Rise of Yahunyens: Origin

Episode 4: Birth Of A New Dragon

As morning gently crept into the cavern, Griswa and Yesdar stirred from their slumber, the warmth of the blankets cocooning them against the chill of the cave's embrace. Emerging from the shadows, the tall figure of the man they had met the previous night approached, his features now visible in the soft light filtering through the cave's mouth.

"It's beyond dawn, young ones," the man greeted with a soft smile, his voice carrying a reassuring warmth. "Hope you two slept well."

Griswa and Yesdar exchanged nods, taking in the sight of their surroundings in the daylight. Beyond the cavern's mouth, they could see the makeshift settlement bustling with activity.

The man knelt beside them, his gaze falling upon Yesdar's injured toe. "Let me take a look at that," he offered, reaching for a small pouch at his side.

"Thank you," Yesdar murmured gratefully as the man tended to his wound.

Curiosity burning within him, Yesdar turned to the man. "What's your name?" he asked.

The man looked up, meeting Yesdar's gaze with a twinkle in his eye. "Ah, where are my manners? I'm Sivera," he introduced himself, a warm smile gracing his lips.

Sivera's eyes then wandered to Griswa, a silent invitation for him to speak.

"And what brought you here?" Griswa inquired, echoing the curiosity that danced within them both.

A wistful smile played on Sivera's lips as he settled beside them, his gaze drifting into the distance. "Ah, my young friends, that's a tale for another time," he replied cryptically. "For now, let's enjoy the peace of this moment, and the camaraderie it brings."

Sivera extended a warm invitation to Griswa and Yesdar, ushering them towards the makeshift dining area where breakfast awaited. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, enticing their senses as they settled around the communal table.

"Come, join us for breakfast," Sivera beckoned, his voice carrying a note of familial warmth.

Following Sivera's lead, Griswa and Yesdar found themselves seated amidst a diverse group of individuals, their faces bearing the marks of resilience and camaraderie forged through shared hardship.

It was then that Sivera introduced them to his daughter, Malaes, a spirited young girl whose laughter echoed like music in the cavern's depths. Around the same age as Griswa and Yesdar, Malaes welcomed them with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Nice to meet you," Malaes chirped, extending her hand in greeting.

As they settled in for breakfast, the group engaged in lively conversation, swapping tales of their exploits and escapades in the city of Shiyahval. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, they recounted humorous anecdotes of daring heists and narrow escapes, each tale more outrageous than the last.

"We once managed to outsmart those Yahunyens by disguising ourselves as merchants," one member chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Their flying ships didn't stand a chance against our dragons' speeds."

The mention of dragons sparked a chorus of laughter and animated discussion, with each member regaling Griswa and Yesdar with stories of their encounters with the majestic creatures. From thrilling chases through the skies to daring raids on Yahunyen strongholds, their exploits painted a vivid picture of defiance against oppression.

Amidst the laughter and merriment, breakfast flowed seamlessly, a feast of both food and camaraderie that nourished the soul as much as it did the body.

As the meal drew to a close, a hushed murmur rippled through the group, drawing everyone's attention to a momentous event unfolding in their midst.

"A dragon egg is hatching," a man exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe and excitement.