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A Dragon's Ascent - Dragon of Death - 02-17-2025
I still recall the day in which I set sail for Meranthe. My grandfather accompanied me to the docks, where a gentle breeze greeted us, permeated with a briny scent, as I would expect from the seas. The wooden pier creaked under our slow steps, every now and then, which did lead us closer to the ship. He and I stared at it, in awe, for a good few minutes. Grandpa told me many stories before, but nothing beats seeing one for myself. His hand found my left shoulder, which returned me from my amazement. He knelt down, and his glimmering blue eyes locked onto mine. His expression was a serious one; this, together with what awaited me, meant that whatever he was to say would be of transcendental importance.
![[Image: tuxpi.com.1739768247.jpg?rlkey=65eu3x3yb...gnp0l&dl=0]](https://www.dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/1i4krcno052af82myvk7h/tuxpi.com.1739768247.jpg?rlkey=65eu3x3ybiu9d6kozxo7ohlbn&st=ljqgnp0l&dl=0)
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"Alma," he began, pausing briefly, perhaps to consider his following words, "you will soon set sail. I fear the lands there are treacherous, despite their people managing to purge demonkind, through means I admit no understanding of, merely an interest in. Maybe one day you'll be able to tell me more about that."
His grip upon my shoulder tightened, and his gaze narrowed, if but slightly. Something about his demeanor, and the way his tone lacked that tenacity I was familiar with, belied what I figured was sadness. I had only seen him like this but once in my entire life, when unfortunate circumstances led him to claim the life of the woman I hesitate to call my mother. The prospect of loss was surely one that weighed heavy in his heart and mind.
"I've prepared you for this day. I taught you everything I know; every trick in the books is at your disposal, and I am sure you will grow strong, enough to make a name for yourself. Though I would not dare place any grand expectations upon you, I am hoping that tales of your exploits will reach me. You are destined for greatness. All that you require to achieve it, is patience. Recall your lessons, and keep them ever present. Make no haste towards the might you dream of. Chase not false promises of strength, for it will inevitably find you, so long as you continue down the path we've carved together."
He stared at me, for a few good moments, until he could bear it no longer. "...You've come far, my little dragon." His voice finally broke, as he threw his arms around me, pulling me closer, and wrapping his draconic wings around us. Though we've hugged countless times before, this occasion was different, and special. His embrace was tight, as though refusing to let me go, lest I fly away. Alas, that was precisely what I would do, and he was well aware. When he finally let me go, I was met with a sorrowful gaze, tears running down his cheeks. "I am proud of you. I always will be. Do not forget that this is your home, and that I will gladly receive you again, no matter what. I don't care if you succeed, or fail, only that you come back to me, safe and sound. You hear me, Alma?"
I boarded the ship, and I glanced at my grandfather from over the deck. As always, he was a wary sort, and he immediately saw where I was. Unwilling to depart on such a note, I raised my hand high into the air, and waved him farewell, with the biggest smile I could possibly muster. He, too, smiled back at me, and waved his hand, a bit less vigorously than me. We set sail, and I saw the man that raised me as his own daughter become a dot in the distance, eventually lost in the horizon of the bustling city, which would likewise disappear in a blue expanse.
Clutching my chest, a wistful sigh escaped my lips. My composure was no more, and I couldn't help but cry, silently.
I'll miss him.
Thinking back on that day, there was a lot I wish I had told my grandpa about. Had I told him, one last time, how much I loved him, perhaps my heart would be less uneasy. I have no reason to worry for him, and I am sure he'll be fine. That's why I have to endeavor to do as he told me, and stay hale and hearty, so that we may one day meet again.
![[Image: footnote1.png?rlkey=e1nn5pkhena4oc6b3v6l...5sy5g&dl=0]](https://www.dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/cjoy7oelvjbym4yl52x1t/footnote1.png?rlkey=e1nn5pkhena4oc6b3v6l9s6x2&st=9md5sy5g&dl=0)