Even with all this power, I cannot undo the past..

Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in ages… Not that I’ve missed you or anything.

Meaningless you say? That’s sad… So, when you say love me it’s..? Le smirk.

...not meaningless, as I said; words are not meaningless.

Perfect.

You’re just saying that.

Words are not meaningless to me; i'm definitely not just saying it.

Perfect.

So long as we’re on the same page and all. Even if you’ve got me, don’t think I’ll let you slip and slide on the romance. I expect even greater things from a man such as yourself. I know you would never let me down. My father is a great man, wise and honest. He is not stubborn without reason. 

Greater things, such as? Again, you needn't worry; I may be an Aspect, a powerful being, but I still have feelings of nervousness, especially concerning that of facing people. You'd be surprised to learn that I don't work with them much; I am a rather... behind the scenes being.

I am sure I can manage, Nereida. I shall simply follow your lead.

I was merely looking out for your life, Noz. It’s your funeral. Come along then. With a cheeky grin, she rolled out her hand to him and waggled her fingers. There was something about him she enjoyed much, but she’d let time unfold before she told him. All in all, she was all kinds of crazy about him and who he was. It was as if a dream had awoken in front of her and became real.

I assure you that my funeral won't be any time soon. With a small smile did he reach out and take a hold of her hand, ready to be taken to wherever she so pleased. You need not worry about me; lead and I shall follow, as I said.

I would be honoured to travel to such a place, even if covered in despair. My own land is covered in the same; to find the beauty within it then is but a truly wonderful thing.

It would be my pleasure. Can you— breathe under water? I mean, I know you’re some master of time and a dragon, but… It’s necessary. 

I am sure I can manage, Nereida. I shall simply follow your lead.

If we make love, please never say we’ve mated. Even if humans only see us as creatures, I hate the term mating. We’re not breeding for the sake of breeding. If we make love, we will be doing just that. As for my father, he simply wants to hold onto what we are, what he helped build. I blame him not for I love what I am. Even I do not prefer feet. Yet, I want my freedom.

Do you really believe I would say that? One cannot... mate. They procreate. Though, I would not say that either... did a man not once say a rose by any other name would smell as sweet? Perhaps we should take that approach. 

I have a feeling, with you, I will be freer than even I could have fathomed in my mind. You should meet my father. He would rather enjoy your wisdom, once he got over the fact you have feet and that truly, you’re a dragon. Fire and water, quite strange. What does this bond have to do with us though? Why is it necessary?

Your father wouldn't like that? A shame, but I would hope that it would be easily repaired. Our bond is necessary for whatever purpose comes forth, as I said; some for mating, some for friendship, some to overcome great feats in our world. 

The… cavern of time.

Oh? Perhaps the two of us can find sanctuary within the sea, then. I have called the Caverns my home for many generations… perhaps it was written in the stars for you to create such a place. Is it still there now, do you know?

Of course it is still there. It’s the best kept secret of the sea for it is a secret within a secret. When I was a girl, I could have gotten into trouble for such a room. Though, even back then I always believed it was worth it. You may be surprised at how many findings I have in there, Nozdormu. Your gift started a slight… obsession if you will. Would you care to go there now? I must warn you—

I would be honoured to travel to such a place, even if covered in despair. My own land is covered in the same; to find the beauty within it then is but a truly wonderful thing.

The… cavern of time.

Oh? Perhaps the two of us can find sanctuary within the sea, then. I have called the Caverns my home for many generations... perhaps it was written in the stars for you to create such a place. Is it still there now, do you know?

Thank you.

The right thing usually doesn't associate itself with let down's and disappointment, so I believe you will be more than okay. You have a duty to your family and your people, as I do mine, I very well respect that. I have, after all, been watching over you all for many a moon... I ensure you that, soon, you will feel freedom once more.

Can I ask you of something? I promise I won’t ever ask of much—

I...

It’s more of a wonder as to how people can find peace among chaos. I tend to be, as my father puts it, ‘high strung’ or something of the sort. He says I’m far too anxious about things. However, when I could escape for even just a moment and swim with the creatures below, I always found peace. Always. So, I can quite understand you on that much. Do you ever feel outcast, as a dragon? I mean— I don’t even know what your world is like. I envy the ones who get to blend into the seaweed and hide, like my sister. I would much rather shy away from the spotlight.

I seldom come out of the Caverns of Time. The only time I do is if the Queen calls for me, or if there is terrible danger that calls for my attention or direct action. I am very much a secluded dragon; I tend to work behind the scenes unless I must act directly. Not many wish to pursue the role of time due to how complex and difficult it can be; I am hardly disturbed, to be honest.