<...Query: Am I feared?>
The Wyrmling's head tilted gently in response, its eyes flickering briefly with something Rodion couldn't immediately identify—perhaps recognition, perhaps confusion, perhaps primal caution. Then, abruptly, the creature turned, its slender body twisting gracefully as it fled rapidly into the cover of nearby trees.
Rodion stood still a moment longer, silently processing what had just occurred. His internal systems buzzed with a gentle hum of contemplation. He hadn't anticipated the encounter to be so emotionally charged. The subtle realization unsettled him slightly, yet also intrigued him deeply. He carefully logged the details for later analysis, aware that this experience had quietly expanded his understanding in unexpected ways.
