~0~
Darkness will rise from the deep, and carry you down into sleep.
He is two, and he watches with wide, amazed eyes as she calls up her blue fire, glowing brighter than usual in the twilight. Moving her fingers deftly, she shapes the flames into a brilliant azure dragon that twists, arcs, and rolls in her expert hands. She's let Aziru watch her soldiers train before - never further than a few steps from her side, though - but this is the first time she's shown him her bending.
Excited and eager to emulate his mother, Aziru cups his hands like hers, expecting flames to burst into being there too...only to be disappointed when none came. Tears start to well up in his eyes, but Mother extinguishes her fire, and leans closer to gently cup his cheek.
"It's all right. Don't get upset," she soothes. "Before long, you'll be able to do it too."
"Like Mama?"
She smiles at him. "That's right. Just like Mama."
~0~
