It is Springtime in Privaria
The trees were lush with green, and the flowers bloomed in soft pastels, accented by deeper, richer hues. Across the land, cities and towns basked in the warmth of the season, alive with golden sunlight and gentle air.
Inside Thalmerion Keep, Deaja searched for Shanir.
He was not in his inner sanctum, nor anywhere within the keep. The absence unsettled her. When she had awakened that morning, something had felt… different.
At last, she made her way to the very top of the keep.
There, she found him.
Shanir stood in his human form, dressed in a light blue long-sleeved shirt, light gray pants, and simple shoes. His hair was pulled back, and his gaze was fixed upon the sky.
“What is it, darling?” he asked without turning.
“You seem troubled—or at least, that is what I am feeling,” Deaja said as she stepped beside him.
“Not troubled,” Shanir replied. “More… filled with mixed emotions.”
“How so?” she asked.
“Very early this morning, Gudan awakened me,” he said. “He instructed me to come here, to the top of the keep. And once I arrived…” He paused briefly. “Gudan gave me a gift. One I did not expect.”
Deaja turned to him. “What was the gift?”
Shanir faced her fully. His smoky brown eyes now burned with a quiet inner fire, much like Xiana’s.
“He made me human,” he said. “I will no longer shift into a dragon.”
Deaja’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Did he tell you why?”
Shanir nodded.
“Because I have accepted Aerion—and because of my love for you, for Xiana, and for all of humanity,” he said. A small smile formed. “He also told me that I have become too human, spiritually, to remain a dragon.”
Deaja smiled and inclined her head.
“I would agree,” she said softly.
Shanir took her hands in his.
“Darling, now that I am no longer a dragon, let us take our leave of Thalmerion. I am certain Gudan will entrust it to another dragon—one who will guard what I once protected.”
“Where will we go?” Deaja asked.
“Xazion,” he answered. “I believe it is time we join our daughter and son-in-law. Besides, we both favor the citadel… and Aerion did extend an invitation for us to live there, should we wish it.”
Deaja’s smile deepened.
“He did. And unlike Kalon… Aerion was sincere in his invitation.”
Shanir chuckled softly.
“So… when do we leave?” Deaja asked.
“I sent word to Aerion as soon as Gudan made me human,” Shanir replied. “Now, I am simply waiting for his response.”
As if in answer, a portal opened before them.
A familiar voice echoed through it:
“Shanir and Deaja… welcome home.”
It was Aerion.
Deaja glanced at Shanir. “What about our belongings?”
Shanir smiled.
“I have a feeling that has already been taken care of.”
Hand in hand, Shanir and Deaja stepped forward—and together, they walked into the portal.
II
After settling in, Shanir and Deaja took a walk through the citadel.
Both of them knew their way around well. They had visited often over the months, and truthfully, it had always felt more like home than anywhere else.
Shanir eventually stepped into the library.
Inside, Xiana sat at a desk, writing in one of the blank books Aerion had given her—volumes meant to hold her narrative compositions and stories. At the sound of his footsteps, she looked up.
Her face lit with joy.
“Daddy!” she exclaimed, rising quickly from her chair and hurrying over to him.
They embraced warmly.
“Aerion told me,” she said, pulling back with a bright smile, “and I’m so happy that you and Mama finally live here.”
Shanir chuckled.
“I never thought I’d see the day when a child is excited about her parents living with her and her husband.”
Xiana laughed.
“Well, the citadel is enormous—and you and Mama have your own space,” she said with a playful smirk.
“Yes, we do,” Shanir replied, returning the smirk. “She’s already talking about redecorating.”
Xiana laughed again.
“Well, Aerion did say you and Mama are free to decorate however you like.”
Shanir shook his head with amused resignation.
“Gudan help me.”
Xiana burst into laughter once more.
· · · ✦ · · ·
In the sun-room of the citadel, Aerion and Xiana relaxed together on a chaise lounge, basking in the warmth of the sunlight as they sipped their tea.
“I’m glad Shanir and Deaja decided to move in,” Aerion said.
“Me too,” Xiana replied. “Although Daddy was surprised that I was so excited about it.”
Aerion chuckled.
“Probably because it’s well known that most daughters with dragon fathers can’t wait to get out from under them.”
Xiana snickered.
“Well, Inez and I are the exception. Likely because our fathers weren’t overprotective or restrictive—unless it was necessary,” she said.
Aerion smiled. “I sensed that about your father… and Torrezo.”
Xiana returned the smile. “Were we spoiled? Yes. But not excessively. There was only so much Daddy and Torrezo allowed us to get away with. Now Kaldra—Mira’s mother—she let Mira get away with far more.”
Aerion laughed heartily.
“I believe that.”
Xiana took another sip of her tea before adding with a teasing tone, “Anyway, Mama wants to redecorate their living space. Be prepared.”
Aerion laughed again.
“I’m already aware. Perelle is quite happy to help her—though Victorio has become slightly annoyed with some of her ideas.”
Xiana smirked. “He’s a perpetual grump.”
Aerion burst into laughter. “Yes, but at least he’s lightened up.”
A brief pause passed before Xiana spoke again.
“So… what do you think about Gudan making Daddy completely human?”
Aerion leaned back slightly, thoughtful.
“It is a well-deserved blessing,” he said. “Your father is a loving man—one who thinks more like a human than a dragon. It’s no surprise that Gudan chose to make him human.” He paused, then added, “Though he still retains some of his dragon abilities.”
Xiana’s eyes sparkled with mischief.
“I wonder if he can still torch things,” she said playfully.
Aerion smiled, a quiet snicker escaping him.
“I’m quite certain he can, Fire Diamond,” he replied. “Much like you did not too long ago.”
Xiana batted her eyes innocently.
“After the blatantly disrespectful way that pompous idiot treated me, he should be grateful that all I did was set his expensive silk coat ablaze. Besides, he shouldn’t have handed it to me—especially after I made it clear I didn’t appreciate his behavior.”
Aerion laughed.
“Liam Barnwell will not be returning to Xazion anytime soon,” he said. “Apparently, being in a city protected by a gryphon didn’t sit well with him,” he added in a mocking tone.
“Pfft! I doubt that was the real reason,” Xiana replied.
“It wasn’t,” Aerion said. “The true issue was realizing that the so-called ‘upper elite’ of Xazion openly mingle with those that he considered ‘lesser.’”
Xiana rolled her eyes dramatically.
“Snobby people—so delightful when they display their ‘superiority’… not!”
Aerion laughed once more, the sound warm and unrestrained as sunlight filled the room.
· · · ✦ · · ·
In the newly claimed living space within the citadel—now home to Shanir and Deaja—Shanir stood quietly, watching as Deaja and Perelle discussed how the room would be redecorated.
Deaja was radiant.
There was a renewed fire in her, a lively spark as she gestured animatedly, pointing out where curtains would hang and how each space should be arranged. The sight alone brought a warm smile to Shanir’s face.
But beneath that smile, his thoughts lingered elsewhere.
On something Gudan had told him after granting him his human form:
“You are not the only one. Xiana will also undergo a transformation—not a punishment, but a gift. One befitting of her.”
Shanir had not stopped thinking about it since.
What kind of transformation?
For a moment, he had wondered if she, too, would become a dragon. Yet something deep within him told him that was not her path.
Then—
A vision flashed across his mind.
He stood beneath an open sky, looking upward.
There, soaring above him, was a magnificent bird of flame. Its feathers shimmered in hues of pale red, medium purple, deep gold, and light silver. Its eyes gleamed like diamonds—yet held a smoky quartz depth, so familiar it stirred something in him.
But what struck him most was its voice.
Not a piercing cry—but something melodic… almost like a song. Beautiful. Gentle. Alive.
The creature looked down at him.
And somehow, Shanir knew—
It was smiling.
The vision faded as quickly as it had come.
“Shanir!”
He blinked, returning to the present.
“Yes, darling?” he replied.
Deaja turned toward him with an eager expression. “What about light brown and cream-colored curtains?”
He smiled softly.
“I think those colors would be lovely.”
Deaja beamed before turning back to Perelle, already moving on to her next idea.
Perelle, however, had noticed.
She sensed the shift in him—the quiet distance behind his eyes.
Are you all right, Shanir? she asked gently, her voice reaching him through thought.
Shanir gave a small nod.
I’m fine, he replied. Just thinking about something Gudan told me… and what was just shown to me.
Perelle did not press further.
I won’t ask or pry, she answered.
Shanir’s expression softened.
Thank you.
And though the room buzzed with life and new beginnings, a quiet sense of wonder—and anticipation—settled within him.
III
A few weeks after Shanir and Deaja had settled into the Aerion Citadel, the family decided to visit the city.
As usual, the people marveled at Aerion and Xiana.
Xiana wore a lovely pink off-the-shoulder dress with long sleeves, paired with white flats. Her hair was partially pulled back, framing her face with effortless elegance. Aerion, as handsome as ever, was dressed in a white military coat over a pale red shirt, with light gray pants and light brown boots.
Deaja wore a soft light-green dress that fell to her ankles, its sleeves reaching her elbows. Shanir was dressed in a light blue jacket over a white shirt, with light brown pants and simple shoes.
As the family mingled and chatted with the citizens, Deaja noticed something subtle in Shanir’s demeanor.
“Darling, what’s wrong?” she asked gently. “Aren’t you enjoying yourself?”
Shanir smiled. “I am. I’m just… getting used to being completely human.”
“Well, you were in your human form more often than your dragon form,” Deaja replied. “Especially after Xiana and Aerion married.”
“True,” Shanir said. “Perhaps I miss the ability to take on my dragon form when needed. I often relied on it whenever danger approached.”
Deaja slipped her arm through his.
“Darling, you have always been a protector—protecting me, Xiana, and the sacred artifacts Gudan entrusted to you,” she said softly. “But your heart and soul have always gravitated toward humanity. You’ve always thought more like a human than a dragon. So it is only fitting that Gudan would bless you with a form that reflects who you truly are.”
Shanir smiled, her words settling deep within him.
“I did thank Gudan for the blessing,” he said. “And truthfully, I’ve always felt more human than dragon.”
Deaja smiled warmly. “I’ve always seen you that way.”
They shared a quiet smile as they continued strolling through the town.
Their gaze soon drifted to Aerion and Xiana.
As always, Aerion held Xiana close, his arm resting gently around her waist. The way they looked at one another spoke of a deep, abiding love.
Then—
A soft aura began to surround them.
Only Shanir could see it.
A quiet voice echoed within him:
“Let the revelation unfold in its time, Shanir.”
Shanir gave the slightest nod, acknowledging Gudan’s presence.
Deaja glanced at him. “What do you think is in their future?”
Shanir’s smile returned, calm and certain.
“Only Gudan knows,” he said. “But I have a feeling… it will be a blessing.”
· · · ✦ · · ·
That night, after dinner, Aerion and Shanir sat in the parlor playing cards, while Xiana and Deaja occupied the room that had since become Deaja’s sewing space.
In the parlor, Aerion quickly noticed that Shanir was only half-focused on the game.
“I’ve beaten you five to three,” Aerion said, setting his cards down. “Is something on your mind?”
Shanir smiled, a hint of humor in his expression. “Yes—getting used to being human.”
Aerion smirked, though he suspected there was more beneath the surface. Still, he chose not to press.
“I’ve been meaning to ask,” Aerion continued, “what is it like—being fully human?”
“Different,” Shanir replied. “Though, as Deaja pointed out, I’ve always been more human than dragon.”
“I would agree,” Aerion said. “To be honest, as a dragon, you were one of the few who didn’t want to scorch my fur- feathers simply for being a gryphon. And then, when Gudan brought Xiana to my attention and I fell hopelessly in love with her… most dragon fathers would have tried to tear me apart.”
Shanir scoffed lightly.
“The only male I ever wanted to scorch was Kalon,” he said.
Aerion laughed.
“Xiana told me that when he ‘invited’ you and Deaja to visit anytime, he was merely being polite—and that you never truly liked him or wanted Xiana to marry him.”
“No, I didn’t,” Shanir said plainly. “The fact that the Council of Dragons chose Xiana to be his wife irritated me deeply. While he never mistreated her, I did not appreciate how he constantly provoked her.”
Aerion leaned back slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“From everything that I was told… if Gudan had brought her to my attention sooner, I might have kidnapped her.”
Shanir let out a hearty laugh.
“Did you tell Xiana that?” he asked.
“I did,” Aerion replied with a smirk. “She giggled… and I believe the idea intrigued her more than a little.”
Shanir burst into laughter, covering his face with his hand.
“I had long suspected that Xiana had a penchant for… unconventional expressions of affection,” he said with a grin.
Aerion said nothing.
That silence alone sent Shanir into another round of laughter.
Aerion chuckled. “I hope I didn’t reveal too much.”
Shanir shook his head as he composed himself.
“Not at all,” he said. “As I mentioned, I already suspected that Xiana’s interests in affection were anything but bland. It seems quite clear that you share them.”
Aerion smiled calmly.
“No comment.”
· · · ✦ · · ·
In the sewing room, Xiana stood still as her mother took her measurements.
“Mama, you don’t have to make my clothes,” Xiana said.
“I know,” Deaja replied gently, “but I want to. Sewing is my passion.”
Xiana smiled. “In that case, why don’t you take Daddy’s measurements too?”
Deaja chuckled softly. “I already have his measurements—and I took Perelle’s earlier today, before we went out. Aerion is next… and perhaps Victorio, if he isn’t feeling too grumpy.”
Xiana giggled.
“Good luck with that,” she said. “He’s always grumpy. Though, at the very least, he trusts me.”
Deaja shook her head in mild disbelief.
“I cannot fathom how someone remains perpetually grumpy.”
Xiana burst into laughter.
A moment later, realization dawned on Deaja, and a knowing smirk crossed her face.
“Oh… him. Kalon,” she said casually.
Xiana giggled again.
Deaja’s expression softened. “I haven’t seen you laugh and smile this much since before you married Kalon.”
“Well, Kalon wasn’t exactly an example of happiness and joy,” Xiana replied.
“No… he wasn’t,” Deaja agreed, finishing her measurements.
A brief pause passed before Xiana spoke again.
“Mama… is Daddy truly okay with being fully human?”
Deaja considered the question carefully.
“I believe a part of him will always remember what his life was like as a dragon,” she said. “After all, that is how he came into the world.”
She continued, her tone thoughtful and assured.
“But your father has always behaved—and thought—more like a human. He fell in love with me, and together we had you. He protected not only us, but other humans as well. And he has always been kind… and giving.”
Deaja’s gaze softened with quiet admiration.
“There are dragons who feel sympathy for humans, even care for them as part of Gudan’s creation. But very few—like your father, Torrezo, and Kaldra—truly love humans to the point of understanding them… of thinking as they do.”
She gently placed a hand over Xiana’s.
“I think it’s safe to say that your father understands why Gudan made him human—and that he has accepted it without protest. I’m sure there were mixed feelings… but only because he began his life as a dragon.”
Xiana listened quietly, her expression thoughtful as her mother’s words settled within her.
“Why do you ask?” Deaja said as she set the tape measure aside.
“Just something that’s been on my mind,” Xiana replied.
Deaja studied her for a moment. “Are you having mixed feelings about Gudan making your father fully human?”
Xiana shook her head. “No… that’s not it.”
“Then what is it?”
Xiana drew in a slow breath, then exhaled.
“Ever since Gudan made Daddy fully human, I’ve had this feeling,” she said. “Like his transformation was only the beginning… and that something else is on the horizon.”
Deaja fell silent, considering her words.
It made sense.
Gudan was not one to act without purpose—or to stop at a single change.
Something more was coming.
And whatever it was… it had already begun.
IV
The Voice of Gudan
There are many creatures within Privaria that I have brought into being.
The Gryphons—scribes and guardians of many cities and towns. Though often noble and composed, they are not without their ferocity.
The Dragons—entrusted with the protection of the Sacred Artifacts, even in spite of their nature to hoard.
The Humans—fragile, yet gifted with the capacity to love, to create, and to build lives of meaning… though they also bear the capacity to hate and to destroy what they have made.
And then, there are the ethereal beings—the Devas. My messengers, and at times, my appointed protectors and warriors.
And lastly… the rarest of them all—
The Phoenix.
Yes, the rarest of my creations—and for good reason.
For a Phoenix is never born.
A Phoenix is made.
Forged in the true fire of one’s heart.
It has been many centuries since I last brought forth a Phoenix. This is not a creation I undertake lightly.
For a Phoenix is powerful… beautiful… and endowed with immortality—an immortality it may choose to share.
But such a gift carries a cost.
When all of their mortal loved ones have passed on, the Phoenix—and the one with whom they share that immortality—must depart from Privaria and dwell fully within the Celestial realm.
For no immortal may remain among mortals.
This is a law I uphold for all, to preserve balance.
There is, however...a loophole
After fifty years, a Phoenix may petition me to restore their mortality—and I will grant it. This has been done… though only rarely.
And now—
The time has come once more.
A new Phoenix shall soon be revealed.
· · · ✦ · · ·
It had been two months since Gudan made Shanir human.
Just before daybreak, Xiana stirred in her sleep, a restless energy pulling her toward waking.
Xiana… make your way to the perch of Aerion Citadel.
Her eyes opened.
She turned toward the window. The sky was still dark, though the faint glow of sunrise lingered on the horizon.
Beside her, Aerion remained asleep.
Softly, she leaned over and kissed him, then slipped quietly from the bed and made her way to the perch.
When she arrived. She triggered the great doors to opened slowly before her.
Then—
A sudden surge of energy coursed through her body.
It felt like fire…
—but not a burning fire.
Jump from the perch, Xiana… have faith.
Without hesitation, she stepped forward—
—and leapt.
As she fell through the open sky, the transformation began.
Her arms stretched and reshaped into wings. Her feet became talons. Her body shifted, changed, and reformed—becoming something wholly avian.
Then suddenly—
She rose.
Soaring upward, she let out a cry—not sharp or piercing, but bright and melodic. A sound like a song, carried on the wind as the sun broke over the horizon.
Xiana Maverick Lysander… you have become a Phoenix.
One of my rarest creations.
I bestow this gift upon you because you carry the heart and soul of a Phoenix. You have endured much, yet you have always kept the fire of faith alive within you—even when you believed it had dimmed.
You may share the immortality I have granted you with Aerion.
Xazion now has two avian guardians.
Xiana understood.
The fire within her heart…
had become her form.
· · · ✦ · · ·
Aerion stirred.
Reaching beside him, he found the space empty.
Then—
A brilliant, fiery light spilled through the window.
His attention snapped toward it.
Rising quickly, he crossed the room and looked out.
What he saw took his breath away.
A Phoenix soared across the sky—its feathers shimmering in hues of pale red, medium purple, deep gold, and soft silver. Its aura burned in radiant tones of gold, red, and pink.
And it was looking directly at him.
Join me, Bravewing.
Aerion’s eyes widened—then softened with a smile.
He rushed from the room and made his way to the perch. There, he shed his clothing and shifted into his gryphon form.
With powerful grace, he leapt—
and soared into the sky.
Fire Diamond, he called to her telepathically.
Yes, Bravewing. Gudan has made me a Phoenix… my blessing, she replied.
He felt her joy—and answered with a triumphant, joyful cry.
The sound stirred Shanir and Deaja from their rest.
They moved to the window—
and beheld the sky.
Aerion, in his gryphon form, flew beside a radiant Phoenix.
Shanir’s expression softened with knowing.
“The Phoenix is Xiana, my love,” he said.
Deaja turned to him, her eyes wide with awe.
“Gudan told you… didn’t he? After he made you fully human.”
Shanir nodded.
Deaja looked back out at the sky, a gentle smile forming.
“It is only fitting,” she said. “You are now fully human—just as you have always been in heart and soul. And Xiana… is now a Phoenix, as that is what she has become through all she has endured.”
Shanir smiled and drew Deaja into his arms.
Together, they watched as their daughter soared—reborn in fire, faith, and light.
V
Aerion and Xiana soared through the skies of Privaria.
All across the land, people looked up in awe at the sight of a Phoenix. Many recognized it as a divine sign from Gudan.
“Gudan, whoever the Phoenix is—bless them and their loved ones,” one person whispered.
Inez and Mira stood together, gazing upward, tears in their eyes.
“She became a Phoenix… I knew she would,” Inez said softly.
“Same here,” Mira replied. “Gudan bless Shanir and Deaja.”
Not far away, Javion and Gael watched as well, both smiling.
“It seems Gudan has revealed what he had in store for Xiana,” Gael said.
“A Phoenix,” Javion added with a quiet smile. “That is what she has always been.”
Elsewhere in Privaria
In another part of the land, Gozaren stood among the estate he had married into—a place of wealth… and quiet ruthlessness.
He looked up into the sky, his hands curling tightly into fists as he watched Aerion soar beside the Phoenix.
It did not take long for him to realize the truth.
The Phoenix was Xiana.
“Gudan,” he muttered bitterly, “you stripped me of my beloved dragon form… and yet you grant Xiana Maverick the form of a Phoenix. Why?”
“You ask absurd questions—ones for which you already know the answers.”
Gozaren turned sharply.
Rienzen stood behind him in human form.
Despite being one of the oldest of dragons, Rienzen appeared as an older adolescent boy—his slightly curly hair a blend of gold and deep blue, his amber-brown eyes calm yet piercing, and his light bronze complexion illuminated by the sun. He wore a white cavalry jacket over a green shirt, paired with black leather pants and boots.
Gozaren raised an eyebrow.
“If you insist on taking a human form, why not that of an adult?”
Rienzen scoffed.
“Why should it matter?” he replied coolly. “More importantly—why is it any concern of yours?”
Gozaren fell silent. He knew better than to press further.
Then realization struck him.
He swallowed hard as Rienzen’s lips curved into a knowing smirk.
“I find it quite interesting,” Rienzen said, “how little you think of humans. Much like narrow-minded humans who underestimate the power of simple things… you have done the same.”
Gozaren’s jaw tightened. “What do you want, Rienzen?”
“You have been given grace,” Rienzen said. “A wife. Wealth. Stability. Do not take it for granted.”
And with that, he vanished in a flash of light.
Gozaren said nothing.
But the fire of vengeance still burned within him.
· · · ✦ · · ·
Aerion and Xiana soon returned to the citadel.
At the perch, they both shifted back into their human forms. Xiana’s nightgown had burned away during her transformation, though she seemed entirely unbothered.
Aerion gently pulled her into his arms.
“It seems I’ll need to start leaving a robe here for you,” he said with a smile.
Xiana smiled back, her eyes glinting with mischief.
“Or… we could simply remain as we are while we’re on the perch.”
Aerion chuckled softly.
“A tempting idea,” he said, “but considering your parents now live here… perhaps we should play it safe.”
Xiana giggled. “Yes, darling.”
They shared a soft kiss.
Once inside, they dressed and joined Shanir and Deaja in the dining room for breakfast.
“How did it feel, soaring through the skies?” Shanir asked.
“Exhilarating,” Xiana said as she took her seat. “Though… I do wonder if you miss it.”
Shanir smiled thoughtfully.
“Perhaps a little,” he admitted. “But I am at peace with my days of flight being over. Besides, knowing that you now feel what I once felt brings me great joy.”
Xiana smiled as Aerion sat beside her.
“Besides,” Shanir added with a playful tone, “your mother has grown quite fond of me being permanently grounded. Now she can drag me anywhere and everywhere she pleases.”
Xiana and Aerion laughed as Deaja playfully smacked Shanir’s arm.
“Ow!” he said with mock offense.
“Drag you everywhere, indeed,” Deaja replied with a smirk. “You enjoy it when I ‘drag’ you along.”
“I never said I didn’t,” Shanir replied with a grin.
Aerion chuckled at their banter. He turned to Xiana, taking her hand and pressing a gentle kiss to it.
“So,” he said with a teasing smile, “will you be dragging me everywhere now that you can soar through the skies?”
Xiana’s smile turned mischievous.
“As if you would complain.”
Laughter filled the room.
And in that moment—between love, light, and new beginnings—the future felt bright.
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