"Is he going to eat all that?" Oralyn asked incredulously as she watched a tray piled high with food being lowered to the ground.

Felix let out a laugh as he stood back up. "He'll be eating twice this in a few days."

She blinked, unable to understand just how much a baby dragon could eat. Thankfully, as she tried to wrap her mind around that, Morzan let out a gleeful hiss as he pounced upon the food. The sight of him devouring his meal and making such a mess in the process was somehow entrancing.

Crouching down, she watched with a mixture of awe and fascination. I've hatched a dragon…

The words echoed in her mind but it didn't seem real. None of this did, it was like a dream. Yet, she reached out slowly and caressed the smooth scales on his side.

Her…partner stopped mid-bite and craned his neck around to look at her, food stuck to his snout. Problem?

"Huh?" Oralyn pulled back only now aware of what she was doing. "Oh… Sorry."

His head cocked to the side before his stomach grumbled once more. He immediately went back to 'eating.'

"You don't have to speak out loud to him, you know? Remember, you two can share thoughts and conversations," Felix said, reminding her about the bond.

She looked up to him. "How do I do that?"

He put a hand up to his chin in thought. "You know, I've never really thought about that… Try directing your thoughts to the bond."

"I'll…try." She did not feel confident about this.

Taking a deep breath, Oralyn closed her eyes and felt for the bond. She had a vague idea where it was but how did one 'direct' their thoughts?

"Relax and don't think too hard about it. It's there and all you have to do is reach for it."

Reach for it… She imagined a hand reaching for the spot and–

A gasp escaped her as strange and foreign emotions leaked out from a point, a tunnel that connected her to Morzan.

"I take it you found it?" Felix asked, a hint of humor in his voice.

"I… I think so? I feel…" She trailed off, unable to describe what she felt.

"Those are his emotions. They feel different, don't they? Don't worry, I and everyone else had the same reaction. You'll get used to them and eventually you won't even notice them– Unless you focus on them or they're strong enough."

Strong enough? "What do you mean? Like, will I be able to feel his pain?"

"Yes."

She winced. "I hope he never feels any pain."

A hand patted her shoulder. "Me too… But, the truth is, the two of you will feel each other's pain. Happiness too… And every other emotion."

She looked over to him. "You mentioned that, but what if I don't want to share something?"

He gave her a hard look. "Holding back emotions from your partner will only damage your bond. Trust is the most important and sacred part of it. It's why it's so personal, it's not meant to be shared with anyone outside you and him."

"What if… What if we have a disagreement or argument?" The thought scared her for some reason.

His expression softened. "They will happen– Hells, me and Zira fight all the time. Misunderstandings and different priorities can still happen, keep that in mind. Just make sure it's coming from your heart and don't be afraid to apologize."

She gave a slow nod. "I think I understand."

"Good." Felix gave her a smile. "I think I shall leave the two of you alone for now. Use this time to get to know each other and learn each other's boundaries. Later, we can introduce him to the others."

The others? For a moment, she forgot there was an outside world beyond the Hatchery. "Gods… What is everyone going to say?" she muttered out loud.

"Don't worry about that, focus on you and…" He nodded over to Morzan. "…him."

Oralyn let her gaze fall upon the coppery-iridescent dragon. He was busy licking the tray clean. A small smile appeared on her lips.

"Anyway, I'll be going now. There's still more I need to tell you, but… Eri wants my opinion on the dress she plans to wear to our marriage and coronation. Besides, I'm still worried about her after yesterday's…incident."

"I understand," she replied before watching Felix make it to the Hatchery's entrance. Another thought came to her mind. "Oh! Felix?"

He paused and turned around. "Hmm?"

"Thank you…"

"You're welcome." He disappeared through the doors, sliding them shut behind him…

***

Oralyn and Morzan found themselves sitting and staring at each other as an awkward silence fell upon the entire building. She knew, understood, that they needed to get to know each other, but how exactly should she do it?

For a brief moment she opened her mouth but the words immediately died in her throat. It was just too surreal still and she was exhausted. It didn't help that she was alone now and Felix hadn't given her any guidance about how to start.

Then what about beginning?

The voice threw her off-balance. "What?"

If know not where start, why not beginning?

She stared down at Morzan, dumbfounded. "I…"

I start then. I Morzan! And you? What name?

"I'm…Ora–"

No! No speak loud! Speak only for me! Me, you understand?

Her jaw was left open. "I think–"

Then say here! Else, I no listen. As if to prove his point, he turned around and faced his back towards her.

Okay Oralyn… You can do this… Just direct your thoughts and– Hello?

The coppery-iridescent dragon perked up. Yes! Hello! He whipped around and faced her once more. Good! We say things here!

His excitement put a smile upon her face. Hello…Morzan. My…name…is Oralyn, she said, struggling to form a complete sentence.

Hi Oralyn! We friends now! He hopped onto his feet and practically pounced at her, landing upon her lap.

His weight caused her to let out a gasp. G-great…

You soft, warm… Could fall sleep here. He collapsed his legs and plopped down, letting out a purr in the process.

Well…are…you…tired? She was slowly getting the hang of speaking with her mind.

Not really. Want learn more from you.

That caused her a moment of pause, a question slowly forming. Why… Why…did you choose me?

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

The baby dragon looked up to her, his excitement fading to something more sad. Because… You feel like need hug. His expression immediately returned to normal. No worry! I give bestest hugs!

In the blink of an eye, he was suddenly standing up on his legs, his arms upon her shoulders. His small leathery wings furled open before wrapping around her.

Stunned, it took her several seconds to register what just happened. But, as it dawned on her, she found herself leaning her head in between his shoulder and neck, her arms slowly wrapping around his sides.

For the third time today, Oralyn cried…

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Felix waited patiently in front of a large tent. Yesterday's threatening storms had not come to pass and now things were looking brighter, much brighter. That did not mean everything was well, of course. The looming battle to come hung on his shoulders, trying desperately to bring him down to his knees.

He would not succumb.

No, far from it. He would fight and, crucially, win. He had to, they all had to, the only other option was death or worse…

Feeling such heavy thoughts attempting to take over his mind, Felix shifted back to Oralyn. The woman had succeeded. She had hatched an egg and bonded with the dragon inside. Now she was privy to all his secrets, just like the others.

I should sit down with her sometime later tonight, he thought. There's still so much I need to tell her and it wouldn't be right to leave her out of it…

Oralyn's new…disposition was something that would take time for her, and others, to get used to. In fact, news had spread like wildfire, the entire clearing telling rumors about what she and Felix had been up to.

Just in the time it took him to make his way over here, he had heard wild tales and whispers. Every single eye was upon him, watching him. They wanted to know but were too afraid to ask.

He rolled his eyes. It's really not any of their business… But I can see why they are interested. None of them have really witnessed an egg hatching, let alone lived it. It doesn't help that trying to explain such a process requires experience and knowledge that I just don't know how to put into words.

The memory of his attempt to woo the spectators within Bernel during the celebrations a few months back came to him. If only he could've articulated the experience, the…joy, of being bonded…

No use crying over it now, though. I still ended up with four volunteers and they've been a massive success. I guess I can add Oralyn to that number too. He slowly scanned the clearing, taking in the rushing workers as they set off to various tasks.

But, out of everyone here, how many more are deserving? How many more truly have a good heart and are willing to open up to another, to share their secrets and to know their deepest desires?

Felix did not know. Perhaps every single one was capable of it. In truth, all he did know was that people were finally taking an interest. But I will not allow anyone else to hatch an egg, not until the Dormitory is completed.

It seemed ironic and contradictory to even himself. He had been firm about not letting anyone near the eggs. However, after everything that happened with Calsen, his thoughts on the matter had, at some point, shifted. Oralyn and Morzan were living proof of that.

Still, until the Dormitory is completed, there won't be enough room for all the baby dragons, he repeated to himself.

Letting out a sigh, he dropped the thought as his eyes fell upon the Tree of Providence. Both him and Zira believed it was the Tree's doing that caused most people to be in such a good mood. Yet, the question that he wanted to know was, why?

Why had it decided to do that? What purpose did it serve? Was it something to do with their future? He wanted to know and there was only one person who could tell him…

Calinna. He closed his eyes and felt the powerful mana slowly gathering underground. It was doing something and he only hoped it was something good.

We should really go speak with her, he added to himself. Eri wanted to talk with her as well– Maybe we can go after she's done with the dress? He hoped so, he was starting to feel like something was calling him towards the Tree.

Felix slowed his breathing as a faint note hummed in the air. It was soothing and comforting with a hint of excitement mixed in. It definitely belonged to Calinna.

A hand softly grabbed a hold of his shoulder, almost as if she was reaching for–

"Excuse me…"

The male voice wasn't exactly what he had envisioned and it quickly brought him back to reality. Opening his eyes he found one of the elven Chiefs had approached and was attempting to get his attention.

"Yes–" Damn it, what was his name again? Felix tried to remember but couldn't for the life of him. He was fairly certain that this was one of the more amicable ones, though.

The man let go of his shoulder and gave him a polite bow. "I am Chief Herrin, Oralyn's father. While we have met, I have yet to properly introduce myself."

Hearing all that Felix felt a wave of relief…and surprise. "Oralyn's…father?"

"Yes."

Ah, that's right… I forget Oralyn was a daughter of one of the Chiefs. It was him who threw her name out as a potential for becoming the Queen. He decided to take in the man, wondering exactly what the Chief wanted to know.

Probably about what happened but…

The elven Chief was clad in a dark green and red robe and carried what Felix believed to be a walking stick. He was bald yet had a brown goatee and similar eyes to that of Oralyn. However, besides that, Felix found it hard to find any other resemblances to the woman.

She must've taken more from her mother. He let the amusing thought die, though, and quickly offered a bow himself.

"A pleasure to meet you, Chief Herrin."

The Chief smiled. "Indeed it is." There was a pause as the elf's expression changed into something more serious. "However, the reason I've come to speak with you is over my daughter–"

Called it.

"–There have been some interesting rumors going around in the last hour or so. I was wondering what exactly is going on."

Now it was time for Felix to become serious. Just because it was Oralyn's father didn't mean he could tell the man everything. "And, may I ask, why do you want to know?"

"Because, despite her being Eri's aide, she is my daughter and I want to make sure she is okay."

Felix raised an eyebrow. "Okay? What were the rumors you heard?"

"That she tried to hatch an egg and something went wrong. Several people said they saw you and her rush out of the Sanctuary. No one has seen her since."

So everyone thinks something bad happened. He relaxed and let his own smile return. "Well, I suppose it will be known soon… You're partially right, Oralyn did try and hatch an egg. But she is fine, in fact, she and her new partner are currently bonding."

"I see– Wait, did you just say new partner? So you mean… She successfully hatched an egg?" The elven Chief's eyes widened as the words registered with him.

Felix gave a nod. "Morzan hatched for her–"

Before he could finish his sentence the elf dropped his walking stick and wrapped him up in a hug. "Praise the Gods! Praise them all! Now she has eternity to look for a suitor!"

Huh…? That last sentence completely stunned him.

Herrin let go of him but the excitement was still plain to see. "Oh, this is wonderful news!"

"Hold on a second," Felix said, waving his arms to get the Chief's attention. "What do you mean she has an eternity to look for a suitor?"

The man froze, looking like he said something he shouldn't. "W-well… I, uh… Never mind that. It's a long story and one deeply personal to Oralyn. If she wishes to tell you then that's up to her."

Right… But he was still curious about the word choice the Chief used. "What did you mean by eternity?"

Now it was Herrin's turn to look confused. "It's true isn't it? That those who bond with a dragon can live indefinitely."

It…is? He put a hand up to his chin in thought. Aluin never mentioned that to me, nor do I remember Fea, Ithea, or Yarnel saying that. "Where did you hear that– Actually, how much do you know?"

"Ah! I suppose you don't know, but one of my ancestors bonded with a dragon. She was the pride of the family, and all her stories were noted down and retold countless times."

Felix perked up. He had known that there were others before who had bonded with a dragon, but hearing this made him immediately curious…

How much do I not know? That question led to another one, one that might be even more important. "What happened to her?" he dared to ask. Now that he was thinking about it, he hadn't seen any bonded pairs at the Citadel nor in the Holy Triumphant.

And I haven't seen any when I was fighting the elves… Aluin riding on Nevrim's back came to mind, but it was pretty clear that they were friends and not bonded.

Chief Herrin's expression saddened and Felix feared the worst. "She… She and her partner had to flee. They all did. After the fall of Elmorra, your first empire, it became clear that the winds were changing. It was too dangerous for bonded pairs to remain anywhere visible. They left and disappeared."

"Did none go to the elves or even the dragons themselves?" he asked.

"Some did, I imagine. But, even then it was becoming increasingly obvious that nowhere was truly safe for them. That became evident when you humans regrouped and attacked us."

Wincing, Felix couldn't help but feel entirely responsible. There was, however, a silver lining…

"Does that mean they might still be out there?"

The Chief nodded. "I believe so. And, hopefully, one day they may come out of hiding…"

"I sure hope so," he muttered before taking a deep breath. "And when they do, they may come here."

"Thank you, on behalf of my ancestor."

Felix gave him a meek smile but one final question came to him. "What was your ancestor's name?"

Herrin looked thoughtful for a moment before standing proud.

"Juliara."

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