Damascus

I had always known that my father was a strong and powerful dragon, but I had never seen him in action like this. As I lay buried beneath the rubble, my thoughts drifting in and out of consciousness, I heard a faint roar in the distance.

At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but as the sound grew louder and closer, I realized that it was real. And then, suddenly, my father was there, his massive form looming over me as he lifted the heavy stones and debris that trapped me.

"Damascus, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

I nodded, tears of joy streaming down my face. I had never been happier to see my father. "Yes, Father," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I am now. Thank you for rescuing me."

My father hugged me tightly, and I could feel the relief and joy in his embrace. "I'm just glad you're safe," he said. "I was worried I might be too late."

As we ate from the rations he'd brought with him, my father told me about his decision to leave Arvandor and search for me. He was the protector of the entire city, and I knew how monumental that decision to leave his job and home must have been. I was touched by his love and determination, and I knew that I couldn't let him down.

We searched through the rubble, calling out for my friends and looking for any sign of life. And to our great relief, we were able to find Ingot and her husband Vashkartzen, who were buried in the entrance to Ingot's workshop. We dug them out and brought them to safety, and they were overjoyed to see us, and meet my father at last.

We also managed to find Scarlet, who was devastated at the loss of her store and all of her valuables. She was grateful to be alive, but her heart was heavy with grief.

As we sat together, surveying the destruction around us, I knew that I couldn't simply abandon my home and my people. I had to stay and help rebuild, no matter what the cost. And to my surprise, my father agreed.



At first, Damascus struggled to cope with the loss of his home and his friends. He felt lost and alone, and he didn't know where to turn. But slowly, he began to rebuild his workshop and gather the tools and materials he needed to continue his craft.

Damascus used his metalsmithing skills to create all sorts of useful objects, from cooking pots and utensils to weapons and armor. He worked tirelessly, day and night, to help the other survivors rebuild their homes and their lives.

Despite the challenges and hardships he faced, Damascus never lost hope. He continued to work hard and use his talents to help others, and gradually, the kingdom began to rebuild and flourish once again.

In the end, Damascus's skills and determination proved to be invaluable in the rebuilding effort, and he was hailed as a hero and a leader among the dragons. He had overcome incredible challenges and proved that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience could triumph.

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Damascus had never seen a dragon like Lavawing before. She was unlike any he had ever encountered, with wings of fire and a curse that burned everything she touched. He could see the fear and suspicion in the eyes of the other dragons as she approached, and he knew that she was often shunned and avoided because of her powers.

But Damascus felt drawn to Lavawing, and he couldn't shake the feeling that she was somehow familiar to him. He watched as she offered her services to the survivors of the volcanic eruption that had destroyed their continent, using her unique abilities to create useful tools and weapons for those in need.

Despite the challenges she faced, Lavawing remained determined and steadfast in her goal to help others. Damascus couldn't help but admire her strength and her resolve, and he knew that he wanted to get to know her better.

So, he approached her cautiously, trying not to startle her with his presence. "Hello," he said, his voice low and steady. "I'm Damascus. I'm sorry if I'm intruding, but I just wanted to thank you for everything you're doing to help the survivors."

Lavawing turned to him, a small smile on her face. "Thank you," she said. "I'm Lavawing. It's nice to meet you."

Damascus felt his heart skip a beat as he looked into Lavawing's eyes. He knew that he was falling for her, and he couldn't shake the feeling that their paths were somehow connected.

As they talked and got to know each other better, Damascus knew that he had found something special in Lavawing. He vowed to stand by her side, no matter what the future might hold, and to help her overcome the challenges she faced. And he knew that together, they could make a difference in the lives of those around them.

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9/1/2023 Flameforger