"Ora," a five year old human hatchling leaned her head back against the Great Celestial Dragon as she looked up from her favorite story book.
"What is Nirvana?"
The big golden eye blinked casually, "It is what some humans call.. Heaven.." The ancient female's voice carried a long tired note- the child was as inquisitive as always.
"Heaven.." The little girl repeated slowly. "That's where daddy is right?"
Optical scales softened at the smooth, and quiet tones, " Yes.."
"Is that why you called me Nirvana? Because daddy's in heaven?" The child asked innocently.
With a light chuckle that tickled the earth that carpeted her belly, the Ancient Guardian Dragon blew a soft breath of fire to feed the dying flame. "No..." With a playful grin she looked down at the girl who had leaned up against her curled tail resting the back of her head atop it. "It's because.. It's my home.. And yours.. We both will return there some day.. After our job here on earth is finally done. I called you Nirvana because I love you.. And you are the home of my heart.."
The little girl smiled warmly, "I love you too mommum.."
And with that, tiny human eyes drooped sleepily over the warm glaze cast by the fire.
Oracle knew that within three years she would have to leave this human hatchling that she had come to be bonded and imprinted with. The girl had so much potential, and she wanted to teach her everything. But.. Ora also knew.. That the hatchling would have to make the rest of her journey alone. And so- she decided to focus on teaching the girl, the three most basic of skills for Dragon Magic at the start of next spring.
Why the wait? She wanted to treasure the hatchling's company and have many more comforting nights like this.
Life in the Void.. Battling Creatures of Darkness for an eternity was so...
Well.. Oracle wished she didn't have to do the fates' dirty work, but this was the job of a dragon blessed with Guardian Magic after all.. One of the many lost legendary magics of old.
"Tomorrow... Is going to be a new day."