At first, it seed like part of the landscape—an enormous shape blending seamlessly with the forest itself.
But as Horizon's gaze locked onto the figure, the details erged: bark-like scales fused with moss, branches coiling into horns that reached toward the sky, and a body that appeared to be woven from the very earth and roots beneath their feet.
There it was—an ancient dragon, camouflaged within the towering apple trees, its presence so vast and majestic that it was almost indistinguishable from the forest itself.
Its form stretched impossibly high, its leafy limbs shifting ever so slightly, like an ancient sentinel that had stood watch over this hidden realm for millennia.
Its massive, gnarled tail curled around the roots of the forest, each movent gentle, yet carrying the weight of untold centuries.
Horizon's breath caught in his throat as he took in the enormity of the creature. The sheer scale of it was overwhelming—this was no ordinary dragon. It was the living heart of the forest, an embodint of the natural world's raw, tiless power.
Hovering over them was an ancient-looking dragon—massive, almost incomprehensible in size.
Its antler-like horns were adorned with thick branches, while a leafy crest ran down its spine, rging with the canopy overhead. Its long, bough-like tail swayed lazily, tipped with more leaves that fluttered like banners in the wind.
Root-like projections extended from its forelegs, burying into the ground as if drawing nourishnt from the earth itself.
Horizon's fingers twitched instinctively toward his sword, but he knew it would be useless here. He was standing before sothing far beyond the grasp of mortal strength.
Horizon's mouth went dry as the enormous creature regarded him, its eyes ancient and knowing, filled with the weight of centuries.
This was no ordinary dragon. This was a being of unimaginable power, a protector of this hidden realm, a creature that had likely seen the rise and fall of civilizations.
"Is this . . . the dragon we sensed?" Horizon whispered, awe-struck.
Nyx frowned, unimpressed as always. "Seems so. Flora Dragons, indeed. They're more tree than dragon."
The colossal dragon's voice bood again, filling the air. "You have entered the sacred land of the Floral Dragons. What brings you here, wanderers from the outside?"
Horizon swallowed. He had co searching for materials, but what he had found was far more than he could have ever expected.
Steeling himself, Horizon t the dragon's ancient gaze. "My na is Horizon, and this is Nyx. We co in peace and are only here seeking materials to forge equipnt."
The dragon's eyes glead with amusent, a deep rumble vibrating through the air. "I have no na. You may simply call the Apple Tree Dragon. And it seems I've invited so rather interesting guests."
His gaze shifted to Nyx, lingering on her with a knowing look. "You're not from here, are you?"
Nyx flashed a sharp grin. "No, I'm not. I hail from Drakha. Na's Nyx."
At this, the fae that fluttered around them in curiosity began whispering excitedly, their tiny voices chiming like bells.
"Drakha?"
"A Drakhan dragon!"
"She's so small for a Drakhan dragon . . ."
Nyx's eyes narrowed dangerously. She snarled, baring her teeth. "Shut up, you pests! Of course this isn't my true form! If I showed up in my full glory, I'd probably destroy this entire realm. That's how powerful I am!"
The Apple Tree Dragon chuckled, instead of feeling fear. "Indeed . . . I have heard tales of the dragons from Drakha. One of them, a great wyrm of death—Nixis."
Nyx's grin widened. "So you've heard of ?"
"With my age, I've heard many things," the ancient dragon said. His eyes glead as though rembering ages long past.
Nyx leaned forward, her voice dripping with arrogance. "Well then, if you know who I am, you should hand over all your valuable materials before I get angry."
Before Nyx could say more, Horizon swiftly clamped a hand over her mouth. "I apologize for her behavior," he said with a strained smile. "She can be . . . a bit haughty."
Nyx's muffled voice was indignant behind Horizon's hand. "Haughty? You dare insult , you wretched—!"
"Shut up," Horizon hissed. "This is their territory, and you're not in your full form. Do you really want to pick a fight when we don't even know if we can leave this place alive?"
The Apple Tree Dragon chuckled again, her laughter like the creaking of ancient trees.
anwhile, the fae continued to flutter around, their curiosity unending as they inspected the newcors from every angle.
"Do not worry," the Apple Tree Dragon said, his voice gentle yet commanding. "We do not fight without reason here. We have lived in this hidden forest for eons, away from the world. Only a select few ever find this place. I sense no malice in you, which is why I welcod you here."
Horizon relaxed slightly, though his grip on Nyx didn't lessen.
"Thank you for your hospitality," he said, bowing his head respectfully. "We seek materials, but we didn't expect to stumble upon sothing so . . . ancient."
The Apple Tree Dragon's gaze softened, its massive form shifting slightly among the trees. "There is much to this forest that is forgotten by ti. But if you are truly in need, we may be able to help."
"You will?" Horizon asked, his voice laced with doubt.
The Apple Tree Dragon dipped her massive head, the branches entwined in her horns swaying gently. "If it's materials you seek, we can offer you the finest from the Fae. Wings of fairies, their dust, even their eyes—all hold great power. As for ," she continued, her voice soft but resonating, "I can give you a part of my branch, and the fruits of my being, rich with magic."
Horizon narrowed his eyes. He knew better than to believe such treasures would co without a cost. "And what is it you want in return?"
His words were cautious, suspicion sharpening his tone. Nothing in this world, least of all sothing this valuable, was ever truly free.
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|| A/N ||
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