Akaith’s agile aerodynamic acrobatics saw her glorious golden form flying loops and circles around the dark mare, leathery wings dipping in the ocean that lapped at the mare’s knees, the gentle spray of water received without complaint on this steaming day. With what Akaith was intending to do, Mirage didn’t mind immersing herself wholly in the ocean. Though she was used to heat, she was not fireproof like the dragon, or like most of the hide that covered Vikram. But she knew that both draconic beings would take care in their practise of the heated art or firebreathing around her fragile, equine form.

From afar she felt like she was able to catch his gaze, a smile easily curving the soft contours of her lips as she eyed his energetic and playful manner, feeling the same happiness within her that made her wish she were able to take to the skies and enjoy the experience directly by his side. Akaith chortled from nearby her, purposefully flapping her wings to splash the lingering wants of flight from the maiden, injecting her mind with clear images of flight as her own, not-so-subtle method of comfort. A cherubic chuckle hummed from the mare at her dragon, she was not envious of their flight, not when she was able to enjoy it too.

The resulting waves of his landing lapped at her belly, once again, she didn’t mind, a high-stepping trot summoning her form closer to his, and she took the resulting splashes with equal joy, flinging her own chiselled façade about to ensure ample spray was made. A warm nicker, quieter but just as enthusiastic as the chorus Vikram had sung to her across the ocean, swelled forth from her gullet, conveying all that she felt in his presence. He reached out with his muzzle, she took a step further to feel the rumbles that vibrated behind his chest, tucking herself into that perfect nook beneath his neck and against his chest that she simply; loved.

The golden dragon, however, was swift to divert their attention, trilling commandingly as she landed upon Mirage’s back, making it clear what she was here to do by allowing a long trail of smoke to begin from within her nostrils, before a devious smirk curved her scaled maw and a small puff of flame licked into existence, disappearing into the damp atmosphere merely a handful of inches from its origin. A small laugh pulled Mirage away from her lover’s embrace, though she could have stood there forever and then some more, there would be time for that again soon enough.

The mare, through her bond, as well as the many journeys she had made and stories and lore she had learned, knew of dragonkind, and in part, of firebreathing. She remembered Akaith’s first breath, even recalling the second hand discomfort that the new sensation had stirred. They didn’t know whether he had practised without them, certainly he was able to, they weren’t about to stop him. But it was wise for him to accept Akaith’s help – not that she had given him much option. Just like now, she commanded his attention to be upon her, and Mirage, for the mare was to be her vessel of communication this glorious day.

“I trust you have a sense of your new fire belly, dearest? Focus upon it, and imagine that it churns with a liquid flame which you must find the energy to stir. Breathe deeply, in through your nostrils, and exhale through your mouth.” The singsong melody of her voice spoke the words with a calm confidence, soothingly walking the steed through the motions Akaith had deemed necessary. The little mare had adjusted her position, inconspicuously positioning herself so that his maw would not be pointed near hers; she had met with fire all to recently and didn’t long for another burn to add to her list.

“Smoke may rise from your nostrils, try not to breathe it back into your lungs or you might cough – which could result in weak, uncontrolled flame that would scorch your tongue with little warning.” The mare shared an amused tone which suggested that she had watched the golden dragon do something similar. A little huff from Akaith prompted her to continue speaking. “Your first flame may hurt, though undoubtedly not as much as what the Sun Lord did to you. Be prepared for that. It will probably always tingle for you, as it does for Akaith, but not unbearably so, once your throat and tongue grow used to it.”

“Take a purposeful breath now, and summon forth the fire within you.”