Meanwhile in the great Kingdom of Glaciera, The town square of Glaciera buzzed with activity. Vendors shouted over one another, displaying their wares: colorful cloaks, gleaming swords, and mouth-watering delicacies that filled the air with tantalizing aromas. Children ran through the snow-covered cobblestone streets, chasing each other with wooden swords, their laughter mingling with the lively tune of the music.
Streamers of vibrant blues, purples, and golds stretched across the square, fluttering in the gentle breeze. A grand festival was underway, celebrating the one ten-year anniversary of peace between humans and Draconia.
In the center of the square stood a few purple dragons, surrounded by an enthralled crowd. They grinned as they unleashed a flurry of harmless, colorful flames into the air. The flames twisted and spiraled, forming the shape of a phoenix before bursting into glittering embers.
The crowd erupted into cheers, and they bowed dramatically, their wings flaring out for effect. "Thank you, thank you! You're too kind!" one called out, earning laughter and applause.
As the Emberflare dragons finished their performance, one of them bounded over to a pair of humans, her tail swishing happily. "Did you see that last trick I did? Pretty neat, huh?"
One, a young princess with pale skin, golden-blonde hair and soft brown eyes. The other a young prince with silvery-white hair and icy blue eyes.
"Neat might be an understatement," the young princess said warmly. "You had the whole square mesmerized, Firefly."
Firefly puffed out her chest proudly. "Of course I did! I'm Firefly, the one and only!"
The young prince smirked, adjusting his cloak. "Don't let it go to your head, Firefly."
Firefly rolled her eyes, a teasing grin spreading across her face. "Oh, please. I've got it under control, Azrael."
Before Azrael could argue, the sound of distant trumpets interrupted their banter. A hush fell over the crowd as the king of Glaciera appeared on the balcony overlooking the square. He had icy gray eyes and black hair.
"Citizens of Glaciera and honored guests from Draconia," the king began, his voice carrying across the square. "Today, we celebrate not just ten years of peace, but the unity and friendship forged between our species. Let this festival be a reminder that together, we are stronger."
The crowd erupted into cheers and the Emberflares unleashed colorful flames into the air that spiraled out like fireworks. The celebration continued in full swing, the town square of Glaciera brimming with joy and laughter. Firefly weaved between the crowd, her tail flicking playfully as she performed small stunts. She twirled mid-air, her purple scales catching the light like gemstones, and winked at a group of cheering children.
Azrael, and his sister, Summer stood near a vendor's stall, watching her with fond smiles.
Summer bumped Azrael playfully. "Having fun being outside, little brother?"
"Well...I can't say that I'm not..." Azrael muttered.
Firefly trotted over to the two. "Come on! Why are you standing there? This is a festival! Not a statue competition!"
"You know I can't move around as much Firefly," Summer reminded Firefly. "As for Azrael, I'm sure you could find something for him to do."
Firefly nudged Azrael. "Come on, buddy. There's nothing to be afraid of!"
Firefly's eyes lit up with wonder as people suddenly began to dance in the town square. Their movements were joyful and carefree spins, drawing cheers and laughter from the onlookers.
"How did that start up?" Azrael muttered, crossing his arms and observing the growing crowd of dancers with mild curiosity.
"Forget how it started," Firefly purred, nudging Azrael with her snout. "This is peak festival energy! Come on, Azrael!"
Summer laughed softly, shaking her head. "I don't think dragons are meant for dancing, Firefly."
"Nonsense!" Firefly huffed, puffing out her chest. "Who says dragons can't dance? Watch this!"
Before either of them could protest, Firefly bounded into the square, weaving through the dancers with an exaggerated sway of her tail and dramatic flaps of her wings. She twirled in a circle, mimicking the humans' movements as best as her four-legged self allowed.
The crowd erupted into laughter and applause, cheering her on as she attempted clumsy spins and playful stomps. A few of the children joined her, running around her legs and giggling uncontrollably.
Azrael pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning. "She's going to make a spectacle of herself."
Summer smiled, her eyes warm with amusement. "Let her have her fun. It's not every day she gets to be surrounded by so much joy."
Firefly looked back at them, her amber eyes sparkling mischievously. "Come on, Azrael! Don't just stand there like a statue. Join me!"
Azrael shook his head firmly. "Absolutely not."
"Oh, come on, Prince Sarcasm," Firefly teased, prancing back over to him. "What's the worst that could happen? You might actually have fun for once."
Azrael hesitated. Everything. Everything could happen.
Summer gently pushed Azrael forward. "It's okay, Azrael. Go have some fun. Father doesn't know we're out here. Enjoy that while you can."
Azrael hesitates. "Okay..."
But just as he started to approach the crowd, he spotted the guards riding their snow leopards, which seemed to be tracking someone down. And if Azrael had to have any guesses, he'd say it was him and Summer.
Azrael stepped back. "Uhh...On second thought..."
Firefly gave Azrael a playful nudge. "Come on Azrael! You never get to have fun being cooped up in that room of yours! Live a little!"
Azrael shook his head. He knew if those guards saw him and Summer out here, they would tell his father. And Azrael would take the blame, despite it being Summer's idea. Azrael grabbed Summer by the arm and pulled her away.
Firefly stopped, noticing the guards, then looked around at the crowd with a mischievous grin, she then looked back at Azrael and winked.
"ALRIGHT FOLKS! WHO WANTS TO SEE MORE FIREWORKS?"
The crowd erupted into cheers, clapping as Firefly pranced out of the crowd, and into the guards' path.
A few other Emberflare dragons joined her side and unleashed a flurry of flames into the sky, forming unique shapes. The children jumped excitedly requesting different shapes, and cheering each time it bursted into glittering embers.
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