The Dragon Choosing Ceremony?

Kaelan, who had been quiet until now, nodded warmly at Isabel before speaking in a low tone. "Let's talk while we eat."

Kaelan smiled, understanding her eagerness. "There's been a change in the schedule for the dragon choosing ceremony," he began, his voice serious yet tinged with excitement.

At the mention of the ceremony, Isabel looked up, her interest piqued. "The dragon choosing ceremony?"

Kaelan nodded. "Yes. All soldiers under the age of 18 from across the kingdom have been summoned here because the ceremony date has been moved up."

Eamon, taking a bite of his food, added, "It's a big deal. The ceremony doesn't happen often, and when it does, it's a chance for new dragon riders to be chosen."

Alaric, nodded in agreement. "They want to ensure that all eligible candidates are present. It's an important event for the kingdom."

Isabel's mind raced with this new information. The dragon choosing ceremony was a prestigious event where select young soldiers had the chance to bond with a dragon, becoming dragon riders and earning a place of honor and responsibility in the kingdom's defense.

Mirael's eyes sparkled with excitement. "This is amazing! I can't believe the date has been moved up. Do we know why?"

Kaelan shrugged. "Not entirely sure, might be related to some unrest between royals," he said in a low voice while leaning towards them.

Isabel leaned back, processing the news. "So, we might have a chance to bond with a dragon?"

Kaelan nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, if we're deemed worthy."

As they clinked their glasses and took sips, the conversation around the table became more animated. Mirael leaned in, her eyes wide with curiosity. "So, how exactly does the dragon choosing ceremony work? I've heard bits and pieces, but never the full story."

Kaelan, taking another bite of his food, nodded. "It's a fascinating process. First, all the candidates are brought to the Dragon's Keep, where the dragons had lived for who knows when . It's a huge land on the outskirts of Drakendale, close to the mountains."

Eamon chimed in, his voice filled with excitement. "The candidates are allowed to step inside that mysterious land, and each candidate gets a chance to approach them. The bond between a dragon and a rider is unique; it's like the dragon chooses you as much as you choose the dragon."

Isabel leaned forward, her interest clearly piqued. "What happens if a dragon chooses you?"

Kaelan smiled, remembering the stories he'd heard from older soldiers. "If a dragon chooses you, there's a ritual to solidify the bond. It's said to be a profound and intense experience, as you connect with the dragon on a deep level. From that point on, the dragon becomes your partner and you train together."

Alaric, who had been listening quietly, added, "The bond between a rider and their dragon is incredibly strong. They communicate in ways that go beyond words. It's almost like they can sense each other's thoughts and emotions."

Mirael's excitement was palpable. "This is incredible. Imagine having such a connection with a dragon! Have any of you ever seen the ceremony before?"

Eamon shook his head. "No, it's pretty rare and usually only happens once every few years. Only a handful of soldiers are chosen each time."

Kaelan nodded in agreement. "It's considered a great honor. Those who are chosen often go on to become leaders and key figures in the kingdom's defense."

Isabel's mind raced with possibilities. "Do you think we have a chance? I mean, we're all under 18, and we've proven ourselves in battle."

Kaelan smiled reassuringly. "I believe we do. We've all trained hard and shown our dedication. If the dragons see something in us, we could very well be chosen."

Mirael couldn't contain her excitement. "I'm ready to give it my all. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I won't let it pass by without trying."

The group continued to discuss the upcoming ceremony, sharing their hopes and dreams. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and a renewed sense of purpose.

Each of them knew that the days ahead would be challenging, but the possibility of becoming a dragon rider filled them with determination.

Isabel looked around at her friends, feeling a deep sense of nervousness and excitement.

The time had finally arrived—something she had waited for her entire childhood. Her heart pounded in her chest as she thought about the upcoming ceremony. The thrill of the possibility that a dragon might choose her was tempered by an underlying current of doubt.

What if no dragon deemed her worthy? What if she failed to form a bond?

These questions gnawed at her as she considered the significance of the dragon choosing ceremony. It was more than just an honor; it was a chance to prove herself, to secure a place of importance in the kingdom, and to fulfill her deepest desire.

She remembered the countless hours she had spent training, pushing herself to her limits, and honing her skills. But now, standing on the cusp of this momentous occasion, she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe it wasn't enough.

Isabel had always strived to be strong and capable, but self-doubt crept in, whispering that she might fall short when it mattered most.

Looking at her friends, Isabel saw the same mix of emotions reflected in their faces.

Kaelan, usually so calm and collected, had a determined look in his eyes. Eamon's excitement was palpable, yet there was a hint of anxiety in his posture. Mirael, always so optimistic, seemed to be grappling with her own uncertainties. Even Alaric, the stoic one, appeared deep in thought, his expression unreadable.

Taking a deep breath, Isabel tried to steady her racing thoughts. She reminded herself of why she had come this far.

The dreams she had nurtured since childhood, the vision of soaring through the skies on the back of a dragon, guiding it in battle, and protecting her kingdom—all of it was within reach. She couldn't let fear overshadow her determination.

"Isabel, are you okay?" Mirael's voice broke through her reverie. Isabel turned to her friend, offering a small smile.

"Yeah, just a bit nervous," she admitted. "I guess it's natural, right?"