Third Person

Eira woke to the gentle rocking of the sea beneath her. She blinked her eyes open, the dawn light casting a golden hue over the water. Lumen hovered just above the surface, its glow soft and serene. They had flown through the night, following the algae trail to a new island that now loomed before them.

The island was smaller than their previous home, but it was lush with greenery and had a small freshwater stream that fed into the sea. More importantly, the algae had pooled into a calm, shallow bay, its luminescent glow creating a breathtaking scene.

Eira slid off Lumen's back and waded onto the shore, her boots sinking into the soft sand. Lumen followed, shaking droplets of water from its scales.

"We need to make sure the algae stays here," Eira said, looking around the bay. "If it washes out to sea again, you'll have nothing to eat."

Lumen let out a soft trill of agreement and nudged her gently. Eira patted its snout, feeling a deep sense of purpose. "Let's build a dam," she suggested. "Something to keep the algae in place."

They spent the next several days working together. Eira gathered rocks, branches, and any other materials she could find, while Lumen used its strength to move larger boulders into position. It was hard work, but Eira felt a sense of satisfaction with each passing day as the dam took shape.

By the end of the week, they had constructed a sturdy barrier at the mouth of the bay. The algae swirled gently in the protected waters, safely contained.

"We did it, Lumen," Eira said, standing back to admire their work. The dragon trilled in response, its eyes shining with pride.

With the dam in place, Eira turned her attention to another task: learning to defend herself and Lumen. She knew that the Whispering Death wasn't the only danger they might face. She needed to be prepared to protect their new home.

Eira started by crafting a simple bow from a flexible branch and string she made from fibrous plants. She fashioned arrows from straight sticks and sharp pieces of flint she found near the stream. She practiced shooting at targets she set up in the forest, her movements clumsy at first but gradually growing more confident.

She also began to study the island's flora and fauna, learning which plants were edible and which were poisonous. She set snares for small animals, using their meat to supplement her diet. Each day, she grew a little stronger, a little more adept at surviving in the wild.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Eira sat by the fire, fletching new arrows. Lumen lay beside her, its head resting on its forepaws. The dragon watched her with a curious expression.

"Do you think I'll ever be able to fight as well as you?" Eira asked, glancing at Lumen. The dragon's eyes sparkled, and it let out a soft hum of encouragement.

"I guess I'll just have to keep practicing," she said with a smile. "And maybe one day, I'll be as fierce as you."

Lumen nudged her gently, and Eira laughed. She felt a deep sense of camaraderie with the dragon, a bond that had grown stronger with each passing day.

The next morning, Eira woke early and decided to put her training to the test. She headed into the forest, her bow in hand, and found a clearing where she could practice. She imagined herself facing down a Whispering Death, her movements fluid and precise as she drew and released her arrows.

As she practiced, Lumen watched from the edge of the clearing, its eyes following her every move. Eira felt a surge of determination. She wanted to be strong, not just for herself but for Lumen. The dragon had saved her life and shared its secrets with her. She owed it to Lumen to be the best partner she could be.

Days turned into weeks, and Eira's skills continued to improve. She practiced with her bow, set traps, and explored the island, always learning and adapting. She found new sources of food and fresh water, and she even discovered a small cave that offered shelter from the occasional storm.

One day, as she and Lumen patrolled the island's perimeter, they heard a rustling in the underbrush. Eira tensed her bow at the ready. From the shadows emerged a wild boar, its eyes wide with fear. It charged at her, but Eira stood her ground, her grip steady on her weapon.

With a swift, practiced motion, she sidestepped the boar's charge and drew her bow, releasing an arrow that struck the animal in its side. The boar let out a pained squeal and collapsed, its legs twitching.

Eira knelt beside the fallen animal, her heart pounding. She had done it. She had defended herself and Lumen. She glanced at the dragon, who watched her with a look of approval.

"I did it, Lumen," she said, her voice filled with triumph. "I really did it."

The Flightmare let out a joyful trill and nuzzled her shoulder. Eira felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She had come a long way from the scared girl who had washed up on the island. She was becoming a warrior, a survivor.

That night, as they sat by the fire, Eira felt a sense of peace settle over her. She and Lumen had found a new home, and they had each other. Together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Eira looked at Lumen, its scales glowing softly in the firelight. "Thank you, Lumen," she said softly. "For everything."

The Flightmare hummed in response, its eyes reflecting the flames. Eira knew they still had a long journey ahead of them, but she was ready. With Lumen by her side, she felt capable of anything.

As the stars appeared overhead, Eira lay back and closed her eyes, her hand resting on Lumen's neck. She dreamed of adventures yet to come and of the bond that would carry them through it all. Together, they were unstoppable.