The old manakete sighed, gazing out at the rolling green hills of Dolhria from the stone balcony of his modest home. It had been many years since the wars, since he had sealed away the power of the dragonstones and brought Tiki here to live in peace. His red eyes crinkled at the edges as a smile crept onto his weathered face, watching the young divine dragon play in the fields below.

Though they lived simply, Bantu felt content. His long life had been filled with sorrow and conflict, but in this moment, seeing Tiki happy and free from madness brought him a joy he thought he would never find. The humans of Dolhria had accepted them, after some initial fear and distrust. Peace was possible between their kinds.

The smile faded as Bantu sensed a presence approaching, one that felt familiar yet stirred old pains.