Light fury

"Of course," replied Alara, nodding at Yami. "Can you assist Miss Roselei? She's on the second floor."

"That's what I'm here for," Yami affirmed before leaping to the second floor. Employing his dark magic, he sliced through the vines and maneuvered his way to Charlotte Roselei.

"It looks like everything's fine now," Alara remarked with a smile, glancing at the people who had already been rescued.

Two of his guards, having completed their duties, hurried toward Alara to ensure she was alright. Nervousness gripped them as they had witnessed her being thrown by the vine and nearly lost their composure.

"Princess! Are you alright? Are you injured?" The guards asked in deep concern. The weight of their responsibility to protect her weighed heavily on their shoulders; the thought of failing in their duty haunted them. They were also acutely aware of the kingdom's potential criticism if something befell the princess. Moreover, they felt a profound debt to Alara for her kindness, treating them not just as guards but as part of her family.

"Don't worry," Alara replied softly with a sigh. "Are the civilians okay? Is anyone in critical condition?" Her concern for the well-being of the people affected by the situation was evident in her voice.

The guards reassured Alara that everything was under control. Suddenly, the civilians rescued by Alara's guards approached her, wearing expressions filled with gratitude. They were eager to express their heartfelt thanks to the princess for saving their lives.

"Princess, thank you for saving us! We're incredibly grateful to have a princess as caring as you!" the civilians expressed with heartfelt gratitude towards Alara.

"I'm immensely thankful, Princess, for saving my life. If it hadn't been for you, I don't know if I'd be alive today," expressed the elderly woman gratefully to Alara, acknowledging the profound impact of the princess's actions.

Alara's eyes softened upon hearing the gratitude. "I am the princess of this kingdom. As long as I'm here, I'll do everything in my power to aid my people," she declared with determination, bowing to underscore her commitment to the well-being of the Clover Kingdom and its citizens.

.........

As Alara and Noelle completed their shopping and arrived at Alara's castle, just before entering, one of her guards handed her a weathered, rolled-up piece of paper that appeared ancient.

"What's this?" Alara inquired curiously, accepting the rolled-up paper and carefully examining its contents.

"The elderly lady gave it to me. She mentioned it's an immensely valuable treasure, her way of expressing gratitude for being saved," the guard explained to Alara, sharing his own curiosity about its contents.

Alara unrolled the paper, and her eyes widened in surprise. "A map? It says 'Ice Castle,'" she exclaimed, astonished by the unexpected contents of the ancient parchment.

"Ice castle? I've heard that story before, Princess. My mother mentioned that a dragon resided there and attacked anyone who sought to harm the place," the guard shared, visibly surprised by the mention of the fabled Ice Castle and the legends surrounding it.

"Wow. Thank you for giving this to me." Alara smiled at the guard.

The guard shook his head and said, "No princess, I won't dare steal your things."

............ 

"King Julius, may I ask you for a favor?" Alara approached Julius, extending an invitation for him to enter her castle to discuss a matter of importance.

"Sure, Alara. What is it? Do you want a new toy? I'll buy the entire store for you!" Julius smiled joyfully, eager to indulge Alara. Observing his enthusiasm for her well-being, Alara sighed softly, touched by Julius's genuine eagerness to please her.

"No, it's about this," Alara replied, shaking her head gently as she pointed at the map laid out on her table, diverting Julius's attention from the offer of toys to the enigmatic map.

"Oh?" Julius spotted the map, and his eyes lit up with excitement. "Wow! An ancient map! Can... Can I touch it?!" he exclaimed eagerly, displaying his fascination with the old and mysterious document.

"Help yourself, King Julius," Alara nodded, granting him permission to examine the ancient map at his leisure.

Julius thoroughly examines the map, knowing well that he was the one who had given it to Alara disguised as a noble elderly woman. Aware that Alara recognized his typical elderly woman appearance, he opted for a different guise to avoid suspicion. This map served as his congratulatory gift to her for her role as a princess.

"Can you take me to the ice castle, please?" Alara looked at Julius with pleading eyes, expressing her desire to visit the castle, possibly to encounter the rumored dragon and perhaps even attempt to tame it.

Julius smiled warmly and nodded at Alara. "Of course, Alara, we can go there. Would you like to go now? I know the way," he offered, ready to accompany her on the journey to the Ice Castle.

"Sure!" Alara agreed enthusiastically, her eyes filled with excitement at the prospect of encountering a dragon.

..........

Julius teleported alongside Alara to the vicinity of the ice castle. Snow stretched as far as their eyes could see, with the castle perched atop the mountain peak, its icy presence dominating the landscape. 

Both Julius and Alara, adept in using Mana skin, remained unaffected by the harsh cold. Alara gazed at the castle, her eyes reflecting amazement at the sight before her.

"WOW! A MAJESTIC ICE CASTLE!" Stars shimmered in Julius' eyes as he beheld the grandeur of the frozen fortress.

*ROAR!*

A thunderous roar from a dragon startled both Alara and Julius. They readied themselves, anticipating its arrival. Suddenly, a massive white dragon descended from the sky, seemingly aware of their presence and prepared to confront them.

Alara's eyes widened in surprise as she beheld the dragon. Recognition dawned upon her - she knew this dragon!

It's Toothless' wife, the Light Fury!

"Wow!" Julius exclaimed in surprise at the sight of the dragon. It was his first encounter with this particular type of dragon, and he was taken aback by its presence.

The white dragon landed before them, emanating an aura of anger and aggression. Julius immediately assumed a protective stance, prepared to shield Alara from any potential threat.

"Hello, Light Fury. We mean no harm. We simply wish to see you," Alara spoke softly, aiming to soothe the dragon and convey their peaceful intentions.

The Light Fury's focus shifted toward Alara, and upon seeing the child, her countenance transformed. Her eyes softened, and the angry expression dissolved, replaced by a gentler demeanor.

"Don't worry, I'm a friend," Alara reassured the Light Fury, offering a warm smile as she slowly approached the dragon. Julius stood ready, confident that he could swiftly intervene and protect Alara if any danger arose.

"Roar?" The Light Fury tilted her head and gazed at Alara with keen interest, emitting a soft questioning sound akin to a gentle roar.

Through their brief interaction, both the Light Fury and Alara sensed a profound connection forming between them.