Daeranyx_Drakonar
patreon
10. The confrontation
🕑 Added 2024-10-30 20:09:24 +0000 UTCLaenor POV
Emerging from the sea with a block of Dragon glass in hand, I placed it upon the sandy shore. The blood-red block lay before me as I drew my Valyrian steel knife and began to etch the runes without delay. The first rune, "Growth" (Gevigon), promises to do just that: convert the life-force I provide and the magic from previously carved runes into energy that will nurture the Dragon eggs. This growth encompasses not just one aspect but all facets of the eggs. The second rune, "Endurance," is meant to bolster the eggs' resilience. Given that dragons are already known for their robust endurance, the anticipation of what kind of Dragon will emerge from these eggs is immense.
As I added a few more runes, which were not particularly important, I began to carve the final one, which had occupied much of my thoughts. Ultimately, it was something I should have considered earlier. Pondering over the last addition, I decided to enhance the dragon's most formidable weapon, something they are renowned for: "Fire," capable of causing immense destruction if used correctly. To be honest, I'm not sure how this rune will augment the dragon's power; I don't even know if these arrays are functional or merely providing the magic that has awakened the eggs from their petrification. However, if there's even the slightest chance that these runes are more effective than I anticipate, the world will witness the true might of dragons, beyond what can be felled by mere steel weapons.
After completing all the carving, I made my way toward the sea to begin transferring life-force to the eggs. I felt that I would not be able to devote as much time to training my hydrokinesis since the eggs will surely require more life-force than before. Having spent several hours imbuing the eggs with life-force, I stood up to practice my hydrokinesis as much as possible, knowing it wouldn't be long before I needed to transfer life-force again. Observing how quickly they consumed both life-force and magic, I realized my initial thought was correct—I wouldn't have much time to practice my hydrokinesis or other abilities.
One week after,
Laenor POV
I placed the eggs on the coal bedding and stepped into the bath that had been prepared as I requested. As I submerged in the bathtub, my fatigue began to fade, and I sighed in relief, reflecting on how this week had been more taxing than I anticipated. Glancing at the dragon eggs, I felt reassured that it was all worthwhile. I allowed myself to sink deeper into the bath and closed my eyes for a brief nap before supper. I need to be at my best when I explain to my parents how I acquired the knowledge to release the Dragon eggs from their petrification and the transformations the eggs have undergone.
After a brief nap, I opened my eyes, stood up from the bathtub, and dried myself off. I then began to dress for supper, which I would be attending shortly. Next, I carefully picked up Laena's Dragon egg, which has grown larger than any Targaryen egg on record. Its outer shell shone brilliantly, and its sharpness meant I had to handle it with care to avoid cutting myself. With the egg in hand, I made my way to my family's dining chamber.
As the guards opened the chamber doors, I stepped inside and approached Laena to present the dragon egg. Reaching the chair where Laena was seated, I slid the egg towards her. When she laid her hands on it, I noticed a slight tremor in her grasp. The egg had become increasingly warm this week, to the extent that even our mother could not bear to touch it.
"Are you certain you don't want me to carry it to your chambers? There's no shame in admitting they've become too hot to handle, even mother could not hold it now" I offered. She often chose to endure rather than seek help with the dragon eggs, burdened by a sense of unworthiness and shame at her inability to hold the egg that would birth her mount.
"Thank you for your help, Laenor, but I believe my resistance to fire is growing along with the egg's temperature. I can hardly wait; I hope they hatch soon," Laena replied, gazing at her egg. She is anxiously awaiting the emergence of the dragon from the eggs. The fact that her resistance increases with the egg's temperature suggests that the dragon within has chosen Laena, or there exists some bond between them; otherwise, Laena's sudden increase in heat resistance would be inexplicable.
After greeting my parents, I settled next to my mother and the household staff began serving supper. Glancing at my mother, who was gazing thoughtfully out of the balcony, I noticed her contemplative expression. Sensing my attention, she turned and offered me a faint smile, but the tension in her eyes was unmistakable. Before I could ponder further, supper was served, and Laena, ever the impatient one in our family, diverted my attention. I focused on the meal, fortifying myself for the impending situation. Once we finished eating, everyone moved towards the couch where we typically enjoy family time. However, today was different; today, that time would be spent interrogating me.
"I hope you're ready to answer all of our questions now, son?" my father asked, initiating the conversation I had been avoiding until now. It's not that I feared anything, but I knew that after this, things would never be the same. Their love for me would remain unchanged, but there would be changes, nonetheless.
"Yes, Father, as I said, today would be the day I answer all your questions. But you already know, or at least suspect, where I get this knowledge, right?" I asked, looking at both my father and mother. Indeed, when I ponder why they haven't sent someone to spy on me until now, I conclude that they must have surmised the source of my knowledge. They wouldn't want any servants witnessing my actions and branding me a sorcerer across the seven kingdoms. If they ordered the servants to spy on me, other spies, previously unnoticed, might observe this and also seek to discover what I'm doing. It was a wise decision on their part, which I deduced after some reflection.
"Well, there aren't many sources around you from which you can obtain information on how to awaken the Dragon eggs from their petrification. And the recent changes in your behavior lend more credibility to what we presumed was correct," Father replied, his face alight with a proud smile. "How long have you been experiencing these dreams? And the most important question, what do you see in those dreams of yours, Laenor?" Father asked, his eyes reflecting worry and curiosity. Laena gathered enough clues to deduce what was happening and how I came by the knowledge. Mother wore a look of concern and gazed at me with helplessness in her eyes.
