Calm and Storm

It was kind of a routine now, for Ília to make it to the lake every day, or every week at most, send her gratitude to Gods for the end of a long journey. On the journey back to the academy, instead of flying over she decided to take a scenic route through the forest, and it was then when the winged girl witnessed someone in their troubled slumber.

That was a familiar sight, everyone has nightmares, even she does, but hers stopped decades ago, replaced by sights she had seen, people she had met, lore she has acquired. But to witness a dragon plagued by nightmares? That piqued her natural curiosity.

Without fear she approached, her calmness spreading to him and bringing the haunts of his sleep to an end, soon seeing him awakening to witness her. "Oh, hello.", ília responded in a casual and gentle tone, "Agreed, normally the skies are my roads, but living among humans for so long made me value the road they pave."

"I won't deny: being able to fly without fearing chaos it might stir for humans fearing the worst is a most pleasant experience.", specially given her first experience with her calming presence, she knew humans might not react well to weirdness... Imagine had they seen her as an angel or a sunlight firebird? "Fancy getting acquainted, Eein. My name is Ília Seírin, some would call me Serena.", as she returned her introduction, the winged girl gave a respectful bow.

To his question, she nodded and looked concerned for a moment, before answering it: "It was a perchance thing, that I chose this specific route, but seeing your stirring lightly in your sleep reminded me of how a troubled slumber is like. Then what puzzles me further is what would haunt the dreams of such a mighty one as yourself."

"Oh, no, never seen a dragon before. I've been bitten by vampires a few times, that is certain, aside that... I had minimal contact with beings that are not human.", as he turned human, Ília couldn't help but wonder if this was a common thing around all non-human beings. But maybe that is a question that she would answer a scout about.

Eein's lie about his dreams did not fool her, but she let him come out of it himself, resting a hand on his shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with admitting to having a problem. Some believe that recognizing your problems and weaknesses is the first step to become stronger.", her gentlest smile could be seen by him, as Ília showed some of the acquired wisdom.

"And seems I approached at a good time... My presence brought some peace to your slumber."

She didn't fear dragons. Not yet, that is. After all her true fear is something else... The opposite of many's fear. However, no time for Ília to be reminiscing her fears, time to focus on Eein and a response to him: "Oh, do I? Dare say it is because my journey of a century around the world, has led me to learn a little of everything, including myself."

"And yes, it is my presence that has brought calmness... In many places I was mistaken for an Angel, Saint, God, Deity, Buddah's reincarnation, all because wherever I go people feel calmer, and even the desire to harm disappears in some cases. But in truth, I'm just a phoenix.",Ília couldn't possibly be just a phoenix... Could she?

"No, not an angel. Sorry to disappoint if you thought I was one. For humans, I just used to say I'm a girl on a journey in her parents' behalf.", that often led people to look at her more puzzled than disappointed, but eventually accept Ília's answer. After all, that was no lie: For her father, she was always his daughter, and the gift a dying good witch left him.

She brought up her arm, showing the Aura Warning Bracelet. That was the short answer to a question, while another was answered with "It is beyond my control, but tis' a good thing in most cases.". Of course, that aura had a drawback, people wound up feeling inferior to her, and some didn't like that feeling... The troubles it brought her before...

But why didn't she fear Eein? Why did she approach a sleeping dragon? "Helping others in need... Is something I desired in order to conceal my fear of never dying.", she wasn't smiling anymore, a little bit of sadness crept upon her as she interlaced her fingers and looked down. Ília wasn't much comfortable with the thought of outliving everyone.