“Delicious,” Zephyr said, licking the last bits of stew from his spoon before setting it down. “Your magical spices truly made a difference. I could get used to this.”

 “Glad you liked it,” Jinx replied, a smile creeping onto his face. He leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of pride swell within him. “So, what do you think? Am I ready for our training tomorrow?”

 “Ready? Perhaps not yet, but you have the spirit,” Zephyr teased, his emerald eyes glinting with mischief. “It’ll take more than a hearty meal to prepare you for what’s to come.”

 “Hey, I’ll have you know I’m more than just my cooking skills,” Jinx shot back, unable to hide his laughter. “I’m also really good at… well, I’m good at trying new spells, at least.”

 “Trying is the first step to mastery,” Zephyr said, his tone shifting to something more serious. “But remember, it’s not just about spells. It’s about understanding your magic, feeling it flow through you.”

 Jinx nodded, the weight of Zephyr's words sinking in. “I know. I just… I want to do well. I don’t want to disappoint you.”

 Zephyr leaned forward, his expression softening. “You won’t disappoint me. Just trust in yourself. You have more potential than you realize.”

 Jinx felt the heat rise in his cheeks at the dragon's praise. “Thanks, Zephyr. That really means a lot.” He paused, glancing at the flickering flames. “But, um… I think I should probably get ready for bed. You know… for tomorrow.”

 Zephyr raised an eyebrow, a smirk curling his lips. “Ah, yes. Sleep. A necessary part of any training regimen. Unless you’re planning to stay awake all night?”

 Jinx felt the flush deepen on his face. “Well, it’s not that I want to pull an all-nighter. I just… I need to change. You know, into my… night clothes.”

 “Your night clothes?” Zephyr’s laughter was like music, rich and warm. “Is that a formal affair? Should I put on a tuxedo to match your fine attire?”

 Jinx’s embarrassment mounted. “No! It’s not formal. It’s just… it’s just a bit different than what I’m wearing now, okay?” He looked anywhere but at Zephyr, fiddling with the hem of his cloak. “But I don’t want to make it awkward. So, um, maybe I could just change in the other room?”

 “Awkward?” Zephyr feigned shock, placing a hand dramatically over his chest. “Why would it be awkward? I’m simply a magnificent dragon, after all. I assure you, I’m not the least bit interested in your night clothes.”

 “Right,” Jinx mumbled, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “But still, it’s… it’s different when I’m not in my wizard robes. Can’t you just… go outside or something while I change?”

 “Ah, I see,” Zephyr said, a teasing glint in his eyes. “You wish to hide from me? Are you afraid I’ll judge your choice of pajamas?”

 Jinx groaned, covering his face with his hands. “You’re impossible! I’m not hiding! It’s just—”

 “Just what?” Zephyr leaned forward, his expression all mock seriousness. “Afraid I’ll find your choice of nightwear unworthy? Perhaps you wear pajamas adorned with little wizards and moons?”

 The image sent Jinx into a fit of laughter, the tension breaking. “Okay, okay! I get it! You’re not going to let me live this down, are you?”

 “Not a chance,” Zephyr replied, chuckling along with him. “But really, Jinx. You could change right here. I promise I won’t look.”

 “Yeah, right,” Jinx replied, rolling his eyes. “I don’t trust you. You’re a dragon. You’d probably peek.”

 “Peeking would be rude,” Zephyr said, crossing his arms. “Besides, I have far more important matters to attend to, like trying to figure out how you can make a good stew and still keep your dignity.”

 “Ugh, fine!” Jinx threw his hands up in defeat. “I’ll just… I’ll just change quickly, okay?” He stood up and headed toward the bedroom, his heart racing. 

 Once behind the door, he let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. “This is ridiculous,” he muttered to himself, rummaging through his drawer. He pulled out a simple pair of loose pants and a soft, oversized shirt. As he changed, he couldn’t shake the feeling of Zephyr’s presence just outside the door, teasing and waiting.

 “You’re not going to burst in here, are you?” Jinx called out, pulling the shirt over his head.

 “Only if you take too long,” Zephyr replied, his voice muffled through the wood. “I can only tolerate so much suspense in one evening.”

 Jinx rolled his eyes again, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Alright, alright! I’m almost done!” He quickly finished changing, smoothing out the fabric of his shirt. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door.

 Zephyr stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. “Well, look at you. Quite the transformation.”

 “Shut up,” Jinx said, unable to suppress a grin. “You’re not supposed to judge.”

 “I’m not judging,” Zephyr replied, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I’m merely appreciating the view. You look comfortable.”

 “Comfortable is good,” Jinx said, stepping out into the main room. “Let’s just hope it doesn’t affect my training.”

 “Comfort is crucial. You’ll need all the focus you can muster tomorrow,” Zephyr said, pushing himself off the wall and stretching. “But enough of that. Are you ready for bed?”

 “Yeah, I think so,” Jinx replied, feeling the weight of the day settle over him. “I’m just… a little nervous.”

 “Good nervous or bad nervous?” Zephyr asked, his tone shifting to something more serious.

 “Both, I guess,” Jinx admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m excited to start training, but I’m also worried about not being good enough.”

 “Jinx,” Zephyr said, stepping closer, “you are more than enough. Remember what I said about bravery? It’s okay to feel scared. Just don’t let it control you.”

 “Right,” Jinx said, meeting Zephyr’s gaze. “I’ll try to keep that in mind.”

 “Good. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow will be a big day,” Zephyr said, a gentle smile softening his features. “I’ll keep watch while you sleep.”

 “Watch?” Jinx raised an eyebrow. “You’re not going to turn into a giant dragon and scare away any intruders, are you?”

 “Not unless necessary,” Zephyr said, a hint of mischief in his tone. “But I promise to remain in my human form. I wouldn’t want to accidentally crush your cozy little home.”

 “Thanks, I appreciate that,” Jinx said, moving to the small bed tucked in the corner of the room. “But seriously, you don’t have to stay up. You should get some rest too.”

 “I’ll be fine,” Zephyr replied, watching as Jinx settled into bed. “But I do find it amusing that you’re telling a dragon to rest.”

 “Okay, point taken.” Jinx chuckled, pulling the blanket over himself. “Just don’t make a habit of it. I’d like to keep my dignity in front of my friends.”

 “Dignity is overrated,” Zephyr said with a wink. “Sleep well, little wizard. Tomorrow, we begin your journey.”

 “Goodnight, Zephyr.” Jinx closed his eyes, the warmth of the fire and the dragon’s presence lulling him into a sense of peace. As he drifted off, he couldn’t help but feel that tomorrow would change everything.

 The first light of dawn broke through the window, casting soft rays over Jinx’s face. He stirred, blinking against the brightness, and felt a rush of excitement pulse through him. Today was the day. 

 With a quick stretch, he threw off the covers and scrambled out of bed. “Zephyr!” he called, his voice still thick with sleep. “Are you ready?”

 “Ready as I’ll ever be,” came the deep, resonant voice from the main room, where Zephyr stood, his long silver hair catching the light like spun silk. “But the question is, are you ready?”

 “Of course!” Jinx said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. “I mean, I’ve been waiting for this. Let’s do it!” 

 “Let’s do it indeed,” Zephyr replied, a glimmer of approval in his emerald eyes. “But first, breakfast. You’ll need your energy.”

 “Right, breakfast,” Jinx said, rubbing his eyes. “I’ll whip something up fast.”

 “Allow me,” Zephyr offered, approaching the small kitchen. “A creature of my stature has a few tricks up his sleeve when it comes to the culinary arts.”

 Jinx watched in awe as Zephyr moved gracefully through the kitchen, pulling out ingredients with ease. “Wait, you cook too? You’re full of surprises!”

 “Let’s just say I’m well-versed in various skills,” Zephyr replied, a hint of pride in his voice. “And it’s about time you experienced a proper dragon breakfast.”

 As Jinx watched Zephyr work, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration. The way the dragon wielded the utensils with finesse, it was as if he was casting an enchanting spell in the kitchen. Soon enough, the aroma of sizzling herbs and spices filled the air.

 “Wow,” Jinx said, his stomach rumbling. “I didn’t know dragons could cook like that.”

 “Dragons can do many things, my dear wizard,” Zephyr said, plating the food with meticulous care. “We’re not just mindless beasts, you know.”

 “Mindless? Hardly. You’re more like a walking, talking, beautiful enigma,” Jinx quipped, his cheeks warming again at the compliment.

 “Flattery will get you everywhere,” Zephyr replied, smirking. “Now, sit. You need to fuel up for our training.”

 Jinx obeyed, sinking into a chair at the small table, his heart racing with anticipation. As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and playful banter. 

 “Alright, after this, it’s time to head to the meadow,” Zephyr said, finishing his plate. “That’s where we’ll begin your training. Are you ready for that?”

 “More than ready,” Jinx said, determination lighting his eyes. “Let’s go!”

 After a hurried breakfast, they stepped outside, the crisp morning air invigorating. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden glow over the landscape. 

 “Follow me,” Zephyr instructed, leading Jinx down the path that wound through the trees. “Today, we’ll start with focusing your magic. It’s vital to harness your energy before attempting any spells.”

 “Right. Focusing magic,” Jinx echoed, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. “How do I do that?”

 “Close your eyes,” Zephyr said, his voice steady and calm. “Feel the world around you. The energy in the air, the pulse of nature. It’s all connected to you.”

 Jinx closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the meadow wash over him—the rustle of leaves, the distant chirping of birds, the gentle hum of life. He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scent of grass and wildflowers.

 “Good. Now, visualize your magic,” Zephyr instructed, his voice a low murmur. “Imagine it flowing through you like a river, strong and unyielding.”

 Jinx concentrated, picturing the energy swirling within him. It felt both overwhelming and exhilarating. “I can feel it,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

 “Excellent,” Zephyr praised. “Now, let it flow into your hands. Channel it.”

 With a slight tremor, Jinx extended his hands, feeling the warmth of magic gathering at his fingertips. “I think… I think I can do this!”

 “Take your time,” Zephyr encouraged, his tone soothing. “Focus on the feeling. Let it guide you.”

 Jinx’s heart raced with exhilaration. “Here goes nothing!” he exclaimed, releasing the energy and watching as a small spark flickered to life in his palm.

 “Very good!” Zephyr clapped, his eyes shining with pride. “Now, let’s see how you can control it.”