Confluence

A child. The Great Phoenix Oracle gave him a weak savior. How peculiar. How ridiculous that Cura, an ancient dragon god, would be brought to the knees of a clutch for a cure. The curse had a small effect at first, the strength of his fire waned for a few moments. He thought himself a god, a few moments of a curse affecting his flame was nothing. Until, the curse grew heavier and took his fire from him. The breaths he took were heavy and laborious. As days ticked by Cura had to acknowledge the weight of this curse. He thought the curse was but a complication. He was proud and believed himself strong. Soon Cura found himself weakened even further. His sight left him. The vision, which was revered even amongst dragonkind, was gone. Cura was like a blind bat pup. Even though it had slowly taken his strengths, Cura refused to acknowledge his weakness.

‘Cursed by human hand, Concern will lead a slow death by pride’

By a miracle of the higher gods, Cura’s ego was overruled. The Great Phoenix Oracle deigned to deliver a prophecy about his affliction. Which took him to start in a wood.

The Silvyr Forest wasn’t an expansive one, nor was it particularly dangerous. The fact that it was the destination of my remedy was a blessing. That child could have traveled through any of the wastelands of Benelova. The prophecy of The Great Phoenix was very clear at least in that respect.

‘A cure he’ll find by way of stone through silver wood’

She was small, delicate, and kind. Vera was often tasked with gathering berries and plants for her guardian's apothecary. The forest never would hurt her. Unlike the townspeople who bullied and shunned her for being a child orphaned. Vera’s guardian would never bring attention to her escapes; for that she was glad. She got to play in the forest and learn more about the flora in the Silvyr woods. The only rule her caregiver set in stone was to stick to the paved paths.

It was simple enough, Vera was little, only four winters old. She wouldn’t have been able to venture out into the deep wood even if she desired it. The forest was always looming and green. The flowers blooming over the side of the road called to her. Deep in her soul, the same place all magic originated, Vera felt that she needed to go to those flowers. There was something that needed her. A force beyond her control pulling her attention from the safe path to a greater purpose. Some would say this pull was the start of the chosen’s journey.

‘Through the brush on the path the child will discover a dying fire.’

Cura followed the paths carved out by man. Through the cover of the trees, he felt his way to the laid path. Making his way towards it, but not too close as men were known to be quick to harm and slow to think. All Cura needed was the hatchling who would alleviate his weakness and he would be far from the human villages with two beats of the west wind. He did not know at the time but the child was of the same race that cursed him. He would know it soon. Cura faintly heard the crush of leaves underfoot. Some small creature came towards his hiding place.

‘With a touch of faith, the blind will find light.’

A large creature was what Vera found. The magic that filled her, guided her to a being much more eternal than her. A being in need of her touch and gentleness. She took timid steps closer making a soothing sound she used with the many stray animals she befriended. As she got up to the snout of the brilliantly gold dragon. Her hand reached out and touched him. He let out a small snort of acceptance as she pet his snout. The cloudiness that covered his eyes receded.

She saw the recognition in the creature’s eyes. She moved closer laying both hands on his head. Magic guiding her to trust in this being. Her smile lit up her face. Dimples bracketed her smile as she

“Hi, I’m Vera.”

‘True intent will reach the heart of the dragon to purify.’

Cura blinked blindness away, feeling a small hand brush his snout. The weight in his lungs lifted with that touch. A curse that felt as incurable as old age. An ailment, he was meant to succumb to, gentled. That small babe had been the one to cure him. He focused his eyes on the child. A human girl, she was small. Much smaller than he had expected of his savior. Her black skin although deep couldn’t hide the lack of care and nourishment.

A child neglected was the lowest form of evil. Even the most self-serving of magical creatures understood children were to be cared for. Humans, the beasts they are, took part in every form of treachery. Even ones such as this.

The child introduced herself during my moments of observation. Vera, a simple name with powerful meaning. Truth was the downfall of so many of her people. She could be the change Magic has been seeking in the world. I reach out with my mind connecting to give my thanks. As she moved away, I felt fire leaving my heart in a tidal wave. I lurched forward to attempt to reclaim that peace.

‘Only by way of guardian and charge shall they thrive.'

Vera smiles as the dragon reaches for her. She tries to walk further away, promising to return for him. Instead of being placated as she hoped, the wings of the dragon wrapped around her. His face came to hers, forehead to forehead. A burst of colors rushed through her, images consolidating in knowledge. CURA, the golden dragon eons old, came for her.

Seeing Cura in his fullness, she felt Cura seeing her in all she wanted to be. Magic had guided her from babe, there was nothing she couldn't be. Not a single moment had gone by without dreams guiding her. With Cura, she knew something much larger than her dreams and his pride was coming. They would be the ones to forge the path.

‘Magic will smile as they grow side by side’

Cura bound himself to Vera. Taking the prophecy's guidance and leaving all logic behind. Vera, his human child, what excitement and adventure they would have. All he had to do was take the babe and fly to far reaches. He would show Little truth the whole world. Guardianship was a daunting task but there was never one more excited for it than him.

Vera opened her eyes and climbed on Cura's back. Leaving their old home for a new journey. A new calling for them both.

~~~

The Great Phoenix oracle repeated the prophecy of Mother Magic's greater machinations. Ruminating over the meaning within the prose, they smile.

‘Cursed by human hand, Concern will lead a slow death by pride

A cure be found by way of stone through silver wood

Through the brush by the path, the child will discover a dying fire

With a touch of faith, the blind will find light

True intent will reach the heart of the dragon to purify

Only by way of guardian and charge shall they thrive

Magic will smile as they grow side by side’

The world as they know it will be changed, by way of paternal love and guidance. As Magic is wont to do she created champions for her world. A smile lit up the sky in approval.