Rhaegor pulls his wing forward, creating a perfect, half-circular slide that leads right to the valley floor. Uhm, here I go! I give myself a mental pat on the back and slide down—definitely sitting, not standing, because I'm not crazy—and the moment my boots hit the dirt, I spring up. I instantly reset my pose: cap tipped, pipe in mouth, and a sharp, confident smirk locked in place.
I take two steps forward, gripping my cap as a massive explosion of white smoke erupts behind me. It fills the valley in an instant, taking its sweet time to clear before Rhaegor finally steps out of the haze in his usual human form, casually puffing away on his pipe.
Together, we walk toward the tunnel entrance where the eight guards are waiting like stone statues. They offer curt, rhythmic nods. "Forgeflame Tyrant Rhaegor."
