Nazari || An Empyrean Story

Chapter Four

Xaden Riorson reminds me of my old grandpa, trust was hard to earn, but chocolate cake always helps.

-Journal Entry by Arina Selene Adair

In the following weeks at Riorson House, the days were consumed with poring over ancient texts on protective barriers, engaging in conversations with resident dragons, and consistently concluding with slices of chocolate cake. While Xaden Riorson found himself occasionally irked by the young girl's presence, his innate curiosity prevailed. Each evening, the duo convened in the kitchen, exchanging tales of Arina's homeland, with Xaden occasionally sharing snippets of his own experiences. Though he remained wary, his thirst for knowledge compelled him to maintain their acquaintanceship.

One evening, curiosity got the better of him, and Xaden inquired how she had managed to persuade his father to let her remain.

"I shouldn't delve too deep into Nazari's secrets," she began cautiously, "but my family holds a prominent position in Nazari's Royal Lineage. We've been bestowed with the ability to communicate with all dragons, a gift stemming from our allegiance to the Empyrean. I suspect the dragon riders of Aretia gleaned their knowledge similarly, directly from their own dragons." With a satisfied smile, Arina concluded her dessert and cheekily leaned over to snatch a bite from Xaden's slice.

He rolled his eyes sliding over the rest of his cake as Arina eagerly polished off the remnants of his slice. "I've thought about the four quadrants we're expected to choose from when we come of age," he began, referencing a topic they had discussed before. "While dragons fascinate me, the profound connection between a rider and their dragon... I'm not sure I could ever achieve that."

A shadow crossed his face, revealing a vulnerability he rarely showed. His father's exacting standards loomed large in his life, leaving little room for perceived weaknesses. And as for his mother, she had departed years ago, taking with her an understanding and comfort he had yet to find elsewhere.

"In Nazari, it's quite straightforward. People typically fall into two groups: riders or servants. While we all dedicate ourselves to the Empyrean, only a select few opt to form a bond with a dragon and become riders. Given my lineage, I didn't have a say in the matter; a dragon destined for me was identified at my birth," Arina said, wiping her mouth thoughtfully. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. My bond with my dragon is my anchor, my reason for being. Life in the castle can be isolating, but Lasair has always been my constant," she added, her gaze drifting downward, a palpable longing evident in her eyes.

"I was under the impression that bonding only occurred after one turns 20," Xaden remarked, collecting both their empty plates with the intention of washing them.

"True, the formal bonding for riding doesn't happen until then, but there's still an emotional connection from early on," Arina explained, drying the dishes and returning them to their respective places. 

"It's fascinating," he mused, glancing over at the girl sitting on the countertop. "The intricacies of the bonds you describe, the emotional connection even before the formal ceremony. Here, many of us struggle to understand the depth of such connections."

Arina watched him for a moment, the weight of her words settling in the air. "The bond with a dragon is unlike any other," she began softly. "It's a melding of souls, an intertwining of destinies. Even before the physical act of riding, there's an innate understanding, a shared resonance that echoes through the years."

Their conversation ebbed and flowed, the night deepening around them as they delved deeper into the mysteries of their respective worlds. Amidst the clatter of dishes and the soft glow of the kitchen, two souls from different realms found common ground, forging a connection that transcended boundaries.

~~~

Arina's frustration was palpable. A visit to the hatchery the previous day had left her with more questions than answers about the failing barrier. With only one dragon in residence, and notably reticent on the topic, she found herself at a loss; challenging a dragon was not on her agenda. While the Duke had granted her access to their libraries, the historical records regarding protective barriers were sparse at best, with scant references to the wards in Navarre.

Seeking solace from the maze of ancient texts and scrolls, Arina wandered deeper into the dimly lit library. The towering shelves seemed to hold the collective wisdom of generations, yet the specific knowledge she sought remained elusive.

A soft voice interrupted her thoughts. "Need help finding something?"

She turned to find a blonde boy, his eyes filled with curiosity and kindness. "I'm trying to understand the history of protective barriers," she explained, a hint of frustration in her voice.

With a nod, he led her to a secluded alcove, pulling out a dusty tome. Flipping through its pages, he paused at a faded illustration depicting a barrier akin to the one she described.

"This might be of interest," he said, pointing to a passage detailing an ancient alliance between realms, established to fortify their respective barriers.

As Arina immersed herself in the text, a glimmer of hope ignited within her. With the boy's assistance, perhaps she could find a way to mend the faltering barrier and ensure the safety of both their worlds.

"This is a good beginning, thank you," she said, casting a grateful glance at the boy who navigated the library with ease.

"Liam," the blonde introduced himself, extending a hand with a warm smile. "I spent countless hours playing hide and seek here; I know this place like the back of my hand."

"I appreciate your childhood adventures in here," Arina said with a smile, glancing at the boy. She tied her hair in a messy ponytail at the top of her head, the only thing she really knew how to do, and attempted to absorb the information on the page before her.

~~~

With no windows in the library to gauge the passage of time, Arina remained engrossed in the books Liam had selected for her. He had departed hours earlier to return home. As the evening wore on, the words on the pages started to blur together. Suddenly, she felt a plate nudged gently beside her. Xaden had entered quietly, bearing her customary treat.

He glanced at her hair and remarked with a hint of teasing disdain, "Your hair's quite the rat's nest." Prodding it lightly with the pencil he held, he shook his head in mock disgust.

"I never quite mastered the art of braiding," Arina replied with a chuckle, taking in the delightful aroma of the treat. "But I'm grateful for the snack." Setting her books aside, she eagerly prepared to indulge in the dessert.

"I can braid," Xaden remarked, his gaze drifting away, avoiding direct eye contact with Arina. "In Tyrrish tradition, we're taught various intricate knots. Braiding seems rather straightforward in comparison," he explained.

"You would braid my hair?" Arina asked, surprise evident in her eyes as she looked at her newfound acquaintance. "I was under the impression you only engaged with me when seeking information about my city," she added, referencing his prior skepticism.

"It can't be that difficult, I'm quite experienced with my fingers," Xaden quipped, raising an eyebrow playfully.

"I'll overlook your suggestive remarks, but I truly would like a neater hairdo. Would you consider teaching me?" Arina inquired hesitantly. The intricacies of braiding had always eluded her, and she felt embarrassed to not figure it out when she was younger.

Positioning Arina by the cozy fireplace in the library, Xaden began the task of unraveling her tangled locks. For the first time in their time together, the half-eaten chocolate cake lay forgotten on the desk, as the two embarked on an impromptu lesson in braiding.