I woke to the warmth of Father's wing still draped over me, his gentle breathing a soothing sound.
As I stirred, Father's wing shifted, and he gazed at me with a calm, expectant expression. "Morning, Tharros," he said, his voice low and gentle.
I stretched, arching my back and extending my claws, giving a good yawn to signal my wakefulness.
Father grabbed me by his mouth and tossed me to the air it was the first time he was doing this to me
I let out a startled yelp as I soared through the air, my scales fluttering wildly as I flailed my claws. Time seemed to slow down for a moment, and I felt a rush of exhilaration mixed with fear.
Father's wings swept out, and he caught me gently in mid-air, cradling me in the warm, leathery folds of his wings.
I looked at him and sighed "really father! What was that about?!"
Father smiled. "Just want a fun time with my little strong boy!"
I rolled my eyes, trying to look annoyed, but a small smile crept onto my face. "You're weird, Father," I said, shaking my head.
Father chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and gently nuzzled me with his snout.
Father smiled, "Say the one that is a scaredy-cat that is always happy under my wing!"
Father giggled, "And get mad by Lyriath teasing you as a daddy boy!" I blushed
My scales flushed a light shade of pink as I looked away, trying to hide my embarrassment. "F-father, stop!" I stuttered, my voice barely above a whisper.
Father smiled. "Don't worry, you are my little strong boy!" He lick my silver scales
I felt a warmth spread through my chest as Father's gentle lick soothed my embarrassment.
I nuzzled my head against his, feeling grateful for his affection and acceptance.
Suddenly, I heard Lyriath's voice. "hah still a daddy boy and a scary-cat!" I try to hold back my anger
My eyes narrowed, and I felt a surge of irritation at Lyriath's teasing. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, but my voice still came out a bit sharp. "Shut up, Lyriath!"
Lyriath chuckled, clearly amused by my reaction. "Oh, still can't take a joke, Tharros?" he taunted, his navy-blue and dark, blood-red scales glinting in the dim light of the cave. I duh my claws to the ground, trying to hold back my temper, but Father's gentle nudge reminded me to stay calm.
I gave him a force smile. "Don't make me burn the remaining navy-blue scales, Lyriath!"
Lyriath's grin faltered for a moment, and he took a step back, his eyes darting to the patches of dark, blood-red scales that had replaced his former navy-blue ones. "Low blow, Tharros," he muttered, but a hint of a smile still played on his lips.
Father chuckled, seeming to enjoy the exchange between us. "Alright, alright, no more teasing," he said, his expression turning serious. "Lyriath, go find something to occupy yourself. Tharros and I need to talk." Lyriath's smile faltered, but he nodded and bounded off, leaving Father and me alone in the cave.
My ears folded back from Lyriath teasing, and he was right
I felt a pang of embarrassment and self-awareness, knowing that Lyriath's teasing had struck a chord. I did tend to get overly attached to Father, and Lyriath's words had exposed a vulnerability I didn't want to admit.
Father's gentle voice broke the silence, "Tharros, come here." He beckoned me closer, and I hesitantly approached him, my ears still folded back in embarrassment. Father nuzzled me gently, his scales softly brushing against mine. "You don't have to be ashamed, Tharros. I'm always here for you." He licked my silver scales
I closed my eyes, feeling a sense of comfort and reassurance wash over me as Father's gentle licks soothed my embarrassment.
His warm breath danced across my scales, and I let out a soft sigh, feeling my tension melt away.
As I stood there, basking in Father's affection, I felt my ears slowly perk back up, and my scales relaxed, no longer tense with embarrassment.
Father's licks slowed to a gentle nuzzle, and he whispered, "My little strong boy," his voice full of warmth and love.
I smiled, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. Father's words always had a way of making me feel better, of reminding me that I was loved and accepted just as I was.
I leaned into his nuzzle, enjoying the warmth and comfort of his presence.
As I leaned into Father's nuzzle, he wrapped his tail around me, holding me close. I felt his heart beating against mine, and I knew that everything was going to be okay.
"What's wrong, little one?" Father asked, his voice low and soothing. "What's been troubling you?"
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of trust and security wash over me. I knew that I could tell Father anything, and he would listen without judgment.
"It's just...Lyriath's teasing got to me," I admitted, feeling a little embarrassed. "And I don't know why it bothers me so much."
Father nuzzled me gently, his scales softly brushing against mine. "It's okay, Tharros," he said. "We all have things that bother us. But what's important is how we deal with them."
I looked up at Father, curious. "How do you deal with things that bother you?" I asked.
Father smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, sometimes I talk to Mother about it," he said. "And sometimes I just take some time to think about it and figure out what's really bothering me."
I thought about this for a moment. It made sense, I supposed. Talking to someone about your problems could help you feel better, and taking time to think about things could help you understand them better.
But what about when the problem was something inside of you? Something that you couldn't just talk about or think away?
I looked up at Father again, searching for answers. But before I could ask another question, he spoke up.
"Tharros, there's something I want to talk to you about," he said, his voice serious. "Something important."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Father's serious tone caught my attention. "What is it, Father?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Father's expression was solemn, and he paused for a moment before speaking. "It's about your...abilities, Tharros," he said, his voice measured. "I think it's time we talked about what's been happening to you."
I smiled, and my ears perked up. "What my elements yeah I have been approved of it I have been approved for the past few years," I said proudly
I frowned, "but I'm not good at my light elements! Mother says that I might be good at it, and I'm sure i won't be good at it!" My ears folded back again.
Father's expression turned gentle, and he nuzzled me reassuringly. "Ah, Tharros, it's okay to struggle with certain elements," he said. "And it's great that you're aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
I looked up at him, feeling a bit more at ease.
"But don't sell yourself short, my little one," Father continued. "You have a lot of potential, and with practice and patience, you might be surprised at what you can accomplish." He paused, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "And besides, your mother usually knows what she's talking about. Maybe you should give your light elements another try?"
I thought about Father's words, considering the possibility that I might be better at light elements than I thought.
I looked up at him, a small spark of determination igniting within me. "Okay, Father," I said, my voice filled with a newfound sense of resolve. "I'll try again."
I use my light magic, and no surprise, it only lasted 10 seconds
I let out a frustrated sigh, my ears folding back in disappointment. "Only 10 seconds," I muttered, feeling a bit defeated.
Father, however, simply chuckled and nudged me with his snout. "Don't worry, Thararos," he said. "It's a start.
Let's try again and see if we can't get it to last a bit longer this time."
My ears folded back even more, and I low my head "it not the first time it seems I'll always be bad at using light elements even though it is my elements!" I wimpper
Father's expression softened, and he gently wrapped his tail around me, pulling me close. "Tharros, don't say that," he whispered, his voice warm and comforting. "You're not bad at using light elements. You're just... still learning.
And it's okay to struggle with something that's difficult for you." He nuzzled me gently, trying to lift my spirits. "Remember, even I struggled with my own elements when I was younger.
But I practiced, and I kept trying. And you can do the same, Tharros."
I shook my head "Father let be real. I don't think I'll be good at it!"
Father's expression turned serious, and he looked me straight in the eye. "Tharros, I want you to listen to me," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "You have the potential to be great at using light elements. But you're holding yourself back with negative thoughts.
You're doubting yourself before you've even given yourself a chance to succeed." He paused, his eyes boring into mine. "I believe in you, Tharros. And I want you to start believing in yourself too."
I sigh. "At least I'm good at my fire elements!"
Father smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, you certainly are," he said, his voice warm with pride. "You have a natural talent for fire magic, Tharros.
I felt a surge of pride at his words, but Father's next sentence brought me back to reality.
"But don't forget, having multiple elements is a gift. It's what makes you unique and powerful." He paused, his expression thoughtful. "I want you to promise me something, Tharros.
I want you to promise me that you'll keep practicing your light elements, even if it's hard.
I looked up at Father, feeling a sense of determination wash over me.
"Can you do that for me?" Father asked, his eyes searching mine for a promise.
I sighed. "I don't know!"
Father's expression remained calm, but I could sense a hint of disappointment behind his eyes. "Tharros, I'm not asking you to be perfect," he said gently.
I felt a pang of guilt at his words, knowing that I had been on the verge of giving up.
"I'm asking you to try," Father continued. "To believe in yourself, even when it's hard." He paused, his voice taking on a slightly firmer tone. "You can't give up on your light elements just because they're challenging.
I looked down, feeling a sense of shame wash over me.
"That's not how we grow stronger," Father finished, his eyes boring into mine.
The silence that followed was heavy, and I could feel Father's gaze on me, urging me to respond. I took a deep breath, trying to muster up the courage to promise him that I would try. But before I could say anything, Father spoke up again.
"Tharros, I want you to remember something," he said, his voice softening. "I'm not asking you to do this for me or for anyone else. I'm asking you to do it for yourself. Because I believe in you, and I know that you're capable of great things."
His words struck a chord within me, and I felt a surge of determination rise up.
I looked up at Father, meeting his gaze with a newfound sense of resolve. "I'll do it, Father," I said, my voice firm. "I'll keep practicing my light elements, no matter how hard it gets." Father's face broke into a warm smile, and he reached out to nuzzle me proudly. "That's my brave, Tharros," he said, his voice filled with pride.
I smiled and snuggled around his tail.
Father chuckled and wrapped his tail more snugly around me, holding me close. "I'm proud of you, Tharros," he whispered, his warm breath ruffling my fur. "Remember, no matter what challenges you face, you always have the support of your family.
Most importantly, believe in yourself." He paused, giving me a gentle squeeze. "Now, how about we practice those light elements again?"