Thyriatrix looked at me with a serious expression. "Aetherius, it's time to take Tharros on a more advanced hunting expedition. He's been doing well with his basic skills, but he needs to learn how to stalk and ambush larger prey."
I nodded, knowing she was right. "I'll take him out today. The skies are clear, and the winds are perfect for a challenge."
Tharros, overhearing our conversation, grinned, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I'm ready, Father. Let's go catch something big!"
I smiled, proud of my son's confidence. "Let's do this, Tharros. Stay close and follow my lead."
Pov Tharros
I grinned, my heart racing with excitement as Father and I prepared to head out on our hunting expedition. I had been learning how to hunt for as long as I could remember, and I was eager to put my skills to the test.
"Let's go, Father!" I said, bouncing up and down on my feet. "I'm ready to catch us some dinner!"
Father chuckled and ruffled my scales. "Alright, kiddo. Let's show you some advanced techniques. Stay close and follow my lead."
I nodded enthusiastically, my tail twitching with excitement. Father and I set off, soaring through the skies as we made our way to our favorite hunting grounds. The wind rushed past me, and I felt alive, free.
As we flew, Father taught me about reading the terrain, tracking prey, and using stealth to get close. I listened intently, soaking up every word like a sponge.
After a while, Father spotted a herd of grazers below. "Okay, Tharros, it's your turn. Show me what you've learned."
I nodded and looked around and found a herd of deers about 56 of them.
I focused on the herd, my eyes scanning for the perfect target. I spotted a plump buck with impressive antlers, and I nodded to Father. "I see one, Father. The big one with the wide rack."
Father nodded, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Good choice, kiddo. Let's see if you can take him down."
I dash through and jump and bite the one that has the biggest antlers.
I swooped down, my claws outstretched, and my jaws open wide. I targeted the large buck with the impressive antlers, and with a swift motion, I bit down, my teeth sinking into its flesh.
The buck let out a loud bleat as it struggled, but I held tight, my jaws locked. Father landed beside me, and together we took down the buck, ending its struggles.
I stood up, panting slightly, and looked at Father with a proud grin. "Did I do it right, Father?"
Father smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "You did great, kiddo. You're a natural hunter."
We stood there for a moment, admiring our handiwork. Father then began to teach me how to properly clean and prepare the carcass for eating. I watched intently, learning the intricacies of field dressing and butchering.
As we worked, Father told me stories of his own hunting trips when he was a young dragon. I listened with wide eyes, fascinated by his adventures.
Once we finished, we flew back to the cave, the carcass clutched in my claws. I couldn't wait to share our bounty with the rest of the family. As we soared through the skies, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had helped provide for my family.
As we landed at the cave, Mother smiled, coming over to help us prepare the meal. "Well done, Tharros and Aetherius. Let's get everything ready for dinner."
I beamed with pride as I watched Mother and Father work together to prepare the feast. The aroma of roasting meat filled the cave, making my stomach growl with anticipation.
My siblings, still young and rambunctious, chased each other around the cave, playing and squabbling. I grinned at Father, feeling happy and content. "Thanks, Father. I couldn't have done it without you."
We all gathered around the fire, our claws and talons clicking on the stone floor. We dug in, savoring the delicious flavors of the meal.
The warmth and love of my family surrounded me, and I felt grateful for this moment together.
As we ate, the cave was filled with the sounds of happy chatter and clinking claws. My siblings, still energetic, played with each other, their laughter and shouts adding to the warmth of the moment.
After dinner, Mother and Father settled down beside us, and we all snuggled up together, feeling content and full. I looked up at Father, my eyes shining with admiration. "I'm glad I got to hunt with you today, Father."
Father smiled, wrapping a claw around me. "I'm glad too, Tharros. You're growing up to be a skilled hunter, just like your mother."
I smiled, feeling proud, and drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the love and warmth of my family.
The next day, I found myself under my father wings like always.
The warmth of Father's wings enveloped me, a comforting feeling I'd grown accustomed to over the years. I snuggled deeper, feeling safe and protected. Father's gentle hum of a purr rumbled beneath me, a soothing sound that seemed to vibrate through every scale on my body.
"Today, I think it's time for a break from hunting," Father said, his voice low and gentle. "How about we explore the nearby meadows instead?"
I shook my head and walked towards Father and nuzzled his right muscler leg.
Father chuckled and gently scratched behind my ears, his claws lightly grazing my scales. "Alright, alright. No need to nuzzle me into submission. I get the message. We'll take a break from hunting for now."
He smiled and wrapped a claw around me, pulling me close. "What do you say we go find some berries or explore the nearby stream instead?"
My eyes gleaming "both!" I answered, and Father nuzzled me with his snout.
Father's snout nuzzled me gently, and he chuckled, his warm breath washing over me. "Alright, both it is, then. Let's go find some berries and then play in the stream. Sound like a plan?"
I nodded enthusiastically, already imagining the thrill of splashing in the water and the sweetness of the ripe berries. With a shared grin, we set off together, ready to enjoy our day.
We go to the nearby stream, and it seems too deep for my 10-meter tall body to get in so Father makes me ride on his back.
Father smiled and crouched down, his massive body folding into a convenient shape for me to climb onto. I scrambled up onto his back, settling into the familiar spot between his shoulder blades.
As he waded into the stream, the cool water rippled around his legs, and I laughed, feeling the rush of the current against my scales. Father began to splash and play, sending water flying in all directions, and I giggled, holding tight to his neck ridges as we frolicked in the stream.
Father smiled with pride. "It nice to spend time with my little strong boy! And I love the bond we have made over the years, too!"
I smiled back at Father, feeling happy and content. "I love spending time with you too, Father. You're the best!" I leaned forward, nuzzling his neck, and he wrapped a claw around me, holding me close.
In that moment, I felt grateful for the bond we shared, and I knew that our time together was something truly special.
As we stood there, wrapped in each other's company, the world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth and love between us. Father's voice was low and gentle as he spoke, "I'm proud of the young dragon you're growing up to be, Tharros. You have a good heart and a strong spirit."
I felt a surge of happiness and pride at his words. His praise meant the world to me, and I knew I'd always strive to make him proud. I nuzzled his neck again, feeling grateful for the love and support he'd always given me. "I love you, Father," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Father slowly gets out of the stream and gently gets me down.
As Father set me down on the grassy bank, I felt a sense of stability beneath my feet. I looked up at him, and he smiled, his eyes shining with warmth. "Let's head back to the cave," he said. "Mother will be waiting with dinner."
I nodded, already looking forward to spending the evening with my family. Together, we set off towards the cave, the fading light of day casting a golden glow over the landscape.
As we walked, the cave came into view, its entrance a dark opening in the side of the hill. Smoke drifted lazily from the opening, carrying the savory scent of roasting meat. My stomach growled in anticipation, and I quickened my pace, Father chuckling beside me.
As we entered the cave, Mother looked up from where she was arranging dishes, a warm smile on her face. "Welcome back, dear ones. Dinner is almost ready."
The younger siblings began to stir, excitement in their eyes. Lyriath and Vyraxys started arguing over who would get to sit closest to the fire, while Nyxoria and Lyrixa chased each other around the cave, laughing. Kaidorix and Kieraxys were building a small tower with rocks, and Niamon was babbling happily in her nest, playing with a small ball.
We took our places around the fire, and Mother served the meal, passing around platters of roasted meat and steaming vegetables. The siblings' chatter and laughter filled the cave as we ate, savoring the delicious flavors.
As we finished our meal, Father leaned back, a contented sigh rumbling in his throat. "That was a fine meal, my love," he said to Mother.
Mother smiled, her scales glinting in the firelight. "I'm glad everyone enjoyed it."
The siblings began to clear their plates and settle in for the evening, some yawning as the warmth and fullness made them drowsy. I leaned back against the cave wall, feeling satisfied and happy, surrounded by my family.
As the evening wore on, the cave grew quieter, the siblings' energy waning after their meal. Lyriath and Vyraxys started a game of "who can stare at the fire the longest," while Nyxoria and Lyrixa snuggled up together, watching the flames dance. Kaidorix and Kieraxys began to build a more elaborate structure with the rocks, their concentration intense. Niamon, feeling the warmth and comfort of the cave, drifted off to sleep in her nest, her gentle snores a soothing background hum.
Father wrapped a claw around Mother, pulling her close as they sat together, watching their children relax. "It's been a good day," he said, his voice low and content. Mother nodded, her eyes shining with warmth. "Yes, it has. I'm grateful for this life we have built together."
As the siblings began to settle in for the night, I made my way to Father's side, nestling under his wing as I always did. It was my safe haven, the place where I felt most protected and loved. Father's wing wrapped around me, enveloping me in warmth and security.
As I drifted off to sleep, I was aware of Father's gentle voice, whispering a soft goodnight to each of us, and Mother's gentle smile as she watched over her family. The cave grew quiet, the only sound the soft breathing of my siblings and the distant rumble of the wind outside. I felt safe and content, surrounded by my family's love.
As the night deepened, I felt my eyelids growing heavier, the warmth of Father's wing and the gentle rhythm of his breathing lulling me into a peaceful sleep. The last thing I remembered was the feeling of Father's gentle nuzzle on my scales, a soft gesture that filled my heart with love and contentment.
And so, another day came to a close in our little cave, surrounded by the love and warmth of our family. The darkness of the night enveloped us, but I knew that with my family by my side, I was never truly alone.