1 - Daughter Of The Storm

Azena - The Festival of Miracles

22th day of the season of birth - Year 2447

That morning, Azena had the luxury of staying in bed as late as she wanted since it was a holiday due to the festival. According to the Mayor of Atgoren, there was nothing more important than celebrating Noktow and Elysia. That jovial man was not a dragon rider, but he acted as if he was one. His dedication to his people, including the resident dragons, was solid. Onni was his first name. Azena had never met him in person, but according to the history of Atgoren, his family had participated in the foundation of the city.

When the two suns were high in the clear sky, Azena's sleep was interrupted by cheerful acclamations. She opened a lazy eye and saw Fayne leaning on the edge of the open window. The latter wore a casual outfit composed of a white shirt and a dark blue skirt that cascaded down to her ankles. She had the appearance of a modest merchant's daughter and it suited her very well. As always, she never separated from her pendant and had opted to style her hair into a braid. She was already prepared for the day ahead.

- You should see that, she said as she realized that her friend was awake. Citizens and dragons are working hard to prepare the festival.

Azena stretched, put on underwear and black pants and went to look outside the window. Immediately, Fayne laughed as she watched her friend.

- What? Asked Azena, suddenly embarrassed.

- Oh, nothing, replied Fayne. You're much more comfortable with me, that's all.

- What do you mean?

- Look at how you're dressed. You're half naked and before, you couldn't even get changed without being completely hidden under your blankets.

- Bah, I'm taking advantage of the heat of the rays of the suns, grumbled Azena who knew very well that she was right. They're finally powerful enough for me to be that comfortable inside. It's about time, damn winter.

- If you say so. By the way, you lost weight. Just make sure you eat right, okay?

Fearing she was losing her pants unknowingly, Azena tightened her belt at the next hole and focused on the outside scene to avoid this conversation. Indeed, at this height, one could distinguish miniature humanoids and dragons who were busy with the decoration of the city. They all worked together that was not surprising because the culture here was different from Nothar's, but it brought all the same joy in Azena's heart.

- It's so peaceful, she said.

Fayne nodded and pointed at two dragons flying over the main street, dropping purple and mauve flower petals in their wake.

- It's going to be fun, Azena said.

A chilly gust of wind made her shudder.

- In the end, it may be a little too cold for this revelatory outfit, she confessed.

She put on a tunic with a long sleeves and pulled the hood over her head, leaving wisps of her silver hair to protrude out. She looked at her torso which had indeed shrunk and told herself that Fayne was right and that she should take on a little weight.

- I'll make sure I devour my many meals tonight, she promised Fayne.

- Your many meals? Replied the brunette with suspicion. Don't make yourself sick.

- No, no, said Azena, waving her hand that this challenge was nothing to worry about.

Fayne began to examine her carefully, especially her hair.

- I don't believe it, your hair is still in perfect condition. I don't understand... Yet you sleep in the strangest positions...

- I know where this is going to, and no, Azena replied, folding her arms. I know that today there's a special occasion, but I would prefer to keep my natural hairstyle.