned her attention to them with a critical eye. "What specifically do you know?"

The group recounted the key points they had learned from Murtagh and Mrs. Jackson. They quickly realized that their understanding was superficial at best. The more intricate details of their new reality remained a mystery.

Arya listened intently, nodding as they spoke. Once they had finished, she said, "That's a good start, but being a dragon rider encompasses much deeper responsibilities and meanings. We'll discuss the more intricate aspects as we travel."

"To Alagaësia?" Steven asked, his excitement barely contained.

"Yes," Arya confirmed, her eyes gleaming with a mix of reassurance and mystery. Her confirmation added a sense of gravity to the impending journey.