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Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: Quiet Wanderings Over Essos

The wind was steady and cool beneath Jake's broad wings as he soared over the vast, sprawling continent of Essos. The sun hung high in the sky, casting warm light across the endless stretch of land and sea below.

Jake's flight was slow and deliberate, steady like the rhythm of his heart, as he took in every detail of the world beneath him. This land was unlike the rugged coasts and dense forests of Westeros that he had grown familiar with. Here, the landscapes changed fluidly rolling plains gave way to thick forests, cities rose from riverbanks, and far-off mountains marked the edges of the horizon.

Jake's keen eyes scanned the terrain below. Green fields rolled gently like waves, their grasses shimmering in the light breeze. Herds of animals horses, cattle, and even wild deer moved peacefully across the pastures, unbothered by the shadow that briefly passed overhead. Small villages, each with their clustered rooftops and winding dirt roads, dotted the landscape. Smoke rose softly from chimneys, curling upward and mingling with the faint haze of the afternoon. These were places where people lived quietly, shaped by the land and the seasons.

He lingered over these peaceful scenes, the quiet rhythm of life below a comforting contrast to the constant change of the skies. The villages seemed timeless, rooted in a slower pace of existence that was both simple and profound. People bustled in courtyards and marketplaces, their figures moving like threads weaving through the fabric of their daily lives. From above, Jake felt a distant connection to these small pockets of life, silent and observing without intruding.

Pressing onward, the wide expanse of forest stretched out beneath him a vast green so thick it seemed to swallow the earth whole. Jake's eyes caught flashes of movement among the trees birds taking flight, small animals darting through underbrush, and the sway of branches in the wind. The scent that drifted upward was rich and earthy, alive with the smell of damp moss, rich soil, and wildflowers blooming beneath the leaves. The forest was an ancient presence, a living monument to time itself and Jake felt its quiet power.

He circled slowly, savoring the serenity of the woods from his vantage point above. The dense canopy hid the secrets of countless creatures, the quiet hum of life pulsing beneath the leaves. Jake's thoughts wandered as he drifted over the treetops—pondering the mysteries held within, the unseen lives unfolding in the shaded depths. Though he was a creature of the sky, he felt an unexpected reverence for the forest's silent strength.

Leaving the trees behind, Jake's journey took him toward a large river winding through the land like a gleaming ribbon of silver. Along its banks lay a bustling town, smaller than the great cities he had glimpsed before but lively with purpose. Boats of every shape and size bobbed gently at the docks, their sails and oars poised to carry goods and people across the water. The air here was filled with a rich mix of scents the sharp tang of fresh water, the smoky aroma of cooking fires, and the sweet, spicy notes of exotic herbs and fruits brought from distant lands.

From above, Jake watched as merchants shouted their offers in open-air markets, their voices mingling with the clatter of carts and the laughter of children weaving through narrow streets. Bright fabrics hung from stalls, fluttering in the breeze like flags, and the smells of baked bread and roasting meats drifted up to meet him. Old men sat in the shade of broad awnings, quietly observing the flow of life, while young women carried baskets filled with colorful produce. The town was a tapestry of daily moments each small scene a story unfolding beneath the watchful sky.

Jake stayed high enough to avoid disturbing the busy town, content to observe without drawing attention. The people below glanced upward, some with wonder, others with fear, as a dark shape crossed the sky, but none tried to approach. Here, nobody has ever seen a dragon so it's natural for them to be admired or feared.

Following the river's winding path, Jake flew toward the east, where the terrain shifted once more. The soft greens and fertile fields gave way to rugged cliffs rising sharply from the churning sea. The coastline here was wild and dramatic, shaped by centuries of wind and wave. White foam crashed against jagged rocks, sending sprays of salty mist into the air. Seabirds wheeled and cried above the cliffs, their wings spread wide against the wind.

Jake moved carefully along the rocky shoreline, watching as fishermen moved along narrow trails, hauling nets heavy with the day's catch. The scent of salt mixed with the crispness of pine trees growing in sheltered coves, creating a fresh, invigorating aroma. The landscape was harsher here, yet beautiful in its rawness a reminder of nature's untamed power.

As the afternoon turned to evening, Jake found a quiet bay sheltered from the stronger winds. He settled onto a large, sun-warmed rock that jutted from the shore, folding his wings and breathing deeply. The sea stretched endlessly before him, its surface catching the golden light of the setting sun. Waves lapped gently against the shore, and the scent of salt and blooming wildflowers mingled in the cool evening air.

In this moment of stillness, far from the noise and demands of the courts and dragons riders, Jake felt a profound sense of peace. The sky was his home, the endless horizons his constant companions. There was no need to rush or conquer. The world was vast and full of quiet wonders, waiting to be discovered on his own terms.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of rose and amber, Jake lifted off once more. The stars began to twinkle above, scattered across the darkening sky like distant fires. He soared higher, embracing the night air, his thoughts drifting with the gentle currents.

Tomorrow would bring new lands and new sights, and Jake would meet them all in his own time. For now, he was content to ride the wind, a silent observer of a world too vast and ancient for any one creature to fully know.

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Enjoy this chapter. It's him exploring nothing more, there's no rush for him to attack and kills things

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