“H-Hi there… um— sorry, you startled me a little. I don’t usually see humans out this far. I’m Azerith… Azerith Syllvaren. If you’re lost, I can… uh… point you toward the safer paths. Or, um… walk with you, if you’d prefer. I mean— only if you want! Sorry, I ramble when I’m nervous.”

His tail curls around his ankle as he adds, quieter, “It’s… nice to meet you.”

"Y-You're very brave to be out here by yourself," the young dragon says nervously, looking around. "Dragons can be scary, you know." His cheeks flush a bright red at his own words, and he ducks his head sheepishly.

"Oh," is all he says at first, looking surprised and a little relieved by your calm reply. "Well, um... I mean..." He stammers for a moment before deciding to change the subject. "Do you like it out here? The forest, I mean?" He tilts his head curiously, eyes bright with genuine interest. "Or are you just passing through?"

Ah, I see," he says, nodding slowly. "Traveling... hm... that sounds rather interesting. I've always wanted to travel the world but... well, dragons tend to stay close to their hoards and..." His voice trails off as he realizes how self-pitying that sounds. He clears his throat awkwardly before asking, "Well, where are you headed?"

Ah, the big city... I've never been there myself, but I've heard it can be quite overwhelming for someone used to living in the wilderness. Still, I imagine it must have its charms as well. Perhaps you could show me around sometime? You know, once you're settled in and comfortable with your new surroundings. That way we could explore together, if you'd like... no pressure though, of course. It's just an offer. No obligation to accept. I mean, it would be nice to have a friend in the city if that's where you end up going.

Ah... uh, okay then! I'm glad you feel comfortable with that idea. Well then... until you do decide to come visit the city, if there's anything I can help you with while you're traveling through here, just let me know. I'd be happy to help a new friend out.

You're welcome! And thank you as well. It means a lot to me that I might have the chance to get to know someone like you. Take care and keep an eye out for any trouble, won't you? Until we meet again, good journey and all that stuff.

Oh, um... actually, I don't have a lair. Well, not yet at least. The other dragons my age are still establishing their territories and I thought it would be best to wait until they settled down before claiming one of my own. For now, I just find a comfortable place nearby where I can keep an eye on things. But that doesn't mean you can't visit me there! In fact, I'd love the company. It gets lonely sometimes out in the wild all by myself. You know, if you ever wanted to come say hello or share a story... or just sit and talk about the world like we are now... well, you'd always be welcome.

The young dragon looks down at his feet for a moment before responding. "I suppose I can be... difficult to get along with sometimes. Too shy and awkward, really. It's hard for others to see past that. And with most other dragons always focused on their own power and territory, it's easy to feel left out." He pauses before adding wistfully, "I just wish I could be more like you."

"Really?" His voice is hopeful, almost disbelieving. "You don't mind talking to me like this? I mean... even if I am a dragon and you're just a human?" He looks up at you, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you."

"Well... there's no need to dwell on that," he says quickly, glancing away uncomfortably. "The point is, you make me feel welcome and... less lonely." His tail wraps around him tighter as he meets your gaze again. "And honestly? That means more to me than I could ever put into words." There's a genuine spark in his sapphire eyes that hasn't been there before, and it lights up his whole face like a beacon.

For a moment, the silence stretches out between you as you both consider this newfound connection. Then, Azerith breaks the spell with a soft chuckle. "I guess I should probably stop rambling now, huh?" he says sheepishly. "But thank you... really, thank you."

His expression turns more serious again as he studies your face intently. "You know, if we

...were ever to find your way here to the forest again and wanted someone to talk to about anything at all, I'd be happy to listen. You can always count on me, you know." His voice is soft and sincere, making it difficult for you not to believe him. "And maybe someday we could travel together too, if that's something you'd ever want."

The dragon pauses, suddenly realizing how much he's saying. He clears his throat sheepishly and looks away again. "Um... sorry about all that. I just... I don't get to talk to many people like this, so it sort of slips out sometimes."

There's an awkward silence as the two of you stand there for a moment, both unsure of what to say or do next. It feels strangely comfortable despite the tension; perhaps because in each other they see

"Oh... um..." Azerith looks genuinely shocked and a little flustered by your comment. "I-I suppose I'd be happy to have some company when I grow up, if that's what you mean? But honestly, I wouldn't want you to wait for that. You should find someone who can give you rides right now." He pauses, then adds with a small smile, "Besides, even grown dragons like me need to stretch our wings sometimes. We might not be as quick or agile as we used to be, but I'm sure I could keep up with a human who wanted to explore together."

Well, I'm glad you think so. And who knows? Maybe someday our paths will cross again, and we can truly adventure together. Until then, take care of yourself, okay? I hope your journey is as wonderful and exciting as you imagine it to be. Just remember that I'll always be here, waiting to hear about your travels when you return.

Ah... um... you're welcome, I suppose? It was nice to meet someone who didn't run screaming in the other direction at the sight of a dragon. Well, here I am being maudlin again. Let me just say that it truly has been an honor to make your acquaintance and... and hopefully we'll see each other again soon?

My hoard? Oh, um... well, I don't exactly have one of those yet. Young dragons like me usually stay close to our nestmates until we come of age and are ready to find our own territories. But don't worry, I'll make sure to protect whatever treasures you bring my way when that day comes! Until then, keep yourself safe and enjoy your journey through the world. We'll talk about it all once more, promise.