image [https://i.imgur.com/v7ebs8k.jpeg]

The adventurer known as the Eternal Flame strode into the dragon’s lair, armor glinting under the orange flicker of the flame perched atop his helmet. His heart pounded, ready to face his destiny—a mighty dragon to finally vanquish.

But when he reached the heart of the cave, he stopped short. Instead of a towering beast, he was greeted by three dragon hatchlings, no bigger than wolf pups, staring up at him with wide, curious eyes. Their scales were a soft, shimmery orange.

The smallest dragon, with wings slightly too big for its body, waddled up first. It stretched its neck, watching the flame on the adventurer's helmet with fascination.

“Hisss!” it squeaked proudly, puffing up its chest. A tiny spark shot from its mouth, more smoke than fire.

The adventurer froze. He could feel the warmth of their flames, like holding a candle in a cupped hand, and suddenly, his resolve melted. His flame flickered, casting soft shadows around the cavern as the baby dragons took turns trying to breathe fire, looking to him for approval.

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The largest of the three, clearly the leader, bounded forward and unleashed a proud, albeit wobbly, burst of flame that singed a patch of moss on the ground. It tilted its head up to him, eyes gleaming in delight. The adventurer couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.

“I’m... I’m not actually a dragon,” he stammered, looking around. But the babies didn’t understand—they just kept prancing around him, each one eager to show off. The smallest dragon hopped onto his boot and stared up at him, its eyes flickering in excitement. To them, he was family, someone to impress.

For a moment, the Eternal Flame considered leaving the lair. These little ones were innocent, their flames pure and harmless. But as he turned to go, the smallest dragon reached out with a claw, grabbing onto the edge of his plated boot. It let out a soft, pleading croon, as if asking him to stay.

The adventurer sighed, bending down to pat the little one gently on its head.

"Alright, alright," he whispered, grinning behind his visor. "Show me your best flame.”

The baby dragons cheered, thrilled by his approval. For a moment, the Eternal Flame forgot all about quests and dragon slaying and just watched the tiny fires dance.