The sun set over Radia, the fading rays of light casting long shadows over the rugged mountain peaks like creeping fingers. The air was cool and crisp, whistling with a weak autumn breeze. The red and oranges of the trees lost their luster as the light retreated, entire mountainsides dulling in seconds.
I wished to be among those trees, the rustling leaves in my ears, and my feet solidly on the ground. But, instead, I was gazing out over the region from a mile in the sky, nestled between Borealis's massive shoulders. Every pump of his wings caused us to gain a few dozen feet of altitude, and then plunge again, bobbing like a ship cresting swells.
At least I wasn't alone. My friends relaxed beside me, chatting idly as we slowly circled Amberhold Keep. Even Grace was there, sitting back on her hands, staring at the sunset. I crawled across Borealis's crystalline feathers, sitting beside her with my knees tucked under my chin.
