Meeting family

Grandmother turned and started to walk back the direction that she and mother had come from. Seeing that we were having to run to keep up with her gargantuan stride mother offered us a spot on her back for the trip.

After a few hours of walking the cavern started to heat up, I could see the heat wave wafting off of the walls and ceiling. Shortly after the already large cavern started to open up even larger, and we then took a left turn, and I was hit with a blast of extreme heat. Looking up I could see the sun in the sky, 'Why can I see the sky while we are underground?' I wondered to myself. Then looking around I saw that we had emerged into what could only be described as a lake of magma. We stood on a bridge that led to a massive island in the center of this lava lake.

As we drew closer to the end of the bridge I saw the island quake.

"Get up you old bastard Tanaca and I have a few guests that we would like to introduce you to." Grandmother roared.

'Who is she talking to?' I wondered, but just a few moments after she yelled into what seemed like an open area devoid of life, the whole island in the center of the magma lake started to move.

Suddenly a head as large as my mothers whole body emerged from the magma and started to yawn lazily as if the dragon had been sleeping for centuries. Bringing its head down to the front of the bridge we where standing on it said. 

"Who have you brought now Ria I was having quite the nice dream." the dragon said, because of its large size every word sounded as if we were in an earthquake.

"I brought your grandchildren and your very own daughter you dumb oaf!" Grandmother yelled once more.

'This must be grandfather then if it is mother's father.' I thought immediately bowing my head as a show of respect and my sisters following after.

Mother quickly let my sisters and I off of her back, and I walked to the edge of the bridge so that I would be standing directly in front of grandfather. "It is an honor to meet you Grandfather." I said bowing my head once more, I could feel the heat of the lava and waves of magical power wafting off of his massive frame. It was like my sisters and I where mere bugs in his presence.

"Hmmm, Tanaca you had said that they were still hatchlings, they seem rather large to only be two months old. Especially you." Grandfather said while scanning our group only to lock his eyes on me last.

Before we could react Grandfather moved his massive head around behind us and studied our marks.

"That would explain it, what are your names children?" Grandfather asked

"I am Valorian Grandfather." I said holding my head high as it was the first thing I ever received from Mother and I happened to like my name quite a lot.

"I am Apolloian, it is a pleasure to meet you grandfather."

"My name is Corentine" My sisters also responded.

Grandfather then looked away from me and up to my mother saying "You have given them names worthy of the marks they hold, I can see that they each have great potential. If only Vantor was able to see the fruit of your passion." He said with approving nod, but I could hear a hint of sadness.

My mother quickly bowed her head as if to hide her pain from her children. I knew that losing ones mate was akin to having a part of you removed, a loss from which one never quite recovers.

I looked to between grandfather, grandmother and mother then made up my mind. "Mother after our encounter that made us leave our home, and what you have told me of fathers fate. I will make it my purpose to bring judgement to those who have wronged our lineage. I swear this on the creator and in the presence of those present."

Hearing my resolve all of my family present was momentarily taken aback, Grandmother was first to respond to my declaration. "It is good so see the next generation has such fire in their hearts Tanaca. You have done well to instill this resolve in them." she said looking at me.

"It is good to have a goal young one, keep it in your mind as you grow, it will give you purpose when all seems lost. Although, anger and revenge are only mere kindling in the fire of purpose, it does start your journey but it will not get you very far. Ensure you have other things you can keep striving for." Grandfather said with a discerning gaze.

"Thank you for your wisdom Grandfather, I will strive to make our lineage proud." I responded

"Good, now leave us I have much to discuss with your mother." Grandfather said

my siblings and I bowed our heads and started to walk back up the bridge when I felt the wind lift us up and set us on Grandmothers back. I could see a spell circuit in the air in front of her that disappeared just as quickly as she formed it.

As grandmother walked she didn't turn right to return to the entrance of the cavern but continued straight at the fork that we turned at earlier. She continued walking for a while before we came to a large open space with a few alcoves in the walls.

When we arrived Grandmother allowed us to decend from her back and motioned for us to go to one of the recesses in the walls. Seeing this I made my way to one of the largest ones with my sisters trailing behind me then curled up for some much needed rest.

Just before I closed my eyes Apolloian brushed her head against my side saying "We will stand by your side always brother, and work to achieve the same purpose. After all you are not the only one that feels anger towards those who have wronged us." Corentine at her side nodded as well.

"Thank you sister, your resolve is admirable and I would happily let you both stand at my side in this journey." I responded. I was inwardly relieved that someone shared my goals, I was prepared to walk this path alone but with them at my side I knew that we would succeed. Closing my eyes I quickly fell asleep.