The common area of Jade Mountain Academy was quiet, bathed in the soft light of glowing crystals. The Jade Winglet had claimed the space for an afternoon of much-needed relaxation. Dragons lounged across cushions and smooth stone benches, their chatter and laughter echoing faintly through the cavern.

Kinkajou was sprawled out on her back, tossing a piece of fruit in the air and catching it with her tail. “Do you think I could juggle with three of these?”* she asked, grinning at Umber, who was lazily lying beside her. The MudWing chuckled and shook his head*. “You’ll just end up making a mess. Again.”

Winter perched on a ledge above, his wings tucked neatly to his sides. He watched the others with his usual air of aloofness, though his tail flicked every so often, betraying his interest in their antics. Below him, Qibli sprawled on the ground, idly tracing patterns in the dust with a claw.

"You’re too quiet, Winter," Qibli teased without looking up. "Are you actually enjoying this, or is your silence a secret cry for help?”

"Some of us appreciate peace," Winter shot back coolly, his icy gaze flicking toward the SandWing.

"You call this peace?" Turtle mumbled from his corner, where he was trying—and failing—to focus on a scroll. He glanced up as Kinkajou accidentally dropped her fruit, which rolled across the floor and hit him on the tail. “Definitely not peaceful.”

Moon sat nearby, curled up with her wings tucked around her. She smiled softly, her eyes scanning the group “I think it’s nice,” she said. “We’re always so busy with lessons or... other things. It’s good to just relax.”

Kinkajou hopped up, her scales flashing bright pink. “Exactly! Which is why we should play a game! Who’s up for something fun?”

Winter groaned, Qibli perked up, and Turtle muttered something about needing more quiet. But as Kinkajou bounded over to suggest a game, the Jade Winglet slipped further into their usual dynamic—equal parts chaos, camaraderie, and the warmth of an unlikely friendship.