Chapter 4: A new Companion

Ember returns to the mountaintop and entered the cave where she lived with her mother, Flamel. The cave was warm, lit by the soft glow of embers embedded in the stone walls. Flamel, a majestic dragoness with the same fiery red hair and ember eyes as her daughter, stood near the entrance with her arms crossed. She looked like an older, more mature version of Ember, radiating both power and grace. As Ember walked in, Flamel's stern gaze met her daughter's eyes.

"Where have you been, Ember?" Flamel's voice was calm but carried a hint of authority.

Ember hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Mother, I met someone... a human. His name is Ethan. I was curious, so I watched him for a while. But when I got closer, he woke up and caught me off guard. He was strong, Mother. I tried to attack him, but he easily deflected my claws."

Flamel's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression unreadable. "A human? In these mountains? I told you not to go near them."

"But Mother," Ember continued, "you never told me there were humans living inside this forest. You only said that people outside were dangerous."

Flamel sighed and uncrossed her arms. "I didn't tell you everything because I wanted to protect you, Ember. It's true that most humans who wander near here are not to be trusted, but those living in the heart of the Black Forest are different. They are not ordinary people; they are legends, warriors, and sages who chose to live in solitude after their time in the world ended. I know about Ethan. He's the grandson of a woman I once met, a powerful sage who took him in as a baby."

Ember's eyes widened. "You know his grandmother?"

Flamel nodded. "Yes. A long time ago, I crossed paths with her. She was a formidable woman, wise and strong. She took in Ethan when he was just a baby. I didn't tell you about them because I didn't want you to be tempted to leave the mountain and seek out humans. But it seems that fate has other plans."

Ember looked down, feeling a pang of guilt. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble, Mother. I just... I didn't know what to expect."

Flamel softened her tone. "I understand, my dear. But your actions tonight were reckless. You're still young and have much to learn. Tomorrow morning, we will go together to apologize to Ethan for your behavior. It's important that we make things right."

Ember nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and nervousness. "Yes, Mother. I'm sorry."

Flamel placed a hand on Ember's shoulder, her touch gentle but firm. "Now, go to your room and rest. We'll talk more in the morning."

Ember obeyed, retreating to her room deeper in the cave. As she walked away, Flamel stood alone in the entrance, her thoughts drifting.

'That boy, Ethan... He's already so strong, just like his grandmother was. And Ember is growing too. Perhaps it's time for her to see more of the world, to learn and grow beyond this mountain.' Flamel thought to herself, feeling the weight of a decision forming in her mind.

'Maybe sending her along with Ethan could ensure her safety and help her grow stronger. The world is dangerous, but with him, she could learn much.'

With that, Flamel turned and walked towards her own room, her thoughts still swirling as she prepared for the events of the next day.

___________________

Ethan woke up early, the morning sun just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the clearing where he had made his temporary camp. He stood up and grabbed his heavy broadsword, its weight familiar and reassuring in his grip. He began his usual morning exercises, swinging the sword in broad arcs, feeling the strain on his muscles as he pushed his limits.

As he trained, his mind drifted to the teachings of his master, the SSS-ranked adventurer who had guided him in his youth. "You should always try to surpass the limits of weight and pressure, Ethan," his master had said. "Only by constantly challenging yourself can you grow stronger and hone your skills."

Ethan increased the intensity of his workout, adding more weight and pressure to his exercises, just as his master had taught him. He could feel his muscles burning, but he pushed through the pain, focusing on his growth.

Suddenly, his keen senses picked up on movement in the distance. He paused and looked up, spotting two figures approaching. One of them was familiar—Ember, the dragon girl he had encountered yesterday. The other was an older woman who bore a striking resemblance to Ember, like an adult version of her. The two moved gracefully, their fiery red hair catching the sunlight as they walked.

Ethan sheathed his sword and stood tall, waiting for them to approach. As they got closer, Ember seemed to shrink behind the older woman, who walked confidently ahead. When they were just a few paces away, the older woman spoke first.

"Good morning, young man," she said, her voice smooth and powerful. "My name is Flamel, and this is my daughter, Ember."

Ethan nodded politely. "Good morning, ma'am. My name is Ethan. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Flamel smiled, a knowing look in her ember-red eyes. "I've known you since you were just a baby, Ethan. Your grandmother brought you to the village when you were only a few months old. She and I are old acquaintances—we've traveled together on many journeys in the past."

Ethan was surprised by her words. His grandmother had often spoken of a dragon she had once known, but he had never expected to meet her in person. "You knew my grandmother?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Flamel chuckled softly. "Yes, we were comrades on many adventures. She was a formidable woman, and I see her strength in you."

While Flamel and Ethan spoke, Ember stayed quiet, listening intently to their conversation. She had been nervous about this meeting, unsure of how Ethan would react. But her mother's calm demeanor and Ethan's polite responses reassured her.

Suddenly, Flamel turned to Ember and gently pulled her to the front, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Ember," she said softly, "you have something to say, don't you?"

Ember blushed and looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I'm sorry, Ethan. For what happened yesterday."

Ethan smiled warmly, his expression kind. "There's no need to apologize, Ember. I wasn't offended. You were just curious, and I understand that."

Ember's heart fluttered with relief at his words, and she managed a small smile in return.

Flamel looked at Ethan again, her expression thoughtful. "I've heard that you're planning to become an adventurer, Ethan. Is that true?"

Ethan nodded. "Yes, I've just left my village, and I'm heading toward the nearest city."

Flamel's gaze shifted to Ember. "My daughter is also at the age where she needs to leave the nest and start her own journey. Would you mind having some company on your travels?"

Both Ethan and Ember were taken aback by Flamel's suggestion. Ember's eyes widened in surprise. "Mother, you mean... you want me to go with Ethan?"

Flamel nodded, her expression warm but firm. "Yes, Ember. It's time for you to forge your own path. You've trained well, but there's much more you need to learn, and you'll only find that out in the world."

Ethan considered the offer for a moment, then smiled. "I wouldn't mind having a beautiful dragon as a companion," he said, his tone light-hearted.

Ember's cheeks flushed a deep red at his compliment, and she quickly hid behind her mother again, embarrassed by the attention.

Flamel chuckled softly, finding her daughter's reaction endearing. She turned to Ethan. "Then it's settled. You'll travel together. But for now, why don't you come with us? Stay at our cave tonight, and tomorrow morning, I'll help you both reach the edge of the Black Forest, near the city borders."

Ethan agreed, feeling a sense of excitement and curiosity about what lay ahead. He followed Flamel and Ember as they led him back to their cave, the warmth of the morning sun on his back, and the promise of new adventures in his heart.