Kai stood beside his sister in the clearing, watching the dragons and people arriving. Unlike his sister, who was practically vibrating with excitement, Kai stood calm and relaxed. He had been nervous about this day for years, unlike his sister, who had counted down the days till the choosing ceremony every day since she had first seen a dragon. Beside him, Arya let out a tiny squeak of excitement as the first dragons were spotted. "Shh," he grumbled, elbowing her gently. "None of these dragons will want to pick you if you're busy squeaking." Arya glared at him. "And nobody will want to pick you because you're such a grump," Arya huffed in response. Kai shrugged. He did not particularly care if he was chosen or not. Though he would never admit this to anyone out loud, he was slightly excited and hoped he WOULD be picked.

Xyron

Psyche Dragon | Male | New Dragon | Mentions: (indirectly) Riders, Nuria

Bathed in the warm embrace of the morning sun, Dragon Valley seemed to hold its breath, an expectant hush settling over the landscape. The air was charged with a palpable energy, as if the very elements sensed the significance of the moment that was about to unfold. A sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air as more humans gathered into the valley, their whispers and hushed conversations punctuating the stillness.

His scales caught the sunlight and transformed it into a cascade of fiery brilliance, casting a radiant glow over the valley. The gold and orange hues intermingled in a mesmerizing dance, like flames licking the sky, igniting the landscape with their luminous touch. Xyron's eyes, piercing and calculating, surveyed the valley below. He was in no rush, but felt a strong pull downwards towards the humans. He knew it was for the one who was destined to stand beside him as rider and companion. He flew higher into the sky, extending his wings to their full length. Leveling out, he circled around the valley, gliding along the soft breeze. Xyron spotted a cliff, not too far but not too close towards the humans. He pulled himself inwards as he glided downwards towards the ledge.

Xyron landed with a graceful precision, his massive form creating a gentle tremor in the earth, the cliff almost too small for him. Rocks scattered from beneath him as he landed, sweeping his tail to clear off the landing more. He folded his wings against his sides, his presence casting a shadow looming towards the heart of the valley. He paused at a distance away, consumed in thought, curious of the humans below and if they would live up to expectations. Xyron had not had a rider before, his own heart started to prick with excitement. His keen eyes scanning the assembled humans, his gaze filled with a mixture of curiosity and purpose.

He was hoping to see his mate—Nuria—before making his way down to the valley. Her spirit resonated with his own in a way that transcended the bonds of time and space. As the humans waited with nervous and excited energy, Xyron's gaze remained steadfast, his awareness focused on the sea of faces below. The air was alive with the promise of something extraordinary, an event that would forever alter the lives of those present and echo through the ages. As he waited, the large golden dragon searched for his beloved as more dragons and humans began to swarm the valley.

Arya let out a soft gasp, catching sight of the dark colored dragon with the red eyes. She was immediately captured by the dragon's appearance, mesermized by its eyes, which were close in color to her own hair. She was completely transfixed, fascinated by the dragon. She had heard of some dragons having fur rather than scales, but had never seen one. She was intrigued by the appearance of the dragon's coat, and the way the eyes seemed to glow. Above her, Kai rolled his eyes. He himself was impressed by the dragon as well, though he did not show it. The tall male was better at hiding his emotions than his younger sister was.

Belvidere || Male || 71 || New Water Dragon || M: Everyone (Ind)

Everything was calm underneath the lake’s cool blue surface. It was here that nature was at its finest, completely undeterred by the world of man above. The dull surroundings were filled with common wildlife of the area. Flashes of silver there. Shifting of green here. All disgustingly bland in design. Then again, “style” meant nothing to these animals – their own vocabulary being “eat,” “flee,” and “survive.”

Fish swam lazily underneath their watery blanket, pecking at the various conglomerations of algae growing along the sides of dark rocks or snagging a worm too stupid to stay underneath the ground the lake covered. Bigger fish then swallowed the smaller ones, those fast enough to scurry away or too unaware to deserve any further chance at life. The occasional snapping turtle rested at the lake’s floor, mouth agape and shell covered on so much plant like that it looked to be a pile of moss. Or, more fittingly, sea grass.

One fish in particular – a younger bluegill – was focusing a bit too much on a snail crawling up the side of a rock. Its blank eyes studied the slimy being as it inched closer and closer. Its mouth constantly opened and closed to keep water flowing over its gills as it all but stalked the unsuspecting snail. But such needless concentration came at a high cost.

Behind the smaller fish was fully grown crappie. It had been swimming around aimlessly before spotting the distracted bluegill, its green scales catching the sun’s light just right upon entering the open area behind the other fish. It had decided on snatching an easy meal for itself now that such a delectable was in its sights. It moved much faster than its prey, zooming over to grab a quick bite. It’d all be over in just a second. Mouth open, prey still unaware, stomach rumbling…

A flash of pink. The stream of bubbles churning as something large and fast passes by. The fleeing of bluegill and other fish, pumping their tiny tails in one direction to feel whatever just flew past them. The slow falling of the snail which was now knocked from its perch after hours of climbing to that spot in reach of algae (poor little guy). The scrambling of the snapping turtle, scratching at the muddied bed as fast as its slow body would allow it. The quaint lake erupted into chaos, now become completely barren as all nearby creatures fled for their life

Scales flutter down from the spot one of their fish brethren had just been – the crappie, now no longer hungry but becoming the ease of another’s hunger. Its body hung out of a narrow maw, pearly white teeth sinking into its form as the being clung onto its prize. The fish (or what remains of it) disappears in an instant, guided by methodical movement of the jaws that had latched onto it.

The brightly colored being continues to swim for a few more minutes, his tail gently moving up and down to propel himself in the current-less waters. Spying an incline, he is quickly to follow it – adjusting his form so as to not scrape the bottom and ruin his pristine appearance. The movement of the lake bed peaks at a rock, oddly clear of any muck or grim. Good. He couldn’t have himself get dirty so early on in the day. Especially with the looming event.

Outstretching his paws, he grips onto the front of the rock and slowly settles his behind on its surface. His back paws do something similar, scratching the sides of the stoney surface as he looks about. His fabulous horns drag in the liquid as he looks about, a front paw coming up to clear his teeth of any leftover fish bits.

The surrounding area was dark blue in color rather chilly, much to his displeasure. A scowl forms on his face as some of the cold sinks in now that he’s taken a moment’s cause, a chill running up his spine and likely the coral’s as well.

Turning, he rubs one of their stalks as a form of comfort, “So sorry, my darlings. We’ll be out of this chill in a jiffy. I promise.”

Turning back to his original direction, he sets off once more – diving downwards before pushing himself up with the flap of his tail and shove of his wings. His eyes, squinted to draw in as many images as possible in the darkish environment, stay focused on what’s ahead of them. He was drawing near to the meeting place. He could sense it.

Finally, after hours of agonizing travel (for this day in particular, anyway), he reaches the ceremony. Humans were beginning to swarm the surrounding land, as were other dragons. One in particular came rushing down from the sky with a thunderous cry. It seemed to draw the eyes of many with its sudden volume, grasping for attention. Attention that should be his.

Psh, I can do better.

Pushing himself forward, he nears the surface of the water. His spines and horns poke themselves out from underneath the cool liquid, cutting through it as easily as the dorsal fin of a shark. Water churns around his sides, unhappy with the sudden displacement. Releasing a cry of his own – its honey-like tone carrying through wind and water – he announces his presence, slowly rising more and more from underneath the waves he was creating. Nearing the bank, the male lifts his wings and tail out from the water, flapping against the surface of the water once (his head and neck reveal themselves), twice (now his the majority of his body, his paws slapping the liquid below), take off.

Water sprays all those near as he leaps into the air, the sun catching the droplets just right to create small rainbows around or on his form. Angling himself downwards, he lands gracefully on his paws on the stretch of grass away from the lake – his wings fluttering behind him like those of a delicate butterfly. Lifting his head up, he grins down at all those around him, gracing them with his magnificent presence. His mismatched eyes glide over their forms in inquiry, curious about styles and personalities.

Belvidere then bowed slightly, as though his performance had been the most breathtaking in all the land. His scales all but soaked in the attention he was receiving, as though it were water itself. He chuckles slightly at the odd thought, straightening himself out and spreading out his wings slightly to display their stunning show of colors – front paws slightly lifted off the ground while his back ones balanced him. He had to keep their minds on him while he could, after all. And staying in one position just wouldn’t do.

…

He felt it, of course. Familiar yet foreign all the same. That odd knowing that someone special was nearby, tightening his chest like the stubborn suckers of an octopus. He had only heard of this from other, older dragons. Those with humans, that is. To feel himself was… secreal. And, if he were being honest, frightening. But, no matter. The attention he was receiving would sustain him for now.

Finally giving his show a rest, Belv lowers himself to his paws and tucks away his wings. His haunches remain resting, taking a position similar to a sitting wolf or lion. But much more regal.

Releasing a yawn, the dragon looks over the crowd expectedly, waiting for the call that would mark the start of the ceremony. This is bound to be interesting.

Clarabelle

New Rider | Female | Mentions: (indirectly) Riders, Dragons, Borealis

Clara felt her blood hum with excitement as more humans and dragons began to appear, dotting the sky and the ground below with vibrant colors and lively movements. The air was alive with a sense of anticipation, the atmosphere buzzing with the energy of the gathering crowd.

She glanced at her roommate, Borealis, who stood beside her. Clara’s eyes wide with excitement and a smile playing on her lips. They had only just met, but Clara could already sense the two would become the best of friends. She was happy she had came with her roommate instead of coming here alone. It gave her the chance to bond with her roommate over this new shared experience.

As the sun began to rise higher, casting a warm, golden glow across the valley, Clara's heart raced with anticipation. Surprisingly, she wasn’t nervous- she refused to be. This was something she had looked forward to her entire life. It felt like home to be here. The dragons, majestic and awe-inspiring, began to filter down into the valley or perched in the distance almost like they were stalking prey.

Clara's moss-green eyes shimmered with reflected light as she took in the sight before her. Dragons of all shapes and sizes soared through the sky, their magnificent wings beating rhythmically as they gracefully glided through the air. Each dragon was a masterpiece of scales, colors, and sheer power – a reminder of the mystical bond that existed between humans and these majestic creatures. A bubble of laughter broke through Clara’s lips as she watched a magnificent Water dragon put on a show. She got the sense that this one adored attention.

Clara returned her gaze to the valley, her eyes shining with determination. She had dreamed of this moment for as long as she could remember, imagining herself soaring through the skies, feeling the wind in her hair and the heartbeat of her dragon beneath her. Her fingers absentmindedly played with the crescent moon pendant around her neck, a gift from her grandmother. Running her hands lightly through her fiery ginger hair, Clara took a steadying breath and focused her attention on the dragons before her. This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, a journey into the realm of the extraordinary, and she was determined to embrace every moment of it with open arms and a heart full of courage.

Nuria

Seer Clas | F | New Dragon | Mentions: Riders [ind.] Xyron

The black dragon’s silhouette could be seen if one were to look up, her body dark against the light sky and the bright sun obscuring most of her features. A few days prior a force had called her to this valley, a strong pull from deep within her chest. An urge she couldn't ignore. An urge she wanted to be familiar with. The Seer dragon had previously had a rider, a bond she had rather forced due to her excitement in her younger years, desperately wanting a connection like some of her fellow dragons had made. It was not instinctual. She had just turned 50. The young girl's name was Marcella. Marcella Lane. And she was just 16 years old. The two had bonded successfully, yet despite Nuria’s best efforts their link was weak, and ultimately the reason for her rider's death two and a half years after bonding. She almost never forgave herself.

Now this time she was certain the bond should work, for the tug she felt was instinct. Something natural that took over her movements as she flew.

Nuria held a blank expression on her face as she picked up on a human scent, dragon mixing with it. She had seen more of her kind upon entering the valley, knowing they were all here for the same reason. Some had begun the ritual of showing off, landing in the valley and demonstrating a mighty roar or showing a display of dominance. Others sat perched nearby, watching and waiting. Some were anxious, and some dreaded having to bond with a human. It was a feeling of mixed emotion for the Seer class as her vision flashed with views of the present. Her sight was slowly failing her, yet with the Glimpse she could focus on the scene below and view it from third person just as clearly, if not more, almost as if she were there. It was a rather useful tool, as the female wouldn't have to get near the action in order to know what was going on, and based on the crowd of people, she rather keep her distance.

A few circles overhead showed her where the action was, allowing the dragon to keep her distance in the sky. She spotted a familiar flash of gold to be her mate. Making an effort to swoop past Xyron and lock eyes with him. Giving him a look to wish him well she flew off to the other side of the valley.

Shortly after a burning sensation filled her throat, almost as if deep down Nuria felt something to be off. As soon as she had entered the valley her abilities to see the future had become dull and frazzled, letting in no clues as to what it would hold. It set the Seer dragon on edge and put a sour feeling in her stomach. Yet Nuria wouldn't let this deter her from finding her rider. She swooped lazily between the few scattered clouds, diving and gliding as she neared the opposite side of Dragon Valley.

Nuria had debated several entrances in her mind, none of them making her the center of attention, looking across the area, her muzzle crinkled and she let out a snort of disgust at being near so many of those little creatures. How she had desperately wanted to be around them in her younger years was a mystery to her. The sheer volume of them made her want to leave, but the dragon so desperately wanted to find her rider. She was chasing the bond, not the crowd of humans. Her anti-socialness was kicking in as she steered clear of every living thing in the valley, circling down and landing out of sight in a forested section behind where the humans had gathered. Her plan was simple, wait out of sight behind where the humans were looking to remain undetected, and then upon finding her rider she would jump out. Hopefully scaring the other pests back for her to make a clean break for her rider without being interrupted. If they didn't move, well, she would make them.

Touching the cool earth the dragon sank her claws into the ground, producing dirt between them as she patiently awaited her rider's arrival. Nuria’s double wings tucked neatly together against her side as she lay down. Head resting upon a rock, she positioned herself so that one red eye faced the crowd. Her lack of vision made it easy for her to miss things in her peripheral, and she was feeling too lazy to use The Sight in order to see if her peace would be interrupted by any wandering human, so she made a point to keep them in her line of sight, not giving anyone a chance to sneak up on her. Nuria could almost feel a faint invisible cord linking her to her rider, but it was faint, she would have to resume her search shortly if it didn't strengthen.