Horizon was already thinking ahead. "We should set up a base here. A place to call our own."
He glanced at Von. "It's one of my goals to establish a territory in Eternia — somewhere to return to. I was thinking about joining a kingdom or guild, but after what happened in the ARK, that option seems . . . less appealing now.
I'd rather have a place I can control. A sanctuary to go back to."
Von considered his words, rubbing his chin. "A home, huh? Not a bad idea, but . . . if you're always adventuring, is a home really practical?"
Horizon nodded. "You wouldn't get it. You're an elf. But for humans, having a home — something to return to — means everything. It's the one place where you can feel grounded, knowing there's something waiting for you."
Von's serious expression melted into a smile, one filled with understanding. "Yeah . . . I can see that. It sounds .
. . comforting."
Nyx chimed in again. "But you're not entirely human, Horizon. You're part dragon. That desire to build a lair is probably more your dragon blood talking."
Von raised a hand. "Just one thing. Let's not turn it into a cave or a dragon's lair, okay?"
Horizon chuckled. "So, you'll help me?"
Von's grin widened. "Why not? I don't have much else to do, and your idea sounds . . . nice."
"It's nice," Cappy repeated, pecking at his dead feathers. "Now we're not homeless."
"Homeless?" Horizon questioned. He tilted his head, curious. "But don't you have a home to return to?"
Von glanced away, an awkward laugh escaping his lips. "Hahaha . . . let's just say, I'm in no hurry to return to Crown Jade Woods."
Cappy fluttered its wings, about to chime in. "That's because you're—"
Before it could finish, Von's hand shot out, gripping its beak tight. "Not. Another. Word." His tone held a sharp edge, but his grin stayed playful.
Nyx snickered atop Horizon's head. "Knowing him, he probably got himself banished," she said in draconic tongue that Von didn't understand.
But here in Eternia, surrounded by its beauty, both natural and otherwise, he found his spirits lifted.
"It's the Red Moon," he explained, casually brushing off the threat of dragons. "They're everywhere right now. But don't worry — now that we're here, you're safe."
"By the way, I'm Von. And what's your name, gorgeous lady?"
Before the woman could respond, Cappy interrupted with a flap of its wings. "Aren't you going to help Horizon over there?"
Horizon? Lydia's eyes was on Horizon, who was locked in combat with the dragon. "That guy fighting the dragon . . . is his name Horizon?"
Von waved dismissively. "Yes, but don't worry about him. He can handle himself. How about you and I head somewhere a little more . . .
secluded? Away from dragons, hmm?"
Lydia ignored him entirely, her gaze transfixed on Horizon as he battled the dragon single-handedly. She had never seen anyone face a dragon alone — except maybe one of the Seven Lords of Eternia.
Who is this guy? she wondered. He didn't look entirely human, so he had to be some sort of half-breed. But the way he fought, the sheer power in each of his strikes, left no doubt that he was something else.
Meanwhile, the dragon let out a low hiss, speaking in the ancient draconic tongue, which to others would sound like nothing more than a series of growls and roars. But Horizon understood it perfectly.
"Why are you getting in my way?" the dragon snarled, its voice a guttural rasp.
A good question, Horizon thought.
"Stop interfering," the dragon huffed, its fiery eyes narrowing. "All I wanted is that golden one!"
"Golden one?" Horizon briefly glanced over at Von and the blonde woman beside him. Golden, huh?
Nyx, perched atop Horizon's shoulder, snickered. "Seems like the dragon's taken a liking to her because of her gold hair. What a perverted beast."
Horizon turned to the dragon as he leveled his sword at the creature.
"I'll give you two choices," Horizon declared, his voice low and dangerous. "Submit to me and live, or refuse . . . and I'll still make you submit in death."